Cruise Smarts with Stacey

03/02/2026

They came for vacation. Then airspace closed and flights were cancelled. Instead of chaos, Abu Dhabi and Dubai told every hotel: extend their stays.

We’ll cover the costs!

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism issued a directive to hotels across the emirate: keep guests who can’t leave due to uncontrollable circumstances, and invoice us for the extra nights.

Dubai followed hours later with parallel orders to protect stranded visitors and avoid evictions.

The trigger?

The Iran conflict shut down airspace across the Gulf, stranding over 20,000 passengers.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the government is footing the bill for all accommodation, meals, and support for affected travelers — already assisting 20,200 with hotels, food, and rebookings.

Private efforts kicked in too: a Dubai holiday rental firm threw open empty apartments for free, inspiring hosts across its 250-member network to follow suit.

No forced checkouts.

No sleeping on airport floors.

Just authorities and locals stepping up until every stranded guest gets home.

That’s crisis management done right.

02/22/2026

🗣️Travel Alert for Cruisers Flying to Your Port ⛔️

Effective as of 6 am February 22, 2026:

Because of the current government shutdown, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are temporarily paused while staffing is shifted to standard security and customs processing.

What to expect at the airport:

✈️ PreCheck lanes may be closed or operating as regular lanes

⏳ Security lines will likely be longer than usual — even for frequent travelers

🛄 Customs processing when returning could also take more time

🕒 Plan to arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would (add at least 60-90 minutes)

📅 If you’re cruising, this is not the time to fly in the morning of embarkation — come in the day before if at all possible

✅ Your TSA PreCheck membership is still valid; this is a temporary operational change, not a cancellation - this mainly affects timing, not your ability to travel

If you have any questions or concerns, comment below. 👇🏽

- Cruise Smarts with Stacey, where I help you cruise smarter. 💫

02/22/2026

Cruise Therapy 🥹❤️🛳️

02/17/2026

Royal Caribbean Restricts Smart Glasses — Here’s What It Means for Cruisers:

Royal Caribbean has updated its onboard policies to address the growing use of wearable tech, specifically smart glasses capable of recording audio or video. 

🔎 What Changed
• The cruise line has added smart glasses with recording capability to its list of restricted items. These devices cannot be used in certain areas onboard, including:
• Public restrooms
• Youth program spaces
• Medical facilities
• The casino 

⚠️ Why the Policy Exists

The restriction is aimed at privacy and security concerns as wearable recording devices become more common among travelers. 

Guidance for Guests Who Need Glasses
• Guests who rely on prescription smart glasses are advised to bring a non-smart backup pair for use onboard. 

🚫 Consequences for Non-Compliance
• If passengers don’t follow the rules, the cruise line says the glasses may be confiscated. 

📊 Industry Trend
• Royal Caribbean is the second cruise line to introduce limits on smart glasses, following MSC Cruises’ broader restrictions last year—suggesting this could become more common across the industry. 

02/15/2026

That moment when you call the cruise line fully prepared to “work something out” 😂

02/13/2026

Heads up, Carnival cruisers! 🚢 Carnival Cruise Line has just re-issued an important scooter policy reminder for guests booked on Carnival Venezia’s February 22, 2026 Carnival Journeys sailing out of Port Canaveral, FL. 

📌 Here are the key things you need to know:
• Carnival is reminding folks about its mandatory scooter policy ahead of this longer-length sailing. 
• Scooters must be the correct size to be allowed on board — anything too big simply won’t be permitted. 
• Safety first: Scooters cannot be left unattended in public spaces, block exits, fire doors, or emergency equipment areas. 
• In your stateroom, scooters must be 21″ wide or less to fit through the door. If yours is wider, you’ll need to book an accessible stateroom instead. 
• If the cruise line finds your scooter is too large at check-in and you have no alternative, you could be denied boarding. 
• Storing scooters outside the cabin door or in hallways is never allowed. 

Carnival says they are sending this reminder now because longer Carnival Journeys sailings tend to have more guests traveling with mobility devices — especially older or retired cruisers. 

If you’re cruising with a scooter or mobility device, it’s a good idea to notify Carnival at booking so they can make sure your cabin is suited to your needs. 

Cruise Smarts with Stacey, where I help you cruise smarter. 💫

02/10/2026

Stacey Nicholson Flint

I just came here to say that our beloved Erin Jackson, the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal in the Winter Olympics has been picked as the US flag bearer for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Let's gooooooo! Clap it up!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
We See You Sis! 🫶🏿

02/10/2026

Save this if you’re cruising soon. 💫