Author: Jonathan @ Cruise Essentials

A crew member has been airlifted from Disney Wonder after the cruise ship requested a medical evacuation while sailing off the coast of British Columbia during an Alaska itinerary.

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) responded to the emergency on Tuesday, 8th September 2026, one day after Disney Wonder departed Vancouver for a seven-night roundtrip cruise.

The operation took place approximately 113 miles northwest of Port Hardy, placing the ship roughly 327 miles northwest of Vancouver at the time of the evacuation.

The identity of the crew member, who Disney Cruise Line refers to as a cast member, has not been disclosed. Details of the injury that prompted the evacuation have also not been released.

Royal Canadian Air Force Conducts Evacuation

The RCAF’s 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron deployed a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft for the operation.

Footage released by the Royal Canadian Air Force showed two search-and-rescue technicians being lowered from the Cormorant onto the bow area of Disney Wonder. The injured crew member was subsequently hoisted from the ship to the helicopter.

Communications recorded during the operation show rescue personnel coordinating closely with the ship’s crew, including instructions concerning Disney Wonder’s speed and radar.

The vessel was asked to switch off its radar and reduce speed to five knots while the helicopter evacuation was carried out.

Once the crew member was safely aboard the rescue aircraft, the rescue team told the ship: “Disney Wonder, from Rescue 915, thanks for your help, you can resume your speed.”

The ship’s crew responded: “Thank you very much for your help, much appreciated.”

After leaving Disney Wonder, the injured crew member was taken to Comox. They were then transferred to a British Columbia Emergency Health Services helicopter for onward transportation to an appropriate hospital for treatment.

No further information about the crew member’s condition had been reported.

Cruise Continued Without Itinerary Changes

The medical evacuation did not result in a reported change to Disney Wonder’s seven-night Alaska itinerary.

The ship had departed Vancouver on 7th September and was scheduled to visit Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan before returning to Vancouver on Monday, 14th September.

Disney Wonder subsequently completed that voyage, with the medical evacuation not reported to have affected the following sailing.

The vessel carries approximately 950 crew members from around the world and has been operating roundtrip Alaska cruises from Vancouver during the 2026 season.

Medical evacuations from cruise ships can take several forms depending on a vessel’s position, the patient’s needs, available rescue resources and access to suitable medical facilities ashore.

Helicopters are commonly used when a ship is sufficiently far offshore or a patient’s condition requires rapid transpor

Princess Cruises has cancelled calls to Juneau and Ketchikan from Royal Princess’ current seven-night Alaska cruise after an engine problem reduced the ship’s operating speed.

The 3,560-guest ship departed Seattle on Saturday, 12th September 2026, but passengers were informed the following day that the technical issue meant the original itinerary could no longer be maintained.

Juneau, which Royal Princess had been due to visit on Monday, 14th September, was removed from the schedule and replaced with a day at sea. The ship continued towards Skagway, where it was scheduled to arrive at 6am on Tuesday, 15th September.

Ketchikan has also been dropped from the itinerary. Royal Princess had been scheduled to call there on Thursday, 17th September, but will instead proceed towards Victoria, Canada.

The changes leave Skagway and Victoria as the two remaining port calls on the voyage. The ship is scheduled to remain in Skagway until 8.15pm on Tuesday before visiting Victoria from 9pm until midnight on Friday, 18th September.

Princess Cruises told passengers that the engine issue was limiting the vessel’s speed but did not affect the safety of guests or crew.

“We are currently experiencing a technical issue with our engines that does not affect the safety of our guests or crew but does restrict our ability to proceed at the required speed to maintain our itinerary as planned,” the cruise line said in its letter to passengers.

“Due to these circumstances, we will no longer call to Juneau, Alaska tomorrow, September 14. Instead we will spend the day at sea and head directly toward Skagway, Alaska, for our call at 6:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15 as planned. Additionally, as a result of our reduced operational speed, we will no longer be able to call to Ketchikan, Alaska, on Thursday, September 17, and will proceed directly to Victoria, Canada.”

