Category: Cruise News

Carnival Cruise Line is urging its loyal passengers to take action. With the upcoming launch of the Carnival Rewards programme, existing VIFP Club members must enrol to retain their status. The cruise line has announced that all current members will receive a personalised email with instructions on transferring their loyalty information. This process must be completed before the new programme begins on 1st September 2026. Failing to enrol by 31st August 2026 could result in losing current status levels, past sailing history, and associated benefits.

Carnival has linked this requirement to privacy regulations. Guests must personally complete the enrolment process, as privacy laws prevent others from doing it on their behalf. This includes travel advisors, who cannot accept terms or enrol clients. Each enrolment email is tied to an individual guest account and is non-transferable. Some Carnival guests have already taken to social media to warn others not to ignore the email notifications. One passenger confirmed the email’s authenticity and advised others to log into their Carnival account directly to complete the process.

New Loyalty Programme Continues To Divide Opinion

The enrolment requirement is just one of the challenges facing the new Carnival Rewards programme. Since its announcement in 2025, the programme has faced criticism and delays. Many long-time Carnival cruisers are questioning the shift from the current cruise day-based loyalty structure. Under the existing VIFP Club programme, passengers earn status based on the total number of cruise days sailed, with status levels lasting for life. The new system, however, will focus on passenger spending.

How Carnival Rewards Will Work

Carnival Rewards will introduce two separate systems: points and status stars. Points will serve as a redeemable currency for future cruises, onboard spending, and other travel-related purchases. These points will have a fixed redemption value. Status stars, on the other hand, will determine a passenger’s loyalty tier. Unlike the current VIFP structure, stars will be based on spending levels. The programme will also be linked to a co-branded credit card, allowing members to earn rewards through everyday spending, even when not on a cruise.

As the launch date approaches, Carnival Cruise Line is keen to ensure a smooth transition for its loyal passengers. By actively enrolling in the new programme, guests can continue to enjoy the benefits they have come to expect.

Star Princess Arrives in Seattle for Inaugural Alaska Season

The Star Princess has made its grand entrance in Seattle, marking the beginning of its first Alaska season with Princess Cruises. This new Sphere Class ship will embark on weekly roundtrip cruises from Seattle’s Pier 91. The voyages will run from 3rd May to 13th September 2026, offering 20 exciting journeys through Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Traditional Welcome Ceremony

To celebrate the ship’s arrival, a traditional plaque exchange took place between the Port of Seattle and senior officers from Star Princess. Captain Gennaro Arma and Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha were present, alongside local maritime, port, labour, and public safety partners. This ceremony highlighted the strong ties between Seattle and the cruise line.

Seattle Celebrates with a Drone Show

Before the ship’s maiden voyage, Seattle hosted an Alaska-themed drone show at Seattle Centre on 1st May. This spectacular display welcomed the Star Princess and celebrated Alaska against the stunning Seattle skyline. Captain Gennaro Arma expressed the significance of this event, noting Seattle’s proud maritime heritage and its connection to Alaska.

Exciting Alaska Itinerary

The Star Princess will visit popular Alaskan ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. Passengers will also enjoy scenic glacier viewing at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Additionally, the Royal Princess will sail weekly from Seattle’s Pier 91 during the 2026 and 2027 Alaska seasons, offering more opportunities for exploration.

Princess Cruises Supports Alaska Communities

In honour of the launch, Princess Cruises has pledged donations to several Alaskan community organisations. In Ketchikan, the cruise line, along with Holland America Line, is donating $100,000 to the Joseph T. Craig American Legion Post 3 to aid in rebuilding efforts after a devastating fire. Other donations include $25,000 to Juneau Flukes for whale research, $25,000 to Skagway Childcare Council, and $10,000 to Sitka Trail Works.

Record-Breaking Alaska Season for Princess Cruises

The Star Princess is one of the largest ships ever deployed by Princess Cruises in Alaska, boasting a gross tonnage of 177,800 and accommodating 4,300 guests. Onboard, passengers can enjoy a variety of dining venues, bars, entertainment spaces, and modern accommodations designed for comfort on longer scenic sailings. This debut is part of a significant expansion for Princess Cruises in the region. The 2026 season will be the cruise line’s largest in Alaska, with eight ships offering 180 departures and visiting 19 destinations.

Three passengers have tragically died, and several others have fallen seriously ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius. This rare incident occurred while the vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that one passenger tested positive for hantavirus, with five additional cases under investigation. Among the six affected individuals, three have died, including a Dutch couple aged 70 and 69. A third passenger’s body remains onboard the ship.

