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Huge Update on Carnival Tropicale With New Details and Steel Cutting

Carnival Cruise News

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Sep 10, 2026

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Huge Update on Carnival Tropicale With New Details and Steel Cutting

Key Aspects:

Carnival Cruise Line has opened bookings for Carnival Tropicale with her debut from Galveston, Texas on April 15, 2028.
The fifth and final Excel-class ship will offer sailings ranging from 4-8 nights to Western Caribbean and Bahamas destinations.
New details revealed, including Turning Tides raft slide, The Vault Retrocade, Atrium, and Fairway 66 Mini Golf.

Yeehaw, it’s a good day for cruisers from Texas as Carnival Cruise Line has made it official with bookings now open for Carnival Tropicale sailing from Galveston, Texas beginning April 15, 2028.

Cruise Hive reported in April 2026 that the ship would be homeported from the Lone Star State, but now the itinerary details are confirmed and available for guests to plan their cruise vacations.

A western-themed celebration accompanied the announcement at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, highlighting the steel cutting for the new ship and marking the beginning of the vessel’s physical construction.

Like her sister ship Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Tropicale will have the Star of Texas on her bow, and the shipyard crew embraced the theme with custom hard hats and cowboy attire, along with Texas-style barbecue. A special guest was a horse that posed for photos, but no details are confirmed on the equine’s connection to the ship (though a Chief Horse Officer seems unlikely).

“I am delighted to experience my first construction celebration as the new CEO of MEYER WERFT,” said André Walter, who has served as CEO of MEYER WERFT GmbH since July 1, 2026. “Carnival Tropicale is already the fifth Excel-class ship for Carnival Cruise Line, a successful and highly popular series that reflects our long-standing partnership with Carnival.”

From Galveston, the new ship and final vessel in the Excel class will offer 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-night sailings featuring Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive “Paradise Collection” destinations of Celebration Key; RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay; Isla Tropicale; and Puerta Maya.

Depending on the sailing length and departure date, Carnival Tropicale will also make regular visits to Nassau, Progreso, and Cozumel.

“From innovative attractions and dining to unforgettable destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Mexico, Carnival Tropicale will bring an exciting new vacation option to Texas when she debuts in 2028,” said Ben Clement, executive vice president of maritime and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line.

The ship’s inaugural sailing is a 6-night itinerary that will depart Galveston on Saturday, April 15, 2028. The first full day is a day at sea to explore all the new ship will offer, followed by Cozumel on Monday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 18 will be a big day as Carnival Tropicale visits her namesake destination, Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay) in Roatan from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The final two days of the sailing are at sea before the ship returns to Galveston on Friday, April 21.

What’s Coming to Carnival Tropicale

Carnival Tropicale will bring her own distinctiveness to the Carnival fleet when she joins her sister ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, and the upcoming Carnival Festivale.

For the heart of the ship, the multi-story Grand Central Atrium, renderings show tropical scenery on what appears to be integrated LED banners and screens to create a bright, immersive space that embodies the ship’s name.

Turning Tides raft slide on Carnival Tropicale

The multi-deck Sunsation Point will be the hub of family fun on the ship’s aft, with Carnival WaterWorks Ultra’s six waterslides and multiple splash areas for young cruisers. Extended evening hours on select days will let guests enjoy splashtastic fun for longer than most other ships.

The Vault Retrocade on Carnival Tropicale

The Fairway 66 Mini Golf Course is being redesigned with inspiration from the iconic Route 66, while the Vault Retrocade will offer both new and vintage video games, air hockey, pinball, pool, and other fun for all ages.

Carnival Tropicale will also have new and innovative dining concepts with global tastes represented at different venues, including Hawaiian-Asian fusion options at Uku Lei Lei; Greek and Italian tastes at Fetaccine, and stunning seafood at Emeril’s Coastal Seafood.

Not all details of the new ship have yet been revealed, however. Carnival Cruise Line is hinting at “the golden era of showbusiness” for Carnival Tropicale‘s entertainment lineup, with notes that the era will inspire exclusive spaces but no other information confirmed.

