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Virgin Voyages has confirmed a significant itinerary change for its upcoming Alaska programme, with Brilliant Lady set to bypass Tracy Arm Fjord entirely during her debut season in the region due to ongoing safety concerns.

The adults-only cruise line has opted to remove the scenic cruising destination from all 2026 sailings following continued geological instability in the area.

The decision comes in the wake of a landslide and resulting tsunami near South Sawyer Glacier on 10th August 2025, which has left the fjord at heightened risk for further incidents.

Guests booked on affected voyages, including the ship’s Alaska MerMaiden sailing departing Seattle on 21st May 2026, have been informed that the vessel will instead visit Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

“We wanted to inform you about a change to your Sailor’s upcoming voyage,

“Your Sailor’s Brilliant Lady voyage will now visit Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier in place of Tracy Arm Fjord due to ongoing landslide risk in the area.”

Virgin Voyages’ communication to booked passengers and travel advisors.

Endicott Arm, located near Tracy Arm and sharing the same entrance via Holkham Bay roughly 50 miles south of Juneau, offers a comparable glacier viewing experience without the same level of geological risk.

Other major cruise lines have already taken similar action. Earlier in 2026, both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line confirmed they would also replace Tracy Arm Fjord with Endicott Arm on select Alaska itineraries.

A Historic First Alaska Season

Despite the change, Brilliant Lady’s inaugural Alaska deployment remains a milestone for the brand. The 110,000-gross-ton vessel will become the first in the Virgin Voyages fleet to sail in the region, made possible by its Panama Canal-compliant design.

Following a debut season in Los Angeles, the ship will arrive in Seattle on 21st May 2026 to begin a series of mostly seven-night Alaska sailings. These itineraries will include ports such as Ketchikan, Sitka and Prince Rupert in British Columbia, alongside scenic cruising in Endicott Arm.

“The voyage length, ship, and overall experience remain unchanged, and we look forward to delivering an incredible time in Alaska,” the cruise line confirmed.

Brilliant Lady previously launched with a series of MerMaiden voyages in 2025 from New York and Miami, with another sailing from Los Angeles scheduled for 7th April 2026 ahead of her Alaska debut.

New Excursion Planned For Endicott Arm

To enhance the revised itinerary, Virgin Voyages has revealed plans for a new onboard-only excursion centred on Endicott Arm, though details have yet to be disclosed.

“We’ll be adding an exclusive new shore thing at Endicott that you can book once you’re onboard,” the company stated.

While specifics remain limited, guests are already speculating that the experience could involve smaller boat tours offering closer access to Dawes Glacier and the surrounding ice formations.

Unlike standard shore excursions, which are typically available to book up to 135 days before departure for suite guests and 120 days for others, this new experience will only be sold onboard. Passengers interested in securing a place are expected to head to the shore excursion desk early, as availability is likely to be limited.

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MSC Cruises has placed a major new ship order as it continues its rapid transformation into one of the world’s largest cruise operators.

The cruise line confirmed on Monday, 15th December 2025, that it has ordered four brand new ships from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft, with options in place for two additional vessels.

The announcement was made in Berlin and marks the first time MSC Cruises has partnered with the Papenburg-based shipyard.

The ships will form a completely new “New Frontier” class, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in 2030.

Under the current plan, one new ship would then join the fleet each year, creating a highly ambitious construction timeline that could see up to six ships delivered during the next decade.

This agreement represents a significant shift for MSC Cruises, which has historically built ships primarily in France at Chantiers de l’Atlantique and in Italy with Fincantieri.

“Meyer Werft’s track record, expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding. Together, we will create vessels that redefine the cruise experience while preserving the craftsmanship that keeps Germany at the forefront of maritime engineering,

“The New Frontier class will enable us to design new and exclusive itineraries, offer exceptional guest experience and will feature next-generation environmental technologies that will advance our net-zero 2050 commitment.”

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.

