Key Aspects: Sara Taskoski, a beloved member of Carnival’s Fun Squad, has just been promoted to cruise director. Taskoski has been working her way up in the cruise company for the past 4.5 years. She is currently leading the fun onboard Carnival Firenze and will be assigned to Carnival Freedom later this year. Years of
Key Aspects: American Cruise Lines’ American Independence broke free from its moorings during a visit to Rockland, Maine, due to strong winds. Four passengers, who were using the ship’s gangway, fell into the water and were rescued. The ship drifted in the windstorm and collided with the pier at Safe Harbor. Four cruise passengers took
Key Aspects: A gastrointestinal illness outbreak was confirmed aboard National Geographic Sea Bird on July 12. 18 of the 62 onboard passengers were affected with symptoms including vomiting and abdominal pain, although the cause is unknown. This is the third outbreak for National Geographic Sea Bird in 2026. Another outbreak of gastrointestinal illness was confirmed
Key Aspects: Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled new looks at a few redesigned spaces aboard Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem. The ships now feature an upgraded spa, adults-only Vibe Beach Club, and Starbucks Coffee. Norwegian Jade sails Alaska itineraries through the end of Summer 2026, while Norwegian Gem offers Mediterranean cruises through November 2026. Norwegian
Key Aspects: Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald has made it clear that room service breakfasts aren’t going anywhere. Instead of placing orders via paper door hangers, guests must call room service to place their orders for the following day. The continental breakfast service is complimentary and available between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10
Key Aspects: A British cruise guest was found unconscious on the deck of his cruise ship while sailing near Crete, Greece. Despite medical intervention, the passenger was declared dead at a hospital in Chania. Chania Port Authorities are investigating the sudden death, though no foul play is suspected. A cruise vacation has come to a
Key Aspects: Carnival Adventure’s visit to Mystery Island on July 11, 2026 was cancelled due to a delay. The delay was caused by a technical issue closing the ship’s pontoon door before departing from Port Vila. Guests were compensated with onboard credit, and all shore excursions on Mystery Island were refunded. Guests aboard Carnival Adventure
Key Aspects: Turks and Caicos issued an official response to the updated US travel advisory for the Caribbean destination. Officials reaffirmed the destination’s commitment to safety and highlighted the nation’s progress in lowering crime rates. The US government classifies the severity of the risk as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.” The US Department of State
Key Aspects: Royal Caribbean will continue to avoid Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027 due to ongoing safety concerns. 62 port calls were scheduled for the first half of next year, including from the newest Icon-class ships. Labadee is being replaced with other destinations throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean will continue to steer
Key Aspects: Neither Crown Princess nor Oceania Vista were able to visit St. John’s (Newfoundland-Labrador), Canada, on July 14, 2026. According to port authorities, the double call was cancelled due to forecasted bad weather. Per cruise tracking data, both vessels spent the day at sea and are en route to their next port calls. Thousands
Key Aspects: Port Canaveral in Florida has shared additional information on two improvement projects. Terminal 5 is getting a complete overhaul and redesign, expanding passenger capacity and accommodating larger ships. Updates were also shared regarding construction of the massive 13-story parking structure adjacent to Terminal 6. Port Canaveral in Florida just shared additional information on
Holland America continues to push ahead with its Evolution program to upgrade its fleet. The next ship being focused on is the Zuiderdam, with the cruise line releasing new renderings and details about the upgrade. Details released by the Carnival-owned cruise line include the Bridgeview and Pinnacle Suite. The enhanced exclusive suites will debut once
