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NCL Ship Leaves Hundreds Behind for Tsunami Evacuation, Awaits Clearance to Return

Melissa Mayntz
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NCL Ship Leaves Hundreds Behind for Tsunami Evacuation, Awaits Clearance to Return

Key Aspects:

  • Pride of America left more than 300 individuals behind at her emergency departure from Hilo due to tsunami evacuation measures.
  • The ship will return to Hilo Harbor once a required safety assessment is complete and the harbor has reopened.
  • No itinerary changes have yet been confirmed, but the ship will be unable to visit Kona exactly as planned.

Following the tsunami warnings issued to Hawaii in the wake of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake late Tuesday, July 29, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America was required to immediately evacuate Hilo Harbor.

The emergency departure, an essential step to safeguard the ship and harbor from the threat of tsunami waves, meant that guests were recalled to the vessel long before the scheduled all-aboard time.

Unfortunately, not all guests made it back to the pier. Similarly, not all crew members enjoying time ashore were able to return to the ship before it had to leave.

In total, more than 300 individuals were not aboard Pride of America as she sailed away. In some cases, families were separated depending on who was aboard the ship and who was ashore at the critical time.

In a statement to Cruise Hive, Norwegian Cruise Line explained their emergency operational decisions and what will happen next.

“Before departure, all guests were notified via SMS and advised to seek higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities if they were unable to return to the ship in time for its departure,” the statement read.

“Guests participating in NCL shore excursions were brought directly to a local high school, a designated safe location in Hilo, where refreshments were provided for their comfort and well-being.”

The high school used as a tsunami evacuation shelter is Waiakea High School on Kawili Street, just over three miles from the Port of Hilo. The high school is 105 feet above sea level and equipped to handle emergency crowds as needed.

Cruise guests on independent tours or exploring Hilo on their own who were not able to return to Pride of America could also go to the school. Some choose to seek other shelter or accommodations for the night as the ship remained safely away from the port.

Pride of America Cruise Ship
Pride of America Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jose Gil)

“As a precaution and due to the temporary port closure, Pride of America has remained at sea, a safer location in situations such as this,” the cruise line confirmed.

“The tsunami warning has since been lifted, allowing for the affected ports to gradually reopen. Hilo Harbor, however, requires a safety assessment before it can receive clearance from local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard. This assessment is scheduled to take place in the early morning of July 30, 2025 local Hawaii time, at which point our guests will reboard the ship.”

Satellite tracking data shows Pride of America remaining at sea in the early morning, though the ship has not ventured further than necessary from Hilo. This will ensure she can return promptly once the all-clear is received and Hilo Harbor has safely reopened.

At that time, the ship will be able to reunite with guests who were unable to return before the emergency departure and the 7-night Hawaiian inter-island sailing will continue.

Itinerary Adjustment Inevitable

Considering that Pride of America was scheduled to be in Kona on the other side of the Big Island on Wednesday, July 30, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., that stop will not be possible as planned.

At this time, it is not confirmed whether or not the ship will simply cancel that port visit, adjust the timing, or shift all port visits on the itinerary to accommodate the unexpected changes.

Read Also: Cruise Destinations Under Tsunami Warnings Following Major Earthquake

There is one sea day left on the ship’s weeklong itinerary, planned as the last day of the voyage. It is possible that all port visits could simply be shifted one day later, or else the visit to Kona may be cancelled and the itinerary will resume as scheduled.

The next port for Pride of America is Nawiliwili on Kauai on Thursday, July 31, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is also the last port for the weekly itinerary.

Guests onboard will be updated with itinerary changes as soon as plans are confirmed.

Tsunami Alert Triggers Urgent Cruise Departures From Hawaii

Catie Kovelman
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Tsunami Alert Triggers Urgent Cruise Departures From Hawaii

Key Aspects:

  • A massive earthquake in Russia has caused tsunami warnings as far away as Hawaii, where the first wave is expected to hit in a matter of hours.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America departed from Hilo early to get to the safety of the open ocean, leaving some passengers behind. 
  • Based on cruise tracking data, Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Regatta appears to have fled from the Kailua-Kona cruise port early as well. 

Though the situation is still developing, a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the East Coast of Kamchatka, Russia, on July 29, 2025, has already had an impact on a global scale.

Widespread tsunami warnings are in effect around the globe, with the entire state of Hawaii notably under a high alert and throwing a wrench into cruise plans. 

