Despite heightening concerns over flooding in Juneau, Alaska, you shouldn’t cancel your glacier excursion just yet.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates that Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska, will flood sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. 

An update on Travel Juneau's Facebook page shared that officials are monitoring "the potential for a glacial lake outburst, similar to those experienced over the last two years."

Should the water levels rise, local authorities will close all lakeside trails and roads adjacent to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The Mendenhall Campground will also be closed and evacuated. 

Until then, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center will remain open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, Sunday through Friday. 

As of Monday, July 28, 2025, the current height of the Suicide Basin, an over-deepened bedrock basin located approximately 1.8 miles up the Mendenhall Glacier, was 1,317ft. Comparatively, the basin's height in 2024 was 1,357ft, while it was 1,401ft in 2023. 

The NOAA released that the basin was rising roughly 3 feet per day and is expected to reach its capacity of 1,368ft in mid-August. The storage capacity of Suicide Basin varies due to ongoing changes in the Mendenhall Glacier, including ice melting and calving. 

Read more: Alaska Cruises on Royal Caribbean: Everything You Need to Know

Suicide Basin plays an important role in the formation of recurring glacial lake outburst floods because Mendenhall Glacier acts as a dam that allows water to build up in the basin. 

A glacier outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water from a glacier lake and is often caused by the failure of a natural dam (like ice, rock, or moraine) that holds back the lake's water. It can result in a sudden and potentially catastrophic flood downstream.

Scientists monitor these changes using elevation models, drones, and satellite imagery. 

No immediate cause for concern

"This is a routine precautionary update that happens every summer as part of NOAA's glacier monitoring," LaDonna Rose, an Alaskan fisherwoman, cookbook author, and self-proclaimed lover of salmon, shared in a recent comment on the Alaska Cruise Excursions and Packing List 2025 - 2026 Facebook group.

"If there is ever a risk of a lake outburst, tours and trails in the area are temporarily closed as a safety measure and reopened once everything is cleared. This is not something to be alarmed about, it's a natural part of how they monitor glacier activity each season," she added. 

Although cruise passengers should remain aware of the potential for a glacier outburst, they shouldn't be alarmed. Any closures will be communicated, particularly if they impact paid shore excursions to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. 

"No need to stress, this is just Juneau being Juneau and they're used to keeping visitors safe and informed," Rose said. 

Read more: 25 Alaska cruise tips to follow in 2025

Suicide Basin experienced record-level flooding on August 6, 2024

Although Suicide Basin has flooded annually since 2011, it's impossible to predict the exact timing of the GLOF. However, the flooding reached record levels in 2024, damaging at least 100 homes and cars. 

According to the NOAA, the Mendenhall River gauge crested at 15.99 feet on August 6, 2024. This exceeded the previous record of 14.97 feet set in 2023. 

At the peak of the event, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauge at Mendenhall River recorded a streamflow exceeding 33,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which was more than 8,000 cfs higher than 2023's levels.

Early estimates also revealed that 14.6 billion gallons of water were released from the Suicide Basin. That's enough water to fill more than 22,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Because the basin isn't as full as it was in 2024, any potential flooding this year might not be as catastrophic. That said, every GLOF is unique, and conditions can quickly change. 

Things to do in Juneau other than go to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Should your plans be disrupted due to the closure of the visitor center, there are plenty of other things to do in Juneau, Alaska. 

You can, for example, stroll the streets of the downtown area. It's kept many of the facades that make you feel as though you're walking through a Gold Rush mining town. It is home to popular restaurants and bars, too. These include the Red Dog Saloon and Tracy's King Crab Shack — a must if you want to try fresh crab.

You will also want to browse the shops to look for unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, jewelry, and locally made art. 

The Mount Roberts Tramway is another popular attraction that whisks you 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, where you'll find panoramic views of Juneau, hiking trails, and more. 

If you want to be a little less active, consider a whale-watching cruise departing from the nearby Auke Bay. You never know what wildlife you will spot, from humpback whales to sea lions. 

Read more: Alaska shore excursions you can book without breaking your budget

We've all heard stories of cruisers lucky enough to earn free drinks and cruises just by gambling in the casino, but have you ever wondered what it took to walk off the ship with a complimentary cruise?

Chris Wong, a crew member who has worked with Royal Caribbean for over five years, recently broke down how the cruise line's Casino Royale rewards program works. 

In a video shared on Wong's popular YouTube channel, he gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at his daily responsibilities as a Casino Host on Allure of the Seas. 

He also shared what players need to know about the Casino Royale program, from how to earn points to what promotions are available during the casino's operating hours and what kinds of perks serious gamblers can expect. 

