A federal judge ruled a new climate change levy can go ahead as planned despite strong opposition and a legal challenge by the cruise industry.

The ruling allows for the increase of the transient accommodation tax on hotel stays and vacation rentals. Importantly, it includes a new 11% tax on cruise ship guests for the first time.

Cruise ship guests now liable for tax

This is calculated on the cruise fare, on a pro-rata basis for the number of days ships are docked in Hawaii ports. It is set to begin at the start of 2026.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed into law a climate change levy to increase tax revenues to mitigate climate impacts on the islands.

The inclusion of the cruise ships in the transient tax within the bill was strongly opposed by the industry. 

Cruise Lines International Association sued to halt it, claiming it was unconstitutional. The cruise industry’s argument was supported by the federal government, which filed a motion to intervene. 

The government claims it is a “scheme to extort American citizens and businesses solely to benefit Hawaii.”

CLIA vows to appeal ruling

CLIA plans to fight on and get the ruling overturned. “Cruise tourism generates nearly $1 billion in total economic impact for Hawaii and supports thousands of local jobs, and we remain focused on ensuring that success continues on a lawful, sustainable foundation,” CLIA spokesperson Jim McCarthy said.

“On behalf of its member cruise lines, CLIA will continue to pursue this matter constructively through the courts.’

The green fee increases the transient accommodation tax for visitors by 0.75%, to 11%. Local counties can impose their own levies of up to 3%.

Hawaii estimates the new tax could generate up to $100 million per year.

Holland America Line opened four pickleball courts at its private island Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, bringing the cruise line’s signature sport to its Bahamas destination.

The new courts debuted December 6 with a tournament between passengers from Rotterdam and Eurodam.

Cruise Line’s Pickleball Partnership Expands

As the official cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association, Holland America already features pickleball courts on all fleet ships. The new island courts allow passengers to continue playing in what the cruise line calls “one of the most stunning settings imaginable.

The courts are located in Half Moon Cay’s sports area alongside basketball, volleyball, and soccer facilities. Beach activities include tai chi, beach ball relays, scavenger hunts, and sandcastle contests.

Pickleball has become one of our most popular activities across the fleet, so adding courts to our private island lets guests enjoy the game in one of the most stunning settings imaginable,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development.

Island Enhancements Beyond Pickleball

The pickleball courts are part of broader Half Moon Cay upgrades. Holland America refreshed all 15 private cabanas with new umbrellas, beach loungers, fresh paint, and new decking. Each cabana rental includes complimentary snacks, beverages, floating mats, and snorkel gear.

The cruise line added 500 beach chairs along the crescent-shaped shoreline and introduced new clamshell loungers arriving before the holidays. Upcoming renovations include upgrading the two-story villas this winter and opening a new food pavilion next season to complement the existing Island Barbecue venue.

28 Years of Half Moon Cay

December 2025 marks the 28th anniversary of Holland America’s private island opening. Half Moon Cay consistently ranks as the highest-rated Caribbean port among Holland America passengers, known for its 700-acre natural lagoon, children’s waterpark, white sand beaches, and dining at venues like Lobster Shack.

Princess Cruises is expanding its Southeast Asia presence, with Diamond Princess now homeporting in Singapore and multiple sister ships scheduled to visit the region through 2027.

Diamond Princess Begins Singapore Season

Diamond Princess started her Singapore homeporting season on December 7, kicking off with a 16-day voyage to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Phuket, Nha Trang, Halong Bay, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

The 2,670-guest ship will offer festive cruises through February 2026, with itineraries visiting 10 destinations across Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat in Sihanoukville.

One notable feature attracting Asia-focused cruisers is the ship’s Japanese bath complex, reportedly the largest of its kind at sea at 820 square meters, offering both outdoor and indoor bathing experiences with ocean views.

Major Milestone: February Departure for Japan

On February 10, 2026, Diamond Princess will depart on a sold-out 14-night cruise to Yokohama, visiting Phu My, Nha Trang, Hong Kong, Keelung, Osaka, and Shimizu before arriving in Yokohama on February 24 for an extended Japanese season running through November 2026.

Princess’s Singapore strategy extends beyond Diamond Princess.

Crown Princess, which completed dry dock in November, will make an overnight stop in Singapore in May 2026 as part of its 114-night world cruise.

Royal Princess makes her Southeast Asian debut on October 16, 2026, starting with a nine-night round-trip featuring an overnight Bangkok stay before a 13-night Southeast Asia cruise.

