The body of a cruise ship crew member who had been missing for five days was finally located in St. Kitts and Nevis, authorities confirmed. 

Wang Zyuan, 33, disappeared while hiking the Mount Liamuiga hiking trail on May 27. He was last heard from around 2 p.m., when he contacted emergency services to report that he was lost, as reported by The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF). 

Although a joint search and rescue team was immediately mobilized, the operation stretched on for days as rescuers combed through the hillside up to the crater. 

Eventually, the RSCNPF confirmed that his body was recovered on June 1, though they didn't reveal the cause of the death. 

(Credit: RSCNPF / Facebook)

"It is with deep regret that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) confirms that Mr Wang Zyuan, who had been missing on the Mt. Liamuiga trail since Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, was located deceased on Monday, June 1st, 2026, by one of the search teams," reads the police force's Facebook post. 

"Since May 27th, joint teams from the RSCNPF, the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, the Police Training School, the Forest Unit, the Red Cross, the Ross University K9 Unit, and dedicated community volunteers have searched the mountain daily. We are profoundly grateful to every person who gave their time and effort to this operation."

In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Royal Caribbean confirmed that Zyuan, a Chinese male national, worked for the company, though they did not reveal his exact position aboard the ship:

"We are saddened to learn a crew member has passed away," the statement said. "We appreciate the tremendous efforts of the local authorities and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly over the past several days."

According to the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority, Rhapsody of the Seas, a Vision Class cruise ship measuring 78,878 gross tons, was the only cruise ship in port on May 27. The post also added that St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed approximately 2,270 passengers ashore that day. 

Rhapsody of the Seas was on a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, as shared by Pure Holidays. The vessel departed on May 23 and called at Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John's, Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The Mount Liamuiga volcano hike is strenuous

Royal Caribbean's website states that the Mount Liamuiga volcano hike is "extremely strenuous" and not advised for people with pre-existing medical issues such as cardiac, respiratory, or orthopedic conditions. 

Additionally, it urges passengers to consider their fitness level when determining whether they should embark on the six-mile hike or not. 

A simple Google search will also reveal countless firsthand accounts reinforcing just how steep and difficult the hike is. 

(Credit: Anton Alvin Singh / Facebook)

"This hike is totally doable if you’re able to scale rocks but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t the physically hardest hike I’d ever done," said Yaya, one of the co-founders of Hand Luggage Only. 

"[The hike] was quite strenuous. I’m fairly experienced with hiking and trails and [I'm] a runner so I was ok with the cardio aspect of it, but there were some people that struggled," someone else commented on Reddit.

"There are definitely some slippery parts and you have to keep aware of your surroundings. A few that turned back, but most made it at different paces."

For the first time ever, one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships had to use tender boats.

(Credit: Aloschi Bros / Facebook)

Last week, one of the world's largest cruise ships successfully tendered thousands of passengers ashore.

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas made history as the first Oasis Class ship to tender guests ashore in La Spezia, Italy, on May 28, 2026. This overturned an industry assumption that these massive vessels were too large to do so efficiently. 

Tendering is when cruise ships anchor offshore and use smaller boats to transport passengers from the vessel to shore. If no pier can accommodate a cruise ship's size, tendering is required. 

Sometimes, certain ports don't have piers, like Santorini, Greece; George Town, Grand Cayman; or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. As such, the only way to visit these destinations is to tender from the cruise. 

(Credit: Aloschi Bros / Facebook)

Aloschi Bros, a European tour operator with origins dating back to 1932, shared photos of Harmony of the Seas' tender operation on Facebook, saying, "With over 226,000 GT, more than 6,000 guests and 2,000 crew members onboard, operations of this scale require exceptional coordination, precision and operational expertise."

"Aloschi Bros is proud to have managed and supported this unprecedented call in La Spezia, delivering a smooth and efficient operation for one of the world’s largest cruise ships."

One passenger, Stephen Martin, added that they were impressed with how Royal Caribbean handled the process. Rather than waiting in a crowded tender queue, it was easy to book a timeslot through the mobile app the day before, which made "the whole experience far smoother and more organised." 

(Credit: Stephen Martin / Facebook)

Moreover, Martin claimed tendering was the only way they could visit La Spezia due to the ongoing pier work, which would explain why previous Oasis Class visits on vessels like Allure of the Seas didn't require passengers to tender ashore. 

"[T]oday ran surprisingly smoothly, so it certainly proved that tenders can work even for mega-ships," Martin remarked on his Facebook post. 

Harmony of the Seas was in port from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., according to CruiseMapper. It was the third stop on the ship's current seven-night itinerary, which departed Barcelona, Spain, on May 31. She's expected to return to La Spezia again on Wednesday, June 10.  

An even bigger cruise ship is expected to tender in La Spezia next month

La Spezia is a popular port of call on Mediterranean itineraries. It serves as a gateway to some of Italy's most famous destinations, including Cinque Terre, Florence, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The successful tender operation by Harmony of the Seas is important for Royal Caribbean and the Italian city as they prepare to welcome its first Icon Class ship.

Legend of the Seas is scheduled to make her inaugural call in La Spezia on July 2, 2026, during her debut Mediterranean season. This specific call is on the ship's preview voyage. She'll return on July 10 with paying passengers. 

Legend of the Seas comes in at a staggering 248,663 gross tons, 1,196 feet in length, and can accommodate over 5,600 passengers at double occupancy, according to Royal Caribbean. 

The ship's itinerary for the July 4 voyage indicates that guests will also be required to tender ashore, which suggests the port's pier work may continue throughout the summer.

As such, Harmony won’t hold the title of the largest cruise ship to tender passengers ashore. It will be passed off to Legend once she successfully completes her call in La Spezia in July. 

Could this open up more ports for Oasis and Icon Class ships?

(Credit: Stephen Martin / Facebook)

Having large ships like Harmony of the Seas and Legend of the Seas tender ashore has sparked discussion among cruise fans about whether this could become more common in the future.

Generally speaking, it could, especially in destinations with pier limitations or ongoing infrastructure work that prohibit vessels from coming alongside the dock. 

However, it is not likely to lead to any major changes to cruise itineraries in the near future since, in many cases, the destinations aren't equipped to handle the volume of passengers these ships bring ashore.

Taking your first cruise? I wanted to share what experienced cruisers wish they knew before their first sailing.

However, whereas veteran cruisers will have a better understanding of the cruise planning process, first-time guests might feel overwhelmed. From choosing the right ship and cabin to deciding what add-ons are worth the money, there are plenty of important decisions to make. 

As someone who has been on over three dozen cruises, I've learned that, although every traveler has different priorities, there are a handful of tips that can help all types of cruisers avoid common mistakes, save money, and get the most out of their sailing.

And to be fair, I've definitely made my fair share of mistakes over the years — from booking the cheapest sailing without doing much research to overextending myself on port-intensive itineraries. 

Here are my best first-time cruise vacation planning tips so you can start sailing like a pro from day one!

Use a good travel agent

Travel agents are incredibly useful when planning cruise vacations. While cruises are known for their convenience, there’s still a lot of planning involved, such as choosing the right ship and itinerary, booking shore excursions, and understanding dining options. 

