Blog Page 107

Vancouver Celebrates Billion Dollar Boost as Alaska Season Ends

Calvin Musquez
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Vancouver Celebrates Billion Dollar Boost as Alaska Season Ends

Key Aspects:

  • With the departure of Coral Princess, the 2025 Vancouver cruise season officially came to an end on October 21, 2025.
  • Cruising has provided the region with a much needed financial boost amidst global economic conflict.
  • Looking ahead, the port anticipates another successful season in 2026.

It was a cool, cloudy afternoon on the Canadian coast, but officials at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority saw only sunshine as Coral Princess departed at 4 p.m. on October 21, 2025.

The 2,390-passenger vessel’s 7-night journey to Los Angeles marked the end of a highly successful 2025 cruise season in Vancouver.

Since the season launched with the arrival of Disney Wonder on March 5, the award-winning Canada Place Terminal has processed approximately 1.2 million passengers coming from 301 cruise ships, contributing over $1 billion to the local economy.

Throughout the year, the port welcomed ships from 16 cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Villa Vie Residences.

Amidst an active trade war with the United States, this economic boom seems to offer a financial sigh of relief for the Canadian port.

Shri Madiwal, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, shared his gratitude as the successful season came to a close.

“This year’s success underscores the cruise sector’s power as an economic engine,” said Madiwal.

“Each sailing brings millions of dollars in passenger spending that circulates through hotels, restaurants, attractions, and suppliers, helping to strengthen our regional economy.” 

This comes following a record-breaking year for the port in 2024, when Vancouver welcomed 1.32 million passengers.

The port’s success is a well-deserved return on investment, having invested heavily in the cruise industry in recent years by implementing shore power technology, and LNG refueling support.

The cruise terminal is also equipped with facial biometric scanning for faster passenger security processing.

Vancouver Expects Another Successful Year in 2026

Looking to the future, Vancouver’s cruise operations show no signs of slowing down.

Preliminary bookings for 2026 show an increase in expected ships and passengers, indicating another strong season to come.

This is largely because Vancouver is one of the top homeports for itineraries to Alaska, a destination that is already generating buzz with exciting itineraries for the coming year.

Crown Princess in Vancouver
Crown Princess in Vancouver (Photo Credit: Lenic)

Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, remarked on Vancouver’s importance to Alaska itineraries, as well as its value as a destination in its own right.

“As a gateway to Alaska, Vancouver offers our guests not only seamless embarkation but also the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and national beauty of this remarkable city,” said Berra.

“We are committed to strengthening this partnership and delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

Princess Cruises will have seven ships sailing to Alaska from Vancouver in 2026, and will also be expanding its popular Cruisetours in the next season.

Holland America Line, meanwhile, is set to operate 18 Alaska itineraries in 2026, including itineraries to the remote Denali region, departing from Vancouver.

Disney Cruise Line is doubling down on ships sailing to Alaska from Vancouver next year, offering itineraries on both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

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While not homeporting in Vancouver, MSC Cruises is also making waves by jumping into Alaska cruises for the very first time, signaling an ever-growing interest in the region that is sure to be felt across the industry.

As the Coral Princess dipped below the horizon, it may have signaled the end of the 2025 cruise season in Vancouver, but it is clearly only the beginning of a very bright future for the port.

Carnival Cruise Loyalty Hoax Making Multiple Appearances

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Loyalty Hoax Making Multiple Appearances

Key Aspects:

  • A Carnival Cruise Line loyalty hoax is growing more popular through social media, offering a “lifetime tier” with highly coveted benefits.
  • The way to get this lifetime Carnival status? Guests have to donate “just one” kidney to a non-existent research initiative.
  • This is not the first hoax Carnival has had to deal with recently, as scams and pranks can seem very realistic with AI generation and official logos.

A not-so-new hoax about Carnival Cruise Line’s loyalty program updates is gaining strength and showing up in more and more social media groups and pages. With a legitimate (albeit copyright-infringing) look, it might easily fool those hoping for more updates on loyalty levels and lifetime status.

The hoax is circulating as a graphic promising “Big News From Carnival Cruise Lines!” and is topped by the cruise line’s official whale tail logo and name in the appropriate font, even with the registered trademark symbol.