A 69-year-old British passenger is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking the only confirmed case so far. Additionally, two crew members are unwell. The WHO is actively supporting the response to this “public health event” involving a cruise vessel in the Atlantic Ocean. They have confirmed one laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infection and five suspected cases. Further laboratory work, including genetic sequencing, is underway to determine the virus strain and whether all cases are linked to the same source.

At the time of the outbreak, MV Hondius was carrying up to 170 guests, 57 crew members, and 13 expedition guides. With six known or suspected cases, this represents about 3.5% of passengers onboard, a significant proportion for such a serious illness. The ship is currently off Cape Verde and has been stationary for at least 24 hours. Local authorities have not yet granted permission for ill passengers or crew to disembark for treatment, complicating the medical response.

What Is Hantavirus and How Serious Is It?

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease, typically contracted through exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. It is highly unusual for cases to be associated with cruise ships. There are several types of hantavirus, and severity can vary depending on the strain and a person’s overall health. One form, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, can take between one and eight weeks to show symptoms. Early signs include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by coughing and shortness of breath as the illness progresses. Another form, haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, develops more quickly, often within one to two weeks, causing severe headaches, blurred vision, internal bleeding, and, in the most serious cases, kidney failure.

Thousands of cruise passengers are scrambling to adjust their travel plans after Spirit Airlines unexpectedly ceased operations on Saturday, 2nd May 2026. The airline, based in Florida, announced the immediate cancellation of all flights just as the summer cruise season kicks off. This sudden shutdown has left many travellers in a bind, needing to find alternative flights to reach their cruise departures.

Spirit Airlines confirmed the closure through a statement on its website and social media, stating that all services were cancelled and operations would be wound down. The statement expressed regret over the decision and informed passengers that customer service was no longer available. Travellers with existing bookings were advised not to head to the airport. Refunds will be processed automatically to the payment cards used for ticket purchases, while those who booked through travel agents should contact them directly.

Airlines Step In With Rescue Fares

In response to the shutdown, several airlines have introduced special fares to assist affected travellers. JetBlue is offering one-way fares starting at $99 for passengers whose Spirit flights were cancelled, valid on the same routes until 6th May. Frontier Airlines has rolled out discounts of up to 50% on select base fares for disrupted passengers. American Airlines and Delta have also introduced discounted rescue fares on certain routes. Despite these efforts, many travellers are facing rising airfares due to high summer travel demand and increased fuel costs. For some cruise guests, rebooking flights could be significantly more expensive than their original Spirit tickets.

Major Airline for Florida Cruise Ports

Spirit Airlines has been a popular choice for cruise passengers, particularly those travelling to Florida’s major cruise ports, due to its low fares. The airline is headquartered in Dania Beach, Florida, just five miles from Port Everglades and about 25 miles from PortMiami. It also has a strong presence at Orlando International Airport, the main gateway for passengers sailing from Port Canaveral. According to Fox 35 Orlando, Spirit had 237 flights scheduled from Orlando in the coming week, serving over 40 domestic and international destinations.

The abrupt closure of Spirit Airlines has left many cruise holidaygoers in a difficult position, with some expressing their frustration online. One traveller, set to sail soon, shared their concerns on Facebook, highlighting the financial strain of rebooking flights without immediate refunds. As the summer cruise season begins, affected passengers are urged to explore alternative travel options promptly.

P&O Cruises has launched an exciting Early May Bank Holiday promotion, perfect for families looking to set sail in summer 2026. This limited-time offer allows additional guests to join selected cruises from just £49 per person. Announced on 1st May 2026, the deal is available for third and fourth guests sharing a balcony cabin with two full-paying adults. It applies to voyages departing from Southampton between 7th June and 22nd August 2026. However, you must act fast, as this offer is only valid for new bookings made by 5th May 2026 and is subject to availability.

Summer Sailings From Southampton

This promotion covers a variety of itineraries departing from Southampton, including the stunning Norwegian Fjords and the charming coasts of Spain and France. For instance, you can embark on a seven-night journey aboard Iona to the Norwegian Fjords in July and August 2026. These cruises visit picturesque locations like Stavanger, Olden, and Hellesylt, offering breathtaking views of fjords such as Innvikfjorden and Geirangerfjord. Alternatively, if your children finish school in time, consider a seven-night cruise on Arvia to Spain and France, departing on 19th July 2026. This itinerary includes stops at Getxo for Bilbao, La Coruna, Vigo, and Cherbourg before returning to the UK.

