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Every major cruise line operating from Florida’s Space Coast wants the same thing: more space at Port Canaveral. And Captain John Murray, the port’s CEO, has a clear answer for all of them. “Everybody wants the new terminal,” Murray said, speaking with Cruise Industry News. “And I refer to it as a denominational terminal. It’s...
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The coastal arch of Durdle Door in southern England has emerged as a major travel draw after appearing in the 2026 film Project Hail Mary, one of the year’s biggest global box office hits. The […]
The coastal arch of Durdle Door in southern England has emerged as a major travel draw after appearing in the 2026 film Project Hail Mary, one of the year's biggest global box office hits. The adaptation of Andy Weir's novel, starring Ryan Gosling, has brought renewed attention to parts of the Jurassic Coast used in the film's final scenes.
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A couple whose video about their experiences aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise went viral found out that they’ve been permanent banned by the line. The unusual twist? Their original video was posted back in 2023!
‘We Showed Exactly What We Saw’
While Laura and Johnathan Fain’s video chronicling their time on the Margaritaville at Seaship got a decent amount of attention when posted back in 2023, he is quick to make clear it “wasn’t something where we were thinking, ‘Oh, maybe if we complain we’ll get a refund.’”
Rather, says Johnathan, who goes by Fain, “It was literally just posting our experience. We showed exactly what we saw.”
Adds Laura during a call with Cruise Radio, “It’s not like we made a mess and then filmed it! The response to the initial vlog wasn’t really controversial. But then I put out the TikTok,” which was by nature shorter and focused more heavily on the negative aspects of their trip.
“That’s what really blew up and is probably what offended them,” she says. “And I get it, to be honest with you. But I never thought it would lead to this!”
‘Maybe We Were Banned!’
Flashforward to the spring of 2026, when the pair decided it was time to give Margaritaville at Sea another shot. “We’d heard good things and were looking to do a cruise that would fit in our budget,” explains Fain. Yet when they attempted to book online, the system instructed them to contact customer service.
“I joked that maybe we were banned,” laughs Laura. What she didn’t realize was just how right she was: When Fain called, a customer service rep confirmed they were banned from the line and even revealed that a “bad review” was the reason.
“It says you are not allowed to board a cruise,” acknowledged the Margaritaville rep.
“I was shocked that they just said it, flat-out,” Fain admits.
Radio Silence
Despite making a video about the ban which accumulated nearly 125,000 views in its first week, the couple has not heard from the cruise line. (You can see their video in its entirety below.) “I’m not expecting to hear from them,” shrugs Fain.
Many in the comment section have assumed that the company might reach out in order to make amends. Laura, however, is quick to say, “We didn’t do this to get a free cruise or bash them again. We had no agenda.”
Despite what has gone down, the pair would like to give the line — which has undergone massive changes since their original posting — another shot… with, however, one stipulation. “I wouldn’t want it for free,” she says emphatically. “Nobody’s going to take away my credibility in that way. I can already imagine the comments people would make if we accepted a free cruise and had a positive experience.”
Adds Fain “And if we weren’t paying for it, we would disclose that. It’s important that we remain true to ourselves.”
Cruise Radio reached out to Margaritaville for comment, but received no response.
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While many trips offer relaxation and adventure, only a select few deliver that unmistakable feeling of exclusivity. But what actually defines an “exclusive” vacation? Is it luxury, privacy, or something deeper? As travel trends evolve, exclusivity is no longer just about price tags, it’s about personalized experiences, freedom, and meaningful moments. In this article, we explore what truly makes a vacation feel exclusive.
The power of privacy and personal space
One of the defining features of an exclusive vacation is privacy. Travelers are increasingly seeking ways to escape crowds, long lines, and busy tourist hotspots. Luxury travel is often associated with convenience and the ability to bypass common travel frustrations, creating a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
This is where experiences such as private villas or all inclusive yacht charters stand out. Instead of sharing spaces with hundreds of other guests, travelers can enjoy a setting tailored entirely to them.