Let’s first ignore the “Lines” as Carnival Cruise Line is singular, not plural, but it could easily be confused with Carnival Corporation & plc, the parent company that owns Carnival Cruise Line and multiple other lines.

The text of the hoax notes “We’ve Heard You… And We’re Ready to Make Waves!” It would be easy to think this is a reference to Carnival Cruise Line reviewing guest feedback about the new Carnival Rewards program.

John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, has repeatedly assured guests that the program is not yet fully refined or revealed, and that more details will be forthcoming over the next few months.

“It’s not even close to being completed yet so we will be sharing much much more information with you about this and how the rewards program will enable you to unlock more benefits and will share that as soon as we can,” he said recently.

In fact, the cruise line has already listened to frustrated guests and will now be honoring lifetime Diamond level status if guests have achieved it by the May 31, 2026 deadline. This makes the ongoing hoax seem even more legitimate, as it is “announcing” another status update.

The words “LIFETIME CARNIVAL STATUS” are prominently displayed in the middle of the hoax, sure to catch the eyes of eager guests who don’t want to lose the benefits they may have spent years achieving.

“To celebrate the launch of our updated Rewards Program, we’re thriiled to unveil the ULTIMATE UPGRADE OPPORTUNITY for our most loyal cruisers,” the announcement states.

That simple sentence, however, has two clues that this is actually a hoax. First, read it again – did you noticed that “thrilled” is misspelled? Misspellings are often an indication of fraud, spam, or hoaxes.

Second, the statement refers to “our updated Rewards Program” but the actual name is Carnival Rewards. It’s unlikely that official communication from the cruise line would fail to use that name, especially since it isn’t listed anywhere on the hoax at all.

Nevertheless, those small issues would be easy to overlook, especially for a loyal VIFP member interested in maintaining their high status. The next line is certainly eye-catching:

“INTRODUCING: The “One for the Ocean” Lifetime Tier!”

That is exciting indeed, as lifetime status has been a sticking point for Carnival’s Platinum and Diamond level guests. Reading onward, however, is where the hoax quickly falls apart.

Carnival Loyalty Hoax
Carnival Loyalty Hoax

“If you’re currently a Platinum or Diamond guest, you now have the exclusive option to donate one (just one!) kidney to the Carnival Medical Research Initiative,” the hoax reads.

Okay, now that’s obviously fake. While Carnival Cruise Line is an official charitable partner for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, there is no such thing as the “Carnival Medical Research Initiative” nor would any charitable organization ever solicit organ donations.

The hoax goes on quickly to offer benefits any cruiser would love, including:

  • Unlimited cruises
  • Permanent priority boarding
  • Private stateroom lounges
  • Sparkling water on demand

And my favorite perk for this offer: “A branded kidney-shaped lapel pin to show off your elite generosity.” This is a quite obvious dig at the VIFP pins that some loyal cruisers do enjoy wearing on cruises.

As a matter of interest, those pins will continue as gifts in the Carnival Rewards program for Platinum and Diamond guests, though other VIFP gifts will not.

How Could Anyone Be Fooled?

It may seem so obvious that this is a hoax, how can it be trending on social media? Despite one misspelling, the lack of other misspellings lends legitimacy to the joke.

The graphic is clear and not blurred, a product of either good design or AI generation. In fact, AI technology is often making it more and more difficult to tell what is real versus what isn’t exactly on the up-and-up.

This is not the first hoax that Carnival Cruise Line has been impacted with recently. John Heald confirmed that hoax ducks have been showing up on Carnival ships promising free drinks when found, but despite having “prizewinning” tags, there are no such free drink ducks endorsed by the cruise line.

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Like this organ donation hoax, however, the duck tags also use Carnival’s official logo, making them seem legitimate.

Scams from illicit rideshare drivers, sales of used Havana wristbands, and other hoaxes often impact cruise travelers. The best defense is to be alert and aware of ongoing jokes and pranks and learn how to quickly recognize when something just seems too good to be true.

