Cruise News LIVE: Carnival Encounter Issues, Royal Caribbean Changes & More

Welcome back to Deb & Matt Chat LIVE for another week of cruise news, industry updates and live discussion with our cruise community. Tonight we’re covering several major cruise industry stories including: 🚢 Carnival Encounter controversy Passengers returning from the ship’s dry dock are reporting incomplete renovations, leaks in cabins and areas of the ship still resembling a construction site. 🥤 Royal Caribbean quietly removes a popular drink package perk The Coca-Cola souvenir cup will no longer be automatically included with premium drink packages, meaning guests must now pay extra if they want Freestyle machine access. 🛳 Celebrity Solstice returns from dry dock The ship has received new venues including Sunset Park, Trattoria Rossa and Fine Cut Steakhouse as part of a major modernization program. 💎 Regent Seven Seas sees strong demand for Australia The ultra-luxury line says its upcoming Australian winter season is almost sold out and may expand operations down under. 🏆 CLIA Cruise Industry Awards announced Australia and New Zealand’s top cruise travel agents were honoured at the industry’s biggest awards night in Sydney. ⚓ New incentives to attract cruise ships to NSW ports 🏰Disney Adventure Arrives in Singapore 5 years of Disney Magic awaits cruisers from Singapore on the newest and biggest ship in the Disney fleet, Disney Adventure. Recently christened by the ships godparent - Robert Downey Jr. PLUS we’ll share our experiences, answer questions and discuss what these stories mean for cruisers in Australia. Join the conversation LIVE! 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe