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Cruise News, Travel News & Current Events

Cruise News Roundup: Princess Drops Princess Cay, Norwegian Sky Says Goodbye, Heineken Trains Cruise Bartenders & Universal Adds a 3-Park Ticket

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Cruise News Roundup | September 3, 2026

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

Ahoy there, Crewmates, Funnel Heads, Cruise Addicts, and Cruise Lovers! 🚢🌴🍺🎢

Today’s Your Daily Boarding Call has a little bit of everything: Princess Cruises is replacing Princess Cay on upcoming itineraries, Norwegian Sky is sailing her final voyage for Norwegian Cruise Line after 27 years, Heineken is training thousands of cruise bartenders, and Universal Orlando has introduced a three-day ticket covering all three of its major parks.

So grab your boarding pass, pick up your favorite drink from the bar, and settle in.

It’s time for another round of cruise and travel news.

This article is adapted from the original Cruise Therapy Podcast transcript for Thursday, September 3, 2026.

Princess Cruises Is Saying Goodbye to Princess Cay

Princess Cay…

We need to talk.

Beginning with published sailings in November 2026, Princess Cruises will start replacing calls at Princess Cay with visits to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on affected Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.

Yes, you heard that correctly.

Princess Cruises is dropping a destination with Princess in the name.

Honey, that breakup is serious.

They’re taking the family name back.

Why Is Princess Making the Change?

According to the original episode, Princess Cruises confirmed the itinerary changes but had not publicly announced a specific reason for the switch.

Both destinations fall within the broader Carnival Corporation family, but RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay has been undergoing significant upgrades.

Those improvements include:

  • A new pier
  • Tram transportation
  • Updated beach facilities
  • New and improved restaurants
  • Additional bars
  • More destination enhancements

So passengers on affected itineraries will still receive a private-island-style beach day—it will simply happen at a different destination.

And this is one more reminder that in cruising:

Even when the cruise line’s name is on the island, the itinerary can still change.

Princess Cruises is replacing Princess Cay with RelaxAway Half Moon Cay on select upcoming itineraries. (AI-Generated Image)

Norwegian Sky Is Sailing Her Final Voyage for NCL

Now we have a bittersweet farewell.

After 27 years of service, Norwegian Sky is currently sailing her final voyage for Norwegian Cruise Line.

The ship departed Barcelona on August 31 for a nine-night Mediterranean cruise visiting destinations in:

  • Spain
  • France
  • Italy
  • Greece

Her final NCL voyage is scheduled to end in Piraeus on September 9.

But Norwegian Sky is not heading to the scrapyard.

She’s simply changing jobs.

Norwegian Sky Becomes Cordelia Sky

The ship has been purchased by Cordelia Cruises and is expected to be renamed:

Cordelia Sky.

According to the episode, the ship is expected to begin sailing from India in late October, offering shorter itineraries to destinations in India and Southeast Asia.

So this really is not goodbye.

It’s more like:

“New cruise line. Who dis?”

27 Years of Cruise Memories

Think about how many memories one ship collects in 27 years.

Norwegian Sky has carried cruisers celebrating:

  • Honeymoons
  • Birthdays
  • Anniversaries
  • Family vacations
  • Girls’ trips
  • First cruises
  • Reunion trips

And probably thousands of people who declared:

“I am NEVER drinking again.”

Only to be back at the pool bar by 11:30 the next morning.

Fair winds, Norwegian Sky.

Here’s to the next chapter.

Norwegian Sky is concluding 27 years with Norwegian Cruise Line before beginning a new chapter as Cordelia Sky. (AI-Generated Image)

Heineken Is Training Thousands of Cruise Ship Bartenders

Now let’s discuss something very important.

Beer. 🍺

Heineken is expanding its cruise-ship training program into the United States for the first time.

The company plans to train approximately 2,500 cruise bar crew members across multiple markets during 2026.

And what exactly are they learning?

According to the episode:

  • Proper beer-pouring technique
  • Draft quality
  • Product knowledge
  • Equipment handling
  • Technical skills
  • Serving consistency

And yes…

Some sessions apparently end with a beer-pouring competition.

Where Was This Class When I Was Choosing Electives?

