Fifth Gastro Outbreak of 2025 Hits Coral Princess During 16-Day Cruise

The cruise industry is facing its fifth gastrointestinal outbreak of 2025, with Princess Cruises managing a norovirus incident aboard the Coral Princess. The current voyage is a 16-day, one-way cruise from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale, running from January 20 to February 5. The outbreak reported to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) on January […]
Celebrity Cruises Ventures Into River Cruising with 10-Ship Fleet

Celebrity Cruises is expanding into the river cruise market with the launch of Celebrity River Cruises, a premium brand set to debut in 2027. The company has placed an initial order for 10 ships to sail Europe’s most iconic waterways. The move marks Celebrity’s entry into the competitive river cruise industry, blending its signature upscale […]
MSC Cruises Announces World-Class Ship Coming to Port Canaveral in 2027

MSC Cruises plans to expand its offerings from Port Canaveral and has identified ships that will sail from the Florida port through 2028. Fourth World-Class Vessel Arrives in 2027 The company announced that its fourth World-class vessel will be deployed at the port in time for its 2027 to 2028 winter season. MSC’s decision will […]
Port Canaveral Breaks Record with Over 25 Cruise Ships and Deep-Sea Vessels in a Single Day

January 25 marked a milestone for Port Canaveral as the Florida cruise port hosted its “busiest day ever” with a combined 25 deep-sea vessels. Describing the record turnout as a “full house,” Port Canveral’s Facebook account celebrated and offered details about the day’s marine traffic. “What a day at Port Canaveral!,” the post began. “25 […]
Cruise Passengers Called Low-Cost Customers by City Mayor

The mayor of a major French city wants to crack down on cruise ship “overtourism.” In a New Year’s public speech, Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi said large cruise ships visiting with thousands of guests “have no place here,” he said. Estrosi also took a shot at cruise guests themselves: “Cruises that pollute, that dump […]
Cruise Lines Pull Out of Iceland After Its New Passenger Tax

A cruise fee hike is leading to widespread port call cancellations in Iceland. The new cruise fee increase at the start of 2025 is causing cruise lines to ditch calls. Iceland’s national broadcaster RÚV reports dozens of planned port calls have been canceled for 2025. Each call is now subject to 2500 ISK ($18) per […]
Miami Cop Busted at Port for Smuggling Narcotics on Cruise Ship

A Miami-Dade sheriff’s deputy was arrested last Thursday after authorities reportedly discovered methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy or molly, hidden in his luggage. Francisco Melo, who had served as a deputy for six years, was previously implicated in selling illegal narcotics. Authorities say a sting operation involving a fake buyer led to the purchase […]
Costa Concordia Cruise Ship Captain Seeks Early Release from Prison

Francesco Schettino, the captain at the helm of the ill-fated Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster, has filed for an early release from prison. Schettino, now age 64, petitioned for release, about halfway through his 16-year sentence. A court hearing is planned for early March to hear the petition. Francesco Schettino Applies For ‘Semi-Liberty’ Release Local […]
Cruise Line Apologizes for “Offensive” Costume Mishap

A cruise line has issued an apology after a public backlash over an “inappropriate” deck parade. P&O Cruises Australia responded after video footage of crew members wearing pointed white hoods was compared to members of the Ku Klux Klan. It happened during a Christmas cruise from Melbourne to Tasmania last month. Crew members were dressed […]
Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom Star in MSC Cruises’ Super Bowl Debut

MSC Cruises is making waves with its first-ever Big Game commercial, a significant milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the competitive U.S. market. The 60-second ad, set to air during the 2025 Super Bowl, features Hollywood stars Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom. It highlights the cruise line’s unique blend of […]