Royal Caribbean changed an itinerary on its newest ship to avoid Tropical Storm Jerry. 

The disturbance developed into a tropical storm on October 7, which prompted Star of the Seas to cancel a scheduled port of call in St. Maarten. Instead, the 248,663 gross-ton ship will remain in San Juan, Puerto Rico, overnight on Oct 8. 

The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departed on Sunday, Oct. 5, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Thankfully, guests were able to enjoy their visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Monday, followed by a day at sea on Tuesday. 

"Due to the expected path of Tropical Storm Jerry, The A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities wishes to inform the public of the following ship cancellation: Star of the Seas. Thursday, October 9th, 2025," the Port St. Maarten Group shared on Facebook. 

A current passenger confirmed the change, saying that the Cruise Director delivered the news via the intercom across the ship and into everyone's cabins. 

"[The] cruise director [spoke] right to our cabin in an announcement. Two days in San Juan instead," Sheri Edmondson-Wood commented on Port St. Maarten Group's post. 

Star of the Seas arrived in Puerto Rico around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8. She will remain there overnight until Oct. 9, giving guests more time to enjoy Puerto Rican cuisine and take advantage of the nightlife. 

Read more: Cruising in hurricane season: What you need to know

A few weeks ago, Star had another Caribbean itinerary changed to avoid a strengthening tropical storm system in the Atlantic Ocean.

Rather than sailing to the Eastern Caribbean, Royal Caribbean's newest ship headed west to steer clear of the storm and rough seas. This meant they did not visit the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas. 

Guests were notified of the itinerary change before embarkation in an email. 

How strong is Tropical Storm Jerry?

As of the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) 11:00 a.m. AST advisory on Oct. 8, Tropical Storm Jerry had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was headed west-northwest at 23 mph. 

Tropical Storm Jerry is the 10th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and could strengthen into a hurricane by Thursday as it continues to churn over the open ocean. 

Regardless, the storm is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to parts of the northern Leeward Islands, British Virgin Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands, including heavy rainfall from Thursday to Saturday. 

Tropical storm watches have been placed into effect for cruise destinations like St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Antigua, and Anguilla.

As such, more cruise ships will likely begin to adjust their plans, especially those with scheduled visits to the Eastern Caribbean, as Jerry continues on its projected path. 

For example, Oasis of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship currently on a 7-night Caribbean cruise, is expected to call at St. Kitts on Oct. 9. 

Read more: I booked a cruise during hurricane season. Although the itinerary was changed, I had a great time

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas will skip two ports of call on its current Panama Canal cruise due to two storms in the Pacific Ocean. 
 

Guests sailing aboard Radiance of the Seas' October 4, 2025, cruise were notified that they'd no longer visit Cabo San Lucas or Mazatlán. Instead, the ship will spend two extra days at sea on Oct. 6 and 7. 

"Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been closely monitoring a tropical disturbance that is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone forming along our voyage path," reads the email sent to impacted passengers. 

"These [storms’] forecast track makes it hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey toward Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán, Mexico. So, after exploring all of our options, we’ve decided to enjoy two (2) Sea Days instead."

Although skipping two ports is disappointing, Royal Caribbean emphasized that the safety and comfort of its guests and crew remain the company’s top priority.

Moreover, passengers will receive a non-refundable onboard credit based on their stateroom category as compensation:

• Inside: $75 USD
• Outside: $100 USD
• Balcony: $175 USD
• Suite: $200 USD
• 3rd or more guests: $25 USD per person

Any pre-paid excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Cabo and Mazatlán will be refunded as onboard credit that can be used anywhere on the ship. Unused credit from the refunded tours will be reimbursed to the credit card associated with the guests' onboard account at the end of the sailing. 

The email continues, "We’re terribly sorry for this last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather."

Reminder to "washy washy"

After nearly 100 passengers were sickened on a recent sailing on Serenade of the Seas, Royal Caribbean reminded guests of the importance of washing their hands frequently, especially since illnesses like norovirus can spread quickly in shared spaces:

"As we’ll be spending more days at sea than planned, we want to remind you to please wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after restroom breaks and again before eating."

"We also encourage you to use the complimentary hand sanitizing gel available throughout the ship as often as possible. The gel should be rubbed thoroughly and continuously until your hands are dry. However, the hand sanitizing gel is not a substitution for thorough hand washing with soap and warm water."

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

Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Octave

Hurricane Priscilla continued to strengthen early Monday in the Pacific Ocean, with gusty winds and heavy rains affecting the coastal areas of southwest Mexico. 

