Norwegian Luna was christened last week during a ceremony at PortMiami, marking the official naming of the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Plus Class of vessels.

Featuring largely the same footprint as classmate Norwegian Aqua and Prima Class sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Luna is certainly extra. It offers elegant but fun public spaces with some stellar new shows, comfortable cabins and 17 restaurants that feature 15 different cuisines.

To help you decide if you’d like to sail on this new ship, here are five things we loved and three that didn’t blow us away.

Hits

New Shows With High Production Value

Norwegian Luna debuted with three new shows, all happening in the main Luna Theater. Each of them is fantastic, employing phenomenal talent; elaborate, high-tech sets, lighting and projections; jaw-dropping costumes; and live music. Here’s a quick rundown.

“Elton”: This isn’t your average tribute show. It combines the best of Elton John’s music – think: “Saturday Night’s Alright (for Fighting),” “Crocodile Rock,” “I’m Still Standing” and others – with iconic costuming that will have passengers singing along and dancing in their seats.

The performance incorporates singing by members of the ship’s cast, as well as dancing to recorded lyrics sung by Elton John himself. Toss in a dozen pianos that decorate the stage, one of which is used by a live pianist, and it’s a compilation you won’t want to miss.

“HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder”: The word “hiko” means “prince” in Japanese, making it a perfect name for this show, which focuses on a male protagonist. We struggled to find a plot in the performance, which is set to music but has no talking or singing.

However, its visual appeal – laser lights, digital projections, acrobatics, dancing, aerialist performances and a routine set on trampolines – was more than enough to hold our attention.

“Syd Norman’s Presents: A Tribute to The Eagles”: For years, Norwegian ships with Syd Norman’s Pour House (a rock ‘n’ roll-style lounge for intimate performances) have offered “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours.”

The wildly popular show – which sees a resident quartet perform the entirety of the Fleetwood Mac album of the same name, interspersed with stories about the band – has since moved to the main theater due to the number of passengers hoping to see it.

On Norwegian Luna, the cruise line has added a similar show as a tribute to The Eagles. Instead of playing one single album, the cast focuses on the band’s biggest hits, including “Heartache Tonight,” “Desperado” and “Hotel California.”

We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention “LunaTique,” a fourth show, held in the ship’s Improv at Sea comedy lounge. It’s a blend of cabaret and circus-style immersive entertainment set to pop music.

Because it’s open to a limited number of passengers, we were unable to try it on our sailing. However, cruisers who did attend told us it has a bit of a speakeasy vibe. Unlike the other new shows, it costs extra – $45 per person – and includes several themed drinks.

The Aqua Slidecoaster

This fun top-deck attraction, which is free for passengers, combines the initial adrenaline rush of a roller coaster with a decidedly less butterfly-inducing trip down a moderately paced waterslide. Although the slidecoaster made its first appearance on Norwegian Aqua, it’s worth noting as a don’t-miss activity on Norwegian Luna, too.

Passengers board the attraction on Deck 19, where they wait in line to make sure they meet height and weight requirements. They can choose to either ride alone or in the same raft with one other person.

Two rafts launch at the same time, side by side, on dual conveyor belts. They are propelled uphill by mechanical arms at a thrilling speed until they enter the waterslide tubing, at which point it’s a pretty standard ride back down.

Family Areas

Many of NCL’s newest and largest vessels are great at catering to families, as is the case with Norwegian Luna. Returning from other ships in the Prima and Prima Plus Classes are the Glow Court, an interactive light-up sports court with lights and projections that change based on the activity; The Stadium, which features two types of shuffleboard, cornhole, foosball and other games; Tee Time, an interactive for-fee twist on mini-golf; and Moon Climber, which is new to the fleet with Norwegian Luna and features a harness-free enclosed ropes course climbing experience.

For family fun that involves less physical activity and more indoor time, check out the impressively expansive Game Zone. It’s a humongous arcade space on Deck 17, comprising racing games, claw games, pinball, air hockey, virtual-reality simulators and two miniature bowling lanes among its options. Just be prepared to shell out extra to play.

Indulge Food Hall

Call us crazy, but even if money were no object, we’d choose to dine at Norwegian Luna’s complimentary Indulge Food Hall over the onboard specialty restaurants every time. In the space on Deck 8, several food counters and even a faux food truck serve up cuisines that range from Mexican and Indian to Mediterranean and barbecue fare.

But, instead of ordering at each counter and waiting, seat yourself and use your table’s tablet menu to order whatever you’d like. Within minutes, servers appear to deliver your food as it’s ready. We recommend ordering one or two items to start and, if you’re still hungry, ordering more as you go.

Some of our favorites include the guacamole, barbecued chicken plate and grilled saag paneer with garlic naan and vegetable pakora. The best part is it’s all included in your cruise fare.

Great Stirrup Cay

We know this isn’t technically part of the ship itself, but Norwegian Luna’s itineraries through at least the fall of 2026 include calls on NCL’s Bahamian private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

Since 2019, the line has made major improvements to the island, adding the luxurious Silver Cove and, in 2025, the Vibe Shore Club, which is an extension of the exclusive Vibe Beach Club found onboard the line’s ships.

Both offer for-fee adults-only respite from the more family-friendly atmosphere elsewhere on the island, complete with private beach and dining areas, as well as cabana options (some with full bedrooms and air-conditioning, making them suitable for families with kids who can’t miss naptime).

Also recently added was a pier for docking, Splash Harbor kids water play area and the absolutely massive Great Life Lagoon pool. Construction is ongoing, with the island’s Great Tides Waterpark set to open this summer, along with an expanded pier that will ultimately have space for two ships to tie up.

Misses

Luna Midway

New for the line with Norwegian Luna is the Luna Midway, an outdoor area on Deck 18, near The Stadium, which houses a small selection of arcade games like basketball and Bowler Roller. When we think of a midway, we think of lights and noise and a carnival-style atmosphere, but the Luna Midway was quiet and empty when we visited, leaving us feeling a bit disappointed. 

Overall, the space feels almost like an afterthought, with some games looking worn, as though they were pulled from other ships. We’re skeptical that it will see much use, especially when there are other more flashy games elsewhere onboard.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai, a Thai restaurant on Deck 17, first rolled out on Norwegian Aqua. The space is open for breakfast and lunch to accommodate overflow from the nearby Surfside Cafe buffet, but the actual Sukhothai menu items are only served during dinner.

For a cover charge of $50 per person, cruisers can select up to two appetizers, plus one main course and a dessert. We’re normally lovers of Asian food, but we were, unfortunately, underwhelmed by our yellow curry chicken, which featured rubbery dark meat, and our sour-tasting pad thai.

We also heard mixed reviews from others at our table, leading us to decide the experience was just so-so – not the desired outcome, particularly for the price.

For truly delicious Asian and Indian cuisine, head to Indulge Food Hall. The food is free and, oddly, much better.

Crowds

On our special naming ceremony voyage, which wasn’t even at half capacity, Norwegian Luna felt largely uncrowded. It was nice to see that some of the flow issues had been fixed from the Prima Class ships to the Prima Plus Class ones.

However, even with so few people onboard, several of the bars and lounges – particularly those on Decks 6, 7 and 8 in the Penrose Atrium – felt jammed for trivia, live music and other events.

The vessel’s main pool area on Deck 17 also seemed disproportionately bustling on our sole sea day and in the late afternoon after our call on Great Stirrup Cay.

When the ship is sailing full, we suspect sun loungers anywhere near the pool will be at a premium, and passengers will need to show up early for shows and other events and activities in order to snag prime spots and avoid standing-room-only situations.

