Most Carnival Cruise Line passengers know that Brand Ambassador John Heald is the go-to guy when they have questions or even complaints.

But that reputation has been a bit sullied by a fake John Heald who has managed to scam over 15,000 people.

Is ‘John Heald’ Scamming You?

The jovial Heald has a Facebook page which is followed by over 650,000 people. He dedicates many hours each day to answering questions posted by past, present and future cruisers.

He’s also the person from whom many of the line’s guests get their news. Good, bad or indifferent, it is Heald’s job to pass along dispatches from “the Beards,” as he calls executives.

There is, however, another John Heald. This one is followed by around 15,000 people who wrongly assume the person they are interacting with is the real deal. They are, however, being scammed.

How to Spot the Scammer

If there is one thing that separates Heald from most corporate representatitives, it is his extremely blunt nature.

So it should surprise no one that in exposing the fraudster, he began by saying there “truly are some people who have no more right to live on God’s green earth than a dung beetle. And whoever is running this [fake] page is one of them.”

Were this just another person with delusions of adequacy looking to pull a harmless prank, Heald might not be motivated to address the matter. There are, after all, many fake accounts out there. The person in question, however, took things much farther.

“This is not me,” Heald declared, “and please be warned that whoever is running this page has just managed to scam a lady and had her [send] money. I can’t go into details legally, but she thought she was paying for a specific excursion.”

‘I Hope You Get Seasick and Lockjaw’

Of course, Heald immediately reporter the imposter. But he then went on to directly address followers of the fake John Heald: “This is not affiliated [with] me and has nothing to do with Carnival Cruise Line in any way, shape or form.”

And his personal message to the perpetrator of the fraud? “I sincerely hope you get seasick and lockjaw at the same time.”

The warning immediately prompted many to check and make sure they were not somehow following the imposter as well as the original.

As several noted, the fake John Heald’s page can easily be spotted thanks to the lack of a cruise-related cover photo and the low — compared to Heald’s real account — follower count.

On the plus side, those who accidentally wind up on the imposters page may find themselves pointed in the right direction.

Why? Because fans of the real deal have made it something of a mission to monitor the faux account and leave responses to those who believe themselves interacting with the fraudster.

A 29-year-old man was arrested at PortMiami on Monday, February 17, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found child abuse material on his cellphone following a Royal Caribbean cruise, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said.

Basilios Grayeb, of Haifa, Israel, was taken into custody aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas after CBP officers received a suspicious activity report related to the purchase of abusive material.

Officers boarded the ship and arrested Grayeb before he could disembark through normal passenger processing.

According to the arrest report, a CBP officer conducted a border search of Grayeb’s cellphone and found a video depicting the sexual abuse of a young child.

Grayeb confessed after being advised of his Miranda rights, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

He was transported to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he was being held on a $2,500 bond as of Tuesday morning. An immigration hold has also been placed on Grayeb by federal authorities.

How the Arrest Happened

The arrest followed a tip that reached CBP before the ship docked.

Rather than waiting for Grayeb to pass through the terminal, investigators boarded the Freedom of the Seas directly, a procedure that has become more common at South Florida ports as authorities have stepped up screening of cruise passengers and crew for child sexual abuse material.

CBP has broad authority to conduct border searches of electronic devices, including cellphones, without a warrant when passengers are entering the United States.

Those searches have led to a series of arrests at PortMiami and Port Everglades in recent years involving both passengers and crew members.

A Pattern of Arrests at South Florida Ports

This arrest is not an isolated case. A Canadian cruise passenger was arrested at PortMiami in November 2024 after a CBP border search found illicit material on his phone following a cruise.

A foster parent traveling on Carnival Horizon was arrested at PortMiami in September 2025 under similar circumstances.

Legal commentators have noted that Florida is the only U.S. state with laws that specifically empower state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute such crimes committed aboard cruise ships departing from and returning to Florida ports.

A 73-year-old man from Mumbai, India, was arrested at Port Canaveral this week after he allegedly touched an underage girl aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas while the ship was sailing in international waters, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

Rajendra Sheth was taken into custody on February 16 after the ship returned to Florida. He is charged with lewd or lascivious conduct and is being held on a $35,000 bond. His next court date is March 12.

What Allegedly Happened

According to a BCSO affidavit, obtained by News 6, the alleged victim told investigators she was waiting in the FlowRider area of the ship when Sheth approached her and began talking to her.

He then allegedly grabbed her on the buttocks multiple times while she was wearing a two-piece bathing suit.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the ship, which they said corroborated the victim’s account. Royal Caribbean security also recorded Sheth on a body-worn camera.