Meyer Werft described the order as a landmark moment for the company, providing long-term economic stability and supporting thousands of jobs across the German shipbuilding sector.

“This new order marks a significant milestone in the 230-year history of MEYER WERFT,” said Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft. “We are delighted to welcome MSC Cruises as a new customer and strategic partner, and we are truly honored by the trust they have placed in us.”

What Is Known About the New Frontier Class

While full specifications have yet to be released, the New Frontier class ships are expected to measure around 180,000 gross tons. That would place them slightly larger than Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class and broadly in line with Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class vessels.

Passenger capacity is expected to reach approximately 5,400 guests, although MSC Cruises has not yet confirmed figures based on double occupancy.

MSC’s recent fleet development has been dominated by very large ships. Its World class vessels measure more than 216,000 gross tons, placing them among the largest cruise ships in service alongside Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon class ships.

By comparison, the New Frontier class appears designed to strike a balance between scale and flexibility. Slightly smaller than the World class, the ships could allow MSC Cruises to deploy them to a wider range of ports and itineraries while still carrying a substantial number of guests.

Fleet Growth Raises Questions Over Older Ships

If deliveries begin as planned in 2030, the New Frontier class would overlap with MSC Cruises’ ongoing World class programme. MSC World Europa entered service in 2022, followed by MSC World America in March 2025. MSC World Asia is scheduled for 2026, with MSC World Atlantic due to follow in 2027.

Additional World class ships are already planned for 2028, 2029, 2030 and 2031. Should two New Frontier ships also enter service in 2030 and 2031, MSC Cruises could operate a fleet of 31 ships by 2031, assuming no retirements occur.

That expansion naturally raises questions about the future of the cruise line’s oldest vessels. MSC’s Mistral class ships Armonia, Sinfonia, Lirica and Opera entered service between 2003 and 2005, with MSC Armonia having been built in 2001.

While no retirement or replacement plans have been announced, it is possible the New Frontier class could eventually replace older ships as MSC Cruises continues to modernise its fleet.

Further details on the design, onboard features and deployment of the New Frontier class ships are expected to emerge closer to the start of construction, as MSC Cruises continues one of the most aggressive expansion strategies in the cruise industry.

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A Pennsylvania woman is facing serious charges after allegedly diverting more than $40,000 raised for her injured cousin’s recovery to fund her own expenses, including a Carnival cruise.

Investigators say 29-year-old Vanessa Lewis launched a GoFundMe in August 2024 after her cousin was badly injured in a motorcycle accident.

The fundraiser quickly drew in over $40,000 in donations, but the victim’s family later claimed they never saw any financial help.

The probe began when the injured man’s father discovered photos of Lewis enjoying a cruise on social media.

A police report shows the GoFundMe account had more than $40,000 in August 2024 but had dwindled to just $3,000 by March 2025.

Authorities allege Lewis withdrew or transferred more than $37,000, including a $6,200 payment linked to a Carnival Cruise Line sailing from Miami.

Investigators also uncovered a wire transfer of more than $21,000 to another account.

Lewis has been charged with theft by deception and receiving stolen property. Both charges are third-degree felonies in Pennsylvania, carrying potential penalties of up to seven years in prison and $15,000 in fines.

She has been released on $10,000 bail and is due in court on 16th September 2025.

Cruises and Fraudulent Funds

This is not the first case of cruises being linked to financial crime.

In Florida, a church secretary was accused of embezzling more than $500,000, with investigators alleging part of the money paid for cruise holidays.

In Virginia, a private school business manager misused nearly $250,000, including charges for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Earlier this year, a Wyoming woman was arrested for allegedly stealing church funds and booking a Norwegian Cruise Line trip to Alaska.

Family Fraud

An incident from August 2024 also highlighted how sometimes fraud can take place within the family.

An unnamed person explained their story of how their parents had taken out credit cards in their child’s name, and then used those credit cards to rack up over $10,000 of debt, including purchasing cruise holidays.

