Cruise News & FAQs 1.10.26

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

• Good Housekeeping voted this cruise ship the "Coolest Way to See Alaska"

  https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a69146830/2026-travel-awards-action-adventure/

• Sustainable and culturally rich, Vilking 2026

  https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/discover-the-future-of-cruising-how-viking-cruises-2026-travel-trends-are-shaping-sustainable-cultural-and-luxury-journeys-worldwide/

• Destination Norway - a delayed ban, Midnight sun cruises, and more.

  https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2026/01/04/a-norway-cruise-in-2026-is-about-more-than-just-the-fjords/

• More than 300,000 flowers adorn this Princess cruise ship.

  https://www.princess.com/news/news-releases/2025/12/princess-cruises-christens-star-princess-tournament-of-roses-float-with-celebration-ambassador-jill-whelan

• 2025 Princess awards

  https://www.princess.com/news/news-releases/2025/12/princess-cruises-ends-2025-with-celebrated-global-awards

• The Viking Sales Event

  https://www.vikingcruises.com/press/press-releases/2026-1-5-viking-launches-the-viking-savings-event.html

• More kids free cruising options!

  https://parade.com/news/popular-cruise-line-announces-its-going-adults-only-starting-in-2026

• Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is officially open

  https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1845/welcome-to-paradise-royal-caribbeans-royal-beach-club-paradise-island-is-now-open/

• Highly anticipated enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay

  https://www.ncl.com/newsroom/norwegian-cruise-line-is-making-a-splash-this-winter-with-the-opening-of-an-all-new-expansive-pool-and-more-guest-experiences-at-great-stirrup-cay-its-private-island-in-the-bahamas

Clues & FAQs

Disney Q&A

• Does anyone happen to know if the soaps and shampoos supplied in the staterooms are hypoallergenic?

  • They are not and they are strongly scented.

NCL Q&A

• What line dances are generally done on board? We need to get our groove on and learn some before we go.

  • Cupid shuffle

  • Wobble

• Can Starbucks gift cards be used at the Starbucks on the ship?

  • Starbucks gift cards can be used at officially licensed Starbucks locations onboard certain ships. Rewards Stars can't be redeemed or earned onboard.

  • If the ship has a "We Proudly Serve Starbucks" café, it's not a licensed Starbucks store, and gift cards won't be accepted.

Royal Q&A

• If you go to Hideaway, are there plenty of covered loungers? Or would it be better to book a cabana if you have the chance?

  • There are plenty of umbrellas

• Does anyone have experience with the birthday decorations package.

  • You buy the package online and the room stewards will have it decorated by the time you get to your cabin.

Virgin Q&A

• Is the food and drink on Bimini beach is included?

  • The food and soft drinks, water are included, they scan your bracelet for the alcoholic drinks on your bar tab.

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.