Everybody else:

Accounting.

Economics.

Chemistry.

Me:

Advanced Heineken Pouring 301.

And I am aiming for the Dean’s List.

Heineken says the goal is consistency—whether a passenger orders a beer aboard a ship sailing in Europe, Asia, or the United States.

The expectation is that it should be poured and served properly every time.

And honestly?

This might be the one training program where cruise passengers happily volunteer to inspect the final exam.

For…

“Quality-control purposes, of course.”

Heineken plans to train thousands of cruise bar crew members in proper pouring, service, and draft-quality techniques. (AI-Generated Image)

Universal Orlando Introduces a Three-Park, Three-Day Ticket

Now we’re leaving the cruise terminal and heading to Orlando.

Universal Orlando has introduced a new ticket for travelers who apparently believe:

Resting is for after vacation.

The new three-day, one-day-per-park promotional ticket gives guests admission to all three major Universal Orlando theme parks over three days.

That includes:

  • Universal Studios Florida
  • Universal Islands of Adventure
  • Universal Epic Universe

What Does the Ticket Cost?

According to the original episode, pricing starts at approximately:

$105.43 per day, including tax.

The base ticket gives guests access to one park per day.

A park-to-park upgrade is also available, letting guests move between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure on two days, while keeping one dedicated day for Epic Universe.

All three park days must be used within a seven-day period.

Universal says the offer may also be combined with certain hotel and vacation-package promotions.

Three Parks in Three Days?

Crewmates…

That’s not a vacation.

That is:

Cardio with roller coasters.

By day three, somebody is going to ask:

“Do you want to ride Stardust Racers?”

And I’m going to say:

“I want to ride the bench.”

Still, for families who want to experience all three major Universal parks without purchasing a longer package, this could be an attractive option.

Universal Orlando has introduced a promotional ticket that lets guests visit three parks over three days. (AI-Generated Image)

🌴 Travel Tip of the Day: Never Book a Cruise Solely for One Port

Today’s Princess Cay story gives us an important reminder:

Never book a cruise solely for one port unless you are comfortable with the possibility that the port may change.

Cruise lines may alter itineraries because of:

  • Weather
  • Port availability
  • Construction
  • Operational concerns
  • Local regulations
  • Safety issues
  • Other unforeseen circumstances

Before booking, look at the entire itinerary and the ship itself.

Ask yourself:

“If this one port disappears, would I still enjoy this vacation?”

If the answer is:

“Absolutely not. That destination is the entire reason I’m going.”

Then you may want to consider visiting that destination on a land vacation instead.

Because one of the few guarantees in cruising is:

The itinerary is subject to change.

Well…

That and somebody reserving a pool chair at 6:15 in the morning.

⚓ Key Takeaways

  • Princess Cruises will begin replacing Princess Cay with RelaxAway Half Moon Cay on select itineraries beginning with published November 2026 sailings.
  • Princess had not publicly announced a specific reason for the switch in the original episode.
  • RelaxAway Half Moon Cay is receiving major upgrades, including a new pier, transportation, beach improvements, bars, and restaurants.
  • Norwegian Sky is sailing her final voyage for Norwegian Cruise Line after 27 years.
  • The ship’s final NCL voyage ends in Piraeus on September 9.
  • Norwegian Sky will transfer to Cordelia Cruises and become Cordelia Sky.
  • Heineken plans to train approximately 2,500 cruise bar crew members during 2026.
  • Training focuses on pouring technique, draft quality, product knowledge, equipment, and consistency.
  • Universal Orlando introduced a three-day ticket covering Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe.
  • Travelers should evaluate an entire cruise vacation—not just one port—before booking.

💬 Join the Conversation

Princess cruisers:

How do you feel about Princess Cay being replaced with RelaxAway Half Moon Cay?

Would you rather experience the newly upgraded Half Moon Cay?

Or are you saying:

“Give me Princess Cay back!”

Norwegian fans:

Have you ever sailed aboard Norwegian Sky during her 27 years with NCL?

And most importantly…

If Heineken offered you a cruise-ship beer-pouring class:

Are you enrolling? 🍺😂

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

🚢 Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?

