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Virgin Voyages Invites Guests on 30-Day Journey to Alaska, Kid-Free

Donna Tunney
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Virgin Voyages Invites Guests on 30-Day Journey to Alaska, Kid-Free

Key Aspects:

  • Virgin Voyages rolled out a 30-day season pass to Alaska in summer 2026.
  • The pass is valid for cruises aboard the line’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady.
  • Four departure windows are offered between May and September.

Virgin Voyages is tempting guests with yet another season pass, this time to Alaska, with its monthlong “Ultimate Kid-Free Escape” cruise offered for summer 2026.

Seizing on the growing trend of adult-only travel, the pioneering cruise line founded by British mogul Sir Richard Branson rolled out the new season pass designed for cruisers looking to immerse themselves in Alaska for a full 30 days, and without children running underfoot.

The 30-day pass is offered on Brilliant Lady, the line’s newest ship that debuted in September 2025, and starts at $26,000 for two guests.

The experience is described not as a cruise but rather as a residency at sea, filled with glacier and wildlife viewing, whale-watching, and exploring Alaska’s many other pristine natural resources.

“Alaska is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Experiencing it aboard Brilliant Lady means you get the adventure without sacrificing comfort, style or that Virgin sense of discovery — and without a single child on board,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. 

What’s Included and What’s The Cost?

Virgin Voyages’ Alaska Summer Season Pass offers several valuable perks. First, cruise fares are based on two guests sharing one Central Sea Terrace cabin.

They receive drink credits each day and up to $250 each in shore excursions. A “Dedicated Glacier Discovery Excursion” is included as well, along with entry to the ship’s thermal spa.

Virgin Voyages Cruise
Virgin Voyages Cruise (Photo Credit: Toni-Ann McKenzie)

For those who’d like to, or who must, work remotely while onboard, the season pass comes with an upgraded Work From Sea WiFi package. The pass covers free laundry service for the whole 30 days, and includes priority boarding and exclusive welcome receptions with the ship’s crew.

And there’s more. Each guest booking the pass receives a complimentary package of products designed to enhance their Alaska experience. Items include a Canon G7X camera, binoculars, a backpack and jacket, and a water bottle.

Four 30-day options are offered, and prices depend on departure windows. For departures between May 28 and June 23, the rate for two guests is $26,000; between June 23 and July 23, it’s $38,000; from July 30 to August 27, $35,000; and from August 27 to September 26, $36,000.

Read Also: Alaska Cruise Ports: What Are Your Options?

The downside is that all cruises are roundtrip from Seattle, so booking consecutive voyages for 30 days means that those with the season pass will return to the homeport as each cruise ends and non-pass guests disembark, and as others embark for the ship’s next journey.

Most of Brilliant Lady’s sailings in Alaska are 7-day voyages, calling at popular ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and other destinations.

Alaska Pass Follows Earlier, Similar Promotions

Virgin Voyages has unveiled other season passes in previous years and even has an annual pass.

The line’s annual pass for 2026 is an enhanced version of what it offered in 2025 and features a land stay at Branson’s famous Necker Island, in the Caribbean. Under the annual pass, guests pay one fee and can sail as often as they wish during a 12-month timeframe.

It isn’t cheap: the 2026 pass, which can be purchased through March 2026, costs $199,000 per person.

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Other, shorter passes that have been offered by the line include the 2024 season pass in Europe. That one, the Scarlet Summer Season Pass, was featured on Scarlet Lady and was promoted to guests who can work remotely.

The pass provided monthlong cruises — same as the new Alaska pass, but sailed to popular Mediterranean destinations such as Cannes, France; Rome and Ajaccio (Corsica), Italy; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. That package was priced at $9,990 per person.

Carnival Cruise Line Service Fees Quietly Climb Higher

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Service Fees Quietly Climb Higher

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line’s standard service charge is being raised from 18% to 20%.
  • This applies to drink packages, specialty dining, in-stateroom gifts, and other purchases.
  • At this time, crew gratuities are not increased, but additional price changes may be coming.

