Welcome to Cruise Blog's Weekly Roundup for the week of April 2, 2026!
This is a helpful post covering everything you may have missed this week, including a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted by another cruise passenger and Carnival's newest ban that riled up passengers, just to end up being a funny April Fool's joke.
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Bahamas police investigates sexual assault allegations on cruise ship
A 13-year-old girl aboard a cruise ship was allegedly sexually assaulted by another passenger, according to a Royal Bahamas Police Force press release.
The incident occurred on March 28, 2026. The unidentified victim was supposedly reported missing by her mother around 2:17 a.m., while the vessel was around 15 nautical miles off the coast of West End, Grand Bahama Island. She was located less than an hour later, around 3:30 a.m., and told her mother that an older male guest had sexually assaulted her.
The press release doesn't reveal which cruise ship the alleged assault happened on. However, according to Cruise Mapper, two ships were at the cruise line's new private destination on Sunday: Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Conquest.
Read more: Bahamas police investigates sexual assault allegations on cruise ship
Royal Caribbean unveils big credit card refresh: $99 annual fee, but new priority boarding and anniversary spend rewards
Royal Caribbean has made a lot of history in the cruise industry over the past few years, from launching the record-breaking Icon Class ships to debuting the first-ever train car-themed restaurant at sea and announcing a brand-new beach club in Santorini.
Up next? The cruise industry’s first tri-branded credit cards.
The Miami-based company announced on Tuesday that it is overhauling its existing credit card structure, enabling travelers to earn and redeem rewards across Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.
Popular cruise line abruptly cancels dozens of Middle East voyages, disrupting vacations
The ongoing war in Iran continues to impact cruise operations in the Middle East, with one cruise line entirely scrapping its upcoming season from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
MSC World Europa was supposed to offer 7-night round-trip sailings throughout the Middle East this winter and next spring, according to Cruise Mapper. However, MSC Cruises' recent press release confirms that those plans have been tossed out the window.
Instead, the World Class ship will be moved to the Caribbean, offering 7- and 14-night voyages from Fort-de-France, Martinique; Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe; and Bridgetown, Barbados.
Read more: Popular cruise line abruptly cancels dozens of Middle East voyages, disrupting vacations
You will now pay more for Carnival's drink package and tips — here's why
Carnival Cruise Line officially raised its daily gratuity rate for the first time since 2023.
Carnival announced the changes in February 2026, giving passengers around two months to lock in the current rate and pre-pay their tips.
They also confirmed a price increase for the Bottomless Bubbles drink package.
Read more: You will now pay more for Carnival's drink package and tips — here's why
Carnival’s April Fool's Joke Riles Up Cruise Passengers
Although Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fun-filled vacations and laid-back atmosphere, it teased passengers with what appeared to be a sudden letter banning duck hunting aboard its ships.
The notice, printed on official Carnival letterhead and signed by the cruise line's president, has circulated widely on social media.
According to the letter, this "decision" comes as part of Carnival's ongoing commitment to sustainability, with the ducks having unintended environmental impacts.
Read more: Carnival’s April Fool's Joke Riles Up Cruise Passengers
5 things Disney Cruise Line fans DON'T want to hear
Disney Cruise Line fans are passionate about the line’s Disney-themed ships and experiences, but is a Disney cruise really as perfect as it’s made out to be?
As one of the major players in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line is, unsurprisingly, popular with fans of the Disney brand. Die-hard Disney fans often flock to the line without considering other options. In their mind, it’s Disney or bust.
Even though the cruise line does offer one-of-a-kind experiences in the cruise industry, such as themed rotational dining and character experiences, it has some major faults.
Read more: 5 things Disney Cruise Line fans DON'T want to hear
Carnival signals how it will handle higher fuel costs — and what could change next
The Iran war is doing more than fueling anxiety around global politics — it is also disrupting travel, with thousands of flight delays and cancellations, and cruise vacations abruptly ended before they even began.
At the same time, the conflict is driving up oil prices. The cost of Brent oil, the global benchmark, reached $107.81 per barrel on March 27, up sharply from $71.24 just one month earlier, according to Fortune. The effects have been felt everywhere from local gas pumps to airline ticket fares.
However, despite the rising oil costs, cruise lines are likely to absorb much of the impact, rather than pass the full burden onto travelers through unexpected fuel surcharges.
Read more: Carnival signals how it will handle higher fuel costs — and what could change next
Norwegian Cruise Line Spa Prices + Menu
Passengers focused on well-being and self-care need look no further than the Mandara Spa and Salon on their next Norwegian cruise.
The Norwegian spa is available on every ship in the fleet, offering everything from relaxing massages to signature facials, beauty services, acupuncture, and more.
Treatments vary widely in price, though. For example, a hot mineral massage costs around $350 for a 100-minute service, while a traditional manicure will only set you back $69.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line Spa Prices + Menu
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.