Small-ship luxury cruise experiences deliver advantages impossible on mega-ships carrying thousands of passengers, transforming ocean travel from anonymous resort experiences into intimate voyages where genuine connections, exclusive access, and personalized attention create fundamentally different value propositions.

For cruise passengers prioritizing destination immersion, cultural depth, and refined service over waterslides, casinos, and Broadway productions, understanding why boutique vessels outperform mass-market behemoths helps make informed choices aligning with actual vacation priorities.

The case for small-ship luxury cruising rests on eleven compelling advantages separating intimate vessels from floating cities:

1. Exclusive Destination Access

Small ships reach ports and anchorages mega-ships cannot physically access. Luxury cruise vessels like Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana and SH Vega, accommodating approximately 152 guests, navigate narrow fjords, shallow harbors, and remote coastlines where draft restrictions and turning radius requirements exclude vessels carrying 3,000+ passengers. This access difference proves dramatic:

Ports Small Ships Access:

• Remote Antarctic bays beyond standard Gerlache Strait routes mega-ships repeat endlessly
• Isolated Arctic settlements in Svalbard and Greenland with limited infrastructure
• Mediterranean archaeological sites on small islands without developed ports
• Pacific atolls and island chains where few vessels venture
• Norwegian fjords, Chilean channels, and coastal waterways too narrow for large ships

Swan Hellenic luxury cruise lines prioritize these exclusive destinations through purpose-built expedition design featuring ice-class PC5 hulls enabling polar navigation, shallow draft allowing coastal exploration, and advanced positioning systems maintaining station without anchoring in sensitive environments. Their commitment to remote destination access means itineraries include locations competitors literally cannot reach regardless of willingness.

Mega-Ship Limitations:

• Restricted to major ports with developed infrastructure handling thousands of passengers
• Repeat same heavily-touristed Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska routes
• Dock alongside 3-5 other mega-ships overwhelming destinations
• Cannot access remote regions where authentic discovery exists
• Sacrifice destination variety for operational efficiency

The destination access advantage alone justifies small-ship premiums for travelers measuring trip value by unique experiences rather than onboard entertainment square footage.

2. Genuine Personalized Service

Small-ship crew-to-passenger ratios approaching 1:1 enable service impossible when crew members serve hundreds rather than dozens of passengers. Swan Hellenic ultra luxury cruise vessels maintain approximately 152 guests with comparable crew numbers, allowing:

What Personalized Service Actually Means:

• Staff learning names, preferences, and interests within days rather than remaining anonymous throughout voyages
• Butler service handling unpacking, pressing, and personal concierge needs attentively
• Bartenders remembering drink preferences without asking
• Dining staff recognizing dietary restrictions and preferences automatically
• Expedition staff providing individualized attention during landings and activities

This genuine personalization differs fundamentally from mega-ship “personal medallions” and app-based service requests trying to scale service through technology rather than human attention. Small-ship staff have time building relationships, anticipating needs, and delivering the thoughtful touches creating memorable experiences.

Mega-Ship Service Reality:

• Crew members juggling hundreds of passengers preventing genuine personalization
• Automated systems substituting for human attention and relationship building
• Long waits for services during peak periods when everyone wants same things
• Impersonal interactions where staff don’t recognize passengers beyond room numbers
• Premium service tiers creating two-class experiences within single vessel

3. Intimate Shipboard Atmosphere

Boutique capacity creates fundamentally different social dynamics where passengers know fellow travelers, meaningful conversations develop naturally, and shared interests create genuine connections. Swan Hellenic expedition voyages attract intellectually curious explorers sharing cultural and natural history interests, creating communities rather than anonymous crowds:

Small-Ship Social Benefits:

• Meeting and knowing significant percentages of fellow passengers
• Developing friendships and connections lasting beyond voyages
• Intellectual conversations with like-minded travelers during meals and gatherings
• Intimate lectures and discussions where asking questions and engaging experts feels natural
• Shared expedition experiences creating bonds among participants

Mega-Ship Social Reality:

• Anonymous atmosphere where you’ll never see most passengers aboard
• Difficulty finding like-minded travelers among thousands with diverse interests
• Crowded venues preventing intimate conversations or meaningful interactions
• Impersonal lecture halls where audience participation proves impractical
• Segregated by booking class, deck, or venue limiting social mixing

For travelers viewing voyages as social and intellectual experiences, small-ship intimacy creates value mega-ships cannot replicate regardless of facility investment.

4. Comprehensive All-Inclusive Value

Small luxury ships typically include shore excursions, premium beverages, specialty dining, and gratuities creating true all-inclusive experiences versus mega-ship “à la carte everything” models nickel-and-diming passengers constantly. Swan Hellenic’s comprehensive inclusion covers:

• All shore excursions regardless of destination or complexity without premium program surcharges
• Premium beverages including fine wines, champagne, and spirits throughout ships
• Specialty dining at all restaurants without upcharges or reservation requirements
• Gratuities for all staff eliminating tipping considerations and calculations
• Expedition equipment including kayaks, snorkeling gear, and polar camping equipment
• Wi-Fi connectivity even in remote regions without additional fees

This comprehensive inclusion allows focusing entirely on experiences rather than managing budgets, tracking expenses, or making constant purchase decisions. The mental freedom from commerce enhances enjoyment and prevents the “death by a thousand cuts” billing characteristic of mega-ship cruising.

Mega-Ship A La Carte Reality:

• Shore excursions often costing $100-400 per person per port adding thousands to voyage costs
• Beverage packages requiring upfront purchases with restrictions and limitations
• Specialty restaurant surcharges of $30-100+ per person for dining beyond buffets and main dining rooms
• Gratuities adding $15-25 per person daily to final bills
• Wi-Fi packages charging premium rates for basic connectivity
• Constant onboard sales pitches for spa treatments, photographs, shopping, and activities

5. Exceptional Dining Quality

Small-ship galleys prepare meals for 150-200 passengers versus mega-ship industrial food production feeding 3,000-6,000+ guests simultaneously. This scale difference dramatically impacts culinary quality:

Small-Ship Culinary Advantages:

• Fresh ingredients prepared to order rather than mass-produced in advance
• Chefs capable of accommodating dietary restrictions and special requests personally
• Multiple dining venues offering variety without requiring reservations or surcharges
• Regional specialties reflecting destinations and seasons
• Sophisticated presentations and preparations matching fine dining restaurants
• Wine pairings and beverage programs curated for culinary programs

Swan Hellenic’s dining philosophy emphasizes quality over quantity, featuring regionally-inspired menus showcasing destinations through culinary exploration, fresh ingredients sourced in ports when possible, flexible dining arrangements accommodating expedition schedules, and multiple venues offering variety without rigid seating times or formal night requirements.

Mega-Ship Dining Reality:

• Industrial food production prioritizing volume over quality
• Limited fresh ingredients due to inventory requirements for thousands
• Main dining rooms serving reheated mass-produced meals
• Specialty restaurants carrying hefty surcharges for acceptable quality
• Buffets as primary dining option with food sitting under heat lamps
• Rigid dining times and assigned seating in main restaurants

6. Meaningful Shore Programs

Small-ship shore excursions accommodate entire passenger manifests allowing comprehensive programming versus mega-ships where only fraction of passengers fit on premium excursions, creating tiered experiences. Swan Hellenic’s all-inclusive model means:

Comprehensive Shore Access:

• Every passenger participates in expert-led cultural and natural history programs
• Archaeological specialists leading UNESCO World Heritage site visits for all passengers
• Marine biologists providing expertise during wildlife observations comprehensively
• Cultural anthropologists facilitating authentic community interactions for everyone
• No rushed rotations or limited spaces creating FOMO or requiring lottery systems

Swan Hellenic expedition voyages through SETI Institute partnerships bring astrobiology and astronomy programming where scientists conduct research during voyages and all passengers can participate, while Chopra wellness collaborations integrate mindfulness programming comprehensively rather than offering limited spots in premium programs. This inclusive approach means every passenger receives the full cultural and educational experience rather than tiered access based on willingness to pay surcharges.

