Ever wonder who’s really steering those massive cruise ships as they navigate narrow river channels?

We sat down with Captain Bryson, a harbor pilot with decades of experience guiding vessels through Jacksonville’s St. John’s River, to learn about one of the maritime industry’s most challenging and least understood professions.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been a harbor pilot for Jacksonville for 20 years. I graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1977. I began my formal maritime training at the age of 12 on the sailing ship Joseph Conrad, and I started sailing as Master at the age of 26 on coastal vessels and on ocean-going vessels at the age of 31.

In the years between graduation from the Academy and my promotion to Master, I sailed as deck officer on vessels worldwide, primarily as chief officer, and I maintained a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve as well.

I’ve served as President of the local Saint John’s Bar Pilot Association here in Jacksonville, as well as the Florida Harbor Pilots Association, and the Board of Pilot Commissioners for the state of Florida.

2. What exactly does a harbor pilot do?

Pilots for the state of Florida are independent contractors that belong to member associations within the state’s pilot region.

We’re responsible for directing and controlling the movement of vessels — cargo and cruise vessels — into and out of Florida’s deep-water ports.

As harbor pilots, our duty is to act in the public interest and maintain independent judgment from any outside influence that could jeopardize public safety.

3. Does every ship that comes into the river require a harbor pilot on it?

All non-U.S.-flag cargo and cruise ships must take a state-licensed harbor pilot when entering Florida waters. U.S. flag cargo and cruise vessels are not required by statute to take a state pilot.

However, it is exceedingly rare for them to not take a pilot, and they do this because it allows them to maximize their cargo load. We can get them in and out of a port when typically other people cannot.

4. People have this thought that there’s this big wheel on the bridge and you just steer the ship up and down the river. Is it that easy?

Oh no, it’s not. The difficulties begin with getting on and off the ship, which is our first experience on the vessel. When we get to the bridge of the ship, our job is to familiarize ourselves with the ship’s navigational equipment, performance characteristics, the working condition of the machinery, as well as our ability to communicate with the crew on the bridge.

While English is the language of the sea, it’s not spoken well by every nationality. Sometimes the process distills down to 20 or 25 distinct words of English.

In the course of piloting vessels, we have to remain constantly vigilant. The slightest lapse in concentration can really result in a major disaster.

The magnitudes of the risks involved are very high: loss of life, massive environmental damage, massive property damage. And for us, in the event of a significant incident, we face not only the loss of our license, but the end of our career, personal financial ruin, massive uninsurable liabilities, as well as the possibility of imprisonment.

5. Talk to us about the transfer process from the pilot boat to the cruise ship.

The transfer process from the pilot boat to the vessel — or vice versa from the vessel to the pilot boat — is one of the riskiest parts of our job. We have a very high-risk profession.

The risks we face are unlike the risks faced by other mariners, and having been in the maritime profession for a substantial amount of time prior to being a pilot, I also speak to that personally.

We’re moving from pilot boats to vessels at sea often during poor weather conditions — heavy seas, very dangerous conditions.

This involves transferring while the pilot boat and the vessel are moving very differently. Pilots are frequently injured. I’ve been badly injured in a boarding accident, and it was nine months of pretty intense rehabilitation before I could even go back to work.

Pilots are frequently injured, and sometimes they’re killed.

6. Are you still using paper charts for the river, and will they always be around?

We use electronic charts on some of our piloting instruments. But while I think paper charts will always be around as a safeguard against some kind of technological failure on the vessel, we are presumed to have memorized the chart so we can react instinctively to the navigation of the vessel. We do not refer to the charts as part of our minute-to-minute navigation.

7. Do you find that private boaters are respectful for the most part, or can they be rude when you’re navigating a ship?

Well, sometimes it seems like they’re rude. But I think it comes down more to a process of education for the small boaters.

For us, they’ll disappear under the bow. But to them, it looks like we’re five ship lengths away or more. It’s a matter of perspective. They can be a nuisance, they can be a danger.

Here in Jacksonville, we rarely have problems. I know other ports have substantial problems with small boats, and we rely on the law enforcement agencies to police that.

8. To what extent do river currents affect navigation?

They affect navigation tremendously.

Whether you have a flood current or an ebb current in the Saint John’s River, it’s a whole different dynamic for handling the vessel. We have had to place restrictions on certain vessels coming into the river just because it is so difficult to turn them against the current past a certain draft. It has a tremendous effect.

9. Will computers ever take the job of a river pilot?

In my opinion, no. I don’t think that at any level artificial intelligence is going to have developed the ability to essentially look into the future and anticipate what’s going to happen. Instrumentation can only be reactive, it can’t be proactive.

