Category: Cruise News

Marella Cruises has asked guests to stop hiding cruise ducks around its ships and to leave cabin doors free from decorations, as the popular passenger traditions come under fresh scrutiny.

The request has appeared in the printed newsletter delivered to guests’ cabins, which also carries onboard updates, entertainment schedules and other information passengers may need during their sailing.

The wording has been spotted aboard Marella Voyager, though other guests have noted that they’ve seen similar requests on other ships in the fleet.

Rather than taking a stern approach, Marella has used a little humour to get its point across.

“As much as we love a bit of personality, the ducks have started to drive us quackers… so we kindly ask that toys, novelty items and other personal bits aren’t left or hidden around the ship or at our destinations.”

The notice explains that although the activity is intended as fun, objects left around the vessel can become hazards and may ultimately have to be disposed of by crew.

“While it’s all meant in good spirit, these can become hazards and are usually disposed of by our crew.”

Marella also points towards its work to reduce plastics and waste, saying that deliberately leaving objects behind does not fit particularly well with those efforts.

The request is not necessarily surprising given just how far the cruising duck trend has grown. What started as passengers occasionally hiding rubber ducks for strangers to discover can now involve large numbers of toys being brought aboard specifically for the purpose.

The pastime has developed its own online communities, with ducks often carrying labels inviting whoever discovers them to keep them or hide them again.

Cabin Door Decorations Are Being Discouraged Too

Cruise ducks are only part of Marella’s new reminder.

Guests have also been asked not to personalise their cabin doors, covering everything from birthday banners and posters to stickers, flags and magnets.

“We also ask that public areas and cabin doors are left as they are, without added decorations like flags, banners, posters, stickers or magnets. It helps keep the ship looking its best for everyone and ensures we stay on top of safety.”

Crew may remove anything left where it should not be, according to the notice.

That could make the change more noticeable to some regular cruisers than the request concerning ducks. Decorating a cabin door has become a cruise tradition in its own right, particularly for passengers celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions.

But this is also an area where cruise lines take very different approaches.

Disney Cruise Line, for example, has long been closely associated with decorated stateroom doors, although it has rules governing what can be used and has tightened some of its decoration policies. Royal Caribbean passengers will likewise regularly encounter decorated cabin doors.

The s

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled an unprecedented European deployment for 2028–2029, featuring four of its Edge-class vessels in the region simultaneously for the first time.

The announcement, made on 10th August 2026, marks the cruise line’s most extensive European season to date whilst also expanding itineraries across all seven continents.

Unprecedented Edge-Class Deployment Reshapes European Strategy

The deployment of Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Apex throughout Northern Europe represents a significant strategic shift for the premium cruise line.

This marks the first time Celebrity Cruises has positioned such a substantial portion of its newest and most advanced vessel class in European waters during a single season.

Celebrity Beyond’s inclusion is particularly notable, as the 141,420 gross-tonne ship has not visited European shores since 2023.

Her return follows a comprehensive dry dock overhaul scheduled for November 2026, which will introduce new onboard venues including the Mediterranean restaurant Bora and the Celebrity Pool Club.

These enhancements position the vessel to compete more effectively in the premium European cruise market, where dining and outdoor spaces are increasingly important differentiators.

The Edge-class ships, known for their outward-facing design philosophy and innovative features such as the Magic Carpet cantilevered platform, offer a modern interpretation of luxury cruising that has resonated particularly well with contemporary travellers.

By concentrating four of these vessels in Europe, Celebrity is making a clear statement about the region’s importance to its overall commercial strategy.

Northern European Itineraries Span Iceland To Norway’s Fjords

Celebrity Beyond will anchor the Northern European programme with 14-night itineraries exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.

These voyages will call at Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, and Seydisfjordur, offering guests comprehensive access to the island nation’s geological wonders, from geothermal areas to volcanic formations.

