2. Cozumel was struck by violence this week when seven people were murdered near Playa del Carmen, the mainland destination traveled to by visitors to Cozumel. The incident occurred just 10 minutes from some popular tourist spots, serving as a reminder to cruisers to exercise caution when visiting new locations. The violence is suspected to be a result of the Jalisco drug cartel moving into the region.

3. Carnival Cruise Line was quick to reverse its new room service policy this week. At the start of 2019, Carnival announced a new à la carte room service menu on which the only remaining complimentary order was continental breakfast. However, in the wake of the immediate backlash, Brand Ambassador John Heald took to his Facebook page to say that Carnival would be “making some adjustments” to this new plan and menu. Until the new plan is revealed, the complimentary menu remains in effect.

4. Oceana Cruises has ordered two new, $650-million ships. The new Oceana ships, not yet named, will not set sail until 2022 and 2025 and will be part of the new Allura class. The sister ships will be about 67,000 tons and able to accommodate up to 1,200 guests. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd President and CEO Frank Del Rio said the ships will “meet the strong demand for upscale culinary- and destination-focused cruise vacations around the globe.”

5. Viking Cruises just announced a 161-day world cruise aboard Viking Sun. Beginning  in Miami on December 14, 2020, the ship will visit six continents and 75 ports of call, including first-ever stops in Hawaii and Nawiliwili for Viking.