Author: Jonathan @ Cruise Essentials

P&O Cruises has recently adjusted its drinks prices across its fleet, leading to a slight increase in costs for many popular beverages. This change affects a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks, and speciality coffees. Despite the price hike, P&O Cruises remains competitively priced compared to other cruise lines, especially in the premium and luxury sectors where drinks can be significantly more expensive.

Beer and Wine Price Adjustments

Among the changes, a pint of beer now costs £6.50, up from £5.95. Bottled beer and cider have also seen a slight increase, with prices now ranging from £5.80 to £6.20, depending on the brand. Wine by the glass has experienced a modest rise, now priced between £6.90 and £10.90, compared to the previous range of £6.50 to £10.75.

Cocktails and Spirits

Cocktails have increased by approximately 40p, now costing between £8.90 and £9.90. Mocktails have also seen a small rise, now priced between £4.60 and £4.90, up from a flat £4.50. Spirits, including gin, whiskey, and vodka, have experienced slight increases, with single measures now typically costing between £4.90 and £5.40. Mixers have gone up from £3.10 to £3.20.

Soft Drinks and Speciality Coffees

Soft drinks have edged up slightly, with regular servings now priced at £3.10, up from £3.00, and large sizes increasing from £3.70 to £3.90. Bottled water has risen from £2.35 to £2.50 for a 330ml bottle, while Red Bull now costs £4.40, up from £4.25. Speciality coffees have seen some of the larger percentage increases, with prices now ranging from £2.40 to £4.70, depending on the drink size and type. Tea has also increased slightly from £2.65 to £2.70.

Modest Increases Compared to the Wider Cruise Industry

Cruise lines regularly review onboard pricing as operating costs rise, and drink prices across the industry have generally increased in recent years. However, P&O Cruises’ latest adjustments remain fairly restrained compared to some competitors, particularly considering the line’s market positioning. Drinks on board are still viewed by many guests as reasonably affordable, especially when compared to prices on newer premium-focused cruise brands.

All-Inclusive Package Options

The update comes just months after P&O Cruises introduced its first-ever all-inclusive package options. Announced in December 2025, these packages offer guests bundled drinks, WiFi, and speciality dining credits on cruises of five nights or longer, departing from March 2026 onwards. Guests can choose between a Classic Package priced at £49 per person per day for sailings between five and 14 nights, or a Deluxe Package at £59 per person per day for the same duration. At launch, P&O Cruises stated that these packages could save guests up to 32% and 34% respectively, compared to purchasing the included items separately on board. The introduction of all-inclusive options provides passengers with a more predictable way to manage their onboard expenses.

Unexpected Incident on Norwegian Luna

During a recent Caribbean cruise, passengers aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Luna, experienced an unexpected event. On 14th May 2026, ceiling panels collapsed in one of the ship’s busiest dining venues, The Local Bar & Grill. This incident left several passengers with minor injuries.

Passenger Reactions and Immediate Response

A passenger shared the frightening experience on TikTok, describing it as the scariest moment for her and her fiancé. As the ceiling panels fell, she quickly exited the restaurant, while her fiancé stayed to help others trapped beneath the debris. Images posted online showed the extent of the damage, with ceiling sections scattered across tables and seating areas.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Official Statement

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the incident, stating that a small number of guests received medical treatment onboard for minor injuries. The cruise line did not specify the number of affected passengers or the nature of their injuries. The area was closed temporarily for repairs and investigation, with the cruise line prioritising guest and crew safety.

Impact on The Local Bar & Grill

The Local Bar & Grill, located on Deck 8, is a popular 24-hour dining venue offering a variety of casual meals. It is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima-class dining concept, also featured on sister ships. Despite the incident, Norwegian Luna continued its Caribbean itinerary, which began on 9th May 2026 from Miami.

Ongoing Support for Affected Guests

Norwegian Cruise Line assured that they are in contact with the impacted guests, providing assistance as needed. The cruise line emphasised their commitment to safety and is conducting a thorough review to prevent future occurrences. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures on cruise holidays.

Guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas in Vancouver on 15th May 2026 encountered an unexpected change to their Alaska cruise itinerary. The cruise, originally set to conclude in Seward, would now end in Whittier. This adjustment was due to ongoing construction at the Seward passenger dock. Passengers were informed just a day before embarkation, with Royal Caribbean expressing regret for the last-minute change. The cruise line assured guests that the onboard team would provide assistance to ensure a smooth departure experience.

Why Whittier?

Whittier, located about 50 miles northeast of Seward, is a well-equipped port for large cruise ships. It is frequently used as a turnaround port for Alaska cruise itineraries. Royal Caribbean confirmed that guests with post-cruise transfers or land tours booked through the cruise line would have their arrangements automatically adjusted. However, passengers who had independently arranged transport or accommodation were advised to contact their providers to reorganise plans.

