Author: Jonathan @ Cruise Essentials

Explore Alaska with Virgin Voyages’ Exclusive Season Pass

Virgin Voyages is set to revolutionise cruise holidays with its new month-long season pass for Alaska in summer 2026. This unique offering allows guests to spend 30 days aboard the Brilliant Lady, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Last Frontier. Designed for adults only, this cruise promises a serene and child-free experience.

A Residency at Sea

The Alaska Summer Season Pass is more than just a holiday; it’s a residency at sea. It caters to those who crave a slower pace, surrounded by stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Prices start at $26,000 for two guests sharing a Central Sea Terrace cabin. According to Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu, Alaska is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth, and experiencing it aboard the Brilliant Lady combines adventure with comfort and style.

What’s Included in the Pass?

The package is packed with perks. Guests enjoy daily drink credits, complimentary laundry for the entire month, and an upgraded Work From Sea WiFi package. This ensures you stay connected while enjoying the tranquillity of the sea. The pass also includes entry to the thermal spa, priority boarding, and exclusive welcome events. Additionally, guests receive up to $250 per person for shore excursions, with a dedicated glacier excursion included. An Alaska gear bundle, featuring binoculars, a jacket, a backpack, a reusable water bottle, and a Canon G7X camera, is also provided.

Itineraries and Travel Periods

Brilliant Lady will primarily operate 7-night itineraries from Seattle, visiting ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka. Season pass holders will remain onboard between sailings, while other travellers disembark and embark each week. There are four 30-day options available, with prices varying by date. The voyages run round-trip from Seattle, offering flexibility and convenience.

Pricing Details

– 28th May to 23rd June: from $26,000 for two
– 23rd June to 23rd July: from $38,000 for two
– 30th July to 27th August: from $35,000 for two
– 27th August to 26th September: from $36,000 for two

Virgin Voyages’ Commitment to Long-Stay Offers

Virgin Voyages is no stranger to extended stays. They have previously introduced a European month-long season pass and an annual pass with unlimited sailings. The 2026 annual pass, which includes a stay on Richard Branson’s Necker Island, is priced at $199,000 per person. As more travellers seek immersive, adults-only holidays with remote-working flexibility, Virgin Voyages is keen to make long cruising stays a signature offering. Alaska now joins this exciting programme, perfect for those seeking a child-free summer adventure.

Stay Updated with New Deals

Don’t miss out on the latest offers from Virgin Voyages. Keep an eye out for new deals and embark on your next adventure. Whether it’s the luxurious annual pass or the innovative “Mystery Voyage” on Brilliant Lady in 2025, there’s always something exciting on the horizon.

A wave of mechanical issues has recently impacted several major cruise lines, including Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises. These disruptions have led to delayed arrivals, altered itineraries, and even cancelled sailings in late November 2025. The primary culprit? Propulsion system problems that have slowed down ships, affecting thousands of passengers across the Atlantic.

Queen Mary 2’s Propulsion Problems Cause Delays

Cunard Line’s flagship, the Queen Mary 2, first encountered issues during a Northern Lights cruise. A technical defect in a propulsion pod forced the ship to divert to Bremerhaven for repairs instead of Hamburg. This unexpected detour also led to the cancellation of a short Southampton mini-cruise. Despite these setbacks, the Queen Mary 2 departed Southampton on 19th November for its scheduled transatlantic journey to New York.

However, the earlier problems had a ripple effect on subsequent voyages. Upon arriving in Brooklyn on 26th November, the ship was an hour behind schedule. To manage congestion, Cunard advised embarking guests to arrive two hours later than planned. The Caribbean cruise that followed also saw changes. The stop in St Kitts on 4th December was cancelled, with an extended overnight stay in Barbados from 2nd–3rd December. The visit to St Lucia was rescheduled for 4th December. While Cunard hasn’t confirmed that propulsion issues caused these changes, the timing suggests a connection.

Carnival Conquest Faces Mechanical Setbacks

Carnival Cruise Line has also been hit by propulsion troubles. After Carnival Horizon experienced speed limitations in mid-November, Carnival Conquest faced similar issues. On 20th November, guests were informed of a mechanical problem that restricted the ship’s speed overnight. This resulted in a delayed arrival at Celebration Key during a 4-night Bahamas cruise from Miami. To compensate, Carnival shortened the port stay and offered a $50 onboard credit per stateroom.

