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Carnival Sunrise to Offer New Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises from Miami

Lissa Poirot
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Carnival Sunrise to Offer New Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises from Miami

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Sunrise will sail more than 70 short cruises from PortMiami between May 2027 and spring 2028.
  • Voyages will feature 4- to 6-day itineraries to The Bahamas, Celebration Key, and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
  • The schedule features a Thanksgiving and a Christmas sailing for two festive options to ports in Grand Cayman, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos.

Carnival Cruise Line just revealed its newest batch of 2027-28 deployments and, in doing so, confirmed that Carnival Sunrise will continue to sail short cruises from PortMiami.

The 101,509-gross-ton ship will operate 4- to 6-day itineraries visiting the Bahamas, including stops at the cruise line’s private destinations, Celebration Key and the newly renamed 2,400-acre RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

Many itineraries, which begin May 6, 2027, will also call on Nassau, with Carnival Sunrise completing more than 70 sailings through spring 2028.

“Miami has long been a premier departure point for Carnival guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “With Celebration Key and RelaxAway now part of our 2027/28 sailings, guests can create two of the premier beach destinations in the Caribbean while enjoying some of The Bahamas’ most beautiful destinations.”

The ship’s new schedule includes two special 6-day holiday voyages in 2027. A December 20 Christmas cruise will visit Celebration Key, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A Thanksgiving sailing on November 22 will call at Celebration Key, Grand Cayman, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, which was recently battered by Hurricane Melissa. Carnival Corporation, alongside Miami HEAT, just donated $1 million to the island’s Direct Relief recovery efforts.

But the ship’s main draw will be to take its passengers to Carnival Cruise Line’s private destinations, including RelaxAway, which the company is revamping to serve as a more serene environment than its brand-new Celebration Key, which opened in July 2025.

Aerial of Carnival Sunrise in Grand turk
Aerial of Carnival Sunrise. (Carnival Cruise Line)

While Celebration Key is designed to deliver a full resort-style experience with multiple themed zones, restaurants, and entertainment areas, RelaxAway will provide a quieter, more natural beach escape focused on relaxation, cabanas, and classic island activities.

The 2027-28 schedule complements other homeported Carnival Cruise Line ships sailing from South Florida, including Carnival Celebration and Carnival Horizon.

Carnival Strengthens Miami Presence

The 2,984-passenger Carnival Sunrise is currently enjoying a similar season sailing from Miami with alternating Bahamas and Western Caribbean voyages. With the 2027-28 announcement, the vessel will continuously provide Miami sailings from now through April 2028.

PortMiami is a major departure point for Carnival Cruise Line, with Carnival Conquest, Carnival Magic, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Horizon all currently operating voyages from the port in 2025-2026.

Read Also: Miami Cruise Port Guide – Terminals, Transportation and More

In fact, Carnival Cruise Line’s parent company, Carnival Corporation, will be headquartered in a new Miami location, relocating from its older Doral, Florida, location to a new campus near Miami International Airport.

The multi-million move continues the company’s long-term investment in South Florida, where the company has operated for more than half a century.

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The company revealed in May 2025 that it would “unite in a single location most of its North America shoreside team members from across the corporation and its cruise line operating units.”

Bookings for the added season are now open.

Holland America Adds Capacity in South America for 2027-28 Season

Donna Tunney
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Holland America Adds Capacity in South America for 2027-28 Season

Key Aspects:

  • Holland America Line has opened bookings on its 2027-28 South America and Antarctica voyages.
  • The line will increase capacity by adding a second ship to the deployment, offering sailings on Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.
  • Eight departures will feature voyages from 15 to 31 days.

From the misty rainforests of the Amazon to the Galapagos and Antarctica, Holland America Line has multiple opportunities for cruisers to explore the iconic destinations of South America in the fall and winter of 2027-28.

Apparently expecting a boost in demand, the cruise line is returning to a two-ship deployment for the 2027-28 season, with the 1,916-guest Zuiderdam and the 1,964-guest Oosterdam sailing a total of eight voyages. Three of the itineraries depart from Florida ports — PortMiami and Port Everglades.

Holland America last deployed two ships, Oosterdam and Zaandam, to the region for the 2024-25 season. In the current 2025-26 season, the line is operating in South America with just one ship, Oosterdam.

