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Cruise News, Travel News & Current Events

Cruise News Roundup: Royal Caribbean Buys Into Sandals, Carnival Brings Back Full Muster Drills, Whittier Dock Destroyed & Baby Spiders Invade Cruise Parking

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Cruise News Roundup | Aired September 23, 2026| Episode 61

Prefer listening instead of reading? Enjoy the full episode of The Cruise Therapy Podcast, hosted by G-Free, your Cruise Therapist.

Cruise Family, today’s Boarding Call has ships, resorts, old-school muster drills, a devastating Alaska dock fire, and a post-cruise surprise that might have me abandoning my car at the port permanently.

Royal Caribbean Group is making a major move into the all-inclusive resort business through a partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Carnival is bringing back the traditional full in-person muster drill on five ships this weekend. A new $80 million cruise dock in Whittier, Alaska, has been declared a total loss after a major fire. And some Royal Caribbean cruisers returned from vacation in Galveston to discover that their cars had apparently become luxury condos for baby spiders.

Cruise Cousins…

Apparently Wednesday decided peace was optional.

Grab your boarding pass, grab something from the bar, and let’s get into today’s cruise and travel news.

Promotional graphic for 'Your Daily Boarding Call' podcast featuring a cruise ship, with icons indicating cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, and industry updates.

🏝️ Royal Caribbean Makes a $3 Billion Move Into Sandals and Beaches

Royal Caribbean Group apparently looked at cruises, private islands, beach clubs, river cruises, and luxury ships and said:

“What else can we add to the vacation?”

The answer?

All-inclusive resorts.

According to the episode, Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts announced a new partnership in which Royal Caribbean will acquire a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion.

The deal values the overall Sandals and Beaches business at roughly $6 billion.

Sandals brings decades of experience operating adults-only all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.

Beaches brings its family-focused resort portfolio.

Royal Caribbean brings a very large cruise customer base.

Together, the companies plan to form a joint venture combining Royal Caribbean’s vacation platform with Sandals’ resort expertise. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, assuming the necessary approvals are received.

And immediately, my travel-advisor brain starts asking questions.

Couple enjoying drinks in a pool with beach and cruise ship in the background, palm trees and colorful flowers adding to the tropical ambiance.
Royal Caribbean Group is acquiring a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts as part of a major expansion beyond traditional cruise vacations. (AI Generated Image)

Could we eventually see:

  • Cruise-and-stay vacation packages?
  • Royal Caribbean loyalty benefits at Sandals?
  • Pre-cruise Sandals stays?
  • Post-cruise Beaches vacations?
  • Combined promotions?
  • Resort-and-cruise loyalty opportunities?

None of those ideas were announced in the transcript, but they’re exactly the kind of possibilities this partnership naturally makes travelers wonder about.

Because Royal Caribbean apparently no longer wants just your sea days.

They want the beach chair too. 😂

🛟 Carnival Is Bringing Back the Old-School Muster Drill — On Five Ships

Longtime cruisers…

You remember.

Everybody went to their assigned muster station.

Everybody arrived at the same time.

You stood.

You waited.

Then you waited some more.

And eventually somebody would stroll in 15 minutes late holding a frozen drink like:

“Was I supposed to be somewhere?” 😂

Well, for passengers aboard five Carnival ships, that traditional in-person safety drill is coming back temporarily.

The affected sailings mentioned in the episode are:

  • Carnival Horizon — September 26
  • Carnival Panorama — September 26
  • Carnival Sunshine — September 27
  • Carnival Vista — September 27
  • Carnival Firenze — September 28

More than 18,000 guests are expected to participate.

But before Linda and Leroy start yelling:

“Carnival got rid of e-muster!”

No.

It did not.

These are periodic full safety drills that ships and crews must perform so emergency procedures can be demonstrated with actual passenger participation.

Carnival explained that ships periodically have to complete these drills to satisfy government requirements and international SOLAS — Safety of Life at Sea — standards.

During the drill, crew members will demonstrate life jackets, explain evacuation procedures, and sound the emergency signal:

Seven short blasts followed by one long blast.

Food and beverage service will also temporarily stop.

Cruise Cousins…

They turned off the bar.

