The summer cruise season is well underway, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Houston has just issued a reminder for passengers to stay safe onboard.

With millions of cruisers set to sail across the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and beyond this summer, it’s important to remember the safety procedures and precautions to take at sea.

The FBI posted on X and Facebook this week to remind passengers what to do in the case of a crime onboard.

Crimes should be reported to security staff immediately, says the FBI

When a crime occurs on a cruise ship, the investigation looks different than when a crime occurs on land. In their social posts, the FBI urges passengers to report incidents immediately to cruise ship security.

“As summer vacations begin, the FBI reminds you that if you have been a victim of assault with serious bodily injury, kidnapping, [or] sexual assault aboard a cruise ship, report it to security staff immediately. If you are no longer on the cruise, contact your local police and the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.”

The Bureau encourages passengers to report the incident if they are a victim or a witness of a crime. If a passenger wants to report a crime after they disembark, they can report it at tips.fbi.gov, by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI, or by contacting their local FBI office.

Crimes at sea are quite rare

Although the FBI’s reminder might seem like a cause for concern, crimes on cruise ships are still relatively rare. Cruise ship crimes often make headlines due to their “shock” factor, but crime rates at sea remain infrequent compared to rates on land.

A study from Northeastern University, for example, compared the rates of homicide, assault, and sexual assault within the cruise industry to those rates in the mainland United States.

Statistics from eight cruise lines were studied in the research along with crime rates in U.S. cities with a population between 250,000 and 499,999 people.

When comparing violent crime rates per 100,000 population, the rates of homicide, sexual assault, and aggravated assault were significantly lower on cruise ships.

The average aggravated assault rate for passengers and crew, for instance, was just 2.6 per 100,000 people in the four years studied. The rate on land, on the other hand, was 432.2 cases of aggravated assault per 100,000 people.

Additionally, the Department of Transportation publishes a Cruise Vessel Security & Safety Act (CVSSA) Statistical Compilation each quarter. In Q3 of 2025, a total of 47 alleged incidents were reported to the FBI among seven mass market cruise lines.

The report can be found here.

If a crime does occur at sea, the FBI has jurisdiction in many cases

It’s no secret that cruise ships have their own security personnel and holding cells onboard, but in many cases, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has jurisdiction over the investigation.

When applicable, the FBI investigates offenses and enforces United States law on cruise ships. In most cases, the Bureau has jurisdiction in the following circumstances:

• The crime occurs within maritime jurisdiction of the United States
• The crime is committed by or against a U.S. national
• The crime occurs on a sailing departing from or returning to the United States
• The vessel is wholly or partially owned by a U.S. national or company

U.S. citizens sailing on cruise ship itineraries that do not visit the United States can still contact the FBI to report a crime. Depending on the location of the crime and the nationalities of perpetrators and victims involved, though, the FBI may not have jurisdiction over the case.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act aims to improve safety

In 2010, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) was signed into law, which aims to improve the safety and security of passengers on cruise ships.

The law applies to cruise ships that carry at least 250 passengers and call upon a U.S. port. According to the law, ships must comply with the following requirements, among others:

• Staterooms and crew cabins must be equipped with security latches and time-sensitive key technology
• The vessel should have technology to capture images of and/or detect passengers who have fallen overboard
• Vessels must maintain a video surveillance system for the purpose of documenting crimes and providing evidence to law enforcement
• Vessels must carry equipment for and conduct training on how to preserve forensic evidence
• Passengers should be provided with a security guide in commonly understood English

The CVSSA does not apply to cruise ships operating outside of the United States, although cruise lines must still follow the regulations and safety standards of the region they are operating in.

Safety is of utmost importance for cruise lines, and the FBI is there to help

By and large, passengers are safer on a cruise ship than they are on land. Cruise ships take meticulous care in keeping up with security and safety standards onboard.

In the early days of cruising, there was a lack of standardized safety regulations on cruise ships. As the years passed, though, it became clear that it was just as important to enforce safety and legal regulations at sea as it was on land.