Itineraries in 2027-28 will vary from 15 to 31 days, offering explorations of cities and destinations on the east and west coasts as well as scenic cruising near Antarctica, although the ships do not feature any landings on the White Continent.

Worth Reading: Luxury Cruise Ship Alters Itinerary Due to Amazon River Drought

Besides three departures from US ports, other embarkation options include Buenos Aires, Argentina, and San Antonio (Santiago), Chile.

 “Our South America and Antarctica itineraries are designed for travelers who want to go beyond the ordinary,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of itinerary planning and deployment at Holland America Line. 

“Whether you’re standing on deck as the ship glides past the Pío XI Glacier, riding the Train to the End of the World in Ushuaia, or walking among the wildlife of the Galápagos, every moment is crafted to deliver a sense of wonder and connection,” added Grigsby.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the voyages, including the longest one, a 31-day “Panama Canal, Inca & South America: Chilean Fjords” cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires.

Holland America Line Oosterdam
Holland America Line Oosterdam (Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line)

Departing on November 16, 2027, Oosterdam transits the Panama Canal and heads to Fuerte Amador, Panama, before arriving in Ecuador, where Overland Adventure tours are offered to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.

Worth Reading: Holland America is Heading to Two Destinations Passengers Will Like

From there, the Vista-class ship travels to Peru and Chile, where guests can view the rugged mountains of the Chilean fjords. Guests will get their fill of glacier viewing as the ship sails through the so-called Avenue of the Glaciers in Tierra del Fuego’s Beagle Channel.

Rounding Cape Horn, Oosterdam will call at the Falkland Islands and Montevideo, Uruguay, before arriving in Buenos Aires.

Oosterdam to Sail Along the Dramatic Antarctic Peninsula

A shorter option, the 22-day “South America & Antarctica Holiday,” begins in Buenos Aires on December 17, 2027 and ends in Santiago, Chile.

Also operated aboard Oosterdam, the cruise features a close look at Antarctica with scenic cruising in the Palmer Archipelago, located off the Antarctic Peninsula.

Read Also: The 10 Roughest Seas in the World for Cruise Ships

Adventure seekers looking to visit the Amazon can sail aboard Zuiderdam’s 28-day “Legendary Amazon Explorer,” which sails roundtrip from Miami on February 5, 2028. The itinerary features four days of sailing on the exotic river before the ship calls at four ports in Brazil.

Other highlights include several Caribbean destinations on both the southbound and northbound portions of the sailing. Islands on the itinerary include Martinique, Barbados, and St. Lucia, among others.

All of the line’s South America and Antarctica voyages are open for booking, and guests can take advantage of the Have It All premium package for a limited time.

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Benefits include some shore excursions, specialty dining, a beverage package, a WiFi plan, and prepaid crew gratuities, among other amenities and services.

Holland America Line, a premium brand of Carnival Corporation, also is offering an early booking bonus of $400 in onboard credits per stateroom is offered to Mariner Society members.

First Royal Caribbean Ship Delivers Relief Supplies to Jamaica

Melissa Mayntz
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First Royal Caribbean Ship Delivers Relief Supplies to Jamaica

Key Aspects:

  • Rhapsody of the Seas is delivering more than 120 pallets of relief supplies to Falmouth, Jamaica.
  • The ship’s delivery coincides with a planned port visit on Tuesday, November 4, but guests will not debark.
  • The supplies will be distributed as relief packages to regions that need assistance the most.

Rhapsody of the Seas is visiting Falmouth, Jamaica on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, but not for guests. While the port of call was originally on the ship’s itinerary for her November 2 departure, Jamaica’s ports remain closed for tourism following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

Instead, the ship will be making a brief stop to deliver much-needed relief supplies to help the residents of Jamaica recover from the storm.

Those supplies include more than 120 pallets of bottled water, bedding, medical supplies, and non-perishable food items, all of which will be very welcome to those struggling with loss and damage from the hurricane.

“The pallets will be offloaded and then items packaged as relief packages for immediate distribution with the help of GEM our relief partner,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean.

The supplies are part of the $1 million pledge the cruise line has made to help Jamaica recover. The donations are being coordinated through Global Empowerment Mission and their team based in Kingston.

Reactions to the donation and delivery are overwhelmingly positive, with both guests and Royal Caribbean crew members grateful for the support the cruise line is showing to Jamaica.

