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Warm Christmas Ahead? Carnival Shares Holiday Weather Outlook

Catie Kovelman
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Warm Christmas Ahead? Carnival Shares Holiday Weather Outlook

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival’s Amy Sweezey shared the holiday weather forecast that cruisers have been waiting for.
  • Christmas Day should bring sunny and warm weather across the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
  • No matter where cruisers are celebrating, it will surely be a wonderful holiday.

Carnival cruisers who are dreaming of spending Christmas in paradise will be getting their wish.

Carnival Weather Contributor Amy Sweezey has shared the Christmas Day weather forecast for several cruise destinations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

From the new Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island to Grand Turk in the Caribbean, Santa is delivering on warm weather and sunny skies.

Celebration Key

There is no better place to celebrate Christmas than Celebration Key in the Bahamas, and that is where Carnival Glory and Carnival Freedom will be on December 25.

Making the occasion extra special, this is also the first Christmas to be celebrated at the private destination, which officially opened on July 19, 2025.

Read Also: Christmas on a Cruise Ship: What To Expect

According to Sweezey, skies will be blue and temperatures will reach into the upper 70s.

“We’ll start in Grand Bahama, where both Carnival Freedom and Carnival Glory guests will enjoy the very first Christmas at Carnival Celebration Key,” Sweezey said.

“Temperatures in the upper 70s will be perfect for snorkeling or relaxing on the sand,” she continued.

The island destination has been decorated for Christmas with themed trees, oversized gift boxes, and sand sculptures.

Extra lucky cruisers might even spot Santa Claus in Starfish Lagoon, fresh off his Christmas Eve flight to deliver presents all around the world.

Nassau, Bahamas

Four different Carnival cruise ships will be spending Christmas in the capital of the Bahamas, about 150 nautical miles away from Celebration Key.

These vessels include Carnival Pride, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Conquest, and Mardi Gras.

“Just to the south in Nassau, it will be a busy day with Carnival Conquest, Liberty, Pride and Mardi Gras all in port,” Sweezey added.

“Expect just a few passing clouds and temperatures in the upper 70s, ideal for beach time or exploring downtown,” she forecasted.

Despite some moments of cloudiness, Christmas Day should mostly be sunny and perfect for water-filled fun and shore excursions.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Grand Turk may be about 400 miles away from Nassau, but skies will still be sunny and blue there, too.

The 5,374-guest Carnival Celebration will visit Grand Turk on Christmas Day, where passengers can enjoy temperatures up to 80 degrees and what will surely be a very welcomed breeze.

Cozumel, Mexico

Guests onboard Carnival Paradise will be saying “Feliz Navidad,” as they’ll be spending a warm Christmas in Cozumel, Mexico.

Temperatures will peak in the lower 80s, with passing clouds helping to provide occasional coverage from the sun.

St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie), US Virgin Islands

Conditions in St. Thomas will be similarly beautiful for guests of Carnival Venezia, which will be calling to the Eastern Caribbean destination on Christmas Day.

It will be a sunny day here, too, with highs in the low to mid-80s. Hopefully these guests made sure to pack plenty of sunscreen!

Progreso (Yucatán), Mexico

Last but not least, Carnival Valor will celebrate the holiday in Progreso, which is part of the broader Mayan Riviera region.

The up to 2,980 guests onboard will enjoy a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures reaching into the lower 80s along the coast.

Merry Christmas!

No matter where cruisers are spending Christmas – whether it’s at sea, a different cruise port, or at home – it’s sure to be a wonderful holiday.

Cruise Hive wishes all of our readers a very happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas Misses Beach Club’s Big Day

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas Misses Beach Club’s Big Day

Key Aspects:

  • High winds forced Utopia of the Seas to skip Nassau on Tuesday, December 23.
  • This meant the Oasis-class ship missed the grand opening day of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
  • The club still opened as scheduled for guests from Radiance of the Seas.

Today is the official opening day for Royal Caribbean’s first-ever beach club, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, but the World’s Biggest Weekend won’t be there.