The vessel will subsequently navigate through Norway’s legendary fjords, visiting Geiranger, Alesund, Flam, Nordfjordeid, and Bergen.

These Norwegian itineraries have become increasingly sought-after amongst cruise enthusiasts, with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geiranger fjord remaining one of the most photographed natural attractions in Scandinavia.

Celebrity Summit, measuring 91,003 gross tonnes, will later complement these offerings with round-trip voyages from Reykjavik.

This positioning allows guests to spend additional time exploring Iceland’s capital whilst using the ship as a floating hotel, a deployment strategy that has proven successful for cruise lines seeking to maximize time in destination rather than transit.

Scandinavian And British Isles Programmes Expand Regional Coverage

Celebrity Apex will undertake 12-n

Marella Cruises has unveiled a significant expansion of its non-alcoholic drinks portfolio, adding 28 new zero-alcohol options across its entire fleet from August 2026.

The UK cruise line will offer 18 alcohol-free cocktails, six zero-percent ABV spirits, four alcohol-free wines, plus non-alcoholic beer and cider alternatives as part of its All Inclusive package.

The enhancement comes after Marella Cruises reviewed customer feedback and identified gaps in its existing beverage programme.

Luke Saunders, food and drink development manager at Marella Cruises, confirmed the line had listened carefully to guest requests for more sophisticated non-alcoholic alternatives.

“We are pleased to be expanding our non-alcoholic drinks menus onboard across our ships,” Saunders said.

“After listening to customer feedback and reviewing the gaps in our menu, we want to enhance a customer’s experience onboard and cater to those who would prefer a non-alcoholic alternative.”

The move reflects a broader industry trend towards inclusivity in cruise ship beverage programmes, acknowledging that growing numbers of passengers are reducing alcohol consumption or abstaining entirely.

This shift mirrors consumer behaviour globally – not just in the cruise sector – where health-conscious travellers increasingly seek premium zero-alcohol alternatives that don’t compromise on taste or sophistication.

All Inclusive And Premium Package Enhancements Detailed

With the changes, all passengers sailing with Marella Cruises will benefit from an expanded selection of non-alcoholic beverages included within the line’s standard All Inclusive offering.

The base package will now feature zero-percent red, white, rosé and sparkling wines, alongside Heineken 0 percent beer and Somersby 0 percent cider.

Additionally, Marella has confirmed it will introduce gluten-free Estrella beer to its All Inclusive drinks selection, addressing another frequently requested dietary accommodation from guests.

This addition demonstrates the cruise line’s commitment to catering for diverse dietary requirements beyond just alcohol-free preferences.

Guests who upgrade to Marella’s Premium All Inclusive package will enjoy access to an even more extensive selection, including six premium zero-percent ABV spirits from the acclaimed Lyre’s range and 18 specially crafted alcohol-free cocktails.

This tiered approach ensures all passengers have access to quality non-alcoholic options whilst providing enhanced choices for those seeking the premium experience.

Lyre’s Premium Spirit Range Joins Marella’s Bar Programme

The Premium All Inclusive package will feature six distinct zero-alcohol spirits from Lyre’s, a brand recognised globally for producing non-alcoholic spirits that closely replicate the taste profiles of traditional liquors.

The selection includes Lyre’s London Dry Gin, American Malt Bourbon, White Cane Rum, Agave Blanco

Disney Cruise Line has accelerated delivery of two newbuild vessels, with both now scheduled to enter service during 2029 instead of being staggered over consecutive years.

The revised timeline was disclosed during the Walt Disney Company’s recent earnings call, marking a significant shift in the cruise line’s expansion strategy.

The delivery acceleration affects the first two ships of a new class that Disney ordered from Meyer Werft in mid-2024.

Originally, the German shipyard was scheduled to deliver the prototype vessel in 2029 and the second ship in 2030, with a third sister vessel planned for 2031.

Documents released during the Walt Disney Company’s presentation now show both the first and second ships arriving in 2029.