Carnival Cruise Line is quietly raising a fee that the vast majority of its cruise guests pay. No, it isn’t the crew member gratuities, but it does apply to all purchased drinks, drink packages, and specialty dining.

The fee is the familiar 18% “service charge” added to many purchases. Now, that fee has been raised to 20% on applicable purchases.

The increased fee applies to a wide range of items and packages, including:

  • Drink packages, including Cheers!, Bottomless Bubbles, and the new Cheers! Zero Proof package
  • Individual drinks purchased a-la-carte onboard
  • Specialty dining charges
  • In-stateroom gift decorations for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
  • Gifts purchased for guests’ staterooms, such as toys, flowers, and tote bags
Old Service Charge Rate
Old Service Charge Rate

Carnival has not made any official announcement about the fee increase, but it is widely posted on the cruise line’s website when guests check purchase prices or the terms and conditions of different offerings.

New Service Charge Rate
New Service Charge Rate

Is This Such a Big Increase?

It may not seem like a 2% increase is particularly significant, but it can actually be a hefty change depending on each guest’s preferred purchases.

For example, let’s say a family of four with two adults and two teens plans a 7-night sailing to celebrate a birthday. Both adults purchase the Cheers! drink package, while both teens get the Bottomless Bubbles package.

So far, the fees at 18% would be as follows:

  • Cheers! package pre-booked online at $139.90 per day for the adults, a total of $979.30. The 18% charge would be an additional $176.27.
  • Bottomless Bubbles pre-booked online for two teens at $13.90 per day, a total of $97.30 for the week-long cruise. The 18% extra fee is another $17.51.
  • Birthday stateroom decor to celebrate their special occasion at $52.75, plus the additional 18% of $9.49.
  • A special birthday dinner for the whole family at the steakhouse, at $52 each for a total of $208, as the adult price applies to all children over age 11. The extra 18% fee would add $37.44.

All told, the 18% fee for the drink packages, birthday decor, and family dinner at the steakhouse adds $240.71 to the total.

Emeril's Bistro on Carnival Cruise Line
Emeril’s Bistro on Carnival Cruise Line (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Read Also: Expert Cruiser Details How You Can Save Money During a Cruise

Now, the increase to 20% means each fee is higher and the total of all the same service charges is $267.47.

While the overall increase of $26.76 may not break the bank, bear in mind this fee also applies to any other specialty dining, extra drink purchases, and more.

Will More Fee Increases Follow?

It is also possible that this service fee increase is just the start of an overall increase in additional charges. Carnival Cruise Line has not increased gratuities since April 2023, and it is common for those charges to be increased every 2-3 years.

The base prices for specialty dining, bottled water, internet access, drink packages, Faster to the Fun, and other add-ons could also be set to increase in the coming weeks.

Even at just a dollar or two per item, these fees can quickly add up to significantly higher costs for any cruise guests mindful of their travel budget.

This comes at a time when the Carnival Rewards program has generated great controversy about nickel-and-diming and Carnival Cruise Line valuing spending more than loyalty and the guest experience.

More From Cruise Hive

Of course, inflation and price changes are nothing new, and undoubtedly, more items will increase in price over time. Nor are such increases confined to Carnival Cruise Line.

It’s just a question of when and how much, and whether cruise guests respond to the increases with changes in their onboard spending.

Carnival Cruise Line Adjusts Vacation Protection Plan Coverage

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Cruise Line Adjusts Vacation Protection Plan Coverage

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has switched to a new insurance carrier.
  • This means that two key benefits of Carnival’s Vacation Protection Plan have changed.
  • The revised policies went into effect for all sailings that embark on or after December 1, 2025.

Carnival Cruise Line will continue to offer its popular Vacation Protection Plan, but going forward, coverage will look a little bit different.

The family-friendly cruise line has switched to a new insurance provider, which has led to two notable modifications to the plan. These changes went into effect on December 1, 2025.

“We are writing to let you know we are changing the travel protection insurance carrier to United States Fire Insurance Company, effective with sailings/departures commencing as of December 1, 2025,” Carnival wrote to guests who have already purchased the insurance.

First, the Medical Evacuation Benefit of $30,000 and Repatriation of Remains Benefit of $30,000 is being combined into a single benefit of $50,000.

