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Man Sentenced to Prison After Biting Girlfriend Aboard New York Cruise Ship

Lissa Poirot
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Man Sentenced to Prison After Biting Girlfriend Aboard New York Cruise Ship

Key Aspects:

  • A Maine man has been sentenced to 12 months in federal prison after admitting to assaulting his then-girlfriend on a cruise.
  • The incident took place aboard a Malta-registered vessel departing from New York City in December 2024.
  • Court records show the defendant had been on probation and prohibited from traveling when the incident occurred.

A Maine man who admitted to assaulting his girlfriend, including biting her aboard an international cruise ship, has been sentenced to a year in federal prison, closing a case that stemmed from a December 2024 voyage.

John Kelleher, 46, of Brewer, Maine, was sentenced on June 9, 2026, by US District Judge Stacey D. Neumann in US District Court in Bangor. In addition to the 12-month prison sentence, Kelleher was ordered to serve one year of supervised release and pay $360 in restitution, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine.

Federal prosecutors said Kelleher pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026, to assaulting his then-girlfriend while the pair were traveling on an unidentified international cruise ship.

According to court records, Kelleher had been drinking heavily during the voyage. Prosecutors said that on or about December 19, 2024, he assaulted the victim by punching and biting her while onboard the vessel.

The incident occurred while Kelleher was serving a state probation sentence in Maine. Court records indicate the terms of his probation prohibited him from leaving the state without permission and from consuming alcohol.

Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Jails – Here’s the Truth

Prosecutors said Kelleher violated both conditions when he embarked on the cruise and consumed alcohol during the trip.

Federal authorities did not identify the cruise line or ship involved in the case, nor did they provide additional information about the victim’s injuries.

Court Records Detail Events

Additional court records show the assault stemmed from an argument between Kelleher and his then-girlfriend while the couple shared a cabin aboard a cruise ship that had departed from New York City. Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Cunard were all operating from the city at the time. Royal Caribbean also operated out of the nearby Cape Liberty port in New Jersey.

Cruise Piers in Manhattan, New York
Cruise Piers in Manhattan, New York (Photo Credit: jiri.george)

According to a factual basis filed in the case, Kelleher and the victim had been in a relationship for approximately 4 years and were traveling together aboard a Malta-registered cruise ship in December 2024.

The incident occurred after Kelleher accused the victim of being unfaithful, according to court filings. What began as an argument inside the couple’s cabin escalated into a physical assault.

Prosecutors said Kelleher struck the victim multiple times with a closed fist and bit her during the altercation. The assault took place while the vessel was operating within federal maritime jurisdiction.

The victim suffered a black eye and bruises across her body as well as bite marks, which she photographed on her cell phone. 

While many incidents aboard cruise ships are handled internally by ship security teams, allegations involving serious crimes can be referred to law enforcement agencies for investigation.

Cruise lines maintain onboard security personnel who are responsible for responding to disturbances, documenting incidents, gathering witness statements, and preserving evidence.

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In cases involving allegations of assault, security officers may also coordinate with medical staff to document injuries and provide care to those involved.

Depending on circumstances, investigations can be conducted by agencies including the FBI and the US Coast Guard.

In Kelleher’s case, his girlfriend did not contact ship authorities and instead reached out to local law enforcement in Maine when she returned home. The matter was referred the matter to the FBI, which investigated the assault and filed charges in June 2025. 

Celebrity Cruises Bumps Passengers from Sailing Due to Full-Ship Charter

Catie Kovelman
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Celebrity Cruises Bumps Passengers from Sailing Due to Full-Ship Charter

Key Aspects:

  • Celebrity Cruises has cancelled Celebrity Equinox’s August 12, 2027, sailing to host a private charter.
  • Impacted passengers were given the option to switch to a different sailing or to receive a full refund.
  • The cruise lines don’t favor charters because they are mean, but because they are a lucrative business opportunity.

Just like passengers, the cruise lines are always excited about good deals. When a full-ship charter comes knocking, this is a situation that is hard to turn down.

Unfortunately for some future guests of Celebrity Equinox, one 2027 sailing has been cancelled due to a private charter. With a capacity of up to 2,850 passengers, it’s likely that hundreds (if not thousands) are affected by this news.

The 9-night voyage in question was scheduled to embark in Barcelona, Spain, on August 12, 2027. The port-heavy itinerary featured calls throughout Portugal, Morocco, and Spain.

“We are reaching out to let you know that, regrettably, we must cancel our August 12, 2027, Celebrity Equinox sailing, as it has been chartered,” Celebrity Cruises wrote in a letter to impacted passengers, which is making waves on social media.

“We understand that this is not an ideal situation, and we truly apologize for the impact this has on your vacation plans,” the cruise line continued.

Details about who chartered the sailing, if bookings will reopen to the public through the organization, and if the itinerary will be adjusted, are currently unavailable.

Booted Passengers Encouraged to Rebook

Celebrity Cruises is giving guests multiple compensation options, the first of which is to get back on the 121,878-gross ton Celebrity Equinox. This means rebooking the same Solstice-class ship for a different date.