The parents also (eventually) admitted to opening more credit accounts in their other children’s names, and even recommended to their children that they file for bankruptcy, but only once the parents had opened up more fraudulent credit cards to access even more funds!

Such cases highlight how cruise holidays can become a luxury outlet for stolen money, with prosecutors across the country continuing to uncover links between fraud and extravagant travel.

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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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Cruising, as an industry, has evolved a lot over the last 20 years or so. And while there are a ton of newer cruise fans, there are probably just as many who’ve cruised for a long time – and they aren’t always happy with the changes that have been made.

Royal Caribbean has long been one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, but it’s a very different proposition to the cruise line that won over previous generations of fans.

So I did some digging, and put together a comprehensive list of the things that Royal Caribbean used to offer, that they no longer do.

And yeah – it’s not a short list. I can’t believe there are over 50 things on it!

First though, check out this commercial from the 1980s!

Cabin Service & Amenities Changes

1. Twice-a-day housekeeping no longer offered

2. Turndown service with chocolates is long-gone

3. Towel animals are not necessarily provided

4. Fruit baskets no longer given to all staterooms

5. The Cruise Compass is now fully digital – no more printed options

6. No stationery provided in your cabin

7. Toiletries have gone from branded items you could take home to generic dispensers

8. Bathrobes are no longer automatically provided

9. Mini-bar restocking isn’t consistent

There was a time when staying in a Royal Caribbean cabin felt like a treat in itself. But over the years, many of the small touches that added charm and comfort have quietly disappeared.

For example, twice-a-day housekeeping is no longer the norm. These days, guests are asked to choose whether they’d like their cabin cleaned in the morning or evening – not both.

Along with this, the classic turndown service with chocolates on your pillow is now a thing of the past.

Towel animals, once a nightly delight, are now hit-or-miss. Some guests still get them, but many don’t.

Fruit baskets, once a welcome gift in all cabins, are gone too unless you’re in a suite. You’ll also notice that printed Cruise Compasses – the daily schedule – are no longer automatically delivered. You’ll need to use the app, or ask at Guest Services if you prefer a paper version.

Other niceties have faded as well. Cabin stationery, like note paper and postcards, is no longer provided. Toiletries have changed too – branded mini bottles have been replaced with wall-mounted dispensers.

Bathrobes are no longer automatically provided in most cabins, and even mini-bars may not be restocked unless you specifically ask.

While none of these changes are deal-breakers on their own, together they reflect a shift away from the pampering experience many cruisers remember. These little touches made your cabin feel special – now, things are simpler, and a bit more stripped-back.

Buffet Changes

10. The Midnight Buffet has been discontinued…

11. As has the Chocolate Buffet (typically)

12. You don’t get ice sculptures and special décor in the buffet anymore

13. Speciality sushi offerings in the buffet are not common

Royal Caribbean’s buffets used to be events in their own right – something passengers genuinely looked forward to. But over time, many of the stand-out features have quietly disappeared.

Most noticeably, the midnight buffet, once a nightly highlight with elaborate spreads and creative displays, is no longer offered. This was more than just a late-night snack – it was a bit of theatre, complete with ice sculptures and decorative themes. Today, it’s been replaced by more basic grab-and-go options.

Also missing is the chocolate buffet, which used to delight guests with everything from chocolate fountains to themed desserts. While chocolate treats can still be found onboard, the dedicated buffet has largely been phased out.

Likewise, speciality items like sushi, once included in the Windjammer buffet under the Jade brand, are now more likely to be found in extra-charge venues like Izumi.

Gone too is the sense of occasion. Buffets now tend to favour function over flair, with fewer themed decorations or standout dishes.

It’s all still clean and efficient, and there’s certainly plenty to eat, but the wow factor has been scaled back. Many guests miss the fun and excitement these buffets used to bring – it wasn’t just about filling your plate, but enjoying a spectacle.