As of 11 a.m. MST, Hurricane Priscilla had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, making the storm a Category 1. Moreover, Hurricane Priscilla was headed north-northwest at 6 mph and was about 245 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.

Octave became a hurricane on Sunday but was downgraded to a tropical storm on Monday morning. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the weakening Tropical Storm Octave was headed eastward with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. 

Would you live on a cruise ship for over two months?

Jack Reynolds, who runs the digital marketing and social media agency SizzleHQ, is doing just that. Reynolds set sail on August 31, 2025, with plans to spend 78 days on cruise ships. 

Earlier this year, he began receiving casino offers through Royal Caribbean's Club Royale website, many of them from September through November. Seizing the opportunity, he decided to try and get on as many cruises as he could, especially on ships he hadn't been on yet. 

Altogether, his journey spans 88 days, including travel days from the United Kingdom and a post-cruise visit to Walt Disney World, and he plans to record his own content while onboard. 

In an interview with Reynolds, which has been edited for length and clarity, we spoke about why he chose to take 18 back-to-back cruises and what he hopes to gain from the experience. 

Why did you decide to book 18 back-to-back cruises? 

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

I chose 18 cruises because it was almost at the maximum limit of what I could achieve within my 86-day total period, while still having an element of variety and giving myself space in case of emergencies! 

They aren't strictly back-to-back, as I will be travelling from Fort Lauderdale to Miami to change vessels, and I will spend one day traveling from Miami to Tampa by bus to get on the smaller cruise ships.

Other than that, I only have around 4 days on land! Most of those will be at the end of the journey when I go to Walt Disney World in Orlando!

Was there some sort of catalyst that helped you set your mind on it?

Recently, I sold my house, so there was nothing holding me back! It was the perfect time to travel on a trip like this. 

I just turned 30, and it's been a stressful year! I am also using the weather, access to good food, and free access to a gym for 3 months as a catalyst to get healthy. 

How long did it take you to plan and book all 18 cruises?

Not too long, maybe 3-4 weeks. 

One of the most drawn-out parts was waiting to make sure that my visa wasn't going to run out in the middle of my travels. The ESTA visa waiver is 90 days, so 18 cruises for a total trip length of 86 days was pretty much the maximum I could do.

I also kept my eye on the casino website for more suitable offers. 

What's the rough estimate for how much this experience is costing you? 

This whole journey will cost me roughly £4,300, including my flights, tickets to Disney, food on land, etc. Thankfully, a lot of that is frontloaded before the cruises start. Some costs, like hotels and transfers, can be paid on the day of, helping to split the costs up nicely. 

I also have no living costs, so I'm spending roughly £52 per day, which is less than it costs me to live in the UK! Plus, I noted down the collective cost for this. If they weren't casino comps on cruises alone, it would be £19,600 — I think I got a deal!

Read more: How much is a Royal Caribbean cruise?

What's been the biggest logistical challenge in planning 18 back-to-back cruises?

Really, it's giving myself enough time to get to each port and not overplanning. Also, figuring out what I actually need/want to do is another challenge; it's a total mental health reset for me, but I know Royal looks after me! 

I've had nothing but great experiences on all classes of their ships!

Did you have a strategy to help you maximize your "free" days at sea?

Strategy? Not really. I have my own budgets. 

I don't really spend that much in the casinos, but I try and spend a little bit on each cruise. I have some free play (a total of about $350) on these cruises, so this will contribute to extra excursions or internet! 

In terms of casino strategy, I guess I do the $1.50 x 8, $3 x 4, then $6 x 2 trick to double the chances of getting money back. Of course, this also means that I've been known to rinse through money very quickly. I've gotten a few hand-pays in my time, though!

How many ships are you going on?

I'm going on 8 different ships, 6 of which I've never been on before: Oasis, Wonder, Jewel, Utopia, Adventure, Grandeur, Radiance, and Liberty.

Out of the 8, Wonder and Jewel of the Seas are the only ships I've sailed on before. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest

How often are you switching cabins, and what stateroom categories do you have booked?

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

I'm having to switch cabins quite frequently. 

Because this has been preplanned, I've let the cruise casino know beforehand, and my cabin steward takes my luggage to the next room free of charge, though I do tip when I can. Thankfully, my setup is very easy and portable.

There will be a couple of occasions where I stay in one cabin, though. 

I've mostly selected interior cabins or whichever comps were on the certificates I received — a few of the certificates rewarded me with an ocean-view room!

