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Carnival Panorama Moves Up Departure Time For Four More Sailings

Calvin Musquez
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Carnival Panorama Moves Up Departure Time For Four More Sailings

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival has adjusted the departure times for four upcoming sailings aboard Carnival Panorama.
  • This is the latest adjustment for the 133,500 gross ton ship, following over 90 adjustments earlier this month.
  • No other changes to the four itineraries have been reported.

On May 28, 2026, Carnival sent a letter to guests booked on four sailings out of Long Beach aboard Carnival Panorama between September and November of 2026 informing them that their departure time has been moved up.

“Dear Carnival Panorama Guest,” wrote Colleen Oliverio, Carnival’s VP of Guest Services. “We have revised the departure time for your cruise and now plan to sail from Long Beach at 3:30 PM (instead of 4:00 PM).”

A mere 30 minutes may not sound like a big difference, but anyone who’s ever cruised knows that when it comes to getting to the port on time, every spare minute counts, and a failure to arrive by the departure time could mean watching the ship sail away without you.

Read Also: What Happens If You Miss Your Cruise Ship?

This concern is especially prevalent at the Carnival-owned and operated Long Beach Cruise Terminal, where parking is known to fill up fast, in which case Carnival will often send the overflow to an off-site parking structure, as recently happened with two other ships.

The four affected cruises all have the same itinerary: an 8-day, round-trip Mexican Riviera cruise, beginning with 3 days at sea, then stopping at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas before returning to Long Beach.

Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: mikeledray / Shutterstock

They are scheduled to depart on September 26, October 10, October 24, and November 7. Carnival has not yet announced any further changes to the itineraries for the four sailings.

This notice comes just six days after Cruise Hive reported on Carnival adjusting departure times and port visit schedules for over 90 other sailings aboard the 133,500 gross ton Carnival Panorama from the same port.

Why Were The Departure Times Changed?

Carnival did not give a reason for the change in the notice sent to guests, but the Miami-based cruise line commonly makes minor changes to itineraries like this, and it’s not always indicative of a major issue.

There are myriad reasons why such a change would be implemented.

Cruise scheduling is a delicate balancing act, and the cruise line’s fleet operations team needs to take into account port availability, ship speed, number of guests, and more to make it work. 

It could be that, due to environmental factors or mechanical strain on the seven-year-old ship, an additional 30 minutes was needed to make their scheduled arrival time at Puerto Vallarta.

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It’s also possible that the sailing route and/or timing of other ships docking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, such as the 101,509 gross ton Carnival Radiance or the 135,156 gross ton Carnival Firenze, may have necessitated the slight adjustment in the departure time.

While changes like this can be difficult, those booked on the 4,008-guest capacity vessel have fortunately been given plenty of time to adjust their plans accordingly.

Carnival Panorama is based out of Long Beach, California, and sails year-round 3-8 night Mexican Riviera itineraries.

Disney Cruise Line Rolls Out Stricter Rules for Alcohol, Decorations, and Prohibited Items

Calvin Musquez
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Disney Cruise Line Rolls Out Stricter Rules for Alcohol, Decorations, and Prohibited Items

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Cruise Line is rolling out several stricter onboard policies effective June 3, 2026.
  • Guests are now limited to just one bottle of wine for the entire cruise, down from two at embarkation plus port purchases.
  • Stateroom door decorations are restricted to the door only, and selfie sticks must stay retracted under 18 inches.

    Disney Cruise Line is introducing several new controversial policies aboard its ships, going into effect starting June 3, 2026.

    The cruise line quietly updated its prohibited items FAQ page on Thursday, reflecting the new policies.

    First on the cruise line’s change list is a major adjustment to its outside alcohol policy. Prior to the update, guests were allowed to bring two bottles of wine onboard at embarkation, plus one additional bottle purchased in each visited port.

    Now, guests are only permitted to bring a single bottle of wine aboard at embarkation for the entire duration of the cruise. 

    Disney cruisers quickly spread across social media, sharing their woes.

    One Reddit user lamented, “Another cash grab at the expense of the customer’s experience. Sigh.”

