We are always sharing the latest cruise news, tips, and advice on Cruise.Blog, and this roundup is your chance to catch up on anything you might’ve missed recently.
This week, we covered everything from an overboard incident to Hurricane Flossie and pricing for the brand-new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening in December.
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Girl who went overboard from Disney cruise ship "was not being held" on the railing by father, reports say
Over the weekend, a 5-year-old girl went overboard while on a short cruise aboard Disney Dream. Although many argued that her father played a role in her falling off the ship, authorities are saying otherwise.
The Broward Sheriff's Office told CBS News Miami that the "little girl was not being held," refuting online speculation that her dad had been posing her for a picture on the ship's railing on Deck 4.
According to reports, the child fell overboard while the parents were playing shuffleboard. Moments later, her father jumped in after her. He treaded water with his little girl in tow for over 20 minutes while they waited to be rescued.
8 big changes coming to Carnival Cruise Line in 2025
If you're planning a Carnival cruise in 2025, you’ll want to become familiar with the upcoming changes and additions the cruise line is making.
While they won’t welcome any brand-new ships to the fleet, Carnival is making several exciting updates to enhance the guest experience, as well as some that have outraged loyal customers.
From increasing the cost of Carnival's drink and internet packages to restarting cruises from Norfolk, Virginia, here are 8 big changes you can expect to impact your cruising experience in 2025 and beyond.
Read more: 8 big changes coming to Carnival Cruise Line in 2025
Search underway after cruise passenger disappears while hiking in Alaska
There is an urgent search underway for a passenger traveling aboard a Norwegian cruise ship in Alaska who has gone missing.
Local news outlets reported that Marites Buenafe, 62, of Kentucky, was last seen around 7:30am on Tuesday, July 1, as she disembarked Norwegian Bliss in Juneau.
Buenafe told her family that she planned to hike Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak, beginning at the top of the Goldbelt Tramway. However, she missed the ship's 1:30pm departure, prompting local authorities to begin an urgent search and rescue mission.
Read more: Search underway after cruise passenger disappears while hiking in Alaska
July 19 will be a good day for Carnival cruise fans
This year's exciting summer cruise season is in full swing. Ahead of the highly anticipated launch of Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship, Star of the Seas, is the opening of Carnival Cruise Line's private destination in the Bahamas.
Celebration Key is set to welcome guests on July 19, 2025, with the arrival of Carnival Vista. Carnival Cruise Line's President, Christine Duffy, will be present to officially open the new tropical destination on Grand Bahama Island, marking a major milestone for the cruise giant.
From family-friendly pools and beaches to upscale beach clubs with premium amenities, Celebration Key will offer something for every type of traveler.
Read more: July 19 will be a good day for Carnival cruise fans
I almost missed my cruise on embarkation day, and I'll never make this dumb mistake again
With over 30 sailings under her belt, Jenna considers herself a veteran cruiser. Even still, she made a rookie mistake on her recent Royal Caribbean cruise that could have cost her a dream vacation.
On embarkation morning, a series of poor decisions left her panicked that she would miss the ship. Getting to and from the cruise ship on embarkation day is usually stress-free, but Jenna soon learned that not all ports are designed equally.
With no available taxis, Ubers, or shuttle buses, she risked missing the ship due to poor planning. Fortunately, she managed to find her way there in time, but the unnecessary stress was not in her plans.
Read more: I almost missed my cruise on embarkation day, and I'll never make this dumb mistake again
Strengthening Hurricane Flossie disrupts cruises to Mexico. Here are the changes so far
Guests on at least two cruise ships had their itineraries altered ahead of Hurricane Flossie's arrival off Mexico's Pacific coast.
Because of the storm's predicted path, passengers aboard Carnival Panorama were informed that they'd have to skip their second day in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on Wednesday, July 2.
Passengers aboard Carnival Firenze's 5-night cruise departing on July 1 also missed their scheduled stop in Cabo San Lucas.
Read more: Strengthening Hurricane Flossie disrupts cruises to Mexico. Here are the changes so far
Royal Caribbean's new beach club has all-inclusive passes and a $10,000 cabana
You can now book day passes to Royal Caribbean's exclusive beach club in Nassau, Bahamas, opening in December 2025.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first-of-its-kind offering by Royal Caribbean Group, allowing guests sailing aboard Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships to have exclusive access to a private beach in a public port.
Prices to the new beach club vary by sailing, and capacity is limited to around 3,800 guests. The starting price is $169.99/person for the Day Pass with Unlimited Open Bar & Dining.
Read more: Royal Caribbean's new beach club has all-inclusive passes and a $10,000 cabana
"Done with Carnival": Cruise fans call foul for new extra costs at private destination
The excitement is building over Carnival's new private destination opening later this month.
Located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key promises a full day of beachside fun and Bahamian-inspired experiences, but some guests feel blindsided by the pricing structure.
Although there's a lot included ashore, from lounge chairs to beachside eats, Carnival revealed that many amenities will come with an extra charge. For example, the Suncastle water slides cost $14.99 for an all-day pass.
Read more: "Done with Carnival": Cruise fans call foul for new extra costs at private destination
Navy aircraft flew close to a cruise ship, alarming passengers. It turns out it's doing something very routine
A passenger sailing aboard a Carnival cruise ship was startled when a low-flying Navy military plane zoomed past the vessel while at sea.
In a 1.5-minute TikTok captured by Nathan Miller, a P-8 Poseidon aircraft is seen flying low over the water, and he expresses his concern while narrating the entire video.
Although Miller's depiction of the incident was dramatic, a retired Naval Flight Officer later claimed the aircraft was collecting routine information about the vessel.
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!
