A new investigation into a 2023 cruise ship incident has criticized the medical response after an elderly passenger suffered a fatal injury during a storm at sea.

The report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch examined the incident aboard the Spirit of Discovery operated by Saga Cruises.

Investigators say an 85-year-old passenger, Trevor Gilks, suffered a severe spinal injury after falling as the ship rolled violently in a storm off northern Spain.

The vessel had lost propulsion and was being battered by winds of about 70 miles per hour with 30-foot seas, leaving more than 100 passengers injured.

The report found delays in recognizing the seriousness of the spinal injury and said the passenger received suboptimal treatment on board.

According to investigators, a key diagnostic X-ray was not performed, and the patient was not placed on a spinal board. Over the next two days, he became paralyzed.

A doctor later recommended a medical evacuation, but the captain declined due to weather conditions. The ship eventually docked in Portsmouth, England.

Saga Cruises said it disagrees with several findings in the report but has since taken steps to strengthen safety procedures.

Plans for a new cruise port near Tampa are in doubt after Florida lawmakers passed a new coastal protection bill. The House passed the coastal resiliency bill, following unanimous backing in the Senate last month.

It is now headed to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk for signature. DeSantis hasn’t publicly indicated whether he will sign or veto it. If it is signed, it would become effective July 1.

New Law Would Likely Prohibit Port Construction

The bill sets out a framework to protect coastlines and their habitats. Sen. Jim Boyd of Bradenton, FL added an amendment seeking enhanced protections specifically for Manatee County’s Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

This would likely prohibit the dredging work required for the proposed new Tampa cruise port in the Knott-Cowen Tract. This would have been a game changer for cruise tourism in West Florida, as the cruise port site is south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, enabling the largest cruise ships to call.

The height clearance of the bridge limits the size of the ship that can call at the existing Port Tampa Bay. The new port development is a joint venture project between SSA Marine and Slip Knott LLC.

SSA Marine said last month: “We are committed to environmental stewardship and to creating long-term economic opportunity for Manatee County and West Central Florida. We look forward to engaging with residents, officials, and community leaders in meaningful dialogue.”

SSA Marine hasn’t shared many details about the work required at the site ahead of port construction. The bill allows for dredging and drilling only under special circumstances, such as for environmental improvements. 

Strong Local Opposition to the Project

The project has been controversial, with strong local opposition citing concerns about water quality and the health of the preserve’s ecosystem. An online petition against it has garnered nearly 20,000 signatures

Walk into almost any cruise ship casino after dinner and you’ll hear it right away. The familiar chime of slot machines, spinning reels, and celebratory jingles when someone hits a small jackpot.

Slots have long been the backbone of cruise ship casinos. They are easy to play, require no special knowledge of rules, and allow passengers to jump in for a quick round between shows, dinners, or late-night drinks.

Interest in this format has grown alongside the expansion of digital gaming platforms.

Many enthusiasts search for guides, reviews, and discussions about where to enjoy these games safely and effectively, which is why content about crown casino online pokies often appears in conversations about modern casino entertainment and online gaming culture.

These discussions help players understand how pokies work, how different game mechanics influence potential outcomes, and how to navigate the wide variety of titles available today.

I often emphasize that knowledge enhances enjoyment: understanding volatility, bonus features, and payout structures can make the experience far more engaging.

How Pokies Evolved from Mechanical Machines

The earliest pokies were entirely mechanical. A lever triggered spinning reels with printed symbols, and winnings depended on simple combinations. While the concept was straightforward, it captured the imagination of players worldwide.

Key stages of evolution

• mechanical machines with physical reels
  
• electronic slots introducing digital displays
  
• online pokies featuring advanced animations and bonus rounds
  

Each step added new layers of interactivity.

Features That Define Modern Pokies

Modern slot games, both onboard ships and on digital platforms, now include features designed to keep gameplay dynamic.

Some of the most common mechanics include:

• Cascading reels that trigger additional spins after wins
• Expanding wild symbols that increase winning combinations
• Free spin rounds with multipliers and bonus mini-games

These features add an element of surprise and variety, which helps explain why slot machines remain among the most popular games in cruise casinos.