    “We have a 9 night cruise in the Mediterranean in two weeks,” said another. “We always used to pick up a bottle or two in ports. Now we get one bottle of wine for the whole trip??”

    Under the new rules, guests technically are still permitted to purchase alcohol in port, but that alcohol cannot be brought to your stateroom, and will be held by the cruise line until the end of the voyage.

    Along with this decrease in the amount of alcohol allowed onboard comes a decrease in the corkage fees. While guests previously paid $29 to drink their own alcohol at onboard dining venues, this fee has been dropped to $20.

    This is a major decrease in the corkage fee since Disney last raised the price, which Cruise Hive reported on in 2024. 

    Disney Diminishes Door Decor

    Another debate-worthy update to Disney’s policy regards decorations to stateroom doors. While Disney is not banning the practice altogether, they are limiting it drastically.

    “You are welcome to personalize your stateroom door with a tasteful magnetic sign for a celebration – or simply to add a touch of fun!” the updated FAQ reads. “To ensure an enjoyable experience for all our Guests, please take note of the following guidelines for decorating your stateroom door.”

    Decorations are now limited exclusively to the door itself. Guests may not add decoration to the corridor walls or ceilings.

    Disney Magic Cabin
    Disney Magic Cabin (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

    Those who enjoy showing off their decorating skills are sure to be let down by the news that their canvas has shrunk considerably, but this change is likely less to do with limiting fun and more to do with safety. Bulky items in corridors can possibly inhibit movement or trip guests in the case of an emergency evacuation.

    Guests who choose to decorate their cabin doors should keep in mind the other rules and regulations Disney has in place.

    Tape and adhesives are strictly prohibited, as is over-the-door hanging decor. While magnets are okay, they will not work with vessels that have wooden doors, such as Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

    If you choose to use tape or other adhesives in spite of the prohibition, you do so at your own risk, as damaging the stateroom doors as a result comes with a $100 fee per incident.

    Selfie Sticks Added to Prohibited Items List

    In addition to the alcohol and door decor policy changes, selfie sticks, tripods, and other extending poles have also been added to the cruise line’s prohibited items list.

    While these photo extension devices are not totally banned, they must remain retracted onboard and cannot exceed 18 inches in length. Provided those restrictions are followed, selfie sticks, tripods, and other extending camera accessories may be used onboard.

    The new rules go into effect on June 3, 2026 and will hit ships on a staggered schedule as they sail out.The first ship to sail under the new policies will be the 129,690 gross ton Disney Fantasy, as it sails June 3 on a 4 day Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral stopping at Disney’s Castaway Cay and Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

    Carnival Cruise Guests Are Now Receiving Data Breach Notifications

    Calvin Musquez
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    Carnival Cruise Guests Are Now Receiving Data Breach Notifications

    Key Aspects:

    • Carnival has begun notifying people whose personal data was leaked in a cyber-attack earlier this year.
    • Nearly 6 million people were impacted by the attack from the extortion group ShinyHunters.
    • Carnival is offering those affected a free 2-year credit-monitoring service subscription.

    Millions of people have begun receiving emails from Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, informing them that their personal data was leaked in a cyber-attack earlier this year. The Miami-based cruise company has also issued a notice on its website.

    “Unfortunately, we are writing to inform you of a recent cybersecurity event affecting certain of your personal information,” the company wrote in the notice.

    “We have been conducting a thorough and time-consuming analysis of the impacted data to determine what personal information it contained and to whom that information belongs.“

    Cruise Hive reported on the original attack as news broke in mid-April this year. At that time, it was reported that more than 8.7 million records had been stolen by the extortion group, ShinyHunters, but it was unknown how much of that was personal data vs corporate data.

    This escalated when, by the end of April, three lawsuits were already filed against the cruise line, accusing them of negligence in the handling of customers’ personal data.

    On May 27, 2026, the company disclosed the exact number of impacted people to U.S. authorities: 5,995,277, just shy of six million people.

    The notices were sent out to those impacted on the same day.

    “While this analysis is ongoing and the affected data varies by individual, to date, the impacted data is known to include the following personal information: name, address, email address, phone number, date of birth, and government-issued identification number (e.g., driver’s license number and passport number),” the notice said.

