July 2026 Newsletter

Ahoy JGOOT Cruisers!

Welcome to the July edition of the JGOOT Cruises Membership Newsletter! As always, we’re here to bring you top tips, exciting updates, and must-book deals to make your cruising experiences even better. Let's dive in!

⚓ Captain's Tip: Don't Pay for Wi-Fi Until You Need It

Cruise ship Wi-Fi has improved dramatically, but it's still one of the biggest onboard expenses. Before purchasing a package, download your cruise line's app—most include free onboard messaging, daily schedules, deck maps, dining reservations, and activity information without needing a Wi-Fi package. When you're in port, check whether your cell phone plan includes international roaming, as you may be able to use your regular data at no extra charge. Many ports also offer free Wi-Fi at cafés, terminals, and nearby businesses. If you do decide to buy internet for sea days, compare packages carefully—many cruise lines allow multiple devices to share a single login (just one at a time), which can save families a significant amount of money.

🚨 IMPORTANT: New Lesson Added!

We've added a brand-new video to Lesson 5, Video 4 covering a limited-time opportunity to earn Wyndham Diamond status in just 10 nights instead of the usual 40. This is earned status (not matched status), which means it can be used to unlock Caesars Diamond—your gateway to free or nearly free cruises and other valuable perks.

Chase the Northern Lights in the Arctic: If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, Aurora Expeditions has released several Arctic itineraries for 2026 and 2027 designed to maximize your chances. These expedition cruises explore remote destinations like Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, Jan Mayen, and Norway, with flexible itineraries that adapt to weather, wildlife, and sea ice to optimize aurora viewing opportunities.

Carnival Brings Back Halloween-Themed Cruises for 2026: If you love spooky season, Carnival Cruise Line will once again offer its popular "Frightfully Fun" cruises from late September through Halloween 2026. Every ship in Carnival's fleet will feature festive Halloween decorations, themed activities, and costume parades, making October sailings extra fun for families and Halloween fans alike. While a few ships will skip one children's activity, the fleet-wide celebration promises plenty of seasonal entertainment for anyone looking to celebrate Halloween at sea.

MSC Cruises Expands Its Spa & Wellness Experience: MSC Cruises is rolling out a major upgrade to its MSC Aurea Spa across the fleet throughout 2026, adding a wide range of new wellness and beauty services. Guests will find offerings like AI-powered skin analysis, advanced facial treatments, Japanese-inspired head spa rituals, IV therapy on select ships, professional teeth whitening, barber services, and more. The enhancements reflect the growing demand for wellness-focused travel, giving guests even more ways to relax, recharge, and return home feeling refreshed.

Regent Unveils Immersive Spotlight Voyages for 2027: Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced a new collection of Spotlight Voyages for 2027, designed around special interests like wine, food, genealogy, and wellness. These sailings pair Regent's luxury experience with expert-led programming, including wine tastings and seminars, culinary demonstrations, family history workshops with AncestryProGenealogists, and the cruise line's first-ever wellness voyage in partnership with Elemis. Sailing throughout Europe aboard several Regent ships, these itineraries offer guests the chance to dive deeper into their passions while enjoying Regent's all-inclusive luxury experience.

Celebrity River Cruises Adds Curated Pre- & Post-Cruise Experiences: Celebrity River Cruises is expanding its European river cruise experience with guided Before and After Stays, allowing guests to explore destinations more deeply before or after their sailing. Available beginning in 2027 (with additional cities in 2028), these multi-day programs include premium hotels, daily breakfast, transfers, and locally guided excursions with multiple tour options each day. From creating street art with a local artist in Amsterdam to uncovering hidden medieval and Cold War history in Prague, the curated experiences are designed to offer an effortless way to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and flavors of Europe's most iconic cities.