Classic Pokies vs Modern Online Pokies

Aspect	Classic Pokies	Modern Online Pokies
Visual Style	Simple symbols and limited colors	High-definition graphics and themes
Gameplay Mechanics	Basic paylines	Multiple features and bonus systems
Interaction Level	Minimal	Highly interactive
Accessibility	Physical casino locations	Available on desktop and mobile devices
Game Variety	Limited	Thousands of different titles

The table shows how dramatically the format has evolved over time.

Why Slots Remain Popular on Cruise Ships

Cruise casinos offer a mix of table games and slot machines, but slots consistently attract the largest crowds.

One reason is accessibility. Unlike games such as blackjack or poker that require learning rules or strategies, slots allow passengers to start playing immediately.

Another factor is variety. Cruise casinos typically feature a wide range of themes and game styles, from classic fruit machines to modern video slots based on movies, mythology, and adventure themes.

For many passengers, slot machines are simply another form of onboard entertainment, similar to attending a show or trying a new restaurant.

Responsible Gaming at Sea

Cruise lines emphasize responsible gaming in their onboard casinos. Passengers are encouraged to treat casino play as entertainment and to set limits on time and spending.

Most cruise casinos operate only while ships are in international waters, and they follow regulations designed to ensure fair play and transparency.

For guests who enjoy gaming in moderation, the casino can be a lively and social part of the cruise experience.

Final Thoughts

Slot machines have been part of the cruise casino environment for decades, offering an easy and entertaining way for passengers to try their luck at sea.

While the technology behind these games has evolved dramatically, the core appeal remains the same: simple gameplay, quick rounds, and the excitement of seeing the reels line up just right.

Whether played onboard a cruise ship or through modern digital platforms, slot games continue to evolve while remaining one of the most recognizable forms of casino entertainment.

If you’re planning to set sail on a Princess Cruises ship, be prepared to shell out a bit more money than you might originally have budgeted. Why? Because the line has increased the daily gratuities which are paid, they say, directly to the crew. How much was the increase and what other fees were bumped up? Read on for details.

How Much You’ll Pay

The increase made to the daily gratuities — which Princess calls a “Crew Appreciation” charge — amounts to $1 per person, per day, regardless of stateroom category. That means those in a standard cabin will now pay $18 per person per day. Those opting to stay in a Mini-Suite, Cabana or Reserve Collection stateroom will be paying $19 per person, per day. Finally, those booked in Suites will be charged $20 per person per day.

No doubt aware that this type of change is never received well by the cruising public, Princess opted not to make a formal announcement or send a press release. Rather, word began spreading amongst cruisers after they noticed an update to the line’s website outlining the changes.

Service Charges Increased, Too

Another change that went unannounced regards the service charge added to things such as specialty dining, drinks and other purchases. Princess has now increased that charge from 18% to 20% across the board. The change went into effect on March 7, with some guests reporting they were informed via a letter left in their stateroom.

The letter reads in part that the increased service charge “will apply to applicable dining and beverage purchases made onboard, excluding any prepaid packages. This includes experiential, specialty, and casual dining cover charges, a la carte food items, and a la carte beverage purchases excluded from a package.”

More: Princess Adds Premiere Dining Option

Meanwhile, the updated website reads as follows: “A non-refundable service charge of 20% of purchase will be automatically added to optional purchases of drinks, dining room and specialty dining, private group funtions and other elected products, services or amenities provided to guests that are no included in the cruise fare.” 

In essence, this means that any purchase made on board — outside of the various shops — will see a 20% charge added to the base price. Those purchasing Princess Plus or Princess Premium packages will not be impacted.

Shipping Fee Doubled

Finally, Princess revealed that they are now charging $20 for those wishing to have their Princess Medallions shipped to them in advance of the cruise. Previously, shipping was available for half that price at $10. Guests may still pick up the Medallion at their port of departure at no charge.

Read Next: Carnival Rolls Out New Dining Option

When it comes to dining in the main dining room, there are two types of cruisers: those who like to linger and those who want to get in-and-out as quickly as possible. This week, Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out a new program that will definitely appeal to those looking to eat and run!

What Is Carnival Express Dining?

If you’re hoping to catch a show or want to get back to that hot machine in the casino, Carnival’s new express dining could be your new favorite thing. Why? Because the program is designed to give guests a full-blown dining experience in one hour or less.

“Our guests continue to tell us they value greater flexibility in how they spend their time on board,” says Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Express Dining was designed with that in mind.” 

