Gran Canaria Ushers Cruise Tourism Era with Europe’s Largest Terminal OpeningGran Canaria opens largest cruise terminal Europe at Muelle Santa Catalina, boosting tourism capacity for ships, 14,000m² facility in Las Palmas port. The post Gran Canaria Ushers Cruise Tourism Era... Read More
Original Source: Travel And Tour World
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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has announced three finalists of its “Keep Bears Wild” art contest. In a statement, the company said the initiative’s goal is to raise awareness about responsible coexistence with bears in Alaska, noting that artists can help promote this through creative expression. Part of NCLH’s Sail & Sustain program, the...
From Travel Agency to Ship’s Hull: TUI Appoints Employee Godparents for Rhine DebutTUI River Cruises names travel veterans Paula Burgess and Mark Sage as godparents for the new TUI Aria, launching a new era of luxury travel on the Rhine... Read More
Original Source: Travel And Tour World
Unauthorized copying or republishing is prohibited.
AIDA Cruises presented this year’s AIDA Smiling Star Awards to selected sales partners onboard the AIDAbella on March 12. The ship resumed service in Palma de Mallorca on March 11 following a seven-week drydock. In a press release, the company said the award recognizes selected sales partners in 12 categories for outstanding achievements. “This special...
TUI River Cruises has chosen two employees as godparents for its new ship, the TUI Aria, the company said in a statement. They are TUI agent Paula Burgess and Senior Commercial Manager at TUI River Cruises Mark Sage. Working at TUI for 34 years, Burgess has been given the godparent title due to being a...
Hurtigruten has appointed Matthew Stuart as sales director for UK and emerging markets, effective early April, the company said in a press release. Stuart will lead Hurtigruten’s trade sales strategy across the UK and selected emerging markets, working with travel partners to drive growth and strengthen strategic relationships. “His strategic mindset, commercial acumen and genuine...
This 7‑Night Tour From Chioggia‑To‑Athens Mediterranean Cruise Is The Glamorous Escape Europe Didn’t See ComingSail a dramatic 7‑night travel and tour odyssey from Chioggia near Venice to Athens, tracing Adriatic gems and Greek legends in one ultra-glamorous Mediterranean cruise. The... Read More
AmaWaterways has partnered with Approach Guides to help travel advisers drive bookings. In a press release, the cruise line announced what it calls an intuitive marketing solution that is designed to help travel advisors promote and sell its river cruises. “Supporting our travel advisor partners remains a top priority for AmaWaterways,” said Alex Pinelo, chief...
Adora Cruises Partners with China Tourism Group and CSSC to Launch New Ships, Expanding into International Waters and Boosting Global Cruise Tourism GrowthAdora Cruises teams up with China Tourism Group and CSSC to launch new cruise ships and expand into... Read More
Adora Cruises Orders Two New Mega-Ships to Transform China’s Travel LandscapeAdora Cruises orders two new large ships to boost China's travel industry, offering enhanced luxury and innovative experiences to meet growing demand for cruises. The post Adora Cruises Orders Two... Read More
2027’s Biggest Cruise Event: Virgin Voyages Puts the Caribbean at the Center of Global Tourism!Caribbean cruise tourism eyes a historic boost as Virgin Voyages plans a full‑fleet Caribbean ‘Sisters at Sea’ gathering in February 2027, spotlighting regional travel growth. The post... Read More
Carnival Cruise Line Shocks Guests with 11 Sailings Canceled Amid Fleet Redeployment – Here’s What You Need to KnowCarnival Cruise Line cancels 11 sailings aboard Carnival Firenze for fall 2026, leaving passengers disappointed. Redeployment efforts lead to drastic itinerary changes.... Read More
DeSantis noted that the existing Port Tampa Bay is sufficient to serve cruise ship tourism in the region and that another terminal would be unnecessary.
Governor says region doesn’t need a new cruise facility
(Photo via Florida Governor’s Office)
“There’s not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area and an aquatic preserve, especially given that Tampa Bay is already home to three deep-water ports,” the Governor said.
Some cruise industry advocates disagree. The proposed terminal site is south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which would have allowed mega cruise ships to call in the region for the first time.