That is how you know they are serious. 😂

The interruption is brief, but the information matters.

If an emergency ever does happen, those few minutes of paying attention could make a real difference.

A group of people wearing orange life jackets gathered near the pool deck on a cruise ship, listening to crew members giving instructions during a safety drill.
Carnival will conduct traditional full muster drills aboard five ships as part of required periodic safety exercises. (AI Generated Image)

🔥 Whittier’s New $80 Million Cruise Dock Declared a Total Loss

Now to a serious update from Alaska.

A major fire at the Whittier Alaska cruise terminal caused extensive damage to a dock that only began welcoming ships in late 2024.

The fire reportedly broke out near a tour vessel docked at the facility and burned for hours.

The blaze damaged both the dock and the tour boat Klondike Express.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

A large fire emits flames and thick black smoke from a dock surrounded by water, with mountains in the background.
A newly developed cruise dock in Whittier, Alaska, has been declared a total loss after a major fire that caused extensive damage. (Photo Credit: MarineLink)

Norwegian Jade was nearby when the fire occurred.

The ship moved safely away from the area and was not damaged.

Passengers scheduled to embark that day were redirected to Whittier’s other cruise terminal.

The damaged facility was part of an approximately $80 million development.

After assessing the damage, the Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the dock itself was a total loss.

The cause remained under investigation at the time of the episode.

This matters because Whittier is an important embarkation and disembarkation point for Alaska cruises, particularly for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands.

The good news is that Whittier has another cruise facility available.

At the time of the episode, cruise lines had not announced widespread cancellations for 2027, but repairs, rebuilding, and future operating plans still needed to be determined.

If you’re booked on an Alaska sailing through Whittier in 2027?

Keep this story on your radar.

🕷️ Cruise Over. Vacation Over. Car Taken Over by Baby Spiders.

Cruise Cousins…

Imagine this.

You had a great cruise.

You ate.

You drank.

You relaxed.

You got off the ship in Galveston.

You found your luggage.

You walked back to your car.

And your car said:

“Welcome home. We have new tenants.”

Baby spiders.

And apparently…

A surprised couple stands in front of a car covered in numerous spiders, with palm trees and a cruise ship in the background.
Some cruisers returning to their cars near the Port of Galveston reportedly discovered tiny spiders covering their vehicles. (AI Generated Image)

A LOT of them.

According to the episode, two Royal Caribbean cruisers returned to a parking area near Cruise Terminal 10 at the Port of Galveston and discovered their vehicle covered in tiny spiders.

An Uber driver who helped the couple reportedly said several other cars had the same eight-legged surprise.

The couple reportedly took an Uber to Walmart, purchased pesticide, and returned before they felt comfortable driving the vehicle home.

Listen.

I can handle:

  • delayed flights
  • missing luggage
  • rain
  • bad excursions
  • somebody reclining their airplane seat directly into my soul

But if I open my car door and 300 spiders look back at me?

They own the car.

Call the insurance company.

Tell them:

“Total loss.” 😂

To be clear, the spiders were not aboard the Royal Caribbean ship and were not inside Royal Caribbean’s terminal.

This happened in a parking area.

The episode explains that September can be a prime period for baby spiders in Texas. Spiderlings can sometimes move through a process called ballooning, releasing silk strands that catch the wind and carry them through the air.

That sounds adorable.

Until the wind drops them on your Honda.

Colorful graphic featuring a globe, travel elements like a suitcase, camera, and clock, with the text 'Travel Tip of the Day' prominently displayed.

🚗 Travel Tip of the Day: Check Your Car Before Driving Away

Today’s spider story gives us one of the strangest Travel Tips of the Day we’ve ever had.

If you leave your vehicle at a cruise port for a week or longer:

Give it a quick inspection before jumping inside.

Check:

  • mirrors
  • door handles
  • windshield
  • wheel wells
  • tires
  • under the hood if something looks unusual

And this isn’t just about spiders.

While you’re away, you could potentially encounter:

  • ants
  • rodents
  • storm debris
  • water damage
  • flooding
  • insects
  • other unexpected surprises

If you see something that could bite, sting, or damage the vehicle, don’t start grabbing at it.

