Blog Page 137

UK Port Completes the Fleet With New Virgin Voyages Ship

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
UK Port Completes the Fleet With New Virgin Voyages Ship

Key Aspects:

  • Brilliant Lady has arrived in Portsmouth, bringing a “complete the fleet” moment to the UK port as the only port in the world to welcome all four Virgin Voyages ships.
  • The new “lady” ship will set sail on her mermaiden transatlantic cruise to New York City on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
  • Virgin Voyages’ impact on Portsmouth has been excellent, raising the port’s visibility and bringing strong economic forecasts to the region.

August 18, 2025 is a brilliant day in Portsmouth, UK as Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady, has visited the port as her very first port of call as the vessel prepares to enter service.

But that’s not the only unique honor for Portsmouth International Port with this very special visit. All four “lady” ships have visited the port, making the southern UK port the first destination in the world to welcome the entire Virgin Voyages fleet.

“Portsmouth has become a meaningful part of our journey. It’s where we introduced Scarlet Lady to the world and — four years later — where we’re celebrating the arrival of Brilliant Lady,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages CEO.

“Along the way, our full fleet of Lady Ships has passed through, making Portsmouth the first and only port in the world to have welcomed all of our vessels. Each one marks a new moment in the evolution of this incredible brand.”

Brilliant Lady will spend four days alongside in Portsmouth, hosting various guests onboard as well as being part of a careers event for specialists and educators in the cruise industry.

On Thursday, August 21 the new ship will begin her “mermaiden” transatlantic crossing to New York. From the Big Apple, she will offer four autumn sailings before one departure from Quebec City. Then it will be on to Miami for a winter in the Caribbean.

From April 2026 and beyond, Brilliant Lady will offer departures from Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Seattle. This gives Virgin Voyages fans many different options to experience the new ship on different itineraries.

A Brilliant History in Portsmouth

Though Virgin Voyages may yet be a smaller cruise line with just four ships – Scarlet Lady (2021), Valiant Lady (2021), Resilient Lady (2023), and now Brilliant Lady (2025) – it is relatively unique for a single port to welcome every ship in a fleet.

“Portsmouth is very proud to be dubbed the UK home for such a recognisable brand,” said Steve Pitt, leader of the Portsmouth City Council.

“The city has welcomed us from the start and been a great partner. As we continue to expand globally, it feels right to mark these milestones in a place that reflects our values, shares our maritime spirit and has supported us every step of the way,” said Saverimuttu.

Brilliant Lady Arrives in Portsmouth
Brilliant Lady Arrives in Portsmouth (Credit: Port of Portsmouth)

As the cruise line has grown, more than 72,000 Virgin Voyages guests have traveled through Portsmouth. This has had a dramatic impact in improving the port’s visibility and growing its cruise business.

“The investment our council-owned port has seen over the last few years has attracted many regular calls from established cruise lines who bring repeat business into the city,” Pitt noted.

Other cruise lines that call on Portsmouth include Saga Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, Azamara Cruises, and more.

Set Sail Aboard Brilliant Lady – Book Through Cruise Hive!

Each visit has a great economic impact on the port and surrounding community, generating up to £1.5 million (roughly $2 million USD) from tariffs, supplies, and both guest and crew spending.

“All profit made by the port goes directly back into funding vital council services, so it is always exciting for residents to see such a wide range of ships coming through the harbour,” said Pitt.

In 2025, Portsmouth International Port is expected to bring in more than £10 million ($13 million USD) in profit to the city council.

American Cruise Passenger Dies After Bus Strikes Couple at Italian Port

Lissa Poirot
-
0
American Cruise Passenger Dies After Bus Strikes Couple at Italian Port

Key Aspects:

  • An 83-year-old American woman was killed and her 84-year-old husband critically injured when a reversing excursion bus struck them at the Port of Livorno.
  • The couple had just returned from a shore excursion and were walking back toward their cruise ship when the accident occurred.
  • Italian authorities are investigating to determine how the collision happened.

Livorno, Italy, is one of Italy’s most popular cruise ports. A jumping off point for reaching Florence, Tuscan villages, and Pisa’s leaning tower, passengers often board shuttle buses to whisk them off to see sites in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

But one recent call turned tragic when a reversing shuttle bus struck a couple of American passengers, killing the woman and critically injuring her husband.

