Cruise News & Clues 4.26.26

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

• Norwegian officially sets sail from Philadelphia.

  https://www.nclhltd.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/790/norwegian-cruise-line-brings-cruising-back-to-philadelphia

• Is a Visa needed to cruise in Europe?

  https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/visas-for-cruise-travel-to-the-uk-and-europe?recId=70f1ea48f43e524c402c2ab5a5976eaf

• Stranded due to war, cruise ships are finally clearing the Straight of Hormuz.

  https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2026/04/20/stranded-cruise-ships-clear-strait-of-hormuz/89701251007/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=69e66d28023286000103a7fb&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawRTu4FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEySldvcGNHSUM3NmVOYVNlc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrO6LIBlAY78VFCn15OrHfS_CMYtxzFvgQXoVbRO9__NMR4H-CEjw1nxBO2o_aem_dI3DVl3uDBO2z2ggKLb8GQ

• Carnival Splendor has 2 guest deaths during the same sailing.

  https://people.com/search-underway-for-elderly-cruise-passenger-who-reportedly-jumped-off-australian-voyage-11954063

  https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2026/04/articles/death-injury/carnival-splendor-passenger-drowns-while-snorkeling-at-moreton-island/

• Trafalgar joins the river cruise sector.

  https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/river-cruising/trafalgar-launches-river-cruise-division-with-dual-naming-ceremonies

• Man and cat rescued by Carnival Cruise

  https://people.com/carnival-cruise-rescues-stranded-sailor-and-his-cat-from-sailboat-in-distress-11953235

• 14 tequila shots cost Carnival $300,000.

  https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2026/04/articles/legal/carnival-passenger-awarded-300000-after-being-served-at-least-14-shots-on-cruise/

• Port Milwaukee welcomed Viking to dock.

  https://www.milwaukeemag.com/cruise-traffic-milwaukee-2026/

• Water slide closures onboard Royal are upsetting some sailors.

  https://cruise.blog/2026/04/angry-cruise-passengers-say-royal-caribbean-failed-to-disclose-frustrating-issue-before-booking

• Legend of the Seas officially begins trials.

  https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1870//

• Carnival Tropicale will homeport in Galveston, TX in 2028.

  https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1870//

• Princess rescued 5 bodies from the sea,

  https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2026/04/24/princess-cruise-ship-recovers-bodies/89774971007/

• Disney Cruise line to double the sailings from Port San Diego.

  https://disneyexperiences.com/dcl-press/release/disney-cruise-line-and-port-of-san-diego-extend-homeport-partnership-through-at-least-2031-doubling-annual-sailings-together/

• Royal's casino comp changes.

  https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2026/04/25/royal-caribbean-casino-comp-cruise-change

• A Norwegian crew member went overboard 4.26.26.

  https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-breakaway-launches-rescue-boats-after-overboard-incident-off-cape-cod/207415?fbclid=IwY2xjawRbeiFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwSXB0Rms4SkNHcVl2M25Mc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpg1cH1yx78LQgcVKxOI-Pka27ErKorpLv3GgUEKM1PGX1AVOPxE_RMez3KJ_aem_4KpJyeb0BHI2sQdYlgIOlA

News & FAQs

Carnival Q&A

• Is Family Harbor on the Carnival Vista really worth the extra money?

  • Yes… it was worth the extra money. I think the last time I checked it was about $400 more than a similar room, but the convenience was hard to beat. Ice/ water nearby, breakfast, snacks, a hangout spot, video games, and the real MVP… the ice cream machine a few steps from the room.

  • Yes. Breakfast, lunch snacks, evening candy and cookies, drinks and an ice cream machine.

  • Nope, it’s a rip off

  • Yes, but be sure not to get the room under the Galley. It was terrible all night long with chairs scraping and pots and pans.

  • Def worth it for us! Location location location! Included lattes and capachinos, great chill area, and easy buffet for breakfast

MSC Q&A

• Are there friends of Bill meetings on MSC ships?

  • Yes

• Is there a way on the app to track the number of alcoholic drinks you have had each day?

  • No. You can ask a bartender and they can tell you.

  • Use your phone notes app to keep track.

Princess Q&A

• How is the food in general, understanding it may vary by ship and individual taste?

  • It’s all great!!

  • The pizza at Alfredo's is incredible.

  • The food is delicious, presentation is phenomenal

  • As for the buffet, we much prefer the newer ships (Royal Class); the area is much larger, and there are more choices.

  • We liked the main dining room for Breakfast and Dinner. Didn't really care for the buffet.

Royal Q&A

• What are your go-to late night snacks on the ship?

  • Pastries from breakfast kept in a ziplock bag.

  • Sorrentos

  • Hot tea and a lemon cookie from Cafe Promenade

  • Ranger cookies

  • Bar food and Campfire Cookie at Playmakers

  • Room Service

Virgin Q&A

• I booked an interior cabin and am regretting not doing a sea terrace. Are they really worth it?

  • I don't think it's worth it unless you plan on spending a bunch of time in your room.

  • I’ve done both inside and balcony with Virgin. I’d rather save the money and buy a bar tab with it…

  • I spent HOURS in my hammock, it’s soooo worth it in my opinion.

  • I have done both and would NEVER go back to an insider cabin. That personal outside space is wonderful.

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.