Cruise Guest Dies Weeks After Sun Princess Pool Fall

Princess Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Sep 10, 2026

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Cruise Guest Dies Weeks After Sun Princess Pool Fall

Key Aspects:

A 58-year-old pastor from Minnesota has passed several weeks after a fall and near-drowning on Sun Princess.
Stephen Junker was paralyzed in the incident and evacuated in Naples, but was flown back to the US for further treatment.
Junker’s death is the latest unfortunate incident to plague Sun Princess, following debut delays, cancelled features, and a crew member overboard.

A 58-year-old pastor from Elbow Lake, Minnesota, has passed weeks after suffering a severe injury onboard Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess during a family cruise in Italy.

Stephen (Steve) Junker fell on Sunday, August 16, 2026 and was found unresponsive in the ship’s pool. It is not clear whether Junker was actually in the pool prior to falling or if he fell on the deck and into the pool.

The exact pool where the accident occurred has not been disclosed. Sun Princess has five pools: two on the Lido Deck (Deck 17), an indoor/outdoor pool under the Dome (Deck 17), the Sanctuary Pool (Deck 18), and the WakeView Pool (Deck 8).

According to the family’s GoFundMe page, Junker was evacuated from the ship in Naples, Italy via an Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera) boat and admitted to a local hospital’s intensive care unit with severe compression at the C3-C4 level of his cervical spinal column.

Junker underwent successful emergency surgery on August 17 to relieve pressure on his spinal cord but was diagnosed as quadriplegic due to his injuries. He also had a lung infection likely caused by his near-drowning.

Over the next few days, Junker’s family coordinated medical, logistical, and financial challenges to arrange his transportation back to the US on August 23 via flight to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he underwent additional testing and treatment.

Sadly, additional untreatable injuries were discovered and Junker passed on the evening of Friday, September 4, 2026 surrounded by family and friends.

Princess Cruises has not commented publicly on Junker’s accident or injuries. This is common practice to safeguard the privacy of cruise guests.

Prior to Junker’s accident, Sun Princess had departed Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 15. The cruise vacation was a celebration of his son’s recent wedding, though there is no indication that the wedding took place onboard the ship.

Because the cruise line uses multiple embarkation ports on Mediterranean itineraries, it is unknown whether Junker and his family were to remain aboard for 7, 14, or 21 nights of the sailing before the 4,300-guest ship would return to Civitavecchia following calls in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Spain, and France.

Multiple Difficulties for Sun Princess

This sad incident is not the first difficulty for the ship, even before she entered service in February 2024. Sun Princess got a rocky start to joining the Princess Cruises’ fleet with delays and the cancellation of her inaugural sailing, originally scheduled from Barcelona on February 8, 2024.

More cancellations followed before the ship’s debut on February 28, 2024. Even when the ship began welcoming guests, key features remained unavailable. In July 2024, the cruise line confirmed that Sun Princess‘ RollGlider zipline, the Coastal Climb, and the ropes course would not be opening, as the cruise line stated it was unable to accept delivery of the installations.

Then, after her summer in the Mediterranean, the first of the Sphere-class vessels set sail to cross the Atlantic Ocean on her way to Fort Lauderdale, but her arrival was delayed several days due to Hurricane Milton.

On August 20, 2025, a crew member went overboard from Sun Princess at roughly 11 p.m. local time, another sad incident that unfortunately does happen onboard cruise ships.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with Junker’s family and all those affected by his passing, as well as the guests and crew members onboard Sun Princess impacted by such an unfortunate incident.

Disney Cruise Line Alerts Guests to Cruise Terminal Change

Disney Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Sep 9, 2026

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Disney Cruise Line Alerts Guests to Cruise Terminal Change

Key Aspects:

Disney Wish will be using two different terminals at Port Canaveral for her 3-night sailing departing Friday, September 11, 2026.
The ship will depart from Cruise Terminal 10 but will dock at Cruise Terminal 8 when she returns on Monday, September 14.
Cruise terminal construction may be a factor in the change for Disney Wish‘s embarkation and debarkation schedule.