“Giving back to an island that has delivered to us for many years – RESPECT!” said one guest.

“Just one of the reasons that make me proud to work for Royal,” commented an employee.

Some guests also recall similar past efforts following other natural disasters.

“We were on Majesty when it brought relief packages to Freeport, Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian in 2019. It also picked up and brought refugees back to the US. Royal is absolutely the best when it comes to helping those in need when disaster strikes! Thank you!” one guest shared.

Read Also: The Best Way to Help Cruise Ports After a Hurricane

Royal Caribbean Jamaica Aid
Royal Caribbean Jamaica Aid

Following the delivery, Rhapsody of the Seas will continue on her way toward Grand Cayman, her next (and last) port visit on the 6-night sailing.

The ship departed San Juan on Sunday, November 2, and is currently repositioning to her new homeport in Tampa. She will arrive in the Sunshine State on Saturday, November 8.

Rhapsody of the Seas will be offering Western Caribbean itineraries from 4-8 nights, with various ports of call depending on departure date and cruise length.

While the ship will not be returning to Jamaica in the coming months, she will visit Roatan, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize, and other top destinations.

Other Cruise Lines Also Offering Aid

Royal Caribbean is far from the only cruise line offering aid to Jamaica during this difficult time. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Horizon has also delivered supplies to the island, bringing pallets of water and other materials to Ocho Rios on Tuesday, November 4.

Likewise, Carnival Cruise Line has pledged a $1 million donation to Jamaica’s recovery, and Disney Cruise Line has also pledged to donate $1 million for aid and relief to the island nation.

Norwegian Cruise Line has pledged to donate up to $100,000 including matches to guests’ donations. The cruise line has taken some criticism for the size of its contribution compared to other cruise lines, but it must be noted that Norwegian Cruise Line visits Jamaica far less than other lines.

Carnival Horizon Supplies for Jamaica
Carnival Horizon Supplies for Jamaica

Anyone interested in helping with Jamaica’s relief efforts and storm recovery can donate through various non-profits, cruise lines, or even the Office of the Prime Minister. Smaller organizations and individual attractions in Jamaica may also set up their own donation portals.

More From Cruise Hive

Guests should always double-check that their generous donations are through legitimate, authorized organizations to ensure there are no scams or fraud.

Jamaica is currently closed to cruise ship visits and some ships are rerouting to alternative ports for the next several weeks. The country hopes to resume full tourism operations by December 15, a date that eager visitors will look forward to in order to offer even more immediate support to the island.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Smart Elevators: Helpful or Confusing?

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Cruise Line’s Smart Elevators: Helpful or Confusing?

Key Aspects:

  • Thanks to a recent Facebook post from Carnival Ambassador John Heald, smart elevators on cruise ships are once again up for debate.
  • On one hand, some don’t like the smart elevators because they are confusing and user error leads to long wait times and confusion.
  • But when used correctly, the smart system is more efficient and mitigates bad behavior on and around the elevators.

Just like elevators rise to a higher deck on a cruise ship, an old debate about smart elevators on Carnival cruise ships has risen to the surface once again.

Several Carnival ships have been updated with smart elevators in recent years, including Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Venezia, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

But while the smart elevators are supposed to ease congestion and make it easier for cruisers to get where they need to go, not everyone is a fan.

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald resurfaced the debate in a recent Facebook post.

“On Saturday I had over 2,000 comments about the smart elevators with most people saying how much they appreciate them,” Heald posted, along with a video explaining how to use the intelligent lifts.

“There were some that didn’t understand them and some that didn’t like them,” he also acknowledged.

In order to use the elevators, guests must proceed to a touch screen in which they are able to input their travel party size and desired destination.

They are then assigned to an elevator bay that corresponds with a letter (A, B, C, D, E, etc.), and that elevator will take them to their desired deck. No buttons need to be pushed once guests are inside the elevator.

In addition to party size, guests are also able to indicate if they need additional space to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility scooters – which the computer takes into account when assigning passengers to elevators.

Two Sides to the Debate

Among those who don’t understand or don’t like the smart elevators, the top complaints are that the elevators don’t function correctly or that other guests have trouble using them.

User error can then lead to confusion, congestion, long wait times, and flared tempers.