Today, for example, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the leading cruise trade association in the industry, and CLIA members must adhere to legal requirements for reporting crimes on cruise ships. 59 cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, are members of CLIA.

In the case of a crime onboard, passengers should feel secure and confident that they can report the crime and that it will be investigated in a detailed manner.

Even though cruise ship crimes are still somewhat rare, it’s helpful to know who to contact when you need to report a crime or give a statement. The FBI is available to assist in these situations.

A passenger sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas has been charged following an alleged incident during a recent Caribbean cruise. Authorities say the man attempted to photograph beneath a teenage girl’s dress while onboard the ship.

According to USA Today, an affidavit from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office states that 25-year-old Matthew Stilwell of Pawnee, Illinois, was charged with three counts of video voyeurism following an incident that allegedly occurred aboard the cruise ship on May 31, 2026. Video voyeurism is a criminal offense involving the alleged use of a recording device to secretly capture images of another person without their consent.

WPLG Local 10 News reported that the alleged victim was a 13-year-old girl sailing aboard Allure of the Seas. The teen reported that Stilwell had attempted to use his cellphone to photograph underneath her dress while the two were inside one of the ship’s onboard shops.

The incident reportedly took place during an Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard Allure of the Seas, which departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on May 30, 2026.

At the time, CruiseMapper shows Allure of the Seas was sailing an 8-night round-trip Eastern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale. The itinerary included visits to Basseterre, St. Kitts; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning to Florida.

According to the affidavit, the alleged incident occurred on May 31, 2026, while the ship was at sea en route to St. Kitts.

Alleged incident occurred inside ship gift shop

According to deputies, the girl told investigators she was browsing jewelry inside Allure of the Seas’ gift shop when she became aware of Stilwell’s behavior.

An arrest report states that the victim noticed Stilwell was “standing unusually close behind her with the camera application open on his cellphone.”

Authorities said the victim reported that Stilwell attempted to take photographs underneath her dress on three separate occasions. The girl eventually ran to her mother and reported what had happened, according to investigators.

The arrest report also indicated that Stilwell and the alleged victim were known to each other prior to the incident.

Investigation began after Allure of the Seas returned to Florida

According to CruiseMapper, Allure of the Seas returned to Port Everglades on June 7, 2026, at the end of the 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Following the ship’s arrival back in Fort Lauderdale, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies boarded the vessel and began investigating the allegations.

As part of the investigation, authorities reviewed surveillance footage from onboard cameras. According to the affidavit, CCTV footage from the ship corroborated the victim’s account of the incident.

Following the review of surveillance footage, deputies also interviewed Stilwell. According to reporting by WPLG Local 10 News, details regarding an alleged confession were redacted from the publicly released arrest report.

Based on the investigation, Stilwell was arrested and charged with three counts of video voyeurism. Court records reviewed by USA Today did not list an attorney for Stilwell at the time of publication.

According to WPLG, Stilwell was taken into custody on June 7, 2026. The station reported that he was being held at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Broward County. Jail records cited by WPLG showed his bond was set at $22,500.

Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on the alleged incident, and the cruise line did not immediately respond to USA Today’s request for a statement.

The United States and Iran reached an initial deal to end the war — and that's good news for cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean.

The announcement of the end of the US-Iran war announced on Sunday, and one of the ripple effects has been oil prices plummeting.

The two countries finally reached an agreement in June to extend their ongoing ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, The Associated Press reported. 

Cruise companies like Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corporation & plc, benefit directly when major geopolitical tensions ease. This is because lower conflict risk in shipping corridors like the Strait of Hormuz helps stabilize fuel costs and reduces the chance of once-in-a-lifetime itineraries being rerouted. 

Stock markets also typically react positively to geopolitical de-escalation. According to The Associated Press, stock markets were rallying worldwide on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 719 points, or 1.4%, as of 12:20 p.m. EST. The Nasdaq composite was 3% higher, too. 

Already, Royal Caribbean Group has seen shares move higher in early trading on June 15. The 14% jump over the past five days highlights how quickly cruise stocks can rebound when there are fewer risk concerns and more optimism. 

The US-Iran War began in February, when the United States and Israel began a series of sustained air and missile strikes against Iran, targeting the country's missile infrastructure, military sites, and leadership. During these strikes, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and several other high officials were killed.

The situation has been fluid since it began, with a brief ceasefire in April. The truce was violated numerous times by both sides, though. Additionally, both the U.S. and Iran had their own ideas of what the peace agreement would look like, with Iran quickly rejecting the first proposal for a 45-day two-phase ceasefire framework. Instead, they proposed their own 10-point plan.  

Although the war won't end overnight, world leaders from Europe to China welcomed the agreement, despite the uncertainty surrounding key issues like Iran's nuclear weapons program. 

The US-Iran deal will positively impact global oil prices

One reason the stock market is rebounding is that crude oil prices are dropping. The Associated Press said Brent crude oil fell 5.4% to $82.61, back to the same level as early March. 

Although that's still higher than the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil before the war, it is lower than the $120 peak seen not too long ago. 

Unsurprisingly, fuel is one of the cruise industry's largest and most volatile expenses. In Q4 2025, Royal Caribbean consumed 439,000 metric tons of fuel at $667 per metric ton, according to GuruFocus. Additionally, the company projects using 1.76 million metric tons throughout 2026, at a total cost of roughly $1.17 billion. 

60% of Royal Caribbean's 2026 fuel was hedged (or pre-bought) at $474 per metric ton, but the remaining 40% is subject to market fluctuations. This means that moderate changes in crude prices have a meaningful impact on costs and future earnings.

The decrease in the price of a barrel of crude oil translates to lower fuel volatility, which strengthens profit forecasts for Royal Caribbean Group. 

Still, the Strait of Hormuz, which carried a fifth of the world's crude oil before the war, won't open right away. As such, it will take months for the global oil crisis sparked by its closure to let up. 

One of the biggest events on planet Earth has finally started, and Royal Caribbean has decorated its ships to join in on the celebration. 

The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially began on Thursday, June 11, in Mexico City. 

Over the next five and a half weeks, 48 soccer teams from across the world will compete in 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

Why is this such a big deal? For starters, this is the largest World Cup in history, with the roster being expanded from 32 teams to 48. 

As such, FIFA expects attendance to top five million and generate around $3 billion in revenue — that's more than four times the ticket revenue of the men's World Cup in Qatar in 2022!

The momentum and excitement aren't limited to soccer stadiums or sports bars, either. Those on Royal Caribbean cruises have reported seeing World Cup-themed décor aboard ships. 

With Miami, Florida, serving as one of the key host cities for the tournament, the cruise line is embracing that connection through themed onboard programming and special events.

For starters, ship pubs have been transformed. The ceilings are lined with promotional flags, and the walls are accented with balloons matching team colors. 

Royal Caribbean also has an ongoing drink special called "Team Spirit," available for $14 (or included with the Deluxe Beverage Package). The base of the beverage is the same, comprised of pineapple, mango, and lemon juices. 

However, guests can choose a spirit to reflect the different countries represented in the tournament. 

These include:

• USA — Tito's Handmade Vodka
• Netherlands — Ketel One Vodka
• France — Courvoisier VS
• England — Beefeater London Dry Gin
• Mexico — Casamigos Tequila Blanco 
• USA — Maker's Mark Bourbon
• Canada — Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
• Brazil — Leblon Cachaça
• Spain — Vilarnau Cava Brut Sparkling Wine
• Germany — Jägermeister

And what's a themed cocktail if you can't watch the ongoing matches that inspired it? 

According to the cruise line, World Cup games will air across the ship in venues like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. They will also be broadcast on pool deck television screens and in all cabins. 

Thanks to Royal Caribbean's Starlink Wi-Fi, it's also possible for guests to stream highlights, follow social media reactions, check scores, and communicate with friends and family about ongoing soccer matches.

Other Royal Caribbean FIFA World Cup 2026 Programming

Since Royal Caribbean is the Official Miami World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, the cruise line will play a visible role in local events tied to the tournament.

For example, at the FIFA Fan Festival™ Miami, Royal Caribbean will host an interactive 30x30 fan zone. Here, guests can play games, enjoy giveaways, and capture unique photo moments. 

Royal Caribbean will also activate a rock-climbing wall integrated into the existing playground outside the fan zone. 

Even Royal Caribbean's Chief Dog Officer, Rover, is joining in on the fun. She'll star in a special seven-episode social series called "Rover's World Cup Picks" that will be hosted by Ben Black and filmed aboard Icon of the Seas. 

The series will follow Rover as she predicts the winners throughout the tournament. According to Royal Caribbean, this offers a "fun and highly shareable fan engagement angle" to the World Cup experience. 

Royal Caribbean has been hit with a lawsuit by a former passenger who blames the cruise line for her accidentally tripping over another guest's mobility scooter. 

Colleen Parsons of Florida filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Group in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on May 18, 2026, accusing the cruise line of negligence.

Here's allegedly what happened: On June 22, 2025, Parsons was sailing aboard Jewel of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship that launched in 2004, when she tripped over a large mobility scooter in Casino Royale. 

According to the lawsuit, Parsons claims that she was in the overcrowded casino when another guest bumped into her, forcing her into the path of the parked mobility scooter. 

As a result of the fall, Parsons fractured her left wrist and required surgery, resulting in permanent scarring. According to the lawsuit, she's seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and the diminished enjoyment and value of her cruise vacation.

However, Parsons isn't seeking legal action against the other passengers involved in the accident. Rather, she's accusing Royal Caribbean of negligence for failing to maintain a safe environment and to warn passengers of a hazard in the walkway.

The lawsuit also claims that crew members aboard the 90,090 gross-ton ship failed to establish or enforce proper safety protocols for operating and parking mobility scooters.

Royal Caribbean mobility scooter policy

To keep things running in tip-top shape, Royal Caribbean has a ton of rules and policies. Technically, when guests book a cruise, they automatically agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the cruise contract. These range from onboard conduct to accessibility equipment, safety requirements, and prohibited items.

"Assistive devices including mobility scooters must be stored and recharged in your stateroom so fire doors, corridors and elevator lobbies are kept clear for emergency evacuation. When parked throughout the ship, they must be parked out of the way to allow safe and easy access by other guests and crewmembers," states Royal Caribbean's website. 

"Assistive devices should fit through a standard stateroom entry doorway which is at least 23 inches wide. We offer accessible staterooms which have wider doors which are at least 32 inches wide and may accommodate larger devices. If you have an assistive device larger than 32 inches wide, please contact our Access Department for assistance."

This case is one of many personal injury lawsuits filed against Royal Caribbean this year

Cruise lines can face frustrating legal challenges when passengers are injured on board. The circumstances of each case vary, but plaintiffs often argue that the cruise line failed to maintain a reasonably safe environment or address potential hazards.

For example, earlier this year, Jaimie Lewis, of California, filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit seeking damages of more than $75,000 after slipping and falling aboard Harmony of the Seas. 

Lewis claims that she slipped on a walkway in the ship's Central Park neighborhood and fell backward onto the hard deck in November 2024 after a rainstorm. 

(Credit: Jeanne Grubbs / Facebook)

According to the lawsuit, there weren't any visible wet-floor warning signs to alert passengers of the danger, despite the ship's crew being aware of the hazard. Consequently, Lewis' legal team argues that the lack of signage, warning cones, or verbal warnings left her unaware of the danger, directly leading to her accident.

More recently, Tanya Jones, of Australia, filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean after slipping and falling on a wet and slippery outdoor flooring surface aboard Voyager of the Seas, resulting in serious and permanent injuries.

The complaint states that Jones encountered dangerous, slippery floors on one of the outdoor decks, caused by an accumulation of a wet foreign substance. 

Furthermore, Jones' lawsuit blames Royal Caribbean for allegedly failing to properly inspect and maintain the area, despite being aware of the danger through prior incidents across its fleet involving similar accidents on the same type of outdoor deck. 

