Blog Page 36

NCL Commits 325,000 Passengers a Year to Port of Seattle in New Deal

Catie Kovelman
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NCL Commits 325,000 Passengers a Year to Port of Seattle in New Deal

Key Aspects:

  • The long-standing partnership between Seattle and Norwegian Cruise Line will continue for at least ten more years.
  • Under the lease amendment, the cruise line must draw at least 325,000 revenue passengers to the port annually.
  • Additionally, NCL will work with local authorities to improve sustainability and decarbonization efforts within the port.

The Port of Seattle has approved a new long-term lease amendment with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), extending the term of the agreement and pushing sustainability, community benefit, and economic opportunity to the forefront.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s decades-long partnership with Seattle dates back to 2000, and the extended agreement will ensure that the cruise line continues homeport operations in the Washington port through at least 2035.

Assuming continued decarbonization goes to plan and the cruise company continues to prioritize sustainability, there is also an option to extend the partnership through 2045.

“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Port of Seattle,” said Dan Farkas, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Development Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“This agreement allows us to continue to invest in Seattle as a homeport, supports the ongoing growth of local jobs and businesses, and allows us to work collaboratively on practical sustainability initiatives through our Sail & Sustain program,” Farkas continued.

The partnership is meant to be mutually beneficial, with NCL securing a highly lucrative and strategic homeport for its Alaska voyages, and the port reaps economic benefits and aid in improving port infrastructure.

Cruise Ship Docked at Port of Seattle
Cruise Ship Docked at Port of Seattle (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators)

Additionally, the cruise company makes a commitment to the local community, including educational programs for local students and pledging to participate in anti-human trafficking efforts.

It’s also worth noting that Norwegian Cruise Line is one of two brands to enter into an agreement with the Port of Seattle. In 2024, Cruise Hive reported that Carnival Corporation entered into its own 10-year berthing agreement with the port.

The Economic Perks

In order to agree to the new amendment, there are two key things that Norwegian Cruise Line must do to benefit Seattle.

First, the cruise line must guarantee that it will bring a minimum of 325,000 paying passengers to Seattle each Alaska season to ensure the wellbeing of the local tourism, transportation, hospitality, and maritime industries.

Over the course of ten years, this should equate to an estimated $116 million in revenue for the Port, with the potential to bring in much more. 

“The Port of Seattle’s cruise sector is a particularly bright spot in our business lines, with growing passenger numbers, revenues, and benefit for the community,” said Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho.

“Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been an outstanding partner to the Port of Seattle for more than a quarter of a century, and I am pleased to support this new agreement today,” Cho added.

This agreement comes soon after Seattle opened for its busiest season ever in April, with 330 ship calls and 2.1 million passengers expected during the 2026 Alaska season.

NCLH ships will make up more than 70 of the expected calls. Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy are homeporting at Seattle’s Pier 66 for the duration of the current season.

Oceania Cruises, which is also owned by NCLH, has also made Seattle the home base for Oceania Riviera during its Alaska deployment.

Improving Sustainability

Seattle has always had the environment as a top priority, and in 2024, the cruise port even issued a mandate that all homeporting vessels must be shore-power capable by 2027.

This aligns with the goals of Norwegian Cruise Line, which has previously gone out of its way to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet.

Through the revised agreement, the cruise line will help take sustainability to the next level by collaborating with local port authorities on a demonstration project to test the use of sustainable, non-fossil fuels in Seattle.

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NCL leadership will meet with the Port to review decarbonization progress and develop a mutually agreed-upon methodology before the end of the year.

But beyond this, the cruise line will help identify the infrastructure, technology, and supply conditions needed to help more fleets make the transition to shore power.

Carnival Breeze Narrowly Avoids Failing CDC Health Inspection

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Breeze Narrowly Avoids Failing CDC Health Inspection

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Breeze scored 86 on a CDC health inspection on May 14, one point above a failing score of 85.
  • Corrective actions were taken for many of the violations, but a new score will not be issued until the ship’s next inspection.
  • The ship’s most recent prior inspection was in January 2026 with a perfect 100 score.

Carnival Breeze has barely passed her latest health inspection from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The inspection was conducted through the Vessel Sanitation Program on Thursday, May 14, 2026, while the ship was on her turnaround day in Galveston.

The 128,052-gross-ton, Dream class ship scored an 86 on the comprehensive inspection. Any score of 85 or lower is considered failing the inspection. The highest possible score is 100.

