A perfect day at Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay took a dramatic turn when a fight broke out among cruise guests. The incident, captured on video and shared on Reddit, disrupted the tranquillity of the island. It all started when a group in the over-the-water cabanas became vocal about others drifting too close to their area.
Confrontation in the Water
Witnesses reported that lifeguards advised guests to avoid the cabana zone, as the tide was pushing them into restricted waters. Most complied, but tensions rose when a man accidentally floated into the area. A heated exchange followed, with one cabana guest shouting for him to leave.
Escalation and Intervention
The situation escalated when a woman in the cabana demanded the lifeguard “do his job” after the man wasn’t immediately removed. Two men from the cabana zone then entered the water, allegedly trying to drag the man under. In self-defence, the man began throwing punches.
Support from Onlookers
As the altercation intensified, one cabana member threw the man’s hat back at him, leading to more insults. The group in the cabanas continued to taunt, further fuelling the conflict. Island security and jet-ski lifeguards quickly intervened, questioning those involved.
Aftermath and Reactions
Despite the chaos, many witnesses supported the man who defended himself. Onlookers spoke to security, criticising the cabana group’s behaviour. Although the fight ended, reports suggest the involved parties were allowed to stay on the island, sparking further outrage.
Online Discussions and Concerns
The incident has ignited online discussions about the entitlement of some cruise passengers. Many are questioning the safety measures in place and the behaviour of those who pay for premium experiences like cabanas. The situation remains a hot topic among cruise holidaygoers.
Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, is set to welcome guests sooner than anticipated. After acing her sea trials in record time, the cruise line has announced an additional showcase cruise before the official maiden voyage. This new 4-night journey departs from Port Canaveral, Florida, on 16th August 2025, with a stop at the private Bahamian paradise, Perfect Day at CocoCay, on 17th August.
An Exciting Start to the Inaugural Season
Royal Caribbean is eager to introduce what they call “the world’s best family vacation.” This special sailing marks the beginning of the inaugural season. During the visit to CocoCay, Star of the Seas will join her predecessor, Utopia of the Seas. This unique event offers cruise enthusiasts a thrilling double-ship photo opportunity.
Explore the Ship’s Seven Neighbourhoods
The itinerary includes two full days at sea, allowing guests to explore the ship’s vast entertainment, attractions, and dining options. With seven unique neighbourhoods on board, there’s plenty to discover. However, two days might only be enough to get a glimpse of all the ship has to offer.
More Showcase Cruises Before the Maiden Voyage
This new sailing is one of four showcase cruises scheduled before the much-anticipated 7-night Western Caribbean inaugural voyage on 31st August 2025. Passengers booked on the 20th August sailing now have the option to move their reservation forward for an even earlier experience. The showcase cruises are possible due to the swift completion of sea trials, proving Star of the Seas is ready ahead of schedule.
Early Access with Some Considerations
Showcase cruises provide early access and exclusive gifts, but guests should be aware that not all features may be fully operational. Some entertainment, venues, or staffing might still be in the final stages of preparation. Despite this, the thrill of being among the first on a new Icon-class ship is sure to outweigh any minor issues.
Star of the Seas: A New Icon-Class Marvel
Originally set to launch on 17th August 2025, Star of the Seas faced potential construction delays. However, rapid progress has allowed Royal Caribbean to add several early cruises. As the second ship in the Icon class, following the celebrated Icon of the Seas, she promises to be one of the largest and most advanced ships globally, featuring state-of-the-art entertainment and family-friendly attractions.
Starting this month, Cunard is introducing charges for room service orders placed after 10 am in Britannia-grade staterooms.
This change applies across the entire fleet, ending Cunard’s all- inclusive in-cabin dining approach.
However, cruisers can avoid these charges by ordering breakfast room service before 10am, regardless of their stateroom category.
Additionally, the charges do not apply to guests booked into premium Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites.
Impacted Guest Have Been Notified
Cunard is reaching out to affected guests via email to inform them of these changes. The email states: “We are writing to inform you of a change in our room service on board. Across the fleet, we are introducing new charges that will apply to room service dishes served after 10.00 am in Britannia grade staterooms.”