These changes may be part of Royal Caribbean’s effort to reduce food waste and streamline service, but for long-time cruisers, it feels like something joyful has quietly slipped away.

Main Dining Room Changes

14. No more Baked Alaska parades

15. Tableside flambe options aren’t offered anymore

16. The popular cold soup dishes (e.g. chilled fruit soups) are gone

17. Lobster tails are now more limited

18. Fewer courses – you used to see appetizers, soups and salads as distinct courses

19. No more dessert cart to show off the various options

20. Special chateaubriand nights are no more

21. Themed nights with décor have stopped

Dining in the main restaurant used to be a highlight of the cruise – something many guests dressed up for and genuinely looked forward to each evening.

But over the years, several long-standing traditions and favourites have quietly disappeared from the experience.

Perhaps the most iconic loss is the Baked Alaska parade. Once a flamboyant end to the cruise, waiters would march through the dining room with flaming desserts held high, often to cheers and applause.

Today, it’s gone (and it’s gone from most other cruise lines, too) along with other tableside flambé dishes, like Cherries Jubilee or Bananas Foster, which were once a real treat to watch and enjoy.

Cold soups, like fruit-based chilled options, have mostly disappeared from menus. These unique starters were a refreshing change and a fan favourite for many.

Similarly, lobster tails, once a regular highlight of formal nights, are now usually limited to one complimentary portion – with extra tails coming at a cost.

There’s also been a clear simplification in how meals are served. Guests used to receive separate courses for appetisers, soups, and salads, making meals feel more elegant.

Today, these are often merged or reduced. The dessert cart, where staff would show off your choices in person, has also vanished – now you simply order from the menu.

Other traditions, like themed dining room décor on special nights and Chateaubriand nights, have been quietly dropped.

While dining is still enjoyable, many guests miss the flair, variety, and sense of occasion that the main dining room used to offer every evening.

Dress Changes

The formal night dress code is no longer strictly enforced

22. You can’t rent a tuxedo onboard anymore

23. Formal nights used to be a big part of the cruise experience, especially on Royal Caribbean

Guests would don their finest eveningwear – tuxedos, cocktail dresses, even floor-length gowns – and the whole ship would take on a more glamorous feel. These nights felt special, like stepping into a black-tie event at sea.

That’s changed quite a bit. The dress code for formal nights has been significantly relaxed in recent years.

While you’re still welcome to dress up, it’s no longer expected. You’ll now see a mix of outfits in the dining room on formal night, including people in polo shirts, casual dresses, or even shorts.

For some, this makes things more convenient, especially when packing, but others feel it takes away from the sense of occasion.

Another tradition that’s disappeared is the onboard tuxedo rental service. For those who didn’t want to pack formalwear, renting a tuxedo used to be an easy option.

It was especially helpful for first-time cruisers who wanted to take part in the tradition without committing to buying a full outfit. Now, with rentals gone and dress codes more relaxed, many cruisers simply skip the formality altogether.

While the more casual approach appeals to some, especially families or those on shorter cruises, others miss the elegance and shared experience of a ship-wide formal evening. It’s one of several examples of Royal Caribbean shifting towards a more laid-back, flexible cruise style – at the expense of old-school cruise charm.

Bar & Beverage Changes

24. You can’t enjoy free sodas in the Main Dining Room anymore

25. Souvenir glasses aren’t typically made of glass

26. You can’t drink any duty-free that you buy onboard

27. More restrictions on the alcohol you can bring onboard

28. You used to get free champagne at farewell dinners – but no more

There was a time when drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise felt like a bit more of a treat – both in terms of price and experience. But over the years, several changes have reshaped how drinks are served, what’s included, and how much you’ll pay for them.

Did you know that sodas used to be included at no extra charge when you were in the Main Dining Room? Where soft drinks were once included as part of your meal, they’re now only available through a paid soda package or individually at extra cost. This change alone has surprised many returning cruisers.