“Both my wife and I are in wheelchairs. When we get to the elevator and press the wheelchair and the floor we want to go to half the time is telling us that no elevator is available. I don’t see where the elevators are all that smart,” one guest wrote on the Cruise Hive Boards.

“They need to be programmed to ask how many in your party. Too many don’t understand that you need to press for each person. Then the elevator you are assigned is already too full for their group,” someone else chimed in.

People who were more in the “middle-ground” of the debate suggested that better signage or a crash course on how to use the elevators during the mandatory muster drills might also convert the naysayers into fans.

Elevators on Carnival Cruise Ship
Elevators on Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

Others felt that the high-tech system doesn’t actually solve capacity issues on elevators (often because people enter their party number incorrectly), or because people still rush onto an open elevator without being assigned one.

“I understand how the “smart” elevator works, yet I am still frustrated by them. Often the wait is long, when the elevator arrives it is often full, and then it stops at every floor where someone is waiting for an elevator and has pushed a button for it,” one cruiser lamented.

“The problem is people see oh car X is going to 10 so I don’t need to push and just jump on instead of punching in the amount of people,” someone else shared.

But on the other side of the coin, many found that the smart elevators were very efficient and an improvement for their sailing when operated correctly.

If it doesn’t stop it completely, the smart system at least mitigates poor elevator etiquette, such as cruisers who cut the line or cram into a packed elevator because they don’t want to wait.

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Some also pointed out that it prevents unruly youths from going into elevators and selecting every floor, which causes annoying delays, because they think it’s funny.

And if cruisers are vehemently opposed to smart elevators, they can always take the stairs or choose to sail on one of the dozens of Carnival ships that still have traditional elevator systems.

Carnival Cruise Line Tests New Breakfast Option on One Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Tests New Breakfast Option on One Ship

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a new Bagels @ Sea menu for breakfast aboard Carnival Panorama.
  • The menu includes different bagels and spreads as well as elaborate breakfast sandwiches.
  • The new option is not yet available aboard other Carnival ships but may be expanded in the future.

Breakfast can be a big deal on a cruise ship, whether you’re a casual buffet-goer (that would be me!), prefer a cup of coffee on your balcony, or enjoy a full sit-down breakfast in the Main Dining Room.

For bagel-lovers (also me), Carnival Cruise Line is making breakfast an even bigger deal with a new Bagels @ Sea menu of breakfast sandwiches. The new menu is being tested aboard Carnival Panorama, but may be rolled out fleetwide in the future if the test is successful.

Bagels @ Sea is found during breakfast hours at the ship’s Pizzeria del Capitano, portside aft on Deck 10 (Lido Deck). This is aft of the Lido Marketplace, making it a convenient option for another breakfast treat.

A variety of choices are on the menu, from customizable bagels and spreads to elaborately crafted, hearty bagel sandwiches sure to provide plenty of energy for a fun-filled day at sea or extensive port exploration.

For a simple bagel, guests can opt for plain, whole wheat, seed, asiago, or blueberry and have it topped with plain cream cheese, scallion and bacon spread, nova (lox) spread, or “wedding cake” spread that has a sweet vanilla flavor.

Okay, that’s plenty of choices for me and I’m set for breakfasts all week just with that, but there’s more!

For the full breakfast bagel sandwiches, guests can choose from:

  • Breakfast Club – Western omelet, sausage patty, bacon strips, melted cheddar cheese, chive cream cheese, and “sunrise sauce”
  • Carnival Lox – Smoked salmon, capers, fennel, onion, fork-mashed avocado, mixed greens, and cream cheese spread
  • Powerhouse Protein – Pesto chicken, egg whites, fresh spinach, mashed avocado, sliced tomato, and pepper jack cheese
  • Rainbow – Cream cheese, chopped strawberries, funfetti sprinkles, and maple caramel on a rainbow bagel (great for kids and kids at heart!)

For the moment, these delicious options are only available onboard Carnival Panorama. The 133,800-gross-ton Vista-class ship is homeported year-round from Long Beach, California, offering primarily 6- and 8-night Mexican Riviera cruises.

There is no charge for Bagels @ Sea, just as other popular dining options, such as Guy’s Burger Joint and the Big Chicken quick-service venues are included for no extra fee.

