Author: Jonathan @ Cruise Essentials

Celebrity Cruises has discontinued its complimentary afternoon canapés service for Concierge Class guests, replacing the unpopular perk with waived room service delivery fees effective for all sailings departing after 21st September 2026.

The change, which has not been publicly announced by the cruise line, has been met with widespread approval from guests who frequently complained about food safety concerns and inconsistent quality.

The premium cruise line made no formal announcement regarding the removal of what it previously marketed as “Daily delectable delights” – afternoon canapés delivered directly to Concierge Class staterooms. Instead, the modification appeared quietly on the updated benefits list for the elevated stateroom category, which sits between standard accommodation and full suite experiences across Celebrity’s fleet.

The afternoon canapés typically included an assortment of small bites such as fresh fruit, cheese selections, shrimp, sushi, hummus with accompaniments, charcuterie, and various dessert options. Crew members had the flexibility to personalise these offerings based on individual guest preferences noted during embarkation or through the dedicated concierge service.

New Room Service Benefit Replaces Afternoon Snacks

As a direct replacement for the discontinued canapés, Concierge Class guests will now enjoy complimentary room service with the standard $9.95 delivery fee waived for the duration of their voyage. Additionally, guests will receive two complimentary bottles of water delivered to their stateroom on embarkation day, a small but practical addition to the benefits package.

The room service delivery fee has been a point of contention for many cruise passengers since Celebrity Cruises expanded and increased the charge on 30th December 2022. The fee was raised from $4.95, which previously applied only to late-night orders, to $9.95 charged for all room service orders regardless of time of day.

The flat fee applies per order rather than per item, meaning guests can order multiple items in a single delivery without incurring additional charges. However, even with the delivery fee waived for Concierge Class guests, the standard 20% gratuity charge still applies to all room service orders, ensuring crew members continue to receive appropriate compensation for their service.

Understanding Celebrity’s Concierge Class Experience

Celebrity Cruises positions its Concierge Class as a middle-tier option for guests seeking enhanced amenities and personalised service without committing to the significantly higher cost of suite accommodation. This category has proven particularly popular with guests celebrating special occasions or those who appreciate extra touches that elevate the cruise experience beyond standard staterooms.

The Concierge Class experience includes a range of exclusive benefits beyond the canapé service and room service fee waiver. Guests enjoy priority ch

A powerful nor’easter battering the eastern seaboard has forced multiple cruise lines to substantially modify itineraries across Canadian Atlantic and northeastern US homeports. Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International have all confirmed significant changes to sailings departing from New York, Baltimore, and other regional ports as the massive storm system threatens passenger safety and comfort.

Norwegian Escape Cuts Halifax Visit Short Ahead Of Storm

Norwegian Escape, carrying up to 4,266 guests on a seven-night Canada and New England voyage, became one of the first vessels to implement weather-related changes. The ship departed New York on Saturday, 19th September 2026, well ahead of the storm’s arrival, but faced challenging conditions as the nor’easter developed during the latter portion of the itinerary.

The vessel’s scheduled call at Halifax, Nova Scotia on Thursday, 24th September was significantly truncated. Originally planned for a full day visit from 9:00am to 10:00pm, the port stop was cut short by several hours to allow the ship to outrun the worst weather conditions on the return journey to New York.

Guests received notification letters on Thursday morning explaining the operational necessity. “Due to forecasted weather conditions associated with a developing nor’easter expected to impact the northeastern United States and Canadian Atlantic coast, Norwegian Escape will depart Halifax earlier than originally scheduled today,” the communication stated.

Early Arrival Strategy Minimises Passenger Disruption

The cruise line’s proactive approach meant Norwegian Escape arrived in New York late Friday evening, nearly twelve hours ahead of the originally scheduled 7:00am Saturday morning docking. “Based on the latest forecasts and to allow the ship to safely navigate the region ahead of the storm’s expected strongest conditions, this adjustment is necessary to support our planned arrival into New York City,” the notification continued.

Despite the early arrival, disembarkation proceeded as originally planned on Saturday morning. The ship remained secured at the Manhattan cruise terminal overnight, providing shelter from the deteriorating weather conditions ashore.

Friday had been designated as a leisurely sea day for the return voyage to New York. With the accelerated sailing schedule, passengers still experienced a full day aboard, though the late Friday evening arrival offered an unexpected bonus – spectacular views of the New York City skyline illuminated against the night sky as the vessel navigated into port during darkness rather than the typical early morning arrival.

