Author: Jonathan @ Cruise Essentials

Australian maritime authorities inspected Carnival Adventure after receiving a complaint about an unpleasant odour on board, with passengers also reporting nausea, breathing difficulties and problems with cabins and plumbing during recent cruises from Sydney.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed that an inspector boarded the Carnival Cruise Line ship and spoke with its captain and relevant crew after the complaint was received in August.

Although the odour was no longer present when the inspection took place, AMSA said its likely source and cause were identified. Carnival was already carrying out remedial work, and the authority did not issue a formal defect.

The inspection followed complaints from passengers who described strong sewage, rotten egg and diesel-like smells in cabins and public areas of the 13-deck ship.

One Queensland passenger, Elicia, 38, said she became seriously unwell during a ten-day cruise on Carnival Adventure while travelling with her partner to celebrate their engagement.

She claimed she noticed what she described as an exhaust diesel smell shortly after boarding and subsequently experienced migraines, nausea, breathing problems and other symptoms.

Passenger says illness forced early departure

Elicia said difficulties with her original cabin meant she spent time waiting in another part of the ship while discussing the accommodation with housekeeping and guest services.

She claimed the cabin had not been properly cleaned following the previous occupants and said medication and needles had been left behind.

“I was forced to sit in the area that had the diesel exhaust because our room wasn’t cleaned,” she said.

“The previous passengers’ Mounjaro medication and needles were still in the room.”

She was moved to another cabin the following day but claimed there were further maintenance and cleanliness problems there.

“The carpet was moving in the “upgraded” clean room,” she said.

“It was so old and so gross, but also dangerous.

“The fridge couldn’t close and the lounge couldn’t fold back down, so you couldn’t sit on it.”

Elicia said she could detect the odour in several parts of Carnival Adventure, including close to the medical centre on Deck 4.

She later attended the ship’s medical facility and said she was connected to an EKG before another patient arrived requiring treatment.

“My O2 stats were in the early 90s and they never gave me oxygen, nothing,” she said.

Elicia said her condition included high blood pressure, a low heart rate, migraines, breathing difficulties and repeated dry retching.

“I had high blood pressure, was dry retching to the point where I couldn’t breathe, had a low heart rate, massive migraines and trouble breathing,” she said.

“Once, I was also in shock and going between being alert and not, and I also had mild hypothermia.”

She ultimately left the cruise at its fir

Carnival Breeze made contact with a pier while docking in Cozumel, Mexico, on Monday, 31st August 2026, leaving visible scrapes and paint damage on the ship’s starboard hull.

The 3,690-guest Carnival Cruise Line ship was manoeuvring into its berth at approximately 9am when it contacted the corner of the pier. Carnival Jubilee was using an adjacent berth at the same pier, but the two cruise ships did not make contact.

Photos and video shared following the incident show an area of scraped paint on Carnival Breeze well above the waterline, between two sets of access doors.

One video records a loud impact as the ship reaches the pier. Footage also shows Carnival Breeze approaching the berth at an angle, although the circumstances leading to the contact have not been confirmed.

No injuries were reported, while passengers commenting online said they did not feel the impact or experience other problems when it occurred.

Carnival Breeze Continues Western Caribbean Cruise

The pier contact did not prevent Carnival Breeze from completing its scheduled visit to Cozumel. The ship had been due to remain in port until 5pm and departed on schedule.

Cozumel was the first port of call on the ship’s five-night Western Caribbean cruise, which departed Galveston, Texas, on Saturday, 29th August.

After spending Sunday at sea and visiting Cozumel on Monday, Carnival Breeze was scheduled to call at Progreso from 9am until 5pm on Tuesday, 1st September. The itinerary then includes another day at sea before the ship is due to return to Galveston on Thursday, 3rd September.

No damage to the Cozumel pier had been confirmed following the incident, and there was no indication that the schedules of other cruise ships would be affected.

The visible damage to Carnival Breeze appears to be above the waterline. The full extent of any damage to the vessel has not been confirmed.

Previous Cruise Ship Pier Incidents

Although pier contacts are relatively uncommon, similar incidents have involved cruise ships in ports around the world. Factors including wind, currents, swell and other local conditions can affect manoeuvring during arrivals and departures, although there has been no confirmed indication that any of those factors contributed to the Carnival Breeze incident.

In September 2025, Miray Cruises’ MV Gemini contacted a pier while docking in Piraeus, Greece, resulting in damage to the vessel.

Another Carnival Dream-class ship, Carnival Magic, struck a pier in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, during bad weather on 6th February 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas also made contact with a dock in Falmouth, Jamaica, on 26th May 2022, in an incident subsequently attributed to pilot error.

