CRUISE NEWS - Cruisers Arrested for Fraud, ROYAL ORDERS ANOTHER MEGA SHIP, Holland Offers Samples

[@LaLidoLoca]

GROUP CRUISE INFO HERE - www.whereswaltertravel.com/la-lido-loca-ncl-jewel-group-cruise-2026

[@teresa978]

I really do not like the mega ships, they seem to go to the same ports. I prefer older ships, less people, shorter lines, price point is better and a variety of different ports.

[@etwpg]

Mega ships are killing the way we like to cruise. Ugh.

[@jen389lethbr]

Totally agree. I have no interest in them at all.

[@theblessedtraveler7477]

Ain’t that the truth!! I am not a mega ship fan at all!!

[@hhinvest2819]

Why is that

[@hollypotter6989]

I wish RCCL would reconsider the mega ships. This is why the ports are protesting.

[@KatherineHoward-i2j]

No more mega ships! There are too many passengers and too many ports that wont accept them. The prices are outrageous. I think they wont be able to fill them if they keep building them!

[@DianaDukes-n4h]

@@KatherineHoward-i2j I think you make a valid point. There'll come a time when the clamour for these mega ships will reach a saturation point, I believe.

[@maryloucannata5151]

I really wish they would go back to adding smaller ships. The ports that the giant ships can't get to are easily accessible to smaller ships. Having no children I am not looking for an amusement park!😊😊

[@j.e.7430]

I was in Ketchikan the day of the landslide. We drove all the way to the north end of town in the morning, then back to the pier again after our hike. It did not stop raining the entire time we were there -- our guide said it hadn't rained for 3 weeks so the rain was welcomed by the locals. Landslide impacts the main highway, we would have ran into it if it had happened a few hours earlier. We heard sirens as boat was pulling away; awful news to hear what had happened. Heart goes out to Ketchikan. Such a beautiful town and met the nicest locals during our time there.

[@thegolfwalker]

I go cruising so I can sit on my balcony and look at the ocean! A sailor always misses the sea most!

[@charllieb8067]

Agreed! I can't do a stateroom overlooking a park, but can't even see the sea. I won't cruise on any of the mega-ships with the split superstructures. But as long as these behemoths keep sailing at 100+% capacity, cruising as we know it may be on borrowed time,

[@marylouSinclair-z1y]

Will the cruise lines EVER realize that these 10000 passenger ships are what causes the port problems? I hate the mega ships in ports because I have never been in a port made better by the infusion of 30,000 extra tourists.

[@Determination212]

The large ships are limited in the ports they can go to. So their itineraries are mostly the same. So it's not like they are going into any new ports.

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

very true, but maybe, if there is enough to do on the ships they will not need any stops, at least outside of "private Island" type ports...

[@maryloucannata5151]

Totally agree!!!

[@brandoncargill9837]

I will NEVER sail on another mega ship. Oasis was my worst experience at sea. Anyone else that wants that…good on you. Save the other ships for me.

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

@@brandoncargill9837 not been, but they certainly do not look like what I want out of a cruise ship... I do prefer the really older ones though, like stylistically, I want my cruise ship to be a Luxury Liner of the golden era...

[@elondaaustin9994]

I love the smaller cruises,not over crowded and more fun & service

[@BillCeller-gp3mk]

Thinking of those in Ketchikan 🙏. Gotta be honest, not a fan of the mega ships, one of the things I liked about cruising is the feel of smaller ships. I feel like if I wanted to go stay with 6,000 people and drink and watch awesome shows I’d just head to Vegas. But that’s the beauty of cruising, you have choices. Just hope the smaller ships are kept up to keep them viable and enjoyable.

[@judymorris8749]

Good, im glad they caught them..

[@sergeantmetalhead417]

My wife and i have no interest in mega ships

[@Cruisetravelers]

Same for my wife and me as well!

[@oldguy9078]

Yep same here Sergeant.

[@TwoTuras2]

Those ships are way too big for our tastes.

[@vidaudink3044]

We've only ever sailed on really big ships, thinking more is better. My bestie told me we have to try smaller ships (her favorite) because the service, food, and basically everything is so much better!

[@Daz555Daz]

I have sailed on ships from 40,000 tonnes up to Icon. Enjoyed all of them.

[@ElaineSharon358]

Enough already with these gigantic cruise ships!!!!!!!

[@kimberlyannfarish1080]

I agree

[@susankeith249]

Agreed!! They are really ruining the cruising industry.

[@jeffkramer9511]

Love the biggies! So much more to do onboard, and found they are less congested than the older, smaller ships.