A total of 36 violations were noted in the ensuing report, detailing every instance of poor sanitation, maintenance, and health-related issues found onboard the ship.

While many of these are simple, such as spilled spices in a storeroom on Deck 0 and a crew member’s personal water bottle stored in an undercounter cabinet at a waiter station in the Deck 3 dining room, some issues are more concerning.

For example, incorrect food storage in the galley with raw chicken, steak, and shrimp stored in a manner that could create cross-contamination was noted. Likewise, in the Lido Marketplace buffet on Deck 10, foods out for service were not labelled correctly for being discarded in the appropriate time frame for adequate safety, including cut lettuce and sliced deli meats.

Illness Noted in Several Violations

The most severe infractions that could impact guests more directly were multiple violations related to acute gastroenteritis.

In one incident, a food service employee reported symptoms on April 19 during their shift but continued working for almost a full hour before reporting for medical evaluation and treatment.

On May 10, another crew member reported gastroenteritis (including using public bathrooms due to their symptoms), but also finished working their shift for several hours under the recommendation of the supervisor.

A cruise guest reported acute gastroenteritis on May 7 and was placed in isolation as per health protocols, but the housekeeping team assigned to that stateroom was not notified until the following day. This led to more exposure as the housekeeping team cleaned the stateroom in the interim without being aware of possible contamination.

While Carnival Breeze has not had a recorded outbreak of norovirus or other illnesses noted this year, these types of illnesses can spread very quickly if proper protocols are not followed.

Corrective Action Underway

No full corrective report has yet been submitted following Carnival Breeze‘s low inspection score, but certain corrective actions are already underway. As the inspection proceeded, some immediate action was taken and noted in the report.

For example, when bromine levels in one of the Serenity whirlpools were shown to be higher than recommended, the spa was immediately closed.

Similarly, in areas where ice machines were excessively soiled with black debris, crew members began cleaning the affected units right away.

Carnival Breeze Lido Deck
Carnival Breeze Lido Deck

“Crew initiated corrective action” was also noted on the report in response to food storage concerns and other cleanliness notes. Many such corrections are easy and immediate.

No new score will be assessed to Carnival Breeze until her next surprise inspection, however, even after such corrective action is taken. This is standard procedure for any inspection scores.

Previous Inspection Was Much Better

Interestingly, Carnival Breeze scored a perfect 100 on her previous health inspection on January 17, 2026. While this does not mean there were no violations at that time (in fact, there were 22 violations listed in that report), the nature of the violations was more severe for this most recent inspection.

Carnival Breeze has been inspected 21 times since she first set sail in 2012. The ship has scored a perfect 100 on five separate occasions: December 2012, January 2016, February 2017, April 2018, and January 2026.

The ship has only failed one inspection, in December 2017, with a score of 77. All of her other scores have been in the 90s, except one other near-fail with a score of 86 in March 2024.

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All cruise ships are subject to these random, surprise inspections by the CDC, and all cruise lines are graded dispassionately. Failing scores can happen, as Cruise Hive reported with Norwegian Dawn in April 2026, with a score of 84. Many immediate corrective actions were also taken in that case.

So far in 2026 Carnival Breeze is the only Carnival ship to come close to a failing score. Of all inspected ships from major cruise lines, only MSC Meraviglia has also scored in the 80s with an 89 from an inspection conducted on March 10.

Carnival Magic Returns from Dry Dock With Upgrades and New Bow Crest

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Magic Returns from Dry Dock With Upgrades and New Bow Crest

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Magic has returned from dry dock as the second ship sporting the new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest.
  • Additional updates have been made to the ship’s arcade, casino, spa, fitness center, and Lido Marketplace restaurant.
  • The 35-day dry dock was completed at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport and the ship is now sailing from Miami.

Just days after Carnival Legend debuted the new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest that will be making its way across the fleet, Carnival Magic has become the second ship to showcase that soon-to-be iconic feature of the Fun Ships of America’s Cruise Line.

The 128,048-gross-ton, Dream class ship just completed a 35-day dry dock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport. The new bow crest was just one refreshment for the 2011-built ship, with new features and amenities added for all ages to enjoy.

Teens will love that the ship’s Warehouse Video Arcade on Deck 4 (Mezzanine Deck), adjacent to the Club O2 teen space, has been refreshed, while adults will appreciate the new games and refreshment in the adult video arcade, aka the Hat Trick Casino, on Deck 5.

On Deck 12, the Spa & Sports Deck, the WaterWorks aqua park has been revitalized and the pools have been refreshed. A new miniature golf course has also been added midship on Deck 12 under the ropes course for all ages to enjoy.