Carnival Venezia Faces Delays In Both Directions

Carnival Venezia encountered complications on both ends of a Bermuda sailing, illustrating the cascading effects weather disruptions can create across multiple voyages. The 4,090-passenger vessel departed New York on Sund

A 32-year-old male crew member was medically evacuated from Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas on Thursday, 24th September 2026, following severe abdominal pain that required urgent hospital care. The US Coast Guard helicopter rendezvous occurred approximately 58 miles northwest of Puerto Rico, roughly five hours after the vessel had departed San Juan.

The medical emergency unfolded at approximately 8 p.m. local time when US Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders received an urgent evacuation request from the 225,282-gross ton vessel. The crew member was experiencing severe, chronic abdominal pain that exceeded the capabilities of the ship’s onboard medical facility.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels, including Allure of the Seas, are equipped with comprehensive medical centres staffed by qualified doctors and nurses. These facilities can handle a wide range of medical situations, from minor injuries to stabilising more serious conditions.

However, certain cases require specialised diagnostic equipment or surgical intervention that can only be provided at shore-based hospitals. The decision to request a medical evacuation is never taken lightly, as it involves significant coordination between ship officers, the ship’s medical team, and shore-based emergency services.

In this instance, the severity and nature of the crew member’s symptoms warranted immediate evacuation to ensure he received appropriate specialist care.

Vessel Alters Course To Expedite Rescue Operation

When the evacuation call was placed, Allure of the Seas was positioned roughly 75 miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico – approximately 120 miles west-northwest of San Juan. Rather than maintain her scheduled course, the ship’s command made the decision to turn back toward Puerto Rico, a tactical move designed to reduce the time required for the Coast Guard helicopter to reach the vessel and return the patient to medical facilities.

This type of course alteration is standard procedure during medical emergencies at sea. By reducing the distance the rescue helicopter must travel, the ship helps conserve fuel, reduces flight time in potentially challenging conditions, and most importantly, decreases the time before the patient can receive definitive medical care.

The coordination between the ship’s bridge team and Coast Guard personnel ensured the rendezvous point was calculated for optimal safety and efficiency. Maritime regulations require cruise ships to maintain certain speeds and headings to provide stable conditions for helicopter operations, particularly during precision hoist procedures.

Coast Guard Helicopter Executes Precision Hoist

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen was dispatched to conduct the evacuation. The rendezvous between the aircraft and Allure of the Seas ultimately occurred approximately 58 miles northwest of Puerto Rico, a location that balanced the need for rapid resp

Explora Journeys has confirmed plans to expand into river cruising, two months after reports first emerged that MSC Group was considering entering the European river cruise market through its luxury brand.

The company announced on 24th September 2026 that it had signed a Letter of Intent with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard for the construction of its first luxury river ships.

The agreement marks the clearest step yet towards Explora Journeys moving beyond ocean cruising, although significant details about the new operation have not yet been disclosed.

Explora Journeys has not revealed how many river ships it intends to build, when the first vessel will enter service or which European waterways will feature in its initial programme. The company has, however, confirmed that sales are planned to open in 2027.

The announcement follows reports in July that MSC Group was evaluating a potential move into European river cruising through Explora Journeys. At the time, there had been no official confirmation from the company and no shipbuilding agreement had been announced.

That position has now changed substantially, with the Letter of Intent confirming that Explora Journeys is actively pursuing the development of a river fleet.

New Ships Planned With Dutch Shipbuilder

Explora Journeys has selected Den Breejen Shipyard for the proposed new vessels. The Dutch shipbuilder, based in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, has previous experience constructing river cruise ships for operators including Scenic, Emerald and Avalon Waterways.

The company has not yet released specifications for the Explora vessels, leaving their size, passenger capacity, accommodation and onboard facilities unknown.

There is also no confirmed delivery timetable. Explora Journeys said further information covering ship design, onboard experiences, delivery schedules and the first itineraries would be announced at a later date.

The line has indicated that the ships will operate on some of Europe’s best-known rivers, but has not named individual waterways or destinations.

Explora Journeys intends to bring elements of the luxury positioning it has established at sea to its river operation. The Geneva-based company is part of the privately owned MSC Group and began ocean operations in 2023.

Its ocean fleet has expanded to three ships following the arrival of EXPLORA III in 2026. EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II entered service in 2023 and 2024 respectively, while three further ocean ships are due to expand the fleet through 2028.

EXPLORA IV is scheduled to follow in early 2027, with EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI subsequently joining the fleet.

The river project will therefore develop alongside a continuing expansion of the company’s ocean operation rather than replacing or slowing its existing fleet plans.