Celebrity Cruises recommended the 9-night sailings to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco that embark in Barcelona on June 17, 2027, and September 9, 2027.

These sailings offer the same port calls as the cancelled sailing, but in a slightly different order. The ports in question include Tangier, Morocco; Lisbon, Portugal; Porto-Leixoes, Portugal; and Cadiz, Spain.

If guests are willing to change up their itinerary a bit more, Celebrity Cruises also suggested Celebrity Equinox’s 9-night, one-way sailing from Rome, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain, that embarks on August 3, 2027.

Celebrity Equinox Cruise Ship
Celebrity Equinox Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Khongkha Somphan)

This voyage features visits to Naples, La Spezia, and Portofino in Italy, Villefranche-sur-Mer in France, and Palma De Mallorca in Spain.

If guests choose to pivot to one of these sailings, their original stateroom category price will be protected, even if the new voyage would have been more expensive.

Additionally, if the cruise fare decreases and passengers have already paid in full, they will be refunded the difference.

Cruise Hive also learned that guests would be provided with onboard credits as a gesture of goodwill. Suite guests will receive $400 per stateroom, and Aqua Class guests and below will be given $200 per stateroom.

Additional Compensation Options

If guests can’t make one of these alternate sailings work onboard Celebrity Equinox, they do have the option to rebook another Celebrity Cruises sailing of their choosing. Any non-refundable deposit and/or change fees would be waived.

Cruisers who pursue this option will also be given the same stateroom credits as those who rebook on Celebrity Equinox ($400 OBO for suite guests and $200 for Aqua Class guests and below).

However, guests who book outside of the three recommended voyages would be responsible for any differences in pricing for their cruise fare, taxes, fees, and gratuities.

And of course, passengers who can’t make any of these options work can always opt to receive a full refund.

Why Do Cruise Lines Favor Charters?

Celebrity Cruises, and its sister brand, Royal Caribbean, have been known to work with major event organizers like Sixthman, Atlantis Events, and Bliss Cruises, as well as more niche companies or travel agencies to arrange charters.

Most recently, Cruise Hive reported in May that Royal Caribbean bumped guests from Allure of the Seas’ March 7, 2027, sailing due to a full-ship charter.

At the end of last year, Celebrity Cruises also announced that Celebrity Silhouette’s February 13, 2027, Valentine’s Day cruise was cancelled in favor of a private charter.

As frustrating as these cancellations are, the cruise lines don’t welcome these charters to be mean. They are simply the smart financial choice.

In order to completely charter the ship, organizers must buy out every single cabin at a double occupancy rate, whether the staterooms are sold or not. On a standard itinerary, the cruise line would simply not be paid for empty cabins.

Carnival Reveals What Really Happens When a Hurricane Threatens Your Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Reveals What Really Happens When a Hurricane Threatens Your Cruise

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has described the itinerary change process when hurricanes force ships to divert.
  • Safety is always the first priority and any changes are made to keep guests, crew members, and ships safe.
  • Many behind-the-scenes steps and scheduling changes are necessary when itinerary changes happen.

With the Atlantic hurricane season now underway, exactly how do cruise lines monitor storm systems and their impact on the fleet? Carnival Cruise Line has offered a rare insight into just what happens when a storm threatens, from the onshore team to what happens onboard as an itinerary is changed.

Cruise Hive has already reported on forecasts for the 2026 hurricane season, which looks to be slightly slower and calmer than an average season, but even one storm can dramatically impact cruises.

“Carnival has all the tools needed to see where a tropical storm is developing, where it is going and what the projected track is likely to be,” said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador. “We are proud to have something called the Fleet Operations Center at the Mothership in Miami.”

Heald describes some of the weather-monitoring equipment of the Fleet Operations Center (FOC), which includes a 74-foot-long wall of 57 LED screens showing the fleet’s status and individual details on all 29 ships in the Carnival fleet.

The FOC is manned 24 hours a day by maritime and safety experts to ensure constant updates and the most detailed information possible to ensure the safety of every Carnival ship.

When a tropical storm or hurricane forms, those experts confer with the “senior beards” as well as the ship’s captain to decide on the safest and best course of action.

“Although itinerary modifications happen from time to time, any decision to change an itinerary is always done with the interest of guest and crew safety,” Heald explained. “Hurricanes are as reliable as a blind yak and can suddenly change their tracks and so we wait, gather advice and see what we need to do, often within a day or so notice.”

“Above all, we want to deliver the itinerary the guest booked which is why we want to wait and see what happens with the storm before officially announcing any changes.”

Carnival Cruise Line Miami Headquarters
Carnival Cruise Line Miami Headquarters (Credit: Carnival)

When Itineraries Have to Change

Once it is determined that a change is necessary, either because a port of call will be directly impacted by a storm or the ship would need to sail through the storm’s path for a scheduled itinerary, there needs to be a decision on where the ship can go instead.

At that time, Carnival’s management team will begin contacting port authorities to ask for berths at specific days and times, depending on the ship’s size, location, sailing route, and distance from alternative ports.

