Blog Page 28

Carnival Freedom Finally Gets Her Whale Tail Back After Two Fires

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Freedom Finally Gets Her Whale Tail Back After Two Fires

Key Aspects:

  • Videos shared from the dry dock shipyard in Marseille show Carnival Freedom is getting a new funnel during her update.
  • The ship also appears to be receiving the “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest that will be introduced across the Carnival fleet.
  • Carnival Freedom will be in dry dock until early October, so many additional updates are possible.

Carnival Freedom will return from her dry dock update with an important new look: a new whale-tail funnel. It’s common for cruise ships to get visible refurbishments during dry dock operations, but this will be the second time the 2,980-guest cruise ship has gotten a new funnel in less than five years.

Video posted to YouTube under the username sahidalam3995 shows the old, straight funnel being removed while the new funnel fins are waiting for installation. Titled “Carnival Freedom Funnel Change!” the video shows the funnel being lifted by a crane and set down on the dock next to the new fins.

It is likely the old part of the funnel will be repainted to refresh its look before the new fins are installed and the entire assembly is lifted back onto the ship.

The video was posted on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Carnival Freedom entered dry dock in Marseille, France on September 1, and is scheduled to remain out of service for refurbishment work until Friday, October 9, 2026. At that time, she will begin an 8-night Mediterranean sailing roundtrip from Barcelona.

Following that first cruise, which provides an opportunity to ensure all systems work as expected under full guest operations, Carnival Freedom will set sail on a 13-night transatlantic cruise on Saturday, October 17 to return to Port Canaveral, Florida, bringing her new funnel with her.

What Happened to Carnival Freedom‘s Funnel?

Carnival Freedom first lost her funnel fins during a fire while the ship was docked in Grand Turk on May 26, 2022. That fire severely damaged the starboard fin and necessitated an emergency dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas for repairs.

At that time, the fins of the funnel were removed and Carnival Freedom sailed with a modified funnel until her next regular dry dock in October 2023, at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, when she received a new funnel.

Unfortunately, a second fire occurred on March 23, 2024, believed to be caused by a lightning strike while the ship was sailing in the Bahamas. This second fire damaged the port fin, and once again the ship underwent emergency repairs to modify the funnel. Ever since, she has sailed with a straight funnel, until the current dry dock.

Another New Feature on Carnival Freedom‘s Bow

Another 25-second video of the ship in dry dock was also posted on September 8 and shows another new detail on the ship’s hull. Carnival Freedom appears to be receiving a new crest on her bow.

While details are indistinct because the crest is not yet finished, the shape appears to be the same as the “From Sea to Shining Sea” crest installed on both Carnival Legend and Carnival Magic in May 2026 during their dry dock updates.

The crest features the Carnival logo on stylized waves, with the words “From Sea to Shining Sea” and “Carnival” in a circular frame, along with two stars.

Cruise Hive reported on the new crest when it was announced, and why Carnival Cruise Line is adding the detail to its fleet.

“With the debut of this new crest, we’re reinforcing what guests have long known: Carnival is proud to be America’s Cruise Line,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, at the time the new crest was first revealed.

Only two ships will have a different bow crest design. Carnival Jubilee sports the Star of Texas on her bow, and the upcoming Carnival Tropicale will also have the Star of Texas.

Carnival Jubilee is homeported from Galveston, and Carnival Tropicale will join her in the Lone Star State when she debuts in April 2028. Steel was just cut for Carnival Tropicale‘s construction on Thursday, September 10.

No Other Details Yet Released

Carnival Cruise Line has not yet officially confirmed any of the updates coming to Carnival Freedom during this dry dock. It is not unusual for those updates to be announced once the work is finished and the ship is ready to return to service.

Technical updates and general maintenance are usually part of dry dock updates, as are refurbishments to carpeting, decking, painting, lighting, and more. Venues may be expanded or updated, and staterooms may likewise be updated with new features, such as nightlights or updated USB outlets.

During Carnival Freedom‘s 2023 update, in addition to the new funnel, she also received the red, white, and blue hull livery that has become distinctive for Carnival Cruise Line. The Heroes Tribute Bar was also added to the ship at that time.

