Cruise News & Clues 10.21.25
We're charting the web to uncover what’s making waves—ships, tips, and unexpected blips!.
10/21/20253 min read
Welcome aboard our latest wave of cruise news and clues! We’ve scoured the seas of social media, cruise groups, and online articles to bring you the best of what’s making waves. With so many tips, tricks, and Q&As floating around out there, we’re here to help you navigate the chatter and find the real treasures. Let’s dive in.
Cruise News
Get ready to set sail — cruising is more popular than ever! The American Automobile Association says a record 21.7 million Americans are expected to hop on a cruise in 2026, up from 20.7 million this year. That’ll make it the fourth year in a row of record-breaking demand; it’s officially a fun, affordable getaway for everyone.
The French Riviera has officially put its foot down — issuing a formal ban on mega cruise ships, including those from Royal Caribbean and other major lines.
https://www.thetravel.com/royal-caribbean-mega-ships-finally-get-banned-from-nice-france-2027/
The U.S. cruise scene is on fire, and big players like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are seeing their stocks soar. Travelers can’t get enough of Mediterranean, Arctic, and Caribbean adventures — and that demand is sending the industry full steam ahead
Carnival Cruise Line marked 25 years in Galveston with a celebration aboard the Carnival Jubilee. Since first homeporting there in 2000, Carnival has welcomed over 10 million guests and helped make Galveston a premier cruise hub.
Clues & FAQs
General Q&A:
What alternatives do I have to save on costs when arriving at Miami airport in the wee hours of disembarkation day?
Chill in the terminal and uber to the port about 10
See if the airport has sleep pods you can rent for a few hours
Get a hotel room and get some sleep so you aren't wasting your first day exhausted
Carnival Q&A:
I am thinking of purchasing the zero cheers package for energy drinks, specialty coffee, protein shakes and other drinks. Is it worth it?
Yes, it was totally worth it for me. I like the specialty coffees, milkshakes, soda, nonalcoholic daiquiri’s, and small bottles of water too.
It will be worth it if you can hit the break-even point. Frappuccinos are like $7-$8. Energy drinks are like $5-$6. Bottles of water are $2-$4.75. The zero proof package is $30 per day if I’m not mistaken. So at one specialty coffee and one energy drink and at least two bottles of water, you’re hitting upwards of 2/3 of the price for the zero package. Add another coffee and energy drink you’re most likely hitting the cost of the zero proof.
Do the balcony doors lock? How?
Talk to your cabin attendant, they can lock them.
There is a lock at the top that slides over.
Can Carnival Cruise Line gift cards be used to prepay my cruise balance?
Yes
MSC Q&A:
How are vegetarian options on MSC cruises?
There was a vegan section in the buffet
I don't eat meat and the variety and quality was amazing
The restaurants were very accommodating to my vegan diet!
If I book a drink package now and it goes on sale later, can i cancel and rebook with new price?
Yes, but you can't cancel in the last 48 hours of the cruise.
Norwegian Q&A:
I always add the drink package while booking, but was thinking of waiting until the cruise or a few days before we leave. Does the drink package cost more if I wait?
Yes, waiting to buy the More at Sea drink package until the last minute can cost you more.
Where do you go to buy the text on ship feature
Customer service or the Internet café
On the app. Connect to WiFi and then select the plan you want.
Royal Q&A:
Are Casitas more expensive if I wait until I'm on board to book them?
They are usually the full price on board. Depending on what ship, full price could be $250-$350, sales I’ve seen as low as $99
They might sell out before you board.
Virgin Q&A:
How many people can fit in the hammock? What is the weight limit?
330lbs
What are the favorite tips and tricks for getting the most out of Rockstar Status?
Skip the lines, you don’t queue for shows, make the most of Richards Rooftops' happy hour before going for dinner
The embarkation and disembarkation process is a major plus
Use your RockStar agent to assist you with things you would have gone to the Sailor Services desk for…they do handle the vast majority of those things just from a text message from you in the app, and saves you waiting in line at the desk.
Please remember, the above Q&A are what cruisers have posted on social media forums. Facts, opinions, charges, policies, etc., may change. Please refer to your specific cruise line or your travel agent to receive the most up-to-date and accurate information.
