200 stories

Cruise News

Ship launches, itinerary changes, deals, and port updates, written for cruise travelers.

New Ship

Holland America Adds Arcadia as Cunard’s Queen Anne Moves to P&O Cruises

Holland America Line will add the adults-only ship Arcadia to its fleet in late 2029, expanding to 12 vessels and marking the line's first major fleet addition since 2021. The ship has an unusual history: originally ordered by Holland America in 2000 as a Vista-class vessel, she was reassigned to Cunard before her 2005 launch and has sailed as P&O Cruises' Arcadia for more than two decades. Now she's returning to Holland America as the company looks to grow faster without waiting for newly built ships. The swap involves all three Carnival UK brands. Arcadia will complete her final P&O season in August 2029, then rejoin Holland America alongside four sister ships. The line will add more than 2,000 passenger berths to its fleet. Meanwhile, Cunard's Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024, will transfer to P&O Cruises in May 2029 after a comprehensive redesign and renaming. The Queen Anne was built on the Pinnacle-class design that Holland America uses, so the arrangement suits both lines operationally. Holland America plans to put Arcadia through the same extensive modernization program reshaping its existing Vista and Signature-class vessels. Sister ship Oosterdam will debut her upgrades in fall 2027, with Zuiderdam following in April 2028. Specific improvements for Arcadia will be finalized over the coming months. For passengers, this means Holland America can offer more sailing options and itineraries sooner than waiting years for a new ship to be built. P&O gains a more contemporary vessel with modern amenities to help attract new customers. Originally reported by Cruise Radio, Doug Parker (October 6, 2026).

7 Oct 2026Cruise Radio

Read the full story

Latest

New Ship

Crystal Serenity to Debut New Suites After 2028 Dry Dock

Crystal Serenity is getting a luxury upgrade. During its scheduled 2028 dry dock, the all-suite ship will add one new Crystal Owner's Suite and four Junior Penthouse Premium Suites to Deck 11, expanding options for high-end travelers booking the vessel. The new Crystal Owner's Suite will be a two-bedroom accommodation designed by naval architect Paolo Piccione, featuring a private veranda, wooden floors, custom wool carpets, and handcrafted cabinetry. The living room includes a library and fireplace. The dining area opens to ocean views and comes with a butler pantry and personalized bar service. The primary bedroom has a king-size bed and two walk-in closets, while a marble-lined bathroom includes a Jacuzzi. A second bedroom offers its own walk-in closet and bathroom. The suite also features a Hi-Fi entertainment system and Technogym equipment with personalized coaching. The four new Junior Penthouse Premium Suites draw design inspiration from Crystal Symphony. Located midship alongside the ship's existing six Junior Penthouse Deluxe Suites, they arrive as part of the same renovation. Both new suite types debut on May 5, 2028. For passengers on Crystal Serenity, these additions mean more high-end cabin options without disrupting the ship's existing aesthetic. The 2028 timing gives travelers ample advance notice to plan around the dry dock period. Originally reported by Porthole Cruise and Travel, Julie Bouchner (October 5, 2026).

6 Oct

New Ship

Carnival Radiance Back in Service With New Bow Crest After Dry Dock

Carnival Radiance emerged from a 15-day dry dock in Victoria, British Columbia, with refreshed cabins, updated public spaces, and a striking new bow crest. The 2,984-passenger ship returned to service from Long Beach on October 3, 2026, sporting the "From Sea to Shining Sea" crest that Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out across its fleet. The new bow emblem reinforces Carnival's identity as America's Cruise Line, featuring the iconic Carnival funnel alongside patriotic imagery. Carnival's president, Christine Duffy, noted the crest reflects the line's coast-to-coast reach and the communities it serves. Only Carnival Jubilee and the forthcoming Carnival Tropicale will retain the Star of Texas crest, emphasizing their Texas homeport connection. Beyond the exterior makeover, Carnival Radiance received interior updates including a refreshed Effy jewelry boutique with new lighting and display cases, alongside renewed flooring, decking, and lighting in public areas and open decks. Standard dry dock maintenance also addressed hull painting and technical systems to keep the ship operating smoothly. The ship now returns to its Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, and Baja Mexico itineraries. For passengers booking future sailings on Carnival Radiance or other fleet ships, expect to see the new bow crest become standard as each vessel cycles through dry dock. The visual refresh signals a subtle branding shift while the interior updates ensure cabins and public spaces remain modern and well-maintained. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (October 5, 2026).

