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Lindblad Ramps Up Hull Cleaning, Speed Optimization to Curb Fuel Costs

With fuel prices elevated by the conflict in the Middle East, Lindblad Expeditions has a  renewed effort to reduce consumption across its expedition fleet, intensifying hull cleaning and propeller polishing schedules and engaging ship leaders directly in reviews of how energy is used aboard each vessel. CEO Natalya Leahy told analysts on the company’s first...

Royal Caribbean Reveals Capacity of New Discovery-Class Ships

Royal Caribbean revealed the first details of its Discovery-class ships through a recent SEC filing. According the company’s recent quarterly filings, the vessels in the new series will carry up 4,300 passengers atdouble occupancy. The company also revealed delivery dates for the vessels, which are expected to enter service in late 2029 and in the...

Great Stirrup Cay Water Park Positioned as Demand Driver

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is counting on the late-summer opening of the Great Tides Water Park at its Great Stirrup Cay private island to help reverse softening Caribbean demand and generate itinerary premiums heading into 2027. “At Great Stirrup Cay, we witnessed the significant progress being made on the island, particularly at the Great Tides...

Poland’s Rail Revolution: New Warsaw Depot Powers Up Tourism Growth with Faster, Smoother Travel Across the Country!

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Poland’s Rail Revolution: New Warsaw Depot Powers Up Tourism Growth with Faster, Smoother Travel Across the Country!Poland’s new locomotive depot...

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ANA to Retire Boeing 777 Fleet by March 2027, Embracing the Future with Boeing 787 and 737 Max Jets

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ANA to Retire Boeing 777 Fleet by March 2027, Embracing the Future with Boeing 787 and 737 Max JetsANA announces...

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Move Over Brighton! Saundersfoot Takes the Throne as The UK’s Top Seaside Destination in 2026 – A Must-Visit Marvel!

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Move Over Brighton! Saundersfoot Takes the Throne as The UK’s Top Seaside Destination in 2026 – A Must-Visit Marvel!Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire,...

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France Leads EU’s Digital Identity Revolution for Smarter Travel and Secure Borders in 2026

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France Leads EU’s Digital Identity Revolution for Smarter Travel and Secure Borders in 2026France’s digital identity initiative enhances travel security,...

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UAE Travellers Brace for New EU Border Rules: Schengen Areas Eases Biometric Checks Amid Growing Airport Chaos

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UAE Travellers Brace for New EU Border Rules: Schengen Areas Eases Biometric Checks Amid Growing Airport ChaosThe Schengen area adjusts...

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Hong Kong’s Regent Hotel Dominates China’s Top 100, Elevating Luxury Tourism to Unmatched Heights in 2025!

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Hong Kong’s Regent Hotel Dominates China’s Top 100, Elevating Luxury Tourism to Unmatched Heights in 2025!Regent Hong Kong earns recognition...

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Dubai advances major Gold Line metro project to strengthen urban connectivity and growth corridors

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Dubai advances major Gold Line metro project to strengthen urban connectivity and growth corridorsDubai has moved forward with a significant...

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Brussels Airport begins bus station relocation for major Hub 3.0 transformation

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Brussels Airport begins bus station relocation for major Hub 3.0 transformationBrussels Airport has started relocating its bus operations to a...

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Singapore Set to Host D23 Asia in 2027: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event You Can’t Miss!

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Singapore Set to Host D23 Asia in 2027: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event You Can’t Miss!D23 Asia, Disney’s biggest fan...

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Travel industry steps up Artificial intelligence spending as operators shift from experimentation to large scale adoption

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Travel industry steps up Artificial intelligence spending as operators shift from experimentation to large scale adoptionArtificial intelligence is becoming a...

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Grupo Posadas rolls out new advisor booking platform for luxury travel sales

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/grupo-posadas-rolls-out-new-advisor-booking-platform-for-luxury-travel-sales/

Grupo Posadas rolls out new advisor booking platform for luxury travel salesGrupo Posadas has introduced a new digital booking platform...

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Windstar Launches New Flexible Booking Policy for 2026-27

Windstar Cruises announced the launch of its new Peace of Mind Promise, which is said to give guests flexibility when booking eligible 2026 and 2027 sailings. According to a press release, the policy was designed as a response to ongoing travel uncertainty and includes full-itinerary protection. “Unlike most flexible booking programs that cover only the...

Malaysia’s AirAsia Set to Finalize Historic Deal for Up to 150 Airbus A220 Jets, Transforming Southeast Asia’s Aviation Market

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Malaysia’s AirAsia Set to Finalize Historic Deal for Up to 150 Airbus A220 Jets, Transforming Southeast Asia’s Aviation MarketAirAsia is...

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Carnival Deepens Caribbean Ties With Stronger Sustainable Cruise And Community Focus: What You Need To Know

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Carnival Deepens Caribbean Ties With Stronger Sustainable Cruise And Community Focus: What You Need To KnowCarnival boosts long-term cruise investment...

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Global Travel Alert Issued After WHO Confirms New Cases: Essential Safety Guidelines Every Tourist Should Follow

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Global Travel Alert Issued After WHO Confirms New Cases: Essential Safety Guidelines Every Tourist Should FollowWHO confirms outbreak cases. Learn...

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Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia Forge Strategic Tourism Alliance at 59th ADB Meeting for Sustainable Growth

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Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia Forge Strategic Tourism Alliance at 59th ADB Meeting for Sustainable GrowthA strategic tourism alliance is forged...

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Thailand’s New 300-Baht Tourist Fee: What Air Travelers Need to Know in 2026

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/thailands-new-300-baht-tourist-fee-what-air-travelers-need-to-know-in-2026/

Thailand’s New 300-Baht Tourist Fee: What Air Travelers Need to Know in 2026Planning a trip to Thailand in 2026? Learn...

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Innovative Dining Group Expands Multilingual AI Reservation Coverage To BOA Austin: What You Need To Know

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Innovative Dining Group Expands Multilingual AI Reservation Coverage To BOA Austin: What You Need To KnowRevmo AI Helps Innovative Dining...

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Navigating the Future: How Charleston International Airport’s Expansion is Elevating the Travel Experience

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Navigating the Future: How Charleston International Airport’s Expansion is Elevating the Travel ExperienceNew Hampshire's 2026 Tourism Summit highlights a summer...

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Travel in 2026 Transformed: Global Overtourism Crisis Forces Countries to Introduce Tourist Caps and Strict Entry Rules

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Travel in 2026 Transformed: Global Overtourism Crisis Forces Countries to Introduce Tourist Caps and Strict Entry RulesGlobal overtourism crisis 2026...

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Turkey Aegean Islands Visa 2026 Makes Island-Hopping Easier Than Ever for Global Travelers Seeking Mediterranean Escapes

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/turkey-aegean-islands-visa-2026-makes-island-hopping-easier-than-ever-for-global-travelers-seeking-mediterranean-escapes/

Turkey Aegean Islands Visa 2026 Makes Island-Hopping Easier Than Ever for Global Travelers Seeking Mediterranean EscapesTurkey Aegean Islands Visa 2026...

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HX CEO Gebhard Rainer Reveals How Millennial and Gen Z Demand is Driving a Global Surge in Purpose-Driven Expedition Travel

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/hx-ceo-gebhard-rainer-reveals-how-millennial-and-gen-z-demand-is-driving-a-global-surge-in-purpose-driven-expedition-travel/

HX CEO Gebhard Rainer Reveals How Millennial and Gen Z Demand is Driving a Global Surge in Purpose-Driven Expedition TravelHX...

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Air Transat Expands 2026-27 Winter Sun Network with New Flights from Montreal

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/air-transat-expands-2026-27-winter-sun-network-with-new-flights-from-montreal/

Air Transat Expands 2026-27 Winter Sun Network with New Flights from MontrealAir Transat expands its winter sun network with new...

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Luxury Travel Boom: Victory Group Secures Cameron House Resort in Scotland’s Loch Lomond Region

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/luxury-travel-boom-victory-group-secures-cameron-house-resort-in-scotlands-loch-lomond-region/

Luxury Travel Boom: Victory Group Secures Cameron House Resort in Scotland’s Loch Lomond RegionVictory Group acquires Cameron House on Loch...

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Oceania Cruises Reveals Aurelia’s Inaugural Sailings

Oceania Cruises has unveiled the inaugural sailings for the Oceania Aurelia, set to debut in late 2027.  Formerly the Oceania Nautica, the ship is set to be reimagined as the Oceania Aurelia, with a christening ceremony planned to take place in January 2028 in Miami.  With the voyages available for preview online, reservations will open on May 13, 2026, the cruise line said in a...

New U.S. Expansion as Etihad Airways Boosts Flights to Chicago and Charlotte, Strengthening Transatlantic Connectivity in 2026

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New U.S. Expansion as Etihad Airways Boosts Flights to Chicago and Charlotte, Strengthening Transatlantic Connectivity in 2026Etihad Airways expands U.S....

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Edinburgh and London-Gatwick Airports Become Crucial Hubs in Jet2’s UK Travel Expansion, Connecting Travelers to European Destinations with Record-Breaking Load Factors on New Services

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Edinburgh and London-Gatwick Airports Become Crucial Hubs in Jet2’s UK Travel Expansion, Connecting Travelers to European Destinations with Record-Breaking Load...

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Orient Express Bringing Corinthian to Cannes Film Festival

Orient Express Sailing Yachts is partnering with the Festival de Cannes for its 79th edition, taking place May 12–23, 2026. The ship will anchor in the Bay of Cannes and be visible from the Croisette, Cannes’s boulevard, for the duration of the festival. The christening ceremony for the Corinthian, said to be the world’s largest sailing yacht, was celebrated on...

Silversea’s Luxury Travel Advisor Sweepstakes: Win Big with Exclusive Prizes this Travel Advisor Appreciation Month

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/silverseas-luxury-travel-advisor-sweepstakes-win-big-with-exclusive-prizes-this-travel-advisor-appreciation-month/

Silversea’s Luxury Travel Advisor Sweepstakes: Win Big with Exclusive Prizes this Travel Advisor Appreciation MonthCelebrate Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with...

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Able2Global and WelcoMe Partnership Targets $100B US Accessibility Gap Transforming Hospitality Inclusion Standards

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/able2global-and-welcome-partnership-targets-100b-us-accessibility-gap-transforming-hospitality-inclusion-standards/

Able2Global and WelcoMe Partnership Targets $100B US Accessibility Gap Transforming Hospitality Inclusion StandardsAble2Global and WelcoMe have partnered to address the...

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Bangkok Beyond The City Limits, How A Unique Floating Market Travel Journey Is Crowning The Best Destination In Thailand

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/bangkok-beyond-the-city-limits-how-a-unique-floating-market-travel-journey-is-crowning-the-best-destination-in-thailand/

Bangkok Beyond The City Limits, How A Unique Floating Market Travel Journey Is Crowning The Best Destination In ThailandExplore the...

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Regent, Oceania Delivering to Expectations at NCLH

While Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings works through a turnaround at its Norwegian Cruise Line brand, the company’s two luxury brands, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, are holding firm, with management pointing to their steady performance as evidence that the wider cruise industry remains on solid footing. Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026...