Whether you are considering a Princess cruise, Norwegian getaway, Bahamas escape, Orlando theme-park vacation, or something completely different, Atlanta Travel Associates can help you sort through the details.

We can assist with:

  • Cruise vacations
  • Theme-park vacations
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Pre- and post-cruise stays
  • Transportation
  • Shore excursions
  • Travel protection
  • Group vacations
  • Destination planning

Ready to start planning?

Complete our online Guest Information Form:

Follow the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group on Facebook for more cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, and, of course, 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 American Symphony at the Sky Bar around sunset.

I think I’ll order one of their signature cocktails and enjoy those beautiful 270-degree views of the Mississippi River.

Now tell me:

What are you ordering?

Because if we’re cruising the Mississippi at sunset…

We’re not rushing anywhere. 🌅🍹🚢

Cruise News, Travel News & Current Events

Cruise News Roundup: Royal Caribbean Names Dolly, Norwegian Opens Great Tides Waterpark, Southwest Adds Lounges & Women Say “Okay, Bye” to Reluctant Travel Partners

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Cruise News Roundup | September 2, 2026

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

Ahoy there, Crewmates, Funnel Heads, Cruise Addicts, and Cruise Lovers! 🚢🌴✈️

Today’s travel headlines are giving us a little bit of everything: Royal Caribbean has named its newest four-legged executive, Norwegian Cruise Line is opening a massive new waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, Southwest Airlines is getting fancy with its first-ever airport lounges, and more married women are apparently saying, “You don’t want to travel? Okay, bye.”

We’re also talking about why the travel industry wants Congress to protect essential airport workers during future government shutdowns.

So grab your boarding pass, pick up your favorite drink from the bar, and settle in.

It’s time for another Your Daily Boarding Call.

This article is adapted from the original Cruise Therapy Podcast transcript for Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Royal Caribbean’s New Chief Dog Officer Has a Name: Dolly

Royal Caribbean officially has a new executive.

And this one gets paid in treats.

The cruise line has announced the future Chief Dog Officer aboard Hero of the Seas, and her name is:

Dolly. 🐕✨

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley announced the winning name after cruisers helped choose from a list of finalists.

Interestingly, Dolly was not originally among the choices.

According to the episode, after the passing of Dolly Parton, so many Royal Caribbean fans suggested the name that Bayley added it to the final vote.

And Dolly apparently ran away with it.

When Hero of the Seas debuts from Miami in August 2027, its newest golden retriever Chief Dog Officer will officially be Dolly.

Royal Caribbean fans selected “Dolly” as the name of Hero of the Seas’ future Chief Dog Officer. (AI-Generated image)

This Dog Needs Rhinestones

Now, Royal Caribbean, I need you to understand something.

Do not bring Dolly onto the Royal Promenade wearing some plain little dog vest.

No.

I need:

✨ Rhinestones
✨ Sparkle
✨ A collar worthy of the name Dolly
✨ Maybe even a little “coat of many colors” energy

And unlike most corporate executives, Dolly will probably handle complaints by wagging her tail.

Honestly?

Promote her now.

Norwegian Opens Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has officially cut the ribbon on its massive new Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

The waterpark is scheduled to open to guests on Friday, September 4.

Norwegian didn’t build a kiddie pool, add two umbrellas, and call it a day.

This thing covers nearly six acres.

What’s Inside Great Tides Waterpark?

According to the episode, the park includes four main areas:

  • Tidal Tower
  • Cliffside Cove
  • Wandering River
  • Splash Cay

Guests can expect features such as:

  • A 170-foot Tidal Tower
  • Multiple waterslides
  • Interactive splash zones
  • Cliff jumps
  • Family play areas
  • A Wandering River

Now apparently “lazy river” was not adventurous enough.

Norwegian said:

“No, no. Our river has somewhere to be.”

Hence:

Wandering River.

Great Stirrup Cay Is Becoming a Different Kind of Destination

The ribbon-cutting event included cruise executives, government officials, media, creators, and invited guests who received an early preview.

For families and travelers looking for more activity during a private-island day, this dramatically expands what Great Stirrup Cay offers.

As for me?

My private-island expectations are very specific:

Beach chair.