The Casino Royale program rewards players based on how much they gamble

Royal Caribbean's casino rewards program, which is entirely separate from the Crown & Anchor Society, is comprised of four tiers: Choice, Prime, Signature, and Masters. 

Cruisers' Crown & Anchor Society status is determined by how many nights guests have spent on Royal Caribbean ships. However, Casino Royale status is based solely on how much a guest gambles in the casino within a calendar year, which runs from April 1 to March 31. In other words, status isn't lifetime and must be earned annually.

According to Wong, there aren't any worthwhile benefits for entry-level members in the Choice tier. 

As such, most players strive to reach Prime (2,500 points). The main perks are free drinks in the casino while playing, as well as a waived 5% convenience fee for table game buy-ins with SeaPass cards. Prime cruisers also get one complimentary cruise per year in an interior stateroom. 

The next tier, Signature, requires 25,000 points. Wong says that one of the best benefits of this status level is that cruisers get one free VOOM Wi-Fi package per sailing, regardless of length. 

Additionally, the annual complimentary cruise cabin category is upgraded to a balcony. 

Read more: I got a free cruise from Royal Caribbean's casino. It was the perfect price, but I wish I had a window

Finally, Masters is the highest tier within the Casino Royale program, reserved for players who earn 100,000 points or more.

This level unlocks the most exclusive perks, including a complimentary cruise in a Grand Suite, priority access to the terminal on embarkation day, two VOOM Wi-Fi packages, dinner in the Coastal Kitchen suite restaurant, and more. 

Earning points on slot machines is more straightforward than on table games. Every $5 on a slot machine earns one casino point. However, the points earned from table games are based on a combination of your average monetary spend and the time spent at the table. 

You can start earning casino points on embarkation day. It's smart because you can take advantage of the complimentary FreePlay loaded onto your SeaPass account. 

"For the first two days of the cruise, everyone who is 18 years and older has mystery FreePlay to use [at] the casino," Wong says. 

The amount varies from $2 to $100, and it's completely random. All you have to do is go into the casino on Day 1 or 2 and visit a slot machine. 

To load the FreePlay onto the slot machine, follow these instructions:

1. Tap or insert your SeaPass card at the slot machine. You'll know it's successfully linked when the blue light turns green.
2. Select "Account" then "Personal Banker."
3. Enter the default PIN (month and day of your birthday, MMDD).
4. Reset your PIN and press "Enter" to validate.
5. Press "Transfer," then "Transfer to Game."
6. Select "Transfer Points to FreePlay" (to play your Rewards Points) or "FreePlay" (to play your promotional FreePlay).
7. Press "Yes" to continue and complete your transaction.
8. Don't forget to collect your SeaPass and log out of your Casino Royale account before leaving the machine. 

Lucky players will receive Instant Rewards Certificates (IRCs) on the last day of the cruise

Whereas your status within the Casino Royale program is based on the points accumulated throughout the calendar year, IRCs are awarded based on the number of points earned during one specific sailing. 

Wong explains, "The Instant Rewards Certificate is based on solely what you earn for the specific cruise that you are on."

The first IRC award is available upon earning 400 points. You won't earn a free cruise, but you will get $100 off a future sailing. 

From there, the rewards only get better the more points you earn. Wong says that as players continue to accumulate points during the cruise, better IRC levels unlock, which offer greater discounts, fully comped cruises, and even casino FreePlay. 

For example, if you earn 4,000 points during a single voyage, you'll receive a free cruise in a balcony cabin (or ocean-view on select sailings) and $500 in casino FreePlay — if you book your next cruise while onboard. 

"For the last few years, Casino Royale and NextCruise have started a cross-promotion where they work together," Wong says. 

As such, the bonus rewards in the third column are only available to those who place a deposit for their next sailing before disembarking. 

There's another catch: there's a select list of voyages that are available for these offers — you can't just book any cruise that catches your eye. 

"You come onboard for your cruise; you play in the casino; [and] you earn points as you play. However many points you have by the end of the cruise, you will receive an instant reward certificate in your room for either a discount off a future cruise or a complimentary cruise. And the third and final option is to pay your $200 deposit with the NextCruise [department], and this will give you a bonus award," he summarizes.

IRCs are printed by the Casino Host (in this case, Wong) on the second-to-last day of the cruise. 

Using a program called "Super-PlayMate," he can access everyone's unique folio IDs and cabin numbers to help properly address the letters. 

Then, he has to print the IRCs for eligible cruisers to deliver them to the housekeeping team, who ensures they are placed in the correct cabin on the last day. 

The offer letter is pretty self-explanatory. First, it lists your name and Crown & Anchor loyalty number. Below that is your offer code, which is just the month and year it was issued, as well as what cabin category it's valid for. 