As is often the case, the line did some quiet testing where the concept is concerned. Obviously, it went well! “Our pilot program generated positive feedback from our guests,” reports Duffy. As a result, the program is currently available on 15 ships across the fleet, with the rest getting on board — pun intended — by the end of May.

Who Can’t Take Part

There is one restriction where the new offering is concerned: It is not available to parties larger than six. But for those who do take part, Duffy says Express Dining will provide guests “the same high-quality dishes and attentive service our dining rooms are known for, while giving [them] the ability to use more of their time to enjoy all the other onboard fun.” 

The menu offered to those opting for Express Dining will not be exactly same as that provided to other guests. Rather, Carnival says it will be “a thoughtfully curated menu, mirroring the main dining room offerings, with a slightly abbreviated selection.” That said, special dietary requests will, as always, be accommodated. And yes, the famous Melting Lava Cake is available!

More: How To Make Carnival’s Lava Cake At Home!

Guests who are using the Your Time Dining option can book Express Dining directly through the Carnival Hub App.

Express Dining comes on the heels of another recently-introduced program, the Family Express option at the Lido. This limited buffet offering features kids favorites such as mini burgers and corn dogs, as well as several salad and entrees, all designed to cut down time spent in line.

Read Next: How to make the most of your sea day!

If you’re a cruise enthusiast who spends any time at all “doomscrolling” Instagram, you’ve no doubt come across the video. You know, the one showing a simulation of “what happens if you fall off a cruise ship.” But let’s talk about what that video gets wrong… and what it doesn’t tell you.

Fear Factor

Created and shared by an Instagram account called AxiomPixels, the video starts by showing a person standing at a ridiculously low railing and going overboard. “What happens if you fall from a cruise ship and no one sees you?” the voiceover and accompanying graphic ask.

The reel — which has been viewed over 5 million times and can be found here — goes on to describe this truly terrifying scenario and what would likely happen next. It talks about the force with which your body would hit the water and that “within 10 minutes, the glowing ship is just a speck of light on the horizon.” 

‘It’s A Terrifying Reality’ 

The short clip goes on to ask how long the viewer thinks they’d be able to tread water in the dark, especially as the freezing water “instantly saps your body heat.” While no potential survival tips are included, the video does end by dubbing the situation “a terrifying reality” adding, “In fact: Over 30 people go overboard on cruise ships every single year, and most are never found.” 

Perhaps they should preface that last number by “almost fact” given that the true number of annual man overboards is more in the 20-25 range. According to an industry report, there were 19 “man overboard” incidents.

READ MORE: All of 2024’s Man Overboard Incidents

According to a report from CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), 218 passengers and crew were reported as having gone overboard. Of those, 48 percent were successfully recovered.

What That Cruise Ship Viral Video Omits

What’s important to note — and not mentioned in the fear-inspiring video — is that approximately 37 million people from all around the world cruised in 2025. It’s projected that in 2026, a record-breaking 21 million Americans will board ships.

If 30 people out of 37 million were to falloverboard, that words out to somewhere in the vicinity of 0.000086%. Call us crazy, but those are pretty good odds.

The other thing not mentioned in the viral video is that, simply put, people do not “fall off” cruise ships, at least not without a bit of effort. The fast majority of those who do are either taking a purposeful action or doing something that that goes against both the rules and common sense. Alcohol also plays a role in many incidents, with people who’ve had too much to drink making foolish decisions or taking deliberate actions.

Ultimately, like so many videos which go viral, there’s more to the story than meets the eye, let alone can be explained in so short a format.

Read Next: What happens when someone goes overboard?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship is still a few weeks away from debuting but already the honeymoon is over where some passengers are concerned. Why? Because of a price tag being attached to one of the entertainment options offered on board Norwegian Luna.

How Much Will LunaTique Cost?

Described as a “bold, cheeky good time” available only for guests 21 years of age and older, LunaTique will require reservations and run guests $44.95 each. This covers not only the show but four cocktails and a souvenir glass.

As for the show, it is described as an “immersive evening” featuring “high energy vocals, outrageous antics and laughs.” The show is said to combine “vintage circus glamour” and “pop-decadence.” (It sounds similar to Up With a Twist, the show rolled out upon the launch of Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady. Perhaps the biggest difference is LunaTique’s cover charge includes cocktails but not the meal which accommodated Twist.)

‘Why Am I Paying Twice?’