According to Italian reports, the victims, aged 83 and 84, had just disembarked after a city excursion and were returning to their cruise ship when the accident occurred.

Authorities say the shuttle bus was maneuvering in the port area on August 12, 2025, when it backed into the couple, likely within the driver’s blind spot. 

Witnesses reported, “He had not noticed their presence until he heard a noise and the screams.”

Both passengers were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but sadly, the woman died shortly after arrival. Her husband remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The identities of the couple have not been released, although one source suggests the couple were guests aboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria.

According to ship trackers, the 2,061-guest ship was in Livorno on August 12 during a 21-night Adriatic and Western Mediterranean voyage that had departed from Trieste, Italy, on July 28, 2025.

Read Also: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents

The ship had explored Croatia, Malta, France, Sardinia, and numerous ports in Italy before the accident occurred and ended its journey in Barcelona earlier this morning, August 18.

Cunard Queen Victoria
Cunard’s Queen Victoria (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

MSC Cruises’ MSC Seaside has made Livorno a homeport for its 7-night Mediterranean cruises, but was in Barcelona on the day the incident occurred.

Local police are said to be conducting interviews, reviewing surveillance footage, and gathering evidence in a continuing investigation. 

Rising Traffic and Growing Risks

The Port of Livorno is one of Italy’s largest ports. In 2024, it welcomed more than 860,000 cruise passengers – a 23.2 percent increase over 2023.

Besides being a main port of call, its location as a homeport has quintupled its homeport traffic to nearly 54,000.

Forecasts for 2025 suggest continued strong performance, with Livorno expected to see a 25.4 percent increase in cruise passengers and more than a 30 percent rise in ship calls.

Port of Livorno
Port of Livorno (Photo Credit: Rosamar

Although the port is busy, accidents – especially those involving cruise passengers – are extremely rare.

Still, accidents do happen. Barcelona also had its own dangerous bus crash in March 2025. Fifty-three people were injured when a cruise passenger bus and a bus carrying students collided near the Sagrada Familia.

A similar incident occurred in 2024’s late summer Alaska season when a cruise bus overturned while carrying 24 passengers. Twelve passengers were hurt; none of them fatally.

The unidentified Livorno bus driver, described as an experienced operator, reportedly appeared shaken, having just assisted the woman with her walker before the accident in the busy pedestrian zone took place.

Cruise Hive extends its deepest condolences to the victims’ family.

Norwegian Cruise Ship Diverts to Canada as Hurricane Erin Looms

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Norwegian Cruise Ship Diverts to Canada as Hurricane Erin Looms

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Aqua will skip Bermuda and sail to Saint John, New Brunswick, to avoid Hurricane Erin.
  • Guests will receive a $100 onboard credit per stateroom and a 20% Future Cruise Credit.
  • All Bermuda shore excursions have automatically been cancelled and refunded to passenger accounts.

When Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, departs on its 4-night voyage today, August 18, 2025, its surprised guests won’t be sailing to the beautiful pink beaches of Bermuda.

Instead, passengers have been told they will be heading north to Saint John, New Brunswick, in Canada.

“To steer clear of Hurricane Erin and the forecasted rough weather, we’ve made the decision to adjust our route to keep everyone safe and sound,” the cruise line said in a letter to passengers.

The cruise’s only call on its 4-night roundtrip voyage was meant to be Kings Wharf in Bermuda on August 20. However, with Hurricane Erin, a Category 4 hurricane at press time, heading north, the ship’s sailing route would have it passing right into the storm’s projected path.

Worth Reading: Norwegian Cruise Ship Skips Port Due to Weather, But Not Tropical Storm Erin

According to the National Hurricane Center, Erin will be off of Florida’s southeastern coast on August 19; its northern coast, Georgia, and South Carolina on August 20; and the Mid-Atlantic Coast on August 21.

By traveling to Saint John, the 156,300-gross-ton Norwegian Aqua will keep guests away from stormy seas and able to enjoy a more relaxed call from 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. (Maybe.)

Despite the “exciting” news that passengers will now get to take in the beauty of the Bay of Fundy, Norwegian Cruise Line added a worrisome disclaimer:

“Once we arrive, the Captain and Harbor Master will carefully review conditions to determine if we can remain docked or if we will need to depart shortly after clearance,” the cruise line revealed.