A good travel agent will break down the best options based on your personal preferences and highlight ongoing promotions, which will make the overall process less stressful.

However, you must vet any agent and agency before booking to ensure they are reputable and experienced. I've been using MEI Travel for years and continue to book with them due to their professionalism and level of expertise. 

Choose your cruise ship based on what is important to you

With 29 ships in the fleet, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options. 

Some vessels, like Oasis and Icon Class ships, feature world-class entertainment venues, multiple dining options, innovative amenities, and unique stateroom options that cater to a wide range of interests. 

On the other hand, Vision and Radiance Class vessels focus on a more intimate, traditional cruise experience. 

However, that means that newer ships are more expensive. If you aren't interested in water slides, surfing simulators, or ice skating rinks, you may be better off choosing an older vessel and saving money. 

At the end of the day, choosing the right Royal Caribbean cruise ship comes down to your personal preferences. 

Book as early as possible to guarantee your preferred stateroom category

If you are eyeing a certain cruise cabin, you'll want to book as far in advance as possible. This is especially true for suites and ADA-accessible rooms. They are limited in number compared to standard staterooms and can sell out quickly. 

Suites come with added perks such as priority boarding, private sun decks and dining rooms, and more spacious accommodations. As such, they are highly desirable for travelers looking to elevate their cruise experience.

The same applies to ADA-accessible staterooms, which are designed to meet accessibility needs with wider doorways, roll-in showers, lowered sinks, and more. However, there are only a handful of ADA-accessible rooms on each ship.

Other cabin considerations include connecting rooms for families, certain locations (like near the middle of the vessel), and specific family layouts. 

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is something you want to buy but hope you never have to use. While yes, it does provide crucial international medical coverage, it also protects you in other, more common situations. 

For example, if your flight gets delayed and you miss your cruise ship, travel insurance can help cover the cost of catching up to the ship at the next port (if possible). Alternatively, it may cover lodging and transportation expenses.

It's also beneficial when it comes to luggage issues. If your airline loses your suitcase, travel insurance may reimburse you for things like clothing, toiletries, and medications. 

Book your Royal Caribbean cruise add ons in advance

After you've placed the deposit for your cruise vacation, you can begin browsing add-ons through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. This includes shore excursions, drink packages, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, internet packages, arcade credits, and more.

Generally speaking, add-ons are cheaper when you buy them in advance, as Royal Caribbean offers pre-cruise discounts that are not available once you’re on the ship. Sometimes, these discounts can be as great as 30% to 40% off drink packages! 

The discounts vary. However, if you see an add-on for a price you like, don't wait to book it. If the price later drops, you can always cancel and re-book with no penalty. 

You don't have to book a shore excursion in every port

While Royal Caribbean's shore excursion program offers a variety of organized tours, you’re not required to book one in every port. In fact, some destinations are easy to explore on your own. 

For example, if your ship is calling at St. Maarten, it's easy to find the taxi stand and hop on a shared ride to Maho Beach, rather than booking a tour through Royal. By going this route, you'll save money and have more flexibility with your schedule. 

However, when it comes to destinations that are farther from the cruise pier or have limited transportation options, you're usually better off booking through Royal Caribbean, such as if you want to visit Rome when in Civitavecchia. 

Read more: 4 shore excursions weren't as glamorous in real life

Is the drink package worth it on a cruise?

Before automatically assuming you need a drink package, it’s important to consider your personal drinking habits. 

For some, the Deluxe Beverage Package is a good deal, allowing unlimited access to alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, fresh-squeezed juices, bottled water, and more. 

However, it's not cheap, and if you don't think you can consume at least 5 to 9 alcoholic beverages per day, it might not be worth the investment. 

For example, if the going rate for the drink package on the Cruise Planner is $65 per day, you'd need to drink at least 5 $14 cocktails per day. You could also consume 9 $7.49 beers. 

You don't have to default to the Deluxe Beverage Package, either. Royal Caribbean has two non-alcoholic drink packages that can be a better fit for some travelers. 

The Refreshment Package includes non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffees, fresh juices, sodas, and bottled water, while the Classic Soda Package only includes unlimited fountain drinks.

These packages are cheaper than the Deluxe one, too. For example, depending on the sale, the Royal Refreshment Package can cost anywhere from $32.00 to $42.00 per day. The soda package generally comes in at around $9.99 to $18.00 per day. 

Read more: I spent $600 on Royal Caribbean’s beverage package

Know what you can and can't bring on board

Royal Caribbean, like every other cruise line, has a list of prohibited items that guests cannot bring on board. Items range from common household appliances like extension cords, steamers, kettles, and coffee makers to dangerous weapons and illegal drugs.

That said, you can bring food and drinks on — with certain restrictions. For example, you are allowed to bring packaged dry snacks, such as chips, nuts, and candy. Cooked food, however, is not permitted. 

Likewise, Royal Caribbean allows each guest over the legal drinking age to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne with them on embarkation day only. Beer, hard seltzers, pre-made cocktails, and hard liquor are on the prohibited list, though. 

Check in as early as you can

Royal Caribbean’s online check-in process opens 45 days before your cruise departure date. Checking in as soon as you can gives you the best chance of securing an early arrival time at the terminal, as they're the most desirable. 

Earlier arrival times can help you get on the ship sooner, meaning you can start exploring the ship and enjoy lunch before the masses roll in. It's also just a nice feeling to spend most of embarkation day on the ship, rather than waiting in an airport hotel. 

Another advantage of completing your check-in as soon as it's available is that you're less likely to forget. Those who don't complete online check-in may face longer wait times at the terminal since all your information has to be manually verified on-site. 

Head to Adventure Ocean ASAP

Speaking of embarkation day, families with younger children should make Adventure Ocean one of their first stops after they've boarded the ship.

Royal Caribbean's complimentary youth program is popular for a reason, offering a wide range of supervised activities, from arts and crafts and science experiments to video games and more. 

The best way to ensure that your kiddos don't miss out on any of the fun is to complete registration on embarkation day. Plus, this will give you a chance to tour the facilities and see what's offered on your specific cruise ship. 

Skip the buffet on embarkation day for a more laid-back lunch experience

Another great embarkation day tip is to skip the ever-popular Windjammer buffet. While the seemingly endless options might seem tempting, the problem is that nearly everyone else has the same idea. As a result, the buffet is often packed during the first few hours of embarkation day. 

Instead, I'd recommend checking out other options, such as the Park Café, El Loco Fresh, Boardwalk Dog House, or Sorrento's Pizza. For those who don't mind splurging, enjoying a specialty lunch can be a relaxing way to kick off your vacation and avoid the crowds. 

Reservations can be made ahead of time on the Cruise Planner and are highly recommended. However, you can always stop by on embarkation day and see if there's an opening.  

Don't be afraid to ask for help with a problem

Finally, don't be afraid to go to Guest Services if something doesn't go according to plan. Whether it's a dining reservation issue, a stateroom concern, or a billing discrepancy, you'll find that Royal Caribbean crew members are more than willing to help — you just have to reach out.