Alternative Dining Options
For those who prefer not to incur extra charges, the buffet remains a viable option. It offers a variety of dishes throughout the day and night, all included in your fare.
This change aligns Cunard with other mainstream cruise lines that charge for room service outside breakfast hours, unless guests are in premium accommodations.
Luxury Cruise Lines Keep Free Service
In contrast, luxury cruise lines such as Viking and Oceania Cruises continue to offer complimentary room service at all hours, regardless of stateroom category.
Cunard’s decision follows other recent service changes onboard, including new venues and dining options introduced aboard Queen Anne, the latest ship in the fleet.
Indeed, some loyal fans feel that the latest ship, Queen Anne, has strayed from the traditional Cunard experience completely.
Pricing Details and Industry Trends
Cunard has yet to disclose the exact pricing structure for post-breakfast room service orders.
However, the update is part of a broader industry trend toward altering inclusive amenities, as cruise lines strive to balance operational costs with guest expectations.
Guest Reactions and Future Bookings
Many guests may feel disappointed by this news, and view the latest changes as Cunard removing the much loved traditional cruising perks.
While the move might push some guests to book more premium cabins, Cunard also risks guests looking to other cruise lines as the onboard experience becomes comparable.
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Celebrity Cruises is set to invest $250 million in a significant refurbishment of its five Solstice-class ships. This major upgrade comes over a decade after the last ship in the series was launched. The transformation kicks off with Celebrity Solstice in early 2026, promising a host of enhancements. These include new stateroom categories, upgraded luxury spaces, and fresh dining and entertainment venues.
Celebrity Solstice’s Grand Makeover
Celebrity Solstice, the first of its class launched in 2008, will undergo a comprehensive dry dock. The ship will return to service in March 2026. Her first post-refit voyage is a 14-night journey from Singapore to Sydney, departing on 26th March 2026. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, stated, “Our Solstice Series ships represent the best of classic cruising, and now we’re elevating this vacation experience even further.”
New Staterooms and Luxury Retreat Upgrades
Once refurbished, Celebrity Solstice will introduce four new stateroom categories. These include the Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, Deluxe Panoramic Oceanview Suite, Panoramic Ocean View Suite, and Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View. Bookings for these new accommodations are expected to open in mid-June 2025. Guests in The Retreat, the luxury suite enclave, will enjoy a redesigned Retreat Lounge, a new sundeck with a hot tub, and refreshed suite interiors.
Exciting New Entertainment Venues
Several new entertainment venues will debut on Celebrity Solstice. The Boulevard Lounge, a cabaret-style performance space, will offer concerts, daytime trivia, and more. The adjacent Boulevard Bar will become a lively cocktail destination. A new sports bar concept, Celebrity Barcade, will feature multiple screens for live sports and interactive games like darts and billiards.
Expanded Culinary Offerings
The ship’s culinary scene will also see exciting additions. Fine Cut Steakhouse, a favourite on Celebrity’s Edge-class ships, will offer dry-aged steaks and premium seafood. Trattoria Rossa, an Italian venue, will provide table-side service and freshly prepared pasta dishes.
Enhanced Outdoor Spaces and Family Fun
On the top deck, the ship will unveil Sunset Park, a half-acre outdoor space with food, drinks, live music, lawn games, and family-friendly entertainment. A larger Sunset Bar and private cabanas will also be introduced. Although dry dock dates are not publicly confirmed, Celebrity Solstice has no cruises scheduled from 15th January to 25th March 2026, suggesting renovations will occur during this period.
Future Voyages and Fleet Upgrades
After her refit, Celebrity Solstice will embark on a Transpacific cruise from Sydney to Hawaii. She will then reposition to Vancouver for her Alaska summer season, starting 3rd May 2026. A full timeline for the refurbishment of the other Solstice-class vessels—Celebrity Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette, and Reflection—has yet to be released. The Solstice-class ships continue to be among the most admired in the Celebrity fleet.
Cruise passengers in Catania, Sicily, experienced an unexpected event on 30th May 2025. The Norwegian Epic, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, broke free from its moorings due to strong winds. This incident sent parts of the dock flying and caused two guests to fall into the water.