Passengers, unfortunately, won’t be notified until arrival in Saint John.

To compensate for the itinerary change, Norwegian Cruise Line is automatically adding a $100 non-refundable credit per stateroom ($50 per guest for up to two).

It is also offering a 20 percent Future Cruise Credit to be applied to a sailing through December 31, 2026.

All shore excursions in Bermuda were also automatically cancelled and refunded to passenger accounts, with bookings open for excursions in Saint John available at Norwegian Aqua’s Deck 7 Shore Excursion Desk.

Guests will be back in New York on August 22, just as the storm is scheduled to arrive in the northeast.

An Unpredictable Storm

Norwegian Aqua is not the only cruise ship rerouting in an effort to stay away from Hurricane Erin. The storm, which developed off the Western Coast of Africa on August 11, 2025, rapidly gained strength and became a hurricane by time it reached the Caribbean on August 15.

Within 25 hours, the storm became one of the fastest-progressing hurricanes, reaching Category 5 status with winds of 160 miles per hour by August 16.

Hurricane Erin, Advisory 29
Hurricane Erin, Advisory 29

Read Also: Rough Seas on a Cruise Ship – How They Handle It

Although the storm has been downgraded to a Category 4, it’s carrying wind speeds of 130 miles per hour and is just north of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The storm’s projected path does not have it directly hitting any coast towns in the US or Canada, but weather can be unpredictable.

Traveling at 13 miles per hour, the good news is that cruise ships are faster than hurricanes and can maneuver out of its path should it surprise forecasters again.

Hurricane Erin Forces MSC World America to Change Course

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Hurricane Erin Forces MSC World America to Change Course

Key Aspects:

  • MSC World America has cancelled its calls to Puerto Plata and San Juan, replacing them with Costa Maya and Cozumel to avoid Hurricane Erin.
  • Erin intensified from a tropical storm on August 11 to a Category 5 hurricane by August 16, with peak winds of 160 miles per hour.
  • The storm’s location, currently north of the Turks and Caicos, prompted MSC Cruises to reroute for passenger safety.

One of the first hurricanes of the Caribbean season is moving fast, and with it, passengers aboard MSC World America are seeing their cruise take a different turn.

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, sailing her very first season ever, departed on August 16, 2025, from Miami with her bow originally pointed toward the Dominican Republic’s Amber Cove for an August 18 9 a.m. arrival.

However, with Erin officially becoming a Category 5 hurricane, guests have learned they will be missing the Dominican Republic and San Juan, Puerto Rico, calls in favor of calmer seas away from the storm.

“Due to Hurricane Erin (Category 5) and adverse weather forecasts, your cruise itinerary requires immediate adjustment,” read a post onboard the 6,762-passenger vessel.

Worth Reading: Hurricane Erin Forces Disney Cruise Ship to Reroute in Europe

The revised sailing schedule turned August 18 into a sea day, which will be followed by Costa Maya, Mexico, on August 19 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and nearby Cozumel on August 20 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Both ports are located along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, well away from Hurricane Erin’s projected storm path.

Guests on board seemed to take the news in stride, with many noting that safety comes first when navigating storms of this scale.

This itinerary shift allows the ship to still enjoy two Caribbean port days before the voyage sails to the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Ocean Reserve, and back to Miami on August 23.

Due to the changes, passengers who booked excursions through MSC Cruises were reimbursed for automatically cancelled bookings and were given an opportunity to book excursions in their new ports of call.

Passengers who booked private excursions were left to manage their own cancellations and refunds.

Storm Alters Caribbean Plan

Passengers onboard MSC World America, which made her grand debut in Miami on April 9, 2025, with Gloria Estefan performing, an exciting drone show, and godmother Drew Barrymore on deck, should not be too surprised the ship’s journey has been diverted.

Hurricane Erin became a tropical storm on August 11, 2025, off the west coast of Africa. By time the storm arrived across the Atlantic, it had strengthened. A day before MSC World America’s 7-day voyage began, it was classified as a Category 1 hurricane.

However, Erin quickly surged from Category 1 to Category 5 in just over 24 hours, shocking weather forecasters and maritime workers. Other cruise lines had to scramble to adjust their own itineraries, such as that of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure.

