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MSC Updating Yacht Club Restaurants Across Fantasia-Class Ships

MSC Cruises announced upgrades to the MSC Yacht Club restaurants, part of the company’s “ship-within-a-ship” concept. The company said in a press release that the refurbishment will be rolled out across its three Fantasia-class ships, set to undergo drydocks in December 2026, April 2027 and February 2028. The restaurant onboard its fourth Fantasia-class ship, the...

AIDAbella Back at Sea Post-Modernization

The AIDAbella is resuming service in Palma de Mallorca on March 11 following its AIDA Evolution refurbishment. The cruise ship had previously spent seven weeks in a shipyard in Marseille, where it underwent a comprehensive overhaul and modernization. According to a statement from the company, the upgrade included new and additional restaurants, bars with enhanced...

Ritz-Carlton Showcases Winter 2027-28 Itineraries

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has presented its winter 2027–2028 itineraries across Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and the South Pacific aboard the Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara. Sailing from October 2027 to May 2028, the season features more than 60 voyages and introduces 14 new ports of call, according to a press release. “Our Winter 2027–2028 season reflects...

CFC Guarantees Stable Pricing for 2026-27 Season Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) has issued a statement saying that there would be no price increases until next March. The company said that the prices for its entire 2026-2027 program would remain competitive despite the geopolitical context in the Middle East and its impact on fuel costs. “While airfares are gradually increasing, we want...

P&O Cruises Offers Bonus Onboard Spend Money for Fly-Cruises

P&O Cruises is offering additional onboard spend money for over 400 Select Price fly-cruise holidays departing between April 2, 2026, and March 18, 2028. Up to £850 onboard spending money is available for fly-cruises to Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Caribbean booked by April 13, 2026, the company said in a statement. Carnival UK & P&O...

Oceania Cruises Launches New Global Brand Campaign

Oceania Cruises launched a new global brand campaign called The Joy of Traveling Well, the company said in a press release. The campaign reflects the company’s focus on intentional, enriching travel at sea and aligns with Oceania’s transition to an adults-only experience. “The launch of The Joy of Traveling Well campaign offers a clear expression...

Airbnb Appoints Former Uber Executive Gus Fuldner as Global Head of Operations

Airbnb Appoints Former Uber Executive Gus Fuldner as Global Head of Operations

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announces the appointment of former Uber SVP Gus Fuldner as Global Head of Operations. Fuldner succeeds Tara Bunch to lead Airbnb's trust, safety, and operational expansion in 2026.

The post Airbnb Appoints Former Uber Executive Gus Fuldner as Global Head of Operations appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Arabian Gulf Update: Cruise Lines Cancel Remaining Sailings in the Region

Amid ongoing security concerns and regional operational challenges, multiple cruise lines have now cancelled the remainder of their 2025-26 winter deployments in the Arabian Gulf. MSC With sailings in the region through early April, MSC Cruises cancelled the remainder of its 2025-26 season in the Middle East. In its cancellation statement, the company said that...

Dream Begins Seasonal Homeport Operations in Shanghai

The Dream officially launched its 2026 homeport season in Shanghai earlier this week, departing on a cruise to South Korea. The Dream, operated by Tianjin Oriental, is now based at Shanghais Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal for the season. Its deployment for the spring and summer season adds a midsize vessel option to the port’s homeport...

United Kingdom Joins Brazil, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Japan, Poland, and More in Fostering Tourism Growth through Unique New Experiences and Attractions, Clinching the Renowned Title of Best City with Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Zurich, and More Iconic Locations Leading the Rankings

UAE Airlines and Hotels Plunge into Chaos: Emirates, Etihad Cancel 700+ Flights, Tourists Stranded as Tourism Revenues Plummet

UAE Airlines and Hotels Plunge into Chaos: Emirates, Etihad Cancel 700+ Flights, Tourists Stranded as Tourism Revenues Plummet

As the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, the United Arab Emirates has found itself at the epicenter of widespread travel chaos. Emirates and Etihad Airways, two of the region's largest carriers, have been forced to cancel over 700 flights due to the volatile security situation and airspace restrictions, stranding thousands of tourists across major international airports.

