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.

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.

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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.

Read Next: Carnival Rolls Out New Dining Option

When it comes to dining in the main dining room, there are two types of cruisers: those who like to linger and those who want to get in-and-out as quickly as possible. This week, Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out a new program that will definitely appeal to those looking to eat and run!

What Is Carnival Express Dining?

If you’re hoping to catch a show or want to get back to that hot machine in the casino, Carnival’s new express dining could be your new favorite thing. Why? Because the program is designed to give guests a full-blown dining experience in one hour or less.

“Our guests continue to tell us they value greater flexibility in how they spend their time on board,” says Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Express Dining was designed with that in mind.” 

As is often the case, the line did some quiet testing where the concept is concerned. Obviously, it went well! “Our pilot program generated positive feedback from our guests,” reports Duffy. As a result, the program is currently available on 15 ships across the fleet, with the rest getting on board — pun intended — by the end of May.

Who Can’t Take Part

There is one restriction where the new offering is concerned: It is not available to parties larger than six. But for those who do take part, Duffy says Express Dining will provide guests “the same high-quality dishes and attentive service our dining rooms are known for, while giving [them] the ability to use more of their time to enjoy all the other onboard fun.” 

The menu offered to those opting for Express Dining will not be exactly same as that provided to other guests. Rather, Carnival says it will be “a thoughtfully curated menu, mirroring the main dining room offerings, with a slightly abbreviated selection.” That said, special dietary requests will, as always, be accommodated. And yes, the famous Melting Lava Cake is available!

More: How To Make Carnival’s Lava Cake At Home!

Guests who are using the Your Time Dining option can book Express Dining directly through the Carnival Hub App.

Express Dining comes on the heels of another recently-introduced program, the Family Express option at the Lido. This limited buffet offering features kids favorites such as mini burgers and corn dogs, as well as several salad and entrees, all designed to cut down time spent in line.

Read Next: How to make the most of your sea day!

If you’re a cruise enthusiast who spends any time at all “doomscrolling” Instagram, you’ve no doubt come across the video. You know, the one showing a simulation of “what happens if you fall off a cruise ship.” But let’s talk about what that video gets wrong… and what it doesn’t tell you.

Fear Factor

Created and shared by an Instagram account called AxiomPixels, the video starts by showing a person standing at a ridiculously low railing and going overboard. “What happens if you fall from a cruise ship and no one sees you?” the voiceover and accompanying graphic ask.

The reel — which has been viewed over 5 million times and can be found here — goes on to describe this truly terrifying scenario and what would likely happen next. It talks about the force with which your body would hit the water and that “within 10 minutes, the glowing ship is just a speck of light on the horizon.” 

‘It’s A Terrifying Reality’ 

The short clip goes on to ask how long the viewer thinks they’d be able to tread water in the dark, especially as the freezing water “instantly saps your body heat.” While no potential survival tips are included, the video does end by dubbing the situation “a terrifying reality” adding, “In fact: Over 30 people go overboard on cruise ships every single year, and most are never found.” 

Perhaps they should preface that last number by “almost fact” given that the true number of annual man overboards is more in the 20-25 range. According to an industry report, there were 19 “man overboard” incidents.

READ MORE: All of 2024’s Man Overboard Incidents

According to a report from CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), 218 passengers and crew were reported as having gone overboard. Of those, 48 percent were successfully recovered.

What That Cruise Ship Viral Video Omits

What’s important to note — and not mentioned in the fear-inspiring video — is that approximately 37 million people from all around the world cruised in 2025. It’s projected that in 2026, a record-breaking 21 million Americans will board ships.

If 30 people out of 37 million were to falloverboard, that words out to somewhere in the vicinity of 0.000086%. Call us crazy, but those are pretty good odds.

The other thing not mentioned in the viral video is that, simply put, people do not “fall off” cruise ships, at least not without a bit of effort. The fast majority of those who do are either taking a purposeful action or doing something that that goes against both the rules and common sense. Alcohol also plays a role in many incidents, with people who’ve had too much to drink making foolish decisions or taking deliberate actions.

Ultimately, like so many videos which go viral, there’s more to the story than meets the eye, let alone can be explained in so short a format.

Read Next: What happens when someone goes overboard?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship is still a few weeks away from debuting but already the honeymoon is over where some passengers are concerned. Why? Because of a price tag being attached to one of the entertainment options offered on board Norwegian Luna.

How Much Will LunaTique Cost?

Described as a “bold, cheeky good time” available only for guests 21 years of age and older, LunaTique will require reservations and run guests $44.95 each. This covers not only the show but four cocktails and a souvenir glass.

As for the show, it is described as an “immersive evening” featuring “high energy vocals, outrageous antics and laughs.” The show is said to combine “vintage circus glamour” and “pop-decadence.” (It sounds similar to Up With a Twist, the show rolled out upon the launch of Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady. Perhaps the biggest difference is LunaTique’s cover charge includes cocktails but not the meal which accommodated Twist.)

‘Why Am I Paying Twice?’

In discussing the offering, many consumers took issue with Norwegian charging for the show. “They can’t really say it’s supposed to cover the cost of the drinks,” pointed out one member of a Facebook group devoted to the ship. “Most people get a drink package as part of their booking. That’s the whole point of their Free at Sea program.” 

Added another, “Why am I paying twice for drinks?” 

It’s worth noting this is not the first time Norwegian has charged for entertainment. When Norwegian Bliss launched in 2019, the entertainment lineup included Happy Hour: Prohibition Edition (reviewed here). Like LunaTique, it was a show specifically aimed at an adult audience. It, too, featured a selection of cocktails served during the show. And like LunaTique, it was a ticketed event, costing $19.95 per person.

Over the years, several ships within the Norwegian fleet have had similar for-fee shows, including some which included both meals and drinks. This is also not something which is restricted to new vessels. On the 2013-built Norwegian Breakaway, they recently introduced the Silver Screen Bistro where, for $50 per person, guests can enjoy a pre-set meal before viewing a relatively-recent movie.

Norwegian Cruise Line Entertainment Changes

Industry observers have seen Norwegian go through several changes in recent years where their entertainment offerings are concerned. For several years, the line focused on shortened versions of popular Broadway hits such as Kinky Boots and Six. More recently, however, these productions — and the high licensing fees associated with them — have been ditched in favor of jukebox musicals.

In talking to the executive editor of Travel Weekly at an event, then president of Norwegian Cruise Line Harry Sommer addressed the topic. “Guests on a Norwegian ship don’t want to spend two hours in a theater,” he explained. “They want to spend 30 to 40 minutes in a theater, then they want to enjoy… the other entertainment we have onboard.” 

Only time will tell if they also want to pay to enjoy Norwegian Luna‘s new show.