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Carnival Alerts Guests to Embarkation Terminal Change

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Alerts Guests to Embarkation Terminal Change

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Breeze will use Terminal 10 instead of Terminal 28 in Galveston for her October 30 debarkation and embarkation.
  • Complimentary shuttles will be available for guests to park at Terminal 28 as planned, but embark at Terminal 10.
  • The temporary terminal change is due to the oil spill at Port of Galveston on October 2,8 but the ship’s itinerary is not affected.

Guests embarking Carnival Breeze on Thursday, October 30, 2025 have a last-minute change that will impact their arrival to the cruise terminal in Galveston. While the ship’s schedule is not adjusted, the terminal the ship is docked at has changed.

Due to a late-night oil spill at the Port of Galveston on Tuesday, October 28, Carnival Breeze is unable to dock at Cruise Terminal 28 as previously planned.

Instead, the ship has been moved to Terminal 10, and guests must be prepared not only for the change but also aware of where to park in anticipation of the ship’s return to Galveston after the 4-night sailing.

“The U.S. Coast Guard and the Texas General Land Office are responding to an oil discharge in the channel at the Port of Galveston which occurred on Tuesday, October 28. This is preventing Carnival Breeze from operating from our terminal, tomorrow, Thursday, October 30,” the notification from the cruise line explained.

“Consequently, embarkation will now take place at Cruise Terminal 10.”

The two terminals are just over a mile apart, with Terminal 28 on the port’s west end while Terminal 10 is on the east end, at 1028 Harborside Drive.

Because Carnival Breeze will be returning to her assigned terminal (28) at the end of the Western Caribbean cruise, guests need to park appropriately to be prepared for debarkation on Monday, November 3.

Worth Reading: Embarkation Delay for Carnival Ship After Original Time Change

“Kindly keep your original parking reservation since the ship will be returning to its assigned location (Terminal 28) at the conclusion of the voyage. Please note that parking will not be available at Terminal 10,” Carnival confirmed.

There will be complimentary shuttles available to transport guests from Terminal 28 to Terminal 10 for embarkation. When the cruise ship returns, no shuttles will be needed as Carnival Breeze will dock at Terminal 28.

Oil Spill in Galveston, Texas
Oil Spill in Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas City)

Read Also: What You Need to Know on Galveston Cruise Parking

Guests who are arriving via rideshare, taxis, or being dropped off at the cruise port rather than parking their own vehicles should be sure to advise their drivers of the change for embarkation to ensure they arrive at the correct terminal.

Port of Galveston’s Cruise Terminal 10 is Royal Caribbean’s 161,334-square foot terminal that opened in November 2022. On October 30, there are no Royal Caribbean ships using the terminal. The next Royal Caribbean visit is when Mariner of the Seas returns on Saturday, November 1.

Embarkation Times Also Delayed

In addition to the change of terminal for embarkation only, Carnival Breeze guests are also being notified that their arrival times for check-in at the terminal must be delayed by an hour.

If guests had selected a 12-12:30 p.m. arrival appointment, for example, they should now plan to arrive from 1-1:30 p.m. instead. Arriving earlier can create unnecessary delays and guests may be asked to leave and return at the new time.

This slight change is necessary because it will take slightly longer to debark guests from the ship’s previous sailing and shuttle them back to Terminal 28, where their cars await.

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All guests still need to be checked in and onboard by the final boarding time listed on their boarding pass. At this time, there are no changes to Carnival Breeze‘s itinerary, and the ship should still be visiting Cozumel as expected on Saturday, November 1.

Any further updates will be provided to guests as soon as changes are confirmed. Guests should consider opting in to Carnival’s text updates to be notified of any additional changes.

Mardi Gras Guests Notified of Last-Minute Embarkation Delay

Catie Kovelman
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Mardi Gras Guests Notified of Last-Minute Embarkation Delay

Key Aspects:

  • Mardi Gras will be arriving in Port Canaveral on October 30 to disembark her current transatlantic sailing and embark on a new Caribbean voyage.
  • The current cruise will take a bit longer to disembark than planned, so embarkation for the next cruise has been slightly delayed in a domino effect.
  • Carnival instructed guests to arrive at the port one hour later than their original Terminal Arrival Appointments.