The post UAE Airlines and Hotels Plunge into Chaos: Emirates, Etihad Cancel 700+ Flights, Tourists Stranded as Tourism Revenues Plummet appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Margaritaville at Sea Unveils Largest Suites in Fleet for New Ship

Margaritaville at Sea today announced the debut of two Bridge Wing Suites onboard the new Beachcomber. According to a press release, the suites will introduce the most distinctive accommodations created by the cruise line and will be located on Deck 9, directly atop the ship’s bridge. The two suites were inspired by “Captain and the...

Port Tampa Bay Set for Busiest Cruise Ship Month on Record in March

Port Tampa Bay’s 51 visits scheduled for March is set to break its all-time monthly record for cruise ship calls, according to a press release. This is interpreted to reflect the increasing interest from travelers seeking departures from Florida’s Gulf Coast. “March is one of the busiest travel months of the year, and we’re thrilled...

Polar Latitudes Adds Discoverer to Fleet for 2026-27 Season

Polar Latitudes Expeditions announced that it is adding the Discoverer, which was formerly known as the Exploris One, to its fleet. According to a press release, the expedition ship will join the company’s Antarctica program starting with the 2026-27 season. The vessel will replace the Seaventure, which will transition to full-time operations under the 66º...

Carnival Cruise Line’s Making a Big Change In the Main Dining Room

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.

A rack of lamb with dark sauce is plated on lentils and cherry tomatoes, garnished with rosemary, and served on a large white plate—an elegant highlight from Carnival Express Dining.
How do we like our lamb chops? Prepared quickly! (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

“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!

A white plate holds a ramekin of chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, served at Carnival Express Dining. Behind the plate are fresh strawberries, berries, and stacked chocolate bars.
Dinner wouldn’t be complete with Melting Lava Cake! (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

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!

MXP Uses AI to Drive Onboard Revenue from Cabin TVs

MarineXchange (MXP) has introduced an AI-powered functionality for its iTV which could help cruise lines increase revenue by enabling guest to book events from their cabins, the company said in a statement. Instead of limiting the use of cabin TV to entertainment and information, guests can book excursions, restaurants, spa, fitness, beauty salon or onboard...

Carnival Speeds Up Dinner Service with New Express Option

Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a new dining option for its guests called “Express Dining.” Available nightly, the option offers a multi-course dinner experience in under an hour for groups of six guests or fewer, featuring a slightly abbreviated selection of the main dining room offering, the company said in a statement. “Our guests continue...

Adora’s Promotion Livestream Event Attracts 10+ Million Viewers

Adora Cruises’ 100-person livestream event promoting cruise culture held on March 9 in Shanghai attracted an online viewership of over 10 million. Additionally, the value of purchases made online during the event was over 10 million yuan, the company said in a press release. “The ‘100-Person Livestream’ is another proactive attempt to popularize cruise culture...

Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong Offer Exclusive River Cruise Packages for 2026 Travelers

Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong Offer Exclusive River Cruise Packages for 2026 Travelers

Asia’s river cruises offer an unforgettable journey through some of the most scenic and culturally rich regions of the world. With Asia’s waterways providing the perfect backdrop, travelers can experience everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes. Agoda’s latest ranking …

The post Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong Offer Exclusive River Cruise Packages for 2026 Travelers appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Geopolitical Instability and Regional Airspace Restrictions Spark the Cancellation of 483 Flights and 10 Delays Across Key Cities Including Doha, Riyadh, Cairo, Dubai and Amman, Disrupting Qatar Airways, Saudia and EgyptAir Services and Stranding Anxious Passengers — What to Know About All Affected Route Details

France Sets Tourism Record with 102M Visitors in 2025

France Sets Tourism Record with 102M Visitors in 2025

In 2025, France achieved an extraordinary feat by welcoming over 102 million international visitors, generating a staggering seventy-seven and a half billion euros in tourism revenue.

The post France Sets Tourism Record with 102M Visitors in 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Iran Conflict Leaves Travelers from United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Italy, France, Germany, UK, India, China and More Stranded as Travel Insurance Fails to Cover Flight Cancellations and are Denied : Find More About It Now

Saudi Arabia Joins Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, and Oman in Major Crisis: U.S. Embassies Blast Out Urgent Security Alerts as Regional Conflict Escalates to Dangerous Heights – Americans Ordered to Shelter in Place or Depart Immediately, Airspace Shutters, Missile Strikes Continue, and Global Travel Disruptions Unfold in Full Force

What That ‘Terrifying’ Cruise Ship Viral Video Isn’t Telling You

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

Row of orange lifeboats secured on the side of a cruise ship under a clear blue sky.
(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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.” 

