One woman attempting to enjoy a summer cruise in Alaska was arrested as she attempted to board her cruise ship in Ketchikan on June 12, 2025.
Turns out the woman was wanted in Wyoming for allegedly embezzling money from a local church in Laramie County.
As the crow flies, Laramie is more than 1,500 miles away from Ketchikan, but with local sheriff offices sharing warrants digitally these days, 64-year-old Karen Bryan was flagged by authorities for having an outstanding warrant.
She was arrested on the spot, and is awaiting extradition.
The news has gone viral due to a Facebook post made by Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak, who explained the coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies in Alaska and Wyoming.
In his statement, Kozak said,“Our deputies are responsible for picking up wanted fugitives throughout the United States. There was one person who was wanted her locally for allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars from a church.”
“She was contacted by law enforcement in Alaska as she was boarding a cruise ship, and has been arrested,” he continued.
Kozak noted the extradition process is underway, and added that “our deputies are currently fighting over who is going to get to go to Alaska to extradite her back here to Laramie County.”
The cruise line and ship Bryan was boarding were not identified by the sheriff’s office, but the port was very busy on June 12, welcoming five massive cruise ships during the height of Alaska’s busy cruise season, which is expected to have 298 sailings in 2025.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss had arrived at 6 a.m. local time with up to 4,004 passengers during a 7-night roundtrip voyage from Seattle, while Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess had pulled in at 7 a.m. during its own 7-night roundtrip from Seattle.
That ship’s double capacity maxes out at 3,560 guests – bigger than the 2,670 passengers aboard the cruise line’s Sapphire Princess, which was also enjoying its last day in Alaska on a 7-night one-way segment sailing to Vancouver.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Ketchikan, Alaska (Photo Credit: Just dance)
It arrived in Ketchikan at 10 a.m., just before Holland America Line’s Konsingdam did the same. The ship sailed in at 11 a.m. with up to 2,560 guests.
It’s sister ship, the 2,104-passenger Eurodam, was also in port, arriving at 6:30 a.m. on its own 7-night roundtrip Seattle cruise.
Despite the crowds of passengers in the area, local sheriffs were able to discover Bryan and make the arrest.
No Escape for Fugitives
Cruise ports are among the busiest in North America, but alongside the flurry of disembarking guests and shore excursion guides, it’s not uncommon for local law enforcement to scan for wanted individuals.
Cruise terminals are legally considered ports of entry, even for US-based cruises, giving authorities to conduct background checks through routine ID verification or when passengers trigger watchlist alerts.
Recently, authorities in Florida arrested a Kentucky man in PortMiami who was wanted for more than $100,000 in back child support in December 2024.
In fact, Houston media reported recently that the Federal Bureau of Investigators’ Texas City office has a dedicated special agent for cruises.
The FBI told reporters it arrests someone from nearly every cruise in Galveston based on outstanding warrants and sites the use of facial-recognition technology for the ability to quickly screen passengers.
It’s more common than you’d think, with records showing arrests made in Baltimore, Jacksonville, and numerous cruise ports across the US.
Guests sailing out of Galveston, Texas, will soon get to enjoy ROBOTRON, the very first and only robotic arm ride at sea.
The ride, which is only available on the 5,877-passenger MSC Seascape, is a customizable experience open to all cruisers of all ages — as long as you are over 34 inches tall!
Suspended roughly 175 feet above the ocean, passengers get to soar, flip, and spin in the three-person gondola. This ride offers a unique, unobstructed 360° view that guests are not able to find on any other ship.
However relaxing a gondola might sound, ROBOTRON is a thrill ride through and through. One of the customizations available is the thrill level, which ranges from family-friendly to high-intensity.
Guests even get to go upside down when the robotic arm is over the edge of the ship’s deck.
Beyond that, passengers will also choose the visual effects, lighting, and even their own favorite music, all of which are incorporated into their unique riding experience.
ROBOTRON connects to all of the provided music and will twist and pulse in sync with the beat to create a multi-sensory experience.
Just know that if you are seeking a more relaxed experience, go for songs with lower beats per minute (BPM).
“On board MSC Seascape, guests will find that ROBOTRON is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines cutting-edge technology with breathtaking ocean views,” shared Lynn Torrent, President of MSC Cruises North America.
Becoming available for the first time in Texas, ROBOTRON will welcome passengers when MSC Seascape begins sailing out of Galveston on November 9, 2025.
Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises
“Texans love big adventures, and MSC Seascape delivers—with high-tech entertainment, immersive attractions, and unforgettable Caribbean cruises,”Torrentadded.
While the ride comes at an additional cost, it is a unique experience that is perfect for adrenaline-seeking guests.
MSC Seascape had the ROBOTRON installed in 2022, but being the first MSC ship to homeport in Texas, it is bringing some thrilling new experiences to those guests embarking in the Lone Star State.
Why is MSC Seascape’s Arrival in Galveston so Important?
On November 9, 2025, MSC Seascape is set to embark passengers for the very first time out of its new homeport in Galveston, Texas.
Not only does this voyage mark the first time an MSC Cruises’ vessel has homeported in this Gulf Coast facility, but it also marks the first time a ship is set to depart from the port’s fourth cruise terminal.
Construction on the new terminal began on August 20, 2024 — and if you are wondering how a 160,000-square-foot space could be opened just 15 months later, that is because some buildings were already there.
