Blog Page 76

French Senate Greenlights Cruise Passenger Tax, Industry Braces for Fallout

Catie Kovelman
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French Senate Greenlights Cruise Passenger Tax, Industry Braces for Fallout

Key Aspects:

  • The French Senate has approved a new per-person cruise ship tax.
  • If passed, cruise lines will have to pay €15 per person every time they visit a French port.
  • This would likely result in skipped port calls and/or an uptick in pricing for European sailings.

France is one step closer to implementing one of the most significant new taxes on cruise ships.

On Monday, December 1, 2025, the French Senate voted to approve an environmental tax of €15 ($18 USD) per cruise passenger that would be charged for every single port call in France.

This means that if a cruise ship stopped at two French ports, the per-person tax would be owed twice.

If passed into law, the tax is expected to generate approximately €75 million (around $87.4 million), which would be put toward protecting and enhancing France’s coastlines.

The thought process behind the tax is based on the “polluter pays” principle, meaning that the cruise lines are being held responsible for the cost of pollution and its prevention instead of those affected.

Per the senators who introduced the measure, “this tax, based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle, aims to offset the ‘particularly heavy externalities’ of international cruises on coastal and port areas.”

Senator Jean-Marc Délia, who is championing the tax, pointed out that cruise ships emit more than 7 million tons of carbon dioxide in Europe each year.

Worth Reading: Carnival CEO Responds to Fuel Surcharge

But on the other side of the coin, the cruise lines are making great strides to be more environmentally conscious and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

A Negative Impact on Cruising

The new tax is a huge blow to the cruise industry, as it would cost a fortune if implemented.

As an example, a moderately sized cruise ship with 2,000 passengers would have to shell out €30,000 (around $35,000 USD) for a single port call in France.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has already spoken out against the tax as unfair.

“Cruise operations in Europe are already contributing substantially to national and EU climate funds,” CLIA said in a statement.

“Adding a €15 per passenger fee at every French port of call would layer a new charge on top…effectively taxing the same emissions twice without a clear environmental benefit,” CLIA continued.

“Any new levy should be fair, evidence-based and consistent across vessel types, without confusing cruise ships with other types of vessels.”

Carnival Mardi Gras in Marseille
Carnival Mardi Gras completed dry dock in Marseille. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

If the tax is passed, passengers can expect to see an uptick in pricing for European sailings, especially if France is on the itinerary.

When new taxes are passed, it’s quite common for cruise lines to pass the expense onto passengers.

It’s also possible that the cruise lines would replace French port calls on already booked itineraries until they can start putting more of the financial burden onto guests.

Alternatively, the number of cruises to France may lessen, as the cruise lines could opt to sail to more cost-effective destinations – especially if demand decreases in response to higher pricing.

This is not only a disappointment to cruisers who dream of sailing to these destinations, but it could also have a negative impact on France’s economy.

What Happens Next?

Now that the Senate has approved the motion, the Assemblée nationale must consider the tax before it can be passed into law. A vote is expected to take place later in December.

That said, the measure will likely be subject to a fair amount of scrutiny and debate, and its final form could look a bit different when all is said and done.

More From Cruise Hive

For example, Amélie de Montchalin, Minister for Public Accounts, has already opposed the measure because the wording did not clearly differentiate between cruise ships and ferries.

But for now, the cruise community will simply have to wait and see how things play out.

St. Maarten Issues Order to Protect Cruisers From Harassment

Catie Kovelman
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St. Maarten Issues Order to Protect Cruisers From Harassment

Key Aspects:

  • The Minister of Justice in Philipsburg, St. Maarten has issued a new public-order to protect cruisers from being harassed by local vendors.
  • Vendors will now be fined $190 USD if they attempt to offer services without proper authorization.
  • The order will be in effect from December 1, 2025, until April 30, 2026, which coincides with the peak cruise season.

As many Caribbean destinations do, Philipsburg, St. Maarten’s economy relies heavily on tourism in order to stay afloat – much of which comes from the more than 1.5 million cruise guests that visit the port each year.

