Welcome to the weekly Cruise News Digest.
Let’s dive in!
This Monday, we explored Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance-class–Radiance of the Seas (2001), Brilliance of the Seas (2002), Serenade of the Seas (2003) and Jewel of the Seas (2004). Which have you been on?
Carnival Cruise Line’s long-awaited exclusive destination–Celebration Key–is open for business! Nearly 5,000 guests aboard Carnival Vista were the first official visitors to the “world’s newest premier cruise port.” On the other hand, Holland America Line is switching back to the traditional. The cruise line is bringing back its popular behind-the-scenes ship tours, offering guests an inside look at places and spaces generally only for officers and crew.
Princess Cruises is updating its Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages. The updates are a direct result of guest feedback and will offer greater flexibility, more benefits, and popular additions. The new packages and pricing will go into effect for 2026 sailings.
Celebrity Cruises announced Captain Kirk will take over the helm of the new Celebrity Xcel when she debuts in November 2025. Captain Kirk has been sailing with Celebrity Cruises since 2000, when he helped launch Celebrity Millennium. He most recently served as the captain of Celebrity Beyond.
MSC Cruises has revealed new entertainment spaces that will debut on MSC World Asia in December 2026. The ship is the third in the cruise line’s World-Class series and will reflect Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes.
Disney Cruise Line announced Disney Destiny’s stern characters, Spider-Man and three Spider-Bots, have been mounted. This marks the first time a Marvel character has been featured on the stern of a Disney Cruise line ship.
There you have it–this week’s Cruise News Digest.
Over at the La Lido Loca YouTube Channel, Tony reported on New Cruise Troubles and Carnival Cruisers Arrested, and he will be back this week with more of The Cruise Show. By the way, all the latest episodes of The Cruise Show are also available wherever you get your podcasts so you can listen on the go. Subscribe to the channel with the notification bell on so you don’t miss out.
Head on over to La Lido Loca’s FaceBook page to join the community and interact with Tony, the lovely Jenny B, other cruisers, and become part of the La Lido Loca family.