Both Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess will homeport in Japan from 2027 following their twin Singapore season from December 2026 through February 2027, reuniting the sister ships in the region for the first time since 2018-2019.

MSC Cruises will introduce new entertainment activities at its private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve starting January 2026, expanding programming for families visiting the Bahamas destination.

Wellness Coaching and Sports Programs

Two professional coaches from MSC ships will lead daily wellness and sports programming at Ocean Cay. Activities include yoga, functional training sessions, popular sports, sunrise yoga with sound healing meditation, and a fire and ice challenge combining hot yoga with ice baths.

The wellness programming aims to create a beach retreat experience for passengers during island visits. MSC offers late-night and overnight stays at Ocean Cay on select itineraries, allowing extended time for activities.

Augmented Reality Treasure Hunt

MSC will launch an educational augmented reality treasure hunt focused on marine conservation. Passengers use mobile devices or tablets to discover locations throughout the island through digital storytelling.

The app directs players to wooden sculptures around Ocean Cay that trigger AR content when scanned.

Each location focuses on a specific ecological challenge and MSC’s conservation efforts. Children can learn about fish, flora, and fauna native to the island.

The treasure hunt connects to Ocean Cay’s Marine Conservation Center, where passengers can learn about the MSC Foundation’s coral conservation work.

LEGO Pop-Up at Welcome Pavilion

A LEGO activation at the Welcome Pavilion features seven LEGO mascots and MSC’s mascot Doremi. The pop-up provides interactive entertainment for families arriving at the island.

The new activities will be rolled out in phases over several months starting January 2026, complementing existing offerings including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.

About Ocean Cay

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC’s private island destination in the Bahamas, transformed from a former industrial site. The island features eight beaches, turquoise waters, and the Marine Conservation Center showcasing the MSC Foundation’s coral restoration projects.

Ocean Cay appears on most MSC Caribbean itineraries departing from Miami and Port Canaveral, with some sailings offering overnight stays at the island.

Just five months in from its summer launch, Carnival’s Bahamas private destination Celebration Key has celebrated its first major milestone. This week it welcomed its one millionth guest. 

Guest Andrew Sexton and his family from Tennessee were surprised as they stepped off Carnival Vista.

Carnival Vista was the first ship to dock at Celebration Key in July.

In recognition of the milestone, the Sextons, who were first time cruisers, were awarded a VIP package of a private cabana, free food and drinks, and unlimited use to the waterslides.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line hailed Celebration key’s instant success. “Local residents have benefited from the job creation and our guests have embraced Celebration Key from the very first day,” she said. “We’re proud to lay the foundation for long-term growth and a positive impact in the region.” 

Carnival says it has created more than 1,000 permanent jobs. Additionally, there are more than 50 Bahamian-owned partner businesses trading onsite at Celebration Key.

Carnival ships from ten US cruise ports include calls at Celebration Key in their itineraries. The cruise line says it is on track to welcome two million guests to the private destination by the middle of next year. 

Ship capacity increase planned in 2026

Even before it opened, Carnival announced plans to expand ship capacity. A pier expansion is underway and will open next summer, which would potentially increase guest numbers to four million a year by 2028. 

“We look forward to more employment for more locals and the ability for family islanders to actually relocate and move back home so that they could have gainful employment in their places of domicile,” Bahamas minister of labor and public service, Pia Glover-Rolle recently said of the private destination’s positive impact on the economy.

Celebration Key features five themed zones including an adults-only retreat, a retail village and the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon with water slides.

Carnival Cruise Line’s new exclusive destination Celebration Key is celebrating its first holiday season with festive decorations throughout the Grand Bahama island.

The destination, which opened in July 2025, features holiday-themed displays across its five distinct portals.

Holiday Decorations Across Five Portals

Each of Celebration Key’s portals features holiday trees, wreaths, and garlands matching its unique theme. Paradise Plaza displays oversized gift boxes, while Lokono Cove showcases a 20-foot Celebration Key-themed tree.

Starfish Lagoon’s Santa’s Village includes an eight-foot sand tree sculpture and appearances by Santa for family photos. The destination’s signature Junkanoo parade performers wear holiday-themed costumes, adding festive flair to the traditional Bahamian celebration.

Additional sand sculptures appear throughout the island, embracing the tropical setting while incorporating traditional holiday imagery.