While this sounds like a $10,000 decrease in coverage, the wording implies that guests will now have $50,000 available to them in coverage to use for either of these purposes.

“It’s not actually less. You now have $50,000 available for either. If you are using $$ for the Medical Evacuation Benefit then you do not need money for Repatriation of Remains (moving a dead body),” an insurance agent and Carnival cruiser noted.

Next, the Accident Medical Expense Benefit of $10,000 and the Sickness Medical Expense Benefit of $10,000 were combined into one single Accident and Sickness Medical Expense Benefit of $20,000.

Worth Reading: Carnival Urges Overlooked Purchase, Cannot Help Guest Pleas

The cost of Carnival’s Vacation Protection is not changing for anyone who has already purchased the plan.

“Your plan cost remains the same,” the cruise line confirmed in its letter.

Currently, this offering starts at $49 for new purchasers and varies based on factors like sailing length and total cruise fare.

Additional benefits like refunds for trip cancellation or interruption and up to $1,500 in reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage (+ up to $500 to buy necessities when bags are delayed) are not changing.

Is This a Corporate-Wide Change?

Princess Cruises, which is also owned by Carnival Corporation, has also recently announced changes for its insurance programs that will go into effect on December 9, 2025.

Notably, the Standard Princess Vacation Protection Plan (PVP) will be phased out, meaning the only option will be the more comprehensive (and more expensive) Platinum PVP.

Carnival Sunrise Cruise Ship
Carnival Sunrise Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

However, those who have already purchased or will purchase the Standard PVP before December 9 will keep their exact plan with no changes.

But now that two Carnival-owned cruise lines have changed their insurance offerings, it seems plausible that more sister brands might announce their own insurance changes soon.

Carnival also owns major cruise lines like Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, and AIDA Cruises.

Guests React to the Change

Among Carnival guests who received notice of the change, the reaction has been mostly one of confusion and frustration.

For some, this fueled the fire that was already started by the controversial new loyalty program that is launching on September 1, 2026.

“We got it, and got the “notice” today. Just one more way Carnival is giving less. That on top of status changes,” one cruiser reacted to the news.

“Both of those things are relatively small, but the vibe is ‘we’re getting real chintzy’. Our vibe is will probably be exploring other companies,” they continued.

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That said, guests who don’t like the cost or coverage are welcome to protect their vacations by going through independent insurance carriers.

Especially avid cruisers will sometimes also invest in year-round travel insurance, which can sometimes be cheaper than buying new policies for every vacation individually.

And if you don’t want travel insurance at all, this is not something that is required to sail.

Cruisers Could Face New $45 Fee Without REAL ID

Catie Kovelman
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Cruisers Could Face New $45 Fee Without REAL ID

Key Aspects:

  • US citizens are required to present REAL IDs in order to board domestic flights, which includes cruisers traveling to and from ports.
  • Starting in February 2026, travelers who don’t have REAL IDs may need to pay $45 before going through a TSA checkpoint.
  • Even then, there is a possibility for delays or not being cleared by TSA agents at all.

Every cruise guest knows that it’s important to verify and bring the correct documentation to their cruise ports, or else they could be denied boarding.

However, US citizens who will be flying to their next departure port now need to make extra sure they have another form of identification: Their REAL IDs.

If you missed the memo, the REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID card that doubles as a federally accepted form of identification that complies with stricter security standards.

In most US states, these cards are identifiable by a white star in a yellow circle.

REAL IDs have been required for domestic flights since May 7, 2025, but TSA agents will be enforcing this with a financial penalty starting next year.

As of February 1, 2026, guests who are flying without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification will be required to pay a $45 fee online.

The fee was originally proposed at $18, but the final amount is more than double this rate.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), 94% of people already use REAL IDs or other approved forms of identification, but the remaining 6% still equates to hundreds of thousands of vacationers.

Read Also: Cruise Like a Pro: 20 Mistakes Newbies Always Make

“Beginning February 1, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at our security checkpoints and still want to fly can pay a $45 fee and undergo the TSA Confirm.ID process,” said Adam Stahl, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA.