Based on my experiences from over 30 cruises, I've found that most issues can be resolved pretty quickly when they're brought to the attention of the crew members. Too often, first-time cruisers spend their vacation frustrated by a minor issue without realizing that a simple visit to Guest Services could solve it in a few minutes. 

Also, Royal Caribbean loves feedback because it lets them know how to improve the guest experience. As such, even if an issue can't be resolved during your particular sailing (i.e., if you felt the dining room service was slow or the food was mediocre), it's still worth sharing your thoughts to help future sailors. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program revitalizes older, outdated ships by refitting them with many of the same attractions, amenities, and experiences found on the line's newest ships. But have you ever wondered how these ambitious projects materialize? 

For Royal Caribbean, innovation has always been at the heart of ship design, whether that's creating brand-new ship classes or upgrading existing hardware. 

"If you look at every generation of ship that we introduce, we perpetually innovate and create," says Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

"We're always pushing the envelope; we're always adding new experiences and features; we're always focused on the customer experience; we're always making sure that we really are delivering something phenomenal." 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Bayley describes Royal Caribbean's mindset as a balance between "revolution, evolution, and tradition." Tradition focuses on the experiences that cruise fans adore, like the nautical Schooner Bar, while evolution enhances existing favorites to keep them fresh. 

Finally, revolution introduces radically new and innovative concepts to the industry, such as the Crown's Edge attraction aboard Icon Class ships. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program integrates all three principles to enhance the overall guest experience and ensure older vessels continue serving as sought-after vacation destinations for years to come. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

In the cruise line's latest "Engineering the Experience" press video, they give an overview of just how much work goes into a Royal Amplification project.

"Royal Amplified is a program that allows us to take all of that innovation and move it back to the ships that actually were introduced into the market before they had taken place," explains Darren Dudden, the Director of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

"We have so much innovation that we've continued to bring to the cruise experience, that now we have a lot that we're going to add back in."

The goal is to modernize the ship and keep the guest experience fresh

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

According to Jay Schneider, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer of Royal Caribbean International, nearly everything has evolved in one way or another. 

There are so many new and revolutionary experiences aboard their fleet, ranging from food and beverage concepts to water attractions, entertainment options, and other adrenaline-pumping thrills.

"We're looking to take our ship and completely modernize it by understanding what it is that our guests are looking for, and we start the process by asking questions," says Daniella Hoffman, AVP of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

Work begins long before a ship enters the dock

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

When the time arrives, cruise ships head to specialized shipyards around the world, including facilities in Freeport, Bahamas; Brest, France; Cádiz, Spain; Marseille, France; and Tuas, Singapore.

However, long before a ship arrives at the shipyard, teams are already hard at work developing plans, designing new spaces, and coordinating the complex logistics of installing everything on a tight timeline. For example, prefabrication and preconstruction begin as much as eight months in advance. 

"We don't just take piece parts to the ship and then install them. We do as much prefabrication as we can. We plan dry docks on a five-year sequence, so we're planning this a long, long way ahead," explains Kevin Douglas, VP of Technical Project Newbuild for Royal Caribbean International.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

The dry dock teams are ready before the ship's engines shut off, too. Sometimes, demolition begins before the vessel even reaches the dry dock, and a lot of preparation goes into protecting areas that aren't getting a facelift. 

Douglas continues by talking about how important coordination and collaboration are, particularly with more than 2,000 people working on board the ship at the same time.

There can be as many as 7,500 tasks that must be carefully planned, sequenced, and executed within a tight timeframe, each requiring logistics and the materials to support it.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

"A big project can have anywhere between 1,200 [and] almost 2,000 containers worth of material. And we're looking at production rates of about 2.5% per day... We look to only have about a day and a half of material on board to match the production," he says. 

Moving on, many projects require the total amount of time the ship is out of service to be completed. Sometimes, certain projects, like new accommodations, are actually finished up in service. 

According to Douglas, smaller tasks can often be completed in around ten days or two weeks, and the team works to keep the S-curve as flat as possible.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

This ensures that not everyone starts and finishes at the same time, which helps to smooth out the workload and improve efficiency across the ship's Royal Amplification dry dock process.

From construction zone to a revitalized vacation destination

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

After around two months in dry dock, the ship's Royal Amplification transformation is complete.

Spaces are cleaned and prepared for guests; restaurants are set with tableware and cutlery; and bars are stocked and tested.

Although guests only see the finished result, the cruise line's Royal Amplified program represents years of planning and thousands of hours of work — and all of this requires ingenuity, problem-solving, and a great deal of teamwork across every level of the company. 

Royal Caribbean Amplification schedule

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Here's a quick rundown of which ships have been amplified and which are on the docket for future renovations. 

• Independence of the Seas (COMPLETED 2018)
• Mariner of the Seas (COMPLETED 2018)
• Navigator of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Voyager of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Oasis of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Freedom of the Seas (COMPLETED 2020)

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

• Allure of the Seas (COMPLETED 2025)
• Ovation of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Harmony of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Liberty of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Explorer of the Seas (INDEFINITELY POSTPONED)
• Adventure of the Seas (INDEFINITELY POSTPONED)

The Royal Caribbean crew member who was sentenced to 30 years in prison after placing hidden cameras in guests' staterooms is now facing local charges. 

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 36, a former cabin steward from the Philippines, was arrested in March 2024 after a passenger aboard Symphony of the Seas reported finding a camera in their bathroom. The concealed device was discovered when the guest reached under the sink to grab a new roll of toilet paper. 

He was detained upon the vessel's arrival in Port Everglades, Florida, where authorities seized his electronic devices and found videos of women undressing, as well as child pornography, dating back to December 2023.

One video was of a young girl around the age of ten undressing and showering, as reported by Local 10, with her genitals "clearly visible" and "the focus of the video." 

Authorities also said they found multiple voyeurism-related searches on Mirasol's phone, including "teen on bed."

In August 2024, Mirasol was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty in federal court to producing child pornography.

Mirasol is now expected to appear in a Broward County courtroom on June 15 to face local charges for a change of plea hearing, according to NBC Miami. 

Based on the news article, he faces nine counts of digital voyeurism and was booked into Broward's main jail on Monday.

One lawsuit suggests that as many as 960 passengers could have been affected by Mirasol's actions

In October 2024, one passenger, who was identified as Jane Doe of New Hampshire, filed a class action lawsuit alleging that she was filmed by a hidden camera in her cabin's bathroom.

The lawsuit accused Mirasol of recording Doe "while undressed and engaged in private activities." It further claimed that the images were later uploaded and shared on the internet.

The plaintiff claims to have suffered severe emotional distress with physical symptoms like sweating, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and crying. She lives in constant fear of the videos being viewed by others and being used for illicit purposes, too. 

The lawsuit holds Royal Caribbean responsible for failing to provide sufficient security, training, or supervision to prevent sexual assaults. 

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean did not warn guests about the risk of such crimes and failed to notify passengers who stayed in staterooms serviced by Mirasol.

The complaint suggests that Mirasol's potential victims could include as many as 960 passengers, based on an estimate of up to 12 cruises, 20 passenger cabins per sailing, and up to four occupants per cabin.