It can be hectic when arriving to or leaving from a cruise homeport, what with traffic, parking congestion, and the challenge of managing luggage, boarding passes, and keeping a family together. For guests setting sail on Disney Wish on Friday, September 11, 2026, the experience will be a bit more challenging with a change in cruise terminal assignment.

Disney Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests to alert them to the change for the 3-night Halloween on the High Seas sailing.

“Your cruise will depart from Cruise Terminal 10 in Port Canaveral, Florida,” the notification confirmed. “When the ship returns on 09/[14]/26, it will dock at Cruise Terminal 8 for debarkation.”

The original email had a typo with both the departure and return dates listed as September 11, but Cruise Hive has confirmed with Port Canaveral’s full ship schedule that it is the September 11 departure and the September 14 arrival that are impacted.

Both Cruise Terminal 10 and Cruise Terminal 8 are located on the port’s west end and they are adjacent to one another but do not share parking facilities. This may make both parking and drop-off traffic more confusing, but Disney Cruise Line is offering shuttle service.

“If you plan to park a vehicle at Port Canaveral, please follow the signs for the Disney Wish and proceed to the drop-off area at Cruise Terminal 10 to drop off any luggage,” the cruise line explained. “A Guest from your party will then be directed to park their vehicle at Cruise Terminal 8 and will be transported back to Cruise Terminal 10 to check-in for the cruise.”

Disney and Carnival at Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Rexjaymes)

Guests who are arriving via ride share services, taxis, or being dropped off by family members or friends are advised to ensure they are using the correct terminal on the correct day.

“All Guests utilizing Disney Cruise Line motorcoach transportation will be transported to and from the appropriate cruise terminals,” the cruise line noted.

While the two terminals are close to one another, guests parking on Friday should plan extra time to account for moving between the terminals and parking areas to ensure they are still on time for their arrival appointment to board the 2,508-guest Disney Wish.

Why Change Cruise Terminals?

Disney Cruise Line regularly uses both Cruise Terminal 8 and Cruise Terminal 10. Typically, Disney Wish docks at Cruise Terminal 10, but on Monday, September 14, that will not be possible.

No other ships are scheduled to berth at Cruise Terminal 10 on Monday, but Port Canaveral has begun a $95 million expansion and renovation on the terminal, which Cruise Hive reported in early August.

While no reason for the terminal switch impacting Disney Wish has been released, that project may be a factor in the change if space is needed for construction equipment or part of the cruise terminal will be closed for ongoing work.

The project is expected to be completed by November 2027. When finished, the updated and modernized terminal will have nearly 30% more square footage, updated interiors, expanded screening and luggage areas, improved HVAC systems, and more.

In addition to Disney Cruise Line, ships from MSC Cruises also regularly dock at Cruise Terminal 10 and may be impacted by similar terminal shifts while the construction project is underway.

Guests setting sail from Port Canaveral in the next 14 months should stay in contact with their cruise line in case of terminal adjustments that may impact their arrival to and departure from the cruise port.

AIDAperla Breaks Free and Hits Quay, Cruise Cut Short

Port News

Calvin Musquez

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Sep 9, 2026

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AIDAperla Breaks Free and Hits Quay, Cruise Cut Short

Key Aspects:

Strong winds in Le Havre, France, caused AIDAperla to break away from her berth and make contact with the quay on September 8, as shown in witness videos shared on social media.
No injuries were reported, and tugboats helped return the ship to her berth before technicians began inspecting the vessel.
AIDAperla missed her scheduled September 9 call in Zeebrugge, though there have been no further confirmed itinerary adjustments.

A port call in Le Havre, France, took a dramatic turn for guests aboard AIDAperla on September 8, 2026. Around 4:00 p.m., strong winds parted the ship’s forward mooring lines, causing AIDAperla to break away from her berth at the Port of Le Havre and drift into a quay wall.

The 3,286-passenger vessel was on a 7-night sailing that departed from Hamburg on September 5, 2026. She had only completed one port call in Southampton on September 7 before docking in Le Havre.

According to Weather Underground records, wind gusts in Le Havre reached speeds around 35 miles per hour Tuesday afternoon. A video shared on Facebook by a witness showed the moments after these gusts broke AIDAperla free from her berth and pushed her backward, causing her stern to make contact with the quay.