Cruise Guest Confronts Alleged $1,100 Scammer in Onboard Hot Tub

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Guest Confronts Alleged $1,100 Scammer in Onboard Hot Tub

Key Aspects:

  • A woman scammed out of nearly $1,100 booked a cruise to confront her alleged scammer and get an explanation for their behavior.
  • The incident took place onboard the August 30, 2026 sailing of MSC Seascape, a 7-night cruise from Galveston.
  • Despite the verbal confrontation, the woman does not condone bullying or harassment and has reported the scam to the FBI.

No one likes to get scammed, particularly when the scam might cost hundreds of dollars. But would you spend even more to get revenge on the scammer? That is exactly what one cruise guest did on a recent sailing of MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape.

Vanessa Phillips shared her experience in a Facebook video on September 5, 2026 to spread the word and hopefully bring the scammer to justice.

She met Armonte Wilson, whom she describes as “a former associate” on a previous MSC sailing in December 2025. Wilson was hoping to find someone to set sail with in August 2026, and Phillips agreed.

Phillips alleges that Wilson concocted an elaborate scheme that included an itinerary, agent booking numbers, and invoices, all for a cruise reservation that didn’t actually exist or that she was removed from. Ultimately, Phillips sent payments totaling close to $1,100 to Wilson, only for Wilson to cut off contact with her shortly before the departure date.

Frantic to recoup her money and discover what happened, Phillips reportedly contacted MSC Cruises’ customer service and was told that Wilson had only paid $524 for the 7-night Western Caribbean sailing to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.

“So why did he tell me that it costed [sic] $1100 you ask?? I asked the same thing,” she commented in her video caption.

Rather than stay at home and fume about being scammed, Phillips took action: she took a cruise. Specifically, she took the same cruise Wilson had booked, MSC Seascape departing Galveston on Sunday, August 30.

The Onboard Confrontation

Once onboard the 5,877-guest ship, Phillips met another guest who had agreed to help her set up a surprise meeting with Wilson so she could film the encounter.

“I never had plans to put my hands on this man. My intention was to get him to confess so that I can report him to all legal authorities, including cruise ship security,” Phillips explained.

The meeting happened as Phillips approached Wilson in one of the ship’s hot tubs, where she immediately asks where her money is and demands an explanation.

“What I want to know is, where’s my $1,100?” she asks, repeating the question as she approaches Wilson. “You know you stole my $1,100.”

The explicit language in the 2-minute, 13-second video is not suitable for publication. At no point did there appear to be any physical contact between Phillips and Wilson. Phillips repeatedly says she wants her money and wants to know what “we are going to do” but there are no threats made.

Wilson claims to be wanting to call ship’s security while exiting the hot tub, which Phillips encourages and wants to go with him. At the point the video ends, another guest not on screen can be heard asking “Why you bothering him?” but the video cuts off without any answer.

Phillips’ video on Facebook has received more than 2.5 million views and 3,500 comments in less than five days. On other social media platforms, the video has surpassed 14 million views.

She did report her complaint to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for fraud and claims to be taking other legal action against Wilson. At the same time, however, a follow-up on her TikTok clearly shows where the line is drawn.

“I removed my explanation video because I do not want him doxxed or harrassed… I posted the receipts but was unaware certain information was present,” she said. “I do not condone bullying or harrassment [sic].”

Many commenters have expressed further support and respect for Phillips as she has not encouraged bad behavior, but wants others to be aware of the incident.

More From Cruise Hive

Wilson did publicly respond to Phillips’ allegations on TikTok and Instagram with his dispute of her claims, including saying the monetary transactions were disputed, but no further direct confrontation between the two has been noted.

Unfortunately, different types of fraud and scams can be common on cruises. Cruise Hive has reported on cases of credit card scams, casino and jewelry fraud, and even scams involving transportation to and from cruise ports. Passengers have been scammed by fraudulent travel agents and supposed “hacks” to get onboard privileges that are only scams.