Construction of Galveston’s Cruise Terminal 16 (Credit: Port of Galveston)
Previously, two separate cargo buildings sat at the location of terminal four, and instead of tearing them down, the buildings were connected and are being updated.
MSC Seascape will begin embarking passengers at Terminal 16 this November, allowing passengers to experience features such as custom-built boarding bridges, new check-in and lounge areas, and additional parking.
The voyage departing on November 9, 2025, officially kicks off the vessel’s 7-night Western Caribbean voyages calling on Roatan in Honduras, as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico.
And of course, it will also be the first cruise that the ROBOTRON will be available to guests sailing out of Galveston!
While ROBOTRON is one of the be the newest additions to the 170,400-gross-ton vessel, it has other experiences, including the VR 360° Flight Simulator ride, VR Motorcycles, MSC Formula Racer, and Immersive XD Cinema while onboard.
With a new homeport and the first-ever robotic arm ride at sea, guests sailing on MSC Seascape are in for some fun times later this year!
Ocho Rios sits in the heart of the Caribbean along the north coast of Jamaica. With the port’s two terminals welcoming nearly one million cruise visitors a year, Ocho Rios Cruise Port is one of Jamaica’s most visited ports of call.
The port is less than half a mile from downtown Ocho Rios and less than 3 miles from the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls, so there is plenty to do and see. Let’s discover how you can navigate the port and get the most out of your visit.
Ocho Rios Cruise Port sits on Jamaica’s northern coastline. In a wider Caribbean context, the port lies roughly 62.5 miles east of Montego Bay and 52 miles north of Kingston, the nation’s capital city.
Not only does this location ensure the port is easily accessible for cruise ships voyaging throughout the Caribbean Sea, but it is also ideal for cruise passengers hoping to explore the downtown area of Ocho Rios, as well as must-see tourist attractions, like Dunn’s River Falls.
The port takes its name from Ocho Rios, a former fishing village that has since evolved into a thriving town and tourist destination.
Photo Credit: STUDIO MELANGE / Shutterstock.com
Ocho Rios Cruise Port sits on the western edge of the town, ensuring the town is easily accessible from either of the port’s two cruise ship terminals.
The two terminals, Turtle Bay Pier and the more recently constructed Reynolds Pier, which is also known as James Bond Pier, sit adjacent.
Turtle Bay is slightly closer to the town, making it easy for visitors to walk into Ocho Rios. Reynolds Pier is just a short walk away, so you can still easily explore the many shops and restaurants in the downtown areas.
Port Address
While it is split into two cruise terminals, the port can be found at the following address:
Now that I’ve covered where the port is, let’s get into the more exciting stuff: what awaits you when you arrive.
Turtle Bay Pier
Ocho Rios, Jamaica (Photo Credit: Nazar Skladanyi)
As I mentioned, the port operates as two terminals. Turtle Bay Pier is the main terminal, and it’s also the one most passengers will visit. The pier has a single cruise ship berth, meaning only one ship can dock at a time.
While amenities are fairly bare-bones, the real attraction is just how close you are to the shops and amazing street food stalls in the town itself.
Although the pier is somewhat limited in its offerings, I found it to have a really lively atmosphere. There are a few shops set up by local vendors, as well as a taxi line and booths for some of the tour operators.
There are also basic restroom facilities, as well as a covered waiting area with benches. If you’re looking for directions, there’s an information booth with friendly staff who are happy to assist tourists.
Reynolds Pier
Reynolds Pier, Ocho Rios (Photo Credit: byvalet)
The second cruise terminal is known as Reynolds Pier, but the former cargo ship loading dock was also given the name James Bond Pier following its renovations in 2021. This informal name was given to the port because the town was one of the primary filming locations for the first James Bond film, Dr. No.
While it was originally constructed in 1961 for the export of sugar cane and bauxite by the Reynolds Metals Company, it now exclusively serves as a cruise ship berthing facility and terminal.
Like the Turtle Bay Pier, it has a single cruise ship berth, but practically nothing in the way of amenities or tourist facilities. There are benches, and you will find a few taxis waiting to pick up tourists, but that’s about it. Luckily, it’s only about a 15-minute walk from the pier to downtown Ocho Rios.
As for Wi-Fi, neither terminal offers free internet access. Some of the nearby cafés and restaurants offer complimentary Wi-Fi, but you’ll need to use a valid email address and sign a privacy waiver to access it. It’s also worth mentioning that both terminals are fully accessible for those with mobility needs.
Even though I personally find Ocho Rios Cruise Port a bit underwhelming, the real draw is what lies beyond it.
Cruise Lines that Visit Ocho Rios
Photo Credit: Rory Burchenson / Shutterstock
Ocho Rios Cruise Port may be fairly small in comparison to some of the Caribbean’s mega ports, but it is still visited by some of the world’s most famous cruise lines, including:
Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
MSC Cruises
Holland America
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Margaritaville at Sea
Cunard Line
TUI Cruises
How to Get to Ocho Rios Cruise Port
While most visitors arrive in Ocho Rios by cruise ship, the town is serviced by two international airports, so some travelers will fly to the town and then make their way to the port to board their ship.
To make things simple, I’ll quickly go over just how easy it is to get to the port from downtown, as well as the two main airports most visitors use.