Norwegian Cruise Line Criticized for Last-Minute Itinerary Changes

Catie Kovelman
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Norwegian Cruise Line Criticized for Last-Minute Itinerary Changes

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line has altered several itineraries through the end of the year for Norwegian Getaway and at least one cruise for Norwegian Pearl.
  • The new itineraries replace ports like Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay to prioritize calls to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
  • Impacted guests have expressed outrage at the late adjustments to their cruise vacations.

Norwegian Cruise Line is in the hot seat after making some last-minute itinerary changes to multiple sailings before the end of 2025 that will be operated by Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Pearl.

These are all Bahamas or Caribbean-bound sailings that have been adjusted to revolve around a port call to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, allegedly to improve the cruise line’s relationship with the Caribbean destination.

“To enhance the guest experience, diversify our Caribbean offerings, and strengthen partnerships with key destinations, we’ve modified select itineraries to include additional calls to the Dominican Republic through the end of the year,” NCL wrote in emails to future guests of Norwegian Getaway.

The new sailings replace popular ports of call in the Bahamas, such as Bimini, Nassau, and Great Stirrup Cay – which is the cruise line’s private island in the Berry Islands – with a day in Puerto Plata.

On Norwegian Getaway sailings, an extra sea day has also been added after the newly inserted port.

The cruise line has confirmed that Norwegian Getaway’s November 3, November 10, and December 15 embarkations have been reworked.

Worth Reading: Norwegian Cruise Line Makes Another Itinerary Change

Impacted passengers of the Breakaway Plus-class ship also report receiving itinerary changes for the Miami-based sailings embarking on October 29 and December 11.

Only one sailing for the Norwegian Pearl has been affected thus far, which is an 11-night Caribbean voyage that will set sail in Miami on December 8.

It’s also possible that more sailings could be impacted, so guests embarking before the end of the year should keep an eye out for potential updates.

The change also comes after NCL canceled dozens of sailings for 2026 and 2027 onboard Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Joy at the end of September due to redeployments.

NCL Hit With Significant Backlash

Guests who were booked on these sailings are not happy and don’t see strengthening partnerships as a valid reason for altering their itineraries at the last minute.

Many saw this as a shady way to do business, as it’s too late for impacted guests to cancel or reschedule their sailings without penalty.

Norwegian Pearl Departing PortMiami, Florida
Norwegian Pearl Departing PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: Just dance)

NCL cruises that are canceled within 30 day get no refunds, cruises canceled within 31-60 days have a 75% cancellation fee, and cruises canceled within 61-90 days have a 50% penalty.

All of the impacted sailings will embark before the new year, which is only 72 days away as of the time of publication.

“THIS IS NOT AN ITINERARY CHANGE!! It is a totally different cruise. They should be offering free cancellation or a massive FCC,” one passenger reacted.

“To do so after final payment and for a non weather or emergency reason is so messed up,” another said.

“NCL is gaining a well-deserved reputation as an unreliable, if not shady, cruise line. No other cruise line comes close to the amount of last-minute itinerary changes NCL springs on their customers,” a third chimed in.

Others wondered if the cause behind the changes was actually related to partnerships with the cruise port, or if the cruise line is hiding the real reason.

While this has not been confirmed by Norwegian Cruise Line, some have theorized that the cruise line needs to reroute some ships away from Great Stirrup Cay due to construction needs for the new pier that is currently being built.

The new multi-ship pier is supposed to be open and operational at some point before the end of the year.

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“If I’m putting my conspiracy hat on for a second, I’m thinking this has a lot more to do with the pier at GSC and the drink package bleeding money at GSC than it does with strengthening partnerships,” one cruiser weighed in.

“It seems pretty obvious that they need to finish up GSC and aren’t taking passengers there. I’ll be happy when they have a dock,” someone else agreed.

But as frustrating as these changes may be, it is in the terms and conditions that guests agree to upon booking their sailings that the cruise line can cancel and change itineraries – without penalty or issuing compensation – for a multitude of reasons.

Historic SS United States’ Final Voyage to Be Live-Streamed

Lissa Poirot
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Historic SS United States’ Final Voyage to Be Live-Streamed

Key Aspects:

  • Okaloosa County commissioners have approved funding for a comprehensive video production that will document the SS United States’ final voyage and reefing.
  • WMV Productions and Gannet Creative House will capture onboard, aerial, and underwater footage of the ship’s tow-out and placement on the seafloor.
  • The agreement calls for a live-streamed broadcast and a documentary so the public can witness the transformation.