Cruise Ship crew doing the muster drill on board a ship.
Crew members take part in muster drill. (Photo by Richard Simms/CruisingTips.com)

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 Luna’s Adults-Only Entertainment Hits A Sour Note With Cost-Conscious Cruisers

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.

The image shows the words "LUNATIQUE POP CIRCUS" in a decorative, brightly colored marquee-style font with star and diamond patterns—capturing the vibrant allure of adults-only entertainment—on a black background.

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.

One of Miss Lulu’s girls show
A drink-fueled musical set in the prohibition era was formerly featured on Norwegian Bliss.

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.

Six the Musical briefly was performed on NCL ships before it made its debut on Broadway.
Six actually debuted on Norwegian ships before it hit Broadway. (Courtesy of NCL)

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.

Carnival Venezia Returns to Port Canaveral After Journeys Cruise

The Carnival Venezia recently returned to Port Canaveral after offering a 14-night Carnival Journeys cruise. As one of the longest itineraries being offered by the ship this year, the two-week voyage departed from Central Florida on Feb. 22, 2026. Before returning to Port Canaveral, the itinerary included visits to a series of destinations in the...

Adora Cruises’ Sea Film Festival: A Cinematic Voyage Like No Other in 2026

Adora Cruises’ Sea Film Festival: A Cinematic Voyage Like No Other in 2026

Adora Cruises teams up with Changying Group for a cinema-themed "Sea Film Festival" with classic and modern films, starting March 29, 2026, on select ships.

The post Adora Cruises’ Sea Film Festival: A Cinematic Voyage Like No Other in 2026 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Holland America Brings Two Grand Voyages Together in Sydney

Guests from Holland America Line’s two 2026 Grand Voyages united in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, March 7. Together with captains and senior officers from the Zaandam and Volendam, guests gathered for an event called Chocolate Afternoon Tea aboard the Zaandam. The meeting coincided with the ships’ overlapping call, creating what Holland says is a rare...

Atlas: Limited Space Left on 2026 Mediterranean Epicurean Expeditions

Atlas Ocean’s Mediterranean Epicurean Expeditions sailing July through September 2026 have limited availability remaining, the company said in a statement. These experiences offer a deep dive into the history, nature, art or cuisine of a destination through an exclusive excursion ashore or an event onboard. “Our 2026 Mediterranean Epicurean Expeditions are designed to go beyond...

Carnival Joins Caribbean Air Connectivity Talks in Bermuda

Carnival Corporation has held a series of high-level meetings and industry engagements in Bermuda, the company said in a statement. One of these was the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Air Connectivity Summit. Marie McKenzie, senior vice president of government and destination affairs at Carnival Corporation, participated in the panel “Routes Across the Region” at the...

Netherlands Joins Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Others in Issuing Urgent Travel Warning for UK Tourists as New Biometric Border Rules Are Enforced Across Europe Starting April 10

Netherlands Joins Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Others in Issuing Urgent Travel Warning for UK Tourists as New Biometric Border Rules Are Enforced Across Europe Starting April 10

As of April 10, 2026, the Netherlands, along with Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and several other European nations, will implement a major overhaul of border control procedures, introducing biometric entry and exit systems for UK tourists.

The post Netherlands Joins Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Others in Issuing Urgent Travel Warning for UK Tourists as New Biometric Border Rules Are Enforced Across Europe Starting April 10 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Royal Caribbean: Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines to Be Excluded from Packages

Royal Caribbean International is making changes to its beverage packages, which will no longer include access to Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and a souvenir cup by default. According to the company’s website, guests who purchase the Deluxe or Royal Refreshment packages will be able to use the product as an add-on starting on March 15, 2026....

Canada Joins the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, South Korea, China, India, and More in Welcoming Back Thousands of Trapped Citizens from the Middle East as Etihad Leads Repatriation Operations with Multiple Flights to Eighteen Countries: Latest Update

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