P&O Cruises Are Great For Families

Having taken my kids on all of P&O Cruises’ family ships, I can vouch for the fantastic experiences they offer. The kids love the clubs, pools, and diverse family-friendly entertainment. P&O Cruises is one of the few lines that welcomes two-year-olds into kids clubs without parents. They also provide a complimentary night nursery for children under five, making it ideal for families with younger kids. Cruise fares include accommodation, full board dining, access to pools, and entertainment like theatre shows and live music, along with complimentary children’s clubs. To explore which cruises are part of this offer, visit the P&O Cruises website.

Don’t miss out on these new deals! Check out the latest P&O Cruises offers and related posts for more insights on family cruising.

Discover the New Royal Beach Club in Santorini

Royal Caribbean International has unveiled its first Royal Beach Club in Europe, offering cruise passengers a fresh way to enjoy Santorini. This exciting addition is located on the volcanic black sand shores of Vlychada. The Royal Beach Club Santorini welcomed its first visitors from the Odyssey of the Seas, as part of the Ultimate Santorini Day excursion. This marks the debut of Royal Caribbean’s beach club concept in Europe, previously popular in the Caribbean.

Exploring Santorini’s Iconic Towns

The full-day adventure kicks off with a scenic ferry ride along Santorini’s stunning coastline. Guests then explore two of the island’s most famous towns. The first stop is Oia, known for its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. Visitors can stroll through narrow lanes filled with boutiques and enjoy breathtaking views of the caldera.

Next, the tour heads to Fira, the island’s bustling capital. Here, guests can explore charming cafés, shops, and galleries. The lively atmosphere and stunning views over the Aegean Sea make it a perfect spot to unwind before the final leg of the excursion.

Experience the Beach Club on Santorini’s Black Sand Coast

The day wraps up at the Royal Beach Club Santorini. Located on Vlychada’s black sand beach, the club offers a private beachfront experience. Guests can relax on sun loungers with umbrellas, towels, and Wi-Fi included. The club also provides a variety of food and drink options, from Greek dishes to snacks and frozen yoghurt. A welcome drink, along with wine and draft beer, is also part of the package.

Royal Caribbean’s Expanding Beach Club Concept

The Royal Beach Club Santorini is part of Royal Caribbean Group’s strategy to enhance destination experiences. This concept began with the launch of Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas in 2019. By developing exclusive places for guests to relax ashore, Royal Caribbean aims to offer a more complete experience. Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, highlighted Santorini’s popularity and the beach club’s role in enriching visitors’ experiences. Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized the blend of Santorini’s landmarks with its beach culture.

Carnival Corporation is currently embroiled in a significant legal challenge following a cyberattack that allegedly compromised over 8.7 million records. This incident has led to multiple class action lawsuits in the United States. In April, the cruise company discovered unauthorised activity linked to a single user account. This prompted them to shut down access and alert law enforcement. However, former passengers argue that Carnival failed to protect their personal data adequately.

Passengers Claim Negligence Over Data Protection

Between 22nd and 24th April 2026, three separate lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Former passengers Yvonne Vasquez, Zachary Pottle, and Ashley Cole are leading these claims. They argue that Carnival lacked sufficient cybersecurity measures to safeguard customer information. The plaintiffs believe the company should have anticipated cyberattack risks, especially as large travel and financial firms are frequent hacker targets.

The lawsuits suggest that sensitive data might not have been encrypted, making it easier for hackers to access. Cole and Vasquez also allege that additional security measures, like two-factor authentication, were missing. Although Carnival has not publicly confirmed these details, the plaintiffs claim the breach has exposed them to long-term fraud and identity theft risks. They seek financial compensation, lifetime credit monitoring, and a court order for Carnival to enhance its cybersecurity.

Carnival Says It Acted Quickly

Carnival responded swiftly when the breach was discovered. The company stated that after detecting unauthorised activity, they acted quickly to shut it down and prevent further access. They also notified law enforcement. Carnival emphasised the importance of data privacy and protection, working with global security experts to review the data involved. They acknowledged that anonymous online reports might not always be accurate. Carnival assured that they would directly contact any affected guests once their investigation concludes.

AmaWaterways is set to embark on its most ambitious expansion yet, aiming to grow its fleet to over 50 ships by 2032. This move comes as the popularity of river cruising continues to soar. Currently, the company operates 31 ships globally. However, it plans to significantly boost its capacity with a series of new vessels across Europe, Africa, and Asia in the coming years.

New Ships Planned For Europe, Africa And Asia

The expansion will see 15 additional ships in Europe and a substantial increase in capacity outside the region. New ships are planned for Africa and Asia, reflecting the growing interest in these regions. The programme builds on previously announced plans for three ships launching in 2027 on the Rhine, Danube, and Mekong rivers. Several other vessels are also scheduled to debut between 2026 and 2028.