    Carnival Cruise Line Sign
    Carnival Cruise Line Sign (Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto)

    One VIFP member, whose passport number was leaked in the attack, posted his notice on Facebook.

    “Thank you Carnival Cruise for giving out my confidential information!” he posted.

    According to CyberInsider, the leak does not appear to include credit card details or passwords, but names, birthdates, VIFP loyalty status data, and other identifying information may be included.

    What is Carnival Doing About It?

    According to the notice, Carnival has been hard at work enhancing and further safeguarding its cybersecurity systems, though that’s little consolation to the nearly six million people already affected.

    For them, Carnival is offering a free, 24-month subscription to TransUnion’s credit monitoring service. With a provided activation code, guests can register for free with TransUnion by August 31, 2026. This service monitors your credit and flags potential fraud or suspicious activity.

    Carnival Corporation has also set up a dedicated call center for questions about the data breach and the TransUnion services offered.

    While Carnival is taking these actions, they still warn impacted people to be vigilant and aware of identity theft or other cyber threats. 

    “If you ever suspect that you are the victim of identity theft or fraud, you can contact your local police,” the notice reads.

    While it does seem like Carnival Corporation is doing the right things in response, with nearly six million people affected, this is surely not the last we’ll hear of this cybersecurity snafu. 

    Two Carnival Cruises Hit With Parking Crunch at Port of Long Beach

    Calvin Musquez
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    Two Carnival Cruises Hit With Parking Crunch at Port of Long Beach

    Key Aspects:

    • Carnival has warned guests on two upcoming cruises of a shortage of parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.
    • Guests booked on Carnival Radiance on May 28 and Carnival Firenze on May 29 are affected.
    • While some offsite parking and shuttles will be available, guests are encouraged to find alternative transportation.

    Southern Californians are no strangers to traffic and difficult parking, but if Carnival cruisers thought they’d get a respite heading into their Mexican cruise vacation, they were sadly mistaken.

    Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests booked on two upcoming sailings of a shortage of parking at the Port of Long Beach, and are encouraged to plan accordingly.

    “Dear Carnival Guest,” the notice reads. “The parking facility at the cruise terminal has very limited capacity. Please make plans to use alternate transportation that does not require parking.”

    The first cruise impacted by this lack of parking is the May 28, 2026 sailing aboard Carnival Radiance.  The 101,509 gross ton vessel will sail a 5-day, Mexican Riviera cruise, stopping in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada before returning to Long Beach.

    One day later, on May 29, the 135,156 gross ton, Vista-class Carnival Firenze is set to sail a 3-Day weekend Baja Mexico cruise stopping in Ensenada. 

    Situated next to the iconic Queen Mary ocean liner, the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is solely owned and operated by Carnival Cruise Line. Despite this, the small onsite parking structure can still fill up quickly.

    The parking structure is five stories tall, with 1,450 parking spaces.  That may sound like a lot, until you consider the ships’ passenger counts. 

    Carnival Radiance can carry up to 2,984 guests, and Carnival Firenze can carry up to 4,126. Even if only half of the passengers on these cruises decide to park a car, that’s already at nearly double the structure’s capacity.

    Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship Docked in Long Beach
    Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship Docked in Long Beach

    This is far from a new issue at the Port of Long Beach and the cruise line. Most recently, Cruise Hive reported on nearly the same situation arising in December of 2025.

    While Carnival seems to have a handle on these parking issues for the time being, as cruise ships continue to get bigger, and the industry continues to expand, one can only wonder how long it will be until a major change is needed at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

    Overflow and Parking Alternatives

    In the notice, Carnival urged guests to seek out alternative means of transportation.

    While Los Angeles County isn’t known for having the most reliable public transport, the Passport transit line does run regularly through the day and stops at the Queen Mary, right next to the terminal.

    Alternatively, guests can book a driver through any popular ride-share service, such as Uber or Lyft, with thousands of estimated drivers working in the region.

    Should you go this route, though, it’s important to be vigilant, as ride-share scams have become more common in the area in recent years.

    However, in the case that driving and parking can’t be avoided, Carnival has managed to secure a small amount of overflow parking at an offsite facility.