“A tsunami warning continues in effect for the state of Hawaii,” reads an official update from the National Weather Service.

“A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii. Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property.”

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has also issued a three-hour warning to evacuate coastal areas immediately ahead of the first wave, which is expected to hit the Hawaiian islands just after 7 p.m. on July 29.

“Sirens sounding for tsunami threat. 3HRS out from 1st wave arrival estimated at 7:10 PM HST. Evacuate coastal areas,” the emergency alert read.

The cruise lines have taken this warning to heart, and so far, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America has already made an urgent departure from the port of Hilo because the danger diminishes significantly in the open ocean. 

The up to 2,186 passengers booked on this sailing received this message: “Due to a TSUNAMI WARNING issued by the State of Hawaii, Pride of America will be departing Hilo immediately as directed by the Department of Transportation.”

“If you’re not in the vicinity of the port, seek higher ground and follow the direction of the local authorities for your safety,” the message continued.

Unfortunately, not everyone made it back to the port quickly enough, as guests didn’t expect to depart until 6 p.m. local time and many were in the middle of shore excursions.

Pride of America Cruise Ship
Pride of America Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jose Gil)

“I have family on a cruise in #Hawaii. They were on an excursion on the Big Island when they got the #tsunamialert,” One person confirmed on X on behalf of their loved ones.

“They made it back on the cruise ship right before it left Hilo.They said a lot of people out on excursions were left behind. You can hear the warning sirens,” she shared.

Some cruisers also reported that they were separated from their loved ones after only a portion of their travel party made it back onboard.

It’s unclear how Norwegian Cruise Line will compensate or assist passengers who were left behind once the danger passes.

For now, initial reports show that at least some guests that did get left behind are being brought to higher ground by tour providers.

More Cruise Ships Impacted in Intense Situation 

Although we have not received direct confirmation from the cruise line, Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Regatta can also be seen on cruise tracking data leaving Hawaii’s Kailua-Kona early. 

Like Hilo, Kailua-Kona also services the Big Island of Hawaii.

As with the NCL ship, the small luxury cruise ship was not supposed to set sail again until 6 p.m. local time. 

She is due to dock in Kahului (Maui) tomorrow, July 30, and it’s unclear if the tsunami will result in a change of plans for this port call as well. 

Cruise Hive has reached out to Norwegian Cruise Line for a statement, which is also the sister brand of Oceania Cruises.

Oceania Cruises' Regatta
Oceania Cruises’ Regatta (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

Read Also: Can a Cruise Ship Tip Over? – All You Need to Know

No other cruise ships will be calling on the main Hawaiian cruise ports through the end of July, but it’s possible that more ships in other parts of the world will be impacted by what has been ranked as Russia’s sixth-largest earthquake of all time.

Active tsunami warnings remain in place throughout Alaska, which is bad timing as it’s currently the peak cruising season.

Additional warnings are in place for the US West Coast, parts of British Colombia, Japan, and several US Territories like Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

So far, larger waves of 3-4 meters tall (or 10-13 feet) have already hit parts of Kamchatka, which is near the epicenter of the earthquake.

Some initial 30 cm waves (or 12 inches) have also already been noticed in Hokkaido, a city in Northern Japan. While these may seem small, bigger waves could get closer to 3 meters (10 feet) tall.

In the US, Alaska (and specifically the Aleutian Islands) is most likely to be hit first, followed by Hawaii, and then finally the West Coast (Washington, Oregon, and California).

If you are in an impacted area, especially near the coast, please spread the word, get to higher ground, and stay safe.

Cruise Destinations Under Tsunami Warnings Following Major Earthquake

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Destinations Under Tsunami Warnings Following Major Earthquake

Key Aspects:

  • An 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia has triggered tsunami warnings and advisories throughout the Pacific sailing region from Alaska to Antarctica.
  • Aftershocks may extend warnings and advisories for several hours or days as geologic activity continues.
  • Cruise lines will make itinerary and port visit adjustments as needed to keep ships, crew, and guests safe from any impacts.

Cruise ships sailing in Alaska, Hawaii, and even along the West coasts of the US and Mexico will be on high alert for the next few hours as a tsunami warning has been issued.

Expected arrival times of a potential wave between 8:30-9 p.m. local time are in place for the popular cruise region of Alaska.