10. It seems like such an incredibly fun job, obviously a very challenging job. Is it as much fun as it appears?

It certainly can be. It’s a tremendously fulfilling job. It’s a difficult job, and I know at the end of each task, I have accomplished something that I take pride in.

Harbor pilots play a crucial role in maritime safety, combining decades of experience with intimate knowledge of local waters to safely guide cruise ships and cargo vessels through challenging waterways.

The next time you watch a cruise ship navigate a narrow channel, remember there’s a highly trained professional on the bridge whose entire career has prepared them for that precise moment.

Manatee County officials in Florida say they are receiving threatening messages and harassment over a proposed cruise terminal project, with some employees’ children being targeted at school.

Courtney De Pol, the Deputy County Administrator, acknowledged that while officials want community input on the proposed cruise port near the Terra Ceia area, some residents have crossed the line.

“We appreciate all of the input that we have received and our county commissioners are taking them very seriously,” De Pol said. That being said, we are noticing that the public comments that we are receiving are becoming more aggressive.

The controversy stems from plans by SSA Marine and Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC to develop a privately funded cruise terminal near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The county receives numerous messages and calls daily about the project. We have staff members who have children who are being harassed at school because of the cruise terminal,” De Pol said.

No Formal Application Filed Yet

The land in question is not currently zoned for a cruise terminal, and county commissioners would need to approve a zoning change before any development could proceed.

No formal application has been submitted. County officials say only preliminary conversations are happening at this stage.

Environmentalists have strongly opposed the development, citing concerns over protected mangrove forests and marine habitats in the Terra Ceia Bay area.

County Calls Harassment Unacceptable

According to media reports, County Administrator Charlie Bishop issued a statement condemning the harassment.

“No county employee should be harassed for performing their professional duties,” Bishop said. “No child should ever be targeted because of where their parent works.”

Bishop clarified that preliminary letters sent regarding economic development incentive programs do not constitute project approval or guarantee funding.

Any proposed project must go through the normal development review process, including public hearings before advisory boards and the Board of County Commissioners.

Supporters of the project say it would generate thousands of jobs and boost the local economy.

County officials say once they receive a formal application, they will review whether a cruise terminal is compatible with the area through a lengthy process.

A minor ankle scrape during a New Year’s vacation to the Bahamas nearly cost a Florida man his life, serving as a stark reminder for cruise passengers wanting to swim with the pigs in The Bahamas.

Brian Roush, 62, of Fort Lauderdale, tripped and scraped his ankle while celebrating with his girlfriend in the Bahamas.

The injury seemed minor. He continued swimming with pigs and enjoying waterslides.

But within hours of returning home on January 3, he became violently ill and was rushed to the hospital with necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease.

Necrotizing fasciitis affects about 0.4 per 100,000 people annually in the United States, making it rare but deadly.

Overall mortality risk is 12.6%, though doctors gave Roush just a 10% chance of survival, according to a GoFundMe established by his daughter to help with medical costs.

The infection moved rapidly. His ankle erupted in blisters, and he went into septic shock requiring emergency surgery to remove diseased tissue.

Roush survived after a week on life support and is now relearning to walk.

A Cautionary Tale for Cruise Passengers

Swimming with pigs in the Bahamas presents unique infection risks beyond typical beach activities. The CDC warns that Vibrio vulnificus bacteria thrive in warmer waters, especially during summer months, and can cause necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection when open wounds are exposed to salt water or brackish water.

The presence of pigs in the water creates additional concerns. Water polluted from swine can be contaminated with parasites and bacteria such as giardia, salmonella, and pathogenic E. coli that could be transmitted to humans.

For the thousands of cruise passengers who book this popular excursion daily, medical experts stress that you should stay out of the water if you have an open cut or wound.

Vibrio vulnificus bacteria can grow in waters warmer than 55°F and thrive above 68°F, conditions common in Bahamian waters year-round.

The news comes after a story Cruise News Today covered last year following a woman’s six-year health battle after swimming with the pigs during an excursion.

Swimming with pigs remains one of the most popular shore excursions for cruise passengers visiting the Bahamas, with tours departing from Nassau, Freeport, Celebration Key, and other cruise line private destinations including Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay and MSC’s Ocean Cay.

Australian maritime investigators boarded Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Encounter in Darwin on Monday following whistleblower allegations about crew working conditions.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) launched the investigation after receiving reports from an anonymous crew member about wages as low as $2.50 per hour and unsafe living conditions.

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) says it has received hundreds of complaints about Carnival’s operations over the past six months.

