Carnival Horizon will be delivering supplies to Ocho Rios during what was to have been a port visit on Tuesday.
Guests onboard can also donate to Jamaica’s relief and Carnival Cruise Line will match those donations.
Multiple cruise lines have donated to the island and full tourist operations may resume by December 15.
Just one week after the island was devastated by Hurricane Melissa, Carnival Cruise Line is poised to return to Jamaica, but not for a guest visit.
Carnival Horizon will drop off much-needed supplies in Ocho Rios on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 and guests onboard have a unique opportunity to offer even more assistance to the popular port of call.
Carnival Horizon set sail from Miami on a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary on Sunday, November 2. The ship’s first scheduled port of call is Jamaica, but guests will be unable to debark due to the devastation the island suffered when Hurricane Melissa tore through on Tuesday, October 28.
“We’ve been in close contact with Jamaican officials about our planned visit to Ocho Rios on Tuesday,”the captain explained to guests.“As hard as everyone will have tried, local infrastructure and our shore excursion partners are not ready for us.”
This means the full port visit is cancelled. Any pre-paid tours booked through Carnival Cruise Line will be fully refunded to guests, along with taxes and fees associated with the port.
Instead, Carnival Horizon will be dropping off several pallets of relief supplies, including bottled water, to help support Jamaicans as they rebuild.
“The local infrastructure isn’t quite ready for visitors but the ship will make a short visit to offload the goods,”confirmed John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador.
It isn’t yet known whether the pier in Ocho Rios is suitable for docking or whether the supplies will need to be unloaded by smaller tender boats. Regardless of the situation, the supplies will be delivered.
Carnival Cruise Line has already pledged to donate more than $1 million to Jamaica in partnership with the Miami Heat and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation.
Guests aboard Carnival Horizon also have a unique opportunity to donate even more for Jamaica’s recovery, despite the change in their itinerary.
“You may donate in two ways: by visiting Guest Services or by contributing a few extra dollars when you make your donation during the Groove for St. Jude Event,”the captain explained.“Carnival will match donations made during this cruise.”
The charity fundraiser is held during the last sea day of the sailing, which will be on Friday, November 7 as Carnival Horizon makes her way back to Miami.
This timing gives guests the firsthand opportunity to see how different Jamaica now looks following the storm’s devastation. While guests cannot debark in Jamaica, the debris and damage will be immediately apparent as the ship approaches Ocho Rios.
Carnival Horizon Supplies for Jamaica
The donation match is an outstanding way for guests to ensure their donations can make a significant impact for Jamaica’s disaster relief.
At the moment, the extra donation is only available on Carnival Horizon. It is possible the cruise line may extend this opportunity to other sailings across the fleet, or at least on every ship delivering supplies.
Cruise Lines Pitching in for Jamaica’s Recovery
Carnival Cruise Line and Carnival Corporation & plc are not alone in supporting Jamaica as the country rebuild’s from the storm’s impact.
Royal Caribbean donated more than $1 million along with food, water, and medical relief supplies through Global Empowerment Mission, while Disney Cruise Line has likewise pledged a $1 million donation.
Norwegian Cruise Line, which actually visits the island nation much less than other cruise lines, has also pledged up to $100,000 through the Red Cross, including a match to guests’ donations.
At this time Jamaica remains closed to cruise visits, but repairs and recovery are already underway. The nation’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has set the goal that full tourism operations will resume by December 15, 2025.
This is an ambitious goal, but with the strong support of cruise lines and compassionate guests, it may be just a few weeks before travelers can once again enjoy the warm hospitality of Jamaica.
Game play for cruising ducks has changed with the use of an app and social media groups giving clues to guests.
This evolution can make the game less enjoyable for some travelers, especially those without internet access.
Cruise lines react to ducks differently, but the game is still led by guests and not officially from any cruise line.
The cruising ducks phenomenon continues to fly high onboard all types of ships, but new ways to play are ruffling feathers with some guests, and for good reason.
Cruising ducks are a guest-led scavenger hunt, a seek-and-find fun time onboard. Small ducks are hidden randomly around a cruise ship, and whoever finds the little quackers gets the thrill of success and can keep the duck as a fun souvenir or choose to rehide it for someone else to find.
New methods of play are turning the game into more of a geocaching adventure, however, and only for those equipped for the challenge. Not everyone may know the new “rules,” and it can be startling to discover just how much the simple game has evolved.
“We’ve been hiding ducks for two years and love it, love seeing the faces when the kids (and adults, lol) find them,” said Linda, a recent guest on Star of the Seas.“We wondered why the last few cruises we’re having a hard time finding them and learned about the app day one of this cruise.”