In that recording, according to deputies, Sheth acknowledged that he knew the girl was a minor and admitted to touching her.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the incident on Monday. Sheth was arrested when Explorer of the Seas returned to Port Canaveral.

How Cruise Lines Handle Incidents at Sea

Crimes committed aboard cruise ships in international waters fall under U.S. federal jurisdiction when the vessel is flagged or sailing to a U.S. port.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report certain crimes, including sexual offenses, to the FBI. In this case, local authorities took jurisdiction upon the ship’s return to Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean has not issued a statement on the incident. Sheth remains in custody at Brevard County Jail.

Passengers boarding Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas on Wednesday faced delayed embarkation after a power outage at the Port of Los Angeles, pushing the start of boarding back roughly two hours.

Royal Caribbean notified guests by text message, advising them not to arrive at the terminal before the updated boarding time.

What Caused the Power Outage

Southern California was hit with heavy rain and strong winds overnight, causing intermittent power outages across the region.

The California Highway Patrol received a report around 9:10 a.m. of low-hanging power lines on the southbound side of the I-110 freeway in San Pedro. A utility pole fell, forcing authorities to close the southbound lanes at Pacific Avenue and Channel Street for several hours. No injuries were reported.

The I-110 is the primary freeway connecting to the Port of Los Angeles, and the lane closures added to traffic delays caused by terminal disruptions, compounding the situation for passengers driving to the port.

It is not confirmed whether the downed lines directly supplied power to the cruise terminal, but the timing aligns with the port outage.

Impact on Embarkation

Passengers who had been aboard the ship’s previous sailing and were waiting to disembark reported that the outage disrupted the terminal’s automated customs processing systems. Facial recognition machines remained powered but lost network connectivity, requiring agents to manually check passports.

The incident highlights how dependent modern cruise terminal operations are on continuous power and network connectivity, particularly for security and passenger verification systems.

About Quantum of the Seas

Quantum of the Seas is the lead ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class, built in 2014 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

The 168,000-gross-ton ship accommodates up to 4,905 guests and began its current deployment from Los Angeles in November 2025, offering three- to six-night cruises to Baja California.

It was the only ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles this week, so no other vessels were affected by the outage.

Embarkation day frequently stands out as the most urgent part of a cruise trip. Air travel, baggage pickup, unknown routes, and set check-in periods need to sync perfectly.

In Croatia, with ancient harbor towns such as Dubrovnik and Split attracting more cruise guests each year, land arrangements are key to setting the mood for the upcoming adventure. Booking an airport transfer Croatia ahead can turn a potentially hurried landing into a smooth shift from airstrip to ship entrance.

Cruise routes usually follow rigid timetables. Vessels won’t hold back sailing for tardy guests. Small travel hiccups can spark unneeded worry. Croatia’s rising status as a cruise center is leading to more frequent road jams and tourist spikes during busy seasons. Thoughtful organization reduces these risks and lets voyagers focus on savoring their sail.

A solid land setup is especially vital for overseas guests unfamiliar with local transit options. Speech gaps, busy-period cab scarcities, and strange dock setups can muddle spur-of-the-moment plans. Early setup aids in erasing these doubts.

Croatia’s Cruise Gateways and Their Transport Challenges

Dubrovnik remains among the Adriatic’s most famous departure ports. Dubrovnik Airport lies about 20 kilometers away from the Gruž cruise dock. Though the span is doable, peak traffic and overlapping ship docks can greatly extend durations. Arranged rides lower the chance of surprise holdups.

Split too has broadened its position as a cruise launch spot. Split Airport is located west of downtown, requiring precise scheduling of boarding dates. Intense summer crowds heighten street backups. Planned land moves make sure guests travel smoothly among airport, lodging, and harbor.

Zadar, while tinier, keeps expanding in the cruise scene. With extra routes adding this north Dalmatian spot, arranged airport-to-harbor rides grow more pertinent. Local setups back tourism rise. Yet, organizing is still crucial for easy entry.

Grasping these location ties helps guests predict travel spans and dodge sudden issues.

Why Structured Transfers Reduce Embarkation Risk

Boarding slots are sharply outlined by cruise companies. Showing up prematurely might mean lingering beyond station areas. Showing up delayed threatens entry refusal. Land ride dependability straightaway impacts this schedule.

Preset options match collection times to the timing of plane landings. Chauffeurs track setbacks and adapt as needed. Such adaptability eases the strain from narrow links. Once land moves are locked in early, there’s no call to haggle prices or hunt for open rides on landing.