Cold drink.

Shade.

And somebody walking by every 20 minutes asking:

“Would you like another?”

That is my thrill ride.

But for adventure-loving families?

Great Stirrup Cay just got a major upgrade.

Norwegian’s new Great Tides Waterpark adds nearly six acres of slides, splash zones, cliff jumps, and water attractions to Great Stirrup Cay. (AI-Generated Image)

Southwest Airlines Is Opening Its First Airport Lounges

Now let’s leave the cruise terminal and head to the airport.

Because Southwest Airlines apparently woke up and said:

“You know what? Let’s get a little fancy.”

Southwest announced plans to create its first-ever airport lounge network.

Yes.

That Southwest.

The airline that spent decades saying:

“Pick a seat and sit down.”

Now has assigned seating, extra-legroom options—and soon, airport lounges.

Where Will the First Lounges Open?

According to the episode, the first four lounges are expected to begin opening in late 2027 at:

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
  • Baltimore/Washington International Airport
  • Honolulu International Airport
  • Nashville International Airport

Southwest plans at least seven additional lounges in the coming years.

Southwest is partnering with Chase, and lounge access is expected to be tied in part to a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card launching in 2027.

What Will Southwest Lounges Include?

The airline expects the lounges to feature:

  • Locally inspired food
  • Drinks
  • Comfortable seating
  • Workspaces
  • Relaxation areas
  • Premium amenities

I remember when Southwest’s premium airport experience was getting a boarding position:

A17.

Now look at them.

I see you, Southwest.

But I do have one question:

Will the lounge have Southwest-style lining up?

A1 through A30, please form a line by the hummus.

Either way, for loyal Southwest travelers, this represents a significant change in the airline’s overall strategy.

Southwest Airlines plans to begin opening its first airport lounges in late 2027. (AI-Generated Image)

Travel Industry Pushes Congress for Better Shutdown Protections

The federal government avoided another shutdown this week.

Good.

But major travel organizations are asking Congress to do more than simply kick the funding deadline down the road.

According to the episode, groups including the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association praised lawmakers for passing temporary funding that keeps the government running until mid-December.

However, they are also asking for a more permanent solution.

Why Government Shutdowns Affect Travelers

During a shutdown, essential federal employees such as:

  • TSA officers
  • Air traffic controllers
  • Other airport and transportation personnel

may still be required to work—even when their paychecks are delayed.

Extended shutdowns can contribute to:

  • Staffing shortages
  • Longer TSA lines
  • Flight delays
  • Operational stress
  • Traveler uncertainty

Travel organizations want protections to ensure essential aviation and transportation workers aren’t forced to keep working without pay during future shutdowns.

And friends, I support that.

Because the last person I want worried about whether their mortgage payment cleared is the person directing airplanes.

Pay that person immediately.

Travel organizations are calling for stronger protections for essential aviation workers during future government shutdowns. (AI-Generated Image)

More Married Women Are Traveling Without Their Husbands

Ladies…

Apparently some of y’all are leaving the husbands at home.

Before anybody starts panicking:

We are talking about vacation.

A USA Today story highlighted in the episode examined a growing trend among married women—particularly retirees—who travel without their spouses.

And sometimes the explanation is extremely simple:

He just doesn’t want to go.

Different Interests Don’t Have to Mean No Vacation

One woman featured in the story is 70 years old and has been married for 48 years.

Some of her favorite travel partners?

Her girlfriends.

Together, they have traveled to destinations including:

  • Guatemala
  • Iceland
  • Utah
  • Cuba
  • Canada

And they hope to hike the Camino de Santiago together next year.

Why isn’t her husband going?

They simply enjoy different kinds of travel.

Road Scholar data cited in the episode found that among senior women surveyed:

42% said their spouses were not interested in traveling, while 40% said they had different travel interests.

One traveler summed it up perfectly:

You don’t have to be joined at the hip.

Sometimes Separate Vacations Make Sense

If one partner dreams about hiking across Spain and the other wants seven uninterrupted days at home watching football…

That might actually be a healthy marriage.

Because nothing ruins Machu Picchu faster than standing beside someone who keeps saying:

“I didn’t even want to come.”

