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A Halloween party taking place on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas quickly turned from treat to trick, as it set off the sprinkler system on the main promenade.

During the ship’s 7 night cruise from Cape Liberty, guests were treated to a lively Halloween night, including a party held in the Royal Promenade, the main atrium area of the ship.

Witnesses onboard the ship say that the party included either fog machines or dry ice machines to help set the mood, but that these set off the sprinkler system.

“They use dry ice for Halloween which set off the smoke detectors, slamming the watertight doors down, trapping cruisers near the rising tide bar, and cafe promenade, which turned into a pool, while ruining people’s clothes, cell phones and costumes“

Reddit post from a witness

Despite guests being locked in the Royal Promenade for a soaking, some at least were able to find the humour in the situation. Online, the ship’s earned a nickname of “Sprinkler of the Seas”.

The good news is that nobody was injured during the incident and, thanks to the hard work of the crew, the Royal Promenade was completely fine by the following morning.

It’s not the first water-based mishap to hit the Oasis-class ships in recent times.

In 2022 on Wonder of the Seas’ maiden voyage, the sprinklers also went off in the Royal Promenade due to a malfunction.

And in 2023, Harmony of the Seas caused flooding over the Central Park area after making an abrupt turn to avoid an empty refugee raft, emptying the pools over the balconies of the inward-facing cabins.

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P&O Cruises and Cunard, two prominent UK-based cruise brands, have embarked on beach clean-up projects across ten global locations since March 2024.

In October 2024, crew members from P&O Cruises’ Britannia and Cunard’s Queen Anne participated in clean-up activities in Lisbon, Portugal, a frequent stop on their itineraries.

Two areas of the Alges city beach in the city were cleared of around 42kg of waste.

In the UK, clean-up efforts have been notably effective, with 170 kg of debris, including plastics and even a refrigerator, removed from beaches near Southampton.

“We’ve taken great pride in orchestrating the beach cleans along our UK coastlines close to our Southampton home, with so many of our passionate colleagues contributing their time to this important cause,

“This initiative is a reflection of our commitment to more sustainable tourism and our responsibility to help protect and preserve our vital marine ecosystems for future generations,“

Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises

Carnival Corporation, the parent company of P&O Cruises and Cunard, has outlined a comprehensive environmental strategy in its 2023 Sustainability Report. This includes beach clean-ups across all nine cruise brands under the Carnival umbrella.

The report highlights a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by over 10% since 2011, despite a 30% increase in fleet capacity. This achievement underscores the corporation’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

The corporation’s environmental initiatives extend beyond the UK and Portugal, with beach clean-ups conducted in countries such as Australia, Costa Rica, and the US. These efforts are part of a global strategy to enhance the environmental sustainability of cruise operations.

These clean-up projects serve a dual purpose: maintaining clean beaches for cruise guests and local communities while reinforcing the cruise lines’ commitment to environmental sustainability.

Looking ahead, P&O Cruises and Cunard plan to expand their environmental initiatives, further solidifying their roles as leaders in sustainable tourism.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Princess Cruises has been forced to cancel a second cruise on Regal Princess due to technical issues, but has offered reassurances that repairs are now on track.

Having already cancelled the cruise set to depart on 27th October with just two days’ notice, the cruise line then informed guests that the cruise scheduled for 3rd November also would be cancelled.

These cruises would’ve been the inaugural cruises for the ship from Galveston, after she crossed the Atlantic following a season in Europe.

The exact nature of the technical problems has not been disclosed, but they are believed to be related to an engine room fire during a recent Transatlantic crossing, followed by power outages.

Despite these setbacks, the crew is working diligently to ensure the safety and functionality of the vessel.

In response to the cancellations, Princess Cruises has offered affected passengers a full refund of their cruise fare and shore excursions, along with a 25% credit for future bookings.

While guests scheduled to board on the 3rd November cruise were given slightly more notice, it’s still extremely late to hear that your travel plans have been cancelled.

Often, when cruise lines are forced to cancel cruises at such short notice, they are much more generous with compensation and may offer up to a 100% Future Cruise Credit alongside the refund.

The cruise line has announced that repairs are on track and that the 10th November cruise should go ahead as scheduled, barring any further setbacks.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

P&O Cruises and Cunard, two prominent UK-based cruise brands, have embarked on beach clean-up projects across ten global locations since March 2024. In October 2024, crew members from P&O Cruises’…

The severe storms in Valencia, which have caused unprecedented flooding and claimed many lives, have also impacted cruise operations in the city. However, the cruise port itself remains open, and…

Norwegian Encore, a key vessel in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, is set to undergo extensive renovations later this month – although new details show that the upgrade isn’t going…

Royal Caribbean has released details of the Europe cruises that will be available for 2026, with five ships and five departure ports for guests to choose from. Of note to…

Royal Caribbean has released details of the Europe cruises that will be available for 2026, with five ships and five departure ports for guests to choose from.