Onboard Holiday Activities Continue

Passengers sailing to Celebration Key during the holiday season find themed activities and seasonal menus continuing aboard their ships. Carnival blends its entertainment programming with holiday traditions throughout the cruise experience.

The holiday programming marks the first seasonal celebration at Carnival’s newest destination since its July opening. Celebration Key replaced the cruise line’s former Half Moon Cay port calls for many Caribbean itineraries.

About Celebration Key

Celebration Key opened as Carnival’s exclusive destination in Grand Bahama in July 2025. The 160-acre development features five themed areas: Paradise Plaza (arrival area), Calypso Lagoon (family beach), Starfish Lagoon (adults-only beach), Lokono Cove (nature-focused area), and Paradise Beach Club (premium area with cabanas).

The destination appears on most Carnival Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida homeports, typically as part of weeklong Eastern or Western Caribbean sailings. Carnival invested over $600 million in the project, making it the largest cruise line destination investment in the Bahamas.

The holiday decorations will remain in place through early January 2026.

Holland America Line transformed old ship drapes and bed runners into tote bags for passengers on its 2026 Grand Voyages, completing what the cruise line calls the industry’s first fabric circularity project.

30,000 Yards of Ship Textiles Upcycled

The two-year project collected fabrics during ship renovations that would have been discarded. Holland America shipped approximately 30,000 yards of textiles to Andriali Mill in Turkey, where they were broken down and spun into new yarn for 4,000 tote bags.

Passengers on Volendam’s 133-day Grand World Voyage and Zaandam’s 93-day Pacific Grand Voyage departing in January 2026 will receive the bags. Each includes a QR code explaining the upcycling process. Holland America plans to use remaining textiles for 25,000 additional bags for upcoming Legendary Voyages.

These tote bags are a symbol of what’s possible when we rethink waste,” said My Nguyen, director of interior design for Holland America Line. They started as stateroom fabrics and now represent a much bigger story—our commitment to circular design and reducing landfill impact across the fleet.

Part of Broader Sustainability Push

The tote bag project is part of Holland America’s circular design initiative. The cruise line recently launched a program which repurposes carpet waste into coasters, notebooks, and postcards sold in onboard gift shops. That program has diverted over 1.5 tonnes of carpet from landfills.

Holland America is also piloting an aluminum furniture circularity project to recycle marine-grade aluminum from balcony and pool deck furniture.

Grand Voyages Still Available

The 2026 Grand World Voyage departs Fort Lauderdale January 4 on Volendam for 133 days, visiting 24 countries across five continents including Antarctica, Komodo Island, and Japan. Segments from 14 to 72 days remain available.

Zaandam’s Pacific Grand Voyage departs San Diego January 4 for 93 days roundtrip, visiting 44 ports across 10 countries including South Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand, and two days of Great Barrier Reef scenic cruising. Segments from 33 to 60 days remain available.

Carnival Corp has joined hands with with ITM Group and Hutchison Ports ECV to unveil a new shoreside leisure destination beside Ensenada Cruise Terminal.

Named Ensenada Bay Village, this new destination represents an investment of over $26 million, and is expected to be operational in about two years.

Cruise line executives were joined by community leaders and local, state and federal officials to formally announce the project. The development aims to enhance the visitor experience at Ensenada with an array of activities, dining and leisure amenities.

Varied Range of Leisure Activities Planned

It will feature zip lines, river rides, a scenic boat ride, and Dune Rally, plus chocolate and tequila tastings, and Valle de Guadalupe wine and cheese pairings.

There will be relaxation and wellness amenities including thermal springs, alongside the Baby Beach adult pool and family friendly areas. Ensenada Bay Village will also welcome guests from other cruise lines.

“Together with our partners we are proud to highlight a project that celebrates Baja’s culture, supports the local community, and offers guests family-friendly, authentic experiences,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line during a preview event at Ensenada Cruise Terminal.

The destination will incorporate 18th-century California-style architectural design offering local Bajan artisan crafts. Construction is expected to take two years. The development will generate around 350 direct jobs and more than US$120 million in annual economic impact when operational.

“Ensenada Bay Village represents meaningful investment in Baja California. This project supports local jobs, expands tourism, and highlights the state’s culture and natural beauty,” said Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda, governor of Baja California.

The presentation event featured cultural performances, including mariachi and ballet folklórico, showcasing the region’s heritage and hospitality. Invited guests were able to view renderings of Ensenada Bay Village and were served luncheon onboard Carnival Panorama.

Ensenada Bay Village will be able to handle more than 9,000 visitors per day and two simultaneous ship visits.

