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Royal Caribbean Ship to Use New MSC Terminal in Miami

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Ship to Use New MSC Terminal in Miami

Key Aspects:

  • Freedom of the Seas will be docked at the MSC Cruises terminal in PortMiami for the ship’s October 27, 2025 departure.
  • The regular terminal for Freedom of the Seas is currently being demolished to make way for a new terminal project in its place.
  • The ship’s 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary is not impacted by the cruise port terminal change.

Any experienced cruisers who have ever driven to PortMiami know it can be confusing to arrive at the world’s busiest cruise port and not be sure of exactly where to go even on a good day. For guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas on Monday, October 27, 2025, it will be even more confusing.

The cruise line reached out to booked guests to alert them to a terminal change for their sailing, noting that the switch was necessary.

“Our usual terminal is currently undergoing renovations, and in the meantime, we’re excited to be using the brand-new Terminal AA, courtesy of our friends at MSC,” the notification explained.

“Undergoing renovations” is a bit of an understatement, actually. Freedom of the Seas would normally dock at Terminal G on the western side of the port, but that terminal is currently being not just renovated, but completely demolished to make way for a new terminal.

Royal Caribbean also operates Terminal A, aptly nicknamed “The Crown of Miami” but that terminal will be unavailable for Freedom of the Seas on Monday, as the larger Oasis-class Wonder of the Seas will be using it.

To ensure guests find their way to Terminal AA, which is on the port’s eastern end, the notification provides careful instructions and cautions.

“This terminal has the feel of an airport concourse, so please be prepared for some walking as you make your way through,” the email advised. “There are multiple terminals at the port, so it’s important to follow the blue ‘AA’ signs along the road. These will guide you to the correct terminal.”

It’s especially important to note that guests will be passing Terminal A on their way to Terminal AA (seriously, why couldn’t it be named Terminal M for MSC Cruises? Virgin Voyages has Terminal V!). The two are actually adjacent but not connected.

The parking garage for Terminal AA will open at 11 a.m. Guests arriving early may find it difficult to find parking spaces until debarking guests have vacated the area.

Trust me, PortMiami’s traffic and parking is confusing enough at the best of times, do NOT arrive early thinking you’ll make it any easier.

In addition to Freedom of the Seas, five other cruise ships will be in port on Monday, October 27: Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Jewel, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Conquest.

While the terminal change may be confusing, it will have no impact on Freedom of the Seas‘ 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary, with visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel, Mexico before the ship returns on Friday, November 1.

About Terminal AA

The MSC Cruises terminal, Terminal AA, has only been open since April 5, 2025, when it debuted as the world’s largest cruise terminal. The 492,000-square-foot facility took three years to construct, and can welcome two ships simultaneously (three after further expansion in 2029).

Read Also: I Experienced Embarking at PortMiami’s New MSC Cruise Terminal

The project emphasizes MSC Group’s commitment to US cruising and specifically to PortMiami and Caribbean itineraries.

New MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami
New MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami

“Our new cruise terminal is the most advanced in the world, designed to offer a seamless experience for our guests before and after their cruise,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the company’s cruise division, when the terminal opened. “This proud moment reflects our unwavering commitment to Miami and its vibrant community.”

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Special attention was paid to ensure the terminal is energy efficient, including the use of sustainable materials in construction and providing shore power connectivity for docked cruise ships.

The adjacent six-level parking garage can accommodate 2,400 vehicles, and there is dedicated access for ride share and public transportation to drop off or pick up guests.

Celebrity Beyond Latest Ship to Shift Away From Hurricane Melissa

Melissa Mayntz
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Celebrity Beyond Latest Ship to Shift Away From Hurricane Melissa

Key Aspects:

  • Celebrity Beyond will be sailing a Western Caribbean itinerary for her October 26 departure instead of her planned Eastern Caribbean route to avoid Hurricane Melissa.
  • Several other ships have completely swapped itinerary plans to steer clear of the storm, while some vessels are adjusting individual ports.
  • Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 2 storm and expected to continue strengthening over the next couple of days until making landfall in Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa is rapidly intensifying as she slowly creeps toward Jamaica and more cruise ships are adjusting itineraries to steer clear of her projected path. Celebrity Beyond is the latest ship to confirm a complete itinerary change and will now enjoy a Western Caribbean rather than an Eastern Caribbean route.