Future guests of Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras will need to wait just a little bit longer to get the party started.

The Excel-class cruise ship will conclude a 14-night transatlantic voyage that embarked in Barcelona, Spain, in Port Canaveral, Florida, on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

However, the cruise line will need some extra time to disembark the up to 5,270 guests currently onboard before welcoming a new wave of passengers.

The subsequent sailing is a 9-night voyage to the Eastern Caribbean.

“Thursday, October 30, the ship will be returning from a transatlantic voyage, and we will need some extra time to disembark guests before accommodating your arrival,” Carnival wrote to impacted guests.

This means that guests will need to delay their Terminal Arrival Appointments, which were selected during the online check-in process, by one hour.

“Consequently, embarkation for your cruise has been revised. Please delay your Terminal Arrival Appointment by one hour,” the update continued.

This means that those with a 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. appointment slot should now arrive at Port Canaveral at 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and so forth.

Guests who try to arrive during their former timeslot may be asked to leave and return later.

No Impact to the Itinerary

As of the time of publication, there are no other reported delays for this cruise.

Cruise tracking data shows that the 180,800-gross ton ship is still expected to set sail at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, she will then proceed to visit St. Thomas, Philipsburg, San Juan, Amber Cove, and Celebration Key (Carnival’s brand new private island) before returning to the Orlando-based port on November 8, 2025.

Port Canaveral will be her homeport through 2028. The 2021-launched vessel will continue operating Caribbean itineraries through mid-2027 before setting her sights on the Bahamas.

Carnival Mardi Gras in Tenerife
Carnival Mardi Gras in Tenerife

Carnival did not go into great detail about why disembarkation would take longer than planned, but this can happen from time to time.

Especially because Port Canaveral will be the first US port Mardi Gras visits after returning from Europe, it’s possible that the US customs and immigration clearance process may be more involved.

Embarkation can also be delayed due to things like technical repairs or because of increased sanitation needs following illness onboard – although no recent outbreaks have been reported for this ship.

Some cruise fans also theorized that parking could be a factor, but as the cruise embarked in another country, the majority of guests shouldn’t have cars waiting for them in Florida.

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Additionally, the Terminal 3 parking structure – which is where Mardi Gras docks – is quite large. It’s a six-level garage with 1,800 parking spaces.

But no matter what the ultimate reason may be, guests will just need to be patient for a little while before the fun can commence. An hour is nothing in the grand scheme of things!

Oil Spill in Galveston Impacts Multiple Cruise Ships

Catie Kovelman
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Oil Spill in Galveston Impacts Multiple Cruise Ships

Key Aspects:

  • An oil spill occurred in the Galveston Cruise Port after an unnamed vessel collided with Pier 32.
  • The spill is secured, but the clean up process and investigation is still in progress.
  • The Galveston Ship Channel has been closed to mitigate the impacts of the spill, which is creating challenges for cruise operations.

Things have been hectic in the Galveston Cruise Port, where an oil spill has sent cruise operations into disarray.

The spill occurred on the night of October 28, 2025, after an unspecified vessel belonging to Forestwave Navigation BV accidentally struck Pier 32 and began to discharge oil.

The US Coast Guard (Sector Houston-Galveston) received a call at approximately 9:50 p.m. local time.

Coast Guard personnel have been working side-by-side with the Texas General Land Office and the responsible company to contain and clean the spill through the night and into the following day.

“The Coast Guard, Texas General Land Office and the responsible party, Forestwave Navigation BV, are working together to respond to the spill and have personnel and assets on scene,” the US Coast Guard said in a press release.

The Galveston Ship Channel, which was initially closed to reduce the impact of the spill, has not yet reopened as of the time of publication.

Oil Spill in Galveston, Texas
Oil Spill in Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas City)

“The Galveston Ship Channel is closed from Gulf Copper to Pelican Island Bridge to reduce the impact of the spill,” the US Coast Guard confirmed.

As of the evening of Wednesday, October 29, the source of the spill has been secured, but the amount of oil that was released has not yet been confirmed.