In discussing the offering, many consumers took issue with Norwegian charging for the show. “They can’t really say it’s supposed to cover the cost of the drinks,” pointed out one member of a Facebook group devoted to the ship. “Most people get a drink package as part of their booking. That’s the whole point of their Free at Sea program.” 

Added another, “Why am I paying twice for drinks?” 

It’s worth noting this is not the first time Norwegian has charged for entertainment. When Norwegian Bliss launched in 2019, the entertainment lineup included Happy Hour: Prohibition Edition (reviewed here). Like LunaTique, it was a show specifically aimed at an adult audience. It, too, featured a selection of cocktails served during the show. And like LunaTique, it was a ticketed event, costing $19.95 per person.

Over the years, several ships within the Norwegian fleet have had similar for-fee shows, including some which included both meals and drinks. This is also not something which is restricted to new vessels. On the 2013-built Norwegian Breakaway, they recently introduced the Silver Screen Bistro where, for $50 per person, guests can enjoy a pre-set meal before viewing a relatively-recent movie.

Norwegian Cruise Line Entertainment Changes

Industry observers have seen Norwegian go through several changes in recent years where their entertainment offerings are concerned. For several years, the line focused on shortened versions of popular Broadway hits such as Kinky Boots and Six. More recently, however, these productions — and the high licensing fees associated with them — have been ditched in favor of jukebox musicals.

In talking to the executive editor of Travel Weekly at an event, then president of Norwegian Cruise Line Harry Sommer addressed the topic. “Guests on a Norwegian ship don’t want to spend two hours in a theater,” he explained. “They want to spend 30 to 40 minutes in a theater, then they want to enjoy… the other entertainment we have onboard.” 

Only time will tell if they also want to pay to enjoy Norwegian Luna‘s new show.

Celebrity Cruises relaunched the revitalized Celebrity Solstice from Singapore this week, unveiling eight new experiences as part of a revitalization of the cruise line’s Solstice-class vessels.

The renovated ship adds four new spaces to Celebrity Cruises: Trattoria Rossa, Sunset Park, The Parlor, and Boulevard Lounge, along with updated staterooms, new entertainment productions, and expanded accommodations.

The ship now carries 1,479 cabins, adding 54 staterooms and four new cabin categories to the previous count.

New Dining

Two new restaurants join Celebrity Solstice’s dining lineup.

Trattoria Rossa is new to the Celebrity Cruises fleet, serving Roman and Southern Italian cuisine with house-made pastas and tableside preparations including Chicken Parmesan and Caesar Salad.

Fine Cut Steakhouse, a Forbes Travel Guide-rated restaurant previously found on the line’s Edge Series ships, also joins the ship, offering 30-day dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood.

New Outdoor Space, Entertainment, Staterooms

Sunset Park is a new top-deck outdoor area featuring yoga, lawn games, live music, and private cabanas. A Sunset Park Cafe serves breakfast and lunch, while an expanded Sunset Bar offers cocktails throughout the day.

Two new production shows debut in the ship’s theater. Smoke and Ivories focuses on 1950s music with acrobatics and live vocals, while Rockumentary recreates landmark rock performances.

Two new venues, Boulevard Lounge and The Parlor, offer piano bar sing-alongs, karaoke, billiards, darts, and craft cocktails.

All existing staterooms have been refreshed. AquaClass accommodations now include massaging showerheads, aromatherapy diffusers, in-room yoga mats, and a pillow menu.

The Retreat suite complex received a new sundeck with an oversized hot tub and a redesigned private lounge.

2026 Itineraries

Celebrity Solstice will sail Asia and Australia before moving to Alaska cruises for summer 2026.

On September 13, the ship begins a 110-night Grand Voyage covering more than 55 ports across Alaska, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, concluding with a New Year’s Eve arrival in Hong Kong.

Disney Cruise Line officially christened its newest ship, Disney Adventure, in Singapore on March 4, 2026, marking the cruise line’s first vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.

Robert Downey Jr. served as the ship’s godparent, performing the ceremonial blessing during the event held in the ship’s Walt Disney Theatre. I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her,” Downey Jr. said during the ceremony.

The Christening Ceremony

The event featured a 23-piece orchestra, regional vocalists, and musicians performing Disney, Pixar, and Marvel music alongside video effects and character appearances.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences and incoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences, attended the ceremony.