Carnival Magic Dry Dock Upgrade
Carnival Magic Dry Dock Upgrade

All new fitness equipment and updated wellness spaces have been added to the Cloud 9 Spa on Decks 12 and 14, providing guests with the best possible options to stay fit for every sailing and rejuvenate with the latest in wellness treatments.

For guests who look forward to different tastes and deliciousness for their cruise vacation, the Lido restaurant layout has been redesigned to create a more efficient flow and better seating. This will elevate the dining experience at the buffet, as the main dining restaurant has already been elevated.

As Cruise Hive has reported, Carnival Magic was the first ship to debut Carnival Cruise Line’s new dining room menus, which have been well-received by many guests and are currently being rolled out to the rest of the fleet.

Carnival Magic Dry Dock Upgrade
Carnival Magic Dry Dock Upgrade

Guests who prefer retail therapy for their oceangoing getaway will enjoy that the Fun Shops on Deck 5, including the luxurious Effy Jewelry boutique, have all been refreshed as well.

Additional standard maintenance and refreshment was also performed on the ship, such as updating flooring, technical upgrades, hull repainting, and more to ensure the ship is ready to welcome up to 4,724 guests per cruise with an all-new look and brand-new feel.

Sailing on the Refreshed Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic entered dry dock on April 18 and has now resumed service from Miami. Her departure on Tuesday, May 26, is her first sailing, a unique 4-night Bahamas cruise visiting RelaxAway Half Moon Cay and Nassau before returning on May 30.

The ship will then resume her planned schedule of 6- and 8-night cruises, with both Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean itineraries on offer.

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Depending on the departure date and sailing length, the now-refreshed ship visits such top destinations as Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Princess Cays, San Juan, St. Thomas, and more.

Carnival Magic is scheduled to remain homeported from Miami at least through March 2028. Itineraries past that date have not yet been released but should be announced in the coming months as new deployment plans are revealed across the fleet.

Carnival Confirms New Dinner Menu Release Across Half of the Fleet

Melissa Mayntz
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0
Carnival Confirms New Dinner Menu Release Across Half of the Fleet

Key Aspects:

  • New dinner menus have already been rolled out to half the Carnival cruise ship fleet.
  • Additional ships will begin offering the new menus in the coming months, but complete dates are not yet announced.
  • Carnival Crew Favorites is a particularly popular and unique element of the refreshed menus.

Carnival Cruise Line has been rolling out refreshed, elevated menus for the Main Dining Restaurants across the fleet, with half of the line’s 29 ships either already offering the new menu or ready to begin doing so in the next few weeks.

The rollout has been confirmed by brand ambassador John Heald, who also shared a variety of the new menus during his recent FFS Cruise aboard Carnival Spirit in Alaska.

Guests first enjoyed the new menu when beta testing began on Carnival Magic in late January and Mardi Gras at the end of February. In March, three more ships began serving the new menu: Carnival Panorama, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Liberty.

Up next were Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, and Carnival Conquest, all of which debuted the new menu in April, followed by Carnival Vista and Carnival Miracle in May.

In fact, Carnival Miracle‘s current sailing that departed Seattle on May 21, 2026 for a 7-night Alaskan itinerary is the first cruise to offer the new menu onboard, much to the delight of the ship’s 2,124 guests.

Two more ships will begin offering the new menu in June. Carnival Celebration is scheduled to debut the new dining offerings beginning with the June 7 departure, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to Nassau, Celebration Key, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk.

Carnival Venezia will also begin serving the new dinner menus from her June 18 departure, a 5-night Canada getaway sailing from New York and visiting Saint John and Halifax.

In July, Carnival Dream will switch to the new menu from her July 5 sailing. Guests on that 6-night Western Caribbean sailing from Galveston to Costa Maya, Belize, and Cozumel will enjoy the new offerings, from appetizers to entrees to desserts.

The remaining ships in the Carnival fleet will debut the new menu at later dates that have not yet been announced. Exactly when each ship switches to the new menu may depend on a variety of factors, such as when ships can be supplied with the appropriate ingredients and when the culinary teams can be trained on the new recipes, preparation techniques, and plating designs.

Carnival Cruise Ship Dining Room
Carnival Cruise Ship Dining Room (Photo Credit: Benson Truong / Shutterstock)

Guests currently onboard Carnival Legend have reported the new menu already being served, but the full rollout to that ship may not yet be in place. Carnival Legend departed Miami on May 24 for her 14-night transatlantic cruise to Dover to begin her European summer season.