Mitsui Ocean Cruises Announces Promo for Japan Summer Sailings

Mitsui Ocean Cruises has presented its “Summer in Japan Sale” for its 11 itineraries sailings from June to September 2026.  With the promo, $1,000 onboard credit is available per suite or $500 per guest (based on double occupancy) on all summer sailings departing June 3 through September 19, 2026.  A 15% commission is also available for travel advisors, the company shared in a press release.  Operating the...

Regent: Driving Retention Through Service

The arrival of ultra-luxury hotel brands into the cruise industry isn’t a threat to established operators but a marketing asset, said Regent Seven Seas President Wesley D’Silva. For the company, the influx of competitors like Ritz-Carlton, Aman and Four Seasons helps resolve a challenge for the brand: convincing non-cruisers that an ocean voyage fits their...

MSC: Integrating Supply Chain and Suppliers

MSC Cruises is modernizing its supply chain and turnaround operations by prioritizing digitalization, demand forecasting and vendor integration, according to Paolo Raia, managing director of procurement and logistics. Highlighting the challenging nature of the turnaround process, he noted that the brand leverages synergies with its broader shipping and cargo divisions to be more effective. Calling...

Lindblad: $1,631 Net Yield Per Available Guest Night

Lindblad Expeditions posted a record net yield of $1,631 per available guest night in the first quarter of 2026, the highest quarterly figure in the company’s history, according to Chief Executive Officer Natalya Leahy. “These results reflect the strength of our strategy and importantly, the discipline of our execution,” she said. Leahy said the company...

Firenze: Carnival Replaces Regular Cruises with Adults-Only Sailings

Carnival Cruise Line replaced 11 regular cruises onboard the Carnival Firenze with a series of new adults-only voyages as part of its SEA program. The new departures are now available for booking on the company’s website and include seven- to 14-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California. Sailing roundtrip from Long Beach, the...

Seabourn: Blending ‘Art and Science’ of Hospitality

Global uncertainty is creating a sense of urgency among guests in the ultra-luxury cruise market, according to Seabourn President Mark Tamis. While sales of physical luxury goods may have softened slightly, the desire for high-end, once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences is actually accelerating, he said. “Uncertainty hasn’t really suppressed demand for us. What it tends to do...

LG Electronics Debuts Cruise-Specific TVs and Display Management

LG Electronics USA has unveiled new commercial cruise television models and a centralized display management platform, addressing challenges specific to the marine environment. The company introduced 32-inch and 43-inch Commercial Cruise TV models designed for staterooms and crew cabins, along with the Pro:Centric Catena platform for managing displays across public spaces. The new cruise-specific televisions...

Inside US Met Gala 2026: Exclusive Look at the Most Talked-About Red Carpet Fashion in New York!

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Inside US Met Gala 2026: Exclusive Look at the Most Talked-About Red Carpet Fashion in New York!Get an exclusive look...

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United States Embraces Authentic Mexican Heritage This Cinco de Mayo with Traditional Cuisine and Cultural Celebrations

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/restaurants-across-the-united-states-celebrate-authentic-mexican-culture-this-cinco-de-mayo-reviving-heritage-with-traditional-cuisine-and-historic-significance/

United States Embraces Authentic Mexican Heritage This Cinco de Mayo with Traditional Cuisine and Cultural CelebrationsRestaurants across the United States...

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Angkor Wat Emerges as the Second Most Attractive Tourist Destination in Asia for 2026, Solidifying Cambodia’s Global Appeal on TripAdvisor

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Angkor Wat Emerges as the Second Most Attractive Tourist Destination in Asia for 2026, Solidifying Cambodia’s Global Appeal on TripAdvisorAngkor...

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United Arab Emirates Accelerates Smart Transport Vision With Dh2.85 Billion Saadiyat–Khalifa Corridor Boosting Tourism Mobility — What Travelers Should Know

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United Arab Emirates Accelerates Smart Transport Vision With Dh2.85 Billion Saadiyat–Khalifa Corridor Boosting Tourism Mobility — What Travelers Should KnowAbu...

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Why the Karate One Youth League in Manila is the Must-Visit Sports Tourism Event of the Year

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Why the Karate One Youth League in Manila is the Must-Visit Sports Tourism Event of the YearDiscover how Manila’s Karate...

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Amsterdam’s Green Transport Revolution in the Netherlands: Faster, Modern Trams for a Sustainable Future

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Amsterdam’s Green Transport Revolution in the Netherlands: Faster, Modern Trams for a Sustainable FutureAmsterdam's latest transport overhaul brings a sustainable,...

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Japan Hospitality Market Heats Up With Thailand-Based Centara Launching New Osaka Stay Option in Namba—What International Travelers Should Expect

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/japan-hospitality-market-heats-up-with-thailand-based-centara-launching-new-osaka-stay-option-in-namba-what-international-travelers-should-expect/

Japan Hospitality Market Heats Up With Thailand-Based Centara Launching New Osaka Stay Option in Namba—What International Travelers Should ExpectNew lifestyle...

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Spirit Airlines Ceases Operations, Sparking Nationwide Travel Chaos as Flights Get Canceled, Passengers Stranded, and Lost Luggage Piles Up

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/spirit-airlines-ceases-operations-sparking-nationwide-travel-chaos-as-flights-get-canceled-passengers-stranded-and-lost-luggage-piles-up/

Spirit Airlines Ceases Operations, Sparking Nationwide Travel Chaos as Flights Get Canceled, Passengers Stranded, and Lost Luggage Piles UpTravel chaos...

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Star Princess launches full scale Alaska operations from Seattle bringing enhanced cruise capacity, glacier viewing routes and consistent weekly voyages throughout summer 2026

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/star-princess-launches-full-scale-alaska-operations-from-seattle-bringing-enhanced-cruise-capacity-glacier-viewing-routes-and-consistent-weekly-voyages-throughout-summer-2026/

Star Princess launches full scale Alaska operations from Seattle bringing enhanced cruise capacity, glacier viewing routes and consistent weekly voyages...

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Antarctica21 expands Antarctic voyage network with strong occupancy levels and advances cleaner energy solutions across fleet and shore landing operations

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/antarctica21-expands-antarctic-voyage-network-with-strong-occupancy-levels-and-advances-cleaner-energy-solutions-across-fleet-and-shore-landing-operations/

Antarctica21 expands Antarctic voyage network with strong occupancy levels and advances cleaner energy solutions across fleet and shore landing operationsAntarctica21...

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Cagayan Valley’s Golden Gears: 2026 MPTC Tour of Luzon Solidifies the Region as the Philippines New Sports Tourism Capital

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/cagayan-valleys-golden-gears-2026-mptc-tour-of-luzon-solidifies-the-region-as-the-philippines-new-sports-tourism-capital/

Cagayan Valley’s Golden Gears: 2026 MPTC Tour of Luzon Solidifies the Region as the Philippines New Sports Tourism CapitalThe Philippines...

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Luang Prabang Faces Tourism Slowdown During Pi Mai Lao: Insights Into the Visitor Decline

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Luang Prabang Faces Tourism Slowdown During Pi Mai Lao: Insights Into the Visitor DeclineLuang Prabang experiences a massive year-on-year decline...

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How Cagayan Valley’s Culinary Heritage is Becoming the Philippines Tourism Powerhouse: Empowering Communities Through Authentic Food Experiences

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How Cagayan Valley’s Culinary Heritage is Becoming the Philippines Tourism Powerhouse: Empowering Communities Through Authentic Food ExperiencesCagayan Valley, Philippines culinary...

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Japan Summer Travel 2026: How to Embrace Festivals, Nature, and Culture While Beating the Heat with Smart Travel Tips

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/japan-summer-travel-2026-how-to-embrace-festivals-nature-and-culture-while-beating-the-heat-with-smart-travel-tips/

Japan Summer Travel 2026: How to Embrace Festivals, Nature, and Culture While Beating the Heat with Smart Travel TipsPlan your...

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Kyrgyzstan Paves the Way for Sustainable Tourism with Geopark Development, Preserving Heritage and Boosting Mountain Region Travel

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/kyrgyzstan-paves-the-way-for-sustainable-tourism-with-geopark-development-preserving-heritage-and-boosting-mountain-region-travel/

Kyrgyzstan Paves the Way for Sustainable Tourism with Geopark Development, Preserving Heritage and Boosting Mountain Region TravelKyrgyzstan's symposium on geopark...

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TTC Tour Brands Expands Its Offerings in Australia and New Zealand for 2028

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TTC Tour Brands Expands Its Offerings in Australia and New Zealand for 2028TTC Tour Brands introduces new itineraries for 2028...

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South Korea K-Pop Tourism 2026 Transformation: How Seoul Became a Global Hub for Music, Culture, and Immersive Travel

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South Korea K-Pop Tourism 2026 Transformation: How Seoul Became a Global Hub for Music, Culture, and Immersive TravelSouth Korea K-pop...

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Holland America Reveals Post-Evolution Deployment for Oosterdam

Holland America Line is now accepting bookings for the first post-refit season onboard the Oosterdam, the company said in a press release. The Vista-class ship will be the first to undergo a major refurbishment as part of the Holland America Evolution, which is considered the largest fleet investment in the brand’s 153-year history. After undergoing...

Ho Chi Minh City Food Tourism Takes Center Stage as Vietnam Elevates Cuisine into a Must-Experience Journey

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/ho-chi-minh-city-food-tourism-takes-center-stage-as-vietnam-elevates-cuisine-into-a-must-experience-journey/

Ho Chi Minh City Food Tourism Takes Center Stage as Vietnam Elevates Cuisine into a Must-Experience JourneyExplore Ho Chi Minh...

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Latest Update: Delta Cuts Complimentary Snacks and Drinks on 350-Mile Flights — Here’s What You Need to Know

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/latest-update-delta-cuts-complimentary-snacks-and-drinks-on-350-mile-flights-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

Latest Update: Delta Cuts Complimentary Snacks and Drinks on 350-Mile Flights — Here’s What You Need to KnowDelta Airlines to...

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Emirates Airline Network Recovery: 96% of Global Destinations Restored

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Emirates Airline Network Recovery: 96% of Global Destinations RestoredHow Emirates has successfully restored 96% of its global network, demonstrating resilience...

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Huge Travel Win! See How New York’s Latest Infrastructure Surge is Slashing Your 2026 Commute Now

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/huge-travel-win-see-how-new-yorks-latest-infrastructure-surge-is-slashing-your-2026-commute-now/

Huge Travel Win! See How New York’s Latest Infrastructure Surge is Slashing Your 2026 Commute Now2026 New York Travel Governor...

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Norwegian Cruise Surprise Experience Unveiled: How Unexpected Onboard Moments Are Transforming Modern Sea Travel for Global Tourists

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Norwegian Cruise Surprise Experience Unveiled: How Unexpected Onboard Moments Are Transforming Modern Sea Travel for Global TouristsDiscover how the Norwegian...