Of note to British cruise fans, Liberty of the Seas will make her Southampton debut for the season.

Liberty of the Seas is the sister ship of Independence of the Seas, the ship that’s cruising from Southampton in the summer of 2025 and that did so for several years previously.

Harmony of the Seas will be the Oasis-class ship that sails in the region, offering 7-night cruises from Barcelona.

Meanwhile guests who would rather board in Rome will get the chance to enjoy sailings on the Odyssey of the Seas. This Quantum-class ship is packed with exciting features, and she’ll offer a mix of 7- and 9-night cruises to ports in Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

The smaller ship Explorer of the Seas will offer cruises from Ravenna, the new port for Venice. The 7-night and 14-night cruises will explore the Adriatic Sea and other ports in the Eastern Mediterranean.

And finally, Brilliance of the Seas (a Radiance-class ship) will sail from several departure ports including Athens, Rome, Ravenna, and Barcelona.

The European deployment for 2026 includes one fewer ship than in 2025, where six Royal Caribbean ships will be sailing in the region.

But guests will still be able to book a cruise on one of the largest ships in the fleet with Harmony of the Seas, or the modern Odyssey of the Seas.

Whether Europe will ever get an Icon-class ship – the biggest in the world – will have to remain TBC for at least another year.

Europe 2026 is now on sale.

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The severe storms in Valencia, which have caused unprecedented flooding and claimed many lives, have also impacted cruise operations in the city.

However, the cruise port itself remains open, and cruise ships are expected to continue calling at the city for passengers to embark or disembark their cruises.

The storms hit Valencia on 30th October, and have caused widespread chaos in the city, including causing the closure of the city’s airport and the high-speed rail line. The airport has since re-opened.

In the wake of the storm, the MSC Seaside became the first cruise ship to visit Valencia. Despite the adverse conditions, the ship adhered to its scheduled call, allowing for the disembarkation and embarkation of guests.

However, due to the extensive damage to the city’s infrastructure and the lack of available transportation, the cruise line advised transit passengers against going ashore. This precaution was taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Valencia was expected to receive nine more cruise ships in the coming week, including the Celebrity Equinox, Costa Pacifica, and Oosterdam on 1st November.

The Oosterdam and Costa Pacifica did call at the port, but it seems that Celebrity Equinox diverted to Mallorca instead.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Norwegian Encore, a key vessel in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, is set to undergo extensive renovations later this month – although new details show that the upgrade isn’t going…

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Norwegian Encore, a key vessel in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, is set to undergo extensive renovations later this month – although new details show that the upgrade isn’t going to be seamless.

Scheduled for a dry dock period from 18 November to 2 December 2024, these upgrades were set to include the transformation of the Ocean Blue seafood dining area into a Mediterranean-inspired venue named Palomar, similar to those on Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima.

However, the renovation process has encountered unexpected delays, affecting the ship’s operations and passenger experience. The transformation of Ocean Blue into Palomar has been postponed, leaving the dining area unchanged for now.

Additionally, the expansion of the Teppanyaki restaurant will not be completed as planned, resulting in its closure for the first four days of the ship’s transatlantic cruise after the drydock, with a reopening scheduled for 8 December 2024.

The Spice H2O area, a popular spot for relaxation and entertainment, also won’t be completed during the drydock renovation.

The new adults-only outdoor space is to be a highlight of the renovation, but will remain closed during the transatlantic cruise from Southampton to Miami. It’s expected to be fully functional for 7-night roundtrip itineraries departing from PortMiami after this.

These itineraries include stops at destinations such as Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Plata/Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.

In spite of the delays, several enhancements are expected to be completed on time. The exclusive Haven suites will be refreshed, and 24 new balcony staterooms will be added, utilising space from the Norwegian Encore’s Observation Lounge.

These additions will increase the vessel’s passenger capacity from 4,004 to 4,052 at double occupancy, providing more options for guests seeking a luxurious cruising experience.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Royal Caribbean has released details of the Europe cruises that will be available for 2026, with five ships and five departure ports for guests to choose from. Of note to…

MSC Cruises is set to expand its North American footprint with new Alaska itineraries launching in 2026. The 92,627-gross-ton MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle starting on May 11, 2026,…

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Royal Caribbean International has announced a change to the itinerary of the Utopia of the Seas, cancelling two ports. Initially scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral on 28th October 2024…

Royal Caribbean International has announced a change to the itinerary of the Utopia of the Seas, cancelling two ports.