As reported earlier this month, union organizer Shane Reside described conditions as “horrifying,” with galley stewards earning as little as $600 monthly while working over 10 hours daily for more than 30 consecutive days.

Water Access and Overcrowding Concerns

The whistleblower also reported that crew members must either drink poor-quality tank water or purchase bottled water at 70 cents per bottle.

While passengers and officers receive free drinking water, crew members face what the union calls a significant financial burden given their wages.

The Maritime Labour Convention, an international treaty setting minimum working and living standards for seafarers, requires that clean water must be provided free of charge on ships. The union says this requirement is not being met for crew on the Carnival Encounter.

Additional allegations include severely overcrowded living quarters leading to the rapid spread of skin diseases, and workers being required to perform duties while seriously ill.

Reside attempted to board the vessel in Sydney in December to investigate these claims but was denied access. The whistleblower requested anonymity, fearing job loss.

Company Response and Legal Questions

According to media reports, Carnival Encounter is one of three Carnival Cruise Line ships currently operating in Australian waters under cabotage regulations, which allow foreign-flagged vessels to operate domestic coastal routes.

The MUA claims the company uses regulatory loopholes to employ foreign crew members who fall outside Australian employment law protections.

MUA Northern Territory branch secretary Andy Burford said Carnival recruits workers from some of the world’s poorest economies while “generating billions of dollars in profit worldwide.”

“This is exactly what happens when you allow foreign-owned and controlled companies to sail the Australian coast, using Australian ports, carrying Australian passengers paying Australian fares, but who are completely immune from Australian law,” Burford said.

Reside indicated the union believes these conditions are “endemic across the Carnival Cruise fleet” rather than isolated to one vessel.

In a statement, Carnival said it has “nothing to hide” and welcomes AMSA oversight. The company noted that AMSA routinely conducts inspections to ensure compliance with international crew welfare requirements.

“We respect this process, and we hold our shipboard team members in the highest regard,” the statement read. “We welcome AMSA’s oversight as an important assurance mechanism for our crew and our operations.”

AMSA confirmed it investigates health and safety claims in line with the Maritime Labour Convention and will take action if breaches are found.

Holland America Line has released nearly three dozen new itineraries for the 2027-2028 season across Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal and the Pacific Coast.

The sailings run from October 2027 through April 2028 and depart from five North American homeports.

Four ships will operate the new season: Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam.

The itineraries will include longer port stays and being able to explore destinations, including extended time in Honolulu and expanded exploration of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.

“Whether guests are chasing the sun in Hawaii or seeking the rugged, untouched beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest, this season truly has something for every type of cruiser,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of itinerary planning and deployment for Holland America Line.

Hawaii Sailings Feature Extended Honolulu Stays

The Hawaii program includes 17- and 18-day Circle Hawaii voyages aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam. All itineraries call at Nawiliwili, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona and Hilo. Select sailings feature overnight or up to 40-hour stays in Honolulu.

The cruises include Holland America’s Hawaii Up Close cultural programming, covering topics from agriculture and local history to native arts and geology. Guests can also participate in stargazing, luaus and island-themed entertainment.

Panama Canal and Mexico Offerings Expand

Panama Canal itineraries range from 14 to 22 days and transit the Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks. Voyages include access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Mayan archaeological sites and wildlife-rich rainforests across Central America.

Mexico sailings span from short five-day getaways to 12-day Baja Peninsula explorations. New itineraries highlight the Sea of Cortez with calls at Loreto, Pichilingue (La Paz) and Guaymas. The cruises feature Destination Dining and the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program showcasing regional cuisine.

Pacific Coast voyages range from one to seven days and include the return of the Great Bear Rainforest itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver in April 2028. That voyage calls at Ketchikan, Prince Rupert (overnight), Nanaimo and Victoria..

Carnival Cruise Line experienced massive IT system failures over the weekend and into Monday morning, causing embarkation delays and onboard service disruptions across multiple ships.

Ships Affected and Departure Delays

At least seven Carnival ships remained in port well past scheduled departure times Sunday evening.

With many ships still docked late into Sunday night, included Carnival Celebration, Carnival Pride, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Liberty, and Carnival Panorama.

Carnival Celebration, scheduled to depart PortMiami at 3:30 PM for a seven-night Caribbean cruise, didn’t leave until approximately 1:00 AM, more than eight hours late.

Carnival Panorama and Carnival Glory passengers received emails notifying them of two-hour delays to check-in appointments, with the cruise line targeting 4:30 PM to have all passengers aboard.

Onboard System Failures

Passengers aboard affected ships reported extensive technical problems to our tip line.

A passenger on Carnival Jubilee, which docked in Cozumel on February 9, said the ship’s tech system remained down, preventing cabin charges.

