Princess Cruises has announced the cancellation of the 10th November 2024 sailing of the Regal Princess, despite reassurances from the cruise line that repair work would be complete in time.
This marks the third consecutive cancellation, following the 27th October and 3rd November sailings.
The cancellations are attributed to ongoing technical difficulties with the ship’s power generators. While one generator issue was initially resolved, a subsequent failure in another generator has required further repairs to ensure the vessel’s safety and operational readiness.
The affected itinerary was a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Galveston, Texas, with planned stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan.
These cancellations have disrupted the travel plans of many passengers. The Western Caribbean cruise, known for its mix of relaxation and adventure, was a popular choice among travellers.
Passengers have expressed disappointment, especially after receiving prior assurances that the voyage would proceed as scheduled. Princess Cruises has communicated its regret over the situation and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the technical problems promptly.
Previously, the Regal Princess encountered issues during a transatlantic cruise from Southampton, UK, to Texas, including a minor engine room fire and subsequent power outages.
Guests will be given a full refund, as well as a 50% future cruise credit to redeem against another booking as a gesture of goodwill.
This is a marked increase from the 25% FCC offered to guests on the two prior cancelled sailings. It’s not clear whether this improved offer has been extended to those guests too.
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TUI River Cruises is preparing to launch the refurbished TUI Al Horeya on its inaugural voyage along the River Nile for the cruise line this November.
This venture marks a significant milestone for TUI as it expands its cruising operations into North Africa. The itinerary promises an enriching experience, guiding guests through Egypt’s historical and cultural landmarks and offering a unique perspective on the region’s rich heritage.
The TUI Al Horeya is designed to accommodate 145 guests across 74 cabins, each crafted with flexibility and customer choice in mind. This approach ensures a personalised and comfortable stay, with options tailored to meet diverse preferences and needs.
A standout feature of the TUI Al Horeya is its innovative Top Deck, a multifunctional space that serves as a leisure hub during the day and transforms into the Felucca al fresco dining area by night.
During the day, guests can relax by the swimming pool or unwind in one of the two hot tubs, surrounded by sun loungers.
As evening falls, the space becomes an intimate dining venue, offering a reservation-only experience with locally inspired dishes such as shish veal kebab and beef kofta.
Complementing the Felucca is the main restaurant, Lazeeza, which seats 141 guests and offers a diverse culinary experience.
Guests can enjoy a buffet and live cooking options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a special gala dinner enhancing the dining experience.
“We’re so excited that TUI River Cruises will be revealing its fully refurbished ship this November. We have focused on TUI Al Horeya having quality venues, with flexibility in mind for all our customers.
“The design of each of these venues gives choice to our customers from the intimate Felucca dining space to the traditional Lazeeza main restaurant. We’ve gone from the European waterways of the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle and now our first North-African cruise ship down the Nile, which will offer our customers the chance to experience Egypt in a whole new light.
“Coupled with the option of TUI flying means that we can truly ensure a seamless end-to-end customer experience.”
Katy Berzins, head of TUI River Cruises
TUI’s expansion into the River Nile cruise market represents a strategic shift from its traditional European waterways, which include the Rhine, Danube, Main, and Moselle.
A second ship, TUI Bahareya, will offer Nile cruises from winter 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.
What potential changes could your favourite cruise line make that would immediately turn you off them?
Most cruising regulars have a favourite cruise line. It might be because of the food, the entertainment or just the general vibe. Cruise lines all offer a different experience, that resonates with different types of cruise passengers.
But what if a cruise line suddenly changed the way they did things?
I asked my Facebook followers what would be the ONE big change that would make them drop all loyalty to their favourite cruise line. And the responses were pretty interesting!
Here are 23 potential changes a cruise line could make that would turn off their loyal customers. Some named their specific cruise line, while others made more general claims, so I’ve grouped them for you:
Specific cruise line announcements
1. Virgin Voyages to allow children onboard
Virgin Voyages is renowned for being a stylish, modern and fun cruise option – but for adults only. It’s not a cruise line where families are welcomed, unless those families are all 18 or over.