Because of high winds, Utopia of the Seas was unable to dock in Nassau on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The ship was scheduled to be in port from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but unfortunately, that was not possible for one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

While Utopia of the Seas does visit Nassau twice a week – every Tuesday and Saturday – safe weather is always the primary consideration, regardless of special events, holidays, or grand openings.

Guests onboard the 4-night sailing that left Port Canaveral on Monday, December 22, reported multiple announcements explaining the cancellation due to high winds.

Naturally, guests are disappointed to miss the port visit, but safety is always the primary consideration and it is up to the ship’s master to make the final determination as to whether or not a ship can safely visit a destination.

According to Windy, wind speeds in Nassau were reaching 22 miles per hour with even higher gusts when Utopia of the Seas would have been docking.

After careful consideration, it was determined to be too unsteady for the massive ship to safely maneuver into position and to maintain safe mooring.

Instead, the Oasis-class cruise ship will spend the day at sea, with extra activities added to the daily schedule for more fun and entertainment onboard. Guests can check the Royal Caribbean app for updates and new offerings.

Guests who had already purchased passes for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (and other shore tours in Nassau) will have those costs automatically refunded.

Other Ships Still Docked in Nassau

Five other cruise ships did successfully visit the capital of the Bahamas on Tuesday, December 23: Sky Princess, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Celebration, Disney Wish, and Radiance of the Seas.

While some of these ships are the largest in their respective fleets, they do not compare to the sheer mass and height of Utopia of the Seas.

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

The Excel-class Carnival Celebration, for example, is 183,500 gross tons and 19 decks high, while Disney Wish is 144,000 gross tons and 15 decks.

Utopia of the Seas Arriving at Nassau Cruise Port
Utopia of the Seas Arriving at Nassau Cruise Port

Utopia of the Seas is 236,473 gross tons and 18 decks. This means Carnival Celebration may be a wee bit taller depending on where the ship’s waterline is in comparison to decks, but Utopia of the Seas is still 29% larger than Carnival Celebration and 64% larger than Disney Wish.

As stronger winds act upon a ship that size, the inertia of the vessel can be challenging to manage. It is far better to be safe than risk damage to the ship or dock or even broken mooring lines such as happened just two days ago with Celebrity Equinox.

Will the Royal Beach Club Still Open?

With the much smaller Radiance of the Seas still docked in Nassau, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island was able to welcome its first official guests, just from only one ship instead of two.

Royal Caribbean shared a fun video of the preparations for the opening on Monday, December 22, showcasing the vibrant colors and charisma of the new attraction, from beach-ready towels to chilled drinks to energetic dancers.

“We’re putting the final touches on paradise,” the caption said. “The crew is ready. The vibes are set. The ultimate beach day is almost here!”

It’s been 20 months since ground was broken on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. While some slight construction delays did cancel a special preview earlier this month, the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new destination was held on December 13.

More From Cruise Hive

Guests can purchase passes to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island as a shore tour option whenever they visit Nassau. The 17-acre resort features pools, beaches, restaurants, and exclusive amenities, including internet access and drink packages all as part of the pass price.

Royal Caribbean is currently developing additional beach clubs in Cozumel, Vanuatu, and Santorini.

Cruise Mom Arrested After Tackling Teen on Carnival Ship

Donna Tunney
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Cruise Mom Arrested After Tackling Teen on Carnival Ship

Key Aspects:

  • A Carnival Cruise Line guest was arrested after an incident on Carnival Conquest.
  • The violent behavior involved a case of mistaken identity.
  • The suspect is a 38-year-old mother from Minnesota.

Rather than making her way home after a Bahamas getaway cruise, one passenger, a 38-year-old woman from Minnesota, was put behind bars.

Paetra Ann Grandsberry was arrested by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office authorities when her ship, Carnival Conquest, returned to PortMiami on Monday, December 22, following a 3-night cruise to Celebration Key, Carnival’s private destination on Grand Bahama Island.

Local media reports described how Grandsberry, who was traveling with her sons, became angry after finding out that her children had been attacked by other young guests.