Chaos at the Dock
The drama unfolded shortly after 1pm local time. Guests were returning to the ship during a scheduled port call. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud cracks as the ship’s mooring lines snapped. These lines reportedly pulled concrete fixtures from the pier, launching them towards the ship’s hull.
Guests in the Water
As the lines gave way, a female passenger fell from the gangway into the harbour. Her husband jumped in to assist her. Emergency responders quickly retrieved both individuals. Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed they sustained minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for further treatment.
Weather Warnings and Investigation
Earlier in the day, the Italian Meteorological Service had issued a moderate wind warning. Gusts reportedly reached 57mph (92km/h). The incident’s cause is still under investigation. Early signs suggest a mix of dock infrastructure failure and mechanical strain from the shifting ship.
Ship Regains Control
The 155,873-gross-ton vessel, which can accommodate over 4,000 passengers, drifted into the harbour. It eventually regained control and returned to port. Port authorities halted all reboarding activities until the winds subsided, leaving many guests stranded ashore.
Delayed Return for Frustrated Passengers
Passengers were initially told they might reboard by 4 or 5pm. However, they waited until 7:15pm to begin re-embarking, over six hours after the incident. Video shared on a Norwegian Epic Facebook group showed large crowds waiting to board. Many expressed frustration over the lack of information and amenities.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Response
Norwegian Cruise Line later stated that their crew actively attended to guests during the interruption. They emphasised that the safety of guests and crew is their top priority. Despite the disruption, Norwegian Epic remains on schedule to visit Naples on 31st May. The voyage will continue to Livorno and Cannes, concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome) on 3rd June 2025.
Understanding Mooring Line Failures
Mooring line failures, while rare, are not unheard of. They can occur due to a combination of factors, including weather conditions and infrastructure issues. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by cruise lines in ensuring passenger safety.
Marella Cruises has announced its Winter 2026 programme. It includes brand-new ports and fresh itineraries across the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Caribbean.
The new schedule marks a return to destinations Marella hasn’t visited in over a decade. These include La Goulette (Tunisia), Vigo (Spain), Tangier (Morocco), and Lexios (Portugal).
All sailings go on sale from July 3, 2025.
Mediterranean Moments: Tunisia Returns
One highlight is the return to Tunisia. The adults-only Marella Explorer 2 will sail the “Mediterranean Moments” itinerary. This cruise departs from Dubrovnik on October 29, 2026, and ends in Malaga.
Along the way, it will visit Valletta, Tunis, Alicante, and Almeria. This marks Marella’s first visit to Tunisia in over 10 years.
Atlantic Treasures: Morocco and More
Marella Discovery 2, which will also be adults-only for the season, offers the “Atlantic Treasures” cruise. It departs from Malaga on November 13, 2026, and ends in Las Palmas.
Stops include Tangier, Lisbon, Arrecife, Puerto del Rosario, and Santa Cruz. It’s a mix of culture, history, and island sunshine.
Caribbean Adventures: More Variety, More Choice
The Winter 2026 season brings exciting Caribbean options. Here’s how the fleet will be deployed:
Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager will sail from Barbados.
Marella Discovery will run from the Dominican Republic between November 2026 and March 2027, before relocating to Majorca.
Marella Explorer will sail from Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Marella Discovery 2 will also homeport in the Canary Islands before shifting to Malaga in spring 2027.
New itineraries from Bridgetown include “Cocktails and Coconuts” and “Exotic Islands.” Ports on these routes include Antigua, St. Maarten, BVI, St. Kitts, Martinique, St. Lucia, Aruba, Bonaire, and Grenada.
Expands Cruise & Stay
Marella is also growing its Cruise & Stay programme. It’s adding 22 new hotels across Cyprus, Corfu, Croatia, and mainland Spain. In total, there will be 165 properties to choose from.
Packages will depart from 14 UK airports. The line will also offer overnight stays onboard in select ports, including Madeira and Curaçao.
All-Inclusive Comes Standard
All Marella Cruises remain all-inclusive. That means food, drinks, tips, and service charges are included in the fare. Prices for the new “Island Explorer” itineraries start from £1,104 per person.
Marella’s managing director, Chris Hackney, said the cruise line remains committed to evolving its offering. That includes new destinations, improved experiences, and exciting ship deployments.