More Ocean Cruise Brands Move Onto Europe’s Rivers

Explora Journeys’ announcement comes during a period of growing interest in river cruising fr

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has overhauled its Oceans Loyalty Club, introducing a new top membership tier for its most frequent guests and expanding the benefits available across the programme.

The new Signature level will be awarded to guests who have accumulated at least 1,001 nights with Fred. Olsen, placing it above Diamond as the highest of six membership levels.

The revised programme will apply to sailings departing after 30th September 2026 and includes changes to rewards ranging from cruise and shore tour discounts to Wi-Fi, cabin upgrades and onboard benefits.

New Signature Tier For 1,001-Night Guests

Oceans Loyalty Club members progress through the programme according to the number of nights they have sailed with Fred. Olsen. Membership begins at Bronze after the first night, followed by Silver at 31 nights, Gold at 101, Platinum at 251 and Diamond at 501.

Signature now becomes the sixth and highest tier, requiring at least 1,001 nights at sea with the cruise line.

Among the benefits for Signature members are complimentary standard Wi-Fi throughout a cruise and a 17.5% onboard discount. Members also receive a 12.5% shore tours discount, along with a 5% cruise discount regardless of how far in advance they book.

Other Signature benefits include dedicated check-in and priority disembarkation on cruises departing from the UK, priority table reservations and invitations to shoreside events on World Cruises and Grand Voyages of at least 70 nights.

Signature members booking a Freedom Fare will also be eligible for a complimentary cabin upgrade, subject to availability, which is applied close to departure.

Diamond, previously known as Diamond-Elite, remains the second-highest level and continues to apply from 501 nights. Fred. Olsen said the “Elite” wording has been dropped following guest feedback, with Signature becoming the new tier above it.

Diamond members receive a 15% onboard discount and 10% shore tours discount, as well as a 50% reduction on standard Wi-Fi packages. They also retain benefits including priority table reservations, dedicated check-in and priority disembarkation on UK departures.

Changes Across Oceans Membership Levels

The revised Oceans programme continues to offer benefits from the lower membership levels, although the rewards increase as guests accumulate more nights.

Bronze members, starting from one night, can receive 5% off cruises when booking at least 12 months in advance. The same cruise discount becomes available closer to departure as members move through the tiers, with Silver requiring a booking at least nine months ahead, Gold six months and Platinum three months. Diamond and Signature members can receive the 5% discount when booking at any time.

Onboard discounts begin at 5% for Silver and Gold members before increasing to 10% at Platinum, 15% at Diamond and 17.5% at Signature. The onboard discount cannot be combined with Fred. Olsen’s Premium Drinks Pac

A Royal Caribbean passenger barred from sailing after being accused of breaking casino rules, including through card counting, has won the right to pursue a consumer claim seeking A$22,000 over five cruises he says he had earned through casino play.

Mark Timothy Grant took the dispute to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal after arriving at the Brisbane cruise terminal with his partner and son and being refused boarding.

Grant had expected to embark on the first of five Royal Caribbean cruises which he says were awarded through his casino activity. However, the cruise line had placed him on a “no sail” list.

He is seeking A$22,000, representing the value he places on the five cruises.

The case does not establish that Grant engaged in card counting or other prohibited casino activity, nor has the tribunal determined that Royal Caribbean is liable to compensate him.

Tribunal Allows Consumer Claim To Continue

Grant’s claim was initially dismissed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, but he appealed that decision.

On 14th September 2026, Senior Member Samantha Traves allowed the consumer dispute to proceed, clearing the way for Grant to continue pursuing his claim against the cruise line.

The appeal decision concerns whether the dispute can proceed rather than determining the underlying allegations or whether Grant is entitled to the A$22,000 he is seeking.

Royal Caribbean operates its Club Royale casino loyalty programme aboard its ships, allowing guests to accumulate points through casino play and potentially receive benefits and offers, including complimentary cruises.

The programme’s terms provide for benefits and offers to be withdrawn in certain circumstances, including when members breach applicable rules or are prohibited from sailing or gambling.

Whether those provisions entitled Royal Caribbean to take the action it did against Grant will form part of the underlying dispute rather than having been settled by the appeal decision.

Previous Casino Exclusion Dispute

Grant has previously been involved in legal proceedings concerning so-called advantage play at casinos, although that case involved a different operator and circumstances.

In a separate dispute involving The Star casinos in Queensland, Grant and another player challenged decisions to exclude them following allegations involving edge sorting.

Edge sorting is a technique in which a player attempts to identify cards by recognising differences or irregularities in their backs.

In a 2022 decision, the tribunal found there were no reasonable grounds for the exclusions under the legislation being considered in that case and set them aside.