The app Linda is referring to is called “Sea Ducks” and it connects cruising ducks users with leaderboards, push notifications, special challenges, and more.
Players can enter the deck numbers where they’ve hidden ducks, add messages or clues for each duck, arrange onboard exchanges, and note when they’ve found ducks themselves. There are even diagrams to clarify if a duck is hidden forward or aft, port or starboard, and what type of duck it may be.
For guests like Linda, however, the app is taking the spontaneity out of the duck hunt and making it less worthwhile.
“I guess I’m missing something,”she said.“It’s supposed to be ‘hunt’ for ducks, not watch an app where it’s put and go pick it up.”
Onboard Star of the Seas (which she does say was a great cruise!) Linda and her husband continued to hand out ducks, but she admits they may not hide ducks again. Typically, she brings 10 ducks to hide each day on a cruise, but for this 7-night sailing, more than 40 came home with her without ever being hidden.
Others may enjoy using the app for their duck hunting, but it’s not for everyone.
“Our duck days are done,”she told Cruise Hive.“I’m sure everyone else will love it, we just don’t now.I’ll take what’s left on our next cruises and give them out to kiddos directly like we did this time. But once they’re gone, we probably won’t even get anymore.”
It isn’t just one app that is changing the flight path of cruising ducks, however. It’s become increasingly common to be part of social media groups, pages, or roll calls for specific cruise sailings.
Collection of Cruise Ducks (Photo Credit: Linda)
Within those groups, guests often post where or when they may be hiding ducks, and those clues can mean ducks are quickly found.
Posting photos of hidden ducks is another approach, and eager duck hunters use the clues in the photo to find the wayward waterfowl.
Of course, if guests prefer to digitally unplug for their cruise vacation or choose not to purchase internet packages, they may not be using an app or visiting social media pages while at sea. This could leave them very much out of the loop for the modern cruising ducks mayhem.
Cruise Lines Adapting as Well
Guests aren’t the only ones adapting to how cruising ducks are flying these days. While most cruise lines let the activity proceed naturally, there have been some industry responses.
Royal Caribbean, for example, has installed signage prohibiting ducks in the Central Park areas of its Icon and Oasis class ships. Too many eager duck hunters have damaged the onboard plants, and ducks are no longer permitted in those neighborhoods.
Carnival Cruise Line, on the other hand, has leaned into the duck phenomenon with an onboard “Ducky” character for impromptu photo ops. Ducky has different costumes on different ships and is always happy to pose with guests, though he doesn’t really play hide-and-seek.
Disney Cruise Line, on the other hand, has requested that guests not hide ducks onboard at all. While it’s not an official restriction, the game is frowned upon aboard Disney ships.
Do you hide or hunt cruising ducks, or neither? Has your gameplay changed? Share your ducky experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!
Planninga cruise can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing a cabin. If you’re having a difficult time deciding, it can help to know what to avoid.
The worst cruise ship cabins are those that have obstructed views or too much noise, and those located near high-traffic areas or at the bow or stern. These are the ones you want to steer clear of.
I’ve cruised in dozens of different cabin types, some of which barely felt like a vacation. To help you avoid a headache and get the most out of your cruise, I’ll give you the ultimate guide for which cruise ship cabins to avoid and why.
Several things can obstruct your view from your cabin. For example, a lifeboat can block your window and make your space darker and/or give you a disappointing view. Sometimes, even the most spacious and luxurious cabins have something that interferes with the view.
Many cruisers, including myself, have been tempted by reduced prices for obstructed-view cabins. And in all honesty, there are times when obstructed views are worth it.
When I’m cruising the Caribbean on a Carnival or Royal Caribbean ship, I have no problem booking a budget-friendly obstructed view. For me, these cruises are always more about the onboard entertainment.
However, if I’d prioritized a bargain over a balcony view for my Alaska cruise, I would’ve been disappointed. The upgrade in cost was well worth it.
If your budget is tight and your goal is simply to get away for a few days, a low-priced, obstructed-view cabin can be sufficient. The same is true if you aren’t particularly interested in seeing the ocean and would rather enjoy the ship’s amenities or participate in excursions.
But if you’re hoping to enjoy peaceful sunsets from your room or you love the idea of people-watching in port from your balcony cabin, you’ll want to avoid obstructed-view cabins.
Always check deck plans when booking and be wary of cabin descriptions that mention “partial-view” or “obstructed-view.”