On a yacht, for example, the environment is intimate, with only your chosen companions and a dedicated crew onboard, creating a level of exclusivity that traditional cruises or resorts rarely match.
Personalization is the new luxury standard
Modern luxury is no longer defined by gold-plated amenities or extravagant décor. Instead, personalization has become the key driver of exclusivity. Travelers want experiences that reflect their identity, preferences, and lifestyle.
Research shows that many travelers view their trips as a form of self-expression, seeking unique experiences that feel tailored to them.
This shift explains the growing popularity of curated travel experiences. Whether it’s a custom itinerary, private excursions, or a chef preparing meals based on personal preferences, exclusivity lies in how well a vacation adapts to the individual.
All-inclusive yacht charters take this concept even further. Every aspect of the journey, from destinations to daily activities, can be adjusted in real time, offering a level of flexibility that few other travel options can provide.
Access to unique and remote destinations
Another key factor that elevates a vacation is access. Exclusive travel often means going where others cannot. This might include hidden beaches, private islands, or remote coastal towns that are inaccessible to large crowds.
acht-based travel excels in this area. Unlike traditional cruises, which follow fixed routes and dock in busy ports, yachts can reach secluded coves and lesser-known destinations. This creates a sense of discovery and adventure that enhances the overall experience.
Travelers today are also prioritizing meaningful and unique experiences over material luxury. According to travel insights, there is a growing demand for trips that offer authenticity and memorable moments rather than just high-end accommodation.
Seamless experiences and effortless comfort
Exclusivity is also about how easy a vacation feels. When every detail is taken care of, travelers can fully relax without worrying about logistics. This is one of the reasons all-inclusive travel has surged in popularity.
With all-inclusive yacht charters, everything from accommodation and meals to activities and crew service is included in one package. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, premium drinks, and curated experiences without constantly reaching for their wallet or planning the next step.
This seamless approach eliminates stress and allows travelers to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the journey.
The emotional side of exclusivity
Beyond tangible elements, exclusivity is deeply psychological. Luxury travel often fulfills a desire for uniqueness, status, and personal growth. Experiences that feel rare or “once-in-a-lifetime” tend to leave a stronger emotional impact.
Time spent on a yacht, for instance, changes how people perceive space and time. The open sea, combined with a personalized environment, creates a sense of freedom and escape that is difficult to replicate on land. This emotional connection is what transforms a good vacation into an unforgettable one.
All in all, an exclusive vacation is not just about luxury, it is about how a trip makes you feel. Privacy, personalization, unique access, and seamless comfort all contribute to that elevated experience.
As travelers continue to seek deeper and more meaningful journeys, traditional definitions of luxury are evolving.
Experiences like all-inclusive yacht charters perfectly capture this shift, offering not just comfort, but freedom, individuality, and unforgettable moments. In the end, what makes a vacation truly exclusive is not just where you go, but how uniquely it is yours.
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An air and sea search has been called off for a missing guest who went overboard during a cruise from Australia, likely confirming a second death onboard within hours.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
A man is believed to have climbed the railings and jumped from Carnival Splendor, according to reviewed CCTV footage.
The man’s family had earlier reported him missing. The incident came just a few hours after a woman died while snorkeling at Moreton Island, off the Queensland coast, during a port call.
Neither of the two guests has been officially named, and the incidents are not related, the cruise line said.
Search and Rescue Operation Found No Trace of Missing Guest
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) conducted a search and rescue operation lasting approximately 16 hours but called it off in the early evening without success. The man is now presumed dead.
“Following an intensive air and sea search involving multiple assets, the missing person was not located and AMSA has now released all assets from tasking,” a Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson said.
The cruise line also issued a response, “All appropriate authorities have been alerted and Carnival will assist in their investigation upon the ship’s return to Sydney. Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Carnival Cruise Line stated it believes the act was deliberate. The guest “climbed over the safety railing and jumped overboard. A review of the CCTV footage confirmed the guest’s action.”
