Here’s a quick look at what’s new this week in cruising, and how it could impact your next trip…
- Citing safety concerns, Crystal Cruises has dropped Turkey from April and May itineraries of its 922-passenger Crystal Symphony and spring and fall sailings of its 62-passenger yacht Crystal Esprit. The ships will instead linger in Greece. The move comes in the wake of a deadly bombing in Istanbul last week that the Turkish authorities are blaming on the Islamic State.
- Something funny seems to have gotten into the drinking water on Royal Caribbean. In May, the line is unveiling a "comedy dive show" called "Hideaway Heist," featuring a mystery plot-line set at a swanky 1950s holiday resort. It's also offering a musical spoof called "Columbus, The Musical!" all about the escapades of Marvin Columbus, the down-on-his-luck cousin of Christopher Columbus. Both will debut on the new world's largest ship, the 5,500-passenger Harmony of the Seas.
- Big changes are coming to the Carnival Inspiration -- built in 1996 -- as a part of a multi-million update. Additions launching February 5 on a Baja Mexico sailing include poolside tequila and rum bars, burgers from "Food Network" star Guy Fieri, and more.
- This spring, art lovers cruising with Holland America Line can take a gander at Dutch Masterpieces (or at least reproductions thereof). Rijksmuseum at Sea, a floating version of the Netherlands' popular art museum, debuts on the Oosterdam in April. The partnership also brings new art-related activities and museum merchandise available in shipboard shops -- you know, in case you want a Vermeer tote or Rembrandt scarf.