An ultra-low-cost carrier with a strong presence across major Florida airports abruptly shut down operations.

Spirit Airlines, America's eighth-largest carrier, filed for bankruptcy for the second time in August 2025, facing significant financial challenges for years. 

The airline had hoped to exit bankruptcy as a restructured airline this summer. However, a recent 80% increase in the price of jet fuel shattered those plans. 

The Trump administration recently proposed a $500 million bailout package, but a key group of creditors pushed back, CNN reported. This would have seen the government take up to a 90% equity stake in the airline. 

Consequently, Spirit began to wind down its operations on Saturday, May 2, 2026. They are the first major U.S. airline to go out of business because of financial problems in over two decades. 

The decision impacts over 17,000 workers — including thousands of Spirit employees and contractors — and leaves countless travelers stranded, scrambling to find alternative travel plans.

"We regret to inform you that all Spirit flights have been cancelled, effective immediately. Guests with previously confirmed Spirit tickets should not go to the airport... For more information about the wind-down process, please visit spiritrestructuring.com," reads a pop-up notice on the Spirit mobile app. 

(Credit: Hayley Robertson)

Spirit added that they can't help passengers rebook flights on another airline. However, they will automatically issue refunds to flyers who bought tickets directly through the airline with a credit or debit card. 

"We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come," Spirit Airlines said in a statement. 

How Spirit Airlines' closure impacts cruise passengers

Spirit Airlines has long had a strong presence at major Florida airports like Orlando International Airport (MCO), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). 

It built a large network of low-cost routes to popular cities with frequent departures, making it a go-to option for budget-conscious travelers.

Spirit's closure will likely impact thousands of cruise passengers, many of whom rely on affordable, convenient flights into Florida's major cities and cruise hubs like Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and PortMiami. 

For example, when booking flights to MCO for a seven-night cruise from Port Canaveral, I have personally seen just how big the price gap could be. Recently, I chose Spirit over American Airlines, which wanted over $480 per person. In comparison, the round-trip Spirit Airlines flight was just $239, including a checked bag. 

For a family of four, that cost difference amounts to nearly $1,000 in savings, which could go toward add-ons like shore excursions, drink packages, specialty dining, or even a higher stateroom category. 

Not only that, but the airline's sudden closure comes as the busy summer season ramps up. Flight prices are already higher than usual thanks to the higher fuel prices caused by the war in Iran. With fewer low-cost seats available and demand for flights surging, last-minute fares will be costly.

Read more: The new rules of cruising from Orlando you need to follow

There's also a chance that Spirit’s closure will affect airfare competition across key markets in the months to come, likely leading to higher ticket prices. The industry is already highly consolidated, with four major carriers — United, American, Delta, and Southwest — controlling nearly 80% of flights available to passengers. 

Moving forward, Spirit's creditors will liquidate the airline's assets to recoup their costs. This means they will sell everything from the famed bright yellow planes to leases, gates, ground equipment, and even office furniture. 

Royal Caribbean Group has launched a brand-new foundation and even announced its inaugural pledge to support medical residents in South Florida. 

The Royal Caribbean Group Foundation builds on the company's 30-year legacy of global investments in education, local economies, and environmental preservation.

It also advances the company's longstanding belief in tourism as an economic vitality engine and its commitment to creating positive community impact. 

The Royal Caribbean Group Foundation's inaugural pledge goes toward an emergency medicine residency program at Jackson Health System in South Florida. 

As such, the Royal Caribbean Group Foundation Emergency Medicine Residency Program will help strengthen and empower future physicians in South Florida.

Another goal of the foundation's philanthropic partnerships is to expand its ability to collaborate with global organizations and institutions that support economic opportunity, community well-being, and environmental stewardship.

"Strong communities are essential to delivering exceptional vacation experiences, and the Royal Caribbean Group Foundation reflects the company’s belief that tourism can be a force for long-term positive change," said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

"Supporting the education of emergency medicine physicians in South Florida is an example of how we invest in the long-term vitality of the places we operate, contributing to the essential systems that help communities thrive and sustain meaningful economic opportunity."