The channel will likely remain closed until officials are further along in their clean-up and investigation.

Cleaning operations and assessments of air and safety conditions are also still underway.

Thankfully, there have been no reports of negative impacts to local wildlife thus far.

Which Cruise Ships are Impacted?

As the Galveston Ship Channel is the main deep-water entrance to the busy port, the closure has unsurprisingly already had a significant impact on cruise operations.

Regal Princess

Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess, which was the only ship to visit the Texas-based port on October 29, has been the most impacted vessel thus far.

It was supposed to be embarkation day for a 4-night sailing to Cozumel, Mexico, where the 142,229-gross ton vessel is expected to call on Halloween.

“Cruise out of Galveston keeps getting postponed to [embark]. This is my first cruise, is there any effort to be made to try and get some kind of compensation out of this,” a current passenger shared.

“I have no idea how we will make up the time because we were already delayed on getting onto the ship since it’s the first time back in the US,” they continued.

Regal Princess at Port of Galveston
Regal Princess at Port of Galveston (Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises)

The guest is referring to the fact that Regal Princess had just completed a transatlantic crossing from Southampton, UK.

Cruise tracking data confirms that the 3,560-guest ship remains docked in Galveston as of 8:45 p.m. local time, when she was supposed to depart at 3 p.m.

It’s unclear when she will finally set sail and if the visit to Cozumel will be impacted.

Carnival Breeze

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Breeze, which is due in Galveston on October 30 to begin her own 4-night sailing to Cozumel, has also changed her disembarkation and embarkation plans to account for the spill.

Carnival Breeze usually docks at Cruise Terminal 25 or Cruise Terminal 28, but the Dream-class ship will head to Pier 10 instead.

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“Due to an oil spill in the Galveston Harbor, Carnival Breeze embarkation and debarkation have been moved to Pier 10,” reads an update from Discount Cruise Parking, a local parking company.

“Shuttles and staff will be on-site to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition to and from Pier 10.”

More Carnival ships like Carnival Dream and Carnival Jubilee and Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas are also due in Galveston in the coming days, and could potentially be impacted.

New Drink Package Prices Revealed for P&O Cruises Starting October 2025

Melissa Mayntz
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New Drink Package Prices Revealed for P&O Cruises Starting October 2025

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival-owned P&O Cruises is increasing the prices of its pre-paid drink package options.
  • The most expensive, all-inclusive Deluxe package is actually decreasing in price by a small amount.
  • This change comes just after sister company Carnival Cruise Line increased internet package prices.

P&O Cruises, part of the Carnival Corporation & plc family, is quietly raising drink package prices. The new prices are effective from late October 2025, after pricing was significantly lower earlier in the year.

No direct notification of the price increase has been sent to booked guests, but travelers have discovered the change on the cruise line’s website. Cruise Hive has reached out to P&O Cruises for a statement on the change, but has not yet heard back as of this writing.

P&O Cruises offers four package options as follows:

  • Refresh – On-tap fountain soft drinks and juice only
  • Alcohol-Free – On-tap fountain soft drinks plus select coffee and tea options, bottled water, bottled juices, and non-alcoholic cocktails
  • Classic – All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages but excluding the full range of coffees as well as certain high-end cocktails, wines, and craft beers
  • Deluxe – All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with no exclusions

The new per person, per day pricing for the packages is £16 ($21 USD) for the Refresh option, £29 ($38) for the Alcohol-Free package, £50 ($66) for the Classic package, and £60 ($79) for the Deluxe option.

Previously, the packages were £14.45 ($19), £26.95 ($36), £48.85 ($64), and £60.50 ($80), respectively.

To be clear, the three lower package options have all increased in price. The Refresh package is up 10%, the Alcohol-Free package is up almost 8%, and the Classic package is up by just over 2%.

The most all-inclusive Deluxe option, however, has actually decreased slightly, by almost 1%. While this does not seem significant (and to the budget, it probably isn’t), it does signal that the “extra” inclusions for the Deluxe package are either stable in price or else there may not be as much guest interest in that package.