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P&O Cruises has cancelled two major sailings for 2026. The sudden changes have disappointed many passengers and mark another shift in the cruise line’s plans.
Ventura’s December Cruise Dropped
The first cancellation affects Ventura’s 13-night cruise to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. It was due to depart from Southampton on December 3, 2026.
According to P&O Cruises, the decision was made for “operational reasons.” Guests booked on this trip can now claim a full refund or move to a different sailing.
Arvia’s March Sailing Cancelled Too
Next, the cruise line also cancelled Arvia’s 14-night Spain and France itinerary. This sailing was scheduled for March 29, 2026. Again, operational changes were to blame.
Although no new itinerary has replaced it yet, P&O says passengers will receive support to rebook or get their money back.
Why Are These Cruises Being Cancelled?
These changes are part of a larger shift in P&O’s cruise schedule. The company is adjusting its future routes to focus on new and more unique destinations.
For example, P&O is adding cruises to Cape Verde and the Norwegian fjords. These trips offer passengers more nature, culture, and variety—something the line says travellers are asking for.
A Growing Pattern of Itinerary Changes
This isn’t the first time P&O Cruises has made sudden changes. In fact, cancellations have become more frequent in recent months.
Earlier this year, a 35-night Caribbean voyage on Ventura was cancelled. That trip was replaced with a similar cruise on Iona. P&O also dropped two Iona sailings in autumn 2024 for emergency maintenance. Another Iona cruise in August 2026 was removed too.
Even worse, in April 2025, some passengers found out just one day before departure that their Aurora sailing to Belgium had been cancelled due to delays at the shipyard.
What Passengers Should Do Now
If your cruise was affected, P&O recommends getting in touch with them or your travel agent as soon as possible. You can request a full refund or rebook another cruise.
Despite these disruptions, P&O says the changes are meant to create better travel options in the future. The new routes show a clear effort to improve variety and customer experience.
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MSC Cruises has made big changes to its speciality dining. The cruise line has launched new packages, flexible pricing, and more variety on all its ships.
The aim is to offer guests better value, more freedom, and an easier dining experience.
Flexible Dining Packages
MSC now lets guests buy packages that cover a set number of speciality meals. You can choose one, two, or several meals depending on your plans.
This means you can try different restaurants without paying full price each time. For example, you might have sushi on one evening, steak the next, and pasta the night after.
These flexible options make it easier to enjoy your holiday your way.
Clearer Pricing
The cruise line has also changed how they price speciality dining. Instead of fixed menus with set prices, guests can now choose exactly what they want to pay for.
If you only want a main course, you pay less than someone ordering a full three-course meal. This approach helps avoid waste and keeps things fair for everyone.
It is ideal for people who eat smaller portions or prefer to skip dessert.
Available on All Ships
These changes are not limited to newer ships. MSC is rolling them out across the entire fleet.
Whether you are sailing on a large ship like MSC World Europa or a smaller one like MSC Lirica, you will still get access to the updated dining options.
MSC wants to make the cruise experience consistent for everyone, no matter which ship they choose.
Why MSC Made the Change
Guests today want more control over their holiday. That includes food. They expect high-quality meals, flexible options, and prices that make sense.
MSC has listened. These updates are based on guest feedback and changing travel trends.
Other cruise lines have already started offering more flexible dining. Now MSC is doing the same to stay competitive and improve the guest experience.
What to Expect on the Menu
MSC offers a range of speciality restaurants. These vary by ship but usually include:
Butcher’s Cut – an American-style steakhouse with prime cuts and rich sides
Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar – live Japanese cooking and fresh sushi
Hola! Tacos and Cantina – casual Mexican street food with fun flavours
Ocean Cay – seafood with a Mediterranean twist
Indochine – French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine on selected ships
With flexible dining packages, you can try two or three of these during your cruise. That makes it easier to explore different styles of food without going over budget.
Dining for All Budgets
Main dining rooms and buffets are still free for all guests. But speciality restaurants offer something extra.
They give you a more relaxed, restaurant-style experience with unique menus and better service.
The new pricing system makes it easier to enjoy these options without spending too much. For families and couples, it is a great way to upgrade without overdoing it.