Currently, the largest ships cannot visit Port Tampa Bay due to the bridge’s height clearance.
The cruise terminal proposal was put forward by SSA Marine, which operates a facility at Port Tampa Bay and at other U.S. ports.
Addressing the issue last month, SSA Marine said it is committed to environmental stewardship and to creating long-term economic opportunity for Manatee County and West Central Florida.
From the start, the project faced strong opposition from local residents. An online petition against it drew about 19,000 signatures, with concerns that dredging and construction could negatively impact water quality and damage the preserve’s ecosystem.
For passengers, the signed law means mega ships that cannot clear the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will remain unable to call at the Tampa area.
That limitation would have been lifted had the Manatee County terminal moved forward.
Silversea is adjusting the current itinerary of the Silver Ray due to what it called inclement weather in the North Atlantic. According to a statement shared with guests onboard the vessel, the adverse conditions led to the cancellation of an overnight call in Madeira. “We have been monitoring some inclement weather developing in the region,”...
Mariner of the Seas Returns to Service After Drydock, Expanding Itineraries to Highlight Growth in Caribbean and European Cruise TourismMariner of the Seas resumes operations with expanded Caribbean and European itineraries, showcasing the continued growth of global cruise tourism. The... Read More
USA – Cruise Week Report: Sudden Cancellations, Hidden Gems, Lawsuits, and MoreThis week in cruise news: Royal Caribbean cancels sailings, hidden dining gems aboard Carnival, Norwegian sued over injury, and more! Get the latest updates. The post USA – Cruise... Read More
Las Palmas Cruise Port, said to be the largest cruise terminal in Europe, has been inaugurated in Gran Canaria, its operator Global Ports Holding (GPH) stated in a press release. Developed in partnership with local partner Sepcan, the terminal building covers 14,000 square meters distributed across two levels. Featuring three boarding bridges, it has the...
Adora Flora City Undocks in Shanghai, China Accelerates Cruise Industry Growth and Shipbuilding InnovationChina’s cruise industry is entering a faster phase of expansion as the Adora Flora City successfully undocks in Shanghai, marking a crucial step toward its launch and... Read More
Lima and San Diego Tourism Boosted by Norwegian Jade’s South America Cruise Embarkation: What You Need to KnowNorwegian Jade begins South America tourism from Lima March 11, 2026 sailing to San Diego via Panama Canal calling Manta, Puntarenas enhancing tourism.... Read More
Costa Cruises is celebrating its 78th anniversary with a promotion offering discounts on select 2026 and 2027 cruises for bookings made by April 17, 2026. Thanks to the promo, residents of North America can get 30% off the cruise fare for cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe and Asia. Travelers can choose from inside,...
The Four Seasons I, Four Seasons Yachts’ first vessel, starts its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean today, March 20. For its inaugural season, Mediterranean itineraries aboard the Four Seasons I will be paired with what the company describes as iconic ports and off-the-beaten-path coastal discoveries. The debut year will see 32 voyages across 52 sailings,...
Experience the Future of Travel: AIDA Announces Evolution Upgrades for Four ShipsAIDA Cruises announces dates for Evolution upgrades on four ships, combining luxury with sustainability. Experience eco-friendly travel with upgraded technologies. The post Experience the Future of Travel: AIDA Announces... Read More
Adora Cruises’ new cruise ship, the Adora Flora City, was floated out on March 20 at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard. In a statement, the company said the vessel will now move into interior outfitting and system commissioning and is scheduled for delivery by the end of the year, after which international voyages will kick off from...
Singapore Tourism Boosted by Quantum of the Seas’ 2027-28 Deployment Offering Southeast Asia Itineraries: What You Need to KnowQuantum of the Seas sails Singapore 2027-28 with night tourism voyages to Penang, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City enhancing Singapore tourism as... Read More
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Budapest and Vienna Tourism Enhanced by Riverside Luxury Cruises’ Flexible Modular River SailingsRiverside Luxury Cruises introduces modular sailings on Danube between Budapest, Vienna offering night cruises boosting Europe river tourism. The post Budapest and Vienna Tourism Enhanced by Riverside Luxury... Read More
AIDA Cruises has announced two new offers for its sales partners to mark its 30th anniversary. The first entails two new EXPIcruises in June 2026, the company said in a press release. The AIDAperla will set course for destinations on the Atlantic west coast with two short cruises: June 13-18, 2026, Hamburg-Rotterdam June 18-20, 2026,...