Compensation Offered Following Itinerary Changes

Passengers will receive a 50% refund of their cruise fare following the loss of the two Alaska ports.

Princess Cruises said the refund would be returned to the original form of payment and could take between 10 and 15 business days to process.

Shore excursions purchased through Princess Cruises for Juneau and Ketchikan are also being automatically cancelled. The cost of those tours will be credited to passengers’ onboard accounts, with guests not required to visit the ship’s Shore Excursions or Guest Services desks to arrange the cancellations.

The cruise line has provided limited information about the precise nature of the engine problem or how long repairs could take.

“Our technical teams are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” Princess Cruises said.

There was no confirmation in the information provided to passengers that the problem would be resolved before Royal Princess completes the cruise on Saturday, 19th September.

Royal Princess is nevertheless expected to return to S

Norwegian Cruise Line moved embarkation for Norwegian Jade to an alternative terminal in Whittier, Alaska, after a fire involving a tour boat prompted the cruise ship to leave the Chugach Glacier Gateway Cruise Terminal on 14th September 2026.

The fire broke out at around 11am local time while Klondike Express, operated by Phillips Cruises & Tours, was moored at the dock. The US Coast Guard said there were no passengers aboard the tour vessel at the time.

Norwegian Jade was also alongside when the incident began and moved safely away from the terminal. No damage to the 2,402-guest cruise ship was reported, while authorities said there were no injuries.

Emergency crews released Klondike Express from the pier so that the vessel could be moved away from the dock. The fire was subsequently extinguished, although images released by the Coast Guard showed fire damage to the tour boat.

Klondike Express operates sightseeing cruises from Whittier into Prince William Sound.

Multi-Agency Response To Whittier Fire

Girdwood Fire and Rescue joined Whittier Fire, Anchorage Fire and LifeMed Alaska in responding to the incident.

Footage released by Girdwood Fire and Rescue showed thick black smoke rising from the dock as Norwegian Jade moved away from the terminal. Klondike Express could also be seen being moved from the opposite side of the structure.

Access to Whittier was temporarily restricted during the emergency response. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the road connection used to reach the community, was closed for several hours to help emergency personnel access the area.

Girdwood Fire and Rescue and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced shortly before 2pm local time that the tunnel had reopened.

Officials had not announced the cause of the fire by 15th September.

The incident also required Norwegian Cruise Line to change where passengers boarded Norwegian Jade for the ship’s 14th September departure.

Norwegian Cruise Line said:

“The safety and security of our guests, crew and the communities we visit are always a top priority. We are aware of a fire at the Chugach Glacier Gateway Cruise Terminal in Whittier, Alaska where one of our ships was scheduled to have guests embark from. As emergency personnel continue to respond to the situation, access to the area remains restricted. As a result, we will proceed with our embarkation process from an alternate location, Whittier Alaska Cruise Ship Terminal 1.”

Cruise Ship Terminal 1 is located on West Camp Road, approximately two-thirds of a mile from the affected terminal across the water.

At the time of the cruise line’s statement, there was no confirmed impact on Norwegian Jade’s wider itinerary. Norwegian Cruise Line said any further changes would be communicated directly to passengers.

Norwegian Jade Continues Final Alaska Sailings

The affected departure was the final southbound Alaska sailing of

Royal Caribbean International has begun cancelling port day casita reservations across its Icon-class fleet after a pricing error allowed guests to book the exclusive poolside amenity at significantly reduced rates. Guests who secured reservations for under $200 are receiving cancellation notices and full refunds, with the casitas now available again at substantially higher prices.

The cancellations are affecting guests sailing aboard all three vessels in Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon class. Icon of the Seas, which debuted in January 2024 as the world’s largest cruise ship, has been impacted alongside its sister ships Star of the Seas and the forthcoming Legend of the Seas.

These state-of-the-art vessels represent the cruise line’s most advanced ships, each accommodating approximately 5,610 passengers at double occupancy and featuring seven distinct themed neighbourhoods. The Icon class introduced numerous firsts for Royal Caribbean, including the industry’s first suspended infinity pool and largest waterpark at sea.