If your spouse or partner does not enjoy the same type of travel you do, that does not automatically mean you have to stop traveling.

Go with:

  • Friends
  • Family
  • A hosted group
  • A women-only travel group
  • A cruise group
  • Or even solo

Just make sure everybody knows where you are.

We don’t need Leroy calling the police saying:

“She told me she was just going to Publix!”

Meanwhile, Linda is in Portugal.

More married women are choosing to travel with friends or on their own when their spouses have different travel interests. (AI-Generated Image)

✈️ Travel Tip of the Day: Don’t Postpone Your Dream Trip Forever

Today’s story about women traveling without their spouses gives us a great travel reminder:

Do not postpone your dream trip forever just because your usual travel partner isn’t interested.

If solo travel makes you nervous, start small.

Consider:

  • A domestic destination
  • A weekend getaway
  • A hosted group trip
  • A women-only tour
  • A cruise group
  • A professionally organized international trip

Always share your itinerary with someone you trust and keep important contact and transportation information accessible.

Different travel interests do not mean:

No vacation.

Sometimes they simply mean:

A different vacation.

And occasionally?

A little absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Especially when Linda comes home with souvenirs.

⚓ Key Takeaways

  • Royal Caribbean fans selected Dolly as the future Chief Dog Officer aboard Hero of the Seas.
  • Hero of the Seas is expected to debut from Miami in August 2027.
  • Norwegian officially cut the ribbon on Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay.
  • The nearly six-acre waterpark is scheduled to open September 4.
  • Great Tides includes Tidal Tower, Cliffside Cove, Wandering River, and Splash Cay.
  • Southwest Airlines announced plans for its first airport lounge network.
  • The first lounges are expected in Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Honolulu, and Nashville.
  • Additional Southwest lounges are planned in later years.
  • Travel organizations are asking Congress for stronger protections for essential airport workers during future government shutdowns.
  • A growing number of married women are traveling without their spouses when their vacation interests differ.
  • Travelers should not automatically abandon a dream vacation because their usual travel partner does not want to go.
  • Hosted trips, women-only groups, cruise groups, and short solo trips can provide easier ways to begin traveling independently.

💬 Join the Conversation

Royal Caribbean fans:

Do you love the name Dolly for Hero of the Seas’ future Chief Dog Officer?

Norwegian cruisers:

Does Great Tides Waterpark make Great Stirrup Cay more appealing than other cruise-line private destinations?

Southwest flyers:

Would airport lounge access make you more loyal to Southwest?

And now for the question that might really get the comments going:

Would you take a vacation without your spouse or significant other if they didn’t want to go?

Or is vacation strictly:

“We ride together. We fly together. We cruise together.”

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

🚢 Ready for Your Next Dose of Cruise Therapy?

Whether you’re dreaming about a Royal Caribbean cruise, Norwegian getaway, girls’ trip, solo adventure, or a vacation your spouse has absolutely no interest in taking, Atlanta Travel Associates can help make the planning easier.

We can assist with:

  • Cruises
  • Resort vacations
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Pre- and post-cruise stays
  • Transportation
  • Shore excursions
  • Travel protection
  • Group vacations
  • Solo and hosted travel

Ready to start planning?

Complete our Guest Information Form:

Follow the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group on Facebook for more cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, and, of course, 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 Celebrity Apex.

Let’s meet before dinner on the Magic Carpet.

Order me a Magic Carpet cocktail.

Now tell me:

What are you having?

Because if we’re sitting outside the ship 13 decks above the ocean…

I’m going to need something strong. 🍸🌊🚢

Cruise News, Travel News & Current Events

Cruise News Roundup: Disney Wish Heads to New York, Norwegian Aqua Goes Short, Puerto Rico Faces Historic Drought & More

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

Cruise and travel news is bringing us a little bit of everything today—from exciting new Disney Cruise Line itineraries and quick Norwegian getaways to a major Carnival retirement announcement, a heartbreaking incident aboard Norwegian Getaway, and an important Puerto Rico travel update.

So grab your boarding pass, secure your valuables, and pick up your favorite drink from the bar.

It’s time for another Your Daily Boarding Call.

