Author: Jonathan @ Cruise Essentials

Barcelona’s New Tourist Tax for Cruise Passengers

Barcelona is set to double the tourist tax for cruise passengers visiting the city as a port of call. This change aims to reduce the number of day visitors arriving by ship. Mayor Jaume Collboni announced that the levy will increase from €4 to €8 in the coming months.

Targeting Transit Guests

The increased tax will specifically target transit guests. These are passengers who visit Barcelona for a short time before their ship departs the same day. However, the new charge will not affect those starting or ending their cruise holidays in the city.

Political Context and Timing

The announcement was made on 13th May 2026, as reported by El País. Mayor Collboni is pushing for a quicker implementation of the tax increase, which was initially planned to be phased in over several years. This move coincides with his re-election campaign, making cruise tourism a hot topic in local politics.

Financial Implications for Cruise Lines

While an extra €4 per passenger might seem minor, it could significantly impact cruise operators. For instance, MSC Cruises’ MSC World Europa, which can carry up to 6,762 guests, would face an additional cost of over €27,000 for a single visit if fully booked. These costs could accumulate quickly over multiple visits.

Handling Increased Costs

Cruise lines will need to decide how to manage these additional expenses. Some may pass the costs onto passengers through booking fees or onboard charges. Others might absorb the increase, especially for cruises already paid in full, potentially affecting their profit margins.

Additional Measures in Barcelona

Barcelona is also reducing its cruise terminal capacity from seven to five terminals. This change will add pressure on berth availability and could complicate ship scheduling. These measures are part of a broader strategy to manage cruise tourism in the city.

Global Trends in Cruise Tourism Management

Barcelona is not alone in re-evaluating its approach to cruise tourism. Many destinations worldwide are implementing measures to control visitor numbers and manage the impact of large-scale cruise tourism.

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas is gearing up to welcome guests once more after a significant refurbishment. The Oasis-class ship recently completed a five-week drydock at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz. This extensive refit is part of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified programme. The ship, which can accommodate 5,558 passengers, is set to resume service on 21st May 2026. It will embark on a short cruise from Barcelona to France and Spain before launching into week-long Western Mediterranean itineraries.

New Venues Added During Refit

One of the standout additions is The Lime & Coconut, a tropical-style pool bar that enhances the ship’s outdoor areas. Harmony of the Seas now also boasts several new dining and entertainment options. El Loco Fresh offers a complimentary Mexican dining experience, while Samba Grill introduces a Brazilian steakhouse concept. The Boardwalk neighbourhood now features Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, replacing the former Sabor space. Additionally, over 100 new staterooms have been added, including panoramic suites above the bridge and new inside cabins where a conference centre once stood. The ship, built in 2016, also sports updated exterior branding with a larger ship name on the bow and a refreshed Royal Caribbean logo at the stern.

Mediterranean Season Before Port Canaveral Return

After its initial post-refit voyage, Harmony of the Seas will spend the spring and summer cruising Europe. It will offer week-long trips to Spain, France, and Italy, stopping at ports like Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, and Naples. In late July, the ship will head back to North America as the new Legend of the Seas takes over similar Mediterranean routes for its inaugural season. Starting in August 2026, Harmony of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, offering two- to seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

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Royal Caribbean has introduced an exciting new brunch experience at its renowned Chops Grille steakhouse, offering cruise holidaygoers another enticing dining option. This new brunch menu is being rolled out across the fleet, adding a fresh twist to the existing dining choices. While this creates an additional paid dining experience, the pricing has sparked conversation among guests. At approximately $48 per person, it stands as one of the pricier daytime dining options available on board.

New Menu Brings Steakhouse Twist To Brunch

The brunch menu at Chops Grille blends classic breakfast and brunch dishes with the steakhouse’s signature style. Guests are welcomed with a speciality beverage, included in the experience, while additional drinks are available for purchase unless a beverage package is in place. Bakery items are served directly at the table, and starters and desserts are offered family-style, with extra servings available upon request. The menu features a variety of dishes, including avocado toast, pancakes, waffles, steak and eggs with filet mignon, arugula and Parmigiano salad, mashed potatoes, and chocolate brownie desserts. Guests can also enjoy “Hearty Bowls” and other à la carte selections, allowing for a mix of multiple dishes during the meal. This new brunch offering provides Royal Caribbean with another dedicated brunch venue, complementing its occasional Main Dining Room brunch events and existing options at Mason Jar on select ships.

