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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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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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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.

Star of the Seas (Finally!) Makes Inaugural Call to St. Kitts

Donna Tunney
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Star of the Seas (Finally!) Makes Inaugural Call to St. Kitts

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, celebrated her maiden call to St. Kitts and Nevis on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
  • The ship was originally scheduled to call at St. Kitts during a cruise that departed Port Canaveral on September 28, 2025, but Tropical Storm Imelda prompted the cruise line to revise that itinerary away from the Eastern Caribbean.
  • Star of the Seas is sailing alternate Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from the Central Florida port on a year-round basis.

Better late than never. That was the case when Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas called at St. Kitts on October 23, 2025, after having to cancel an earlier scheduled call due to Tropical Storm Imelda, which later reached hurricane status.

The twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed the ship, which is second in the line’s Icon class after Icon of the Seas. The special ceremony included a plaque exchange, a maritime tradition to mark a vessel’s first call at a destination.

The event was held as the 5,600-guest ship visited St. Kitts’ Port Zante Cruise Terminal during her 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day voyage roundtrip from Port Canaveral. 

The ship departed the Central Florida homeport on October 19, 2025. Basseterre, St. Kitts was the final stop on the itinerary, which also included St. Thomas, USVI, and the Perfect Day at CocoCay private island destination.

Cruise line and port officials attended the ceremony along with the country’s prime minister and cabinet ministers, local media reported.

“The arrival of this remarkable vessel represents more than tourism. It signals a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible growth,” said Terrance Drew, prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis. 

“We recognize that the future of travel and tourism must align with the urgent need to protect our environment, and today, we celebrate a partner who shares this vision.”

Star of the Seas St. Kitts Plaque Exchange Ceremony
Star of the Seas St. Kitts Plaque Exchange Ceremony (Photo Credit: St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority)

Like her sister ship Icon of the Seas, the 248,663-gross-ton Star of the Seas, which was christened in her Florida homeport on August 20, 2025, is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a marine fuel that helps reduce emissions harmful to the environment.

Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, is under construction and due to launch in 2026. A fourth, unnamed Icon-class ship is also under construction.

The Icon-class ships represent the largest in the cruise industry, with a total guest capacity of 7,600 with all berths occupied. They also accommodate 2,350 crew members.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Suite Perks: Is It Worth Upgrading?

While Star of the Seas operates alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, St. Kitts is not a regular call on the Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

In fact, the ship’s next visit to the destination will be in May 2026. The port call is included on one itinerary per month in May, June, August, and September 2026, and two calls per month in July and October 2026.

Tropical Storm Prompted a Major Itinerary Shift

Known for its rainforests and pristine beaches, plus its Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, St. Kitts and Nevis is situated in the Lesser Antilles. 

When Tropical Storm Imelda emerged on September 27, 2025, it became the ninth named storm of the season, and hurricane watches and warnings were issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Eventually becoming a hurricane, Imelda battered the Eastern Caribbean before ultimately veering northeast toward Bermuda.

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Star of the Seas departed Port Canaveral on September 28, 2025, on what was to have been an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Out of an abundance of caution, Royal Caribbean altered the routing and sent the ship to the Western Caribbean instead.

Besides St. Kitts, the ship had planned to call at St. Thomas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Her revised itinerary enabled guests to enjoy the destinations of Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.

Virgin Voyages Simplifies Names for 17 Caribbean Itineraries

Catie Kovelman
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Virgin Voyages Simplifies Names for 17 Caribbean Itineraries

Key Aspects: 

  • Virgin Voyages’ is renaming its Caribbean itineraries in an effort to simplify the cruise booking process and make it easier to understand what different sailings entail.
  • Three itineraries have new names as of October 23, 2025, and 14 more itineraries will have new titles before the end of the year.
  • Some cruise fans are not happy about the change and think that it’s taking away some of the unique personality that the adults-only cruise is known for.

In order to book a cruise, passengers first need to know where they are sailing.

Due to confusion surrounding what certain Caribbean itineraries entail, Virgin Voyages is simplifying the names of these voyages to clarify their regions and key ports of call.

To be clear, only the names of the itineraries are changing. The voyage lengths, destinations, and ships are staying the same.

Three name changes were effective as of October 23, 2025, with more to come later in the year.

The first itinerary, which was originally called Western Caribbean Charm, has been renamed as Western Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club.

This is a 6-night voyage that will next be offered by Resilient Lady, with embarkation scheduled in Miami, Florida, on November 9, 2025.