Souvenir glasses – especially those tied to cocktails of the day – used to be made of actual glass and often felt like a keepsake worth bringing home. Today, they’re more likely to be plastic (if offered at all), and many guests feel the quality has dropped.

There are also stricter rules around alcohol. You can no longer drink any duty-free liquor bought onboard during your cruise – it’s held until the end.

Similarly, bringing your own alcohol onboard is now far more restricted than it once was.

And finally, one charming touch that’s gone is the farewell dinner champagne toast.

Where once two bottles of bubbly might be placed on each table as a celebratory send-off, this gesture has disappeared. These little moments added a sense of occasion – now they’re just fond memories for longtime cruisers.

Entertainment & Activity Changes

29. The DreamWorks character experiences have been discontinued

30. Horse racing games have been taken away

31. Skeet shooting and golf ball driving activities have been removed

32. Rarely see overnight stays at islands

33. No more live bands by the poolside

34. Passenger talent shows have been phased out for generic karaoke

35. Crew entertainment during dinner has been mostly removed

Entertainment used to be one of the most memorable parts of a Royal Caribbean cruise – and while there’s still plenty to do, some beloved traditions and unique activities have quietly disappeared over time.

One big loss is the DreamWorks Experience, which brought characters like Shrek and the Madagascar crew onboard for meet-and-greets, themed events, and kids’ activities.

It was a highlight for many families and a big reason some guests chose Royal Caribbean over other lines. Today, it’s gone, replaced with more generalised youth programming.

Horse racing games, once a fun and interactive pastime, have also disappeared from most ships. So too have more unusual activities like skeet shooting and golf ball driving off the back of the ship, which were once part of the “only at sea” charm.

While safety and environmental concerns played a part, these offerings were unique and helped set cruising apart from a land-based holiday.

Island overnights, where you could stay docked overnight and explore more deeply, are now extremely rare with the cruise line.

And the vibe around the pool deck has shifted too – live bands have become less frequent, replaced by DJs or, more commonly, pre-recorded music playlists. It’s a change not all guests appreciate.

Other touches – like passenger talent shows, crew performances during dinner, and a general sense of ship-wide celebration – have been phased out.

Many of these were small, informal traditions, but together they helped make cruising feel fun, social, and a little bit magical. Their absence leaves some regulars feeling like the spark just isn’t quite the same.

Venue Changes

26. The Sky Pad virtual reality trampoline is gone

37. Cigar Lounges have been mostly eliminated

38. You don’t get a proper chapel on newer ships

39. Libraries have been downsized or removed

40. The Viking Crown Lounge has been repurposed

41. Onboard flower shop services have been removed

As Royal Caribbean updates and modernises its ships, a number of familiar venues have been quietly removed, repurposed, or scaled back – sometimes without much fanfare.

For long-time cruisers, this has meant the disappearance of some favourite spaces that once added personality and variety to the onboard experience.

One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the Sky Pad on the Freedom Class ships, a virtual reality trampoline attraction that was popular with both kids and adults.

While the structure may still be visible, the activity itself has been discontinued.

Similarly, cigar lounges like the Connoisseur Club have been phased out, leaving smokers with fewer – and less comfortable – places to unwind.

More subtle, but just as disappointing for some, is the loss of dedicated chapel spaces. These quiet venues were used for weddings or vow renewals, but also for regular religious services, and their absence on newer ships removes an option many guests valued.

Libraries, too, are either gone or drastically downsized, as the cruise line leans into digital entertainment.

The Viking Crown Lounge, once a signature space with sweeping views and a relaxed vibe, has been repurposed on newer ships – often for suite guests or speciality venues. While replacements may offer modern flair, many feel they lack the charm and accessibility of the original.

And finally, even the onboard flower shop, which allowed guests to buy fresh arrangements for celebrations or surprises, has disappeared.