2. Cabins Above and Below Noisy Venues
Most passengers will also want to avoid a cabin near a noisy venue. These are located directly under or above the ship’s nightclubs, casino, theaters, buffets, bars, and lounges.
While the amount of noise that comes from these locations varies from cruise to cruise, in general, you’re taking a risk staying close to these areas.
This may not be as much of a concern if you’re cruising with a premium line known for its more mature (and quieter) cruisers, including Cunard or Princess Cruises. The noisier lines, like family-friendly Disney or party ships like Carnival, are best to avoid if noise is a concern.
Cabins Overlooking the Boardwalk Neighborhood (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
In addition to the nightlife venues on the ship, you’ll also want to avoid cabins underneath the gym. They tend to be busiest early in the morning, and no one likes to be awakened by the sound of banging weights at 6 A.M. Additionally, avoid cabins near areas that are popular with kids, such as play areas or pools.
Another example is the balcony cabins that overlook the Boardwalk neighbourhood on Oasis-class cruise ships. It’s the same case on the Icon class.
These cabins can work for people who are heavy sleepers or who intend to enjoy the nightlife on board the ship themselves. However, if your goal is to get a good night of sleep or to avoid noisier areas in general, you’ll want to opt out of this type of cabin.
Did you find a rate that’s too good to resist for a cabin near a noisy area?
3. Cabins Near Elevators, Stairwells & High-Traffic Areas
Although you might know to steer clear of cabins near loud bars and nightclubs to avoid overnight noise, you might not think of other high-traffic areas, including stairwells, elevator banks, and busy hallways.
Elevators on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
In addition to overhearing conversations and footsteps, you’ll also be hearing elevator sounds and slamming doors day and night.
When should you consider cabins near these high-traffic areas?
When the convenience of getting to the stairs or elevator outweighs your desire for peace and quiet.
4. Interior Cabins
Interior cabins often tempt cruisers, especially first-time travelers, because they’re available for a better price. If you’re looking for value, they aren’t a terrible option. However, they’re not your best option, and they tend to be disappointing unless you intend to use your cabin only for sleeping.
Interior cabins have no windows, which means no natural light, and they tend to be very small. Some ships’ interior cabins are unbelievably small, such asRoyal Caribbean’s Interior State Rooms with cabins less than 200 square feet.
Interior Cabin Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas (Photo Credit: Benson Truong)
It won’t surprise you to know that many cruisers, including me, describe small interior cabins as claustrophobic and disorienting. You can feel the movement of the ship but can’t see the motion of the waves, which can contribute to seasickness.
Most Royal Caribbean ships have a decent number of interior cabins, some more troublesome than others. For example, the Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas features just over 500 interior rooms. These staterooms are typically easier to book, especially for last-minute getaways.
If you do get lured into an interior cabin, make sure you pack light. You won’t have much storage space.
5. Aft (Rear) Cabins
The plus side of a rear cabin is you’ll get one of the best views on the ship from your balcony, but unfortunately, it comes at a price. These cabins tend to have multiple drawbacks, including increased motion, noise from the ship’s engine, and a lot of vibration. Some even smell of exhaust.
If you aren’t sensitive to unpleasant smells or motion, or you intend to spend very little time in your room, aft cabins can work. But for the vast majority of travelers, this is a cabin to avoid.
Also, keep in mind that these cabins can be marketed as luxury options and still be problematic. For example, high-end or premiumaft cabins on certain ships can have heavy vibration and motion, but you’ll likely only hear about the great views from these rooms in promotional materials.
I’ve ended up in a few rear cabins that seemed nice at first, but throughout the trip, tested my patience. Even if you aren’t sensitive to motion or smells, several days in this type of cabin can get to you.
6. Forward (Bow) Cabins
Forward or bow cabins are what I consider a hit-or-miss option. If you’re blessed with a calm sea during your cruise, these cabins can be a great option.
Of course, conditions are unpredictable, and if you happen to hit stormy or rough seas, you’ll experience a greater pitching motion in these cabins. All of the noise associated with pulling into a port and lowering the anchors can also be annoyances you’ll deal with in bow cabins.
Carnival Cruise Line Scooter Policy (Photo Credit: Camera walk)
If you are cruising an area that’s rarely rough or you have just a short voyage, forward cabins can work well. That said, I’d recommend avoiding these cabins unless you’re an experienced cruiser who knows how to evaluate the various issues that affect bow cabins.
The good news is there usually aren’t a lot of extreme bow cabins on a ship. For example, on the Grand Princess, you’d most want to avoid Deck 9 (Dolphin), the D106-D114 cabins.