This follows an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck at 7:24 p.m. Eastern time just off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula, across the Bering Sea from the Last Frontier.

Tsunamis can travel great distances and cause significant coastal damage, depending on the potential size of the wave.

As this is the peak season for cruising along Alaska’s coast, multiple cruise ships may be in the path of any dangerous wave.

The closest cruise ship to the epicenter appears to be Villa Vie Odyssey, which is on her three-year residential sailing. Fortunately, satellite tracking data shows the ship in the Bering Sea at this time, where any wave impacts are minimized by the ocean’s depth.

Other ships sailing in Alaska’s coastal waters, however, may be at greater risk. This would include vessels visiting ports of call as well as those en route along the Inside Passage and other coastal areas.

According to the US Tsunami Warning System, a confirmed tsunami warning is in effect for the easternmost Aleutian Islands, while a tsunami advisory is in effect for the western Aleutian Islands, south Alaska, and the Alaska peninsula.

A tsunami watch is in effect for southeast Alaska and south along the Pacific Coast, including Washington, Oregon, and all of California to the Mexican border.

Tsunami Alert Map
Tsunami Alert Map (Credit: U.S. Tsunami Warning System)

Expected arrival time of tsunami impacts is as early as 8:45 p.m. in Seward, Alaska and 8:55 p.m. in Sitka. The energy of the wave may reach Southern California, including Long Beach, at roughly 1:05 a.m. (All times local.)

Warnings associated with the advisories include instructions for boats and ships as follows:

“If at sea avoid entering shallow water, harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets to avoid floating and submerged debris and strong currents.”

Vessels are advised to move out to sea to a depth of at least 180 feet to minimize any effects as the wave may pass.

For most cruise ships, this will not be difficult. Each cruise line’s weather and emergency monitoring team will advise vessels on any course changes or itinerary adjustments as necessary.

In addition to Alaska, further tsunami warnings have been issued for Japan, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and even Antarctica. Dozens of cruise ships and ports within those regions may be impacted.

Will Individual Cruises Need to Skip Ports?

At this time, it is unknown whether or not individual cruises may need to skip ports of call, adjust scenic coastal cruising, or have other itinerary impacts due to tsunami impacts.

Read Also: Alaska Cruise Ports – What Are Your Options?

The presence of aftershocks following the main quake may compound tsunami activity for several hours or days, making it prudent for ships to remain away from the coast until geologic activity has stabilized.

Villa Vie Odyssey Cruise Ship
Villa Vie Odyssey Cruise Ship

Furthermore, if a significant wave does impact cruise ports, upcoming visits may need to be cancelled until damage and safety assessments can be made and any repairs completed.

The shape and elevation of the local shoreline, tidal fluctuations, and seafloor bathymetry (topography) can all influence the direct impact of a tsunami.

In general, the further from the epicenter a location is, the impact will lessen, though the energy of these powerful waves can travel thousands of miles before fully dissipating.

Each cruise line will make whatever changes are necessary to safeguard its ships, guests, and crew members.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for confirmed updates impacting cruises and ports of call.

Private Event Forces Cancellation of Pearl Cove Reservations

Melissa Mayntz
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Private Event Forces Cancellation of Pearl Cove Reservations

Key Aspects:

  • Guests visiting Celebration Key on October 4, 2025 have had Pearl Cove Beach Club rentals cancelled and refunded.
  • Carnival Cruise Line has explained the cancellations as due to a private event, but without any further details.
  • The Pearl Cove Beach Club is the adults-only private area and requires extra fee access passes for interested guests.

Less than two weeks after opening, Carnival Cruise Line’s new private destination on Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key, is already proving wildly popular. But is it too popular?

The cruise line has been reaching out to guests with select reservations for Saturday, October 4, 2025 with notifications that their rental choices will not be available.

“We’ve just been informed that, the Pearl Cove Beach Club area will be closed on 10/4/25 for a private event,” the email explains. “As a result, your reservation has been cancelled and a refund has been issued to your original form of payment.”

The nature of the “private event” has not been disclosed. On that Saturday, both Carnival Celebration and Carnival Glory are scheduled for visits.

It is possible the cruise line may be hosting a corporate or media event at that time, or else the space could have been fully rented by another company or organization, similar to a full-ship charter cruise. An event for the Carnival crew members could also be possible.

Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has confirmed the closure after being asked via his popular Facebook page.

“It is something that is taking place and I do apologize again for the inconvenience of this,” he said.

Initially guests had some concern that the cancellations might be due to overcrowding at the new destination, particularly as kinks in daily operations may yet need to be ironed out.

This is unlikely, however, as two ships are scheduled for Celebration Key on most days.

On Friday, September 12, there will be three ships in port for the first time – Carnival Pride, Carnival Elation, and Mardi Gras, with no word of any cancellations.

If overcrowding was already a concern, undoubtedly there would be multiple cancellations of different rental options on multiple days. As this has not been the case, a special event is far more likely.

This could raise concerns for guests with future cruises to the destination, however. If the cruise line regularly rents out space for non-cruise events, guests might not be able to enjoy every feature of Celebration Key on their visits.

Visiting the Pearl Cove Beach Club

The Pearl Cove Beach Club is Celebration Key’s exclusive, adults-only space for visitors ages 18 and older. Located on the west end of the destination, the club offers elevated luxury with a private beach, an 11,000-square foot infinity pool, a swim-up bar, and a relaxing, quiet vibe.

“We’ve specifically designed Pearl Cove Beach Club as the perfect place for adults to lounge, unwind, or relax in their own paradise,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Pearl Cove Beach Club, Celebration Key
Pearl Cove Beach Club, Celebration Key

Access to the Pearl Cove Beach Club does require an extra fee of $79.99 per person, or $139.99 for an open bar pass option. Prices and availability can vary, of course.

Read Also: Is Carnival Charging Ridiculous Prices for Celebration Key?

The “luxury daybed” referenced in the email cancellation is the least expensive private rental at the beach club, priced at $349.99 for a full-day rental that can accommodate four guests.

Guests can also rent standard cabanas with an open bar for $999.99 for up to four guests. These cabanas include concierge service and an all-day pass to the two Suncastle water slides.

All-Inclusive Super Villas are the most elite option at the Pearl Cove Beach Club for the super-pricey fee of $2,799.99, but they can accommodate 10 guests.

These rentals also include highly desirable amenities, such as hammocks, lockers, a dedicated concierge, an open bar, snacks, and waterslide passes.

Mid-Year Stats Show Healthy Jump in Mexico Cruise Arrivals

Donna Tunney
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Mid-Year Stats Show Healthy Jump in Mexico Cruise Arrivals

Key Aspects:

  • In the first half of 2025, 5.6 million cruise passengers called at Mexican ports.
  • The arrivals hike translates to an 8.4% spike.
  • Cozumel alone welcomed 2.4 million cruise guests.

Mexico tourism officials are looking back on the first half of 2025 with glowing pride, thanks to cruise arrival numbers showing a big increase compared to last year.

Just-released data points to a very respectable 5.6 million cruise guests arriving at Mexican ports, reflecting an 8.4% hike.

Cruise ship arrivals between January and June reached 1,639 at all ports, also a hefty 7.8% increase. The lion’s share of ship and guest arrivals goes to Cozumel. In the first half of the year, 2.4 million cruise passengers visited the destination.

“These figures confirm that Mexico is consolidating its position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for cruise tourism,” said Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, tourism secretary of Mexico.

Other ports scoring big wins in arrivals are Mahahual, better known as Costa Maya, in Quintana Roo; Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, both in Baja California Sur; and Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco.

Ensenada is often packaged with visits to Catalina Island on sailings from Los Angeles and San Diego, while Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are standard calls on virtually every Mexican Riviera voyage.

In the Gulf of Mexico, Cozumel is a mainstay port along with Costa Maya and Progreso on Western Caribbean cruises operated by ships based in Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; and the three main Florida ports — Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral.

Zamora cited the government’s strengthening of the National Port System as largely responsible for the growth. Cozumel is the busiest in terms of arrivals and has three cruise ship piers. The possible construction of a fourth has been in the conceptual stage for the last few years.

Costa Maya is the second-busiest, welcoming 1.2 million cruise guests during the first six months of 2025. Cabo San Lucas received about 480,000.

If the demand holds through the remainder of 2025, Cozumel would be on track to welcome roughly 4.8 million cruisers. That would put it well ahead of pre-pandemic records; in 2018, for instance, 4.3 million cruise passengers arrived in Cozumel.