“This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer,” Stahl added.

How the Process Works

Starting in February, those traveling without REAL IDs or other suitable identification must pay the $45 to the TSA online prior to traveling.

Every transaction is good for a 10-day travel period before non-REAL ID users have to pay the fee again.

While it’s possible to complete the process from the airport, it’s highly recommended that the fee is paid in advance.

The process can take upwards of 30 minutes – and that’s assuming there are no glitches.

After paying the fee, travelers will need to present an email confirmation to the TSA agent before being allowed to pass through the security checkpoint.

MSC Cruise Terminal Facial Recognition
MSC Cruise Terminal Facial Recognition (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot / Cruise Hive)

But even then, it’s possible that TSA agents could still refuse to let these travelers pass through the security checkpoint if they can’t verify their identities for any reason.

As another unfortunate side effect, this extra step could make lines even longer at airports servicing busy cruise ports like PortMiami and Port Canaveral.

“The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights,” Stahl continued.

This is another reason to support why we always recommend flying to your cruise port at least one day early, as the ship will not wait for you if your original travel plans are delayed or cancelled for a reason like this.

Passports as an Alternative

On the bright side, the TSA accepts passports as an alternative form of identification, which is also the preferred form of identification for the major cruise lines.

With the exception of closed-loop and domestic cruises, passports are almost always required to set sail.

That said, it’s always smart to confirm what documentation is needed for your specific voyage with your cruise line before leaving home and with enough time to obtain documents that you might not have.

US citizens who travel with a passport but do not have a REAL ID are able to pass through TSA checkpoints without paying the $45 fee.

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Other additional forms of identification that have been approved by the TSA include US passport cards, DHS trusted traveler cards, permanent resident cards, Veteran Health Identification Cards, and foreign government-issued passports.

A complete list of acceptable forms of ID can always be found on the TSA website.

Many Loyalty Benefits Discontinued for Carnival Miracle Sailing

Melissa Mayntz
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Many Loyalty Benefits Discontinued for Carnival Miracle Sailing

Key Aspects:

  • Some unusual loyalty perks have been removed from Carnival Miracle‘s current 7-night cruise.
  • Usually, perks are only removed on Carnival Journeys sailings or more unique itineraries.
  • Some benefits, such as the free gifts and Platinum and Diamond Party, are still available.

With more guests reaching the upper tiers of Carnival Cruise Line’s soon-to-be-discontinued Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program, it’s become rather standard practice for some benefits to be unavailable on longer sailings.

This is typically due to high numbers of Platinum and Diamond guests, so many that the cruise line is unable to adequately provide certain benefits for the cruise.

Guests onboard Carnival Miracle have received notice that such benefits are not available for their current cruise, though the change is significantly different than previous perk suspensions.

Carnival Miracle departed for the 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary on Sunday, November 30.

“Due to the high number of Diamond and Platinum guests on this voyage, we will not be able to provide priority luggage delivery as well as a priority line at the Guest Services desk,” the letter delivered to guests’ staterooms noted.

“In addition, we will not be able to provide priority debarkation (including at any of the ports of call). For our Diamond guests, due to capacity limitations, we cannot guarantee main dining room seating requests for dinner.”

The loss of the priority debarkation is a common perk removed when high numbers of Diamond and Platinum guests are onboard, as is the guarantee of the dining room seating requests.

What is new, however, is that the priority line at the Guest Services desk will not be available. This is a very easy perk to implement and is most often left intact, even with many high-level loyal guests on a sailing.

Read Also: Carnival Fixes New Loyalty Program After Fierce Criticism

And these aren’t the only benefits limited. Complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service is also offered to Platinum and Diamond guests on every cruise. On this Carnival Miracle sailing, however, guests must submit their requests no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, December 5, two days before the end of the cruise.

This is to ensure the laundry teams can complete all the requests and return guests’ laundry before debarkation. Nevertheless, this is another limitation on the coveted benefits of that loyalty status.

The laundry limitation has been implemented occasionally, but is another unusual one to remove.

Not the Typical Limitations

What’s even more interesting about these limitations is that Carnival Miracle is sailing a typical 7-night cruise, not a special itinerary featuring unique destinations or any other eye-catching voyage.