On a recent cruise around Africa, I didn't use my balcony much. The main benefit I got from the more expensive cabin was the sunlight!

Will you be alone for the entire cruise?

Not in the strictest sense! I've found cruises are a fantastic way to meet new people in one of only a few ways that almost keep you within the vicinity of like-minded people in your adult life, along with school and work. In fact, I still have friends from cruises I took 2 years ago! 

However, I am traveling solo, which has its benefits and perks! I'm also working each morning on the cruise, so I definitely will be able to be in touch and productive while onboard. Additionally, I phone my family regularly on WhatsApp.

Over the last 4 weeks and 6 cruises, I've made more friends than I have in the last 3 years. Cruises fix loneliness, genuinely!

Do you have any favorite spaces that double as great offices at sea?

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

To be honest, I work best when it's quiet, so I can focus. I tend to stick my laptop in my room, because I can play games on it as well, then stay out of my room for the rest of the day! 

I will be taking days where I go into ports and record content, or even just days off. Although I thought burnout was impossible on a cruise ship, I spent the first two weeks resting and taking it easy. 

Read more: I work remotely from a cruise ship all the time, and a lot more people are doing the same thing

Did you book many pre-cruise add-ons (like drink packages, shore excursions, specialty restaurants, etc.)?

My first three cruises were aboard Oasis of the Seas. I prebooked internet and a soda package, as I'm a fiend for soda. After these cruises, though, I became a Diamond cruiser within the Crown & Anchor Society (I'll actually have hit 92 points after those 3, as I get double cruise points and sail for 14 nights total). 

Because of my new status, I will take the free 4 drinks a day vouchers and buy a soda or two. If I become Prime in the casino, I can always get drinks for free there, too!

In terms of dining, I have experienced most of the specialty restaurants on Royal's ships, and I must say that I generally enjoy the Main Dining Room and included options. The value I get going into a specialty restaurant is limited. Maybe I'll go to a Chop's lunch or something, but I am not really planning on doing so yet!

How much is Wi-Fi costing you for 78 days on a cruise ship?

For the first 14 days, it cost $15 per day (so $210), but after that, as a Diamond cruiser and potentially Prime in the casino, I get 1 free day and 30% off per cruise, and some of the cruises are only 3 nights! This means that I'll book on board for those. 

Later on in the trip, after the 12th cruise, I'll become Diamond Plus, so I will get 3 free days of Wi-Fi per cruise and 5 drinks per day! In total, I've calculated around $850 or £630 for nearly 3 months of internet at sea. 

What are you looking forward to the most?

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

I'm looking forward to the weather, rest, no responsibility (except where I'm eating), and the Royal Caribbean experience! I love Royal (although I'm not totally loyal), but above all, I love cruising! It's an amazing way to see the world and places that I have never been before!

I write music professionally and personally, so I also brought an electric guitar (with headphones, don't worry) to record and play music to keep me occupied in my relaxation time!

Starting this year, Royal Caribbean is letting passengers enjoy the spooky season all October long with month-long Halloween celebrations across its fleet. 

Historically, Royal Caribbean guests couldn't enjoy Halloween activities unless they were on a sailing on October 31. 

For the first time ever, the cruise line is celebrating throughout the entire month of October. 

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the news in an email to Royal Caribbean Blog.

"Guests are encouraged to participate in the festivities, so we recommend they pack their favorite costumes and accessories to have a ghoulish-good time!" they said. 

From Halloween-themed crafts to family scavenger hunts and a special movie night, cruisers are guaranteed to have a frightfully fun experience at sea. 

What to expect on Royal Caribbean's Halloween cruises

According to the email shared with Royal Caribbean Blog, there are a variety of activities planned for family-friendly fun, including:

• Halloween-themed crafts (younger cruisers)
• Halloween games (younger cruisers)
• Teen Halloween games (teenagers)
• Teen Halloween movie night (teenagers)
• Horror movie quotes trivia (families)
• Family Halloween-themed crafts (families)
• Halloween family scavenger hunt (families)
• Halloween costume parade (families)
• Adult Halloween monster mash bash (adult-only)

To find available activities on your October voyage, simply check the Royal Caribbean app. After you have selected your sailing (or are connected to the ship's Wi-Fi), select "Entertainment" and browse the daily schedule. 

Even if the activities aren’t your thing, you won't want to leave your house without a costume. 

Guests are encouraged to dress up on the cruise, regardless of whether it's in early October or over Halloween. 