What’s on Disney Adventure

Disney Adventure is Disney Cruise Line’s eighth ship and its largest to date. The ship features seven themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street, inspired by the film Big Hero 6.

Entertainment includes “Remember,” a new Broadway-style musical, along with signature fireworks at sea and kids’ clubs.

The ship also introduces Disney Cruise Line’s first roller coaster at sea, Ironcycle Test Run.

Disney follows other cruise brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line, which has a roller coaster on each Excel-class ship.

Disney Adventure departs on its maiden voyage on March 10, sailing three- and four-night itineraries out of Singapore.

The ship is part of a major fleet expansion that will bring five additional ships to Disney Cruise Line by 2031, bringing the total fleet to 13 ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line officially took delivery of Norwegian Luna today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

The 156,000-gross-ton ship is the second vessel in NCL’s Prima Plus Class and the 21st ship in the line’s fleet.

Norwegian Luna measures 1,056 feet in length and carries up to 3,565 passengers across 1,809 staterooms.

The ship follows sister vessel Norwegian Aqua, which was delivered in March 2025, and is roughly 10 percent larger than the original Prima Class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

Dining and Entertainment

The ship features 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges. Dining highlights include Le Bistro, NCL’s French specialty restaurant; Sukhothai, a Thai venue; and the Indulge Food Hall, which offers nine stations ranging from Indian cuisine to plant-based options. Complimentary main dining rooms and a 24-hour casual eatery round out the options.

On the entertainment side, Norwegian Luna debuts Luna Midway, a carnival-style outdoor amusement area, and Moon Climber, a multi-level obstacle course.

The Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid waterslide and roller coaster exclusive to NCL, returns from Norwegian Aqua and was recently named Best Water Park Ride/Attraction by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

The Glow Court interactive LED sports complex operates as an activity space during the day and converts to a nightclub at night.

Accommodation options range from inside cabins to suites, with The Haven by Norwegian at the top tier. Haven guests have access to exclusive public spaces, a private restaurant, and 24-hour butler and concierge service.

Itinerary and Deployment

Following a transatlantic crossing from Rome, Norwegian Luna arrives in Miami on March 23, 2026, and will be officially christened at PortMiami on March 27.

The ship will homeport in Miami for its first year, sailing three- and four-day Bahamas itineraries and seven-day Caribbean routes. Eastern Caribbean sailings run through November 7, 2026, with stops including St. Thomas and NCL’s private island Great Stirrup Cay. Western Caribbean itineraries begin in November 2026, calling at Roatan, Cozumel, and Harvest Caye.

In April 2027, Norwegian Luna relocates to New York City to sail Bermuda voyages from that port.

Already under attack by an advocacy group demanding that changes be made, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ new CEO admitted it has “not been performing to its full potential.” 

While getting things back on track promises to be a longterm project, the company believes there is at least one bright spot on the horizon: Great Stirrup Cay.

Big Changes Coming to Great Stirrup Cay

Looking at the company as a whole, relatively new President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings John W. Chidsey admitted, “We have some challenges that need to be addressed.”

While some of the areas in which the company needs to reinvent itself are longterm in nature, both Chidsey and Mark Kempa, see Great Stirrup Cay as a relatively easy quick fix.

Ironically, Norwegian being slow to develop and monetize Great Stirrup Cay was one of the major issues addressed by Elliott Investment Management, which owns approximately a 10 percent stake in the cruise company.

In a recent letter sent to NCLH’s board, the investment group took NCLH to task, saying in essence that they’d dropped the ball where the private destination was concerned.

Despite being the first cruise line to operate a private island/destination, Norwegian was slow to develop the property. Meanwhile, others in the sector — led by Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day CocoCay — made major investments which reaped huge rewards.

Now, at long last, Norwegian is doing the same, with phase one of a massive reimagining having recently opened. “We are very encouraged by the early results,” said Kempa during NCLH’s quarterly investment call. He went on to say that “initial guest feedback” to the addition of a pier, large pool and other amenities “has been very positive.” 

Great Stirrup Cay promises to become even more of an in-demand destination with the opening of Great Tides Waterpark this summer.

Why Great Stirrup Cay Is So Important

They say you have to spend money to make money, and the race to develop private destinations would seem to prove as much.

