Cruise News& FAQs 2.8.26

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

• 10 more ships and 80% more European destinations are in order on Celebrity River Cruises.

  https://royalcaribbeangrouppresscenter.com/celebritycruises/news/celebrity-river-cruises-announces-10-more-ships-and-opens-2028-deployment-with-80-more-european-destinations-to-discover

• I'd be lion if I didn't share this adorable news!

  https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/newsroom/newsfeed/Holland-America-Line-World-Traveler-Lewie-01262026

• Yacht Club is coming to MSC Musica and Orchestra.

  https://www.mscpressarea.com/en_US/press-releases/msc-cruises-to-add-award-winning-msc-yacht-club-to-two-additional-ships-msc-music/

• MSC Cruises Joins Forces with ORCA to Protect Marine Life During First Alaska Season

  https://www.mscpressarea.com/en_US/press-releases/msc-cruises-partners-with-marine-conservation-organization-orca-during-inaugural/

• Royal Caribbean and FIFA World Cup 2026 partner.

  https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1851/royal-caribbean-named-official-miami-world-cup-2026-host-city-supporter/

• Security dog alerted to drugs, leading to 9 arrests prior to sailing.

  https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2026/02/06/cruise-passengers-arrested-drug-charges-atlantis/88548651007/

• Harmony of the Seas passenger infected with malaria was medically evacuated by Mexican Navy.

  https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/royal-caribbean-cruise-passenger-diagnosed-with-malaria-medically-evacuated-by-mexican-navy/#:~:text=The%20Harmony%20of%20the%20Seas,during%20the%20week%2Dlong%20voyage.

• Unexpected shutdown of Alaska Dream Cruises.

  https://cruiseradio.net/alaska-cruise-line-abruptly-shuts-down-operations-canceling-all-future-sailings/

Clues & FAQs

MSC Q&A

• Do rooms have a clock with alarm?

  • No

  • Suggestions: cell phone, travel clock, wake up call

• If I laminate my luggage tags, will they be able to be scanned?

  • Yes, many said they do this and others say to use reusable plastic holders.

NCL Q&A

• What do people do with their luggage after they disembark in Seattle and their flight doesn't leave until late?

  • Use Port Valet

• Are we allowed to bring packaged snacks on the ship?

  • Yes, as long as they are in their original packing

Virgin Q&A

• Is it worth renting a cabana for Scarlet Night?

  • No, the cabanas are tucked away along the side of the ship or on the upper level deck facing the water so it’s not near the main party.

  • No and the best part is standing by the pool singing and dancing

  • I found it to be worth it! We had 6 ppl in ours so the cost wasn’t crazy. It was nice to have a good spot to view all the things and have our own server!

  • We did last minute because got a good deal on it. They’d rather make a deal than have it sit empty. Also came with some free drinks so that was nice.

  • No, waste of money.

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.