"We're celebrating All Hallows Eve and all things creepy and crawly," the Cruise Planner says, "Ghouls and goblins, tonight is your night to shine."

It's a great excuse to get another use out of your kid's Halloween costume this year!

Read more: What Halloween is like on the world's largest cruise ship

Month-long Halloween celebrations at sea aren't rare

Most famously, Disney Cruise Line's Halloween on the High Seas has been a fan favorite for years. 

The special sailings feature everything from themed character appearances — think Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson sisters — to Halloween crafts and elaborate décor. 

Margaritaville at Sea also began offering its own Halloween-themed sailings, featuring themed cocktails, onboard activities, costume contests, and numerous decorations throughout the ship. 

The special sailings began in mid-September and will run through the end of October. 

With Royal Caribbean now joining in on the extended celebrations, it’s clear that the spooky season is becoming a staple during October cruises.

Read more: I celebrated Halloween on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and it's my favorite holiday to spend at sea

Cruise ship crew members have interesting jobs. No two days are ever the same when dealing with guests. It’s a demanding and fascinating role, but it is also rewarding. 

A now-deleted Reddit user who claims to be an Officer aboard an Oasis Class cruise ship shared insights into their life at sea.

"Hi cruisers!! First Officer here! Since we always have guests asking interesting stuff on bridge tours thought [of] making this post. Remark: not disclosing RCI private information and future company plans!" they wrote. 

Since being posted, the thread has gotten over 440 comments and 1,100 upvotes. Needless to say, there were a lot of people interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a cruise ship. 

What percentage of the water consumed on board is desalinated and purified? 

The Officer said that all the fresh water on Royal ships is purified per United States Public Health (USPH) regulations. 

"We are producing water on the principle of Reverse Osmosis — Seawater converted to Fresh Water," they said. 

The original poster (OP) added that 3 out of 4 cruise ships are also likely to get water loaded at the turnaround day port (like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Seattle). 

What kind of crew cabin do you get?

While cruise ship Captains get mega-suites near the Bridge, other crew members typically live in smaller quarters and often share a windowless room and/or bathroom. 

However, because the OP has a higher ranking than cabin stewards, bartenders, etc., they have a private stateroom on Deck 3 with a small porthole, double bed, private bathroom, sofa, and television. 

What would happen if there were a mechanical failure while underway (like an engine failure)? 

The OP said, "We have a lot of redundancy for almost everything."

Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's second-newest Oasis Class ship, has 6 engines. However, they typically only use 3 at a time. As such, if there's an engine failure, the engineers can start another one.

How in-the-loop are crew members about the future plans of the company?

According to the Officer, it all depends. A lot of news is shared via rumor, though. 

"Sometimes there are only rumours spreading across the ship which are likely true. Heard about the Legend of the Seas name 9 months before it was revealed," they wrote. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO talks rumored new ship size and where it could sail

What is the career path to become an officer on a cruise ship?

Just like with most professions, you can't wake up one day and immediately become a cruise ship Officer. 

First, you have to begin with 4 years at Maritime University to earn your Bachelor’s in Maritime Studies and Navigation. During your studies (or immediately after), you must also complete one year of cadetship. 

"Then you get the STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch license and you start as Second Officer in Royal," the OP said. 

Some cadets are lucky and start working for a cruise line. However, the majority of officers work their way up, starting as cadets on cargo ships. 

As a First Officer, is your job primarily logistics and handling the port of call with local authorities? Or is it more like managing staff and driving the ship?

(Credit: Reddit)

The OP does not manage anyone. Instead, they work purely on the navigational side. 

Their responsibilities include updating navigational charts weekly, making the routines, watchkeeping, and dealing with ballast water reports.

And yes, it's possible to get bored performing the same duties over and over!

How often are lifeboat drills performed, and how often are the lifeboats thought of/spoken about during regular operation?

The muster drill happens more frequently than lifeboat drills. According to the OP, the safety drill is weekly, whereas they only lower the release the lifeboats from the hooks every 3 months. 

If working on a ship operating shorter cruises, the safety drill would happen more frequently, such as every Friday and Monday on 3- and 4-night sailings. 

Roughest water you've experienced? Details? Did it bother you?

The roughest waters the Officer experienced were when they were arriving in Vancouver, Canada. 

"We were drifting around for 5 days and on the second day we got 33 feet (11 meters) waves," they wrote.

"The ship listed around 22 degrees. Most of our ships (Royal) [don't] exceed [a] list [of] more than 2 degrees, so you can imagine how rough the [sea] was."

Are you able to enjoy passenger areas if you're off-duty?