Eager guests who have noticed the menu being shared on social media have reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, wondering if Bagels @ Sea may be expanded to additional ships.

“It is being tested on one of the ships and I’ll let you know if and when we put them across other ships as well,” Heald explained. “Certainly from the [posts] I have seen they have been extremely popular.”

Carnival's Bagels @ Sea Menu
Carnival’s Bagels @ Sea Menu (Photo Credit: Jinjue Serre)

Even without Bagels @ Sea on other ships, bagel-loving guests aren’t without their favorite breakfast breads no matter which Carnival ship they are sailing.

Read Also: Free Carnival Cruise Dining Options You’ll Want to Know (With Menus!)

A variety of bagels are typically available each morning at the Lido Marketplace buffet, and they can be toasted or enjoyed plain. Cream cheese and other spreads are also available, though not with the same variety as the new menu.

Will Bagels Be Coming Soon to Other Carnival Ships?

While Heald is noncommittal about when or if the new breakfast option will be offered on other Carnival cruise ships, it is possible the menu will remain exclusive to Carnival Panorama.

This would not be unprecedented. Aboard Carnival Sunrise, for example, there is a Guy’s Burger Joint breakfast menu that includes burgers topped with fried eggs, hashbrown patties, maple gravy, and other morning treats.

That breakfast option was introduced in 2019 and was believed to be a test before all Guy’s Burger Joints across the ship would begin serving breakfast.

That was not to be, however, and it has remained exclusive to Carnival Sunrise. Even as recently as January 2025 Heald noted that the breakfast remained on just one ship.

Of course, one must never say never. Carnival Cruise Line is constantly evaluating different options onboard its ships, noting where popularity may change and what choices guests prefer.

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Feedback through post-cruise surveys and contacting Heald can also be effective ways for the cruise line to gauge guest interest and determine whether or not options should be expanded or contracted.

Time will tell if this new breakfast option will be made available onboard other ships, if it will remain exclusive to Carnival Panorama, or if it could quietly disappear altogether.

Email Glitch Sends Virgin Voyages Guests Into a Panic

Catie Kovelman
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Email Glitch Sends Virgin Voyages Guests Into a Panic

Key Aspects:

  • Due to an email glitch, Virgin Voyages accidentally notified guests of Brilliant Lady’s November 8 sailing that their departure port had changed.
  • The email incorrectly stated that the cruise would depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico, instead of Miami, Florida.
  • A correction has since been issued, which confirms there is no change to the 12-night itinerary at this time.

Picture this: Your cruise vacation is booked and paid for, the airfare is set, and you are less than a week away from embarkation day.

All of a sudden, you get an email telling you that your departure port has changed, throwing a wrench into your carefully organized plans.

But this is exactly what happened to the up to 2,770 guests booked on Brilliant Lady’s upcoming 12-night Caribbean sailing, which will embark from Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Instead of Miami, guests were incorrectly told that they would now be departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico – which left many panicking about finding new flights and hotels.

But thankfully, this was only a false alarm caused by a glitch in the email system.

“We wanted to let you know that the departure port for your upcoming voyage has been moved to a different location,” Virgin Voyages accidentally wrote in an email to guests.

“Please update your travel plans accordingly to ensure a smooth embarkation experience,” the mistaken message continued.

Adding to the confusion, guests were getting different answers about the email’s legitimacy when contacting Sailor Services, which then spread like wildfire on social media.

“I just got off the phone with them. It’s accurate,” one person said on a Reddit thread about the matter.

“The CS rep initially told me the email was valid and they were waiting on more information. But then came back and said that the email wasn’t valid and our itinerary is still set to leave from Miami,” another said.

“She said that early in the conversation they said it was an official email but while she was on the phone with the agent, confirmation came that it was a mistake,” a third cruiser shared.

The responses suggest that there may have been some confusion on the customer service team’s side of things as well.

Virgin Voyages Issues Quick Correction

Surely to the relief of booked passengers, Virgin Voyages sent out a new email correcting the error within hours of sending the original message.

“If your inbox got hit with something that looked a little…off? That was us. A good ol’ fashioned human moment,” the second email began.

“We apologize for the confusion, and appreciate your patience while we get things shipshape prior to your voyage!” the cruise line added.