The long-awaited reefing of the SS United States will be documented in full detail underly a newly approved plan from Okaloosa County, Florida.

County commissioners voted October 21, 2025, to authorize a 50 percent advance payment to two production companies to capture the ocean liner’s final voyage and its placement on an artificial reef site.

WMV Productions, based in Nashville, Tennessee, and Gannet Creative House, of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area of Northwest Florida, were awarded the project and will receive a total of $67,850.

The agreement ensures that the project will include live-streamed coverage, onboard and aerial drone footage of the tow-out from Mobile, Alabama, and underwater video of the ship’s descent to the seafloor.

A professionally edited documentary is expected within two weeks of the deployment.

As many took to social media over the years to argue the ship should be preserved, one person said of the news, “I am glad it is going to be documented and recorded as it is a piece of history. I know there are many who will call this a disgrace or a disservice to the ship but this is the better outcome than being scrapped.”

Read Also: Where Do Cruise Ships Go To Die? The Dismantling Process

The filming initiative, managed directly by Okaloosa County, is separate from a documentary project under development by the SS United States Conservancy.

The county’s production will serve as the official recording for the reefing initiative, marking a new chapter for the storied ocean liner once known as “America’s Flagship.”

The Final Move

The SS United States was once the pride of America’s passenger fleet. The superliner was built at the height of the post-war era in Newport News, Virginia, and launched in 1952.

SS United States Departure
SS United States Departure (Photo Credit: SS United States Conservancy – Hampton Roads Chapter)

The 53,000-gross-ton vessel spanned 990 feet and could carry more than 1,900 passengers across the Atlantic Ocean in record time.

In fact, on her maiden voyage, she shattered the transatlantic speed record, completing the run from New York to Southampton in just 3 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes – a record that still stands for a commercial ocean liner.

After years of service, falling passenger numbers and the rise of intercontinental jet travel led to her retirement in 1969. The ship was stripped of furnishings and equipment, and, after several redevelopment attempts, she was towed to a berth on the Delaware River in South Philadelphia in 1996.

For nearly three decades, the liner sat there, paint peeling, funnels fading, becoming both a landmark and an eyesore. The nonprofit SS United States Conservancy acquired the vessel in 2011 to prevent scrapping, maintaining it through donations and advocacy.

Despite proposals to restore her as a museum, hotel, or mixed-use attraction, the high cost of renovation proved insurmountable.

By 2024, mounting legal disputes over dockage fees and safety forced a court-ordered mediation, and eventually the decision to move the ship.

The agreement cleared the way for her final voyage from Philadelphia to the Gulf of Mexico. Now, the ocean liner is moving toward the final phase, where she will be sunk to create an artificial reef that will serve as a marine habitat and diving destination off the coast of Florida.

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Environmental remediation work is currently underway to clean up hazardous materials, remove interior fittings that must be preserved, and to prepare the ship for towing and sinking.

In August 2025, the first of the ship’s iconic funnels was removed, and it will be preserved for a land-based museum near the reefing site.

The exact date and reefing location remain undisclosed for now, with officials citing operational and safety reasons. Both will be announced closer to deployment to avoid crowding or interference during the tow-out.

10-Hour Search Called off After Overboard on Norwegian Jewel

Lissa Poirot
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10-Hour Search Called off After Overboard on Norwegian Jewel

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Jewel entered search and rescue mode after a person went overboard in the early morning hours on October 21, 2025.
  • The 93,502-gross-ton vessel circled for more than 10 hours approximately 188 miles off the Azores with crew members and nearby cargo ships assisting in the search.
  • Despite extensive efforts, the search was unsuccessful and the ship has since resumed its transatlantic voyage to Miami.

Passengers onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel woke to a jarring alarm in the early morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when a “Code Oscar” was made around 2 a.m.

The message, made by the captain and repeated throughout the ship, signaled a person had gone overboard.

“We have just in the last 10 minutes had an announcement to confirm someone is overboard, and that is why we have been circling and still are circling,” a British passenger told UK media.