Lots of cruise guests are picking reserved airport transfer Croatia options to build reliability on the boarding day. Planned collections wipe out doubt. Guests receive approval information, chauffeur contact details, and projected durations prior to departure.

Speech hurdles can add mess to impromptu ride setups. Croatia’s visitor sector speaks multiple tongues. Still, organized rides usually feature straightforward English links, cutting mix-ups in key trip phases.

Managing Group Travel and Cruise Luggage

Cruise breaks often feature kin or companion clusters. Syncing several guests and ample bags can prove tough sans right ride setups. Regular cabs might miss enough room for big cases, clothing carriers, or special gear.

Personal rides offer fitting car space. Minibuses or bigger autos fit groups nicely. Preset collections ensure all guests leave together, rather than being divided into different vehicles.

Dealing with bags well also sways pacing. Cruise boarding generally entails safety checks and registration steps. Reaching via arranged rides lets guests tackle these calmly.

To guarantee a fluid airport-to-harbor move in Croatia, guests ought to think about these actions:

• Verify cruise boarding hour and final check-in slot.
• Include extra time for possible plane or road setbacks.
• Reserve rides matched to plane landing.
• Pick a car fitting group count and bag amount.
• Keep open talks with the chauffeur before landing.

Such steps cut down needless tension.

Extending Your Stay Before or After the Cruise

Plenty of cruise guests opt to reach Croatia one day prior. Pre-cruise hotel visits provide a safety buffer against flight issues. They likewise grant a chance to wander Dubrovnik’s historic core or Split’s Diocletian’s Palace ahead of sailing.

Syncing rides amid airport, lodging, and cruise harbor secures flow. Preset options ease these many-stop paths. Guests sidestep the hassle of getting distinct ride plans for every part of the trip.

After-cruise exits need similar care. Off-boarding hours differ. Planes could leave soon in the AM or farther into the day. Organized rides fit uneven timetables and deliver prompt airport reach.

Croatia’s fame as a Med spot spurs longer visits. Planned land setups aid adaptable trip ideas sans adding doubt.

Beginning the Voyage with Confidence

Boarding day sets the tone for the kickoff of a cruise break. A hasty reach can dim the thrill of leaving. Conversely, a finely tuned shift from airport to harbor builds peace and assurance.

Croatia’s cruise infrastructure is expanding to meet rising demand. Harbors update amenities. Airports manage more global flows. While guest numbers climb, forward thinking grows more precious.

Organized land rides provide stability in a tricky travel setting. They lessen facing jams, timing slips, and talk issues. For cruise guests handling unknown spots, this steadiness lets attention move from setups to eagerness.

The Adriatic shore offers stunning views and lasting stopovers. Securing a fluid path to the vessel lets guests dive into the adventure right from the start. Land organizing might seem less than route picking. Yet on boarding day, it often decides whether the sail kicks off with tension or with assurance.

Disney Cruise Line is deploying the Disney Wish to Europe for the first time, marking the first time a Wish-class ship has sailed in the region.

As part of its 2027 summer schedule, the ship will offer cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe between April 25 and September 10, 2027, departing from ports in England, Spain, and Italy.

After crossing the Atlantic, the Disney Wish will begin with sailings from Southampton before repositioning to Barcelona in May.

From there, it will offer Mediterranean itineraries sailing from both Barcelona and Civitavecchia, the port serving Rome. In mid-July, the ship returns to Southampton for Northern Europe sailings before heading back to North America.

The Disney Wish is currently sailing year-round on three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral, calling at Disney’s private destinations Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The Disney Dream will take over those sailings during the summer while Wish is in Europe.

About Disney Wish

The Disney Wish was built at Germany’s Meyer Werft shipyard and entered service in 2022. The 140,000-gross-ton ship carries approximately 2,500 passengers and is the first vessel in Disney’s Wish class. Disney has two additional Wish-class ships on order.

Rest of the Disney Cruise Line 2027 Fleet

Disney also announced it will deploy two ships in Alaska for the second consecutive year in 2027, with the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic sailing from Vancouver.

The Disney Treasure and Disney Fantasy will sail from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Bahamas, while the Disney Destiny will operate from Port Everglades.

The Disney Adventure will continue sailing from Singapore through late 2027.

A proposed cruise terminal in Manatee County, Florida, is facing mounting opposition, with more than 18,900 people signing a Change.org petition urging officials to reject the plan.

SSA Marine, in partnership with Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC, has unveiled plans for the Knott-Cowen Cruise Port on a 328-acre site near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Mega-ships to Tampa?