The Norwegian Jade recently sailed from the port of Callao in Peru for a 17-night cruise to South and Central America. Sailing to San Diego, the unique itinerary features visits to additional destinations in Peru, as well as Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. The cruise is highlighted by visits to less...
The Mariner of the Seas recently returned to service for Royal Caribbean International after spending nearly a month in drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport. Resuming its regular schedule in Galveston, the 2003-built vessel welcomed guests back onboard on March 17, 2026. as the ship kicked off a four-night cruise to the Western...
Carnival Corporation is advancing its commitment to shore power infrastructure in Alaska with a major electrification project in Whittier, the company said in a press release. As construction progresses, Carnival stated it will be able to shut down the engines of its vessels during their visits to the port starting in 2027. Developed in partnership...
The Viking Libra, said to be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, has touched water for the first time, Viking said in a press release. The float out at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard marked a major construction milestone for the 998-guest ship, which is scheduled for delivery in November 2026....
China Tourism Group Co. and China State Shipbuilding Corporation have formally signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on New Domestic Cruise Shipbuilding Projects, with plans to build two cruise ships with one option for Adora Cruises. The first ship is due to be delivered by 2030, according to a press release. Further details were not released....
Riverside Luxury Cruises Introduces Flexible Itineraries, Boosting their Cruise Tourism Growth in Europe with Shorter, Combinable Sailings for Personalized ExperiencesRiverside Luxury Cruises enhances European cruise tourism with flexible itineraries, offering shorter, combinable sailings that cater to travelers seeking personalization. The... Read More
AIDA has set dates for the modernization of the next four AIDAselection ships as part of the “AIDA Evolution” future initiative. In a press release, the company said Chantier Naval de Marseille will be ithe site of the seven-week Evolution program. Ships are set to enter the shipyard according to the following schedule: AIDAmar: November...
Carnival Cruise Line recently published a video warning guests about potential fog-related delays for its ships operating out of Florida and Southern States. Featuring the company’s Weather Contributor Amy Sweezey, the video also includes tips for passengers who may face fog forecasts. “Florida is known as the ‘Sunshine State,’ but there is another winter weather...
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering up to £50 per person on cruises departing between September 2026 and April 2027, the company said in a press release. The promotion is available on new bookings made between March 17 and April 30, 2026. It applies to selected itineraries across smaller ships – the Bolette, Borealis and...
Attica Group Modernizes Fleet with Six Vessel Sales and Three Acquisitions, Enhancing their Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in the Coastal ShippingAttica Group updates its fleet with six vessel sales and three acquisitions, featuring new ships with improved energy efficiency and... Read More
In what’s becoming something of a trend at Norwegian Cruise Line, they have yet again reversed a policy shortly after implementing it. This time, it has to do with the Free at Sea drink package. And while guests will no doubt like this change more than some recent developments, the line made another announcement while will prove annoying to some, even if only temporarily.
Unpopular Drinks Package Move Reversed
Some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s recent decisions have gone over like the proverbial lead ballon. There was the downright confusing issue regarding changes to the dress code which were immediately walked back. (The policy as it now stands is still somewhat confusing, reading in part “there’s no right look, just your look.”) But any disgruntlement over sandals and shorts was quickly drowned out by news that moving forward, their popular Free at Sea drink package would not be honored at their private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay.
In fact, word began leaking that the company would begin selling a separate Great Stirrup Cay drinks package. While that plan was slated to go into effect in March, it was temporarily postponed. Although no reason was given, it seemed clear that the company — already under heavy scrutiny thanks to harsh criticism from major shockholder Elliott Investment Management — was aware of the negative reaction amongst cruisers.
Now, it seems Norwegian Cruise Line has blinked, announcing that they have not so much shelved as nixed their previous plans. Moving forward, the Free at Sea drinks package will continue to be honored at Great Stirrup Cay.