Mega-Ship Shore Reality:

• Premium excursions limiting participation to small percentages of passengers
• Basic bus tours accommodating crowds to generic tourist attractions
• Rushed schedules maximizing passenger throughput over quality experiences
• Overwhelming local communities and cultural sites with thousands simultaneously
• Limited expert guidance spread across too many passengers for meaningful education

7. Environmental and Community Impact

Small ships minimize environmental footprint and avoid overwhelming local communities. When Swan Hellenic’s 152 passengers visit remote villages, archaeological sites, or wildlife colonies, the impact remains manageable. When 4,000 passengers from mega-ship descend simultaneously, they overwhelm infrastructure, damage cultural sites through sheer numbers, and disrupt wildlife through human density.

Small-Ship Sustainability:

• Manageable passenger numbers preventing destination overwhelming
• Advanced wastewater treatment and emissions controls
• Responsible wildlife observation maintaining safe distances and time limits
• Respectful cultural interactions where communities can genuinely engage
• Economic benefits distributed without destroying what attracts visitors

Mega-Ship Impact:

• Thousands simultaneously overwhelming ports, attractions, and ecosystems
• Massive waste streams challenging even developed port infrastructure
• Wildlife harassment through excessive vessels and human activity
• Cultural sites degraded by visitor volume exceeding capacity
• Economic benefits concentrated in cruise company hands rather than local communities

8. Expedition Capability and Adventure Access

Small luxury ships like Swan Hellenic’s ice-class vessels combine genuine expedition capability with refined comfort. Their PC5 polar rating enables Antarctic and Arctic navigation reaching remote coastlines, comprehensive Zodiac operations facilitate daily landings at wildlife colonies and pristine wilderness, and expedition equipment including kayaks and snorkeling gear supports active exploration programs.

Small-Ship Adventure:

• Ice-class hulls accessing polar regions and challenging coastal environments
• Zodiac fleets enabling landings at beaches, ice shelves, and wildlife colonies
• Kayaking programs providing quiet wildlife approaches and intimate experiences
• Snorkeling and diving opportunities in appropriate regions
• Polar camping and specialty programs impossible on conventional ships

Mega-Ship Limitations:

• Restricted to ports with developed infrastructure
• No Zodiac capability or expedition equipment
• Cannot access wilderness areas or wildlife colonies
• Limited to viewing destinations from ship rather than immersive exploration
• Adventure activities confined to controlled ship environments like climbing walls and surf pools

9. Intellectual and Cultural Programming Depth

Small ships attract passengers sharing intellectual interests, enabling sophisticated programming impossible when audiences span from PhDs to those wanting Vegas-style entertainment. Swan Hellenic ultra luxury cruise programming through SETI Institute partnerships brings actual astrobiology and astronomy research to voyages, while archaeological specialists with PhDs lead cultural site visits creating comprehensive educational frameworks.

Small-Ship Intellectual Depth:

• PhD-level experts providing genuine scholarly expertise
• Institutional partnerships like SETI Institute demonstrating commitment to educational depth
• Intimate lecture settings enabling questions, discussions, and ongoing conversations
• Comprehensive libraries, documentaries, and research materials supporting learning
• Fellow passengers sharing interests creating intellectual community

Mega-Ship Entertainment Focus:

• Programming emphasizing entertainment over education
• Generic enrichment lectures competing with casinos, shows, and activities
• Large lecture halls preventing meaningful interaction with speakers
• Limited resources supporting intellectual pursuits
• Diverse audience interests making depth programming impractical

10. Flexible and Responsive Operations

Small ships adapt itineraries for wildlife opportunities, weather optimization, or enhanced cultural experiences. When Swan Hellenic expedition teams spot rare wildlife or unexpected cultural opportunities emerge, they can adjust schedules accommodating extended time without disappointing thousands of passengers with complex logistics.

Small-Ship Flexibility:

• Itinerary adjustments for exceptional wildlife encounters
• Extended time at key locations when conditions warrant
• Route changes optimizing weather and ice conditions
• Spontaneous cultural opportunities requiring operational flexibility
• Passenger consensus easier with 150 than 4,000 guests

Mega-Ship Rigidity:

• Fixed schedules optimizing operational efficiency over experience quality
• Inability to adjust for wildlife or cultural opportunities
• Port commitments preventing flexibility
• Logistical complexity preventing responsive programming
• Passenger scale making consensus and communication impractical

11. Authentic Rather Than Manufactured Experiences

Small luxury ships deliver authentic discovery and cultural immersion versus mega-ship manufactured entertainment and staged cultural performances. Swan Hellenic expedition voyages prioritize genuine cultural interactions in remote communities, authentic archaeological site visits with specialist guidance, real wildlife observation in natural habitats, and educational frameworks creating understanding rather than superficial sightseeing.

Small-Ship Authenticity:

• Remote destinations where authentic discovery exists
• Cultural interactions with genuine communities rather than tourist shows
• Wildlife observation in natural environments without crowds
• Archaeological and cultural sites accessed during non-peak hours
• Experiences impossible to replicate on conventional vacations

Mega-Ship Manufactured Reality:

• Heavily-touristed ports offering commercialized experiences
• Staged cultural performances replacing authentic interaction
• Crowded attractions where tourist industry overwhelms local culture
• Controlled ship environments substituting for genuine destination immersion
• Experiences replicable at theme parks and entertainment venues

Small-Ship vs. Mega-Ship Comparison

Factor	Small Luxury Ships	Mega-Ships
Passenger Capacity	100-200	2,000-6,000+
Crew-to-Passenger Ratio	~1:1	~1:3 or worse
Destination Access	Exclusive ports, remote regions	Major ports only
All-Inclusive Coverage	Comprehensive	À la carte everything
Shore Program Quality	Expert-led, included	Basic tours, surcharges
Dining Quality	Restaurant-quality, fresh	Industrial mass production
Social Atmosphere	Intimate, meaningful	Anonymous crowds
Environmental Impact	Manageable	Overwhelming
Expedition Capability	Genuine exploration	Entertainment-focused
Cultural Depth	Scholarly programming	Entertainment emphasis
Flexibility	Responsive to opportunities	Rigid schedules
Experience Authenticity	Genuine discovery	Manufactured entertainment

Who Benefits from Small-Ship Cruising

Small luxury cruises particularly suit travelers who:

• Prioritize destinations and cultural immersion over onboard entertainment and facilities
• Value personalized service and intimate atmospheres over anonymous resort experiences
• Seek intellectual engagement and educational depth alongside recreation
• Appreciate refined dining and comprehensive inclusion over buffets and à la carte pricing
• Want expedition capability accessing remote regions versus heavily-touristed ports
• Prefer genuine cultural interactions over staged performances and tourist attractions
• Measure value by transformative experiences rather than facility square footage
• Avoid crowds and value exclusive access to destinations and cultural sites

For Discerning Cruisers

For cruise passengers who care more about where they’re going than how big the ship is, small-ship cruising really stands out.

Instead of packed decks and over-the-top attractions, these sailings focus on destination access, cultural experiences, and more personalized service.

Lines like Swan Hellenic, with ships like SH Diana and SH Vega, carry just over 150 guests and lean into expedition-style cruising, all-inclusive experiences, and enrichment partnerships that go beyond the typical cruise offering.