The woman was said to be talking with the ship’s security team members when she saw a group of young people running and assumed they were the ones who had hit her children.

Grandsberry allegedly ran after the group, tackled one boy, and grabbed his collar. The sheriff’s deputy’s report indicates that the woman later said she accidentally fell on the child.

Carnival Conquest at PortMiami
Carnival Conquest at PortMiami (Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto)

The boy managed to pull away and run to a nearby relative. He told officers that he only began running when he saw other kids running, thinking there was a safety issue. He had played no role in attacking Grandsberry’s children.

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

Celebration Key was the only port call on the 2,980-guest ship’s itinerary. The altercation happened on December 21, 2025, the same day as the call to the private destination. Law enforcement’s report does not indicate when Grandsberry’s sons were hit — whether it happened on the ship or at Celebration Key.

The boy Grandsberry tackled was not injured, but reports indicate that authorities contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families on his behalf.

When Carnival Conquest docked at PortMiami on debarkation day, December 22, 2025, Grandsberry was arrested. She was held in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, in Miami, after a local judge found probable cause for a charge of child abuse.

It is not clear what happened to her children after she was taken off the ship. It is also not known whether Grandsberry was in any way confined on the ship following the alleged attack on the child.

2025 Saw Several Examples of Bad Cruise Behavior

While physical altercations on cruise ships are uncommon, there have been several high-profile cases that made headlines in 2025 — some onboard ships and some on land.

In April 2025, a brawl erupted at the Galveston Cruise Terminal luggage pick-up area as guests debarked Carnival Jubilee. Video footage showed a group of people beating up at least two other men while bystanders looked on.

Galveston Cruise Terminal Brawl
Galveston Cruise Terminal Brawl

On Carnival Sunrise, a fight broke out in June 2025 near The Pizzaria on Lido Deck. A video posted on social media showed several guests throwing chairs and fighting each other while passengers watched. The ship also sailed from PortMiami.

It isn’t only Carnival Cruise Line ships that sometimes see violent behavior. In August 2025, a fight involving multiple guests broke out in the Oasis Lagoon on Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay destination in the Bahamas.

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Two ships were visiting the private island that day, Utopia of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, respectively.

The fight, also video-taped, involved about a dozen people in the freshwater pool, which was later closed for sanitation purposes.

Cruise lines frown on violent behavior of any kind, and will often place guests who behave badly on no-cruise lists, often for life.

Why Southampton’s Cruise Traffic Just Matched an Unbelievable Record

Donna Tunney
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Why Southampton’s Cruise Traffic Just Matched an Unbelievable Record

Key Aspects:

  • The Port of Southampton welcomed 3 million cruise passengers in 2025.
  • The number is a virtual match to the arrivals total in 2024.
  • Carnival UK’s ships play a major role in the port’s success.

The cruise industry continued to deliver big financial rewards to the Port of Southampton, to the tune of £1 billion ($1.3 billion USD) in 2025, a year-end report from its management firm, Associated British Ports, confirms.

The year reflected the most cruise ship calls at the port — nearly 450, and matched 2024’s record of 3 million passenger arrivals.

The Port of Southampton operates five cruise terminals, with the Horizon Cruise Terminal being the newest. Together, the terminals provide six cruise ship berths.

In 2025, the port experienced the most days when all five terminals were simultaneously in use.

Carnival UK ships play an important role at Southampton. Luxury line Cunard falls under that corporate umbrella, and its ships bring scores of passengers to the port.

The line’s Queen Mary 2, for instance, is the only ocean liner sailing weekly transatlantic itineraries between Southampton and New York from April to November. 

Cunard’s other ships, Queen Anne and Queen Victoria, are homeporting in Southampton for at least part of winter 2025-26, offering Caribbean voyages, Canary Island cruises, and short getaways to Germany and the Netherlands.

In January 2026, Queen Anne will set out from Southampton on her 110-night World Voyage.  

Read Also: Southampton Cruise Port – Terminals, Getting Around and More

Carnival UK’s 2025 Economic Report estimates that each of its ships’ departures brings up to £2.5 million ($3.37 million USD) to the Southampton region.

MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia and P&O Cruises’ Iona are also based at Southampton for this winter season, sailing 7-night Northern Europe itineraries, among other ships.

Norwegian Aqua’s Launch a 2025 Highlight For Port

One of the port’s 2025 highlights was the hosting of Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Aqua, which departed on her inaugural voyage from Southampton on March 28, 2025. Fresh out of a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 3,571-guest ship sailed to New York following a gala send-off.

Norwegian Aqua in Southampton
Norwegian Aqua in Southampton (Photo Copyright: Emrys Thakkar / Cruise Hive)

“I’m delighted to see Southampton’s cruise sector continuing to thrive. We take great pride in ensuring vessels arrive on time and in allocating berths well in advance—often up to two years ahead,” said Alastair Welch, regional director at Associated British Ports.

“Much of this success comes from meticulous planning months before each call by our Marine and Cruise Operations Teams to deliver a seamless experience for our customers,” Welch added.

Terminal operator Solent Stevedores reports that it handled 3.3 million pieces of luggage for cruise passengers who arrived or departed on 449 ships during 2025.

“It’s been another great year for cruise in Southampton and we’re proud to be a key part of these industry-leading operations in the region,” said Clive Thomas, commercial director at Solent Stevedores.

Southampton Had Its Challenges in 2025

Overall, according to Associated British Ports, Southampton is the UK’s busiest port and supports more than 45,000 jobs. In addition to its substantial cruise-tourism revenue, the port is a major cargo facility, handling about 14 million tons of goods annually.

But while the Port of Southampton can celebrate another successful year of operation, 2025 wasn’t all peaches and cream.

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In August 2025, a bomb threat to the port’s Mayflower Cruise Ferry Terminal caused an evacuation of the terminal and one docked cruise ship; the threat turned out to be a hoax. 

Then, in September 2025, a massive car theft operation saw 17 vehicles go missing from a parking lot near the port. Several of the cars were eventually found. The lot was not operated directly by the port, but by a private company.

Parking Trouble Returns for Carnival Cruises Out of Long Beach

Catie Kovelman
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Parking Trouble Returns for Carnival Cruises Out of Long Beach

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival guests will have to continue to deal with overflow parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.
  • Guests of two upcoming sailings onboard Carnival Radiance and Carnival Firenze have been warned of parking limitations.
  • The on-site structure simply does not have enough parking spots to accommodate everyone.

It’s officially winter break season, and Carnival cruisers who are looking to make the most of their time off will have an extra barrier to overcome if they are sailing out of Long Beach, California: The parking.

Due to limited parking at the cruise port, guests booked on two post-Christmas cruises may be redirected to additional parking at an offsite location, which can understandably cause added stress and delays on embarkation day.

The first impacted sailing is for Carnival Radiance, which will be setting off on a 3-night voyage to Ensenada, Mexico, On December 26, 2025.

Carnival Firenze’s December 27 departure will also be impacted. This cruise is also a 3-night sailing to Ensenada.

“The parking facility at the cruise terminal has very limited capacity. Please make plans to use alternate transportation that does not require parking,” Carnival Cruise Line wrote to soon-to-be-guests.

“If driving (and parking at the port) is your only option, please be prepared to be directed to park at an offsite location operated by the City of Long Beach (not the pier),” the cruise line continued.

Read Also: Full Guide on Long Beach Cruise Terminal Parking

The actual location of the offsite parking has not been publicly disclosed. For security reasons, the specific details will be communicated to guests upon arrival at the port.

What to Expect at the Cruise Port

Even if guests will ultimately end up in overflow parking, their journey will still start at the Long Beach Cruise Port.

Upon arrival at the terminal, guests will be able to drop off luggage and traveling companions. They will then be given written instructions and an entry card to access the offsite parking location.

When guests arrive at the secondary structure, they will be required to present their cruise boarding pass and to pay for parking in advance.

Off-site parking costs $20 per day, including embarkation and debarkation days. This is slightly less than the on-site parking, which currently runs at $23 per day.