Port day casitas on these vessels have quickly become one of the most sought-after amenities for guests looking to enhance their cruise experience with exclusive poolside luxury.

Luxury Poolside Amenities Command Premium Pricing

Casitas represent a premium addition to the cruise experience, offering guests a private sanctuary amidst the bustling pool deck environment. These luxury loungers are strategically positioned to provide optimal views whilst shielding occupants from the crowds that typically gather around standard deck chairs.

Each casita rental includes dedicated concierge service throughout the day, ensuring guests’ needs are met without requiring them to leave their exclusive space. Complimentary welcome drinks greet guests upon arrival, whilst bottled water remains available throughout the rental period.

The enclosed spaces feature comfortable seating, charging outlets for electronic devices, and convenient storage for personal belongings. The amenity proves particularly appealing to families with young children, couples seeking romantic relaxation, or groups of friends wanting a home base for their pool day activities.

Pricing Structure Varies Across Sailing Days And Itineraries

Royal Caribbean employs dynamic pricing for casita reservations, with costs fluctuating based on several factors including voyage length, itinerary popularity, and whether the rental occurs on a port day or sea day. Sea day rentals typically command higher prices due to increased demand, as more passengers remain aboard the ship.

Port day casitas generally offer better value, with the cruise line acknowledging that many guests choose to explore destinations rather than utilise shipboard amenities. On a recent three-night weekend sailing of Utopia of the Seas, for example, port day casitas were priced at $350 – a figure representing the standard rate for shorter voyages.

Pre-cruise purchase disc

A Carnival Cruise Line passenger says crew members revoked her CHEERS! drinks package and removed the handle from her balcony door after she became heavily intoxicated during a cruise.

The passenger, who posts on TikTok under the username @juicyloveboo, shared footage showing three security staff accompanying her through a corridor before revealing the restrictions that had been imposed.

“They took my balcony handle and revoked my drinking package. Yeah, we was f—– up,” she wrote.

The video then showed the passenger approaching the balcony door in her cabin, where the handle had been removed, preventing her from opening it and accessing the balcony.

She later indicated that her alcohol consumption had been significant before the restrictions were introduced.

“Yes you should get the drinking packages. No you shouldn’t get 15 shots of patron reposado,” she wrote in the accompanying caption.

The exact ship and sailing involved were not identified in the material shared by the passenger.

@juicyloveboo *mine…Yes you should get the drinking packages, No you shouldn’t get 15 shots of #patron reposado #carnivalcruise #carnivalfrienze #carnival #atimewashad ♬ original sound – Nykea Zinnerman

Carnival Can Refuse Alcohol Service

The incident highlights the limits attached to Carnival Cruise Line’s CHEERS! beverage package, despite the programme allowing passengers to purchase multiple alcoholic drinks during each day of a cruise.

CHEERS! currently costs $69.95 per person, per day when purchased before sailing, according to Carnival, increasing to $74.95 per person, per day when bought aboard.

The package generally covers beer, wine by the glass, spirits and cocktails priced at $20 or less, together with a range of non-alcoholic drinks. Passengers also receive a 25% discount on certain beverages costing more than the package limit.

However, the programme does not give passengers an unrestricted right to receive alcohol.

CHEERS! allows a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks during the applicable 24-hour period. Once that limit is reached, passengers cannot purchase further alcoholic drinks, even separately from the package.

Carnival also gives its crew discretion to stop serving a passenger before they reach that maximum.

The cruise line says the 15-drink allowance is not an entitlement and that service can be declined if a guest is clearly impaired. Crew members can therefore restrict a passenger to fewer than 15 alcoholic drinks based on their judgement.

That distinction is particularly relevant because passengers may also consume alcohol elsewhere, including while ashore, which cannot necessarily be tracked through the ship’s beverage system.

Adults sharing the same cabin are also generally required to purchase CHEERS! if one person buys the package, while sharing drinks obtained through the programme is prohibited.