Symphony of the Seas facts

At the time of the incident, Symphony of the Seas sailed from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Florida, on seven-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Since then, the 228,081 gross registered ton ship relocated to Galveston, Texas, where she currently offers six- to eight-night Western Caribbean cruises to ports like Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Roatán, Honduras. 

As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Symphony of the Seas can accommodate over 5,500 guests at double occupancy in 2,759 staterooms.

She comes in 1,188 feet long, 215 feet wide, and is home to 2,200 international crew members. Symphony of the Seas embarked on her maiden voyage on April 7, 2018, and was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. 

Amenities include Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean kids' club, a mini-golf course, AquaTheater, adults-only Solarium, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Perfect Storm waterslides, Copper & Kettle pub, two FlowRiders, and more. 

A strike in a Mexico cruise port forced Royal Caribbean to cancel its shore excursions for the day.

According to passenger reports, transportation operations in the Mahahual area were impacted, leaving cruise lines like Royal Caribbean unable to run scheduled excursions on Monday, June 1. 

"Sat on a bus till 9:30 only to be told all the excursions were cancelled. Couple of the locals told us it was because there were some workers on strike blocking the port exit," shared one frustrated guest on Reddit. 

Enchantment of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas were the only two ships in port, though other cruise lines also call at the Mexican cruise destination. This was the first scheduled port visit for both vessels, according to Cruise Mapper. 

Mariner of the Seas departed Galveston, Texas, on a five-night Western Caribbean cruise on Saturday, May 30, while Enchantment of the Seas is currently on a weeklong Caribbean voyage from Tampa, Florida. Other ports on the seven-night itinerary include Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. 

Apparently, the protest was centered around profit sharing, with employees working for Mayan Connection claiming that they hadn't received fair compensation. 

The workers expressed frustration after the company attempted to offer a compensatory "bonus" following the submission of a tax return showing zero profit, a proposal the workers were not satisfied with, as reported by local news outlets.  

Additionally, the employees were also forced to sign a new contract after the company changed its corporate name. This resulted in the loss of seniority and certain economic benefits for the workers. 

As such, they restricted vehicle access to the entrance of the Costa Maya cruise port area. This prevented workers and other vehicles from coming or going. 

Costa Maya's "Costa Maybe" reputation 

Costa Maya isn't the most popular Western Caribbean cruise port, and it has developed a nickname that reflects that unpredictability: "Costa Maybe."

"It's called 'Costa Maybe' for a lot of reasons, mainly the port itself. Shallow dock and high winds have kept my cruises out of there constantly - out of 7 cruises that were supposed to stop there, I've been there twice," commented one Redditor. 

Another added, "Costa Maybe is my least favorite port (only behind Progresso). Even with a ship excursion, you [didn't] miss much."

Plus, the cruise port area is highly commercialized and built around tourists. The funneled layout directs passengers into a purpose-built complex of shops, bars, pools, and restaurants. However, it lacks any real authenticity, especially compared to the nearby Mahahual village. 

"It's definitely a tourist trap. They try to force people to buy things every step. Can't sit down anywhere unless you buy a drink/food. We spent less than an hour there before I got frustrated and wanted [to get] back on the ship," wrote one Reddit user. 

Someone else shared similar thoughts, saying, "Overcrowded. Vendor hagglers everywhere. Cramped port. No thanks."

Still, Costa Maya is a popular cruise stop for guests who want to visit Mayan ruins

Despite its overall reputation, there are some fun ways to spend your day in the Yucatán Peninsula, starting with the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. This alone makes the stop worth it for many passengers. 

Many guests also like heading to Mahahual for a cheap beach day, where it's possible to find all-you-can-eat and drink spots right on the water for less than $70 per person. 

Unfortunately, for those who called at the port on June 1, the protest meant a fun day ashore never materialized. Instead, plans were cancelled at the last minute, leaving passengers scrambling to find other plans and make the most of their port day. 

Other Costa Maya news

Royal Caribbean's planned Perfect Day Mexico destination was supposed to transform the Costa Maya cruise port into one of the cruise line’s largest private destination investments. However, the plans were rejected by the Mexican government last month over environmental concerns. 

According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) determined that the current proposed location for the Perfect Day Mexico project wasn't suitable. As such, the cruise line was notified that three parts of the current plan were rejected, including one of the proposals for the pier infrastructure. 

More recently, Sheinbaum said that government officials were discussing the possibility of relocating the proposed Perfect Day Mexico development — though Royal Caribbean has yet to publicly comment on any updates on alternative sites in the area.

Perfect Day Mexico, which was valued at around $600 million, was set to offer Royal Caribbean passengers access to private beaches, pools, restaurants, bars, an adults-only area, and the line's most ambitious water park project to date. 

Should you sail on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for your next vacation?

I previously sailed aboard this massive Oasis Class ship in 2018. However, eight years later, I wanted to get back on board and see if she still lived up to the hype, especially after her multi-million-dollar Royal Amplification. 

This dry dock added new amenities, such as the Lime and Coconut Bar, Pesky Parrot, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and more to the 226,963 gross-ton ship. 

As such, I embarked on a three-night voyage aboard Harmony of the Seas from Barcelona, Spain, to Palma de Mallorca and Marseille, France. While short, the sailing gave me enough time to experience many of the ship's venues and updates, entertainment offerings, and overall atmosphere.

Here's what my cruise on the Harmony of the Seas ship was like — and whether she's the right choice for your next vacation. 

About Harmony of the Seas

Debuting in 2016, Harmony of the Seas is the third Oasis Class cruise ship to enter Royal Caribbean's fleet. Currently, she is the sixth-largest cruise ship in the world, behind Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas. 

Still, despite not being the biggest cruise ship in the world, Harmony of the Seas has a lot to offer guests. In fact, she's so large that she's split into seven distinct neighborhoods, including:

• Central Park: Sprawling park with thousands of live plants, live music, high-end shopping, and al fresco dining
• Boardwalk: Family-friendly neighborhood inspired by a classic seaside pier, featuring casual restaurants, the AquaTheater, arcade games, and the hand-carved carousel
• Royal Promenade: Main thoroughfare full of shopping, dining, bars, and lots of fun events. This is also where you'll find Guest Services, Next Cruise, and the photo gallery
• Pool and Sports Zone: Home to Harmony's main pools, whirlpools, waterslides, FlowRider surf simulators, mini-golf course, sports court, and adults-only Solarium
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center: Dedicated wellness area featuring the full-service spa, salon, thermal suite, and fitness center
• Entertainment Place: Indoor entertainment hub with the multi-story Royal Theater, the largest casino in the fleet, and an ice skating rink
• Youth Zone: Kid- and teen-focused area packed with Adventure Ocean facilities, a special teen lounge with private outdoor space, and more

This layout makes the massive vessel easier to navigate and helps disperse crowds. For example, the Royal Promenade is the ship's main thoroughfare filled with casual dining options, bars, shops, and essential services. However, if you move to the Pool and Sports Zone, you'll find a completely different atmosphere centered around outdoor fun and relaxation. 