Only cash transactions were accepted in the casino, and crew members were unable to log in for shifts.

The outage disabled prepurchased packages including OnDemand movies and shut down gaming systems in youth clubs.

Passengers on Carnival Sunshine reported pen-and-paper boarding and Sail and Sign card outages. The Carnival HUB app was not functioning across multiple ships, preventing access to shore excursions and activity schedules.

Carnival’s Response

Carnival posted a statement on its website acknowledging IT issues during planned maintenance that resulted in delayed debarkation and embarkation. The company emphasized navigation and safety systems remained operational throughout.

In a statement to Cruise Radio, Carnival said many impacted systems have been restored. “The debarkation and embarkation processes took longer than usual on Sunday, and we expect similar delays today for those ships on a homeport turnaround,” the company said. “While Sunday departures from homeport were delayed, all ships are now at sea and sailing their itineraries.”

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald posted messages on Facebook notifying passengers of the delays, including for Carnival Glory on Monday.

The cruise line has not yet released details about compensation for affected passengers.

Pattern of Technical Issues

This incident follows a similar IT failure in December 2025, when Carnival Firenze was stuck in Long Beach for more than 21 hours due to connectivity issues.

That outage also affected the HUB app and guest services computers, forcing dining venues to hand-write tickets.

Carnival has not disclosed what caused either incident.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Rome has introduced a new €2 (about $2.16) entrance fee for tourists who want to access the front area of the iconic Trevi Fountain.

The charge went into effect February 2 as city officials look to manage overcrowding at one of Italy’s most visited landmarks.

The fee applies daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is required only for those who want to approach the fountain’s basin. Visitors can still view the fountain from a distance without paying.

Who Pays and How to Buy Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online in advance, at city civic museums, tourist information points, authorized retailers, or directly at the fountain entrance. Rome residents are exempt from the fee, along with children under 5 and people with disabilities and their caregivers.

According to Rome’s tourism officials, the admission charge will help fund ongoing maintenance and preservation of the 18th-century monument.

Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s Assessor of Tourism, defended the modest fee in comments to The Associated Press.

“I think tourists were shocked by the fact that the city of Rome is only asking for 2 euros for a site of this level,” he said. “I believe that if the Trevi Fountain were in New York, they would have charged at least $100.”

A New Money Grab?

The Trevi Fountain fee is part of a larger revenue initiative in Rome. The city has also introduced a €5 (about $5.40) tourist ticket for certain museums.

Together, these new charges are expected to generate an additional €6.5 million ($7 million) annually.

The fountain remains one of Rome’s most popular attractions, drawing visitors who participate in the tradition of tossing coins into the water.

Legend says throwing one coin ensures your return to Rome, while a second or third coin brings luck in love. The practice generates approximately $10,500 weekly, which the city donates to charity.

Cruise passengers visiting Civitavecchia with shore excursions to Rome should factor in the new entrance fee when planning their fountain visit.

Disney Cruise Line has made history as Disney Adventure completed her transit of the Panama Canal this week, becoming the largest passenger vessel by both capacity and gross tonnage to ever pass through the waterway.

The milestone transit occurred as part of the ship’s repositioning voyage to Asia, where she will enter service later this year. The Panama Canal Authority has officially confirmed the record.

Breaking the Previous Record

Disney Adventure stretches about 1,120 feet long and is roughly 152 feet wide.

At 208,000 gross tons and carrying approximately 6,700 passengers, she surpasses the previous record holder, Norwegian Bliss, which transited the canal in May 2018.

Disney Adventure’s passage highlights the growing number of cruise ships capable of transiting the Neopanamax locks, which opened in 2016 to accommodate larger ships.

The Panama Canal Authority reports that more than 40 Neopanamax cruise ship transits are expected during 2025, including inaugural passages by AIDAdiva, Brilliant Lady, Celebrity Ascent, and Star Seeker.

A New Chapter Begins for Disney Adventure

Disney Adventure’s path to this moment has been anything but straightforward.

Originally ordered by Dream Cruises as Global Dream, construction began at MV Werften in Wismar before Genting Hong Kong collapsed in early 2022, leaving the ship unfinished.

Disney Cruise Line acquired the incomplete hull, and Meyer Werft took over completion and redesign to Disney specifications.

After delivery in December, the ship departed Bremerhaven, Germany, crossed the Atlantic to the Bahamas for inspections, stopped at Port Canaveral, and now continues westward toward the Pacific.

Disney Adventure will homeport in Singapore, operating three- and four-night itineraries. This is Disney Cruise Line’s first permanent deployment in Asia.