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Spain Approves Hondius to Dock in Canary Islands and Patients Evacuated

Two patients with hantavirus and one suspected of being infected have been evacuated from the Hondius and are on the way to the Netherlands, the World Health Organization said, according to the Associated Press. The three people evacuated were a 41-year-old Dutch national, a 56-year-old British national and a 65-year-old German national who were transferred...

Is the 2026 World Cup Driving Up Travel Costs? How to Navigate Hotel Shortages and Flight Delays

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/is-the-2026-world-cup-driving-up-travel-costs-how-to-navigate-hotel-shortages-and-flight-delays/

Is the 2026 World Cup Driving Up Travel Costs? How to Navigate Hotel Shortages and Flight DelaysU.S. hotels report lower-than-expected...

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Dubai and Emirates Airlines Make Strong Comeback, Reviving Global Connections for All Travelers

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Dubai and Emirates Airlines Make Strong Comeback, Reviving Global Connections for All TravelersEmirates has restored 96% of its global network...

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Princess Cruises Launches Star Princess from Port of Seattle for its Inaugural 2026 Alaska Season, Promising Unforgettable Voyages

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/princess-cruises-launches-star-princess-from-port-of-seattle-for-its-inaugural-2026-alaska-season-promising-unforgettable-voyages/

Princess Cruises Launches Star Princess from Port of Seattle for its Inaugural 2026 Alaska Season, Promising Unforgettable VoyagesPrincess Cruises has...

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Head’s Up: Carnival Cruisers Could Lose Their Status If They Don’t Do This One Thing

It’s safe to say that Carnival Cruise Line caused a bit of a stir last year upon announcing major changes to their loyalty program.

Now comes word that unless cruisers take one very important step, they’ll lose their status entirely.

How to Avoid Losing Your Status

As of September 1, Carnival will be retiring its much-loved Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program. At that time, the line will be switching to the new Carnival Rewards program.

The new system involves earning stars in order to boost one’s status. Unlike under the previous program, the earned status is no longer a permanent, protected level. Instead, it must be re-earned every two years.

Carnival Rewards status-earning chart
Carnival’s explanation of how status will work under the new program. (Via Carnival.com)

While that has led to confusion among some longtime loyalists and anger among others, there seems to be no way to stop this in-motion train. (Carnival has made tweaks since the original announcement and may well make more in the months between now and September.)

Most assumed their loyalty status would automatically transfer to the new program. But as it turns out, it isn’t quite as simple as that.

“Due to privacy laws,” reads a warning from Carnival, “your current status progress and benefits from the VIFP Club program will carry over only by opting in and enrolling in Carnival Rewards prior to when the new program launches September 1, 2026.” 

The Biggest Change

Under the former VIFP Program, the easiest and most popular way to earn points was by simply booking a cruise. Points were earned for each day spent on a Carnival ship. The new Rewards program, however, has shifted to a money-spent system.

A Carnival Rewards infographic explains how Carnival Cruisers can earn status qualifying stars: 3 stars per $1 spent, and 1 star for every casino point. Icons highlight cruise rewards, perk accumulation, and tips so you never lose status.

Not coincidentally, the line has been heavily promoting the Carnival World Mastercard to earn points and boost status.

And it’s worth noting that the line says those who already have the card will have their earned Fun Points balance converted to Carnival Rewards Points when the new program launches in September.

For complete information on everything related to the new program, head to CarnivalRewards.com.

Bhutan A Himalayan Haven For Tranquil Holidays Explore Pristine Landscapes, Unique Culture, And Iconic Attractions: What You Need To Know

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/bhutan-a-himalayan-haven-for-tranquil-holidays-explore-pristine-landscapes-unique-culture-and-iconic-attractions-what-you-need-to-know/

Bhutan A Himalayan Haven For Tranquil Holidays Explore Pristine Landscapes, Unique Culture, And Iconic Attractions: What You Need To KnowDiscover...

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Club Med Celebrates Travel Advisors With Free Resort Stays For May 2026: All You Need To Know

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Club Med Celebrates Travel Advisors With Free Resort Stays For May 2026: All You Need To KnowClub Med celebrates Travel...

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Cruise Ship With Virus Outbreak Heading to Canary Islands After Cape Verde Standoff

The Canary Islands are making preparations to receive nearly 150 cruise ship guests and crew still aboard a virus-hit ship in the Atlantic.

A large cruise ship with a dark blue hull and white upper decks sails through icy Arctic waters, surrounded by floating ice, with rugged mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

Spain’s Health Ministry said the vessel is expected to arrive within three to four days, at which point passengers and crew will be examined, treated, and transferred to their respective countries.

Three people, a German and two Dutch nationals, died during the expedition ship MV Hondius’ sailing from South America to Cape Verde, where officials did not allow passengers to disembark.

Health officials have confirmed at least two cases of hantavirus, with five additional suspected cases, and say the virus may have been directly transmitted among humans.

Sick Crew Members Expected to Be Airlifted Off the Ship

Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings or urine. Before the ship departs for the Canary Islands, authorities will determine which passengers require urgent evacuation while still in Cape Verde.

The ship’s doctor, described as being in serious condition, was expected to be evacuated on Tuesday on a medical flight to the Canary Islands, Spain’s Health Ministry said.

“This intervention aims to assess the condition of the people on board, determine whether there are additional symptomatic individuals, and identify high- and low-risk contacts.

This will inform decisions on repatriation procedures and the ship’s route,” the Spanish Health Ministry posted on social media.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government is putting “plans in place for the safe onward travel” for 19 British guests aboard the ship.

Operator Oceanwide Expeditions said another 17 are Americans and 13 are Spanish citizens. Most crew members come from the Philippines.

A British national who fell ill after the ship left St. Helena is now hospitalized at a private medical facility in South Africa and is reported to be improving, according to the World Health Organization.

In an update, the WHO said the “risk to the general public is low,” but that human-to-human transmission cannot be ruled out. If confirmed, such transmission would be exceedingly rare.

“We do know that some of the cases had very close contact with each other and certainly human-to-human transmission can’t be ruled out,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s head of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention.

A similar hantavirus outbreak occurred at Yosemite National Park in 2012. Ten people became ill and three died.

Azamara Marks Advisor Appreciation Month with New Partnership

Azamara Cruises is partnering with Approach Guides for Travel Advisor Appreciation Month in May. During an initiative running from May 4 through May 31, the cruise line will combine new marketing tools with incentives and rewards for advisors, according to a press release. “At Azamara Cruises, travel advisors are the driving force behind our continued...

Canary Islands Rejects Hantavirus-Hit Hondius Docking at Tenerife

The regional government of Spain’s Canary Islands is opposed to allowing the Hondius to dock on the archipelago, its leader said on May 6, according to Reuters. “This decision is not based on any technical criteria, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety,” Fernando Clavijo told radio station COPE,...

American Airlines Rolls Out New Snacks and Meals to Elevate Main Cabin Dining

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American Airlines Rolls Out New Snacks and Meals to Elevate Main Cabin DiningAmerican Airlines introduces new onboard food options, including...

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Budapest Proves Why The Booming Trend Of Integrated Tourism Is The Best Way To Travel Through The Heart And Soul Of Hungary

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/budapest-proves-why-the-booming-trend-of-integrated-tourism-is-the-best-way-to-travel-through-the-heart-and-soul-of-hungary/

Budapest Proves Why The Booming Trend Of Integrated Tourism Is The Best Way To Travel Through The Heart And Soul...

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United Airlines Brings Peacock Onboard with Exclusive Shows and Enhanced In-Flight Entertainment

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United Airlines Brings Peacock Onboard with Exclusive Shows and Enhanced In-Flight EntertainmentUnited Airlines introduces Peacock streaming content on over 800...

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Sandals Resorts Unveils Millions of Investment to Upgrade Jamaica Properties

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/sandals-resorts-unveils-millions-of-investment-to-upgrade-jamaica-properties/

Sandals Resorts Unveils Millions of Investment to Upgrade Jamaica PropertiesSandals Resorts announces a $200 million renovation to revamp Sandals Montego...

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Cruise Ship Orderbook Moves to $90 Billion of New Ships

The global cruise ship orderbook now totals some $90 billion in newbuild orders through 2039, according to the latest update from Cruise Industry News. Five more ships were ordered during the month of April, including a trio for Princess Cruises from Fincantieri, and two more Icon-class ships for Royal Caribbean International from Meyer Turku. The...

Cunard Unveils 2028 Program: 190 Sailings Across 36 Countries

Cunard has unveiled its 2028 program, featuring 190 voyages in 36 countries.  Sailing from April 2028 to January 2029, its fleet will visit 125 ports worldwide, including 19 overnight stays and 37 late-evening departures, according to a statement.  “Our new voyage collection is one of the most exciting programs we’ve ever launched. From the historic moment all four Queens meet in Liverpool on...

Viking’s 2028–29 Expedition Voyages Available for Booking

Viking has opened bookings for its 2028–29 expedition voyages.  The season features newly released departure dates across itineraries in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes, Viking said in a press release.  Operating the expanded expedition offerings in the polar regions are the Viking Octantis and her sister ship, the Viking Polaris.  “Our guests are curious travelers who seek meaningful experiences and...

Norwegian Targets Marketing Overhaul with New Leadership, Leaner Spend

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is moving to rebuild its marketing function at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, bringing in new leadership and cutting overall spending, said Chairperson and CEO John Chidsey. Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Chidsey acknowledged that marketing underperformance has been a significant part of the brand’s occupancy shortfall,...

Ponant: Guest Insight and Real-World Scouting for New Itineraries

Developing new itineraries requires a balance of guest insights, regulatory understanding and real-world scouting, according to Sylviane de Tracy, director of cruise research and development for Ponant. The process begins with understanding passengers’ evolving expectations and preferences, she explained. “Surveys are being sent out with different options and different choices. Both our current customer base...

Carnival Corporation Working on Harmonizing Supply Chain Operations Across Brands

Data harmonization and advanced demand planning are currently hot topics as Carnival Corporation works to overhaul its supply chain operations, according to Kevin Muhich, head of MAST. With a portfolio of eight different brands, the company is currently focused on standardizing its Planned Maintenance System (PMS) across the fleet to eliminate operational inconsistencies. “We have...

MSC Ready for Alaska Debut, Accelerating North America Growth

MSC Cruises is ready for the Poesia’s debut in Alaska, as the ship will spend the summer sailing Alaska cruises on Mondays from Seattle, marking the company’s entry to the region. “We’re so excited for this moment,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America. “From the time we announced the program until now,...

Lindblad Expeditions Eyes Fleet Expansion

Lindblad Expeditions is actively pursuing expansion of its expedition fleet, according to CEO Natalya Leahy. Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Leahy said fleet growth conversations are ongoing and that the current geopolitical environment has done nothing to slow them. “We continue to be actively focused on looking to expand capacity in...

API’s Decade-Long Fincantieri Agreement Signals Flooring Evolution

API has signed another agreement (with a 10-year framework) with Fincantieri, which covers 23 vessels, deepening the Italian marine flooring specialist’s relationship that stretches back through multiple project cycles and hundreds of cruise ships since 1958. “This is our third framework agreement,” said Veno Cravino, managing director at API. “From a strategic standpoint, both parties,...