It’s a very different approach. One that’s less about quantity and more about meaningful travel, deeper discovery, and a more relaxed onboard experience.

With their new terminal nowhere near ready to welcome guests, Norwegian Cruise Line is finally offering passengers an idea as to what they should expect on Norwegian Jewel’s embarkation day. As one passenger asked in a Facebook message group devoted to the first sailing, “Is this the best they can do?”

Temporary Plans Are Being Made

For months, anticipation has been building, with the Norwegian Jewel set to become the first ship to sail out of Philadelphia in nearly 15 years. But as the first sail dates drew near, it quickly became clear that things weren’t exactly going to plan.

“We are excited to bring cruising back to Philadelphia for the first time in many years,” read a statement from Norwegian Cruise line released in late March. “Given the absence of cruising in the market for quite some time, we are working closely with our partners at PhilaPort to prepare the facility to welcome guests.” 

Now, we know exactly what those plans entail and they are, to say the least, unconventional.

What To Expect on Embarkation Day

In a letter sent to booked guests and travel partners, Norwegian promised that they are working to make sure the “modified check-in experience is as efficient as possible.” 

So what will be different? Pretty much everything.

First, the line advises particular care be taken with luggage tags, given that the drop-off process will not be conducted in the usual manner. In fact, the process will take place at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia Airport.

Upon arriving, guests will be directed to a parking area “reserved for our guests.” Fees, the letter says, will be paid directly to the hotel at a rate of approximately $16 per day.

As for luggage, “drop off will take place just outside the hotel entrance,” the letter explains. “After dropping your bags, you’ll proceed inside to complete parking payment and continue to check in” which will take place in the hotel’s ballroom.

‘Our Team Will Do Their Best’

One extremely important bit of information the letter provides is that “while wheelchair assistance will not be available at the Clarion Hotel, our staff will do their best to assist guests with mobility needs. Once at the port, wheelchair assistance will be provided for those who have requested assistance to embark on the ship.” 

Once check in has been completed, passengers will board a shuttle and be transported to the pier.

The missive ends with a bold-typed warning: “For everyone’s safety and to ensure smooth access at PhilaPort, guests cannot make their way to the port, and there is no option to check in at the ship. Only guests arriving on the official busses from the Clarion Hotel will be allowed entry into the port area.”

It later notes that on debarkation days, guests “will be shuttled back to the Clarion Hotel” to pick up their cars and “arrange onward transportation.” 

That may be easier said than done, as the letter makes clear that “ride shares and taxi services will not be available from the pier. Guests requiring these services may arrange pickup from the Clarion Hotel.”

‘I Refuse to Get Stressed Out’

As details unfurled, many found themselves unhappy with the arrangements being made. Others, however, took a more positive approach. “As long as I’m on board when that ship sets sail,” commented one Redditor, “I’m good. I mean, I’d love for my luggage to be on board, too, but I refuse to get stressed out about it!”

Thankfully, the situation, like many of life’s more annoying bumps in the proverbial road, is only temporary. “Once this construction is finished,” shared one of our travel associates, “it will actually be quite easy to get in and out of the terminal and the parking area. Right now, however, it will be a disaster.” 

Read Next: NCL Ditches Birthday Cakes in Celebratory Package

If you’ve spent any time at all on Instagram lately, you’ve no doubt seen numerous posts about a secret funnel bar located on Carnival Cruise Line ships. Here’s what’s got people buzzing… and the truth about the suddenly-exposed “secret.”

How To Access Carnival’s Secret Bar

What was supposedly a well-kept secret suddenly went viral over the past few days. Seemingly out of nowhere, Carnival cruise directors and random influencers were spilling the beans about a secret bar found inside the infamous red funnels which make the line’s ships so easy to distinguish from those of other brands.

One such video features popular cruise director Kyndall Fire whispering to us via her Instagram page that she’s “here to confirm” the rumors that there is “a new speakeasy inside the funnel.” Better still, she informs watchers that there are exclusive cocktails and the bartender is none other than the brand’s long-retired mascot, Funship Freddy.

So how does one gain access to all this awesome? “All you need to get in,” Fire informs us, “is knock three times and know the password, which is ‘muster.’” 

There’s Only One Catch…

Of course, there’s not a bit of truth to the rumor — a fact we’re as sad to report as you are disappointed to hear. But a quick glimpse at the calendar shows that these posts began appearing just a day or two before the first day of April.

And if one follows the link in Carnival’s Instagram bio, as instructed, it leads to a page reading, “Our funnel isn’t really a speakeasy, but that would be pretty cool!” 

That’s right, this is the latest April Fool’s joke to be rolled out by Carnival. It’s unclear whether some of those involved accidentally posted their vids early or perhaps that was done on purpose to keep people from guessing at the truth.

Obviously, some folks weren’t fooled. After all this isn’t the first time a cruise line — let alone Carnival — has pulled our collective legs on this silliest of holidays. Who could forget last year’s “Duolingo World Cruise” which would supposedly visit 195 countries over 5 years? (You can check out that video below.)

One of the dead giveaways indicating the “funnel speakeasy” is a prank? Just like with the Duolingo prank, no specific ship is mentioned. And while we might be gullible enough to fall for the notion of Carnival rolling such a fun concept out on a new build, the idea of it being on every ship?

Hey, we weren’t born yesterday.

Read Next: Should man overboard pranksters be punished?

💾

It started with tea.

Not the kind you absent-mindedly order at a diner and don’t think twice about as you sip until the cup is empty. 

The kind you sit down for, learn about, and share with a stranger from Madison, Wisconsin who you never would have spoken to otherwise.

That conversation at a tea house in Singapore, on day one of a six-day segment aboard Holland America’s Volendam, was the moment I realized this trip was going to be different.

Not because of the ship. Not because of the ports. Because of the people.

I joined the Volendam on day 79 of a 133-day Grand Voyage. The ship had already crossed oceans, made stops on multiple continents, and turned strangers into something closer to a floating community by the time I stepped aboard in Singapore.

I was the newcomer. What I did not expect was how quickly that stopped mattering.

On most cruises, you see people moving about the ship with their heads down and their phones up. They’re checking messages or using the app to plan their day. They are, in a word, distracted by technology. And there is nothing wrong with that. But on this sailing, something was different.

People said hello in the hallway.

Conversations started during sailaway. Nobody was allowing their phone to serve as a wall between themselves and the next person. They were taking photos of sunsets and posting sailaway videos, sure. But when it was time to talk, they were present.

I put my phone away too. Not in my cabin, granted. Just in my pocket. But it stayed a lot longer than usual.

It turns out that is what time spent on a world cruise segment does to you, if you let it.

The People You Meet on a World Cruise Are Not Who You Expect

Take, for example, the woman from Wisconsin. While chatting, she shared that she does variations of world cruises every year, switching between ships and itineraries.

For them, this was not a bucket list cruise. This was just what they have done since retiring from banking. I found that both impressive and quietly inspiring.

During that same shore excursion at a tea house in Singapore, I also met a recently retired nurse from Florida who had boarded in Sydney. Before joining the ship, she checked bungee jumping in New Zealand off her list. But that was only the beginning, as she had a long list of items and intended to work her way around the world, checking them off as she went.

A UK couple in their 70s told me the pandemic rewired how they think about time. They were not waiting anymore. If they wanted to do something, they were doing it. A 133-day grand voyage was not an extravagance to them, but an investment in their lives. It was the decision not to put things off.