To be clear, the departure port is still Miami – which will be Brilliant Lady’s homeport through March of 2026 – and there is no impact to any scheduled port calls at this time.

The itinerary calls for stops at Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Brilliant Lady in Miami
Brilliant Lady in Miami (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)

The only port call I could potentially see getting rescheduled is the visit to Jamaica, as the port is still early in its recovery after being devastated by Hurricane Melissa in late October.

The newly launched ship did skip what would have been her inaugural call on Ocho Rios on November 3, 2025, and it has not yet been confirmed if she will pivot away from the port on her upcoming sailing as well.

While email glitches like these can be unsettling, they do happen from time to time.

Virgin Voyages is running a major operation, and sometimes a wrong button gets pushed, something gets miscommunicated, and/or technology briefly develops a mind of its own.

The adults-only cruise line has experienced similar glitches in the past.

For example, just about two months ago cruise guests who weren’t booked on Brilliant Lady’s upcoming New Year’s Ahoy voyage in December were notified that the itinerary had changed.

“I’m not on this cruise. Don’t know why I received this email,” a recipient shared on social media, along with a photo of the letter, at the time.

These glitches are not exclusive to Virgin Voyages either.

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Not long ago, Celebrity Cruises accidentally emailed thousands of passengers about itinerary changes for Celebrity Beyond that weren’t real – which was another false alarm that led to panic and confusion.

But what ultimately matters is that all’s well that ends well. Brilliant Lady’s next round of guests can take a deep breath and enjoy their sailing as planned.

Carnival Cruise Line Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Bedbug Infestation

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Bedbug Infestation

Key Aspects:

  • Two cruise guests have filed suit against Carnival Cruise Line over an alleged infestation of bed bugs.
  • The pair reportedly suffered severe bites during a Carnival Horizon sailing in February 2025.
  • Bed bug infestations are not related to cleanliness and can be difficult to eradicate.

Itchy bug bites can really put a damper on a cruise vacation, but what if those bugs are coming from the cruise itself?

Two Carnival Cruise Line guests have filed a suit against the cruise line, alleging a bedbug infestation onboard Carnival Horizon caused problems and the cruise line was negligent in their response.

The suit comes from plaintiffs Catherine Shockley and William Maycock and was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The pair were onboard Carnival Horizon‘s February 15, 2025 sailing, an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary from Miami.

Shockley and Maycock claim that just two days into their getaway, they noticed severe itching and what appeared to be insect bites on their arms and legs. After another night, more bites had appeared and seemed to spread to their shoulders, hands, and faces.

Fearing bedbugs, Shockley inspected the bedding in the stateroom and reportedly discovered live bedbugs as well as fecal stains and eggs. This led the pair to believe the infestation was ongoing but improperly treated.

The two guests did alert crew members about the problem, but claim nothing was done and they were not offered to relocate to a different stateroom.

Carnival Cruise Line has an ongoing detection protocol for finding bedbugs that includes inspections of mattresses and bedding as well as carpeting and draperies in staterooms.

“If signs of infestation are present, the room is chemically treated along with all other cabins within that section. Frequent re-inspection continues for the next several months,” the protocol states.

When Carnival ships enter dry dock, they also undergo “extensive pest control treatment” during that time. Carnival Horizon‘s next scheduled dry dock refurbishment is in spring 2026.

Shockley and Maycock have alleged that they witnessed crew members fumigating nearby staterooms, which could indicate an ongoing problem that Carnival Cruise Line was aware of at the time of their sailing.

The guests did seek medical treatment for relief, but it is unclear whether or not they sought that treatment while still onboard Carnival Horizon or after debarkation.

“Plaintiffs suffered numerous intensely itchy bites resulting in large, painful welts that required medical treatment and medication, multiple dark splotches, loss of sleep, mental distress, loss of personal property and economic loss,” the lawsuit states.

It may take several months before this case is resolved. Shockley and Maycock are seeking damages related to medical costs, scarring, lost property, emotional distress, and other “ongoing” harm related to the incident.

Are Bedbugs Really That Bad?

Bed bugs are occasionally reported on all different cruise ships, with varying degrees of infestation and confirmation. Most recently, such a report was made aboard Disney Magic in July 2025.

Social media groups often note bed bug reports from guests, but many of these are either not reported to the cruise line or are not substantiated. Some anecdotal reports may actually be sand fleas, mosquitoes, or similar bites from other blood-feeding insects.