Phu Quoc The Hidden Gem Revolutionizing The Travel Industry, Here’s Why You Need To Visit Today In Vietnam

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Ukraine to Transform Family Travel as First Children’s Train Carriage Launches on Key Routes

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/ukraine-to-transform-family-travel-as-first-childrens-train-carriage-launches-on-key-routes/

Ukraine to Transform Family Travel as First Children’s Train Carriage Launches on Key RoutesUkraine introduces specialised children’s train carriages on...

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Explora Journeys Attracting Land-Based Guests

Explora Journeys is targeting land-based luxury travelers by highlighting the value of ocean travel and redefining its onboard hospitality culture, according to President Anna Nash. With a significant portion of the luxury market still hesitant to book cruise vacations, Nash believes the niche must emphasize the operational simplicity of its product. “I think the opportunity...

All Aboard the Past: Thailand’s Historic Steam Locomotive Prepares for a Royal Anniversary Journey from Bangkok to Chachoengsao

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/all-aboard-the-past-thailands-historic-steam-locomotive-prepares-for-a-royal-anniversary-journey-from-bangkok-to-chachoengsao/

All Aboard the Past: Thailand’s Historic Steam Locomotive Prepares for a Royal Anniversary Journey from Bangkok to ChachoengsaoJoin a nostalgic...

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Mercedes-Benz Studio Prague Turns Into a Must-Visit Travel Experience Celebrating 140 Years at Galerie Mánes: All You Need To Know

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Dubai Airports Scaling Up Operations After UAE Airspace Reopens : Latest Update

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Carnival Cruiser Who Punched Teen In the Face Arraigned In Florida Court

A 44-year-old woman who punched a 17-year-old during a cruise on board the Carnival Sunrise back in March was arraigned in a Miami-Dade courtroom on Tuesday.

How the Incident Happened

The 2019 Carnival Sunrise boasts a large, multi-level atrium where a central bar is surrounded by patrons at tables. A shiny disco ball glitters above, while ornate railings add elegance and shops entice in the background.

It appears Jennifer Frost first encountered the teen — identified only as NJ in court, given her status as a minor — at the Lido buffet on board the ship. Police reports indicate that Frost appeared intoxicated to the teen, and that the older woman attempted to insert herself into the teen’s conversation with several people she was traveling with.

Frost initially walked away from that first encounter, but soon after the two crossed paths again. It’s unclear why Frost eventually punched the girl in the face. During Monday’s hearing, it was established that NJ suffered a broken nose as a result of the punch.

How Frost Wound Up In Court

According to a report from Florida’s Local 10, Frost fled immediately after the incident, but was followed by witnesses who summoned security. While being questioned by security, Frost reportedly admitted to having punched the girl and “expressed satisfaction with her actions.” 

Read More: Three cruisers dead following Hantavirus outbreak

Although initially detailed by the ship’s security team, it appears Frost managed to disembark when the vessel returned to Port Miami. After contacting an attorney, Frost returned to Miami to face the consequences of her actions.

Charged with aggravated battery, she was released on $2,500 bond while awaiting further court proceedings. Frost was also ordered to stay away from the victim.

Oceanwide Arranges Medical Evacuations from Hondius

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Cruise Passenger Found Unresponsive While Snorkeling at Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay

Bahamas police opened an investigation following the drowning death of an elderly cruise ship passenger.

Great Stirrup Cay

An American man, 83, died after being found unresponsive in the water Sunday during a stop at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private Bahamas destination, Great Stirrup Cay.

The man was found unresponsive by his son while snorkeling, Eyewitness News reported. Despite assistance by a lifeguard and medical personnel, he never regained consciousness. He was pronounced deceased at the scene, and his body was later transferred to New Providence for an autopsy.

Norwegian Getaway Guest Pronounced Dead at Great Stirrup Cay

It is thought the man was a guest on Norwegian Getaway, which was the only ship to call on May 3. The vessel was on a three-night sailing in The Bahamas and had earlier docked at Nassau. It returned to PortMiami on Monday, May 4.

The incident comes less than a month after the cruise company settled a lawsuit claiming negligence in the drowning death of a guest in Bermuda in 2024.

The suit was settled for an undisclosed sum just days before a trial was set to begin. The lawsuit alleged NCL failed to warn guests about dangerous riptides, the absence of lifeguards at the beach, and previous drowning deaths in the area.

norwegian getaway aerial
Norwegian Getaway (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Great Stirrup Cay, part of the Berry Islands chain, has been operated by Norwegian Cruise Line since 1977, when it became the first cruise line in the industry to develop a private island concept.

The cruise line recently spent about $150 million upgrading the 268-acre island with more amenities and guest experiences. These include a 28,000-square-foot pool area and the Vibe Shore Club adults’ retreat. The Great Tides Waterpark is set to open in late summer 2026.

Norwegian Cruise Line did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.

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How Cruise Passengers Plan Bike Tours During a Lisbon Stop

Portugal has become a steady fixture on European cruise itineraries over the past decade, with ports like Lisbon, Madeira, and Porto seeing a growing number of ship visits each year.

In fact, in 2026, over 300 cruise ships will call to Lisbon.

lisbon
The cruise port of Lisbon.

For cruise passengers, that usually means a full day in port, but not a lot of time to wander too far. You’ve got a window to explore, but it needs to be efficient and easy to plan around the ship’s schedule.

That’s where bike tours have started to stand out. They offer more flexibility than a standard bus excursion, while still keeping things simple for a day in port. Around Portugal’s main cruise terminals, these tours have become a popular middle-ground option for travelers looking to see more without overcomplicating their day.

This piece is for the cruise passenger who is approaching a Lisbon, Porto, or Funchal stop and would like a clearer view of how independent bike tours actually work, how to book one without overlapping with the ship’s all-aboard time, and how to pick an operator.

The category covered by best bike tours in Portugal and similar specialised operators has standardised on a specific shore-excursion logic that cruise passengers should understand before arrival in port.

Why Does the Cruise Passenger Bike Tour Look Different From a Land-Based Bike Tour?

bike tour seine river AmaWaterways
A bike tour the river (Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways)

The first thing to understand is that a cruise-day bike tour runs on a meaningfully tighter clock than a land-based tour.

A typical ship docks at 8 AM and requires passengers back on board by 5 PM, with all-aboard usually called 30 minutes earlier. The available shore window is roughly 8 to 9 hours, of which 30 to 60 minutes is usually consumed by the queue to leave the ship in the morning and the queue to return to the ship in the afternoon.

Operators serving the cruise category typically design tours within a recognisable set of parameters: a total duration of 4 to 6 hours with a built-in return-to-port buffer, pickup at the cruise terminal or a nearby designated meeting point within walking distance, and return to that same point at a stated time with weather and traffic contingencies documented in advance.

Portugal Cruise Port

The route is physically achievable for cyclists with mixed experience levels, since cruise groups vary far more than land-based tour groups, and the headline price includes the bike rental, helmet, water, and a basic snack so the passenger does not have to carry anything beyond a small day bag.

A definition useful here: a guided port-day excursion is a structured shore activity with a fixed start time, fixed return time, and operator liability coverage tied to the ship’s all-aboard schedule. Passengers who book independent excursions outside the ship’s official program take on the responsibility for returning before all-aboard, with the ship not waiting for late returns.

The cruise lines themselves often sell bike tours, but the operators they contract with are usually higher-volume operations charging 40 to 80 percent above what an independent passenger pays directly. The trade-off is the cruise line’s all-aboard guarantee: if the cruise-line excursion runs late, the ship waits.

What Are the Major Portuguese Cruise Ports for Bike Tours?

A man and a woman ride bicycles along a sandy beach at sunset, evoking the stress-free vibe of a Caribbean cruise. The man is on a black bike, while the woman rides a red one with a child seated in the rear. The low sun casts a warm glow over this joyful family scene.

Portugal’s three primary cruise ports each support a distinctive bike-tour profile.

  • Lisbon: the most-trafficked port and the broadest tour menu. Routes typically include the Belém district, the Tagus waterfront from Cais do Sodré to Parque das Nações, and the longer 35 to 50 kilometre option to Cascais and back via the coastal cycle path. Mediterranean cruise lines that include Lisbon among their most-recommended Mediterranean cruise ports typically dock at the Santa Apolónia or Alcântara terminals, both within easy access to bike-tour pickup points.
  • Porto: the Leixões cruise terminal sits 7 kilometres north of central Porto, and bike tours typically operate from a meeting point in central Porto with operators arranging a shuttle or taxi from the cruise terminal. Routes include the Douro waterfront from Ribeira to Foz, the Vila Nova de Gaia port-house tour, and the longer 30 to 45 kilometre option toward the Douro Valley vineyards.
  • Funchal: Madeira’s port supports a different category of bike tour, with elevation changes that demand more cyclist fitness. Routes include the coastal Promenade from Funchal to Câmara de Lobos and the more demanding Levada-side tours that combine cycling with short hiking sections.

How Should Cruise Passengers Book Independently Without Missing the Ship?

The independent-booking calculation comes down to the buffer the passenger builds into the schedule. Cruise lines call all-aboard time 30 minutes before departure, and most ships sail within 5 to 15 minutes of the scheduled departure regardless of late passengers.

A safe independent-booking framework:

  • Book a tour that ends at least 90 minutes before all-aboard, not 30 minutes
  • Confirm the operator’s documented late-return protocol before paying
  • Get the operator’s phone number on a paper card before leaving the meeting point
  • Carry the cruise line’s local agent contact number as backup
  • Plan the return to the ship using a route that has redundancy (taxi available, public transit available, walking distance achievable)

The U.S. State Department’s country information page for Portugal covers the broader entry and emergency-contact framework that cruise passengers should know, and UNESCO’s World Heritage listing for the Alto Douro Wine Region covers the cultural context that makes the longer Porto-area bike tours particularly worth the time.

What Should Cruise Passengers Look For in a Bike Tour Operator?

A scenic view of a sandy beach in Portugal, lined with colorful umbrellas and numerous beachgoers in bikinis. The turquoise sea is calm, with a few boats in the distance. In the background, a town with white buildings sits atop a hill under a partly cloudy sky.
(Photo via Pixabay)

The right operator carries a few signals worth checking before the cruise sails. Stated experience working with cruise passengers (ideally with reviews mentioning specific cruise lines and ports) sits at the top of the list, paired with a documented return-to-port protocol that names buffer times relative to all-aboard rather than waving the question away.

A typical tour group of 6 to 14 passengers usually lands in the right zone for the operator (large enough to cover costs) and the passenger (small enough for a real guide-passenger relationship).

The bike fleet should include step-through, hybrid, and electric-assist options so passengers with knee or fitness considerations are not boxed out, and the headline price should include helmet, water, snack, and a basic mechanical kit so the passenger is not nickel-and-dimed at the meeting point.

The cancellation policy needs to cover ship itinerary changes (cruise lines occasionally skip ports), and a working communication channel for the day before arrival (WhatsApp or SMS, typically) lets the operator handle last-minute coordination without a phone-tag exchange across time zones.