Furthermore, the Deluxe package price decrease firmly cements the idea that the all-inclusive package is the best value for guests who will take advantage of its extensive options.

Package pricing can change at any time and can vary based on the ship, length of sailing, or sailing date. Shorter sailings typically have slightly higher per-day prices, while holiday sailings or more popular itineraries may have slightly higher prices.

P&O Drinks
P&O Drinks (Photo Courtesy: P&O Cruises)

Pre-booking the packages can be up to 20% cheaper than booking onboard and is a great way for interested cruisers to save if they are sure the package is a good deal for their beverage preferences.

If guests have already purchased and paid for a drink package that has not yet set sail, no worries! There will be no extra charge or increase in the package pricing, as it is already fully paid no matter when the sailing date may be.

Are More Price Increases on the Way?

This is the second quiet price increase noticed for Carnival-owned cruise brands in just days. In addition to the drink package pricing increase on P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line has quietly increased its internet plan pricing.

It is possible that additional price changes may be coming soon not only on P&O Cruises or Carnival Cruise Line, but for other brands in the family as well. This includes Princess Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Holland America Line, and more.

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While each cruise line operates independently, it is not uncommon for such price changes to come in waves as overall corporate revenue is reviewed. Cruise lines also consider guest feedback, package popularity, supply prices, and profitability when determining any price changes.

To secure the best deals, guests on any cruise line should book package options early if they know they want to take advantage of better savings. This will generally lock in current rates before any possible price changes take effect.

Royal Caribbean Goes Big With 6 Ships in Europe For Summer 2027

Donna Tunney
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Royal Caribbean Goes Big With 6 Ships in Europe For Summer 2027

Key Aspects:

  • Mariner of the Seas will make her debut in Southampton, UK, offering getaway cruises and longer itineraries.

Royal Caribbean has unveiled its summer 2027 cruise schedule in Europe, featuring six ships, including an Icon-class vessel, deployed to ports across the continent.

Guests can look forward to several firsts, such as Mariner of the Seas sailing her inaugural season from Southampton, UK, and Brilliance of the Seas offering new ports of call, including exotic Tangier, Morocco.

Also, three ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet — Rhapsody of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas, will offer passengers the opportunity to visit the line’s new Royal Beach Club Santorini, an exclusive experience on the sun-drenched Greek island.

Sales on all voyages are open to Crown & Anchor Society members and will open to the general public on October 30, 2025.

The announcement detailing the line’s 2027 season in Europe followed close on the heels of its disclosure that parent company Royal Caribbean Group will offer Royal Beach Club Santorini to guests sailing on ships operated by two of its brands — Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

The Santorini club will be offered in conjunction with another shoreside adventure, Ultimate Santorini Day, which will feature sightseeing of the island’s key attractions along with the beach club retreat.

The precise location of Royal Beach Club Santorini has not yet been announced, nor has any cost to enter the club or book the sightseeing component. However, like other Royal Beach Clubs that Royal Caribbean has planned, it will feature luxury areas like cabana rentals.

Royal Caribbean’s first such club, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, in the Bahamas, is due to open in December 2025.

Here’s Where Each Ship Will Be Based For Summer 2027

The 5,610-guest Legend of the Seas, the Icon-class ship that is due to enter service in July 2026, will sail Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Rome.

It will be the ship’s second summer season in the Med, as she is scheduled to offer similar cruises from both ports starting on July 11, 2026.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Amenities You Should Pre-Book

Rhapsody of the Seas, a Vision-class ship that accommodates 2,040 guests, will be focused on the Eastern Mediterranean with cruises from Athens.

Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas

Returning to the Mediterranean following four summers deployed elsewhere, the ship will sail 7-night cruises to Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, including calls to Royal Beach Club Santorini.

Sailing for the first time from Southampton, the 4,252-guest Voyager class Mariner of the Seas will offer short getaways of two nights to longer, 9-night itineraries. Destinations on her itineraries include Porto, Portugal, and Seville, Spain, as well as the Norwegian fjords and Denmark.

