Author: Jonathan @ Cruise Essentials

A social media post showing how quickly an unattended sun lounger was tagged aboard a P&O Cruises ship has reignited one of the most persistent arguments at sea.

The passenger said they left their lounger at 9.23am and returned within 30 minutes, only to find that a crew member had attached a notice at 9.28am.

The card, branded with the words “This lounger was lonely”, explained that belongings could be removed if the passenger remained away and directed guests to a collection point.

It read: “This lounger was lonely. As you weren’t here for a while, we have removed your belongings. Please collect from the lonely lounger pick up point:”

However, the sections marked “Belongings removed time”, “Bag number” and “Name of crew member” had been left blank.

That suggests the passenger’s possessions had not actually been taken away. Instead, the tag appears to have been used to record when crew first noticed that the lounger was empty, allowing staff to return later and remove the items if it remained unoccupied.

The passenger described the approach as “a bit OTT”, pointing out that the tag had been added just five minutes after they left.

Rather than attracting widespread sympathy, however, the post prompted a large number of cruise passengers to defend the policy and argue that firm enforcement was necessary to prevent deck chairs being reserved for long periods.

Passengers Back Crackdown On Sunbed Hogging

Many of those responding said passengers should not expect to keep control of a lounger while eating breakfast, having lunch or spending time elsewhere on the ship.

The most common view was that a short trip to the toilet, a quick swim or collecting a drink should be considered reasonable, but that leaving for a full meal was different.

One commenter wrote: “If everyone was abit more courteous and only had the beds whilst using them, the bed turn around would be quicker and everyone would have a better chance of enjoying them.”

Others said guests should have breakfast before looking for a lounger, rather than placing towels and belongings on a chair before heading to the buffet or main dining room.

Several passengers described struggling to find loungers on sea days, despite seeing large numbers of apparently reserved chairs sitting empty.

One guest said they had spent a week aboard a ship and found it “impossible” to secure a lounger on sea days. Others recalled passengers leaving towels out from early morning before disappearing for several hours.

There were also accounts of guests attempting to control more loungers than they needed. One commenter claimed to have seen a couple place towels on chairs on both sides of a ship, moving between them as the position of the sun changed.

Another said a group had reserved six poolside loungers as well as a table and six seats in a smoking area, preventing other passengers from using the space.

The frustration

Norwegian Getaway will remain docked in Nassau until nearly midnight on 1st August 2026 to complete essential propulsion repairs, extending the port call by seven hours.

The 3,903-passenger vessel experienced a technical issue affecting a propulsion component, though Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed the ship’s safety is not compromised and the remainder of the itinerary will proceed as scheduled.

Technical Issue Discovered Ahead Of Weekend Sailing

Passengers boarding Norwegian Getaway for the three-night cruise departing Miami on 31st July 2026 received notification the day before embarkation about significant schedule changes to their Bahamian getaway.

The email communication from Norwegian Cruise Line detailed that a propulsion component required additional repair time whilst the ship would be in Nassau, necessitating a dramatic extension to the port call.

The vessel departed Miami as planned on Friday evening, though satellite tracking data indicated the ship was travelling at reduced speed.

Shortly after clearing the port, Norwegian Getaway was recorded moving at just eight knots (9.2 miles per hour), a significantly slower pace than the vessel’s normal cruising speed of approximately 22 knots.

Schedule Modification Extends Nassau Port Call By Seven Hours

Under the original itinerary, Norwegian Getaway was scheduled to arrive in Nassau at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, 1st August, with a departure time of 5:00 p.m. the same day.

This would have provided guests with nine hours to explore the Bahamian capital and its surrounding attractions.

The revised schedule maintains the 8:00 a.m. arrival time but dramatically extends the departure until 11:59 p.m. that evening.

This gives passengers a full 16 hours in port – nearly double the originally planned time – and offers the rare opportunity to experience Nassau after dark.

The extended stay allows technicians and engineers sufficient time to complete the necessary repairs to the propulsion system whilst the ship remains safely docked.

Norwegian Cruise Line emphasized that the vessel remains completely seaworthy throughout the repair process, though reduced sailing speeds were necessary as a precautionary measure.

Great Stirrup Cay Visit And Miami Return Unaffected

Despite the technical challenges requiring attention in Nassau, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that the remainder of the three-night itinerary would proceed exactly as originally planned.

The ship’s call to Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s private Bahamian island, remains scheduled for Sunday, 2nd August, with the vessel arriving at 8:00 a.m. and departing at 5:00 p.m.

Additionally, Norwegian Getaway’s return to PortMiami on Monday morning should experience no delays resulting from the propulsion repairs or extended Nassau stay.