6 Oct

Itinerary

Celebrity Summit Starts Repositioning Voyage to Tampa

Celebrity Summit Repositions to Tampa for Winter Caribbean Season Celebrity Cruises' 91,000-ton Summit has begun its 17-night repositioning voyage from Los Angeles to Tampa, kicking off the ship's winter schedule. The ship departed California on October 1 and will arrive in Tampa by October 18, visiting Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Colombia en route through the Panama Canal before reaching ports in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Once based in Tampa, the Summit will operate a mix of seven-night itineraries through the winter months. The inaugural sailing from the new homeport features calls at Bimini, Nassau, and Key West in the Bahamas. Subsequent voyages will explore the Western Caribbean, including Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City, Roatán, Progreso, and George Town. A special jazz-themed chartered sailing is planned from Tampa to New Orleans in January 2027. The 1,950-passenger ship marked 25 years in service earlier this year. Originally launched in 2001 as part of Celebrity's Millennium class, the Summit underwent a major modernization in 2019, which included new stateroom designs, reimagined dining venues, and upgraded bars and lounges. The ship will return to the West Coast via repositioning cruise in April 2027. Passengers seeking winter-season Caribbean cruises now have a direct Tampa departure point for Western and Bahamas-based itineraries without the need for fly-to ports. Celebrity's Tampa deployment adds flexibility for travelers across Florida and the Southeast. Originally reported by Cruise Maven, Cruise Maven News (October 4, 2026).

5 Oct

Itinerary

Brilliant Lady Drops Port as Hurricane Rachel Swells Linger

Virgin Voyages has replaced Cabo San Lucas with Ensenada on Brilliant Lady's October 3 departure from Los Angeles, citing unsafe tendering conditions left by Hurricane Rachel. Though the storm has moved away from the ship's route, lingering ocean swell remains too rough for safe passenger transfers between the ship and shore. Cabo San Lucas lacks a cruise terminal and relies on tender boats to ferry guests, making rough seas particularly hazardous. The port has been closed since September 30 with no reopening date announced. Brilliant Lady's original 7-night Mexican Riviera itinerary included Cabo on October 5, Mazatlan on October 6, and Puerto Vallarta on October 7. The revised schedule adds Ensenada on October 4 and replaces the Cabo call with a sea day, preserving three days ashore in Mexico. All other ports and the October 10 return to Los Angeles remain unchanged. This marks the second consecutive Brilliant Lady sailing disrupted by hurricane activity. The September 26 departure was substantially rerouted due to Hurricane Polo, which forced cancellations of Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta in favor of San Francisco, San Diego, and Ensenada. For passengers booked on affected sailings, understanding port substitution policies and advance notice procedures helps clarify what to expect. Cruise lines typically offer onboard credits or other compensation for cancelled ports, though terms vary by booking and line. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Calvin Musquez (October 2, 2026).

5 Oct

Itinerary

Holland America Makes Multiple Changes to 35-Day Zaandam Voyage

Holland America Line is making last-minute changes to the Zaandam's 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas cruise departing San Diego on October 15, 2026. The ship has swapped the order of calls to Raiatea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia, now visiting Raiatea on November 3 and Bora Bora on November 4, reversing the original schedule. The line says this change means Zaandam will be the only large ship in port during both visits, reducing crowding and improving access to shore excursions and local transportation. Guests will also get an earlier departure from Bora Bora, allowing time to enjoy a sunset sailaway. However, other adjustments are less welcome. Holland America confirmed the ship must operate at reduced speed during portions of the voyage and has canceled the call to Tabuaeran in Kiribati scheduled for October 29. The cruise line did not publicly explain the reasons for these changes, though the Zaandam experienced confirmed propulsion difficulties in June 2026. Passengers are also concerned about strong Pacific El Niño conditions and how weather or mechanical issues might further affect the itinerary. The port reshuffling illustrates how cruise lines must balance weather, mechanical readiness, and passenger experience when managing complex multi-week itineraries. Travelers booked on this sailing should monitor their email for additional updates and consider contacting Holland America directly if changes affect their travel plans or shore excursion bookings. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (October 3, 2026).