The 2,368-passenger vessel, which sails with 1,069 crew members, was enjoying a 12-night repositioning voyage from Barcelona to Miami.

After departing on October 15, 2025, the ship had enjoyed a call in Cadiz, Spain, and its final call in Ponta Delgada in Portugal’s Azores.

Seven hours after departure, satellite tracking showed Norwegian Jewel off course, circling for more than 10 hours near the incident. 

Although Portugal’s National Maritime Authority’s Ponta Delgada local command was the closest emergency responders, the location of the ship – 188 miles from shore – and darkness made a search and rescue difficult.

Guests onboard the ship took to social media to share the news and updates, with photos indicating a rescue plane was searching near the location and nearby cargo ships were aiding in the search into the daylight hours.

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

Unfortunately, the search was not successful and after 10 hours, the 93,502-gross-ton Norwegian Jewel has resumed its course to Miami.

Search and rescue
Search and rescue (Photo Credit: Charity Amanda Palmatier)

“In all my years at sea, my heart has never felt heavier. A man went overboard from our ship,” said one passenger. “It was one of those moments that stops you in your tracks.”

Neither Norwegian Cruise Line or emergency response in Portugal has issued a statement. At this time, it is unclear if the person overboard was a guest or a member of the crew.

Tragedies at Sea

The incident aboard Norwegian Jewel is the second in recent months to afflict Norwegian Cruise Line.

On August 12, 2025, a 79-year-old male guest went overboard from the 91,740-gross-ton Norwegian Star while sailing off Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, enroute to Greenland.

Passengers confirmed hearing “Code Oscar” and witnessed lifeboats launched, with Norwegian Cruise Line confirming the incident.

“In consideration for the family and their privacy, updates will be shared as appropriate. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

In June 2025, a passenger fell into the water after Norwegian Epic pulled away from the pier while docked in Catania, Sicily. The passenger received only minor injuries.

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Cruise ships are required to conduct regular safety drills and maintain strict surveillance and overboard detection systems, but even with advanced technology, emergencies at sea are unpredictable and can unfold within seconds.

The thoughts and prayers of all at Cruise Hive are with those affected today, with gratitude to the crew members who tirelessly and quickly responded under difficult conditions.

Cruise Line Creates Nostalgic Voyage Based on Classic Flights

Donna Tunney
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Cruise Line Creates Nostalgic Voyage Based on Classic Flights

Key Aspects:

  • Holland America Line has unveiled the “Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage,” featuring an itinerary inspired by Pan Am’s Great Circle Route of decades past.
  • The 28-day cruise will sail roundtrip from PortMiami on October 30, 2027, calling at 18 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
  • Pan Am’s “flying boats” pioneered the concept of island-hopping across the Caribbean in the mid-20th century, which cruise ships now do.

Airline enthusiasts know all about Pan Am’s Clipper ships — aircraft that came to prominence nearly a century ago with their ability to land on water. Now, Holland America Line is set to re-create that golden age of travel in a new way.

The cruise line has designed a 28-day voyage inspired by popular routes operated by Pan Am’s so-called “flying boats,” featuring 18 popular cruise port destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.

The sailing aboard Zuiderdam will operate roundtrip from PortMiami on October 30, 2027, and is modeled on Pan Am’s former Great Circle Route.

The 1,964-guest ship will call at Nassau and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; while Caribbean ports will include those in the Dominican Republic; Puerto Rico; USVI; Antigua and Barbuda; Saint Lucia; and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.

In Colombia, the ship will visit Santa Marta and Cartagena, along with Colon, Panama, and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Belize City and Cozumel round out the port calls before the ship returns to Florida.

“Pan Am and Holland America Line both helped pioneer modern travel—Pan Am in the skies and Holland America Line at sea,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of itinerary planning and deployment for Holland America Line. “This collaboration is a tribute to the golden age of travel and humanity’s enduring drive to explore.”

Pan Am, officially known as Pan American World Airways, was founded in 1927 and reached its heyday in the 1960s. It ceased operations in 1991 but is in the process of being resurrected as a scheduled air carrier by brand owner Pan American Global Holdings.

Read Also: Eastern vs. Western Caribbean Cruise: Which Will I Prefer?

