Key Aspects: The 6-acre Great Tides Waterpark will open on Great Stirrup Cay in the summer of 2026. The new waterpark will feature 19 slides, a lazy river, cliff jumps, children’s play areas, and more. Additional enhancements to the private island will begin opening later this year. Just over a year ago, Norwegian Cruise Line
Key Aspects: A cruise guest died onboard Carnival Dream during a Western Caribbean sailing on July 23, 2025. The FBI is now in the middle of conducting an investigation into the death. Carnival Cruise Line confirmed in a statement that the death isn’t suspicious, and the standard protocols are simply being followed. Carnival Dream returned
Key Aspects: Star of the Seas departed Cadiz, Spain on July 27 and is now making her way across the Atlantic Ocean. Artwork installation, crew training, stunt practices, and more are all happening onboard without guests. The ship’s first four cruises are showcase sailings ahead of her inaugural 7-night voyage on August 31. Every “loyal
Key Aspects: A guest has asked if Carnival’s onboard fitness centers could be open earlier than 7 a.m. Gym hours are typically 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., but do vary slightly across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. John Heald has explained that instructors must be present whenever the gym is open for guests. The early
Cruisers who grew up watching The Love Boat in the 1970s and 1980s once again have a chance to set sail with the brand that inspired the hit TV show on a special themed voyage in November 2025. But now, they will be thrilled to learn that some new original cast members are joining the fun. Princess
Key Aspects: Viral video shows a guest falling over the railing and outside Icon of the Seas‘ Hideaway Pool on Deck 15. A small walkway and second safety railing undoubtedly saved the guest’s life following their reckless behavior. The incident occurred on the same sailing when a crewmember tragically jumped overboard and was not able
Key Aspects: Norwegian Getaway‘s October 29, 2025 cruise now has two Bahamas ports cancelled and the ship will visit Cozumel instead. Berth availability is cited as the reason for the dramatic itinerary change, but no further details are provided. Cruise lines reserve the right to alter itineraries at any time, and port of call changes
Key Aspects: Amendments to Mexico’s wildlife laws now prohibit some signature interactions with captive dolphins, with Royal Caribbean now informing booked guests. Less intrusive activities with dolphins will still be available and tours are still being offered. These changes are not unlike other laws to protect sloths and monkeys in Honduras or other wildlife, such
Key Aspects: A Carnival guest has complained that profanity and sexual innuendos don’t belong on the family-friendly cruise line even at adults-only comedy. John Heald has noted that jokes often come at the expense of a victim, no matter what the type of gag. Carnival Cruise Line offers plenty of alternative activities suitable for all
Key Aspects: The Catania Cruise Port has added a third pier for cruise ships as port authorities strive to make the Sicilian destination a top Mediterranean cruise port. The new pier is large and deep enough to welcome multiple modern mega-ships at once, which will enhance the port’s capacity significantly. As the Italian port continues
Key Aspects: The Netflix docuseries “Amy Bradley is Missing” is the second most watched show on the platform globally. After watching the now-viral series, viewers have been rallying for justice for Amy and debating how safe cruises really are. Ultimately, the likelihood of going missing during a cruise is extremely low and not something most
Are you ready for Cruise Hive’s comprehensive weekly news recap? Of course you are, so let’s dig in! Top headlines this week include the grand opening of the long-awaited Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island destination, and the updating of Princess Cruises’ two add-on packages, Premier and Plus. Also, find out which cruise