But in order to keep the cruise lines coming back, it’s important that passengers have a good experience while visiting St. Maarten’s capital.

Of course, being harassed and heckled at the cruise port by pushy vendors is not the key to a good time.

In light of recent events in which tourists have been approached in an aggressive or intimidating manner, the Minister of Justice has issued a Ministerial Decree establishing strict public-order controls at the island’s waterfront entry ports.

Any vendor who approaches guests, disturbs the peace, and/or attempts to offer services without proper authorization will be fined $190 USD.

Prohibited activities include renting cars and bicycles, offering tours or excursions without permits, providing services like hair braiding and massages, and persistently approaching visitors to solicit business.

Read Also: 11 Most Dangerous Cruise Ports You Should Be Extra Cautious About

This order is not meant to penalize lawful business operators who have the necessary permits, but rather to reinforce safe commercial activity within the tourist hubs.

Why Now?

Now that the Atlantic Hurricane Season has come to an end, it’s officially the peak cruise season in the Caribbean.

With this in mind, the order will be in effect from December 1, 2025, until April 30, 2026, which covers the port’s busiest months.

When is the best time to cruise the Caribbean
Cruise Ships Docked in St. Maarten, in the Caribbean. Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

During this time, Philipsburg will welcome dozens of ships every single week from brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and more.

While in place, the public-order will protect the entrance of the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities and the access points to the Captain Hodge Wharf and the Walter Plantz Wharf on the Boardwalk.

Cruisers Celebrate the News

The public-order, which was announced on the Facebook page for the Government of Sint Maarten on December 4, was met with gratitude from the cruise community.

“Good call! I have never wanted to go on a cruise ship holiday because I have witnessed from the shore how cruise passengers get “attacked” by vendors the instant they step off the ship,” one person sounded off in the comments.

“Great news, these people what they do is scare the tourists, I understand they want to work and be nice, but definitely is not the way to market or promote a business,” another past visitor reacted.

Enhanced security measures have also been taken at other major cruise ports, such as Nassau in the Bahamas.

This is another location where locals can come off a bit too strong when trying to solicit business.

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In 2023, the entire cruise port got new fencing and controlled entry/exit points for passengers, which was another welcomed change.

Only approved vendors are allowed to set up shop inside, which prevents unwanted interactions with the locals while guests are inside the port itself – and guests don’t necessarily have to leave the fenced area to have a good time.

Carnival Changing Water Sizes, But Not Prices – Or Are They?

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Changing Water Sizes, But Not Prices – Or Are They?

Key Aspects:

  • There appears to be price and size changes for bottled water offered for sale on Carnival ships.
  • The changes are not yet consistent but could be the beginning of a fleetwide shift.
  • Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that price changes are due to rising costs.

Many guests buy bottled water on a cruise ship for CPAP machines, preparing baby formula, taking along on shore tours, or just for personal preference and taste. With the popularity of the beverage, it’s not surprising that it can be a big money-maker for a cruise line.

But is Carnival Cruise Line taking its water pricing to extremes? Guests onboard different ships recently have reported that bottled water has changed from 1.5 liters to 1 liter, and it may even be more expensive.

It is confirmed that the taller 1.5-liter bottles are no longer available from Carnival’s website, where the listing for individual bottles of water is for a single large 1L bottle priced at $4.50.

Earlier this year, that same price was for a 1.5L bottle, which is no longer for sale on the cruise line’s websites.

Worth Reading: Carnival Cruise Line Reverses Unpopular Pre-Cruise Decision

Different ships, however, may be utilizing different water supplies. Guests on Carnival Firenze have noted the smaller bottles offered for $5, while other ships have the smaller bottles available for $4.50 or $4.75.

This represents a 30% decrease in size but no change in pricing. Other ships in the fleet, however, are still offering the larger bottles with prices ranging from $4.50 to $5.25.

This change comes as the red VIFP water bottle neck tags have been rolling out across the Carnival fleet, carefully noting which bottles are the “Refreshing Reward” for returning guests.