The goal is to accommodate the industry’s largest ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class and Carnival’s Excel-class vessels, which cannot currently sail under the bridge to reach Port Tampa Bay.

If built, the facility would open the Tampa Bay region to mega-ship sailings and potentially add new Gulf Coast departure options for cruisers who now drive to ports like Miami or Port Canaveral for the newest ships.

Project backers point to projected economic benefits, including more than 31,000 construction jobs, $1.6 billion in wages, and an estimated $40 million in annual tax revenue.

But the location has sparked intense debate. The proposed site sits near Rattlesnake Key and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, one of Florida’s few remaining largely undeveloped coastal areas.

Critics argue that dredging a 4.5-mile channel to depths of up to 60 feet could damage seagrass beds, mangroves, and wildlife habitats, including areas used by manatees and local fisheries.

At a February 14 rally at Seabreeze Park in Terra Ceia, hundreds gathered with signs reading “Kayaks Not Cruise Ships” and “Save Rattlesnake Key.”

Environmental groups, fishing guides, and residents raised concerns about ship emissions, wastewater discharge, increased traffic, and long-term impacts on eco-tourism and recreational boating.

Some opponents have also pointed to SSA Marine’s past environmental violations, adding scrutiny despite the company’s pledge to preserve Rattlesnake Key.

For cruisers, the outcome could shape future sailing options along Florida’s Gulf Coast. If approved, the project could bring larger ships to the area.

If delayed or rejected after expected public hearings in 2026, cruise passengers looking for mega-ships would likely continue using South Florida ports.

No formal applications have been filed yet, although Manatee County officials say the review process will be data-driven.

Carnival Cruise Line is adding two specialty dining venues to its Australia-based ships, the line announced.

Starting May 5, Fahrenheit 555 will open aboard Carnival Adventure, which sails from Sydney, and Carnival Encounter, which sails from Brisbane.

The steakhouse replaces Luke’s Bar and Grill on both ships. The addition means Fahrenheit 555 will now be available on all four of Carnival’s Australia-based ships, joining Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, where it already operates.

The steakhouse menu includes premium cuts of beef, seafood, gourmet entrees, appetizers, and an extensive wine list.

Bonsai Sushi Express has also recently opened on both ships, offering made-to-order sushi, sashimi, rolls, salads, poke bowls, and desserts.

A specialty burger venue called Carnival Topside Grill is also planned for both ships, though no opening date has been announced.

Fahrenheit 555 first debuted in 2011 as part of Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 fleet upgrade program and has since become one of the line’s signature upcharge dining options.

About the Ships

Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter joined the Carnival fleet in March 2025 following the closure of P&O Cruises Australia, a brand that had operated in the region for over 90 years.

Both ships originally sailed for Princess Cruises, Adventure as Golden Princess and Encounter as Star Princess, before transferring to P&O Australia in 2022 as Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter.

The two Grand-class ships were built by Fincantieri and measure approximately 109,000 gross tons, with a capacity of around 2,600 passengers each.

Together with Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, they give Carnival four ships sailing year-round from Australian ports.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released an interim report into the death of a crew member aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia, providing new details about the October 26, 2025, accident.

The incident occurred while the 2022-built ship was sailing from Southampton, England, to Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

At the time, Arvia was about 75 nautical miles northwest of Cape Finisterre, Spain, carrying 5,299 passengers and 1,681 crew members.

What happened in the elevator?

At approximately 05:52 UTC, an electrical technician and the ship’s staff electro-technical officer were testing a passenger elevator following overnight repairs. The lift had been stopped on Deck 11 for maintenance checks.

According to the report, the technician left the lift car to access the top of the elevator from a higher deck. He first attempted to open the lift shaft doors on Deck 12, but was unable to do so because the door release key would not operate due to a defect. He then proceeded to Deck 14, where he successfully opened the lift shaft doors. There is no Deck 13 on the ship.

As the staff electro-technical officer exited the lift car on Deck 11, the lift car doors and shaft doors automatically closed. Around the same time, the technician entered the lift shaft from Deck 14, and the doors closed behind him.

Report details findings

Initial findings indicate the lift was not electrically isolated at the time of the accident. When the doors closed, the safety interlocks were re-enabled. A stored lift call signal then caused the elevator to move upward, crushing the technician between the lift car and the shaft wall .

A medical emergency was declared at 06:02, and the technician was pronounced dead at 06:07 by the ship’s doctor. The ship diverted to A Coruña, Spain, where local emergency services recovered the body.

The MAIB classified the case as a “Very Serious Marine Casualty”.