The timing of the technical work has been carefully calculated to ensure passengers disembark on schedule, allowing them to

A newly released children’s book that spotlights the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes on cruise ships has made its debut exclusively aboard Oceania Cruises.

“DogToon Adventures: Cruise Crew” is now available for purchase only during voyages, marking the first retail partnership for DogToon Books within the global cruise industry.

The book was created by Ram Glick, founder of DogToon Books and a cruise industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience working at sea. Drawing from his extensive career, Glick designed the title to help children, dog lovers and cruise enthusiasts better understand the diverse talents, responsibilities and teamwork required to operate a modern cruise ship.

Glick’s motivation stems from his desire to shine a light on the often-unseen workforce that makes every cruise vacation possible. His decades spent working alongside international crew members from countless countries gave him unique insight into the dedication and skill required in maritime hospitality.

The exclusive onboard edition represents a departure from traditional children’s cruise literature, which typically focuses on destinations or ships themselves rather than the people who bring the experience to life. By partnering with Oceania Cruises, DogToon Books has created a unique retail opportunity that connects directly with families whilst they’re experiencing cruise life firsthand.

Educational Storytelling Through Original Illustrated Characters

“DogToon Adventures: Cruise Crew” takes readers behind the scenes through the eyes of 21 original DogToon characters, each representing a different role aboard a cruise ship. The illustrated format makes complex maritime operations accessible and engaging for younger audiences whilst maintaining educational value.

Readers meet characters portraying the captain, staff captain and first officer – the navigation and command team responsible for safe passage. The book also introduces the chief engineer, who oversees the vessel’s complex mechanical systems, and the ship’s doctor, who provides medical care to thousands of passengers and crew members.

Culinary operations are represented through the executive chef character, whilst guest experience roles include the cruise director and shore excursions manager. The book also highlights the boutique manager, who oversees onboard retail operations, and the environmental officer – a relatively new but increasingly vital position focused on sustainability and regulatory compliance.

This diverse cast of characters reflects the truly international and multifaceted nature of cruise ship operations. Modern cruise vessels function as floating cities, requiring specialists in dozens of fields working in coordination 24 hours a day.

Bridging The Gap Between Passengers And Crew Members

“Guests experience the magic of cruising, but they don’t always see the extraordinary teamwork behind every voyag

Mardi Gras has gone viral, with hundreds of cruisers reacting with a mixture of disbelief, disgust and jokes.

The post, shared by Facebook user MaLana N Kerry Jefferson, claims the incident happened during a cruise last week.

“Last week on the Carnival Mardi Gras, I witnessed an actual trail of poop across the pool deck. Not a little ‘oops’ situation either… a whole follow-the-yellow-brick-road situation.”

The passenger continued by joking that they had boarded the ship for “ocean views, relaxation, and memories… not a poop scavenger hunt around Deck 8.”

The post was accompanied by a photograph appearing to show a brown trail stretching across part of the pool deck. A mop and bucket can also be seen nearby alongside a wet floor warning sign, suggesting crew members were already cleaning the area.

However, it is impossible to independently verify what the substance in the photograph actually is, and there has been no confirmation from Carnival Cruise Line that the incident took place as described. For that reason, the claims should be treated as alleged.

Social media has a field day

As you might expect, the unusual post quickly attracted plenty of humorous responses.

Among the anonymous comments were:

“I didn’t know they had Taco Bell on there.”

Another joked:

“Liquor and salad don’t mix.”

Others simply expressed sympathy for whoever had to clean up the alleged mess, while several cruisers said they hoped they hadn’t walked through the area before it was cordoned off.

Cruise ships take hygiene extremely seriously

While the alleged incident generated plenty of laughs online, cruise lines have strict procedures whenever there’s any potential biological contamination in public areas.

Crew members receive extensive training on sanitation and infection control, with affected areas typically isolated while specialist cleaning and disinfecting takes place.

If an accident involves a swimming pool, hot tub or splash area, those facilities are normally closed immediately. Depending on the circumstances, the water may need to be drained, the filtration system disinfected and the pool thoroughly cleaned before it can reopen.

These procedures are designed to minimise any risk of illness spreading among the thousands of passengers onboard.

The real meaning of “poop deck”

The story has also led to plenty of jokes about the ship’s “poop deck” – despite the term having nothing to do with bodily functions.

The name actually comes from the French word la poupe, meaning the stern of a ship.

Traditionally, the poop deck is the raised deck at the very back of a vessel, positioned above the main aft deck. On modern cruise ships, the term is largely historical, although it’s still commonly used in maritime language.

So despite what social media might suggest, the poop deck was never intended to be the place for actual poop.

