Travel Warning Updated for Popular Western Caribbean Cruise Port
The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisories for Honduras and Costa Rica, two popular cruise destinations in Central America, prompting cruise passengers to exercise caution. The announcements posted on December 10 address crime concerns in both countries but do not change their advisory levels. Honduras: Reconsider Travel Honduras remains under a Level […]
Royal Caribbean Ups Dividend 38% as Cruise Recovery Steams Ahead
Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) announced on Wednesday that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share, payable on Jan. 13, 2025, to shareholders of record as of Dec. 27, 2024. This marks a 38% increase from its previous payout of $0.40 per share in September 2024. The dividend hike shows […]
Behind the Scenes: How Carnival Decorates 27 Cruise Ships for the Holiday
Decorating for the holidays can be overwhelming for any household. However, Carnival Cruise Line enhances the holiday spirit by transforming 27 cruise ships into floating showcases in just a few hours. Nearly half a million guests and crew members enjoy this festive transformation annually. I had the opportunity to witness this transformation firsthand aboard the […]
Scarlet Lady Returns to the Sea Following Dry Dock Makeover [PHOTOS]
Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady has completed a two-week dry dock at the Fincantieri shipyard, unveiling upgraded accommodations, dining options, and amenities to enhance the guest experience. Even though the ship is approaching five years old, the refurbishment, held Nov. 14-28, 2024, is part of the cruise line’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet. Among the […]
Australia’s Cruise Industry Sets New High with $4.1 Billion Season
New South Wales has embarked on its most lucrative cruise season yet, with the 2023-24 season generating a record $4.41 billion for the state’s economy—a 60.4% increase compared to the previous financial year. This figure, released by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA), surpasses pre-pandemic levels, cementing NSW’s position […]
Over 4,000 Passengers Impacted as MSC Cruise Ship Experiences Mechanical Issues
MSC Cruises was forced to cancel two voyages of the MSC Bellissima after the ship encountered engine and navigation issues. The mechanical failure left approximately 1,880 Taiwanese and other cruise passengers stranded in Okinawa while disrupting the ship’s planned itineraries. The 171,598-gross-ton vessel had been scheduled to depart from Keelung, Taiwan, on December 6, 2024, […]
Half Moon Cay Gets Divided for Carnival and Holland America Guests, New Name
Half Moon Cay, a long-time favorite private island destination in The Bahamas for cruise passengers, is being transformed into RelaxAway: Half Moon Cay, with enhancements designed to elevate the experience. Holland America Line (HAL) and Carnival Cruise Line have partnered on this project to expand access while preserving the island’s natural beauty. In doing so, the […]
Cruise Ship Electrical Fire Sparks Issues During Sailing
MSC Cruises has confirmed a minor electrical fire onboard MSC Seashore on Sunday. The cruise line reported that it originated in the generator room, and no one had been hurt. “On the evening of December 8, a small electrical fire was reported in the emergency generator room on an upper deck of the ship and […]
Carnival Cruise Line Quietly Hikes Internet Prices by Up to 22%
Carnival Cruise Line has quietly implemented a price hike for its Wi-Fi internet plans, with costs increasing across all three internet tiers: Social, Value, and Premium. Guests now face higher daily rates whether they pre-purchase the packages or buy them onboard, leaving many cruisers frustrated—not just with the cost increase but also with the lack […]
Controversial Mexico Cruise Passenger Tax Now Delayed Until July 1
The cruise industry and Mexico have reached an agreement to postpone the implementation of the new passenger tax. According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the $42 tax for cruise passengers visiting Mexico has been deferred by six months and will now take effect on July 1, 2025, instead of the originally planned date of […]