Here, guests can enjoy multiple swimming pools and hot tubs, test their balance on the FlowRider simulators, race down the Perfect Storm waterslides, or soak up the sun on the revitalized adults-only Solarium sun deck. 

Speaking of her size, at double occupancy, Harmony of the Seas can accommodate nearly 5,700 passengers. On my particular sailing from Spain, there were a lot of Europeans on board. However, the demographics will shift when Harmony returns to the United States and begins offering Caribbean voyages. 

 Cruise embarkation

My sister and I flew to Barcelona, Spain, two days before our scheduled embarkation. This gave us a buffer in case of a sudden flight mishap. Thankfully, we arrived on time and saw some of Barcelona's famous sights before heading to the terminal, including Casa Batlló and the Cathedral of Barcelona. 

We also made time to explore as much of Barcelona's food scene as possible, trying Jon Cake's Basque cheesecake, enjoying tapas at Tantarantana, and stopping for coffee at D·Origen Coffee Roasters, which is recognized as one of the top 100 coffee shops in the world.

Before we knew it, it was time to hail a cab from our pre-cruise hotel and make our way to the cruise terminal. Thankfully, embarkation at the Barcelona cruise port was smooth and well-organized. 

We only ran into one small issue when the check-in agent escorted my sister to another port employee to verify her credit card information for her SeaPass account. 

Even with the short delay, we were on board in around twenty minutes and eager to begin our cruise, starting with a quick stop at our cabin to drop off our carry-on bags. 

Harmony of the Seas interior cabin

Since this was such a busy itinerary, my sister and I decided to book the cheapest available cabin: Category 4V Inside Stateroom. The fare came to $1,286.74, or $643.37 per person, including gratuities. By foregoing a balcony, we had a more generous budget for shore excursions, local cuisine, and other travel-related expenses. 

Our 172-square-foot cabin was located on Deck 10 in the aft (or back) of the ship. The location ended up being a highlight because it wasn't far from an elevator bank, meaning we could easily get to popular dining venues like the Main Dining Room and Windjammer on Deck 16. It was also tucked away from the louder public areas, such as Dazzles, which helped it feel quiet and relaxing at night. 

Overall, the layout was basic and nothing out of the ordinary, with two twin-sized beds (that could have been combined to create one queen-sized bed), a vanity, dresser, closet, safe, mini-fridge, flat-screen television, an ensuite bathroom, two nightstands, full-length mirror, and a small chair. 

Having sailed on Harmony before, my sister and I weren't surprised by the charging options or storage options. In the stateroom, we found both standard American and European outlets, along with USB ports. 

Additionally, although we didn't fully unpack on our three-night cruise, we agreed that — between the built-in dresser, closet, and deep nightstand cubbies —  there would be more than enough storage to keep everything organized and tidy on longer sailings. 

Moving on, there wasn't anything special about the bathroom. It was cramped, which is to be expected for a cruise bathroom, but perfectly sufficient for daily use. 

One feature I really appreciated was that the shower had two shelves, giving my sister and me dedicated space for our toiletries. Comparatively, some ships only provide a single small shelf, which is just large enough to hold four travel-sized bottles. 

The biggest downside to our cabin was that Royal Caribbean didn't give existing cabins much attention during the ship's dry dock. As such, my inside stateroom showed a few signs of wear and tear, including a massive yellow stain on the carpet between the two twin-sized beds. One of the hooks on the bathroom door was broken, too. 

Food on Harmony of the Seas

Being an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas offers a lot of dining choices for guests, including some new additions that were added during the ship's dry dock. 

When sailing on Harmony of the Seas, you will find a lot of variety, with each restaurant falling into one of two categories: complimentary or specialty.

Complimentary restaurants are those that are included in your cruise fare, while specialty restaurants cost extra. It can either be a set cover charge or à la carte, meaning you only pay for what you order. 

Here's an overview of the complimentary and specialty dining options aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas ship:

Complimentary dining

1. Park Café
2. Windjammer Marketplace
3. Solarium Bistro
4. Main Dining Room
5. Cafe Promenade
6. Sorrento's Pizza
7. Boardwalk Dog House
8. El Loco Fresh
9. Sprinkles
10. Coastal Kitchen (suite guests only)

Specialty dining

1. Johnny Rockets
2. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
3. Giovanni's Wine Bar
4. Giovanni's Italian Kitchen
5. Chops Grille
6. 150 Central Park
7. Samba Grill
8. Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
9. Vitality Café (pop-up in the On Air Club)
10. Starbucks

My sister and I primarily stuck with the included options, eating at places like the Windjammer Marketplace, Boardwalk Dog House, and Main Dining Room. 

However, we did splurge on a Campfire Cookie from Playmakers for dessert (if you know, you know!). It's impossible to get enough of this ooey-gooey skillet cookie, and the waitstaff was kind enough to work around my sister's hazelnut allergy. 

Unfortunately, most of the dining aboard Harmony of the Seas left us unimpressed. For starters, we were served a raw chicken piccata in the Main Dining Room one evening. Another afternoon, my sister grabbed a raw burger from the Solarium Bistro. 

Additionally, when we grabbed El Loco Fresh for lunch on embarkation day, the chips were stale. This was disappointing, as both of us love snacking on chips and salsa. 

That said, there were a few hits. For example, Sorrento's Pizza was far tastier than usual, and the prime rib in the dining room was tender, flavorful, and cooked just right. 

Surprisingly, we loved the Boardwalk Dog House, too. I'm not the biggest hot dog fan, but the bratwurst loaded with sauerkraut hit the spot after a long day ashore. You can't go wrong with a Royal Kummelweck sandwich, either. 

Overall, Harmony of the Seas offers a lot of variety, from convenient fast-casual restaurants to upscale steakhouses, Italian kitchens, and more. 

Based on my experience, however, the quality felt inconsistent and left a lot to be desired. We chalked up the bad dishes to it being one of the first sailings out of dry dock, with the crew still working on getting into a solid operational rhythm. 

Entertainment and activities 

There is no shortage of activities, shows, and events aboard Harmony of the Seas. In fact, there is so much going on that it was impossible to cross everything off on a short three-day voyage. Heck, I think it would be difficult on a seven-night cruise, too!

Still, we made the most of our limited time onboard and tried to experience as much as possible, from the jaw-dropping AquaTheater show to iSkate in Studio B, and watching karaoke in the On Air Club. Other shows aboard Harmony of the Seas include:

• Columbus, The Musical! 
• The Fine Line 
• Hideaway Heist
• 1887: A Journey in Time 
• iSkate
• Voices

Overall, the entertainment is one of Harmony of the Seas' selling points. The AquaTheater shows, in particular, are one of my favorite parts of sailing on an Oasis Class ship, and I was wowed by The Fine Line!

Between high-diving stunts, synchronized swimming, and aerial choreography, it was hard to believe that I was on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. 

iSkate was a lot of fun, too. The talented performers showed off their best moves to a mix of their favorite tunes, and I liked how there wasn't a plot to try to follow.  

If you are overwhelmed by everything available on Harmony of the Seas, the best place to start is the Cruise Compass. Every Royal Caribbean ship offers a daily Cruise Compass, which documents the daily schedule, gives a detailed breakdown of restaurant hours, and more. You can find it in the mobile app or ask Guest Services for a paper copy. 