Whether the alle

A Viking river cruise ship carrying more than 235 passengers and crew members ran aground on the Danube River in Bulgaria on Tuesday, forcing a full evacuation of the vessel as low water levels continue to plague European river cruising operations.

The Viking Ullur became stranded at river kilometre 817 near the city of Vidin in northwestern Bulgaria, according to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). The incident marks the latest in a series of operational challenges facing river cruise operators as water levels across major European waterways drop to critically low levels, disrupting both tourism and commercial shipping throughout the region.

Local Border Police took charge of the evacuation operation after the 190-passenger vessel became stuck on the riverbed. The agency coordinated the safe removal of 185 passengers and 50 crew members from the grounded ship.

Initial plans called for Viking to transfer passengers directly to another river vessel that was dispatched to the location. The backup ship was intended to allow guests to continue their planned itinerary with minimal disruption to their holiday.

However, the relief vessel encountered its own navigation difficulties and was unable to approach close enough to the stranded Ullur to facilitate a ship-to-ship transfer. This complication forced Border Police to implement alternative evacuation procedures using their own patrol boats.

Guests Transferred by Patrol Boat from Vidin Base

After unsuccessful attempts to refloat the Viking Ullur and further assessments of the situation, authorities determined that a full evacuation was necessary. Passengers were removed from the vessel using a patrol boat operated by the Vidin Border Police Vessels Base.

The evacuation operation extended to include passenger luggage, which was also being transferred on Tuesday, according to BTA. The news agency reported that it remained unclear whether crew members would stay aboard the grounded vessel or be evacuated as well.

The decision regarding crew retention likely depends on safety considerations, the potential for refloating operations, and the need to maintain the vessel’s systems whilst it remains stuck. River cruise ships typically require skeleton crews to manage basic operations even when passengers have disembarked.

Extended Grounding Expected Due to Navigation Conditions

Border Police officials indicated that the Viking Ullur could remain stranded for an extended period. The duration of the grounding will depend on evolving navigation conditions on the Danube and the available options for refloating the vessel.

Water levels would need to rise sufficiently to either allow the ship to float free or to permit specialised salvage equipment to reach the location. Alternatively, if levels drop further, it may be possible to physically move or lighten the vessel enough to free it from the riverbed.

The incident highlights the precarious situation facing river cruise o

A collapsed wall at the iconic Port of Fira has forced authorities to redirect all cruise ship shore excursions to Santorini’s alternative ferry port, fundamentally changing how more than 1.2 million annual cruise visitors access the island.

The closure of the famous Karavolades Stairs – which connect the old port to the clifftop capital – came after a private wall bordering the stepped pathway gave way on 27th July 2026.

The structural failure occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, 27th July 2026, when a private wall adjacent to the Karavolades Stairs collapsed onto the historic stepped road.

This pathway has served as one of the primary connections between the Bay of Fira’s old port and the island’s clifftop capital for decades, used by pedestrians, donkey riders, and cruise passengers alike.

Following an assessment of the damage and surrounding infrastructure, Mayor of Thira Anastasios Nikolaos Zorzos made the decision to close the entire stepped road to all traffic.

The closure affects foot traffic, the famous donkey rides that have become synonymous with Santorini tourism, and any other movement along this critical route.

All Cruise Shore Tours Redirected To Athinios Port

George Nomikos, president of the Municipal Port Fund of Thira, announced on Tuesday, 28th July that all cruise ship operations would be fundamentally restructured.

According to local media outlet Atlantea, cruise vessels must now embark and disembark all guests participating in organised shore excursions exclusively from the port of Athinios rather than the traditional Port of Fira.

“All disembarkation and boarding of cruise visitors participating in organised excursions will take place entirely from the port of Athinios, regardless of the percentage they represent in the total number of passengers on each cruise ship,” the directive stated.

This represents a complete reversal of policies implemented just two months earlier.

The decision represents a significant operational shift for cruise lines operating in the region. Athinios serves as Santorini’s main ferry port and is located approximately 2.2 miles south of the Port of Fira, requiring a drive of 20 to 25 minutes between the two locations depending on traffic conditions.

Recent Policy Reversal Adds Complexity To Situation

The timing of this closure creates additional complications given recent policy changes. Just two months before the wall collapse, the Municipal Port Fund had implemented new regulations requiring up to 70 per cent of cruise guests to disembark at the old port at Fira, with no more than 30 per cent arriving through Athinios.

That policy was designed to manage overtourism concerns whilst preserving access to Fira’s iconic cable car and the charming stepped pathways that have made Santorini one of the Mediterranean’s most photographed destinations.