Impact on Future Sailings

The change also affected the next southbound sailing of Ovation of the Seas, departing on 22nd May 2026. Passengers on this voyage were informed in advance, allowing them more time to adjust flights, hotels, and transportation. Royal Caribbean clarified that the operational change was not due to any issues with the ship itself. The 168,666-gross-ton Quantum-class vessel continued normal operations, with no changes to ports of call or onboard programming.

Looking Ahead

At the time of the notification, no similar changes had been announced for subsequent Alaska sailings on 29th May and 5th June. This suggested that the construction in Seward might be completed in time for later voyages to resume as planned. The passenger dock replacement project in Seward is a collaborative effort involving Alaska Railroad, Royal Caribbean Group, Turnagain Marine, and the Seward Company. Officials anticipated the upgraded facility would reopen in spring 2026.

Homeport Changes: Rare but Possible

While changes to cruise homeports are rare, they do happen occasionally. Such adjustments can occur due to weather events, infrastructure projects, or emergencies. In this case, the construction work in Seward necessitated the change, highlighting the importance of flexibility in cruise travel plans.

MSC Cruises has enhanced the dining options on MSC Seashore by introducing two new complimentary grab-and-go venues. These additions aim to provide passengers with more casual meal choices during their cruise holiday. The Chicken Man and Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs are the latest offerings, both included in the cruise fare at no extra cost.

Discover The Chicken Man on Deck 18

Located on the main pool deck, The Chicken Man is perfect for those enjoying the outdoors. It offers quick-service chicken tenders, fries, and chicken sandwiches from a convenient walk-up counter. Guests can personalise their meals with a selection of sauces. Nearby shaded seating allows for a relaxed dining experience with stunning ocean views.

Explore Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs on Deck 8

Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs is situated near the aft infinity pool and serves both breakfast and lunch. Morning options include barbecue burritos and pulled pork hash, while lunch features American barbecue classics like pulled pork and beef brisket. Side dishes such as baked beans and macaroni and cheese complement the main offerings. The venue also has two service lines to minimise queues, and dessert lovers can indulge in banana pudding and cookie pecan butter pie.

Flexible Dining Options

The introduction of these venues aligns with MSC Cruises’ ongoing efforts to expand onboard dining experiences, especially for ships sailing from North America. The launch follows the “Dine on Your Time” programme, which began on 19th April 2026. This initiative offers passengers more flexibility with main restaurant dining schedules, enhancing their overall cruise experience.

Experience MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore, a 170,400-gross-ton vessel, boasts a wide array of specialty dining venues. Options include Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Hola! Tacos and Cantina, Kaito Sushi Bar, and Ocean Cay restaurant. The ship also features 18 bars and lounges for guests to enjoy. Homeported from Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore offers 3- and 4-night Bahamas sailings and 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries. Depending on the chosen voyage, the ship visits destinations like Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Cruises continues to innovate and enhance the dining experience for its passengers, ensuring a memorable cruise holiday.

P&O Cruises has taken a proactive step to address the ongoing issue of reserving sun loungers by introducing new warning covers on some of its poolside beds. Although the cruise line hasn’t officially announced a new policy, passengers on recent warm-weather cruises have noticed these fabric covers. They serve as a reminder for guests not to leave loungers unattended for long periods.

This initiative follows a recent legal case in Germany, where a tourist successfully sued for compensation after struggling to find a sun lounger during a family holiday in Greece. According to BBC News, the traveller spent about 20 minutes each day searching for a free lounger, even waking up at 6am to secure a spot. The court ruled in his favour, awarding him a refund and additional compensation, emphasising the need for holiday companies to ensure fair access to loungers.

New Lounger Covers Spotted On P&O Ships

Passengers on P&O Cruises have shared images online of loungers with branded covers that discourage reserving. The covers display a message: “Loungers get lonely. Please don’t reserve. If left for more than 30 minutes, belongings will be moved to the lonely lounger pick up point.” This visible reminder reinforces the cruise line’s existing rules against reserving loungers for extended periods.

P&O Cruises, which primarily sails from Southampton to destinations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Norwegian Fjords, often faces the same pool deck challenges seen at European resorts during peak seasons. Online comments from passengers have been largely supportive of these enforcement efforts, especially on busy sea days when finding a free lounger can be challenging.

One cruiser shared a humorous experience from their first cruise in December, where a group of older women frequently reserved loungers. They were upset when their belongings were removed, much to the amusement of other guests. Another passenger expressed relief, stating that the move was long overdue, as finding a lounger to dry off after a swim was often difficult.