And then there was the woman I spoke to in the elevator. She worked in healthcare and had sublet her New York City apartment for four months to fund the voyage. “It’s cheaper than staying home,” she shrugged, backing that up with some pretty solid math to prove her point.

Every one of them had a different reason for being there. None of them fit the profile most people picture when they hear world cruise. 

The Ship Gets Out of Your Way

The Volendam has nine decks. Ten if you count the sun deck. You can walk from one end to the other in a couple of minutes. 

After years of covering mega ships that require a map and a plan just to get to dinner, that simplicity was something I did not know I needed.

The ship runs quiet during the day. Port intensive itineraries will do that. Most guests are off exploring by mid morning, which means the lounges, the library, the Crow’s Nest (my favorite!), and the Ocean Bar are essentially empty until guests begin returning in the late afternoon. 

For me, that was ideal. I am a remote worker, and finding a quiet corner to plow through a few hours of work before the ship pulled into port was never a problem. I noticed I was not the only one. Microsoft Teams meetings were happening in quiet corners and lounges all around the ship.

The only thing that required self control was the food. Something was always available no matter where you went or what time it was. That is both a feature and a problem, depending on how you look at it.

By evening the ship came back to life. There was live music in the Ocean Bar, the Piano Bar was slowly morphing into a gathering place, the World Stage filling with guests to see a super talented electric violinist named Jocelyn Ng.

For a ship of 1,400 guests it covered a lot of ground entertainment wise without ever feeling like it was trying too hard.

The size also made it easy to settle into a routine. Wake up, find a quiet spot, get some work done, head ashore, come back, eat well, catch some live music, and sleep. Repeat. 

By day three it felt completely natural. A day later I was at the future cruise desk, just to see what a longer segment might look like.

That is probably the best endorsement I can give a ship.

Cruising as a Gateway

Cruising has a way of opening doors you did not know you wanted to walk through. A Celestyal Cruises sailing introduced me to Doha, Qatar. I have been back twice.

Holland America’s Eurodam showed me St. John in the US Virgin Islands. I have done three land trips since. Cozumel started the same way. The list now goes on and on.

This segment added Singapore and Halong Bay to that list. I stayed an extra day in Halong Bay after the ship left because I needed to explore more. 

The bay is one of those places that does not fully register until you are standing in the middle of it. (Sunrise is something that might just have the ability to change your life, if only for a few moments.) 

Singapore is already on the return list. It is not that far from Manila, which I know well, so it will happen sooner rather than later.

My Last Morning Onboard

I set my alarm for sunrise as the Volendam made its way into Halong Bay. What I woke up to looked like something out of a Bob Ross painting. If you are over 40, you’ll get the reference. If not, hit up Google.

Limestone karsts (mountains) rising straight out of the water in every direction. The ship threading through them like a needle, turning to port, then to starboard, with the kind of precision that makes you appreciate the river pilot’s knowledge of the local waterway. 

Both sides of the ship had views worth standing for, and I found myself bouncing back and forth like a tennis ball, trying to take in as much as I possibly could.

I was not the only one. The crew had lined up on deck nine to take it in themselves. That is when you know a place is something special. When the people who have traveled the world show up for it.

Six days on a world cruise segment will not scratch the itch. It will just give you a bigger one,… even for an introvert like myself.

Read More: Embarkation Thoughts of Holland America’s Volendam

Marie Antoinette may or may not have said “Let them eat cake!” But Norwegian Cruise Line’s new policy means that if you want to do so, you’ll have to pay a whole lotta money. Why? Because the birthday package which previously included a six-inch cake has being majorly altered… or in their words, “refreshed.” 

What You Now Get Instead of Birthday Cake

Guests who had already ordered the Happy Birthday package, for themselves or a loved one, got an unexpected note from the cruise line. It appears that while the package is still available for purchase, it no longer includes the celebratory cake.

Instead, the letter reads, the package has been “designed to make your special day even more memorable.” It goes on to say that the “refreshed” package is part of the cruise line’s “continued effort to elevate the way we celebrate life’s moments at sea.”

Now, the previously included cake “will be replaced with a photo keepsake so you can take home a memory that lasts long after the candles are blown out. It is a small shift designed to make your celebration feel more personal and more connected to your time onboard.” 

Those booking the birthday package will now receive, according to the site, “a colorful selection of cheerful cabin decorations and a celebratory banner, plus keepsakes to capture the celebration, including a Compass Collection frame and a photo voucher redeemable toward any photo or photo package.” 

How You Can Still Get a Birthday Cake

Never fear, those who believe that a party ain’t a party without a slice of cake will still be able to order up a tasty treat. It won’t, however, come cheap. According to the line’s website, a “standard half sheet” cake (whether for one’s birthday or honeymoon) comes in at $148.80. But for around $50 more, you can go whole hog and order a full-sheet. Both are available in vanilla or chocolate.

“I Want My Money Back!”

The only people truly impacted by the change are those who had previously placed an order. (Anyone looking to purchase it moving forward would know that a cake is no longer included just by reading the details when ordering.) “The whole reason I ordered this package was for the cake,” complained one Norwegian passenger in a Facebook page devoted to the line.

Others, however, agreed with the company’s thinking that a complimentary photo was a better option. “Honestly, the cake isn’t that good,” wrote one, followed by a shrugging emotion. “I had it on two different birthday trips, and most of it wound up in the garbage.” 

Read Next: Norwegian’s New Show Comes With a Price Tag

For most of my cruising career, the routine was simple. Fly to Miami or Port Everglades, board a ship, sail the Caribbean, repeat. Maybe Alaska in the summer. It was comfortable, familiar, and the easiest way to cruise.

That changed in 2021 when my dad passed away at 65. He always talked about doing a Holland America world cruise someday. Asia, the Amazon, getting back to Sydney. His desk was cluttered with itinerary-filled brochures.

Sadly, he never got to make that dream a reality.

I am not sure I made a conscious decision to change the way I traveled after losing him. But looking back, something shifted. The Caribbean was no longer enough. I started saying yes to things I would have talked myself out of in the past.

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords. The glaciers of Alaska. A river cruise down the Mekong. A sailing out of Athens. A Middle East cruise out of Qatar. I started doing them all.

And now, here I am, joining day 79 of 133 on Holland America’s Grand Voyage aboard the ms Volendam, somewhere in Southeast Asia, doing part of the trip my dad never got to take.

The segment I joined dotted Southeast Asia and was a fraction of the overall itinerary.

I embarked in Singapore, crossed the South China Sea on a sea day, stopped at Phu My — the port for Ho Chi Minh City — had another day at sea, called on Da Nang, and wrapped in Halong Bay, where I disembarked and flew out of Hanoi. More on these later.

See the World — Or Just Part Of It

One of the biggest misconceptions about a world cruise is that you have to commit to the whole thing. You do not.

Holland America breaks the Grand Voyage into segments, and there are options around nearly every continent. On this sailing alone, I met passengers who boarded in Fort Lauderdale and were going the distance, others who joined in Sydney and would remain until the ship returned to Florida, and others doing shorter stretches between specific ports.

Everyone had their own version of the same trip, like one of those Choose Your Own Adventure books I loved as a kid.

The full 2027 Grand Voyage starts at around $29,000 per cabin, which sounds like a lot… until you start breaking it down.

But you can also pick up an 18-night segment from Sydney to Singapore for $4,600, or jump on for the final 54 nights from Cape Town back to Fort Lauderdale.

Suddenly it is a different conversation. You don’t have to be retired to take one of these segments. Whether you want to see the world or just one particular part, the cruise can be tailored to your bucket-list or interests.

In fact, flexibility is what makes this more accessible than most people assume. You pick the piece of the world you want to see, book the segment that gets you there, and let the ship do the rest. It is really that easy.