7. High-Deck Cabins
It might surprise you to see high-deck cabins on this list, but let me explain.
These cabins are on the higher levels of the cruise ship and do offer benefits, like better views and access to upper-level entertainment, but those benefits are quickly erased if you get motion sickness.
And because high-deck cabins tend to come with greater sway, more wind, and exposure to weather conditions, motion sickness is a much higher risk.
Experienced cruisers who know for sure they won’t get motion sickness might still want to give these cabins a go if you find a great rate. There’s still risk, but you know your tendency toward motion sickness, and you can judge whether or not it’ll work for you.
First-time cruisers could be asking for trouble when booking a high-deck cabin. If you’re new to cruising and you aren’t sure whether you’re prone to motion sickness, you’re better off choosing something that exposes you to less motion.
And if you know motion sickness is an issue? Always avoid these cabins.
8. Cabins with Poor Privacy
Privacy might not seem like an important consideration when booking your cabin, but once you’re on board, a lack of privacy can ruin the trip for a lot of cruisers.
Look out for balconies that are overlooked by other decks or promenade levels. Some also have transparent partitions or doors that face public areas.
Wonder of the Seas Boardwalk Cabin (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
The price might make these less-private options more appealing. However, before you act on that great deal, make sure you’re comfortable with sacrificing some privacy while traveling.
In my experience, I’ve been happy with so-called poor privacy cabins on a few ships. It often depends on your fellow cruisers. You’d be more likely to have a good experience with the higher-end luxury lines, such as Viking or Silversea, than you would with the more family-friendly lines.
9. Adjoining Cabins
If you’re traveling with friends or teens who you want to be close to while still having separate spaces, adjoining cabins can be a great option. However, these are rarely a good idea when traveling alone or as a couple.
Adjoining cabins are common on all cruise ships and are typically marketed as ideal for family or friends traveling together. They’re also available across a variety of different types of rooms, including balcony and interior cabins, and can be located on various decks.
MSC Adjoining Cabins (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
For instance, the official Carnival Vista deck plan lists 26 connecting cabins on Deck 1 (Riviera Deck) and 4 connecting cabins in the Family Harbor area on Deck 2 (Main Deck).
These cabins tend to lack privacy and are noisier because of the thin connecting doors. Consider these cabins more of a family option, and stay away if you don’t know your neighbors.
10. Guarantee Cabins
Last up on the list are Guarantee Cabins. These are a budget-friendly option that means you don’t choose your cabin when booking, and you leave your accommodation to the cruise line’s discretion. You’ll be assigned a cabin based on availability, which means you could end up in one of the worst locations.
Disney Magic Cabin (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
The trade-off?
You get a great deal on a cabin, but you’re taking a huge gamble.
Experienced cruisers who want to save money may consider this option, understanding that it comes with some sacrifices. And if you can’t afford to book the cruise of your dreams without some trade-offs, Guarantee Cabins can get you a great rate.
But if you’re looking for comfort and privacy, even if it means paying up? Guarantee Cabins are best avoided.
So, What’s the Best Cabin to Book?
Now that you know the cabins to avoid, what’s left? What type of cabin should you book?
If years of cruising have taught me anything, it’s that you need to know your cruising style. Travelers have different priorities, and what’s ideal for one person or couple might not work for everyone.
For instance, if you’re going on a cruise with a large family or group of friends, you might prefer some of the usually less desirable cabins. Adjoining rooms might be fantastic if you need space and closeness.
Or for a large family or friends trip, you might want to book a block of rooms close to one another. Some travelers can pay less, and their reduced privacy or noise risk is less of a factor because they’re near their travel party.
All of that said, in general, there is one type of room that tends to appeal to the majority of cruisers.
Midship cabins
Midship cabins are on a lower to mid-level deck, typically decks 5 to 8 on larger ships. This means you experience less motion and feel more like you’re staying in a hotel room.
In addition to avoiding the sway and pitch of the ship, you’ll also get a quieter room that’s insulated from the pool decks and engine rooms. Midship means there are plenty of rooms above and below you to block out the noise.
Virgin Voyages’ Hammocks (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
These staterooms are also convenient. They offer easy access to stairwells and elevators without being right next to them.
Midship cabins tend to give you a great balance of comfort and value. They aren’t as expensive as suites and cabins with specialty balconies, but you still get plenty of comfort by avoiding the problems associated with obstructed cabins or extreme aft or forward cabins.
And my final piece of advice:
Check the cruise ship deck plan before booking. This allows you to spot potential problem areas and avoid them.