A definition worth knowing: an itinerary change is a cruise-line schedule modification (skipping a port, arriving late, departing early) usually announced 24 to 72 hours ahead. The better bike-tour operators have a documented policy that refunds or reschedules when the ship’s port call is altered through no fault of the passenger.

Common Mistakes Cruise Passengers Make Around Port-Day Bike Tours

A black electric bicycle with a sturdy frame is parked on a paved area under a clear blue sky, perfect for Lisbon bike tours or cruise passengers seeking scenic shore excursions among trees and green grass peeking through the pavement.

The recurring mistakes that surface in operator post-tour surveys cluster around a small set of avoidable misjudgements. Booking a tour that ends 30 minutes before all-aboard rather than 90 minutes is the most common error, and the 60-minute difference is the difference between a calm return and a panicked taxi.

Skipping the tour-operator phone number is the second pattern: cruise passengers who lose track of time without a working number for the operator often miss connections that a quick call would have salvaged.

The third is underestimating the heat in summer, since Portugal cruise season peaks in July and August when daytime highs in Lisbon and Porto reach 32 to 36 degrees Celsius, and tours in that window need earlier start times, more water, and electric-assist options for passengers who do not regularly cycle in heat.

viking river ship porto portugal
A Viking river ship in Porto, Portugal (Photo courtesy of Viking)

The cobblestone factor is the fourth misjudgement. Lisbon’s central districts are paved with calçada portuguesa, the traditional cobblestone surface, and cyclists with certain joint issues find the cobblestones uncomfortable on a standard hybrid bike (a wider-tyre or electric option helps).

Mixing the tour with a long lunch on the same day is the fifth: the 4 to 6 hour bike tour plus a 90-minute lunch plus the leaving and returning queues at the gangway consumes the full port day, and passengers who plan additional stops sometimes underestimate the cumulative time.

The sixth and final pattern is booking on price alone. The cheapest tour is rarely the right one, and the right operator is the one whose cancellation policy, return-to-port protocol, and experience with cruise passengers all hold up to a brief phone or email conversation before the ship sails.

The same comparison-shopping discipline that experienced cruisers apply to choosing among the four basic stateroom categories before booking the ship itself carries through to the shore-excursion decision once the itinerary is set.

Frequently Asked Questions From Cruise Passengers

A person on a mountain bike stands on grassy terrain, gazing at distant mountains bathed in sunrise light—a perfect scene for Lisbon bike tours or unforgettable Lisbon shore excursions under a clear blue sky.

How much should an independent bike tour in Portugal cost?

A 4 to 6 hour cruise-day bike tour in Lisbon, Porto, or Funchal typically runs €60 to €110 per passenger inclusive of bike, helmet, water, and a basic snack.

Electric-assist bikes add €15 to €25. Smaller-group premium tours with a wine tasting or specialty-food component run €120 to €180. Operators booking primarily through cruise lines charge meaningfully more for the same route.

What if the cruise line skips Lisbon or Porto due to weather?

The better independent operators have a documented refund or reschedule policy when the ship skips the port through no fault of the passenger.

The policy should be in writing before the tour is paid. Some operators offer credit toward a future booking; others refund 70 to 100 percent depending on how much advance notice they receive. The cancellation conversation should happen at booking time, not after the ship has already skipped the port.

Are electric-assist bikes worth the upgrade?

For most passengers over 50, in Portugal’s hilly central districts, on a tour longer than 25 kilometres, or in summer heat, yes. The electric assist evens out the elevation profile that otherwise becomes the limiting factor for mixed-fitness groups. The €15 to €25 premium typically pays for itself in the willingness to actually finish the route rather than turning back early.

Can solo cruise passengers join a tour without a companion?

Yes. Most operators run tours with mixed solo-and-couple bookings, and a typical tour of 8 to 12 passengers usually has 2 or 3 solo travelers. Solo cyclists generally find the experience welcoming, and the smaller-group format makes it easier to chat with fellow passengers than the larger cruise-line excursions allow.

A Final Note for Cruise Passengers Planning a Portuguese Port Day

The Portuguese cruise itinerary is one of the cleaner European cruise destinations to combine with independent shore excursions, and a quality bike tour is one of the highest-value-per-hour options available in the 8 to 12 hour port window.

The passengers who book carefully (with a 90-minute buffer before all-aboard, a phone number for the operator, and a documented refund policy if the ship skips the port) come back to the ship calm, on time, and with a meaningfully better understanding of the destination than the bus-tour passenger who saw the same neighborhoods through a coach window.

The Portuguese cycling network is built for the casual visitor, the operators serving the cruise category have matured into a real specialty service, and the planning effort required is small compared with the experience-quality difference at the end of the day.

Three Dead in Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

Three passengers have died and at least three others are ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, an expedition cruise ship currently anchored off Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. The World Health Organization confirmed the situation Sunday.

A large cruise ship with a dark blue hull and white upper decks sails through icy Arctic waters, surrounded by floating ice, with rugged mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

Of the six symptomatic individuals, just one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed in a laboratory so far, while the other five are suspected cases, the WHO said.

Two crew members, one British and one Dutch national, are currently experiencing acute respiratory symptoms requiring urgent care, according to ship operator Oceanwide Expeditions.

Dutch couple among the dead

Two of the deceased were a married couple. A 70-year-old Dutch man died onboard on April 11 and was declared dead on arrival to the remote Atlantic island of Saint Helena on April 24. His 69-year-old wife collapsed at Johannesburg’s international airport while attempting to fly home to the Netherlands and died there.

Oceanwide Expeditions said at the time that it had not confirmed whether the couple’s deaths were connected to the onboard outbreak.

The third victim was a German national, although the official cause of death has not been established, Oceanwide said.

One confirmed hantavirus case

After the ship left Saint Helena, a British national fell sick on April 27. He is now in critical condition at a private medical facility in Johannesburg and is the only case confirmed to be hantavirus, according to South Africa’s Health Department. The UK’s Foreign Office said it is monitoring the situation and is in touch with the cruise company and local authorities.

Oceanwide Expeditions said 149 people remain onboard, including 17 Americans. They will not be allowed to disembark in Cape Verde, the island nation’s health minister told Radio Cabo Verde. The ship is considering sailing to Las Palmas or Tenerife in the Canary Islands for disembarkation.

How hantavirus spreads

Hantavirus is most commonly spread when infected rodents’ urine, saliva, or droppings dry out and become airborne, and humans become infected by inhaling the contaminated particles, according to the WHO. There is no dedicated treatment or cure, though early detection improves the odds of survival. Unlike norovirus, which is commonly reported on cruise ships, hantavirus cases at sea are essentially unheard of.

The WHO stressed there is no need for alarm. “The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge said.

“Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew,” the WHO said.

The MV Hondius, operated by Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions, departed Ushuaia, Argentina and made stops in Antarctica and Saint Helena before anchoring off Cape Verde. The ship has a passenger capacity of 170.

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How Airline Shutdown and Resulting Cruise Chaos Is a Teachable Moment

Among the many people dealing with the unexpected shutdown of Spirit Airlines are hundreds of cruise passengers. With literally no advance notice, they are suddenly scrambling to find alternative modes of transport in order to board their awaiting ship.

What Spirit Airlines Said

While Spirit has faced financial struggles for years, their sudden closure caught most by surprise. “It is with great disappointment that on May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines started an orderly wind down of our operations, effective immediately.”

Making it entirely clear, the airline went on to say “all flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available.”

A yellow Spirit Airlines airplane is flying above the clouds with a blue sky in the background. The word "spirit" is prominently displayed on the side as it cruises along, unaffected by any Spirit shutdown rumors.

Even as this news was impacting both travelers and Spirt Airlines employees who suddenly found themselves both unemployed and, in many cases, stranded, other airlines stepped up to help. Several — including JetBlue, Southwest, United and Delta — agreed to cap ticket prices for displaced Spirit Airlines guests with confirmation of payment.

These airlines agreed to do so for limited times ranging from 72 hours to two weeks.

How Cruisers Are Reacting

Given that Spirit Airlines has become the popular butt of many a joke in recent years, it’s not surprising that some turned the news into a commonly-repeated punchline: “On the plus side,” their general sentiment read, “no one will ever have to fly Spirit Airlines again!” 

Those impacted by the unexpected closure, however, weren’t laughing.

“We booked our flights and paid our fare months ago,” wrote one Redditor of their sudden plight. “Now we’re at the airport trying to find a flight that won’t cost us a fortune. And no, before you ask, we didn’t buy travel insurance, which I always have in the past!” 

Another passenger shared a similar story. “We were literally heading out the door when my sister called to tell me the news,” she shared in a Facebook cruise group. “I thought she was joking and told her it wasn’t funny. Well, joke’s on me because now our only option is to drive seven hours and hope we make it!”

Moving Forward

A common theme among cruisers addressing the shutdown? Buy travel insurance. “I don’t want to say I told you so,” wrote one Redditor, “but yeah, I told you so. Always buy travel insurance.” 

A close-up of a hand holding a Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance document, with a suitcase and a boarding pass on a table in the foreground and an airplane visible through an airport window in the background.

The other commonly shared advice? To always fly to your embarkation point at least a day in advance. In fact, Norwegian Cruise Line recently instituted a policy requiring that anyone taking advantage of their Air/Sea program to do exactly that. Why? In the event of travel delays which might derail one’s arrival at the cruise port in a timely manner.

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Travel Insurance

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Mount Roberts Tram in Juneau Closes After Two Employees Are Injured

Alaska’s Goldbelt Tram, located beside Juneau’s downtown cruise dock, will remain closed for several days after two employees were hospitalized following an accident at the base station.

The incident happened just days after the 2026 Juneau cruise season got underway.

No cruise passengers were involved

A red building with large windows stands before a forested hillside, where cables lead up to a tram station. In the foreground, a wooden railing and pier evoke the sense of adventure often found on an Alaska cruise.

A cable car came into the base station faster than expected, injuring two staff members who were later taken to the hospital. One was unconscious at the scene, but both were released over the weekend.

Goldbelt confirmed five employees were aboard the tram at the time and no cruise guests were present. The three other staffers did not require medical treatment.

Capital City Fire and Rescue responded to the scene, saying it “successfully stabilized the cabin and gained access to all occupants.”

The tram remained closed Friday and is not expected to reopen for several days. Director of Operations and Facilities Ben Moorhead said representatives from the lift manufacturer and state safety officials are traveling to Juneau to assess the situation.

“It came in faster than anticipated, and docked at a higher rate of speed,” Moorhead said. He added that coordination is underway with the lift manufacturer to determine what happened and make necessary repairs.

Tram ride is a popular shore activity for cruisers

The Goldbelt Tram is one of Juneau’s most popular attractions for cruise guests. It carries riders 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, offering panoramic views of downtown Juneau and the Gastineau Channel.

At the top, visitors can explore hiking trails, a bar and grill, a gift shop and a theater.

The closure comes at the start of what is already a closely watched season.