Boarding a Different Kind of Ship

The ms Volendam is the smallest ship I have ever sailed with Holland America Line. After this sailing, the only Holland America ship I have not been on is the Zaandam.

Coming off a stretch on newer vessels like Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam, and Rotterdam, stepping onto a ship that holds just 1,400 guests felt like I could catch my breath again.

That size is not a limitation. It is the entire idea.

On a sailing like this, the ship is more than a mode of transportation. You spend the day exploring, come back, eat a good meal, maybe catch a show, get some sleep, and do it all over again.

You are not meant to stay onboard, though there is nothing saying that you can’t do exactly that. But you are meant to go out and see the world, and the Volendam is a comfortable, unpretentious home base to return to at the end of the day.

For a ship launched in 1999, she holds up well. The layout will feel familiar to anyone who has sailed Holland America’s older fleet, and the onboard options cover what you need without overcomplicating things.

You won’t find a dozen dining venues or big Broadway-style productions, but again, that isn’t why you’re here. This isn’t a one-week vacation, this is the journey of a lifetime.

It’s All About Singapore

So let’s talk about my experience doing a segment of this incredible voyage.

After embarkation in Singapore, I ordered a Grab (Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber) and headed straight to Marina Bay Sands. Photos and videos do not do it justice. The observation deck gives you the kind of view that reminds you how far from home you actually are.

I walked through the casino, which is enormous in a way that has to be seen to be understood, made a quick stop at the Apple Store, and headed back to the ship. Knowing my excursion the next day would eat up most of my time ashore, I wanted to get out while I had the chance. I’m glad I did.

Holland America was deliberate about the Asia segment of this Grand Voyage, and it showed before I even got back onboard. Asia was not just a backdrop here. It was the point. That thinking carried into the shore excursion program as well.

Make Room for Tea

One of more unique shore excursions was a tea experience developed in partnership with Art of Tea, a four-hour hands-on workshop built around Chinese tea culture. This included a guided tasting at a traditional tea house to high tea in the afternoon at the Shangri-La Singapore resort.

What made this event so special was that Art of Tea founder Steve Swartz, a master tea blender and author, was onboard for the entire Southeast Asia segment, leading classes, Q&A sessions, and joining shore excursions in both Singapore and Vietnam. That is the kind of access you do not get on a standard seven-night cruise.

If I am being frank, I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up. I have extreme ADD, and sitting still for a tea tasting is not exactly my natural habitat. Regular readers will know that I typically catch about 10 minutes of an onboard show before getting the fidgets and bolting.

But here I was, genuinely fascinated by all things tea, and a lot of that credit goes to the woman who led the tea house portion.

She was funny, knew how to hold a room, and made it feel like a workshop rather than a lecture. Sometimes you book an excursion and then worry it’s going to feel like listening to Charlie Brown’s teacher. This was not that.

The excursion wrapped up with high tea at the Shangri-La, and the presentation alone was worth showing up for. Pastries and bites arrived on a tiered stand, the kind of spread where everything looks too good to eat before you remind yourself that you absolutely should!

I have done high tea on cruise ships before and showed up mostly for the food. This time the entire high tea event made sense. It gave me a new appreciation for tea I did not see coming. In fact, once back on the ship I found myself routinely ordering tea instead of coffee. Trust me, that was not on my Bingo card for 2026!

At $269.95 per person it is a niche offering, best suited for repeat Singapore passengers or those looking for something in depth as opposed to your typical “highlights” tour.

Either way, this was a clear example of Holland America leaning into the culture of the region rather than simply passing through it.

The Cruise Begins

After two days in Singapore harbor, the Volendam finally pushed back from the dock and headed out through the Gulf of Thailand toward the South China Sea.

With only 1,400 guests onboard, sea days felt… well, the way sea days are supposed to but rarely do. Unhurried. Relaxed. Refreshing. There were no crowds at peak dining times, and nothing felt like a competition for space. What a change from all the mega ships I’ve sailed lately.

I found myself back in one of Steve Swartz’s sessions, this time a casual tea chat that turned into a conversation about herbal health benefits. He made it clear that he does not give medical advice, but everything he mentioned checked out when I looked it up later.

It was enough to get me to the gym, which is not something I say very often.

That evening, I caught the live music in the Ocean Bar and Piano Bar, and eventually made my way to the back of the ship.

Standing at the stern watching the sun sink into the South China Sea, the wake churning below me, I was not thinking about itineraries or excursions or what was next. I was just there, in the moment.

These are the moments that keep bringing me back to cruising, and honestly, the reason my dad would have told me take the cruise in the first place.

To be continued.

City officials are mulling a solution to ease traffic congestion at the world’s busiest cruise port. Miami lawmakers are considering constructing a direct rail link connecting PortMiami to Miami International Airport.

Direct airport-cruise port link under review

An initial proposal for a rail link was included in the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) 2050 Master Plan, published in 2024. It was one of several options to alleviate congestion in the port area.

A direct train to PortMiami is now under serious review after narrowing down most other options, according to the TPO.

The project could cost up to $800 million and would require extending the Metrorail system by about 10 miles of new track, plus a new bridge over the Miami River. Operational costs would run up to $15 million annually.

The port currently has a freight train bridge, but it could only support the MetroMover system, which moves slowly and carries about 50 passengers at a time. The direct rail link remains at an early stage of discussion.

While lawmakers are interested in exploring this long-term option, interim measures to reduce congestion around PortMiami are also on the table.

The report recommends adding shuttle bus routes from downtown transit stations to the port, developed in collaboration with cruise lines.

PortMiami handled a record 8.5 million cruise passengers in 2024, leading to serious congestion on busy days. Carnival brand ambassador John Heald has posted tips for guests on how to plan around and avoid traffic delays. Most out-of-state cruise guests arrive via rideshare or hotel shuttle.

The port’s terminals handle an average of nearly 25,000 cruisers daily, with a single-day record of over 75,000 passengers set in late 2025.

They say kids will be kids… but when their actions have major (and expensive) consequences, should they be made to pay the price? That’s the question some are raising in the wake of an incident which unfolded aboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

Coast Guard and Ship Involved In Search

Several passengers aboard the just-concluded sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas reached out to our tipline with news that a passenger had reportedly gone overboard. The code “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” was heard over the ship’s PA at approximately 1 p.m., with the captain soon after confirming the news shortly thereafter.

As is protocol, Oasis immediately changed course in order to initiate a search for the passenger. Simultaneously, the Coast Guard was alerted to the situation so that they, too, could join the search.

While hunting for a person who has gone overboard is much like searching for a needle in a haystack, this particular scenario was literally an impossible mission. Why? Because it would soon turn out that all passengers were accounted for, and that a group of teenagers were responsible for the false report.

What Should Happen Next?

The trajectory of events could be followed live in a Facebook group dedicated to the sailing in question. Members first express concern and send up prayers for the person who’d supposedly gone overboard. But as word of the hoaxes true nature spread, concern turned to anger… much of it aimed at not only the teens but their parents.

“Those kids should be confined to their cabins,” wrote one passenger, adding that “their parents should have to pay for the rescue boats coming out.” 

“Man, if you’re here as the parent of these kids, do better!” said another, while numerous commenters cited a rash of bad behaviors on the part of young travelers across the vessel.

“This will definitely be out last Spring Break cruise,” echoed yet another upset guest.

While unconfirmed by Royal Caribbean, it was claimed in the Facebook group that a young female passenger had urged her friends to tell her grandmother that she’d gone overboard.