3 Oct

New Ship

Royal Caribbean Brings The SpongeBob Musical to Hero of the Seas

Royal Caribbean will premiere an at-sea adaptation of the Tony Award-winning SpongeBob Musical aboard Hero of the Seas starting in August 2027. The show will headline the Royal Theater when the ship debuts from Miami with Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. This marks the first time the Broadway hit will perform on a cruise ship. The production features music from major artists including the late David Bowie, Steven Tyler, Cyndi Lauper, and Panic! at the Disco. The story follows SpongeBob and friends as they race to save Bikini Bottom from a volcanic eruption. Royal Caribbean will adapt the stage show for the smaller theater space, though the cruise line has not yet disclosed the runtime or exact performance schedule. Hero of the Seas is the fourth Icon Class vessel and recently completed its initial float-out in Finland. The Icon Class has established itself as a family-focused fleet, with Icon of the Seas already debuting its own Broadway adaptation. Royal Caribbean's track record with theatrical productions at sea includes Mamma Mia! aboard Allure of the Seas and Hairspray on Symphony of the Seas. For families, this addition signals that Hero of the Seas will deliver entertainment options beyond standard ship productions. Passengers booking this ship can expect a higher-caliber show experience, though Royal Caribbean has not confirmed whether this production will move to other vessels in the future. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Calvin Musquez (October 2, 2026).

3 Oct

Incident

Royal Caribbean Guests Lose the Cabins They Picked on Ovation of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is reassigning staterooms on Ovation of the Seas without offering refunds to guests who paid extra to secure specific cabins. Affected passengers, including those booked on the ship's October 12 sailing to Catalina and Ensenada, have received notifications that their assigned staterooms must be adjusted due to "occupancy requirements," even though they booked exact cabins months in advance. The cruise line is placing reassigned guests into guarantee (GTY) status while finalizing new cabin assignments. This creates a frustration point for passengers who paid premium prices for specific stateroom selections. One guest reported paying an additional $300 to choose their exact cabin but now faces the same guarantee status as someone who booked a lower-price category from the start, with no compensation for the difference or loss of cabin choice. Royal Caribbean's notification promises that passengers will receive either a same-category cabin or an upgrade. However, multiple guests sailing on the 4,234-passenger ship report mixed results from previous reassignments, with some receiving compensation while others did not. The lack of consistent communication about what "upgraded category" means or whether any credit applies has left booked passengers uncertain about their final accommodations. For cruise passengers, this highlights the importance of understanding your cruise line's stateroom reassignment policy before booking. While cabin changes can happen for operational reasons, knowing your rights and what compensation applies helps manage expectations for your voyage. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (October 1, 2026).

2 Oct

New Ship

Disney Offers a Glimpse into Wonders Drydock

Disney Cruise Line recently completed a major five-year drydock of the Disney Wonder in Canada, giving passengers a rare look at the extensive work that keeps cruise ships refreshed. Nearly 1,000 crew and cast members spent 14 days overhauling the vessel, laying over 12 miles of new carpet, applying sustainable hull coating, and completing more than 100 projects throughout the ship. Drydocks happen roughly every five years across Disney's fleet and combine essential maintenance with guest-focused improvements. The Wonder joins recently upgraded sister ships Disney Magic and Fantasy, with the Fantasy having undergone its own drydock last October in Europe following its inaugural summer season. Disney's design team, including Walt Disney Imagineering, plays a central role in the process, focusing on how each space can become more immersive and functional based on how guests actually use the ship. The company says the investment pays off: nearly 90 percent of Disney Cruise Line guests rate their experience as excellent. Some upgrades are invisible to travelers, like efficiency improvements and sustainability measures, but others directly enhance onboard life through refreshed decor, redesigned areas, and new storytelling elements woven into the ship's spaces. For cruise passengers, drydock cycles matter because they signal when to expect a ship at its freshest. If a Disney ship hasn't undergone drydock recently, its next scheduled maintenance could mean temporary itinerary adjustments, so checking the timing of your booking against the drydock calendar helps ensure you sail with a recently updated vessel. Originally reported by Cruise Maven, Cruise Maven News (October 1, 2026).