You might also realize that one of the less-optimal cabins on a particular ship actually isn’t that bad and is available for a great rate. Big savings means more chances to cruise, and that’s always a good thing!
Celebrity Apex set sail on her first-ever cruise from Port Canaveral on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
The Edge-class ship is offering 7-night Caribbean itineraries from central Florida through April 2026.
The Celebrity Cruises ship brings Port Canaveral’s homeport fleet to 13 different vessels from six cruise lines.
It’s time to celebrate at Port Canaveral as Celebrity Apex has officially begun sailing from the Space Coast. Part of the popular Edge class with the iconic cantilevered Magic Carpet, the 130,800-gross ton vessel will be offering itineraries from Florida through April 2026, with great options for eager guests.
Celebrity Apex is not the first in the Celebrity Cruises fleet to set sail from Port Canaveral. That honor belonged to Celebrity Equinox, which began sailing from the central Florida homeport in December 2024. Celebrity Equinox has now moved on to European sailings, but Celebrity Apex is a welcome replacement.
“Celebrity Cruises’ inaugural season from Port Canaveral was hugely successful and we’re thrilled to welcome home the stunning Celebrity Apex to our Port,”said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.
Celebrity Apex is slightly larger than her predecessor and can welcome 3,405 guests aboard, compared to the 2,850 that can sail on Celebrity Equinox. This gives even more eager travelers the opportunity to enjoy a Celebrity cruise from Port Canaveral in the coming months.
“We have a great partnership with Celebrity Cruises and very proud of their success here that continues to contribute economic value to our Port community and beyond,”added Murray.
The ship arrived at Port Canaveral in the early hours of Saturday, November 1, following a 13-night transatlantic cruise from Southampton.
Her arrival was celebrated with a plaque exchange onboard between her master, Captain Panagiotis Skylogiannis, and Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner Kevin Markey.
Not only was the ship’s arrival the beginning of her season at the new homeport, but it is also the first time Celebrity Apex has ever visited Port Canaveral.
Celebrity Apex in Port Canaveral (Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral)
The plaque exchange is a maritime tradition whenever a cruise ship first visits a new port. On many vessels, these plaques, photos, and even small sculptures are displayed onboard. This showcase of the ship’s travels can be interesting for any frequent cruisers to see.
On different ships, the plaque collection may be located near Guest Services, in an observation lounge, or in another public place where guests can enjoy the different mementos.
Now that Celebrity Apex is officially part of the Port Canaveral homeport fleet, she joins ships from five other cruise lines:
MSC Cruises – MSC Seashore
Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Prima
Royal Caribbean – Star of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas
Of course, homeport fleets shift frequently as new ships begin different seasons and other ships move on to new regions. On November 11, for example, Norwegian Joy will begin sailing from Port Canaveral, while on November 20, Carnival Venezia will return.
Sailing Celebrity Apex from Port Canaveral
Celebrity Apex is now offering 7-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from the Sunshine State. Depending on the sailing date, ports of call the ship will visit include San Juan, St. Kitts, Puerto Plata, Key West, Bimini, Grand Turk, and more.
Celebrity Apex will remain homeported from Port Canaveral until her next transatlantic cruise, a 13-night itinerary departing on April 25, 2026, and heading for Southampton.
Along the way, she will visit Bermuda, the Azores, and Lisbon. Once in Southampton, she will begin her European season for the summer.
In October 2026, Celebrity Apex will return to Port Canaveral for another winter of Caribbean getaways. While it won’t be her inaugural season from the Florida homeport, she will certainly be welcomed back with great excitement and eager anticipation for another successful season.
Coral Adventurer will not continue its 60-night cruise after a woman was left behind and died on Lizard Island.
The Lizard Island stop was the first of the cruise that had planned to circumnavigate Australia.
Guests will be flown home on chartered flights and provided refunds for the now-cancelled voyage.
Just days after an elderly woman passed away following a hike on a remote Australian island, Coral Expeditions has cancelled the remainder of what was to have been an epic 60-night sailing.
The itinerary was a 60-night cruise completely around the continent of Australia aboard Coral Adventurer, visiting 48 ports of call. The ship departed Cairns to begin the sailing on October 24, 2025, and Lizard Island was the very first stop on the expansive schedule.
It was on Lizard Island that the guest, identified by family as 80-year-old Suzanne Rees, joined an organized hike to Cook’s Look. Rees felt unwell partway through the hike and separated from the group.