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

If no port is available, the ship may need to enjoy a day at sea instead. This is a very safe option, as the ship can easily sail away from rough weather to provide the smoothest, most comfortable experience for the thousands of guests and crew members onboard.

Onboard Adjustments

Once a ship is rerouted or the decision is made for a day at sea, there are many changes that need to be made onboard and to ship operations to accommodate the change, though guests may never know.

Heald detailed what has to change that may impact the onboard experience.

First, the shore excursions team contacts tour operators in the new port of call to book spaces on available excursions to give guests options for enjoying the new destination. At the same time, any tours for the original port have to be cancelled.

If any crew members had been joining the ship or ending their contracts in the now-cancelled port, they must be contacted and rescheduled as necessary. Similarly, any comedians or other entertainers joining or leaving the ship must have their schedules and flights changed to the new destination or shifted to another port.

A new Fun Times newsletter must be written, along with changes to scheduling on the Carnival Hub app.

The last step is to prepare a letter to deliver to guests’ staterooms to inform them of the change and why. At the same time, emails and texts will be sent to guests to alert them to the changes.

“When that new itinerary is given to guests, 99 percent will accept the decision,” Heald noted. “They may be disappointed but they understand.”

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Heald does ask that any guests who may be upset and angry at such changes not take their frustration out on crew members who had no say in the decision.

“Let’s hope it’s a very quiet hurricane season this year but, if we should be forced to change ports of call, then, please, don’t shout and swear at a staff member who, only 10 minutes before, was hosting a Harry Potter themed trivia,” he said.

Above all, safety is the top consideration for such changes, and Carnival Cruise Line will always make any itinerary change decisions with the safety of the guests, crew, and ship as the first priority.

Norwegian Star Cruise Completely Reworked With a New Mediterranean Itinerary

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Star Cruise Completely Reworked With a New Mediterranean Itinerary

Key Aspects:

  • A complete itinerary change has been announced for Norwegian Star‘s November 13, 2027 cruise.
  • Instead of Atlantic and North African ports, the ship will be visiting France and Italy.
  • Embarkation has also been shifted from Lisbon, Portugal to Tarragona, Spain, due to port availability.

Itinerary can be a key factor in choosing a particular cruise vacation, whether it is for a specific sailing region or one special port of call. Guests onboard Norwegian Star‘s November 13, 2027 cruise, however, are shocked that not only is their embarkation port changing to a different country, but five ports of call are now removed and the sailing is very different than originally planned.

Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests to alert them to the itinerary change and what to expect for the 9-night cruise.

The 91,740-gross-ton ship was to have sailed from Lisbon to Barcelona, calling on destinations in Portugal, the Canary Islands, Morocco, and Spain along the way.

Now the cruise will instead embark in Tarragona, Spain, a change attributed to “port availability” in Lisbon. This is not the first cruise to have made such a change, and Cruise Hive has already reported on Norwegian Dawn making a similar switch for an October 2026 sailing.

The departure time from the homeport has also shifted slightly. Norwegian Dawn was to have departed Lisbon at 4 p.m., but will not leave Tarragona until 5 p.m.

Entire Norwegian Star Itinerary Changed

What is even more dramatic for Norwegian Star, however, is that the entire tenor of the sailing has shifted and the cruise will now visit Mediterranean destinations.

“As part of this change, our visits to Funchal, Portugal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Arrecife (Lanzarote), Spain, and Agadir and Casablanca, Morocco, have been removed from the itinerary,” the email notification confirmed.

“In their place the journey has evolved into a Mediterranean-focused itinerary, now featuring visits to Marseille, France; La Spezia, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Salerno, Italy; and Valletta, Malta.”

Norwegian Star Cruise Ship
Norwegian Star Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

These new destinations are more than 1,800 miles from the original destinations on the schedule, with completely different cultures, histories, and attractions.

The first full day of the cruise was to have been a day at sea, but that will now be the ship’s visit to Marseille. Only the last two days of the itinerary are unchanged from the original schedule.

Saturday, November 20, 2027 will still be a day at sea, while the visit to Palma de Mallorca, Spain will be on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Norwegian Dawn will arrive in Barcelona on Monday, November 22 for debarkation at 7 a.m., which is also unchanged from the initial itinerary.

Guests Have Mixed Reactions to Dramatic Shift

Because the impacted sailing is still 17 months away, the ship’s up to 2,298 guests have different reactions to the switched itinerary.

For those who were interested in the original ports of call, cancelling and rebooking on a different voyage may be the best alternative, as there is still plenty of time to do so with only minimal problems.

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Others are upset just at the dramatic nature of the overhaul.

“That’s not even close to the cruise you booked,” one guest noted. “I can understand a port or even [two] changing, things happen, but this a complete rewrite.”

“Definitely an entirely different cruise, but thankfully you have plenty of time to change,” another noted.

Many experienced cruisers also note that the cruise is so far in the future that it is unlikely booked guests have already reserved airfare or made significant other plans, so there is flexibility to arrange a different cruise if preferred.