It’s one of those little touches that, while not essential, added warmth and a little bit of a romantic vibe to the cruising experience.

Loyalty & Perk Changes

42. Concierge Lounge Access for Diamond Plus members is typically gone

43. Printed keepsakes including passenger lists have been taken away

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society has long been a key part of the cruise experience for repeat guests, rewarding loyalty with special perks, access, and little surprises.

But over the years, some of those benefits have been reduced, restructured, or removed.

One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of Concierge Lounge access for Diamond Plus members.

This used to be a popular perk that gave high-tier guests access to a quiet, exclusive space for drinks, snacks, and service. Now, it’s the Suite Lounge, and generally reserved for suite guests only.

Printed keepsakes, like passenger lists or commemorative cruise documents, were once a charming way to remember your trip. These have been phased out, likely in the name of cost and efficiency.

While the Royal Caribbean app offers a digital experience, it doesn’t replace the feeling of holding a thoughtful souvenir in your hand.

Having said that, a printed passenger sounds a bit sus… I think GDPR might have an issue with it today!

Guests have also noted that small gifts, priority boarding, and exclusive discounts have been quietly downgraded or removed altogether for lower-tier members. Even some mid-tier perks don’t feel as generous as they once did.

In general, the loyalty programme has shifted away from adding value for repeat cruisers and towards upselling more premium options, like suite bookings and paid experiences.

While the points still add up, many seasoned travellers feel the returns aren’t quite what they used to be – and that the line is more focused on new bookings than rewarding those who keep coming back.

General Service Changes

44. You aren’t greeted by crew as you board and shown where your cabin is

45. Galley tours are now more limited

46. Bridge tours have generally been discontinued for security reasons

47. You can no longer host guests before you sail

48. Tender tickets aren’t printed anymore – it’s first-come, first-served

49. You don’t get paper cruise documents anymore

50. The cruise line is moving away from that small-ship atmosphere

51. More limited towel service poolside

52. Free popcorn at movie nights is no more

53. Room service is now charged

54. Exercise classes cost extra

55. Birthday and anniversary cakes are an extra charge

56. No more streamers launched off the ship at sail away

Beyond specific venues or perks, some of the most noticeable changes on Royal Caribbean cruises have been to the overall service and onboard experience.

In the past, it was common to be greeted by crew as you boarded, with someone even escorting you to your cabin.

That personal touch has disappeared, which you can understand for the modern megaships – that’s a lot of crew needed to greet 6,000+ people!

The once-standard streamers tossed off the ship at sail away are gone – a celebratory tradition many fondly recall. It probably wasn’t the best for the environment, though.

Bridge visits have largely been phased out, and galley tours are more limited, often due to security or health regulations, but it’s still a noticeable loss for those who enjoyed seeing behind the scenes.

You also can’t invite non-cruising guests onboard before sailing, which was once a fun way to share the experience. Even the tender ticket system has gone, replaced by a less structured, first-come-first-served approach that can cause confusion.

Paper has also been pushed aside. Cruise documents, passenger lists, and even daily planners like the Cruise Compass are now largely digital, which isn’t always a smooth transition – especially for older passengers.

Elsewhere, once-standard touches like poolside towel service, free popcorn at movie nights, and celebration cakes for birthdays or anniversaries now often come with a charge.

You can still swap towels near the pool, but it might be a more hidden away space. The popcorn is more likely to be a charged extra now. And the cakes? Also available to buy if you want.

As one guest put it though, that’s not necessarily a bad thing…

But add in things like paid room service, extra charges for fitness classes, and a shift towards larger ships that feel less personal, and it’s easy to see why some loyal cruisers say the magic has faded just a bit.

The core of the cruise is still there – but many of the extras that made it feel special have quietly sailed away.

Final Word

Cruising with Royal Caribbean is still a great way to relax, explore, and enjoy life at sea – but it’s hard to ignore how much the experience has changed over the years. Many of the little extras that once made a cruise feel luxurious, charming, or just plain fun have slowly disappeared.

