We share a lot of cruise updates and advice on Cruise.Blog, and this is a weekly roundup of everything you may have missed from this week, including a social media mistake that got someone banned from Carnival Cruise Line and multi-million dollar upgrades coming to Celebrity's Solstice Class.
For busy bees who want to stay updated on all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest overview of our recent articles.
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I tried the overlooked breakfast option on two cruise lines. One was more basic, but both were free
Cruisers have a range of options to start their day, from the buffet to the main dining room and other grab-and-go options. However, one complimentary option that frequently gets overlooked is room service.
Elizabeth recently tried Carnival's free room service after a disappointing SeaDay Brunch in the Vela Restaurant on Carnival Luminosa.
Although the options were similar to the continental room service on Royal Caribbean ships, the hours were more limited. Read her other thoughts about Carnival's room service in her blog below!
Read more: I tried the overlooked breakfast option on two cruise lines. One was more basic, but both were free
Carnival cruise passenger banned for life after sneaking alcohol onboard
The internet is full of videos and posts about how to smuggle alcohol on cruise ships to save money. Although concealing liquor in hidden flasks might seem easy enough, the consequences can be dire if caught. Recently, one unlucky cruiser learned this the hard way.
Courtney Murley, a passenger who sailed aboard Carnival Conquest at the end of March 2025, posted a now-viral TikTok, revealing that she had successfully smuggled alcohol on their Bahamian voyage.
Although Murley wasn't caught during her cruise, her post sparked a wave of criticism and concern in the comments. Not only that, but it was brought to the attention of Carnival Cruise Line executives. As such, Murley received a notice from Carnival's Staff Investigator, Joaquin Garcia, about the violation in May.
Read more: Carnival cruise passenger banned for life after sneaking alcohol onboard
A woman who has chosen to live on a cruise ship shares 6 reasons why she's doing it
Would you live on a cruise ship?
For Laura, a traveler in her mid-50s, the idea of living full-time on a cruise ship wasn’t just a fantasy — it became her reality in January 2025 after she left the "corporate grind" behind.
In her recent YouTube video, she explains why she decided to trade a traditional land-based lifestyle for a floating home.
Read more: A woman who has chosen to live on a cruise ship shares 6 reasons why she's doing it
One cruise line is spending big bucks on upgrades to its older ships that cruisers will love
Celebrity is investing $250 million in some of its oldest ships to make them better than ever.
The Solstice Class initially debuted in 2008, when Celebrity Solstice hit the high seas for the first time. Over the next four years, Celebrity added four more ships to the new beloved class, including Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Reflection.
Now, more than a decade later, Celebrity Cruises plans to modernize the ships, elevating the guest experience while continuing to pay tribute to classic cruising — a stark difference compared to their ultra-modern Edge Series.
Read more: One cruise line is spending big bucks on upgrades to its older ships that cruisers will love
I always do these 5 things to save money on cruise drinks when I don't buy a drink package
Cruise ship drink packages are pricey add-ons that make your onboard experience feel more inclusive. However, the convenience comes at a cost.
Sometimes, paying $80 per day for drinks isn't economical, especially if you're a light drinker or on a port-intensive cruise.
Having been on over 30 cruises, Elizabeth has learned savvy ways to keep her onboard spending to a minimum while still indulging in fun cocktails. Here are five things she always does to save money on drinks while on a cruise.
Read more: I always do these 5 things to save money on cruise drinks when I don't buy a drink package
Carnival Cruise Line cancels more sailings — here's why
Weeks after canceling numerous cruises aboard two ships, Carnival Cruise Line announced more cancellations on Carnival Conquest due to dry dock rescheduling.
The impacted 3 and 4-night itineraries include Conquest's January 5, 2026, departure from Miami, Florida, through and including the January 26, 2026, sailing.
The cruises were scheduled to call at ports like Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and Half Moon Cay — all private destinations within Carnival Corporation's portfolio.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line cancels more sailings — here's why
A small cruise line is dreaming big by adding a new cruise ship to its fleet
Compared to established lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, Margaritaville at Sea is a relatively new player in the cruise industry.
However, the brand has quickly gained attention for its Jimmy Buffett-inspired vibe and affordable sailings, setting itself apart from mainstream cruise offerings. Margaritaville at Sea shows no signs of slowing down, either.
Recently, they announced they're expanding their fleet with their third ship since their debut in 2022. They are set to acquire the Costa Fortuna in 2026 and transform it into their largest vessel.
Read more: A small cruise line is dreaming big by adding a new cruise ship to its fleet
Cruise ship turned away from port because of sickness count onboard
A cruise ship carrying over 3,000 passengers was turned away from a Caribbean port after a large number of gastrointestinal illnesses were reported onboard.
Enchanted Princess wasn't able to call at Grand Turk on Thursday, May 23, after local authorities denied the ship entry due to public health concerns.
Grand Turk was the last scheduled port of call on the 145,000-gross-ton ship's 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Enchanted Princess had already visited Princess Cays, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
Read more: Cruise ship turned away from port because of sickness count onboard
Alaska cruises visiting one popular port will get more expensive next year — here's why
Cruise lines will be charged more to dock in Alaska's capital city starting in 2026.
On May 19, 2025, the Juneau Assembly unanimously approved an increase in docking fees to align public port rates with those charged by privately operated docks throughout Southeast Alaska.
Although they're virtually double, city officials claim cruise lines are still getting a good deal.
Read more: Alaska cruises visiting one popular port will get more expensive next year — here's why
Former Carnival crew member pleads guilty to child pornography charges with over 100 inappropriate videos found on phone
A former Carnival crew member pleaded guilty to Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors in a federal district court last week.
Reza Heta Pratama, 28, of the Republic of Indonesia, was arrested last July after being found in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans, Louisiana.
A public filing by the prosecution revealed that, in total, his devices had 116 videos and 54 images depicting the sexual exploration of minors.
New ship launches prove this under-the-radar cruise style is catching on fast
When most people think of cruises, they picture massive vessels sailing through the warm Caribbean. However, two lines are expanding their fleets to tap into the growing popularity of river cruises.
River cruises are smaller ships that navigate iconic rivers like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine, offering guests a more immersive way to explore historic cities and villages.
Two lines are expanding their fleets to include new river ships to transport guests to more destinations within Europe than possible with larger ocean vessels.
Read more: New ship launches prove this under-the-radar cruise style is catching on fast
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