Man Overboard Prank Could Prove Costly

While there is no word on whether the responsible parties will face punishment for their actions, there are policies in place governing such situations. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s web page, penalties for “issuing a false distress call” can include a $250,000 criminal fine, up to six years in prison and being made to reimburse the Coast Guard for the cost of performing the search.

The page outlines just how far-reaching the consequences of such a prank can be. Why? Because it places members of the Coast Guard at unnecessary risk, can cost the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and could potentially interfere with the agency helping those who are genuinely at risk.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a coastal resiliency bill that effectively kills plans to construct a new cruise port facility near Tampa.

The bill includes a special amendment specifically restricting work in Manatee County where the proposed cruise terminal was planned.

The bill also forbids dredging activities in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, south of Tampa, unless it is for specific environmental improvements.

DeSantis noted that the existing Port Tampa Bay is sufficient to serve cruise ship tourism in the region and that another terminal would be unnecessary.

Governor says region doesn’t need a new cruise facility

“There’s not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area and an aquatic preserve, especially given that Tampa Bay is already home to three deep-water ports,” the Governor said.

Some cruise industry advocates disagree. The proposed terminal site is south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which would have allowed mega cruise ships to call in the region for the first time.

Currently, the largest ships cannot visit Port Tampa Bay due to the bridge’s height clearance.

The cruise terminal proposal was put forward by SSA Marine, which operates a facility at Port Tampa Bay and at other U.S. ports.

Addressing the issue last month, SSA Marine said it is committed to environmental stewardship and to creating long-term economic opportunity for Manatee County and West Central Florida.

From the start, the project faced strong opposition from local residents. An online petition against it drew about 19,000 signatures, with concerns that dredging and construction could negatively impact water quality and damage the preserve’s ecosystem.

For passengers, the signed law means mega ships that cannot clear the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will remain unable to call at the Tampa area.

That limitation would have been lifted had the Manatee County terminal moved forward.

In what’s becoming something of a trend at Norwegian Cruise Line, they have yet again reversed a policy shortly after implementing it. This time, it has to do with the Free at Sea drink package. And while guests will no doubt like this change more than some recent developments, the line made another announcement while will prove annoying to some, even if only temporarily.

Unpopular Drinks Package Move Reversed

Some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s recent decisions have gone over like the proverbial lead ballon. There was the downright confusing issue regarding changes to the dress code which were immediately walked back. (The policy as it now stands is still somewhat confusing, reading in part “there’s no right look, just your look.”) But any disgruntlement over sandals and shorts was quickly drowned out by news that moving forward, their popular Free at Sea drink package would not be honored at their private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay.

In fact, word began leaking that the company would begin selling a separate Great Stirrup Cay drinks package. While that plan was slated to go into effect in March, it was temporarily postponed. Although no reason was given, it seemed clear that the company — already under heavy scrutiny thanks to harsh criticism from major shockholder Elliott Investment Management — was aware of the negative reaction amongst cruisers.

Now, it seems Norwegian Cruise Line has blinked, announcing that they have not so much shelved as nixed their previous plans. Moving forward, the Free at Sea drinks package will continue to be honored at Great Stirrup Cay.

Tenders Returning to Private Island

In other Great Stirrup Cay news, Norwegian has announced plans to temporarily shut down the island’s recently-opened pier. Opened to much fanfare just before Christmas of 2025, it seemed clear from the start that this was a temporary move, especially as plans included a second pier which would allow for two vessels to visit the island at the same time.

We now know that in April, Norwegian will indeed stop using the pier for several months so that construction can be completed. While no official date has been announced, it is believed the project should be completed by early fall.

Until that time, however, ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay will once again be doing so by using tender boats to ferry guests back and forth. The timing is not particularly ideal, especially given that NCL is planning to open Great Tides Waterpark — the latest in a series of major island expansions — sometime this summer.

It’s worth noting that failing to fully monetize their initial investment in Great Stirrup Cay was one of the major issues raised by Elliott Investment Management. This issue was also addressed by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings during its most recent quarterly earnings call.

Read Next: Norwegian adds fee for new entertainment

Forget who won the Oscar for Best Picture or which actors were left out of the annual In Memoriam section. The thing which unexpectedly had people talking all across social media was a Disney Cruise Line commercial.

Why Disney’s Ad Hit Home

Nobody plucks at the heartstrings better than Disney. But while we’re used to that where their movies and even in-park experiences are concerned, nobody expected for a simple ad to have that impact on the viewing audience at large. Yet the moment it began, people felt themselves bracing for what was to come.

Why? The instantly-recognizable “Married Life” theme from the soundtrack of the Disney animated feature Up. For those not in the know, that beloved film opened with a sequence in which we saw a couple meet as children, fall in love, experience everything life has to offer — both the good and the bad — before the wife passed away.

To call it heart-wrenching would be a massive understatement. So to hear the music which accompanied that gorgeous sequence play immediately clued viewers in to the fact that something special was about to unfold.

Late Nights With Dad

The ad starts with a beautiful shot of a Disney ship cutting through the waters late at night. A dad whose baby isn’t able to sleep takes the child for a late-night stroll around the slumbering cruise ship. Simple enough, right? Cute, but not overly emotional.

But we then follow this father and son over the course of several years, each time on the ship, each time taking a late night stroll. “Dad,” asks the boy late one night, “can we do the walk?” Even when his offspring hits the sullen teenage years — opting to chill in the room instead of hang with the family by the pool — he still joins pop for a late night sojourn.

But it’s the final shots which really get us in the feels. As a now much older dad is laying in bed late at night, there’s a knock at the door. It’s his fully-grown son, now a dad himself, saying he and his child can’t sleep. The toddler reaches out, uttering one simple word — “Grandpa” — before we see the trio walking hand-in-hand on a moonlit night.

Cue the tears.

Don’t believe us? Check out the ad for yourself above. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.

💾

More than 150 cruise ship guests and crew have fallen ill during a Caribbean cruise this week.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was informed of the outbreak on March 11 and confirmed norovirus as the cause.

More than 150 guests and crew reported sick

The CDC reports 104 guests and 49 crew members experienced diarrhea and vomiting. According to CDC data, this is the first cruise ship norovirus outbreak confirmed this year. A previous outbreak in January was caused by E. coli.

Guests reported enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures onboard, and ill guests and crew were isolated. More than 4,300 guests are currently sailing on Star Princess, which concludes its Caribbean voyage Saturday at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.

The week-long Western Caribbean sailing departed Florida on March 7 and called at Roatán, Honduras; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.

“We quickly disinfected every area of the ship and added extra sanitizing throughout the voyage,” Princess Cruises said. “We also separated anyone feeling unwell so they could rest comfortably in private as an added precaution.”

Embarkation for the next cruise is delayed

Princess Cruises says it will conduct an intense deep cleaning when the ship docks Saturday. Guests booked on the next departure have been notified by email that embarkation is delayed.

“As an extra precaution, the ship will undergo additional disinfection in Fort Lauderdale,” the cruise line said. Check-in will begin at 12:30 p.m., with staterooms available in the afternoon. All guests must be onboard by 4:00 p.m., and the ship will depart shortly after.

Guests are advised not to arrive before 12:30 p.m. Those with Princess hotel or transfer packages will receive updated pickup times at the hotel or airport.

This is the second ship to report a gastro outbreak in 2026, following 23 reported cases in 2025.

A new investigation into a 2023 cruise ship incident has criticized the medical response after an elderly passenger suffered a fatal injury during a storm at sea.

The report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch examined the incident aboard the Spirit of Discovery operated by Saga Cruises.

Investigators say an 85-year-old passenger, Trevor Gilks, suffered a severe spinal injury after falling as the ship rolled violently in a storm off northern Spain.