The impacted cruise is the ship’s Sunday, October 26, 2025 departure from Miami, Florida. Originally, Celebrity Beyond was to have visited the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts on the 7-night sailing.

Now, however, guests have been notified that a new itinerary has been confirmed.

“To safely avoid the impacts from the storm, we have decided to switch our itinerary to the Western Caribbean instead of the Eastern Caribbean for this sailing,” the email notification read. “We sincerely apologize for this last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our trop priority.”

Now, Celebrity Beyond will be enjoying the following itinerary:

  • Sunday, October 26 – Depart Miami
  • Monday, October 27 – Day at sea
  • Tuesday, October 28 – Costa Maya, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (formerly Puerto Plata)
  • Wednesday, October 29 – Belize, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (formerly St. Thomas)
  • Thursday, October 30 – Roatan, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (formerly St. Kitts)
  • Friday, October 31 – Day at sea
  • Saturday, November 1 – Day at sea
  • Sunday, November 2 – Arrive Miami

All pre-paid shore excursions booked through Celebrity Cruises for the now-cancelled visits to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts are being automatically cancelled. Guests will receive a refundable onboard credit for those charges, and any remaining amounts will be returned to the card on file after the end of the cruise.

While guests may be understandably disappointed to have the entire itinerary shifted in the opposite direction they had hoped for, Celebrity Beyond is not the first ship to completely swap her planned sailing due to Hurricane Melissa.

The massive Icon of the Seas notified guests that the ship’s October 25 departure would have the same shift, with the planned Eastern Caribbean cruise becoming a Western Caribbean itinerary that will visit Cozumel and Roatan, though the call to Perfect Day at CocoCay later in the week is still planned.

Disney Treasure has also swapped an Eastern Caribbean itinerary for a Western route, with an extra visit to Castaway Cay on her 7-night sailing departing Port Canaveral on Saturday, October 25.

Various other ships, including Disney Wish and Margaritaville at Sea Islander, have also adjusted their itineraries as needed to stay well away from Melissa’s strengthening wrath.

Hurricane Melissa NHC Update
Hurricane Melissa NHC Update (Image Credit: National Hurricane Center)

Hurricane Melissa Update

As expected, Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified on Saturday, October 25. In the morning she was still a tropical storm, but by the 8 p.m. EST update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), she was a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour.

Positioned 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, Melissa is moving west at only three miles per hour. This slow movement in a very warm region of the Caribbean is helping the storm continue to strengthen.

Hurricane Melissa is expected to make a turn north early next week and to have a direct landfall on the island of Jamaica, likely as a Category 4 or possibly even a Category 5 hurricane.

“Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in Jamaica by tonight, with hurricane conditions expected by Sunday or Monday,” the Saturday night public NHC advisory reads.

Parts of Jamaica may receive up to 40 inches of rain, with flooding and landslides likely.

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On Friday, October 24, Jamaica’s prime minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, declared the entire nation a “threatened area” in order to mobilize emergency resources and prepare for the storm.

Additional cruises are likely to adjust their itineraries for next week as Melissa will move northeast and into the Greater Antilles, with impacts likely in the Turks & Caicos and possibly the Bahamas over the next several days.

Two Disney Ships Reroute to Avoid Hurricane Melissa

Catie Kovelman
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Two Disney Ships Reroute to Avoid Hurricane Melissa

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Treasure’s current Eastern Caribbean sailing will no longer be able to call to Tortola and St. Thomas due to Hurricane Melissa.
  • Instead, the young ship will be rerouted to Cozumel, Mexico, and will spend two days at Disney’s Castaway Cay instead of just one.
  • In a bit of a domino effect, Disney Wish will have to move up her planned visit to Castaway Cay and switch the order of the ports for her upcoming sailing on October 27, 2025.

As Tropical Storm (now Hurricane) Melissa continues to ramp up in the Caribbean Sea, two more cruise ships are getting out of dodge.