The 2026 Juneau cruise season began just days ago with the arrival of Holland America Line’s Eurodam and marks the first year operating under new daily cruise passenger limits.

How to Avoid Hidden Cruise Fees Before You Sail

Cruise vacations still offer a lot of value, but the way you pay for them has changed. Today’s cruise experience is more à la carte, with a mix of included amenities and optional add-ons that can quickly increase the total cost.

A large cruise ship with a blue hull and yellow lifeboats is docked at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal beside a white domed building, with city buildings and cranes visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

The frustration isn’t the extra charges themselves, it’s not knowing what to expect ahead of time. A little preparation can make a big difference.

Here are seven ways to avoid feeling nickel-and-dimed on your next cruise.

This article was originally published in 2017 and has been updated to reflect current cruise pricing, packages, and onboard policies.

1. Know Before You Go

The easiest way to avoid feeling nickel-and-dimed on a cruise is to understand what’s included before you even step onboard. Your cruise fare typically covers your cabin, main dining venues, entertainment, and transportation between ports. But a lot of extras fall outside of that base price.

Gratuities, shore excursions, drink packages, WiFi, and specialty dining are some of the most common add-ons. In recent years, cruise lines have also expanded paid options, including premium restaurants, exclusive deck areas, and certain onboard experiences.

The more familiar you are with your specific ship and cruise line ahead of time, the easier it is to set a realistic budget and avoid surprises once you’re onboard.

2. Set Expectations

The NCL Norwegian Sky, adorned with colorful hull artwork, sails on calm blue water near a city skyline at sunset. The sky is partly cloudy with soft sunlight, marking the ship's final season in this stunning setting.

Part of avoiding that “nickel-and-dimed” feeling comes down to expectations. If you go into a cruise assuming everything is included, those extra charges can feel frustrating. But if you already know where the added costs are, they’re much easier to accept.

Most modern cruise ships offer a mix of included and for-fee experiences. That can range from specialty dining and premium drinks to spa treatments and certain attractions. It’s not necessarily about being overcharged, it’s about how those options are presented once you’re onboard.

Going in with a clear understanding of what you’re likely to pay for helps remove the surprise factor. And in many cases, that’s what makes the biggest difference in how you feel about your overall cruise experience.

3. Use a Travel Agent

A good travel agent can help you understand what to expect on your specific ship before you sail, but you can also get a solid overview by reviewing a Carnival Cruise Line guide ahead of time.

For example, if you’re booking a cruise on one of Norwegian’s newer ships, an agent can explain options like The Vibe Beach Club or specialty dining packages, including how pricing works and whether it makes sense to book ahead of time.

Even if you’re used to booking on your own, having someone walk you through the details can help you avoid surprises later. It’s less about the cost itself and more about how those options are presented.

4. Book All-Inclusive (or Bundled Options)

A large Virgin Ship Brilliant Lady, debuting in 2025, sailing on the ocean at sunset.
(Photo Courtesy of Richard Branson/Facebook)

One way to limit surprise charges is to bundle as much as you can before your cruise. While most mainstream cruise lines aren’t fully all-inclusive, many now offer packages that combine things like drinks, WiFi, specialty dining, and shore excursion credits.

Some cruise lines promote these as ‘included’ perks, but that doesn’t always mean everything is fully covered. In many cases, gratuities or upgrade fees still apply, especially with drink packages and WiFi plans.

If you’re looking for a more straightforward experience, luxury cruise lines tend to include more upfront, sometimes covering drinks, excursions, and even airfare. But for most travelers, bundled packages on mainstream lines can still offer good value as long as you know what’s included and what isn’t.

5. Make a Plan

Once you understand what costs extra, it helps to go in with a basic plan. That doesn’t mean scheduling every minute, but having an idea of what you actually want to spend money on.

If there are specialty restaurants you want to try, excursions you don’t want to miss, or packages you’re considering, decide that ahead of time. That way, you’re choosing where to spend instead of reacting to every offer once you’re onboard.

A little planning goes a long way. It helps you prioritize your onboard spending around what matters most and keeps those extra charges from adding up without you realizing it.

6. Stick to Your Plan

A row of brightly lit slot machines lines one side of the Carnival Mardi Gras casino, featuring colorful carpeting and empty chairs. The environment is clean and modern, recently refreshed after dry dock, with ceiling lights and digital displays.

It’s easy to loosen up once you’re onboard. You’re on vacation, everything is right in front of you, and it’s designed to be tempting. That’s part of the experience.

But if you’ve already decided what’s worth spending on, it helps to stick to it. That doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible, but having a plan gives you a baseline so you’re not making every decision in the moment.

Even a little discipline can keep your onboard spending from getting out of hand, especially on longer cruises where those extra charges can add up quickly.

7. Keep a Rainy Day Fund

Even with a plan, unexpected costs can still come up. Whether it’s a last-minute excursion, a specialty dinner you didn’t plan on, or something small that adds up over time, it helps to have a little cushion set aside.

Think of it as built-in flexibility rather than a backup for mistakes. That way, if you do decide to spend a little more than expected, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience.

Having that buffer can make it easier to enjoy the trip without second-guessing every purchase along the way.

8. Check Pricing Before You Sail

CARNIVAL CELEBRATION PORT MIAMI

Cruise lines now make it easier to preview and book many extras before your trip. From drink packages to shore excursions, pricing is often available in the cruise line’s app or website ahead of time.

In many cases, these options are cheaper to book before you board. Taking a few minutes to review pricing in advance can help you avoid paying more onboard and gives you a better idea of what your total cruise cost will look like.

Final Thought:

Cruising today is more customizable than it used to be, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The key is understanding what’s included, what costs extra, and deciding ahead of time what matters most to you.

Once you go in with a plan, those added options feel less like surprises and more like choices. And that makes it a lot easier to enjoy the experience without worrying about the final bill.

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What Happened to Carnival Cruise Line’s Oldest Ships

Carnival Cruise Line has retired many of its earliest ships over the decades, but most didn’t simply disappear.

Many went on to second lives with other cruise lines before eventually being scrapped, especially after the 2020 shutdown.

Below is a look at some of Carnival’s former ships and what ultimately happened to them.

Ship Entered Service Later Service Name(s) Final Fate
Mardi Gras1972Olympic, ApollonScrapped (2003)
Carnivale1976Fiesta Marina, Olympic, TopazScrapped (2009)
Festivale1977Island Breeze, Big Red Boat IIIScrapped (2003)
Tropicale1982Costa Tropicale, Pacific Star, Ocean DreamScrapped (2021)
Holiday1985Grand Holiday, MagellanScrapped (2021)
Celebration1987Grand CelebrationScrapped (2021)
Jubilee1986Pacific Sun, HennaScrapped (2017)
Carnival Fantasy1990Scrapped (2020)
Carnival Ecstasy1991Scrapped (2022)
Carnival Sensation1993Scrapped (2022)
Carnival Fascination1994Century Harmony (briefly)Scrapped (2022)
Carnival Imagination1995Scrapped (2020)
Carnival Inspiration1996Scrapped (2020)

Check out a bit of history behind the 13 former Carnival Cruise Line ships and see where they are now.

1. Mardi Gras

(Photo via Carnival Cruise Line)

Mardi Gras was sold to Carnival from Canadian Pacific in 1972 and was just over 18,000 gross registered tons. She sailed under the Carnival flag until 1993 and was then sold to Epirotiki.

Many names and a few cruise lines later, the ship was laid up and ultimately sold for scrap in 2003.

In 2021, Carnival debuted a new Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral, Florida. You can read our full review of the ship here.

The Excel-class ship features BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, an attraction later added to sister ships Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.

2. Carnivale

The Carnivale after a complete transformation. (Photo via Carnival Cruise Line)

Before being sold to Carnival in 1976, Carnivale was called Queen Ann Maria for the operator Greek Line. In 1993, Carnival transferred her to a subsidiary cruise line, Fiesta Marina Cruises.

After a few other cruise lines and the final name of Topaz sailing under the Peace Boat Organization, she was retired and laid up in April 2008.

The ship was beached in India to be scrapped that summer, with the process completed in 2009.

3. Festivale

Carnival Tropicale, Festivale, and Holiday
Carnival Tropicale, Festivale, and Holiday (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival acquired Festivale in 1977 from the South African Marine Corporation. She was originally a mail service ocean liner, but when Carnival bought her, they refit her into a cruise ship in Japan for $30 million.

After sailing for several cruise lines, she ended up with Premier Cruise Line under the name Big Red Boat III. When Premier went bankrupt in 2000, the ship was seized and ultimately scrapped in 2003.

4. Tropicale

carnival tropicale in los angeles california
The Tropicale in Los Angeles in 1986. (Photo via Carnival Cruise Line)

Tropicale was a monumental ship for Carnival, as she was their first new build. She began sailing in 1982, mainly in the Caribbean.

The ship was later transferred to Costa as Costa Tropicale, then to P&O Australia as Pacific Star. She was eventually sold to Pullmantur Cruises, refurbished, and sailed as Ocean Dream.

After a final stint with Peace Boat, the ship was scrapped in January 2021.

5. Holiday

exterior of carnival ship holiday departing los angeles
The Holiday departing Los Angeles in 2000. (Photo via Carnival Cruise Line)

Holiday was Carnival’s second purpose-built ship. Constructed in Denmark, Holiday entered service in 1985. In 2003, she was refurbished, and in 2005, during Hurricane Katrina, she was used as temporary housing for victims of the storm.

She sailed from Alabama to the western Caribbean until 2009, when she was transferred to Iberocruceros and renamed Grand Holiday.

She later sailed as Magellan for Cruise & Maritime Voyages. After CMV ceased operations in 2020, the ship was purchased at auction and eventually sent to Alang, India, where she was scrapped in 2021.

6. Celebration

Celebration was built for Carnival in Sweden and entered service in 1987. She sailed for the line until 2008, when she was transferred to Iberocruceros and renamed Grand Celebration.

After brief stints with Costa and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the ship continued sailing under different operators until being sold in 2020.

She was ultimately scrapped in Alang, India in 2021.

A new Carnival Celebration debuted in 2022.

7. Jubilee

carnival cruise line jubilee original
The original Jubilee (Photo via Carnival Cruise Line)

Jubilee entered service in 1986 and was one of three Holiday-class ships. In 2004, she was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia and renamed Pacific Sun.

In 2012, she was sold to HNA Cruises and renamed Henna. After HNA shut down operations in 2015, the ship was eventually sold for scrap and dismantled in Alang, India in 2017.

8. Carnival Fantasy

A large red funnel with a white and blue accent stands atop the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship—one of several carnival ships sold—against a partly cloudy sky. The ship’s name, “CARNIVAL FANTASY,” appears in blue letters on the deck below.

Fantasy was the first ship in Carnival’s new Fantasy class when she entered service in March 1990. Built at Kavaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, the ship initially sailed Caribbean cruises from Miami.

In 2007, the ship was re-christened Carnival Fantasy and refurbished in 2008, 2016, and 2019. She sailed for Carnival for 30 years until the cruise industry shutdown in March 2020.

