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 recently missed.
This week, we covered everything from a crew member on Icon of the Seas who stabbed a female coworker before jumping overboard and a review of MSC Cruises' thermal spa.
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Crew member jumps overboard after viciously stabbing another employee, dies by suicide
A Royal Caribbean crew member died by suicide after jumping off of Icon of the Seas.
The incident happened shortly before 7:30PM on Thursday, July 25, and began with a violent dispute: the 35-year-old South African man, who supposedly worked in the Schooner Bar, stabbed a female coworker.
The now-deceased male fled the scene, jumping overboard into the Atlantic Ocean. Thankfully, the female is in stable condition, despite sustaining multiple stab wounds to her upper body.
Read more: Crew member jumps overboard after viciously stabbing another employee, dies by suicide
Carnival Cruise Line Drink Menu and Prices (2025)
We've updated our article listing all of Carnival's drink menus.
If you haven't sailed in a while, you may want to check out the Alchemy Bar's menus, as there are some new crafted concoctions available.
Most drinks also saw a price increase. For example, the standard cocktails available in the atrium bars now cost $12.25.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line Drink Menu and Prices (2025)
I love Carnival's original private island — here's how its new Celebration Key stacks up
Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay might just be Erica's favorite cruise line private island. Shared by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America, the Bahamian islet feels like a deserted island — that is, if you were stranded there with thousands of your party-minded friends.
But Carnival’s new private beach destination, Celebration Key, is taking a different approach to the classic beach day. It’s leaning into fun-in-the-sun as imagined by Royal Caribbean on Perfect Day at CocoCay and, to a smaller extent, Virgin Voyages with its Bimini Beach Club.
Here's how the two stack up — until Carnival's multi-million dollar upgrade to Half Moon Cay in 2026.
Read more: I love Carnival's original private island — here's how its new Celebration Key stacks up
FBI investigating death on Carnival cruise ship that set sail from Texas
Multiple federal agencies are investigating a passenger's death on the Carnival Dream, a Carnival cruise ship based out of Galveston, Texas.
Euvelester Villarreal Jr., 48, of Rio Grande City, Texas, reportedly passed away on the Carnival Dream around July 23, 2025. The 130,000 gross-ton vessel was on a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston to Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.
The FBI is the primary agency authorized to investigate possible crimes at sea.
Read more: FBI investigating death on Carnival cruise ship that set sail from Texas
I stayed in a suite on MSC's newest ship. It cost $1,000 per night and had a butler, rainfall shower, and private dining room
After getting a taste of the suite life on MSC Cruises' newest ship, Elizabeth is not sure she can go back to staying in standard cruise cabins.
Coming in at just over $7,000 for two people, MSC Yacht Club isn't cheap. However, the price becomes easier to justify when you consider it includes three private restaurants, a lounge and pool deck, a premium drink package, Wi-Fi, priority embarkation, thermal spa access, butler service, exclusive cocktail hours, and more.
Take a look at her spacious suite on MSC World America in her recent post!
Norwegian Cruise Line just announced plans to outdo Royal Caribbean with a new six-acre water park
Whenever Norwegian cruise passengers visit Great Stirrup Cay, they can't help but notice the colorful water slides at the neighboring Perfect Day at CocoCay. Well, Norwegian has had enough and is planning on building a six-acre waterpark that will rival Thrill Waterpark, giving Royal Caribbean guests their first sense of FOMO.
The Great Tides Waterpark is scheduled to open in 2026 and will feature amenities for the whole family to enjoy, from a nearly 800-foot dynamic river to the industry's first cliffside jumps and a 9,000-square-foot splash zone for children.
The entire park is being designed to elevate Norwegian's private island experience, which has historically been low-key compared to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line just announced plans to outdo Royal Caribbean with a new six-acre water park
FBI investigating alleged sexual assault on Carnival cruise ship in Galveston
The FBI has confirmed it is investigating an alleged sexual assault that occurred on a Carnival sailing out of Galveston just days after the agency reported they were investigating a death on the Carnival Dream.
According to the FBI, the incident happened aboard the Carnival Breeze, a Dream Class ship that launched in 2009. However, it's unclear when the reported assault took place.
The 130,000 gross-ton ship departed from Galveston on Monday, July 28, on a 5-day cruise to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. The vessel is due to return to Texas on August 2. Before that, Carnival Breeze sailed a 4-night voyage to the Western Caribbean, returning on July 28.
Read more: FBI investigating alleged sexual assault on Carnival cruise ship in Galveston
Royal Caribbean plans credit card change, emphasizes cruiser loyalty importance
Royal Caribbean is loving their return-to-cruise momentum, but they want to do even better.
During the company's Q2 earnings call on July 29, Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, announced that the number of loyalty members sailing with Royal Caribbean has inched up to 40%.
To build on that momentum, Liberty hinted that future changes are underway to further reward those who repeatedly sail with Royal Caribbean, including a revamp to its credit card program.
Read more: Royal Caribbean plans credit card change, emphasizes cruiser loyalty importance
Why you shouldn’t fly the same day your cruise begins
Many first-time cruisers wonder when the best time to fly in for a cruise is. After all, cruising is different from land trips when you book your flight for the same day as your hotel reservation.
With cruises, it’s smart to fly in at least one day before embarkation. Flights can be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather, mechanical issues, or crew issues, and cruise ships won’t wait for stragglers.
By arriving the night before, you give yourself a safety buffer in case your initial flight gets disrupted, rather than scrambling to find a last-minute alternative or missing the ship.
Read more: Why you shouldn’t fly the same day your cruise begins
MSC Thermal Spa Review: What To Expect, What It Costs, And Is It Worth It
Guests sailing aboard MSC's newest ship shouldn't overlook the exclusive thermal suite. Featuring heated lounge chairs, a thalassotherapy pool, two saunas, a steam room, and more, it offers a relaxing escape from the ship’s crowded public spaces and amenities.
Elizabeth spent time in the Aurea Spa's thermal suite on her recent cruise on MSC World America and was surprised by how much she enjoyed it. Although it isn't included in MSC's standard cruise fare, the spa sanctuary can be easily justified — it isn't for everyone, though.
Here's what she thought of MSC World America's thermal suite, and why she might hesitate to pay for access on future cruises.
Read more: MSC Thermal Spa Review: What To Expect, What It Costs, And Is It Worth It
Who owns Royal Caribbean? The masterminds behind the world's largest cruise ships
Even if you aren't a frequent cruiser, you've likely heard of Royal Caribbean. Not only are they one of the largest cruise lines in the world with 29 ships, but they're the masterminds behind the largest vessels at sea, including the ground-breaking Icon of the Seas.
Like all other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is owned by a parent company. In this case, the parent company (or owner) of Royal Caribbean cruises is Royal Caribbean Group.
The Miami-based corporation also owns Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, making it one of the most influential players in the cruise industry with a multifaceted portfolio that ranges from family-friendly ships to ultra-luxury vacations.
Read more: Who owns Royal Caribbean? The masterminds behind the world's largest cruise ships
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!