After parking, guests will then be shuttled back to the main cruise port. The final shuttle will leave the parking facility 30 minutes prior to the final boarding time.

Despite the parking challenges, guests are still asked to arrive at their pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment times. Port staff may not be able to accommodate those who choose to arrive too early.

Why Does This Keep Happening?

This isn’t the first time that Carnival has had to make alternate arrangements for Long Beach-based cruises, and it likely won’t be the last.

The main reason behind this is that the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is relatively compact.

It only has one parking garage on-site for cruise ship passengers, and there are simply not enough spaces for everybody.

Let’s look at the numbers. The structure is five stories tall and has 1,450 parking spaces.

However, the three Carnival ships that homeport in Long Beach can welcome more than 11,000 guests at once, thousands of whom require parking.

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Based on double occupancy, Carnival Firenze has room for 4,126 guests per sailing, Carnival Radiance can accommodate 2,984 guests, and Carnival Panorama welcomes up to 4,008 passengers.

The strain should lessen slightly when Carnival Firenze is redeployed to the East Coast in early 2027, but guests will still have to be patient for over a year.

Plans are also in the works to expand the garage to over 2,000 parking spaces, but it’s unclear when exactly this will happen.

Text Messages Shed New Light on Cruise Ship Death of Anna Kepner

Catie Kovelman
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Text Messages Shed New Light on Cruise Ship Death of Anna Kepner

Key Aspects:

  • New text messages between the parents of Anna Kepner’s step-brother have been released.
  • The 16-year-old step-sibling is the prime suspect in her death onboard Carnival Horizon, but no arrests have been made.
  • The parents tried to keep things quiet and prevent their son from winding up in the spotlight.

A custody battle between Anna Kepner’s stepmom and her ex-husband has led to some interesting revelations about how the family responded in the immediate aftermath of the teen’s death onboard Carnival Horizon.

The Florida teen’s body was found in her stateroom, under a bed and hidden by life jackets, on November 7, 2025. Her cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation.

Released text messages between Shauntel Hudson-Kepner (Anna’s stepmom) and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, show what was going through the family’s minds immediately after her body was found.

Their response was somewhat surprising, starting with the fact that Hudson-Kepner waited 32 hours to actually inform her ex-husband that Anna had died.

“I need you to call me asap it’s an emergency,” Hudson-Kepner wrote to Hudson on Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m.

This would have been well after the family had disembarked from the Carnival ship in Miami that morning, so Wi-Fi issues at sea or not having a Wi-Fi package can’t be used as an excuse.

Launching Into Damage Control

The text messages also show that the parents’ top priority wasn’t Anna, but rather to try to prevent information about her death from being released in order to protect their 16-year-old son.

The step-sibling was sharing a cruise cabin with Anna, along with another 14-year-old sibling, and is currently the prime suspect in the homicide.

“OK, I know everything is supposed to be hush hush for now but ive seen that it is still getting out with post and comments between facebook tiktok and stuff,” Hudson texted on Nov. 9 around 10:35 a.m.

“… I just want to make sure until things are certain that he doesn’t get an(y) unnecessary comments towards him,” Hudson continued.

Hudson-Kepner’s response suggests that the parents knew possible charges could be coming for their son, long before it was revealed publicly that he was a suspect.

Carnival Horizon and Anna Kepner
Carnival Horizon and Anna Kepner (Photo Credits: YES Market Media & anna.kepner16)

“He is a minor so his name shouldn’t be anywhere and when we talk to the fbi again we will reiterate that we do not want his name out there and everything that’s been posted on tiktok and social media nobody knows anything and everybody’s just speculating,” Hudson-Kepner responded, in part.

“We know what I told you last night and we’ll know exactly more when the autopsy is done. Once we get the autopsy today, depending on what it says, depend on whether he’s booked on those charges,” Anna’s step-mother continued.

In additional texts, the parents also agreed that they would stand by their son, despite concerns from Hudson-Kepner that supporting him would “jeopardize” her marriage to Anna’s father.