Balcony Access Can Become A Safety Issue

Removing th

A Minnesota pastor has died several weeks after sustaining catastrophic spinal injuries in a pool accident aboard Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess during a Mediterranean cruise in August 2025. Stephen Junker, 58, from Elbow Lake, was paralysed in the incident and passed away on 4th September 2025 despite emergency surgery and intensive medical care.

Stephen Junker fell on Sunday, 16th August 2025, and was discovered unresponsive in one of the ship’s pools whilst travelling with family to celebrate his son’s recent wedding. The exact circumstances surrounding the fall remain unclear, including whether Junker was in the pool prior to the accident or fell from the deck into the water.

Sun Princess features five separate pool areas spread across multiple decks. These include two pools on the Lido Deck (Deck 17), an indoor-outdoor pool beneath the distinctive Dome structure (also Deck 17), the adults-only Sanctuary Pool (Deck 18), and the WakeView Pool positioned at the stern on Deck 8. Princess Cruises has not disclosed which pool was involved in the incident.

Emergency Evacuation In Naples Led To Immediate Surgery

According to information shared on the family’s GoFundMe fundraising page, Junker was evacuated from Sun Princess in Naples, Italy, by the Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera). He was transported via boat to a local hospital where medical staff admitted him to intensive care with severe compression at the C3-C4 level of his cervical spinal column.

The injured passenger underwent emergency surgery on 17th August to relieve pressure on his spinal cord. Whilst surgeons successfully completed the procedure, Junker was diagnosed as quadriplegic due to the extent of his injuries. Medical teams also treated him for a lung infection believed to have resulted from his near-drowning experience in the pool.

Complex Medical Repatriation Coordinated By Family

Over the following days, Junker’s family worked to navigate the considerable medical, logistical, and financial challenges involved in arranging his transport back to the United States. On 23rd August, he was flown from Italy to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, one of America’s premier medical facilities known for treating complex spinal injuries and neurological conditions.

At the Mayo Clinic, Junker underwent additional diagnostic testing and treatment as specialists evaluated his condition. The family had hoped for potential rehabilitation options and assessment of long-term care needs following his paralysis. Tragically, medical examinations revealed additional injuries that doctors determined were untreatable.

Pastor Passed Away Surrounded By Loved Ones

Stephen Junker died on the evening of Friday, 4th September 2025, with family and friends at his bedside. The pastor had survived for nearly three weeks following the initial accident, enduring two international medical evacuations, emergency surgery, and intensive care treatment across two

Cunard has selected Damen Shiprepair Brest to undertake a major refurbishment of Queen Mary 2, with the vessel scheduled to enter drydock on 31st March 2027 and return to service on 9th May 2027.

The extensive upgrades will introduce 31 new staterooms, refreshed Grill Suite interiors, and enhancements across dining, wellness, and entertainment venues aboard the iconic ocean liner.

The Queen Mary 2 refit represents a significant investment in what remains the world’s only true ocean liner in regular transatlantic service.

Since entering service in 2004, the 151,200-tonne vessel has been the flagship of the Cunard fleet, maintaining the tradition of scheduled crossings between Southampton and New York that dates back to the company’s founding in 1840.

Damen Shiprepair Brest, located on France’s Atlantic coast, has been chosen to execute the comprehensive renovation programme.

The facility has previously handled major cruise ship refurbishments and offers the technical capabilities required for such an extensive project on a vessel of Queen Mary 2’s size and complexity.

The drydock period of approximately five weeks will allow shipyard workers to access areas of the vessel that cannot be modified whilst she is in service.

This concentrated timeframe also minimises disruption to Cunard’s operational schedule, particularly important given Queen Mary 2’s role in maintaining the transatlantic crossing programme that forms a core part of the line’s identity.

Thirty-One Additional Staterooms Join The Accommodation Mix

The centrepiece of the refurbishment involves adding 31 new staterooms across two distinct categories.

Sixteen of these will be new Cunard Princess Grill Suites, significantly expanding the ship’s premium accommodation inventory and responding to strong demand from luxury cruise passengers.

The remaining 15 new staterooms will fall within the Britannia category, the ship’s standard accommodation class.