Getting to the Port from Downtown Ocho Rios
View of Ocho Rios (Photo Credit: RAMONE WALKER)
Just like getting from the port into town, getting to the port from downtown Ocho Rios is really straightforward.
The downtown area is barely half a mile from Turtle Bay Pier, so you can easily walk to the port from any of the hotels and resorts that line the waterfront of Ocho Rios. If you have luggage and prefer not to walk, a taxi from almost anywhere in Ocho Rios to either pier will cost approximately 800 JMD, which is roughly $5.
Speaking of taxis, fares are usually payable in either USD or JMD. While any hotel or resort front desk will call you a private taxi, they’re also easy to flag down from Main Street and the Island Village Shopping Center.
Personally, I always walk to and from downtown. Not only is it a short journey, but it’s also a pleasant stroll that allows you to pass by numerous street vendors and shops. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy a cocktail featuring the local rum, or even just a freshly pressed fruit juice or coconut water.
Getting to the Port from the Closest Airports
Montego Bay Airport Arrivals (Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell)
The closest airport to Ocho Rios is Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ). Named after the famous author of the James Bond series, it’s a smaller airport that offers daily flights from Miami and various port towns throughout the Caribbean.
It’s only 11 miles east of Ocho Rios Cruise Port, so a taxi ride along the A3 Highway will only take about 25 minutes.
The nearest major airport is Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, which is where most international visitors will arrive. While it’s just shy of 60 miles west of the port, travel between the two is still really easy.
A private taxi will cost between $80 and $120 USD each way, depending on when you arrive. If you’re trying to do things on a budget, I would recommend booking a shared shuttle.
There are a few reputable companies that offer shuttles between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios for around $25, but it’s recommended to book in advance.
Whether you take a shuttle or a taxi, expect the journey to take approximately one and a half hours. I’ve only done it once, but it’s actually a nice drive, as the highway takes you along the coastline, passing by sugarcane fields and Jamaica’s dense forests.
While it’s not exactly convenient, you also have the option to fly into Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston.
It’s 65 miles south of Ocho Rios and will cost approximately $150 to get there by taxi. However, it’s Jamaica’s main airport, serving as an entry point for many cruise passengers hoping to depart from Jamaica.
What You Can Do Near the Port
Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica (Photo Credit: BBaron)
You can’t talk about a visit to Ocho Rios without mentioning the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls, which is conveniently located less than three miles east of the port. These cascading waterfalls almost look like natural stone steps that pour into a stunning lagoon.
It’s one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist attractions, so be sure to carve out some time to visit. In addition to exploring the falls, you can book river rafting and tubing trips, as well as a zip-lining adventure. Trust me, this iconic attraction is well worth visiting. Just make sure you book early!
Another nearby attraction I always recommend is Dolphin Cove Jamaica, which is a marine park located just 2.5 miles west of the port. Visitors can swim with dolphins, feed stingrays, and observe sharks in their natural habitat. There is also a jungle path that’s home to iguanas, snakes, and a vast variety of tropical birds.
If you’re willing to venture a little farther, the Green Grotto Caves are 20 miles east of the port, just outside of Discovery Bay. You can book an excursion that will take you there, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the cave system and view the enormous stalactites and an underground lake.
Since the area really caters to tourists and cruise visitors, there are plenty of other excursions available, like horseback riding and ATV trips, but you don’t have to book anything to enjoy your time in Ocho Rios. Even exploring the town and getting a taste for the local music and food is an amazing way to enjoy a day in Jamaica.
Beaches Near Ocho Rios Cruise Port
Speaking of having a more relaxing time in Ocho, it’s also the ideal destination for beachgoers. Here’s just a quick rundown of your options and some of my favorites:
Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach (Photo Credit: byvalet)
Turtle Beach is just a few hundred yards away from Turtle Bay Pier, so you can’t miss it. It really couldn’t be more convenient, although it’s worth noting that a small entrance fee (200 JMD per adult, 100 JMD per child) is required, which grants access to restrooms and showers.
The beach itself is exactly what I picture when I imagine Jamaica. There’s white and golden sand, turquoise waters, rolling waves, and overhanging palm trees.
If you’re more adventurous, you can also try snorkeling and beginner-friendly surfing lessons. I recommend arriving as early as possible to secure a lounger and umbrella.
Mahogany Beach
Mahogany Beach, Ocho Rios (Photo Credit: Vibeckemarkhus.visit)
About one mile east of the port on the other side of town, you can find Mahogany Beach, which tends to be less crowded and has a more laid-back vibe.
When I last visited Ocho Rios, I wanted to escape the crowds at Turtle Beach, so I made the roughly 25-minute walk along Main Street to Mahogany Beach. There is also an entry fee (500 JMD), but this grants you access to loungers and restroom facilities.
It’s a pristine beach, and the quiet atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for an afternoon nap. However, if you’re looking for more fun, there’s a beachside bar and grill, as well as a small cave system you can explore. You’ll also find local excursion operators offering jet ski rentals and catamaran tours.
Reggae Beach
Reggae Beach (Photo Credit: Mihai-Bogdan Lazar)
Located about 4.5 miles west of Ocho Rios, you’ll find Reggae Beach. It’s a little out of the way, but it has a more secluded feel. It also lives up to the name, with live musicians playing Reggae music near the treeline. Depending on the day, you may also see a few local vendors selling grilled seafood and cold drinks.