A recent report by Travel Weekly, citing information from the Cleveland Research Center, took a closer look at both CocoCay and Great Stirrup Cay, as well as Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key.

The report indicated that in 2026, Great Stirrup will make approximately $80 million in revenue, with Celebration Key expected to rake in $150 million.

And CocoCay? It’s expected to bring in approximately $600 million, making it clear why cruise lines in general — and Norwegian in particular — are eager to develop the popular destinations.

Get Ready to Spend More

Of course, all of that money generated by the private destinations comes from the pockets of consumers. Over the past few years, cruise lines across the board have worked hard to increase onboard spending. And because the islands are operated by the cruise lines, money generated there counts in that regard.

As it currently exists, Great Stirrup Cay is leaving a great deal of money on the table. While visitors can spend their hard-earned dollars on everything from ziplines to private cabanas, the waterpark promises to not only generate additional income, but become a big draw for multi-generational families.

Speaking of the Caribbean in general and Great Stirrup Cay in particular, Kempa said the company sees a “long-term opportunity in the region,” especially where new-to-cruise and family guests are concerned.

Holland America Line’s Westerdam is dealing with a confirmed norovirus outbreak midway through a 28-night Asia cruise, prompting Hong Kong health officials to board the ship and conduct a full investigation when it docked at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on March 1.

Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) first received notification from the cruise operator on Friday evening, February 27, indicating that passengers and crew aboard the vessel were suspected of having contracted norovirus while still en route to Hong Kong.

Officials convened a meeting with relevant government departments the following day to assess risks and coordinate a response before the ship arrived.

What Passengers on Westerdam Are Experiencing

A total of 76 people have been affected since the voyage departed Tokyo on February 15, including 65 passengers and 11 crew members.

The two passengers who fell ill first boarded the ship in Japan on February 15 and developed symptoms that same day, with additional cases accumulating gradually over the two-week sailing. Cases ranged in age from 24 to 92, with 38 men and 38 women split evenly.

Reported symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Investigators noted incidents of vomiting in public areas of the ship.

According to the ship’s doctor, the vast majority of patients experienced mild symptoms and remained clinically stable. When Westerdam arrived in Hong Kong, only three individuals still had mild symptoms, and none required hospitalization.

How Hong Kong Officials Responded

Upon arrival, CHP officials conducted an epidemiological investigation and environmental inspection. A temporary medical station was set up at the terminal to assess passengers before they disembarked.

Once guests were ashore, the ship underwent comprehensive cleaning and disinfection.

With approximately 2,000 guests onboard, the roughly 3% passenger infection rate, while notable, is consistent with typical norovirus outbreaks in group settings.

The virus is easily transmitted through contaminated surfaces, food, and contact with infected individuals. Most people recover within one to three days without medical intervention.

The ship departed Hong Kong for the Philippines on the evening of March 1. CHP has notified health authorities in the Philippines of the incident and the containment measures taken.

Westerdam is scheduled to call at Palawan Island on March 4, Boracay Island on March 5, and Manila on March 6, before continuing to ports in Taiwan and Japan and returning to Tokyo on March 15.

Holland America Line has not announced any changes to the itinerary.

Cruise passengers aboard a ship in the Gulf had a lucky escape after a missile landed in the water just meters away. It caused chaos and panic among guests aboard the Mein Schiff 4, which was moored at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi.

‘Panic’ Aboard Mein Schiff 4

Guests were ordered off the decks and to stay away from the windows. German media reported panic among guests. The situation remains very tense in the region after US and Israel-led airstrikes in Iran and the following response, which has expanded the conflict to multiple other countries.

Mein Schiff 4 was carrying around 2,500 guests, mostly German. The ship is operated by TUI Cruises. The vessel’s scheduled sailing, along with that of sister ship Mein Schiff 5, which is also docked in Abu Dhabi, is on hold.

Several other cruise ships have been impacted in the region. At least six ships are currently docked at the ports of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. These include the MSC Euribia, the Saudi-based Aroya Manara, and two Celestyal Cruises ships.

The scheduled March 2 departures of the Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery from Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been canceled. The line will offer full refunds or future cruise credit for guests booked on these sailings.

“We sincerely apologize to guests for the disruption to their travel plans and greatly appreciate their patience and understanding as we work through this evolving situation,” Celestyal Cruises said in a statement.