The amount of privileges crew members have depends on their position. The higher up you are, the more freedom you have. 

For this First Officer, they like to eat dinner in the Windjammer with colleagues, walk through Central Park and the Royal Promenade, and watch shows. 

Can you see onto the balconies?

Balconies are not as private as you might think. Although there are dividers that limit how much one can see into neighboring balconies, they don’t provide complete privacy.

The OP said, "From the bridge some of the balconies are visible yes! More interesting is in CocoCay when we dock with [another] ship."

Read more: Guide to balcony staterooms on Royal Caribbean

How often do whales come close to the ship?

(Credit: Reddit)

"[Whales are] very rare, especially in the Caribbean," they wrote, "Alaska and [the Northeast Coast] can encounter some and you can see the tails."

Dolphins, however, are a different story. The smart mammals swim with the ship's bow. 

Apart from CocoCay, do you have a favorite port of call in the Caribbean?

The OP loves San Juan, Puerto Rico, calling it a "lovely" place. 

On the flip side, they claim that sailing into St. Thomas is challenging. 

Do you ever want to go on a cruise as a passenger on vacation?

For many crew members, especially in safety or operational roles, it is difficult to switch their working brain off. 

"I’ve never done it, and I [don't] think I will do it as I always see the ships from safety’s point," the First Officer shared. 

What’s the funniest thing or behavior that you’ve seen?

Working on a ship means you’re bound to have tons of funny stories from guest interactions. 

One of the standout moments for the OP is when they were asked if crew members live on the ship. 

"[O]ne of my colleagues said that we are taken by helicopter by the end of each day. It was funny because he was joking, but the guest thought we [were] taking helicopters [every day]," they added.

Do you have family back home?

A lot of cruise crew members spend months away from their loved ones. The OP is no exception. 

They spend around 2 to 3 months onboard per contract, with the same time off. As such, they have about 6 months off during the calendar year. 

What’s the longest you’ve had to wait for a pier runner?

Cruise ships operate on a tight schedule and have strict all-aboard times for guests in ports of call. If you're late, you may have to frantically dash down the pier before the gangway goes up. It's fun to watch pier runners, but you don't want to be one. 

The longest the OP has waited on a pier runner was about 30 minutes in Roatán, Honduras:

"The Guest Services Manager managed to reach the couple missing and then we decided to wait."

How much socialization is there between the various divisions?

Cruise ships are like floating cities where people from all departments interact daily, both on and off duty.

"The crew windjammer is [open] for everyone and we regularly sit with engineers, cast members, guest services etc. [It's] nice to find friends from different divisions."

More than 70 people got sick in a gastrointestinal illness outbreak during a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. 

Among the 1,874 guests aboard the ship, 71 reported being ill during a cruise that will end on October 2, 2025, along with one crew member, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The outbreak was reported to the CDC on Sept. 28, 2025. 3.79% of passengers and 0.11% of crew members reported gastrointestinal issues. The predominant symptoms of the infected individuals were vomiting and diarrhea.

The CDC listed the causative agent as norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through contaminated water, food, and surfaces.

Consequently, the cruise line implemented heightened cleaning and sanitation measures onboard, including:

• Increased cleaning and disinfection
• Collecting stool specimens from gastrointestinal illness cases for testing
• Isolating ill passengers and crew
• Consulting with the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) regarding sanitation procedures and illness reporting.

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

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

Serenade of the Seas is currently on a 13-night voyage one-way from San Diego, California, to Miami, Florida. 

Cruise ship GI illness outbreaks now surpass reported cases in 2024

The norovirus outbreak on Serenade of the Seas is the 19th gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise in 2025. Comparatively, 18 cases met the CDC's threshold for public notification in 2024.

The following cruise ships have reported outbreaks in 2025, along with the causative agent:

• Sea Cloud Cruises: Sea Cloud Spirit — January 4-10, 2025 (Ciguatera, presumed)
• Silversea Cruises: Silver Ray — January 4-20, 2025 (E. coli)
• Holland America Line: Volendam — January 4-25, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking Mars — January 10-24, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Princess Cruises: Coral Princess — January 20-February 5, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Royal Caribbean International: Radiance of the Seas — February 1-8, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Holland America Line: Rotterdam — February 2-14, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Holland America Line: Eurodam — February 19-March 1, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Princess Cruises: Coral Princess — February 21-March 9, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Holland America Line: Rotterdam — March 7-16, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Cunard Line: Queen Mary 2 — March 8-April 6, 2026 (Norovirus)
• Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn Encore — March 16-April 9, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Viking Expedition: Viking Polars — April 11-23, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Linblad Expeditions: National Geographic Sea Lion — April 15-29, 2025 (Unknown)
• Holland America Line: Zuiderdam — January 4-May 9, 2025 (Unknown)
• Holland America Line: Eurodam —April 12-May 5, 2025 (Unknown)
• Regent Seven Seas: Seven Seas Explorer — April 26-May 14, 2025 (Unknown)
• Royal Caribbean International: Navigator of the Seas — July 4-11, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Royal Caribbean International: Serenade of the Seas — September 19-October 2, 2025 (Norovirus)