The wall collapse has now forced authorities to completely abandon that a

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has reported better-than-expected financial results for the second quarter of 2026, but has warned that the rest of the year is likely to be more challenging.

The company, which owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, beat its profit targets for the three months to 30th June. However, it has lowered its expectations for the full year, pointing to weaker demand at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand and the ongoing impact of conflict in the Middle East on cruise itineraries.

Revenue increased by 4.9% to $2.6 billion, while net income rose to $223 million, up from $30 million during the same period last year.

Norwegian Cruise Line brand facing challenges

The biggest concern for passengers and investors is that the problems are centred on Norwegian Cruise Line itself rather than the group’s luxury brands.

The company admitted it has not sold as many cruises for the coming year as it would like, blaming a combination of softer demand and what it described as “execution challenges” within the brand.

Those issues include marketing and revenue management, and have already prompted changes to the leadership team.

Chief Executive Officer John Chidsey said the company remains in the early stages of a turnaround.

“While we are confident in the strength of our brands and the long-term benefits of the actions underway, we are still in the early stages of our turnaround.”

Because of those issues, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has cut its full-year earnings forecast to around $1.50 per share, significantly lower than previous expectations.

Middle East conflict continues to affect bookings

The company also highlighted the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a factor affecting demand.

With fewer cruise ships able to operate in the region, cruise lines have redeployed vessels elsewhere, increasing competition and putting pressure on prices in destinations such as the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Norwegian expects revenue per passenger to decline during the second half of the year as a result.

Cost-cutting continues

Alongside the weaker outlook, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced another $100 million in annual cost savings.

The reductions come from areas including technology, administration and staffing, adding to savings announced earlier this year.

The company says it has now identified more than $500 million in savings over the past three years.

Great Stirrup Cay expansion almost complete

There was more positive news for future Caribbean cruises.

The company confirmed that Great Tides Waterpark will open at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas on 4th September 2026.

The new six-acre attraction is part of a major investment in Norwegian’s private island, which will also feature the new Great Life Lagoon and Splash Harbor.

Once complete, all of the island’s new facilities will be open to guests, giving Norweg

Todd Evans, one of Carnival Cruise Line’s most recognisable cruise directors, has announced his unexpected departure from the cruise line after 16 years of service. The New York native, known affectionately to fans as “T-O-Double-D on the M-I-C”, revealed the news through social media on 22nd July 2026, marking the end of a career that began in October 2009.

Evans’ announcement comes amid what appears to be a notable reshuffle amongst Carnival’s cruise director roster, with several high-profile departures occurring in recent months. His sudden exit has left fans and colleagues surprised, particularly as he was scheduled to begin a new contract aboard Carnival Sunshine in late October.

Career Spanning Multiple Ships And Roles

Evans’ journey with Carnival Cruise Line began in October 2009, when he joined as a singer and Playlist Performer. His unique energy and performance talents quickly made him a standout amongst the entertainment team, allowing him to showcase his abilities across the fleet.

Over his 16-year tenure, Evans progressed through various entertainment positions before eventually taking on the prestigious role of cruise director. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing all onboard entertainment, activities, and guest engagement – a role that requires exceptional charisma, organisational skills, and stamina.

Throughout his career as a cruise director, Evans has served multiple contracts aboard Carnival Freedom, where he became particularly well-known amongst regular guests. He also rotated through other vessels in the Carnival fleet, bringing his distinctive style and personality to thousands of passengers across different ships and itineraries.

Most Recent Assignment Aboard Carnival Freedom

Evans’ most recent contract saw him serving as cruise director aboard Carnival Freedom from 8th November 2025 through 14th March 2026. The 110,000-gross-tonne vessel, which entered service in 2007, operates year-round Caribbean itineraries and can accommodate 2,974 passengers at double occupancy.

During this period, Evans continued to build his reputation as one of the line’s most engaging and entertaining cruise directors. His signature introduction – “T-O-Double-D on the M-I-C” – became a familiar and beloved refrain for guests sailing aboard Freedom, creating an immediate connection and setting the tone for the onboard atmosphere.

Carnival Freedom sails primarily seven-day Caribbean voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting destinations throughout the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The ship underwent a significant refurbishment in 2018 as part of Carnival’s fleet enhancement programme, adding popular features such as Guy’s Burger Joint, the RedFrog Rum Bar, and an expanded WaterWorks aqua park.

Scheduled Carnival Sunshine Contract Cancelled

Following his assignment on Carnival Freedom, Evans was scheduled to serve as cruise director aboard Carnival Sunshi

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas has taken its entire vacuum plumbing system offline to complete essential maintenance work, rendering all toilets onboard unusable during specific timeframes. The repairs, scheduled for 29th July 2026, affected up to 5,602 passengers currently sailing aboard the 226,838-gross ton vessel.