Shopping and Dining in Ocho Rios
Island Village Shopping Area (Photo Credit: byvalet)
If you’re hoping to pick up a few souvenirs, you won’t have to travel far. Right at the edge of the dock at the Turtle Bay Terminal, you’ll find Ocho Rios Craft Market. With local vendors selling handmade goods, like wood carvings and jewelry, it makes picking out a memento incredibly easy.
It’s worth mentioning that some of the prices here are inflated, so you’ll have to haggle if you want a good deal. If you want more selection, I’d recommend making your way to the Island Village, which is just half a mile away.
With a vast array of retail outlets, this open-air mall features colorful stores offering a diverse selection of goods, ranging from locally made clothing to iconic Jamaican products, including hot sauces, seasoning rubs, and rum.
Ocean Village (Photo Credit: Ovidiu Curic)
Even if you just want to walk around, it’s totally worth it, as the boardwalk hangs over a natural lagoon that is dotted with flowering trees.
Taj Mahal Shopping Center is another popular choice. Located just half a mile directly inland from the cruise port, it’s a vibrant spot with luxury retailers and plenty of duty-free shopping.
More serious shoppers may want to consider visiting Falmouth or Montego Bay, both of which are accessible by taxi and offer a wider selection of international retailers.
When it comes to dining, there are a few spots I always make sure I recommend:
Margaritaville Ocho Rios
Margaritaville Ocho Rios (Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell)
Margaritaville probably doesn’t need an introduction, but the Ocho Rios location is just a short walk from the port. You’ll probably notice the bright colors and iconic Margaritaville sign as soon as you disembark. For picky eaters, the huge outdoor patio is the perfect spot to grab a burger and a cold drink.
Miss T’s Kitchen
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience and the opportunity to try real Jamaican cuisine, Miss T’s Kitchen can’t be beat.
Just under a mile west of the port in downtown Ocho Rios, this open-air restaurant serves up Jamaican favorites, like curried goat, jerk chicken, fried ackee, and, of course, Jamaican patties. They even have a playground if you’re traveling with kids.
With a full bar serving rum cocktails and local beer, it’s one of my favorite spots to visit in all of Jamaica.
Ocean’s 11 Restaurant
Ocean’s 11 Restaurant
If you don’t want to travel far, Ocean’s 11 Restaurant is a bar and grill located less than a 2-minute walk from the port. With fresh fish, jerk chicken, stewed peas, and some international favorites, it’s a nice spot to grab a bite before boarding at the end of your visit to Ocho Rios.
Plus, the outdoor patio has a perfect view of the port, so you can even view your cruise ship as you enjoy a meal and a cold drink.
Best Time to Visit Ocho Rios
Cruise Ships in Ocho Rios, Jamaica (Photo Credit: AlvinMina)
Like the rest of Jamaica, Ocho Rios enjoys warm weather year-round; however, it’s essential to plan your visit to avoid the crowds and minimize your risk of encountering tropical storms.
As with most Caribbean port towns, the peak of cruise season runs from December to mid-April, as this is when the weather is both dry and sunny. Daytime highs typically range from 80°F to 85°F, and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for shore excursions and exploring the town.
If you dislike crowds, consider avoiding the Jamaica Carnival celebrations, which take place in February. The town gets a little crazy during these festivities.
Hurricane season runs from June to October, with August and September being the peak. While it’s quiet during these months, you always run the risk of bad weather. It’s always a risk, but visiting during June means you might have the chance to visit during the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival.
When it comes down to it, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Ocho Rios!
Everyone hopes for lovely weather – blue skies, smooth waves, perfect temperatures – for their cruise vacation. But when you’re setting sail for someplace you’ve never been, should the cruise line offer pre-cruise weather tips to help you pack appropriately?
Carnival Cruise Line will not be doing so, despite the frustration of a guest who reached out to John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, about their upcoming Alaskan cruise.
“I spoke with a good friend yesterday who just returned from an Alaskan cruise on the Spirit and he told me they had rain and sleet and freezing temperatures. There was no prior information from Carnival about the weather,”the guest explained.
“They did not proper warm clothes so they had to spend money to by fleeces from the ship shops. Temps were in the 50s.”
According to the website Climates to Travel, the average temperature in Alaska in June is 50.5, with lows in the upper 40s and highs in the upper 50s.
“We are going to be in Alaska on Luminosa [in July],”the guest continued.“Will Carnival send us the projected weather? … We have limited packing space. It would be nice to be informed so we could pack properly.”
Carnival Luminosa is offering 7-night Alaska sailings roundtrip from Seattle, including stops to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria, as well as scenic cruising in the iconic Tracy Arm Fjord.
Carnival Cruise Line does not, however, provide pre-cruise weather reports for guests except in very special circumstances.
“I wish you a brilliant time in Alaska. I know temperatures vary and while we do not send out pre-cruise weather updates (unless it is storm-related), you can of course ask Uncle Google for a forecast,”Heald responded.
Heald is correct that a very simple Google search – or even searching on one’s favorite weather website or app – will reveal projected information about temperatures, precipitation, and other weather information.
In July, for example, Alaska’s average temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows recorded in the upper 40s and highs in the low 60s.
The original poster notes that they are from Tennessee, where temperatures and weather patterns are significantly different than in the Last Frontier.
In Tennessee (depending on where in the state), the July average temperature is 80, with lows at about 70 and highs in the low 90s.