That loyalty gift is for all returning guests after their first sailing with Carnival, but there has been confusion in the past about whether the in-room bottles can be used for the free gift or if the bottles must be picked up from a bar or restaurant.

Carnival Cruise Line has placed several for-sale bottles in staterooms for many years as a convenience for thirsty guests. If travelers use those bottles, the cost is automatically added to the stateroom account.

The new red tags absolutely confirm which bottle is the free loyalty gift, and they are being delivered to guests’ staterooms without any pickup or requests necessary.

Have the Bottles and Prices Really Changed?

Because there is sufficient variation across different ships, it is possible that there haven’t been any permanent changes to the sizes of the bottled water onboard Carnival ships.

For example, there may have been a simple mixup with a supplier and the confusion and change in water bottles is just temporary. It’s perfectly understandable that if smaller bottles had been provided, the cruise line would rather fulfill orders with those smaller bottles rather than not have any bottled water available.

Carnival Cruise Line Defends Cost of Water
Carnival Cruise Line Defends Cost of Water (Photp Credits: Cruise Hive & Daniel Wright98)

It is also possible that this represents a true change in the supply and the size and cost of bottles onboard. Since these reports have only been made in the last few days, it would take time for supplies to be completely changed on 29 different ships.

Read Also: How Do Cruise Ships Get Fresh Water?

Cruise Hive has reached out to Carnival Cruise Line for clarification and the cruise line confirmed that “the price adjustments reflect our higher costs for products and services.”

No mention was made of the different water bottle sizes, but time will tell if that becomes a consistent change.

Can You Get Free Water?

In addition to the 1.5L bottle given as a gift to returning cruisers (a gift which will be continued when the loyalty program switches to Carnival Rewards), there are other ways Carnival guests can get “free” water. Or at least, it’s included.

Bottled water is included with the Cheers! drink package as well as with the new Cheers! Zero Proof premium non-alcoholic beverage package, which also includes soda, juices, mocktails, smoothies, and more.

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Guests can also get filtered water from the self-service drink stations at the Lido Marketplace buffet and filtered water is served in the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants.

Of course, guests can always drink from the taps in their stateroom or refill their own water bottles from those taps as well.

Carnival’s Celebration Key Marks First Christmas Season with Festive Touches

Lissa Poirot
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Carnival’s Celebration Key Marks First Christmas Season with Festive Touches

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating Celebration Key’s first holiday season by decorating the entire new port.
  • The seasonal transformation includes themed trees, oversized gift boxes, sand sculptures, and Santa appearances to introduce Christmas programming.
  • Passengers visiting Celebration Key in December 2025 will find the festivities extend to Carnival Cruise Line ships, as well.

Cruises passengers stepping onto Celebration Key this month are finding something new waiting for them: The private destination owned by Carnival Cruise Line is bedecked for its first holiday season with holiday decorations lining the walkways, transforming into a tropical-themed North Pole of sorts, complete with Santa sightings.

The festive atmosphere stretches across the destination’s themed portals, with each district featuring its own decorative trees, wreaths, and garlands tailored to its setting. 

For instance, Paradise Plaza, the destination’s arrival hub and central gathering area, showcases oversized wrapped boxes, while Lokono Cove, the port’s retail and dining district, is anchored by a 20-foot Celebration Key-themed tree.

Even the sand joins the celebration with Carnival introducing holiday-style sand sculptures, including an 8-foot-tall sand tree in Santa’s Village at Starfish Lagoon, the family-focused portal featuring kids’ activities and lagoon access.

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

Of course, Santa will be making an appearance in Starfish Lagoon, greeting families for photo sessions and giving kids a chance to let him know what they want for Christmas.

The Junkanoo parade, a Bahamian tradition that is a staple of the destination, is also getting seasonal updates to costumes and choreography, offering a holiday twist for passengers walking through the port.