Hours Earlier, a Guest Died While Snorkeling
The man overboard alert sounded just before 2 a.m. on April 18. The approximately 3,000-guest Carnival Splendor returned to Sydney on Sunday, where it is homeported year-round.
Just a few hours before the overboard incident, a 67-year-old female guest from Tasmania experienced difficulty while snorkeling at Moreton Island. She was pulled from the water but did not respond to resuscitation efforts.
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After weeks stuck in limbo in the Arabian Gulf, a flotilla of five cruise ships has passed through the Strait of Hormuz en route to their long-delayed European cruising seasons.
Celestyal Discovery First Ship Through Strait of Hormuz
(Photo courtesy of Celestyal Cruises)
Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Discovery was the first to sail through on Friday. Sister ship Celestyal Journey also made it through the strait safely. MSC Cruises confirmed MSC Euribia is safely out, as did TUI Cruises’ ships, Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5.
TUI Cruises paid tribute to its crew and “all those who supported and enabled the safe passage with great professionalism and prudence.” The company added that the focus is now on the ships’ onward journey toward the Mediterranean.
The Saudi Arabia-based Aroya Manara, previously the only major cruise ship still in the Gulf, has now departed Dammam and is heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, though its transit remains uncertain given current conditions.
Although the five European-owned ships made it through the conflict zone, it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. They transited during a narrow window before Iran reimposed restrictions on the strait hours later, citing tensions tied to the U.S. military presence in the region. Iranian officials said “strict controls” had been restored.
One Cruise Ship Reported a Possible Incident
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a cruise ship may have been involved in an incident off the coast of Oman. A ship captain reported a “splash in close proximity” caused by an unknown projectile. Authorities have not identified which cruise ship was involved.
Separately, two India-flagged cargo ships, including a tanker, were reportedly fired upon after not receiving authorization from Iran to transit the strait.
MSC Cruises saidMSC Euribia will begin its Northern Europe season in mid-May.
“MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and is now en route to Northern Europe. The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities,” the cruise line said.
“The ship will now be able to return sooner than previously anticipated. Departures on May 16 from Kiel and May 17 from Copenhagen will operate as originally scheduled.” Guests with canceled cruises will have the option to transfer their bookings.
Celestyal Discovery is now bound for the Suez Canal (South Anchorage), with an estimated arrival on April 24, as it continues its repositioning voyage toward Europe.
The bustling waters of the Strait of Hormuz are showing signs of renewal as the MSC Euribia, a cruise ship, successfully charts a course towards Northern Europe. After a significant 45-day hiatus, the vessel leaves […]
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Five cruise ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz, completing what became a two-day passage of five vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf since the onset of conflicts in the Middle East. MSC Cruises confirmed on Saturday that the MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, safely transited the strait and is now en route to Northern...
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MSC Cruises has confirmed that the MSC Euribia has departed Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and is now en route to Northern Europe. The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the company said. The Euribia is on course to resume her Northern Europe season, and...
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The woman who was served 15 shots of tequila aboard the Carnival Radiance — and suffered injuries as a result — is speaking out about the lawsuit which netted her a $300,000 victory. Meanwhile, reaction to her win has largely involved people debating personal responsibility.
‘They Treated Me Like a Criminal’
In a video shot by her attorney, Diana Sanders says that the crew “treated me like a criminal” as she attempted to obtain information about what had taken place. After waking up at the bottom of a staircase in a crew area, Sanders says she received “conflicting information” about what had transpired.
“I was very concerned that they wouldn’t tell me exactly what had happened,” she continued. She turned to a lawyer in an attempt to get the CCTV footage, but claims that Carnival had “all the tapes right before, but nothing afterward and they will not show us what happened that day.”