Disney Cruise Line has notified guests of Disney Treasure on embarkation day and guests of Disney Wish just days ahead of their upcoming voyage of revised itineraries.

On October 25, 2025, up to 4,000 cruisers embarked on Disney Treasure in Port Canaveral, Florida, for what was meant to be a 7-night Halloween sailing to the Eastern Caribbean.

The itinerary called for stops at Tortola, British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, and a visit to Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas) on Halloween. 

But because of the path of the storm, the planned stops to Tortola and St. Thomas will no longer be possible.

Instead, the Wish-class ship will sail to Cozumel, Mexico, on Tuesday, October 28.

The cruise line also added an extra stop in Castaway Cay on October 30, which was previously a sea day.

“We have been closely monitoring the storm’s forecasted track. Due to the possible impacts in the Caribbean, we have made the decision to change your itinerary,” Disney Cruise Line notified passengers.

“Instead of visiting Tortola and St. Thomas, you will now visit Cozumel, Mexico on Tuesday and an additional Castaway Cay call on Thursday,” the update continued.

As of the National Hurricane Center’s (NOAA) 2 p.m. EST advisory on October 25, Hurricane Melissa is approximately 145 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 235 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

The slow-moving storm is now reaching sustained winds of 75 miles per hour, and is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by the end of the weekend.

Disney Wish Also Pivots

On October 27, 2025, Disney Wish will embark on a 4-night Halloween sailing to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral.

The first Wish-class ship was originally supposed to visit Nassau, Bahamas, on October 29, and Castaway Cay on October 30.

Disney Wish Cruise Ship
Disney Wish Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

But due to weather related operational changes, the order in which the 4,000-guest ship will call to these ports has been rearranged.

This means she will now visit Castaway Cay on October 28 and Nassau on October 29.

“Due to operational needs and the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, we will be changing the day your clients’ sailing visits Disney Castaway Cay,” DCL notified travel professionals.

Read Also: What You Should Know About Cruise Port Cancellations

While Melissa’s path is still uncertain, NOAA’s forecasts predict that the powerful storm will begin to slowly turn north on Monday or Tuesday before heading toward Cuba and the Bahamas later next week.

Moving up and rearranging these port calls helps ensure that these visits can happen safely before conditions get too stormy, and also allows Disney Treasure to visit Castaway Cay on both October 30 and October 31.

The private island only has one dock and can only welcome one Disney ship at a time, so it would be impossible for both Disney Wish and Disney Treasure to visit at the same time on October 30.

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In a bit of a domino effect, Disney Wish’s visit to the exclusive destination was bumped up to October 28, when no ships were on the schedule, to accommodate Disney Treasure’s necessary itinerary change.

For passengers of both Disney ships, any pre-purchased shore excursions for impacted port calls will be automatically canceled and refunded.

Icon of the Seas Shifts Itinerary Due to Tropical Storm Melissa

Melissa Mayntz
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0
Icon of the Seas Shifts Itinerary Due to Tropical Storm Melissa

Key Aspects:

  • Icon of the Seas will sail a Western Caribbean route instead of her planned Eastern Caribbean itinerary on her October 25 departure due to Tropical Storm Melissa.
  • Additional ships with Eastern Caribbean itineraries as well as visits to Jamaica over the weekend and into next week may also be impacted.
  • The Prime Minister of Jamaica has declared the entire nation a “threatened area” ahead of what will likely be a major hurricane landfall directly over the island.

Royal Caribbean has notified guests just hours before embarkation for Icon of the Seas‘ October 25, 2025 departure from Miami that they will not be visiting the Eastern Caribbean as originally planned. Due to the presence and prospective forecast from Tropical Storm Melissa, the massive ship will head for the Western Caribbean instead.

“Our Captain, along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, has been tracking Tropical Storm Melissa that is expected to move through the area of our sailing,” the email notification reads.

“To safely avoid the impacts of the developing storm, we have decided to switch our itinerary to the Western Caribbean instead of the Eastern Caribbean for this sailing.”

The 7-night cruise from Miami had included St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay as planned port visits. Instead, the ship will now visit Cozumel and Roatan, though the visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas will still be on Friday, October 31, but with the ship arriving at 7 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m.

