Key Aspects: Global cruise passenger numbers reached a record 37.2 million in 2025. The cruise market is expanding worldwide, led by the US with 20.6 million passengers. The Caribbean remains the dominant cruise region, accounting for about 43 percent of global deployments. Cruising continues to draw more guests, with passenger numbers reaching a new milestone
Key Aspects: Carnival is now offering four SEA cruises from the West Coast aboard Carnival Firenze. The adults-only cruises all depart from Long Beach, California in October and November 2026. Bookings are now open for any registered guests, not just casino members, but are expected to sell out quickly. Carnival Cruise Line’s adults-only SEA cruises
Key Aspects: Holland America Line is planning to revitalize 6 ships with the biggest project ever in their history. Oosterdam will be the first ship to undergo Holland America Evolution work, debuting in 2027. New staterooms, suites, and the Grand Dutch Cafe are part of the $500 million updating plans for the ships. Holland America
Key Aspects: Norwegian Dawn received a CDC sanitation score of 84, below the passing threshold of 86. Inspectors documented food safety issues, including improperly cooled products and contaminated equipment. The crew addressed many problems during the inspection. A routine health inspection by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn an
Key Aspects: Sun Princess had a close encounter with a military submarine in the Mediterranean this week. There was no interaction between the vessels but the surfaced sub provided great views to guests. Submarine sightings are rare for cruise guests, but there are other ways to enjoy these unique naval vessels. A favorite pastime of
While you might envision cruise ship captains standing on the bridge, steering ships in and out of port via a massive wheel, the reality is a lot less dramatic, but definitely more technologically interesting. That’s right. Modern ships, cruise or otherwise, do not use steering wheels in the traditional sense. Instead, they use highly technical,
Key Aspects: Norwegian Dawn will be debarking in Tarragona, Spain rather than Lisbon, Portugal on October 4, 2026. The ship’s Barcelona departure on September 27 is unchanged, but the port visit to Portimao is also dropped. Guests are being offered onboard credit, future cruise credits, and travel reimbursement as compensation. How would you feel if
Key Aspects: Norwegian Cruise Line reached a multistate settlement over how it marketed cruises and handled cancellations during the early months of COVID-19. The cruise line is cited with sales tactics promoting cruises as a safe option. NCL will pay the states $2 million and introduce new training for customers. Cruising shut down worldwide in
Key Aspects: MSC Cruises is raising hotel service fees for all guests beginning May 11, 2026. Rates will go up by $1 per guest, per night for standard staterooms and $3 for MSC Yacht Club staterooms. Guests can adjust their gratuity rates onboard if they do not receive satisfactory service during their cruise. Following similar
Key Aspects: MSC Cruises’ Baby Care service is no longer free for guests across the fleet. Full pricing and terms have not been disclosed for the previously included service. Other cruise lines already charge fees for nursery care and after-hours babysitting. Parents planning the ultimate family getaway aboard MSC Cruises ships have discovered the quiet
Key Aspects: The 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner has been charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse. 18-year-old Kepner was killed onboard Carnival Horizon in early November 2025. Kepner’s stepbrother will face a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted. Five months after the tragic death of Anna Kepner during a family vacation aboard
Key Aspects: Costa Smeralda will skip its April 15 call in La Goulette, Tunisia, due to forecast wind conditions that could make it unsafe to dock. The Tunisia stop has been replaced with a port call in Cagliari, Sardinia. Shore excursions in La Goulette were automatically cancelled and refunded, with new tours available for booking in