Royal Caribbean CEO Went From Front Desk to Running 30 Ships

Calvin Musquez
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Royal Caribbean CEO Went From Front Desk to Running 30 Ships

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley is celebrating 45 years since joining the cruise line in September 1981.
  • Bayley was surprised with an anniversary party after joking that he thought his colleagues had forgotten the milestone.
  • The longtime executive began as an Assistant Purser aboard Nordic Prince before eventually rising to become Royal Caribbean’s president and CEO.

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley is celebrating a major career milestone. This September, the cruise executive officially marked the 45th anniversary of his start with Royal Caribbean.

Bayley began his career with the cruise line at age 22 as an Assistant Purser. His first contract, which began in September 1981, was at the front desk of the second-ever ship built for the cruise line, Nordic Prince.

“My love affair with Royal Caribbean had begun,” Bayley recalled.

Four and a half decades and several days after that start, the now-CEO thought that nobody at Royal Caribbean would acknowledge the milestone. In a post on Facebook, Bayley humorously noted that his tenure with the company has been longer than most of his employees have been alive.

The post’s accompanying reel, however, revealed that his colleagues hadn’t forgotten the anniversary at all. It showed Bayley walking to what he thought was a meeting in the Royal Caribbean offices when, much to his surprise, he was met with a party.

@captaincruiseguy

On September 3, 1981 I boarded a Pan Am flight in London bound for Miami. I had just turned 22 and got a job working on a cruise ship as Assistant Purser on the front desk of the m/s Nordic Prince. My love affair with Royal Caribbean had begun. What a journey of fun, Adventure and happiness. 45 years and a few days later I was relieved no one had mentioned my anniversary. (Longer than 80 per cent of my fellow employees have been alive). Then Boom ! A surprise party. Thank you !

♬ original sound – Michael Bayley

“I was relieved no one had mentioned my anniversary,” he said. “Then Boom! A surprise party. Thank you!” 

Employees gathered with dancers and confetti, and signs reading “Happy 45th Service Anniversary Michael” to celebrate. A conference room was adorned with streamers, balloons, cake, and photos from throughout Bayley’s long career with the cruise line.

From Assistant Purser to CEO

Despite being a native of Cardiff, Wales, Michael Bayley describes himself as a believer in the American Dream, and his career path certainly demonstrates that. Since beginning as an Assistant Purser in 1981, Bayley has risen steadily up the ranks within the cruise line. 

In his first ten years with Royal Caribbean, he took on increasingly more demanding roles. He later became Vice President of Total Guest Satisfaction and Fleet Operations for the cruise line, followed by Senior VP of Hotel Operations and Onboard Revenue.

Bayley then served as Chairman and Managing Director of the now-defunct Island Cruises. This joint venture between Royal Caribbean and First Choice Holidays operated cruises in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America before Royal Caribbean sold its 50 percent stake to TUI Cruises in 2008.

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley
Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley

Following his time at Island Cruises, Michael Bayley was appointed Executive VP of International Sales and Marketing for Royal Caribbean. In this role, he opened offices in 11 countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Then, in 2012, Bayley was appointed to the role of President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, which is owned by Royal Caribbean Group. Two years later in 2014, he became President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

Bayley Continues to Grow Royal Caribbean

In his position as President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, Bayley oversees more than 50,000 employees worldwide. The cruise line operates a fleet of 30 ships and visits destinations all around the world.

During his time in this role, Bayley has overseen the introduction of new ships, such as the Icon-class lineup. Cruise Hive previously reported on the September 4, 2026 float-out of the upcoming Hero of the Seas, the day after Bayley’s official 45th anniversary with the company.

He has also overseen the development of new destinations for the brand, including Perfect Day CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Royal Caribbean plans to continue introducing new destinations, such as Royal Beach Club Cozumel, slated to open in December 2026.

The fleet is also expanding, with Hero of the Seas scheduled to debut in 2027 and a fifth Icon-class ship ordered for 2028. Additionally, the cruise line will introduce the new Discovery Class beginning in 2029.

Disney Magic Guests Get a Surprise Second Port for Holiday Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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Disney Magic Guests Get a Surprise Second Port for Holiday Cruise

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Magic will now be visiting Cozumel on Christmas Eve on her December 22, 2026 departure from Galveston.
  • Previously, only a visit to Progreso was on the ship’s 5-night Very Merrytime sailing, but Cozumel has been added.
  • There are no other changes to the cruise at this time, either to Progreso or the ship’s departure from or arrival back to Galveston.

