A total of 17 cars were stolen from a supposedly secure parking facility that services the Southampton cruise terminals on September 9 and 10.
The facility parks vehicles in a locked warehouse and it is unclear how such a massive theft of so many cars could have occurred.
Multiple cruise lines and guests on different ships are likely impacted by the large-scale theft.
Parking at the cruise terminal can be the most convenient option for many guests who drive to their homeports. It’s fast, nearby, and often less hassle both before and after a cruise just to have your own car available.
But what if you debarked from your cruise and your car was gone? Other than spending a significant amount of time wondering if you forgot where you had actually parked (pro tip: take a picture of the nearest parking sign as you head to the terminal!), it would be very frustrating.
This is exactly what has happened to 17 different cruisers or cruise families who set sail from Southampton, UK in recent days.
The Daily Echo has confirmed that 17 different vehicles were stolen from a cruise parking lot between Tuesday and Wednesday, September 9 and 10, 2025.
The makes, models, and owners of the vehicles have not been released, undoubtedly as part of an ongoing investigation of the large-scale theft.
The lot is on First Avenue in Millbrook and belongs to Southampton Cruise Parking Services. The service’s website specifically notes that their parking is “indoor and secure.”
“We take extra precautions to ensure you have peace of mind,”the website describes.“We guarantee that your car will not leave our premises.”
Except that 17 vehicles left the premises, albeit unauthorized to do so.
The lot features 24-hour surveillance and security with CCTV monitoring. Cars are parked in a locked warehouse and free shuttles transfer guests to the cruise terminal, just a 5-minute drive away.
It is unclear how the theft, particularly such a massive one involving so many vehicles, could have occurred. Undoubtedly, security procedures are being thoroughly reviewed.
The parking facility has not yet offered any type of official statement about the incident.
Which Cruise Guests Were Affected?
A wide range of ships use Southampton as a homeport. During the time of the theft, the following lines and ships were all on voyages and could have had guests parked at the impacted lot:
To be clear, the cruise lines do not own or operate the parking facility. Furthermore, there is no information about whether or not vehicles associated with one particular line or sailing may have been targeted, or if only certain makes or models of vehicles were involved.
Port of Southampton Entrance (Photo Credit: Ben Gingell)
Guests whose vehicles were stolen will need to work with the parking facility, local authorities, and their own insurance companies for recompense.
This is similar to a situation in Norfolk, Virginia in 2022 when dozens of cruise guests’ cars were vandalized. Despite 24-hour security, the city was deemed not liable for the broken windows, dented doors, and other damage.
When parking at a cruise terminal, guests generally assume the responsibility in case of theft or damage to their vehicles. While this may not seem fair, it is often standard procedure.
To safeguard one’s vehicle in a public lot, all valuables should be out of sight, such as in the trunk (or in Southampton, the boot) instead of on the seats. Windows should be securely up and doors locked.
Cruise travelers should also take a photo of their car once it is parked and secured as verification of its condition before they set off on their vacation. This could be invaluable for claim and insurance purposes if they return and something is amiss – or their car is just missing.
A viral video shows a woman “stuck” in the Ocean Loops slide on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship in a clear section above the ocean as the ship is underway.
The exact ship has not been identified, but the Ocean Loops slide is only found on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore.
An escape hatch is located nearby and the woman was not injured, though guests reacting to the video have varying degrees of panic.
Waterslides can be a fun diversion from the pool deck, but what was supposed to be fun turned to either panic or silliness for one guest onboard a Norwegian cruise ship recently.
A 13-second video shared on social media shows the guest at a complete standstill at the low point of a waterslide, struggling to scoot her way either forward or back to move along in the ride.
What is even more terrifying to some viewers is that the clear portion of the slide is completely over the side of the ship, far above the ocean while this ship is obviously in motion. This could be a fabulous view, but it can also be vertigo-inducing for less strong-willed thrill-seekers.
The exact ship or date is not posted with the video, but the overall style and design of the slide, as well as the propensity for riders to get stuck at that one certain point, identifies the Ocean Loops slide.
This specific waterslide is a feature found on three of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway-plus class vessels: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore.
Guests must be at least 48 inches tall and weigh between 120-300 pounds to ride Ocean Loops.