However, the award is better explained under the offer code. In Wong's example, the IRC is for an oceanview or balcony stateroom on select voyages. 

It's important to take note of the expiration date. Although you don't have to sail by that date, you must have another cruise booked before then.

"[In] my professional opinion, the company isn't very forgiving if you forget about your reward and it expires," Wong warns. 

If you can't find a sailing that works for you, you can trade in your IRC for a discount on a cruise of your choice. 

Again, in Wong's example, rather than booking a complimentary cruise (minus the taxes, port fees, and gratuities), he could get $750 off any voyage of his choosing. 

Read more: I earned a "free" cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, and it saved me almost $9,000

Onboard casino promotions

It's important to check the Cruise Compass to see what daily promotions the casino is offering on your sailing. 

Wong explains a few of the common ones, including the nightly Snowball Raffle Draw, Hot Seat Promotion, and Bags of Cash. 

The Snowball Raffle Draw is offered every night on most Royal Caribbean cruises (Wong issues a disclaimer that actual promotions may vary based on the ship and sailing).

He says, "We give away $100 of FreePlay every night at 10:00pm. To qualify, everybody needs at least 100 casino points. We will use a random name generator to pick out everyone in the casino who has 100 points, and then it's going to spit out a name at random."

The Hot Seat Promotion runs from 11:00pm to midnight. Eligible active players in the casino (those with 100 points or more) are automatically entered to win anywhere from $50 to $150 in FreePlay. 

The drawings are every 15 minutes, with the prize money increasing $15 each round. 

Finally, the Bags of Cash promotion calls on three random players (again, with a minimum of 100 casino points) to select a mystery box containing a surprise amount of FreePlay. On the night Wong recorded the promo, the three cruisers won $50, $150, and $250. 

Royal Caribbean International welcomed its 100 millionth cruiser in July, marking a major milestone for the cruise brand. 

For more than 50 years, Royal Caribbean has been at the forefront of innovation at sea, delivering some of the most unforgettable vacation experiences. 

From building the world's largest cruise ships to creating exclusive beachfront destinations in The Bahamas and Caribbean, the brand has continuously raised the bar for what guests can expect when cruising. 

They aren't slowing down, either. Star of the Seas, the next-gen Icon Class ship, is set to enter service next month. Not only that, but Royal Caribbean is expanding its private destination portfolio with the opening of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau in December. 

By the end of 2027, they'll have two more Royal Beach Clubs in operation, as well as another Perfect Day destination in Mexico — not to mention two more Icon Class ships. 

Family wins free cruise for being lucky 100 millionth

The Duquette family from Parkland, Florida, was celebrated as the 100 millionth guests during a surprise ceremony onboard Icon of the Seas

Chris, Madeline, and Jillian Duquette were celebrated on Icon with confetti cannons in the Royal Promenade, a special balloon photo-op, a meet-and-greet with crew members, and special upgrades and gifts, including a complimentary cruise on Utopia of the Seas.

Utopia is Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship that launched in July 2024. She was the first purpose-built ship in the fleet to operate year-round short cruises. Historically, 3- and 4-night cruises were reserved for older ships. 

As such, Utopia of the Seas blends its party-like atmosphere with the line's signature amenities, making it the perfect ship for travelers seeking a getaway while experiencing the best that Royal Caribbean has to offer. 

The celebration on Icon wasn't just about honoring one family; it was about the decades of memories made by millions of other families around the world, which is why Royal Caribbean launched a limited-time sale to share the celebration with other guests.

50 years by the numbers

Plus, since Perfect Day at CocoCay opened in 2019, there have been over 34,000 rides on the Up, Up, and Away helium balloon and 1.21 million visits to Thrill Waterpark. 

Until The Fall at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park opened in 2023, Thrill Waterpark's Daredevil Peak was the tallest water slide in North America. 

Still, at 135 feet tall, the slide is a must-try for adrenaline seekers.

Last year, over one million (1.26 million, to be exact) children sailed on Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

Additionally, there were over 508,000 bumper car battles recorded on Quantum Class ships in 2024, along with 276,367 ice skating sessions. 

Guests tested their bravery with 1.25 million rock climbs, 29,900 daring Crown's Edge walks, and 544,889 slides down the Oasis Class-exclusive Ultimate Abyss. 

800 couples tied the knot at sea in 2024, while 194,196 celebrated their birthdays on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. 

The most impressive number, however, has to be the 11.12 million ice cream cones served from Sprinkles. 

Limited-time sale

Cruisers can take advantage of a limited-time sale to celebrate Royal Caribbean's 100 millionth passenger milestone. 

They're offering up to $100 in bonus savings on all cruises from the United States. This offer is combinable with other ongoing promotions, too. 

