Cruise News July 30, 2017

Our countdown is on. We have only a few more weeks until our next cruise on Majesty of the Seas. As we begin to pack and plan, we are keeping our eyes on the weather. Of course, we are always on the lookout for the latest cruise updates as well. So, we are back this week with the freshest Cruise News July 30, 2017.

Cruise News July 30, 2017

Carnival Cruise Line Most Likely Staying in Mobile

Earlier this week, Carnival Cruise line hinted that it will be staying put in Mobile, AL. The cruise line has been offering sailings from the port since it returned to the city in November 2016. Technically, the company is booking cruises departing the port through 2018; however, the contract with the city actually runs out at the end of this year. That is why many were relieved to hear that contract negotiations are officially in the works between the city and the cruise line. Carnival unexpectedly stopped offering cruises from the port in 2011 and only returned last year once the city agreed to upgrade the facilities.

Cruise News July 30, 2017 – Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Changes Menu at Sabor

Don’t worry, the change is not permanent. Our friends over at the Royal Caribbean Blog have reported that Royal Caribbean has temporarily changed the menu at Sabor. This select menu will most likely be in effect for European sailings only. Currently, the menu has been spotted on Navigator of the Seas which is cruising from Southampton on Mediterranean itineraries. The restaurant is now serving Indian inspired dishes. The change reflects cultural preferences and tastes of travelers in the region. Opinions are split on whether the restaurant should remain in this new form when it returns to the Caribbean later this year. Which would you prefer- a Mexican restaurant or an Indian restaurant?

Norwegian Cruise Line Might Change Pricing at Margaritaville at Sea

NCL’s Margaritaville at Sea is one of our favorite casual restaurants on any cruise ship. Who can resist those volcano nachos? Well, perhaps fewer cruisers will dine here after some recent changes. It was leaked to Cruise Critic that the cruise line is testing a flat-fee pricing onboard Norwegian Breakaway. Margaritaville at Sea has been an a la carte restaurant up to this point. So far, the reviews have not been very supportive of this change on social media. Many cruisers are dismayed at the new $14.99 per person cover charge. We tend to agree that this flat-fee is a bit expensive for what is offered at the restaurant. Do you agree? Let us know in the Comments section below.

Margaritaville on Norwegian Getaway

Top Cruise Ports of 2017

The votes have all been counted. Cruisers have let their destination choices be heard. The annual Cruise Critic Destination Choice Awards were unveiled last week. For another year in a row, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay took the honors as the top private island destination. Other notable winners included Kings Wharf, Bermuda for top destination on the Eastern Side of the Caribbean and Cozumel, Mexico on the Western side of the Caribbean. Other categories included best Alaskan destination, best ports in the Baltic and Scandinavian region, Hawaii, and more. In total, winners were announced in 15 separate categories. How many of the top winners have you visited?

Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park in Cozumel, Mexico

New Expedition Cruise Ship Coming in 2018

The last few years have seen a boom in the number of expedition ships taking travelers to the far outreaches of the world. Earlier this week, Cruise Industry News reported that another ship will be hitting the waters next fall. Mystic Cruises revealed plans to build a 200 passenger expedition ship. The new MS World Explorer will be able to take passengers to locales that most larger cruise ships can’t. The luxury cruise ship will be the first of a new class for the cruise line. In addition to providing luxury accommodations, the ship will leverage Rolls-Royce technology. Itineraries have not been set yet, but look for the ship to visit places like Antarctica in the not so distant future.

Comments

Did we miss any major developments from last week in our latest edition of Cruise News July 30, 2017? Do you have any headlines to share? Drop us an anchor below with your cruise news.