Although the Conquest seems to have returned to normal operations, Carnival has not disclosed the cause of the incident. This isn’t the first time the vessel has faced such issues; earlier in January, engine difficulties delayed its return to port.

MSC Meraviglia Alters Bahamas Itinerary

MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia has also been affected by speed restrictions due to planned maintenance. Ahead of its 30th November Bahamas cruise from New York, guests were notified on 24th November about changes to key port arrivals. The ship’s arrival at Port Canaveral on 2nd December was moved from 1 pm to 5:30 pm, resulting in the cancellation of all excursions.

These mechanical issues have certainly caused a stir among cruise holidaygoers. As cruise lines work to resolve these problems, passengers are advised to stay informed about potential itinerary changes. For those planning a cruise holiday, it’s crucial to remain flexible and prepared for unexpected adjustments.

Royal Caribbean’s Beach Club Delays: What UK Cruise Enthusiasts Need to Know

Royal Caribbean has hit a snag with its much-anticipated Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau. The private resort, set in the stunning Bahamas, was not ready for its early preview experiences. This has led to the cancellation of some exclusive sneak peeks. Despite this hiccup, the official opening remains scheduled for 23rd December 2025.

Cancelled Previews for Symphony of the Seas Guests

A select group of guests aboard Symphony of the Seas was invited to preview the new beach club. The ship was set to dock in Nassau on 15th December 2025, just days before the grand opening. However, Royal Caribbean has now cancelled at least one of these preview events. In a message to affected guests, the cruise line explained that construction is still ongoing. They emphasised the need to meet their high standards before welcoming visitors.

Compensation for Affected Guests

Although the preview was complimentary, Royal Caribbean is offering a gesture of goodwill. Guests who missed out will receive exclusive Paradise Island-themed gifts in their cabins. This aims to soften the disappointment and maintain customer satisfaction.

Official Opening Date Remains Unchanged

Despite the preview cancellations, the official opening date is still set for 23rd December 2025. This date was previously moved forward from 27th December. Recent site images show progress, with pools filled and vibrant ferry boats ready. However, construction continues in some areas of the complex.

Potential Impact on Other Sailings

Other preview visits planned before the official launch may also face changes or cancellations. Ships scheduled to visit Nassau in the lead-up to the opening include Wonder of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas, among others. Radiance of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are expected to be among the first to visit once the club is fully operational.

Royal Caribbean’s First Dedicated Beach Club

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is Royal Caribbean’s inaugural fully developed beach club, distinct from its private islands. Once open, day passes will be available. Prices are expected to start at $109.99 for children aged 4–12 and $129.99 for adults. Visitors will enjoy access to pools, beaches, and more.

For UK cruise holidaygoers, this development is one to watch. The Royal Beach Club promises a unique experience, despite the initial setbacks. Keep an eye on updates as the opening date approaches.

Missing Cruise Passenger in St Maarten: Authorities Seek Public Help

Authorities in St Maarten are appealing to the public for assistance in locating Ann Evans, a 55-year-old cruise passenger. Evans, who was on a shore excursion, did not return to her ship earlier this week. She was travelling on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam when she was reported missing during a port visit to the Caribbean island.

Passenger Did Not Return From Shore Excursion

The Rotterdam, on a 12-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, docked in St Maarten on Thursday, 20th November 2025. Evans disembarked at around 10 am for an organised tour. She left the tour bus at a stop in Marigot, on the French side, but did not return to the bus or the ship.

St Maarten Police Issue Public Appeal

Police are urging anyone who may have seen Evans or has information about her to contact local authorities immediately. They have also issued a direct message to Evans. If she sees the message, she is asked to contact her family or the police to confirm her safety. Images of Evans have been circulated on social media to aid the search.

Possible Hotel Check-In

In a recent update, police mentioned a woman matching Evans’ description, carrying her passport, checked into a hotel on the island. However, this has not been confirmed as Evans. Authorities continue to ask her to reach out to both police and her family.