This would certainly be different than cruise ports more than 2,500 miles away in Alaska.
Many commenters noted that looking up temperatures is not difficult, though if the guest isn’t as comfortable with technology they may feel intimidated by so many different websites and apps offering the information.
Cruise Lines and Weather Reports
Heald did note that Carnival would reach out to guests in the event of a major storm. As hurricane season is now underway, that information can be crucial – albeit not for Alaska.
Itineraries in the Caribbean, as well as the Mexican Riviera, can be impacted by tropical storms and hurricanes. In fact, Carnival Panorama has already had one such change due to Hurricane Barbara last week. The season is just barely two weeks old, however, and the peak of hurricane season isn’t until September and October.
Carnival Miracle in Alaska (Photo Credit: Ken Schulze)
As for Alaska, I know very well how dramatic the temperature changes can be! When I sailed to the Last Frontier at the end of April several years ago, average temperatures were just 30 degrees – and it certainly felt like it!
Even more chilling, I was coming from Florida where, at the same time, our average temperature was closer to 70 – more than double what we experienced for an Alaskan spring.
Whether from Tennessee or Florida, dressing in layers is key for Alaskan cruises. Bringing along a lightweight jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt, as well as long pants or sweats, can help ensure one is comfortable no matter what the conditions.
A few extra outer layers – in my case, a soft scarf and a pair of gloves – are also helpful and don’t take up much room in the luggage, but can make all the difference in staying warm and enjoying all that Alaska has to offer.
Lines are a part of any cruise vacation, and all passengers should have a bit of patience, especially at peak times, such as first arriving at ports of call when tours are departing.
But for guests aboard Regal Princess‘s most recent 12-night British Isles sailing, however, the waits for shuttle busses were truly extreme. Guests lost hours of their scheduled tours, missing out on iconic experiences and having a very disappointing day instead.
Some guests were so frustrated at the delays that they opted to remain on the ship instead of continuing to wait long past their tour departure times, abandoning the chance to enjoy exploring the Scottish Highlands.
The delays happened at the port of Invergordon in northern Scotland on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Because Invergordon is an active, multi-use port, however, local regulations require that cruise passengers use shuttle buses to move from their ship to outside the port area. This applies whether guests are booked on shore excursions or hoping to explore the port on independent tours.
Unfortunately, snafus with those shuttle busses meant some travelers were waiting – for up to four hours – for a shuttle to meet their tour bus. The highly anticipated tour experiences included cruises on the famous Loch Ness and visits to Urquhart Castle, gorgeous ruins adjacent to the lake.
Multiple tour operators expressed their frustration to the local news media, including the Press and Journal.
“This whole situation has been very disappointing. Because our guests were so late, they actually missed their slot on the Loch Ness cruise. So they missed out on that experience,”said Gordon Pearson of Wow Tours Inverness.
“For many people this is their dream trip and for them to miss out on experiences is so disappointing. Some people didn’t make it off today and missed their tours entirely. It was just chaos and is an absolute embarrassment.”
The shuttle busses from the cruise terminal to the tour pick-up point are arranged by the port authority, which has pledged to take steps to rectify the problem.
“There were a specific set of circumstances that led to some challenges that we haven’t experienced with other ships,”a spokesperson for the Port of Cromarty Firth said.
“In response, we held a very positive and constructive meeting with the cruise line. We are now both working through what we can change and improve for the next visit.”
Cruise Tour Bus in Invergordon (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss)
Tour guides and guests alike have noted that the step-up busses provided for shuttle service are difficult for guests with mobility challenges to use, which can lead to further delays.
The 142,700-gross ton, Royal class Regal Princess is due to return to Invergordon on Sunday, June 22, and again on July 16 and July 28, as well as multiple dates in August and September.
Her last visit is planned for October 5, 2025, as part of a 31-night repositioning transatlantic cruise from Southampton to Galveston.
Why Aren’t Other Ships Having the Same Trouble?
Invergordon has a highly desirable deep water harbor, perfect for cruise ships, but the port community has a population of fewer than 4,000.
Regal Princess, with her passenger capacity of 4,250 guests, is the largest ship scheduled for the port in June. The next largest vessels have significantly fewer travelers.
Celebrity Eclipse, for example, has just 2,850, while P&O Cruises’ Britannia has 3,647. MSC Preziosa is another larger ship for the port, but has 3,959 – still less than Regal Princess.
It is unclear whether additional “specific circumstances” – staffing, communication, port projects, road construction, parking availability, etc. – may have contributed to the difficulties with Regal Princess’s most recent visit.
Princess Cruises has not released a statement on the incident, and it is not known if guests impacted by the lengthy delays received any refunds or other compensation for their dramatically reduced tours.
Whether or not such compensation may be provided would largely depend on whether the tours were arranged through the cruise line or if they were independent operations, as well as the overall effect of the delays to the individual tour plans.
Celebrating a special occasion – such as a birthday – is a great reason to take a cruise. And of course, no birthday is complete without a celebratory birthday dinner.
The traditional way to end a birthday meal is of course by singing “Happy Birthday,” but one Carnival guest was hoping that this practice would soon come to an end.
“The staff attempting to sing Happy Birthday is one of the most painful experiences in the dining room for everyone. The servers hate doing it and they sing completely out of key. The diners around have to listen to it,” a future Carnival guest wrote to Carnival Ambassador John Heald on his Facebook page.