That ruling related to The Star, different events and a separate legal question. It therefore does not determine the outcome of Grant’s current consumer claim involving Royal Caribbean.

The latest tribunal decision leaves the substantive dispute unresolve

Holland America Line has finished a comprehensive transformation of its Bahamian private island ahead of the destination’s milestone 30th anniversary.

The transformation introduces an exclusive Beach Club concept and sweeping upgrades across the tropical retreat.

The enhanced facilities at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay will debut on more than two dozen Caribbean itineraries departing between October 2026 and April 2027. This marks one of the most significant investment periods in the island’s three-decade history.

The centrepiece of the transformation is a brand-new Beach Club, which opens for advance bookings from early October 2026.

The exclusive venue represents Holland America’s most significant addition to the island since its acquisition in the late 1990s.

Guests purchasing day passes to the Beach Club will benefit from priority tender service directly from their ship to the island. This ensures they maximise their time ashore.

The package includes dedicated waiter service throughout the day, eliminating queues and allowing guests to remain in their chosen beachfront spots.

All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the day pass price, alongside specialty food offerings that go beyond the standard island fare.

Beach accessories such as snorkelling equipment and water sports gear are also provided as part of the premium experience. This creates a truly all-inclusive private island retreat.

Leadership Emphasises Guest-Focused Development Strategy

Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, emphasised the cruise line’s commitment to preserving the island’s existing appeal whilst elevating the overall experience.

“Every enhancement at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is centred on creating an even more exceptional experience whilst building on everything guests already love about the island,” she stated.

The president expressed enthusiasm about the timing of the unveiling as the cruise line prepares to welcome its first visitors in October.

“It’s exciting to unveil the Beach Club as we prepare to welcome our first visitors in October,” Bodensteiner added.

The measured approach to development reflects Holland America’s longstanding reputation for sophisticated, destination-focused cruising that appeals to experienced travellers.

Rather than transforming the island into a theme park-style attraction, the line has concentrated on elevating comfort levels and service quality whilst maintaining the natural beauty that has made Half Moon Cay a favourite amongst cruise passengers for nearly three decades.

Complimentary Dining Pavilion Expands Culinary Options For All Guests

Beyond the premium Beach Club offerings, Holland America has constructed a new food pavilion that will serve all island visitors at no additional charge.

The purpose-built venue will feature an island-exclusive barbecue menu, providing guests with freshly prepared meals in a trop

Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas will remain docked overnight at PortMiami following embarkation on 26th September 2026. This change forces the cancellation of a scheduled port call and triggers compensation for affected passengers.

The world’s largest cruise ship requires maintenance work that will delay departure by approximately 24 hours. However, the cruise line has not disclosed the nature of the technical issues.

Guests booked on the seven-night sailing are still required to board Icon of the Seas on Saturday, 26th September as originally scheduled. This is in compliance with United States Customs and Border Protection regulations.

Instead of the ship departing that evening as planned, passengers will remain aboard whilst docked in Miami until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 27th September.

Royal Caribbean communicated the change directly to booked guests via email, which has since been shared across social media platforms including Reddit. “Due to required maintenance, we’ll now depart from Miami, Florida on Sunday, September 27, 2026, instead of Saturday, September 26, 2026,” the notification confirmed.

The unexpected overnight stay transforms what would typically be an embarkation day into an extended pre-cruise experience. This change is constrained by federal maritime regulations that limit certain onboard operations whilst in port.

Limited Facilities Available During Extended Port Stay

Whilst Icon of the Seas remains docked at PortMiami, passengers will have access to most of the ship’s extensive amenities. These include bars, lounges, entertainment venues, dining establishments, and spa services.

The 250,800-gross-tonne vessel boasts an impressive array of facilities across its 20 decks, many of which will remain operational during the extended port call.

However, certain revenue-generating areas must remain closed until the ship officially departs United States waters. Casino Royale, the ship’s onboard gaming facility, and all retail shops will be unavailable to guests throughout Saturday night and Sunday morning.

This is in accordance with maritime law governing casino operations and duty-free shopping. The regulatory restriction is standard procedure for all cruise vessels whilst in American ports.

It is designed to protect local businesses and ensure compliance with gaming legislation. Once Icon of the Seas departs at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, these facilities will open for passenger use.

Shore Leave Granted With Specific Time Restrictions

Recognising that passengers may wish to explore Miami rather than remain aboard a stationary vessel, Royal Caribbean will permit guests to disembark for time ashore.

