Cruise News & FAQs 7.26.26

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

• Low water levels for Europe river sailings may mean adjusting itineraries.

  https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Low-water-levels-in-Europe-are-disrupting-river-cruises

• Don't try to cruise if you have a warrant.

  https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2026/07/articles/crime/six-cruise-passengers-arrested-at-port-canaveral-in-a-single-day/

• Celebrating Carnival Destiny, the 1st of the Ace Class of ships with its steel-cutting ceremony.

  https://www.carnival-news.com/2026/07/10/carnival-unveils-carnival-destiny-as-its-newest-ship-and-first-ship-in-next-generation-ace-class

• Streamline check-ins for MSC? Yes, please!

  https://www.mscpressarea.com/en_US/press-releases/msc-cruises-launches-digital-remote-check-in-to-streamline-guest-embarkation-expe/

• Enhancements have been made to some NCL ships.

  https://www.ncl.com/newsroom/norwegian-cruise-line-unveils-new-guest-favorite-experiences-to-norwegian-jade-and-norwegian-gem

• A pregnant passenger was medically evacuated from her Carnival cruise.

  https://www.cruisehive.com/pregnant-cruiser-evacuated-from-carnival-cruise-ship-near-miami/213403

• Details on Port Canaveral's expansion project.

  https://www.portcanaveral.com/media-center/latest-news/blog/2026/07/14/port-canaveral-offers-behind-the-scenes-look-at-reimagined-cruise-terminal-5--new-13-story-parking-garage-adjacent-to-cruise-terminal-6

• A Princess crew member sadly goes overboard.

  https://people.com/cruise-ship-worker-dies-after-falling-overboard-near-cancun-12018815

• Cruise ship captain arrested after guest fell into the water.

  https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2026/07/02/cruise-ship-captain-arrested-greece/90788397007/

• Shore excursion injury forces woman to medically evacuate her cruise.

  https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2026/07/articles/excursions-incidents/cruise-excursion-accident-leads-to-medical-evacuation-multiple-surgeries-and-53k-of-debt/

Cruise News

Disney Q&A

• What Disney ship is your favorite, and why?

  • Treasure! The ship, top to bottom, is absolute perfection.

  • Destiny! The theming is so immersive!

  • Fantasy! Like the layout.

  • Magic! It was the first Disney ship we cruised on. It’s not fancy like the others, but it is magical.

  • Magic. I prefer the layout of the Magic and Wonder. The Magic is more nostalgic to me.

  • Treasure! Waiting to see the Destiny, because we are Marvel junkies.

MSC Q&A

• What's up with the stateroom garbage cans on World America? They have a bin divided into 3 sections, 1 each for plastic, paper, and food, none for actual garbage.

  • I hate these trash cans, lol. They fit nothing.

  • There is one in the bathroom for feminine products; it’s a silver bin attached to the door under the sink.

NCL Q&A

• Are there lockers at Great Stirrup Cay? If there are no lockers, has anyone ever used a lock you put around your bag and lounge chair to keep valuables safe?

  • I used a waterproof pouch to keep my phone, room key, and any money I want to bring along. I keep it around my neck. The rest of my stuff I leave in a tote bag on my chair. Have never had anything stolen.

  • I keep my stuff in a bag on a chair, the same thing I do on the ship, same crowd.

  • We always use a Pacsafe bag and a lock around the chair everywhere we go, including GSC. While we realize it won’t prevent theft of someone who really wants it, it would slow them down and be a bit of a deterrent. With that being said, we’ve never had any issue at all.

  • Waterproof phone case for my cash and phone. No issues with any of our totes left by unattended chaises.

Royal Q&A

• What’s one cruise “luxury” that’s absolutely worth paying extra for?

  • Royal Genie, best experience on a cruise.

  • Balcony or Suite

  • Drink Package

  • Specialty Dining

  • Room Service

  • Wash and fold laundry at the end…love going home with all clean clothes.

  • The key gives Internet and extra care getting on and off ship

  • A cabana at Coco Cay!!

• A friend just got back from a Royal Caribbean cruise and told me how she never once got a chair at the pool. Is this a common occurrence? Do we have to get there super early in order to have a beach chair at the pool?

  • I see empty ones every time I'm on a cruise....which is fairly often.

  • Poolside chairs fill up quickly, but I find it hard to believe that she couldn’t find a chair anywhere. There are always chairs but not necessarily right by the pool.

  • I've heard mixed things about this subject, so I think it depends on the ship and the season.

  • Ask crew to remove the towel from a chair hog..... unoccupied 30 minutes or longer as per the rules.

Virgin Q&A

• What's your go-to breakfast onboard?

  • I'm usually a Galley Gal... Avocado toast, crispy bacon and tots to die for.

  • I get a BLT from the panini place and add a poached egg from Taco Bout It! Side of hash browns and a French 75.

  • Bento fruit box or room service

  • Brunch at The Wake for the win!

  • The huevos rancheros special at Taco Bout It in The Galley is FANTASTIC

  • Always at Razzle for the açaí and buckwheat waffles!!!

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.