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 a fire that stranded a cruise ship in Turkey to 9 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas.
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Fire disables cruise ship in the Mediterranean, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in Turkey
Guests sailing aboard Celebrity Infinity were caught off guard when a reported electrical fire led to a "total blackout" onboard, leaving them unable to proceed to Mykonos. After being stuck in Turkey for two days, the remainder of the ports on the 7-night cruise were unexpectedly canceled.
Initially, cruisers were hopeful that they'd depart Kuşadası, Turkey, around 8:00PM. local time on July 9. However, the ongoing technical issues couldn't be resolved in time. As such, Celebrity Infinity remained docked in Kuşadası through Friday, July 11.
Read more: Fire disables cruise ship in the Mediterranean, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in Turkey
Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Ships by Size: Biggest to Smallest (2025)
Since launching in 2022, Margaritaville at Sea has carved out a niche for itself by offering affordable getaways with a laid-back vibe inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s lifestyle.
However, as one of the newest cruise lines at sea, the company lacks decades of history, and the fleet is small, comprising just two ships. They are rapidly expanding, though.
Here's a look at Margaritaville's ships by size, as well as insight into what we know about the line's largest vessel yet — debuting in late 2026.
Read more: Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Ships by Size: Biggest to Smallest (2025)
9 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean's new mega-ship
Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship launches next month, and while many features of the next Icon Class ship are identical to those of Icon of the Seas, a few key tweaks will give Star of the Seas a defining personality of her own.
It's common for cruise lines to make changes to their ships as they gather feedback from guests and crew members. Although the updates might seem subtle, such as an extra hot tub, they are intentional and aim to enhance the overall guest experience.
As such, Star of the Seas builds on the foundation set by Icon of the Seas, the highly anticipated Icon Class namesake that debuted in January 2024. From new stateroom technology and dining options, here are 9 big changes you can expect to find on Star of the Seas.
Read more: 9 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean's new mega-ship
Pac-Man and the best cruise pool ever? Celebrity is adding 4 ideas to its new ship
Celebrity Cruises announced new, exciting features coming to its newest ship this November.
Fans of the award-winning Edge Class series have plenty of familiar favorites to look forward to. However, a few spots are receiving upgrades to make them even better on Celebrity Xcel.
Among the highlights are a brand-new retro-style arcade featuring classic games like Pac-Man, a reimagined pool deck, and the line's most expensive spa ever.
Read more: Pac-Man and the best cruise pool ever? Celebrity is adding 4 ideas to its new ship
How to avoid paying higher cruise fares as a solo traveler
Cruises are often considered affordable vacations. However, solo travelers might be shocked to learn that the price to cruise alone is typically more expensive than when traveling with another passenger.
Cruise lines base their projected revenue on the assumption that at least two guests will be staying in each cabin. As such, they charge solo passengers single supplement fees to offset the perceived loss from the missing second passenger.
While annoying and frustrating for the budget-conscious cruiser, with a little bit of research and luck, you might be able to avoid paying higher cruise fares when traveling alone. Here are a few tips to save money on your cruise fare as a solo traveler.
Read more: How to avoid paying higher cruise fares as a solo traveler
10 Best Reasons to Get Off Your Cruise Ship in Nassau
Nassau, Bahamas, is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, welcoming over 5 million passengers annually. However, it's frequently called one of the worst cruise ports, and many cruisers opt to stay onboard their ship instead of going ashore.
Despite Nassau's negative reputation, the port has a lot to offer guests, from Instagram-worthy beaches to historical landmarks and local cuisine.
Whether you've been to the Bahamian capital before or are itching to explore it for the first time, here are 10 reasons you should get off your cruise ship in Nassau.
Read more: 10 Best Reasons to Get Off Your Cruise Ship in Nassau
The best places to keep your cruise card, phone, and cash during a shore excursion
Regardless of whether you're exploring a new city in Europe, whale watching in Alaska, or sunbathing in the Bahamas, you need to keep your cruise card, phone, and cash secure when you are off your cruise ship.
One of the best parts about taking a cruise vacation is the convenience. While onboard, you don't have to carry personal identification or credit cards. Instead, you can charge everything from souvenirs, spa treatments, and alcoholic beverages directly to your cruise card. It also serves as your room key, so it's really the only thing you need to keep on your person while on the ship.
However, you must carry essentials with you when disembarking in ports of call, just as you would during a normal outing to a restaurant or supermarket at home. You don't want to carry your everyday purse, though. Here are a few ideas on how to keep everything safe while ashore.
Read more: The best places to keep your cruise card, phone, and cash during a shore excursion
Carnival Celebration Key Menus (2025)
Are you looking forward to your upcoming Carnival cruise to Celebration Key, but are unsure what's available to eat ashore?
Although Carnival's ships are known for fast-casual spots like Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, Celebration Key offers a mix of local flavors and classic favorites to appeal to all tastes.
That said, Celebration's Key dining experience is different than other private destinations, including Carnival's Half Moon Cay. Instead of an all-you-can-eat buffet, guests are allotted one complimentary "Island Eats" meal that can be redeemed at one of 14 quick-service locations.
Read more: Carnival Celebration Key Menus (2025)
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!