Guests sailing to the new destination during December can expect Christmas-style programming both on shore and at sea. Onboard, Carnival Cruise Line voyages are pairing the Celebration Key rollout with seasonal menus, themed events, and entertainment tied to the holidays.

Santa and his helpers at Celebration Key
Santa and his helpers at Celebration Key (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

Passengers on Carnival Dream, Carnival Vista, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Elation, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Glory are all getting a taste of Christmas on Celebration Key, with each ship sailing to the port in December 2025.

The ships are routinely sailing 3- to 7-night cruises that include stops at Celebration Key.

The cruise line says the debut marks the first of what could become a recurring seasonal experience.

Inside Celebration Key

Celebration Key officially opened on July 19, 2025, when Carnival Vista became the first ship to dock at the new port for nearly 5,000 guests. The opening marked the debut of Carnival Cruise Line’s first private destination designed exclusively for its own guests.

Located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, roughly 20 miles east of Freeport, Celebration Key spans nearly 65 hectares and features a private white-sand beach, the two largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, and five distinct portals, each offering different amenities and vibes.

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The development includes the aforementioned themed areas Paradise Plaza, Starfish Lagoon, and Lokono Cove, along with the natural landscape of Nature’s Wild Life Preserve and the adults-only Calypso Lagoon, where bars, entertainment, and a quieter setting will get a dose of holiday spirit this season.

Guests can enjoy over 30 venues on the property, including a mix of quick-service and sit-down restaurants.

Carnival Corporation, which owns Carnival Cruise Line, will be sending other brands to the port, including Princess Cruises in 2027-2028.

Massive Dragon Revealed as MSC World Asia Is Just One Year Away

Donna Tunney
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Massive Dragon Revealed as MSC World Asia Is Just One Year Away

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Cruises will launch its next World-class ship in exactly 12 months.
  • The line revealed more details about MSC World Asia’s design and public spaces.
  • Despite her name, the ship will be initially deployed to Europe.

Precisely 12 months from today, December 4, 2025, MSC World Asia, the third ship in MSC Cruises’ World class, will set sail on her first revenue cruise following construction at a French shipyard.

The 215,863-gross-ton ship that will accommodate 5,400 guests will embark passengers on the inaugural voyage, a 7-night Mediterranean itinerary roundtrip from Barcelona, which departs on December 4, 2026.

With the official one-year countdown to her launch now underway, MSC Cruises is revealing some new details guests can look forward to, and highlighting amenities in the ship’s public spaces.

They include areas designed for families, such as a newly designed destination called The Harbour, an outdoor park in the Family Aventura district, and The Clubhouse, where kids and parents can enjoy everything from the cruise line’s popular LEGO® Family Zone, to bumper cars and roller skating, plus traditional table games.

Read Also: Here’s What I Thought After Three Days on MSC World America

For those looking for thrills, the family district will be home to Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride that debuted onboard sister ship MSC World America when she entered service in 2025.

A new thrill ride, The Spiral @ Tree of Life, will set a record as the longest dry slide at sea. At a full 266 feet high, the ride spans 12 decks and is modeled on Singapore’s famous destination, Gardens by the Bay.

The Spiral @ Tree of Life
The Spiral @ Tree of Life

Other new venues include Pan-Asian Street Food, an indoor-outdoor restaurant featuring Southeast Asian specialities.

A major design highlight has been unveiled, too — Dragon Sculpture, a massive 39 by 29 foot stainless steel dragon that will hang from the ceiling, sparkling with 700 mirrors and thousands of LED lights.

While the ship will sport Asian-inspired designs and motifs, MSC World Asia is not initially bound for deployment in Asia. At least through the fall of 2027, the ship will sail in the Mediterranean.

Bookings opened nearly a year ago, in January 2025. Like other MSC Cruises’ ships in the Mediterranean, MSC World Asia will offer departures from multiple ports, including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Rome, Messina, Sicily, and Valetta, Malta.

Dragon Sculpture
Dragon Sculpture

Itineraries will typically call at several of those ports, and guests can embark at the destination of their choice.