Hudson-Kepner also wrote about speaking to her son while he was hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation, where he was placed immediately after disembarking the cruise.

Per her messages, the step-son repeatedly said that he couldn’t remember anything from the night of Anna’s death.

No Arrests Made Yet

As of the time of publication, no arrest has been made in the Anna Kepner case.

Per court filings, the 16-year-old suspect was released to another relative following his hospitalization, where they are caring for him at an undisclosed location.

At a December 5 custody hearing, Hudson-Kepner’s attorney, Millicent Athanason, strongly implied that charges would very likely be filed soon.

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The attorney suggested that the delay could be related to a debate on if the FBI will hand over the case to local or state authorities, but the FBI has not confirmed this.

At this rate, any criminal proceedings likely won’t unfold until after the holidays, but hopefully Anna will get justice in the new year.

Crown Princess Resumes Service Following 3-Week Upgrade

Catie Kovelman
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Crown Princess Resumes Service Following 3-Week Upgrade

Key Aspects:

  • Crown Princess is back in business after a 3-week visit to dry dock.
  • She returns to service with exciting new additions, such as O’Malley’s Irish Pub and a new EFFY lounge.
  • The Princess ship is now making her way Down Under to begin her Australian season.

Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess is ending the year and sailing into 2026 with some major enhancements onboard.

The 2006-launched vessel has just completed a dry dock stint in Singapore, which began on November 29, 2025.

The three-week maintenance period led to the cancellation of multiple voyages for the 3,080-guest ship, but the improvements made over the last month should make the inconvenience worth it.

The Grand-class ship has re-entered service with its very own O’Malley’s Irish Pub, a reimagined casino, and an EFFY Lounge and High-End Vault.

“Every drydock is an opportunity to elevate the guest experience, and Crown Princess’ latest enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to evolve and modernize our onboard offerings,” said Lorna Warren, Princess Cruises Vice President, Hotel Operations and Guest Experience.

Read Also: I’ve Sailed on Princess and Carnival Cruise Ships: How Do They Compare?

Crown Princess last entered dry dock for routine maintenance in October of 2022, and her last major refurbishment was in 2018 – so it was certainly time for a guest-focused refresh.

All About The Improvements

First, the Princess ship got its very own O’Malley’s Irish Pub, which offers delicious food, late-night bites, and live music.

The pub replaced the Wheelhouse Bar on Deck 7, and has seating for 134 guests at a time (including 12 bar stools).

The popular hangout spot can also be found onboard Star Princess, Sun Princess, Majestic Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, and Enchanted Princess.

Up next was a refresh to Gatsby’s Casino, which is located on Deck 6 near the Princess Theater.

The Gatsby-inspired haunt has been given a redesigned casino bar, upgraded gaming equipment, new slot machine themes, and an updated casino cashier area.

Crown Princess Lifeboats
Crown Princess Lifeboats (Photo Credit: John Konrad)

Of course, if you are going to gamble, please make sure to do so responsibly.

Finally, the former Internet Cafe on Deck 5 has been transformed into an EFFY Lounge and High-End Vault, which features stunning jewelry from the New York City-based brand.

While other cruise ships have EFFY stores, the lounge is meant to have a more modern feel that is perfect for hosting cocktail hours and special events.

In addition to these new enhancements, the 113,561-gross ton ship also underwent routine maintenance, including standard propeller work and getting a fresh coat of paint.

Where is Crown Princess Going Next?

If you want to be among the first to experience the refreshed offerings onboard Crown Princess, you’ll need to make your way Down Under.

On December 19, 2025, the Princess ship left Singapore on a 16-night, one-way cruise from Asia to Brisbane, Australia. She will arrive on January 4, 2026.

Sailing primarily from Brisbane and Sydney, Crown Princess will operate a series of sailings to destinations throughout Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu.

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These sailings range in length from quick 4-night getaways to longer 29-day voyages.

In May 2026, the ship will begin her next world cruise – a 114-night voyage that will visit 48 destinations across 31 countries and six continents.