The 4,290-guest Explorer of the Seas, also a Voyager-class ship, will sail both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean from Barcelona, Rome, Ravenna, and Athens to ports across Italy, France, and Spain, as well as the Adriatic gems of Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece.

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Sailing from Rome, the 4,284-guest Quantum-class Odyssey of the Seas will offer 7-night Greek Island adventures to Mykonos and Santorini, offering guests the Royal Beach Club Santorini experience.

Finally, the Radiance-class Brilliance of the Seas, which accommodates 2,145 guests, will sail itineraries similar to Odyssey of the Seas — 7-night voyages to the Greek Islands and Croatia from Ravenna, with a highlight of the cruises being the Santorini experience.

MSC Magnifica Begins Dry Dock Refit to Add MSC Yacht Club

Donna Tunney
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MSC Magnifica Begins Dry Dock Refit to Add MSC Yacht Club

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica has entered dry dock in Malta, where MSC Yacht Club will be installed.
  • A second ship, MSC Poesia, will also have the yacht club added in February 2026.

MSC Cruises is taking steps to attract more luxury-seeking guests with the addition of its exclusive MSC Yacht Club aboard MSC Magnifica.

The 2,250-guest Musica-class ship has entered dry dock at a shipyard in Malta, where the club’s luxury accommodations, dining venues, and other private areas are being added.

The prestigious ship-within-a-ship area will feature 63 suites, the Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar restaurants, an upgraded MSC Aurea Spa, a fitness center, and other recreational spaces.

MSC Yacht Club debuted in 2008 onboard MSC Fantasia and is currently offered on 15 ships in the MSC Cruises fleet. In addition to MSC Magnifica, a second Musica-class ship, MSC Poesia, will receive the yacht club during her dry dock refit in February 2026.

Also, the exclusive area will be available on the new-build MSC World Asia, now under construction and due to launch in 2026.

“These upgrades highlight our commitment to offering guests the best possible experience and facilities across our fleet. By introducing our MSC Yacht Club to these ships – along with new restaurants, gyms, and wellness spaces – we are giving guests more exclusivity and choice than ever before,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises.

While MSC Magnifica will emerge from dry dock in December 2025, the complete Yacht Club experience will not be offered until summer 2026, when the ship begins sailing Northern Europe itineraries.

In June 2026, MSC Magnifica will sail a series of 7-, 8-, and 14-night cruises with embarkation offered from a variety of ports, including Warnemunde, Germany; Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; and Copenhagen, Denmark.

MSC Magnifica Yacht Club
MSC Magnifica Yacht Club (Credits: MSC & F de Jesus)

The ship’s first sailing following dry dock is set for December 12, 2025. Through the remainder of 2025, the ship will operate 8-night Mediterranean cruises before departing on a 130-night World Cruise on January 4, 2026, roundtrip from Rome.

MSC Magnifica will also operate a 2027 World Cruise, a 121-night voyage roundtrip from Rome that will offer the full MSC Yacht Club experience to guests.

MSC Poesia to Receive 69 Yacht Club Suites

The cruise line had announced in May 2025 that both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia would receive the yacht club upgrades during their next dry docks. In fact, these renovations represent the most ambitious upgrades since the ships entered service.

MSC Poesia launched in 2008. Her upcoming refit will add 69 yacht club suites and the line’s All-Stars Sports Bar. The 2,250-guest ship will receive the same yacht club dining venues and spa upgrades as MSC Magnifica.

The vessel’s dry dock dates appear to be between February 24, 2026 and April 5, 2026.

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The ship will have the full MSC Yacht Club experience available in time for her Alaska debut in May 2026. MSC Poesia will deploy to Seattle and sail 7-night cruises that visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm, and Juneau, plus Victoria, British Columbia through mid-September 2026.

Both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia are undergoing their refits at the Palumbo Malta Shipyard under the direction of the MSC Cruises’ Technical Department.

Carnival Makes Relief Donation to Jamaica Following Devastating Hurricane

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Makes Relief Donation to Jamaica Following Devastating Hurricane

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Corporation and key partners have donated $1 million to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
  • Donations are being made through Direct Relief to provide medical supplies in the coming weeks.
  • Cruise guests can donate through Direct Relief or other organizations to help the island nation’s recovery.