Ask parking staff for assistance or contact a pest-control professional if needed.

Apparently our old post-cruise checklist was:

✅ Passport
✅ Luggage
✅ Car keys

Now we have to add:

✅ Make sure the car does not have eight legs.

Cruise Therapy is evolving. 😂

Two men inspecting a gray car near a cruise terminal with a large cruise ship in the background, surrounded by luggage.
After leaving a vehicle at a cruise port for several days, take a quick look around before loading your luggage and driving home. (AI Generated Image)
Illustration of a clipboard with checkmarks and a pencil, labeled 'Key Takeaways'.

⚓ Key Takeaways

Today’s Boarding Call had a little bit of everything.

Royal Caribbean + Sandals: Royal Caribbean Group plans to acquire a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion.

Carnival Muster Drills: Five Carnival ships will temporarily use traditional full in-person safety drills as part of required periodic exercises.

Whittier, Alaska: A newly developed cruise dock has been declared a total loss after a major fire, though no injuries were reported.

Galveston Spider Surprise: Some returning cruisers reportedly found their parked vehicles covered in baby spiders.

Travel Tip: Always give your vehicle a quick inspection after leaving it parked for an extended period.

Graphic featuring three colorful silhouettes of people with speech bubbles, promoting engagement with the text 'Join the Conversation' and a ship in the background.

💬 Join the Conversation

Cruise Family, I need answers today.

🏝️ Would you be interested in a future vacation that combines a Royal Caribbean cruise with a Sandals or Beaches resort stay?

🛟 Do you prefer the fast e-muster process, or do you think the traditional full muster drill is better?

And finally…

🕷️ You return from your cruise and discover hundreds of baby spiders on your car.

What are you doing?

A. Buying bug spray
B. Calling pest control
C. Selling the car
D. Leaving the country 😂

Drop your answer in the comments.

Graphic promoting vacation planning, featuring a suitcase, passport, travel plans notebook, an airplane flying in the sky, a cruise ship in the water, palm trees, and a beach background.

🧳 Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?

Whether you’re dreaming about a Caribbean cruise, an Alaska sailing, an all-inclusive resort, or a combination of experiences, Atlanta Travel Associates can help you coordinate the details from beginning to end.

That includes:

  • cruises
  • resorts
  • pre- and post-cruise hotels
  • flights
  • transfers
  • excursions
  • vacation planning

📝 Start planning your next vacation:
Help Me Plan My Vacation

🎙️ Keep Up With Cruise Therapy

Follow the Cruise Therapy Podcast for cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, travel tips, and your regular dose of Cruise Therapy.

Again, I’m GFree, your Cruise Therapist.

Until our next therapy session:

Keep calm.
Keep cruising.
And keep listening.

And I’ll SEA you aboard the Disney Wish at Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge. ✨🚀🍸

The cocktails are flowing.

The stars are flying.

And we’re taking Cruise Therapy straight into another galaxy.

Grab your drink.

Find me by the viewport.

And let’s make one more jump into hyperspace before the night is over.

Because if Disney magic, Star Wars, and a cruise ship all show up in the same place…

I’m staying until somebody turns the lights on. 😂

May the Force be with you.
May the pixie dust find you.
And may your next cruise already be booked.

Promotional image for the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge aboard the Disney Wish, featuring a vibrant bar scene with colorful drinks and a representation of the cruise ship.
Cruise News, Travel News & Current Events

Cruise News Roundup: Illness at Sea, a River Cruise Collision and Greece’s Movie-Inspired Travel Boom

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Prefer listening instead of reading? Enjoy the full episode of The Cruise Therapy Podcast, hosted by GFree, your Cruise Therapist.

Cruise and travel news is serving serious safety updates, new luxury ships, movie-inspired vacations, rising airline costs, and changing theme-park crowds.

In this edition of Your Daily Boarding Call, we are unpacking the biggest headlines without charging an overweight baggage fee—or asking you to place your emotional-support luggage underneath the seat in front of you.

Grab your coffee or cocktail, your passport and your hand sanitizer. Let’s get caught up.

Alaska Expedition Ship Appears in a Fourth Illness Report

The National Geographic Sea Bird has been linked to a fourth CDC-reported gastrointestinal illness event during its 2026 Alaska season.