The ship features seven themed zones drawing on Disney, Pixar, and Marvel properties. Notable features include Marvel Landing and the Ironcycle Test Run, an 820-foot roller coaster that Disney calls the longest at sea.

At 208,000 gross tons, Disney Adventure is the largest ship ever built for Disney Cruise Line.

Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 reunited with her legendary namesake off the coast of Long Beach this morning, marking the first time the two ships have met in two decades.

The historic rendezvous took place as Queen Mary 2 anchored near the retired Queen Mary during the ship’s 2025 World Voyage. The original Queen Mary, now permanently docked in Long Beach, is celebrating her 90th anniversary this year.

A Living Connection Between Generations

The reunion carries special significance beyond the shared name. Queen Mary 2’s starboard funnel actually houses a fully refurbished whistle from the original Queen Mary, creating a physical link between the two vessels.

The original Queen Mary debuted in 1936 and served as a transatlantic liner until her retirement in 1967. She was then permanently docked in Long Beach as a tourist attraction.

Queen Mary 2 entered service in 2004 and remains the world’s only true ocean liner in active service, regularly crossing between New York and Southampton.

Historic Panama Transit

The Long Beach reunion followed another milestone for Queen Mary 2, her first-ever transit of the Panama Canal.

After the rendezvous, the ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles for the first time in 17 years, staying overnight as part of her current World Voyage.

The 108-night voyage is taking passengers to more than 30 ports across the Americas, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

It’s Queen Mary 2’s first World Voyage in two years and includes overnight stays in destinations like San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Cape Town.

The retired Queen Mary now operates as a hotel and cultural attraction in Long Beach, featuring dining, tours, exhibits, and special events.

The CDC is investigating a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard Regent Seven Seas Mariner that sickened 27 people during a three-week voyage from Miami to Honolulu.

According to the CDC, the outbreak affected 21 passengers and six crew members during the January 11 through February 1 sailing. The ship was carrying 631 passengers at the time, meaning roughly 3% of guests fell ill during the voyage.

Regent Seven Seas notified the CDC of the illnesses during the sailing. The agency has listed the cause as unknown, with laboratory testing still pending on stool samples collected from affected passengers.

What the Cruise Line Did

The luxury cruise line implemented several containment measures during the voyage. These included ramping up cleaning and disinfection procedures throughout the ship and isolating passengers and crew members who reported symptoms.

Regent followed the CDC’s outbreak response and sanitation protocols, according to the federal agency.

The Mariner had scheduled port calls in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and other destinations during the transpacific repositioning voyage.

Still Under Investigation

Federal health officials say identifying the source of outbreaks can take time. While norovirus is frequently associated with gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships, the virus is not always immediately confirmed through testing.

The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program tracks outbreaks when at least three percent of passengers or crew report symptoms and requires cruise lines to report gastrointestinal illnesses within 24 hours.

The CDC continues to emphasize frequent handwashing as a critical step in reducing the risk of gastrointestinal illness aboard ships.

This marks the second reported cruise ship illness outbreak in early 2026.

In January, Holland America Line experienced a confirmed norovirus outbreak that left nearly 90 passengers and crew members ill during a voyage running from late December through early January.

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed it will broadcast the Super Bowl across its entire fleet on February 9, but sports fans hoping to catch the Winter Olympics will be out of luck due to broadcast restrictions.

Brand ambassador John Heald announced the plans in a recent video, explaining that all Carnival ships will show the big game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

Ships with large outdoor screens on the Lido Deck will host tailgate parties, while other vessels will broadcast the game in their main theaters.

Schedule Changes for Game Day

The cruise line is making several adjustments to accommodate the 6:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff time.

Ships scheduled for Elegant Evening on February 9 will move formal night to a different day during the sailing, allowing guests to watch the game in comfortable attire rather than formalwear.

Guy’s Burgers and other food outlets will stay open throughout the game, and the Lido Marketplace buffet, room service, pizzeria, and deli will be available for guests wanting game-day snacks.

The full game and halftime show will air, but guests should note that Super Bowl commercials won’t be shown. Heald explained that Carnival receives a direct satellite feed that doesn’t include U.S. commercial breaks.

Passengers not interested in football can still enjoy the regular schedule of activities, including trivia, comedy shows, and other entertainment.

Olympics Not Available Onboard

While football fans celebrate, Olympic enthusiasts will be disappointed to learn that the 2026 Winter Games in Italy won’t be broadcast on Carnival ships.

The cruise line doesn’t carry the network airing the Olympics, which run from February 6 through 22.

Guests who plan to follow Olympic events such as skiing, figure skating, bobsled, and others can purchase Wi-Fi packages to stream coverage on their personal devices.