The report states: “The sole objective of a safety investigation into an accident under these Regulations shall be the prevention of future accidents… It shall not be the purpose of such an investigation, to determine liability nor… to apportion blame.”

The investigation remains ongoing. A final report will be issued following further review and a 30-day stakeholder consultation period.

In 2019, a guest was banned from Carnival Cruise Line for damaging an elevator aboard the now-defunct Carnival Inspiration.

Ever take a look at Norwegian Cruise Line Holding’s stock and wonder why it sells for so much less than that of rival Royal Caribbean Group?

So do the people who now own a 10 percent stake in Norwegian. In fact, they are demanding major changes at Norwegian… or else!

A Bold New Direction?

For those who don’t follow cruise stocks, it’s worth noting that there is a $300 gap between the selling price of NCLH and that of RCL (as they are listed on the ticker).

This week, having scooped up a 10 percent share in Norwegian, activist investor group Elliott Investment Management sent a letter to the cruise line’s board of directors. In it, they outlined what they believe is ailing the company and how to fix it.

Step one: Get a new board of directors.

That’s right, Elliott sent a letter to the board suggesting, in essence, they fire themselves.

In an extensive document outlining both NCLH’s failings and ways to right the proverbial ship, Elliott wrote “We believe Norwegian represents one of the most compelling turnaround opportunities in the public markets today.” 

In fact, the investment firm believed that, with proper guidance, NCLH’s stock could surge by as much as 159 percent.

What They Think Went Wrong

Having already put their literal money where their proverbial mouth is, Elliott backed up their claims of mismanagement. Among the issues they brought to light:

• Failing to capitalize on Great Stirrup Cay’s potential, despite being the first cruise line ever to create a private island destination.

• Moving ships out of the Caribbean and into the European market, only to realize the mistake and bring them back.

• Leadership, including newly-appointed CEO John W. Chidsey, with little (or no) practical experience.

• A failure on behalf of the board to take accountability for missteps.

• Excessive CEO compensation, particularly with regard to former exec Frank Del Rio. (Including the $10 million “consulting fee” he is currently being paid as part of a multi-year deal.)

• Out-of-control spending, including millions on artwork to be placed aboard Norwegian Prima and her sister ships.

In one particularly glaring example of excessive spending, Elliott’s document takes an in-depth look at the launch of Norwegian Prima.

The company staged what they called “the biggest event in Iceland’s history.” Among the associated expenses were flying over 2,600 people to the city of Reykjavik and performances by both the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the ship’s godmother, Katy Perry.

Their Plan For the Future

So what are the solutions to the problems currently plaguing Norwegian Cruise Line?

First and foremost, Elliott believes a complete change of leadership is needed. But they also believe the company has “significant revenue growth potential” as well as “bountiful low-hanging fruit for cost reduction.” 

Among other things, they believe are extremely valuable to the company are its “engaged and proud front-line employees” (aka the crew) and the vast untapped market of folks who are just waiting to be introduced to cruising.

To this end, Elliott also believes future marketing opportunities need to be looked at through a more critical eye where their potential return on investment is concerned.

So how does this impact current and future cruisers? That may depend entirely on how the board reacts to Elliott’s demands and what, if anything, the investment firm does if ignored. Potentially, however, the changes could be huge.

For example, based on their future-looking insights, it seems likely that the development of Great Stirrup Cay would be fast-tracked.

Elliott would also like to see future ships increase overall capacity, rather than the current plan to build some smaller ships.

Of course, perhaps the biggest way in which this could impact cruise lovers is if, as predicted, the stock price truly does soar. Already, owners of Norwegian Cruise Lines Holding stock (of which we, in full transparency, are) receive a decent perk in the form of on-board credit for those holding 100 shares or more.

Only time will tell how things play out. There is, however, a ticking clock involved. Why? Because the Elliott Investment Management letter ended with a not-so-subtle warning.

“We are ready to meet with the Board to discuss these issues in greater detail and align on a path forward,” it read. “While our preference is to reach a constructive resolution, we are prepared to take our case directly to shareholders at the upcoming annual meeting.” 

While the date for this year’s meeting has not yet been set, it has, in recent years, been held in early summer.

What started as a special mother/daughter cruise took an unbelievably nightmarish turn for Paris Singleton-Ajaero.

Now, after suffering an unimaginable loss, she and her loved ones are relying on the kindness of strangers, including those in the cruise community, for help.

What Went Wrong?

Singleton-Ajaeroand and her mother boarded the Norwegian Jewel for the first annual Rise and Rhythm Cruise. What was supposed to be several days of gospel music and inspirational speakers turned tragic when the mom-to-be, who was carrying twins, went into premature labor.