Last year, most outbreaks were attributed to norovirus (15 out of 18). However, E. coli and Salmonella were also identified on cruise ships.

Although cruises often get a bad reputation for norovirus outbreaks, the CDC claims that ships are only responsible for about 1% of reported norovirus outbreaks. The highly contagious virus can also spread in confined spaces like camps, hotels, and college dorms. 

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

Norovirus outbreaks are also on the rise across the United States

According to the CDC, norovirus cases increased throughout the 2024-2025 season, which lasted from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. 

During that time frame, 2,675 norovirus outbreaks were reported by NoroSTAT-participating states. There were 1,478 norovirus outbreaks reported by the same states throughout the previous seasonal period. 

How to protect yourself from norovirus on a cruise ship

While onboard, you should follow all recommended health precautions, such as washing your hands before entering the buffet and after using the restroom. 

It's also smart to limit your time in the crowded cruise ship buffet. Even if you thoroughly wash your hands before entering, it is hard to maintain strict hygiene standards with the high volume of guests coming and going.

Next, consider taking the stairs more often than the elevators. With hundreds (if not thousands) of passengers on a cruise ship, elevators typically feel cramped and hot. On the other hand, stairwells are quieter and reduce your time in extra-confined spaces. 

The government will go into a shutdown effective Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. if Democrats and Republicans can't come to an agreement on federal funding.

Essentially, the two parties can't agree on spending levels and which programs to fund or restore, especially around health care, in the bill.

Should the government shut down, most federal agencies would halt non-essential work, and many government employees would be furloughed. 

Although essential federal workers — like air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents — would remain on the job (albeit without pay), the government shutdown could still impact your upcoming cruise. 

How would the government shutdown affect cruises?

Based on previous government shutdowns, federal agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the TSA remain operational since they're essential. 

Additionally, port employees are considered essential, so there would likely be minimal disruptions to the cruises themselves. However, they would be working without pay during the shutdown. Instead, they'd get back pay once the funds are available.  

Although short-term operations wouldn't be impacted too much, the issue is the long-term strain, as hiring and training activities are typically paused during a shutdown. 

Will the shutdown impact air travel?

There isn't a concern about whether planes will fly (they will). The bigger issue is how smoothly airports function during a government shutdown. 

The TSA and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are essential services, so air traffic controllers and security screeners will continue to work — but without pay. That said, fliers could still feel the effects if the shutdown drags on and agents begin calling out of work in protest. 

In 2019, for example, TSA agents and FAA controllers began skipping work after two weeks of no pay. As such, it's not uncommon to see longer lines at airport security and more flight delays than usual, especially at major hubs. 

"The truth is, most people won't really feel much of a difference," Maya MacGuineas, the president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, told CBS News. 

"If you've got a vacation planned to a National Park, you're going to be [upset] and disappointed. But most people will go on with their everyday lives and interact with the government the same way they do, and not feel a big difference. That could get worse, the longer it lasts."

Can I renew my passport for my cruise during a shutdown?

TSA PreCheck, visa, and passport operations are fee-funded and not normally impacted by a shutdown. 

However, passport applications may be delayed, so you should not wait until the last minute to renew or apply for one. If a passport office is in a building run by a different shuttered agency, it could close, too. 

Global Entry is a different story. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, Global Entry appointments at a few enrollment centers were randomly cancelled with no rescheduled date available. 

Should I cancel my upcoming travel plans?

No, you should not cancel your cruise if the government shuts down on Oct. 1. That said, you should be extra patient, especially if you're flying to the cruise port. 

If cruise ports and airports are understaffed, check-in and security could take longer to clear. Additionally, it could take more time for the cruise ship to be cleared before guests can begin disembarking. 

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Don Goldstein noted that during a previous government shutdown, he was stuck on board when the ship returned to Florida:

"[We] came into port after a cruise, Port Everglades, I think, and it took us about 4 hours to get off the ship due to lack of ICE staffing at the port."