Moving on, there are so many fun activities offered on Harmony of the Seas, including:

• The Ultimate Abyss dry slide
• Perfect Storm waterslides
• Two FlowRider surf simulators
• Splashaway Bay
• Baby Bay
• Zip line 
• Carousel 

• Adventure Ocean
• Social100 
• Casino Royale
• Two arcades
• Two rock climbing walls
• An ice skating rink
• Escape room

Since we didn't have a lot of time on the ship, we focused more on resting and recharging between long port days. The Solarium became our go-to spot to relax in the afternoons. 

Although they didn't add the highly requested pool, it's still a nice spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the main pool deck. Plus, there is a new outdoor sun deck area that's perfect for sun tanning — or burning, if you're like me! 

That said, if you are an avid gambler, you'll love the expanded Casino Royale aboard Harmony of the Seas, which is the largest casino in the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

Essentially, the cruise line removed The Attic and Crown Lounge from Deck 4 and turned it into a massive non-smoking casino. Personally, I think the placement outside Studio B is a little awkward, but at least it's a smoke-free place. 

I tried my luck with my $6 FreePlay and didn't win anything (shocker!). My sister isn't a fan of casinos, and she much preferred the arcade space on the Boardwalk. Plus, it was close to the carousel, which we always try to ride on Oasis Class ships just for giggles! 

My Harmony of the Seas review: Is the ship worth it?

I've been on over three dozen cruises, including ten aboard Oasis Class ships. They have been one of my favorite classes of vessels for over a decade, and my sailing aboard Harmony of the Seas reaffirmed my love for these innovative ships. 

However, not everything was perfect aboard my sailing. For instance, I thought the food was lacking. I'm usually pretty generous when it comes to cruise food, but being served two undercooked meals and stale chips on embarkation day made it difficult to overlook the inconsistency — especially after sailing on ships like Celebrity Ascent and Sun Princess with more hits than misses. 

Moreover, I wish Royal Caribbean had given the cabins a little more TLC during Harmony's amplification. While the public spaces felt refreshed (with some being entirely new), our stateroom showed noticeable signs of wear, including a large stain on the carpet and a broken hook in the bathroom.

That said, the overall vibe of Harmony of the Seas was so much fun, and I loved most of the new additions, including the Pesky Parrot and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. 

Plus, the entertainment remains among the most unique at sea. Between the AquaTheater productions, ice skating shows, live music, and other activities, it was impossible to feel bored! 

Even on a short three-night sailing, my sister and I both left feeling like we could have spent another few days onboard without getting to a point where we were twiddling our thumbs. 

So, at this point, you're probably wondering whether I'd recommend Harmony of the Seas, to which my answer is yes. Despite the issues with the food and cabin, my sister and I had a great time aboard this Oasis Class ship, and the shortcomings were outweighed by everything done right. 

Hurricane season is officially here — and this year is expected to be quieter than usual. However, that doesn't mean cruisers are in the clear.

June 1 marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a higher likelihood of below-average activity.

Even still, one storm, even a small one, can wreak havoc on your cruise plans. From canceled flights to adjusted itineraries, tropical activity can disrupt nearly every part of a well-planned vacation, sometimes with little warning. 

So, what do you need to know now that the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is underway? In this article, we'll take a closer look at how hurricane season can affect cruises, what travelers can expect if a storm develops, and the important steps you should take to protect your trip before hitting the high seas. 

When is hurricane season?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 of each year. Storms can form at any time during that window, but August, September, and October generally see the most tropical activity. This is because ocean temperatures are at their warmest, and conditions are most favorable for tropical development.

For example, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season saw 13 named storms, including five hurricanes and four major hurricanes. However, over 75% of the tropical activity happened in August, September, and October, the climatological peak of hurricane season: 

• June: Three tropical storms (Tropical Storm Andrea, Tropical Storm Barry, Tropical Storm Chantal)
• July: No activity
• August: Two tropical storms, one hurricane (Tropical Storm Dexter, Hurricane Erin, Tropical Storm Fernand)
• September: Three hurricanes (Hurricane Gabrielle, Hurricane Humberto, Hurricane Imelda)
• October: Two tropical storms, one subtropical storm, one hurricane (Tropical Storm Jerry, Subtropical Storm Karen, Tropical Storm Lorenzo, Hurricane Melissa)
• November: No activity

2026 hurricane season outlook

(Credit: NOAA)

On May 21, forecasters at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicted a 10% chance of an above-normal hurricane season across the Atlantic Ocean, with a 35% chance of a near-normal season and a 55% chance of a below-normal season. 

As such, the 2026 predictions are more optimistic than in 2025, when the same scientists called for a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season across the Atlantic Ocean.

In the report, meteorologists said they expect eight to 14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), down from the 13 to 19 predicted for 2025. Of those, three to six are forecast to become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, including one to three major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher. 

El Niño, a natural climate pattern marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, is one of the driving factors for this year's below-normal forecast. 

Occurring every two to seven years, El Niño generally brings warmer-than-average ocean temperatures and weaker trade winds, which is encouraging for this year's hurricane season.

"Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold," said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. 

(Credit: NOAA)

"That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season."

Royal Caribbean's hurricane policy: What happens if there's a tropical storm

Atlantic hurricanes can impact cruises sailing to The Bahamas and Caribbean, as well as departure ports in states such as Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and New York. Sometimes, Bermuda sailings can be affected, too. 

The odds of a storm affecting your cruise are low, but you should be mentally prepared for that to occur if cruising during hurricane season. Because of the unpredictability of tropical activity, travelers need to build in a degree of flexibility when planning their cruises in June, July, August, September, October, and November. 

Royal Caribbean's top priority is the safety of the guests, crew, and ship, and they will never send a vessel near a hurricane. To that point, if a storm is predicted to go anywhere near where a ship is scheduled to be, Royal Caribbean will either cancel scheduled port stops or even change the itinerary to avoid the inclement weather.

For example, if you are scheduled to visit the Eastern Caribbean when a hurricane or tropical storm develops, Royal Caribbean may drop a port of call or switch your itinerary, turning your Eastern cruise into a Western Caribbean one with visits to Mexico, Honduras, and Jamaica. 

On rare occasions, Royal Caribbean will cancel a cruise if a storm is projected to impact an area where the ship is scheduled to embark and/or disembark. Canceling a cruise, though, is usually the last option, and they are more likely to keep a ship out at sea for an extra day or two, and subsequently shorten the next sailing, than outright cancel any given sailing.

Do cruise lines provide any compensation if a sailing is impacted by a storm?

Royal Caribbean will do everything that it can to guarantee a safe voyage, even if it means that the port order is swapped or changed altogether. As the embarkation port is not closed, your cruise will almost certainly sail.

However, per the cruise contract that you agreed to when you booked the cruise, no compensation is required to be given if your itinerary changes. That means that if your cruise changes from an Eastern Caribbean cruise to a Western one, you will not be compensated for the change. 

If, however, Royal Caribbean has to make the difficult decision to cancel the cruise, you will be issued a full refund. It must be Royal Caribbean's decision, though. If you choose not to sail, you will lose the money that you paid for the vacation.

