Key Aspects: John Heald is ready for a new chapter in his career that involves less time behind a screen. Carnival’s brand ambassador will be spending less time on social media and more time interacting with guests and crew members in person. Guests will still be able to ask Heald questions via a new email,
Key Aspects: Carnival Cruise Line will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with fleetwide events. Seven ships will meet near Celebration Key for a special fireworks display, while three more will gather off San Diego. The cruise line will also honor veterans and military families with community celebrations in several homeport cities. As the United States prepares
Key Aspects: Celebrity Cruises has temporarily frozen changes to select Celebrity Reflection reservations. The cruise line is completing a system update expected to last through June 12, 2026. Guests can still access the Celebrity Cruises website and app but cannot modify bookings during the maintenance period. Anyone hoping to tweak a Celebrity Reflection booking this week may
Key Aspects: Carnival offers an annual fan sailing for followers of Brand Ambassador John Heald, which are known as the “For Fun’s Sake” cruises. In 2027, this fan sailing will be made even more exciting because it will become the first-ever President’s Cruise. Carnival President Christine Duffy will join Heald onboard, with more special guests
Key Aspects: Protesters gathered at the Port of Piraeus outside of Athens on June 3 to oppose the arrival of the Israeli-operated cruise ship Crown Iris. The demonstration occurred during Crown Iris‘ current 7-night sailing from Haifa. The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations that have followed the vessel at Greek ports
Key Aspects: There are no car rental offices located on-site at PortMiami. The closest car rental offices to PortMiami include Avis, Hertz, and Budget. You can also rent a car at Miami International Airport and book (paid) shuttle transportation between the airport and cruise terminals. There are no car rental offices directly located at the Miami cruise port, aka PortMiami. However, that doesn’t mean you’re not in luck when
Key Aspects: Santorini has approved a new rule requiring more cruise passengers to come ashore through Fira Bay. The change could lead to longer waits on busy cruise days. The policy is part of broader efforts to manage more than 1.2 million cruise visitors. Getting from a cruise ship to Santorini’s famous clifftop villages could
Key Aspects: Workers blocked the main access road leading to the Costa Maya cruise port. The protest forced the cancellation of shore excursions for cruise passengers. Demonstrators say they are owed money from Royal Caribbean, which took over the port in 2025. Cruise passengers arriving in Costa Maya on June 1, 2026, expected a typical
Key Aspects: The CDC reported a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard National Geographic Sea Bird, a US-flagged ship. Nine passengers and three crew members were affected. The cause of the outbreak remains unknown. Passengers on a small-ship expedition cruise in Alaska got a little more than they bargained for after a gastrointestinal illness spread among guests and
Key Aspects: The search for Wang Zyuan, who vanished during a cruise ship call in St. Kitts, has ended in tragedy. An intensive, multi-day search concluded with rescuers finding Wang’s body on Mt. Liamuiga. Caribbean authorities thanked the various organizations and volunteers who worked tirelessly to try to rescue the lost hiker. The hunt for
Key Aspects: RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay celebrated its major expansion on June 1, 2026, following a massive renovation. Guests will find expanded beach facilities, new dining venues, and upgraded amenities across the island. The project added a new pier that allows Carnival Cruise Line’s largest ships to visit. One of the Caribbean’s most recognizable
Key Aspects: Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady returned to service following a two-week dry dock. The ship received major upgrades and overhauls, including a brand new dining venue. She went right back into service, offering Mediterranean and European itineraries through Autumn 2026. Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady is back and better than ever following a two-week dry