It's valid on cruises departing on or after August 1, 2025. 

There's also a special Cruise Planner sale, featuring discounts on popular add-ons like drink and dining packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, spa treatments, and more:

• Beverage: Up to 40% off
• Dining: Up to 50% off
• Spa: Up to 30% off
• VIP Passes: Up to 50% off
• Internet: Up to 30% off
• Photo Package: Up to 60% off
• Gift & Gear: Up to 35% off

The Cruise Planner sale runs from Thursday, July 31, 2025, through August 5, 2025. Deals are valid on sailings from August 5, 2025, through December 31, 2025. 

Note that the availability of offers varies by eligible ships: AD, AL, AN, BR, EN, EX, FR, GR, HM, IC, ID, JW, LB, LE, MA, NV, OA, OV, OY, QN, RD, RH, SC, SR, ST, SY, UT, VI, VY, WN.

Royal Caribbean is making it clear that they value their repeat cruisers.

On July 29, Royal Caribbean Group released its second quarter results, revealing the company is seeing strong demand for its products from previous cruisers, with 40% of guests being repeat passengers. 

According to Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, the company is tuned into its guests' wants and has a lot of plans to make sure they want to continue cruising with Royal Caribbean Group, whether aboard a Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or Silversea ship. 

Not only does this mean investing in new hardware, like new ships and exclusive island destinations, but also giving repeat cruisers special offers and loyalty perks. 

Loyalty impacts guest behavior

"Repeat cruisers continue to rate cruising as the best value for their vacation spend, with brands that consistently lead in guest satisfaction and vacation options that range from weekend getaways to bucket list adventures on ocean and on land," said Liberty during the Q2 earnings call on July 29. 

It helps that Royal Caribbean's consumer base continues to feel financially confident, with three out of four guests indicating they feel financially secure. This aligns with the fact that loyalty members are spending 25% more per trip than new cruisers. 

"Holistically, as we get to see millions of spending activities per day, we see a very healthy customer. When we dig into that customer, they have strong, great jobs; they have strong balance sheets; and they're confident in spending and making sure that they're they're receiving the vacation experience that they're looking for," Liberty explained. 

Not only that, but Royal Caribbean has seen strong intent among millennial-aged cruisers and younger, who continue to represent half the company's customer base. Additionally, 7 in 10 of Royal Caribbean's customers from younger generations are more likely to book their cruise closer to departure, reflecting more spontaneity and flexibility. 

"More than half of the millennials tell us they are more likely to consider cruising today compared to two years ago, driven mainly by the attractive value proposition of [a] cruise," Liberty said. 

Although new ships and destinations play a role in attracting customers, building trust and connections with guests means they will be more likely to choose a vacation with Royal Caribbean Group than other competitors, whether they're land-based or another cruise line. 

Liberty added, "We're trying to increase repetition, which ultimately leads to an increase in lifetime value of the customer, lowers our acquisition costs, and positions us to close the gap further to land-based vacations."

By wanting to grow their repeat customer business, consumers will hopefully get better recognition and incentives in the future. 

Loyalty is a two-way street

Recently, Carnival Cruise Line has been under fire for its overhaul of the line's Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club. Starting in 2026, cruisers are no longer rewarded based on how many nights they've spent on Carnival ships. Instead, Carnival loyalty status is determined by total spend. 

However, points earned through Carnival's co-branded credit card will also feed directly into the Carnival Rewards ecosystem. This means that guests can work their way up the loyalty tiers not only by cruising on Carnival's fleet but also through everyday spending with the credit card. 

However, the biggest shocker was that status is no longer lifetime. You must requalify every two years, similar to airline and hotel loyalty programs. 

Read more: Rival Carnival Cruise Line made drastic changes to its loyalty program

In the weeks following the announcement, many Carnival cruisers have expressed that they feel like the new system devalues their loyalty to the cruise line.

In contrast, Royal Caribbean is doubling down on its commitment to its guests, stating that loyalty is a "two-way street." 

"Loyalty is very important. I think people want to be recognized. They want to not just be recognized for their spend today, but be recognized for all that they have done in the past," said Liberty.

As such, creating the status match program between Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea helps ensure that consumers are rewarded for their history with the company, regardless of which brand they choose to sail.

For example, a guest who holds Diamond status with Royal Caribbean will enjoy comparable perks when sailing with Celebrity or Silversea, and vice versa. 

This cross-brand recognition strengthens the connection between the cruise lines and makes it so there are options for all types of cruisers within the brand's portfolio, whether you're seeking a family-focused vacation on the world's largest ships, an ultra-luxury getaway, or an upscale European cruise.

A Royal Caribbean crew member violently attacked another worker before jumping off the world's largest cruise ship. 