You should absolutely buy travel insurance

Most travel insurance policies include Trip Cancellation protection, which provides reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Covered reasons generally include natural disasters and severe storms, such as hurricanes.

Trip Interruption coverage kicks in after your trip has already started and helps reimburse for unforeseen costs during your vacation. So, if you encounter a hurricane during your cruise, Trip Interruption coverage would likely cover related expenses.

When it comes to hurricanes, your original cruise itinerary could either be shortened or extended because of impending storms. In this case, a good Trip Interruption policy would help cover the unexpected costs related to the natural disaster and would help reimburse you for additional transportation, lodging, and unused portions of your trip. 

Additionally, Travel Delay coverage could provide protection during hurricane season. This type of protection kicks in for smaller, but still disruptive, delays, ranging from flights to more severe instances that cause you to miss the ship's departure.

Finally, you could consider adding a "Cancel for Any Reason" clause to your travel insurance policy. This type of coverage can help reimburse prepaid expenses when you cancel a trip for any reason that is not specifically named in your plan. 

As expected, there are important guidelines you need to follow, too. For example, you often need to buy this type of coverage within a specified window after making your first deposit, typically around 10 days to 21 days after booking. 

However, this provides a lot of travelers with peace of mind, as you can normally cancel your trip for any reason up to around 48 hours before scheduled departure.

Some credit cards include travel insurance as one of the main card perks, including the American Express Platinum Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve. These might not be as comprehensive, but the additional coverage can be helpful if you are already paying the pricey annual fee for one of these premium cards.

Key terms you need to know during hurricane season

(Credit: NOAA)

If you have cruise plans to The Bahamas or Caribbean during hurricane season, it's important to monitor the weather forecasts in the days leading up to your vacation. 

Pay close attention to hurricane lingo used in forecasts, as terms like "tropical depression" and "hurricane" indicate how organized and powerful a system is — and whether it could impact your cruise plans.

• Tropical disturbance: A discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection that originates in the tropics or subtropics, has a nonfrontal migratory character, and maintains its identity for 24 hours or more. 
• Tropical depression: A subtropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed is 38 mph (or 62 km/hr) or less
• Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed ranges from 39 mph to 73 mph (63 km to 118 km/hr)

• Hurricane: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 74 mph (or 119 km/hr) or more. The term hurricane is used for Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclones east of the International Date Line to the Prime (Greenwich) Meridian. The term typhoon is used for Pacific tropical cyclones north of the Equator, west of the International Date Line.
• Hurricane watch: An announcement that sustained winds 74 mph (or 119 km/hr) or higher are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
• Hurricane warning: An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph (or 119 km/hr) or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

(Credit: Tim Loomis, NOAA/NESDIS/Environmental Visualization Program)

• Major hurricane: A hurricane that is classified as Category 3 or higher.

Is cruising during hurricane season worth it?

Going on a cruise during hurricane season is a big topic of debate. Although cruise fares are lower, you risk your voyage being impacted by unfavorable weather. So, is going on a cruise during hurricane season a good idea?

As mentioned, cruise fares tend to drop significantly in the fall. Not only is this due to the fact that the peak travel season has ended, but it is also to account for the uncertainty that arises when cruising during hurricane season.

That said, many travelers cruise during hurricane season without encountering a storm or any disruptions. Still, it is important to be aware of the risk — though inclement weather can impact cruise itineraries year-round. 

Another advantage of cruising during hurricane season is how much quieter many ports of call tend to be. The latter part of hurricane season overlaps with the off-season travel period for The Bahamas and Caribbean, meaning that land-based tourism has slowed down.

Bottom line: It is completely safe to take a cruise during hurricane season. Although your itinerary might get changed due to weather conditions, there's very little risk to you as a passenger aboard the ship. 

Pros of booking a cruise during hurricane season

• Lower fares
• Fewer crowds in port

Cons of booking a cruise during hurricane season

• Weather uncertainty
• Possible travel disruptions

I took my younger sister on a three-night Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe. Although we had loads of fun exploring new ports of call and taking in the ship's amenities, we also encountered unexpected challenges. From dining times that didn't work for us to choosing the wrong excursions, not everything was perfect about our Harmony of the Seas cruise. 

Throughout my 40 cruise vacations, I've been fortunate to travel with friends and family to various destinations across the globe. I explored Alaska with my dad, island-hopped in the Caribbean with my best friend, toured the Greek Isles with my fiancée, and sailed the Mexican Riviera with my "adoptive" mom.

I've been cruising with my sister, Catherine, since I was five years old, starting with our first-ever cruise aboard the Disney Magic in 2005. Since then, we've sailed on ships like Freedom of the Seas, Disney Fantasy, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas for family vacations to the Caribbean. However, it wasn't until recently that we took our first European cruise together. 

We've had plenty of ups and downs over the years, but traveling has always been one of the ways we stay close, whether planning trips to European Christmas markets or reminiscing about past cruises with our now-deceased mom. 

(Pictured above: The author and her sister on a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Harmony of the Seas in 2018)

With Catherine starting medical school in a few months, we figured now was the perfect opportunity to take a trip to new-to-us destinations before her schedule becomes demanding and unpredictable. 

So, we boarded Harmony of the Seas in Barcelona, Spain, after the 226,963 gross-ton Oasis Class ship finished up her Royal Amplification. Although the cruise was short, we made the most of every moment, wandering through new European ports and checking out all the ship's exciting activities. 

That said, we encountered a few unexpected challenges along the way. While they weren't make-or-break issues, they required us to remain flexible and adjust our expectations.  

My Time Dining started too late for us. 

I always select My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean cruises because I like the flexibility of planning dinner around my day, rather than planning my day around dinner. 

In this case, however, I regret not choosing a set dining time, as My Time didn't open for passengers until 7:30 p.m. After walking a minimum of 25,000 steps each day, we were starving by the time 5:00 p.m. rolled around. 

On the second night, Catherine suggested that we ask the head waiter if we could possibly be seated with the earlier traditional dining time. To our surprise (and relief), they had no issue accommodating us! 

The following night, we returned to the dining room and asked to be seated earlier. Once again, the crew members were accommodating and quickly found us a table. 

This was an important lesson for me in actually discussing plans together, rather than defaulting to what I've done out of habit. Had I simply asked my sister about her dining preference, we could have had set plans from the start. 

We should have booked a different excursion in Marseille, France. 

Initially, we planned to shuttle to Marseille and walk around on our own. However, we decided that we'd prefer an excursion, so we could explore somewhere more interesting and avoid the stress of navigating a new city on our own. 

Catherine found an affordable Royal Caribbean-sponsored excursion to Aix-en-Provence. It wasn't a guided tour. Rather, it simply provided round-trip transportation to the charming town, giving us a set amount of time to explore at our own pace.

Having previously visited Aix-en-Provence on another Mediterranean cruise, I was excited to return and revisit some of the places I remembered, especially the churches.

In reality, the small town was much busier than I recalled, and we happened to visit during a sweltering heat wave. This meant it was much harder to enjoy the sights, with the crowds and heat making the experience far more draining than expected. 