Hurricane Erin, Advisory 29
Hurricane Erin, Advisory 29

By August 16, as passengers were boarding the 215,863-gross-ton ship in Miami, Erin reached peak intensity with sustained winds up to 160 miles per hour.

Read Also: Cruising During Hurricane Season: What You Must Know!

As of press time on August 18, Erin was downgraded to a Category 4 storm located just north of Grand Turk Island, moving northwest at 13 miles per hour.

Forecast models show the storm will pass east of the Bahamas before traveling northward and remaining offshore of the US East Coast, bringing with it plenty of rain and wind.

By sailing to the western Caribbean, MSC World America will be able to give guests a sun-soaked sailing.

Local Authorities Provide Update on Celebration Key Incidents

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Local Authorities Provide Update on Celebration Key Incidents

Key Aspects:

  • The Royal Bahamas Police has released an updated statement on the two deaths at Celebration Key on Friday, August 15.
  • The two incidents were not related and the guests were from different ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.
  • The investigations continue and full autopsies will be performed to determine the exact causes of death.

Carnival cruise fans were shocked to learn of two guests passing on the same day at Celebration Key on Friday, August 15, 2025. Now, local authorities have provided more details about the incidents.

The Royal Bahamas Police on Grand Bahama has issued a release about the pair of drownings. It is important note that these were separate, unrelated incidents.

Official investigations are standard procedure and seek to determine if all proper safety protocols were followed.

The first incident occurred just before noon when a 79-year-old male guest was found unresponsive while snorkeling at the beach.

“A lifeguard assisted him from the water, and CPR was administered, but to no avail,” the report clarified.

The second incident was just after 2:30 p.m. when a 74-year-old woman was found unresponsive in the island’s large freshwater pool, which Carnival Cruise Line calls a “lagoon.”

Again, the woman was assisted from the water and CPR was performed, but without success.

Both guests have been reported as American citizens. Carnival Cruise Line previously confirmed that one guest from each ship at Celebration Key that day, Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.

“One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance,” Carnival Cruise Line stated.

Mardi Gras was in port from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Carnival Elation was in port from 2-8 p.m.

There has been much social media speculation about the exact causes of death for each guest, such as a heart attack or an aneurysm. To be clear, these are unconfirmed speculations, as final investigations have not yet been completed.

Celebration Key, Bahamas
Celebration Key, Bahamas

“An autopsy will be performed on both victims to assist with determining the exact cause of death,” the police report reads. “The investigation continues in both matters.”

Medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms can impact guests in different ways. Because both guests were in the water, any emergency could immediately impact breathing and muscle activity, resulting in drowning.

Further details about the individuals, including names and other identifying information, are unlikely to be released in order to protect their privacy as well as the privacy of their family members and traveling parties.

Both Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation have continued on their itineraries, a 6-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and a 4-night Bahamas sailing, respectively.

Is Celebration Key or Carnival Cruise Line at Fault?

Emergency medical incidents can happen absolutely everywhere, from theme parks and sporting events to concerts, at the grocery store, at home, or yes, even on cruise ships or their private islands.

Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Morgues?

Carnival Cruise Line’s lifeguards and emergency personnel reacted to each incident immediately, implementing appropriate responses and lifesaving measures. It is a sad outcome that such responses were unable to save either guest.

This is not the first time cruise guests have passed while enjoying port visits. Similar incidents have happened at MSC Cruises’ MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, at Mystery Island in Vanuatu, and on the Greek island of Milos, among others.

Each incident is a tragic event for the families involved, as well as a sad and troubling day for other cruise guests and crew members.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with everyone impacted by such incidents, wherever and whenever they happen. Cruise vacations should always be fun and filled with good memories, not tragic endings.

MSC Cruises Drastically Changing World Cruise Due to Unrest

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
MSC Cruises Drastically Changing World Cruise Due to Unrest

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Magnifica‘s 118-night 2026 World Cruise will now avoid the Red Sea region, which means the last segment will change and the Suez Canal transit will not be possible.
  • The revised itinerary is not yet available, but the cruise line will communicate the full route to booked guests as soon as possible.
  • If guests choose not to sail based on the final itinerary, MSC Cruises will permit full refunds within a short time after the updated route is disclosed.

A world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many cruise enthusiasts, with amazing opportunities for ports of call that simply aren’t available on conventional itineraries.