Interestingly, this shift for Icon of the Seas is nearly identical to the shift her sister ship, Star of the Seas, had to make for Tropical Storm Imelda almost exactly one month ago.

All pre-paid shore excursions for St. Maarten and St. Thomas booked through Royal Caribbean will be automatically cancelled and refunded as onboard credit to guests’ ship accounts. If any funds remain at the end of the sailing, they will be reimbursed to the card on file.

In the meantime, guests can book tours for Cozumel and Roatan through the Royal Caribbean app or by visiting the Guest Services area on Deck 5 just aft of the Pearl.

At nearly 250,000 gross tons, the two Icon-class vessels are the largest cruise ships in the world. Because of their massive size, they may face unique difficulties with last-minute itinerary changes to ensure port facilities can adequately handle the up to 7,600 guests that may be aboard.

Safety is always the first priority for the cruise line, and Royal Caribbean will do everything necessary to keep the ship, guests, and crew members safe and as comfortable as possible no matter what the weather.

While Icon of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean ship to confirm changes due to Tropical Storm Melissa, she undoubtedly won’t be the last. Any ships sailing near Jamaica through the weekend and early next week, as well as itineraries that include the Turks & Caicos or eastern Bahamas next week, may be impacted.

Within the Royal Caribbean fleet, this could include Adventure, Freedom, Harmony, and Rhapsody of the Seas, as well as other ships depending on their operational plans. Any guests booked on sailings in the region (for any cruise line) will want to stay in close contact with their cruise line for immediate updates as changes are confirmed.

Tropical Storm Melissa Saturday Morning Update
Tropical Storm Melissa Saturday Morning Update (Image Credit: National Hurricane Center)

Tropical Storm Melissa Update

As of the Saturday 8 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa remains a tropical storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 70 miles per hour, just four miles per hour below the threshold of an official hurricane.

The storm’s center is located 160 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica with a west-northwest movement of just one mile per hour. That slow speed is permitting the storm to gain strength, and it is expected she will become a hurricane on Saturday.

Jamaica is facing a direct landfall of what will likely be a major (Category 3-4) hurricane early next week. The island nation’s prime minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, declared the entire country a “threatened area” on Friday, October 24 as the storm approaches.

“This declaration empowers the Government to implement precautionary and protective measures to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure,” the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

“By declaring Jamaica a threatened area, we are activating the legal tools to move resources quickly, safeguard critical services, and protect the most vulnerable,” Holness explained.

“This declaration enables the Government to act swiftly and decisively. I have directed all agencies to execute their preparedness plans, including shelter readiness and the pre-positioning of supplies and equipment.”

More From Cruise Hive

Once the storm passes over Jamaica, Melissa is predicted to turn toward the northeast over eastern Cuba and head into the Greater Antilles. This will potentially impact more Eastern Caribbean or Bahamas cruises through the middle of next week.

Royal Caribbean Guest Offers Unique Solution for Slippery Pool Decks

Catie Kovelman
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Royal Caribbean Guest Offers Unique Solution for Slippery Pool Decks

Key Aspects: 

  • Royal Caribbean guests are concerned that the pool decks are too slippery, leading to falls and potential injuries.
  • One guest suggested putting a sand and lacquer mixture down to make the pool areas less slippery, but this solution could actually damage the surface of the deck.
  • Royal Caribbean does use synthetic decking materials that are designed to be slip-resistant and fire-resistant, as is required by Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

The top priority of every cruise line is to keep their passengers and crew members safe and happy.

However, one key slip hazard exists on virtually every cruise ship: The pool deck.

Some Royal Caribbean guests have noticed that they see other passengers slipping and sliding on every sailing, and are questioning why more can’t be done to mitigate this.

“Some clear lacquer and light sand mix would give at least some grit to the pool deck, which turns into a damn ice rink with a drop of water on it. I see multiple people fall every trip,” a current guest of an unspecified ship suggested on Reddit.

“Just happened right in front of me, once again. I get the fact that they want it smooth enough to walk on with bare feet and not shred people’s feet, but it seems like there could be a happy medium,” they wrote.

The guest’s proposed solution would (in theory) have a similar effect as putting sand down in snowy and icy conditions during the winter, which helps to provide traction.