At that time, the various ships that include the Ocean Loops slide were all enjoying Alaska cruises from Seattle as follows:
Norwegian Bliss – Last full day of a 7-night cruise
Norwegian Joy – Embarkation day of a 10-night sailing
Norwegian Encore – Next-to-last full day of a 7-night itinerary
The video does not show enough detail of the ship or her location to determine exactly which vessel it was.
Panicked Reactions and a Bit of Fun
The video was first uploaded to TikTok by user kaylamierzejewski on Friday, September 19. In just a few days, it has amassed more than seven million views and more than 9,300 comments.
Many reactions show instant fear of such a situation: stuck in a clear tube dangling above the ocean.
“I would die of a panic attack immediately,”one person exclaimed.
“Stuck in a waterslide over actual ocean water would send me into a psychosis,”another agreed.
“Anyone else having a panic attack watching this?” was a comment with more than 10,000 “hearts” of agreement.
Claustrophobia, breathing difficulties, emotional distress, and “new fear unlocked” are other common reactions.
Norwegian Bliss Open Deck
Much of the interest and instant panic could be related to the recent incident aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. On August 7, 2025 a clear portion of the Frightening Bolt waterslide broke open, spewing water over the deck while guests were on the ride.
To be clear, the incident on Ocean Loops is not an accident or a malfunction and the woman was not injured. The slide is designed to have a slight upturn at one point and it is common for guests not to clear the full loop and instead slide backward.
While it appears that guests are “stuck” in the slide, an escape hatch is located just a few feet away and crew members are on hand to open that hatch and ensure all guests exit the slide safely.
For some cruisers, it can be a point of pride to be able to exit through the hatch as a fun accomplishment. No fear necessary!
As Grand Princess is repositioning from Alaska to the Caribbean, she is having both air conditioning and toilet difficulties for multiple guests.
Princess Cruises is offering prorated refunds as well as future cruise credits for impacted guests to make up for the inconvenience.
Guests should never expect compensation for minor onboard problems, but should report concerns to crew members so issues can be corrected.
A repositioning cruise, when a ship moves between homeport assignments, can be a very memorable getaway. Unfortunately, guests aboard Grand Princess might be remembering their sailing for all the wrong reasons.
Technical issues onboard have impacted both air conditioning levels as well as toilet functions, leaving some guests with less than desirable travel conditions.
Fortunately, Princess Cruises is aware of the situation and is seeking to make it right for impacted guests.
“We are aware and want to acknowledge that you are experiencing issues in your staterooms, and we truly appreciate your patience as our teams work to address the concerns,”a letter sent to impacted guests reads.
Grand Princess is currently on a 16-night itinerary that departed Los Angeles on Monday, September 25, 2025, having just finished her Alaska season.
Now, the 107,500-gross-ton ship is on her way to Fort Lauderdale by way of the Mexican Riviera, Costa Rica, Panama, and Aruba.
As part of the repositioning, the ship must adjust her operations from the cooler weather of Alaska to the warmth of the Caribbean itineraries she will offer from San Juan once she completes her movements.
This has affected air conditioning in select staterooms and guests are feeling the heat.
“While our cooling systems are working properly overall, additional adjustments need to be made in affected staterooms to bring the temperature to a more comfortable level,”the letter explained.
At the same time, some even more basic functions are being affected for other guests as the toilet systems are malfunctioning.
“Ongoing treatment to the system is causing temporary disruptions,”the letter noted.“Our technical team is actively addressing this matter to make the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.”
Not all staterooms appear to be impacted by either issue. The concerns are widespread enough, however, that the cruise line is offering compensation to guests to make up for the less-than-ideal situation.
Affected guests are going to receive a refund of their cruise fare (not counting taxes, port fees, gratuities, or any add-on costs) for the impacted days.
The total of this refund will vary based on the fare individual guests paid for their vacation as well as how many days their experience was disrupted.
Furthermore, a future cruise credit of 25% of the total cruise fare will be added to guests’ Captain’s Circle accounts. This will be available after the current sailing ends and can be applied to any booking made no later than April 1, 2026 and setting sail no later than April 1, 2027.
It is unclear whether or not all guests onboard will receive the future cruise credit, but the refund of impacted days is only going to guests who have been directly affected by the unpleasant issues.
Should Technical Problems Lead to Compensation?
Undoubtedly, guests aboard Grand Princess are relieved that they will be receiving some compensation for the multiple issues they’ve experienced onboard.