From the loss of turndown chocolates and midnight buffets to the scaling back of loyalty perks and onboard traditions, these changes may seem minor individually, but together they signal a shift in what cruising looks and feels like today.

But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. Far from it. Ships are bigger, more high-tech, and packed with new activities.

It’s important to remember what’s been added as well as what’s been taken away!

Whether it’s cost-cutting, modernisation, or changing passenger expectations, one thing is clear: the Royal Caribbean experience is evolving. It’s not quite what it used to be – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’d rather have a zipline than skeet shooting anyway!

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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

Royal Caribbean announced in early June that legendary Motown singer Diana Ross would serve as godmother to its newest ship, Star of the Seas.

However, the cruise line has now confirmed that Ross has unexpectedly withdrawn from the honour.

“We are disappointed that Diana Ross is unable to join us to be godmother of Star of the Seas,” a Royal Caribbean representative said.

The 81-year-old performer was due to preside over the ship’s naming ceremony on Wednesday 20th August in the AquaDome neighbourhood.

Ross had previously expressed her delight at taking on the role for the second Icon-class vessel, saying it felt like “a perfect continuation” of her career bringing people together.

No reason has been given for her cancellation.

Ross recently completed a UK arena tour and is due to begin her “Beautiful Love” US tour on 16 August in Saratoga, California.

While her second listed tour date is not until 28th August in St Louis, Missouri, scheduling conflicts, personal commitments, or health considerations may have prompted the decision.

With just a week to go until the christening, Royal Caribbean has yet to name a replacement. “We look forward to announcing our new godmother soon,” the cruise line said.

The role is often given to celebrities, public figures, or individuals recognised for charitable or professional achievements, although it is not limited to women.

Star of the Seas’ sister ship, Icon of the Seas, was named by footballer Lionel Messi, while a connection to animal welfare could be a fitting choice for Star of the Seas, which is home to Sailor, the fleet’s second Chief Dog Officer.

Troubled Times For New Ship

The news of Diana Ross’s withdrawal comes at a time when Star of the Seas is already facing some unwelcome publicity.

One of the ship’s headline attractions, the Frightening Bolt waterslide, has been closed indefinitely as a precaution following a serious incident on sister ship Icon of the Seas.

On 7th August 2025, an acrylic glass panel on the slide aboard Icon shattered while in use, leaving a gaping hole and sending water cascading onto the decks below.

A male passenger sustained cuts to his legs and hands during the ride and is now pursuing legal action against Royal Caribbean.

While the five other slides in Icon’s Category 6 Waterpark remain open, the cruise line has shut down the identical Frightening Bolt on Star of the Seas until the investigation is complete and repairs, if necessary, are carried out.

It is an unfortunate setback for the second Icon-class vessel, which is currently being previewed by media and travel professionals ahead of its christening ceremony on 20th August.

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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

Just days after cruise fans erupted in disbelief over the cost of a basic pool noodle rental at Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line has quietly reduced the price by 45%.

The news comes after Carnival revealed the prices for activities at the brand-new Celebration Key private resort. While most were relatively uncontroversial, the pool noodle rental caused huge uproar, which seems to have caused a change of plan from Carnival.

Now, instead of the original $19.99 (USD) daily fee, guests can rent a single foam noodle for $10.99 while enjoying the new Bahamian beach destination.

The listing – still described by the cruise line as “the ideal way to float your worries away while soaking up the sun” – has still generated plenty of scepticism, even at the new lower rate.

The noodle rental page now carries a single review, a one-star comment from user dragonflyblue, who wrote: “They’ve lost their minds. These are $1 pool toys for rent for a day for $20??”

The reviewer did note the noodle’s “reliability” and “fun” with four stars in each category, but slammed the value.

Still Not a Bargain?