Carnival Panorama Temporarily Loses Power During Mexico Sailing

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Panorama Temporarily Loses Power During Mexico Sailing

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Panorama experienced a power outage early into its 8-night sailing to the Mexican Riviera.
  • During the outage, some passengers were trapped in the onboard elevators.
  • Thankfully, power has been restored, and crew members have rescued anyone who was stuck.

Carnival Panorama is kicking off its 8-night voyage to the Mexican Riviera with something unusual: a ship-wide power outage.

While sailing near Cabo San Lucas on June 8, 2026, the 133,500-gross ton vessel experienced a power outage.

Making matters worse, it’s believed that several passengers found themselves stuck in the ship’s elevators during the unexpected situation.

“Don’t panic, the power is down. They are working on it. No elevator service right now. I’m just hanging out in the elevator area waiting,” one guest posted on Facebook, along with photos and videos of the out-of-order elevators.

“Panorama just lost all power right by Cabo – people stuck in the elevators,” another guest shared.

A public announcement made by Cruise Director Zack Paiement‑Dockrill, which was recorded and shared on TikTok by (@Sharvon), confirmed the situation.

“We are experiencing a power outage, which is affecting the entire ship. The elevators and our hotel system are currently out of service and our technicians are working hard to resolve the issue,” Paiement‑Dockrill advised.

Listen to the full announcement below:

@sharvon

Power outage on Carnival Panorama June 8, 2026. It’s a sea day too! #cruiseship #carnivalcruise #carnival #carnivalpanorama #stuckinthemiddleofthesea

♬ original sound – Sharvon

Guests Rescued From Elevators

It’s unclear how long the power outage lasted, but per current guests, the 4,008-guest ship has resumed normal operations. As soon as power was back, crew members began checking elevators for trapped guests.

In the earlier ship-wide announcement, which would have been heard in the elevators, anyone who was stuck was encouraged to sound the car’s alarm so that the technical team would know they were there and could offer assistance.

“If there’s anyone in the elevator, please activate the alarm and our technical team will work to assist you,” Paiement‑Dockrill said in his announcement.

But as power returned, current passengers spotted elevator doors opening and closing independently again and watched crew members check the cars for guests.

“They are now knocking on the elevator doors to see if anyone is stuck,” one current passenger updated.

Cruise Hive reached out to Carnival for an update and additional details on the situation, but did not receive a response in time for publication.

Why Does This Keep Happening?

Carnival Panorama’s power outage comes less than a week after Caribbean Princess, which sails under the Carnival-owned Princess Cruises brand, lost power while cruising in the Bahamas on June 5, 2026.

Holland America Line’s Zaandam also experienced propulsion issues in Alaska during the first week of June, which forced the ship to skip several ports. For reference, Holland America Line is another Carnival-owned brand.

As the cause behind these issues is unknown, it’s impossible to determine if these situations may be connected in any way or if this is merely a weird coincidence.

However, Carnival’s Vista-class ships (including Carnival Panorama) have developed a reputation for power and propulsion issues, which are related to its Azipod propulsion system.

While Azipod engines are supposed to be more fuel efficient and add enhanced maneuverability, they are also known for being technically complex and occasionally temperamental.

Carnival Panorama has previously experienced propulsion and speed issues in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with at least four sailings cancelled due to the technical difficulties in 2023.

But whatever the issue was in this case seems to have been resolved. As of the time of publication, the 2019-launched ship is cruising at normal speeds of around 18 knots.

The vessel arrived as normal in Puerto Vallarta on June 9, which is the first port call on the itinerary. Before returning to Long Beach on June 14, the ship is also scheduled to visit Mazatlan, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas.

Carnival’s New Rewards Program Brings a Redesigned Sail & Sign Card

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival’s New Rewards Program Brings a Redesigned Sail & Sign Card

Key Aspects:

  • Christine Duffy and John Heald have shared a new video answering key questions about the Carnival Rewards program.
  • Milestone recognition, a Sail & Sign card redesign, and points vs. stars were discussed in the 7-minute chat.
  • Guests were also reminded that they must opt in to the new program before it begins on September 1, 2026.

Carnival Cruise Line’s president and brand ambassador, Christine Duffy and John Heald, had a sit-down chat recently about what the new Carnival Rewards program offers to guests, clarifying some key points in the 7-minute video about the spend-based loyalty program.

With the official retirement of Carnival Cruise Line’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program and the launch of the spend-based Carnival Rewards program looming in less than three months, these questions have been much on guests’ minds as they struggle to understand how their loyalty will be recognized and what benefits will be available.

Carnival Rewards will set sail from September 1, 2026. At that time, the VIFP program will be officially retired and no longer applicable to guests’ loyalty and rewards.

Milestone Rewards Changing

For many guests who cruise frequently, the “Milestone” part of the program is of great interest. Under the VIFP program, guests who had sailed 25, 50, 75, and 100 cruises with Carnival received special recognition and perks.

Those perks included a special Sail & Sign card and non-refundable onboard credit equivalent to 25%, 50%, or 75% of their cruise fare for the corresponding sailing, as well as a free cruise (subject to restrictions) after their 100th Carnival cruise.