The new foundation aligns with Royal Caribbean's SEA the Future sustainability program

SEA the Future launched in 2023 and focuses on sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation. 

The sustainability initiative helps Royal Caribbean Group protect the planet by enhancing energy efficiency, responsibly treating water, and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. 

Everything from reducing food waste to onboard recycling programs and water management policies helps the company work toward its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

In addition, Royal Caribbean Group employees have contributed thousands of volunteer hours supporting education, disaster relief, ocean conservation, and community development initiatives around the world.

And the Royal Caribbean Group Foundation is just another step in the company's mission to invest in the long-term vitality of the destinations people are eager to discover.

Other purposeful projects include:

• $15 million in scholarships awarded to 6,660+ students since 1998
• 235+ community partners supported across 85+ destinations in 2025
• $13 million invested in conservation efforts and transformational operations work with the World Wildlife Fund since 2016
• $1.6 million donated to disaster relief in 2025
• 15 years of operating L'Ecole Nouvelle Royal Caribbean (ENRC) school in Haiti with 4,600 graduates and 700 scholarships awarded
• 280+ scholarships awarded to United Kingdom Cadet Program maritime students
• 26 reimagined educational spaces impacting 26,000+ teachers and 400,000+ students over 20 years

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals behind-the-scenes secret to how cruise ships make their own water

One unlucky person thought they were getting a good deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise, only to be defrauded out of over $45,000 and end up without a confirmed reservation. 

Antonio Diaz, 65, and his wife, Maria Blasco Diaz, 64, of Miami, Florida, were arrested on April 7 for allegedly stealing over $200,000 from friends and family members under the guise of offering discounted luxury items, including high-end watches, jewelry, and travel packages, according to a press release from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO).

One of the victims asked Blasco Diaz for cruise advice since she was a frequent cruiser. She then allegedly claimed that she could get cruise discounts through a friend who works for Royal Caribbean.

"Ms. Diaz offered cruise excursions, drink packages, room upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and travel insurance," said the arrest report cited by another media outlet. The victim then " paid Mr. and Ms. Diaz a total of $44,910 through Zelle, checks, and cash. Checks were all cashed by Ms. Diaz and the Zelle payments were sent to Mr. Diaz." 

The victim believed the offers were legitimate and looked forward to their Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Odyssey of the Seas, scheduled to depart on July 9, 2023. However, none of the promised travel arrangements were ever provided or confirmed. Blasco Diaz went as far as claiming that her friend had even been fired by the cruise line. 

Although the victim was given checks for partial repayment, they "were later determined to be drawn from a newly opened account with insufficient funds," an affidavit in the case reads. 

Eventually, the victim contacted Royal Caribbean directly, who informed them that, although the reservation number was valid, it was not assigned to her or any of her family members.

Blasco Diaz also promised to repay the victim the remaining funds using a home equity line of credit. Per the arrest report, however, that never happened. 

Travel wasn't the pair's only scheme. They reportedly took in nearly $139,000 in deposits for more than a dozen Rolex watches and a Patek Philippe watch, claiming buyers would receive a 50% discount through Diaz's job at a jewelry store.

Not the first cruise-related travel scam

(Credit: LongIsland.com)

This unfortunate story is just another example of why it's important to vet travel agents before handing over money. 

In January 2026, Tavia Thomas, 47, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of grand larceny and schemes to defraud after stealing over $50,000 from clients, police confirmed. 

Thomas was a Long Island-based travel agent and the CEO and Destination Travel Specialist of her company, Destiny Travel. However, she used that position to gain trust and defrauded families by taking payments for vacations and failing to book them.

One victim, for example, was planning to sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Bayonne, New Jersey. They gave Thomas over $35,000 in cruise payments and assumed that they were good to go. However, when they arrived at the cruise terminal, they were told that the booking confirmations were fake and were denied boarding. 