    “If driving is your only option, please be prepared to be directed to park at an offsite location operated by the City of Long Beach,” Carnival wrote in the notice to guests. “Full details will be communicated at the cruise terminal.”

    More From Cruise Hive

    In that case, guests will need to drop their luggage off at the terminal, receive written instructions to the offsite parking, have their boarding pass checked at the offsite facility, and then return to the terminal aboard a complimentary shuttle.

    It hardly sounds like an easygoing embarkation experience. 

    Cruise Ship Battles Rough Seas to Rescue Injured Sailor on Dismasted Boat

    Catie Kovelman
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    Cruise Ship Battles Rough Seas to Rescue Injured Sailor on Dismasted Boat

    Key Aspects: 

    • Silver Whisper came to the rescue for an injured sailor who was stranded on a disabled sailboat in the Pacific Ocean.
    • Captain Michele Macarone Palmieri led an impressive rescue, which was made more difficult by rough seas.
    • Some guests were so touched by the successful rescue that they were moved to tears.

    Passengers onboard Silver Whisper got to witness a miracle at sea, as the Silversea Cruises’ vessel came to the rescue of a distressed sailor in the nick of time.

    The rescue took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while the 392-guest ship was cruising in the Pacific Ocean. The Royal Caribbean-owned ship is currently nearing the end of a 24-night one-way sailing from Papeete, Tahiti, to Vancouver, Canada.

    Under the rules established by Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), cruise ships must come to the aid of other mariners in distress when called upon to do so, though this was a task the 295-person crew proudly undertook.

    Her chosen course to Vancouver, which brought the ship by Hawaii, meant that the 28,258-gross ton vessel was still the closest rescuer to the distressed sailor.

    Unfortunately, the craft, which is named April Alice, was inconveniently located too far from the Hawaiian islands and too far from the US mainland to attempt an air rescue.

    Though Captain Michele Macarone Palmieri wasted no time altering course, it still took approximately seven hours to reach the distressed sailor.

    When Silver Whisper finally arrived, they found the craft battered and missing its mast, presumably due to poor conditions. The sole occupant had sustained an injury to his left shoulder.

    “Two hours ago our ship, the Silver Whisper, rescued a man (in green hat), whose vessel lost all power & communications in high winds & rough seas. We were the closest ship to him – it took 7 hours to reach him, with no exact coordinates,” a current guest shared on Facebook, along with photos from the scene.

    “Happy to report he was found, is alive – with a broken shoulder, but doing well. Big Congrats to the Silver Whisper Captain & Crew,” the poster celebrated.

    Cruise Hive learned that crew members brought the man onboard within an hour and provided treatment for his left shoulder. He will most likely be disembarked in Vancouver when the ship arrives on May 28.

    April Alice, which had been sailing along the west coast of British Columbia and around the US for at least the past seven years, was left behind.

    Rough Weather Makes Rescue Even More Impressive

    While a successful rescue is always something to celebrate, passengers commended Captain Macarone Palmieri for successfully navigating the rough seas to reach the man in need.

    In a lucky break, the calmest period of the otherwise rocky voyage seemed to be while crew members were completing the rescue.

    “Funny thing was that the hour we spent rescuing the guy was about the smoothest period we’ve had on this ship since we left Kona (Hawaii) five days ago,” another passenger, Jeff Hall, told the Vancouver Sun.

    It took two attempts to position the cruise ship next to the disabled boat because of the ocean conditions and due to issues securing the sailboat.

    Silver Whisper Rescue
    Silver Whisper Rescue (Photo Credit: Maribeth Spitz)

    Hall went on to say that Captain Macarone Palmieri “did a super job moving the ship alongside the sailboat. He actually had to do it twice because the first line they attached to the sailboat broke and it drifted away from us for about 15 minutes.”

    Given the difficult conditions, the speed and success of the rescue was nothing short of impressive. Some guests were so moved that the man was safely found that they were moved to tears, despite the fact the sailor was a complete stranger.

    “I have experienced many wonderful moments on Silversea but was moved to tears today as I watched our fantastic Captain Michele Macarone Palmieri and the crew of the Silver Whisper perform a miraculous rescue at sea requested by the Coast Guard…words cannot describe how brave these men and women were,” one woman exclaimed.