Taken to the ship’s medical center, she gave birth to son John Jr., named after his father, John Ajaero. She was then taken to a hospital in Cancun where not only did her newborn son pass away, but so too did his sister, Journey Rose.

While still in the hospital dealing with the shocking loss, Singleton-Ajaero made a heartbreaking video call to her husband so that he could see the children they would never have the chance to raise.

Making an awful situation even worse? She and her mother had to return home without the children she’d lost.

“The emotional toll has been immense,” wrote family friend Rhonda Wall on a GoFundMe page which hopes to help the grieving parents, who are “facing overwhelming medical bills. The hospital has requested an initial payment for the emergency transportation and care Paris received.”

An Outpouring of Support

As word has spread regarding the family’s situation, donations have flooded in. As of the time of publication, over $18,000 has been donated by people from around the country and, indeed, the world.

The situation has hit home for many cruisers, especially upon reading that the woman who would have been a first-time mom “spent over a year saving up” so she and her mom could enjoy the cruise.

“At 21-weeks pregnant,” wrote Walls, “Paris was eagerly looking forward to this special trip, hoping to create lasting memories with her mom before welcoming her babies.” 

Speaking to a local news outlet, Singleton-Ajaero addressed the difficulty of the situation. “It’s hard to feel like we’re at peace, because we don’t have them home,” she admitted. “We don’t know how to plan a funeral. It’s not something we ever even talked [about] for ourselves yet.”

It should be noted that this guest was permitted to sail, as most cruise lines only restrict travel once a pregnancy reaches 24 weeks.

The policy exists because shipboard medical centers are not equipped with neonatal intensive care units or the advanced life-support systems needed to treat very premature newborns.

A group of residents last week staged a protest at Mahahual, Mexico, at the site of Royal Caribbean’s planned Perfect Day Mexico port project.

A small group of settler residents from the Nuevo Mahahual neighborhood blocked access to the port, demanding that the government and the cruise line improve roads and public services, such as public lighting, security, and garbage collection.

They also demanded their town is incorporated. They initially refused to disperse until a representative of the cruise line addressed them. The protest took place as three cruise ships docked at Mahahual Costa Maya port. 

Local NGO won injunction to temporarily halt construction

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect day Mexico port project is currently partly stalled after a Judge recently granted an injunction on behalf of a local NGO. DMAS (Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment) filed a legal challenge claiming lawmakers in Mahahual granted a change of land use for the Royal Caribbean project illegally. 

The group claimed this requires public consultation first. The government denies this, as the land use change only relates to a small percentage of the land earmarked for the project.

DMAS and the local protesters are not against the port project in principle but are fighting for transparency and respect for the environment.

“We are in favor of respecting the law, urban planning, and the community’s right to a healthy environment,” DMAS President Antonella Vázquez recently said. The group is alarmed at the possible negative impact on a protected mangrove area and water supply issues for the town.

Royal Caribbean has already said it is “not going to touch anything in the mangrove conservation area.” The cruise line plans a 80-hectare water park and other amenities beside the cruise ship pier and has earmarked 45 hectares of mangroves for conservation

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has called in two independent environmental experts after Mexico’s federal environmental protection agency halted demolition work in one area due to “landfilling and compaction activities in a low-lying coastal jungle area with mangroves.”

The agency said the cruise line didn’t request federal clearance for this.

Cruise travel has always been about balance, blending comfort with personal expression, relaxation with exploration. 

Whether spending long days at sea, walking port cities, or enjoying casual onboard dining, travelers are increasingly choosing clothing that supports how they actually live while cruising.

Fashion today is increasingly connected to lifestyle rather than trends alone. People are choosing clothes that reflect how they live, work, and move through their day. Instead of dressing for specific moments, many focus on building a wardrobe that feels natural, comfortable, and expressive at the same time.

This shift has made lifestyle-driven fashion content more relevant than ever.

When Style Becomes Part of Daily Living

Lifestyle fashion is about consistency rather than performance. Outfits are chosen to support real routines, not just special occasions. Inspiration such as whatutalkingboutwillistyle the lifestyle highlights how relaxed silhouettes, practical pieces, and thoughtful details can shape a personal look that feels authentic.

Style becomes less about following rules and more about understanding what works in everyday life.

The Role of Guidance in Personal Style

While individuality is key, guidance still matters. Many people look for styling ideas that help them refine their wardrobe without starting over. A clear fashion guide lwspeakstyle can offer structure, showing how to combine pieces, balance proportions, and create outfits that feel effortless rather than forced.