However, this likely is not a good option as the abrasive nature of sand especially can scratch and wear down the surface of the pool deck or potentially clog drains.

That said, the cruiser was not alone in their observation. Others piped up to say they had fallen or witnessed other guests slipping as well.

“Especially the parts that aren’t level! Like, a little ramp turns straight into a slip’n’slide,” one person replied.

“I don’t know the answer but I agree. The pool deck is way too slick, especially in flip flops,” another agreed.

As one of the clumsiest people on the planet, I always recommend packing some grippy sandals that help with traction and stability.

I’ve also seen plenty of cruisers invest in water shoes with grippy bottoms, but those are not allowed in the pools or hot tubs to prevent contamination from dirt glass, or germs the shoes may be carrying.

Royal Caribbean Takes Precautions

That said, Royal Caribbean isn’t just letting its guests slip and slide willy-nilly.

Through a partnership with Bolidt Decking, Royal Caribbean primarily uses synthetic decking materials that are designed to be slip-resistant and fire-safe.

Believe it or not, decking materials actually have to meet certain durability, maintenance, and fire safety standards set by Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Kids Pool on Oasis of the Seas
Kids Pool on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

The crew members onboard also take precautions to keep guests safe, such as mopping up particularly slippery spots and putting out wet floor signs.

They also enforce rules like “no running” and “no horseplay” on the Lido deck and in other areas onboard where more energetic cruisers could injure themselves or other guests.

But despite the safety efforts made by the cruise line, it’s not possible to prevent all slips – and not just on the Lido deck. 

Some guests have also complained recently that slippery floors sent them flailing in the Central park neighborhood of the Oasis-class and Icon-class ships.

For those that haven’t been lucky enough to embark on one of these vessels, the Central Park neighborhood has a mix of tiled and wood-like surfaces that are meant to mimic a real outdoor park on land.

“Central Park was so slippery! I was really surprised,” one former cruiser said.

“Yes! I slipped really bad leaving Park Cafe once and my bagel went flying, I was inconsolable,” another shared.

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Even on other cruise lines, fall risks are a source of contention. Earlier this year, a Carnival guest made waves on social media for expressing concerns that their cabin’s shower would be too slippery.

No matter what cruise line you sail with next, the best advice I can give is to choose shoes with traction, take your time, and watch your step.

Norwegian Cruise Line Alerts Guests to Hefty New Hawaii Tax

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Alerts Guests to Hefty New Hawaii Tax

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line is alerting guests on Hawaii cruises in 2026 and beyond of the new Transient Accommodations Tax that levies an additional 14% on their cruise fare.
  • While the cruise line is part of the legal challenges to the new tax, it may be some time before any court cases are resolved and in the meantime the tax goes into effect from January 1, 2026.
  • Booked guests are reporting additional taxes on their cruise fares from $50-500 and higher, depending on the overall cost of their cruise and how much time their itinerary spends in Hawaii.

Norwegian Cruise Line has begun reaching out to guests booked on Hawaii cruises to alert them to increased tax payments. While guests aren’t pleased with the substantial fees, the cruise line is being forthright about the origin of the fee and what is being done to challenge it.

“Before your journey begins, we want to share an important update regarding a new government tax introduced by the state of Hawaii that will affect your cruise fare,” the letter reads.

“Effective for sailings embarking January 1, 2026, forward, Hawaii will expand its Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), traditionally applied to hotels and other land-based accommodations, to now include cruise ship passengers.”

The letter goes on to note that the tax is meant to support the state’s conservation and cultural preservation measures. Nevertheless, the new tax – which was only passed in May 2025 – is being challenged.

“We believe that this expansion of the TAT is unconstitutional, and therefore in collaboration with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), we are actively engaged in a legal review,” the letter explains. “We … remain committed to advocating for a fair and balanced outcome.”

The tax is a 14% charge of a cruise fare (11% from the state, 3% from individual counties), prorated to the time a guest’s ship spends in Hawaiian ports. Onboard purchases, such as spa reservations, specialty dining, drinks, or retail purchases, are not part of the tax consideration.