During this incident, both gangways were torn away, becoming floating obstructions in the harbor. Photos shared by a passenger show one of the gangways hanging off the port side of the ship as she drifted.

“Our ship, AIDAperla, had this accident. We are still docked in Le Havre,” the witness said (translated from German).

Around 500 AIDAperla guests were on shore excursions at the time and were temporarily unable to reboard the ship. The port was temporarily closed while crews worked to secure the vessel and clear the harbor.

TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3 was also docked in Le Havre at the time. She had to be held by tugboats, and her departure was delayed by two hours as a result of the port conditions.

Tugboats were deployed to assist the vessel and help her return to her berth. In a statement at 9:22 p.m., HAROPA PORT said AIDAperla had been secured again and passengers were boarding safely. No injuries were reported aboard the ship or on the dock, while navigation through the port gradually resumed.

AIDA Cruises has confirmed that the ship made contact with the quay and is undergoing a thorough inspection by technicians and authorities. According to German media reports, AIDAperla also requires clearance from the responsible classification society before she can depart Le Havre.

AIDAperla Misses Zeebrugge Following Incident

The sailing was originally scheduled to leave Le Havre at 8:00 p.m. on September 8 and continue to Zeebrugge on September 9. As a result of this incident, the ship instead remained in Le Havre and the Zeebrugge port call was cancelled.

The ship’s next scheduled port call in Rotterdam remains set for September 10, with no further itinerary changes confirmed. AIDAperla’s return to Hamburg is likewise still scheduled for September 12.

The next 7-night embarkation is scheduled to depart from Hamburg the same day, visiting Bergen, Nordfjordeid, Alesund, and Stavanger. It will return to Hamburg on September 19.

The Carnival-owned cruise line often offers combined, overlapping cruises. As such, some of the guests onboard were likely also booked on that following voyage for a combined 14-night sailing.

Margaritaville at Sea Brings New Flagship Beachcomber to Galveston in 2027

Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Sep 9, 2026

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Margaritaville at Sea Brings New Flagship Beachcomber to Galveston in 2027

Key Aspects:

Margaritaville at Sea’s newest ship, Beachcomber, will sail from Galveston, Texas, beginning in October 2027.
The ship will offer diverse Caribbean, Mexico, and Bahamas itineraries, including Margaritaville’s first-ever call to Veracruz, Mexico.
Beachcomber features multiple new experiences and an industry-first live music venue designed by Zac Brown.

Margaritaville at Sea is quickly expanding its presence and will base its new flagship, Beachcomber, from Galveston, Texas beginning in October 2027, nine months after the ship will initially debut in Miami.

From the Lone Star State, the 2,716-guest Beachcomber will be offering itineraries that the line claims stretch further than other cruise lines based from Texas, including visits to Aruba, Key West, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, and Mexico.

Of special interest will be a first visit to Veracruz, Mexico, which no other cruise line sailing from Galveston currently offers.

“Texas knows how to have a good time, so bringing Margaritaville at Sea to Galveston feels like a natural fit,” said Christopher Ivy, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville at Sea.

“With Beachcomber, we’re giving guests an incredible ship and more choices for where their vacation can take them, including places they simply can’t reach on other cruises from Galveston. It’s a chance to see more, go farther and make every getaway a little different, all while experiencing the Margaritaville lifestyle at sea.”

Itineraries will be from 4-7 nights and are now open for booking. Beachcomber‘s first departure from Galveston is a 4-night “Cozumel Express” sailing leaving Monday, October 4, 2027, and is the ship’s only 4-night sailing from Texas.

The weeklong cruises offer diverse options of port choices, but it is the ship’s January 14, 2028 departure that is the only sailing currently including the visit to Veracruz. The “Mexico Trio” cruise also includes visits to Cozumel and Progreso.

Located on the east-central Gulf Coast of the Mexican mainland, Veracruz is Mexico’s oldest port city and offers a wide range of historical sites, museums, cathedrals, and the Acuario de Veracruz, the country’s largest aquarium, with more than 250 marine species on display.