As for the process of taking Carnival Corporation to court, “I felt bullied,” she shares. “Everything they did was to either mentally torment me or financially torment me.”
The jury, however, “saw what they were trying to do, how they were trying to defame my character” and, she says, “make me look like a bad human being.”
Sanders attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, briefly touched upon personal responsibility… a topic which many across social media thinks should have played a much bigger role in this particular case.
‘Shouldn’t A Nurse Know Better?’
In handing down their verdict, the jury determined that Carnival was 60 percent responsible for the incident, with Sanders 40 percent responsible. But for many responding to coverage of the story — including our own initial article — that seemed unreasonable.
“Wait,” responded a Facebook commenter, “she’s a nurse? Shouldn’t a nurse know better than to drink that heavily?”
“Accountability must begin with the drinker,” posted another. “No one forced [her] to drink.”
Others speculated as to what effect this might have on future policies related to drinks served on board. “Now they’ll change the rules, dial back the number of drinks you can consume and how often.”
Carnival has indicated that it intends to appeal the decision.
We discuss a significant legal victory in a case against Carnival Cruise Line. My client, Diana Sanders, a nurse from Northern California, was excessively se...
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After 27 years sailing for NCL, Norwegian Sky leaves the fleet later this year for new horizons. The 2,000-passenger ship is one of two older vessels joining India’s largest cruise operator, Cordelia Cruises.
Norwegian Sky is on a transatlantic crossing ahead of a final season sailing in northern Europe and the Mediterranean. After calls in the Azores, Portugal and Spain, the ship arrives in Le Havre, France. It will spend the summer sailing in Northern Europe, the British Isles, and then the Mediterranean.
Starting next week, Norwegian Sky will visit ports in France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany during its farewell season. From mid-May, it positions to Southampton for longer cruises around the British Isles.
Norwegian Sky will then reposition for a short season in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. Its final departure under the NCL flag is from Piraeus September 9, transiting the Suez Canal to Dubai. After this 21-night cruise, the ship is handed over to Cordelia Cruises.
The transfer to Cordelia is part of an initial long-term charter agreement for two Norwegian ships announced a year ago.
Norwegian Sun is also scheduled to join Cordelia in November 2027.
The two NCL ships will be renamed Cordelia Sky and Cordelia Sun respectively. Sky is expected to undergo a refurbishment before embarking on its first India cruises in September 2026.
Cordelia Sky to sail to Southeast Asia next year
The cruise line announced details of itineraries for Cordelia Sky last year. The ship will debut on a five-night cruise to Goa and Lakshadweep from Mumbai.
From July 2027, the company plans to deploy Sky on Southeast Asia itineraries with week-long sailings from Chennai to Singapore.
“These itineraries are designed not only for Indian travelers, but also for international guests,” said Cordelia CEO Jurgen Bailom. “The intent is continuity, not disruption. The Sky allows us to operate these high-demand routes at a larger scale, with greater capacity and more balcony cabins.”
A cruise ship tour of Norwegian Sky. This ship is Norwegian Cruise Line's oldest ship that was launched in 1999. This narrated deck tour that was shot in Dec...
Virgin Voyages has reached out to cruisers who were upset about not only a recent itinerary change but the way it was handled. Acknowledging their misstep, the line essentially promised to do better moving forward.
Why Some Cruisers Are Upset
While the Valiant Lady did sail out of NYC like sister ship Brilliant Lady, pictured here, she wound up going north as opposed to south. (Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)
Rarely are those about to set sail happy to hear about itinerary changes, as they tend to be less desirable than the originally scheduled route. That was most definitely the case for most passengers booked upon the Valiant Lady’s April 6 sailing out of New York City.
Originally intended to be a five-day trip to Bermuda, passengers were informed a few days before embarkation that they would, instead, be sailing north to Canada due to a possibility of bad weather. Adding insult to injury, at least in the eyes of some, was the borderline cheeky way in which Virgin addressed the itinerary change.