Initially scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral on 28th October 2024 to visit Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise will now head to Labadee, Haiti, due to adverse weather conditions in the Bahamas.

This decision was made in consultation with the company’s Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, to prioritise the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew members, after some poor weather conditions were tracked.

“Along with Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been monitoring some adverse weather along our intended path. In order to steer clear of any increment weather conditions, we’ll need to cancel our visits to Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and we’ll enjoy a visit to our private destination, Labadee, Haiti instead.“

Royal Caribbean communication sent to guests

Labadee, a private destination owned by Royal Caribbean, has been selected as the new port of call.

This adjustment follows Labadee’s recent reopening to cruise ships, marked by the visit of the Adventure of the Seas on 8th October 2024, after a seven-month closure due to safety concerns in Haiti.

The cruise line has emphasised that the safety and well-being of guests and crew are their top priorities, assuring passengers that the ship is one of the safest places to be during adverse weather conditions.

The Utopia of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, entered service in July 2024. It offers short cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, typically including visits to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, the ship is designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience for all passengers.

Guests who’ve booked the correct cruise travel insurance with missed port cover will be able to claim for both the cancelled Nassau and Perfect Day visits.

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MSC Cruises is set to expand its North American footprint with new Alaska itineraries launching in 2026.

The 92,627-gross-ton MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle starting on May 11, 2026, marking MSC’s first foray into Alaska cruises.

The 7-night sailings will travel through the Inside Passage, visiting popular destinations such as Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and Icy Strait Point, Alaska’s first Indigenous-owned cruise destination.

“Guests from all over the world tell us they want to see Alaska’s beauty firsthand, which makes these itineraries the perfect addition to MSC Cruises’ global portfolio of bucket-list destinations,

“Seattle will be our fifth US homeport, bringing our signature mix of European style and American comforts to the west coast as we continue to expand our offerings in the North American market,”

Lynn Torrent, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of MSC Cruises USA

The Port of Seattle, which handled 277 Alaska cruises during its 2024 season, is looking forward to adding MSC Cruises to its lineup. Stephanie Jones Stebbins, maritime managing director for the port, expressed confidence that MSC’s guests will enjoy the pre- and post-cruise opportunities Seattle offers.

MSC Cruises has also committed to sustainability, actively seeking shore power-enabled ports – a policy Seattle will require by 2027.

With MSC Poesia completing her Alaska season in September 2026, she will then return to Miami for a winter Caribbean schedule.

MSC’s expansion in North America includes its biggest ship yet, MSC World America, launching in Miami in 2025.

Specifically designed for the North American market, the ship will feature itineraries from 7 to 14 nights to the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, MSC Seascape will debut in Galveston, Texas, for year-round Western Caribbean cruises in November 2025.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Holland America Line has announced significant changes to the 2026 World Voyage itinerary for the MS Volendam, citing the ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea region. The cruise line…

Royal Caribbean International has announced a change to the itinerary of the Utopia of the Seas, cancelling two ports. Initially scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral on 28th October 2024…

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Holland America Line has announced significant changes to the 2026 World Voyage itinerary for the MS Volendam, citing the ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea region.

The cruise line will bypass the Red Sea, as well as Europe and Africa, on its 133-night voyage. Instead, the itinerary will now focus on five continents, with visits to Asia, the United States, and Central America.

The revised itinerary affects the last 54 days of the voyage, which will now include 51 ports across 23 countries.

The ship will no longer travel from the Maldives to Egypt via the Suez Canal, as initially planned for early April 2026, and will also skip its European stops.

This change results in the removal of 19 ports, including those in the Maldives, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Norway, and England.

Additionally, stops in Phuket, Thailand, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, have been removed to facilitate a more efficient route back to North America via the Pacific Ocean.

In place of the removed ports, new destinations have been added to the itinerary, including ports in Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.

From 24 March to 12 April 2026, MS Volendam will visit a trio of Vietnamese ports: Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Nha Trang, and Halong Bay near Hanoi.

The ship will also make overnight calls in Hong Kong, and Nagasaki and Tokyo, Japan. In Taiwan, the ship will call at Kaohsiung and Keelung (Taipei).

The new itinerary offers a diverse and enriching travel experience, allowing passengers to explore a wide array of cultures and landscapes. The addition of an extra day, due to crossing the International Date Line, further enhances the voyage, making it one of the longest around-the-world cruises available.

There have been concerns over the Red Sea for some time now, but Holland America Line had previously held off on announcing changes to the itinerary in case the situation de-escalated.

However, it can’t announce a change as significant as this with short notice, which is why the cruise line has decided to act now.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

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