Because of this, it is crucial that you remain flexible and don't book the earliest flight home (you shouldn't do this regardless). 

If you cannot get off as early as you thought, don't panic; contact your airline or travel provider as soon as possible. They will help rebook you on the next available flight. 

Additionally, you should not fly to your cruise port on the day of embarkation. Arriving at least one day early gives you a buffer in case of flight delays or cancellations, which can be even more common during a government shutdown when essential airport employees might not show up.

Give yourself extra time at the airport, too. Even if your flight is on time, it may take longer to check your bag and go through security.

One woman's first cruise turned into a nightmare when she was slapped with a $13,000 medical bill after she began throwing up blood and losing consciousness.

Khiali Baxter was two days into her first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise with her boyfriend when she began feeling unwell. 

"So, I woke up. I started throwing up blood, unfortunately, and I had passed out on the ground," Baxter told KHOU 11, "I could feel myself kind of going in and out of consciousness. I was very cold and terrified."

She was taken to the ship's medical facility, then transported to a hospital four hours away from the cruise port in Costa Maya — but not before waiting four hours onboard and racking up a $4,000 bill.

(Credit: Jennifer Brown/GoFundMe)

While at the hospital, Baxter received over $9,000 in medical care, including several different procedures to help stabilize her.

However, before they would treat her, the staff asked Baxter's family for payment. Baxter's father, Craig, recalled the conversation with a hospital employee in an interview with KHOU 11, saying they'd work as far as $2,500 would take them.

"I've never heard this in my life," he said. 

(Credit: KHOU 11)

Back in Texas, Baxter's parents were scrambling to secure emergency passports to travel to Mexico. 

The last-minute flights and accommodations weren't cheap, but they were not going to leave their daughter in a foreign hospital. 

Travel insurance would have made a huge difference

(Credit: Jennifer Brown/GoFundMe)

Baxter was unaware of the steep out-of-pocket costs associated with international medical care and decided against travel insurance. 

"It was a very, very scary experience, and my main thing that I do want to say is that I really wish I would’ve gotten travel insurance," Baxter said.

Travel insurance is a valuable but often overlooked safety net. Although it might seem like an avoidable expense, it's one of those things you don't want to use but are thankful for when you need it. 

Read more: Travel insurance for a cruise: Why you need it for a Royal Caribbean cruise

(Credit: Jennifer Brown/GoFundMe)

A good insurance policy provides peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies at sea. In Baxter's case, it would have helped recoup some of the expensive treatments she received, such as an endoscopy, colonoscopy, and blood transfusion. 

Even though Baxter didn't have insurance, a family friend set up a GoFundMe. Over 160 generous donors have helped raise $14,138, or roughly 88% of the $16,000 goal. 

Still, the family wants to share Baxter's story in hopes that it prepares others for the unexpected, especially when traveling far from home.

Travel insurance also helps cover things like lost luggage, travel delays, medical evacuations, and more. As such, the small upfront cost is worth the protection it provides during a costly emergency. 

"It was an eye-opening experience that I hope prepares other young people," Craig Baxter said.

Unfortunately, Baxter isn't the only cruiser to be hit with a large medical bill 

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, were cruising on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas when Wasney began suffering from a series of seizures. However, before the couple was allowed to disembark, they had to pay over $2,500 in medical bills.

As reported by KFF Health News and NPR, Eberlein heard Wasney make a pained noise before he had his first seizure. Blood began spilling from his mouth as a result of him accidentally biting his tongue.

Wasney's second seizure caused him to stop breathing, while the third seizure, characterized as a grand mal seizure, was even more severe. 

The vessel was close enough to their disembarkation port in Florida, so they could disembark early via rescue boat — but not before paying a $2,500.22 medical bill. 

The charges included $2,285.78 for general ward admission and observation, along with $97.99 for an i-STAT blood test, $104.55 for out-of-facility services, and $11.90 for medication.

Read more: Man was sick on a cruise and was hit with a big bill before being sent home

Royal Caribbean changed a Caribbean itinerary in an effort to avoid the strengthening tropical storm system in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Guests sailing aboard Star of the Seas' September 28, 2025, cruise were notified that they'd no longer be heading to the Eastern Caribbean. 

Instead, the 7-night Caribbean cruise will visit the Western Caribbean, calling at Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

"Our Captain, along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Zetzer, has been monitoring the expected development of a tropical storm near the northwest Bahamas and a hurricane in the Atlantic," reads the email.