This makes the cruise line a popular choice for those who would rather avoid the louder atmosphere of a family-friendly cruise line. So it’s no surprise that a few people mentioned that Virgin accepting children would be their deal-breaker.
2. Cunard getting rid of its dress code
I’m not sure it’s fair to say that Cunard’s dress code gets rid of people who don’t care about others. But I do understand that the Cunard atmosphere is well-loved.
Guests look forward to glamorous evenings where black tie and ball gowns are the norm, especially on the famous gala nights. For many, it’s part of the charm and sets Cunard apart from more casual cruise lines.
So, it’s no wonder that scrapping the dress code would be a step too far for some loyal Cunard passengers. The refined, classic experience would lose its distinctive touch, making it just another cruise option rather than the pinnacle of luxury at sea.
3. No more free laundry for Elite guests on Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises, like many other cruise lines, has its own loyalty programme. And one of the biggest perks for Elite-level guests is the complimentary laundry service. This is a practical and much-appreciated benefit, especially on longer voyages where packing light can make all the difference.
It’s one of those small but meaningful touches that makes guests’ loyalty feel valued. Without it, the experience would start to feel less special, and that could be enough for some to jump ship.
4. No more top-tier benefits for Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises
We all know how divisive the conversation around loyalty programmes would be. But there are some cruisers who do feel like their cruises deserve a lot of rewards.
If a cruise line suddenly took those rewards away, I can get how that would make you look elsewhere. That’s the whole point of the programmes – they make you loyal to one cruise line family. Without the perks, you could look at any other cruise line instead.
5. P&O sacking crew and replacing them with cheap labour
This one might seem a bit left-field, but it’s based on a real event where P&O Ferries (a completely different company to P&O Cruises) tried to do exactly this.
There were also rumours in November 2023 that Carnival Group, which owns P&O Cruises, was looking to do similar.
It ended up being unfounded, or at least deterred. But it’s good to see that some cruise guests wouldn’t stand for this treatment of the crew onboard. They would actively look to sail with another cruise line if the crew were mistreated.
6. MSC Cruises closing Ocean Cay
Several cruise lines have their own private destinations – either an island or a resort on a larger island – and MSC has Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
It’s a beautiful location with loads of interesting things to see and do, and definitely a highlight of MSC itineraries in the Caribbean.
MSC is a cruise line that already splits opinion, with some people finding it to be a bit cheap (not always in a good way). If the Caribbean itineraries lost a popular destination such as Ocean Cay, it could definitely drive people to consider other cruise lines with their own private islands.
7. Switching to Disney-style cruising
This is less about a cruise line that people are already loyal to, and one that they want to avoid.
Disney Cruise Line very much has its own style. It’s primarily aimed at families, but it has other quirks too. These include rotational dining, where you visit different restaurants each night, with your waiters following you around.
It’s also one of the most expensive cruise lines outside of ultra-luxury options. So I don’t blame anyone who would stop cruising with their favourite line if it began taking more of a Disney-style approach.
8. No more Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival
Some people will base their cruise plans on food, whether it’s the general quality of the dining or specific venues they know and love.
Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival is one example: a relaxed place to grab a signature Guy Fieri burger (or hot dog) while you unwind on deck.
If your favourite dining venue disappeared from a ship, would you be fine or would you have to look at alternative options?
Generic announcements
These aren’t specific to a particular cruise line, but would still make travellers look at other options if they were announced.
9. Smoking is allowed everywhere onboard
For many cruisers, the balance between designated smoking areas and smoke-free zones is important. Allowing smoking everywhere onboard would be a nightmare for those who prefer a cleaner, fresher environment.
The idea of smoke wafting through restaurants, lounges and balconies would turn a relaxing cruise into an unpleasant experience. For some, it would be enough to abandon their loyalty to even their favourite cruise line.
10. No smoking on the ship
On the flip side, some guests would be just as outraged if smoking were entirely banned.