Guests booked on MSC Magnifica‘s 2026 World Cruise, however, are now learning that some ports as well as a very unique sailing experience will not be possible.

MSC Cruises has reached out to travelers about the change, even though an alternative itinerary is not yet confirmed. Nevertheless, the cruise line is actively working on an updated schedule.

“Due to ongoing geopolitical instability in the Red Sea region, and following a comprehensive assessment with our Security Team and external partners, we have made the difficult decision to adjust the planned itinerary to avoid transiting through the affected areas,” the notification read.

“This decision was made with your safety, comfort, and peace of mind as our highest priorities.”

This means the last leg of the cruise visiting ports of call such as Khasab, Oman and Aqaba, Jordan will not be possible, nor will MSC Magnifica be transiting the Suez Canal.

The 118-night World Cruise will officially begin from Genoa, Italy on January 5. MSC Magnifica was not planned to be in the impacted region until roughly mid-April.

It is also possible that some of the Mediterranean ports at the end of the sailing will also change, such as Iraklion, Greece and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, which were planned for April 30 and May 2, respectively.

MSC Magnifica should conclude her World Cruise on May 2, 2026 as she returns to Genoa.

At this time, it is not known exactly which ports must be removed from the World Cruise itinerary, nor what precise route or destinations will be added to the schedule.

It is also possible that the return to Genoa might be impacted, though that would have a knock-on effect on MSC Magnifica‘s next cruises in the Mediterranean. This will be something the cruise line works to avoid as the updated itinerary is coordinated.

In order to avoid multiple changes and potentially confusing updates, MSC Cruises is opting to fully finalize the entire last part of the cruise before sharing the changes with guests.

“We understand that not having the revised itinerary immediately available may cause concern,” MSC Cruises acknowledged. “We are in the final stages of confirming the updated route and expect to share full details with you by August 31, 2025, once all port calls are validated by local authorities.”

MSC Magnifica Cruise Ship
MSC Magnifica Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: venuswix)

Undoubtedly, the ship will now be sailing around Africa, which could mean port visits in Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Morocco, and other culturally rich and stunning destinations.

This is a similar situation as what happened to MSC Poesia when her 2024 World Cruise was adapted just days before departure, albeit in the opposite direction as it was the first part of the cruise impacted.

Also in 2024, Royal Caribbean’s World Cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas had to bypass the Red Sea region. As that change happened mid-cruise, guests onboard had the option to vote for their preferred African itinerary.

What If Guests Don’t Want to Set Sail?

While a World Cruise is an immersive experience and a stunning sailing regardless of exact destinations, some travelers may prefer to cancel their plans.

This could be if the port visits in the Middle East or transiting the Suez Canal may have been the bucket-list experiences those guests were most excited about.

MSC Cruises is giving booked guests the opportunity to evaluate their options and will honor requests for full refunds if preferred.

“In light of this change, we are offering you the option to cancel your booking free of charge and receive a full refund should you choose not to proceed,” the cruise line noted.

“This option will remain available for a limited period after the final itinerary is shared, giving you time to fully consider your plans.”

Because of its exclusivity, full payment for the World Cruise is due 120 days prior to departure. For 2026, this means that full and final payment is due no later than September 7, 2025.

EXCLUSIVE Cruise Hive Booking Offer: Up To $1,500 Visa Gift Card Per Cabin – Learn More!

Guests may not learn the complete itinerary until just a few days before that deadline, however. It is possible MSC Cruises may extend the deadline to offer slightly more time to consider the changes yet still be able to cancel for a full refund.

Any extension for the final payment date for the 2026 World Cruise will undoubtedly depend on exactly when the full itinerary is confirmed.

MSC Cruises will reach out to guests as soon as possible so they have ample time to take the changes into consideration.

Who Owns P&O Cruises and Why People Get Confused

Emrys Thakkar
-
0
Who Owns P&O Cruises and Why People Get Confused

P&O Cruises is currently owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, but that wasn’t always the case. The British cruise line boasts a rich history and, in fact, P&O Cruises is one of the oldest operating cruise lines in the world.

Here’s what you need to know about the cruise line, how it differs from P&O Ferries, and the fate of P&O Cruises Australia.

In This Article:

What is P&O Cruises?

P&O Cruises is a Southampton, England-based cruise line that currently operates seven ships, sailing to more than 300 destinations across the globe. The majority of the family-friendly cruise line’s ships sail out of Southampton, and P&O is the largest cruise line in Great Britain.