The third vessel in the series has also been moved forward, now expected for delivery in 2030 rather than 2031.

This represents an ambitious timeline compression that will see Disney Cruise Line welcome three newbuilds within a single calendar year in 2029, rather than spreading deliveries across three consecutive years as initially planned.

Smaller Vessel Design Focuses On Intimate Guest Experience

The new class represents a departure from Disney’s recent trend towards larger ships.

These vessels are believed to measure approximately 105,000 gross tonnes, making them substantially smaller than the cruise line’s latest newbuilds.

Guest capacity is expected to reach around 3,000 passengers, offering a more intimate cruising experience compared to the mega-ships that have dominated recent orderbooks across the industry.

The smaller size may enable Disney to access ports that cannot accommodate its larger Wish-class vessels, potentially opening new itinerary opportunities.

Meyer Werft’s construction of these vessels at its German facilities continues the cruise line’s long-standing relationship with the renowned shipbuilder.

The yard has proven expertise in delivering Disney’s specialised requirements, including the intricate theming and entertainment spaces that distinguish Disney ships from conventional cruise vessels.

Disney Believe Arrives In Late 2027 As Fourth Wish-Class Ship

Beyond the new smaller class, Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its fleet of larger vessels.

The Disney Believe, the fourth ship in the Wish-class series, remains on schedule for delivery by Meyer Werft in late 2027.

At 140,000 gross tonnes, the Disney Believe matches the substantial size of her sister ships.

The vessel will feature the signature design elements and innovative attractions that have defined the Wish class since the debut of Disney Wish in summer 2022.

Disney has promised to reveal additional details about the Disney Believe later this year.

Cruise enthusiasts are particularly eager to learn about the ship’s deployment plans and which signature attractions and themed spaces will appear onboard.

The Wish class has introduced groundb

The small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures came to the rescue of a stranded skiff in Alaska’s remote southeastern waters on the night of 3rd August 2026. Wilderness Legacy, an 88-guest expedition vessel, towed the fuel-depleted craft several miles to safety after a luxury superyacht owned by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg reportedly failed to respond to the assistance call.

The maritime incident unfolded in the intricate fjords of southeastern Alaska, approximately 85 miles south-southeast of Juneau near Point Highland. At 9:32 p.m. on Monday evening, 3rd August, a 21-foot Hewescraft boat contacted the United States Coast Guard (USCG) requesting help after running out of fuel in the challenging waterways.

The vessel’s occupants – believed to be two women, a child, and a dog – found themselves adrift in waters known for their beauty but also their navigational complexity. Alaska’s southeastern region is characterised by narrow passages, strong currents, and remote locations where assistance can be hours away even in ideal conditions.

Coast Guard Coordinates Marine Assistance Request

After establishing communication with the stranded craft, USCG personnel assessed the situation and determined there was no immediate distress or danger to life. However, the vessel clearly required assistance to reach safety, prompting the Coast Guard to issue a marine assistance request at 9:56 p.m., approximately 24 minutes after the initial contact.

This distinction between a distress call and an assistance request carries significant legal implications under international maritime law. Whilst distress calls trigger mandatory response obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), assistance requests do not carry the same legal weight, though maritime tradition and ethics strongly encourage vessels to render aid when safely able to do so.

The USCG’s role in this incident exemplifies the challenges of coordinating maritime safety across Alaska’s vast and often isolated coastal regions, where commercial vessels, small recreational craft, and luxury yachts frequently share the same waters.

Wilderness Legacy Responds and Executes Towing Operation

Wilderness Legacy received the assistance request and immediately altered course to intercept the disabled skiff. By 10:58 p.m., the expedition cruise ship had reached the smaller vessel and begun rendering aid, demonstrating the vessel’s crew training and commitment to maritime safety protocols.