Other previous cases include Norwegian Escape striking a pier in Civitavecchia, Italy, in December 2020, Carnival Horizon making contact with Pier 90 in Manhattan in August 2018 and Disney Dream hitting a pier in Nassau, Bahamas, in Septembe

Carnival Cruise Line’s biggest loyalty programme overhaul in years takes effect from 1st September 2026, replacing the long-running VIFP system with Carnival Rewards and introducing a new approach to status, points, milestone recognition and benefits.

The change moves Carnival away from awarding loyalty status primarily according to days sailed. Under Carnival Rewards, most guests will instead qualify for status by earning “stars” through eligible spending with the cruise line, while a separate points currency can be redeemed towards cruise purchases and onboard experiences.

Carnival has also revealed the first Platinum and Diamond collectible pins for the new programme. The dated, ship-specific pins are available on cruises departing from 1st September onwards, although Gold guests will no longer receive loyalty pins.

Carnival Rewards was originally due to launch on 1st June 2026 before its introduction was postponed until September. Guests were given until 31st August to opt in and transfer their existing loyalty status and sailing history from VIFP.

Status Moves To A Spending-Based System

One of the most significant changes under Carnival Rewards is the way passengers earn and retain loyalty status.

Instead of status being permanently accumulated according to the number of days a guest has sailed, eligible Carnival spending will generate stars that count towards status. Those stars operate within two-year earning periods, meaning most passengers will have to continue earning to retain their level.

Carnival has made an exception for existing Diamond VIFP members. Following criticism of the original Carnival Rewards proposals, the cruise line announced in September 2025 that Diamond status already earned under VIFP would be recognised as lifetime Diamond status under the new programme.

Existing VIFP status earned by 31st August 2026 carries over and remains the guest’s Carnival Rewards status through December 2028, covering the programme’s first earning period. From January 2029, status will be determined by what members have earned during that period.

Platinum members will also receive a 10,000-star boost at the beginning of the next earning period, allowing them to start at Gold rather than the entry-level Red tier.

Carnival Rewards continues to provide different benefits according to status.

Members at every level receive a complimentary 1.5-litre bottle of water, while Gold members receive one complimentary beverage on cruises of five days or longer.

Platinum members receive two complimentary beverages, limited complimentary wash-and-fold laundry and selected priority or preferred access covering areas including online check-in, embarkation, debarkation, dining times and other onboard services.

Diamond remains Carnival Rewards’ highest tier. Its benefits include additional complimentary wash-and-fold laundry, although the service is no longer unlimited, guaranteed main dining time se

A passenger aboard Carnival Legend was evacuated by helicopter after a medical emergency prompted the cruise ship to make a brief diversion while sailing through the English Channel.

The emergency unfolded on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, as the Carnival Cruise Line ship was traveling toward Dover, England, near the end of a 10-night British Isles cruise.

An HM Coastguard helicopter was dispatched to the ship, which altered its course slightly to move closer to England’s southwest coast for the evacuation.

Coast Guard Helicopter Sent to Carnival Legend

According to Plymouth+, the emergency occurred while Carnival Legend was about eight nautical miles south of Lizard Point in Cornwall, a coastal area in southwest England.

Britain’s HM Coastguard confirmed that it received a request for assistance at 9:40 a.m. local time.

“At 9:40 a.m. today (29 August), HM Coastguard’s assistance was requested for the medical evacuation of a passenger on board a vessel around eight (8) nautical miles south of Lizard Point, Cornwall,” the statement confirmed. “An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent and the person was handed over to the Ambulance Service at Newquay.”

Satellite tracking showed Carnival Legend making a small change to its route to move closer to the coast and meet the helicopter. Such course adjustments can help emergency crews carry out medical evacuations as quickly as possible.

Officials have not released additional information about the passenger or the medical emergency. The passenger’s age and the nature of the condition that prompted the evacuation remain unknown.

Cruise lines typically limit the medical information they disclose following such incidents to protect the privacy of passengers, their families and traveling companions.

Ship Was Returning From British Isles Cruise

At the time of the evacuation, Carnival Legend was sailing between the Isle of Man and Dover. Saturday was scheduled as a full day at sea as the ship covered the roughly 670-mile journey.

The 2,124-passenger ship had departed Dover on Thursday, Aug. 20, for a 10-night British Isles itinerary.

During the cruise, Carnival Legend visited Cork in Ireland; Holyhead in Wales; Dublin; Liverpool; Greenock, the port serving Glasgow, Scotland; Belfast in Northern Ireland; and the Isle of Man.

Despite the medical evacuation and brief course change, there was no reported delay to the ship’s planned return to Dover for passengers to disembark on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 30.