AmaNubia is set to launch on the Nile in September 2026, featuring 38 staterooms with Egyptian-inspired details. It will join the existing Nile vessels, AmaDahlia and AmaLilia. In 2027, AmaRudi will debut on the Danube as the line’s second double-width river ship, accommodating 196 guests across 98 staterooms. Another ship, AmaMaya, will operate on the Mekong River with 60 staterooms, influenced by the region’s Indochine heritage.

Additional ships include AmaFiora on the Rhine in 2027, AmaClara on the Rhône in 2028, and AmaGaia on Portugal’s Douro River in 2028. AmaCleo is also expected to join the Nile fleet in 2028, further expanding the line’s presence in Egypt. AmaWaterways is also exploring further growth in Africa, with plans for a second ship on the Chobe River alongside the Zambezi Queen.

What The Expansion Means For River Cruise Passengers

For cruise passengers, this expansion means a broader choice of itineraries and potentially more availability on some of the world’s most popular river routes. Europe remains the company’s largest market, but the addition of ships in Africa and Asia highlights a growing interest in more adventurous river cruise destinations. These include Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia, and southern Africa. Portugal’s Douro River is another area experiencing strong demand, leading to the planned introduction of AmaGaia alongside the line’s existing ships.

With new vessels scheduled to arrive almost annually, AmaWaterways is poised to offer an even more diverse range of river cruise experiences. This expansion not only caters to the increasing demand but also enhances the overall experience for guests and travel partners alike.

Royal Caribbean is set to expand its fleet with two more Icon Class cruise ships, known as Icon 6 and Icon 7. These ships will be constructed by Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku, with expected deliveries in 2029 and 2030. This move underscores Royal Caribbean’s commitment to investing in the largest vessels ever built for the cruise industry.

Largest Cruise Ships In The World

The Icon Class ships are the biggest cruise ships currently in operation. They weigh approximately 250,800 gross tons and can accommodate up to 7,600 guests. These ships were designed from scratch, focusing on unique onboard neighbourhoods. Each area offers a distinct theme, catering to families, couples, and multi-generational groups. From lively water parks to serene adults-only zones, there’s something for everyone. This innovative design has driven strong demand, boosting bookings and pricing for Royal Caribbean.

Expanding The Icon Class Fleet

The latest order for Icon 6 and Icon 7 follows the announcement of a fifth Icon Class ship, set for delivery in 2028. Icon of the Seas began service in January 2024, with Star of the Seas joining in August 2025. Legend of the Seas is scheduled for a July 2026 debut in the Western Mediterranean, and Hero of the Seas will launch in 2027. With these additions, the Icon Class will rival the Oasis Class as Royal Caribbean’s largest ship group.

What We Know About Icon 6 And Icon 7

Details about Icon 6 and Icon 7 remain under wraps, including their names and homeports. However, it’s expected that Royal Caribbean will refine the existing design rather than make major changes. Feedback from passengers on earlier ships often leads to small improvements. For instance, Hero of the Seas will feature expanded pool areas based on guest suggestions. More information about these new ships will likely be revealed as their launch dates approach.

Tragic Incident on Carnival Firenze

A tragic event unfolded aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Firenze when a passenger fell from a balcony. The incident occurred on the morning of April 27, 2026, as the ship sailed near Catalina Island, California. The woman reportedly went over her balcony railing, landing on a lower deck. Family members quickly informed the crew, but the circumstances remain unclear. Her identity has not been disclosed.

Investigation Underway

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that authorities have been notified, and an investigation is in progress. A spokesperson stated that all relevant authorities have been alerted. Carnival’s Care Team is providing support to the family. Law enforcement is expected to board the ship at Catalina Island to conduct a thorough investigation.

Ship Continued Its Journey

Despite the incident, Carnival Firenze continued its scheduled itinerary. The ship was near Catalina Island, a popular cruise destination, at the time. Passengers use tender boats to reach the shore, as the island lacks a direct docking pier. The cruise departed from Long Beach on April 26 for a four-day journey. After visiting Catalina Island, the ship set sail for Ensenada, Mexico, on April 28, with a return to Long Beach planned for April 30.

About Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze is a relatively new addition to Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, accommodating up to 4,126 guests. The 135,156-gross-ton ship joined Carnival in 2024, having previously sailed as Costa Firenze under Costa Cruises. Since its transfer, the vessel has been operating short Baja Mexico itineraries from Long Beach.

Recent Overboard Incidents

This incident follows another maritime emergency just days earlier. On April 25, a crew member from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway went overboard near Cape Cod. Despite a large search operation by the US Coast Guard, the crew member was not found, and the search was suspended. While such incidents are rare, they prompt immediate investigations by cruise line officials and local authorities.