[@Ostheim]

Absolutely not, the bigger the better.

[@Hawkeye2001]

I cruise to get away. I don't need to take a Disney World along with me.

[@patriciareynolds1800]

My concern with Royal is the loss of the smaller ships. I love the Radiance class. Hopefully they will maintain the smaller ships at least until they build the promised Discovery class

[@DRMTTJ]

I totally agree with you. We prefer the smaller ships. The largest I prefer to go on is the Voyager class but also love the Radiance class as well. With so many larger ships being built, it seems they've forgotten the talk of the Discovery class. I greatly resent these cruise lines that have "upped" their rates due to the Pandemic and the losses, BUT, they spending MEGABUCKS on new ships. How about paying off your debt and reducing the price of cruising!!!! We have one more RCCL cruise in September, it will be #42 or 43 for us and will be our last until they get some common sense back.

[@patriciareynolds1800]

@@DRMTTJ yes, I like voyager and navigator!

[@colleenmcbride3656]

​@@DRMTTJWould the Freedom Class be considered small? Never been cruising and have one planned on the Liberty of the seas in December.

[@jcspotter7322]

​@@colleenmcbride3656Liberty is considered a large ship. Oasis and Icon class ships are mega ships

[@Ostheim]

Royal has designed and ordered smaller ships classified as Discovery Class.

[@SandNSurf]

My prayers for the beautiful people of Ketchikan 🙏. Holland America are my favorite because of the smaller size. I’m going to explore their new offers. Very exciting!

[@susankeith249]

@@SandNSurf Holland is my favorite too!!

[@lxr3130]

Ketchikan is our favorite Alaskan town. Sending positive vibes their way.

[@cindyosgood6357]

I booked a comp casino cruise yesterday and asked about the $200 deposit. I was told that only people that have no showed for the comp casino cruise in the last 12 months will have to pay the extra deposit.

[@LoreeVanderWerf-si8sn]

🙏🏻 for Ketchikan

[@jameswade7550]

Thank you, TONY, for the news and the very sad news in Alaska. love and Prayers to everybody that is affected in Alaska. Like others not a big fan of Mega ships but as long as they can filled them up they will build.

[@DianaDukes-n4h]

I prefer smaller ships which cater to a more mature crowd. There are plenty of amusement parks in my state; I don't need one on a cruise ship, lol! 😆

[@lolal1026]

Good for RC for requiring a deposit, those ingrates who book & don't show take up a cabin for those who really want to go but can't due to nothing available.

[@movearoundwithdeborah8430]

Yes, I can live 100 days on a cruise

[@GayesyJ]

I love cruising for all the reasons you mentioned: visiting bucket list places, enjoying shipboard entertainment and exploring new ships, AND relaxing/ enjoying beach life! That’s what’s so wonderful about cruising! 😎 Oh, and of course the amazing rocking motion of the ship as I drift to sleep at night, the views of the water as I eat my dinner in the dining room, being silly when I do trivia… 😊

[@bryan6885]

I have been on two of Royal Caribbean's mega ships. For the most part, there were a lot of things to do onboard, and I was impressed, but the number of passengers and the long lineups for activities and buffets were not worth it. Even going into the main dining room at your set time involves long lines, just waiting, and the staff really rush you to order and eat so they can clear the table for the next group of passengers. We always felt rushed because our dining time was at 6 p.m., but sometimes we didn’t get seated until 6:30 p.m. due to waiting in line. Then, we would be rushing to eat, or we would miss our 8 p.m. show. Plus, you have to prebook everything well in advance before departure, like shows and specialty dining, or you won't get any spots once you’re onboard. Also, I don't like that they expect you to arrive 15 minutes prior to a show, or your seat will be given away to people on standby. I'm not sure if they still do that now, but that is what they did when I was on. I felt the trips were all "go, go, go," following the scheduled times because everything was prebooked in advance, and it didn't feel much like a relaxing vacation. Plus, there were all the long lines and kids running around without parental supervision. I prefer Celebrity Cruises, with fewer passengers and no need to book shows in advance. You just show up, and there are always seats available-even if you arrive late. It's a much more relaxed vacation. I find the mega ships are more suited for families with kids.

[@Mr.lifeteacher]

$200 is nothing to a gambler that gets a free cruise, that $200 is probably just one bet and not really of a deterrent,.but give RC credit for trying.....We enjoy your content GREAT SHOW!

[@julieparham6674]

If you are no show, no notice, no valid reason given, you should have to pay. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@deidresmith2335]

No wonder cities and towns are starting to arc up about cruise ships...who wants to even be visiting a city when a huge mega ship or two are in Port...as a tourist it doesn't sound pleasant even to me....I for one won't be getting on one any time soon...