Tenders Returning to Private Island
In other Great Stirrup Cay news, Norwegian has announced plans to temporarily shut down the island’s recently-opened pier. Opened to much fanfare just before Christmas of 2025, it seemed clear from the start that this was a temporary move, especially as plans included a second pier which would allow for two vessels to visit the island at the same time.
We now know that in April, Norwegian will indeed stop using the pier for several months so that construction can be completed. While no official date has been announced, it is believed the project should be completed by early fall.
Until that time, however, ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay will once again be doing so by using tender boats to ferry guests back and forth. The timing is not particularly ideal, especially given that NCL is planning to open Great Tides Waterpark — the latest in a series of major island expansions — sometime this summer.
Next up for Great Stirrup Cay? A massive waterpark. (Rendering courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
It’s worth noting that failing to fully monetize their initial investment in Great Stirrup Cay was one of the major issues raised by Elliott Investment Management. This issue was also addressed by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings during its most recent quarterly earnings call.
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Prepare for the Ultimate Family Vacation Disney Believe Set to Debut in 2027 with Unmatched Immersive Experiences!Disney Cruise Line unveils the Disney Believe, the newest Wish-class ship launching in 2027. This new vessel will offer immersive family adventures at sea.... Read More
Quvia has unveiled its solution for large-scale data synchronization between edge and cloud. Called Quvia Sync, the solution enables companies in network-constrained environments, such as ships, to move data without disrupting operations or quality of experience (QoE), the company said in a press release. Massive volumes of operational and sensor data are generated in edge...
Unexpected Twist Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Free at Sea Perks at Great Stirrup Cay What Does This Mean for Future Cruise Deals?Norwegian Cruise Line reverses policy on drink packages at Great Stirrup Cay, extending benefits indefinitely, offering vacationers an enhanced... Read More
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Riverside Luxury Cruises Launches Shorter, Flexible Sailings for European TravelRiverside Luxury Cruises offers flexible modular sailings in Europe, allowing travelers to customize itineraries in destinations like France and Germany. The post Riverside Luxury Cruises Launches Shorter, Flexible Sailings for European... Read More
Florida Sergeant Drowns While Snorkeling in Grand Turk During Cruise VisitA Florida police sergeant tragically drowned while snorkeling in Grand Turk during a cruise visit. Learn more about the incident and the risks of water activities on cruises. The post... Read More
Riverside Luxury Cruises has designed its European itineraries around shorter, combinable sailings that give travelers greater flexibility than the traditional seven-night cruise format, the company announced in a press release. While many river cruise lines structure itineraries in fixed weekly blocks, Riverside offers sailings of three, four and five nights that can be added to...
TUI has announced a range of Mein Schiff cruises in winter 2027/28, which are set to open for booking soon, the company said in a statement. Caribbean Cruises Mein Schiff 1’s Caribbean journey begins with a 12- or 19-day cruise from Bayonne (New York), via Miami and Puerto Rico towards the ABC islands. From/to La...
StarCruises has added a fuel surcharge for cruises starting aboard the Star Voyager from Taiwan and Hong Kong. The company did the same for the Genting Dream, which is operating from Singapore under the Dream Cruises brand, according to a statement the company posted to social media. Rising fuel costs linked to the conflict in...
Corazul Cruceros recently confirmed it will launch operations in the Brazilian market during the 2026-27 winter season. During an industry event in Santos, Vice President of Sales Àlex Busquets said that the company’s arrival in the country is expected to fill a gap left by the exit of other brands. “There are markets that recently...
Blue Dream is facing mounting legal and operational problems, with lawsuits filed over unpaid wages, offices closed and its two cruise ships reportedly slated for sale, according to reports in China. The situation has escalated rapidly since the company suspended all cruise operations in late December 2025. According to court filings, the cruise operator owes...
Swan Hellenic has launched an offer enabling savings for its remaining Arctic voyages in 2026. Called “Arctic Uncovered,” the offer allows guests to save up to $3,700 per person, combining per-person reductions with $300 onboard credit per person and free wi-fi upgrades. It is valid for remaining staterooms on any Swan Hellenic 2026 Arctic voyage...