Read more: Travel agent arrested after defrauding nine families out of over $35,000 for fake Royal Caribbean bookings

Travel agents are useful tools and can make your vacation planning process easier

Travel agents handle the meticulous details of planning a cruise, from confirming your stateroom to arranging transportation and booking add-ons. When done right, all you have to do is focus on catching your flight and having a memorable getaway. 

They should never create problems for you or keep important booking details from you, like the alleged scammers in Florida and New York. As Diaz, Blasco Diaz, and Thomas proved, not all travel agents or industry professionals operate with the same level of professionalism or commitment to client care. 

It also underscores your responsibility as a consumer to thoroughly vet any travel professional before giving your confidential payment information. 

In the case of Blasco Diaz's victim, the situation could have likely been avoided had they inquired about the alleged Royal Caribbean employee to book with them directly, rather than having a middleman "handle" the arrangements. 

If you aren't sure where to begin your travel agent search, I recommend asking friends and family members for recommendations. Another option is to find agencies affiliated with reputable organizations, like the American Society of Travel Advisors (the world's leading association of travel professionals).

Moreover, never let any friends handle your reservation on your behalf. If they recommend a travel agent, insist on working with them directly. And even then, you'll want to verify the agent’s credentials and avoid sending large sums of money through unsecured payment methods. 

Four Royal Caribbean ships are currently out of service in dry dock at the same time.

Three of the vessels are undergoing major Royal Amplification upgrades, while one is receiving routine maintenance to ensure that she stays fully operable and in good condition for years to come. 

Ovation of the Seas was the first ship to begin this year's busy dry dock season, arriving in Singapore on March 16, 2026. Harmony of the Seas followed, with the work on the Oasis Class ship starting on April 2. Liberty of the Seas is next, entering the shipyard in late April to undergo her long-awaited Royal Amplification upgrades. 

Odyssey of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship currently in dry dock for routine maintenance. 

Here's everything we know about the work that the cruise line has ordered for all the vessels in dry dock right now. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean just announced major upgrades to its cruise ships

Ovation of the Seas Dry Dock

Ovation of the Seas is in dry dock in Singapore. She's expected to re-enter service on April 17, embarking on a 14-night one-way cruise from Singapore to Japan. 

Guests can look forward to a range of enhancements across the ship, including new restaurants, updated entertainment venues, refreshed accommodations, and restored public spaces.

For starters, 40 new staterooms are being added to the Quantum Class ship, including the popular (and expensive) Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suites. 

Ovation will also receive a renovated pool deck, expanded casino, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Teppanyaki, the tiki-themed Pesky Parrot bar, and a new nightlife spot called Sound Cellar.

To make room for these additions and changes, a few amenities are being axed. The Bionic Bar, for instance, is being replaced by the Pesky Parrot, Izumi Teppanyaki will take the space of the whimsical Wonderland specialty restaurant, and Jamie's Italian will be transformed into Giovanni’s.

Finally, the Music Hall will be replaced by an expanded Casino Royale and the new Sound Cellar venue. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals plans to upgrade one of its cruise ships with a giant casino, new restaurants, and more

Harmony of the Seas Dry Dock

Next up on the docket is Harmony of the Seas. She is stationed in Cádiz, Spain, and is expected to return to service on May 21, offering a quick 3-night getaway to celebrate her new upgrades. 

Although Harmony is one of Royal Caribbean's newer mega-ships, the dry dock work will give her the line's newest innovations and freshen up public spaces. 

Updates include a new Caribbean-style pool area with The Lime & Coconut bar, El Loco Fresh, a redesigned adult-only Solarium, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, relocated Crown Lounge, the largest Casino Royale in the fleet, Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade, and Pesky Parrot Bar. 

And like Ovation of the Seas, they're adding more than 90 new cabins to Harmony of the Seas, including the Ultimate Family Suite. 

What's on its way out? Wonderland, Sabor, the Bionic Bar, and the Conference Center. The total square footage of the Solarium is also being reduced to make way for new suites. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add upgrades to the biggest ship it's ever changed. Here's what's planned

Liberty of the Seas Dry Dock

Liberty of the Seas was supposed to undergo her Royal Amplification dry dock in 2021, but those plans were canceled due to the industry shutdown during the global pandemic. 