This article is adapted from the original Cruise Therapy Podcast transcript for Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Disney Wish Is Heading to New York City

Mickey finally handed over the map.

After teasing mysterious geographic coordinates on social media, Disney Cruise Line officially announced its Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries on August 25, 2026.

And the big headline?

Disney Wish is heading to New York City.

Starting in late September 2027, Disney Wish is scheduled to operate seven special cruises from New York, ranging from four to seven nights.

Some itineraries will visit Bermuda, while others will head north toward Canada and New England.

Just imagine Disney Wish sailing past the Statue of Liberty.

(Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line)

Cue:

“Start spreading the news…”

Don’t worry. I’m not singing.

Maybe at karaoke night.

Disney Also Announced More Deployment News

Disney also announced:

  • A new Panama Canal crossing aboard Disney Magic
  • Additional cruises from San Juan
  • New deployment options throughout the fleet
  • Early booking beginning August 31 for select Castaway Club members
  • General reservations opening September 8

So if you’ve been waiting for Disney Cruise Line to return to New York…

Your Wish has come true. Literally.

Disney Wish is scheduled to sail a limited series of cruises from New York beginning in late September 2027. (AI-Generated Image)

Norwegian Aqua Is Going Short With Three- and Four-Night Cruises

For the cruisers who say:

“I want to cruise, but I don’t have seven days.”

Norwegian Cruise Line heard you.

Beginning April 28, 2028, Norwegian Aqua is scheduled to begin sailing three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from PortMiami.

We are talking:

Long-weekend Cruise Therapy.

Three-night cruises are expected to depart on Fridays, while four-night sailings are expected to leave on Mondays.

Great Stirrup Cay (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Each itinerary is scheduled to include:

  • Nassau
  • Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Aqua is expected to offer more than 50 short cruises between late April and late October 2028.

That makes it easier to squeeze in a cruise between work schedules, school calendars, or one of those weeks when you suddenly realize:

I need to get on a ship before somebody gets on my nerves.

And now, when somebody asks:

“Didn’t you just get back from a cruise?”

You can respond:

“That was last weekend. Three nights. That wasn’t a vacation. That was maritime self-care.”

Norwegian Aqua will offer three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Miami beginning in 2028. (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Carnival Cruise Director Robby Howell Announces Retirement

Now for a bittersweet Carnival update.

Popular Carnival Cruise Director Robby Howell announced that he is retiring from ship life after approximately 10 years at sea.

Carnival Cruise Director Robby Howell is preparing to retire after about 10 years at sea. (Photo Credit: Robby Howell)

Howell said the decision was entirely his and that he is looking forward to starting a new chapter on land with his wife.

But he isn’t gone just yet.

His final cruise aboard Carnival Venezia is scheduled to leave Port Canaveral on November 1, with his Carnival career concluding when that voyage ends on November 8.

He is calling the remaining stretch:

“Robby’s Retirement Run.”

And I love that.

After spending a decade getting thousands of people to dance, laugh, sing, and participate in activities, Robby finally gets to wake up without having to say:

“GOOD MORNING, CARNIVAL FAMILY!”

Congratulations, Robby.

Somewhere, his alarm clock is already celebrating.

Passenger Dies After Fall Aboard Norwegian Getaway

We need to shift gears for the next story.

A male passenger aboard Norwegian Getaway died after falling from a balcony onto a lower deck late Sunday night, August 23.

The ship was on the final night of a three-night Bahamas cruise from Miami after visiting Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay.

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that the guest fell from a balcony to a lower deck.

Crew members immediately responded and attempted lifesaving measures, but sadly, the passenger did not survive.

His identity had not been publicly released at the time of the incident.

Most importantly, authorities had not determined the cause of the fall.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office was investigating the incident as an unclassified death investigation.

There is no need for speculation here.

Behind every headline is a family receiving news that changes their lives forever.

Our thoughts are with the passenger’s family, friends, fellow travelers, and the crew members who responded.

Sometimes Cruise Therapy takes on a very different meaning.

Authorities are investigating the death of a passenger aboard Norwegian Getaway after a fall from a balcony. (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Puerto Rico Faces Historic Drought and Water Rationing

Now let’s head ashore to Puerto Rico.