P&O Cruises has introduced new £50 per person deposits across selected 2026 holidays for bookings made between today and March 23, 2026. Eligible for new Select Price or Early Saver bookings across all cabin grades, the offer will give guests greater flexibility when booking their cruise, the company said in a statement. The promotion is...
Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay Tourism Surges with Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas Bahamas ItinerariesWonder of the Seas boosts Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay tourism with night Bahamas cruises from Miami, driving Caribbean tourism. The post Nassau... Read More
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Royal Caribbean International announced that the Quantum of the Seas will return to Singapore for the 2027-28 winter season. According to a press release, the vessel will offer a series of three- to ten-night cruises in Southeast Asia between October 2027 and March 2028. The itineraries will feature visits to destinations in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam,...
The Galveston Wharves will hold an open house to share highlights, answer questions and get public input on the port’s new 20-Year Strategic Master Plan. According to a press release, the event will take place on March 25, 2026, between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Cruise Terminal 16, 1602 Harborside Drive. A brief presentation...
The Renaissance is dropping a planned visit to Ponta Delgada in the Azores due to forecast adverse weather conditions in the region. Offering a trans-Atlantic crossing that started in Barbados, the 1993-built ship was set to visit the Portuguese archipelago on March 19, 2026. According to an update shared by Ambassador Cruise Line, the Azores...
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Silversea Silver Ray drops Funchal in Madeira from its transatlantic itinerary due to severe weather, replacing it with Leixoes as the ship heads to Lisbon.
Explora Journeys seeks a Sydney‑based ANZ Commercial Director as its ultra‑luxury fleet expands, targeting strong growth from Australia and New Zealand in 2026.
Unforgettable Croatia opens its full fleet for private charters, offering bespoke small-ship and yacht voyages along the Dalmatian coast for groups and travel trade.
AmaWaterways’ City Escapes on the Seine, Rhine and Danube offer longer port stays, quieter-season sailing and cultural immersion in Europe’s great river cities.
Royal Caribbean International revealed its plans for the 2027-28 season in Australia, which will include the debut of the new Royal Beach Club Lelepa. According to the company, the new all-inclusive private destination will open in October 2027, offering guests an “ultimate beach day like no other.” Two ships are scheduled to sail Down Under...
Holland America’s new shorter cruises to Asia in 2026 offer flexible luxurious itineraries allowing travelers to visit iconic cities without long commitments.
Holland America introduces a new 8-day Southeast Asia itinerary from Singapore, featuring stops in Port Klang, George Town, Langkawi, and Phuket, perfect for short travellers.
Holland America Line will offer a new eight-day itinerary to Southeast Asia as part of its 2027-28 winter season. According to a press release, the shorter cruise offers a rare opportunity to sail in the region with the company in less than 14 days. Sailing roundtrip from Singapore, the new itinerary will take place onboard...
TUI Cruises cancels more sailings for Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 due to Middle East conflicts. Passengers and crew are being prioritized for safety.
Explora Journeys has launched a wellbeing program onboard in collaboration with Grand Slam champion and Global Brand Ambassador Jannik Sinner. Titled “In Balance: A Jannik Sinner Ocean Wellness Program,” the program is now open for booking, the company said in a press release. It will be available across all journeys from April 24 on the...
Walt Disney Company’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro has unveiled the name and the theme of the next Disney Cruise Line ship. As the fourth in Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class, the next ship will be named the Disney Believe and is expected to join the fleet in late 2027. In a press release, the company...
A norovirus outbreak aboard Star Princess sickens nearly 200 passengers and crew on a Caribbean cruise; CDC Vessel Sanitation Program and Princess Cruises.
TUI cancels additional sailings for its Middle East cruise ships, affecting travelers' vacation plans. Read on to learn about the disruptions and impact on tourism.
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Celestyal Cruises cancels additional sailings of the Celestyal Discovery in the Eastern Mediterranean due to the Middle East conflict, offering refunds or credits to affected guests.
American Cruise Lines’ new riverboat American Encore completes sea trials and sails toward the Pacific Northwest for its inaugural Columbia and Snake River cruise season.
