Cruise News and Clues 10.28.25

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

• Big news, Mobile, Alabama! Carnival Valor is setting sail year-round!

  https://www.carnival-news.com/2025/10/22/fun-is-on-the-move-again-carnival-announces-year-round-deployment-in-mobile-alabama

• Royal Caribbean just kicked off construction on its seventh Oasis Class ship! The exciting build began in Saint-Nazaire, France, with a steel-cutting ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard.

  https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1825/its-official-royal-caribbeans-seventh-oasis-class-vacation-begins-construction/

• MSC Cruises is hitting the fast lane again — as they will be sponsoring three 2026 Formula 1® Grand Prix races in Austin, Barcelona, and São Paulo!

  https://www.mscpressarea.com/en_US/press-releases/msc-cruises-serves-as-title-sponsor-for-austin-2025-grand-prix-tm-announces-conti/

• Bon appétit! Royal Princess just won “World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship” at the 2025 World Culinary Awards!

  https://www.princess.com/news/news-releases/2025/10/princess-cruises-royal-princess-named-world-s-best-culinary-cruise-ship-in-2025

• Big week for Celebrity Cruises! The line welcomed its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, and kicked off construction on its next Edge Series beauty, Celebrity Xcite, set to sail in 2028.

  https://royalcaribbeangrouppresscenter.com/celebritycruises/news/celebrity-cruises-takes-delivery-of-celebrity-xcel-and-introduces-celebrity-xcite

• A milestone moment! Viking named nine new river ships in Basel, including its 100th vessel!

  https://www.vikingcruises.com/press/press-releases/2025-10-21-viking-celebrates-100-ships-around-the-world-with-ceremony-naming-nine-newest-river-ships-across-six-countries.html

• While some lines strive to have the largest ships, some cruises are getting smaller—so small, you might hesitate to even call them ships anymore! Check out this article for lines that cater to smaller crowds to destinations such as the Canary Islands, the Maldives and Thailand.

  https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/travel-news/as-cruise-giants-keep-getting-bigger-others-are-doing-the-opposite-20250814-p5mmvq.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

• Tragically, a crew member went overboard during a Viking cruise in the Mediterranean.

  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/world/europe/crew-member-search-viking-star-cruise.html

• New ships, new adventures! American Cruise Line is expanding across the Mississippi, Alaska, and East Coast — and into the Great Lakes, Arkansas River, and National Parks cruises.

  https://www.workboat.com/american-cruise-lines-announces-10-new-u-s-built-ships-through-2028

• Hurricane Melissa is wreaking havoc on the seas and cruise lines are updating itineraries for everyone's safety. See which lines are affected.

  https://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/article312661451.html

Clues & FAQs

General Q&A:

• When tipping in other countries with different currency, is it best to exchange or can we tip in American dollars?

  • Most people recommend tipping in the local currency to be respectful, and the fact that those you are tipping will have to exchange, which may not be favorable to them.

  • Some claim American dollars are accepted everywhere.

Carnival FAQs:

• Guy's Burger - is it worth the hype?

  • The overwhelming consensus was yes, as were the fries!

  • A handful of commenters said it was not worth it.

MSC FAQs:

• Are you able to buy/collect charms, or similar, like other cruise lines?

  • Yes

• Are hairdryers in the rooms? Shampoo and body wash in the showers?

  • Yes. Rooms have the hair dryers with the button you have to hold the entire time. Dysons are available in the Owners' Suite. The shampoo and body wash combo is not favored by most, however, they get the job done. There is no conditioner available.

NCL FAQs:

• Does NCL allow the hiding of ducks?

  • Yes

• Can I bring an electric teapot on board?

  • No, but you may be able to request a coffee maker. Check your app before the cruise or ask your room steward on embarkation day.

RCL FAQs:

• Typically, how many clothes hangers are in the room?

  • 8-10. You can request more if needed from your room attendant.

• Is there a limit to how many times you can have the price of your cruise adjusted if the costs go down? How do you know when to check?

  • No, although make sure you're not losing out on extras, such as onboard credit or free amenities. The cruise price may be lower, but without any extras, so the pricing ends up balancing out equally.

  • Most cruise advisors monitor price adjustments for you!

• Would you recommend South Beach at Coco Cay?

  • Yes, most comment that it's chill and has lots of seating available.

  • One mentioned it's the only place on the island to get funnel cake.

  • Check out the small grove area for some shaded hammocks, and perhaps a peacock sighting!

Virgin FAQs:

• Is it true that you can drop your luggage off at the Miami port at 9 am and then take a free trolley to and from the Bayside Marketplace?

  • Yes!

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.