1 Oct

Incident

Every Cruise Ship Impacted By Hurricane Rachel So Far

Hurricane season on Mexico's west coast is forcing major itinerary changes for multiple cruise ships this week. Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady, departing Los Angeles on October 3, faces a possible reroute as Hurricane Rachel strengthens and tracks northwest toward Baja California. The cruise line has prepared an alternative itinerary but has not yet released details to passengers. Virgin Voyages said the storm's path could bring Brilliant Lady close enough to Baja California on Sunday night into Monday morning to warrant precautions, though no revised route has been officially announced. Carnival Panorama has already been hit twice by weather disruptions. Originally rerouted due to Hurricane Polo, the ship sailing from Long Beach on September 26 saw its second adjustment this week due to Rachel. The ship has now cancelled calls to La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, instead returning to Ensenada on October 1 before heading back to Long Beach on October 4. The vessel will spend October 2 and 3 at sea. Passengers on Carnival Panorama are receiving a $300 onboard credit per stateroom and extra onboard entertainment to offset the cancelled ports. Carnival is also making similar adjustments to other ships in the region, including Carnival Miracle on the same September 26 sailing. Travelers booked on these voyages should expect further updates as the storm's path becomes clearer. Most cruise lines monitor hurricanes closely and communicate changes quickly to minimize passenger disruption, though significant itinerary revisions like these are a known risk during peak Atlantic and eastern Pacific hurricane season. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Emrys Thakkar (September 30, 2026).

1 Oct

New Ship

Carnival Festivale Reaches Major Milestone as Ship Floats Out

Carnival Festivale has officially floated out at Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, marking a major construction milestone for Carnival Cruise Line's fourth Excel-class ship. The 182,015-gross-ton vessel will debut on May 2, 2027, with a 15-day transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Port Canaveral, calling at La Coruña, Vigo, Madeira, Tenerife, and Grand Turk before settling into year-round Florida sailings. The float-out follows steel-cutting in April 2025, keel-laying in August 2025, and engine installation in March 2026. Though the ship is now afloat, significant work remains: Meyer Werft will continue interior outfitting and system installation before Festivale undergoes sea trials to test navigation, propulsion, and maneuverability. Festivale joins Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee as the Excel-class fleet expands. Carnival has not yet announced the specific delivery date in spring 2027, though the May 2 maiden voyage departure is confirmed. Passengers booking this inaugural transatlantic crossing will experience one of the newest ships in the Carnival fleet, equipped with the latest technology from Meyer Werft's German shipyard. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Calvin Musquez (September 29, 2026).

30 Sep

Incident

Steaming Water Floods Hallway on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas

A burst water line flooded a passenger corridor aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas early on September 29, but crew response prevented major disruption. The incident, which occurred shortly before 7 a.m. on the fourth day of a five-night Western Caribbean cruise, sent hot water streaming across a carpeted hallway. One passenger who witnessed and filmed the event estimated only two staterooms sustained water damage. The guest, a veteran of 92 cruises, noted that the water was hot enough to create steam on her phone but praised the crew for their swift action. Within two hours, affected carpeting had been removed and drying equipment was deployed in the flooded stateroom. No injuries were reported. The cause of the line failure remains unclear, and Royal Caribbean has not issued a public statement about the incident. The ship, carrying nearly 5,700 passengers, departed Port Canaveral on September 26 and was en route to Cozumel when the incident occurred. No changes to the itinerary have been announced. For cruise travelers, the incident underscores how modern ships are equipped with rapid-response protocols for water damage. While plumbing issues are rare, the speed of crew intervention here suggests passengers can expect professional handling should any shipboard emergency occur during their voyage. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Calvin Musquez (September 29, 2026).

30 Sep

Deal

Princess Cruises Raises Plus and Premier Package Prices, Changes Wi-Fi Plans

Princess Cruises is raising its beverage and dining package prices by $5 per person per day starting October 13, pushing Princess Plus to $70 daily and Princess Premier to $105 when booked before sailing. The increases apply to all ships, with Sun Princess and Star Princess commanding a $5 premium, bringing those to $75 and $110 respectively. This marks the second price hike in 15 months, following a similar adjustment in July 2025. The cruise line is simultaneously restructuring its Wi-Fi offerings. The standalone four-device plan is being discontinued, forcing guests who previously shared one plan across multiple devices to either purchase two separate plans or upgrade to Premier. A new two-device option launches at $39.99 per day if purchased pre-cruise, climbing to $47.99 for a full voyage onboard. Single-device pricing also increases to $27.99 pre-cruise and $33.99 onboard. Waiting to buy Wi-Fi once aboard carries a steep penalty: one-day single-device passes cost $39.99, a $12 premium over the pre-cruise rate. Couples and families will feel the impact most acutely. Those accustomed to sharing a single four-device plan across phones and laptops now face higher costs unless they upgrade to Premier. Princess positions the changes as service improvements while noting commission advantages for travel advisors, following similar messaging during a January 2024 Wi-Fi price increase. Cruisers planning sailings after mid-October should factor these higher costs into their budgets. Booking packages before departure remains the most economical choice, particularly for Wi-Fi access. Originally reported by Cruise Radio, Heather Baxter (September 28, 2026).