For smokers, having designated areas to enjoy their cigarettes, cigars or vapes is part of the experience. Removing those altogether would feel restrictive and unwelcome to guests who appreciate the current balance of smoker-friendly zones.
Although some cruisers love the elegance of formal nights, wearing formal attire all day every day would be exhausting for most.
A cruise is meant to be a relaxing vacation. For many, that means the freedom to choose when to dress up and when to keep it casual.
A strict formal dress code throughout the entire trip would strip away the laid-back vibe, driving some guests to seek out more relaxed options.
12. Vegan food only
Oof. I feel targeted!
Offering vegan options is a great way to cater to a diverse range of diets, but a vegan-only menu would be a hard sell for many cruisers.
A big part of the cruise experience is indulging in the wide variety of food available, whether it’s a steak, fresh seafood or decadent desserts.
Forcing everyone to stick to a plant-based diet would be a deal-breaker for many. It takes away the culinary freedom that so many guests love to enjoy at sea.
I’d love it, though! There are a few all-vegan cruises, but they’re pretty expensive.
For many cruisers, enjoying a cocktail by the pool or a glass of wine at dinner is a highlight. If a cruise line suddenly decided to go alcohol-free, it would likely be a shock to the system.
Sipping a drink while relaxing or mingling with fellow guests is a key part of the experience for many. Without that option, some might look elsewhere for a more lively and carefree atmosphere.
14. No drinks packages
Drinks packages are a popular way for cruisers to enjoy unlimited beverages without a hefty bill at the end of the trip.
Removing that option would feel like a major downgrade for many loyal passengers. Instead of enjoying cocktails, sodas or speciality coffees with ease, they would find themselves constantly calculating costs.
For some, the convenience of the drinks package is essential, and losing it could be enough to make them reconsider their cruise line loyalty.
15. Getting rid of the casino
The onboard casino is a big draw for many cruisers who enjoy a flutter at sea, whether it’s slot machines, poker or roulette. It’s not just about gambling, but also the excitement and social atmosphere that make it a fun part of the trip.
Eliminating the casino would take away one of the key entertainment options for those guests. That could drive them elsewhere, especially since some cruise lines reward serious gamblers with freebies (including free cruises!).
16. No more adults-only spaces
For those who cruise to escape the noise and bustle of everyday life, adults-only spaces like pools, lounges and sun decks offer a peaceful retreat.
Removing those tranquil areas would disrupt the calm that many passengers crave, especially on lines known for providing that serene experience.
Without these kid-free zones, some cruisers would be pushed to explore other lines that still prioritise adult-only escapes.
17. Dormitories instead of cabins
One of the great pleasures of a cruise holiday is the privacy of your own cabin, whether it’s a cosy interior room or a luxurious suite with a balcony.
The idea of dormitory-style accommodation, with shared sleeping spaces, would be an instant turn-off for many.
Losing that personal sanctuary at sea would strip away much of the relaxation and exclusivity, making it feel more like a hostel than a holiday. For most, this change would be the final straw.
18. Compulsory sport each day
Staying active on holiday is a priority for some, but compulsory sport every day would not sit well with most cruisers. A cruise is often seen as a time to relax and unwind, where guests can choose their own activities.
Forcing daily exercise would take away the sense of freedom that many value. Turning a holiday into something that feels more like a fitness retreat would be make some guests abandon ship – almost literally.
19. Ages 18 to 30 only
Cruises appeal to a wide range of ages, from families to retirees. So limiting the age group to those aged between 18 and 30 would alienate a huge portion of loyal guests.
Part of the joy of cruising is the diversity of people you meet, spanning different ages and backgrounds. Imposing such a strict age limit would strip away the community feel that many passengers love. It would certainly send older and younger guests looking for a more welcoming alternative.
Not to mention that 18 to 30s holidays have something of a reputation – and not everyone wants that party vibe on their cruise.
For many cruisers, the buffet is a central part of the experience. They offer a wide variety of food choices and the flexibility to eat whenever it suits.
Getting rid of the buffet would be a major disappointment, particularly for those who enjoy the casual dining style and the chance to try new things each day.