    And even while saving the sailor, the Captain had his passengers’ safety in mind, too. According to guest reports, announcements were made encouraging guests to stay off the ship’s outer decks and return to their cruise cabins until the rescue was complete due to bumpy conditions.

    However, dozens of people could not tear their eyes away from the impressive rescue, with many remaining on deck to watch.

    No Impact to the Itinerary

    Despite the fact that Silver Whisper significantly altered course to complete the rescue, she is still supposed to arrive in Vancouver on time on the morning of May 28.

    As of the time of publication on May 27, cruise tracking data places the smaller vessel near Neah Bay in Washington, which is only around 81 nautical miles from Vancouver.

    More From Cruise Hive

    The itinerary was also front-loaded with ports, and all calls were completed by the time the rescue unfolded. Therefore, there were no ports for the rescue to impact.

    Once the luxury ship arrives in Vancouver, she will launch her 2026 Alaska season, which consists of 7-night, one-way sailings back and forth between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.

    Maintenance Forces Norwegian Cruise Ship to Shorten Bermuda Port Call

    Catie Kovelman
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    Maintenance Forces Norwegian Cruise Ship to Shorten Bermuda Port Call

    Key Aspects:

    • Norwegian Breakaway will be leaving Bermuda one hour earlier than planned on June 19, 2026.
    • The itinerary was tweaked due to planned engine maintenance that will be taking place during the sailing.
    • All NCL shore excursions will automatically be adjusted to fit the new port times or refunded if this is not possible.

    Due to planned maintenance, Norwegian Cruise Line has had to shorten Norwegian Breakaway’s overnight visit to King’s Wharf, Bermuda, on June 18-19, 2026.

    Bermuda is meant to be the highlight of the 7-night sailing, which embarks on June 14 in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to arriving in the Royal Naval Dockyard (King’s Wharf), guests will get to explore Halifax, Nova Scotia.

    Thankfully, the extended stay has only been shortened by one hour, though some impacted guests are still less than thrilled about this update.

    The 3,903-guest ship will still arrive as planned at 9 a.m. local time on June 18, but will leave at 2 p.m. instead of 3 p.m. on June 19.

    “As part of scheduled diesel generator maintenance onboard Norwegian Breakaway, we’ll be making a slight adjustment to our departure time from Royal Naval Dockyard on June 19, 2026,” Norwegian Cruise Line wrote in a letter to guests, which was obtained by Cruise Hive.

    “This routine maintenance is standard and will not impact your overall experience, though it may briefly affect our cruising speed. To keep everything comfortably on schedule for our arrival into Boston, our departure from Bermuda will shift from 3:00 pm to 2:00 pm,” the update explained.

    For context, diesel generators are a crucial part of marine engines that are responsible for producing electricity for the entire cruise ship and play an important role in propulsion.

    During or immediately after the planned maintenance, the 145,655-gross ton vessel may need to slow its speed. But even with reduced speeds, the ship must still return to Boston on time on June 21 to avoid delaying the following cruise.

    There is also no impact to the visit to Halifax on June 16, where the flagship of the Breakaway class will dock from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. EDT.

    Shore Excursions Automatically Adjusted

    While guests can explore on their own, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a whopping 49 shore excursions to make the most of vacations to Bermuda. The options include boating and snorkeling, animal encounters, island tours, and more.

    Before guests even had a chance to worry about how the time change may impact their tour, NCL confirmed that it is automatically adjusting excursions to fit with the new schedule.

    Norwegian Breakaway in Bermuda
    Norwegian Breakaway in Bermuda (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

    “If you booked a shore excursion through NCL for Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, on Friday, no worries, we’ve got it covered. We’re working to adjust those tours to match the revised port times,” NCL stated.

    If the cruise line is unable to make the necessary changes, guests will automatically receive a refund to the original form of payment used at the time of booking without ever having to lift a finger.

    However, guests who booked independent experiences will need to work with their tour providers to ensure the timing still works.

    Changing Time Frustrates Cruisers

    For some impacted passengers, an hour still makes a big difference. Some guests took to social media to express their frustration.