“St. John will feel a little bit different from Bermuda,” read one segment of the letter, “with crisp, coastal air and a completely new backdrop to explore. You may want to bring a few extra layers.”
Of course, for some cruisers, the warning came too late as they had already flown into New York City from other locations. While many did their best to roll with the proverbial punches, some made their complaints public — with a few related Instagram vids garnering a whole lot of attention.
“We’ve Seen Your Messages”
Facing the situation head-on, if a tad after the fact, Virgin Voyages posted a response to unhappy sailors via their Instagram page. “Welp,” it began. “That Bermuda-Canada email really wasn’t it. We’ve seen your messages, and we get it.”
The missive continued: “This wasn’t the trip you were planning for — and we should have spoken to that reality. We understand why you’re disappointed. We agreed we need to do better, and next time we will.”
It concluded by saying, “Itineraries can change for safety, but you deserve us to be real about it when they do.”
“This Situation Is Not Funny to Me”
In a separate Instagram post featuring a photo of the dark side of the moon, Virgin again addressed the original email. And as is their wont, they did so in a typically sardonic manner. “We missed the mark. So NASA, if you want to fly our team to the moon next, we’ll gladly stay there and hide behind some moon rocks. (We’ll make sure to bring extra layers, too.)”
Not everyone however, saw the humor. One commenter acknowledged it was a “fun social media post” before asking “But what are you doing to make the situation right? This post alone just feels like you’re making fun of the situation.”
One passenger who’d been on board the Canada-bound sailing didn’t see the humor in the situation. “I was on that voyage and extremely disappointed,” they wrote. “I feel that the refusal to issue refunds and $100 per person [onboard credit] per person was wholly inadequate… you should have cancelled the cruise or allowed us to get a refund. Sorry, but this situation is not funny to me.”
Princess Cruises has signed agreements with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build three new cruise ships, the cruise line announced.
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
The vessels, collectively called the Voyager class, will be the largest ships Princess has ever built.
What passengers need to know about the Voyager class
Each of the three ships will measure 183,000 gross registered tons and carry approximately 4,700 guests. By comparison, the current Sphere class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, weigh in at 175,500 gross tons and hold around 4,300 passengers.
The first ship is scheduled for delivery in late 2035, with the second and third arriving in 2038 and 2039, respectively. All three will be built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the same facility that constructed Sun Princess and Star Princess.
What the ships will offer
Princess says the Voyager class will build on the Sphere class platform, which debuted with Sun Princess in 2024. The cruise line says redesigned outer decks, staterooms, and Piazza areas are planned, though specific amenity details have not been released.
Like Sun Princess and Star Princess, the new ships will run primarily on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
“The Voyager class will delight both our loyal guests and attract the next generation of Princess guests,” said Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha in a statement.
The cruise line said it conducted research with guests and travel agents to inform the new design.
Carnival Corporationadditions
The three ships represent the 19th, 20th, and 21st LNG-powered vessels across the Carnival Corporation fleet. Carnival also has seven additional ships under contract for other brands, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2033.
With delivery dates nearly a decade away, passengers planning a Voyager-class sailing will need to wait for bookings to open. Princess has not announced deployment plans or home ports for the new ships.
The Voyager class name is not new to cruising. Royal Caribbean has operated ships under the same class name since 1999, with five vessels: Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas.
A woman who was allegedly served over a dozen shots of tequila in an eight-hour period has been awarded $300,000 in her lawsuit against the Carnival Corporation.
Should Bartenders Have Cut Her Off?
The court case revolved around events which unfolded in January of 2024 aboard the Carnival Radiance. In her lawsuit, 45-year-old Diana Sanders alleged that she was served at least 14 shots of tequila in just over eight hours.
“Due to her inebriated state that was caused by this over-service of alcohol,” read the original complaint, Sanders suffered a fall and “sustained severe injuries including, but not limited to, a concussion, headaches, a possible traumatic brain injury” and other issues.