Guests booked on the Very Merrytime sailing of Disney Magic departing on Tuesday, December 22, 2026 are getting a special gift from Disney Cruise Line as an extra port of call has been added to the 5-night cruise.

“Due to a change in port availability, we are pleased to offer the opportunity for your sailing to visit Cozumel, Mexico,” the email notification explained.

Disney Cruise Line began notifying guests about the change on September 9, more than three months before their voyage will set sail from Galveston, Texas. This gives guests plenty of time to plan activities to enjoy their stop in Cozumel.

The revised itinerary for the holiday cruise is as follows:

  • Tuesday, December 22 – Depart Galveston (all aboard by 3 p.m.)
  • Wednesday, December 23 – Day at Sea
  • Thursday, December 24 – Cozumel, Mexico from 11:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. (previously at sea)
  • Friday, December 25 – Progreso, Mexico from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 26 – Day at Sea
  • Sunday, December 27 – Arrive Galveston (debarkation approximately 7:30 a.m.)

This means guests on the 1,750-guest Disney Magic will enjoy Christmas Eve in Cozumel, followed by Progreso on Christmas Day.

What This Means for Guests

Because there are no other changes to Disney Magic‘s itinerary, there should not be any impact to guests’ plans for most of the sailing.

If guests have planned onboard appointments on December 24, however, they may want to adjust those reservations in order to enjoy what Cozumel has to offer. This could include visits to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for holiday glam, a visit to the Senses Spa & Salon for the ultimate relaxation, or early dinner reservations at the adults-only specialty restaurant, Palo.

Disney Magic Cruise Ship
Disney Magic Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

Port Adventures for Cozumel will be available to book through Disney Cruise Line’s website, on the app, or by visiting the Port Adventures Desk onboard, starboard side in the atrium on Deck 3.

Onboard activities will likely be adjusted to accommodate the new port visit, but crafts, trivia contests, drawing lessons, princess visits, and other options will still be available throughout the day.

What to Expect in Port on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Local retailers may choose to be closed on the holiday, but this will be an individual decision for different businesses in each port and is not controlled by the cruise line. This could mean available tours may sell out quickly or there is less to do ashore for visitors on those days.

Because these communities rely heavily on cruise tourism, however, local businesses may well be open even on the holiday so as not to miss important income.

Furthermore, Disney Magic is far from the only ship in either port on the holidays. On Christmas Eve, six other ships are currently scheduled for Cozumel: Viking Sky, Viking Mars, Norwegian Luna, Celebrity Reflection, Carnival Paradise, and Star of the Seas.

More From Cruise Hive

Because Disney Cruise Line cited “a change in port availability” as the reason Disney Magic is able to add the Christmas Eve visit to Cozumel, however, it is possible one of those ships may have released its berth for that day. None of those cruise lines have yet confirmed any adjustment to their holiday sailings.

On Christmas Day, Disney Magic is visiting Progreso alongside just one other ship, Carnival Breeze.

Carnival Warns Guests Not to Arrive Early Ahead of Busy New York Embarkation

Calvin Musquez
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0
Carnival Warns Guests Not to Arrive Early Ahead of Busy New York Embarkation

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Venezia guests booked on a September 14, 2026 sailing from New York are being warned to follow their terminal arrival appointments due to high guest volume.
  • Guests arriving before their assigned time may not be permitted inside the cruise terminal.
  • The terminal will be shared with another cruise line’s ship, which Carnival did not identify, although Oceania Vista is also scheduled to embark from New York that day.

Guests preparing to embark on an upcoming Carnival Venezia sailing from New York are being asked not to arrive at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal ahead of their assigned time. Higher-than-normal traffic is expected due to a ship from another cruise line also utilizing the terminal.

The 4,090-passenger vessel will depart from New York City on September 14, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. on a 6-night Bermuda sailing visiting King’s Wharf. Carnival sent a notice to guests on September 9, 2026, asking them to adhere to their scheduled arrival time and warning that early arrivals may be denied entry. 