    “It’s not bad enough that they cut this cruise down from 3 days in Bermuda, now they are even cutting the hours on the day we leave,” one guest lamented on Facebook.

    “I know it’s only an hour but still. We’ve been doing this itinerary for 13 years and will not continue to do it if they don’t change it back to more time in Bermuda,” he continued.

    While some disappointment is understandable, this cruiser’s complaint is also a bit misleading.

    This particular 7-night itinerary, which includes Halifax and Bermuda, was always meant to feature an overnight, two-day call in King’s Wharf.

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    The guest may be confusing the voyage he booked with a separate 7-night itinerary operated by Norwegian Breakaway, which cuts out Canada to spend two nights and three days docked in Bermuda.

    While the Halifax-included itinerary is being offered more frequently this summer, there are Bermuda-only departures scheduled for July 12 and July 26.

    Norwegian Cruise Line Sets September Opening Date for Massive New Waterpark

    Melissa Mayntz
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    Norwegian Cruise Line Sets September Opening Date for Massive New Waterpark

    Key Aspects:

    • The Great Tides Waterpark will open on Great Stirrup Cay on Friday, September 4, 2026.
    • Guests booked on sailings visiting the private island after September 4 can purchase day passes beginning May 28.
    • The nearly 6-acre waterpark includes 19 waterslides, a unique active river, cliff dives, water coasters, and more.

    It is only a few months before the new Great Tides Waterpark will open on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, and now cruise guests can begin planning their visits to the private island in the Bahamas with advance sales for day passes and exclusive rentals.

    The park will officially open for guests on Friday, September 4, 2026, with the new Norwegian Luna as the first ship to visit the upgraded destination.

    From Thursday, May 28, any guests booked on sailings that will visit Great Stirrup Cay on or after September 4 will be able to purchase day passes for the nearly 6-acre waterpark. Rentals for private cabanas and similar options will also be available, and each rental includes a waterpark pass.

    Full details on the cabanas have not yet been released, but artist renderings show luxurious seating, privade shade umbrellas, ceiling fans, and other elevated amenities. Up to six guests will be able to enjoy each cabana.

    The cabanas appear to be located in multiple spots, including right near the waterslides as well as the lazy river for convenient access to the waterpark’s most popular features.

    “Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in the Bahamas, and we’re excited to officially open Great Tides Waterpark on Sept. 4, 2026,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

    “With the best activities for families and for every type of traveler—from high-energy slides to laid-back lagoon experiences—guests can purchase their day passes ahead and lock in an unforgettable day on the most spectacular private island in the Caribbean beginning tomorrow.”

    Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that pricing for the waterpark passes and cabana rentals will vary. Different factors, such as the cruise date, overall popularity, holidays, and the number of ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay, will likely impact pricing.

    More Waterpark Features Announced

    Cruise Hive reported when Great Tides Waterpark was announced in July 2025 that the park would feature 19 waterslides, a lazy river, cliff jumps, play areas for kids, and other unique features. Now, more details have been confirmed about the park.

    At the center of the park will be the massive 170-foot Tidal Tower, where multiple slides originate. Thrill-seeking guests will want to tackle the Breakwater Blasters water coasters, while the Whitewater Dash body slides offer speed and excitement.

    Great Stirrup Cay Tides Waterpark
    Great Stirrup Cay Tides Waterpark

    Rapid Mat Racers has two different mat slides, and guests who enjoy spirals and spins will want to try out Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral.

    Another industry-first feature of Great Tides Waterpark is Cliffside Cove, where guests can test their bravery with 10- and 15-foot cliff dives.

    Guests who want to enjoy thrills with family members and friends won’t want to miss The Great Slide, the only 4-person body slide in the Caribbean. The youngest guests will also enjoy Splash Cay with 9,000 square feet of splashtastic fun, including fountains, sprays, mini slides, and a tipping splash bucket.

    Read Also: I Visited Great Stirrup Cay Mid-Makeover and Here’s My Honest Take

    Anyone who wants to keep cool and simply enjoy the island vibes should check out the Wandering River. This uniquely elevated lazy river has a multi-sensory grotto and more active sections with a total length of more than 800 feet.