If you have an upcoming Puerto Rico vacation, cruise pre-stay, post-cruise hotel stay, or San Juan getaway, this is one update worth paying attention to.

Puerto Rico is facing a severe, historic drought.

According to the episode, San Juan had its driest July in 120 years, while nearly a quarter of Puerto Rico faced severe drought conditions.

Because of the water shortage, some areas began a 48-hours-on, 48-hours-off water rationing schedule on August 7.

That means water service alternates every two days in affected municipalities.

Travelers to Puerto Rico are being encouraged to conserve water and check conditions with their hotel before arrival. (Photo Credit: Reuters)

Should Travelers Cancel?

Not necessarily.

Hotels remain open.

Visitors are still welcome.

Many hotels have contingency plans in place.

But travelers are being asked to conserve water.

That includes:

  • Taking shorter showers
  • Turning off faucets while brushing your teeth
  • Reusing towels when possible
  • Avoiding unnecessary water use
  • Contacting your hotel before arrival

And yes…

This may finally be the vacation where that little bathroom sign saying:

“Help us save the planet—reuse your towel”

isn’t just the hotel trying to avoid doing laundry.

This time?

They really mean it.

Contact Your Hotel Before Traveling

Before leaving home, ask:

  • Is water service normal?
  • Are pools operating?
  • Are hotel restaurants open?
  • Are excursions running?
  • Are any services limited?
  • Is the property affected by rationing?

Five minutes on the phone could save you a lot of surprises after arrival.

Because the only hotel surprise I want is:

“Ms. Freeman, you’ve been upgraded to the Presidential Suite.”

That surprise?

I accept.

🌴 Travel Tip of the Day: Call the Hotel, Not Just the Airline

When a destination is experiencing a drought, storm, wildfire, flooding, or other local disruption, do not rely only on your airline or cruise line for information.

Your flight may be operating normally.

Your cruise may still be sailing.

But conditions at your hotel or destination may be very different.

Before departure, contact the property and ask:

  • Is water service normal?
  • Are restaurants operating?
  • Are pools open?
  • Are excursions running?
  • Are any areas closed?
  • Should I prepare differently?

Also review:

  • Your travel insurance
  • Hotel cancellation policies
  • Transportation arrangements
  • Excursion policies
  • Local emergency notices

A quick phone call before departure can prevent a vacation from starting with:

“Wait…nobody told me THAT.”

⚓ Key Takeaways

  • Disney Cruise Line announced Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries.
  • Disney Wish is scheduled to operate seven cruises from New York beginning in late September 2027.
  • New York itineraries will include destinations such as Bermuda, Canada, and New England.
  • Disney Magic will offer a new Panama Canal crossing.
  • Disney is adding more cruises from San Juan.
  • General reservations are scheduled to open September 8, 2026.
  • Norwegian Aqua will begin three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Miami in April 2028.
  • Each short Norwegian Aqua itinerary is expected to include Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay.
  • More than 50 short sailings are planned through late October 2028.
  • Carnival Cruise Director Robby Howell announced his retirement after about 10 years at sea.
  • His final Carnival Venezia sailing is scheduled to end November 8.
  • A passenger aboard Norwegian Getaway died after falling from a balcony onto a lower deck.
  • Authorities had not determined the cause of the fall at the time of the episode.
  • Puerto Rico is experiencing severe drought conditions.
  • Some municipalities are using a 48-hours-on, 48-hours-off water rationing schedule.
  • Travelers are still welcome but are being asked to conserve water.
  • Travelers should contact hotels directly when local conditions may affect a destination.

💬 Join the Conversation

Which story caught your attention?

Are you excited to see Disney Wish sailing from New York City?

Would you book a three-night Norwegian Aqua cruise just for a quick weekend getaway?

And if you had a Puerto Rico vacation planned during water rationing, would you still go and adjust your habits—or postpone the trip?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

I want to hear from you.

🚢 Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?

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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 Explora III at Fil Rouge, the French-inspired restaurant.

Order me the Tuna Tataki.

Now tell me…

What are you having?

Because if we’re aboard Explora III, I’m not looking at the prices.

We’ve already committed. 🚢🥂