Author: Laura Simmons
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Passenger Dies After Sedation
Tragic Death Aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship A Royal Caribbean passenger, Michael Virgil, 35, died aboard the Navigator of the Seas shortly after it left San Pedro for Ensenada. Witnesses reported Virgil behaving aggressively and drunkenly, shouting threats and racial slurs. Christipher Mikail reported “The gentlemen that was drunk said he was going to kill…
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Avoid Hidden Cruise Costs
Shore Excursions Instead of booking directly with the cruise line, consider organizing self-guided tours. With a map and Wi-Fi from a port café, you can explore a new city at your own pace, saving on cruise-organized outing markups. If independence isn’t preferred, use platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide for tours at lower rates than onboard…
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12 Worst Cruise Ports
1. Prince Rupert, Canada Prince Rupert, often included on Alaskan cruise itineraries, is known for its underwhelming appeal. Despite beautiful natural surroundings, visitors describe an atmosphere similar to a struggling mill town. Downtown offers little beyond basic chain stores. Excursions, such as local city highlights and museum tours, are described as disappointing and brief. The…
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Growing Cruise Ships
Mega-Ships vs. Small Luxury Vessels The cruise industry is diverging into two main paths: mega-ships and small luxury vessels. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, accommodating around 10,000 people, exemplifies the mega-ship trend, offering numerous entertainment options and activities. Conversely, brands like Ritz-Carlton and Aman are launching smaller vessels focusing on exclusivity and personalized service.…
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Worst Cruise Ports to Stay Onboard
1. Prince Rupert, Canada Prince Rupert, Canada, a frequent stop on Alaskan itineraries, often disappoints cruise passengers. The city’s atmosphere is described as lackluster with unappealing infrastructure. Downtown offers little to entice cruisers, characterized by unremarkable shops and few notable landmarks. Excursions like the Prince Rupert City Highlights and Museum tour often conclude quickly and…
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Cruise Ships Set to Launch in 2025
New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2025 MSC World America MSC Cruises Maiden voyage: April 12, 2025 MSC World America will make a splash in the North American cruise market when it debuts. This 5,228-passenger ship features an exciting new area called Family Aventura with activities like: New dining options include the Greek-inspired Paxos restaurant and…
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Debunking Cruise Myths
Cruise Costs Cruising can be surprisingly affordable. Budget-friendly options include Carnival Cruise Line, where trips start around $300 per person with careful planning. This price typically covers: More upscale lines, like Regent Seven Seas, offer cruises that can cost over $10,000. These prices include all-inclusive luxuries such as drinks and excursions. Off-season deals can provide…
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Christmas Cruise Pros & Cons
Festive Atmosphere and Entertainment Christmas on a cruise ship offers a range of festive experiences. Ships are beautifully decorated with lights, garlands, and Christmas trees, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. Entertainment options include: Cruise lines provide special holiday menus in the main dining room, featuring traditional favorites and vegetarian options. Passengers can sample Christmas traditions…
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Top Royal Caribbean Ships Ranked
1. Icon of the Seas Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship, offering extensive entertainment options. Features include a record-setting water park and diverse dining venues. The ship effectively manages its large passenger capacity, providing a variety of activities for all ages. Despite its premium price, guests find value in the ship’s…
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Royal Caribbean Beverage Policy Update
Royal Caribbean’s New Beverage Policy: Opening Drinks at the Bar Royal Caribbean recently implemented changes to their beverage policy, affecting how alcoholic drinks are served on their cruise ships. The main modification requires: This policy aims to prevent sharing of drinks with those who haven’t purchased beverage packages or earned them through casino perks. Passenger…