Rees did not return to the ship, but her absence was not noted until five hours after the vessel had departed. Coral Adventurer did return to Lizard Island and authorities were alerted as search operations began.
Unfortunately, Rees was found deceased the next day, approximately 165 feet away from the trail. It is unknown whether she fell, experienced a medical episode, or if there were other factors that contributed to her death.
In the wake of the tragedy and other ongoing issues, however, Coral Expeditions has now decided to cancel the remainder of the sailing.
According to The Guardian, the cruise was cancelled, in part, because of a failure to provide the anticipated high-quality experiences guests would expect from the cruise line.
“It was increasingly apparent, given the circumstances of the last week, that we could not deliver on this promise,”said Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions.
Rees’ death is still under investigation, including why the cruise ship failed to account for all passengers before departing Lizard Island. Maritime regulations require vessels to be aware of whether or not guests are onboard the ship at all times.
The untimely death is not the only reason Coral Adventurer will now return to Cairns and the rest of the voyage is cancelled. Fifield confirmed there had been previous issues plaguing the ship and it is now necessary to end the sailing rather than continue with greater risk.
Lizard Island, Queensland (Photo Credit: Umomos)
“Following the tragic passing of Suzanne Rees and previous mechanical issues, the decision had been made to cancel the remainder of the voyage,”he said.“Passengers were told they would receive a full refund. Since that time, our team has worked to coordinate the return journeys of the passengers via chartered flights.”
Voyage Cancellations Rare But Not Unprecedented
While it will certainly be disappointing to guests aboard Coral Adventurer that they are unable to complete what would likely have been a once-in-a-lifetime cruise experience, these types of cancellations can happen.
Typically, when a ship may have extreme mechanical problems, it is safer and easier to cancel cruises rather than attempt to move forward with inadequate operational abilities.
Of course, when a ship’s navigation or safety systems are compromised, cancellations are imperative. This was the case after Carnival Freedomcaught fire in Grand Turk in May 2022. At that time, guests were transferred to Carnival Conquest to return to Florida because Carnival Freedom could not operate.
Other operational challenges can also cause cancellations, however. For example, in January 2023, Marella Discovery 2 cancelled a 7-night sailing because of problems with food and beverage operations.
While the ship was seaworthy and safe to operate, the food and beverage failures would have severely compromised the onboard cruise experience. Instead, guests were flown home via chartered flights and offered refunds for the cancellation.
Jamaica has set a goal to resume all tourism operations, including cruise tourism, by December 15, 2025.
In the meantime, dozens of cruise ships could be rerouted away from Jamaica while the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa is addressed.
The US Government has also increased Jamaica’s Level 2 travel advisory to a Level 3 advisory to account for the mass destruction.
Jamaica was left battered and beaten by Hurricane Melissa at the end of October, an intense category 5 storm. But amidst the destruction, officials already see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has set a firm goal to resume tourism operations – including cruising – on or before December 15, 2025.
As the Caribbean destination’s economy relies heavily on tourism, with the cruise industry generating over $197 million for Jamaica annually, it’s important to get back to business quickly.
“Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by December 15,”said Minister Bartlett.
“Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence,” he continued.
Considering the extent of what can only be described as catastrophic damage, the goal is ambitious – but not impossible.
A recovery task force, which will work with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, has been created to manage “quick assessments, product rehabilitation, and service readiness throughout resorts, attractions, airports/ports, and important corridors.”
The cruise lines are also aiding in recovery efforts, with Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Corporation, and Disney Cruise Line each making $1 million donationsto support the cause.
The Impact to Cruising
The minister’s announcement suggests that cruise tourism will not be possible for at least the next month or so, which will ultimately lead to dozens of itinerary changes.
So far, Disney Cruise Line has already cancelled Disney Treasure’s call on Falmouth, Jamaica, that was originally scheduled for November 5, 2025.
Not including the scrapped visit, the popular port had 10 more ship calls scheduled for November and 11 more for the first half of December.
The vessels come from mainstream brands like Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.
It’s a similar story in Montego Bay, where 13 calls were expected for November and an additional six visits were scheduled before December 15.
These ships sail under Carnival Cruise Line, TUI Cruises, Cunard Line, AIDA Cruises, Viking Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, among others.
Cruise Ships in Ocho Rios, Jamaica (Photo Credit: AlvinMina)
Ocho Rios should have been similarly busy, with dozens of calls planned from brands like Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and more.
Once Jamaica officially reopens, the cruise lines will also have to agree that it is safe to return.
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald, for example, has publicly said that he doesn’t know when the cruise line will return to the island nation at least twice in recent days.