Bed Bugs
Bed Bugs (Photo Credit: ChWeiss)

I was once attacked by bed bugs at a boutique hotel at a particular Caribbean destination (not on a cruise), and while it was excruciatingly itchy – I’ll spare you the photo of my polka-dotted legs! – there was no scarring and no long-term impact. Of course, different people react differently to insect bites.

Bed bugs are tiny parasites, usually about a quarter-inch in size. They thrive in dark, hidden spots such as mattress seams or the cracks where carpeting and walls meet, and they can easily be carried in luggage. Because they can survive six months or longer without feeding, it can be difficult to eliminate bed bugs.

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According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bugs do not spread diseases to people, though the itching can be uncomfortable and some allergic reactions can be more severe. The presence of bed bugs is not related to overall cleanliness.

In more than 40 sailings, I’ve never once encountered bed bugs on any cruise. That doesn’t mean such infestations would be impossible, but they may not be as widespread at sea as social media might indicate.

Newest Disney Ship Arrives in Florida But Isn’t Home Quite Yet

Melissa Mayntz
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Newest Disney Ship Arrives in Florida But Isn’t Home Quite Yet

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Destiny arrived in Florida on Sunday, November 2, 2025 following her first transatlantic crossing.
  • The ship performed a wide selection of horn songs as she pulled into Port Canaveral just after sunset.
  • Disney Destiny will be christened on November 10 and will welcome her first guests in Fort Lauderdale on November 20.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, has arrived in Florida. The 144,000-gross ton, Wish-class ship sailed smoothly into Port Canaveral early Sunday evening, November 2, 2025, just after sunset.

Disney Destiny has spent the past two weeks on her first transatlantic crossing. She departed the Netherlands in mid-October following her delivery to Disney Cruise Line. While there have been no guests onboard yet, anticipation has been building as the new ship neared the Sunshine State.

Her arrival at Port Canaveral was marked with a celebratory musical selection from her horn, including her exclusive arrangement of “Go the Distance” inspired by the Broadway-style “Disney Hercules” that will be performed onboard.

Other tunes played by the new heroes-and-villains ship include:

  • Yo-Ho Yo-Ho (great for the cruise line’s signature Pirate Night!)
  • Cruella de Vil
  • Hakuna Matata
  • When You Wish Upon a Star (wouldn’t be Disney without these iconic notes)
  • Do You Want to Build a Snowman
  • Be Our Guest
  • A Dream Is a Wish
  • It’s a Small World

These are just a few of the tunes to ship can offer, along with the required emergency signals and fog alerts. In total, the more than 7-minute performance as the ship sailed past Jetty Park and to Cruise Terminal 8 gave cheering bystanders a great show of the ship’s magical voice on Sunday evening.

Eager guests should note, however, that Disney Destiny is not homeported from Port Canaveral. Instead, she will be welcoming guests from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale later this month.

Nevertheless, Port Canaveral officials did welcome the ship with a plaque exchange, a time-honored maritime tradition that commemorates whenever a new ship first visits a port. Port Canaveral is currently home to two of Disney Destiny’s classmate sister ships: Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.

In the meantime, the new ship is visiting Port Canaveral for a few days where supplies will be loaded and crew members will continue to join the ship in preparation for her maiden voyage on November 20.

Before that momentous sailing, the new ship will be officially christened on the evening of Monday, November 10. The event will be livestreamed, allowing Disney Cruise Line fans around the world to be part of the occasion that will officially welcome the seventh ship to the Disney fleet.

Following the christening, Disney Destiny will sail a short series of preview cruises for media, influencers, travel agents, and VIPs before welcoming her first revenue guests aboard.

Disney Destiny‘s Maiden Season

The November 20, 2025 maiden voyage of Disney Destiny is a 4-night itinerary that will visit both of the cruise line’s private islands in the Bahamas: Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay.

The ship will be offering primarily 4- and 5-night cruises year-round from Fort Lauderdale. In addition to one or both of the private islands, select sailings will also visit either Nassau or Cozumel.

In June 2026, Disney Destiny is also offering a pair of 7-night cruises. The ship’s June 20 departure is a Western Caribbean sailing to visit Lookout Cay, Castaway Cay, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. The following week, the June 27 departure will visit Lookout Cay, San Juan, and St. Maarten.