The new-build was floated out of her construction bay at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France in November 2025, marking the first time the ship’s hull touched water. Following the float-out, work is continuing on interior and exterior spaces. 

In the fall of 2026, the ship’s construction will be near completion, and she will enter the sea trial phase, when key operational systems are tested.

More World-Class Ships Will Follow MSC World Asia

MSC World Asia will follow two earlier World-class ships: MSC World Europa, which debuted in 2022, and MSC World America. More are on the way. MSC World Atlantic is also under construction at the French shipyard and slated to debut in 2027.

Two additional ships, still unnamed and currently referred to as World Class 5 and 6, are on order and due to enter service in 2029 and 2030, respectively.

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Meanwhile, the cruise line in November 2025 announced the order of two more World-class ships. They are known as World Class 7 and 8. Construction is scheduled to begin on both in 2029.

Like her sister ships, MSC World Asia will feature seven themed districts, 40-plus restaurants and bars, seven pools, dedicated spaces for supervised children’s programs, a full spa, and the exclusive luxury accommodations area, MSC Yacht Club, which will have 144 suites.

Carnival Cruise Line Makes Pajama Exception for Christmas Brunch

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Makes Pajama Exception for Christmas Brunch

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line will permit guests to wear pajamas to Christmas breakfast or brunch.
  • All holiday pajamas must still be family-friendly and suitable for everyone.
  • Each ship’s maître d’ has the discretion to turn guests away if they are inappropriately dressed.

A Christmas cruise can be an amazing experience, but celebrations onboard are often very different from the traditions guests may have at home.

Carnival Cruise Line, however, is permitting a unique exception to onboard guidelines so guests can still enjoy one holiday tradition: pajamas.

Many families enjoy Christmas morning with fun matching pajamas, and they can still do so onboard a Carnival cruise ship, so long as their festive attire meets family-friendly guidelines.

The clarification comes from John Heald, Carnival’s brand ambassador. Heald answers hundreds of guest questions every week, on all types of unique subjects. During this time of year, pajamas can be a topic of contention.

Read Also: Christmas on a Cruise Ship – What to Expect

“I’ve also had some guests asking about whether holiday pajamas are going to be allowed in the dining room for Christmas brunch,” he noted.

“Here’s my guidance: if you have a family tradition of having breakfast (or brunch) in your holiday pajamas, the ships are advised to make a one-time exception on Christmas morning to the ‘no pajamas’ rule.”

Typically, no sleepwear is permitted in the Main Dining Room restaurants. While Carnival’s “What to Wear” FAQ does not specifically prohibit pajamas, it does state that clothing that is sheer, see-through, or sexually suggestive is not appropriate.

Christmas on a Carnival Cruise
Christmas on a Carnival Cruise (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)

Heald reiterates that those guidelines still apply even for the one-time holiday pajamas exception on Christmas morning.

“Please note: they must be family friendly (and should be long pants/sleeves),” he said. “Ultimately the maître d has discretion to ask you to change if they don’t pass family friendly guidelines. Don’t get on the naughty list by trying to slip by in something that crosses the line.”

So, guests should be sure to leave the “unwrap me” skimpy holiday-themed pjs at home!

Where Will Carnival Ships Be on Christmas Day?

Depending on the itinerary, several Carnival cruise ships will be at sea on December 25, ensuring guests can enjoy the fabulous Seaday Brunch in their festive pajamas.

More than half the fleet, however, will be having port visits on Christmas Day, including:

  • Celebration – Grand Turk
  • Conquest – Nassau
  • Elation – Princess Cays
  • Freedom – Celebration Key
  • Glory – Celebration Key
  • Horizon – Willemstad
  • Liberty – Nassau
  • Mardi Gras – Nassau
  • Miracle – Belize City
  • Panorama – La Paz
  • Paradise – Cozumel
  • Pride – Nassau
  • Spirit – Half Moon Cay
  • Sunrise – Montego Bay
  • Valor – Progreso
  • Venezia – Charlotte Amalie

Guests should still be able to enjoy breakfast wearing their holiday pjs if they prefer, but they will also want to ensure they’re dressed appropriately for any shore tours or exploring ashore, where pajamas may not be the best choice.