What Is On the New Menus?

The new menus include both classic favorites that have been popular with Carnival guests for years, as well as new selections offering different tastes for everyone to try.

Carnival “classics” on the new menu are highlighted with the iconic whale tail and include items such as shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, chicken parmigiana, penne mariscos, lasagna bolognese, slow-roasted prime rib, roast beef strip loin, and of course, the incomparable warm chocolate melting cake.

Appetizers are clearly listed as either hot or cold selections, and each dinner menu highlights “Our Chef’s Favorite Pick” as well as Emeril selections.

A new feature on the menus are the “Carnival Crew Favorites” which are inspired by the diversity of the cruise line’s crew members.

“This dish captures the global flavors that bring our family at sea together,” the menu describes these items.

Carnival Crew Favorites include such unique entree selections as kung pao chicken, butter chicken, lomo saltado, beef borguignon, sausage and gravy, and chicken satay.

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Heald does note that the menus may yet be tweaked following guest feedback and the onboard popularity of new menu items.

“Remember please that it is still very much in the test phase as the Food Beards see what you have enjoyed and if they need to make any changes or additions,” he said.

While the different menus may still be adjusted, each one offers a wide selection of choices to tempt guests’ taste buds and ensure memorable meals onboard every voyage.

Royal Caribbean Cuts Another Allure of the Seas Cruise Short

Melissa Mayntz
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0
Royal Caribbean Cuts Another Allure of the Seas Cruise Short

Key Aspects:

  • The January 10, 2027 Allure of the Seas sailing has been shortened from a 5-night to a 4-night cruise.
  • To accommodate the change, the ship will no longer be visiting Nassau but will still sail to Cozumel.
  • Booked guests have been offered four options for adjusting their travel plans due to the itinerary adjustment.

Just days after a May 2027 sailing was adjusted to a one-day-shorter cruise, another Allure of the Seas sailing has suffered the same cut. The impacted cruise is the ship’s January 10, 2027 departure, which was to have been a 5-night itinerary visiting Cozumel and Nassau.

Guests have now been informed that their sailing will be a 4-night cruise instead, with the port visit to Nassau cancelled. Allure of the Seas will only be visiting Cozumel on the now-shorter getaway.

“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process – which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs, your January 10, 2027, Allure of the Seas sailing has been modified,” the email notification confirmed.

No further details are provided about why this 5-night cruise must now be a 4-night sailing. In the case of the earlier adjustment to the ship’s May 1, 2027 departure, the ship is scheduled to reposition from Miami to Fort Lauderdale at that time.

For this itinerary adjustment, however, Allure of the Seas is still homeported in Miami and there is no obvious explanation for the change.

Berth availability and port scheduling can often impact cruise ship schedules. In Miami on January 15, when the 6,780-guest Allure of the Seas was to have been docking, there are just three other ships scheduled in port: Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian Joy, and MSC Seaside.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Just dance)

On January 14, 2026, when Allure of the Seas will now be docking, there are already five other ships planned for PortMiami: Freedom of the Seas, Azamara Journey, Scarlet Lady, Norwegian Jewel, and MSC Poesia.

Other needs at the port, including cargo traffic and terminal construction, may be impacting Allure of the Seas instead, making it necessary to adjust the ship’s return to her Sunshine State homeport.

Multiple Options for Booked Guests

Royal Caribbean is offering booked guests four different options for their travel plans. First, they can be automatically moved to the new 4-night cruise with their fare adjusted to the new rate or prorated for the shorter duration, whichever is the best deal.

A second option is to move to one of two available alternative 4-night cruises, the January 25 or February 1, 2027 departures. Both of those cruises are visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the Bahamas, which is no longer on the original itinerary.

If guests choose either of those Bahamas rebooking options, they will be moved to a like-for-like stateroom. This means it will be in the same stateroom category but may not be the exact same stateroom assignment, depending on other guests’ reservations.

Guests rebooking on these 4-night sailings will also be reimbursed up to $200 (USD) for domestic transportation change fees or up to $400 for international changes as applicable.

The third option is for guests to rebook on any other Royal Caribbean itinerary (any ship, any length) at the prevailing rate and any monies already paid for the altered cruise will be moved to the new booking. Guests will still need to pay non-refundable deposit change fees as well as any difference in overall fare pricing.

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Finally, if guests prefer not to rebook at all, they can cancel for a full refund, including non-refundable deposits.