“Lots of you today have asked me when we will return to Ocho Rios and Montego Bay? The answer is I have no idea,”Heald wrote in a recent Facebook post.
“However, having seen the biblical scale of the damage caused I would guess, and it is a guess, that it might not be for some time,”he added.
It’s also worth noting that the US government has upgraded Jamaica from a Level 2: “Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory to a Level 3: “Reconsider Travel” advisory on October 28, 2025.
The new advisory level is meant to warn against crime, health concerns, and now natural disaster risks.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is the next major brand to aid in Jamaica’s hurricane recovery efforts.
The cruise company will donate $50,000 immediately, and will match donations from the public to give up to $100,000.
Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Disney Cruise Line have also pledged to make massive donations of their own.
Another cruise brand has stepped up to aid Jamaica in recovery efforts after the Caribbean destination was slammed by Hurricane Melissa, a destructive category 5 storm.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has pledged a donation of up to $100,000 to the American Red Cross to help fund relief efforts.
The company will donate $50,000 immediately, and will match up to $50,000 in contributions from the general public and employees that are donated through their page on the Red Cross website.
As of the time of publication, more than $9,000 (and counting!) had been donated by the public and crew members across 31 contributions.
Rather than dedicating the funds to a specific purpose, they will be used where they are needed most by the global Red Cross network.
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by Hurricane Melissa,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
“The Caribbean region holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s important that we stand with our communities in times of need. Through our Sail & Sustain program, we’re proud to support the American Red Cross in delivering vital relief and helping families recover,” Sommer continued.
“Sail & Sustain” is the brand’s global sustainability program, which is meant to drive a positive impact on society and the environment across five defined sectors.
The “Strengthening Communities” pillar is the value that is brought to the forefront here, which is all about supporting the destinations that NCL ships visit – and the brand maintains a presence in Falmouth, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay.
The Extent of the Damage
The widespread destruction in Jamaica can really only be described as catastrophic, and it may take months or even years for the island nation to fully recover.
Hurricane Melissa was particularly dangerous as she battered Jamaica with heavy rains and sustained winds of up to 185 miles per hour.
Even though the storm passed days ago, the island is still reeling from flooding, the destruction of thousands of homes and businesses, damage to critical infrastructure, and knocked out power and communication.
View of Montego Bay, Jamaica (Photo Credit: Nathalia_Guaus_Patricio)
At least 19 Jamaicans have died because of Melissa, and around 25,000 of the 2.8 million people who live there have been forced to seek shelter in temporary housing.
Other cruise lines have also stepped up to the plate to assist their Caribbean partners.
Carnival Corporation was the first to pledge a $1 million donation through Direct Relief, with Royal Caribbean Group announcing its own $1 million donation through Global Empowerment Mission soon after.
Disney Cruise Line was the next brand to follow suit with its own $1 million donation, which will be spread across nonprofits like UNICEF, World Central Kitchen, Good360, and assisting crew members who are from Jamaica.
Other cruise lines will likely do the same until more of the damage can be addressed, so guests with Jamaica-bound itineraries should keep an eye out for possible changes as their sailings approach.
Norwegian Gem set sail from Jacksonville on October 31, 2025 on a 3-night Bahamas itinerary.
This is the first time Norwegian Cruise Line has homeported a ship from the northern Florida cruise port.
The ship is offering 3- to 12-night itineraries through April 2026 and will return seasonally through 2028.
The Sunshine State is a little sunnier now for guests looking for more cruise options, as Norwegian Gem has officially begun her first-ever sailing from JAXPORT in Jacksonville, Florida.
This is the first time ever that Norwegian Cruise Line has offered sailings from the port in northeast Florida. The October 31, 2025 departure is a 3-night Bahamas itinerary with a visit to Freeport.
Norwegian Gem joins Carnival Elation at the homeport. Both cruise lines offer unique and different itineraries for eager guests.
“Our new homeport partnership with JAXPORT underscores Norwegian’s commitment to providing guests with exceptional vacation experiences from convenient departure points,”said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Norwegian Gem will be sailing a variety of itinerary options from Jacksonville through April 2026. While 4- and 5-night Bahamas sailings are the most common, the 93,530-gross-ton, Jewel-class ship will also offer several longer and more immersive sailings.
For example, the ship’s December 1 voyage is an 11-night cruise with seven different port visits, including Tortola, Antigua, St. Kitts, and San Juan.
Longer 11- and 12-night cruises are also available in January and February 2026, with similar routes and port visits.
Most sailings, both long and short, will visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, weather-permitting.