Lunch Remains Available Despite Early Guest Concerns

When news of the new brunch began circulating, some passengers worried that Chops Grille’s lunch service might be discontinued. However, current sailings confirm that both the lunch and brunch options are available separately. Guests can choose between the more affordable lunch experience, priced around $21.99 per person and often discounted through pre-cruise sales, and the premium brunch alternative. Online discussions have primarily focused on the value proposition. Many guests view Chops lunch as one of the best specialty dining deals on board, especially with pre-cruise discounts. Others have questioned whether the higher brunch cost is justifiable when complimentary options like the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, and room service are available.

Riviera Travel Enhances Onboard Experience with New Cruise Host Role

Riviera Travel is elevating the onboard experience for its European river cruise guests by introducing a new Cruise Host role. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance guest satisfaction, particularly for first-time river cruisers and solo travellers. The Cruise Hosts will collaborate with each ship’s Cruise Director to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, encouraging guests to engage in relaxed social activities.

New Role Designed To Boost Onboard Experience

In recent months, Riviera Travel has been busy recruiting and training a dedicated team for this new position. The company has invested in both onboarding and ongoing development for these hosts. Cruise Hosts will lead light-touch activities such as quizzes, games, and group sessions, as well as wellbeing activities like stretching and Tai Chi. Their role complements, rather than replaces, the existing entertainment programme, which includes evening performances by onboard musicians and local artists. The focus is on ensuring guests feel comfortable, relaxed, and connected throughout their journey.

Agents Helped Shape The Programme

Feedback from travel agents played a crucial role in shaping the Cruise Host programme. Agents highlighted the importance of reassurance about the onboard experience, especially for solo travellers and those new to river cruising. Vicky Billing, Director of Trade, Partnerships and Loyalty UK & Ireland, noted that social interaction opportunities are vital for these guests. The Cruise Host role was developed with this insight in mind, reinforcing Riviera’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience.

Positive Reception and Future Plans

The introduction of Cruise Hosts has been well-received by agents, who see it as a valuable tool for reassuring customers during booking discussions. Riviera Travel plans to gradually implement Cruise Hosts across its river fleet during the 2026 season. This new role is a testament to Riviera’s dedication to enhancing the guest experience, ensuring every traveller feels at ease and engaged throughout their cruise.

Unexpected Leak on Enchanted Princess

On 15th May 2026, passengers aboard the Enchanted Princess experienced an unexpected event while docked in Santorini. A significant water leak occurred in the ship’s central atrium. Videos shared by travelwiththetylers on social media showed water pouring from the ceiling on Deck 6, cascading down to Deck 5.

Swift Crew Response

The crew acted promptly, placing wet floor signs and using towels to manage the water spread. They also used buckets to remove excess water. Their quick actions helped minimise disruption for guests, many of whom were ashore exploring Santorini.

Source of the Leak

The leak was believed to be linked to a pipe connected to the ship’s swimming pools. This information reassured passengers concerned about the leak’s origin. Despite the dramatic scenes, the incident did not cause major operational issues, and no injuries were reported.

Efficient Clean-Up Efforts

Once the leak was contained, industrial driers were deployed to dry affected carpets and surfaces. Parts of the atrium remained cordoned off for safety inspections, including checks on electrical wiring. The crew’s efforts were praised by travelwiththetylers for their swift and effective response.

Impact on the Voyage

Princess Cruises has not released an official statement, but the ship continued its scheduled itinerary without interruption. The Enchanted Princess was on a 7-night Aegean itinerary, which began in Civitavecchia on 12th May 2026 and is set to conclude on 19th May 2026.

Managing Onboard Incidents

Leaks like this, while visually alarming, are generally manageable on modern cruise ships. Unlike engine-related issues, plumbing problems can often be isolated and repaired without affecting the itinerary. The quick response from the crew ensured the leak did not escalate, allowing the voyage to continue as planned.

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.