Guides like this support creativity while keeping choices practical.

Moving Away From Trend Pressure

Fast-moving trends can create fatigue. Lifestyle fashion offers an alternative by focusing on longevity and adaptability. Instead of chasing every new release, people invest in pieces that can be worn across seasons and situations.

This approach encourages confidence and reduces unnecessary purchases.

Fashion That Supports Balance

Clothing plays a role in how people feel throughout the day. When outfits align with lifestyle, they reduce stress rather than add to it. Comfortable fabrics, familiar shapes, and versatile styling create a sense of ease.

Fashion becomes a tool for balance rather than self-comparison.

Style That Feels Natural and Sustainable

Modern fashion is increasingly shaped by awareness and intention. By drawing inspiration from lifestyle-focused looks and using thoughtful style guidance, people can build wardrobes that feel personal and lasting. When fashion reflects real life, it becomes more enjoyable, expressive, and sustainable over time.

Among the more unusual cruise-related news stories this week? The revelation of a link between the newly-released Epstein files and a high-end cruise line.

Even more surprising was the fact that the bridge between the two was none other than a member of Britain’s royal family.

What’s the Epstein Files Cruise Connection?

According to a story first reported in The Daily Mail, former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson hoped to land an endorsement deal with Cunard Line.

The cash-strapped royal’s apparent goal? To have the cruise company fork over $1 million in exchange for her doing four sailings over the course of the year. (It’s worth noting this was back in 2009, well before many cruise lines leaned heavily into courting influencers.)

Records make clear that Ferguson almost routinely turned to Epstein for both financial assistance and advice.

It appears that in the case of Cunard, the topic of Ferguson’s attempt to land an endorsement was discussed between Epstein and a third party, David Stern, described by the outlet as a “royal insider” who served as an intermediary.

Cunard Had “No Specific Opportunities”

The emails in question indicate that while Ferguson seemed to believe a deal would soon be inked with Cunard, no such offer was even considered.

In fact, according to an exchange reported by the BBC, when the intermediary in question approached Cunard’s then-president, Peter Shanks, he reported back that while the exec “enjoyed meeting” the Duchess, there were “no specific opportunities” available for her.

Shanks added that “the challenge is that our modus operandi is that we provide the stateroom and any travel arrangements [for our Insight Speakers], however we do not provide any form of fee.” 

He went on to say that he’d informed Ferguson that one option might be to find a third party who “could provide the necessary funding.”

Clearly, it was hoped that Epstein might fill that role. In the end, however, no such deal was brokered. Contacted by the Daily Mail, a rep for Cunard Line affirmed that Shanks “accurately reflected Cunard’s position in 2009.” 

They added that “No commercial opportunities for Sarah Ferguson were ever made, then or since.” 

MSC Cruises has confirmed plans to develop a second private island destination in the Bahamas, located directly adjacent to its existing Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve near Bimini.

The new island, currently referred to internally as Little Cay, represents a significant expansion of MSC’s Caribbean footprint.

According to news reports, the project is part of a long-term development strategy rather than a quick-turnaround addition.

MSC says Little Cay will follow the same environmental approach that has defined Ocean Cay since it opened in 2019. The focus will be on natural beaches, open space, and ocean access. No timeline or opening date has been announced, and the cruise line has kept details sparse for now.

The intention appears to be creating a complementary experience to Ocean Cay rather than duplicating it.

Meanwhile Ocean Cay Gets Major Upgrades

While Little Cay moves through planning stages, MSC is investing heavily in improvements at Ocean Cay itself. The most significant infrastructure upgrade is an extended pier scheduled to open in late 2027, which will allow two ships to dock simultaneously.

A new adults-only area called Paradise Sands is being added for guests seeking a quieter beach experience. Food and beverage options are also expanding, with additional buffet stations, food market concepts, and the island’s first specialty restaurant.

For families, the Seakers Cove Family Beach is getting a full redesign. New additions include a playground, splash pad, and a ropes course with water elements. The area will also feature casual games like football and ping-pong, along with interactive group activities.

Conservation Remains Part of the Plan

MSC is also adding an educational component through a new MSC Foundation experience called “Shifting Perspective,” which will showcase marine life and the island’s environmental restoration efforts.

The twin-island strategy aligns with MSC’s broader Bahamas investment, which includes new cruise infrastructure on Grand Bahama designed to support regional growth.

With Little Cay in development and Ocean Cay undergoing significant enhancements, MSC is clearly positioning itself for long-term competition in the private island space.

Private islands have become exclusive cruise destinations and key differentiators in the Caribbean, long dominated by Royal Caribbean and Disney.

