Cruise News & FAQs 6.10.26

We're charting the web to uncover what’s making waves—ships, tips, and unexpected blips!

NEWS & FAQS

6/11/20263 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

News & FAQs

Disney Q&A

  • I see that we can’t take heating pads on board, and I totally get it. What alternatives have you guys used?

    • You can drop by guest services and sign out a heating pad for your stateroom. Just be sure to return it so you don’t get charged.

    • I would take some Thermacare pads. They heat up when they are applied to your skin. They work great!

    • I would try the one fashioned hot water bottle since you can get hot water.

    • Hand warmers.

    • I ended up soaking the hand towels in hot water from the sink and using that.

    • Icy hot patches.

MSC Q&A

  • Where can I buy a bracelet in place of my key card?

    • The Photo Center.

    • Just remember, you still need the card to get on/off the ship, but the bracelet will work for everything else on the ship.

  • Which is your preferred beach at Ocean Cay, and why?

    • Bimini Beach by the inlet.

    • Plenty of shade & free lounges.

    • Rented cabana 31 on South Beach. Close to the buffet, bathrooms, and bar. Not very busy in that area. Was worth the money.

    • South Beach Bimini. Especially for snorkeling.

NCL Q&A

  • Do you dock or tender to Great Stirrup Cay?

    • Tender for now, until their new dock is ready.

  • Is the Jewel a good ship for young kids?

    • This ship doesn’t have much for kids, they have a kids club, but it doesn't offer any water slides, splash pads, or anything of that nature.

Royal Q&A

  • What is your favorite food on Royal Caribbean?

    • The lobster mac and cheese at Hooked!

    • Pulled pork enchiladas!

    • Pork Bao Tacos

    • Carne asada with Salsa Verde

    • Poblano Pepper soup

    • Lamb shank on Bon Voyage

    • Escargot

    • French onion soup

    • Oxtails with Peas & Rice

    • Beef carpaccio

    • Coconut shrimp

    • Key lime pie

Virgin Q&A

  • What’s Loteria Gigante??

    • A game of millennial bingo hosted by two of the Happenings Cast. It’s played for fun, not money. It includes tequila shots and pretty much unlimited margaritas and palomas. We always do it and have such a good time.

    • The absolute best time! Highly recommend! Bingo (small Virgin prizes), lots of tequila, margaritas, and Paloma’s. So if you’re not a drinker, I’d unfortunately tell you to pass.

    • It’s Spanish for giant lottery (bingo) - played using pictures to form the lines (instead of numbers). Lots of fun!

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.

Charting Chandlers

Your trusted partner in personalized cruise planning

Connect

© 2025. All rights reserved.