15 New Onboard Experiences for the New Ship

While Beachcomber will certainly be offering attractive itineraries to guests sailing from Galveston, Margaritaville at Sea is also emphasizing the ship’s exclusive onboard experiences.

A total of 15 new experiences have been designed specifically for Beachcomber, including the world’s largest 5 o’Clock Somewhere space, a poolside hub spanning four decks at the aft of the ship.

Fleet favorites like Cheeseburger in Paradise and License to Chill have not been forgotten, and in total, Beachcomber will have 17 dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and more than 20 entertainment options.

Part of that entertainment is an industry-first for cruise ships, an artist-designed live music venue created in collaboration with three-time Grammy winner Zac Brown. The venue, named Same Boat and found aft on Deck 5, the “Livin’ It Up” deck, features Brown’s influences to offer a country music vibe that pairs live performances with elevated cocktails.

Market-style dining, three original production shows, a house-made margarita bar, and the quick-service Daiquiri Shack are just a few of the features coming onboard Beachcomber that Cruise Hive has already reported.

When she debuts in January 2027, Beachcomber will first be homeported from PortMiami offering 4-9-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.

The vessel is currently in service as Costa Fortuna on her final sailing with Costa Cruises, which departed Piraeus (Athens), Greece on Friday, September 4. The 7-night cruise will return to Piraeus on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Renovations and rebranding are in store for the ship to prepare for her debut with Margaritaville at Sea. More details are sure to be released as she prepares to join her new fleetmates, Paradise and Islander.

MSC World Asia Gets Five New Bars Including 1980s Soda Bar

MSC Cruises News

Calvin Musquez

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Sep 9, 2026

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MSC World Asia Gets Five New Bars Including 1980s Soda Bar

Key Aspects:

MSC Cruises has unveiled five new bars and lounges that will debut aboard MSC World Asia.
The new venues include a throwback soda bar, the futuristic Sky Box Bar, an Italian aperitivo lounge, a Philippine-inspired pool bar, and a cocktail bar serving drinks inspired by Asian flavors.
MSC World Asia will begin sailing 7-night Mediterranean cruises on December 4, 2026, visiting ports in Spain, France, Italy, and Malta.

Less than three months ahead of her debut, MSC Cruises is showcasing new bars and lounges coming to its new flagship, MSC World Asia. The cruise line unveiled concepts for five new onboard drink venues debuting on the 215,863-gross-ton vessel when she enters service in December.

The new bar spaces include the Clubhouse and Soda Bar, Sky Box Bar, The Terraces Bar & Lounge, Coral Cove Bar, and Pan Asian Bar. Experiences at the venues range from family-friendly non-alcoholic drinks to cocktails inspired by Italian and Asian flavors.

The Clubhouse and Soda Bar is a nostalgic, family-friendly space inspired by the 1980s and 1990s. Guests create custom non-alcoholic soda concoctions by choosing a base and adding cream, flavorings, and other toppings.

The venue also features games, interactive digital tables, and a LEGO area for younger guests, while nearby The Court offers bumper cars. In the evening, the venue transforms into a livelier social atmosphere, offering a selection of alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails.

In the Luna Park Arena, the Sky Box Bar will serve a variety of premium drinks and cocktails. Inspired by early 20th-century Futurism, the venue reimagines classic cocktails with a contemporary twist, served with theatrical flair.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, The Terraces Bar & Lounge offers an Italian aperitivo experience. Guests can enjoy classic cocktails, wines, prosecco, and light Italian bites, such as focaccia and olives, alongside panoramic ocean views and live music. The venue also features expert-led wine tasting sessions.

Meanwhile, within the Coral Cove Pool area, the Coral Cove Bar will serve classic drinks. The new poolside venue takes its design inspiration from Philippine coral reefs. The indoor Coral Cove Pool features a retractable glass roof, allowing it and the bar to be enjoyed in all weather conditions.