This addition addresses capacity in a segment that often sees high demand, particularly on popular transatlantic crossings during peak season.

These additions will increase Queen Mary 2’s total passenger capacity, though the exact new capacity figure has not yet been disclosed by Cunard.

The original design accommodated 2,691 passengers at double occupancy, with maximum capacity reaching 3,056 when all berths are filled.

The creation of new staterooms aboard an existing vessel presents engineering challenges, as designers must identify underutilised spaces and reconfigure them whilst maintaining compliance with maritime safety regulations.

On a ship of Queen Mary 2’s vintage, nearly 23 years old by the time of this refit, such modifications also provide an opportunity to modernise systems and update passenger amenities to contemporary standards.

Complete Grill Suite Transformation Elevates Luxury Experience

Every existing Grill Suite will receive a

Holland America Line has announced a significant schedule change to its Evolution transformation programme, with the Oosterdam now set to complete its comprehensive refurbishment five weeks ahead of the original timeline. The ship will return to service on 31st October 2027, allowing the cruise line to add five additional sailings aboard the newly reimagined vessel.

The decision to advance the Oosterdam’s dry dock stems from what Holland America describes as unprecedented guest response to its Evolution initiative. Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, confirmed that the earlier completion will enable the company to meet heightened consumer demand for the transformed vessel.

“We’re very happy with the unprecedented response we’ve received to Holland America Evolution, and we’re thrilled we can move up Oosterdam’s dry dock to meet guest demand,” said Bodensteiner. The acceleration represents a strategic pivot for the cruise line, which has invested heavily in modernising its fleet through the Evolution programme.

The Evolution transformation represents one of the most comprehensive refurbishment projects in Holland America’s recent history. The initiative encompasses sweeping changes to public spaces, dining venues, and accommodation categories across multiple ships in the fleet.

Five Additional Voyages Created By Schedule Change

The expedited timeline enables Holland America to create five new cruises that were not previously part of the Oosterdam’s deployment schedule. These additional sailings span three distinct regions, offering guests more opportunities to experience the ship’s enhancements across varied itineraries.

The new cruises encompass Mediterranean, transatlantic, and Caribbean routes, providing a diverse range of options for passengers eager to sail aboard the refurbished vessel. This expanded offering demonstrates the cruise line’s confidence in market demand for the Evolution product.

Industry observers note that the decision to accelerate a major refurbishment is relatively unusual in cruise operations. The move suggests strong advance bookings and consumer enthusiasm for the extensive upgrades planned for the Oosterdam, which originally entered service in 2003 as part of the Vista-class series.

Enhanced Features To Include New Venues And Stateroom Categories

The Evolution transformation will introduce several signature venues and accommodation options to the Oosterdam. Among the most anticipated additions is the Grand Dutch Café, a dining concept that pays homage to Holland America’s Dutch heritage whilst offering passengers a casual dining alternative.

The redesigned Ocean Bar will provide guests with a refreshed social space, continuing Holland America’s tradition of creating sophisticated gathering areas throughout its ships. These public space enhancements form a core component of the Evolution philosophy, which emphasises both modernisation

MSC Cruises has unveiled details of five new bars, lounges and beverage concepts that will debut aboard MSC World Asia, the third vessel in the line’s innovative World-class series.

The announcement follows the recent reveal of the ship’s spa and wellness facilities and showcases venues designed to reflect Asian-inspired themes whilst offering distinct atmospheres for passengers throughout their cruise experience.

Scheduled for delivery in November 2025, MSC World Asia represents the cruise line’s continued expansion of its World-class platform, which introduced groundbreaking design features and spatial configurations when MSC World Europa launched in 2022.

The ship will feature design elements drawing inspiration from Asia’s diverse cultures, artistic traditions and natural landscapes, a thematic approach that extends throughout public spaces including the newly announced bar and lounge portfolio.