It is important to remember that this involves one small expedition ship—not the entire cruise industry. Still, four reports connected to the same vessel are difficult to ignore.

Passengers on previous sailings reported symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain. The ship and health officials responded with enhanced cleaning, sanitation, reporting and outbreak-control procedures.

How Travelers Can Protect Themselves

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Avoid sharing food, drinks or utensils.
  • Report symptoms to the ship’s medical center immediately.
  • Stay away from public dining areas if you become sick.
  • Follow official cruise-line and health-authority updates.

Hand sanitizer can be helpful, but some gastrointestinal viruses are stubborn. Soap and water remain especially important.

Please do not drag yourself to the buffet simply because you already paid for the cruise. The mashed potatoes will survive without you.

Thorough handwashing and prompt reporting of symptoms can help limit the spread of gastrointestinal illness aboard a cruise ship. (AI-Generated Image)

River Cruise Collision Near Vienna Injures 14 People

The river cruise ship Anna Katharina reportedly struck a quay wall and lock gate near Vienna early Friday morning.

Fourteen people were injured, and six were taken to the hospital for further treatment. Other passengers received care at the scene before guests were transferred to another ship.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we hope those injured make a full and speedy recovery.

Authorities are investigating whether technical or operational factors contributed to the collision.

A river cruise is supposed to include castles, wine, cheese and someone explaining why every building is older than the United States.

It is not supposed to include an emergency evacuation before breakfast.

Travelers scheduled to sail through Vienna should monitor updates from their cruise line. The incident does not mean the entire European river-cruise season has been canceled.

Authorities are investigating the MS ANNA KATHARINA river cruise collision near Vienna that injured several passengers.

Explora III Joins the Luxury Cruise Fleet

Explora Journeys has officially taken delivery of Explora III in Genoa.

The vessel is the third ship in the luxury brand’s planned six-ship fleet and the first powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The ship is designed to offer a high-end resort experience at sea while supporting lower emissions and cleaner air than traditional marine fuels.

Explora III is also designed for future renewable fuels and has been certified to operate in polar regions.

The ship is basically saying, “I am luxurious, environmentally conscious, and my robe probably has a higher thread count than your sheets at home.”

Future ships are expected to include:

  • Explora IV in 2027
  • Explora V in 2027
  • Explora VI in 2028

Explora Journeys is building ships faster than some of us unpack from our last vacation.

Explora III is the third vessel in Explora Journeys’ planned six-ship luxury fleet.

The Odyssey Inspires More Travelers to Visit Greece

Christopher Nolan’s upcoming movie The Odyssey is creating increased interest in Greek vacations.

One tour operator reported that its Greece bookings were up significantly compared with the previous year and added several new itineraries in response to the demand.

Travelers are especially interested in destinations connected to the ancient story and the film, including:

  • Athens
  • Corfu
  • Ithaca
  • Mycenae
  • The Peloponnese

Travel inspired by movies and television shows is often called set-jetting.

Apparently, audiences watched Odysseus struggle to return home for ten years and said, “That looks exhausting. Where do I book?”

Fortunately, your version of The Odyssey can include air conditioning, hotel breakfast, and a return flight that does not involve sea monsters.

Interest in Greece is growing as travelers seek destinations connected to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. (AI-Generated Image)

Rising Fuel Prices Put Pressure on Airlines

Southwest and American Airlines lowered their profit forecasts after jet-fuel prices increased sharply in July.

Passenger demand remains strong, but higher fuel costs can affect:

  • Airline ticket prices
  • Route decisions
  • Flight schedules
  • New-service expansion
  • Additional fees

Fuel did not simply increase in price. It upgraded itself to premium economy.

When an airline says fuel costs are rising, many travelers immediately wonder whether a new fee is about to appear.

Soon the safety demonstration may say, “In the event of an emergency, your credit card will drop from the ceiling.”

Rising jet-fuel prices may eventually affect airfare, routes and airline expansion plans. (AI-Generated Image)

Universal Reports Softer Theme-Park Attendance

Universal reported that theme-park attendance was lighter than expected during the second quarter, particularly across the Orlando market beginning in June.