Holland America’s 2027 cruise, the “Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage,” will visit nine destinations that were originally part of the airline’s Great Circle Route. These include Nassau; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; St. John’s, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; Port of Spain, Trinidad; Colon, Panama; Progreso, Mexico; and Miami.

Great Circle Route Cruise Itinerary
Great Circle Route Cruise Itinerary (Image Credit: Holland America Line)

At its peak, Pan Am’s clipper ships pioneered travel across the Caribbean in the 1950s and 1960s, with the ability to land in sheltered harbors since many islands did not yet have airports. Typically, guests stayed in island hotels overnight before going on to the next island on the plane’s itinerary.

Special Cruise Is a Nod to 250th Anniversary of US

The partnership between the cruise line and Pan Am is one element of Holland America’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the US. Other highlights include a special voyage from Boston on July 4, 2026.

“As a cruise line with more than 150 years of history sailing, we have a deep appreciation for brands that helped shape the American story,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer for Holland America Line.

Holland America is itself a brand that helped to shape the American story. In October 2022 the cruise line celebrated its 150th anniversary by recreating a transatlantic crossing between Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and New York.

The 12-night cruise aboard Rotterdam VII retraced the route of the line’s 1827 crossing, with calls in France and England.

Themed cruises are abundant across the industry. Many offer celebrations of music and culture, plus special events such as eclipses. Indeed, many cruise lines position their ships for ideal viewings of eclipses.

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Princess Cruises, for instance, invites cruisers to join Sky Princess in Europe for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The ship will be positioned off the coast of northern Spain in the path of totality for the 2-minute, 18-second eclipse.

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises will mark the arrival of MSC Seascape in Galveston, Texas, in November 2025 with special onboard activities tied to Texas music, culture, and traditions. The ship, which will homeport seasonally in Texas, will feature a house band offering country music, line dancing events, and a Texas-themed sailaway party.

Carnival Remains Firm on Halloween Mask Policy

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Remains Firm on Halloween Mask Policy

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line does not permit full face masks to be worn onboard the ship for Halloween, other than during the costume parade event.
  • The mask restrictions are important for onboard security and guests will be asked to remove full face masks by the security team or other crew members.
  • Other costume guidelines include no weapons (real or fake), no nudity or profanity, or anything too sexy. All costumes should be family-friendly.

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays and many people go all-out with elaborate decorations, boneyards, spooky treats, and crazy costumes.

Cruise lines are no different, and Carnival Cruise Line offers a range of fun Halloween activities and events for guests sailing during the spooky season. Not all Halloween fun is always welcome onboard, however, and the cruise line remains firm on their mask policy.

The line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, reminded guests of the mask policy in his morning video on October 21, 2025, with the holiday just 10 days away. While Carnival’s ships have been offering Halloween happenings all month long, the mask policy remains firm.

“I just want to reiterate something,” Heald commented. “Full face costume masks. We have a little problem on Carnival Sunshine at the moment, I’m sure they’re not the only ones. They were refusing to remove the masks – they were wearing their costumes pretty much all day. … For security reasons, remember, you cannot wear these.”

Heald goes on to describe that costumes can indeed be worn all day, but full face masks are only permitted at select events.

“Now you can wear it for the costume parade. So when the parade starts, you can put your mask on,” he explained. “But wearing a full face mask around the ship, to dinner, is just not allowed for security reasons. I’m sure you understand.”

Read Also: The Most Haunted Cruise Ships and Spooky Venues Onboard

Guests must remove such masks if they are asked to do so by a security member or any other Carnival crew member.

Since facial recognition technology is used for security checks around the ship, especially when getting on or off the vessel in ports of call or during embarkation and debarkation, it makes sense that full face masks would not be permitted.

It is also essential that onboard closed circuit video be able to record appropriately in case of emergencies or other incidents, which is why full face masks cannot be casually worn around the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line Halloween Sailing
Carnival Cruise Line Halloween Sailing (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

While Heald does not identify the guests involved on Carnival Sunshine, the ship is currently sailing an 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that departed Norfolk, Virginia on October 18, 2025.

The ship departed the Old Dominion State roughly eight hours later than expected following a delayed arrival due to rough weather at the end of her previous sailing, a 6-night Bermuda itinerary that was itself delayed to a 5-night cruise.