Finally, overlooking the Promenade, the previously announced Pan Asian Street Food restaurant will also feature the Pan Asian Bar. This bar will offer drinks inspired by Asian flavors, such as Jasmine Mojitos, Rose and Strawberry Daiquiris, Matcha Coladas, and Asian beers, such as Oceanic Asian, a house draft beer brewed at sea.

MSC World Asia Nears December Debut

MSC World Asia is the third World Class vessel from MSC Cruises, following MSC World Europa and MSC World America. The 6,758-passenger ship will feature 13 new experiences and reimagined spaces, compared with Europa, as well as returning favorites.

Construction of MSC World Asia began with a steel-cutting ceremony at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in April 2024. The ship reached another major milestone in November 2025, when she floated out of the shipyard for the first time.

Architecture, dining, and other onboard experiences are inspired by Asian culture, art, and landscapes. In June 2026, Cruise Hive reported on the installation of the massive Tree of Life, an illuminated focal point at the heart of The Harbour onboard the ship.

Inspired by Singapore’s famous Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, the structure also serves as the starting point for The Spiral at Tree of Life, which will be the longest dry slide at sea. Another eye-catching, Asia-inspired feature of the ship is the Dragon, an illuminated sculpture hanging above the Promenade, which was installed in August 2026.

Despite the Asian influences found throughout the ship, MSC World Asia’s initial deployment will be distinctly European. She will begin service on December 4, 2026, with a 7-night Mediterranean voyage out of Barcelona.

This sailing will visit Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta before returning to Barcelona on December 11. She will offer regular 7-night Mediterranean itineraries from ports throughout Spain, France, Italy, and Malta.

Man Faces 5 Years in Prison Over Cruise Ship Bomb Threat

Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Sep 9, 2026

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Man Faces 5 Years in Prison Over Cruise Ship Bomb Threat

Key Aspects:

Daquan Lamont Smith has been federally indicted for making a threat against passengers aboard a cruise ship in December 2025.
The ship was not specified, but Smith’s recorded threat said he was on a cruise from the Bahamas with a bomb on the boat and the intention to blow it up.
If convicted the 20-year-old Smith could face up to five years in federal prison under US federal law.

A 20-year-old man from Chicago, Illinois, identified as Daquan Lamont Smith, has been federally indicted on a charge of interstate transmission of a threat against passengers onboard a cruise ship.

According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida in a release on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Smith made a recorded call with the threatening statement on December 6, 2025.

“I’m on the cruise boat coming from Bahamas that left two days ago, and I’m letting you guys know now I have a bomb on the boat and I want to blow it up,” he said.

The ship Smith was allegedly traveling on has not been identified, but multiple cruise lines travel to the Bahamas from different US homeports every week, on sailings as short as two nights and up to a week or longer. The recipient of the threatening call has not been disclosed.

It is also unknown what port or ports Smith may have visited in the Bahamas during the sailing. Nassau, Freeport, and Bimini are popular options, as are multiple private island destinations such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day CocoCay, Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key, and MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

The indictment is an official charge of the crime, which has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and will be prosecuted by the Assistant US Attorneys in the Orlando division of the US Attorney’s Office. Smith is presumed innocent until he may be proven guilty.

If he is convicted, Smith could face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

Not the First Bomb Threat Cruise Lines Have Faced

Smith’s statement is not the first bomb threat that different cruise lines and ports have faced, and every such threat is taken seriously for the safety of guests, crew members, and vessels.

For example, in January 2024, then 19-year-old Joshua Darrell Lowe II emailed a bomb threat to Carnival Cruise Line, alleging a bomb onboard the 2,984-guest Carnival Sunrise shortly after the ship had departed PortMiami.

The threat generated an emergency response, including a search of the ship’s 1,000 staterooms and the involvement of the US Coast Guard and Jamaican Marine Police, as the ship diverted to Jamaica for the search. The threat turned out to be a hoax Lowe made because he was upset with his girlfriend who was onboard the ship, and he was later convicted and sentenced to eight months in prison.

Cruise Hive has also covered when similar threats have been made against ports rather than individual vessels. All such threats are taken just as seriously.

On March 30, 2026, an “unspecified bomb threat” was called in to the Port of San Diego while Disney Wonder was in port, causing a slight delay in debarkation while the cruise terminal was searched. No bomb was found and the cruise terminal reopened after approximately two hours.

