It has been a busy week in cruise news, and we’re here to ensure you don’t miss any of the major stories! A shore excursion in Nassau ended in a federal lawsuit, Carnival and Holland America have both pulled out of Tracy Arm Fjord for the Alaska season, and a passenger death aboard Anthem of
Key Aspects: Norwegian Luna was officially christened in Miami on March 27, 2026. Her godmother, ELLE, was responsible for both breaking the ceremonial bottle and for designing the celestial hull art. The newest NCL ship will begin her career at sea in the Caribbean. After more than a year of anticipation, Norwegian Luna has officially
Key Aspects: Norwegian Aqua will arrive in New York on April 18, 2026, for the first sailing in a seasonal deployment. Norwegian Cruise Line notified guests that her afternoon arrival is set for 3 p.m. Passengers were cautioned that the cruise terminal would not open until that time. Most cruise ships arrive at their homeports
Key Aspects: Carnival Corporation revealed a double-digit rise in bookings in the first quarter of 2026. The company’s eight brands had record revenues of $6.2 billion. Occupancy rates across the lines held steady at 103%. Carnival Corporation reported a first-quarter bonanza on March 27, 2026, with results showing bookings for the year up by double
Key Aspects: Miami officials are considering a train service to alleviate traffic between the airport and the cruise port. Two proposed rail lines are being considered. The project is estimated to cost between $600 million and $800 million. Miami-Dade transportation officials are considering recommendations for a non-stop train service connecting Miami International Airport and PortMiami.
Key Aspects: Norwegian Cruise Line has revised its Happy Birthday Cabin Decoration package. Instead of a six-inch cake, the package will now include a free frame and photograph. If guests would still like to celebrate with a cake in their cabins, there are options available to purchase a half or full sheet cake. A cruise
Key Aspects: The wave of enhancements for Great Stirrup Cay, including a new waterpark and pier, will be completed by the end of 2026. Norwegian Cruise Line is now advising guests visiting the private island in 2027 on what they need to know to make the most of their visit. This included clarifying information about
Key Aspects: Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas is currently operating a transatlantic crossing from Galveston to Barcelona. Guests will experience seven different time changes during their sailing. Each adjustment, most of which are in the afternoon, moves the ship time one hour ahead. Adjusting to daylight saving time is hard enough twice a year,
Key Aspects: US Coast Guardsmen facilitated two medical evacuations from Carnival ships in one day. The evacuations were from Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Valor on March 20, 2026. Videos of both medevacs were posted on social media. It was a busy day on March 20, 2026, for US Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans, thanks
Key Aspects: A cruise ship crew member was arrested in Florida and then deported. The arrest followed a charge of shoplifting while the worker was on shore leave. Local and federal officials detained the employee at Port Canaveral. In an unusual incident at Port Canaveral, a cruise ship crew member was arrested, detained, and then
Key Aspects: The war on Iran has caused fuel prices to skyrocket, which is impacting the cruise industry. One Asian cruise brand has already introduced fuel surcharges of up to $25 USD per guest, per day. It would not be surprising if the mainstream cruise lines followed suit with their own surcharges or by increasing
Key Aspects: A passenger unexpectedly died during Anthem of the Seas’ current New Zealand cruise. New Zealand Police were immediately notified and began an investigation into the sudden death. Unrelated, the ship also suffered a last-minute itinerary change due to poor weather. Anthem’s of the Seas’ current sailing to New Zealand, which only just embarked