Arrivals Spike Comes as New Cruise Tax Takes Effect

The healthy arrivals numbers were announced just as a new cruise arrival tax went into effect at Mexican ports.

Taking effect on July 1, 2025, the $5 per person tax had been delayed from its original implementation date of January 1, 2025. In 2026, it will rise to $10 per passenger, and in 2027 to $21 per cruise arrival. The tax was originally proposed at $42 per person before being pared down.

The levy is meant to expand the country’s non-resident tourist tax, which had never been charged to cruise passengers.

Cruise Ships Docked in Cozumel, Mexico
Cruise Ships Docked in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

Several mega-ships currently offer itineraries calling at Cozumel and Costa Maya. Among them are the 5,300-guest Carnival Jubilee, the 3,600-guest Carnival Dream, and 3,700-guest Carnival Breeze, and Royal Caribbean’s 3,100-guest Mariner of the Seas and 5,400-guest Harmony of the Seas, all based at Galveston.

Cruise ships currently visiting Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, on Mexican Riviera sailings, include the 4,100-guest Carnival Firenze and 4,000-guest Carnival Panorama, and Royal Caribbean’s 4,100-guest Ovation of the Seas and 3,300-guest Navigator of the Seas, all homeported at Los Angeles.

Read Also: One of These Mexico Cruise Ports Could Be on Your Itinerary

These ports are also typically included on Hawaii voyages. For instance, Holland America Line’s Zaandam will visit both destinations on her 29-night Circle Hawaii & Historical Baja Peninsula cruise sailing roundtrip from San Diego on November 19, 2025.

The Mexican government has plans to improve additional ports in the coming years. It plans to invest 55 billion pesos ($2.9 billion USD) to boost infrastructure in Ensenada, Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Acapulco, Veracruz, and Progreso, according to local media reports.

Cruise Bookings Accelerate Across Royal Caribbean Brands

Donna Tunney
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Cruise Bookings Accelerate Across Royal Caribbean Brands

Key Aspects

  • Last-minute bookings played a key role in the sharp rise in revenue.
  • The company’s multiple brands welcomed 2.3 million guests in the second quarter.
  • New-builds Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel are in high demand.

Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of five global cruise brands, welcomed 2.3 million passengers across its fleets in the second quarter of 2025, a healthy 10% spike compared to the year-ago quarter.

The company owns Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and has a 50% stake in Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, operating a total company-wide fleet of 68 ships.

It revealed its latest financial results on July 29, 2025, saying bookings have accelerated since first-quarter numbers were announced in late April 2025.

Last-minute, or close-in, bookings were particularly responsible for the robust numbers, and strong demand continues for all three Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) brands and in all markets. Guest capacity in the second quarter rose by 5.8% versus the same timeframe in 2024.

The brands’ digital booking channels provided exceptional results, the company said, not only for reservations but for pre-cruise purchases of value-added packages, shore excursions, and other amenities.

In particular, advance bookings for the new-builds Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship, and Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge-class vessel, are doing extremely well.

“The strong demand we are seeing across our new ships and land-based destinations reinforces that our strategy is working and resonating with today’s traveler,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

“As consumer preferences continue to evolve – toward more frequent vacations, closer-in vacation planning, and a greater focus on meaningful, experience-driven travel – our experiences are designed to meet these evolving expectations,” Liberty added.

Star of the Seas has the potential to add significantly to guest load factors, given its capacity to accommodate 5,600 guests in double occupancy and 7,600 with all berths occupied — the same as sister ship Icon of the Seas. The two share the title of the biggest cruise ship in the world.

Star of the Seas is fresh out of the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and is on her way to her first homeport, Port Canaveral. The new-build will bring the Royal Caribbean fleet to 29.

Star of the Seas at Meyer Turku
Star of the Seas at Meyer Turku (Photo Credit: Jouni Niskakoski)

Icon of the Seas sails from PortMiami, giving Royal Caribbean significant capacity from the world’s two busiest cruise ports, Miami and Port Canaveral, respectively.

Star of the Seas will host four preview cruises starting on August 16, 2025, followed by her official inaugural voyage, a 7-night cruise departing on August 31, 2025.

Celebrity Xcel, with a capacity for 3,260 guests, will join the brand’s 16-ship fleet in November, sailing from Fort Lauderdale. The vessel is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Early Bookings for Royal Beach Club Are Robust

Royal Caribbean Group reported its total revenues in the second quarter reached $4.5 billion, up from $4 billion reported for the first quarter of the year.