With such a tense beginning, it’s no surprise that guests onboard would want to cut loose and celebrate a bit onboard, but security restrictions must still be followed.

More Halloween Fun on Carnival Ships

Carnival Cruise Line offers a range of themed activities for their “Frightfully Fun Halloween” sailings all through October.

“Just so we’re clear, our ships probably aren’t haunted… but every sailing does come complete with fun Halloween extras!” the website describes.

Guidelines for guests’ costumes include no weapons, whether real or fake, so leave the pirate swords at home. Costumes may not be too “sexy” either real or implied, and may not show too much skin. No obscene words or images are permitted either, in keeping with the cruise line’s family-friendly nature.

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The guidelines also do mention masks, noting that “No costume masks, or other costume face coverings, are allowed either.”

Costume contests for individuals and groups, themed parties and trivia, horror movies on the Lido Deck, photo ops, and of course trick-or-treating are all part of the fun. If guests are lucky, they might even spot the 12-foot tall Patch the Pumpkin Pirate on select ships.

Disney Destiny Begins Transatlantic Crossing to Florida Homeport

Catie Kovelman
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Disney Destiny Begins Transatlantic Crossing to Florida Homeport

Key Aspects: 

  • Disney Destiny is officially on her way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which will be her first and only homeport for the next few years. 
  • During her transatlantic crossing, the new ship will traverse over 5,000 nautical miles. 
  • She will also stop at her first ever port of call, which will be in Funchal, Portugal. 

In another major milestone, Disney Destiny is officially on her way to her first homeport to launch her career at sea. 

After making the complex journey down the Ems River to leave Germany’s Meyer Werft Shipyard in September, the 4,000-guest ship took up a temporary residence in Eemshaven, Netherlands, while finishing touches were completed. 

This is where she was formally delivered to Disney Cruise Line on October 15, 2025, after passing her sea trials with flying colors. 

And now, it’s time for the young Disney ship to embark on the next leg on her journey to launch. 

On October 20, 2025, the newest Wish-class cruise ship embarked on a 13-night transatlantic crossing from Eemshaven to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which will be her first and only homeport through at least May of 2027. 

Over the course of two weeks, the new build will navigate more than 5,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean. 

She will also make her first ever port call in Funchal, Portugal, on October 25, 2025. 

“The Disney Destiny is officially en route to Fort Lauderdale,” Disney Cruise Line announced. 

“Over the next two weeks, the Disney Destiny will sail more than 5,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean to its future year-round homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, making a brief stop along the way at its first port of call in Funchal, Portugal,” the cruise line continued. 

The 144,000-gross ton vessel is also expected to stop in Port Canaveral, Florida, on November 2, 2025, before sailing the rest of the way to her homeport.

The date for her arrival in Port Everglades and her eventual naming ceremony have not been announced just yet. 

Getting Ready to Launch 

As Disney Destiny makes her way to Florida, the up to 1,555 crew members onboard are making sure everything on the ship is functional and ready to go. 

This is also a chance for crew members to get their bearings, and to train newer employees before paying passengers are onboard.

“Throughout the crossing, cast and crew onboard will make final preparations to ensure the Disney Destiny is in shipshape for its arrival in Florida in early November and its upcoming maiden voyage on November 20,” DCL said. 

Disney Destiny officers and Hero Minnie
Disney Destiny officers and Hero Minnie (Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line)

While there will be short preview events for VIPs and members of the media, Disney Destiny’s first revenue sailing won’t be until November 20, 2025, when she embarks on her maiden voyage. 

Read Also: How Much Is a Disney Cruise? I Did All the Checking!

This inaugural voyage will be a 4-night sailing to both of Disney’s private Islands in the Bahamas, which are Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. 

For at least the next few years, the young ship will spend her days operating 5- to 7-night sailings to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. 

Once Disney Destiny officially makes her debut, DCL can then set its sights on continuing to grow the fleet.

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Disney Adventure, the biggest Disney ship and the first to be built for the Asian market, will be next to launch on March 10, 2026. 

Her original maiden voyage was scheduled for December 15, 2025, but it was pushed back to next year due to an unexpected delay. 