Just hours after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a devastating Category 5 storm, the strongest in the island nation’s history, Carnival Cruise Line and other partners have already pledged a $1,000,000 donation to help the region recover.

The news comes from the Miami Heat, the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and Carnival Corporation & plc. Together, the companies are committed to supporting Jamaica with their donation to Direct Relief.

“We’re sending thoughts of comfort and strength to our friends in Jamaica, whose warmth and hospitality have created unforgettable experiences for so many of our guests and crew,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.

“Our connection to Jamaica runs deep, and we need to support its communities now more than ever. Donating to Direct Relief will help fund vital assistance to individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this devastating storm.”

Direct Relief is a humanitarian nonprofit that will provide medical supplies such as first aid kits, antibiotics, over the country products, insulin, and other essential items to Jamaica.

The organization has already prepped 100 field medic packs for first responders in Jamaica and shared its full medical inventory with the nation’s Ministry of Health to offer additional supplies as needed.

Worth Reading: Jamaica Cruise Ports – Full List and Overview

The donation from Carnival Corporation and partners will help support continued recovery efforts for the people of Jamaica who have, for many years, shown so much kindness and hospitality to cruise guests.

“Direct Relief is deeply grateful for the generosity of the Miami HEAT, the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, and Carnival Corporation,” said Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief.

“It will put medicines, supplies and clinical support into the hands of local health workers right away—delivering immediate relief today and strengthening the capacity of health systems to recover and withstand future storms.”

Direct Relief’s staff based in the Caribbean are also offering support to health organizations in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, plus coordinating with the Pan American Health Organization to ensure medical needs are met and medication supplies are available to all in need.

Cruise guests eager to help can also contribute to the efforts by donating to Direct Relief. While it may be challenging to match the generosity of a million-dollar donation, every dollar raised will help ensure critical supplies reach the areas most impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Direct Relief has provided hurricane response relief to other devastating storms, including Hurricane Fiona in 2022 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The organization also supports other relief efforts worldwide, including after wildfires, heatwaves, floods, and other natural disasters.

Helping Jamaica Recover

It’s only been 24 hours since Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica and the storm’s full impact is not yet known. Unfortunately, AI-generated images and videos are quickly spreading online, offering false information that is not confirmed.

Cruise guests who want to help the country recover can donate through Direct Relief or through Jamaica’s Office of the Prime Minister. Other relief organizations may also be offering special fundraising drives to support Jamaica at this difficult time.

Cruise Ships in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Cruise Ships in Ocho Rios, Jamaica (Photo Credit: AlvinMina)

It is still unknown when Jamaica’s cruise ports may reopen and visits will resume to the island. The Port Authority of Jamaica will carefully assess each port when it is safe to do so and will make announcements on reopening.

Carnival Horizon is scheduled to visit Ocho Rios on Tuesday, November 4, part of the ship’s November 2 departure from Miami, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary. That itinerary has not been changed, but adjustments may be forthcoming if necessary.

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As cruise visits resume, guests can directly support the island’s recovery by spending a bit extra during their time in port. This could mean enjoying lunch at a restaurant, choosing a few extra souvenirs, or opting for a shore tour with generous tips to the driver and tour guide.

It is also important to be understanding that experiences ashore in Jamaica may be limited or different than expected for some time, but the island is resilient and will be ready to welcome cruise visitors as soon as possible.

Carnival Raises the Bar Down Under With New Homeports

Melissa Mayntz
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0
Carnival Raises the Bar Down Under With New Homeports

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line will homeport four different ships in Australia and New Zealand in 2027-2028.
  • Homeports include Auckland, Melbourne, and Adelaide seasonally plus Sydney and Brisbane year-round.
  • Carnival Adventure, Encounter, Luminosa, and Splendor will all offer different itineraries and destinations.

Australia can be a dream cruise destination not only for Aussies eager for a vacation, but for travelers worldwide who want to explore Down Under with the ease and convenience of a cruise ship. Now, eager cruisers are getting even more options in Australia.