The cruise line notified passengers that crew members would need to shut down the ship’s vacuum system – which is required to flush waste throughout the vessel – in order to perform critical maintenance on the plumbing infrastructure. The work was carefully timed to minimize disruption whilst ensuring the system continues operating at optimal standards.

Royal Caribbean strategically planned the bulk of the maintenance work whilst Oasis of the Seas remained docked in Nassau, Bahamas, providing passengers with access to shore-side facilities. The ship was scheduled to remain in the Bahamian capital from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, giving guests ample opportunity to disembark during the repair period.

According to a letter distributed to passengers and subsequently shared on social media, the cruise line outlined the specific timeframes for the system shutdown. “To ensure our plumbing system continues to operate at the highest standard, our team will be performing essential maintenance that requires temporarily shutting off the ship’s vacuum system,” Royal Caribbean explained in the communication.

The letter continued: “This work is scheduled to take place on July 29, from 10:00 am to Noon and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. During this time, toilets will not be operational.”

Two-Hour Increments With Strategic Break Period

The maintenance work was organized into two distinct two-hour periods, with a strategic one-hour break scheduled between the sessions. This approach allowed passengers to use facilities during the intermission whilst giving crew members adequate time to complete the necessary repairs.

All toilet facilities were expected to return to full operational status by 3:00 p.m., assuming no unexpected complications or delays arose during the maintenance process. The careful scheduling demonstrated Royal Caribbean’s attempt to balance essential ship maintenance with passenger comfort and convenience.

The timing of the work during a port day rather than at sea represents industry best practice, as it provides passengers with alternative options and reduces the impact of the service interruption. Many cruise lines schedule significant maintenance work during port calls for precisely this reason.

Current Sailing Details And Itinerary

The affected sailing embarked from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, on 26th July 2026, offering passengers a unique itinerary that includes several popular destinations. The ship had already completed a port call in Port Canaveral, Florida, on 28th July before arriving in Nassau for the maintenance work.

Following the Nassau stop, O

Celebrity Cruises has implemented a gratuity increase of $1.50 per guest, per day across all stateroom categories, effective 29th July 2026.

The adjustment brings standard stateroom gratuities to $19.50 daily, whilst The Retreat guests now pay $24.50 – a percentage increase ranging from 6.5% to 8.3% depending on cabin type.

The premium cruise line began notifying guests on 29th July 2026, the same day the new rates took effect, according to email communications sent to booked passengers. This timing has sparked significant frustration within the Celebrity Cruises community, as many guests discovered they had no opportunity to prepay gratuities at the previous lower rate.

The notification email outlined how gratuity charges are distributed throughout the vessel’s crew. “These gratuities are thoughtfully shared among our dining, bar and culinary teams, stateroom attendants, and the many crew members who help create the elevated experience you’ll enjoy onboard,” the communication stated.

New Rate Structure Affects All Accommodation Categories

The $1.50 daily increase applies uniformly across Celebrity Cruises’ entire stateroom inventory, though the base rates vary by accommodation tier. Inside, oceanview, and veranda staterooms now carry a gratuity charge of $19.50 per guest, per day, up from the previous $18 rate.

Concierge and AquaClass staterooms, which offer additional amenities and premium access, now require $20.50 per guest, per day in gratuities. The previous rate for these mid-tier premium accommodations stood at $19 per guest, per day.

The Retreat, Celebrity Cruises’ ship-within-a-ship concept offering exclusive access to private lounges, dedicated dining venues, and personalised butler service, now commands $24.50 per guest, per day. This represents an increase from the former $23 daily rate.

Percentage Increases Vary By Stateroom Category

When calculated as percentage increases, the adjustments impact different stateroom categories at varying rates. Standard staterooms – inside, oceanview, and veranda categories – experienced the steepest proportional increase at 8.3%.

Concierge and AquaClass staterooms saw a 7.9% increase in their daily gratuity charges. The Retreat, despite having the highest absolute gratuity rate, experienced the smallest percentage increase at 6.5%.

For a typical seven-night cruise, a couple in a standard stateroom will now pay an additional $21 in gratuities compared to the previous rate structure. A family of four on the same sailing would see an extra $42 in gratuity charges, whilst larger groups face proportionally higher increases.

Pre-Payment Option Offers Limited Window For Savings

The notification email provided guests with instructions to prepay gratuities at the current rate before their sailing, potentially allowing them to lock in the lower price. However, the simultaneous timing of the announcement and implementation severely limited this