The more formal dining options wouldn’t suit everyone. For some passengers, this change would be enough to make them reconsider their loyalty.
21. Mandatory haircuts by trainees onboard
This one was a bit niche, but still…
I know some people like to get their hair done while they’re on a cruise. Being forced to have a free haircut by trainees would be very weird. I’d certainly say no to that cruise line.
22. All ports become tender ports
Tender ports, where passengers have to take small boats to reach the shore, can be a hassle for many cruisers. They often involve longer waiting times and less convenience compared to docking directly at a port.
If a cruise line made all its ports tender-only, it would seriously frustrate those who value ease and accessibility when getting on and off the ship. For some loyal guests, this would feel like a downgrade in service, making them reconsider their future bookings.
Some people don’t feel comfortable using tender boats at all, worried they will slip or hurt themselves. Another reason why docking at ports is crucial for many.
23. Clothing optional!
The concept of a ‘clothing optional’ cruise would be a step too far for most traditional cruisers. Cruises are generally seen as family-friendly or elegant escapes, and this change would dramatically shift the atmosphere onboard.
Many passengers enjoy the balance of casual and formal attire. But a completely clothes-optional policy would make a lot of guests uncomfortable.
This is all a bit of fun, but it does highlight some of the hard lines that people draw when choosing their cruise.
I know from experience that some people refuse to even try a cruise, or have tried one and decided it’s not for them. I tell them every time: you just haven’t found the right cruise line yet.
Take the time to research your options, and you’ll always find a cruise for you. It may be a relaxed adults-only cruise, one that’s perfect for families, or even one where clothing is optional!
An eventful comic performance onboard an MSC cruise resulted in a guest walking onto the stage to confront the comedian, before being removed from the venue.
Credit: k.daniellelifestyle
According to guests who shared the story on social media, a fight was beginning to break out between two male guests in the audience of a late-night comedy show on MSC Seashore.
While the fight was settled thanks to the comedian and the cruise director, the comedian then made some jokes about the fight, which drew the ire of a female guest who then walked up to the stage to argue.
The comedian – Robert L. Hines, who was performing a guest set onboard – argued back with the guest and made jokes at her expense as she was escorted from the venue, but not before throwing her drink towards the comedian.
K. Danielle, who shared the TikTok above, then also followed up to answer some of the questions that people had left with comments:
As well as throwing a drink, the woman removed a shoe in a bid to throw that at the comedian, but she was stopped and removed.
K. Danielle also commented on MSC security, saying they weren’t seen during the incident at all, and that the woman was removed by the cruise director.
Anyone confronting (and technically assaulting) a performer on a cruise can probably expect to be removed from the ship at the next port of call.
It’s not clear whether this happened to the guest, or if the performance happened on the last night anyway – the cruise was a short one.
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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.
A second cruise ship has suffered delays due to protestors from the Extinction Rebellion group in the Netherlands.
Following the Jewel of the Seas being diverted from Amsterdam to Ijmuiden last week, now the Regent Seven Seas ship Seven Seas Mariner was blocked from docking in Ijmuiden.
The ship is in the middle of an 83-night epic Grand Arctic Adventure cruise, with the current segment in Northern Europe drawing to an end.
But the ship – carrying up to 700 passengers – was held up in the locks due to the actions of Extinction Rebellion who were directly targeting the ship, and ended up only arriving in Amsterdam at 10 pm – over four hours behind schedule.
“(Seven Seas Mariner is) an example of unprecedented luxury that seems to be reserved only for the richest in the world… ships like the Seven Seas Mariner exacerbate the crisis we are in the middle of.
“In 2022, the Seven Seas Mariner at Friends of the Earth received a B rating, which means ‘satisfactory… But this ‘satisfactory’ is a comparison with other cruise ships and therefore says nothing about how polluting they are, compared to other ways of holidaying.“
Extinction Rebellion statement
No arrests were made during the protest and the ship was able to continue on her planned journey from Amsterdam, albeit slightly delayed. She reached Bruges on time and will then sail around the Bay of Biscay to reach Barcelona later in August.