Rotterdam Continues Its Voyage

Despite the search, the Rotterdam continued its cruise as scheduled. It is expected to return to Port Everglades on Friday, 28th November 2025. The ship can accommodate up to 2,668 guests at double occupancy, with a capacity of over 4,000 when fully booked. It is unclear if Evans has any personal connections to St Maarten or the region.

Comparisons With Past Cruise Disappearances

This incident has drawn comparisons to other cruise disappearances where passengers did not return from shore leave. In some cases, passengers were later found safe, having chosen not to re-join their cruise. However, authorities emphasise that nothing is confirmed about Evans’ situation. The priority remains locating her and ensuring her wellbeing.

How to Share Information

Anyone with information on Ann Evans’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten, the French Gendarmerie, or local emergency services on the island. The search is ongoing, and authorities are keen to resolve the situation swiftly.

Spanish Authorities Launch Search for Missing British Cruise Passenger

Emergency Response Activated at Sea

A 76-year-old British passenger reportedly went overboard from the Marella Explorer 2. This incident occurred as the cruise ship journeyed from Madeira to the Canary Islands. Spanish maritime authorities quickly initiated a comprehensive air and sea search.

The search began immediately and resumed at dawn the next day. A spokesperson confirmed the passenger’s age and the ongoing search efforts. The ship’s captain promptly slowed the vessel and activated emergency protocols. These included reviewing CCTV footage, deploying marker buoys, and conducting circular search patterns.

Search Focused Off Tenerife Coast

The incident reportedly happened about 16 nautical miles off Punta de Teno, located on Tenerife’s north-west coast. Rescue teams have deployed two specialist search vessels and an emergency helicopter. However, the search is challenging due to deep waters and strong currents, which can reach speeds of two knots in this area.

Despite extensive efforts, no trace of the missing passenger has been found so far. The search continues as authorities strive to overcome the difficult conditions.

TUI Confirms Overboard Incident

TUI, the operator of Marella Cruises, confirmed the unfortunate event in a statement. They expressed deep sadness over the incident, stating, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera.” TUI also mentioned that a care team is supporting the passenger’s family during this challenging time.

The cruise line is fully cooperating with local authorities as the search continues. TUI remains committed to assisting in any way possible.

Investigation Ongoing

The search operation remains active, with Spanish authorities coordinating efforts by both air and sea. Details about the incident’s circumstances are still scarce. The ship was navigating a remote ocean stretch when the incident occurred, complicating rescue efforts due to currents, depth, and weather conditions.

Authorities have not disclosed how long the search will persist. The situation remains fluid as the search for the missing passenger continues.

The Animal Guyz Expand Their Cruise Horizons

Exciting news for cruise enthusiasts! The Animal Guyz, a UK-based entertainment group, are set to broaden their horizons at sea. Known for their dynamic animal education shows without live animals, they have announced a continued partnership with P&O Cruises for 2026. Additionally, they have secured a new contract with Norwegian Cruise Line for US sailings.

P&O Cruises: New Shows and Wider Reach in 2026

In 2026, The Animal Guyz will return to P&O Cruises, performing on three ships. Arvia and Ventura will host their popular productions, Animals Unleashed and Animals Go Wild. These shows are a blend of puppetry, animatronics, comedy, and audience interaction. Meanwhile, Iona will feature Jurassic Cruise and a new Dino Rocks stage show. These performances, led by their in-house palaeontologist David, bring dinosaurs to life with large-scale effects. The group has expressed their gratitude for the warm reception from P&O Cruises over the past two years and are eager to introduce new experiences in 2026. Expect dates to be announced next week.

Debut with Norwegian Cruise Line

The Animal Guyz are also making their debut with Norwegian Cruise Line. From May to September 2025, they will perform weekly on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. These shows, exclusive to NCL, will focus on Arctic wildlife and ocean habitats. This new partnership marks a significant milestone for the UK act, as they bring their unique brand of educational entertainment to American cruise audiences for the first time.

Who Are The Animal Guyz?

The Animal Guyz are renowned as “the UK’s leading animal show with no live animals.” Instead of real animals, they use expert puppetry, animatronics, and special effects to create lifelike creatures on stage. Their shows are designed around the concept of ‘learning through laughter,’ blending education with comedy in a family-friendly format. By avoiding live animals, they promote animal welfare while still delivering captivating performances.