However, Epic Universe continued to perform well, and overall theme park revenue increased.

Before everyone rushes to Orlando expecting an empty park, calm down.

Softer attendance does not mean you will have Hogwarts to yourself. It may simply mean the line is two hours long instead of long enough to complete a college degree.

Universal suggested that higher fuel prices and weaker consumer confidence may have contributed to the slowdown.

What This Could Mean for Travelers

Softer attendance may create better opportunities on certain dates, but guests should still compare:

  • Theme-park calendars
  • Ticket prices
  • Hotel rates
  • Special events
  • School holidays
  • Expected crowd levels

Everyone loves a shorter line—until 40,000 other people read the same crowd forecast.

Softer attendance on selected dates may create better opportunities for travelers, but crowd levels can still vary. (AI-Generated Image)

Travel Tip of the Day: Protect Yourself From Illness at Sea

When gastrointestinal illness is reported aboard a ship, rely on official updates rather than on rumors circulating among passengers.

To reduce your risk:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Wash before eating and after using the restroom.
  • Avoid touching your face after handling shared utensils.
  • Use your cabin bathroom when practical.
  • Notify the medical center immediately if symptoms begin.
  • Pack basic remedies approved by your healthcare provider.
  • Seek medical care for serious dehydration or persistent symptoms.
  • Carry travel insurance with medical and trip-interruption benefits.

Do not try to manage severe symptoms on your own.

The only thing worse than becoming sick on vacation is becoming sick, missing half the trip, and discovering that your policy covers nothing except emotional baggage.

Key Takeaways

  • The National Geographic Sea Bird has appeared in a fourth CDC-reported gastrointestinal illness event during its 2026 Alaska season.
  • Proper handwashing with soap and water remains one of the best ways to reduce illness risk.
  • Fourteen people were injured after a river cruise ship struck structures near Vienna.
  • Explora III has officially joined the Explora Journeys luxury fleet.
  • The new ship is powered by LNG and designed for future renewable fuels.
  • Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is increasing interest in vacations to Greece.
  • Higher jet fuel prices may affect airline profits, routes, and future ticket costs.
  • Universal reported softer attendance in the Orlando market, although Epic Universe continued to perform well.
  • Travelers should follow official health updates and carry suitable travel-insurance coverage.

Join the Conversation

Would repeated illness reports make you reconsider sailing on a particular ship?

Does the luxury experience aboard Explora III interest you?

Has a movie or television show ever inspired you to visit a destination?

Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation in the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group on Facebook.

Ready for More Cruise Therapy?

Follow the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group for more cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, and practical travel advice.

You can also support the show by:

  • Following or subscribing to the podcast
  • Leaving a rating and review
  • Sharing the episode with your favorite travel buddy
  • Contacting Atlanta Travel Associates to begin planning your next vacation

Again, I’m GFree, your Cruise Therapist.

Until our next therapy session, keep calm, keep cruising, and keep listening.

And I’ll SEA you aboard Carnival Mardi Gras, standing in line for BOLT. Please have a shot of tequila waiting for me afterward—I may need it!

Meet BOLT®: the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea! Available on the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and the Carnival Jubilee
Cruise News, Travel News & Current Events

Cruise News Roundup: Double Points, Solo Balconies and a $53,500 Vacation Injury

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Prefer listening instead of reading? Enjoy the full episode of The Cruise Therapy Podcast, hosted by GFree, your Cruise Therapist.

Cruise and travel news is serving expensive excursion lessons, loyalty rewards, solo-cruiser upgrades, mysterious discoveries at sea, and plenty of airport turbulence.

In this edition of Your Daily Boarding Call, we are unpacking the biggest headlines without charging an overweight baggage fee—or asking you to share an armrest with a stranger.

Grab your coffee or cocktail, your passport, and your emotional-support luggage. Let’s get caught up.

Cruise Excursion Injury Leads to a $53,500 Bill

One traveler’s cruise excursion took a painful and extremely expensive turn after she was seriously injured while using a rope swing during a stop in Honduras.

The injury reportedly resulted in more than $3,500 in shipboard medical expenses and approximately $50,000 in emergency transportation and evacuation costs. The activity was reportedly not sponsored by the cruise line.