The 35-year-old South African man stabbed a 28-year-old South African on Thursday, July 24, shortly before 7:30PM, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) confirmed. 

Guests reported hearing "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar" (Royal Caribbean's secret code word for "man overboard") around 7:18PM. Icon then slowed down and returned to the location where the crew member had gone overboard. He was found dead by onboard medical staff less than an hour later. 

One passenger revealed that they saw the rescue mission from their port-side balcony cabin, where they witnessed crew members dropping life preservers into the ocean. They also saw a rescue boat deployed, which later returned with the crew member onboard. However, guests weren't made immediately aware of his condition and presumed the rescue mission was successful.  

Read more: Crew member dies after going overboard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Royal Caribbean initially shared that there was a man overboard incident on Icon of the Seas that resulted in the death of a crew member but withheld further details until authorities could investigate.

"Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones," said Royal Caribbean in a brief statement issued to 7News Miami.

However, in a statement given to NBC News, police confirmed that the incident involved a dispute between two crew members and that the woman sustained multiple stab wounds to her upper body. She received treatment and is in stable condition. 

(Credit: CBS News Miami)

"One of the crew members was injured, was attended to by the onboard medical team, and she is now in stable condition," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson later said. 

"Unfortunately, the other crew member is deceased after he went overboard and was recovered in a search and rescue operation."

Icon of the Seas was sailing about 200 miles off the coast of Nassau, Bahamas, en route to Perfect Day at CocoCay when the crew member jumped overboard. The last day of the 7-night itinerary wasn't impacted by the incident, and Icon returned to Miami, Florida, on Saturday, July 26. 

An investigation into the attack is ongoing. Additionally, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the crew member's exact cause of death. There's no reason that the investigation should impact or delay cruise operations for future Icon sailings. 

The two crew members have not been identified out of respect for their families and their privacy. 

A crew member died after going overboard from Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean confirmed. 

According to online reports, the secret man overboard code ("Oscar, Oscar, Oscar") sounded at around 7:18PM on Thursday, July 24. The world's largest cruise ship then slowed down and returned to the location where the crew member had gone overboard. 

One passenger shared that they saw the rescue unfold from their port-side balcony stateroom, where they witnessed crew members dropping life preservers into the ocean. Not long after, a rescue boat was deployed and returned with someone onboard. 

Additionally, security closed the blinds in the Royal Promenade and discouraged cruisers from hanging out near the sides of the vessel during the incident. 

Although they were able to quickly locate the individual, the crew member, who supposedly worked at the Schooner Bar, succumbed to their injuries and passed away. 

Icon of the Seas was sailing about 200 miles off the coast of Nassau, Bahamas, en route to Perfect Day at CocoCay when the crew member went overboard. The remainder of the voyage will continue uninterrupted. Icon is expected to return to PortMiami on Sunday, wrapping up the 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. 

"Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones," said Royal Caribbean in a statement issued to 7News Miami. 

"To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share."

The incident happened less than one month after a father jumped into the ocean after his child while sailing on a Disney cruise ship

Last month, a young child fell overboard from the Disney Dream en route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during a 4-night sailing to the Bahamas. Moments later, the kid's father leapt into the ocean. Both were successfully rescued by the crew, and the father was instantly called a hero. 

However, other rumors quickly started circulating on the internet, saying that her dad had held her on a railing when she fell into the water. Security footage dispelled the rumor, though, revealing that the young girl fell through a porthole after losing her balance. 

Detectives said the 37-year-old father was alerted about the harrowing situation by his wife. He then jumped into the water, found his daughter, and treaded water until they were rescued by Disney crew members. 

Read more: Child goes overboard from Disney cruise ship; father jumps in to save her, reports claim

The chances of falling overboard on a cruise ship are low

Deck railings on Royal Caribbean cruise ships are at least 42 inches high to comply with the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010. Additionally, thick metal panels, Plexiglass panels, or metal bars are positioned under the railings to prevent guests from accidentally slipping through. 

As such, going overboard on a cruise ship is rare. A report shared by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) revealed that there were 212 confirmed overboard incidents from cruise ships between 2009 and 2019. 

Of those incidents, 48 individuals, or 28.2%, were successfully rescued. 

Celebrity Beyond will arrive in Miami, Florida, later than planned due to unforeseen technical issues impacting the vessel's sailing speed. 

Guests aboard the July 13th voyage to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth were given the unfortunate news that their disembarkation in Miami would be delayed several hours because of a mechanical issue that's forcing the 3-year-old ship to sail at slower-than-normal speeds. 

The expected arrival time was pushed back to 2:00pm. This means that the following 7-night cruise has also been impacted. Instead of departing on Sunday, July 20, guests were informed that their embarkation would be delayed until Monday, July 21. 