The History of P&O Cruises

Peninsula & Oriental Vessel
Peninsula & Oriental Vessel

The Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company was originally primarily a shipping company. They traveled from Britain to the European mainland, as well as to Australia, beginning in 1852, when the company landed a contract to take mail to the colony.

However, in the 1840s, the company set sail from London to the Mediterranean, offering passengers the company’s very first leisure sailing. 

The growth of the company’s leisure sailing division — which soon gained its own name, P&O Cruises — was slow, though.

The cruise line didn’t even commission its first new-build ship until 1995, at which point it revamped its ships to offer the modern dining, entertainment and amenities cruisers were beginning to expect. 

Still, in 1974, The Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company had purchased Princess Cruises, and, so, in 2000, when The Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company de-merged its cruising operations, P&O Princess International was formed.

In 2003, P&O Princess International would come together with Carnival to form Carnival Corporation & plc. Meanwhile, The Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company was overtaken by Dubai Ports World in the mid-2000s. 

Who Owns P&O Cruises Today?

Carnival UK Headquarters
Carnival UK Headquarters (Photo Credit: Simon Vayro)

P&O’s parent company is currently Carnival Corporation & plc. 

As of 2003, Carnival Corporation and P&O Princess Cruises combined to create a global cruising company that would therefore be known as Carnival Corporation & plc.

Along with P&O Cruises, the business decision brought a range of other cruise line brands beneath the Carnival Corporation & plc umbrella, too, including Princess Cruises, AIDA Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia. 

By that point in time, Carnival Corporation had already acquired majority or complete stakes in other lines such as Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Holland America Line.

As such, today, Carnival Corporation & plc is the world’s largest cruise company, with more than 90 ships in its fleet, serving hundreds of thousands of guests at any given moment and claiming approximately 40% of the global cruising market. 

Who Leads P&O Cruises?

Paul Ludlow
Paul Ludlow (Photo Courtesy: Carnival UK)

There are various well-seasoned individuals at the helm of P&O Cruises, who’ve shaped the cruise line’s legacy into what it is today, including Paul Ludlow, who acts as the president of both P&O Cruises and Carnival UK. 

Ludlow has worked with P&O Cruises for more than 20 years, in sales and leadership roles. Over the course of his career, he’s two LNG-powered, Excel-class ships to the cruise line.

He also established Princess Cruises in the United Kingdom, making the country the cruise line’s second-largest market after the United States. 

Ludlow took the role over in 2023, from Sture Myrmell. Myrmell was the Carnival UK president from 2021 to 2023, but was previously the president of P&O Australia and Carnival Australia. Following his departure from P&O Cruises and Carnival UK, Myrmell went on to take a role as COO at Journey Beyond in 2024. 

Who is the CEO of P&O Cruises? 

P&O Cruise Ships
P&O Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock)

P&O Cruises does not have its own CEO. Instead, Paul Ludlow’s boss, Josh Weinstein fills the role of CEO overseeing all of Carnival plc.

Weinstein has more than two decades of experience within the company, including as treasurer, president and COO, before becoming CEO in 2022, where he used his expertise to assist the cruise lines in bouncing back from the industry-halting Covid-19 pandemic.

Before Weinstein, Arnold Donald was the CEO for the corporation, a role he held for nine years. After Weinstein took over, Donald became the corporation’s vice chair. 

Prior to acting as Carnival Corp’s CEO, Donald was a highly successful businessman, with experience in the agrochemical space. In fact, Donald had already retired, resting on his laurels (he’d purchased a basketball team and everything!) — but then he was called to become the very first Black CEO of a major cruise company. 

Much as was the case when Weinstein took the role, Donald came onto the scene during a time of industry uncertainty, shortly after the Costa Concordia sinking, but Donald managed to increase the Carnival Corp’s profitability, diversity, sustainability and more. 

Before Donald, Micky Arison filled the CEO spot between 1979 and 2013. Arison is responsible for taking the company public on the NYSE in New York, as well as expanding the corporation’s bevy of cruise lines until Carnival Cruise Line transformed into Carnival Corporation & plc. 

Micky Arison’s father, Ted Arison, founded Carnival in 1972.