More than 100 people have fallen ill aboard AIDA Cruises ship AIDAdiva.

The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a norovirus outbreak on the ship, with six crew members and 95 guests reported sick.

Enhanced Cleaning with Ill Guests in Isolation

The outbreak was reported a week ago during the ship’s 133-day world cruise. The CDC says the main symptoms have been diarrhea and vomiting.

MORE: The Truth and Lies of Norovirus

The cruise line has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitation efforts and isolated all ill passengers and crew. The cruise line is cooperating fully with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).

“The VSP is remotely monitoring the situation, including review of the ship’s outbreak response and all sanitation procedures,” the CDC said in a statement.

AIDAdiva departed from Hamburg, Germany nearly a month ago, and is calling at ports in the UK, US, Mexico, Japan and South Africa.

The outbreak was reported during port calls in the US, in New York City and Miami. The voyage ends in Hamburg in March 2025. The ship is carrying just over 2,000 guests.

Cruise Line Says the Rate of Infection Is Dropping 

“Seasonal illness peaks between November and April and the AIDAdiva report reflects infection patterns on land,” the cruise line said. “We have added more hygiene protocols onboard, and cases are already going down.”

The federal health agency has recorded 21 cruise ship illness outbreaks so far this year with 16 of them confirmed as norovirus as the causative agent. There were a total of 18 cruise ship outbreaks in 2024.

Norovirus is infectious and can spread through direct contact and contaminated food, water and unclean surfaces.

The CDC’s “Tips for Healthy Cruising” guidance encourages guests to wash their hands often and especially after using the toilet and before eating.

The family of a man who died during a Royal Caribbean cruise last year has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the cruise line. Michael Virgil, 35, became agitated and was tackled by ship security staff. He died a short time later.

Cause of Death Report Cities Homicide

It has now been revealed that the cause of death was attributed to homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report. The family is now suing the cruise line. The suit alleges Virgil was served at least 33 alcoholic drinks as part of his all-inclusive “Deluxe Beverage” package.

When he was apprehended by security, he was pepper sprayed several times, physically restrained and then injected with a sedative.

The ME’s report cites mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly and ethanol intoxication as factors in the death. Virgil was on a four-day cruise out of Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico.

The complaint alleges staff continued serving alcohol after he became visibly intoxicated. Fiancée Connie Aguilar alleges in the suit that Royal Caribbean was negligent in the improper alcohol service and for the actions of its security and medical staff.

“Royal Caribbean fully understands and expects that alcohol overconsumption by passengers will result in the diminution of their inhibitions, motor skills and good judgment,” the lawsuit stated.

“Royal Caribbean expects this will foster the general party atmosphere that Royal Caribbean desires and promotes aboard its vessels, and which in turn enhances other revenue-producing shipboard activities such as gambling and the purchase of more alcohol.”

Following the incident, the FBI said it opened an investigation into the circumstances leading up to Virgil’s death but hasn’t shared any further details since.

In response to the lawsuit filing, Royal Caribbean said: “We were saddened by the passing of one of our guests, worked with authorities on their investigation, and will refrain from commenting any further.”

This lawsuit, alleging negligence in alcohol service and security response, follows a similar incident earlier this year when the family of a drowning victim sued a cruise line for negligence. That suit alleged the cruise line failed to properly inform guests of dangerous riptides and a lack of lifeguards at a popular beach port of call.

Carnival Cruise Line is bringing full holiday cheer to Celebration Key this season, marking the first time the cruise line’s exclusive Grand Bahama destination is celebrating the holidays since opening earlier this year.

Holiday Décor Transforms the Island

The island has been transformed into a festive tropical wonderland with holiday installations throughout the property. Paradise Plaza features larger-than-life stacked gift boxes, while Lokono Cove showcases a 20-foot Celebration Key–themed tree.

Santa’s Village at Starfish Lagoon includes an eight-foot sand sculpture tree crafted in tropical style, maintaining the destination’s island aesthetic while embracing holiday traditions.

Family-Friendly Holiday Activities

For families, Santa will be making special appearances for photos throughout the season, and the popular Junkanoo parade has received a holiday costume update to complement the festive atmosphere.

The Christmas experience extends beyond the island itself, guests sailing during the holiday season will find themed activities, seasonal menus, and special entertainment both at Celebration Key and throughout their cruise, blending Carnival’s signature fun atmosphere with traditional holiday elements.