In July 2020, Carnival sold the ship, and it was scrapped in Aliaga, Turkey.

9. Carnival Ecstasy

A large white cruise ship with a black and red smokestack, reminiscent of the carnival ships sold years ago, sails through a calm sea under a partly cloudy sky.
(Photo courtesy of Doug Parker/Cruise Radio)

Carnival Ecstasy debuted in 1991 as the second ship in the Fantasy class.

She resumed service briefly in 2022 for a farewell season out of Mobile, Alabama, before her final voyage in October of that year. The ship was scrapped shortly after, arriving in Aliaga, Turkey in November 2022.

10. Carnival Sensation

The image shows the deck of the Carnival Sensation cruise ship with lounge chairs, a swimming pool, and yellow umbrellas. There are thatched-roof structures and a large red funnel in the background under a partly cloudy sky, making for one of those perfect last look PHOTOS.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival)

Launched in 1993, Carnival Sensation was one of the early Fantasy-class ships, built in Finland and sailing itineraries from ports including Miami, Tampa, and Port Canaveral.

Over the years, she underwent several updates and remained a staple of Carnival’s fleet, known for her distinctive interiors and classic “Fun Ship” features.

After nearly 30 years of service, she was sold for scrap in Aliaga, Turkey.

11. Carnival Fascination

Nassau Bahamas Carnival fascination

Fascination entered service in 1994 as the fourth member of Carnival Cruise Line’s Fantasy class. Built in Helsinki, Finland, she sailed from ports including New York, San Juan, and Jacksonville during her time with the line.

After being laid up in 2020, the ship was sold with plans to be converted into a floating hotel and briefly renamed Century Harmony. Those plans never materialized.

She was ultimately sold for scrap and arrived in Pakistan in 2022 for dismantling.

12. Carnival Imagination

Carnival Imagination cruise ship

Like her Fantasy-class sisters, Imagination was built at Kavaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland. The ship entered service in 1995 and most recently sailed Mexican Riviera itineraries from Long Beach, California.

The ship was renamed Carnival Imagination in 2007 and was refurbished most recently in 2016.

The vessel entered long-term layup status in July 2020; Carnival announced the ship had been sold for scrap in August 2020 and was sent to the scrapyard in Aliaga, Turkey.

13. Carnival Inspiration

carnival inspiration long beach california
The Carnival Inspiration shown at her last homeport of Long Beach, California.

Built in 1996 at the Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, Inspiration was the fifth entry in the Fantasy class. Renamed Carnival Inspiration in 2007, the ship was most recently refurbished in 2010.

The ship sailed Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, California. After the cruise industry shut down in March 2020, Carnival announced in July that the ship and Carnival Fantasy had been sold for scrap and sent to the shipbreakers in Aliaga, Turkey.

Final Thought

While many of Carnival’s early ships found second lives across the industry, most have now been retired and scrapped, especially following the 2020 shutdown.

Today, Carnival’s fleet has shifted toward larger, more efficient ships, marking a clear end to the era of its original vessels.

Pin it for later!

11 former carnival ships - where are they now?

Why Egypt Stays With You Forever: A Cruise Through Time, Mystery, and Memory

For many travelers, Egypt isn’t a standalone trip. It’s a port of call, a pre- or post-cruise extension, or a journey that unfolds along the Nile itself.

egypt pyramids camel ride
Pyramids in Egypt (Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises)

Ocean ships regularly call in ports like Alexandria and Port Said, offering a gateway to Cairo and the pyramids. At the same time, river cruises between Luxor and Aswan have become one of the most popular ways to experience the country, connecting ancient temples and historic sites in a way that feels both structured and immersive.

But no matter how you arrive, by sea, by river, or as part of a longer itinerary, Egypt has a way of shifting from a destination on your schedule to something much harder to define.

Because once you’re there, it stops feeling like a stop on a trip and starts becoming something you carry with you. 

When History Stops Feeling Dist

You’ve read about ancient Egypt before. We all have. Textbooks, documentaries, random facts that never quite stick.

But standing in front of the pyramids is different.

They’re not just big. They’re overwhelming. Solid. Real in a way that photos never quite capture. You look at them and realize they’ve been standing there for thousands of years, outlasting empires, generations, entire versions of the world.

And suddenly, history doesn’t feel distant anymore.

It feels close. Almost personal.

You start to imagine the hands that built them. The lives that moved around them. The stories that unfolded in their shadow. And for a moment, time folds in on itself. Past and present blur together in a way that’s hard to explain but impossible to ignore.When History Stops Feeling Distant

It’s not just something you see.

It’s something you feel.

The Quiet Power of the Nile

A sailboat with tall masts floats on a calm body of water at sunset. In the background, there are sand dunes and a hazy sky with the sun partially obscured by clouds.

Then there’s the Nile.

It doesn’t demand your attention the way the pyramids do. It doesn’t tower or overwhelm. Instead, it moves slowly. Steadily. Almost quietly.

But that’s exactly where its power lies.

Sit by the river long enough and you start to notice things. The way the light shifts on the water. The rhythm of boats drifting by. The stillness that settles in, almost without you realizing it.

It’s calming. Grounding.

And maybe a little surreal.

Because this is the same river that shaped one of the world’s greatest civilizations. The same water that ancient Egyptians depended on, traveled along, built their lives around.

And here you are, just… sitting beside it.

It makes you pause.

When was the last time a place made you slow down like that?

Layers of Mystery That Pull You In

Egypt doesn’t give you all the answers.

In fact, it does the opposite.

You walk through temples covered in hieroglyphs, knowing they tell stories, detailed, complex, meaningful stories, and yet so much of it still feels just out of reach. You visit tombs that were sealed for centuries, filled with objects meant for another life, another world.

And instead of clarity, you’re left with questions.

Who were these people, really?

What did they believe when they built all this? What did they hope would last?

The mystery isn’t frustrating. It’s compelling.

It pulls you in.

Because in a world where we’re used to instant answers, Egypt reminds you that not everything is meant to be fully understood. Some things are meant to be wondered about. Revisited. Thought about long after you’ve left.

Small Human Moments You Don’t Expect

It’s easy to think Egypt is all monuments and history.

But some of the moments that stay with you the longest are much smaller.

A conversation with a local shop owner. A shared laugh over something simple. The way someone offers directions, even if you didn’t ask. The rhythm of everyday life unfolding around you.

These are the moments that ground the experience.

They remind you that Egypt isn’t just ancient. It’s alive. Full of people, stories, routines, and warmth that you don’t always expect if you’re focused only on the landmarks.

And honestly, these interactions often feel just as meaningful as standing in front of something world-famous.

Maybe even more.

Because they’re real. Immediate. Human.

Why It Stays With You Long After You Leave

A large river cruise ship named "GRAND ROSE" sails on calm blue water near a green shoreline under a clear sky, with people visible on the upper deck.

You leave Egypt eventually.

Everyone does.

But it doesn’t really leave you.

It shows up in unexpected ways. A photo that catches your eye. A documentary you suddenly want to watch. A random thought about something you saw but didn’t fully understand at the time.

And you start to realize something.

You didn’t see everything.

You couldn’t have.

Egypt isn’t the kind of place you fully experience in one pass. It unfolds slowly. In layers. And sometimes, it’s only after you’ve stepped away that you begin to understand what you actually experienced.

That’s why some people feel drawn back. Not because they missed something obvious, but because they want to see it differently the second time around.

With more context. More awareness.

Sometimes, that even means choosing to join Inside Egypt’s 10 day tour of Egypt, not as a typical tourist move, but as a way to go deeper into something that clearly has more to offer than a surface-level visit.

Because once you’ve felt that pull, it’s hard to ignore.

Egypt as a Personal Journey, Not Just a Trip

At some point, the trip stops being about the places.

It becomes about you.

What did you notice? What stayed with you? What changed, even slightly, in how you see the world?

Egypt has a way of doing that. Of shifting your perspective without making a big announcement about it. You don’t always realize it at the moment.

But later, it’s there.

Maybe you think differently about time. About history. About what it means to leave something behind that lasts. Maybe you feel a little smaller in the grand scheme of things, but also more connected to it.

It’s subtle.

But it matters.

And it raises a question you might not have expected when you first booked the trip.

What did this place actually change for me?

A Place That Becomes Part of You

And for cruise travelers, that’s often the surprise.

What begins as a single port stop or a planned Nile sailing can quickly turn into something more lasting. A place you thought you’d “check off” ends up being one you think about long after the ship has moved on.

Because Egypt doesn’t behave like a typical destination. It doesn’t wrap up neatly at the end of the day or the end of an itinerary.

It lingers.

Whether you experienced it from the deck of a river ship drifting past temples, or during a long day ashore from a Mediterranean cruise, the feeling tends to be the same.

You leave.

But part of you stays behind.

Cruise Line Quietly Hikes Drink Package Price — But Only For Some Guests

In a communication that was quietly sent to travel agents, Norwegian Cruise Line revealed a change to their popular Free at Sea package. While some guests will soon find themselves paying more where gratuities on the drink package price are concerned, this change will not be made across the board.

Who Will Pay More For Norwegian’s Drink Package?

Clearly aware that this change would not be well received, Norwegian’s note to travel partners started with a request that they “not share this publicly or discuss it with your clients before May 1, 2026, when this change will apply.” 

A bartender pours a drink from a shaker into one of four garnished cocktail glasses arranged on a tray, showcasing the luxurious offerings included in the NCL drink package.
(Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

And what, exactly, is the change? An increase to the gratuities charged as part of the Free at Sea package. For those not in the know, while the Free at Sea package offers what NCL calls “free, unlimited open bar,” that claim comes with an asterisk. Why? Because as with the associated “free” dining, gratuities are automatically added.

A Norwegian Cruise Line ad shows a tropical resort with water slides and palm trees, promoting 50% off all cruises, a free unlimited open bar included in your drink package price, and up to $500 off on balcony rooms for select 2024 sailings.

It is the gratuities attatched to the drinks package which will be increased on some cruises. As NCL’s missive explains, “the price of our Free at Sea prepaid beverage package gratuities on new bookings for two-to-five day cruises will be $32.00 per person, per day.” 

It later adds that “for cruises of six days or longer, which make up the majority of our sailings, the gratuities will remain at $28.50 per person, per day.” 

Why They May Have Kept This Change Quiet

Typically, when cruise lines raise gratuities, they inform guests in advance and allow those who want to avoid paying the increase a window of opportunity in which to do so. In this case, however, Norwegian Cruise Line went out of their way to ask that travel partners not inform guests of the change in advance, thus guaranteeing that passengers would be unable to snag themselves the lower gratuity.

Two hands hold plastic cups with straws and lime slices, brimming with a light-colored beverage. The cups bear the "Norwegian Cruise Line" logo, perfectly capturing the essence of Norwegian's Free at Sea experience against a backdrop of sea views and distant landmass under a partly cloudy sky.

The cruise line’s note goes out of its way to provide agents with talking points, including that “even with this change, the Free at Sea beverage package continues to offer exceptional value.” 