Positive Reactions from Cruise Fans

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from fans and cruisers on social media. One cruiser described the news as “brilliant” and humorously offered to carry their cases. A former guest praised the Alaska cruise on Norwegian Bliss as “an incredible ship” and called the group “a fab addition to the entertainment team.” P&O guests also shared positive feedback. One passenger who saw the show on Iona described it as “excellent” and emotional, while others said the group was “well deserved” and “going global.” A travel agent noted that they regularly recommend the shows to clients.

Dense Fog Disrupts Cruise Travel at Port Tampa Bay

On 24th November 2025, dense fog led to the temporary closure of Port Tampa Bay. This unexpected weather event caused significant delays for cruise ships, affecting the travel plans of hundreds of passengers. Carnival Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander were the two vessels impacted, as they were unable to safely navigate the bay due to poor visibility.

Impact on Passengers

The port’s closure had a ripple effect on both disembarking and embarking guests. Carnival Paradise was returning from a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise, while Margaritaville at Sea Islander was concluding a 6-night journey. Both ships had to wait offshore until conditions improved, delaying their arrival at the terminals.

Carnival Paradise’s Delayed Departure

Carnival Paradise faced a significant delay for its next 5-night Western Caribbean cruise. Carnival Cruise Line informed passengers of revised terminal arrival times around 3 pm. Embarkation appointments were shifted by approximately nine hours to streamline the process. The new check-in times were as follows:

– Original 10–11am now 7–7.30pm
– Original 11am–12pm now 7.30–8pm
– Original 12–1pm now 8–8.30pm
– Original 1–2pm now 8.30–9pm

Carnival assured guests that main dining rooms would offer open seating, the Lido Marketplace buffet would be open, and staterooms would be available upon boarding. They also cautioned that the itinerary might be adjusted after departure.

Margaritaville at Sea Islander’s Schedule Changes

Margaritaville at Sea Islander also experienced disruptions. Debarkation was delayed until around 4.15 pm, with embarkation for the next 4-night Cozumel cruise starting at approximately 6.30 pm. Earlier, the cruise line had advised guests to postpone their arrival at the terminal due to a six-hour delay. The ship’s itinerary includes a port of call in Cozumel, with sea days before and after to accommodate any schedule changes.

Fog Lifts, Ships Resume Transit

By late afternoon, the fog cleared enough for both ships to proceed through Tampa Bay. This brought relief to passengers eager to disembark and those excited to start their cruises. Cruise lines expressed gratitude for guests’ patience, emphasising that safety was the top priority during the weather-related disruption.

Explore New Cruise Deals

Looking for your next cruise adventure? Check out the latest Carnival cruise offers and set sail on your dream holiday. See Cruises.

Carnival Horizon Tragedy: A Closer Look at the Investigation

The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon has been officially ruled a homicide. Her death certificate, issued on 24th November 2025, reveals the cause as “mechanical asphyxia.” This indicates that Anna was suffocated by another person.

Death Certificate Confirms Asphyxiation

The certificate aligns with earlier reports suggesting Anna died from a bar hold, a choking method that applies pressure to the neck. The date of injury is recorded as 6th November 2025, but the exact time of death remains unclear. Initially, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner noted the time of death as 11.17am on 7th November 2025. This detail is now under review.

Anna’s body was found under a bed in her cabin, covered with a sheet and life jackets. FBI agents were present when the ship docked in PortMiami. Autopsy and toxicology results are still pending.

No Arrests as Investigation Continues

Despite the homicide ruling, no arrests have been made. Investigators are scrutinising the movements of those who shared the cabin with Anna, including her 16-year-old step-brother. He is mentioned in court documents as a person of interest but has not been charged. Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects.

Court documents reveal that Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, requested a delay in unrelated custody proceedings. She cited the potential for a criminal case involving one of her children. Security footage has been reviewed to establish a timeline of Anna’s final hours, but these videos have not been released to the public.

Grandparents Defend Blended Family

Amidst growing public speculation, Anna’s grandparents have spoken out. In an exclusive interview with ABC News, they urged caution and offered insight into the family dynamics. Jeffrey and Barbara Kepner described a close bond between Anna and her step-brother. “They were two peas in a pod,” Barbara Kepner shared.

