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 Carnival's new adults-only beach club to the best things about MSC Cruises' newest ship, MSC World America.
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"We missed a ship, and it wasn't our fault": Passenger stranded at cruise terminal serves as a harsh travel reminder
Although veteran cruisers know they shouldn't fly into their embarkation city the morning of departure, many may think that driving is safer.
Unfortunately, one unlucky family learned that driving comes with risks when they missed their Carnival cruise out of New Orleans, Louisiana.
John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, shared a letter on his Facebook page from a guest who missed their ship's all-aboard time in NOLA due to unexpected traffic.
I spent $100 to try Carnival's new adults-only beach club. It was luxurious, but I'd do one thing differently next time
Carnival Cruise Line recently opened its newest adults-only beach club in The Bahamas. The exclusive retreat costs extra, so Jenna spent a day there to see whether or not it's worth it.
Celebration Key is Carnival’s latest private destination, and it's exclusive to the cruise line's guests. It offers beaches, lagoons, swim-up bars, waterslides, and a whole lot more. It’s also where you’ll find Pearl Cove Beach Club, the cruise line’s brand-new adults-only getaway.
For an extra charge, guests can enjoy access to Pearl Cove Beach Club. Here’s her review of Pearl Cove Beach Club, and what she would do next time to have an even better experience.
40 Cruise tips & hacks to know before going on a cruise
Planning a cruise can feel overwhelming. What's the best cruise line? What's the difference between an interior and an ocean-view stateroom? Should I book early or wait for last-minute deals?
Today's cruise ships are like floating cities with non-stop entertainment, restaurants, and activities all available under one roof.
Thankfully, some tips can make planning a cruise easier, ensuring you make memories that last a lifetime.
Read more: 40 Cruise tips & hacks to know before going on a cruise
There are 5 choices I'm really glad I made on my first MSC cruise — but one thing I'd skip next time
For Sarah's 10th cruise, she sailed on a new-to-her cruise line: MSC Cruises. Having sailed on other lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, and Disney, she was eager to see what sets MSC apart from its competitors, especially since it is a European-based company.
Overall, she loved my time on the brand-new MSC World America. As the line's newest ship, it was packed with innovative features and new dining options.
However, there were pros and cons to cruising on MSC World America. She planned her time well and enjoyed nearly every aspect of the cruise, but there's one thing she would skip on a future sailing.
Read more: There are 5 choices I'm really glad I made on my first MSC cruise — but one thing I'd skip next time
Carnival's Project Ace: What to expect from the brand’s newest and largest mega ships
Carnival is working on its largest cruise ships ever. Dubbed "Project Ace," this upcoming class will redefine what Carnival offers at sea.
While the cruise line hasn't released many specifics, Project Ace will surpass the current Excel Class ships in size and capacity. Not only that, but the ships will feature new dining venues, entertainment options, and re-imagined outdoor decks.
Carnival has confirmed that the first Project Ace cruise ship, which is still unnamed, will be delivered in 2029, followed by two more vessels in 2031 and 2033, respectively.
Read more: Carnival's Project Ace: What to expect from the brand’s newest and largest mega ships
Celebrity Cruises Ship Drifts Off Italy Coast After Total Power Loss
One of Celebrity Cruises' oldest ships was reportedly left drifting off the coast of Italy after suffering a major power outage over the weekend.
Celebrity Constellation was sailing past Italy on Saturday, Aug. 2, when the vessel lost power due to a "technical issue."
Consequently, the ship was left without electricity or air conditioning for nearly three hours.
Read more: Celebrity Cruises Ship Drifts Off Italy Coast After Total Power Loss
What is the Disney cruise cancellation policy?
Canceling a magical Disney vacation isn't ideal, but sometimes plans change.
Disney Cruise Line's cancellation policy varies depending on the stateroom category, the length of the cruise, and how far in advance you cancel. Generally, the closer you are to the sail date, the higher the penalty fees are.
Here’s everything you need to know about Disney’s cancellation policy and final payment deadlines, so you can plan your next cruise with confidence.
Read more: What is the Disney cruise cancellation policy?
32-year-old cruise ship fails CDC health inspection during 3-year world cruise
After a rocky beginning, the 3-year residential cruise aboard Villa Vie Odyssey is still far from smooth sailing. Recently, the 32-year-old ship failed a routine health inspection performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC's website, the Villa Vie Odyssey received an 81 during the July 9 inspection, far below the CDC's passing threshold of 86.
The 44 violations range from issues with potable water to concerns about food safety and poor housekeeping. For example, dead fruit flies were found trapped in a light cover near a refrigerator on Deck 5.
Read more: 32-year-old cruise ship fails CDC health inspection during 3-year world cruise
10 best things about MSC World America, Miami's newest mega-ship
MSC World America turned heads the moment she arrived in Miami. As the newest and snazziest ship in MSC Cruises' fleet, she's unlike any other vessel at sea.
Recently, Elizabeth sailed aboard MSC World America on a 7-night Caribbean cruise. It didn't take long to see why she's generating so much buzz.
Read about the 10 best things about MSC's newest cruise ship that she can't stop thinking about.
Read more: 10 best things about MSC World America, Miami's newest mega-ship
What’s free at Carnival’s Celebration Key?
Carnival's newest private destination in the Bahamas offers something for everyone, from fun water slides to adult-only beaches, lively pools, and more.
Although Celebration Key has countless activities for cruisers to enjoy, not all of them are included in the cost of your Carnival cruise. But it is easy to keep your costs low by sticking to the free activities and amenities.
With a little bit of planning, you don't have to worry about spending hundreds of dollars ashore. For example, did you know that you don't have to return to the ship for lunch? All guests receive one complimentary meal at Celebration Key, so you can keep the island fun going all day long.
Read more: What’s free at Carnival’s Celebration Key?
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!