Why Cruise Ship Medical Evacuations Happen

Cruise ships have onboard medical centers staffed by doctors and nurses, allowing many illnesses and injuries to be treated while at sea. However, passengers and crew members may occasionally need medical care beyond what can be provided aboard a ship.

When that happens, an emergency evacuation can be requested.

How the evacuation is carried out depends on several factors, including t

Norwegian Cruise Line has temporarily closed hot tubs and heated whirlpools aboard Norwegian Prima while working with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) following three reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease among passengers who sailed on the ship in May and July 2026.

The cruise line has notified guests about the investigation, although no source of the infections has been established and testing conducted aboard the ship has so far returned negative results for Legionella bacteria.

“We are reaching out to you to inform you that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding three reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease involving passengers who sailed on the Norwegian Prima in May and July 2026,” the notification said.

Norwegian Cruise Line has not identified the specific sailings involved, and it remains unclear whether any of the three passengers contracted the infection aboard Norwegian Prima or were exposed elsewhere.

Precautionary closures during testing

As part of the investigation, Norwegian Cruise Line has tested water-related equipment and fixtures aboard Norwegian Prima, including faucets, showers and hot tubs. According to the cruise line, all results received so far have been negative.

Despite those results, public hot tubs and heated whirlpools on private balconies are being kept out of service while further sampling and any necessary follow-up work are completed.

“As a precaution, all public hot tubs and private balcony heated whirlpools will remain closed and will reopen only after sampling has been completed and any necessary remediation measures have been carried out in accordance with CDC guidelines,” the notification said.

No other illness-related operational changes have been announced aboard the ship.

Norwegian Prima has capacity for 3,099 guests and is currently operating seven-night Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, with itineraries covering both the eastern and western Caribbean.

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Unlike many respiratory illnesses, it is generally not transmitted directly from one person to another. Infection can occur when people inhale small droplets of water containing the bacteria, making complex water systems and equipment capable of producing mist potential areas of concern during an investigation.

The CDC says symptoms generally begin between two and 14 days after exposure, although they can sometimes take longer to appear. Symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches.

People aged 50 and over, current or former smokers, and those with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems are among those at increased risk. Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics and can require hospital care.

Because symptoms can emerge days after exposure and travellers may encounter

Royal Caribbean has changed the official branding of its private Bahamian destination, removing the word “at” from Perfect Day at CocoCay and adopting the shorter name Perfect Day CocoCay.

The change has already been introduced across Royal Caribbean’s website, marketing materials and online booking system, as well as reservation invoices. Celebrity Cruises, which began calling at CocoCay in April 2024, has also updated its references to the destination.

Royal Caribbean publicly highlighted the change in a social media video posted on 27th August 2026, using a performer at CocoCay to demonstrate that the former wording is being retired.

In the video, the performer repeatedly attempts to welcome guests to “a Perfect Day at CocoCay”, with the word “at” obscured by a ship’s horn sound. She eventually delivers the revised greeting: “Welcome to Perfect Day CocoCay!”

“Say goodbye to the ‘at’ in Perfect Day at CocoCay – from now on, it’s Perfect Day CocoCay,” the video is captioned. “A different name, with the same award-winning island experience you know and love.”

Royal Caribbean also referenced the change on Instagram, writing: “The ‘at’ in Perfect Day CocoCay has left the chat.”

The Facebook video had attracted nearly 60,000 views by 29th August, while the Instagram version had received more than 2,200 likes.

Branding Aligns With Other Royal Caribbean Destinations

Royal Caribbean has not provided a detailed explanation for dropping the preposition, and the change does not indicate any alteration to the destination itself. However, the revised name more closely follows the naming conventions the company uses for other destinations within its growing portfolio of private and exclusive experiences.

Royal Caribbean groups these locations and developments under its “Ultimate Destinations by Royal Caribbean” branding.

Its beach club projects, for example, follow a consistent “Royal Beach Club” naming format tied directly to their locations. These include Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas and the planned Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece.

The shortened CocoCay name also follows the format previously chosen for the company’s proposed Perfect Day Mexico project near Costa Maya.

That development was announced as Perfect Day Mexico rather than Perfect Day at Mexico. The original project subsequently encountered opposition in Mexico and will not proceed as initially designed.

Using Perfect Day CocoCay therefore gives Royal Caribbean a more consistent naming structure should the company introduce additional Perfect Day destinations in the future.