Now, she's en route to Europe to finally get her much-needed upgrades. Liberty departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 3 on a one-way cruise to England. She'll arrive in Southampton on April 19, then head to the shipyard. 

Liberty of the Seas will receive similar changes as the Harmony and Ovation ships, including a reimagined pool deck, a new Royal Escape Room concept, more cabins, and an expanded casino. 

She will also get new food and beverage options, including El Loco Fresh, The Lime & Coconut bar, Izumi Teppanyaki, and Starbucks.

Venues being removed from Liberty of the Seas include Sabor, the Card Room on Deck 10, The Connoisseur Club, On Air, and Boleros. 

After the work is completed, Liberty will begin her summer European season on May 29. She'll offer various itineraries from Southampton to destinations like Norway, Germany, Spain, and Portugal before moving to Galveston in October.  

Read more: Royal Caribbean will upgrade Liberty of the Seas cruise ship with new restaurants, cabins, and more

Odyssey of the Seas Dry Dock

Finally, Odyssey of the Seas is in southern France for a cruise ship dry dock. She was floated into a narrow basin of water, which was then drained to allow technicians and mechanics easy access to the ship's hull. 

Although Royal Caribbean has not disclosed what work is being performed on the Quantum Class ship, dry docks typically include routine mechanical work; inspections of propeller blades, thrusters, stabilizers, and navigation software; cleaning of the hull with a power-washing system; and replacing any worn or damaged parts. 

Minor interior refurbishments may also be completed, such as repainting venues or replacing worn carpets and bedding. In short, a dry dock is when the cruise line gets a chance to give the ship a little more attention that can't be done when there are thousands of passengers on board. 

(Credit: Sarges Raffy / Facebook)

Odyssey of the Seas will return to service on April 16, embarking on an 8-night cruise from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. 

Days before the war in Iran reached the one-month mark, the U.S. Department of State issued a "worldwide caution" alert for American travelers. 

"The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate," reads the recent security alert. 

"U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world," the department added. 

Recently, the Trump administration began considering deploying thousands of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East. Two anonymous sources told Reuters that the troops would be coming from the U.S. Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division. The soldiers are stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Additionally, Iran dismissed a U.S. ceasefire plan and made a counterproposal demanding reparations, as reported by NPR. These conditions include safeguards against future attacks on Iran, the payment of war reparations to the country, and full recognition of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

The situation remains very fluid, and it's important to research your destination's specific advisories before setting sail. High-risk areas are dangerous, and by visiting, you could be putting yourself at risk. There's also a chance that the U.S. will have limited ability to help in an emergency. 

That said, the new alert isn't banning U.S. citizens from traveling. Rather, it urges heightened vigilance and monitoring of local conditions. 

Six Cruise Ships Remain Stuck in the Arabian Gulf

After the U.S.-Israel attacks, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. This important waterway connects the Arabian Gulf to the rest of the world. Consequently, the closure greatly disrupted maritime traffic, including cruise itineraries. 

On an average day, around 138 vessels travel through the Strait of Hormuz. However, on March 24, the Joint Maritime Information Center reported there were just four transits on March 22 and six on March 23. 

"The overall maritime threat environment remains at a critical level due to recent attack patterns, continued navigation interference, and persistent operational disruption, to include port facilities, across the region," the report adds.

As of March 25, six cruise ships remain stuck in Gulf Arab countries due to the closure, including MSC Euribia, Mein Schiff 4, Mein Schiff 5, Celestyal Discovery, Celestyal Journey, and Aroya. 

The Strait's closure has also greatly affected travel and daily life globally. For example, the Strait of Hormuz regularly sees 20% of global oil shipments. With oil tankers not being able to make their way to other ports, the price of oil has risen around the world.

Fortune reported that the cost of Brent oil, the main global oil benchmark, traded at $99.75 per barrel on March 25, 2026. One month ago, the price was just $71.49 per barrel. 

Read more: Multiple Cruise Ships Remain Stuck in the Arabian Gulf