It includes stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Bimini Island, which is home to Virgin Voyages’ private beach club.

The next change that went into effect is for the San Juan, Samana & Bimini sailings. This itinerary will now be called Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club.

These 7-night voyages will also be operated by Resilient Lady and include calls to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Samana, Dominican Republic; and Bimini.

The next embarkation for this itinerary is scheduled for November 29, 2025, in Miami.

The last change (for now) is to the Costa Mayan Caves & Honduran Waves itinerary. This is getting the most simple moniker, as this itinerary will now simply be titled Western Caribbean Cruise.

This is another 6-night voyage for Resilient Lady that is next scheduled to set sail on March 14, 2026.

As the former name suggests, it visits Roatan, Honduras, and both Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico.

More Name Changes Coming

In addition to these three itineraries, fourteen different voyages will be getting new names before the end of the year.

The new names are meant to focus on regions and itinerary highlights, helping guests narrow down where exactly they want to go.

Virgin Voyages ship in the Caribbean
Virgin Voyages ship in the Caribbean (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)

The following itineraries will be shifting at some point during the fourth quarter:

  • Cayman Coves & Jamaican Waterfalls to Western Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
  • Western Caribbean: From Miami to Bimini to Western Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
  • Resilient Valentine’s Voyage to Western Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
  • Cayman Isles & Jamaican Miles to Western Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
  • Resilient New Year’s Ahoy! to Western Caribbean & Bimini New Year’s
  • San Juan Sunrises & Dominican Dreams to Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
  • PR, DR & Bimini: Valentine’s Voyage to Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
  • Resilient New Year’s Ahoy! to Western Caribbean & Bimini New Year’s
  • Cozumel, Grand Cayman & Bimini to Western Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
  • Antigua Waves & Grand Turk Caves to Eastern Caribbean Cruise
  • Brilliant Valentine’s Voyage to Eastern Caribbean Cruise
  • Puerto Rican Nights & St. Croix Delights to Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
  • November Nights in the Eastern Caribbean to Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
  • Grand Turk, Puerto Plata & Bimini to Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club

Read Also: Who Owns Virgin Voyages and How It All Started

Though these adjustments are meant to make it easier to book new cruises, the initial reaction to the name change among cruise fans has been one of confusion and disappointment.

Some will miss the fun of the former itinerary names, which felt unique to the special flare that Virgin Voyages offers.

“The names are all so bland too! The old ones had personality. These are just soulless,” one cruise fan reacted on Reddit.

“The naming before was so cool and different,” another replied with a crying face emoji.

Others observed that the new names actually made it harder to differentiate between different sailings, especially because some of the itineraries will now share the same title.

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“Wait, so basically every voyage is going to have the same name? Why would they do this? That’s going to make it more difficult to scan through them when booking to find one that catches your interest,” a third person stated.

Once guests narrow down to a specific region, they can then filter their search by preferred ships, desired ports, voyage lengths, and dates.

Carnival Cruise Line Provides Update on Tropical Storm Melissa

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Provides Update on Tropical Storm Melissa

Key Aspects:

  • While Tropical Storm Melissa is growing in strength, there are no confirmed itinerary changes for Carnival cruise ships at this time.
  • Carnival Cruise Line is urging booked guests to opt in for text updates to stay informed if any changes are necessary.
  • Melissa will likely strengthen into a major hurricane in the coming days and could impact several Carnival ships in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

With Tropical Storm Melissa churning away southeast of Jamaica, cruise travelers with Western Caribbean itineraries (whether or not they include that beautiful destination) are growing understandably concerned about their cruise vacations.

While Margaritaville at Sea Islander is (as of this writing) the only cruise ship to have confirmed a storm-related itinerary change thus far, Carnival Cruise Line has reassured guests that Melissa is being watched closely.

“Our Fleet Operations Center in Miami is closely monitoring forecasts for Tropical Storm Melissa in the Caribbean. Currently, there is no impact to our itineraries,” the cruise line noted.

Several Carnival cruise ships could see disruptions from Melissa, depending on the overall track, strength, and size of the storm compared to their planned itineraries. The storm is currently having the greatest impact on Jamaica for the next few days, and impacted ships could include:

  • Carnival Liberty – October 26 from New Orleans – 7-night itinerary with a visit to Montego Bay, Jamaica on Wednesday, October 29
  • Carnival Dream – October 18 from Galveston – 14-night itinerary with a stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on Wednesday, October 29
  • Carnival Spirit – October 11 from Seattle – 16-night repositioning cruise to New Orleans with a stop in Cartagena, Colombia on Thursday, October 23

While these three ships may see the most direct impact from Tropical Storm (and eventually Hurricane) Melissa, other Carnival ships may also be affected, especially as the storm continues to strengthen.

