It’s always hard to say goodbye but even harder when the person bidding adieu has spent half a century dedicated to the passengers and crew aboard some of the world’s biggest cruise ships. After a remarkable 50-year tenure with Royal Caribbean, Captain Johnny Faevelen is embarking on his next journey – one that keeps him closer to home. “It is with mixed feelings I have handed in my … [Read more...]

Once upon a time, sailors used to get through long days at sea by singing rhythmic work songs known as “shanties” that told tales about living life on vessels.  TUI Cruises plans to laud this old tradition by officially bringing them aboard in 2025, along with more modern-day homages to internationally acclaimed music by The Beatles and ABBA. The German-based cruise line recently … [Read more...]

A private table or table-for-two can be very sought after onboard a cruise ship, especially during main seating dining times when hundreds of guests are enjoying their meals simultaneously. This can be confusing, however, during open seating meals when guests are seated at first available tables – even larger tables. During these meal services, seating assignments are typically grouped to bring … [Read more...]

One of Carnival Cruise Line’s top Fun Squad members is moving up in the world and sailing into new adventures as the cruise line’s newest Cruise Director. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clough has officially been promoted to cruise director, though she’s already been serving in the position for nearly a year. She is currently the CD aboard Carnival Valor, and her next assignment is to Carnival Miracle, … [Read more...]

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the country music scene. And starting in February, one vessel sailing from Galveston, Texas, will feature a host of musical performances to bring a splash of country tunes to the Caribbean. Taking place on Princess Cruises’ 3,560-passenger Regal Princess, which recently completed emergency repairs that forced several cancellations at … [Read more...]

Holland America Line is sailing into the new year with a new, outstanding partnership with Wheel of Fortune, the longest-running syndicated game show in the US (on air since 1975 and in syndication since 1983). Together, the celebrated game show and the 150-year-old cruise line are presenting “Cruise Week” with featured giveaways as well as reduced deposits and more for players and fans … [Read more...]

Taking “let’s meet up for coffee” to a whole new level, the captains of two Princess Cruises vessels grabbed a coffee together with Sydney Harbor as a picturesque backdrop when the ships were crossing paths Down Under. Captain Mario Consentino of the Crown Princess and Captain Michele Bartolomei of the Diamond Princess shared a cup of Joe on January 11, 2025, providing a rare … [Read more...]

There has been much debate over the last couple of years about Carnival Cruise Line dropping little luxuries – twice-a-day stateroom service, chocolates on the pillows for nightly turndown service, etc. One of the most missed luxuries is tablecloths for dinner in the Main Dining Room (MDR) restaurants, which travelers have often commented on. One Carnival cruiser, however, recently saw a … [Read more...]

If you were to ask me the best way to spend Valentine’s Day, I’d recommend going on a cruise, hands-down. Whether you go with a luxury cruise line, all-inclusive line or just a family-friendly line that offers something for everyone in your crew (including opportunities to get alone for Mom and Dad), a cruise ship’s many amenities, from fine dining to romantic spa treatments, lend themselves … [Read more...]

Social media is often filled with rumors which can spread rapidly and seem to be factual. Reaching out to an authority and properly looking into the background of an issue can often reveal something quite different, however. Such is the case with a recent rumor surrounding a very popular, award-winning dining venue beloved aboard Carnival cruise ships – Guy’s Burger Joint. Images of a … [Read more...]

As wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Los Angeles County, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is offering assistance to affected passengers and contributing to community relief efforts. The fires, which have been particularly severe in areas like Pacific Palisades and Pasadena, prompted NCL to take action to support its guests and the wider community during this challenging time. John … [Read more...]

Carnival Cruise Line has made an itinerary change to Carnival Firenze on one particular cruise in February 2025 (and February 2026) that may be upsetting to sports fans. While the ship will still be sailing to the planned ports of call, the day of the port visits has been changed and will now conflict with Super Bowl Sunday on her February 6, 2025 and February 5, 2026 departures. Booked … [Read more...]

A packed schedule of activities is one of the greatest things to enjoy about a cruise, with games, contests, shows, lectures, crafts, and more offering something for everyone. But who exactly makes that schedule? Carnival Cruise Line has offered a bit of insight into just how complex the process can be. Official Brand Ambassador John Heald frequently responds to guest inquiries, comments, … [Read more...]

It’s time for another edition of Cruise Hive’s Cruise News Update, recapping the top cruise stories of the past week. This week we have coverage from Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, and the Port of Nassau. Make sure you stay well informed by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, so the big cruise stories are delivered … [Read more...]

While MSC Cruises may not boast the largest cruise ships in the industry, it still has a nice range of cruise ships of various sizes in its fleet, from the largest MSC World America, at 215,638 gross tons, to the smallest MSC Armonia, at 65,542 gross tons. If you’re considering taking an MSC Cruises vacation in the near future, and you either want to stay on a big ship with lots of … [Read more...]

As the newest ship to debut in the Viking Oceans’ fleet, Viking Vela, entered service in December 2024, the vessel is making maiden calls everywhere she sails. But when she arrived at Portsmouth International Port in southern England on January 9, 2024, the ship was marking its first visit to the UK just as the city was celebrating the start of what will be its busiest year to … [Read more...]

Marine wildlife sightings add excitement and adventure to cruise vacations around the world. Just ask guests who sail with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. The UK-based line, which caters to the British market, partners with the ORCA Ocean Conservationist program to monitor and count the world’s dolphin and whale populations. In 2024, conservationists onboard the cruise line’s three ships have … [Read more...]

When it comes to navigating a ship, speed matters. And, unfortunately, one Norwegian Cruise Line ship is experiencing technical issues that is impacting its ability to cruise at maximum speeds. The 145,655-gross-ton Norwegian Breakaway has to adjust its itinerary on its current voyage to make it back to its homeport in Miami on time. “We are glad you have joined us aboard the … [Read more...]

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas assisted the US Coast Guard (USCG) in a rescue operation during rough seas on Thursday, January 9, 2025. While the cruise ship did not take an active role in the incident, it did provide essential nearby observation and was standing ready to move in if necessary. The incident took place east of Fort Lauderdale at 2 p.m. during Liberty of the Seas‘ day at … [Read more...]

Not all cruisers spend time in the arcade, but those that do know the costs of playing games can add up quickly. Carnival Cruise Line is now offering a great package deal for arcade tokens that can mean significant savings for interested gamers. Guests cannot use quarters or tokens in the arcade; all games are cashless, and players must scan their Sail & Sign cards to pay for each game. … [Read more...]