All travelers must contact Royal Caribbean or their travel agent no later than June 4, 2026 to confirm their choice. The only exception is if guests accept the first choice, staying on the adjusted January 10 departure, in which case there is no action necessary.

Carnival Claps Back Over Guest’s Demand to Fire Cruise Performer

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Claps Back Over Guest’s Demand to Fire Cruise Performer

Key Aspects:

  • A recent Carnival guest demanded that a comedian should be fired due to the offensive nature of their performance.
  • The unnamed comedian was performing during an R-rated show at the Punchliner Comedy Club, which is uncensored.
  • Brand Ambassador John Heald encouraged passengers to skip adults-only shows if they may find the content to be too offensive.

At least once a year, Carnival Cruise Line seems to have to issue a reminder that the 18+ comedy shows in the Punchliner Comedy Club are not meant for everybody, as they can be vulgar or profane.

In July of 2025, Cruise Hive reported that Brand Ambassador John Heald told guests who were offended or thought they might be offended to not attend the adults-only comedy performances.

He gave the same advice in 2024, asserting that people who do not like the fact that “an R-rated show is R-rated” simply should not attend.

And apparently, it’s that time of year again. In a recent video posted to his Facebook page, Heald responded to a complaint that a comedian should be fired because his content was inappropriate.

“The adult comedy shows are uncensored and if you are in any doubt, don’t go. Please don’t go. We’ve said this 247 times…,” Heald advised.

“If you don’t like a joke a comedian says [at] the Punchliner, please don’t write to me and say that you demand that they be fired. It’s just silly,” he continued.

Heald encouraged the angry guest and others like him to simply accept they have a different sense of humor and to just “walk on by” and go do something else they will enjoy.

The cruise personality also expressed his respect for the difficulty that comes with the comedy profession, especially in 2026 and in the era of “cancel culture.”

He acknowledged that most jokes come at somebody else’s expense, even referencing the comedic structure of classics like Laurel and Hardy and the “Tom and Jerry” cartoons. But if guests find jokes to be offensive, they don’t need to listen.

R-Rated Comedy Isn’t a Surprise

One could argue that guests who are offended by the 18+ comedy shows only have themselves to blame.

The uncensored nature of the performances is emphasized in signage, notations in the Fun Times program and in the Hub App, and in announcements made before the show. If guests are still shocked by the nature of the comedy, they likely weren’t paying attention.

“Looks like you’ll need to begin having interviews for people attending the comedy shows. Use lots of foul language. If they laugh, they’re in. If it looks like they’re head will explode, they’re out,” one cruiser joked.

John Heald at Punchliner Comedy Club
John Heald at Punchliner Comedy Club

As an alternative for guests who are unsure about the late-night comedy, it’s okay to listen for a few minutes and then politely excuse themselves from the theater if they realize they don’t mesh with the comedian.

However, cruise ship etiquette dictates that these guests should sit at the end of the row and/or toward the back of the theater to avoid disturbing other passengers who are enjoying the set.

A Mix of Cruisers Deserves a Mix of Comedy

As a family-friendly cruise line, Carnival does offer plenty of PG entertainment options that some guests may prefer more, including family comedy shows in the Punchliner Comedy Club during the day and early evening hours.

The uncensored performances are saved for the late night, typically occurring between 9 p.m. and midnight, when kids should be in bed.

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But when expanding the discussion to Heald’s followers on Facebook, it is immediately clear that different cruisers have different senses of humor. It’s only fair to offer different comedy options for everyone.

“Most of the time I prefer the family friendly and find them more entertaining. The 18+ tend to keep using the same vulgar reference over and over. I’ll attend either and I won’t complain to crew about the jokes, it just gets old when it’s the same stale material,” one avid cruiser shared.

“I have attended both, but prefer the Adult Only Rated R shows,” another cruiser, with the opposite preference, chimed in.

Outside of comedy, there is also no shortage of production shows, live musical entertainment, and trivia and live game shows that are all family friendly.

Crew Member Fired From Cruise Line Over Assault Allegations

Catie Kovelman
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0
Crew Member Fired From Cruise Line Over Assault Allegations

Key Aspects:

  • During Valiant Lady’s dry dock visit, one crew member allegedly sexually assaulted another female crew member.
  • The two employees involved in the altercation were in a relationship and had been sharing a cabin.
  • There is no safety risk to cruise guests, and the male crew member has been fired and sent home.

During Valiant Lady’s recent visit to dry dock in Fincantieri Palermo, routine maintenance and new upgrades were not the only things to take place onboard.