Typically, the cruises that lose high-level VIFP benefits are the longer Carnival Journeys sailings or unique sailings, such as the rare Greenland cruises, transatlantic cruises, or inaugural sailings.

Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship in Dover
Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship in Dover (Photo Credit: DacologyPhoto)

This week, Carnival Miracle is sailing from Tampa, Florida to Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, and Cozumel – a fine itinerary indeed with some top destinations, but nothing very rare or unheard of.

This isn’t even the very first sailing for the Spirit-class ship from her new homeport, as Carnival Miracle arrived in Tampa on November 22 and has already offered an 8-night sailing from the Sunshine State.

The 85,900-gross-ton Carnival Miracle can welcome 2,124 guests at double occupancy, but the cruise line has not detailed how many travelers on the current sailing are Platinum or Diamond guests.

What Benefits Are Left?

The benefits now removed from Carnival Miracle’s guests are some of the most popular perks for Platinum and Diamond travelers, but there are still good benefits they can take advantage of onboard.

Guests can pick up their collectible pins and logo gifts (currently a collapsible water bottle) from the Photo Gallery on Deck 3, on the port side of the Metropolis Atrium.

Priority spa reservations should also be honored, as well as priority reservations for Nick and Nora’s Steakhouse.

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Because this is a 7-night cruise, guests can call room service to request their welcome treat if they wish, and there will be a VIFP party with complimentary drinks later in the sailing.

All returning guests will also receive a free 1.5-liter bottle of water, but be sure to use the one with the red neck tag to avoid being accidentally charged!

Active Search Ends for Guest Overboard Marella Cruises Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Active Search Ends for Guest Overboard Marella Cruises Ship

Key Aspects:

  • The search has ended unsuccessfully for a guest overboard from Marella Explorer 2 on Thursday, November 27.
  • Maritime reports are still being issued and local boats are asked to keep watch, but there is no more intensive searching.
  • It’s not unusual for overboard searches to end without any definitive conclusion, as the individuals may never be located.

Sadly, the search has now ended for a 76-year-old male passenger who went overboard from Marella Explorer 2 on Thursday, November 27, 2025, without the individual being located.

The Salvamento Maritimo (Spanish Coast Guard) has ended the active search for the missing individual, though notices are still being provided to ships and boaters in the region to continue the lookout as appropriate.

“Active search has ended,” the Salvamento Maritimo confirmed to Cruise Hive. “From now on any time our units move for other emergencies and during scheduled drills, they still search. Marine notices are also being issued.“

The incident happened just before 10 a.m. on Thursday. Guests onboard Marella Explorer 2 witnessed the overboard and heard the emergency announcement, noting the ship’s immediate return to the search area until released by authorities.

Initially, the intense search on Thursday and Friday included two helicopters, a search-and-rescue aircraft, and a patrol boat from La Palma.

The search was temporarily suspended overnight on Thursday due to darkness, but resumed as soon as possible on Friday morning.

Read Also: What Happens If You Jump Off a Cruise Ship?

Thursday, November 27 had been a day at sea for Marella Explorer 2. Following the pause for search operations, the 71,545-gross-ton ship resumed her course for Tenerife, docking as planned. She is homeported from the Canary Islands, offering departures from Las Palmas and Santa Cruz for up to 1,800 guests per sailing.

Marella Explorer 2 Overboard
Marella Explorer 2 Overboard (Photo Credits: HelgaQ & Victor Suarez Naranjo)

No further details about the overboard passenger have been confirmed, other than the guest was male, 76 years old, and a British national. This is to protect the privacy of family members, friends, and traveling companions at this very upsetting time.

Marella Cruises is offering support to those impacted by the incident and is likewise cooperating fully with authorities.

It should be noted that there is currently no suspicion of foul play, though the incident will be thoroughly investigated as is standard practice with any overboard.

“There’s nothing at this stage pointing to this being a violent death or anyone else intervening in what happened,” local authorities confirmed to The Sun.

Should the Search Continue?

While it is possible for someone to survive in the warm waters surrounding the Canary Islands for quite some time, other factors must be considered.