A guest aboard P&O Cruises’ ship Britannia earlier this year noted that crew members actively enforced these rules, ensuring fair access to loungers for all passengers.

Passenger Dies Amid Suspected Norovirus Outbreak on Cruise

A tragic incident has occurred aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition, where a 90-year-old woman has died following a suspected norovirus outbreak. The ship, currently docked in Bordeaux, has seen dozens of passengers and crew members experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Although the exact cause of death has not been confirmed, the symptoms align with those of norovirus.

Enhanced Health Measures Implemented

In response to the outbreak, Ambassador Cruise Line has implemented stringent cleaning and health protocols. Passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins temporarily while testing and monitoring are underway. This is a precautionary measure to prevent further spread of the virus.

Understanding Norovirus on Cruise Ships

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in communal environments like cruise ships, hotels, and schools. Despite rigorous sanitation procedures, the virus can still pose a challenge due to its ability to spread through minimal contact. Dr Lucy Hooper, co-founder of Coyne Medical, explains that norovirus, often referred to as stomach flu, can be transmitted through surfaces, making it easy to catch by touching common items like door handles or buffet tongs.

Current Situation in Bordeaux

The outbreak was first reported on 11th May 2026, with the ship carrying approximately 1,700 passengers, including many from the UK. French authorities are currently overseeing the situation, conducting tests and implementing precautionary measures. It remains uncertain how long the ship will stay in Bordeaux as health teams continue their monitoring efforts.

Cruise Lines’ Commitment to Safety

Cruise operators are committed to maintaining high sanitation standards across their fleets. They employ enhanced cleaning, isolation measures, and onboard medical support to swiftly address any outbreaks. While norovirus cases on cruises are relatively rare compared to the vast number of passengers cruising each year, they often attract significant attention due to the close-knit nature of cruise holidays.

The final passengers have disembarked from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship recently affected by a hantavirus outbreak. Health authorities have confirmed three additional cases linked to this deadly virus. The ship set sail from Tenerife to the Netherlands on Monday after the last six passengers, including four Australians, one Briton, and one New Zealander, left the vessel along with several crew members.

The outbreak has tragically resulted in three passenger deaths, with two confirmed as hantavirus cases. According to the World Health Organization, there are now nine confirmed cases connected to the ship, with two more suspected infections under investigation. The latest confirmed cases include an American and a French national who tested positive after returning home. Spanish authorities also reported a quarantined passenger in Madrid provisionally tested positive on Monday.

Despite concerns, health officials maintain that the risk of a widespread outbreak remains low. The rare Andes strain of hantavirus, believed to have been contracted during the cruise’s South American itinerary, is typically spread by rodents. However, it is one of the few strains capable of limited human-to-human transmission. Symptoms can include fever, severe fatigue, muscle pain, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, and breathing difficulties.

International Repatriation Effort Continues

Repatriation efforts are ongoing for passengers and crew from over 20 countries. US health officials confirmed that a second American passenger repatriated from Tenerife developed mild symptoms. Both infected passengers travelled in specialised biocontainment units as a precaution. In France, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist reported that a French passenger isolating in Paris had seen her condition worsen, with 22 close contacts already traced.

Two British nationals with confirmed hantavirus infections are receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa. Meanwhile, 20 Filipino crew members have arrived in the Netherlands, where they will undergo testing and quarantine. A total of 38 Filipino crew members will eventually need repatriation to the Philippines.

As of Monday evening, Oceanwide Expeditions reported that 27 people remained aboard the vessel, including 25 crew members and two medical staff. The crew includes members from the Philippines, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, and the Netherlands. Ukrainian officials stated their nationals would help sail the ship back to the Netherlands before entering quarantine upon arrival. Over 90 passengers have already been repatriated from the ship.

Tragic Incident at Celebration Key

An unfortunate accident occurred at Celebration Key in The Bahamas, resulting in the death of an elderly passenger aboard the Carnival Celebration. The incident took place around midday on Saturday, 9th May 2026, during the final day of the ship’s 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. The cruise had set sail from PortMiami on 3rd May.

Details of the Accident

The victim, an 88-year-old American woman, was travelling on a mobility scooter when she reportedly lost control near the pier’s edge. Both she and the scooter fell into the water. It is unclear whether she was returning to the ship or heading ashore at the time. Investigators suspect she may have hit her head during the fall.

Emergency Response

Rescue teams quickly retrieved the woman from the water and brought her aboard the ship, which served as the nearest medical facility. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, she was pronounced dead. Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the incident, expressing condolences to her family. The Royal Bahamian Police Department and the coroner’s office took custody of the deceased.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities in The Bahamas are investigating the accident’s circumstances. An autopsy will determine the official cause of death. It remains uncertain whether a medical episode, a mechanical issue with the scooter, or another factor led to the loss of control.