The Confusion Between P&O Ferries and P&O Cruises

P&O Ferry in Dover
P&O Ferry in Dover (Photo Credit: Mystic Stock Photography)

P&O Ferries and P&O Cruises were once both beneath the Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company umbrella.

However, The Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company retained P&O Ferries even after P&O Cruises spun off to Carnival Corp. As such, when Dubai Ports World (DP World) took over The Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, it gained P&O Ferries.

P&O Ferries is still in operation and provides ferry service between the UK and France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland. However, the two are currently completely separate functioning companies.

Unfortunately, this isn’t common knowledge and it’s resulted in some PR snafus. For example, in 2022, P&O Ferries came under fire for its sudden laying off of nearly a thousand employees.

In response, angry consumers called for P&O boycotts — but they didn’t realize that P&O Ferries and P&O Cruises were two separate entities, leading some to say that we should boycott P&O Cruises, too. 

As a result, P&O Cruises had to make an official statement that they were not connected to the ferry company whatsoever. 

Are P&O Cruises Australia and P&O Cruises the Same Thing?

P&O Aurora Cruise Ship
P&O Aurora Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

P&O Australia was the Australian branch of the original P&O Cruises, launching in 1932 with an inaugural cruise from Sydney.

The branch’s ships served various other functions beyond leisure cruising over the decades, including transporting expats from the UK to Australia, as well as serving in wartime. However, by the 1980s, P&O Cruises established permanent cruise ship service in Australia.

Read Also: Who Owns Carnival Cruise Line?

When P&O Cruises merged with Carnival Corp, P&O Cruises Australia went along with the deal, but in June 2024, Carnival Corp announced that it would be phasing out the P&O Cruises Australia brand.

In its stead, Carnival Cruise Line ships would serve its itineraries, with the P&O Cruises Australia ships either rebranding under Carnival Cruise Line or being sold off to other lines.

Carnival Cruise Ship Diverts to Bahamas to Avoid Hurricane Erin

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Carnival Cruise Ship Diverts to Bahamas to Avoid Hurricane Erin

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Sunshine has changed its itinerary to skip Bermuda and will visit the Bahamas instead, remaining well away from Hurricane Erin.
  • Carnival Cruise Line continues to monitor the storm closely and will alert guests on other ships if itinerary adjustments are necessary.
  • Vision of the Seas and Disney Treasure have likewise confirmed changes to remain away from the Category 4 storm.

Guests boarding Carnival Sunshine on Sunday, August 17, 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia will not be taking the Bermuda cruise they expected.

Instead, the ship will be heading to the Bahamas to steer clear of Hurricane Erin, which has quickly strengthened to a Category 4 storm.

Carnival Cruise Line reached out to guests to alert them to the change. Now, the ship will visit both Celebration Key and Nassau instead.

“The team at our Fleet Operations Center in Miami is working with the captains on our ships to monitor Hurricane Erin,” the cruise line explained.

“Due to the storm’s forecasted path, Carnival Sunshine has canceled its Bermuda calls on August 20 and 21. The ship will instead visit Celebration Key on August 19 and Nassau on August 20 before returning to Norfolk as scheduled on August 23.”

Any pre-booked shore tours for Bermuda should be automatically cancelled and refunded. Tour options for Celebration Key and Nassau will be available through the Carnival Hub app as well as onboard at the Carnival Adventures Desk on Deck 3 (Lobby Deck), portside near the Sunshine Atrium.

Worth Reading: Another Two Carnival Cruise Ships Forced to Adjust Due to Hurricane Erin

To be clear, there is no change in the ship’s departure from Norfolk on Sunday nor her return at the end of the 6-night cruise.

Safety is always the top consideration and Carnival Cruise Line will continue monitoring Hurricane Erin for possible impacts to different ships in the coming days.

“Safety is our priority, and we will continue to track the storm, factor in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard and local port authorities to provide timely updates,” the cruise line emphasized.

“Guests on upcoming sailings are encouraged to opt in to text alerts during check-in and monitor their email for potential updates from Carnival.”

Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny) is homeported from Norfolk year-round offering 6- and 8-night sailings to Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Eastern Caribbean. The ship can welcome 3,000 passengers aboard and is also home to more than 1,100 crew members.

Hurricane Erin Update

Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified overnight on Friday and throughout Saturday. As of the 8 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, she is a major Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 150 miles per hour.