Should guests on any cruise expect such reactions from the cruise line, however, and believe that every glitch should bring about refunds, future cruise credits, or other compensation?
This could be a slippery slope for cruise lines to start down. Undoubtedly, the onboard engineering team is carefully assessing each individual complaint onboard Grand Princess to ensure guests’ concerns are warranted.
Grand Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Brave Behind the Lenz)
For example, some guests have different sleep preferences for what temperature the room ought to be. Personally, I prefer a much cooler bedroom and set my home thermostat to 66 degrees at night.
If my onboard stateroom can only reach 68 degrees, however, that does not mean I ought to be compensated for the slight inconvenience. If my stateroom remains at a toasty 78 degrees all the time, however, that would certainly be cause for concern and complaint.
The best thing any guests can do, whether onboard Grand Princess or any other cruise line or ship, is alert crew members if they believe there are technical problems.
Crew members cannot fix what they don’t know about, and they will always take every possible step to correct a problem so guests have the very best cruise experience.
Hopefully, the issues onboard Grand Princess will be corrected long before the ship arrives in Florida on Wednesday, October 1.
Safety is always the top priority for the cruise lines, but that doesn’t mean the destinations they sail to are completely without risk.
While a cruise line will never bring guests to a port where they expect their passengers to be in active danger, there are some destinations where passengers may want to exercise increased caution or simply stay on the ship.
Without further ado, here are the 11 most dangerous cruise ports in the world.
As the 260-acre resort is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean, it is only called upon by Royal Caribbean cruise ships and sister vessels from Celebrity Cruises. Even so, it’s quite popular among the cruise community.
The US Department of State currently has Haiti under the mostsevere “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory due to “kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care.”
Cruise Passengers in Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: Mary Baratto)
The resort itself is generally seen as a safer destination than the rest of Haiti, as it is far removed from the violent unrest in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and has its own private security.
Labadee is on a peninsula on the north coast of Haiti in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea, over 100 miles away from Port-au-Prince.
Even so, Royal Caribbean has taken multiple breaks from visiting the destination out of an abundance of caution due to the ongoing unrest.
As of September 2025, the months-long hiatus that was already in place was extended by another six monthsuntil at least April of 2026.
Many cruise lines visit Nassau routinely, including Carnival Cruise Line and its sister brands, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and more.
Multiple Cruise Ships Docked in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Sven Hansche)
That said, the US Government has a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory for the Bahamas in place, which includes Nassau.
Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have been reported at Nassau’s beaches in 2025, and guests should remain vigilant for spiked drinks, taxi scams, and both credit card and ATM fraud.
Especially in less touristy areas, such as when venturing “Over the Hill” to the south of Shirley Street, crime and gang activity is prevalent.
In my experience visiting Nassau twice, local vendors were very pushy and didn’t respect personal space when I explored the areas just outside of the cruise port.
Some tried to grab and open my purse, which was thankfully secured to me as a crossbody bag, and shove souvenirs in my hand to force me to pay for them.
Roatan, Honduras
Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands, which is a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea off the northern coast of Honduras.
It is regarded as a popular cruise port in the Western Caribbean that is known for its animal encounters, pristine beaches, and world class diving and snorkeling at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Roatan’s Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, which is owned and operated by Carnival Cruise Line, and the Coxen Hole Cruise Port welcome over 1.7 million cruise guests every year.
Brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, TUI Cruises, and Virgin Voyages commonly make appearances in Roatan.
Especially in mainland areas, violent crime (including armed robbery, homicide, and gang activity) and both drug and human trafficking are concerning issues.
Acapulco, Mexico
Acapulco, Mexico, can be found in the southwestern part of Mexico in the state of Guerrero, situated along the Pacific Coast.
Once known as the playground of the rich and famous, Acapulco is home to Mexico’s oldest beach resorts and known for its stunning sunsets, beautiful scenery, and delicious food.
Though not quite as busy as other Mexican destinations, many mainstream cruise brands visit the port as part of Mexican Riviera itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Ship Docked in Acapulco, Mexico (Photo Credit: ackats).
These include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and more.
The region is facing challenges from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs, and other criminal organizations.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is a resort city that is also positioned on the Pacific Coast. It is located within the Mexican state of Jalisco and is wedged between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Photo Credit: Aberu.Go / Shutterstock)
The destination welcomes hundreds of thousands of cruisers each year from brands like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line, among others.