Read Also: The Different Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Classes

While individual tax amounts will vary depending on individual cruise fares, guests are noting taxes of $250-500 (USD) and higher for different 7-night Hawaiian sailings.

Even guests spending less time in the Aloha State are seeing substantial new taxes on their cruise bookings.

For example, Norwegian Spirit‘s October 24, 2026 sailing is a 12-night one-way itinerary from Tahiti to Honolulu, with two other port visits in Hawaii: Kona and Kauai. Taxes on those sailings can be as low as $60-70 per person, depending on cruise fare.

Cruise Port Area in Hawaii
Cruise Port Area in Hawaii (Photo Credit: Theodore Trimmer)

Norwegian Cruise Line is adding the new taxes to guests’ reservation invoices, which must be paid by the final payment date.

“We understand this change may come as a surprise, and unexpected costs can be frustrating,” the cruise line noted. “We’re actively engaged with industry partners and state officials to ensure this transition is as smooth and fair as possible.”

Norwegian Cruise Line will continue to communicate with guests and be transparent about the new taxes and if any further changes may be forthcoming.

Not Just Norwegian Cruise Line

The new TAT in Hawaii is not directly solely at Norwegian Cruise Line. As the only cruise line with a ship homeported in Hawaii and operating interisland cruises (Pride of America), however, Norwegian Cruise Line will certainly bear the brunt of the tax.

Other cruise lines are notifying their guests booked on Hawaii sailings as needed. Disney Cruise Line, for example, reached out to travelers on select Disney Wonder sailings to let them know of the tax increase.

Other cruise lines that will have visits to Hawaii just in January 2026 include AIDA Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and more.

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If the federal challenges to the TAT are successful, the overall tax rate might be reduced or the implementation date may be changed. Cruise lines would handle such changes as needed, but legal challenges can take months, if not years, to progress through the courts.

In the meantime, guests planning to sail to Hawaii should be prepared for the added charges and budget for their cruises accordingly.

Cruise Passenger Jailed After Suffocating Woman During Voyage

Lissa Poirot
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0
Cruise Passenger Jailed After Suffocating Woman During Voyage

Key Aspects:

  • A man received a prison term of 3 years and 10 months after admitting he intentionally suffocated a woman with a pillow.
  • The assault took place on an unidentified cruise in April 2025.
  • The victim survived the attack and is credited with assisting police in their investigation.

Cruise ships are meant to be a space for relaxation and escape. A violent incident during an unidentified April 2025 sailing, however, led to a criminal case that ended this week in a UK courtroom.

David Morris, 57, from Wolverhampton, has been sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to the intentional suffocation of a woman while the two were on a cruise.

The sentencing took place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

The incident happened in April when Morris suffocated the victim with a pillow while onboard. Authorities did not name the ship or its itinerary but said the assault occurred during the voyage.

Police said Morris initially denied responsibility during a custodial interview. He changed his plea in court last month, admitting to the attack.

Investigators say the case moved forward because of the cooperation of the victim, who survived the attack, and the evidence collected while Morris was in custody.

“We worked tirelessly to gather evidence of Morris’ offending and I am glad he eventually admitted the offence in court,” South Staffordshire PC Liam Avery said.

He commended the bravery of the victim in coming forward about the attack and aiding in the investigation.

Staffordshire Police
Staffordshire Police (Photo Credit: raymond orton)

Intentional suffocation became a specific criminal offense under UK domestic abuse law in 2022, making it easier for prosecutors to pursue cases. The charge does not require long-term physical harm for a conviction, only proof that the act was deliberate.

Cruise-related criminal cases occasionally reach UK courts when British passengers are involved. If a crime is reported mid-voyage, the crew notifies ship security and the appropriate national authorities based on where the ship is sailing.

Police agencies take control once a ship reaches a port and suspects can be detained onboard until law enforcement meets the ship.

Cruise Crime Not Isolated

The assault came just one month prior to a separate case making headlines in the UK when a 60-year-old man died during a cruise after an assault.

The incident occurred on May 3, 2025, roughly 2.5 hours into an MSC Cruises voyage and while the vessel, MSC Virtuosa, was still in British waters.