CocoCay Remains Central To Private Destination Strategy

CocoCay has become an important part of Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean deployment, with the destination designed specifically around visits from the cruise line’s ships. Celebrity Cruises expanded its own Caribbean offering to include cal

Royal Caribbean International’s CEO Michael Bayley has shortlisted seven potential names for the fourth Chief Dog Officer set to join Hero of the Seas when the Icon-class vessel debuts in summer 2027, inviting cruise enthusiasts to weigh in before making his final selection.

The naming campaign began on 6th August 2026, when Bayley turned to Facebook to solicit suggestions from fans for the female golden retriever who would serve aboard the cruise line’s newest flagship. After receiving hundreds of submissions, the options have been narrowed to Hero, Scout, Marina, Pearl, Coco, Coral, and Sandy.

In a follow-up post on 28th August, Bayley opened voting to the public, writing: “We have now narrowed down the names to the list below based on likes of all the names. So voting is open for the final round before it goes to the distinguished panel of judges (me) for the final decision.”

Passionate Debate Emerges Among Cruise Enthusiasts

The announcement sparked immediate and spirited discussion within Royal Caribbean’s social media community. Within the first eight hours of posting, Bayley’s Facebook message garnered over 1,200 comments as cruisers shared their preferences and reasoning.

Some commenters raised practical concerns about certain options. Several fans noted that naming the dog Hero could create confusion, as she would share her name with the ship itself. Others pointed out similar issues with Coco, which bears a striking resemblance to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

A considerable contingent rallied behind Scout, arguing it would complement the nautical theme established by the previous Icon-class Chief Dog Officers: Rover aboard Icon of the Seas, Sailor aboard Star of the Seas, and Skipper aboard Legend of the Seas. The name maintains the maritime tradition whilst offering a distinct identity.

Heartfelt Tribute Proposal Gains Momentum

A significant number of commenters suggested an addition to the shortlist that wasn’t among the original seven finalists. Many fans proposed the name Dolly as a tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton, who passed away on 25th August 2026, just three days before Bayley’s voting post.

The spontaneous groundswell of support for this alternative demonstrates the emotional connection Royal Caribbean’s community feels toward both the Chief Dog Officer programme and broader cultural moments. However, Bayley has not indicated whether write-in candidates will be considered or if the selection will remain limited to the seven official finalists.

The CEO has not announced an official closing date for the voting period, nor has he revealed when passengers can expect to learn the chosen name. This approach mirrors Royal Caribbean’s strategy with previous Chief Dog Officer announcements, which have often built anticipation through extended engagement campaigns.

The Evolution Of Royal Caribbean’s Chief Dog Off

Princess Cruises has approached select passengers booked on Emerald Princess’s 1st September 2026 Alaska sailing with an incentive package to voluntarily change their travel plans. The offer includes a full refund plus matching future cruise credit and up to $800 per person in travel expense reimbursement.

The strategic move comes just days before the sold-out seven-night Inside Passage cruise departs from Vancouver. This marks another instance of the cruise line seeking volunteers to adjust their bookings on high-demand sailings.

The affected voyage is a seven-night roundtrip Inside Passage cruise departing Vancouver, British Columbia, on 1st September 2026. Emerald Princess will return to port on 8th September.

The itinerary features calls at three of Alaska’s most popular ports – Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. It also includes scenic cruising through the spectacular Glacier Bay National Park.

According to the email sent to eligible passengers, the offer represents what Princess Cruises describes as “exceptional savings” for those willing to modify their travel arrangements. The communication arrived in guests’ inboxes less than a week before the scheduled departure date.

Comprehensive Compensation Package For Affected Passengers

The compensation structure offered to passengers willing to change their plans is notably generous and multi-faceted. Guests who accept the offer will receive a complete 100% refund on their current cruise booking, ensuring they lose no money on their original reservation.

Beyond the full refund, Princess Cruises is providing future cruise credit equivalent to 100% of the base cruise fare paid, though this excludes taxes and fees. This future cruise credit remains valid for two years from the date of issue and offers considerable flexibility in its application.

The credit can be applied towards any Princess cruise departing within that two-year window, providing passengers with extensive options across the line’s global deployment. Additionally, the credit is valid for vacation protection plans, hotel accommodations, or flights booked through Princess Cruises’ booking system, making it particularly valuable for those planning comprehensive cruise holidays.

To sweeten the deal further, passengers who accept the voluntary change offer will be reimbursed up to $800 per person for documented travel expenses. This reimbursement can cover costs such as non-refundable airfares, hotel bookings, or other travel-related expenditures already incurred in preparation for the September cruise.

First Come, First Served Basis With Opt-Out Option

Princess Cruises has made clear that accepting this offer is entirely voluntary. There is no obligation for booked passengers to change their travel plans. Those who wish to proceed with their original 1st September sailing can simply ignore the offer and continue with their booked voyage as planned.