But despite its popularity, the entire state of Jalisco is under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel Advisory” due to terrosim, crime, and kidnapping.
There is a risk of violence from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs, and other criminal organizations, especially when venturing outside of the main tourist hot spots.
Despite being a relatively small tender port, thousands of cruisers are welcomed into the destination through the Belize Fort Street Tourism Village every year.
Vehicles Parked Near the Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
From there, cruisers can enjoy attractions like the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Margaritaville at Sea are frequent callers.
That said, the destination is under a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory for a reason.
Jamaica is a well-known country in the Caribbean Sea, located in the West Indies about 100 miles west of Haiti and 90 miles south of Cuba.
The Caribbean country is home to five cruise ports, the most popular of which are likely Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth.
Just to name a few, vessels from Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, TUI Cruises, Viking Cruises, and Princess Cruises are known to visit these ports.
Montego Bay Cruise Port and Pier (Photo Credit: Viktor Hladchenko)
Port Antonio and Kingston Cruise Port (Port Royal) tend to be less busy and are primarily visited by smaller ships from brands like Silversea Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
All in all, this equated to around 1.43 million cruise guests visiting Jamaica between October 2023 to May of 2024, generating $197.8 million in revenue.
Positively, Jamaica’s Level 3 travel advisory was downgraded to a“Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory at the end of May 2025 – which implies things are moving in the right direction.
However, violent crime is still prevalent and Jamaica has one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere.
Port Said, Egypt
Port Said can be found in northeastern Egypt, conveniently positioned on the Mediterranean Sea at the northern entrance to the Suez Canal.
The port serves as a gateway for cruisers who hope to visit Cairo and is known for being a duty-free port (no customs duties or taxes required) as well as a tourist resort during the summer.
Just to name a few examples, MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have all visited the Egyptian destination in 2025.
Port Said, Egypt (Photo Credit: Ashraf adel32)
But it’s worth acknowledging that Egypt as a whole is under a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory from the US government due to terrorism, crime, and limited healthcare.
Notably, border areas like Port Said are under a heightened “Level 4: Do Not Travel” alert due to military activity.
Port Said essentially connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, which continues to experience unrest and rebel attacks.
Several cruise lines have already pivoted to avoid the Red Sea tensions, and the proximity to the Red Sea certainly isn’t making Port Said any safer.
Barcelona, Spain
As the busiest cruise port in the Mediterranean, Barcelona, Spain, welcomed approximately 3.6 million cruise passengers in 2024 across an expected 806 visits from the mainstream cruise brands.
In fact, Barcelona receives so much cruise traffic, that the local government has imposed cruise ship limitations to decrease pollution and overcrowding.
Cruise Ships in Barcelona, Spain (Photo Credit: Kirill Neiezhmakov)
Unsurprisingly, areas that receive a massive amount of tourists are hot spots for crimes like petty theft and pickpocketing.
Overcrowded and busy areas like La Rambla, which is a pedestrian boulevard known for shopping and its lively atmosphere, and public transportation are havens for pickpockets.
Violent crime is less common, but there have been reports of petty criminals spraying tourists with water as a distraction.
Taxi scams, such as overcharging with inflated fares and taking unnecessarily long routes, are also not uncommon. Using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can help mitigate this risk.
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Athens is another popular Mediterranean cruise port. As the capital of Greece, an estimated 1.7 million cruise passengers visited the main Port of Piraeus in 2024.
Visits from popular cruise brands like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Windstar Cruises, and more helped to make up that number.
Athens Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Aerial-motion)
Similar to Barcelona, high-traffic tourist areas and public transportation are a haven for pickpockets.
There have even been horror stories of cruise guests having their passports stolen on their way to the Port of Piraeus, which serves as both a port of call and as a homeport, and not being allowed to embark on their sailings.
Cruisers should also stay vigilant for taxi scamswhere drivers charge overinflated fees for routes and luggage handling.
Antarctica
Antarctica is commonly known as the “final frontier.” The polar region is beyond beautiful and is a bucket-list destination for many cruisers.
Smaller expedition vessels that are Polar certified most commonly embark on the journey, such as the ships from Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Ponant Cruises, and Aurora Expeditions.