The cruise ship’s crew assessed the situation and determined that towing would be the safest method to bring the skiff to protected waters. Over the next hours, Wilderness Legacy towed the 21-foot craft approximately nine miles east to Farragut Bay, a sheltered anchorage that would provide the stranded boaters with protection from weather and currents.

In addition to providing the tow service, the cruise ship’s crew supplied supp

MSC Musica diverted from its scheduled approach to Ibiza on Friday, 31st July 2026, to rescue eight men found adrift in a small, distressed craft approximately 16 miles east of the Spanish island.

The men, reportedly from North Africa, were safely transferred aboard the cruise ship and later handed over to local authorities upon the vessel’s arrival in port.

The rescue operation unfolded just before 11:30 a.m. as MSC Musica made its way towards Ibiza for a scheduled port call on its Western Mediterranean itinerary.

Crew members aboard the 2,550-guest cruise ship spotted the small boat in distress and immediately initiated rescue procedures in accordance with international maritime law.

Video footage from the incident captured the small craft bobbing helplessly in the Mediterranean waters, apparently without power.

The vessel appeared to be equipped with only a single outboard motor and lacked any visible mast or alternative means of propulsion, suggesting the men had been left vulnerable to the elements with limited supplies or belongings.

MSC Musica Crew Launches Swift Rescue Operation

The crew of MSC Musica responded with rapid efficiency, deploying one of the ship’s lifeboats to approach the distressed craft safely.

First Mate Roberto de Girolamo, a 27-year-old officer, took command of the rescue mission and coordinated the careful transfer of the eight men from their disabled vessel.

The operation required precision and care, as the men had to be moved first from their small boat into the cruise ship’s lifeboat, then safely brought aboard the much larger MSC Musica.

Such transfers can be particularly challenging in open water conditions, requiring skilled seamanship and adherence to established safety protocols.

North African Men Transferred To Spanish Authorities

According to Italian news outlet Il Dispari, the eight rescued men were identified as originating from North Africa, though no further details regarding their specific nationalities or identities have been publicly released.

Upon MSC Musica’s arrival in Ibiza, the men were promptly handed over to local Spanish authorities, including Salvamento Marítimo (Spain’s Maritime Safety and Rescue Society) and the Guardia Civil based in Sant Josep.

While cruise lines and authorities have not disclosed information about the physical condition of the migrants upon rescue, standard maritime procedure dictates that rescued individuals receive immediate medical assessment, fresh water, food, and any necessary emergency care.

MSC Cruises has not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the condition of those rescued.

MSC Musica’s Western Mediterranean Voyage Continues On Schedule

The 92,409-tonne MSC Musica had departed from her homeport of Civitavecchia, the port serving Rome, Italy, on Monday, 27th July 2026, embarking on a seven-night roundtrip Western Mediterranean cruise.

The itinerary featur

Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship Legend of the Seas has suffered a shattered glass panel in its signature AquaDome attraction, just over a month after entering service. The incident marks the latest in a series of glass-related issues affecting the cruise line’s Icon-class vessels since the groundbreaking ship class debuted in 2024.

A passenger aboard Legend of the Seas shared photographic evidence of the damaged panel on social media on 3rd August 2026, questioning how such damage could occur on a ship barely a month into service.

The vessel officially launched on 4th July 2026, making it one of the youngest ships in Royal Caribbean International’s fleet. The broken component is one of 673 individual glass panels that comprise the AquaDome, the ship’s forward-facing glass dome that serves as a signature architectural feature of the Icon class.

The triangular segment appears to have remained intact within its frame despite the shattering, preventing glass fragments from falling onto the deck areas below where passengers typically gather.

Understanding The AquaDome’s Design And Purpose

The AquaDome represents one of the most innovative architectural achievements in modern cruise ship design, occupying the forward section of the upper decks aboard Icon-class vessels. During daylight hours, this expansive glass-enclosed space functions as a tranquil retreat where passengers can relax whilst enjoying panoramic ocean views through the transparent ceiling and walls.