Read Also: What Are the Different Royal Caribbean Ship Classes?

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Bahamas
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Bahamas

For stockholders, the second-quarter results translate to $4.41 earnings per share, which is higher than the company’s earlier guidance had indicated.

The second-quarter financial announcement also cited robust advance sales for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, which is due to open in December 2025. Guests sailing itineraries that call at Nassau, Bahamas, can buy day passes to the land-side resort.

The cost of day passes will vary based on ship and itinerary, but Royal Caribbean has indicated that passes will start at $129.99 for guests aged 13 and older, and $109.99 for young cruisers aged 4 to 12. Children 3 and younger are admitted free.

An inclusive pass for adults aged 21 and older, including unlimited open bar and dining, will cost $169.99 per person.

New Ships to Bring Cruisers to NCL’s Upgraded Private Island

Catie Kovelman
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New Ships to Bring Cruisers to NCL’s Upgraded Private Island

Key Aspects:

  • 15 Norwegian Cruise ships will be sailing to Great Stirrup Cay in 2026 to experience the new Great Tides Waterpark. 
  • Some of the newest ships in the fleet will be sailing to the private destination, including the soon-to-debut Norwegian Luna. 
  • Cruise fans can also try to win their way in by entering the “Escape to the Great Life” sweepstakes online or at pop-up events in New York and Miami. 

When the news dropped about the Great Tides Waterpark that Norwegian Cruise Line is adding to Great Stirrup Cay, I had two thoughts:

First, I thought the 6-acre addition to NCL’s private island sounded amazing. Secondly, I immediately needed to know how I could get there when the expansion opens in 2026.

Luckily for eager cruisers like me, the cruise line has revamped its itineraries to meet the growing demand for Caribbean and Bahamas voyages, as well as in anticipation of the rush that will come with the debut of the waterpark.

Great Stirrup Cay Great Tides Waterpark
Great Stirrup Cay Great Tides Waterpark

The popular brand is anticipating one million guests will visit its exclusive destination in 2026.

Next year, 15 of Norwegian’s 20 cruise ships will be calling on Great Stirrup Cay, with plenty of embarkations from Florida’s PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Tampa.

Additional sailings will also set sail from New York, New York; Galveston, Texas; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

There will even be Transatlantic crossings that visit the revamped private destination onboard Norwegian Epic from Barcelona, Spain, and from Lisbon, Portugal, onboard Norwegian Dawn.

But not only is there more flexibility in choosing a home port, many of the ships being deployed to the region are among the newest in the fleet.

Norwegian Luna Render
Norwegian Luna Render

For example, Norwegian Luna will also debut shortly before the waterpark in 2026, and will begin her career by primarily operating 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyages from Miami that call on Great Stirrup Cay.

According to the itineraries listed on our Cruise Hive booking feature, Norwegian Luna will be conducting these sailings between April and October of 2026.

In addition to the Great Tides Waterpark, guests who book these sailings will also get to explore bucket list destinations like Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Of course, this is only one example of many exciting itineraries that include a day at the 270-acre resort.

Win Your Way In

NCL is conducting a celebratory “Escape to the Great Life” sweepstakes from July 29 to August 31, 2025, that is open to cruise fans in the US and Canada.

250 winners will be awarded a balcony stateroom for two for an unspecified four-day voyage sailing to the Bahamian island in August 2026.

Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?

Great Stirrup Cay Lagoon
Great Stirrup Cay Lagoon

While prospective future guests can enter the competition online, those who are local to New York and Miami may relish the chance to enter in person through a fun pop-up experience.

Beginning at 3 p.m. EST on July 29,  a custom “escape hatch” at 104 Grand Street, New York City, will open that will use immersive technology and LED graphics to transport passersby to Great Stirrup Cay without ever leaving the city.

This event will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until July 31, and is a great chance for cruisers to get their name in the running.

More From Cruise Hive

At the same time, seven additional “escape hatches” to (virtually visit) Great Stirrup Cay will be hidden throughout New York, but patrons will have to discover those on their own in areas like Grand Central Station and Times Square.

Similarly, three of these immersive “escape hatches” will be hidden in Miami throughout the month of August.

While NCL hasn’t given away their exact locations, we do know that they’ll be found in Wynwood, on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, and at Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami.