More Holiday Festivities on Carnival Ships

Guests onboard any of Carnival’s holiday sailings, whether they are cruising on Christmas Day or not, will be able to enjoy a wide range of fun and festive happenings.

This includes visits from Santa and the Grinch, tree-lighting ceremonies, “snow” in the ship’s atrium, themed trivia, a special holiday entertainment show, and more.

In terms of festive attire, guests also have more options. In addition to holiday-themed pajamas, they will want to pack along sweaters for the ugly sweater contest, as well as elegant attire for formal night.

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Heald also noted that regardless of a ship’s cruise length or itinerary, the planned Elegant Night on most sailings will be on Christmas evening, December 25. This may vary on select ships, however.

Guests should check the Carnival Hub app for their specific onboard schedule to be sure they don’t miss out on any of the holiday fun!

Holland America Smashes Record During Black Friday Promotion (Again!)

Donna Tunney
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Holland America Smashes Record During Black Friday Promotion (Again!)

Key Aspects:

  • Holland America Line’s Black Friday weekend sale saw a major jump in bookings.
  • The premium cruise brand beat its best record by 19%, set in 2023.
  • Value-added perks include fare discounts, low deposits, and other perks.

Holland America Line has done it again, posting double-digit gains in advance bookings during its 2025 Black Friday weekend sale. 

The 11-ship line shattered its all-time record-high set in 2023, recording a robust 19% jump in reservations during the Black Friday weekend promotion, which ran from November 28, 2025 to Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. The sale continues through December 4, 2025.

Offered on most voyages now through October 2027, the special deals include significant fare savings and perks, including up to 30% off base fares, crew gratuities, 50% reduced deposits starting at $25, and free or discounted fares for the third and fourth guests sharing a stateroom.

“This holiday season, we are seeing guests prioritize the experience itself in booking travel, looking for leisurely vacations that build connections and create shared memories,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. 

“Breaking Black Friday records again tells us people value the carefully crafted journeys we create and the award-winning ‘best service’ at sea we deliver,” Bodensteiner added.

Smashing the 2023 record is an accomplishment, but looking back, that year, too, was a record-breaker, with a Black Friday-to-Cyber Monday booking blitz that was 23% higher than 2022. 

Equally as impressive, the line in 2022 exceeded pre-pandemic booking levels for Black Friday promotions, receiving 20% more reservations than the same promotion period in 2019.

Cruise Line Says Alaska Is In High-Demand

As the trend toward holiday promotions grows, cruisers in 2025 definitely took full advantage of what Holland America Line, a premium-level Carnival Corporation brand, offered. The cruise line pointed to robust guest enthusiasm for Alaska cruises and cruisetours in 2026.

Read Also: What is the Best Time of Year to Cruise Alaska?

The popular cruisetours combine a sailing with a land stay in Denali National Park.

Holland America Cruise Ships
Holland America Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Ute Sonja Medley)

Looking at some of the Black Friday offerings, a 7-day Alaska Explorer cruise onboard Eurodam offers a starting fare of $1,429 per person for an inside cabin. Departing at the height of the season, on July 11, 2026, the ship sails roundtrip from Seattle and calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point.

Additionally, Black Friday bookings saw gains in Caribbean reservations along with other destinations.

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In the line’s 2026 Europe cruise series, for instance, a September 12, 2026 departure onboard Nieuw Statendam offers a 7-day Norwegian fjords and Scandinavia voyage roundtrip from Rotterdam. Port calls include Stavanger, Oslo, and Skjolden, Norway, and Skagen, Denmark. Fares start at $1,319.

Other cruise lines flooded the market with Black Friday sales, too. Another premium brand, Virgin Voyages, offered an 80% reduced fare for the second guest in a stateroom and a bar tab credit up to $400.