"Beyond is currently experiencing a technical issue and we are working to address it. While this does not impact the safety or seaworthiness of the ship, we are sailing at a reduced speed which will delay our arrival into Miami," reads an email sent to confirmed passengers. 

"Once we arrive into Miami, our technical experts will assess the situation and make repairs as needed. As a result, the current plan is to have you board on Monday, July 21st in Terminal C at Port Miami."

However, the email also states that additional updates are expected by 8:00pm on Sunday, the 20th. As such, it's possible the next sailing could be further delayed, depending on the outcome of the inspection and repair timeline. 

Celebrity Cruises hasn't specified what's causing the technical issue. However, it is likely that, because the vessel is sailing at a slower speed, it's some kind of engine-related problem. 

Social media reports have hinted that one of the ship's propellers might be down. "To me it looks like the starboard propeller is down, with the dorsal thruster compensating for the port propeller working overtime," wrote one guest on Reddit. 

As of 9:40am EST on July 20, CruiseMapper shows Celebrity Beyond slowly making her way back to South Florida. She's cleared the western coast of Andros Island. 

Read more: I cruised on one of Celebrity's newest ships at sea. I enjoyed the food but missed Royal's entertainment

Celebrity Cruises is compensating guests on the affected sailings

Passengers will receive a one-day pro-rated refund of their cruise fare as an onboard credit, as well as a one-day refund of pre-purchased packages. 

Those who need a hotel for Sunday evening will be given up to $250 per stateroom in reimbursement for accommodation. 

Teams are also assisting those onboard, whose travel plans have been disrupted due to the delayed disembarkation. 

One guest shared on Reddit that they gave up hope of making their 4:15pm flight out of Miami International Airport (MIA) and switched to an 8:00pm departure instead. 

Additionally, Celebrity is offering passengers an "enhanced brunch" from 10:00am to 1:00pm. 

Celebrity Beyond's technical issues follow an unrelated incident involving one of the line’s older ships

Earlier this month, a reported electrical fire left Celebrity Infinity temporarily without power while docked in Kuşadası, Turkey.

Not only did the ship suffer a "total blackout," but the 24-year-old vessel was stuck in Turkey for about four days. Consequently, the remaining ports on the 7-night itinerary — Mykonos, Greece; Kavala, Greece; and Thessaloniki, Greece — were cancelled. 

Eventually, hundreds of guests decided to disembark while in Turkey, opting to make their own travel arrangements instead of banking on arriving in Athens as scheduled. 

Read more: Fire disables cruise ship in the Mediterranean, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in Turkey

Another gastrointestinal outbreak sickened dozens of passengers on Navigator of the Seas in July, marking the second outbreak this year on a ship operated by Royal Caribbean, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

134 passengers and 7 crew members fell ill during the outbreak. There were 3,914 guests and 1,266 crew members on the 139,999 gross-ton vessel. The outbreak, which was reported on July 11, happened during a 7-night cruise from Los Angeles, California, to the Mexican Riviera. 

The causative agent hasn't been revealed by the CDC, though it's been hinted to be norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Symptoms of the illness include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. 

In response to the outbreak, Royal Caribbean implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, collected stool specimens for testing, and isolated sick passengers and crew.

"The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority," a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group told USA TODAY. 

"To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines," they added.

Read more: Cruise ships suffer worst year for stomach bugs in over a decade. Here's what I'm doing to stay healthy

This year has seen an increase in gastrointestinal cases on cruise ships compared to 2024, which reported a total of 18 outbreaks across all cruise lines between January and December

The first outbreak of the year was aboard Sea Cloud Cruises. The causative agent, however, wasn't norovirus. Instead, it's listed as Ciguatera (presumed). 

According to the CDC's website, the first norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship in 2025 happened aboard Holland America Line's Volendam during a 21-night cruise in January. 

Only one other Royal Caribbean ship has suffered from a norovirus outbreak this year: Radiance of the Seas. The CDC revealed that the final case counts for the outbreak on Radiance were 160 passengers and 8 crew members. 

The affected voyage took place from February 1-8, 2025, with a total of 2,164 passengers and 910 crew onboard. Radiance was sailing from Tampa, Florida, to the Western Caribbean. Ports of call on the itinerary included Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico. 

The February 8 voyage's embarkation was delayed to let the crew have adequate time to deep clean the ship before allowing new passengers onboard.

The CDC shares outbreaks when they meet the following criteria: 

• The ship is under VSP (Vessel Sanitation Program) jurisdiction on cruises including both U.S. and foreign ports
• Specific voyage has 3% or more of passengers or crew reporting gastrointestinal symptoms to the ship's medical staff

In Navigator of the Seas' case, 3.4% of guests reported being ill during the 7-night cruise. 0.6%  of the crew were also sick.