According to Windy, current water temperatures in the area are 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is warm enough to keep a person from suffering from hypothermia, but exhaustion would set in after several hours.

Exactly how long an individual could survive in the water would depend on their overall fitness, whether they were injured, and if other factors, such as water swells, strong winds, or wildlife, might also have an impact.

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It is not uncommon for search operations to be suspended after a day or two, depending on water conditions. While this can be very challenging for family members or friends to accept, the longer a search continues, the less likelihood of a happy result or indeed, a successful search at all.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts continue to be with all those impacted not only by this incident, but also by all the other overboard incidents and other sad events that impact what should have been cruise vacations with much happier memories.

Carnival Sunrise Guest Frustrated Over Missed Celebration Key Experience

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Sunrise Guest Frustrated Over Missed Celebration Key Experience

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Sunrise missed Celebration Key due to high winds, and one guest is complaining that no compensation is offered.
  • All cruise lines will always prioritize the safety of the ship, guests, and crew even if it means missing a port visit.
  • The guest also complained that there was “nothing” for their children to do onboard, but how true is that?

It’s naturally disappointing when a cruise ship must skip a port, and it can be confusing when it seems as though the day may have been perfect, weather-wise. But perfect weather to a guest can be very different than perfect weather for a ship to safely visit a destination.

One recent Carnival cruise guest has learned that lesson the hard way during a recent sailing aboard Carnival Sunrise. The 102,300-gross-ton ship is homeported from Miami and visits Celebration Key on nearly every sailing.

On this particular guest’s sailing, it was not possible for the ship to call at the new private destination, and they were NOT happy about the decision.

To voice their complaint, they reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador. Heald responds to hundreds of guest concerns every week.

“We are on Sunrise we had our visit to Celebration Keys abandoned. It was the port we were most looking forward to. We wanted our children to swim in the lagoon and see the parade,” the guest explained.

While they did not specify the exact sailing date of their cruise, it may have been the ship’s Thanksgiving week voyage that departed on Monday, November 24. Celebration Key was to have been the last port visit of the 6-night itinerary, with the visit planned for Saturday, November 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Read Also: What to Do Onboard a Cruise Ship in Bad Weather

Heald quickly acknowledged the guests’ disappointment. The new port has proven very popular with guests, and Carnival does want to be able to offer the experience to everyone.

“I am so sorry for the cancelation of Celebration Key, we would have loved for you to have enjoyed this fabulous destination with your lovely family,” he said. “I know how much your children would have enjoyed the lagoon and the Junkanoo parade, so I am again very sorry they were unable to do so.”

How Bad Was the Weather, Really?

The guest goes on to claim that Carnival’s justification for the port cancellation was just a deception.

“The weather was not bad. It was just a ploy for the cruise line to open the casino and bars. Our kids are devastated. There was nothing for 12 and 15 year old kids to do on the boat,” they complained.

Heald responded to that accusation as well, noting the exact weather conditions when Carnival Sunrise would have been docked.

“With respect you are wrong to say the weather was ‘not bad.’ The report from the Fleet Operations Center and from the Captain showed there were NE winds of 40 knots [46 miles per hour] and 2-meter swells by the pier,” he explained. “This meant it would have been very unsafe to try and dock the ship.”

Celebration Key, Bahamas
Celebration Key, Bahamas

It isn’t just docking that would have been a concern in those weather conditions. It would have been unsafe for guests to use the gangways or walk along the pier with the risk of high waves and gusts.

“Our Captains do their very best to try and dock the ship but they will never put the safety of the ship and those on board in jeopardy,” Heald reiterated.

It is natural for onboard casinos and bars to reopen when a ship skips a port. Furthermore, the Fun Squad would have added extra games, dance lessons, and other activities to the daily schedule.

This belies the idea that “there was nothing” for children to do onboard. Trivia contests, the ship’s Warehouse Arcade on Deck 5, the SportSquare, Seaside Theater movies, pools, waterslides, and other options would all have been available.

No Compensation Despite Demands

Naturally, the guest is not satisfied that the ship took steps to keep everyone safe. Instead, they are frustrated that no financial compensation was offered for the missed port.