29 Sep

Deal

Princess Cruises Hikes Package Prices and Shakes Up WiFi Plans

Princess Cruises is raising the price of its two most popular onboard packages by $5 per person per day, effective for cruises departing October 13, 2026 or later. Princess Plus will jump from $65 to $70 if booked before the cruise, or $70 to $75 if purchased onboard. Princess Premier climbs from $100 to $105 pre-cruise and $105 to $110 onboard. Guests sailing on Sun Princess and Star Princess will see even steeper increases, with Plus reaching $75 pre-cruise and $80 onboard, and Premier hitting $110 pre-cruise and $115 onboard. Both packages bundle major onboard expenses: beverages, casual dining, WiFi, room service, and crew tips. Premier adds unlimited specialty restaurants, shore excursion credits, reserved theater seating, and photo packages. The cruise line emphasized in a statement to travel agents that crew gratuities included in these packages will still go directly to crew members. Princess is also adjusting standalone WiFi pricing. A new two-device plan is being introduced, while the four-device option will be discontinued for standalone purchases (though it remains bundled with Premier). The company did not announce any cuts to package benefits alongside the price bump. This marks the second increase in 15 months for these packages. Passengers considering a Princess cruise should factor in higher bundled package costs when budgeting, particularly if they typically purchase Princess Plus or Premier. Booking before the October 13 cutoff will lock in current rates. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Calvin Musquez (September 28, 2026).

29 Sep

Incident

Tributes Pour In for Longtime Carnival Cruise Line Captain

Captain Francesco "Ciccio" La Farina, a longtime commander of Carnival cruise ships including Carnival Freedom and Carnival Magic, died on September 26 following a battle with cancer. His friend Jorge Solano announced the passing on Facebook, writing "Fair winds and following seas, Captain" in a tribute that sparked an outpouring of remembrances from colleagues and cruise passengers across social media. La Farina's maritime career spanned more than two decades, beginning in 1999. He earned respect among crew and passengers for his professionalism and humility. In 2024, he handled a challenging situation with composure when strong winds forced Carnival Magic to strike the pier in Ocho Rios, requiring the ship to briefly depart while guests were still ashore. La Farina kept passengers informed throughout the overnight delay, and no injuries occurred. According to a Facebook post by Linda Spanky Warhaftig, Carnival provided significant support to La Farina during his illness, going beyond any corporate obligation. She described the company's assistance during that difficult time as "impressive." La Farina was surrounded by family during his final moments, according to Solano. For cruise passengers, La Farina's passing underscores the often-unseen human dedication of ship captains who manage complex operations and passenger safety daily. His colleagues remembered him as a skilled leader whose calm leadership extended to both routine voyages and unexpected crises alike. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Calvin Musquez (September 28, 2026).

28 Sep

Itinerary

Carnival Panorama Cancels Ports as Hurricane Polo Threatens Mexico

Carnival Cruise Line has rerouted the Carnival Panorama due to Hurricane Polo, a powerful Category 5 storm bearing down on Mexico's Pacific coast. The ship will no longer visit Puerto Vallarta on September 29 or Mazatlan on September 30, replacing those stops with a single port call in Ensenada on September 28. Guests on the September 26 sailing from Long Beach, California were notified of the changes on September 25. The revised itinerary still includes calls at La Paz on October 1 and Cabo San Lucas on October 2, with a return to Long Beach on October 4 as scheduled. Carnival said it would continue monitoring the hurricane and make additional changes if needed. Shore excursions booked for the cancelled ports will be refunded to passengers' onboard accounts. New excursions are available for Ensenada. Hurricane Polo carried maximum sustained winds of 175 miles per hour and sat about 380 miles south of Cabo San Lucas at the time of Carnival's advisory. The storm was moving west-northwest at 10 miles per hour. For cruise passengers, hurricane-season reroutes are common and usually unavoidable. While losing two ports is disappointing, Carnival's decision prioritizes safety and preserves most of the itinerary. Travelers who booked excursions will see refunds applied automatically, but should confirm details with their travel agent or the cruise line directly. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Emrys Thakkar (September 26, 2026).