Celestyal Journey will remain docked in Doha until at least March 7. Its next sailing is a Desert Days seven-night itinerary to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Bahrain and Doha.

The conflict has also heavily impacted air travel, leaving cruise guests with few options to fly home. Major hub airports, including Dubai and Doha, were closed to all flights while several countries closed their airspace.

A group well known for helping ordinary people solve disputes with big corporations came to the rescue of a cruise passenger. But what, exactly, led the Elliott Advocacy agency to accuse a cruise line of trying to shake down a guest?

Why Cruiser Was Upset With Holland America

As happens nearly every day, Greg Rothman of California, used a certificate he’d received from a casino in order to book a sailing.

Many land-based casinos have partnerships with cruise lines. As part of these reciprocal arrangements, the casinos might distribute “free cruise” certificates.

More: Facebook page scams thousands of cruisers

In this case, Rothman used a $650 certificate he’d received from MGM to book a veranda stateroom on a Holland America ship. He received confirmation both over the phone and in an email.

But at some point before the actual sailing, Rothman received notice that the price had changed to $1,450, and he could either pay the $800 difference or lose his stateroom. Instead, he reached out to the Elliott Agency in hopes they might help resolve the issue.

Was Holland America Price Change Legal?

Upon looking into the matter, the agency determined that Rothman not only was in the right, but had taken the correct steps to resolve the matter. (Before contacting the consumer rights group, Rothman had attempted to deal directly with Holland America, which he says blamed MGM for the mistake.)

According to Christopher Elliott, the agency’s founder, “Once Holland America issued an invoice showing a paid-in-full stateroom, it created a binding contract under federal maritime law and California’s consumer protection statutes.” 

According to the advocate, “You accepted a quoted price, paid in full [and] received written confirmation… Holland America, meanwhile, followed a different script: blame the casino partner, change the terms and dare the customer to walk away. That’s not customer service. It’s a shakedown.”

Did Holland America Do the Right Thing?

Ultimately, Rothman’s decision to reach out to Elliott Advocacy proved a smart one.

Not only did the agency help Rothman set sail at the originally agreed-upon price, but he also received a phone call apology and a $200 onboard credit.

“I’m happy this is resolved,” wrote Elliott, “but it shouldn’t have taken all of these escalations for Holland America to help you. But in an age of increasing automation, apparently that’s what it takes.” 

Things definitely didn’t go as planned where Sunday mornings scheduled sailing of the Carnival Sunshine was concerned. A power-related issue on the previous sailing’s final morning resulted in delays where both on-board cruisers and waiting-to-sail guests were concerned.

What Caused the Carnival Sunshine Delay?

Social media accounts of those on board the vessel reported that in the early morning hours of March 1, Carnival Sunshine lost power for an as-yet-unexplained reason. The stricken vessel then awaited the arrival of tugboats to assist its return to her current homeport of Norfolk, Virginia. A letter delivered to guests waiting to board offered more details as to what was unfolding.

“Earlier this morning, Carnival Sunshine experienced a brief power outage, which was quickly resolved by the ship’s engineers,” began the alert.

“To comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements to enter Norfolk, the ship must be assisted by tugboats, and this will result in an unplanned delayed arrival, by early afternoon. Consequently, your embarkation has been revised.”

The missive offered embarking guests a new timetable. Whereas they were originally given terminal arrival appointments ranging from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the new times began at 3 p.m. with boarding expected to conclude around 6:30 Sunday evening.” 

What Happens Next?

Passengers on board were told they could remain in their staterooms until 1:30 p.m. as the ship made its way toward Norfolk.

As of late afternoon, embarkation had indeed begun on Carnival Sunshine. Among those posting to Facebook and other social media outlets, talk turned to Funfetti Cheesecake (a much-loved embarkation day treat among the line’s cruisers) and how this delay might impact the ports on their itinerary.

More: John Heald reveals change to gift-giving policy

The ship’s original itinerary saw it departing Norfolk before paying visits to Nassau, Celebration Key and Bimini. A letter to guests indicated that schedule changes might be made, leading to speculation among passengers as to which port would be skipped.

The letter indicated that the ship’s “Captain, Antonio Gargiulo, and our Fleet Operations Center rare reviewing the alternatives and will have an update for you later this evening.” 

While many on board speculated that Celebration Key would be skipped, it’s more likely that the ship would skip Nassau as opposed to Carnival’s private destination.