Mainstream lines also tempted cruisers with major discounts. Norwegian Cruise Line offered a 50% fare cut on all itineraries, while Royal Caribbean’s Black Friday sale provided free fares for the third and fourth guests in a cabin, plus other savings on cruise extras.

Weather Conditions Force P&O Iona to Return Home Early

Melissa Mayntz
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Weather Conditions Force P&O Iona to Return Home Early

Key Aspects:

  • Iona will now be returning to Southampton on Friday afternoon instead of Saturday morning.
  • This faster homeport return is due to poor weather expected in the region on Saturday.
  • Guests are not permitted to debark the ship early, but onboard activities will continue.

Guests aboard P&O Cruises’ Iona will be arriving back to their Southampton homeport earlier than expected to conclude their 14-night voyage, but their cruise experience will sail on even if the ship is not moving.

Poor weather expected in Southampton on Saturday morning, December 6, has prompted the ship’s master, Captain Martin Allen, to accelerate the return to the UK so the 184,100-gross-ton vessel can dock safely.

“Due to the predicted weather forecasts for our arrival into Southampton on Saturday morning being less than favourable, we have made the decision to bring our arrival into Southampton forward to Friday, where we intend to be alongside by early afternoon,” Allen explained.

“This will ensure that we are docked in front of the current weather system moving across the UK providing a more comfortable final approach.”

The weather forecast for Southampton on Saturday morning is rain and winds at 10-20 miles per hour.

Conditions directly on the coast are likely to be even more severe, which could make it challenging for the ship to maneuver to the dock.

Cruise lines always keep the safety of the ship, guests, and crew members their topmost priority. While docking early may not be the vacation guests had hoped for, it is the safest option to ensure the ship is as comfortable as possible and there are no delays as she returns to Southampton.

In fact, this adjustment is almost one year to the day when Iona remained in Southampton for extra time instead of departing on schedule due to stormy winter weather. That change was also for safety.

Iona in Southampton
P&O Cruises’ Iona in Southampton, UK. (Photo Credit: Martin Augustus)

Iona joined the P&O Cruises fleet in 2021. The Excel-class ship can welcome up to 6,685 guests onboard and is also home to approximately 1,700 international crew members.

Read Also: Who Owns P&O Cruises and Why People Get Confused

The ship is completing a two-week cruise that departed Southampton on Saturday, November 22, with ports in Spain and the Canary Islands to enjoy.

Iona was to have visited Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday, December 3, as the final destination of the sailing, but that stop was unfortunately cancelled due to ongoing labor issues impacting the port.

Early Debarkation Not Permitted

While Iona will be arriving back to Southampton the day before her planned debarkation, guests will not have the option to depart the ship early.

“While we will be alongside on Friday, Border Force will not be clearing the ship for disembarkation,” Allen confirmed. “Therefore, guests will not be permitted to disembark the vessel on Friday.”

This may be disappointing to travelers who might have hoped to start for home earlier than planned to beat the worst of the weather, or for anyone who could have enjoyed some extra time enjoying all Southampton has to offer.

Fortunately, a full schedule of entertainment and activities will still be available onboard Iona on Friday evening as planned and guests will be able to enjoy the last few hours of their cruise vacation in comfort and style.

To be clear, there are no mechanical problems with Iona, and her early return to Southampton is not related to any onboard systems or other difficulties.

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Furthermore, the ship’s next sailing, another 14-night Spain, Portugal, and Canary Islands itinerary, should not be impacted.

The weather forecast for Saturday evening is smoother than the morning hours and the ship should be able to depart Southampton as planned. Guests will be informed if any delays are necessary.

Guests booked on Iona‘s December 6 sailing will still want to stay in close contact with P&O Cruises in case there do need to be any adjustments to their departure or itinerary.

Royal Caribbean Responds Quickly to “Code Brown” Incident

Catie Kovelman
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Royal Caribbean Responds Quickly to “Code Brown” Incident

Key Aspects:

  • A “code brown” unfolded onboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas after somebody pooped in the swimming pool.
  • Royal Caribbean crew members jumped into action, clearing the pool and starting sanitation procedures.
  • The incident has resurfaced a debate on how safe it really is to swim in cruise ship pools, even in adults-only areas.