“To properly manage our embarkation operations, we kindly ask for your full cooperation with adherence to your pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment,” the notice said. “Guests who arrive earlier than their assigned time may not be permitted to enter the cruise terminal.”

In spite of the increased traffic at the terminal, there has been no announced alteration to the itinerary or departure time of Carnival Venezia’s sailing. Guests are still required to be on board by the time indicated on their boarding pass.

The cruise line also urged guests to pay close attention to signage in light of the shared terminal. Guests checking luggage were advised to look for the Carnival Cruise Line luggage drop-off signs at the terminal.

Carnival Venezia in New York
Carnival Venezia in New York (Photo Credit: Just dance)

Carnival also stressed the importance of personally carrying items that may require special handling. Examples the cruise line provided include boarding and travel documents, valuables, and medications. 

Carnival Venezia debuted from New York in 2023, and sails seasonally from the port. However, this season marks Venezia’s final scheduled New York season before being redeployed to PortMiami, while Carnival Firenze takes over in New York.

Two Cruise Ships Embarking From Manhattan 

Carnival Cruise Line did not identify the other cruise ship that would be sharing the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. However, Oceania Cruises’ 1,200-guest Oceania Vista is also scheduled to begin a cruise from New York on September 14 at 5:00 p.m. 

Oceania Vista will sail an 11-night itinerary from New York to Montreal. This voyage will call in Halifax, Sydney in Nova Scotia, Charlottetown, Gaspé, Baie-Comeau, Saguenay, and Quebec City before disembarking in Montreal on September 25, 2026.

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal primarily operates two piers: Pier 88 and Pier 90. However, Pier 90 has been out of service since January 2026 due to aging infrastructure, leaving only Pier 88 to handle cruise traffic out of Manhattan with only two available berths.

The closure of Pier 90 came just two months after Cruise Hive covered plans for a major renovation of the terminal in November 2025. The proposed overhaul would introduce shore power at all berths while increasing capacity, allowing up to three ships to dock simultaneously.

Until that renovation is approved and completed, however, Pier 88 will be left handling all cruise traffic at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. This presents a challenge on high-traffic days, such as September 14, when two ships are scheduled to depart.

Huge Update on Carnival Tropicale With New Details and Steel Cutting

Melissa Mayntz
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Huge Update on Carnival Tropicale With New Details and Steel Cutting

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has opened bookings for Carnival Tropicale with her debut from Galveston, Texas on April 15, 2028.
  • The fifth and final Excel-class ship will offer sailings ranging from 4-8 nights to Western Caribbean and Bahamas destinations.
  • New details revealed, including Turning Tides raft slide, The Vault Retrocade, Atrium, and Fairway 66 Mini Golf.

Yeehaw, it’s a good day for cruisers from Texas as Carnival Cruise Line has made it official with bookings now open for Carnival Tropicale sailing from Galveston, Texas beginning April 15, 2028.

Cruise Hive reported in April 2026 that the ship would be homeported from the Lone Star State, but now the itinerary details are confirmed and available for guests to plan their cruise vacations.

A western-themed celebration accompanied the announcement at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, highlighting the steel cutting for the new ship and marking the beginning of the vessel’s physical construction.

Like her sister ship Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Tropicale will have the Star of Texas on her bow, and the shipyard crew embraced the theme with custom hard hats and cowboy attire, along with Texas-style barbecue. A special guest was a horse that posed for photos, but no details are confirmed on the equine’s connection to the ship (though a Chief Horse Officer seems unlikely).

“I am delighted to experience my first construction celebration as the new CEO of MEYER WERFT,” said André Walter, who has served as CEO of MEYER WERFT GmbH since July 1, 2026. “Carnival Tropicale is already the fifth Excel-class ship for Carnival Cruise Line, a successful and highly popular series that reflects our long-standing partnership with Carnival.”

From Galveston, the new ship and final vessel in the Excel class will offer 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-night sailings featuring Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive “Paradise Collection” destinations of Celebration Key; RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay; Isla Tropicale; and Puerta Maya.

Depending on the sailing length and departure date, Carnival Tropicale will also make regular visits to Nassau, Progreso, and Cozumel.