Carnival Cruise Line will be offering more cruises than ever before in Australia with the 2027-2028 season featuring four ships and five different homeports in Australia and New Zealand.

This includes the first time ever ships will be homeported from Adelaide and Auckland, offering unique and immersive itineraries all travelers can enjoy. In total, more than 200 sailings will be offered, visiting a total of 39 unique destinations.

“Carnival is sailing from five homeports in Australia and New Zealand in 2027/28 and we remain the only global cruise line committed to sailing in this region year-round,” said Peter Little, Carnival Corporation & plc Country Manager.

“Carnival Cruise Line has answered the call from our interstate and New Zealand guests who’ve been asking for more opportunities to book a convenient and great value cruise holiday, and we’re delighted to be offering voyages from Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland as well as our traditional ports of Sydney and Brisbane.”

When all itineraries are combined, the four ships – Carnival Adventure, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Encounter, and Carnival Luminosa – will be able to welcome more than half a million guests to Australian and New Zealand adventures during their various deployments.

Carnival Adventure

Carnival Adventure will offer the most diverse options for cruise guests, homeporting from four different cities in different seasons.

  • Auckland – Guests can enjoy 4-, 9-, and 10-night sailings from the largest city in New Zealand, visiting destinations such as Norfolk Island, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia from May-July 2027.
  • Melbourne – At the end of January 2028, Carnival Adventure will homeport from Melbourne for a month with a total of eight sailings ranging from 2-4 nights, the ideal quick getaways for relaxing fun.
  • Adelaide – The ship will spend just three weeks sailing from Adelaide with five total departures from 2-5 nights. These short breaks will offer great exploration of the South Australia coast.
  • Sydney – Carnival Adventure will begin service from Sydney in March 2028, joining Carnival Splendor to offer a distinctly different experience for eager cruise guests from the most populous city in Australia.

The 108,865-gross-ton ship can welcome 2,600 guests per sailing and is sure to be popular for back-to-back cruises with such diverse offerings.

Carnival Splendor

The 113,600-gross-ton Carnival Splendor (with her, ahem, shall we say “vibrant” pink polka dot decor) will continue sailing year-round from Sydney with a diverse selection of itineraries.

Guests can choose sailings from 3-10 nights, whether they are interested in quick getaways or longer, more laid-back voyages. Depending on the departure date, popular ports of call include Eden, Tasmania, Moreton Island, Noumea, Port Vila, Mystery Island, and more.

Worth Reading: A Month of Carnival Adventure Cruises Cancelled

Of special interest will be the unique Melbourne Cup cruise to celebrate the 3,200-meter thoroughbred horse race, one of the most popular spectator events in Australia.

Other unique sailings aboard Carnival Splendor include a 12-night and a 14-night Fiji voyage, the latter of which has a fun “Mutiny on the Bounty” theme.

The largest Carnival ship based in Australia, Carnival Splendor can welcome 3,012 guests on every sailing.

Carnival Encounter

Sailing year-round from Brisbane, Carnival Encounter also offers a diverse mix of itinerary options. Shorter 3- and 4-night sailings are either cruise-to-nowhere getaways or may visit Airlie Beach for a bit of vacation vibe.

Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter sail side by side
Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter sail side by side (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

Longer sailings include 6- and 7-night itineraries to the Great Barrier Reef, as well as 8- and 9-night offerings with different calls in the South Pacific. Even longer 10- and 14-night cruises will reach Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Of special note is a brand new 9-night Tasmania itinerary that will feature visits to Hobart, Port Arthur, and Eden, along with scenic cruising in Great Oyster Bay.

Sister ship to Carnival Adventure, Carnival Encounter can also welcome 2,600 guests on every cruise.

Carnival Luminosa

The unique Carnival Luminosa will sail seasonally from Brisbane in the summer (after spending the winter seasons much further north for the Alaskan summer), splitting the itinerary options with Carnival Encounter. This will give guests even more choices for their cruise experience from the capital of Queensland.

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And don’t miss the epic sailings as the ship moves between Alaska and Australia – immense voyages that are once-in-a-lifetime adventures for any cruise fanatic! These 22- and 23-night transpacific cruises are not to be missed.