Meanwhile, the fourth Wish-class ship, which will be the sister of Disney Destiny, is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard. 

The unnamed vessel is expected to be delivered in 2027. 

Record 21.7 Million Americans to Set Sail in 2026

Melissa Mayntz
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Record 21.7 Million Americans to Set Sail in 2026

Key Aspects:

  • US cruisers will be setting sail in record numbers in 2026, with an estimated 21.7 million American guests taking cruises next year.
  • The Caribbean is by far the top destination, but Alaska and the Mediterranean also remain popular.
  • Interesting statistics highlight the ages of cruisers, which homeports are most popular, and other key factors in cruise industry growth.

Cruising is hot hot hot, as anyone who’s trying to book a last-minute cruise (or not even that last minute) understands when they start to wonder why so many sailings are sold out months in advance.

According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, 2026 is expected to have record numbers of American cruising, with 21.7 million people setting sail. This up 4.5% from the 20.7 million projection for 2025, and up more than 52% from 2019’s pre-pandemic numbers.

The higher numbers, which have grown steadily higher every year since the restart, are attributed to several factors:

  • Strong consumer demand as more and more people discover cruising and set sail multiple times.
  • Expanded and updated itineraries, particularly to new destinations or iconic favorites.
  • Increased capacity across cruise ship fleets with larger and larger ships debuting from different homeports.

Of special note are projections on who, exactly is cruising, what types of ships they prefer, when they set sail, and where they prefer to visit.

“Cruising is surging, with travelers booking more voyages and exploring new destinations in record numbers,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA. “From quick Caribbean escapes to bucket-list Alaskan adventures, the excitement is undeniable. With more ships, expanded itineraries, and rising demand, cruising continues to be the go-to vacation for unforgettable experiences at sea.”

According to the report, 65% of adult US cruisers are over age 55, while 27% are ages 35-54, and just 7% are ages 18-34. Furthermore, nearly half are traveling as couples, while 20% cruise with children and 7% are solo travelers.

Larger ships are most popular in the most desirable cruising destinations, including the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe. Smaller ships are deployed in Alaska as well as Europe, with expedition voyages especially popular in the Last Frontier and luxury ships dominating in the Mediterranean.

Of course, cruise fans know that there are great sailings to be found year-round, but seasons do vary in different regions. The most obvious is in Alaska, where most cruises are only offered from April through October.

The Caribbean is the opposite, with the busiest months November through March – though there are always great Caribbean itineraries available.

In 2026, 72% of American guests will choose Caribbean itineraries, in part due to more available homeports along with shorter and more convenient itineraries.

In a surprising contrast, just 7% of American cruisers will set sail in Alaska. This is due to several factors, including the shorter sailing season, fewer and smaller ships offering Alaskan itineraries, and higher costs for visiting the region.

Holland America in Alaska
Holland America in Alaska (Photo Credit: Paul Brady Photography)

For US homeports, Miami is expected to hold the top title for popularity with 10.2% of American guests, while Port Canaveral is a close second with 8.8%. Fort Lauderdale is in third place (5.6%) followed by Galveston (4.1%) and Seattle (2.2%).

For Americans sailing from non-US homeports, Barcelona is the top choice with an expected 3.9% of travelers, followed very closely by Southampton (3.4%) and Rome/Civitavecchia (3.3%). Marseille (2.6%) and Singapore (2.2%) round out the list.

Will the Growth Continue?

Has cruising reached peak popularity or will it continue to rise? With 90% of US guests rating their cruise vacations as either good or very good and 91% being repeat cruisers, undoubtedly setting sail will continue to be the vacation of choice for millions of travelers.

More From Cruise Hive

Multiple cruise lines are noting continued popularity for bookings into 2026, 2027 and beyond, with most cruises selling out before departure.

New cruise ships, such as the upcoming Carnival Festivale, Legend of the Seas, Norwegian Luna, and Disney Adventure, tempt passengers to return over and over to experience new features and fun.

Meanwhile, new private destinations such as Perfect Day Mexico tempt guests with future itineraries as well.

How many cruises do you have booked for 2026 and beyond? I’m at two for now, with more to come!

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