However, the cruise line has stipulat

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed significant changes to complimentary laundry benefits for loyal guests as its new Carnival Rewards programme launches on 1st September 2026.

Platinum and Diamond tier members face reduced bag allowances compared to the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) scheme. The cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, clarified on Friday, 28th August that the popular perk is not being eliminated entirely, despite widespread passenger concerns and unfounded reports suggesting the benefit would disappear.

Carnival Cruise Line is replacing its long-standing Very Important Fun Person loyalty programme with the new Carnival Rewards scheme, a transition that has been in the works for several months. The changeover date was originally scheduled for 1st June 2026 but was pushed back to 1st September 2026, giving guests additional time to familiarise themselves with the new structure.

The delay, first reported in November 2025, was designed to ensure a smoother transition for the cruise line’s millions of loyal guests. Carnival has been prominently displaying notices on its website for several months, urging members to opt in to the new programme before the deadline of 31st August 2026.

Current VIFP Laundry Benefits Set To End

Under the existing Very Important Fun Person programme, Platinum tier guests have enjoyed generous complimentary wash-and-fold laundry benefits based on cruise length. For sailings of two to six days, Platinum members receive two free bags of laundry.

That allocation increases to three bags for cruises lasting seven to 13 days, and five complimentary bags for voyages of 14 days or longer.

Diamond tier guests – those who have sailed even more frequently with Carnival – have enjoyed an even more generous benefit. Under the current VIFP system, Diamond level members receive unlimited complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service regardless of cruise length.

This unlimited perk has been one of the most valued benefits amongst Carnival’s most loyal guests, particularly those who embark on extended voyages or sail frequently throughout the year.

The ability to have unlimited laundry processed has been especially appreciated by passengers on longer cruises, where the ability to pack light and refresh wardrobes mid-voyage adds significant convenience and comfort. Many Diamond guests have cited this benefit as a key reason for maintaining their loyalty to Carnival over competing cruise lines.

New Bag Limits Under Carnival Rewards Structure

The new Carnival Rewards programme introduces specific bag limits for both Platinum and Diamond tier guests, structured according to cruise duration. For shorter sailings of three to six days, Platinum guests will receive one complimentary bag of laundry, whilst Diamond guests will be allocated two free bags.

On week-long and intermediate cruises lasting seven to 13 days, the allocation increases to two bags for Platinu

Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska season, with six ships scheduled to operate voyages ranging from seven to 18 days and several new itinerary features, including a San Diego departure and the Alaska debut of the transformed Oosterdam.

The programme will include Oosterdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Westerdam and Zaandam, sailing roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, between Vancouver and Whittier, and on a new one-way voyage from San Diego to Vancouver.

Among the additions for 2028 is an 11-day California to Alaska: Shores, Fjords & Glaciers cruise aboard Zaandam. The sailing is due to depart San Diego on 29th April 2028 and visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Klawock and Prince Rupert before arriving in Vancouver.

Select Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest itineraries will also introduce scenic cruising through Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island’s west coast, marking the first time Holland America Line has included the waterway in its Alaska programme.

“What has always set Holland America Line apart in Alaska is our ability to combine the iconic experiences guests dream about with opportunities to see the destination in ways they haven’t before,

“Our 2028 season reflects that approach, pairing the Alaska highlights guests expect with a collection of distinctive experiences, from rare itineraries and lesser-traveled waterways to new ways of enjoying the journey on board. It’s a season designed to give guests an even deeper connection to Alaska.”

Paul Grigsby, vice president of revenue planning and deployment for Holland America Line.

Oosterdam To Return Following Major Transformation

Oosterdam will operate in Alaska following its Holland America Evolution transformation, part of what the cruise line describes as the largest fleet investment in its 153-year history.

The ship is set to become the principal vessel used for Holland America Line’s Alaska Cruisetours, which combine cruises with overland journeys to destinations including Denali and the Yukon. Details of the company’s 2028 Cruisetour programme are due to be announced later.

Changes planned for Oosterdam include new purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms and Bridgeview Suites with forward-facing panoramic views, along with the addition of the Grand Dutch Café.

The ship will also receive refreshed accommodation and public areas, with other changes drawing on features found aboard Holland America Line’s Pinnacle Class vessels.

“Alaska’s scenery is already unforgettable and Oosterdam will give guests even more ways to experience it,” said Grigsby. “From taking in the mountains and glaciers from a new Bridgeview Suite to pairing a cruise with an unforgettable journey into Denali and the Yukon, Oosterdam will offer guests new ways to connect with Alaska both on board and ashore.”

Oosterdam will also operate a new 16-day Gre