Cruise News & FAQs 8.28.26
We're charting the web to uncover what’s making waves—ships, tips, and unexpected blips!
NEWS & FAQS
8/29/20263 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
The Dunabe River caused havoc for this Viking sailing.
Cruising Carnival Jubilee? Check your dates to be sure.
https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-cancels-nine-Jubilee-cruises
Carival's First Female Staff Captain.
Take a look at NCL's Great Tides Waterpark.
Typhoon delays ship's return to port.
Get ready to pay higher port fees in Mexico.
Princess will once again float in the Rose Parade.
https://www.princess.com/news/news-releases/2026/08/princess-cruises-returns-to-the-2027-rose-parade
NCL will roll out a new pricing strategy.
https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cruise-sellers-on-board-with-NCL-change-pricing-strategy
MSC Musica responds to a distress call.
MSC will be sailing to Catalina Sugar Beach come November 2026.
The upcoming NCL Aura listened to guest feedback by implementing new and/or redesigned areas and experiences.
Why Royal cancelled some West Coast sailings.
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2026/08/13/royal-caribbean-cancelled-west-coast-cruises
Which cruise ship didn't pass it's inspection score?
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/InspectionQueryTool/InspectionResults.aspx
Man overboard from NCL ship.
11 crew deported for CSAM and CSEM.
Which cruise line leads in crime?
Disney will be back in NYC next year!
Celebrity Reflection is being enhanced.
Margaritaville is coming to the Galveston Cruise Port!
News & FAQs
Disney Q&A
How do you request the special character sheets for my child's bed?
They are extremely limited on quantity. The room attendants use them to "pixie dust" as a special treat.
You can ask Guest Services, but no guarantee.
Please don't request them so the attendants don't have to say no when there are none available. Plus they're used to pixie dust and add surprise and joy.
Margaritaville Q&A
Thoughts on purchasing the wine tasting and/or mixology class?
I did the mixology class - it was informational & fun!! Definitely recommend! Plus it's like getting 5+ drinks (almost as much as you want) too!
Mixology class was amazing!
The mixology class is a must, loved it!!!
I’ve done the wine tasting twice. Loved it.
I do the wine tasting every time I go. It is so much fun. They give you a cheese platter and go over tastings. If you want to buy any wine for the trip, it is discounted there too but even if not, I always have a great time and enjoy drinking up some wine
Done both. Love them both.
NCL Q&A
What energy drinks are available on the Gem?
If you have free at sea drink package you can get Pure energy drink. If you have free at sea plus you can get Red Bull.
Royal Q&A
Has anyone taken a cruise out of New Jersey in January? If so, How was it on the ship and how long does it take to get to warmer weather?
I cruise out of Bayonne quite a bit. By the afternoon of the second day, the weather is pleasant. There's so much to do on the ship that it doesn't affect my enjoyment by having the first and last days of the cruise more focused on indoor activities.
Can you get an extra cabin room key. I’m not staying in same room as my husband but one child is so will be in and out that room.
Yes, you can get an extra at Guest Services
Virgin Q&A
Is it true that there aren't photographers on the ships?
They do not have photographers onboard or off of the ship like other cruise lines.
Yes, no one is hounding you to take photos and buy photo packages!
I absolutely love NOT being “hassled” by photographers. They usually have a few photo booths (FREE of charge) set up on Scarlet Night. You can either have another sailor take your pic or one of the crew members will take it for you.
Yep, one of the reasons I love VV!
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.
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