“You only encourage this John Heald by sending cheap tat to people who are pretending it’s their birthday. We have anytime dining on the——— 6/14. A private table for three and no public displays of affection and off key singing is what I need,” she continued.
While this guest may not like it, Heald’s response made it clear that these birthday songs won’t be going away anytime soon.
If she doesn’t want to hear it, she can opt for room service or make sure the crew members don’t know when it’s her birthday so they won’t sing to her. But what she can’t do is dictate the experience for other guests who may enjoy the tradition.
“The crew actually like the singing because they love the guests and love to make them smile and yes, of course they hope that these kinds of things will be remembered come gratuity time, it would be silly of me not to say that,”Heald replied.
“OK, they may not all be Tom Jones or Lady Gar Gar but they sing it with such gusto and sincerity,”Heald then joked.
Singing is also not unique to Carnival cruise ships. Not only is this a tradition in restaurants on land and for many other cruise lines, but some ships like NCL’s new Norwegian Aquaeven have their crew members perform a special morning song just because.
Celebrating Birthdays at Sea
Among Heald’s followers, the consensus was that this future cruise guest was a party pooper who needed to learn to have fun.
Heald also included a poll as a joke in which he asked his fans what he should do next, and the winning option was that he should “ask the Maitre D to have many waiters sing Happy Birthday to her, very loudly and for the waiters to include her full name and age in the penultimate line.”
“You’re supposed to have fun, laugh and make memories on a cruise. I hope the WHOLE dining room sings to me on my Birthday cruise! Stop being so miserable and enjoy every second on the ship,”one Carnival fan wrote.
“You absolutely need to have all the waiters walk by her table. They need to go by several times each night singing as loud as they can. And please let’s add some dancing and instruments in as well,”another chimed in.
As the masters of fun, Carnival also has additional ways to make birthday cruises extra special that guests can invest in ahead of their sailing.
For example, the cruise line offers a variety of birthday decorand gift packages that can be delivered to staterooms.
Some of the options available include themed stuffed animals for kids, actual birthday cakes that start as low as $14.75, and elaborate flower arrangements where flowers are made to look like birthday cakes.
Adults may also be fond of the Happy Birthday Champagne or Wine packages – in which crew members will decorate the cruise cabins and deliver a bottle of the chosen drink to enjoy, along with Carnival-etched glasses.
The 2025 Alaska Cruise Season has officially begun – and it’s off to a rather bizarre start thanks to the odd actions of one cruise guest.
While visiting Juneau, Alaska,as part of a Royal Caribbean cruise, a passenger, named Bailey Shelton, watched in shock as an unidentified woman jumped into the cold water in the harbor.
It definitely wasn’t an accident – as the jumper – who simply wore shorts, a T-shirt, and whatlooks like Crocs sandals – made a running start and clearly tried to catch as much air as possible when she leaped.
This is incredibly dangerous, as hypothermia can set in within an hour of being submerged in water that is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and within just 10-15 minutes in water that is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even in June, temperatures in Juneau average between 49 degrees Fahrenheit on the low end and 62 degrees Fahrenheit on the high end – but the water can be colder than the air.
It’s unclear if Shelton, who posted a TikTok of the stunt, is familiar with the other passenger – as she was conveniently recording just before the offender started sprinting toward the water.
It’s also unknown which specific cruise ship Shelton was sailing on, as multiple Royal Caribbean ships are sailing around Alaska this year – although Anthem of the Seas can be seen in the background of the video.
Woman Jumps in Near Cruise Ship in Juneau (Credit: baileyy.bs)
“She was a local clearly. I had layers and I was still cold,”Shelton captioned the TikTok, which has been viewed 468,000 times since it was posted on June 12, 2025.
However, the jumper likely couldn’t be a Juneau resident because you typically need to show your cruise card and go through security in order to access the pier.
Not much is known about how the situation was resolved, but there have been no recent reports of injuries or deaths in the Juneau Cruise Port as of the time of this writing – so presumably, she survived her stunt unscathed.
Don’t Replicate This Stunt
If the cruiser was looking to experience a polar plunge of sorts, there were much better ways to go about it. Jumping into a cruise port may sound harmless in theory, but is actually extremely dangerous.
For many cruise lines, it could even be a “bannable” offense since the jump was intentional – as cruise lines have a zero tolerance policy for behavior that risks the safety of the individual, other passengers, and crew members.
An unfortunately, there have been situations where people who have fallen into harbors accidentally have been injured or killed.
Cruise Ship pier in Sitka (Photo Credit: Artchemy Labs)
In the comments section of the TikTok, the social media community couldn’t get past how dangerous the stunt was and all the things that could have gone wrong.
First, many couldn’t help but to notice the murkiness of the green-ish water. Not only is the water likely polluted from exposure to things like engine fuel (likely making it unsafe for swimming), but the jumper can’t see possible hazards that may be waiting for her just under the surface.
If she landed wrong, she could have hit something that might have led to a serious injury – or worse.
“So dangerous. You have no idea what’s lurking right under the surface. Could be a steel rod sunken wooden pillar,”one concerned TikToker wrote.
“As someone who grew up in Juneau, YES it’s super dangerous because of obstacles under the water,” another echoed.