As such, we both agreed we would have preferred a more relaxed excursion sailing through the Calanques. After several busy days filled with walking, sightseeing, and navigating new cities, something slower-paced and on the water would have been a much better fit. 

Still, we made the most of our day in France and found a few quality souvenir shops (highly recommend Franc 1884 for lavender spindles and Expressions for local art), ate plenty of pastries, and took breaks in the shade whenever we could.

I regret not booking the same flights. 

I'm a loyal American Airlines flyer, but I couldn't justify the pricey flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Barcelona, Spain. Instead, I found cheaper, more reasonable flights aboard Lufthansa, coming in at less than $1,100 round-trip. The price included a checked bag. However, I couldn't select my seat assignment until 24 hours before departure. 

My sister is even more of a devout American Airlines loyalist and refused to fly with me. As such, she flew separately from Greensboro to Philadelphia (to take advantage of the new flagship lounge) and onward to Barcelona. 

We both ended up in Barcelona on time before the cruise, but flying separately added an extra layer of logistics, with different schedules and layovers. In fact, Catherine arrived eight hours earlier than I did, which gave her a full day to explore Spain.

In the end, her flights weren't much more expensive than mine, costing $1,375.83. I wish I had booked the same flights instead, even if it required driving an hour and a half to a smaller airport. Arriving earlier would have made the start of the trip feel far more relaxed, and we would have had more time in Barcelona together. 

Despite a few minor issues, most of our European cruise was great, and I'm thankful for the quality time with my sister!

No cruise vacation is ever 100% perfect. From inclement weather to packing mistakes, bad cabins, and annoying neighbors, it's important to prepare for the unexpected. 

Even though Catherine and I encountered a few issues during our European Royal Caribbean cruise, we refused to let it put a damper on our vacation. Most of our trip was incredible, and we made so many wonderful memories together aboard Harmony of the Seas and in our two ports of call: Palma de Mallorca and Marseille, France. 

We got to watch breathtaking sunsets on the pool deck, wander the cobblestone streets of Aix-en-Provence, eat tapas in Barcelona, and enjoy the unique entertainment aboard the ship, including AquaTheater and ice skating shows — I'll definitely remember the shared experiences far more than the mishaps!

Celebrity Cruises is revamping its loyalty program to better reward its most dedicated cruisers. 

Effective June 11, 2026, Elite Plus and Zenith members can enjoy additional Captain's Club perks at specific point levels between tier thresholds — as well as two new tiers designed to reward the line's most dedicated passengers. 

In other words, by introducing new milestone benefits, Celebrity Cruises is raising the bar with opportunities to earn new rewards between Elite Plus, Zenith, and beyond.

The new benefits include Premium Wi-Fi minutes, specialty dining discounts, complimentary professional photographs, free cruises, and more. 

The breaking loyalty news follows Royal Caribbean Group's introduction of Points Choice, which allows guests sailing with one brand to apply their earned points to any of the three programs: Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Silversea. 

This further builds on the company's lucrative Status Match program, which launched in May 2024 and allows loyalty members to receive equivalent status across the Royal Caribbean Group portfolio. 

This means if you're a Pinnacle Club member within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, you can automatically match into Celebrity's Zenith tier without ever setting foot aboard one of the company's ships (and vice versa). 

Celebrity's new milestone perks start at 1,500 points. As cruisers continue climbing the loyalty ranks, additional benefits are awarded at higher milestones, such as 2,250, 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 points. 

New Celebrity Captain's Club loyalty perks for existing tiers

Captain's Club Elite Plus members (those who have earned a minimum of 750 Club Points) will begin unlocking new milestone perks once they hit 1,500 points, giving loyal cruisers additional rewards to enjoy on their journey toward Zenith status.

These include:

• 480 minutes of free Premium Wi-Fi — twice the minutes Elite Plus members currently receive during each sailing
• 20% off specialty dining
• One complimentary photo from Celebrity's photographers
• A surprise in-room amenity on their milestone sailing

At 2,250 Club Points, the rewards become more valuable, with cruisers receiving additional Wi-Fi minutes and more:

• 720 minutes of free Premium Wi-Fi — an increase from the 240 minutes Elite Plus members currently receive during each sailing
• 25% off specialty dining
• Two complimentary photos from Celebrity's photographers
• Complimentary "Extend Your Stay" experiences on disembarkation day, where available
• A surprise in-room amenity on their milestone sailing

Currently, the highest tier within Celebrity's Captain's Club is Zenith and requires passengers to earn a whopping 3,000 Club Points. Starting June 11, loyalty cruisers who reach this coveted tier will earn even more benefits, including:

• 35% off specialty dining
• Three complimentary photos from Celebrity's photographers
• A surprise in-room amenity on their milestone sailing

But Celebrity isn't stopping there. 

Read more: 9 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship

Two brand-new tiers beyond Zenith

The cruise line is also introducing two new recognition levels beyond Zenith: Double Zenith (6,000 Club Points) and Triple Zenith (9,000 Club Points).

While Zenith has long been considered the pinnacle of the Captain's Club program, the addition of Double and Triple Zenith gives members something new to aspire to after reaching the top-tier Zenith status, which is an impressive achievement in and of itself. 

New benefits at 6,000 points for Double Zenith cruisers include:

• All 3,000-point Zenith milestone perks
• A complimentary lunch at a specialty dining venue on embarkation day of each sailing
• A specialty dinner on any day of their milestone sailing
• Champagne to celebrate their loyalty achievement

At 9,000 Club Points, cruisers will reach the new Triple Zenith level — Celebrity's highest-ever loyalty recognition tier. These special passengers will receive the following benefits when sailing with Celebrity Cruises:

• All 3,000-point Zenith milestone perks
• Complimentary seven-night Bermuda or Caribbean sailing in a Sky Suite
• A specialty lunch on any day of every sailing
• One specialty dinner on any day of their milestone sailing
• Champagne to celebrate their loyalty achievement

How to earn Celebrity Captain's Club points

Unlike Royal Caribbean, where you earn one cruise point per night (unless you're sailing in a suite or by yourself), you earn points in Celebrity's Captain’s Club based on your stateroom category and the number of nights you sail. 

Here is how many Captain's Club points per night you will earn based on different cruise cabins:

• Inside or ocean view: 2 points per night 
• Veranda: 3 points per night 
• Concierge Class and AquaClass: 5 points per night 
• Sky Suites and Aqua Sky Suite: 8 points per night 
• Celebrity, Signature, Royal, and Sunset Suites: 12 points per night 
• Penthouse, Reflection, and Edge Villa: 18 points per night 
• Iconic Suite: 24 points per night

Additionally, you can earn Captain's Club points when sailing with Royal Caribbean or Silversea. Points will be converted using brand-specific exchange rates, and these exchange rates will be reviewed and published annually on Royal Caribbean Group's branded websites.

For example, a guest sailing with Royal Caribbean International in a balcony cabin on a seven-night cruise would earn seven points total — one base point per night. If that guest chose to transfer those points to Celebrity Cruises, they would receive 21 Captain's Club points.