There's been a lot of cruise news to cover from this week, so here's a breakdown of the biggest stories you should know about!

Check out all of the big news from this week!

Cruising during hurricane season might scare you. What happens if you get caught in the ocean during a storm?

Thankfully, this is very unlikely to happen! Cruising during hurricane season is just as safe as any other time of the year. Plus, you can often score some great deals on cruise fares. 

While storms are a reality of life and can affect travel anytime during the year, cruise lines work extra hard during hurricane season to monitor any developing storms. They'll work to adjust itineraries if needed to keep everyone safe if a system does pop up. 

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Ocean Cay) is located in the western Bahamas, 20 miles south of Bimini.

Once an industrial site, MSC Cruises has redeveloped the island into a serene paradise for its cruise guests. The newly transformed retreat offers cruisers the opportunity to get an authentic island experience with eight beaches and water activities that feature the restored marine life of the area. It is one of the newer private islands in The Bahamas and cost MSC $200 million dollars. 

Some countries and municipalities are requiring a Covid-19 booster shot, in addition to the full vaccine. Do you have to have a booster to go on a cruise?

The answer is it depends on which cruise line you choose to sail with, although the answer could change in the future.

Currently, some cruise lines require a booster shot, although they tend to be smaller cruise lines and/or based in Europe.

On your next cruise, you might notice an upside down pineapple on a stateroom door while you're walking down the hallway or someone sporting a pin that's attached to their clothing! It is important to know what this subtle symbol stands for. 

Packing for a cruise can be a bit daunting if you’re unfamiliar with cruising or a first-time cruiser. Deciding what to pack for a cruise will ultimately depend on the length of your cruise, the ports on your itinerary, and the time of year you’re traveling.

Disney Cruise Line has created the ultimate private island experience at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Situated along popular pirate sailings routes, some believe it was an actual hideout for buccaneers in the 18th century.

Today, Disney has transformed the 1000 acre Gorda Cay, as it was formerly known, into a popular port of call on many of its Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

Before starting an adventure to Castaway Cay, here is what you need to know.

Off the southern coast of Belize lies Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) private island retreat. It's part of The Norwegian Edge initiative, which was designed to bring higher standards to the high seas. 

Surrounded by the lush greenery of Central America, guests are treated to a wide range of activities on the 75 acre oasis. The island was developed in partnership with the Belizean government, and local inhabitants own the businesses and work onsite, contributing to the local economy.

Are you planning to cruise soon with Celebrity Cruises and looking for tips and tricks? You’ve come to the right place!

Celebrity Cruises is one of the three main brands under the Royal Caribbean Group company. If you’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean, then you’ll probably find that Celebrity Cruises offers a similar but more elevated, refined experience. Think of Celebrity as the older, more grown-up sister to Royal Caribbean.