"We have decided to change our itinerary to safely avoid the storm and large seas on our eastern route. As a result, we will now sail a Western Caribbean itinerary..." 

This sudden change means that guests won't visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas. Moreover, Star's inaugural visit to St. Kitts has been postponed. 

Star of the Seas will now call at St. Kitts for the very first time on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2025 — assuming that there aren't any future storm systems that further derail the plans. 

Although disappointing, Royal Caribbean emphasized that the safety and comfort of its guests and crew remain the company’s top priority.

"We're terribly sorry for this last-minute change caused by the weather - your safety is our top priority," the email continues.

"Please remember, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather." 

This is the first storm-related itinerary change for Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. She entered service for the cruise line in Aug. 2025. 

Read more: Cruising in hurricane season: What you need to know

Not a tropical storm yet

Although the strengthening disturbance isn't a tropical storm yet, the National Hurricane Center predicts that it has an 80% to 90% chance of developing by late Friday, Sept. 26, or over the weekend. 

The path of possible Tropical Storm Imelda prompted Royal Caribbean, as well as Disney Cruise Line, to reroute ships to ensure that all guests and crew members remain safe. 

According to the National Hurricane Center's 8:00 a.m. EDT report on Friday, Sept. 26, an area of low pressure will likely form along the wave by tonight as it moves near the southeast Bahamas. 

The low is expected to develop into a tropical storm when it's in the vicinity of the central and northwest Bahamas over the weekend. 

Even if the storm doesn't strengthen, it will bring heavy rains and gusty winds to places like Haiti, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Dominican Republic, eastern Cuba, and The Bahamas. 

Royal Caribbean is getting closer to making a formal announcement about its upcoming new ship class. While we don't have a lot to go on, President and CEO Michael Bayley let a few secrets slip about the Discovery Class. 

Bayley is currently sailing aboard the 2025 President's Cruise on Utopia of the Seas. During the Common Ground chat, he teased a few details about what’s coming next for Royal Caribbean. 

Rumors about the Discovery Class began circulating in July 2023 when Bayley said that they were considering and planning a smaller class of ships. Since then, speculation has only grown with more tidbits spilled by cruise line executives. 

However, Bayley seemed to confirm that Royal Caribbean is full speed ahead for the Discovery Class. 

"We've been working a lot on the Discovery Class...it takes a lot of work to design a ship...[but] we're getting really close," he said while on Utopia of the Seas.

"We can't make any announcements now, but I'm hopeful that in the coming months we will be able to make an announcement on that class." 

In other words, the Discovery Class ships will be happening, but there are still a lot of things that need to happen before the cruise line can formally introduce the ships to the world. 

In the meantime, here is the new information we’ve learned straight from Bayley about the ships.

Where will Discovery Class ships sail?

The Discovery Class was named because of where the ships will sail; they want guests to literally discover new and interesting ports of call. 

"We want the ship[s] to be able to really focus on...the more exotic itineraries," Bayley remarked. 

So, instead of sailing to The Bahamas or Caribbean (those markets are heavily dominated by Oasis and Icon ships, anyway!), guests can expect itineraries to destinations such as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Alaska, and the South Pacific. 

Royal Caribbean's smallest ships are also its oldest — think Vision and Radiance Class vessels. Although they've been updated throughout the years, they no longer reflect the modern design and amenities that Royal Caribbean is known for today.

As such, Royal Caribbean's goal is for Discovery Class ships to gradually phase out these aging vessels. 

"[Discovery ships] would...come in and start replacing the older hardware that currently operates in many of those itineraries," Bayley added.

How big will Discovery Class ships be?

Bayley didn't give any exact measurements, but he did reveal that Discovery Class ships will be small enough to sail through the Panama Canal. 

To date, the largest vessel to sail through the Panama Canal was Norwegian Bliss. As such, we know that Discovery Class ships won't be larger than 168,000 gross registered tons (GRT) and 1,094 feet long. 

"It'll go through the Panama Canal, which we think will be a real positive because it'll be able to go to Alaska in the summer, and it can get back into the Caribbean," Bayley said during the Common Ground chat.

Still, 168,000 GRT is considerably larger than Vision and Radiance Class ships, which measure anywhere from 73,817 to 90,090 GRT. 

Discovery Class ships will likely be large enough to offer Royal Caribbean’s signature experiences, but still small and versatile enough to visit ports that are inaccessible to the Oasis and Icon vessels. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Ships by Size - Largest to Smallest