The Crown Lounge on Royal Caribbean is an exclusive onboard venue for top-tier loyalty members within the Crown & Anchor Society. 

Formerly known as the Diamond Lounge, the Crown Lounge was rebranded to honor the legacy of Royal Caribbean's maritime heritage. 

The lounge is a quiet and comfortable spot where eligible guests can enjoy complimentary snacks throughout the day, as well as benefit from concierge services. They're found on every vessel within Royal Caribbean's fleet, from Grandeur of the Seas to Icon of the Seas. 

Here's everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Crown Lounge, including how to access the private space and tips for maximizing the experience. 

Access to the Crown Lounge is reserved for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers

There are six tiers within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society: Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club. The bottom three — Gold, Platinum, and Emerald — don't have access to the Crown Lounge. 

In fact, it's not until you reach Diamond status that you start to access worthwhile perks, such as complimentary drink vouchers, free internet, and entry into the exclusive Crown Lounge.  

Diamond cruisers must accumulate 80 cruise points in the loyalty program. You earn points on a per-night basis. However, there are a few opportunities to double your nightly earnings, such as when traveling in a suite or solo. 

That said, it takes the average cruiser 12 weeklong sailings to become a Diamond cruiser within the Crown & Anchor Society. 

If you're a Diamond member — rather than Diamond Plus or Pinnacle Club — be aware that Royal Caribbean has the right to temporarily restrict access during peak hours, such as 5:00pm - 8:00pm. 

This happens when there are a lot of top-tier Crown & Anchor Society members on board. They will let guests know of any restrictions on embarkation day in a letter delivered to the cabins.

Access to the Crown Lounge can't be shared with friends and family members, and minors must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Moreover, only guests who have earned a higher loyalty tier can enter the Crown Lounge, regardless of their cabin category. Gold, Platinum, and Emerald cruisers staying in qualifying suites can enjoy the Suite Lounge, though. 

Read more: The secrets to achieving Diamond status quickly on Royal Caribbean

Crown Lounge locations

Many Crown Lounges are located near the Viking Crown Lounge at the top of the ship, offering cruisers panoramic views of the ocean and ports of call. However, this isn't the case on every vessel. 

Here's where you can find the Crown Lounge on every ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet:

Icon Class

Icon of the Seas: Near the Royal Escape Room, Deck 6,

Star of the Seas: Near the Royal Escape Room, Deck 6

Oasis Class

Oasis of the Seas: Near Studio B, Deck 4

Allure of the Seas: Near the Mason Jar, Deck 15

Harmony of the Seas: Near Studio B, Deck 4

Symphony of the Seas: Near Studio B, Deck 4

Wonder of the Seas: Near Social 100, Deck 16

Utopia of the Seas: Near Social 100, Deck 16

Quantum Class

Quantum of the Seas: Near the Royal Theater, Deck 4

Anthem of the Seas: Near the Royal Theater, Deck 4

Ovation of the Seas: Near the Royal Theater, Deck 4

Odyssey of the Seas: Near the Royal Theater, Deck 4

**Spectrum of the Seas: Near the Solarium, Deck 14

**Spectrum of the Seas does have a lounge for loyalty members, but it's shared with suite cruisers. Called the "Silver Lounge," it's located in the front of the ship on Deck 14, near the Solarium and suite-only dining room. 

Freedom Class

Freedom of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Liberty of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Independence of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Voyager Class

Voyager of the Seas: Near the Star Lounge, Deck 5

Adventure of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Explorer of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Mariner of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Navigator of the Seas: Near the Star Lounge, Deck 5

Radiance Class

Radiance of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 13

Jewel of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 13

Brilliance of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 13

Serenade of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 13

Vision Class

Grandeur of the Seas: Near the South Pacific Lounge, Deck 6

Vision of the Seas: Near the Some Enchanted Evening Lounge, Deck 6

Enchantment of the Seas: Above the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 12

Rhapsody of the Seas: Near the Shall We Dance Lounge, Deck 6

What to expect inside Royal Caribbean's Crown Lounge

There are many perks that come with gaining access to the Crown Lounge. 

First and foremost, the space is designed to be a peaceful retreat for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members of the Crown & Anchor Society. As such, the laid-back ambiance is ideal for reading, relaxing, or socializing before dinner. 

Throughout the day, however, the Crown Lounge also serves as a place for complimentary snacks and beverages, starting with a continental breakfast in the mornings. 

The self-serve coffee machine is also a favorite, with higher-quality, espresso-based brews not available from the standard drip machines throughout the ship. 