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

    It isn’t just the waterpark that will be new and amazing on Great Stirrup Cay, however. Private cabanas, three all-new food trucks, the expansive Great Life Lagoon, swim-up bars, spectacular beaches, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, and more await visitors.

    The island’s updated tram system ensures everyone can visit all parts of the private destination and save their energy for all the fun!

    Visiting the New Great Stirrup Cay

    Norwegian Luna will be the first ship to visit Great Stirrup Cay when Great Tides Waterpark opens. The ship’s August 29 departure from Miami will first go to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and Tortola before visiting Great Stirrup Cay as the last port of call on the 7-night Caribbean itinerary.

    More From Cruise Hive

    In the days following what is sure to be a grand opening, the new waterpark will enjoy multiple visits from not only Norwegian Luna but also Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Prima in September, followed by Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Jewel in October.

    Through the winter months, more and more ships will visit as this is the peak of the Caribbean sailing season. The cruise line does visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, however, and thousands of guests are sure to enjoy the new waterpark every week.

    Cruise Tour Bus Collides with Concrete Mixer at Popular Greek Port

    Melissa Mayntz
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    Cruise Tour Bus Collides with Concrete Mixer at Popular Greek Port

    Key Aspects:

    • A cruise ship tour bus collided with a concrete mixer in Corfu, Greece on May 26 in a sideswipe accident.
    • No injuries were reported from either vehicle, though there were traffic delays as the accident site was cleared.
    • The only cruise ship in port that day was Viking Star, but increased traffic is a concern at the popular port.

    Dozens of cruise guests visiting Corfu, Greece, had a startling and unexpected stop on the island when their tour bus collided with a concrete mixer. The incident happened on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 on the western Greek island in the Nisaki area, 12 miles north of the cruise terminal.

    According to local reports, the two vehicles “collided sideways” at a particularly sharp turn. It is unknown whether either vehicle intentionally crossed into the other’s lane, or simply if the length of the bus and the width of both vehicles caused the accident.

    Local authorities are investigating the incident. All involved parties, including the cruise guests on the bus, remained at the scene until the vehicles could be safely removed. Delays in the area were minimal, though traffic was stopped until the accident was cleared.

    Read Also: 11 Most Dangerous Cruise Ports You Should Be Extra Cautious About

    No injuries were reported for either passengers or the drivers of the two vehicles, though the bus did suffer sideswipe damage on the left side from the impact.

    The number of cruise guests onboard the bus has not been released, but only one cruise ship was docked in Corfu on Wednesday: the 47,842-gross-ton Viking Star. The ship can host up to 930 passengers, though tour buses only accommodate a few dozen when full.

    Viking Star Cruise Ship
    Viking Star Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Amilat)

    Viking Star departed from Marghera (Venice), Italy, on Thursday, May 21, for a 9-night one-way itinerary to Greece. Along the way, the ship has visited ports in Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Corfu was the first port visit in Greece, followed by Katakolon on Wednesday and Santorini on Thursday, before the ship arrives in Piraeus (Athens) on Saturday, May 30.

    There has been no apparent change to the ship’s itinerary and satellite tracking confirms that Viking Star has already continued on her cruise as planned.

    Local Traffic a Concern

    With Greek Isles cruises becoming ever more popular, local authorities are concerned about increased traffic and the possibility that tourist-involved accidents may become more common.

    Corfu has a resident population of just over 100,000, but that population is concentrated in select areas due to regional geography. Tight roads and the increased use of larger buses to accommodate tour groups, including cruise guests, can raise risks.

    At this time, there is no change to other ship visits planned for Corfu. The popular island regularly welcomes multiple ships, from smaller vessels like Viking Star to larger ships from more popular lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Holland America Line.

    Cruise Hive has previously reported on traffic accidents impacting cruise guests and shore tours in different ports of call.

    In August 2025, an elderly couple was struck by an excursion bus backing up at the Port of Livorno in Italy, and one guest was killed. In March 2025, a cruise tour bus collided with another bus in Barcelona and 53 people were injured.

    Such incidents are extreme and while any potential for a serious accident is concerning, thousands of cruisers safely use tour buses every day in ports all over the world.