As evening approaches, the AquaDome transforms into a vibrant entertainment venue, hosting performances, events, and gatherings that take advantage of the unique architectural setting. The dual-purpose design philosophy reflects Royal Caribbean’s commitment to maximising the utility of onboard spaces whilst creating Instagram-worthy moments that help market the cruise line to younger demographics.

The 248,663-gross tonne Legend of the Seas accommodates up to 5,610 passengers at maximum capacity, making it one of the largest cruise ships currently operating worldwide. The vessel continues Royal Caribbean’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of cruise ship size and amenity offerings, following in the wake of sister ships Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

Potential Causes Behind The Shattered Panel

Royal Caribbean has not issued an official statement identifying the specific cause of the glass failure, leaving industry observers and passengers to speculate about the underlying reasons. Marine glass can shatter for numerous reasons, each presenting unique challenges for shipbuilders and operators.

Inherent manufacturing defects represent one possible explanation, particularly with specialised marine-grade glass produced in such large quantities for these massive installations. Microscopic flaws in the glass composition or tempering process might not become apparent until the material experiences stress from environmental conditions a

Port Canaveral has commenced a $95 million expansion and renovation of Cruise Terminal 10, with completion targeted for November 2027.

The ambitious project will increase the facility’s footprint by nearly 30 per cent whilst modernising security screening areas, updating interiors and equipment, and preparing the terminal to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

The renovation project affects one of Port Canaveral’s most versatile cruise terminals, with Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean among the operators currently utilising the facility.

Construction has already begun on the comprehensive updates, which will transform the terminal into a more spacious, efficient, and visually striking gateway for cruise passengers.

The facility serves ships from multiple cruise lines on a rotating basis, providing flexibility for Port Canaveral to accommodate various vessels and itineraries throughout the year.

This shared-use model has become increasingly important as cruise demand has grown in recent years, with Port Canaveral cementing its position as one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

In the coming weeks alone, vessels from Disney, MSC, and Royal Caribbean are all scheduled to dock at Terminal 10, demonstrating the facility’s importance to the port’s overall cruise operations.

The renovation aims to enhance the experience for passengers from all these cruise lines and more.

Expanded Footprint Will Exceed 145,000 Square Feet

When construction concludes, the renovated terminal will encompass more than 145,000 square feet – representing a nearly 30 per cent increase over the existing facility.

This substantial expansion will enable the terminal to handle some of the largest cruise ships currently sailing, including the mega-ships that have become increasingly popular with cruise lines in recent years.

The additional square footage will address one of the most common pain points for cruise passengers: crowding during embarkation and debarkation.

By creating more space for security screening, luggage handling, and passenger processing, Port Canaveral aims to reduce bottlenecks and improve the flow of guests through the terminal.

The enlarged facility will also provide cruise lines with greater flexibility in scheduling and operations, potentially allowing for more efficient turnarounds between sailings.

This operational efficiency benefits not only the cruise lines themselves but also the thousands of passengers who pass through the terminal each week during peak cruise season.

Enhanced Security And Processing Areas Address Passenger Flow

Among the most significant practical improvements are expanded security screening and luggage handling areas designed to accelerate processing and reduce congestion.

These updates directly address feedback from cruise passengers and cruise lines about the challenges of moving thousands of guests throu

Explora Journeys has officially welcomed EXPLORA III into its growing fleet, with the luxury cruise ship departing on her maiden voyage after a naming ceremony in Barcelona on 4th August 2026.

The new vessel represents a major milestone for the MSC Group’s luxury cruise brand, becoming the third ship in the fleet and marking the halfway point in its planned expansion to six ships. EXPLORA III also becomes the line’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered ship, reflecting the company’s continued investment in lower-emission technology.

Following her departure from Barcelona, EXPLORA III is sailing to Lisbon before continuing a programme of inaugural voyages across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland.

The cruise line describes the vessel as a floating luxury hotel, combining spacious accommodation, expanded public areas, new dining venues and enhanced wellness facilities with ocean-focused itineraries.