Under the Carnival Rewards program, milestones will still be recognized but in different ways. The total number of cruises will no longer be counted, but the days that guests sail with the line will add up to the respective milestone.

“With the new program, you’ll be able to achieve milestones faster using days sailed rather than just counting individual cruises,” Duffy explained.

For example, if a guest takes a total of 25 3-day weekend sailings, the VIFP program would recognize them at that 25th milestone sailing after a total of 75 days sailed. On the other hand, the guest who only takes 7-day cruises would need to sail a total of 175 days to get the same recognition.

By counting days sailed instead, that guest taking weeklong voyages would earn the same recognition after just 11 cruises.

Carnival Rewards recognizes the first milestone at 50 days, which will reward guests with 5,000 Carnival Reward Points. At 100 days, they’ll receive 10,000 points. For every 100 days after, they will receive another recognition of 10,000 points.

Guests on milestone cruises will also receive commemorative coins and different rewards for different milestone levels, but no further details have yet been disclosed.

This does mean that there will no longer be automatic onboard credit for milestone sailings. The points, however, can be redeemed for onboard purchases or applied to future cruise fares, though exact details have not been announced.

The Carnival Rewards website does give a few options of possible point redemption values, such as 13,499 points for one person for a 50-minute Swedish massage, 1,357 points for a 6-pack of soda, or 5,500 points for one adult for a steakhouse dinner.

“Points redemption values are for illustrative purposes only. Points needed to redeem may vary,” the website notes.

Carnival Sail & Sign Cards Redesigned

Because Carnival guests often love to display their Sail & Sign cards both during their cruise as well as mementos after debarkation, the redesign of the card for Carnival Rewards is also of interest.

“One of the things that we know was so important is that we continue to recognize our guest loyalty in cruising with Carnival. And so, now on your card, it will include the number of days that you have sailed with Carnival from your very first cruise,” said Duffy.

The card redesign moves to a vertical rather than a horizontal orientation, which will be easier to see in many lanyards. The cards are still the loyalty level colors (red, gold, platinum, and diamond), and include all the same information as previously, such as muster station location, guest number, ship name, sailing date, and dining time and table.

Carnival Cruise Line Cards
Carnival Cruise Line Cards

In the lower right corner, however, a circular emblem with “Carnival Days Sailed” will be personalized with each individual guests’ number of cruise days.

“They are going to love that,” Heald commented. “I think I can say more than any other cruise line in the world, our guests love to show their loyalty to show here exactly how many days.”

Points Versus Stars

Heald and Duffy concluded the 7-minute chat by clarifying how Carnival Rewards Points and Stars work together for overall loyalty.

Read Also: Which Cruise Lines Match Loyalty Programs?

Stars are what are accumulated toward individual status, while points are what guests can earn for reward spending power.

Guests not only earn points for spending directly with Carnival Cruise Line, either booking a cruise or onboard spending during sailings, but can also earn points everyday on land or at sea with the Carnival Mastercard.

The final reminder, however, is that guests must opt in before they can begin accumulating or receiving Carnival Rewards benefits.

“Of course we need to remind people that they must opt in,” Heald noted.

This has caused some confusion for guests who have sailed with Carnival for many years, as there will be no automatic conversion from the VIFP program to the Carnival Rewards program.

“It is a brand new program,” Duffy reminded viewers. “It has new terms and conditions, and guests should review and accept them. Privacy rules prevent us from automatically enrolling guests, even our longtime cruisers.”

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Guests who are already Carnival Mastercard holders are opted in under the card’s terms and conditions. Guests without the credit card will need to manually opt in to the new program.

Cruise Hive has already reported on Carnival sending reminders to guests to do just that, and more such reminders are sure to be sent via emails, texts, and other promotions in the weeks leading up to September 1.

Cruise Ships Rocked by Biggest Earthquake to Hit Cuba in Over 100 Years

Catie Kovelman
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Cruise Ships Rocked by Biggest Earthquake to Hit Cuba in Over 100 Years

Key Aspects:

  • A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit the northwestern coast of Cuba on June 8, 2026.
  • The shaking was felt at sea, in Florida’s major cruise ports, and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico.
  • No significant damage has been reported as a result of the shaking, and cruise operations are continuing normally.

The biggest earthquake to hit Cuba in nearly 150 years struck off the coast of Mantua, and the shaking was felt by cruises throughout South Florida, as well as parts of Mexico and the Caribbean.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred on June 8, 2026, at around 2 p.m. EDT, in the Gulf of Mexico (or Gulf of America).

“The June 8, 2026 magnitude 6.1 earthquake near the west coast of Cuba occurred as the result of reverse faulting at a shallow depth of 26 km,” USGS confirmed.

“The earthquake occurred beneath the Gulf of America within the North America plate. An intraplate earthquake, this event occurred 400-450 km north of the closest active plate boundary between the North America and Caribbean Sea plates,” USGS added.

Based on the data, the epicenter was determined to be 65 miles west-northwest of Mantua, a town in Cuba’s western Pinar del Río province.

Per seismologists, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher has not hit Cuba in more than 100 years.