Additionally, others brought up an occasional phenomenon called electric shock drowning, in which random electrical currents from faulty wiring in boats or cruise ships can lead to sudden electrocution without any warning.
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Last-Minute Changes Alter Alaska Cruise Itineraries
Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas (Photo Credit: fitzcrittle)
Guests booked to sail on several 2025 Alaska sailings aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas were informed of some itinerary changes.
Most of the alterations involve a change in the timing of port calls to Ketchikan and could impact shore excursions, however, all affected shore tours booked through the line are being automatically adjusted.
The ship sails 7-night Inside Passage cruises roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia. Regarding the ship’s June 22, 2025 departure, the line told guests that a scheduled day of scenic cruising is cancelled.
The itinerary called for scenic cruising during the final two days of the cruise, however, the second day is now nixed and the ship will sail directly to Vancouver. Also, the port call time in Ketchikan was changed from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. to 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 27, 2025.
The change means that guests lose a half-hour in port.
No reasons were given for any of the changes, which also affect cruises later in the summer, including departures on August 10 and September 7, 2025. Ketchikan port calls on those departures will now be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guests who have booked independent shore tours might have to alter their arrangements.
Express Dining Pilot Test Rolls Out on Carnival Ship
Carnival Vista in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Some cruisers like to linger in the dining room, perhaps nibble on a cheese plate and slowly finish their glass of wine — and others don’t.
For the latter, Carnival Cruise Line is testing out a new concept, Express Dining, on Carnival Vista. The plan moves guests into and out of the ship’s main dining room, Horizon, in less than 45 minutes.
Guests using the Your Time Dining plan can ask for the express option when they check in at the dining room entrance. Only certain sections of the dining room will offer the express plan.
Passengers who try out the new service will order from a special menu, but don’t worry — it sounds great. For appetizers, guests can choose roasted duck rolls, shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, or tomato soup.
Main courses feature mouth-watering entrees such as sirloin steak, braised short rib, and Cornish game hen, and for dessert, how about cheesecake or chocolate melting cake?
The cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, posted on his popular Facebook page that he’s already received feedback about the new dining option. Many guests like it, he wrote, and want to know if and when it might roll out on other ships.
A freak accident onboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas could have had a tragic outcome if not for the quick thinking of a crew member.
It was on June 8, 2025, as the 5,500-guest ship was in the process of docking at Port Canaveral, her first port call on a 7-night cruise from New Jersey, when the incident happened.
Nitin Kumar, a waiter in the ship’s Coastal Kitchen restaurant, noticed cracks in the venue’s glass wall, which looks out onto a pool deck below. Fearing the worst, he made a run for the pool deck and warned the guests sitting under the restaurant window to move — quickly.
They did, and just seconds later, the glass wall came crashing down. No one was injured. For his quick response, Royal Caribbean honored Kumar with the Royal Way Hero award. The framed certificate recognizes crew members who go to great lengths to keep guests and other crew members out of harm’s way.
Why the glass window cracked is unknown, but it was immediately replaced. The impacted pool was temporarily closed, drained, and cleaned, and then ship operations continued normally.
Lido Deck Fight Ends With Cruise Guests Locked Up
Passengers Throwing Chairs on Carnival Sunrise (Credit: Priscilla Nivia Delgado)
It was another case of bad behavior onboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship that ended up getting multiple people added to the line’s banned-from-sailing list during a 3-night getaway cruise from PortMiami.
This time it was a fight on the Lido Deck on June 7, 2025 onboard Carnival Sunrise soon after it left Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. The brawl included the throwing of punches and chairs, and the ship’s security staff had to intervene.
An unknown number of guests were apprehended by security and returned to their cabins, where they were locked in and guarded. It was not known whether anyone was injured.
It’s also unclear whether the perpetrators were debarked at the ship’s final port call, Nassau, the next day, or remained in their staterooms until Carnival Sunrise returned to Miami on June 9, 2025.
What is clear, however, is that they will never sail on a Carnival Cruise Line voyage again. Like other cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line has a strict Code of Conduct, and violations of that code can cost a guest a fine of $500.
Luxury Line Unveils $25K Per Night Suite on New-Build
Skyview Regent Suite View
Ultra-luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises took the wraps off its two-level Skyview Regent Suite, set to debut aboard the new-build Seven Seas Prestige, and (wow!) it’s almost 8,800 square feet.
Of course, that includes a 3,700-square-foot wraparound balcony for those sunny days and starry nights. It all can be yours for a cruise fare starting at $25,000.
The ship, set to launch in late 2026, is under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera, Italy, where no expense is being spared to create the luxurious accommodation.
The cruise line revealed details of the fancy suite at the same time it announced that the 822-guest ship will spend her inaugural winter season sailing the Caribbean from PortMiami and her first summer season in Europe. Bookings will open on June 25, 2025.
Back to the suite: It’s opulent by any standard, with luxury amenities like its own fitness center, sauna and massage room; an in-suite elevator; sleeping accommodations for six guests; its own private dining venue with seating for 12; skylights; and spacious living, dining, and lounge areas.
The line’s all-inclusive cruise fare for the Skyview Regent Suite even extends beyond shipboard services, providing a private car and driver in each port of call.
Carnival Valor Back in Service With New Public Spaces
Upgraded Carnival Valor
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Valor emerged from a dry dock renovation with two new public spaces — the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge and the popular WaterWorks aqua park.