The start of the sailing will be staggered – with embarkations on May 6 in Auckland, May 10 in Sydney, and May 12 in Brisbane.

MSC Magnifica Returns With Major Upgrades After Two-Month Refit

Calvin Musquez
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MSC Magnifica Returns With Major Upgrades After Two-Month Refit

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Magnifica has completed her massive two-month refurbishment.
  • Upgrades include new restaurants as well as an updated spa and gym.
  • The ship immediately launched into a Mediterranean sailing ahead of her January world cruise.

Like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, MSC Magnifica recently departed the Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Geneva, Switzerland, looking shiny and new.

It marked both the beginning of her winter season as well as the end of a massive two-month-long refurbishment process that began in October.

The 95,128 gross ton ship, sailing since March 2010, now sports some exciting upgrades that cruisers are sure to enjoy.

Upgrades include two new specialty dining restaurants: Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar.

MSC Magnifica's new KAITO SUSHI
MSC Magnifica’s new KAITO SUSHI

These restaurants are already popular on several other MSC ships, including MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, and MSC Virtuosa.

Butcher’s Cut is an American-style steakhouse offering various cuts of steak as well as slow-roasted chicken, halibut, and wild salmon.

Kaito Sushi Bar, meanwhile, offers premium Asian cuisine, including the titular sushi, soups, and teriyaki plates.

For cruisers looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, the new Magnifica features a fully renovated MSC Aurea Spa, featuring a panoramic sauna.

Don’t want vacation to get in the way of your gains?  MSC has you covered, too. 

The renovation brings with it a new state-of-the-art fitness centre, incorporating equipment from Technogym. 

Read Also: MSC Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest

If you’re feeling a bit unkempt, when you’ve finished your workout on the high seas, stop in at the new Gentleman’s Barber for a trim!

Not all of the upgrades are available right away.  Debuting on the ship in 2026, those looking to splurge can enjoy the new and improved MSC Yacht Club experience.

MSC Magnifica's Yacht Club Royal Suite
MSC Magnifica’s Yacht Club Royal Suite

In addition to the Yacht Club’s 24-hour butler and concierge service, the ship now features 63 Yacht Club suites, a brand new private sundeck, top sail lounge, and an MSC Yacht Club exclusive restaurant.

MSC Magnifica’s sister ship, MSC Poesia, is scheduled for a similar revamp.

The 2,550-passenger ship will enter dry dock in February 2026 to receive her upgrades before embarking on Alaska itineraries the following May.

New Journeys for a New Magnifica

Wasting absolutely no time after the refurbishment, MSC Magnifica immediately set sail for her winter season.

She is currently sailing an 8-day Mediterranean itinerary, which departed from Barcelona, Spain on December 17, and stopped in Civitavecchia, Rome on December 19, Genoa, Italy on December 20, Marseille, France on December 21.

This itinerary will continue with Alicante, Spain on December 23 and Valencia, Spain on Christmas Eve before returning to Barcelona on Christmas Day, December 25.

She will continue sailing Mediterranean itineraries through the end of the year.

On January 5, 2026, she will depart from Genoa, Italy, on a much-anticipated 132-day world cruise, visiting 46 destinations across 33 countries, returning to Genoa on May 3, 2026.

This will be followed by Northern European itineraries sailing out of Germany in summer 2026.

For anyone feeling FOMO from next year’s world cruise, fear not!  MSC Magnifica will depart on another 121-day world cruise beginning on January 5, 2027, visiting 25 countries.

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MSC clearly wants to show off its revamped ship, as sales have already begun for yet another world cruise aboard Magnifica in 2028!

The 2028 world cruise is a 115-night voyage sailing from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, stopping in more than 40 exotic locations around the world, including a trip through the Panama Canal.


If you’re feeling like you might need a bit of a rejuvenating refurbishment yourself, these upcoming voyages aboard the new and improved MSC Magnifica may just be the perfect place to do it.