According to PalermoToday, a romance between two crew members turned dangerous. A 26-year-old female crew member from Peru accused her partner, a 32-year-old man from Peru, of sexual assault.

The couple, who had been together for three years, shared a cabin with the permission of Virgin Voyages. The adults-only brand permits crew members who are in a relationship to live together, subject to rank and cabin availability.

On the night of Wednesday, May 20, 2026, going into Thursday, May 21, 2026, the boyfriend allegedly groped his girlfriend without consent and tried to hold her down in an unwanted attempt to have sexual intercourse in their shared cabin.

She managed to break away and seek refuge among some flight attendants, who helped the terrified crew member notify the police.

The Maritime Border Police, who activated “red code” protocols, interviewed the woman in a protected environment and videotaped her accusations. During the interview, she tearfully showed investigators marks on her arms that were caused by the violence.

Cruise Hive also learned that the woman was examined by a local hospital to corroborate her story and to determine what medical treatment may be necessary. It’s unclear if she has rejoined the cruise ship or has stayed on land to recover.

Offending Crew Member Removed From the Ship

Following the investigation, the male crew member was removed from the Lady ship and his employment was terminated.

He was escorted off Valiant Lady by the security team and placed on the first flight back to Peru through a coordinated effort between ship staff and Manfredi Borsellino, the Chief of Police. It’s unclear if criminal charges may still follow.

While Virgin Voyages has not commented publicly on this situation, the cruise line has a zero tolerance policy against violence and any other actions that could jeopardize the safety of its guests or crew members.

In its code of conduct, Virgin Voyages makes it clear that there will be consequences from the cruise line and local law enforcement agents will be contacted in response to any violence or potential crimes.

“Any criminal acts or allegations of such acts, including but not limited to the following, will be addressed on board through de-escalation or acting to end the apparent criminal act, and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency,” the policy states.

Valiant Lady Cruise Ship
Valiant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Rosemarie Mosteller)

In the following examples, uninvited physical contact, sexual misconduct, and violence or threats of violence are listed as being strictly forbidden.

The male crew member may have also broken another important rule. His female partner claimed that the assault came after a night of drinking and that he had previously behaved aggressively after drinking too much.

Virgin Voyages’ crew members are not allowed to consume alcohol within four hours prior to going on shift and their blood alcohol content must be below 0.05% at all times.

This is because crew members must be able to respond appropriately if an unexpected emergency occurs, which they cannot do if they are too intoxicated.

No Threat to Cruise Guests

While what this woman endured is awful, there was thankfully no risk to cruise guests. In this situation, the offense occurred during dry dock, when no paying passengers would be onboard. It also appears to be a conflict that did not broaden beyond the specific couple.

The 2,770-guest Valiant Lady is now leaving this situation behind her in Palermo as she resumes cruising on May 25, 2026. She was out of service for 15 days, starting on May 9.

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During her time off, she gained the brand’s first Indian restaurant, Ariya, a redesigned On The Rocks bar, and upgraded outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy.

Her first cruise back is a 6-night, one-way sailing from Rome, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain. She will then homeport in Barcelona through the end of July, from where she will offer sailings to destinations throughout Italy, France, and Spain.

Cruise Ships Flood Mexican Ports in Blockbuster Start to 2026

Catie Kovelman
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Cruise Ships Flood Mexican Ports in Blockbuster Start to 2026

Key Aspects:

  • Early statistics for 2026 show cruise tourism is once again on the rise in Mexico.
  • An estimated 4.8 cruise guests across 1,425 ship calls have visited the country during the first four months of the year.
  • This marks a 14.8% increase in the number of passengers and a 10% increase in ship calls compared to 2025.

Mid-year statistics suggest another record-breaking year for cruising in Mexico, speaking to the strength of Mexico’s cruise ports as international tourist destinations and heralding an era of great economic prosperity.

4.8 million cruise guests have visited the country during just January to April of 2026, marking a 14.8% increase over the same time period in 2025.

During the first four months of the year, the passengers came from 1,425 cruise ship calls, which marks a 10% increase over the previous year.

Mexican authorities are celebrating the continued growth of cruise tourism as the local economies at its major ports thrive.

“The arrival of cruise ships generates direct benefits for the receiving communities, by boosting consumption in restaurants, shops, tourist services, transport and recreational activities, in addition to contributing to the generation of employment in the ports and tourist destinations,” The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, stated in a translated press release.