The 92,720-gross-ton ship can welcome 2,260 guests on every voyage.

MSC Cruise Ship Saves 19 Lives in Heroic Rescue in Rough Seas

Catie Kovelman
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MSC Cruise Ship Saves 19 Lives in Heroic Rescue in Rough Seas

Key Aspects:

  • A group of Samoan crew members working onboard MSC Splendida saved 19 migrants from drowning.
  • The heroic rescue occurred on October 26, 2025, off the coast of Mallorca, Spain.
  • The crew members were praised for their life-saving actions.

In addition to offering epic Mediterranean sailings, MSC Cruises can add saving lives to its repertoire.

On October 26, 2025, a group of Samoan crew members working onboard MSC Splendida came to the rescue of 19 migrants in distress while sailing off the coast of Mallorca, Spain.

Specifically, cruise tracking data shows that the rescue took place approximately 20 nautical miles off Cabrera in the Balearic Islands, which is not far off Mallorca’s southern coast.

The 3,900-passenger ship responded to a distress call, and upon arrival, found several of the refugees in an overcrowded boat in choppy seas. Some had already fallen into the open ocean and were struggling to stay afloat.

Once the cruise ship arrived, a ladder was lowered into the water for the distressed refugees to climb aboard.

Thankfully, all 19 of the refugees, who hailed from the Maghreb region of North Africa, were saved and tended to by the MSC crew members.

While the group primarily consisted of men, one refugee was a woman and two were small children (a 3-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy).

The dramatic rescue only took 31 minutes to complete, which is particularly impressive considering the rough ocean conditions.

@msc.friends

Thank you Msc Splendida Crew for Rescue in the middle of the Mediterranean sea 📸 evo apax #mscsplendida #rescue #mediterraneansea #cruiseship #mscfriends

♬ Pirates of the Caribbean – The Grand Cinematic Orchestra

The rescue unfolded on the final day of a 4-night Mediterranean sailing to Marseille, France, and Genoa, Italy, and the Fantasia-class ship was on its way back to Barcelona, Spain, for disembarkation on October 27, 2025.

All port calls had been completed at this point, and there was no negative impact to disembarkation the following morning.

A Happy Ending & Well Deserved Praise

While crew members train for at sea rescues, the ability to stay calm, take decisive action, and move efficiently during an emergency is something to be commended.

Samoa Shipping Services (SSS), which is the crew members’ recruitment agency, publicly honored the Samoan employees who led the rescue efforts.

Willie Roy, Sanele Tuilagi, Apineru Urima, Eikomene Tagaloa, Eferona Matafeo, John Mark Tauiliili, Pale Tafaeono, Toe Junior Togatuki, Faamotu Puleitu, Faafili Tauailoto, Patelesio Ioane Tafunai, Avau Pulepule, Sosiua Junior Folasa, and Matureo Lualua Tautu were acknowledged by name for their life-saving efforts.

Samoan seafarers
Samoan seafarers (Credit: Samoa Shipping Services)

“Samoa Shipping Services (SSS), acting as the crew agent for MSC, extends its formal recognition to the commendable efforts of these individuals,” SSS shared on social media.

“SSS is immensely proud to support and recognize our Samoan seafarers recruited for MSC, who consistently demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication at sea,” the agency added.

The crew members were also invited to a special dinner in the Captain’s Lounge, which was hosted by MSC Captain Giuseppe Maresca and Safety Officer Antonio Bovento, to personally thank them for their heroic response.

Read Also: Secret Codes on Cruise Ships Only Crew Members Know!

The refugees, who thankfully did not drown, were handed over to the appropriate authorities in Barcelona when MSC Splendida returned to its homeport on October 27, 2025.

This is standard practice for cruise ship rescues. Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires vessels to help other sailors in distress and provide any food, water, or medical care they may need.

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Once they are no longer in immediate danger, the cruise lines make every effort to disembark their unexpected passengers and turn them over to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.

The migrants were put in the care of social services, which will help the migrants pursue appropriate next steps – whether that is seeking asylum or making their way to their next destination.

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