The gangway will remain open following embarkation on Saturday, allowing passengers to venture into the city. However, they must return by 8:00 p.m. that evening when the gangway closes for the night.

On Sunday morning, shore access will resume, with the gangway

Royal Caribbean has revised the 25th September sailing of Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles as powerful Hurricane Polo moves off Mexico’s Pacific coast, cancelling planned calls at Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas and adding Puerto Vallarta to the itinerary.

The 3,990-passenger ship had been due to visit Ensenada on Saturday, 26th September, followed by Cabo San Lucas on Monday, 28th September. Neither port will now be visited as Royal Caribbean adjusts the route to keep the vessel away from the storm.

Guests were informed of the changes in a letter sent on 23rd September.

“Due to inclement weather from Hurricane Polo near Western Mexico, we’ll now enjoy a relaxing Sea Day instead of our scheduled visit to Ensenada, Mexico.”

The revised itinerary will also see Navigator of the Seas visit Mazatlan on Monday, 28th September, one day earlier than originally scheduled.

Puerto Vallarta Added To Revised Route

Royal Caribbean has added Puerto Vallarta to the cruise on Tuesday, 29th September, with Navigator of the Seas scheduled to remain in port from 8am until 6pm.

The ship will then spend two full days at sea while returning to Los Angeles, where the sailing is scheduled to end on 2nd October.

Royal Caribbean said the alterations were being made with passenger and crew safety in mind.

“We’re sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority. Please know being onboard is one of the safest places to be because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather.”

Guests who purchased Royal Caribbean shore excursions for Ensenada or Cabo San Lucas will receive refunds to their SeaPass accounts in the form of onboard credit.

Category 5 Hurricane Polo Off Mexico

The itinerary changes come as Hurricane Polo remains an extremely powerful Category 5 storm off the southwestern coast of Mexico.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s Advisory 14, Polo had maximum sustained winds of 160mph and was positioned around 240 miles southeast of Manzanillo. The hurricane was moving northwest at approximately 6mph.

The storm’s position and projected movement place it close to areas normally visited during Mexican Riviera cruises from Southern California, prompting Royal Caribbean to move Navigator of the Seas away from its original route.

Another Royal Caribbean ship, Ovation of the Seas, is currently scheduled to visit Ensenada on 29th September during a three-night sailing from Los Angeles departing on 28th September.

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Passengers joining Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas in Southampton on 25th September 2026 will embark and disembark at different cruise terminals, with parking arrangements adjusted to accommodate the change.

The 3,948-guest ship is due to begin its eight-night sailing from Horizon Cruise Terminal on Friday before returning to City Cruise Terminal on 3rd October.

ABParking has contacted passengers with parking reservations to explain how the arrangements will work. According to the parking operator, the terminal change was requested by Royal Caribbean so the ship can use shore power supplied from the local electricity grid while alongside.

“We are writing to advise you of the parking arrangements for your upcoming sailing on Liberty of the Seas, which is scheduled to depart from Horizon Cruise Terminal on 25th September 2026 and returning to City Cruise Terminal on 3rd October 2026,” the email read.

“Please note that these arrangements have been requested by your cruise line, rather than ABParking, to allow shore power from the local grid to supply the ship while it is in port.”

Parking arrangements for passengers

Guests arriving by car for embarkation have been advised to enter the Port of Southampton through Dock Gate 8, at the eastern end of Herbert Walker Avenue.

Parking staff are expected to direct arriving drivers to the appropriate area, while porters will be available to collect luggage once vehicles have been parked.

Passengers using accessible Blue Badge parking will also have access to a complimentary shuttle between the car park and terminal. The service is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

ABParking has asked guests to print their parking permits in advance and display them clearly when approaching the terminal to help keep traffic moving.

The change should cause relatively little inconvenience when passengers return because Horizon Cruise Terminal and City Cruise Terminal are next to one another and are approximately a quarter of a mile apart.

Liberty of the Seas is scheduled to arrive back at City Cruise Terminal on Saturday, 3rd October, leaving passengers with only a short distance to reach the relevant parking area after disembarkation.

Boat show could add to Southampton traffic

The terminal arrangements come as Southampton is also hosting the Southampton International Boat Show, which is running from 18th to 27th September 2026 at Mayflower Park and the neighbouring marina.

The event traditionally attracts around 100,000 visitors and takes place close to City Cruise Terminal, increasing the prospect of heavier traffic in the port area during Liberty of the Seas’ embarkation day.

The show includes live music, boats and marine exhibits, trade stands, talks and on-water activities including paddleboarding, kayaking and diving experiences.

Passengers travelling to the port by road may therefore encounter congestion or temporary tra