That rope swing said, “Come make a vacation memory.”

The hospital said, “We accept Visa, Mastercard and your firstborn.”

The incident is an important reminder that accidents can happen during both independent and cruise-line-sponsored activities. Medical treatment outside the United States may require payment before services are provided, and a traveler’s regular health insurance may offer limited—or no—international coverage.

Why Travel Insurance Matters

Depending on the policy, travel insurance may help cover:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Medical evacuation
  • Trip interruption
  • Emergency transportation
  • Certain delays and cancellations
  • Other covered travel emergencies

Nobody enjoys spending extra money on insurance. But nobody wants to return home with a medical bill that costs more than a balcony cabin for the next ten years.

Before purchasing a policy, review the medical and evacuation limits—not only the trip-cancellation benefit.

Emergency medical and evacuation coverage can be especially important when traveling internationally or participating in adventurous excursions. (AI-Generated Image)

Royal Caribbean Brings Back Double Cruise Points

Royal Caribbean has brought back its popular Double Cruise Points promotion for Crown & Anchor Society members.

Eligible new individual and named-group reservations must be made between July 21 and July 31, 2026. Qualifying cruises must depart between September 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027. Transatlantic and Transpacific sailings are excluded, and the promotion may be used on up to two cruises during the eligible sailing period.

The clock is ticking.

This promotion is like the last piece of bacon at the buffet. Look away for too long, and someone else will grab it.

Crown & Anchor members typically earn one point for each cruise night, with additional points available for qualifying suite and solo reservations. The promotion may help loyal guests reach their next membership tier faster.

Before Booking for the Points

Consider:

  • The total cruise fare
  • Taxes and fees
  • Airfare and transportation
  • The itinerary
  • The cabin category
  • The promotion’s exclusions
  • Whether the trip fits your existing vacation plans

Double points are exciting, but the cruise and price should still make sense.

Do not spend $4,000 chasing a complimentary tote bag. That math needs therapy.

Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor members can earn double points on qualifying new reservations made by July 31, 2026. (AI-Generated Image)

Holland America Introduces Solo Balcony Cabins

Holland America Line is showing solo cruisers some balcony love through its major fleet-refurbishment program.

The line plans to add 30 purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms to Oosterdam. Each cabin will include a private balcony, a dedicated workspace, a glass-walled shower, and standard Holland America amenities.

Finally, a cruise line has realized that solo passengers enjoy fresh air too.

Traditionally, travelers booking a cabin designed for two may face a single supplement, which can push the cost close to the price paid by two passengers.

Purpose-built solo accommodations can provide independent travelers with more suitable pricing and a space designed specifically for one guest.

Dynamic pricing will still mean that rates vary by sailing and demand. The imaginary roommate may be disappearing, but dynamic pricing still knows how to find you.

Still, this is positive news for travelers who want their own space without paying for someone who does not exist.

Holland America solo verandah cabin designed for one cruise passenger. (Photo Credit: Holland America)

Princess Cruise Guests Discover a Mysterious Lifeboat

Guests aboard Emerald Princess encountered an unexpected mystery while sailing off Alaska: an empty lifeboat drifting in the water.

The ship investigated and reported the sighting as required. The boat was later connected to the Morning Midas, a cargo vessel that caught fire and was abandoned in the North Pacific in 2025. Its crew had been safely rescued before the ship later sank.

A ghost lifeboat in Alaska?

This is how every maritime thriller begins—right before someone says, “Let’s get closer and take a look.”

An apparently empty or abandoned boat must be treated seriously because it could indicate that someone needs assistance, even when there are no obvious signs of distress.

For passengers, it was certainly an unusual addition to the glacier-viewing schedule.

You book Alaska expecting whales, waterfalls and icebergs—not an audition for Unsolved Mysteries at Sea.

Emerald Princess investigated an abandoned lifeboat spotted off Alaska during a recent sailing. (Photo Credit: Cruise Hive)

Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles Are Planting Trees

Royal Caribbean has partnered with The Wiggles and Planet Ark on a tree-planting initiative in Australia.