Now, with Carnival Cruise Line launching Celebration Key and Norwegian Cruise Line expanding Great Stirrup Cay, competition is heating up.

A harbor pilot fell into the ocean on February 10, 2026, while attempting to board Princess Cruises’ Emerald Princess in rough seas off Kauai, Hawaii.

The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. as the 3,090-guest vessel prepared to enter Nawiliwili Harbor. The pilot was making his third attempt to climb the rope ladder from the pilot boat when he lost his footing and fell into the water.

The ship’s captain immediately announced a man overboard situation. Passengers reported the pilot fell approximately 10 to 20 feet from the ship’s hull into 12-foot seas.

Walter of Where’s Walters Travels shared this photo with us on Tuesday evening.

The pilot boat crew quickly maneuvered to retrieve him from the water. Video shared by passengers shows the man pulled back aboard the pilot vessel within minutes. The pilot was not injured in the incident.

Following the failed boarding attempt, Princess Cruises canceled the Kauai port call. The ship continued to its next scheduled stop in Maui on February 11.

“A member of the pilot boat slipped off the ladder into the sea. Thanks to God for a quick recovery and a well-trained crew he is healthy and fine,” shared one passenger. “I am amazed how well-trained and efficient the Emerald staff handled everything quickly and professionally.”

Princess Cruises had not issued a public statement at press time. The cruise line typically issues automatic refunds to passengers for prepaid shore excursions when a port call is missed.

Weather Conditions

The National Weather Service had issued a high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kauai on February 8, warning of hazardous conditions.

Guests aboard reported the ship had been listing approximately 5 degrees due to the rough conditions. “The weather has been insane here in Hawaii,” said one passenger. “Our ship has been listing about 5 degrees for about 20 minutes.”

Nawiliwili Harbor’s approach channel is particularly challenging in rough seas. The southeast-facing port requires navigating a narrow entrance, making pilot transfers especially dangerous when high swells are present.

Pilot transfers are considered one of the most dangerous jobs in shipping. The process requires the small pilot boat to maintain close proximity to a much larger moving vessel while the pilot climbs a rope ladder attached to the ship’s side.

High swells and shifting winds can cause sudden movement between the two vessels, where a single misstep can be fatal.

The 113,561-gross-ton Emerald Princess departed Los Angeles on February 4 on a 16-night Hawaii itinerary. The vessel resumed its schedule after the Kauai cancellation, calling in Maui, Hilo, and Honolulu before returning to Los Angeles on February 20 with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.

Read More: 11 Questions with a Cruise Ship River Pilot

For the second time in less than a year, the Celebrity Infinity has experienced technical issues, resulting in a sailing ending prematurely.

Ironically, this latest issue comes only a few weeks after the 25-year-old ship’s latest drydock.

What Happened On Celebrity Infinity?

According to passengers on board, a small fire caused the power loss.

Redditor vtgiraffe, writing from aboard the stricken vessel, said that Infinity lost power around 3 a.m. as it was approaching the coast of Piraeus. They went on to say that as a result, the ship had “no lights, no running water, no flushing toilets.” Air conditioning and elevators were also non-functional.

“Heard ‘bravo, bravo, bravo,’ over the announcements,” the redditor shared. As the situation unfolded, they continued to add updates to their initial post, indicating that several tugs had been dispatched to haul Infinity to the port.

Guests Asked to Disembark

Given that guests were encouraged to disembark a day earlier than originally planned, Celebrity offered hotel and flight-change compensation. Cruisers were also given a $100 credit for incidental expenses per guest and a prorated refund for the day of lost usage on Wi-Fi and beverage packages.

At the time of the incident, Celebrity Infinity was on the final leg of a one-way sailing from Barcelona to Athens, where it was slated to begin its Mediterranean season. There was no word at the time of publication as to how future sailings might be impacted.

About Celebrity Infinity

The Millennium-class ship joined the Celebrity fleet in 2000, following in the footsteps of sister ship Celebrity Millennium.

From the ship’s launch, there were issues, specifically regarding propulsion-related issues.

Between 2001 and 2006, Infinity underwent six separate dry docks, ultimately leading Celebrity to file a $300 million lawsuit to recover costs associated with faulty pods on Millennium-class ships.

In July 2025, the ship experienced a similar fire and power outage while docked in Turkey.

That incident resulted in the ship being out of service for several days and having to skip the remaining port calls on its scheduled “Best of Greece” itinerary. More recently, the ship completed a 9-day drydock before resuming service on January 11 of this year.

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.