These ships also have a smaller capacity that helps them adhere to the limit of 100 guests ashore at a time per landing site that was established by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).
Holland America Line in Antarctica (Photo Courtesy: Holland America)
Larger cruise ships do occasionally sail to Antarctica, but they can typically only offer scenic cruising.
But no matter which ship cruisers choose, sailing to the remote region comes with its own challenges because of the frigid weather and undeveloped, barren landscapes.
As of July 28, 2025, “the Ice Continent” has been under a “Level 2: Travel Advisory” due to increasingly unpredictable and severe weather patterns.
Additionally, the remote location of Antarctica means that help is far away in an emergency.
Cruisers are encouraged to have a contingency plan in place for emergencies in advance, just in case, including investing in travel insurance that will help cover complicated evacuations.
Staying Safe While in Port
Cruises are amazing adventures, and the majority of travelers do not encounter any issues while exploring different ports around the world.
However, knowledge is power, and knowing what is happening in the cruise ports you are visiting can help keep you safe.
One way to do this is to keep an eye on the US State Department for updated travel advisories and to sign up forthe Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive timely news from US embassies and consulates while sailing abroad.
The cruise lines also have dedicated security teams that are constantly monitoring itineraries for potential issues that may make a planned visit unsafe, and will reroute when necessary.
While visiting a cruise port, it’s also a good idea to travel in a group and stay in well-lit and populated tourist areas.
If taking a shore excursion, try to only book your tour through the cruise line’s vetted vendors or other reputable providers.
Additionally, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid wearing or carrying items that could be taken as a display of wealth in areas where robberies are common, such as fine jewelry and designer bags.
As a final tip, I always make sure that I have local police and emergency contacts saved in my phone so I don’t have to waste time looking for them in the unlikely event that I need them.
Carnival’s recent adjustment to the upcoming new Rewards program has Diamond guests happy, but Platinum guests furious.
Carnival Cruise Line has not yet revealed all the program’s benefits or how it will work to redeem stars for onboard spending and perks.
The short for guests to get to Diamond, and the fact that earning Diamond status after the program begins will not be a lifetime benefit, are some sticking points.
The terms “rewards” and “loyalty” are hot topics among cruisers when different lines are fighting to entice repeat passengers to set sail over and over. But has Carnival Cruise Line done enough to keep the interest of some of their most loyal guests?
Diamond guests, those who have accrued at least 200 days with the cruise line under the current VIFP program, are much appeased now that their loyalty status will remain a lifetime benefit.
It is the Platinum guests, however, who are still furious over what seems to be a very weak and lackluster boost added to their status.
“After years of loyalty and finally making Platinum on my last cruise, it felt like a slap in the face,”one guest recently commented to John Heald.“With the announcement that Diamond will now have lifetime status but Platinum will not, it felt like a double slap in the face.”
Carnival Cruise Line has claimed that there are simply too many Platinum guests for everyone to be grandfathered into the new program for life.
Instead, the cruise line is offering a 10,000 “star” benefit that will automatically place those guests at the Gold level. This will provide the perks of one free bottle of water and one free drink, but guests must still earn 40,000 additional stars every two years to regain their Platinum status.
Of course, that free drink is only on cruises five nights or longer, not on 3- or 4-night sailings. Would the cruise line really be out that much for just a free drink?
As a note, everyone who is a member of Carnival Rewards gets the one free bottle of water, so it isn’t really a Gold-level benefit either. Red members get it as soon as they sign up, even with zero stars or never having sailed on a Carnival ship before.
“It’s Great for Diamond people, but for we Platinum people who have worked years to achieve our status, it sure isn’t great,” another guest commented about the newly announced revisions.
What Other Changes Are Coming to Carnival Rewards?
One frustration Platinum guests are having as they seek answers is that Heald simply doesn’t have any, or he cannot reveal what he does know.
“You’ll have more about this coming soon,”“Unfortunately at the moment I can’t share that information,” and “Much more to come” are just a few phrases Heald has used to respond to questions and comments.
“We have yet to unlock all the different things that the rewards program will be,”he confirmed.“When we do relate the rest of the information on how the rewards program will work I think you will see how it will help you and also unlock other benefits for you as well.”
As it stands, the new program feels incomplete, with some guidelines not yet finalized. At the same time, guests are being asked to trust and believe they will have the same great time onboard that they have always had.