“This is the largest instrumentally recorded earthquake in the Gulf of America since 1950, and one of only six magnitude 5 or larger earthquakes to occur within the Gulf since 1950,” USGS noted.

“In 1880, an earthquake of approximately M6.0 occurred near San Cristobal, Cuba and was felt in Florida. The 1880 earthquake led to reports of building damages and fatalities in Cuba,” the organization continued.

Thankfully, Cruise Hive has not seen any reports of damage to infrastructure in Cuba or elsewhere as a result of the June 8th quake.

Shaking Felt Mid-Voyage

Obviously, the sizable quake was felt throughout Cuba, with some cruisers feeling the rumble onboard their cruise ships.

“Some of you may have heard that an earthquake happened near Cuba. Our cruise ship was almost right over it when it struck. The ship shook hard,” one cruise guest shared.

“Many people on the upper decks were frightened and some thought they should go to their muster stations. The ship’s captain came on the intercom a few minutes later and explained that we had experienced an earthquake and that the ship was not damaged,” they recalled.

Margaritaville at Sea Islander
Margaritaville at Sea Islander (Photo Credit: Margaritaville at Sea)

The guest didn’t specify which ship they are onboard, but cruise tracking data showed Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape sailing near the epicenter on the afternoon of June 8.

Reports of shaking also came from as far west as Cancun, Mexico, and the Riviera Maya, which is where Cozumel and Costa Maya are located.

No cruise ships were docked in Cancun, but Cozumel hosted Disney Destiny, Carnival Jubilee, and Carnival Breeze during the quake. Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas were in Costa Maya.

Shaking Impacts Florida Cruise Ports

Additionally, the shaking was felt at several of Florida’s major cruise ports, including PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and Port Tampa Bay.

“The City of Miami is aware of a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Cuba,” the city said in a statement to CBS News. Resulting seismic activity was reportedly felt in several areas throughout the city, prompting multiple calls for service.”

Seven ships were in PortMiami during the earthquake for turnaround days, including Freedom of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Resilient Lady, Norwegian Getaway, MSC Seaside, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Conquest.

Three more ships were in Port Canaveral, including Utopia of the Seas, Disney Wish, and Carnival Glory. Last but not least, one more Carnival ship, Carnival Paradise, was docked in Tampa Bay when the shaking began.

Cruise Passengers Shouldn’t Worry

Even if there are aftershocks, which are common with earthquakes of this size, cruise guests shouldn’t be worried. Cruise ships are designed for stability and float deep in the ocean, which allows them to easily absorb the seismic shock.

When at sea, cruise ships are also safe from potential tsunamis, which usually become destructive only once they reach the shallow ocean floor near the coast.

For example, part of the Caribbean was placed under a tsunami advisory after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake shook the Cayman Islands in February of 2025.

But in this case, Cruise Hive confirmed that there is no earthquake-related tsunami risk and the Florida cruise ports remain safe.

“There is no tsunami danger for the U.S. east coast, the Gulf of America states, or the eastern coast of Canada,” the National Tsunami Warning Center posted.

“Based on earthquake information and historic tsunami records, the earthquake is not expected to generate a tsunami,” the agency continued.

Cruise operations have continued normally both at sea and at the destinations where shaking was felt.

Why I Never Got Off in Port on Utopia of the Seas

Melissa Mayntz
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Why I Never Got Off in Port on Utopia of the Seas

Many cruisers love visiting ports to enjoy different beach days, dining, shopping, and tour options. On my recent 4-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, however, I got all of that (and more!) right on board and never left the ship.

The cruise departed on June 1, 2026 for a typical “world’s biggest weekend” non-weekend cruise. The 246,743-gross-ton Utopia of the Seas debuted in 2024 and was the first of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships to exclusively offer shorter 3- and 4-night cruises.

I’ve been on the ship’s true weekend cruise from Friday afternoon until Monday morning, but this was my first time on the ship’s 4-night sailing. The only itinerary difference is that after visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, there is an extra day at sea to enjoy all the massive mega-ship has to offer.

Because I have been to Nassau 21 times and Perfect Day at CocoCay eight times, neither port had much to catch my eye this time, but the ship offers a lot! Despite the bright summer days that weren’t too hot, I stayed onboard and Utopia of the Seas was the only destination I needed.

While many first-timers might be concerned about crowds on the megaship, the beauty of staying onboard in ports of call is the crowds thin out amazingly. There was never a lack of space for lounge chairs, show seating, and other than some busier periods, even dining seating was easy to come by.

Dining on Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas features 22 different dining venues with something for every taste.

I’m a Windjammer fan and the wide variety of dishes available makes every meal unique. From the cheese rolls to the glazed donuts to the classic favorites, international dishes, and carving stations, you don’t leave the buffet hungry. I was especially pleased that I could get milk to drink from the coffee station at every meal.

One Windjammer drawback is the sometimes chaotic lines, especially at breakfast on port days. Pro tip: to avoid the worst of the breakfast lines, visit the Solarium Bistro on Deck 15 for the same buffet options with far smaller crowds. While the Solarium is adults-only, the Bistro welcomes families for breakfast.

