Welcome to Cruise Blog's Weekly Roundup for the week of October 17, 2025!
This is a helpful post of everything you may have missed from this week, including new entertainment coming to Celebrity Xcel and Carnival's cruise director schedule.
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Norwegian cruise ship stuck in New York City as powerful nor’easter slams coast
Earlier this week, a powerful nor'easter hammered New Jersey and New York, causing multiple cruise ships to remain stuck in port.
Passengers on Norwegian Getaway revealed they couldn't depart from New York City as scheduled on Sunday, October 12.
They were stranded in New York City until the port reopened on Tuesday, Oct. 14. As a result, a few ports on the 7-night cruise were canceled.
Read more: Norwegian cruise ship stuck in New York City as powerful nor’easter slams coast
Carnival Cruise Director Schedule
Carnival cruise directors are some of the liveliest, most personable entertainment personalities at sea.
All of Carnival's cruise directors are at the center of many onboard activities, from leading dances at the sailaway party to hosting game shows.
Whether you are curious about who the cruise director is on your upcoming Carnival cruise or want to book your next sailing with your favorite, our schedule below can help.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Director Schedule (2025)
I tried NCL Aqua to see how Norwegian’s newest cruise ship compared to others
Although Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) isn't known for building the world's biggest cruise ships, Elizabeth couldn't wait to sail on the line's first-ever Prima Plus Class vessel: Norwegian Aqua.
The bones of the ship are similar to Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, but Norwegian Aqua features several enhancements that set it apart from its predecessors, such as new dining venues, original shows, and onboard thrills.
Still, the poor crowd management and communication were drawbacks of her first Norwegian cruise.
Read more: I tried NCL Aqua to see how Norwegian’s newest cruise ship compared to others
Music festivals and 80s club: Celebrity reveals shows on next ship
Celebrity Cruises wants to make sure that Celebrity Xcel stands out from other Edge Class ships.
Celebrity's newest ship is set to enter service next month as the line's fifth Edge Class ship. However, she won't be a carbon copy of the vessels that preceded her.
Recently, Celebrity Cruises shared new details of the entertainment changes that cruisers can expect on Celebrity Xcel — and they're going all out.
Read more: Music festivals and 80s club: Celebrity reveals shows on next ship
I only book a Carnival cruise if it's going to the company's private destination
Allie has cruised with Carnival Cruise Line many times over the years, starting with her first sailing in high school aboard the Carnival Destiny.
Whether it’s poolside competitions, karaoke in the Limelight Lounge, or late-night comedy shows in the Punchliner Comedy Club, Carnival knows how to keep the fun going all day and night long.
After eight Carnival cruises, she finally learned an important lesson: She only books a Carnival cruise if it’s going to one of the company’s private destinations.
Read more: I only book a Carnival cruise if it's going to the company's private destination
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. 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!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