“From innovative attractions and dining to unforgettable destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Mexico, Carnival Tropicale will bring an exciting new vacation option to Texas when she debuts in 2028,” said Ben Clement, executive vice president of maritime and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line.

The ship’s inaugural sailing is a 6-night itinerary that will depart Galveston on Saturday, April 15, 2028. The first full day is a day at sea to explore all the new ship will offer, followed by Cozumel on Monday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 18 will be a big day as Carnival Tropicale visits her namesake destination, Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay) in Roatan from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The final two days of the sailing are at sea before the ship returns to Galveston on Friday, April 21.

What’s Coming to Carnival Tropicale

Carnival Tropicale will bring her own distinctiveness to the Carnival fleet when she joins her sister ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, and the upcoming Carnival Festivale.

For the heart of the ship, the multi-story Grand Central Atrium, renderings show tropical scenery on what appears to be integrated LED banners and screens to create a bright, immersive space that embodies the ship’s name.

Turning Tides raft slide on Carnival Tropicale
Turning Tides raft slide on Carnival Tropicale

The multi-deck Sunsation Point will be the hub of family fun on the ship’s aft, with Carnival WaterWorks Ultra’s six waterslides and multiple splash areas for young cruisers. Extended evening hours on select days will let guests enjoy splashtastic fun for longer than most other ships.

The Vault Retrocade on Carnival Tropicale
The Vault Retrocade on Carnival Tropicale

The Fairway 66 Mini Golf Course is being redesigned with inspiration from the iconic Route 66, while the Vault Retrocade will offer both new and vintage video games, air hockey, pinball, pool, and other fun for all ages.

Carnival Tropicale will also have new and innovative dining concepts with global tastes represented at different venues, including Hawaiian-Asian fusion options at Uku Lei Lei; Greek and Italian tastes at Fetaccine, and stunning seafood at Emeril’s Coastal Seafood.

Not all details of the new ship have yet been revealed, however. Carnival Cruise Line is hinting at “the golden era of showbusiness” for Carnival Tropicale‘s entertainment lineup, with notes that the era will inspire exclusive spaces but no other information confirmed.

Cruise Guest Dies Weeks After Sun Princess Pool Fall

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Guest Dies Weeks After Sun Princess Pool Fall

Key Aspects:

  • A 58-year-old pastor from Minnesota has passed several weeks after a fall and near-drowning on Sun Princess.
  • Stephen Junker was paralyzed in the incident and evacuated in Naples, but was flown back to the US for further treatment.
  • Junker’s death is the latest unfortunate incident to plague Sun Princess, following debut delays, cancelled features, and a crew member overboard.

A 58-year-old pastor from Elbow Lake, Minnesota, has passed weeks after suffering a severe injury onboard Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess during a family cruise in Italy.

Stephen (Steve) Junker fell on Sunday, August 16, 2026 and was found unresponsive in the ship’s pool. It is not clear whether Junker was actually in the pool prior to falling or if he fell on the deck and into the pool.

The exact pool where the accident occurred has not been disclosed. Sun Princess has five pools: two on the Lido Deck (Deck 17), an indoor/outdoor pool under the Dome (Deck 17), the Sanctuary Pool (Deck 18), and the WakeView Pool (Deck 8).

According to the family’s GoFundMe page, Junker was evacuated from the ship in Naples, Italy via an Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera) boat and admitted to a local hospital’s intensive care unit with severe compression at the C3-C4 level of his cervical spinal column.

Junker underwent successful emergency surgery on August 17 to relieve pressure on his spinal cord but was diagnosed as quadriplegic due to his injuries. He also had a lung infection likely caused by his near-drowning.

Over the next few days, Junker’s family coordinated medical, logistical, and financial challenges to arrange his transportation back to the US on August 23 via flight to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he underwent additional testing and treatment.

Sadly, additional untreatable injuries were discovered and Junker passed on the evening of Friday, September 4, 2026 surrounded by family and friends.

Princess Cruises has not commented publicly on Junker’s accident or injuries. This is common practice to safeguard the privacy of cruise guests.