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Massive Waterpark for Great Stirrup Cay

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Massive Waterpark for Great Stirrup Cay

Key Aspects:

  • The 6-acre Great Tides Waterpark will open on Great Stirrup Cay in the summer of 2026.
  • The new waterpark will feature 19 slides, a lazy river, cliff jumps, children’s play areas, and more.
  • Additional enhancements to the private island will begin opening later this year.

Just over a year ago, Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new pier to be constructed for Great Stirrup Cay. Great news indeed, as the port is subject to frequent weather-related cancellations, but little did we know far greater plans were in the works.

Now, the cruise line has announced that a brand new, nearly 6-acre waterpark will debut on the private island in summer 2026 – Great Tides Waterpark.

The new waterpark will feature a wide range of thrilling features, including cliff jumps, splash zones, 19 waterslides, and an active, dynamic river that stretches nearly 800 feet. You can watch a video of what’s coming right below:

“Great Stirrup Cay has always been an amazing part of the Norwegian Cruise Line guest experience and continues to be one of our highest rated destinations,” said David Herrera, Norwegian Cruise Line president.

“At 270 acres our private island provides us with an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience when they escape to ‘The Great Life’ with us.”

That “Great Life” will be great indeed for guests who visit Great Tides Waterpark and enjoy some amazing firsts not available at other private cruise line destinations.

Tidal Tower, Great Stirrup Cay
Tidal Tower, Great Stirrup Cay

The most visible attraction will be Tidal Tower. At 170 feet tall, the structure will be home to multiple waterslides, ranging from thrilling drops to more laid-back options. Racing slides, tube slides, and more will all be part of the waterslide lineup.

For true thrill seekers, Cliffside Cove will have an industry first with a pair of cliff jumps. At 10 and 15 feet tall, these heart-pumping attractions will seem a great deal taller to guests who fling themselves from the precipice!

Great Stirrup Cay Cliffside Cove
Great Stirrup Cay Cliffside Cove

Those with somewhat weaker constitutions will enjoy the only family slide in the Caribbean, where four riders can slip, slide, and swirl through the fun together.

Younger visitors will enjoy a 9,000-square-foot children’s splash zone complete with a tipping bucket, miniature slides, fountains, sprays, and other aqua-tastic features.

Children's Splash Zone, Great Stirrup Cay
Children’s Splash Zone, Great Stirrup Cay

Of special interest is the 800-foot dynamic river with an accelerated current that will provide a more adventurous ride than a typical lazy river.

Guests can customize their river experience from multiple entry points, but don’t miss the multi-sensory grotto tunnel with a unique, ever-changing bioluminescent scene. If the promotional video is any indication, you truly will feel immersed in oceanic life as you float along!

Great Stirrup Cay Dynamic River
Great Stirrup Cay Dynamic River

New thrills are always a highlight of Norwegian Cruise Line’s innovative offerings: remember when Norwegian Prima debuted the first-ever three-story go kart track?

Now, imagine go karts at sea, and picture yourself at Great Stirrup Cay to experience the first-ever “jet karts” aquatic racecourse. The special feature will combine the thrills of go karts and jet skis for truly unforgettable experiences as a unique and exclusive shore excursion.

First Enhancements Coming in Late 2025

The new waterpark (exciting enough to rival, perhaps even overshadow CocoCay less than a mile away, or Celebration Key 60 miles to the northwest) won’t open until summer 2026, but why wait? Norwegian Cruise Line guests will start to enjoy some Great Stirrup Cay enhancements later this year.

The new pier is slated to open in the next few months, permitting ships to dock rather than rely on tender service. This will improve visitation to the island without so many last-minute cancellations.

Great Stirrup Cay Lagoon
Great Stirrup Cay Lagoon

A scenic welcome plaza, island-wide tram service, heated pool, and the Great Life Lagoon will soon be open, offering cabana and villa experiences to guests seeking even more exclusivity for their island getaway.

A pair of swim-up bars, the Reef Bar and the Waves Bar, are part of the lagoon as well, with both kid-friendly and adults-only beverage menus.

Swimup Bar, Great Stirrup Cay
Swimup Bar, Great Stirrup Cay

Nearby, the 3,400-square-foot Splash Harbor will also open, offering interactive fountains and plenty of fun for youngsters with adjacent seated lounge space for adults.