A bomb threat was also made to PortMiami on March 3, 2025, which disrupted port operations and traffic for several hours while five cruise ships were in port. No credible danger was discovered in that incident.

Norwegian Joy Alaska Cruise Cuts Two Bucket List Ports

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Sep 9, 2026

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Norwegian Joy Alaska Cruise Cuts Two Bucket List Ports

Key Aspects:

Norwegian Joy’s May 19, 2028 Alaskan itinerary has been shuffled, with visits to Skagway and Sitka replaced with a call at Whittier.
The day cruising near Hubbard Glacier as well as the port visits to Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan have also been adjusted.
There is no change to the ship’s departure from or return to Seattle as planned for the 10-day roundtrip sailing.

An Alaskan cruise can be a bucket list vacation even for the most frequent cruise guest, and such a vacation is selected with great care for specific itineraries that visit coveted destinations. It can be disappointing, then, when an itinerary must be changed, even if that change is made more than 20 months before embarkation.

This is the disappointment guests booked on Norwegian Joy‘s May 19, 2028 sailing are now dealing with, as Norwegian Cruise Line has sent email notifications of an itinerary change for the 10-day voyage. Booked guests shared the notification on Facebook on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

“Even the most thoughtfully planned sailings can occasionally shift course,” the email begins. “While these moments aren’t always expected, they often open the door to fresh ways of experiencing your vacation.”

The new itinerary is fresh indeed, as it drops two planned port visits, moves around scenic cruising and another port visit, adjusts times in two ports, and adds a new destination to the schedule.

The 3,802-guest Norwegian Joy will still be departing Seattle at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 19, her first full day of the cruise will still be a day at sea, and the first port visit will still be to Juneau from 1:30-10 p.m. on Sunday, May 21.

After her visit to Alaska’s capital city, however, the next five days of the itinerary are different than the original plan.

Monday, May 22: Icy Strait Point from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (previously Skagway from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Tuesday, May 23: Scenic cruising to view Hubbard Glacier (previously Sitka from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Wednesday, May 24: Whittier from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (previously Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising)
Thursday, May 25: Day at sea (previously Icy Strait Point from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Friday, May 26: Ketchikan from 12-8 p.m. (previously Ketchikan from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

The end of the cruise remains a day at sea on Saturday, May 27 and a visit to Victoria, British Columbia on Sunday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Norwegian Joy will still return to Seattle at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 29 for debarkation as originally scheduled.

Both Sitka and Skagway have been dropped from the schedule, while Whittier has been added to the itinerary. In addition to being on a different day than the original itinerary, the time in Icy Strait Point has shifted an hour later in the day but the duration of the port visit remains the same.

Ketchikan is still on the same day but the port visit is four hours shorter, as the ship will not arrive until noon instead of at 8 a.m. as initially planned.

Norwegian Joy Cruise Ship in Alaska (Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson)

Nevertheless, guests can still expect what Norwegian Cruise Line describes as an itinerary that will “showcase the remarkable beauty, wildlife, glaciers, and coastal scenery that make Alaska such an extraordinary destination to explore.”

Norwegian Cruise Line has noted that berth availability is the reason behind this dramatic itinerary shuffle, though the cruise line does not clarify which port or ports have caused the adjustments. These types of changes often create a knock-on effect with multiple adjustments needed to accommodate one initial change.

What Guests Need to Do Now

While these itinerary changes are automatic and guests do not need to do anything to enjoy their cruise, it might be necessary to adjust some plans for port days.

Typically, a cruise line will automatically adjust any pre-paid excursions booked through the line for changed port visits, or cancel and refund those excursions if they cannot be adjusted. Because this Norwegian Joy sailing is more than 20 months away, however, Norwegian Cruise Line may not yet have made tours available for booking.

If guests have already made independent plans with tour operators in their planned ports of call, they will need to contact those operators directly to cancel or adjust their plans.

Fortunately, because this itinerary change is so far ahead of time, it should be easy for guests to have those tours adjusted. Also, since Norwegian Joy is not changing her departure from or return to Seattle, guests should not need to adjust any pre- or post-cruise travel plans.