For context, Cruise Hive reported that 5.6 million guests visited Mexico between January and June of 2025, which 2026 is very much on track to beat. The four-month stats are only around 800,000 behind what 2025 did in six months.

Mexico’s Pacific Region Drives the Growth

These impressive numbers aren’t just coming from one specific port, but rather several key destinations within Mexico.

The Pacific region, which includes Baja and the Mexican Riviera, showed especially high increases in cruise tourism year-over-year.

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

Based on tourism data and information from the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), Mexico’s Pacific region welcomed 1,708,341 passengers from January to April, which is a 39.9% increase compared to 2025.

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

The guests came on 540 ship calls, which is another impressive increase of 22.4% compared to the same time period in the previous year.

Puerto Chiapas, Chiapas, stood out as one of the fastest-growing ports within the Pacific region. The destination, which is in the southernmost part of Mexico, experienced an 83.3% uptick in ship arrivals and an 80.5% increase in passengers.

Mexico’s Gulf-Caribbean Region Also Flourishes

In addition to the Pacific region, Mexico’s Gulf-Caribbean region showed an impressive turnout, with 3.1 million passengers and 885 ship calls reported for the first four months of 2026.

This marks an increase of 4.6% for the total number of passengers year-over-year, as well as a 3.5% rise in cruise ship arrivals for this specific portion of the country.

For context, this region is home to major ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso. Located primarily on the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, they are well positioned for Western Caribbean itineraries.

Speaking of Cozumel, this port alone welcomed a whopping 1,987,695 passengers during the beginning of the year, which is an increase of 7.1% compared to 2025. They came from 571 ship calls, which is another increase of 5.2%.

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Cozumel was also largely responsible for Quintana Roo’s record-breaking year in 2025. Last year, the region as a whole welcomed 7.4 million cruisers, 4.62 million of whom were received by Cozumel.

More growth is surely on the horizon for the remainder of 2026 and years to come. Major cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line, sail to Mexico year round from Southern California, Texas, and Florida.

P&O Cruise Ships by Size: From Largest to Smallest

Emrys Thakkar
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P&O Cruise Ships by Size: From Largest to Smallest

Key Aspects:

  • Arvia and Iona are P&O Cruises’ largest ships, both very similar in size and sister ships in the Excel class.
  • Aurora is the smallest, oldest ship in the P&O fleet, debuting in 2000.
  • Britannia remains P&O Cruises’ flagship, with its classic British style and modest size.

With its fleet of just seven ships, P&O Cruises may be small, but this British cruise line (considered to be one of the oldest such brands in the world, with its history traced back to the early 1800s) hardly deserves to be overlooked.

From its largest ship, Arvia, to its smallest and oldest ship, Aurora, P&O Cruises delights travelers with its UK stylings, value and fun for both adults-only cruisers and traveling families. 

Let’s take a look at P&O cruise ships by size, from largest to smallest (measured by gross tonnage), so you can decide which of the fleet is your perfect pick for an upcoming voyage. 

Arvia

P&O Arvia Cruise Ship
P&O Arvia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Chris Hyde)

Arvia is the newest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet, and it’s technically the biggest P&O cruise ship, though the average person isn’t going to really notice that much of a difference between Arvia and her sister ship Iona. Both are in the line’s Excel class. 

Designed for fun-in-the-sun Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries, the ship is also the largest ever built specifically for the British market. That said, it’s hardly the largest in the world, with a more modest size as compared to, say, that of the ships in the mammoth Royal Caribbean Icon class. 

The family-friendly ship features more than 2,600 cabins across its 16 decks, four pools (including an infinity pool) and more than 30 food and beverage options.

  • Gross Tonnage: 185,581 GT
  • Length: 345 meters/1,131 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 5,200
  • Crew Capacity: 1,800
  • Entered Service: 2022

Iona

P&O Iona Docked in Southampton
P&O Iona Docked in Southampton (Photo Credit: Kev Gregory)

At the time of this Excel-class vessel’s debut, it was the largest ever built for P&O Cruises. It’s extremely similar to sister ship Arvia, but is just slightly smaller in terms of gross tons and length. However, it boasts the same number of guest cabins and houses the same number of cruisers and crew members. 