[@l.wallace4252]

Thanks, Tony! It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. We just got back from a cruise to the British Isles on Ms. Rotterdam. Truly amazing! Look forward to hearing details about your group cruise; and I love that Jenny B. is off on a new adventure. She's a treasure, and I appreciate that you speak of her so dearly.

[@crimlarksSteve]

We did a 94 day HAL cruise from San Diego to Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands and back earlier this year and loved it!. Something really calming about being on day 5 and realizing that there are still almost 90 days to go!! Loved it so much we signed up for the 133 day Pole-to-Pole Cruise on HAL that's leaving in January. We did a 14 day cruise on Princess this summer from Ft Lauderdale to Quebec and it seemed TOO SHORT! But it was still a great cruise.

[@janismccabe3622]

Too many big ships. No wonder cruise ports are limiting visits.

[@jamesward1002]

Carnival basically does the free cruise like that now. You paid about $200 for the room and they give you the $200 in credit back. You also have to pay the taxes and port fee's, so you pay around $500 or so up front for the cruise. Then you get at least $200 of i back in credits and then they also may give drink packages or other things that offset the taxes and port fees.

[@keririddle5011]

We are on Icon October 5th. Cannot wait! We have been booked for 2 years!

[@mscolli3]

I went on it recently. Hands down the best ship so far!

[@Sam.I.am_]

Yayyy I’m excited to hear the group cruises are back🎉 ❤

[@MrSimondrury]

Going on my 2nd World Cruise next January (107 nights on the new Queen Anne). This will include 8 overnight stops. Bliss. I only take longer cruises, the shortest would be 14/15 nights and I avoid huge ships.

[@christineheard9128]

We did a 32-day Buenos Aires to Los Angeles last year. Loved it I'm doing a 28-day Sydney to Sydney next year and really looking forward to it

[@choco.es.unlimited]

Buenos aires is the candy shop

[@maddogpopp]

many ports are banning mega ships. Bigger not better. Greed...not for me

[@judymorris8749]

Praying for Alaska.

[@AlexErika]

The growth of cruising in recent years is crazy. I'm not surprised but it's still amazing. Think about Icon alone having 4 of those ships, 25k+ people every week on those ships. It's hard to imagine these companies will be able to sustain the capacity and prices. I hope we see a dip in prices in the next few years as more ships come out but I'm not betting on it. And good to see cruise lines kicking people off who are causing issues.

[@lindahelewicz2397]

Too big. Not liking the big big ships.

[@nickpacaccio8540]

They'll never pay for all the amusement parks at sea....once the novelty subsides....they'll bankrupt or the nickle and diming that went to 5 and 10 dollaring will go to 20 and 50 dollaring....interesting to see how this will play out over time...!!!

[@maryanncapece2623]

Hi Tony. Prayers for the family of the man who lost his life trying to help other's. Prayer's for the injured and everyone impacted by this tragedy in Alaska.. RC will continue to keep getting bigger. Holland is giving people a chance to see what it's like, then if they like it they will book a full world cruise. If I'm getting a free cruise, I'm going.deposit or not. People spend a lot of time trying to set up scams. Glad they were caught. Do they not realize certain actions will send up a flag warning that something is just not right. I think the rule's are tougher in international waters. As always thank you for all you do ❤

[@buning_sensations5437]

Expect with these Mega Ships to be denied port access because the city can't handle the visitors. The concept of carrying capacity is a bigger ship, but the destination it's not going to be possible. Well, they can expand their own Islands or purchase more. It's a self made problem.

[@3_Gold_Coins]

I am booked for Alaska 2026. 😢I lost my parents in 2018 Montecito mud slides. 23 people died. My heart goes out to Ketchikan. I am having second thoughts about going ashore. I am even worried about taking the train on the pass.

[@Allthathingss]

😢😢😢😢😢

[@purplgrits7916]

So very sorry 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@traveler320ak7]

So sorry for the loss of your parents!!

[@kimsalemi7159]

I was in Ketchikan last week. So sad. It's so beautiful there.

[@bigbouncer2150]

Hey Tony the Tiger 😊 I like the idea of Royal Caribbean charging a $200 deposit to be issued as onboard credit in an effort to make people accountable. This is commonly practiced by Carnival. Most people would probably feel more inclined to commit to the sailing or cancel as opposed to losing $200. Thanks for sharing.

[@thegolfwalker]

The Navy will take you around the world for free!

[@atomicrancher3745]

Yes they will. I did it!

[@CPO-Snarky]

And the Chief's Mess has better food than most of the cruise lines. All this and a paycheck too.