One Royal Caribbean sailing turned into its own version of a poop cruise – at least temporarily.

Two guests were relaxing on the upper decks onboard Harmony of the Seas when every cruiser’s worst nightmare unfolded: a child pooped in the pool.

“We’re just sitting here on Deck 16 above the pool area. Deck 15 below us. Sun is out. Having a good time. Then we hear a whistle blow,” the guest ominously began in a social media post.

“My sister’s like ‘oh I think somebody pooped in the pool,’” the cruiser continued.

Pooping in the pool is a big sanitary “no no” that ruins the fun for everyone.

Read Also: Cruise Guests Debate Peeing in Pools and the Safety of Swimming

When a “code brown” unfolds, everyone must evacuate the swimming pool and already busy crew members now have the extra task of draining and sanitizing.

Code Brown on Harmony of the Seas
Code Brown on Harmony of the Seas (Photo Credit: Evelyn Havlik)

This is in addition to standard cleaning, chemical and filtration treatments, and sanitation checks that crew members must complete daily to ensure the pools and spas remain safe.

Crew Members Launch Prompt Response

While this situation is understandably very annoying for cruise guests trying to enjoy some water-filled fun, the Royal Caribbean crew members should be commended for their prompt response.

The lifeguards wasted no time in blowing the whistle to get everyone out of the pool and begin the sanitization process.

“Sure enough – lifeguards on duty blow the whistle. Scoop whatever it was out with the net. Then the rest of the staff shows up with gloves. Everybody out of the pool. Rope it off,” the cruise guest continued.

The response onboard appears to be faster than what other guests have experienced when similar incidents occurred while sailing with other cruise lines.

Code Brown on Harmony of the Seas
Code Brown on Harmony of the Seas (Photo Credit: Evelyn Havlik)

“At least they closed the pool…once on Carnival Sunrise we saw a dad pull his 3 yr old out of the pool w liquid poop dripping everywhere and they took their sweet time closing the pool. We left the area due to the smell! Just gross!!”, another cruise fan reacted.

As all the cruise lines do, Royal Caribbean also has rules in place to try to prevent accidents in the pools in the first place.

For example, children who need swim diapers or are not 100% toilet trained can only use the designated “Baby Splash” areas onboard select ships.

“Due to public health regulations, children who are in diapers or not 100% toilet trained may only use Baby Splash facilities on board,” Royal Caribbean’s website states.

They are not allowed in any of the main pools, jacuzzis, or H20 Zone Water Parks.

Are Adults-Only Pools Safer?

The safety of swimming onboard is often a hot topic among cruisers, and incidents like these just add fuel to the fire.

The poster and cruise guest said that while she was grossed out by swimming with kids, she would be more willing to take her chances in the jacuzzis in the adults-only Solarium.

“A bunch of people. A bunch of kids. All sharing the same water. No thanks lol. The hot tub at the Solarium? Sure. Adults only. I’ll take my chances there,” she quipped.

That said, accidents are sometimes inevitable onboard, even from adults. Many said they would never go in a public pool or jacuzzi on a cruise ship because of this.

“Sold hot tubs for years…I NEVER GO IN PUBLIC HOT TUBS. The bacteria from bodies and yes many adults (especially when drinking) pee in the hot tubs and excreted from their pores. Hot water speeds up the bacteria growth,” one person noted in the comments.

More From Cruise Hive

Last year, another story went viral in which a passenger was so afraid of losing her “premium lounger” that was partially submerged in the pool that she peed in her seat instead of going to the bathroom.

Crew members once again quickly intervened, and the woman was removed by security.

But as disconcerting as stories like these are, keep in mind that cruise lines are held to strict safety and sanitation protocols. Ultimately, it is up to each cruiser to decide how they want to spend their time onboard and if they feel safe going for a swim.

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