While this may be true, one thing Carnival Cruise Line could be forgetting is just how many years Platinum guests have sailed with the cruise line, and what has already changed.
Do we remember the fun? Certainly. Do we remember the friendly crew? Those smiles and greetings are a big part of any cruise vacation.
But Platinum guests who have been sailing with Carnival for years, even decades (as a Platinum guest, I have been with Carnival for more than 22 years), also remember other things.
Change is inevitable, and that isn’t the problem most guests are having. But when change disregards the many years a guest has chosen Carnival for their vacation fun, how loyal is the cruise line to their guests in return?
Jessica Collins, previously believed missing from Carnival Horizon, apparently left the ship and chose not to return voluntarily.
Collins cleaned out her stateroom, left a gratuity, and texted the Carnival Care Team to let them know she wished to be left alone and was safe.
Abandoning a cruise at a port of call is not a legal way to emigrate to a new country, regardless of a guest’s personal circumstances.
Carnival Cruise Line has clarified that 47-year-old Jessica Collins, who left Carnival Horizon while the ship was visiting Kralendijk, Bonaire on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, deliberately failed to return to the ship.
A statement to Cruise Hive from the cruise line notes that Collins took deliberate actions both before and after her departure from the ship to remain in Bonaire.
“She debarked with all her belongings in her backpack and left a cash gratuity for the stateroom attendant with a thank you note,”the statement said.“The guest subsequently texted a member of our Care Team who had been trying to reach her saying she was safe and did not want to be found or contacted again.”
Local authorities have been trying to locate Collins, as is standard procedure for any missing person. It does seem, however, that Collins is not so much missing as deliberately absent.
Nevertheless, Carnival Cruise Line is continuing to work with local authorities in any way requested.
“While we are cooperating with local authorities this guest appears to have taken deliberate action to be alone and on her own,”the cruise line said.
Collins was traveling alone aboard the 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing and departed Carnival Horizon as any guest would to explore the charming port of call.
Security photos released for the search showed Collins in typical tropical attire, including a patterned button-down shirt, shorts, and sandals.
Her backpack did appear full and included a water bottle on the side, though she was not toting along any other distinctive luggage. Many guests have very full bags when taking full-day shore tours or planning to enjoy beach days, so this was not inherently suspicious in any way.
When Collins failed to return to the ship by the posted all-aboard time, several public address announcements were made in an attempt to locate her onboard.
This is standard procedure for any guests who might inadvertently fail to scan in properly when returning to the ship, and therefore may seem to be missing.
Carnival Horizon was not delayed and continued on her A-B-C (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) itinerary as scheduled. The ship has already returned to her Miami homeport and departed on her next sailing, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary.
Not the Proper Way to Emigrate
Abandoning a cruise vacation is not a legal or sanctioned method for emigrating to a new country, regardless of one’s personal circumstances.
While nothing is known about Collins’ motivations, many people do choose to emigrate from one country to another to enjoy a new place, start anew after difficult challenges, or to reinvent themselves.
Cruise Ship Docked at Port of Kralendijk, Bonaire. (Photo Credit: Jill McIntire)
Every country has different emigration procedures, which often vary based on one’s country of origin. Citizenship status, local sponsorship, financial means, employment, and criminal history often play into emigration guidelines.
According to the Caribbean Netherlands National Service, US citizens can enter Bonaire without a visa and may submit an application for a residence permit once on the island. That permit is typically valid for one year but can be renewed for up to five years.
To apply for Dutch citizenship, other factors such as cultural integration, language knowledge, and renunciation of other national citizenships are also considered.
A 47-year-old guest has vanished from Carnival Horizon as she never returned after debarking the ship while visiting Bonaire.
Local authorities have continued search efforts and have tip hotlines available for anyone who may have further information.
Missing person cases are rare but do happen for a wide variety of reasons from different cruise ships at ports all over the world.
The search continues for a cruise guest missing from Carnival Horizon since the ship’s visit to Kralendijk, Bonaire on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Security footage confirmed the American guest, 47-year-old Jessica Collins, debarked the ship at the southern Caribbean port of call. She did not return by the published all-aboard time that day and has not been seen since.
721News stated that authorities have noted that Collins was wearing a light, button-down shirt, light blue shorts, and sandals, as well as carrying a gray backpack. Security photos also show she appears to have had a water bottle and AirPods as she left the ship.