You pay only for what you want to eat. No pressure to order a full three-course meal if you don’t feel like it.
Easier Booking
MSC has also improved how you book your dining. Guests can now book speciality meals online or through the MSC app.
You can add a dining package before your cruise starts, often at a lower price than onboard.
This saves time and helps you plan ahead. It is especially useful on busy cruises when restaurants can fill up fast.
Guest Feedback
Guests who have tried the new system say they like it. They enjoy having more choice and better value.
Some say it feels more like eating at restaurants on land. Others like being able to try different cuisines on the same trip.
It is also more convenient on shorter cruises. In the past, guests sometimes paid for a package but didn’t have time to use it. Now, they can choose smaller packages that fit their plans.
Looking Ahead
MSC’s new approach to speciality dining is a smart move. More travellers want freedom, value, and choice. These updates offer all three.
Whether you are looking for a romantic meal, a quiet dinner away from the buffet, or just something different, the new packages make it simple.
Next time you cruise with MSC, try one of their speciality restaurants. You might discover a new favourite dish at sea.
P&O Cruises has cancelled a 35-night Caribbean sailing on its ship Ventura, leaving many holidaymakers frustrated.
The cruise was due to leave Southampton on 4 January 2027. It would have visited tropical ports including Barbados, Grenada and Curaçao.
But P&O recently told guests that the cruise will no longer go ahead.
Guests Rebooked on Iona
P&O emailed passengers to explain the change. The company said “operational reasons” forced the cancellation.
To make up for it, they moved everyone’s booking to a similar cruise on Iona, which sails on the same date.
Guests can accept the switch or ask for a full refund.
Many Passengers Disappointed
The cancellation has upset a lot of people. Some had booked the cruise far in advance and made travel plans around it.
Others chose Ventura because it’s a smaller ship compared to Iona. They now feel they’ve lost part of the experience they were hoping for.
Some travellers will now need to change flights or cancel hotel stays.
P&O’s Recent Track Record
This isn’t the first cruise P&O has cancelled. In the last year, the company also pulled voyages on Iona and Aurora — sometimes with just a day’s notice.
In those cases, passengers received full refunds and cruise credit. But many still felt let down.
What’s Next?
P&O says Ventura will now offer three different cruises instead. These will go on sale in June 2025.
For guests staying on the new Iona cruise, the trip will still include Caribbean ports, just on a different ship.
P&O apologised for the change and thanked customers for their understanding.
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Passengers on a 19-day Diamond Princess cruise were left stunned after learning their captain had died partway through the trip.
The cruise was sailing through Asia and docked in Taiwan when the tragedy happened. Captain Michele Bartolomei, who had been leading the voyage, died on board following a sudden medical emergency.
A Sudden Loss at Sea
Captain Bartolomei hadn’t been seen for a few days. Some guests noticed his absence but didn’t think much of it. Then, on 19 May, passengers received a letter in their cabins.
The letter shared the sad news of the captain’s passing. It also introduced a new captain, Salvatore Macera, who had taken over.
The tone was calm and respectful, but many guests were shocked.
Cruise Line Responds
Princess Cruises released a statement after the news came out. They called Captain Bartolomei a “highly respected” leader with nearly 30 years of service.
He was well-known within the cruise line. Both passengers and crew trusted and admired him.
The cruise line said it was giving full support to his family and colleagues.
New Captain Takes Charge
Captain Salvatore Macera stepped in quickly. He reassured guests that the crew would continue to run the ship smoothly.
In a message to guests, he said safety and comfort remained their top priority. He thanked passengers for their patience and support.
The Diamond Princess stayed on course and continued its journey toward Yokohama, Japan.
Passengers React
Many passengers expressed sadness but also praised the crew. Despite the tough situation, the team stayed professional and caring.
One guest told reporters the crew had “handled it with great respect.” Another said the captain’s death was a “reminder of how much responsibility cruise staff carry.”
Remembering Captain Bartolomei
Captain Bartolomei’s passing touched many. He had spent decades at sea and built a strong reputation.
Colleagues described him as calm, kind, and highly capable. His leadership left a mark on the cruising world.
Although most guests didn’t know him personally, they felt the loss. A cruise ship is like a small city, and the captain sits at its heart.
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