Following a week-long jury trial in Federal court, Carnival was ordered to pay Sanders $300,000.
Why This Case is Unusual
The Miami Herald reports that Carnival tried several times over the course of the lawsuits lifespan to have the case dismissed. They cited court filings in which the company defended itself by claiming that Sanders failed “to identify any crew member who over-served her or which bar she consumed alcohol at” which would allow a specific bartender to be identified.
“Therefore,” they insisted, “the over-service of alcohol count should be dismissed for failure to sufficiently identify a negligent employee.”
In a statement, attorney Spencer Aronfield acknowledged that “holding a major cruise line accountable for the over-service of alcohol is an extremely challenging legal argument to make, but we were always confident that once a Miami jury heard the full facts of the case they would have no difficulty holding Carnival responsible.”
Aronfield told the Herald that it’s rare for this type of case to move forward as opposed to being settled before reaching the courtroom. “I’ve had many overservice cases that have settled,” he said, “but none that went the full distance.”
In response to the lawsuit’s outcome, a spokesperson told the Herald that “Carnival Corporation respectfully disagrees with the verdict and believes there are grounds for a new trial and appeal, which it will pursue.”
It’s worth noting the jury did not place all of the blame on the cruise line. While they indicated that Carnival was 60 percent at fault, they assigned 40 percent of the blame to Sanders herself.
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Holland America Line is about to invest over $500 million in a new program they’re calling the most ambitious guest experience update in the company’s 153 year history. When all is said and done, older ships in the fleet will seem new again as a result of bow-to-stern renovations.
Good News for Solo Travelers
The changes will be implemented over the next few years, with the Oosterdam being the first to undergo the transformative (and appropriately named) Evolution program.
In the coming years, each of the remaining Vista-class ships (Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Noordam) as well as the two comprising the Signature-class (Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam) will get their turn in the Evolution spotlight.
Eurodam will be one of the ships to undergo the Evolution in coming years.
But first, debuting in the fall of 2027, the updated Oosterdam will feature new stateroom categories as well as the addition of perhaps the line’s most popular venue, the Grand Dutch Cafe. (This particular spot was previously only available on Holland America’s Pinnacle-class ships.)
One of the biggest change being made is the addition of 30 staterooms specifically designed for solo travelers. Better still, these won’t be small, featureless interior staterooms but cabins offering private balconies and full amenities.
In all, over 70 staterooms will be added to the ship, although Holland America makes it clear that they will be preserving the “room at the rail” aspect that allows guests to soak in the environments through which the ships sail.
Bookings aboard the newly-refurbished ship will go on sale May 6.
Rooms With a (Killer) View
Also new to the ship will be two Bridgeview Suites, offering panoramic windows, a wraparound balcony and, thanks to their location at the front of the ship, what might be called a captain’s-eye view!
Elsewhere, Oosterdam will feature a 1,550 square-foot reimagined Pinnacle Suite, making it the most expansive one ever featured on a Vista-class ship.
Speaking of first-in-their-class, Oosterdam will also debut 24 Vista Suites, long among the most popular for those sailing on Pinnacle-class ships.
More Changes Ahead
One major addition coming to ships under the Evolution program? The addition of the previously-mentioned Grand Dutch Cafe. This European style spot, rooted in the line’s Dutch heritage, will welcome guests on Deck 3, just off the atrium.
The Grand Dutch Cafe will be added to each of the ships.
Declaring that the line is “just getting started,” Holland America Line president Beth Bodensteiner offered an enthusiastic tease of what’s yet to be revealed. “Over the coming months, we’ll be unveiling several more exciting additions to Oosterdam as well as the other five ships that are part of this evolution.”
The company will also be investing in various ways to improve the energy efficiency of ships. This will involve an emphasis on smarter power management and making performance changes aimed at reducing energy demand and decreasing their overall carbon footprint in the future.