Before dinner, the Crown Lounge becomes a gathering spot for elite Crown & Anchor Society cruisers. During the nightly happy hour, guests can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres. If the lounge doesn't have a dedicated bar, such as on Vision of the Seas, bartenders are often roaming to take drink orders. 

Although these beverages aren't included, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members can use their daily drink vouchers for complimentary cocktails, wine, beer, or soda. 

It's not uncommon for ship Officers to wander into the Crown Lounge during happy hour, too. This gives frequent cruisers a chance to mingle with some of the ship’s senior crew members. 

In addition to the snacks, the Crown Lounge features a dedicated concierge who is available to assist with various onboard needs, so you don't have to worry about going to Guest Services. They can help make dining and show reservations, check on billing disputes, and more. 

Read more: 4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Program

Tips for enjoying the Crown Lounge

Whether you’re a first-time Diamond cruiser or a few cruises away from reaching the coveted Pinnacle Club tier, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your access to Royal Caribbean's Crown Lounge. 

First, skip the Windjammer Marketplace in the morning. Although the buffet has more offerings, the Crown Lounge is ideal for cruisers who don't care about piling their plates high with eggs, pancakes, and bacon. 

Instead, those who go to the Crown Lounge for breakfast can enjoy basic continental options, like pastries, fruit, and muffins, with a quality cup of coffee in a quieter atmosphere. 

After breakfast, try to visit the lounge during the off-peak hours to enjoy peace and quiet. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are usually less crowded, as the Crown Lounge can see an influx of guests during the nightly happy hour. 

Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with other cruisers, either. Making new friends is one of the best parts about taking a cruise, and the Crown Lounge attracts Royal Caribbean’s most seasoned travelers. You never know what advice others will have. You may enjoy just swapping travel stories over a beverage, too! 

Finally, don't underestimate the concierge. They can be a huge asset throughout your cruise vacation, whether you need help booking specialty restaurants, reserving shows, or making plans for a family photoshoot. 

A local court ruled that cruise ships can still visit Nice, France, despite the mayor's determination to ban them. 

On July 1, Nice and Villefranche enacted new rules banning cruise ships carrying more than 2,500 passengers from disembarking in the area. However, Voyager of the Seas still called at Villefranche-sur-Mer on July 3, arriving around 6:30am local time. 

The Voyager Class ship had 3,114 passengers and roughly 1,200 crew on board. Although port officials said it was a pre-approved stop, Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area, considered the ship's arrival a breach of the recently implemented ban. 

Estrosi boarded a police boat with a television crew, approached Voyager of the Seas, and requested to board with an official letter instructing the captain not to let guests ashore. 

"In accordance with these publicly announced commitments, I formally request that you refrain from disembarking any passengers from your vessel at the Villefranche maritime station or at any other metropolitan facility," the letter read.

"Given your clear non-compliance with our environmental and territorial regulations, I am bringing this matter to the attention of the Minister for Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, as well as the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean. I am asking them to take, without delay, all necessary measures to order the immediate departure of your ship from the waters off Villefranche."

Voyager's crew didn't let Estrosi on and motioned for him to turn around. Frustrated, he was caught on camera shouting, "Where is the captain?" and ordering the crew to "get out of here." Estrosi later accused Royal Caribbean of ignoring local regulations and described the ship's crew as "arrogant." 

In a statement to local reporters, he doubled down on his stance: "I will not give up. I call on all relevant authorities to take the utmost firmness on this issue. I intend to strictly enforce the decision."

Days later, he issued an order to further restrict cruise ship access in the area. The ban would have limited cruise ships to just 450 passengers in Nice and 2,500 in Villefranche-sur-Mer. However, it was suspended on July 13 by the local Administrative Court in Nice, which sided with Laurent Hottiaux, the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes department.

Read more: Angry French Mayor yells at cruise ship

Estrosi wanted to cut down on cruise ship visits to help fight climate change and protect marine life

According to the ruling, only the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes department can regulate ship traffic. In other words, Estrosi doesn't have the legal right to impose maritime restrictions, despite his dual role as the Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area. 

Estrosi is "not competent to issue such measures," the court emphasized. Only the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes can, as it's "within the framework of his powers to police the waterway, [and] organize the entries, exits, and movements of vessels."

The court also stated that "these limitations go against the freedom of movement for cruise ship passengers and the freedom of trade and industry for cruise operators."

Still, Estrosi, who thinks that cruise ships are "three times worse than airplanes," isn't giving up. He has threatened to sue the State if they don't take action against large cruise ships. 

Had the ban gone into effect on July 11 as Estrosi intended, at least 12 cruise ships would have been forced to cancel their planned 2025 visits.