Utopia of the Seas Boardwalk
Utopia of the Seas Boardwalk (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

A special lunch option is the also quiet Park Cafe in Central Park on Deck 8. The roast beef “kummelweck” sandwich is superb, carved-to-order and topped with your choice of gravy, horseradish, or mustard. Fresh fruit, a selection of other deli sandwiches, and desserts are also available. While at sea or in port, Park Cafe always felt much less crowded and service was fast.

One sweet treat I discovered on this cruise is at The Spare Tire poolside on Deck 15. This grab-and-go venue is the first food truck concept in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and it doesn’t disappoint. While the Tornados and the chipotle chicken sandwiches were a bit spicy for me, the raspberry stuffed cheesecake was well worth multiple visits!

Late-night slices from Sorrento’s, hot popcorn near Studio B, soft serve from Sprinkles, cookies from Cafe Promenade, and more rounded out the must-have foods for a casual cruise.

Shopping on Board or on Shore

Shopping is fun and at-your-leisure cruise activity for thousands of guests, and I do love kitschy souvenirs and unique crafts from different ports. Because Nassau and CocoCay were no longer unique for me, however, I did my shopping onboard along the Royal Promenade on Deck 5.

Of course, the shops were closed while the ship was actually in port (as per local regulations), but they were open in the evenings and all day long on Thursday, the day at sea.

Utopia of the Seas Promenade
Utopia of the Seas Promenade (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

The luxury shops are always worth an envious browse (but I’d rather spend that money on another cruise), and the Effy store offered charm and bracelet giveaways all the time. I most enjoyed the Royal Shop with its collection of exclusive Utopia of the Seas merch, with everything from magnets to attire to commemorative coins.

Shopping in the middle of the promenade was focused on special sales and deals. I would have taken advantage of the “2 for $30” t-shirt special, but the same shirts were already in my closet on Deck 10!

I did miss that I couldn’t get as wide of a selection of rum cakes onboard as I could have in Nassau. Note to self: budget time and cash for stocking up on the next visit.

Tours and Adventure Right Onboard

Beach days, zip lines, waterslides… These are all things different cruisers love in the Bahamas. You can do them all right onboard Utopia of the Seas, and more, and with fewer guests onboard while the ship is in port, crowds aren’t as much of a concern.

The adults-only Solarium was perfect for quiet “beach” time onboard. The comfy loungers were plentiful during port days and the space was just the right temperature, not too hot and certainly not too cool.

Read Also: Utopia of the Seas Size Comparison – Facts and Stats

When I wanted to dabble my toes in the surf, I just strolled through the aft pools on Deck 15 with the in-water loungers, where you can walk through just a few inches of water for a cooling dip without a full dive.

Sail Away Party on Utopia of the Seas
Sail Away Party on Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

For a high-flying thrill, try out the zipline on Deck 16 with a birds-eye view of the Boardwalk. Safety comes first and the ride is brief, but it’s well worthwhile for a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. If you prefer thrills closer to the ground, don’t miss the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story dry slide with music and light effects throughout the exciting plunge.

Both attractions had naturally shorter lines while the ship was in port, but they were still open for those of us who preferred to stay on the ship.

Utopia of the Seas also has fantastic waterslides (the yellow one is the wildest), Splashaway Bay for the kids, and the nostalgic carousel for all ages, along with the arcade, Flowrider, a generous non-smoking casino, ice skating, and so much more to do. Truthfully, you don’t even realize you’re in port!

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And I’m not even mentioning all the trivia games, live music, spectacular production shows, interactive game shows, and more that kept the ship hopping from morning to night.

Ultimately, staying onboard Utopia of the Seas was a great choice for the ultimate getaway. I got everything I love about cruises in one package, plus the bonus of lower crowds while most of the ship’s 5,668 guests were off the ship in port. Can’t wait to do it again!

P&O Cruise Ships Ranked By Age: Newest to Oldest (2022-2000)

Emrys Thakkar
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P&O Cruise Ships Ranked By Age: Newest to Oldest (2022-2000)

Key Aspects:

  • P&O Cruises’ newest ship is Arvia, which debuted in 2022.
  • P&O Cruises’ oldest ship is Aurora, which debuted in 2000.
  • Even P&O Cruises’ older ships have received substantial refits and refurbishments over the last five years, keeping the fleet up to date as much as possible. 

P&O Cruises is a British cruise line with a small fleet of seven ships. Arvia is the newest and biggest ship for P&O, debuting in 2022, so it’s going to be the ship passengers will want to pick if they value newer amenities and high-end features.

Meanwhile, the oldest ship, Aurora, first entered service in 2000, though it’s been kept more or less up to date, so cruisers shouldn’t be overly concerned regarding its age if it otherwise looks like it’ll fit their needs. 

Whichever ship you’re considering sailing on, though, don’t underestimate this brand due to the modest P&O fleet size. This is a line with a history dating to the 1800s, with vessels that make their way onto our list of the top largest cruise ships in the world. 

Here’s what you need to know before you make your next booking.