Disney Destiny Arrives in Port Canaveral
Disney Destiny Arrives in Port Canaveral

Read Also: I’ve Been to Disney’s Castaway Cay Three Times – Is It Any Good?

Starting in September 2026, the new ship will also offer some 3-night Bahamas cruises to the private islands.

Another pair of week-long cruises is scheduled for October 2026. At that time, Disney Destiny will also visit Falmouth, Jamaica on the Western Caribbean route and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic during the Eastern Caribbean sailing.

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A third pair of 7-night sailings is planned for December 2026 with the Very Merrytime theme so popular with both cruise guests and Disney fans. Of particular interest is the ship’s December 5, 2026 departure that will feature two calls to Castaway Cay, a full day at Lookout Cay, and a visit to Nassau.

With so many diverse itineraries available, Disney Destiny has a heroic cruise vacation option for every guest, no matter when they want to set sail.

MSC Cruises Connects to Shore Power in New York for the First Time

Lissa Poirot
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MSC Cruises Connects to Shore Power in New York for the First Time

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Meraviglia’s shore power connection at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal marks the first time an MSC Cruises ship has used local electrical power in New York City.
  • The connection allowed the vessel to shut down its engines while docked, eliminating local emissions.
  • The milestone follows a successful test on October 26, 2025, and comes on the heels of successful connections with Cunard and Princess Cruises.

For the first time, MSC Cruises has connected one of its ships to shore power in New York City. On November 2, 2025, MSC Meraviglia successfully linked to the local grid at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, allowing the ship to shut down its engines while docked and operate entirely on electricity supplied from shore.

The connection followed an official commissioning and test conducted on October 26, 2025, which verified that the system could reliably power the vessel while in port.

The ship’s successful plug-in supplied electricity for all onboard systems serving guests and crew during the call.

Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, said, “We are proud to see the advancement of shore power at US ports, including New York.”

She went on to praise the collaboration with local communities, elected officials, and port partners in making the progress possible.

For the winter 2025-26 season, MSC Meraviglia will be homeported in New York, offering 7-night cruises to Port Canaveral, Florida, and Nassau and the company’s private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, in the Bahamas.

MSC Meraviglia’s connection to shore power at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal will continue during her season, and joins a series of recent plug-ins by other lines, including Cunard and Princess Cruises.

The milestone aligns with New York City’s broader commitment to reducing emissions along its waterfront. 

Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), noted that the city’s investments in shore power infrastructure at both Brooklyn and Manhattan cruise terminals are helping to ensure that the cruise industry remains sustainable and competitive.

“NYCEDC is making crucial investments – from shore power upgrades at BCT and the recently approved Brooklyn Marine Terminal project to the forthcoming Manhattan Cruise Terminal master plan,” he said.

Sustainability Efforts

MSC Cruises’ commitment to shore power extends across multiple regions and brands. In Malta, for example, MSC World Europa logged more than 300 hours of shore power usage in Valletta over the past 12 months, while Explora Journeys successfully tested shore power connectivity for the first time in Europe with its second ship, Explora II, at the same port the following day, October 17, 2025.

In Italy, MSC Seaview recently tested shore power at La Spezia, and MSC Poesia conducted trails at Le Havre, France.

Read Also: Brooklyn Cruise Terminal: Amenities, Pier, and What’s Nearby

MSC Meraviglia Plugging Into Shore Power
MSC Meraviglia Plugging Into Shore Power

In the US, MSC Cruises made its first successful shore power connection earlier this year when MSC World America plugged into the new terminal at PortMiami. The MSC Cruises facility opened in April 2025, designed from the ground up with sustainability in place.

“We are committed to connect whenever the shoreside technology is available as part of our ongoing efforts to improve local air quality and reduce carbon emissions,” Torrent said.

Last year alone, MSC Cruises connected to shore power in 13 different ports and achieved 142 successful connections – more than triple its total from the previous year.

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MSC Cruises has equipped all new ships built since 2017 with shore power capability and continues to retrofit older vessels.

Currently, 16 of 23 ships can connect to local grids, a figure expected to rise to 17 by the end of 2025 after MSC Magnifica completes its current retrofit at Malta’s Palumbo Malta Shipyard in December.

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