The LNG-powered, family-friendly ship is ideal for its scenic European itineraries, with its three-deck atrium with panoramic views; glass dome-covered pool area; 18 hot tubs; and more than 15 restaurants, as well as myriad watering holes. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 184,700 GT
  • Length: 344 meters/1,128 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 5,200
  • Crew Capacity: 1,800
  • Entered Service: 2021

Britannia

P&O Britannia Cruise Ship in Curacao
P&O Britannia Cruise Ship in Curacao (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)

At 143,000 GT, Britannia is quite a bit smaller than Iona. However, that doesn’t mean that this ship doesn’t still offer plenty to love. It proudly claims one of the largest outdoor promenades in the P&O Cruises fleet. There are still four pools (though only four whirlpools). There are more than a dozen restaurants and half a dozen bars and lounges. 

As the name suggests, this ship delivers British goodness in spades (and, as it was christened by Elizabeth II herself, it ought to!), from the British-style breakfasts to the UK-sourced liquor selection. It makes sense then, that Britannia remains the P&O Cruises flagship, despite newer, bigger ships coming along. It embodies the line’s vibe and caters to its core audience with gusto. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 143,000 GT
  • Length: 330 meters/1,082 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,647
  • Crew Capacity: 1,350
  • Entered Service: 2015

Ventura

P&O Ventura Cruise Ship in Southampton
P&O Ventura Cruise Ship in Southampton (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

In terms of P&O ship sizes, Ventura lands fully in the middle of the pack. This ship holds about 3,000 or so passengers, so it’s definitely not overwhelmingly big, but it still offers plenty of variety for families and couples alike — and on that note, it’s worth mentioning that Ventura is definitely a family-focused ship (although a handful of solo cabins are available). 

The ship features a lot of the spaces and venues that are considered P&O Cruises staples. For example, there’s The Glass House (a wine bar and restaurant developed by Olly Smith) and Sindhu (developed by a Michelin-starred chef and a favorite for its Indian fare), as well as the adults-only Retreat terrace. The Reefs Kids Club also earns high marks.

  • Gross Tonnage: 116,017
  • Length: 290 meters/951 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,078
  • Crew Capacity: 1,205
  • Entered Service: 2008

Azura

P&O Azura Cruise Ship
P&O Azura Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

Azura is very, very similar to Ventura, but just slightly smaller. Cruisers have reported noticing minimal differences between the two, though some think that Azura is the overall nicer ship (but, of course, as with all cruise ships, others disagree — you’ll need to try both and make up your own mind!). Any feelings, though, of Azura being nicer, could be thanks to some very recent changes. 

While it did enter service in 2010, the ship was heavily refurbished in 2025, bringing the vessel up to modern standards. The line particularly paid attention to updating the ship’s bars and restaurants, such as the brand-favorite Sindhu, Glass House, Epicurean and Oriental Restaurant. Likewise, the cabins were given new carpets, curtains and upholstery, as well as new lighting and USB chargers in some.  

  • Gross Tonnage: 115,055 GT
  • Length: 290 meters/951 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,100
  • Crew Capacity: 1,250
  • Entered Service: 2010

Arcadia

P&O Arcadia Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: P.Cartwright / Shutterstock

While definitely small, Arcadia is unique among the P&O Cruises ships we’ve discussed thus far, because it’s an adult-only ship. That’s right. Whereas some cruise lines develop all their ships with cruisers of all ages in mind, and others build their brands around being exclusive for the over-18 set, P&O Cruises blends the best of both worlds with some ships in its fleet for all, and some for adults only. 

The ship has a low-key, calm and relaxed atmosphere, with the average age trending upward. As of 2024, it received a refurbishment, with new upholstery and furnishings in the cabins and suites, as well as new bathrooms in some. Bars and restaurants likewise received an upgrade, as did carpets and upholstery throughout the ship’s other public spaces. 

Fun fact: According to P&O Cruises, out of all its fleet, Arcadia covers the most nautical miles each year. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 83,781 GT
  • Length: 285 meters/935 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,094
  • Crew Capacity: 866
  • Entered Service: 2005

Aurora

P&O Aurora Cruise Ship
P&O Aurora Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

Last, but certainly not least, Aurora is the oldest and smallest ship in the fleet, and it’s also just for adults (well, at least most of the time — as of December 2026, it will allow children on select, but not all, itineraries).

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Ideal for an intimate and classic cruise experience, Aurora has grown an ardent fanbase of return cruisers who enjoy the ship’s simple deck plan, accessibility and style, though many acknowledge that, given the ship’s age, it will continue to show wear and tear, no matter how many refits it receives. 

  • Gross Tonnage: 76,152 GT
  • Length: 270 meters/885 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 1,874
  • Crew Capacity: 850
  • Entered Service: 2000
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