Pastor Evac From Sun Princess
Pastor Evac From Sun Princess

Prior to Junker’s accident, Sun Princess had departed Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 15. The cruise vacation was a celebration of his son’s recent wedding, though there is no indication that the wedding took place onboard the ship.

Because the cruise line uses multiple embarkation ports on Mediterranean itineraries, it is unknown whether Junker and his family were to remain aboard for 7, 14, or 21 nights of the sailing before the 4,300-guest ship would return to Civitavecchia following calls in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Spain, and France.

Multiple Difficulties for Sun Princess

This sad incident is not the first difficulty for the ship, even before she entered service in February 2024. Sun Princess got a rocky start to joining the Princess Cruises’ fleet with delays and the cancellation of her inaugural sailing, originally scheduled from Barcelona on February 8, 2024.

More cancellations followed before the ship’s debut on February 28, 2024. Even when the ship began welcoming guests, key features remained unavailable. In July 2024, the cruise line confirmed that Sun Princess‘ RollGlider zipline, the Coastal Climb, and the ropes course would not be opening, as the cruise line stated it was unable to accept delivery of the installations.

Then, after her summer in the Mediterranean, the first of the Sphere-class vessels set sail to cross the Atlantic Ocean on her way to Fort Lauderdale, but her arrival was delayed several days due to Hurricane Milton.

On August 20, 2025, a crew member went overboard from Sun Princess at roughly 11 p.m. local time, another sad incident that unfortunately does happen onboard cruise ships.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with Junker’s family and all those affected by his passing, as well as the guests and crew members onboard Sun Princess impacted by such an unfortunate incident.

Disney Cruise Line Alerts Guests to Cruise Terminal Change

Melissa Mayntz
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0
Disney Cruise Line Alerts Guests to Cruise Terminal Change

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Wish will be using two different terminals at Port Canaveral for her 3-night sailing departing Friday, September 11, 2026.
  • The ship will depart from Cruise Terminal 10 but will dock at Cruise Terminal 8 when she returns on Monday, September 14.
  • Cruise terminal construction may be a factor in the change for Disney Wish‘s embarkation and debarkation schedule.

It can be hectic when arriving to or leaving from a cruise homeport, what with traffic, parking congestion, and the challenge of managing luggage, boarding passes, and keeping a family together. For guests setting sail on Disney Wish on Friday, September 11, 2026, the experience will be a bit more challenging with a change in cruise terminal assignment.

Disney Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests to alert them to the change for the 3-night Halloween on the High Seas sailing.

“Your cruise will depart from Cruise Terminal 10 in Port Canaveral, Florida,” the notification confirmed. “When the ship returns on 09/[14]/26, it will dock at Cruise Terminal 8 for debarkation.”

The original email had a typo with both the departure and return dates listed as September 11, but Cruise Hive has confirmed with Port Canaveral’s full ship schedule that it is the September 11 departure and the September 14 arrival that are impacted.

Both Cruise Terminal 10 and Cruise Terminal 8 are located on the port’s west end and they are adjacent to one another but do not share parking facilities. This may make both parking and drop-off traffic more confusing, but Disney Cruise Line is offering shuttle service.

“If you plan to park a vehicle at Port Canaveral, please follow the signs for the Disney Wish and proceed to the drop-off area at Cruise Terminal 10 to drop off any luggage,” the cruise line explained. “A Guest from your party will then be directed to park their vehicle at Cruise Terminal 8 and will be transported back to Cruise Terminal 10 to check-in for the cruise.”

Disney and Carnival at Port Canaveral
Disney and Carnival at Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Rexjaymes)

Guests who are arriving via ride share services, taxis, or being dropped off by family members or friends are advised to ensure they are using the correct terminal on the correct day.

“All Guests utilizing Disney Cruise Line motorcoach transportation will be transported to and from the appropriate cruise terminals,” the cruise line noted.

While the two terminals are close to one another, guests parking on Friday should plan extra time to account for moving between the terminals and parking areas to ensure they are still on time for their arrival appointment to board the 2,508-guest Disney Wish.

Why Change Cruise Terminals?