It is always prudent for cruise guests to stay in close contact with their cruise line when they have a sailing booked, just in case there are any such changes to be notified about.

Norwegian Sky Ends Final Voyage With Closed Venues and Limited Services

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Calvin Musquez

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Sep 9, 2026

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Norwegian Sky Ends Final Voyage With Closed Venues and Limited Services

Key Aspects:

Guests sailing aboard Norwegian Sky’s final voyage were notified that several onboard venues and services would be unavailable or closed early.
The ship’s gift shops were closed throughout the voyage, while the Art Gallery and Mandara Spa ceased operations before the cruise concluded.
Norwegian Sky will leave Norwegian Cruise Line following the voyage before joining Cordelia Cruises as Cordelia Sky.

The 2,004-passenger Norwegian Sky is wrapping up its final voyage with Norwegian Cruise Line. This 9-night Mediterranean voyage departed from Barcelona, Spain on August 31, 2026.

The cruise featured calls in Villefranche, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Salerno, Santorini, Mykonos, and Iraklion. A few days prior to embarkation, however, guests booked on this farewell voyage received an email informing them that some key venues and services onboard would be limited.

“As part of preparations taking place following this cruise, a limited number of onboard venues, services, and activities will be adjusted during your sailing,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in the email to guests.

Guests who were hoping to get some branded merchandise to commemorate this final sailing were out of luck. The email stated that all gift shops onboard would be unavailable for the duration of the cruise.

Meanwhile, the Art Gallery only operated for a limited time. It was open through the evening hours of the second port of call in Livorno on September 2, before closing for the remainder of the cruise.

Passengers with mobility or health issues requiring scooters, wheelchairs, or respiratory equipment were advised to make arrangements prior to embarkation. The cruise line stated that additional onboard inventory would not be available for rental during the voyage.

Spa services were also limited, as the final day of operations for the onboard Mandara Spa was slated for September 7, two days before the end of the cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line said that any bookings for September 8, 2026 would be automatically cancelled and refunded to the guests’ onboard accounts.

While many other regular services and venues were still available, these closures may have made for a less-than-complete experience for guests during Norwegian Sky’s farewell. The sailing ends in Piraeus, Greece today, September 9, 2026.

This Was Not Originally the Final Sailing for Norwegian Sky

This voyage was not originally meant to be the final Norwegian Cruise Line sailing for the 77,104-gross-ton ship. The vessel was previously scheduled for another 21-day repositioning cruise to Dubai on September 9, 2026. However, this sailing underwent multiple changes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Nancy Pauwels)

The voyage was first shortened to 18 days, with the debarkation port moved to Muscat, Oman, to avoid the Persian Gulf. Subsequently, as tensions in the region continued to fluctuate, the sailing was cancelled for cruise passengers in August 2026.

As a result of that cancellation, the August 31 sailing became the final passenger cruise for Norwegian Sky. However, while her time with Norwegian Cruise Line is coming to an end, she is not retiring altogether.

Norwegian Sky Prepares to Join Cordelia Cruises

After the ship docks in Piraeus on September 9, the ship will be prepared for transfer to Cordelia Cruises. Cruise Hive previously reported when Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced in April 2025 that the Indian cruise line had chartered both Sky and her sister ship, Norwegian Sun.

The ship will undergo rebranding and renovations for Cordelia Cruise Line. The rebranded vessel is set to debut in October 2026 and sail 3- to 5-night voyages from Mumbai to Goa.

Cordelia Cruises has already revealed how the vessel will look following the transfer. The cruise line’s website shows the ship, rebranded as Cordelia Sky, retaining her distinctive floral hull artwork.

The transfer to Cordelia Cruises will bring an end to a lengthy career with Norwegian Cruise Line. The Sun-class vessel is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest ships, first entering service in 1999.

She was briefly rebranded as Pride of Aloha in Hawaii under NCL America from 2004 to 2008 before reverting to Norwegian Sky. She also underwent a few major refurbishments, most recently in 2019 and 2024.