[@CPO-Snarky]

@@atomicrancher3745 Me too. Bravo Zulu.

[@swvolleyball9137]

Yeah…ha ha. Join the Navy and maybe make Chief in 8-10 years, then get to eat in the CPO mess. It’s not free, by any means. PO2

[@adrienne641]

My issue with mega ships is they cannot dock every where. Unless ports are redesigned these ships will have a limited port itinerary. This is why I’m not rushing to book them.

[@hallsongolf]

If someone gambles enough for a free cruise $200 will be nothing, that is minutes on a slot machine at high $ spins. A agree with most, large 6000 passenger ships just seem too big, for the ports, tendering, excursions, etc. Main dining has issues now, 6000 just makes it worse. Keep the ships to 4000 or less is my 2cents. Keep up the work Tony, all these stories sometimes amaze me.

[@ddno1stnalwys]

We cruised on Icon this summer. It was great. Tried to book Star of the Seas. For almost $6000.00 for an ocean view (not a balcony). It going to be a no go for us.

[@joannekearney5329]

I thought they were going to make smaller ships. I think more mega ships is a mistake... destination ports becoming increasingly frustrated with huge number of tourists being dumped. Looking at Caribbean... you drop off two huge cruise ships at a time... the local economy doesn't have enough people to man stores etc. I think they may be pushing too much and it could come back to bite them

[@oceanside88]

So they fit right in with the Cruise Gouge Corporations?😂

[@jayniesteel1702]

25 days 23 hours until my Bermuda cruise.. I can't wait..

[@eoseprince8010]

I just came from Bermuda, what cruise line?

[@jayniesteel1702]

@@eoseprince8010 Carnival

[@jayniesteel1702]

Carnival..

[@Clark30]

Praying for those in Ketchikan We ported there Sunday morning.

[@nylancollins4002]

At least they’ll give you your money back if you cancel. Carnival charges you the $200 and give you the money as OBC, but if you cancel with Carnival you loose your $200 deposit.

[@LynninVA]

I’m hoping prices come down some with the increased capacity.

[@ryanm4013]

Fat chance!

[@susanbrezina3669]

All your shows are great but really loved the info in this one!

[@waynegherke8076]

Would like to see Holland America build a couple of new ships.

[@TWSmith42]

I think building more megaships is short sighted. Growth is a J curve that will certainly hit a massive celling limit and there will be a big collapse. That said, I don't know if the Asian market might be the best focus at this point.

[@guayames]

Have done many world cruises, but now health issues scare us! Sad!

[@TheOnlyLilithcat]

That 20-day Piraeus - Fort Lauderdale segment is tempting!

[@salvadorzamot7502]

Prayers and blessings to all in Alaska

[@garyroelli855]

With ports closing to large ships, are the cruise lines rapidly approaching the time when the large ships will only call on their private islands?

[@JaymoFiasco]

Just got off the Utopia. My first Royal cruise and biggest ship I’ve ever been on. I didn’t like it and was so glad it was only 3 days. It didn’t “feel” bigger than other ships, just feels more full with cabins and people.

[@jerrymetzger4904]

My wife and I don't like the mega ships , we prefer the smaller ships.

[@donaldcook4061]

The problem with his mega ships. Is that they can only go to certain ports. So now you’ve got all these mega ships all going to the same port. You get on icon of the seas go to the same port then you get on star of the seas go to the exact same ports. Whats gonna happen when the star and the icon are both at the same port? Absolutely ridiculous. Royal needs to speed up the process of building new smaller midsize ships. Once they do, they’ll finally understand that’s where the real money is.

[@gloriapalmer6629]

Royal can build all the mega ships it likes but I want nothing to do with them and 10,000 people. Much over 2500 people and port stops are a nightmare. Those huge ships should only sail cruises to nowhere, the ship being the destination. Locals in the ports have had their fill as well.

[@alicemilne5384]

Love Holland America!! I’m sure this will be of interest to a lot of people.

[@debbiec4126]

We've done a 5 week total (back to back) cruise. We loved it but were ready to come home to see our kids. -Had the cops (with guns drawn) standing outside our room when we were trying to leave. We weren't under arrest but a cabin full of folks were two doors down. -We had to stay in our cabin till they were taken off the ship.

[@mostHumblePersonAlive]

Whoa. Any idea what they were being arrested for?

[@debbiec4126]

@@mostHumblePersonAlive -Never heard....