Her backpack looks full in the photos and speculation is rampant about Collins’ intentions, whether she may have intended to disappear to start a new life or had simply packed all that she needed for a fun beach day.
Speculation is exactly that, however, and no statements or confirmed details about her intentions are available.
Guests who were onboard the ship recall hearing Collins’ name highlighted several times over the public address system.
This is standard practice as the ship’s all-aboard time passes and crew members attempt to locate any passengers who may not have checked back in as they reboarded the ship.
Carnival Cruise Line has not made any public statement about the disappearance, but is undoubtedly cooperating with authorities as the investigation is ongoing.
Local police are asking anyone who may have seen Collins or who could have information about her whereabouts to contact them.
Carnival Horizon departed Miami, Florida for the 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary on Saturday, September 13. Bonaire was the second port of call on the popular A-B-C itinerary, following Aruba and before the ship visited Curacao.
Collins appears to have been traveling alone aboard the Vista-class ship, or at least debarked the ship by herself.
Carnival Horizon returned to PortMiami on schedule on Sunday, September 21, the same day she will depart on her next voyage, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary. The ship will not return to Bonaire until October 15, 2025.
Missing Persons From Cruise Ships
It can be shocking when a guest goes missing from a cruise ship, particularly if they might vanish without an apparent trace.
While overboard concerns are often the first suspicion, security footage and the ship’s tracking of guest identification cards can confirm whether or not missing passengers departed the ship.
In some cases, such as when Brad Solomon disappeared in April 2024 while Icon of the Seas was visiting Cozumel, a guest might become disoriented and lost. With Solomon, some dementia and communication issues likely contributed to Solomon’s tragic disappearance.
In July 2024, a teen boy traveling with his grandmother aboard Caribbean Princess in Germany disappeared but was found safe more than two days later. He had arranged to meet someone he had known online, but no evidence of any criminal intent was noted.
One of the most well-known and still unresolved cases of a missing person from a cruise ship is the story of Amy Bradley. The then 23-year-old went missing from Rhapsody of the Seas in March 1998 while the ship was visiting Curacao and she has never been located.
A recent Netflix miniseries, “Amy Bradley is Missing” generated renewed interest in her case and highlights the potential dangers of traveling to some cruise ports.
It is important to remember, however, that thousands, even millions of cruise guests safely visit ports all over the world every year. Every cruise traveler should be diligent with their personal safety, both on and off the ship.
Cruise Hive hopes Jessica Collins will be safely located soon and our thoughts are with her family members and friends at this troubling time.
The brand new Disney Destiny has officially left the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenberg, Germany.
The third Wish-class ship was successfully conveyed backwards down the Ems River for approximately 20 miles in a complex maneuver.
Cruise tracking data shows that she arrived in Eemshaven slightly early, which is where the final finishing touches will be completed and where the handover ceremony with Disney Cruise Line will take place in the near future.
After over a year of construction, the brand new Disney Destiny has said goodbye to the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenberg, Germany.
But for vessels that are built at the German shipyard, it’s never as simple as just sailing away.
Meyer Werft is located deep inland on the River Ems to protect the facilities from the worst of the weather in the North Sea, which is known for frequent and intense storms.
Cruise ships, including Disney Destiny, have to make the approximately 20-mile journey down the occasionally very narrow river backwards in a complex conveyance process.
The journey began for the third Wish-class vessel on the evening of September 19, 2025, at around 11:30 p.m. local time.
She was supported by two tugboats and the expert team of pilots from the Emden Pilot Brotherhood, who have been carrying out maneuvers like these for years.
Thanks to cooperating weather conditions and water levels, the 4,000-guest ship made good time passing through the locks and bridges at Papenburg, Weener, Leer, and Gandersum on the morning of Saturday, September 20, 2025.
She also passed the Ems barrage and Emden in the afternoon.
Per cruise ship tracking data, she has docked in Eemshaven in the Netherlands as of Saturday evening, which is ahead of schedule.
“After a short adjustment voyage, arrival in Eemshaven is planned for Sunday morning. Final outfitting and handover of the ship to the shipping company will take place in Eemshaven,”the Meyer Werft Shipyard said.
It’s possible that the 144,000-gross ton vessel will still complete an adjustment voyage early on Sunday before the Eemshaven team gets to work on making the final finishing touches.