The vessel had lost propulsion and was being battered by winds of about 70 miles per hour with 30-foot seas, leaving more than 100 passengers injured.

The report found delays in recognizing the seriousness of the spinal injury and said the passenger received suboptimal treatment on board.

According to investigators, a key diagnostic X-ray was not performed, and the patient was not placed on a spinal board. Over the next two days, he became paralyzed.

A doctor later recommended a medical evacuation, but the captain declined due to weather conditions. The ship eventually docked in Portsmouth, England.

Saga Cruises said it disagrees with several findings in the report but has since taken steps to strengthen safety procedures.

Plans for a new cruise port near Tampa are in doubt after Florida lawmakers passed a new coastal protection bill. The House passed the coastal resiliency bill, following unanimous backing in the Senate last month.

It is now headed to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk for signature. DeSantis hasn’t publicly indicated whether he will sign or veto it. If it is signed, it would become effective July 1.

New Law Would Likely Prohibit Port Construction

The bill sets out a framework to protect coastlines and their habitats. Sen. Jim Boyd of Bradenton, FL added an amendment seeking enhanced protections specifically for Manatee County’s Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

This would likely prohibit the dredging work required for the proposed new Tampa cruise port in the Knott-Cowen Tract. This would have been a game changer for cruise tourism in West Florida, as the cruise port site is south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, enabling the largest cruise ships to call.

The height clearance of the bridge limits the size of the ship that can call at the existing Port Tampa Bay. The new port development is a joint venture project between SSA Marine and Slip Knott LLC.

SSA Marine said last month: “We are committed to environmental stewardship and to creating long-term economic opportunity for Manatee County and West Central Florida. We look forward to engaging with residents, officials, and community leaders in meaningful dialogue.”

SSA Marine hasn’t shared many details about the work required at the site ahead of port construction. The bill allows for dredging and drilling only under special circumstances, such as for environmental improvements. 

Strong Local Opposition to the Project

The project has been controversial, with strong local opposition citing concerns about water quality and the health of the preserve’s ecosystem. An online petition against it has garnered nearly 20,000 signatures

Walk into almost any cruise ship casino after dinner and you’ll hear it right away. The familiar chime of slot machines, spinning reels, and celebratory jingles when someone hits a small jackpot.

Slots have long been the backbone of cruise ship casinos. They are easy to play, require no special knowledge of rules, and allow passengers to jump in for a quick round between shows, dinners, or late-night drinks.

Interest in this format has grown alongside the expansion of digital gaming platforms.

Many enthusiasts search for guides, reviews, and discussions about where to enjoy these games safely and effectively, which is why content about crown casino online pokies often appears in conversations about modern casino entertainment and online gaming culture.

These discussions help players understand how pokies work, how different game mechanics influence potential outcomes, and how to navigate the wide variety of titles available today.

I often emphasize that knowledge enhances enjoyment: understanding volatility, bonus features, and payout structures can make the experience far more engaging.

How Pokies Evolved from Mechanical Machines

The earliest pokies were entirely mechanical. A lever triggered spinning reels with printed symbols, and winnings depended on simple combinations. While the concept was straightforward, it captured the imagination of players worldwide.

Key stages of evolution

• mechanical machines with physical reels
  
• electronic slots introducing digital displays
  
• online pokies featuring advanced animations and bonus rounds
  

Each step added new layers of interactivity.

Features That Define Modern Pokies

Modern slot games, both onboard ships and on digital platforms, now include features designed to keep gameplay dynamic.

Some of the most common mechanics include:

• Cascading reels that trigger additional spins after wins
• Expanding wild symbols that increase winning combinations
• Free spin rounds with multipliers and bonus mini-games

These features add an element of surprise and variety, which helps explain why slot machines remain among the most popular games in cruise casinos.

Classic Pokies vs Modern Online Pokies

Aspect	Classic Pokies	Modern Online Pokies
Visual Style	Simple symbols and limited colors	High-definition graphics and themes
Gameplay Mechanics	Basic paylines	Multiple features and bonus systems
Interaction Level	Minimal	Highly interactive
Accessibility	Physical casino locations	Available on desktop and mobile devices
Game Variety	Limited	Thousands of different titles

The table shows how dramatically the format has evolved over time.

Why Slots Remain Popular on Cruise Ships

Cruise casinos offer a mix of table games and slot machines, but slots consistently attract the largest crowds.

One reason is accessibility. Unlike games such as blackjack or poker that require learning rules or strategies, slots allow passengers to start playing immediately.

Another factor is variety. Cruise casinos typically feature a wide range of themes and game styles, from classic fruit machines to modern video slots based on movies, mythology, and adventure themes.

For many passengers, slot machines are simply another form of onboard entertainment, similar to attending a show or trying a new restaurant.

Responsible Gaming at Sea

Cruise lines emphasize responsible gaming in their onboard casinos. Passengers are encouraged to treat casino play as entertainment and to set limits on time and spending.

Most cruise casinos operate only while ships are in international waters, and they follow regulations designed to ensure fair play and transparency.

For guests who enjoy gaming in moderation, the casino can be a lively and social part of the cruise experience.

Final Thoughts

Slot machines have been part of the cruise casino environment for decades, offering an easy and entertaining way for passengers to try their luck at sea.

While the technology behind these games has evolved dramatically, the core appeal remains the same: simple gameplay, quick rounds, and the excitement of seeing the reels line up just right.

Whether played onboard a cruise ship or through modern digital platforms, slot games continue to evolve while remaining one of the most recognizable forms of casino entertainment.

If you’re planning to set sail on a Princess Cruises ship, be prepared to shell out a bit more money than you might originally have budgeted. Why? Because the line has increased the daily gratuities which are paid, they say, directly to the crew. How much was the increase and what other fees were bumped up? Read on for details.

How Much You’ll Pay

The increase made to the daily gratuities — which Princess calls a “Crew Appreciation” charge — amounts to $1 per person, per day, regardless of stateroom category. That means those in a standard cabin will now pay $18 per person per day. Those opting to stay in a Mini-Suite, Cabana or Reserve Collection stateroom will be paying $19 per person, per day. Finally, those booked in Suites will be charged $20 per person per day.

No doubt aware that this type of change is never received well by the cruising public, Princess opted not to make a formal announcement or send a press release. Rather, word began spreading amongst cruisers after they noticed an update to the line’s website outlining the changes.

Service Charges Increased, Too

Another change that went unannounced regards the service charge added to things such as specialty dining, drinks and other purchases. Princess has now increased that charge from 18% to 20% across the board. The change went into effect on March 7, with some guests reporting they were informed via a letter left in their stateroom.

The letter reads in part that the increased service charge “will apply to applicable dining and beverage purchases made onboard, excluding any prepaid packages. This includes experiential, specialty, and casual dining cover charges, a la carte food items, and a la carte beverage purchases excluded from a package.”

More: Princess Adds Premiere Dining Option

Meanwhile, the updated website reads as follows: “A non-refundable service charge of 20% of purchase will be automatically added to optional purchases of drinks, dining room and specialty dining, private group funtions and other elected products, services or amenities provided to guests that are no included in the cruise fare.” 

In essence, this means that any purchase made on board — outside of the various shops — will see a 20% charge added to the base price. Those purchasing Princess Plus or Princess Premium packages will not be impacted.

Shipping Fee Doubled

Finally, Princess revealed that they are now charging $20 for those wishing to have their Princess Medallions shipped to them in advance of the cruise. Previously, shipping was available for half that price at $10. Guests may still pick up the Medallion at their port of departure at no charge.

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