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Forget who won the Oscar for Best Picture or which actors were left out of the annual In Memoriam section. The thing which unexpectedly had people talking all across social media was a Disney Cruise Line commercial.
Why Disney’s Ad Hit Home
Nobody plucks at the heartstrings better than Disney. But while we’re used to that where their movies and even in-park experiences are concerned, nobody expected for a simple ad to have that impact on the viewing audience at large. Yet the moment it began, people felt themselves bracing for what was to come.
Why? The instantly-recognizable “Married Life” theme from the soundtrack of the Disney animated feature Up. For those not in the know, that beloved film opened with a sequence in which we saw a couple meet as children, fall in love, experience everything life has to offer — both the good and the bad — before the wife passed away.
To call it heart-wrenching would be a massive understatement. So to hear the music which accompanied that gorgeous sequence play immediately clued viewers in to the fact that something special was about to unfold.
Late Nights With Dad
The ad starts with a beautiful shot of a Disney ship cutting through the waters late at night. A dad whose baby isn’t able to sleep takes the child for a late-night stroll around the slumbering cruise ship. Simple enough, right? Cute, but not overly emotional.
But we then follow this father and son over the course of several years, each time on the ship, each time taking a late night stroll. “Dad,” asks the boy late one night, “can we do the walk?” Even when his offspring hits the sullen teenage years — opting to chill in the room instead of hang with the family by the pool — he still joins pop for a late night sojourn.
But it’s the final shots which really get us in the feels. As a now much older dad is laying in bed late at night, there’s a knock at the door. It’s his fully-grown son, now a dad himself, saying he and his child can’t sleep. The toddler reaches out, uttering one simple word — “Grandpa” — before we see the trio walking hand-in-hand on a moonlit night.
Cue the tears.
Don’t believe us? Check out the ad for yourself above. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Those precious moments that you will always cherish. At Disney Cruise Line, we cherish them too. Make the memories that never leave you, where magic meets th...
More than 150 cruise ship guests and crew have fallen ill during a Caribbean cruise this week.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was informed of the outbreak on March 11 and confirmed norovirus as the cause.
More than 150 guests and crew reported sick
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
The CDC reports 104 guests and 49 crew members experienced diarrhea and vomiting. According to CDC data, this is the first cruise ship norovirus outbreak confirmed this year. A previous outbreak in January was caused by E. coli.
Guests reported enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures onboard, and ill guests and crew were isolated. More than 4,300 guests are currently sailing on Star Princess, which concludes its Caribbean voyage Saturday at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.
The week-long Western Caribbean sailing departed Florida on March 7 and called at Roatán, Honduras; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.
“We quickly disinfected every area of the ship and added extra sanitizing throughout the voyage,” Princess Cruises said. “We also separated anyone feeling unwell so they could rest comfortably in private as an added precaution.”
Embarkation for the next cruise is delayed
(Photo courtesy of Port Everglades)
Princess Cruises says it will conduct an intense deep cleaning when the ship docks Saturday. Guests booked on the next departure have been notified by email that embarkation is delayed.
“As an extra precaution, the ship will undergo additional disinfection in Fort Lauderdale,” the cruise line said. Check-in will begin at 12:30 p.m., with staterooms available in the afternoon. All guests must be onboard by 4:00 p.m., and the ship will depart shortly after.
Guests are advised not to arrive before 12:30 p.m. Those with Princess hotel or transfer packages will receive updated pickup times at the hotel or airport.
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.
Saga Spirit of Discovery
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.
(Photo via Shutterstock)
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.
Oasis of the Seas at the port of Nassau, Bahamas. (Baldwin040, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
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
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.
Princess suite guests will now pay $20 per person, per day in gratuities. (Photo courtesy of Cruise Radio)
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.”
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.
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.
How do we like our lamb chops? Prepared quickly! (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
“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!
Dinner wouldn’t be complete with Melting Lava Cake! (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
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.
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
(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
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.”
Crew members take part in muster drill. (Photo by Richard Simms/CruisingTips.com)
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.
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.
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.
A drink-fueled musical set in the prohibition era was formerly featured on Norwegian Bliss.
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.
Six actually debuted on Norwegian ships before it hit Broadway. (Courtesy of NCL)
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.
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