The grandparents explained that the teenagers chose to share a cabin and had the option to sleep elsewhere if needed. “We made it very clear that at any time if they weren’t getting along … we had an extra bed in our room that they could come to,” Barbara said. They also noted the step-brother’s deep distress following Anna’s death. “He was an emotional mess. He couldn’t even speak. He couldn’t believe what had happened,” she added.

Following the ship’s return, the teenager was hospitalised for psychiatric observation. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the truth behind this tragic event.

A 38-year-old man was taken into custody following an alleged assault on an elderly passenger aboard the Norwegian Encore. This incident occurred during embarkation in Miami on Saturday, 22nd November 2025. The cruise was set for a 7-night Western Caribbean journey, departing from Florida.

Details of the Onboard Incident

The altercation reportedly began when a 67-year-old passenger advised Phillip Andrew Ortiz not to enter a restricted hallway. The situation quickly escalated. Ortiz allegedly responded with hostility, questioning the older man’s authority. A physical struggle ensued, resulting in the elderly passenger hitting his head on the floor. Ortiz is accused of using his full body weight to pin the man down, causing him to lose consciousness. Shockingly, Ortiz reportedly left the scene without offering assistance.

Immediate Response from Fellow Passengers

Nearby passengers sprang into action. They performed CPR on the unconscious victim, as he had no detectable pulse. Medical staff later revived him, and he was transported to the University of Miami Hospital for further care. Ortiz’s wife is also said to have been involved, though her legal status remains unclear.

Legal Proceedings and Current Status

Miami-Dade deputies arrested Ortiz shortly after the incident. Initially charged with aggravated battery on a person aged 65 or older, the charge was later reduced. Ortiz remains in custody, with no bond listed. His lawyer, Stephan Lopez, hinted at a possible self-defence claim, despite evidence suggesting Ortiz was the aggressor.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Stance

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the arrest and emphasised its strict no-violence policy. In a statement, they reiterated their commitment to passenger safety. The cruise line assured guests of their dedication to maintaining a secure environment on all voyages.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and respect on cruise holidays. As the legal proceedings unfold, the cruise community watches closely, hoping for justice and a continued focus on passenger well-being.

A 73-year-old man from Melbourne, Australia, tragically went overboard from the Disney Wonder cruise ship. The incident occurred as the ship was navigating the Tasman Sea en route to New Zealand. Authorities believe the man, hailing from Moonee Ponds, “jumped” from the vessel in the early hours of Saturday morning. Unfortunately, his body has not been recovered.

Ship Turns Back for Search Operation

In response to the incident, Disney Wonder promptly changed course to initiate a comprehensive search and rescue mission. Passengers and local media reported that the man went overboard around 4:30 am. However, many guests only realised something was amiss when the ship altered its direction hours later. The crew conducted a thorough search for approximately five hours, employing advanced equipment like thermal imaging cameras, before the operation was called off.

Passenger Reactions

Mitch Talbot, a passenger on board, shared his experience with Australian media. He recounted how the captain informed everyone about the overboard incident and the unsuccessful search efforts. The atmosphere on the ship turned sombre and eerie for the remainder of the day, as passengers and crew grappled with the gravity of the situation.

Police Statement and Coroner Report

Victoria Police have confirmed they are preparing a report for the Coroner, which is standard in such cases. A police spokesperson stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The man’s body remains unrecovered, and the investigation is ongoing.

Cruise Continues With Delayed Arrival

After the search was concluded, Disney Wonder resumed its journey towards Auckland, New Zealand. The ship is now expected to arrive later than initially planned. Passengers are set to disembark later this week, though there are conflicting reports about the exact delay. Disney Cruise Line has yet to release a detailed public statement, aside from standard operational updates.

A Tragic Reminder of Overboard Incidents

While overboard incidents are rare in the cruise industry, they do happen and trigger immediate emergency responses. The mood on board was subdued as everyone processed the seriousness of the event. A formal coroner’s report will be issued in due course, as the investigation continues.

Cruise holidays are generally safe and enjoyable, but this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the potential risks. Stay informed and travel safely on your next cruise adventure.