Welcome to Cruise Blog's Weekly Roundup for the week of July 3, 2026.
This is a helpful post covering everything you may have missed this week, including multiple norovirus outbreaks and obnoxious cruise ship problems you aren't prepared for.
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Over 120 people sick in fifth cruise norovirus outbreak this year
One cruise ship has reported a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on its current sailing, with over 120 sick guests and crew members on board.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess reported 102 ill guests aboard its current voyage. Additionally, 23 crew members are reportedly ill.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC on June 28, 2026, with 3.4% of passengers and 2% of crew members reporting gastrointestinal symptoms. There are currently 3,032 guests and 1,144 crew members on the vessel.
Read more: Over 120 people sick in fifth cruise norovirus outbreak this year
Royal Caribbean offers guests 100% refund and future credit if they cancel at the last minute
Passengers on an upcoming sailing aboard Freedom of the Seas were asked to skip their upcoming Bahamian cruise. In return, the cruise line offered compensation for those willing to cancel just days before embarkation.
According to an email shared with Cruise Blog, the offer was targeted at those with flexible plans who could easily adjust their vacation schedules, thus allowing Royal Caribbean to free up staterooms on the 156,271 gross-ton ship.
Although the email doesn't explain why they're offering cruisers the generous incentives to change their plans, it has historically been used as a tactic to open up cabins on overbooked sailings.
Read more: Royal Caribbean offers guests 100% refund and future credit if they cancel at the last minute
7 things I've done that I'll never do again on a Carnival cruise
Carnival Cruise Line is known for having the most fun ships at sea, and although they offer something for everyone, that doesn't mean every experience is guaranteed to be a hit.
Sure, they're known for affordable vacations with great fast-casual dining, lively entertainment, and a low-key vibe. However, that same high-energy, budget-friendly approach can also come with trade-offs.
Elizabeth has a pretty good gauge of how she feels about the cruise line and is confident that she will never do a few things aboard one of their ships again.
Read more: 7 things I've done that I'll never do again on a Carnival cruise
Cruise operations suddenly halt at an East Coast port
The Bahamas and Caribbean are popular cruise destinations, with ships calling at ports like Nassau, St. Thomas, and Cozumel. However, there are also cruise ports scattered along the East Coast, including Charleston, South Carolina.
Unfortunately, the future of cruise operations in Charleston will look significantly different moving forward, with plans to shut down the current facility disrupting sailings.
On Tuesday, June 30, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jewel became the last ship to ever dock at Charleston's Union Terminal. Now, all cruise ships calling at Charleston will have to dock at the Columbus Street Terminal, which is roughly 1.5 miles from the historic city center.
Read more: Cruise operations suddenly halt at an East Coast port
10 Obnoxious cruise ship problems you aren't prepared for — and how to handle them
While cruise commercials highlight state-of-the-art ships, private ports, and world-class dining, there are plenty of less glamorous realities that both first-time cruisers and seasoned passengers alike don't always anticipate.
From unpleasant stomach problems to chair hogs and disspointing port visits, many unexpected cruise problems can catch travelers off guard and ruin their vacation.
That said, many of the most obvious problems can be avoided, or at least minimized, with a little preparation before embarkation day.
Read more: 10 Obnoxious cruise ship problems you aren't prepared for — and how to handle them
Nearly 30% of cruise guests, crew sick in 'suspected norovirus outbreak'
A gastrointestinal illness outbreak sickened nearly 30% of guests and crew members aboard an Alaska cruise.
Among the 68 guests aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird, 19 reported being ill during a cruise that ended on June 30, 2026, along with one crew member, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The outbreak was reported to the CDC on June 28, 2026. 28% of passengers and 3.7% of crew members reported gastrointestinal issues. The predominant symptoms of the infected individuals were vomiting and diarrhea.
Read more: Nearly 30% of cruise guests, crew sick in 'suspected norovirus outbreak'
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.