“Safety is our priority, and we continue to track conditions carefully, factoring in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard, and local port authorities to provide timely updates,” Carnival noted.

Read Also: Cruising During Hurricane Season – What You Must Know!

Guests booked on upcoming sailings, especially for Caribbean or Bahamas itineraries, are urged to opt in to text alerts and ensure their contact information is up-to-date so they can be notified quickly if any changes are necessary.

Possible itinerary changes are not limited to Carnival cruise ships, and any cruise travelers with sailings in the storm’s potential path in the coming days should stay alert for notifications and adjustments. Remaining flexible with travel plans and expectations is always essential when cruising during hurricane season.

Tropical Storm Melissa Update

As of Thursday evening, October 23, 2025, Melissa remains a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour.

According to the National Hurricane Center, she is located about 185 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica and is moving north-northwest toward the island at a whopping two miles per hour.

That slow speed is giving the storm more time to strengthen, and Melissa is expected to become an official hurricane by Saturday afternoon (October 25), and may become a major Category 3 storm or even higher through the weekend and into early next week.

Tropical Storm Melissa
Tropical Storm Melissa

“Gradual strengthening is forecast over the next day or so, followed by rapid intensification this weekend. Melissa is forecast to become a hurricane by Saturday and a major hurricane by the end of the weekend,” the 5 p.m. Thursday advisory reads.

She is expected to shift to a westward track over the weekend before turning north early next week. Depending on her exact track and speed, this may mean landfall in western Jamaica as a major hurricane, or else she could skirt around the island as she hooks back toward the northeast and possibly toward the Bahamas.

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Already, tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches are in effect for all of Jamaica, as well as southwestern Haiti.

Strong winds, up to 14 inches of rain, coastal flooding, storm surge, and significant swells are all possible effects of the storm.

Norwegian Epic Alters Course to Rescue Over 60 Refugees

Catie Kovelman
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Norwegian Epic Alters Course to Rescue Over 60 Refugees

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic diverted to rescue 67 migrants on an overcrowded sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The rescue occurred early into an 11-night sailing to the Greek Isles and Italy, which embarked in Rome one day prior on October 21, 2025.
  • As a result of the rescue, the first port on the itinerary, which was in Santorini, had to be cancelled.

Norwegian Cruise Line to the rescue!

On the night of October 22, 2025, Norwegian Epic saved the day for more than 60 refugees who were in distress on an overcrowded sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea.

Just the day before, October 21, 2025, the 4,070-guest ship embarked on an 11-night round-trip sailing to the Greek Isles and Italy from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

At the time of the rescue, the 155,873-gross ton ship would have been heading southeast toward Santorini, Greece, which was meant to have been her first port of call of the voyage.

“I’m on the NCL Epic on a 11 day cruise in the Mediterranean starting in Rome. We had a day at sea. Last night we had to stop in the middle of the MED and rescue 67 migrants that were in a 30′ sailboat,” a current guest shared on Reddit.

“It took a few hours for the crew to get them onboard the ship,” they continued.

It makes sense that it would take a while to bring all the refugees onboard, as they would have to be triaged for potential medical treatment and go through a security screening to make sure they weren’t carrying any prohibited items.

And believe it or not, cruise ships are legally and morally obligated to help sailors in distress by Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) unless it would put the crew members and passengers already onboard in danger.

Cruise Hive reached out to Norwegian Cruise Line for a statement about the rescue, but did not receive a response before publication.

Diversion Causes Port Cancellation

Rescued refugees don’t simply get a free cruise. They are provided with food, water, and medical attention and are sheltered in a separate area from the paying passengers.

The goal is to hand the refugees over at the soonest port of call to the authorities or to rendezvous with authorities to send the migrants safely on their way to the next appropriate destination.

In this case, the original plan was for the 67 refugees to be disembarked in Santorini when the NCL ship arrived on the morning of October 23.

However, passengers woke up to find that they were in a different Greek port to complete the drop off and that the visit to Santorini had been canceled.

Norwegian Epic Rescue
Norwegian Epic Rescue (Photo Credit: killacam81)

“We were supposed to hand them over to the Greek Coast guard in Santorini, our first stop. But when I woke up this morning we were pulling into a random port on mainland Greece,” the cruiser said in their post.