Cruise Passenger Swept Out to Sea During Port Visit to Spain

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Passenger Swept Out to Sea During Port Visit to Spain

Key Aspects:

  • An elderly German cruise guest was swept off rocks and killed during a tour in Vigo, Spain.
  • Warnings had been issued for rough seas and strong winds in the region that day.
  • Multiple rescue agencies were alerted right away, but the woman was found already deceased.

A German cruise tourist tragically lost her life during a port visit to Vigo, Spain on Thursday, December 18, 2025 due to high winds that caused crashing waves and swept her out to sea.

According to Infobae, the 85-year-old woman was cruising aboard AIDAmar and had joined approximately 50 other guests on a bus tour to Baiona, a 30-minute drive away. It is not clear whether the tour was arranged through AIDA Cruises or may have been independently operated.

During the tour, the woman moved away from the group and ventured out onto rocks to take photographs of the crashing waves, which can be quite spectacular in the area.

Cruise Passenger Swept Away
Cruise Passenger Swept Away (Photo Credit: Jaime SLeyenda)

In fact, on that afternoon, Weather Underground notes that steady winds in the region were approximately 18-22 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 35-36 miles per hour. Local weather services had issued an orange alert that day for coastal regions due to winds and swells.

The incident occurred at roughly 2:30 p.m. at Concheira Beach, well known for its scenic views and clean waters, as well as nearby cafes and parks in Baiona.

A neighbor who saw the woman on the rocks reportedly noted that she dropped something, bent down to pick it up, then was swept away. That unidentified neighbor immediately alerted lifeguards.

Maritime rescue resources were activated, including a boat and a helicopter, as well as the local police, the Spanish Civil Guard, and an underwater rescue team. A local boat from a sailing club also joined in the search efforts.

It wasn’t long before the woman’s body was found by another individual, who also contacted emergency services. Despite the fast response, the woman was already deceased.

The woman’s name and whether she was traveling solo or cruising with companions has not been released. This is standard procedure in such a tragic situation in order to protect the individual’s privacy and that of family members and loved ones.

AIDA Cruises has not released a statement about the incident, but undoubtedly the cruise line is offering support to other guests or relatives as well as crew members impacted by the loss.

Read Also: Can a Rogue Wave Sink a Cruise Ship?

AIDAmar was near the end of a 43-night itinerary that had departed Hamburg on November 9, with visits to ports in Europe, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and the Canary Islands.

The 71,300-gross-ton ship was not delayed and resumed her itinerary, returning to Hamburg for debarkation on December 22. AIDAmar can welcome 2,192 guests onboard, and is also home to more than 600 crew members.

Dangerous Waves Often Underestimated

This types of devastating incidents do occur occasionally, particularly when travelers may overestimate their own abilities or underestimate the power of rough seas near coastlines.

Just over one month ago, on November 8, a Dutch cruise passenger in Tenerife was swept away when a massive wave struck a pier where travelers were enjoying a shore excursion. Several others were injured in that incident.

Waves carries visitors in Tenerife to sea
Waves carries visitors in Tenerife to sea

In August 2025, two Greek cruise guests died in Greece after falling from rocks into the water during rough conditions. The married couple were attempting to take photos but drowned after being knocked into the water by strong winds.

Severe waves can occur without warning, causing not only dangerous conditions if anyone is struck by the wave, but also creating slippery conditions on rocky shores or piers. Strong undertows and other unknown coastal conditions can make it very hazardous for anyone in the water, even if they are good swimmers.

Should Cruise Lines Issue Warnings?

Such incidents raise the question of whether or not cruise lines should be obligated to issue warnings to guests about dangerous surf conditions or beaches known to be hazardous.

In August, a cruise family sued Norwegian Cruise Line more than a year after a drowning incident in Bermuda, alleging that the cruise line failed to properly notify guests about hazardous currents in the region.

Many beaches do post warnings on particularly extreme days, perhaps with signage or a flag system, but visitors may not be familiar with such warnings. Furthermore, cruise guests may not understand such warnings if they are not familiar with the system or do not speak the language.

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It is always important for cruisers to be very aware of their surroundings and alert to sudden changes that could be dangerous no matter what the situation.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the woman’s family members and friends at this tragic time.

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