More details about not only Oosterdam’s renovations (and future itineraries) will be shared at hollandamerica.com/evolution, which will also offer real-time updates as plans are revealed.
Four months after the tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon, her 16-year-old stepbrother has officially been charged with murder in the first degree and aggravated sexual assault.
Teen To Be Charged As An Adult
In a release regarding the development, the Department of Justice laid out their case that “while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami, T.H. allegedly sexually assaulted an intentionally killed Kepner.
The Miami-Date Medical Examiner’s Office later determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation.” The full name of the young man has not been revealed in court documents due to his status as a minor.
Speaking for the court of the Southern District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said, “A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters.
We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with profesionalism and care. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
(Photo via Pixabay)
Although originally charged as a juvenile back in February, the young man will be tried as an adult according to the Department of Justice.
Kepner was found beneath her stateroom’s bed during a family sailing aboard the Carnival Cruise ship last November. Among those on the trip were her father and stepmother, as well as her paternal grandparents. Even as suspicions swirled around Anna’s stepbrother, her grandparents maintained that the young woman was close to her step-siblings.
“It’s all family,” said grandfather Jeffrey Kepner to news outlets. “It’s a blended family, yes, but that’s not how our family is. Our dynamic is we’re all just family.”
Now, that family will face the prospect of Anna’s killer spending the rest of his life behind bars if convicted and given the maximum sentence.
In a letter sent to passengers and travel partners, MSC Cruises revealed that they will be hiking gratuity rates on two popular types of cruises.
While they offered a way for booked guests to avoid paying the higher rate, there is a ticking clock attached to the deal.
Which Daily Gratuity Is Going Up
In the letter, MSC said that the rate would impact guests booked on Caribbean and Alaskan sailings. They also said the new per person, per day rate would go into effect as of May 11, 2026.
As of that date, guests booked in standard staterooms will see the daily gratuity (or, as MSC calls it, “Hotel Service Charge”) rise from $16 to $17 per person per day.
Meanwhile, those booked into the Yacht Club — aka MSC’s ship-within-a-ship area — will pay a whopping $3 more per person, per day, with their price jumping from $20 to $23.
“The Hotel Service Charge helps us maintain the highest quality standards of service by supporting the dedicated crew members who work to enhance your onboard experience,” read the letter.
Pay Now, Save Later
MSC did offer booked guests a chance to avoid paying the increased rate. “We are happy to honor the current Hotel Service Charge rate for guests who have already paid, as well as those who choose to prepay before the policy change [goes into effect] on May 11.”
There’s been no word as to why Caribbean and Alaska sailings were targeted in particular — aside, perhaps, from their popularity. It’s also unclear whether this change eventually will be implemented across the fleet’s other itineraries.
“We have a Yacht Club experience coming up,” said one MSC cruiser who reached out to our tip line. “And honestly, as if that wasn’t expensive enough already, now there’s another increase to contend with. When will it end?”
The Yacht Club’s many benefits will now come at an additional cost. (Photo by Richard Simms)
Similar stories are unfolding across many cruise lines. In February, Carnival Cruise Line announced they would be increasing their daily gratuities at the beginning of April. In that case, rates went from $17 to $18 per person per day for standard staterooms, and from $18 to $19 for suite guests.
This still falls well below the rates charged by Margaritaville at Sea, which in February hiked their rates to $22 per person, per day for standard rooms and $25 per person per day for suites.
MSC Cruises has announced a second private island destination in the Bahamas.
The new island, called Sandy Cay, will be located adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and is set to open in 2028.
Sandy Cay will be available exclusively to MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests. The island takes its name from its aragonite sand beaches, which MSC describes as among the purest in the world.
The company is positioning Sandy Cay as a more secluded, lower-key experience compared to Ocean Cay, with a focus on natural surroundings and a quieter atmosphere.
The announcement puts a name to what MSC had previously referred to internally as “Little Cay” in earlier communications about its Bahamas expansion plans.