A native tree will be planted in Queensland or New South Wales for each of the first 1,000 families that book one of three eligible Wiggly-themed sailings during the 2026–2027 Australian summer season. The sailings will take place aboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.

The family cruises are expected to include:

  • Wiggly-themed parties
  • Live performances
  • Family discos
  • Meet-and-greets
  • Appearances from the Tree of Wisdom character

The Tree of Wisdom is going on a cruise and helping plant trees.

Meanwhile, some of us can barely keep a rosemary plant alive while away on vacation.

The partnership connects a family cruise experience with a longer-lasting environmental benefit in Australian communities.

Royal Caribbean, The Wiggles and Planet Ark are helping plant native trees in Australia through eligible family cruise bookings. (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Severe Weather Creates Airport Chaos in the Northeast

Severe storms caused widespread flight delays and cancellations across New York and other parts of the Northeast.

More than 630 flights were reportedly canceled at New York-area airports on July 21, with LaGuardia, JFK and Newark among the most heavily affected. American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and United issued travel waivers covering certain airports and travel dates.

Depending on the airline and waiver conditions, affected travelers may be able to change their flights without paying the usual change fee or fare difference.

Please read the conditions carefully.

An airline waiver does not mean, “Choose any flight, travel any day and bring your cousin for free.”

Before Leaving for the Airport

Travelers should:

  • Check the airline’s app
  • Review text and email alerts
  • Confirm the flight status
  • Read the waiver conditions
  • Explore rebooking options
  • Check connecting flights
  • Avoid relying only on airport departure boards

Nothing ruins a travel day faster than arriving three hours early only to discover that your flight left the schedule before you left the house.

Severe weather caused widespread flight disruptions and airline travel waivers across the Northeast. (AI-Generated Image)

Travel Tip of the Day: Read the Entire Insurance Policy

When shopping for travel insurance, do not focus only on the trip-cancellation benefit.

Review:

  • Emergency medical limits
  • Medical evacuation limits
  • Adventure-activity exclusions
  • Pre-existing-condition rules
  • Deductibles and reimbursement procedures
  • Requirements for contacting the insurer
  • Coverage for independent excursions
  • The insurer’s emergency-assistance number

Confirm that the policy covers the activities you plan to participate in.

The cheapest policy may look wonderful—right up until it excludes the exact activity that sends you swinging toward the emergency room.

Save the insurer’s assistance number in your phone and keep a copy of the policy with your travel documents.

Travel insurance is not one-size-fits-all.

Key Takeaways

  • A serious excursion accident reportedly resulted in approximately $53,500 in medical and evacuation expenses.
  • Travelers should review emergency medical and evacuation coverage before leaving the country.
  • Royal Caribbean’s Double Cruise Points offer applies to qualifying reservations made through July 31, 2026.
  • Holland America is introducing purpose-built solo balcony cabins aboard Oosterdam.
  • Emerald Princess investigated a drifting lifeboat connected to a previously abandoned cargo vessel.
  • Royal Caribbean, The Wiggles and Planet Ark are partnering to plant native trees in Australia.
  • Severe storms caused extensive airport delays and cancellations across the Northeast.
  • Airline travel waivers come with specific dates, airports and rebooking conditions.
  • Travel insurance policies should be reviewed for medical limits, exclusions, and emergency procedures.

Join the Conversation

Has a large medical bill ever convinced you to purchase travel insurance?

Would Royal Caribbean’s Double Cruise Points promotion encourage you to book another cruise?

Solo cruisers, would you reserve one of Holland America’s new balcony cabins?

Share your answer in the comments or join the conversation in the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group on Facebook.

Ready for More Cruise Therapy?

Follow the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group for more cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, and practical travel advice.

You can also support the show by:

  • Following or subscribing to the podcast
  • Leaving a rating and review
  • Sharing the episode with your favorite travel buddy
  • Contacting Atlanta Travel Associates to begin planning your next vacation

Again, I’m GFree, your Cruise Therapist.

Until our next therapy session, keep calm, keep cruising, and keep listening.

And I’ll SEA you up at the Rooftop Garden. Save me a lounge chair—and order me an Old Fashioned!

Celebrity Edge Rooftop Garden (Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruise Line)