Welcome to Cruise Blog's Weekly Roundup for the week of February 13, 2026!
This is a helpful post covering everything you may have missed this week, including Royal Caribbean's new ban on smart glasses and the heartfelt apology issued by Carnival's president after unexpected IT issues affected thousands of guests.
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Carnival Cruise Line warns of embarkation delays due to "IT issues"
Carnival passengers faced lengthy embarkation delays over the weekend and into Monday after the cruise line reported IT issues that impacted multiple systems.
Unfortunately, many passengers also reported difficulty accessing the HUB mobile app and even using the ship's elevators due to the technology disruptions.
Some guests even said the internet was down, making it impossible to check in with loved ones at home or access social media.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line warns of embarkation delays due to "IT issues"
7 Things I like more about Royal Caribbean than Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are two of the biggest names in the cruise industry. However, they offer different experiences that might not appeal to every traveler. And after sailing on both cruise lines, Elizabeth can admit there are things to appreciate about each.
Norwegian, for example, bundles popular add-ons — like its drink package, Wi-Fi minutes, and specialty dining — into its reasonably priced "Free at Sea" package. On Royal Caribbean, those same perks can cost cruisers hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars extra.
At the end of the day, both cruise lines offer solid, mainstream experiences. The best choice ultimately depends on what you're looking for and prioritizing, whether that's a mega-ship packed with amenities from bow to stern, affordable add-ons, or a specific itinerary. Still, she finds herself more drawn to Royal Caribbean for a few reasons.
Read more: 7 Things I like more about Royal Caribbean than Norwegian Cruise Line
Stepbrother arrested, charged in connection with teen found dead on Carnival cruise ship last year
The 16-year-old stepbrother of the deceased teenager who was found dead on a Carnival cruise ship last year appeared before a federal judge in Miami, Florida, on Friday, February 6.
On Nov. 7, 2025, the body of Anna Kepner, 18, of Titusville, Florida, was found stuffed underneath her cabin's bed, wrapped in blankets and covered by life vests. She had been sailing aboard Carnival Horizon, a Vista Class cruise ship owned and operated by Carnival Cruise Line, with her family.
Around three months later, her 16-year-old stepbrother appeared before a federal magistrate in a locked courtroom, accompanied by his public defenders, prosecutors, and U.S. Marshals, NBC 6 reported.
Read more: Stepbrother arrested, charged in connection with teen found dead on Carnival cruise ship last year
Royal Caribbean quietly bans a common smart device from its cruise ships
Another cruise line suddenly updated its prohibited items list to specify that smart glasses are now restricted from certain areas of its ships.
MSC Cruises was one of the first to ban smart glasses from its fleet back in December. While they didn't issue a statement on the reasoning behind the ban, many assumed that it was enacted to protect the privacy of its guests and crew members.
Most recently, Royal Caribbean followed suit, updating the verbiage on its prohibited items list to say, "'Smart' glasses from any of several manufacturers that can record video and audio are not allowed to be used in certain areas onboard the ship, including, but not limited to, public restrooms, Youth Program areas, medical areas, as well as the casino."
Read more: Royal Caribbean quietly bans a common smart device from its cruise ships
Carnival President apologizes for recent technology disruptions, pledges to issue refunds
Carnival Cruise Line suffered a series of IT issues over the weekend and early this week, impacting everything from debarkation to embarkation, Wi-Fi, casino operations, and Sail & Sign onboard payment methods.
While the disruptions have now been resolved, Christine Duffy, Carnival's President, issued an official letter apologizing for the inconvenience and promising compensation for affected guests.
"I want to express our appreciation for your patience and understanding as we worked through the technology disruption that took many systems offline the last couple [of] days," the letter, dated February 10, 2026, begins.
Read more: Carnival President apologizes for recent technology disruptions, pledges to issue refunds
What to Pack for a Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, with ships that range from thrill-packed megaships to older, smaller vessels offering a more traditional cruising experience. The brand is known for its fun-focused atmosphere, with parties, activities, and entertainment starting almost as soon as you step onboard.
If you’re new to Carnival Cruise Line and preparing to set sail on your first sailing, you might be overwhelmed trying to pack. While most cruises are very similar, there are some tips and tricks you’ll want to know so you can be prepared for your Carnival cruise.
In our recent post, we broke down everything you should pack for your Carnival cruise, including must-have items and cruise essentials.
Read more: What to Pack for a Carnival Cruise
No, Carnival won't charge for pool chairs on cruise ships
Would cruise lines be smart to start charging guests to use the pool chairs? Many would say no. However, one guest was adamant that it would be a smart solution to the pesky chair hog problem aboard Carnival ships.
"I would pay $20 a day to have two reserved lounge chairs in prime areas by the main pool on Carnival. I would not be the only one. I know it would really annoy some people who wouldn't pay, and they wouldn't be able to get prime chairs for free anymore," the unidentified person wrote to John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador.
Heald quickly shut down the idea, claiming that he thinks lounge chairs will remain on a free, first-come, first-served basis.
Read more: No, Carnival won't charge for pool chairs on 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. 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.