Regent Seven Seas has a Sail & Sustain programme which aims to reduce the environmental impact of its fleet, but protestors argue this doesn’t do enough to counter the impact that ships have on the environment.
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A TikTok video from a creator showcasing how much food her 17-year-old brother ate on a Royal Caribbean cruise has gone viral, with many guests impressed by his metabolism.
TikTok user kyleigh.pate shared the video of their cruise from Galveston, highlighting her brother Ryan’s daily diet.
It rapidly gathered a huge amount of attention, with almost 5 million views and 500,000 likes at the time of writing, along with over 9,000 comments.
Many of those comments are from impressed guests who praised the teen for enjoying himself and getting his money’s worth – and rightly so!
A lot of viewers said that they wished they still had the metabolism of a teenager, and that they would love to be able to enjoy themselves without the consequences.
In the day, Ryan ate a breakfast of:
6 slices of French toast
3 donuts
A plate of bacon
Hash browns
2 sausages
A chocolate croissant
2 glasses of apple juice
Mid-morning he had his first ice cream cone, before lunch at Sorrentos with six slices of pizza. Then two more ice cream cones followed before dinner, which was:
3 cheddar bread rolls (with butter)
Arancini for starters
Two steaks (turf-and-turf) with a baked potato and broccoli
A chocolate dessert with ice cream
A lemon tart
And then to end the day, Ryan returned to Sorrentos for three more slices of pizza.
All of this food was included in the cruise fare, with many more complimentary options Ryan could’ve enjoyed, along with several speciality restaurants that have an additional charge, too.
If you’ve never cruised before, they really do let you enjoy plenty of variety in your food, and plenty of food while you’re at it too! If you want double steaks with your dinner, you just need to ask.
Fair play to Ryan! How does your typical cruise diet compare?
And it just goes to show that you can go viral on TikTok for just about anything!
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A new study conducted by luxury cruise travel agent Panache Cruises has revealed that cruises can help you sleep better while on holiday and beat the effects of jet lag.
In consultation with sleep consultants, the team at Panache Cruises have looked at the effects of sea air and bright, natural light on sleep patterns and quality of sleep, finding that being on a cruise can offer a number of health benefits.
These include improved blood oxygen levels, a boost to your Vitamin D, and improved breathing, all of which can lead to a better quality of sleep at night.
Sleep experts recommend exposure to ionised air, which you will enjoy 24/7 while at sea. This salty air can increase the electrical functionality of the brain by up to 47%, which also helps to boost your mood.
Staying on a seafront hotel on land offers some similar benefits during the day, but at night the air will blow from land out to sea, so the ionised air doesn’t reach land.
Whereas at sea, cruise passengers are exposed to ionised air throughout the day and night. The exposure to the sun also helps to adjust and correct your circadian rhythm, so spending time on a deck of a cruise ship can help to adjust to new time zones and fall into a good, regular sleep pattern each night.
When travelling on a cruise ship, you will naturally get a lot of bright light exposure during the day, helping your circadian rhythm… When travelling long distances by boat or ship, you are unlikely to cross more than one timezone per day, naturally lessening the effect of jet lag as the time on board will shift gradually through the journey. In contrast, when flying you will experience the full-time change in a short space of time.
Dr. Lindsay Browning, Sleep Expert at Trouble Sleeping
James Cole, the founder of Panache Cruises, is no stranger to long-haul travel and recommends getting as much sea air as possible in the first few days of your cruise, so that you can avoid jet lag spoiling your holiday.
The research suggests that breathing in as much of the ionised sea air during the first few nights will help holidaymakers beat jet lag quicker than land-based holidays.
Cruises with a day or two at sea at the start of the holiday will also give travellers a chance to get some exercise in a gym, relax in a spa, and eat what they need when they need it. The time we have on holiday is precious, so if travelling long-haul, choosing a holiday that helps counteract jet lag will allow you to make the most of the time you have
James Cole, Founder of Panache Cruises
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