The plan to homeport Norwegian Gem from Jacksonville was first announced in February 2024, and now it is a great event to see a new cruise line sailing from JAXPORT.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line to our port community and thank them for choosing Jacksonville as their next homeport,”said Soo Gilvarry, JAXPORT Vice Chair.
“Our location in the heart of the Southeast makes cruising from Jacksonville an easy choice for travelers, and we’re proud to partner with Norwegian to offer even more options for families looking to set sail close to home.”
“We’re excited to welcome the Norwegian Gem and the entire Norwegian Cruise Line family to Jacksonville,”added Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.
Norwegian Gem Docked in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is just a 2-hour drive from Savannah, Georgia and just over five hours from Atlanta. If guests fly into Orlando to enjoy some of Florida’s other famous attractions, they’re just two hours from JAXPORT. Overall, more than 98 million potential cruise gests live within a one-day drive to Jacksonville.
Sailing from Jacksonville with Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to offering a variety of itineraries, whether guests prefer longer sailings or quick getaways.
“From quick escapes to the Bahamas, where guests can look forward to new experiences at our private island, Great Stirrup Cay, to extended Caribbean adventures, guests sailing from Jacksonville can expect the world-class service, cuisine and entertainment that define a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation,”said Sommer.
Onboard Norwegian Gem, guests will enjoy plenty of amenities and the cruise line’s signature “freestyle dining” experience without assigned dining times (believe me, it’s fantastic!).
The Mandara Spa offers a thermal suite for the ultimate relaxation, and guests will love the ship’s iconic shows, including “Blazing Boots” and its country tributes and “Ignite the Night” with its high-energy dancing.
While the ship is only offering seasonal itineraries from Jacksonville at this time, Norwegian Gem will return to northeast Florida for the 2026-2027 season and the 2027-2028 season.
Norwegian Gem can welcome 2,344 guests onboard and is also home to just over 1,000 crew members who are eager to give every guest a truly sparkling gem of a cruise vacation.
Disney is committing $1 million to relief in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
The money will aid local Disney cast and crew as well as non-profits.
Other cruise lines have also pledged financial aid.
Move over Melissa, it’s Mickey Mouse to the rescue!
The Walt Disney Company has announced a pledge of $1 million in aid to assist with relief and recovery in Jamaica following the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
While the category 5 hurricane diverted cruise itineraries across the Caribbean, Jamaica braced for the most powerful storm to hit the region in modern history.
Since hitting Jamaica on October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa has devastated the island nation, destroying neighborhoods and resulting in the death of at least 19 people.
The million-dollar donation from Disney will contribute to local Disney cast and crew as well as nonprofits such as UNICEF, World Central Kitchen, and Good360, which provide immediate relief in the form of supplies, food, shelter, and more.
Disney CEO, Bob Iger, expressed sympathy to the impacted communities.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica who have experienced such terrible devastation from Hurricane Melissa,”said Iger. “We hope this contribution and the ongoing support from our team will serve as a source of relief and comfort for those in need at this difficult time.”
Disney Cruise Line first sailed to Jamaica in 2013 with a seven-night itinerary aboard the Disney Wonder from Galveston.
The cruise line has maintained a port presence in Jamaica for over a decade since.
Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Treasure all frequently feature the island in their itineraries, with Disney Destiny set to visit in October 2026. It’s mainly the Falmouth port on the north side of the Island they visit.
Disney has a long history of charitable spending. The company maintains the Disney Employee Relief Fund as part of an effort to provide year-round support during times of crisis and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Melissa.
According to the company’s 2024 Sustainability & Social Impact Report, they contributed over $263 million in charitable donations in 2024.
The Cruise Industry Rallies Around Jamaica
This Disney donation announcement comes shortly after Disney Treasurecancelled its planned call to Jamaica in the wake of the hurricane’s destruction.
Even as ships continue to be diverted, cruise lines have been lining up alongside Disney to offer financial aid.
Just hours after the hurricane hit, Carnival Corporation, alongside partners, pledged $1 million in aid through Direct Relief.
Jamaica Flag and Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Jamaica is a key location for the cruise industry, growing in popularity every year. In 2024, cruising brought an estimated $197 million in tourism revenue to the country.
It’s a sobering thought to know that, amidst the devastation following Hurricane Melissa, companies can set aside competition and unite in charity around a common good.
In a special press briefing Friday morning, Jamaica’s Minister of Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon announced that aid supplies have begun to arrive and committees have been formed to oversee the relief effort.
With any luck, and with the generous donations of Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and others, the region can begin to heal.