Police said the man died following an altercation onboard and arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter for suspicion of murder and a second 56-year-old man from London on suspicion of manslaughter.

Police Vehicles Next to Cruise Ship in New York
Police Vehicles Next to Cruise Ship in New York (Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky)

The case is still undergoing investigation and was an isolated incident during a short voyage to Brugge, Netherlands, from Southampton, UK.

Cruise ship crimes occur around the world, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the US noting a rise in crime in 2025. From January to March 2025 alone, there were 48 crimes on cruise ships reported to the FBI – the highest rate since 2023.

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Other arrests have been made throughout the year for theft, outstanding warrants, embezzlement, using fraudulent gift cards and credit cards, carrying firearms, and even jumping overboard.

Cruise ships have security teams, surveillance, and cabin phones for emergencies, and the same consequences for crimes on land will take place if committed onboard a ship.

Margaritaville at Sea Announces Dining Lineup for Beachcomber

Lissa Poirot
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0
Margaritaville at Sea Announces Dining Lineup for Beachcomber

Key Aspects:

  • Margaritaville at Sea is removing the traditional cruise buffet and replacing it with a market-style dining hub on its new Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber.
  • The new High Tide Market with feature five distinct venues serving freshly prepared dishes ranging from barbeque and salads to pizza and desserts.
  • Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber will also introduce several new included and specialty restaurants.

Cruise buffets have long been a staple of vacation dining, but Margaritaville at Sea is betting that the next generation of cruisers want something different.

When the all-new Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber debuts in early 2027, it will introduce a lineup of dining concepts designed to move past the era of one-stop buffet service.

Instead of sprawling buffet counters, the ship’s main dining hub will be the Hide Tide Market, a food-hall setup featuring five distinct venues.

New additions will include Kickin’ & Pickin’ Chicken, specializing in tenders, sandwiches, and roasted dishes with rotating sauces; Sun Baked BBQ, serving coastal-style smokehouse meats and sides; and Provisions Salads & More, offering greens, grains, and fresh toppings that change daily.

Returning favorite Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria handles stone-baked slices, while the new Slice of Paradise joins the lineup to offer pastries and other desserts.

The move follows other cruise lines who have been making a shift to market-style food halls and more made-to-order options, including Virgin Voyages, which was the first cruise line to remove the buffet altogether.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships introduced a similar concept with the AquaDome Market, Norwegian Cruise Line added the Indulge Food Hall on its Prima-class vessels, and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish features Marceline Market for a station-based approach.

But Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber is adding more than a food hall. Outside the market, the new License to Chill Sandwich Shack gives guests another daytime option with made-to-order hot dogs and piled-high sandwiches, and Floridays Coastal Cuisine adds a new sit-down concept focused on seafood and Florida-inspired small plates.

Slice of Paradise on Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber
Slice of Paradise on Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber (Photo Credit: Margaritaville at Sea)

Casual venue favorites Mexican Cutie Cantina, with its tacos and bowls, and Cheeseburger in Paradise’s famous juicy burgers, will be a fixture on board, as will the Margaritaville Coffee Shop, returning as a morning stop for espressos and lattes.

Meanwhile, the ship’s two main dining rooms, Fins and Beachcomber, also remain central venues for diners with table service. But guests looking for upgraded dining can choose from several specialty restaurants, including F&L Trattoria for Italian, JWB Prime Steakhouse, and Far Side Sushi.

What to Expect on Beachcomber

The newest addition to the Margaritaville at Sea fleet, the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, is scheduled to debut in January 2027 and will sail from PortMiami.

At more than 100,000 gross tons and with an anticipated capacity for nearly 3,450 guests at double occupancy, the ship is larger than the brand’s two current vessels, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber was previously the Costa Fortuna, part of Carnival Corporation-owned Costa Cruises, and will undergo an extensive refit in late 2026 to transform the ship into the Margaritaville at Sea experience.

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The redesign will incorporate the brand’s signature laidback Caribbean aesthetic with updated staterooms, refreshed public venues, and new dining and entertainment features.

A standout will be the ship’s aft-located “5 O’Clock Somewhere” pool deck venue, which spans four decks and is billed at the largest of its kind. This area will house the main pool, waterslide, hot tubs, stadium-style tiered seating, live music stages, and cabana seating.

Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber will offer 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries to destinations such as Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Puerto Rico.

Cruise Guests Outraged as Chair Hogs Get Bolder on Royal Caribbean Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Guests Outraged as Chair Hogs Get Bolder on Royal Caribbean Ship

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean guests are getting more and more frustrated at chair hogs taking over poolside loungers and prime seating in the Solarium and other areas.
  • Frustrations were high onboard a recent Ovation of the Seas sailing from Tokyo to Singapore, but that isn’t the only cruise where chair hogs have been a problem.
  • Royal Caribbean’s official policy is that guests cannot reserve chairs and personal items left for longer than 30 minutes will be removed, but enforcement is inconsistent.

Chair hogs are some very worst types of cruise guests, and they are getting bolder. While inexperienced guests might think reserving chairs might be confined to a poolside problem, more creative and inconsiderate guests are hogging all types of lounge chairs all over different ships.

Such poor behavior isn’t confined to one cruise line or just shorter tropical or Caribbean sailings when guests might be seeking to maximize their sun lounging house, either.

Onboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas on her recent repositioning cruise from Tokyo to Singapore, for example and according to the roll call group, guests have seen various outrageous hogging methods, and it isn’t just by the pool.

One guest on the cruise said, “I was on this cruise. It was pretty ridiculous. The second the Solarium opened up every chair had towels and various items laying on them (hat’s, throws, fruit, etc.) and then it was just me and my party in the whole place all morning. The pool didn’t open until 8 so, I assume they all went to breakfast. Even when the pool opened up it was basically just me there. Most people didn’t come back until 10:30 if at all.“

Locations such as shady spots on Deck 15, both port and starboard, have proven popular for chair hogs, as well as throughout the ship’s adults-only Solarium space on Deck 14.

Different objects are being left to “reserve” chairs for hours, starting in the early morning with guests not returning to the chairs for several hours.

While draping the blue, ship-provided towels over a chair is the most common way to claim a deck chair, other items left on chairs as sign of claiming the seat include:

  • Books
  • Plates
  • Pieces of fruit
  • Sandals or shoes
  • Beach bags
  • Personal beach towels
  • Drink glasses
  • Clothing
  • Water bottles

It’s not against shipboard policy to claim a deck chair and leave a personal item behind while one is enjoying the pool or hot tub, visiting the restroom, grabbing a snack from the buffet, or otherwise being briefly away. Guests are not officially permitted to reserve chairs for hours, however.

On this particular sailing, patience may have been short due to other (non chair-hog) issues. Because of bad weather, Ovation of the Seas was delayed in reaching Tokyo, which shortened the next cruise from the original 11-night itinerary to a 9-night cruise.

Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas (Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock)

This and other poor weather along the 3,400-mile route also caused cancelled ports of call, which is always frustrating to guests especially when visiting bucket-list destinations on unique itineraries. With less time than expected to relax by the pool, the best chair spots would be even more in demand.

This is not a new problem, however. Tempers have flared onboard other Royal Caribbean ships in the past, such as aboard Symphony of the Seas in February 2025, when guests took to social media to share their frustrations.

Is There an Official Chair Hog Policy?

Royal Caribbean’s FAQ specifically states that reserving chairs is not permitted in order to ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy some poolside lounging. Guests are only supposed to leave items for a half hour.

“If a pool chair is left unattended for more than 30 minutes with no signs of any guests returning, our crew will remove any belongings and place them in the lost and found,” the policy reads.

What enrages guests is that enforcement of the policy appears inconsistent. At some times, crew members may clear away personal items to open up chairs for others to use. At other times, however, items would be left for hours without crew members taking any steps to alleviate the problem.

More From Cruise Hive

With altercations often being sparked over seemingly very minor issues, it makes sense that crew members could be reluctant to confront a guest over a reserved deck chair. Similarly, many guests prefer not to be confrontational with other passengers.

On the other hand, more and more guests are turning to the Guest Services desk, security officers, post-cruise surveys, and online complaints to express their displeasure in the hopes that the cruise line might tighten the policy and improve enforcement.

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