The 3,000-guest ship that entered service back in 2004 resumed her sailing schedule on June 11, 2025, embarking guests in Barcelona. The ship had been in dry dock since May 10, 2025 at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz, Spain.
The Heroes bar has a military focus, and the WaterWorks park is home to thrill rides such as the Twister Waterslide, plus the Speedway Splash and the Power Drencher, a huge bucket that drops water on guests standing underneath.
Other areas of the ship were refreshed, such as the spa facilities, which were rebranded as the Cloud 9 Spa. Designated spaces for kids and teens received more video gaming areas and a karaoke experience.
Carnival Valor’s current cruise is a repositioning voyage to her US homeport at New Orleans. Once she returns to the Big Easy the ship will sail 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean cruises.
Cruiser Asks: How Do We Turn Off the Music?
Independence of the Seas Speaker (Photo Credit: MaddisonSaysHey)
A public announcement speaker located inside a stateroom aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas seems to be playing music that the guests in the cabin cannot turn off.
The confused guests are currently onboard the ship as she sails a 9-night Portugal and Spain voyage that departed from Southampton, UK, on June 9, 2025. They posted details of their dilemma on Reddit, saying that a “hidden speaker” was entertaining them with unwanted music.
The perplexed guests asked whether any other cruisers had experienced the same problem. Some past Royal Caribbean guests quickly responded, saying that the speaker is in the vanity and has a volume knob nearby.
The affected guests found the knob, but it appears broken. Their cabin steward couldn’t get it to work either, so they are hoping ship maintenance crews can help them out. Fortunately, the music turns off at night.
More Cruise Headlines
Get even more important cruise news at Cruise Hive, where we’ve got coverage about TUI Cruises canceling a voyage in favor of a fitness group charter deal in 2026, the new-build Disney Adventure getting Mickey and Minnie statues installed on her stern, and Carnival Cruise Line revealing its 2025 Halloween voyages.
Also, Bermuda reporting a steep drop in cruise tourism; and a P&O Cruises’ ship making an unplanned call in Scotland to evacuate an ill passenger.
Long-time Royal Caribbean crew member Chris Wong has announced that his upcoming contract will be his final one.
In a 20-minute video shared on his YouTube channel, Wong explained to his 114k subscribers that it was the right time for him to move on with his career.
“I am happy to announce that this week I will be joining Allure of the Seas for my next cruise ship contract,”he began his video.
Even though he plans to continue making cruise content, Wong has no plans to resume working as a crew member after his next contract ends.
“No matter what happens this year, this is going to be my final contract working as a crew member onboard a crew ship,”Wong explained.
Wong also shared that the decision was a really big one for him to make, but ultimately, 2025 would be his last year as a casino host.
While it was a difficult decision, it simply felt like it was the right time to walk away. This final contract marks number 11 for Wong, who has been working on cruise ships since 2013.
“This job, this career, it has given me a life that I only could have dreamed of having,”he shared.
So far, his plans post-contract are to become a paying passenger and document what that experience is like.
There will also be more freedom in doing this kind of content full-time, as Wong has been limited in posting while working as a part of the crew.
“The ultimate goal for me now is to slowly start working my way up the Crown and Anchor Society as well,”he goes on to say. “Hopefully, I will be a Pinnacle member someday.”
Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, also known as the Crown and Anchor Society, currently has six tiers that guests can reach.
Cruise points are accrued by every night a passenger sails with the cruise line, with double points being added for all guests in suites.
Pinnacle status, which is the highest level to achieve, requires a staggering 700 cruise points.
If someone wanted to achieve Pinnacle status quickly, it would require over two years of consecutive cruises or a year in a suite.
To put it simply, Wong’s goal of achieving Pinnacle status will take some time to get to, but hopefully his love of cruising will get him there.
The veteran crew member has just joined Allure of the Seas for the same itinerary he did in the Mediterranean a few years ago on Symphony of the Seas — one he is quite fond of.
Where is Wong’s Final Contract?
Currently, the 5,484-passenger Allure of the Seas is homeporting in both Barcelona in Spain, as well as in Rome, Italy, sailing the Mediterranean for the first time since 2015.
In order to homeport in both Barcelona and Rome, the vessel provides ongoing segments of the cruise, with passengers embarking and disembarking from alternating ports every four days.
These cruises are all 7 nights long, with the round-trip Barcelona itineraries visiting Palma de Mallorca in Spain, as well as Marseille, La Spezia, Rome, and Naples in Italy.
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Just dance)
The round-trip Rome itineraries do the same itinerary, but depart and stop in Italy before heading to Spain.
Having done these itineraries before, Wong was excited to join a ship sailing what he considers the best summer voyages around.
Wong’s arrival on June 8, 2025, aboard the 225,282 gross-ton Allure of the Seas marks his first-ever contract on the nearly 16-year-old vessel.
Previously, Wong had worked on three of the cruise line’s Oasis-class ships, including Utopia of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas.
Having been promoted from Assistant Casino Host to Casino Host in 2020, the crew member is well known for his friendly disposition and YouTube channel sharing what it is like to work on cruise ships.
Between behind-the-scenes tours, sign-on and sign-off days, and even videos revealing salaries, Wong has truly captured an authentic look into crew life.
Wong’s final contract with Royal Caribbean will likely end when the ship repositions from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale in October.
