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 news about an overboard incident and all the cruise ships rerouted thanks to Hurricane Erin.
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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Search ongoing for crew member who went overboard from cruise ship, Princess confirms
A crew member went overboard from Sun Princess en route to Istanbul, Princess Cruises confirmed.
According to a letter shared on Reddit, passengers received confirmation that a crew member went overboard on Wednesday, August 20. The ship was traveling through the Dardanelles Strait to Istanbul, Turkey, after calling at Chania, Greece.
Unfortunately, the crew member was not located.
Read more: Search ongoing for crew member who went overboard from cruise ship, Princess confirms
I went to an invite-only speakeasy on a cruise ship with $22 cocktails
There's one secret bar on MSC's newest ship that you can't find on any deck plan. Let's just say there's more to the vintage rotary phone on Deck 6 than what meets the eye.
The speakeasy is arguably one of the best venues on MSC World America, yet it's only accessible to a select number of guests whom the crew deems worthy enough for entry.
The 1920s prohibition era bar features performers in flapper costumes, handcrafted cocktails, and more.
Read more: I went to an invite-only speakeasy on a cruise ship with $22 cocktails
Carnival cruise passengers descend into chaos in the buffet, allegedly fighting over chicken tenders
Passengers aboard a Carnival cruise ship were caught fighting in the ship's buffet after an argument quickly escalated.
Video of the fight, which is less than one minute long, was shared on Instagram and Facebook by Mike Terra. In the clip, a massive brawl breaks out in the Lido Marketplace buffet.
The incident supposedly took place on the last night of the cruise, when the vessel was just hours away from returning to Miami, Florida.
Read more: Carnival cruise passengers descend into chaos in the buffet, allegedly fighting over chicken tenders
I cruised on huge Royal Caribbean and MSC ships. Both did things well, but one was a better value for the money
Although both MSC and Royal Caribbean’s biggest cruise ships offer unique experiences and a variety of different activities onboard, one is definitely a better bang for your buck.
Sarah recently cruised on both MSC World America and Icon of the Seas, but she felt one of those ships gave me more for the price she paid.
Onboard both ships, you’ll find a diverse selection of restaurants, family-friendly activities, bars and lounges, and cabins. It would be difficult to make a wrong decision between these two ships, but they have their own individual pros and cons.
Over 20 cruise ships disrupted because of Hurricane Erin. Here are the changes so far
Guests on at least twenty cruise ships have had their plans altered as Hurricane Erin barrels through the Atlantic Ocean. The itineraries range from short getaways to Bermuda to longer Caribbean voyages and even transatlantic crossings.
Up until mid-August, the Atlantic hurricane season has been pretty slow. Although there have been four named storms, they haven't impacted cruise routes.
As such, Hurricane Erin marks the first major disruption of the season, forcing cruise lines to make last-minute adjustments to ensure the safety and comfort of their guests.
Read more: Over 20 cruise ships disrupted because of Hurricane Erin. Here are the changes so far
Top 25 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World
Over the past three decades, cruise ships have evolved into massive floating cities, eclipsing aircraft carriers. Some are even longer than popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.
For nearly 20 years, Royal Caribbean has consistently pushed the boundaries of size, amenities, and onboard experiences, holding onto the title of building the largest cruise ships in the world since Freedom of the Seas in 2006.
Cruise ships are evaluated based on their gross registered tonnage (GRT), a metric that measures a ship’s total interior volume. Here's a look at the 25 biggest cruise ships currently sailing throughout the world, based on GRT.
Read more: Top 25 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World
Disney Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest
Disney Cruise Line may not have the biggest fleet at sea, but you'll find magic aboard each of its six (soon to be eight) ships.
The first, Disney Magic, launched in 1998 and was followed shortly after by Disney Wonder. These were the only two vessels in the fleet for over a decade, until they were joined by Disney Dream in 2011 and Disney Fantasy in 2012.
Take a look at Disney Cruise Line's fleet, starting with the newest ships set to enter service in 2025, in our recent article.
Read more: Disney Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest
Celebrity Apex Cabins to Avoid
Choosing the right cabin can make all the difference when planning your Celebrity cruise.
For example, some cabins are more spacious than others, while certain staterooms are more centrally located. If you don't do your research, you may discover just how easy it is to end up with an undesirable cabin.
From infinite verandas that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living to standard windowless cabins, there's the perfect option for all travelers aboard Celebrity Apex — you just need to know what rooms to avoid and which ones to prioritize.
Read more: Celebrity Apex Cabins to Avoid
MSC Cruises Drink Menu and Prices
MSC Cruises has made a bold entry into the North American market, and they aren't slowing down anytime soon.
Compared to other mainstream cruise lines, MSC fares tend to be more affordable, especially considering they allow guests to bundle popular add-ons like drink packages and Wi-Fi into their total price at the time of booking.
Still, there might be a few potential cruisers curious about the à la carte drink prices, such as those who don’t plan to drink enough to justify a package.
Read more: MSC Cruises Drink Menu and Prices
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!