Even after the discount, many guests remain unconvinced. Pool noodles can be found for a fraction of the price at US retailers such as Walmart and Target, often priced between $1 and $5 depending on size and quality.

Discount chains like Dollar Tree regularly stock them for as little as $1.25, and Amazon offers multipacks that can reduce the per-noodle cost to under $2.

Some cruisers have joked online about packing their own noodles or even reselling them at a discount to fellow travellers.

Policy Could Change

Interestingly, Carnival does not currently list pool noodles as prohibited items.

While the cruise line does restrict guests from bringing rafts, inflatable pools, and other floatation devices for onboard pool use, items like noodles are still permitted for use during shore days – such as at Celebration Key.

That may not always be the case. Carnival has recently updated its prohibited items policy in response to unexpected guest behaviour – such as banning foldable “clack” fans from certain crowded events due to safety concerns.

Other recent changes include banning pineapple door décor, paper fans and Bluetooth speakers.

It’s not unimaginable that pool noodles could one day be added to the list if they’re misused or become a safety issue.

After all, most kids – and a fair few adults – know that a noodle can just as easily become a soft baton during water fights as it can a relaxing float.

Carnival’s current policy bans all weapons or items that could be “adapted” for use as one – a broad description that could theoretically include an overenthusiastically swung pool toy.

For now, however, bringing your own noodle to use at Celebration Key remains both allowed and arguably the more budget-friendly option – especially for families or anyone not eager to spend $10.99 for a piece of foam they don’t get to keep.

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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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Authorities in Juneau, Alaska, have launched a large-scale search for a missing cruise guest after 62-year-old Marites Buenafe failed to return to Norwegian Bliss on Tuesday 1st July 2025.

Buenafe, a resident of Kentucky, was last seen disembarking the ship in the morning with plans to ride the local tram up Mount Roberts and continue hiking on foot.

She was travelling alone at the time, according to statements from her family.

Concern was raised around 2:50 pm local time when her relatives contacted the Juneau Police Department after realising she hadn’t returned before the ship’s 1:30 pm departure.

This prompted an immediate response from multiple emergency teams.

The operation is being led by Alaska State Troopers, with support from Juneau Mountain Rescue, Southeast Alaska Dogs for Organized Ground Search, and the Juneau Police Department.

Crews are using helicopters, drones equipped with thermal imaging, and ground teams to comb the mountainous terrain – continuing well into the night.

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the situation, saying: “An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate. Our CARE team is providing support to the guest’s family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

Norwegian Bliss Continues Voyage

The 168,028-gross-ton Norwegian Bliss is currently sailing a 7-night round-trip itinerary from Seattle that began on 28th June 2025.

Juneau was the ship’s second port of call, following Sitka. Despite the ongoing search, the cruise is continuing its schedule with planned stops at Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Seattle on 5th July.

Buenafe was only four days into the voyage when she disappeared. As of now, no additional guests have been reported missing and the onboard experience is continuing as planned for other passengers.

Authorities believe she likely set off on the Mount Roberts Trail, a notoriously steep and rugged route known for uneven paths, mud, and quickly changing weather – all of which are complicating the search.

With ongoing rain and limited visibility, the urgency to find the hiker grows by the hour.

Rare but Not Unprecedented

Cruise passenger disappearances are rare, especially in port.

Buenafe’s case marks just the second instance of a cruise guest going missing in 2025. Earlier this year in February, Tynisha Williams disappeared after leaving Radiance of the Seas while it was docked in Cozumel, Mexico.

In 2024, several other cases made headlines, including a 66-year-old guest with dementia missing from Icon of the Seas in Cozumel, and a 14-year-old boy who vanished while sailing aboard Caribbean Princess in northern Germany.

Fortunately, most missing persons cases end with the guest found safe – and hopes remain high for a similar outcome here.

Authorities continue to monitor the search zone closely, and Norwegian Cruise Line has reiterated its commitment to assisting in any way it can.

Related Posts

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