“We asked for one day refund of the cruise or some money to spend on board. Nothing has been done. Nothing has been given. Why!!!!!!” they said.

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Heald has been clear that it is not the cruise line’s policy to offer compensation simply for missing a port visit due to weather, as that is obviously outside Carnival’s control.

In fact, it is part of Carnival’s Ticket Contract that itinerary changes do not warrant compensation.

Section 8(d) clearly states: “Carnival may change the duration and/or itinerary of the cruise at any time. … to omit or change any or all port calls … Carnival shall have no liability for any compensation or other damages in such circumstances for any change in itinerary [or] ports of call.”

While Carnival Cruise Line may offer some compensation in cases of extreme itinerary changes, such as all ports being cancelled without alternatives, they are not obligated to do so. Guests should never expect, much less demand, such an offer.

Sky Princess Launches Winter Season from Port Canaveral

Melissa Mayntz
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Sky Princess Launches Winter Season from Port Canaveral

Key Aspects:

  • Sky Princess has arrived at Port Canaveral to begin her Caribbean winter season.
  • The Royal-class ship is now offering 6- and 8-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries through mid-March 2026.
  • Cruise ships from seven different lines are now homeported from Port Canaveral.

The sky is a little bigger and brighter for the winter at Port Canaveral with the arrival of Sky Princess to her newest homeport on Sunday, November 30, 2025. The ship is yet another vessel to call the Space Coast home and adds more variety for eager cruise guests setting sail from central Florida.

The 145,300-gross-ton ship arrived at Port Canaveral following her 16-night transatlantic cruise from Southampton that departed on Friday, November 14. Along the way, Sky Princess visited England, France, Spain, the Azores, and Bermuda.

Now, the ship will remain sailing from Florida through the winter, until she returns to Southampton in mid-March 2026.

In the meantime, Sky Princess is a welcome addition to the Port Canaveral homeport fleet of outstanding cruise ships.

“Princess Cruises is a valued partner and we’re very proud of the success they’ve had sailing from our Port,” said Port Canaveral CEO Captain John Murray. 

“Sky Princess is a great addition to the lineup of cruise options from Central Florida. We look forward to delivering a high-quality guest experience for everyone sailing on this stunning new ship.”

Princess Cruises is committed to offering great options for guests from every homeport, and their sailings from Port Canaveral have proven popular since beginning with Caribbean Princess in 2024.

Sky Princess Docked in Port Canaveral, Florida
Sky Princess Docked in Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)

“Building on the success of our inaugural Caribbean season from Port Canaveral, we’re delighted to return to the Space Coast for another series of sailings,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer.

“Our guests appreciate the convenience of cruising from Central Florida, and with the addition of Sky Princess, we’re pleased to offer even greater capacity and even more ways for guests to enjoy the Princess experience.”

A Growing Homeport

Sky Princess now joins ships from six cruise lines homeported from Port Canaveral for the next few months, including:

  • Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Mardi Gras, Carnival Vista, Carnival Venezia
  • Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Apex
  • Disney Cruise Line – Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Fantasy
  • MSC Cruises – MSC Seashore, MSC Grandiosa
  • Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Prima
  • Royal Caribbean – Utopia of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Star of the Seas

Read Also: How Back-to-Back Cruises Work (and Save You Money!)

With so many options from the world’s second busiest cruise port, it’s no surprise that Port Canaveral is consistently a favorite for cruise guests. Approximately 75% of travelers drive to the centrally located homeport, which is just an hour from Orlando, three hours from Miami, and 7-8 hours from Atlanta.

Sailing Aboard Sky Princess from the Space Coast

This first-of-the-season Caribbean cruise for Sky Princess is an 8-night itinerary with visits planned for Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. The ship’s 6-night itineraries will be visiting Nassau, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk. On select sailings, Sky Princess will also be visiting Freeport.

The variation in itineraries makes setting up a back-to-back sailing an ideal option for guests, creating a 14-night cruise that doesn’t repeat any port visits.