What Comes Next?
It’s not yet clear when exactly the official handover ceremony with Disney Cruise Line will take place, but it will likely be in the coming days to weeks.
If she is like her older sister, Disney Treasure, she might even be delivered early. The second Wish-class vessel was handed over six days ahead of schedule.
This is when the cruise line officially takes possession of the now-completed new build, usually with executives from the cruise line, shipyard, and other VIPs in attendance.
Disney Destiny, River Ems
Given the flare with which Disney celebrated the vessel’s float out at the shipyard – complete with fireworks and an appearance from Minnie Mouse – the event will likely come with much fanfare.
Soon after, the captain and essential members of the 1,555-person crew will board the young ship to begin her sea trials.
The sea trials, which usually take a couple weeks to complete, will allow experts to assess the ship’s major systems and overall performance in the open ocean to ensure it is safe to start sailing with paying passengers.
Assuming all goes well, Disney Destiny will be ready to start making her way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
This is where she will begin her career on November 20, 2025, with a 4-night maiden voyage to both of Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay.
She will continue to homeport out of Fort Lauderdale through at least September of 2026, offering cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Carnival Cruise Director Jacky Tang knows that the best advice comes from the crew members who live and work onboard the ships.
The current Mardi Gras cruise director shared a fun video where crew members revealed their preferred dining venues, favorite cruise ports, and entertainment tips.
Cruise guests are also welcome to ask crew members for tips and tricks during their sailings, as long as they do so with kindness and respect.
When it comes to figuring out what to do while on a cruise ship, nobody has better trips and tricks than the crew members who live and work onboard.
Crew members spend months onboard at a time and often return to the same cruise ships for repeat contracts, which really makes them experts on the entertainment and amenities.
Thanks to a video from Carnival Cruise Director Jacky Tang, who is currently leading the fun onboard Mardi Gras, future guests now know exactly what crew members would prioritize during their vacations.
“Us crew members have all the tips and tricks and we’d love to share some with you,”Tang said to begin the video.
As eating is certainly a favorite pastime for cruisers, let’s start with what the crew members think about the food.
When it comes to dining, Emeril’s Bistro came up not once, but twice – which says a lot when the video is only just over a minute long.
The specialty restaurant, which is only found onboard Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, is inspired by Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse’s most famous dishes and signature creole style.
“Try beignets at Emeril’s Bistro. They’re to die for, trust me!”one crew member insisted.
In addition to Emeril’s Bistro, the crew members were also quite fond of Chibang and Guy’s Burger Joint.
“Favorite food…it’s gotta be the pot stickers together with the egg drop soup from Chibang. Put it together. Yum!” another crew member weighed in.
“The Ringer at Guy’s Burgers but with two onion rings on it,” another declared as her favorite food onboard.
It’s worth noting that Emeril’s Bistro comes with an additional cost, while dining at Chibang and Guy’s Burger Joint is included in the cruise fare.
Emeril’s Bistro is a walk-up venue that does not take advance reservations. But keep in mind that other specialty restaurants onboard Carnival ships do require advance bookings, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Even More Tips & Tricks
When it comes to entertainment onboard, the crew members were quick to recommend the production shows.
“My number one cruise tip is to come see the amazing shows that we have on board. But be sure to get there early so you can get a good seat.”another crew member suggested.
Additionally, it’s also important to keep an eye on the Hub App and listen for announcements from cruise directors like Jacky Tang so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun onboard.
And while spontaneity is definitely possible on Carnival ships, there are occasions where planning ahead is important.
For example, the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, which first debuted onboard Mardi Gras, requires advance reservations that can be made on the HUB App on embarkation day as soon as guests board.
The roller coaster operators may turn away passengers who just try to walk up and join the line.
Last but not least, the crew members named their favorite ports to visit. After all, cruises are not just about what’s onboard, but also where the journey takes you.
Without hesitation, the crew members named Alaska, San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Cozumel, Mexico, as their preferred destinations to visit.
Luckily for these crew members who live onboard Mardi Gras, the Excellence-class cruise ship primarily operates eastern and western Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral, so they get to visit two of these ports (San Juan and Puerto Rico) quite often.
If you ever need suggestions or advice during your sailings, never be afraid to ask a crew member for their best tips and tricks. They love to share their hard-earned wisdom with guests.