In This Article:

Arvia (2022)

P&O Arvia Cruise Ship
P&O Arvia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Chris Hyde)

As mentioned, Arvia is the newest ship for P&O Cruises, but it’s also the biggest if you’re comparing P&O Cruises vessels by size. The large ship was built by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft at their shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. 

The Excel class ship proudly displays a few modern features, such as a retractable glass SkyDome. It’s also powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which has been gaining popularity among many cruise lines due to its environmental friendliness (though the industry does admit there are both pros and cons to the option). 

The family-friendly ship was built with warm-weather destinations in mind, serving itineraries to the Mediterranean and beyond. Thus, it features four pools, including an infinity pool, and lots of choices for dining and drinking.  

  • Entered Service: 2022
  • Gross Tonnage: 185,581 GT
  • Length: 345 meters/1,131 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 5,200
  • Crew Capacity: 1,800

Iona (2021)

P&O Iona Docked in Southampton
P&O Iona Docked in Southampton (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss)

Arvia’s sister ship Iona debuted just one year before Arvia, making it one of the newer P&O ships you could choose for a cruise. 

Iona was also built by Meyer Werft and is likewise LNG-powered. Iona is just a little bit smaller than Arvia (but she was the largest ship built for P&O Cruises ever, at her time of launch). Iona introduced the Excel class to the world and, as such, also features the SkyDome, as well as the three-tier atrium that has become associated with these ships. 

  • Entered Service: 2021
  • Gross Tonnage: 184,700 GT
  • Length: 344 meters/1,128 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 5,200
  • Crew Capacity: 1,800

Britannia

P&O Britannia Cruise Ship
P&O Britannia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Nandani Bridglal)

Six years prior to Iona’s debut, Britannia proudly took to the high seas as P&O Cruises’ flagship vessel. In 2015, Britannia was introduced after being built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, as the largest ship ever constructed by Fincantieri on P&O Cruises’ behalf. 

Yes, Britannia is now smaller than the newer ships in the fleet, but it’s become a beloved staple thanks to just how well it, as its name suggests, fully embraces British culture and caters to the British cruise market. It also has one of the largest outdoor promenades of all the other P&O ships.  

  • Entered Service: 2015
  • Gross Tonnage: 143,000 GT
  • Length: 330 meters/1,082 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,647
  • Crew Capacity: 1,350

Azura (2010)

P&O Azura Cruise Ship
P&O Azura Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

There was a similar gap between Britannia and Azura, with Azura coming onto the scene in 2010. Again, she was built by Fincantieri in Italy, with construction beginning in 2008. Azura is very similar to sister ship Ventura, and the ship has received upgrades to keep it modern, to make up for its more than 15 years of age. 

Most recently, in 2025, refurbishments affected the ship’s bars and restaurants, as well as cabins.

  • Entered Service: 2010
  • Gross Tonnage: 115,055 GT
  • Length: 290 meters/951 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,100
  • Crew Capacity: 1,250

Ventura (2008)

P&O Ventura in Southampton
P&O Ventura in Southampton (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

Ventura first set sail a mere two years before Azura, debuting in 2008. 

Built by Fincantieri, the ship is modestly sized and was most recently refitted in early 2026. Cabins and suites received new carpet, curtains, bedside lampshades and armchairs. Public spaces such as the Atrium and multiple bars and restaurants received new life as well. Even the theater, spa and shopping areas were given a bit of an upgrade. 

In short, this is a ship that, while on the older side, has been lovingly restored to keep up with modern guests’ demands. 

  • Entered Service: 2008
  • Gross Tonnage: 116,017
  • Length: 290 meters/951 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,078
  • Crew Capacity: 1,205

Arcadia (2005)

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

Now we’re getting into some of P&O’s smaller ships. Arcadia is more than two decades old at this point, and is both the second-oldest and second-smallest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet. The ship is also one of the few adult-only cruise ships within the P&O family. 

As P&O has done with all its older ships, the cruise line gave this one a refresh in recent years. In 2024, a refresh resulted in new carpets, furnishings and similar in cabins and suites, as well as new furnishings and accents in popular restaurants and bars. A broad range of other changes were made in further public spaces, such as a new dance floor being added in the theater and new gaming machines in the casino. 

Arcadia was built by Fincantieri.

  • Entered Service: 2005
  • Gross Tonnage: 83,781 GT
  • Length: 285 meters/935 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,094
  • Crew Capacity: 866

Aurora (2000)

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

Then, finally, we get to the smallest P&O ship, as well as the oldest P&O ship: Aurora. Built by Meyer Werft in Germany and delivered in April 2000, this is a ship that does, admittedly, show her age, but she’s been refitted numerous times, most recently in 2025.

Like Arcadia, Aurora is also adults-only, and these refits brought cabins, restaurants, bars, the spa and more up to modern standards. More of a traditional ship, don’t expect anything overly flashy here — just good ol’ fashioned ocean cruising. 

  • Entered Service: 2000
  • Gross Tonnage: 76,152 GT
  • Length: 270 meters/885 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 1,874
  • Crew Capacity: 850
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