Clubhouse And Soda Bar Brings 1980s And 1990s Nostalgia

The Clubhouse and Soda Bar represents one of the most versatile new venues aboard MSC World Asia, offering distinct experiences depending on the time of day. Inspired by the nostalgia of the 1980s and 1990s, the space gives passengers the opportunity to create personalised “sodas” by selecting a base beverage and customising it with cream, flavoured syrups and various toppings.

During daytime hours, the venue transforms into a family-friendly entertainment hub featuring MSC Cruises-themed games, interactive digital tables and challenges that appeal to guests of all ages. Families with younger passengers can explore a dedicated LEGO area, whilst The Court section offers bumper cars for active recreation.

As evening approaches, the Clubhouse transitions into a social gathering space where adults can enjoy a selection of cocktails and mocktails. This dual-purpose design reflects MSC Cruises’ strategy of maximising venue utility aboard its ships, ensuring spaces serve multiple passenger demographics throughout the day whilst maintaining distinct atmospheres appropriate to different times.

Sky Box Bar Offers Mixology Theatre At Luna Park Arena

Located within the Luna Park Arena, Sky Box Bar will provide passengers with premium beverages and unique cocktail creations in a setting inspired by early 20th-century Futurism. The bar’s design philosophy centres on reimagining timeless cocktail favourites through a contemporary lens, offering familiar drinks with innovative presentations and unexpected ingredient combinations.

Guests at Sky Box Bar will be able to observe bartenders crafting drinks through what MSC Cruises describes as “mixology theatre,” turning beverage preparation into an entertaining spectacle. This approach to bar service has become increasingly popular across the cruise industry, with lines recognising that passengers value experiential elements alongside quality drinks.

The bar’s location within Luna Park Arena positions

AIDA Cruises’ AIDAperla broke free from her berth in Le Havre, France, on 8th September 2026. This occurred after strong winds severed the ship’s forward mooring lines, causing the vessel to drift backwards and strike a quay wall.

Credit: Rolf Franke

No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, but the 3,286-guest vessel missed her next scheduled port call in Zeebrugge whilst undergoing inspections and awaiting clearance from the classification society.

The incident unfolded around 4:00 p.m. local time. AIDAperla was berthed at the Port of Le Havre during a 7-night cruise that had departed Hamburg on 5th September.

Weather Underground records indicate wind gusts reached approximately 35 miles per hour during Tuesday afternoon, creating hazardous conditions in the harbour. Witness videos shared on social media captured the moments immediately following the mooring line failure.

The footage shows the 125,572-tonne vessel drifting backwards after breaking free, with her stern making contact with the quay infrastructure. The impact appeared to occur relatively slowly as the ship was pushed by the wind, but the sheer size of the vessel meant even slow-speed contact could cause significant damage.

Gangways Torn Away as Vessel Drifts in Harbour

During the incident, both passenger gangways connecting the ship to the dock were torn away from their moorings as AIDAperla drifted. Photographs shared by passengers aboard the vessel show one gangway hanging precariously from the port side, creating a floating hazard in the harbour.

The gangway damage presented immediate logistical challenges for port authorities and the cruise line. Approximately 500 AIDAperla guests were ashore on organised excursions at the time of the incident and found themselves temporarily unable to return to their ship.

The floating debris also posed navigation risks to other vessels in the busy French port, which handles both commercial shipping and cruise traffic year-round.

Port Operations Suspended as Emergency Response Mobilised

HAROPA PORT, the authority managing Le Havre, temporarily closed harbour operations whilst emergency crews worked to secure the wayward vessel and clear obstructions from the water. Multiple tugboats were deployed to assist AIDAperla.

They worked to halt her drift and manoeuvre her back towards her original berth position. The port closure affected other vessels as well.

TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3, which was also docked in Le Havre at the time, had to be held in position by tugboats to prevent a similar incident. The precautionary measures resulted in a two-hour departure delay for Mein Schiff 3 as port authorities worked to stabilise conditions and ensure safe navigation.

By 9:22 p.m., HAROPA PORT issued a statement confirming that AIDAperla had been successfully secured at her berth once again. Passengers who had been stranded ashore were safely boarding the vessel, and no injuries had been