    Glass Panel Suddenly Shatters in Royal Caribbean’s Iconic AquaDome

    Catie Kovelman
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    Glass Panel Suddenly Shatters in Royal Caribbean’s Iconic AquaDome

    Key Aspects:

    • A broken glass panel inside Star of the Seas’ AquaDome is drawing attention from cruisers.
    • Thankfully, the shattered glass has remained in its frame and does not appear to pose a risk to guests.
    • This is the second time a glass panel has suddenly shattered onboard the Royal Caribbean ship since her debut last summer.

    Guests onboard Star of the Seas have noticed that the AquaDome is looking a bit worse for wear. Specifically, passengers of the second Icon-class ship noticed that one of the 673 glass panels within the dome had shattered.

    As the 248,663-gross ton vessel entered service less than a year ago in August 2025, many were surprised to see the new build showing signs of potential wear and tear.

    For context, the AquaDome serves as a glass-domed neighborhood on the forward top deck of the ship that is designed for tranquility during the day and to be an entertainment hub at night.

    “Come on, this ship is only 9 months old and someone already broke a glass panel on the AquaDome,” one current passenger posted on Facebook on May 26, 2026, along with photos of the shattered panel.

    While the guest’s language implies that a person caused the damage, this has not been confirmed by the cruise line.

    The break could have been caused by a variety of factors, including inherent glass defects, a bird strike, sailing through stormy weather, rogue waves, and/or sudden and significant changes in temperature.

    Currently, the Port Canaveral-based ship is operating 7-night Caribbean itineraries, where toasty temperatures can reach into the high 80s and low 90s (degrees Fahrenheit) in May. However, the glass would be impacted more by a dramatic shift in temperature than by consistent heat.

    Star of the Seas Glass Panel
    Star of the Seas Glass Panel (Photo Credit: Mike Pastore)

    Thankfully, there are no reports that passengers were endangered or injured because of this incident. It appears the shattered fragments stayed in their frame, and crew members will likely cordon off the area until repairs are complete.

    Not the First Glass Incident

    Interestingly, this is not the first time that Star of the Seas has had issues with broken glass during her short career.

    Cruise Hive previously reported that a glass panel suddenly shattered on Deck 15 of the 5,610-guest ship during a preview sailing ahead of the official maiden voyage last August.

    The panel in question was part of the safety barrier to prevent guests from going overboard. The open section was blocked off with a crowd control barrier and a white tarp until the panel was replaced.

    Thankfully, no guests were injured when the glass shattered, but it certainly caused a fright for the passengers lounging in the area.

    Out of an abundance of caution, the young ship was also forced to debut with the Frightening Bolt waterslide out of order, which is a key attraction in the Category 6 Waterpark.

    Star of the Seas Glass Panel Breaks
    Star of the Seas Glass Panel Breaks (Credits: Asphalt Mafia & Nancy Pauwels)

    On August 7, 2025, just before Star of the Seas made her debut, an accident occurred onboard Icon of the Seas in which an acrylic panel on the slide shattered while a guest was riding it.

    Unfortunately for Star of the Seas, its version of the tallest drop slide at sea is essentially identical to the slide onboard Icon of the Seas.

    Both slides were closed out of an abundance of caution to ensure that the same accident could not unfold a second time onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest addition.

    Royal Caribbean Glass Incidents

    For whatever reason, Royal Caribbean seems to be particularly unlucky when it comes to glass. While it’s not unheard of for glass to break occasionally on cruise ships, it seems to have happened a lot recently.

    Including the waterslide incident and the broken barrier on the two Icon-class ships, the cruise line experienced at least six glass incidents in 2025.

    In September, a glass panel broke in the Windjammer Marketplace onboard Utopia of the Seas. Thankfully, no one was injured.

    Throughout the summer, Symphony of the Seas had three different glass panels break in the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, the adults-only Solarium, and on the sports deck near the zip line.

    Once again, nobody was injured, though the Coastal Kitchen incident could have been bad if not for the quick actions taken by a crew member that got guests out of harm’s way just in time.

    Safety is Royal Caribbean’s top priority, and the cruise line has surely investigated these incidents and made any necessary repairs to try to prevent future breakage.

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