[@DianaDukes-n4h]

Your cruise news and views have been VERY imformative, causing me to be very skeptical of the cruise industry. However, I'm trying my best to be on the Jewel in 2026, mostly because of the pleasure of spending time with you and the fabulous Jenny B! ☺️

[@Mark-oq5pf]

I think building bigger ships is crazy. Cruise hate around the world is spreading and dumping all those people in ports will make it worse and ports/towns will shut off cruise lines.

[@gregsamson4348]

Tony, we just got off the Zuiderdam for Voyage of the Vikings 35 days but we got off in Halifax to see family so only 33 days. We had all new production shows and they were great. Very refreshing to see these new shows

[@virgloh8934]

Not the least i terested in these Mega ships..Sounds like a nightmare too me..but just my opinion...

[@markbaumgartner7259]

I wonder in a few years if there will be enough demand to keep all of RC mega ships sailing at capacity. Four Mega ships plus Oasis class ships are all sailing at the same time equal a heck of a lot of people needed per week to keep the ships profitable.

[@jaybruminator]

Matt with Royal Caribbean Blog said royal said future icons will not be larger in size like thr Oasis-class

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Thank you Tony for another informative video. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@jeannette992]

Those shops are just to big and too many people 😢

[@med6399]

Love your work, Tony,🌟🌟🌟(After Covid…….they should all be careful…….The cruise-lines have been very fortunate that they have bounced back……Don’t get too cocky…….🤨🤨🤨)

[@karenalmich]

Cruise companies will need to find some new cruise ports and so many cities are refusing cruise ships.

[@BillDorsey]

Tony, I find it amazing how the cruise industry has bounced back since the days of almost bankruptcy during covid. I for one am glad to be back to cruising!

[@LaLidoLoca]

Me too.

[@mandyhines3908]

Interesting story about Holland America doing segments of their world cruises. Princess already does it like that and offers segments (not surprising-both under Carnival Corp umbrella) We haven’t been fortunate enough to take one yet, but I have definitely been looking with envy.

[@paulayoung2387]

I hope they are dealing with getting off. Went to get off a ship of 5000+ at a port. Absolutely a nightmare that’s not an enjoyable way to spend your holiday.

[@oiamthging]

Thanks Tony I appreciate your show.

[@dno8025]

Your videos are great, but honestly I always increase the speed to 2X because it's still easy to listen to and I can watch the video in half the time.

[@maxipeach99]

They make these mega ships unsailable for a lot of people because of the cost of the sailings. The only cruises my family can afford are Carnival and some of the small ships and sailings on the other cruise lines.

[@Hawkeye2001]

I just got home after a 24 day cruise. The itinerary was so port intensive, and we stayed busy to the point that we never had time to think about being homesick of bored.

[@peggywillis554]

I really prefere smaller or mid size ship. No floating amusement parks for me

[@fredacuneo5180]

When Ive had a free cruise, I always had to put down the taxes and port fees for my cruise. I was just on the Magnifica last week and played in their slots tournament.

[@debbipurcell8108]

Can’t make the live tonight’s but can’t wait to hear about the group cruise!

[@karenross4706]

Hey Tony. 🌞 so sad about Alaska. They have had so many troubles. Disasters all over the world 🌎 these days. What are we doing to our earth…she’s not happy. Have a good day everyone.

[@dianefudge2545]

I have clients in Ketchikan today on HAL, and they said all was well with their tour and the port. We are all praying for the people affected though.

[@gwenmarshall587]

What you said Holland America is planning to do is what RCCL did on the Ultimate World Cruise. I recently did leg 16 of 17 of the RCCL Cruise.

[@robertbass974]

Wife and I always went on 1 week or back to back cruise on Royal, but we went on a month long Princes cruise for 30 days and wished it was longer!

[@lindastover9541]

Great video ❤❤❤❤

[@BettyRobinson-gg5tz]

🙏🙏🙏 for the folks in Alaska. I'm glad that those people were arrested. Love, hugs and🙏for any one who needs it!!!🙃💕💕😍😘🌹🌍🌍🎆🎇🎊🎊🎊

[@lanettecoyer6062]

I have no desire to go cruising on a mega ship.I love the smaller ones.......

[@deborahaustin77]

The last cruise I was on 3 huge ships were in port at the same time and it was so crowded we couldn’t even shop or walk around. We ended up going back to the ship early.

[@jamess5154]

A couple of years ago we did a TA including stops in Iceland followed by a cruise up and down the entire Norwegian west coast. It was 33 days on the same ship. We were ready to get home--or on another ship. We loved the ship but over a month was a bit long.

[@rosalynnecole23]

I think thats fair from Royal to deter no shows.

[@choco.es.unlimited]

I cruised 5 months last year. Was an epic journey