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Onboard, guests will also enjoy the amazing options Sky Princess offers, including multiple specialty restaurants, the relaxing Lotus Spa, outstanding entertainment, and much more.

Sky Princess can welcome 3,660 guests aboard and is also home to approximately 1,300 international crew members.

Enchanted Princess Crew Launch Rescue After Local Man Jumps Near Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Enchanted Princess Crew Launch Rescue After Local Man Jumps Near Ship

Key Aspects:

  • A man violated the secure area of the Martinique cruise port and jumped into the water on November 29, 2025.
  • Crew members from Enchanted Princess sounded the overboard alert and rescued the man, who was not a cruise guest.
  • The man was turned over to local authorities and there was no delay or impact to the cruise ship.

Cruise ships are always on the alert for the possibility of guests or crew members overboard, or refugees in hazardous conditions who need assistance.

The crew of Enchanted Princess, however, rescued a man from the water, though he did not go overboard from the cruise ship, and he was not a refugee.

The incident happened on Saturday, November 29, 2025 while Enchanted Princess was visiting Martinique. The man allegedly eluded checkpoints to enter the port’s secure area without authorization, then jumped in the water in front of the 145,300-gross-ton cruise ship.

@thenomadiccatmom

A local man from Martinique was trying to escape authorities. The staff of the Enchanted Princess rescued him and brought him to port authorities where he was arrested! #manoverboard #cruisetok #fyp #viral #crazystory

♬ Oh No (Instrumental) – Kreepa

Enchanted Princess was docked at the time, visiting the port from roughly 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ship was not in motion, though it is always dangerous to be swimming near such a vast vessel.

The man overboard alert was issued and a life ring was thrown to him for immediate assistance. A rescue boat was then dispatched from the Princess Cruises’ ship to retrieve the man. He was taken directly to the pier and turned over to local police.

Cruise Hive reached out to Princess Cruises about the incident. The cruise line confirmed that the man was in police custody and that he did not jump from the cruise ship.

No further details about the man, including why he took such a drastic measure as jumping into the water near the cruise ship, have been released. One passenger got in touch with Cruise Hive to say that local police took custody of the man by 10:00 a.m.

The incident may have involved a suspect fleeing from authorities for other offenses, but this has not been confirmed. Of course, simply violating the secure area of the port is an offense that would be handled by local authorities as well.

Enchanted Princess Rescue Operation
Enchanted Princess Rescue Operation (Credit: @thenomadiccatmom)

Read Also: What Happens If You Jump Off a Cruise Ship?

There were no delays or operational interruptions to Enchanted Princess. The Royal-class cruise ship had departed Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, November 23, for the 12-night Southern Caribbean Holiday sailing, and Martinique is the next-to-last port visit on the itinerary.

The ship will visit Antigua on Sunday, November 30, before turning her bow back toward Florida to arrive in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, December 3.

Enchanted Princess can welcome 3,660 guests onboard, and is also home to roughly 1,300 international crew members.

Not the First Bizarre Not-Quite-Overboard Incident

Typically, when guests onboard a cruise ship hear the “man overboard” or “Oscar! Oscar! Oscar!” code, it means an unfortunate overboard incident from the ship itself or possibly sighting a refugee craft nearby.

Sometimes, however, the situation is very different, and the overboard isn’t actually from the ship at all.

For example, in June 2025, a cruise guest jumped off the pier in Juneau, Alaska, likely as part of a stunt for social media videos. It is not known what ship the individual was from, though the stunt was staged inside the secure area of the port.

In December 2024, a man jumped from a pier in the Canary Islands and attempted to swim to a cruise ship docked nearby. Which ship is uncertain, because local police intervened and stopped the man before he reached any ship.

In some cases, guests might accidentally fall from piers near cruise ships. This often happens due to inattentiveness, such as when a man stepped off the pier at Perfect Day at CocoCay while filming Star of the Seas in mid-August during one of the ship’s preview sailings in August 2025.

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These unusual incidents certainly catch people’s attention, but for all the wrong reasons, as it is usually the authorities who are paying the most attention.

Anyone engaging in such stunts risks fines and other penalties. If they are cruise guests, they may be disembarked from their ship and potentially banned from future sailings.

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