It’s important to note that impacted guests do still have a way of saving a bit of money. “This change,” Norwegian says, “only applies to prepaid pricing, which remains lower than onboard pricing. As such, we recommend locking in new bookings and adding Free at Sea’s package gratuities prior to sailing to secure the preferred price.” 

Read Next: Norwegian Cruise Line Changes Haven Dining Policy

What Holland America Changed on Rotterdam During Its April 2026 Dry Dock

Holland America’s Rotterdam is back in service after a two-week dry dock in the Netherlands, and guests sailing this summer’s Northern Europe season are already on board experiencing the changes.

The Two Week Dry Dock

A large cruise ship named "ROTTERDAM" sits in a dry dock for maintenance or inspection. The hull is painted black and red, and cranes and industrial structures are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

The ship returned to service April 26 after work completed in its namesake port. The upgrades touch nearly every corner of the ship, covering entertainment venues, suites, public spaces, the casino, spa, and retail.

The biggest focus was live music. Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge both got additional seating and a redesigned central lounge connecting the two spaces, improving sightlines for performances.

The Crow’s Nest added a dedicated live music stage alongside its existing lecture and enrichment programming. A new outdoor stage and bandstand also went in at the Sea View Pool on Deck 9 aft.

A musician plays guitar and sings on an outdoor stage near a clock showing 11:00. People sit at tables eating and drinking, while others stand and watch. The scene is sunny, with modern buildings in the background.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

On the accommodation side, 22 Vista Suites received new sofa beds, expanding them to quad occupancy for up to four guests without changing the overall suite layout or amenities.

Elsewhere, new carpeting was installed throughout staterooms, corridors, and public areas. The main dining room got more flexible table configurations.

A row of brightly lit slot machines lines one side of a casino floor, with patterned carpet and empty chairs in front of each machine. The area appears well-maintained and inviting.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

The casino added roughly 20 slot machines along with new seating and TVs at the table games area. The Greenhouse Spa received a new ergonomic hair-washing station.

The Effy Jewelry boutique was also refreshed, bringing Rotterdam in line with updates already completed on Koningsdam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam.

What It Means for Cruise Guests

A Holland America cruise ship navigates a narrow fjord in Norway, flanked by steep, rocky mountains. The calm water mirrors the ship and the stunning landscape. Above, a clear sky is dotted with distant clouds.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

If you’re booked on Rotterdam for a Northern Europe sailing this summer, you’re getting a noticeably refreshed product. The live music expansion is the most meaningful change for most guests.

HAL has built its identity around Music Walk, and adding outdoor and panoramic-view stages gives passengers more places to catch performances without crowding into the same venues.

A modern, empty lounge or bar area with high-backed chairs at a bar counter, round tables with chairs, ceiling lights, and large windows in the background. The room features warm lighting and a carpeted floor.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

The suite sofa bed additions are the clearest win for families and small groups. Previously, booking a Vista Suite for four guests was a more complicated proposition.

Now 22 of those suites comfortably sleep four, which makes Rotterdam a stronger option for multigenerational travel without the cost of booking two separate cabins.

This is also a routine dry dock refresh, not part of Holland America’s larger Evolution program, which is a separate $500 million fleet overhaul targeting older Vista and Signature class ships starting with Oosterdam in Fall 2027.

Rotterdam sails seven-night Northern Europe itineraries through the summer before repositioning for Caribbean sailings this winter.

Woman Dead After Falling From Stateroom Balcony on Carnival Firenze, FBI Takes Over Investigation

A cruise ship guest was pronounced dead off the California coast after falling from a stateroom balcony.

The woman, who hasn’t been named yet, went over the balcony and landed on a deck below. It is unclear how far she fell.

Woman fell from balcony onto a lower deck

A large Carnival cruise ship docked at a port under a partly cloudy sky. The vessel is white with a blue hull and yellow lifeboats. Several decks are visible, with the New York skyline and its iconic round buildings in the background, offering exciting 2026-2027 options for travelers.
(Photo Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

It marks the third overboard or fall death on cruise ships in just two weeks. She was a guest on the Carnival Firenze which was sailing near Catalina Island when the incident occurred. The woman’s family raised the alarm with ship crew.

“All appropriate authorities have been alerted. As is customary, law enforcement will board the ship today on Catalina Island to conduct the required investigation,” the cruise line said earlier.

“Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones.”

A map shows a route from Long Beach to near Avalon on Catalina Island, with colored arrows over the ocean passing by Two Harbors. Nearby cities like Huntington Beach and Santa Ana are noted, as well as the location of Carnival Firenze’s stateroom balcony views.
Carnival Firenze’s path after leaving Long Beach, California. (Image via Marine Traffic)

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told the media the FBI is handling the investigation. The circumstances leading up to the fall have not been disclosed by authorities.

Carnival Firenze is on a short Baja Mexico cruise roundtrip from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Catalina Island is situated about 20 miles from Los Angeles. The ship left the island and visits Ensenada, Mexico today before returning to Long Beach on April 30. The ship has capacity for more than 5,000 guests.

Third cruise ship fall in the past two weeks

This incident comes days after a Norwegian Cruise Line crew member went overboard off the coast of Massachusetts. According to surveillance video footage, the Norwegian Breakaway employee fell into the sea around 12 miles off Cape Cod at the weekend.

A large cruise ship with a colorful, artistic design on its hull sails on calm blue water near land, under a clear sky.
Norwegian Breakaway (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

A large-scale US Coast Guard air and sea search operation was conducted but suspended several hours later without success.

The incident led to a delay in embarkation for the next voyage out of Boston on Sunday. “These efforts required the vessel’s full attention before the voyage could safely resume toward Boston,” NCL said in an update to new departing guests.

“Situations such as these are never easy, and the safety and wellbeing of those at sea remain at the heart of every decision we make.”

Just a week earlier, a Carnival Splendor guest in his 70s went overboard off the coast of Brisbane, Australia, which the cruise line says was a deliberate jump based on CCTV footage.

A days-long search operation took place and he too is now presumed dead. There have been six reported overboard incidents so far in 2026.

Norwegian Cruise Line Changes Haven Dining Policy

In an unexpected move, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a change that could impact how future Haven guests book when traveling with families.

While many cruisers say it’s about time the change was made, others worry about the impact on their experience in The Haven.

the haven restaurant steak lobster

Some Non-Haven Guests Will Now Have Limited Access

The major change — which has already taken effect — was announced via a note to travel partners and affected guests.

It said that as of now, “guests staying in a non-Haven stateroom (such as a balcony) that physically connects to a Haven stateroom and they are traveling with the guests in the Haven stateroom may dine at The Haven restaurant at no charge, including no service fee, for the duration of the sailing. Guests in the connecting non-Haven stateroom may take advantage of this offer as long as the guests in the connecting Haven stateroom are present at the time of dining. Haven guest(s) can make arrangements for this offer through the pre-cruise Concierge Desk.”

It is important to note that guests staying in the connecting room will not have access to any other Haven perks, amenities, or areas.

And guests traveling with those staying in the Haven but not in the directly connecting suite will not be able to dine at the Haven restaurant.

‘That Will Be Abused’

Needless to say, reaction amongst cruisers in general and those who enjoy Norwegian’s ship-within-a-ship concept was swift and varied.

Many across social media recognized that this will have a relatively low impact given the small number of qualifying non-Haven staterooms. Others, however, focused more on human nature, with several assuming “That will be abused.” 

Norwegian Cruise Line ship atrium with a swimming pool and lounging areas under a glass canopy.
The Haven courtyard aboard Norwegian Bliss.

“Not to be ‘that person,’” wrote one Haven fan in a Reddit forum, “but we pay for exclusivity and for an elevated product. Why should I pay more so that people who are paying less can enjoy the same elevated dining experience?” 

Others wondered if this was the first step toward other changes… including the ability to buy certain Haven-related perks without committing to the pricing of an actual stateroom in the Haven.

Holland America Line, for example, has the Club Orange program, which allows guests who are not staying in a suite to purchase perks normally only available to those in the more highly-priced staterooms.

Given that cruise lines often engage in a follow-the-leader type mentality, it’s reasonable to question whether this policy will be adapted by others. Will Celebrity Cruises, for example, begin selling limited access to Luminae, the high-end restaurant available only to guests staying in The Retreat?

Another question is how this might affect Norwegian’s thought process regarding future additions to its fleet.

Should the change prove popular, might new builds incorporate more non-Haven staterooms with connecting doors?

Only time will tell.

Read Next: Is the Haven really worth the price?

Norwegian Addresses Man Overboard, Delayed Embarkation: ‘Situations Such As These Are Never Easy’

The Norwegian Breakaway departure scheduled for the morning of Sunday, April 26, was delayed several hours by the aftermath of a crew member going overboard.

norwegian breakaway
Norwegian Breakaway (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Confirms Incident Details

In a statement to Cruise Radio, Norwegian Cruise Line sad that “late in the evening of April 25, 2026, a crew member went overboard east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Upon confirming the incident, the vessel immediately informed the United States Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Center and a coordinated search and rescue operation was initiated.”

A map showing the tracked path of the vessel Norwegian Breakaway (IMO 9606912), with loops and turnarounds along a generally straight route, possibly related to a crew member overboard incident captured by a security camera.

According to Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, a Coast Guard helicopter arrived on scene just after 1 a.m., and crews from the Coast Guard’s Provincetown station also responded to assist.

Passenger video showed two rescue boats searching the waters near the ship. Guests onboard reported a “Code Oscar, port side” announcement shortly after midnight, and portions of Decks 7 and 8 were closed during the operation.

After several hours of searching, Norwegian Breakaway resumed course toward Boston.

How The Next Voyage Was Impacted

Guests and travel agents received notice of the incident, including details as to the necessary changes made to their departure schedule as a result.

“Today’s embarkation… will take place later than originally scheduled,” read the notification. “Overnight and into the early morning hours, the ship remained engaged in search-and-rescue efforts following a man overboard situation, working closely with maritime authorities.”

It went on to say that, “These efforts required the vessels full attention before the voyage could safely resume toward Boston. Situations such as these are never easy, and the safety and well being of those at sea remain at the heart of every decision we make.” 

Ultimately, Norwegian had to move the embarkation time back several hours, asking that guests not arrive at the terminal before 2 p.m. in order to allow time for disembarkation and preparation for the next voyage. “We understand that changes to your arrival plans may be inconvenient and truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

The ship was originally scheduled to dock by 8 a.m. but arrived around 11:30 a.m.

Norwegian Breakaway carries 3,963 passengers at double occupancy. The ship’s next sailing is also a 7-night Bermuda cruise, and no itinerary changes have been announced at this time.

Second Man Overboard in a Week

An exterior view of the Carnival Splendor, one of the renowned Carnival Cruise Line ships, sailing on calm waters under a clear blue sky. The large vessel boasts a distinctive red and white funnel, multiple decks with numerous windows and balconies. The ship's name is visible on the hull.

The incident comes one week after a passenger went overboard from Carnival Splendor off the coast of Brisbane, Australia, in a separate and unrelated incident. That search was suspended after 16 hours.

This is the sixth man overboard of 2026, following 12 man overboard events in 2025.

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