Larger Ship Brings More Suites And Public Space

EXPLORA III has been built 19.2 metres longer than her two sister ships, allowing for additional accommodation and more guest space throughout the vessel.

The ship features 461 oceanfront suites, made up of 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses and 39 Ocean Residences. There are also 104 connecting suites for families and groups, alongside 11 accessible suites.

Among the biggest additions is a second Owner’s Residence, following the single residence found on EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. The new 315-square-metre accommodation has been designed by internationally acclaimed architect and designer Patricia Urquiola and features premium furnishings, curated artwork, a private steam room, marble bathroom, outdoor whirlpool and expansive private terrace.

Public spaces have also been redesigned, including a new double-height Lobby featuring marble finishes, cascading Venini chandeliers and a sculptural staircase.

The Conservatory Pool & Bar has been expanded around a 14.7-metre swimming pool beneath a retractable glass roof, while guests can also enjoy three heated outdoor pools, including the adults-only Helios Pool & Bar. Elsewhere on board are five indoor and outdoor whirlpools, 60 private cabanas and additional shaded relaxation areas.

The cruise line says EXPLORA III offers one of the highest public space-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry at 19.5 square metres per guest, supported by what it describes as almost one host for every guest on board.

New Dining, Wellness And Retail Experiences Debut

EXPLORA III introduces several new dining concepts alongside the restaurants already available across the fleet.

Returning venues include Anthology, Sakura, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Emporium Marketplace and Marble & Co. Grill, all refreshed with updated design features.

Three completely new venues also make their debut. Shore Club on 11 offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a poolside setting, while The Chef’s Tab

Captain Kate McCue, one of the world’s most recognisable cruise ship captains, has resigned from her position at Four Seasons Yachts to spend more time with family following the unexpected death of her mother and her father’s ongoing health needs.

The announcement, made via social media on 5th August 2026, marks a significant pause in a 30-year maritime career that has made her an icon in the cruise industry.

McCue’s decision to step away from active command comes after a period of profound personal loss and reflection. When she began her leave in April 2026, she had planned to care for her father following major back surgery.

However, the unexpected passing of her mother in June changed everything.

“That’s honestly when I realised that I’d spent the majority of the last year away from home because I was working,” McCue explained in her announcement video.

The loss prompted her to reassess her priorities after three decades spent predominantly at sea, away from loved ones during critical moments.

The captain framed her decision with characteristic positivity, captioning her video announcement with the words: “Sometimes life changes the course. After 30 years at sea, I’m making more room for family, joy and new adventures, including experiencing cruising from the other side for a change.”

Breaking Barriers In A Male-Dominated Industry

Captain Kate McCue’s maritime career has been nothing short of groundbreaking. Over the past 30 years, she has risen through the ranks in an industry that has historically been dominated by men, spending the last 11 years serving in the prestigious role of captain.

Her accomplishments extend beyond simply commanding vessels – she has delivered two new ships and collaborated on prototype vessel development, contributing to innovation in modern cruise ship design and operations.

McCue first gained widespread recognition during her tenure with Celebrity Cruises, where she became the first American woman to captain a major cruise line’s mega-ship.

Her appointment was met with both celebration and scrutiny, but she quickly proved her capabilities and became a beloved figure amongst passengers and crew alike.

Her transition to Four Seasons Yachts in 2025 represented another milestone, as the luxury yacht brand sought to leverage her expertise and public profile for their expansion into the cruise market.

Cruise Hive reported on her resignation from Celebrity Cruises in February 2025, at which time she expressed her intention to continue sailing in some capacity.

The Social Media Captain With Over One Million Followers

What truly sets McCue apart from other maritime professionals is her unprecedented engagement with the public through social media platforms. With more than one million followers across various channels, she has demystified life at sea and brought the cruise experience to audiences who might never step foot on a ship.