Ocean Cay upgrades also on the way
While Sandy Cay is still three years out, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is getting a major upgrade closer to home.
MSC announced in January that the island will receive a range of new facilities due for completion in late 2027, along with a pier extension that will allow two ships to dock simultaneously.
New additions to Ocean Cay will include four additional dining venues, bringing the total to seven, a dedicated adults-only beach called Paradise Sands, an upgraded family beach area at Seakers Cove featuring a splash pad, ropes course and playground, additional cabanas, and a new marine conservation experience operated by the MSC Foundation.
Ocean Cay opened in late 2019 on a former industrial site and has become a regular stop on MSC’s Caribbean itineraries. The island currently features more than two miles of beachfront across eight beaches, seven bars, and a range of water activities.
MSC expanding its Bahamas presence on multiple fronts
Earlier this month, MSC also confirmed a deal with the Bahamas government for a new beach club at the Grand Lucayan Resort site in Grand Bahama, in addition to its previously announced $450 million investment to upgrade the Freeport cruise port facility.
One of Alaska’s most popular cruise destinations is off-limits for the 2026 season, and the list of affected sailings keeps growing.
Tracy Arm Fjord, a narrow 30-mile passage in southeast Alaska known for its glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife, has been closed to cruise ship navigation following a massive landslide on August 10, 2025.
The slide originated above the South Sawyer Glacier near the head of the fjord, sending water surging more than a quarter mile up the opposite mountain wall. No ships were in the fjord at the time and no injuries were reported, though kayakers camped nearby lost gear to the rushing water.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the slide displaced as much as 100 million cubic meters of debris into the fjord and has warned that the area remains unstable.
Continued rockfall and smaller-scale slides from the exposed landslide scar are expected, with the potential to trigger future localized tsunamis.
163 Tracy Arm calls cancelled across five cruise lines
Seals on an iceberg in Tracy Arm Fjord (Photo courtesy of Nancy Schretter)
Here is where the cancellations stack up at the time of reporting. With MSC Cruises confirming this week that the MSC Poesia will skip all 20 of its planned Tracy Arm calls during its inaugural Alaska season, the total number of cancelled fjord visits for 2026 has reached at least 163 across five cruise lines and 11 ships.
Carnival Cruise Line has the highest number of cancellations with 53 calls cancelled across three ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle, both sailing round-trip from Seattle with 21 calls each, and Carnival Luminosa operating from San Francisco with 11 calls.
Holland America Line follows with 46 cancelled calls across four ships. The Koningsdam, sailing round-trip from Vancouver, accounts for 24 of those, including two sailings that had Tracy Arm listed twice on the same itinerary. The Zaandam adds 19 Vancouver-based calls, while the Eurodam and Westerdam account for two and one call respectively.
Royal Caribbean has cancelled 31 confirmed calls, with the Serenade of the Seas dropping 16 calls from its Vancouver schedule and the Voyager of the Seas dropping 15 from Seattle.
Notably, the Royal Caribbean announcement covering those two ships did not address the Anthem of the Seas, which has 12 Tracy Arm calls on its Seattle schedule. Whether those sailings will also be affected has not been confirmed.
Virgin Voyages rounds out the list with 13 cancelled calls on the Brilliant Lady, sailing round-trip from Seattle.
Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier are the alternative
Dawes Glacier (Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises)
All cruise lines redirecting away from Tracy Arm are substituting scenic cruising at Endicott Arm, located roughly 20 miles south, with views of the actively calving Dawes Glacier.
Endicott Arm has served as an occasional backup to Tracy Arm in past seasons when ice conditions made the fjord unsafe.
The 2026 Alaska cruise season is set to begin April 21 in Ketchikan, with ships arriving in Juneau the following week.
Scientists are continuing to study the causes of the landslide and monitoring for additional hazards in the broader Tracy Arm fjord network. Whether ships will be able to return in 2027 remains an open question.
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