Witness Accounts

The incident was witnessed by many passengers from both Carnival Celebration and Carnival Glory, which was also docked at Celebration Key. With the ship accommodating over 5,300 guests, hundreds were present during the emergency. Passengers described a chaotic scene, with announcements made over the ship’s public address system. Some reported seeing CPR performed after the woman was brought back onboard.

Efforts to Assist

Eyewitnesses suggested that another individual, possibly the woman’s husband, entered the water to assist her before rescue teams arrived. Local police and crime scene investigators later secured the area, and divers recovered the mobility scooter from the seabed. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the tragic event.

Two passengers on the Carnival Spirit cruise ship are facing federal assault charges following a heated dispute over a priority Guest Services queue. The incident occurred in March 2026 during a Bahamas cruise, as the ship sailed from Mobile, Alabama. Reports from Fox 10 News indicate that the altercation took place near the end of the voyage on Deck 2, where guests were queuing at the Guest Services desk.

Authorities report that Tonya Nelson confronted Lisa Horace, who was allegedly standing in a line reserved for Diamond and Platinum members of Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP loyalty programme. Nelson attempted to alert Horace to the dedicated queue by tapping her husband on the shoulder. The situation escalated when Horace allegedly threatened to slap Nelson. Although it’s unclear who initiated the physical confrontation, both women reportedly exchanged slaps, which then led to kicking and other aggressive behaviour. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

Since the incident occurred in international waters, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has jurisdiction over the case. Both women have been charged with simple assault and are required to appear in federal court in Mobile on 13th May 2026. Carnival Cruise Line has not commented publicly, but investigators have reviewed surveillance footage from the ship as part of their investigation.

Priority Guest Services Lines Can Cause Frustration

This incident underscores the importance some cruise passengers place on loyalty programme perks, especially when ships become crowded towards the end of a voyage. Dedicated Guest Services queues for Diamond and Platinum VIFP members are among Carnival’s most valued benefits, allowing frequent cruisers to bypass long waits. However, it remains uncertain whether Horace was in the wrong queue. Passengers who purchase Carnival’s Faster to the Fun package can also use the priority line, regardless of their loyalty status. If Horace had this package, she would have been entitled to access the queue.

Long lines at Guest Services are common during the final days of a cruise. Passengers often need to review onboard spending, resolve billing issues, ask questions about disembarkation, or address concerns related to their Sail & Sign accounts. With Carnival Spirit accommodating up to 2,124 guests at double occupancy, even a small number of passengers seeking assistance can lead to lengthy queues. In recent years, Carnival has occasionally reduced or removed dedicated priority lines on some sailings when there are unusually high numbers of passengers.

Carnival Cruise Line Faces Booking Controversy

Carnival Cruise Line recently faced a wave of cancellations for its upcoming ship, Carnival Festivale. An IT glitch over the weekend led to cruises being sold at significantly reduced prices. During planned IT maintenance, some sailings on the eagerly awaited Excel-class ship were mistakenly listed at prices as low as $375 per person for balcony cabins.

Immediate Response to the Error

Guests quickly took advantage of these deals before the cruise line removed the fares. Carnival then began contacting affected passengers. In emails to these guests, Carnival confirmed that the bookings would not be honoured, citing a technical issue. The cruise line assured that reservations were cancelled and any payments made would be fully refunded.

Compensation and Reactions

As a gesture of goodwill, Carnival offered affected guests $100 onboard credit for a future booking made before 31st August. This decision sparked mixed reactions on social media. Many guests expressed frustration over the cancellations and the level of compensation. One guest was particularly upset, questioning the limited credit offer and expressing doubt about booking with Carnival again.

Mixed Opinions on Social Media

While some guests were angry, others defended Carnival’s decision. They argued that the prices were clearly too low for a brand-new ship entering service in 2027. One user noted that when something seems too good to be true, it usually is. They appreciated the onboard credit as a goodwill gesture, acknowledging that Carnival could have simply cancelled without compensation.

Industry-Wide Challenges

This incident is not unique to Carnival. Cruise lines, airlines, and hotels have all faced similar situations when technical faults or human errors release “mistake fares” online. While some companies honour these bookings for goodwill, many rely on terms and conditions that allow cancellations when pricing errors occur.

Anticipation for Carnival Festivale

Despite the controversy, excitement continues to build around Carnival Festivale. Scheduled to enter service in spring 2027, it will be the fourth ship in Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel class. As anticipation grows, the cruise line aims to resolve the current issues and focus on delivering an exceptional experience for future passengers.