Disney Cruise Line regularly uses both Cruise Terminal 8 and Cruise Terminal 10. Typically, Disney Wish docks at Cruise Terminal 10, but on Monday, September 14, that will not be possible.

No other ships are scheduled to berth at Cruise Terminal 10 on Monday, but Port Canaveral has begun a $95 million expansion and renovation on the terminal, which Cruise Hive reported in early August.

While no reason for the terminal switch impacting Disney Wish has been released, that project may be a factor in the change if space is needed for construction equipment or part of the cruise terminal will be closed for ongoing work.

The project is expected to be completed by November 2027. When finished, the updated and modernized terminal will have nearly 30% more square footage, updated interiors, expanded screening and luggage areas, improved HVAC systems, and more.

More From Cruise Hive

In addition to Disney Cruise Line, ships from MSC Cruises also regularly dock at Cruise Terminal 10 and may be impacted by similar terminal shifts while the construction project is underway.

Guests setting sail from Port Canaveral in the next 14 months should stay in contact with their cruise line in case of terminal adjustments that may impact their arrival to and departure from the cruise port.

AIDAperla Breaks Free and Hits Quay, Cruise Cut Short

Calvin Musquez
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AIDAperla Breaks Free and Hits Quay, Cruise Cut Short

Key Aspects:

  • Strong winds in Le Havre, France, caused AIDAperla to break away from her berth and make contact with the quay on September 8, as shown in witness videos shared on social media.
  • No injuries were reported, and tugboats helped return the ship to her berth before technicians began inspecting the vessel.
  • AIDAperla missed her scheduled September 9 call in Zeebrugge, though there have been no further confirmed itinerary adjustments.

A port call in Le Havre, France, took a dramatic turn for guests aboard AIDAperla on September 8, 2026. Around 4:00 p.m., strong winds parted the ship’s forward mooring lines, causing AIDAperla to break away from her berth at the Port of Le Havre and drift into a quay wall.

The 3,286-passenger vessel was on a 7-night sailing that departed from Hamburg on September 5, 2026. She had only completed one port call in Southampton on September 7 before docking in Le Havre.

According to Weather Underground records, wind gusts in Le Havre reached speeds around 35 miles per hour Tuesday afternoon. A video shared on Facebook by a witness showed the moments after these gusts broke AIDAperla free from her berth and pushed her backward, causing her stern to make contact with the quay.

During this incident, both gangways were torn away, becoming floating obstructions in the harbor. Photos shared by a passenger show one of the gangways hanging off the port side of the ship as she drifted.

“Our ship, AIDAperla, had this accident. We are still docked in Le Havre,” the witness said (translated from German).

Around 500 AIDAperla guests were on shore excursions at the time and were temporarily unable to reboard the ship. The port was temporarily closed while crews worked to secure the vessel and clear the harbor.

TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3 was also docked in Le Havre at the time. She had to be held by tugboats, and her departure was delayed by two hours as a result of the port conditions.

Tugboats were deployed to assist the vessel and help her return to her berth. In a statement at 9:22 p.m., HAROPA PORT said AIDAperla had been secured again and passengers were boarding safely. No injuries were reported aboard the ship or on the dock, while navigation through the port gradually resumed.

AIDA Cruises has confirmed that the ship made contact with the quay and is undergoing a thorough inspection by technicians and authorities. According to German media reports, AIDAperla also requires clearance from the responsible classification society before she can depart Le Havre.

AIDAperla Misses Zeebrugge Following Incident

The sailing was originally scheduled to leave Le Havre at 8:00 p.m. on September 8 and continue to Zeebrugge on September 9. As a result of this incident, the ship instead remained in Le Havre and the Zeebrugge port call was cancelled.

The ship’s next scheduled port call in Rotterdam remains set for September 10, with no further itinerary changes confirmed. AIDAperla’s return to Hamburg is likewise still scheduled for September 12.

The next 7-night embarkation is scheduled to depart from Hamburg the same day, visiting Bergen, Nordfjordeid, Alesund, and Stavanger. It will return to Hamburg on September 19.

The Carnival-owned cruise line often offers combined, overlapping cruises. As such, some of the guests onboard were likely also booked on that following voyage for a combined 14-night sailing.

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