Also coming soon is Horizon Park for guests who want to stay dry but still enjoy island vibes. Pickleball courts, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a sports court, and lawn games such as ring toss will all be part of the complimentary space.

Horizon Park, Great Stirrup Cay
Horizon Park, Great Stirrup Cay

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Size – Biggest to Smallest

To really take a load off and chill out, Hammock Bay will feature more than 50 hammocks for the greatest afternoon naps, with a nearby dedicated bar and the BBQ buffet just steps away.

For adults who want a quieter, more elevated space all their own, the Vibe Shore Club will be waiting. Similar to the Vibe Beach Club space onboard many Norwegian Cruise Line ships, the adults-only space will offer premium loungers and umbrellas as well as villas to rent, but a day pass is required.

Vibe Beach Club, Great Stirrup Cay
Vibe Beach Club, Great Stirrup Cay

While there is still much we don’t yet know about the new enhancements coming to Great Stirrup Cay, including any extra charges, menu options, or even more features, now is the time to book a late 2026 sailing to be among the first to visit!

Passenger Death Aboard Carnival Dream Leads to Routine FBI Coordination

Catie Kovelman
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Passenger Death Aboard Carnival Dream Leads to Routine FBI Coordination

Key Aspects: 

  • A cruise guest died onboard Carnival Dream during a Western Caribbean sailing on July 23, 2025.
  • The FBI is now in the middle of conducting an investigation into the death.
  • Carnival Cruise Line confirmed in a statement that the death isn’t suspicious, and the standard protocols are simply being followed.

Carnival Dream returned to Galveston, Texas, on July 26, 2025, after a 6-night Western Caribbean voyage, with one less passenger than on embarkation day.

Sadly, the unidentified guest died on Wednesday, July 23, presumably in the early morning hours while the Dream-class flagship was en route from Costa Maya, Mexico, to Belize City, Belize.

The other guests onboard the 3,646-guest ship reported that they were woken up at around 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. that morning by the sound of emergency alarms.

So far, the cause of death has not been announced, likely in the interest of protecting the privacy of the deceased passenger and their loved ones.

Currently, an FBI investigation into the matter is underway, as is the standard protocol with cruise ship deaths.

“I can confirm FBI Houston is aware of an incident that occurred around July 23, 2025 on the Carnival Dream cruise ship,” a spokesperson for the FBI Houston Office told KHOU 11 in a statement.

“An FBI maritime liaison agent, based out of the Texas City resident agency, is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the cruise line regarding this incident,” they continued.

As the investigation is in progress, the spokesperson could not share additional details at this time.

Some guests reported that disembarkation was delayed on July 26 and law enforcement agents could be seen boarding the 130,000-gross ton vessel once the cruise ship docked.

Any potential delays did not seem to carry over into the subsequent 8-night Bahamas sailing, with cruise tracking data showing that Carnival Dream embarked on time and made it to its first port call on Key West, Florida, on time.

Investigations Do Not Always Mean Crime

While most people connect investigations to something sinister, this is not always the case.

Deaths at sea are quite rare, but when they do occur, they are usually connected to underlying health issues, medical emergencies, or other natural causes.

Of course, this hasn’t stopped the cruise community from spreading theories and rumors about everything and anything that could have possibly gone wrong.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship
Carnival Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: venuswix)

Carnival Cruise Line, meanwhile, has made it clear that there is no suspicion of criminal activity at this time.

“There is no investigation about a suspicious death on Carnival Dream and it’s disappointing to learn that any guests might be spreading rumors about something they know nothing about,” Carnival told KHOU 11.

Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Morgues?

Believe it or not, it’s actually the norm for the FBI to at least review, if not investigate, deaths that occur at sea.

Cruise ships are actually required by law to report all deaths to the FBI by the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA).

“It is standard practice for the FBI to review deaths that occur on cruise ships. This routine protocol ensures transparency. It does not automatically imply suspicious circumstances, and the facts of this matter do not suggest any such activity,” Carnival confirmed.

However, the FBI’s jurisdiction (and potential involvement) is determined by factors like the ship’s location, where the death occurred, and the nationality of the deceased guests or crew members.

It’s also not unusual for the FBI to collaborate with other agencies, as they are for this investigation with the US Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection here.

More likely than not, Carnival is probably also in the midst of conducting its own internal investigation and incident report – as is, again, the standard protocol.

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