28 Sep

Itinerary

Oasis of the Seas Skips Port Canaveral as Nor’easter Fallout Continues

A nor'easter affecting New York operations has forced Royal Caribbean to adjust the September 27, 2026 Oasis of the Seas sailing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey. The ship's previous cruise is running 10 hours late returning to port, creating a cascade of changes for the next departure. Boarding for the 7-night Bahamas cruise will not begin until 8 p.m., significantly later than the originally scheduled 10 a.m. start. Guests must arrive during their assigned time slot between 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., and the ship requests that passengers do not arrive early, warning that early arrivals will be turned away and asked to return later. All passengers must be checked in and aboard by 11:30 p.m. Airport transfers have been rescheduled to depart at 8 p.m. to match the new boarding window. To accommodate the late start, Oasis of the Seas will skip her scheduled Port Canaveral stop on Tuesday, September 29 and replace it with a sea day. The ship will arrive in Nassau at 7:30 a.m. instead of the previously planned time. Guests with pre-booked shore excursions or packages at Port Canaveral will receive pro-rated refunds as onboard credit for the missed day. For passengers already booked on this sailing, Royal Caribbean has sent updated embarkation instructions via email. Travelers should confirm their new arrival time and adjust ground transportation accordingly to account for the 8 p.m. boarding start. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (September 27, 2026).

27 Sep

Incident

Nor’easter Throws Oasis of the Seas Schedule Off by 10 Hours

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas will arrive 10 hours late to Cape Liberty, New Jersey on September 27 at 4 p.m. instead of the scheduled 6 a.m., due to a nor'easter affecting the US Atlantic coast. The delay impacts disembarkation and the start of the next 7-night Bahamas sailing. Guests currently aboard will receive reimbursement for air and ground transportation changes up to $200 per person for domestic flights. The cruise line is automatically rescheduling flights booked through Royal Caribbean, with confirmation sent via email. Those with independent airline bookings should contact their carrier directly and plan for departures no earlier than 8 p.m. Sunday evening. Royal Caribbean is also covering hotel accommodation costs if passengers need overnight lodging due to the delay. The 5,606-guest ship is offering 60 minutes of complimentary internet per stateroom through the Royal Caribbean app for guests without existing packages, allowing them to contact airlines or arrange ground transportation. The cruise line urges all passengers to follow debarkation instructions closely, as the compressed timeline before the next embarkation will require efficient coordination. Nor'easters regularly affect cruise operations along the Atlantic seaboard during fall months. Royal Caribbean's financial assistance and communication approach helps minimize disruption for passengers with tight post-cruise connections or expensive rebooking options. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (September 26, 2026).

27 Sep

Incident

Carnival Informs Guests of In-Person Safety Briefings

Carnival Cruise Line will run in-person safety briefings on five ships between September 26 and 28, making participation mandatory for all passengers boarding those vessels. The Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Vista, and Carnival Firenze will each conduct the drills during their departures that weekend. While Carnival normally uses a self-mustering format for safety procedures, the company occasionally conducts full drills on random sailings to maintain the highest safety standards. Passengers will gather at their assigned muster stations to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures. Ship-wide announcements will guide guests through the process, which the line describes as brief but essential. Two of the five ships depart from Long Beach: the Carnival Panorama and Carnival Firenze are sailing to the Mexican Riviera and Baja. The Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista will conduct briefings on Caribbean itineraries from Florida ports, while the Carnival Sunshine hosts the gathering as part of a six-night Bahamas cruise from Norfolk. Carnival stated that it appreciates passenger cooperation as it focuses on maintaining secure operations and responsible travel experiences. Passengers scheduled to board any of these five ships during the specified dates should plan extra time before departure to complete the mandatory briefing. The drills are a standard safety requirement on all cruises, though full in-person versions occur randomly rather than on every sailing. Originally reported by Cruise Maven, Cruise Maven News (September 25, 2026).

26 Sep

Find your next cruise

Real-time pricing from Cruisebound, compare sailings, dates, and cabin types

Search Sailings on Cruisebound →

Packages

We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links, at no extra cost to you.