This is just shy of the 157 mph designation for a Category 5 hurricane.

Currently located 150 miles northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the storm is moving west at 15 mph. She is expected to begin a northwest turn on Sunday, then steer even further north early next week.

Hurricane Erin, Advisory 22A
Hurricane Erin, Advisory 22A

“The center of Erin is expected to move just north of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through Sunday, and pass to the east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas Sunday night and Monday,” the forecast discussion reads.

Hurricane-force winds are being felt as far as 30 miles from the storm’s eye, while tropical storm winds extend up to 185 miles.

This means that even far from the storm, the impact of strong winds and waves is likely to disrupt cruise ships and port operations.

Carnival Sunshine is now the third ship to confirm itinerary changes to stay well away from Hurricane Erin. Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas sailing from Baltimore adjusted her itinerary several days ago to avoid Bermuda.

Disney Treasure has also completely changed her itinerary this coming week from an Eastern Caribbean sailing to a Western Caribbean route to remain far from the storm.

Additional ships may have changes over the next few days and booked guests should stay alert for notifications from their cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean’s Giant New Mega-Ship Departs on First Guest Sailing

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Royal Caribbean’s Giant New Mega-Ship Departs on First Guest Sailing

Key Aspects:

  • Star of the Seas has departed on her first guest sailing, a 4-night showcase cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
  • Port Canaveral hosted a celebratory wave-out event to send the ship off with fun and flair.
  • The new ship is offering four short showcase cruises before beginning 7-night sailings from August 31.

A new star has risen for Royal Caribbean as the massive 5,610-passenger Star of the Seas welcomed her first official guests on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

While the world’s largest cruise ship, along with Icon of the Seas, has already sailed short previews for travel agents and influencers, her first revenue guests are now onboard.

Port Canaveral hosted a wave out “sailabration” for the largest cruise ship ever to homeport from the Space Coast on Saturday afternoon. The port has done similar events for previous major new cruise ships too, such as Wonder of the Seas.

Local food trucks, a DJ, a bubble machine, games, and representatives from both Port Canaveral and Royal Caribbean were all part of the event held at Jetty Park on the south side of the port.

Another special guest, a DeLorean car inspired by Star of the Seas‘ exclusive “Back to the Future: The Musical” show was also on hand.

Hundreds of people gathered to see the ship off with cheers and the traditional fire brigade escort from Canaveral Fire Rescue. After a slight delay (reportedly a medical emergency), the second Icon-class ship departed just before 5:30 p.m.

Star of the Seas Departing Port Canaveral
Star of the Seas Departing Port Canaveral

Visitors weren’t bored as they waited, however, as it was a busy day for Port Canaveral. Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras and Carnival Freedom, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure also departed on various sailings.

Star of the Seas was the fourth ship to depart, leaving only Carnival Freedom to close out the busy afternoon.

In total, more than 23,000 cruise guests set sail from Port Canaveral on this historic day in the port’s history.

Guests Now Enjoying Star of the Seas

Star of the Seas‘ first cruise is a 4-night “showcase cruise” to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Sunday, August 17. Monday and Tuesday will be days at sea and the ship will return to Port Canaveral on Wednesday, August 20.

August 20 will also be the new ship’s official naming ceremony, a maritime tradition to bless new vessels and wish for safe voyages for all aboard.

The 248,700-gross-ton ship will be christened by astronaut, author, and social media personality Kellie Gerardi, who was named honorary godmother less than a week before the ceremony.

Motown superstar Diana Ross had been revealed as Star of the Seas‘ godmother in June, but unexpectedly withdrew from the honor a week before the naming.

Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral
Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral

In total, Star of the Seas will be sailing four short showcase cruises (one 3-night sailing and three 4-night sailings) before beginning her 7-night cruises from August 31.

These shorter sailings were gradually added to the ship’s overall schedule because her construction was completed ahead of schedule, allowing her to be delivered to Royal Caribbean earlier than expected.

The new ship is offering both Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean voyages, depending on sailing date.

Worth Checking: Check Cruise Prices for Star of the Seas

Her Eastern Caribbean itineraries will visit ports such as St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten, while the Western Caribbean routes go to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.

Every sailing, both east and west, also visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, ensuring that all guests get the true star treatment at Royal Caribbean’s private island.

1...136137138...596Page 137 of 596