“I guess the the Greek authorities wanted them there and not on the island of Santorini. Now we have [to] miss Santorini. Really bummed this is my 2nd time trying to get to Santorini.”

As of this time, there should be no additional impact to the NCL ship’s current itinerary. She is next due in Athens, Greece, on October 24, 2025.

Cruise tracking data shows that she is sailing northeast at speeds of 10 knots per hour and is between the islands of Spestes and Hydra – which means she is going in the right direction.

The distance from Hydra to the Piraeus Port in Athens is only about 37 nautical miles, which is a distance that a fully functioning cruise ship can cover in less than two hours.

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After Athens, the 2010-launched ship will call to Mykonos, Greece; Valletta, Malta; and Syracuse (Sicily), Italy; Salerno, Italy; Livorno, Italy; and Cannes, France.

Disembarkation will take place in Rome on the morning of November 1, 2025.

Steel Cutting Held for Royal Caribbean’s Next Oasis-Class Ship

Lissa Poirot
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Steel Cutting Held for Royal Caribbean’s Next Oasis-Class Ship

Key Aspects:

  • A new Oasis-class ship has officially begun construction with the first steel cut on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
  • The seventh ship in the famed class is being constructed at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.
  • Passengers will have to wait until the vessel’s projected 2028 delivery to set sail.

Royal Caribbean has begun construction on its next Oasis-class ship, marking the first major milestone for the seventh vessel in the series.

The first piece of steel was cut on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, officially launching the build process for the as-yet-unnamed ship scheduled to debut in 2028.

Representatives from Royal Caribbean Group and the shipyard attended the event, which signals the moment naval architects and engineering teams move from design to physical construction.

The Oasis class first entered service more than a decade ago and has remained a major part of Royal Caribbean’s growth strategy. Each ship has introduced updates to the class’s size, layout, and onboard offerings, keeping guests comin back for more.

The seventh Oasis-class ship follows the 226,838-gross-ton Oasis of the Seas, which launched the class in 2009, and the 236,473-gross-ton Utopia of the Seas, which joined the lineup in 2024 as the sixth sister ship and first to be offering short-break sailings from Florida.

While Royal Caribbean has not yet released specifics for the new ship, including features or a name, the cruise line says details will be announced as construction progresses.

The next months will see the hull, blocks, and sections of the ship come together and precedes keel-laying, block assembly, float-out, and sea trials before delivery to Royal Caribbean in 2028.

Worth Reading: Next Oasis-Class Ship Begins Sea Trials Ahead of Debut

The Oasis class vessels introduced Royal Caribbean’s “neighborhood” concept, which divides the ships into multiple themed districts, each designed for a specific type of activity. One of the most recognizable examples is Central Park, an open-air garden lined with live greenery and specialty restaurants at the heart of the ship.

The Boardwalk area brings the atmosphere of a coastal amusement district with family-friendly entertainment and casual dining, while the Royal Promenade serves as the ship’s interior main street, featuring bars, retail shops, and entertainment.

Oasis 7 steel cutting at Chantier de l'Atlantique
Oasis 7 steel cutting at Chantier de l’Atlantique (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean Group)

When Utopia of the Seas debuted, it featured a new neighborhood: the Suite Neighborhood. This exclusive area includes amenities for suite guests like a private lounge, sun deck, and restaurant.

We’ll have to wait and see what new additions will be a feature of this seventh ship, as well as its passenger capacity. With 5,668 passengers welcome on Utopia of the Seas, the new ship is expected to match, if not exceed, that capacity. 

Royal Caribbean Group Celebrates Triple Achievement

While the start of construction was a major headline, it wasn’t the only milestone Royal Caribbean Group celebrated in France on Thursday.

At the same shipyard, the company also took delivery of Celebrity Xcel, the newest Edge-class ship for Celebrity Cruises. That handover moves the vessel from the construction phase into operational preparation ahead of its entry into service.

Celebrity Xcel is designed to be methanol-capable, part of Royal Caribbean Group’s move toward lower-emission ship technology.

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Celebrity Xcel’s first voyage will be a 4-night preview cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, on November 9, 2025, followed by a 5-night maiden voyage to Bimini Islands, Bahamas, and Cozumel on November 18.

In addition, a steel-cutting ceremony was held for Celebrity Xcite, the newly named sixth ship in the Edge class. Delivery is scheduled for 2028.

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