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Cruise Surge Positions Port Canaveral for Even Bigger Years Ahead

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Surge Positions Port Canaveral for Even Bigger Years Ahead

Key Aspects:

  • Port Canaveral saw an impressive $182 million in cruise-related revenue in fiscal year 2025.
  • This included 1,038 cruise ship calls, up 13% over 2024, with even more expected in fiscal year 2026.
  • A special note is that the port saw its 100 millionth cruise guest since homeport operations began in 1982.

Port Canaveral celebrated amazing growth and financial success with the annual State of the Port address on Wednesday, November 5.

Nearly 250 community, business, and government leaders were present for the report, which highlighted not only the port’s strong performance but also its economic contributions to the community.

The numbers for the port’s fiscal year 2025 (from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) are impressive and show fantastic growth and the overall impact of cruise travel on the Space Coast homeport.

The port brought in $182 million in revenue from cruise operations, by far the bulk of its revenue generation. This included 1,038 ship calls for the year, a 13% increase over 2024.

The vast numbers of cruise visitors to the region also drives economic growth for land-based businesses. The report notes that 27% of cruise guests spend a night in a local hotel before sailing to or from Port Canaveral, which amounts to 2.3 million room nights in the region.

This is a significant boost for local hotels and resorts, as well as restaurants, nearby attractions, ride share services, retailers, and other businesses.

“We have an increasing responsibility to drive economic value in our region,” noted Captain John Murray, Canaveral Port Authority CEO. “Our growth is boosting the local economy with increased business investments in Port District communities that are creating new jobs and a growing tax base of revenues for local municipalities.”

Captain John Murray
Captain John Murray (Courtesy Port Canaveral)

Of special note is a fantastic historical milestone for Port Canaveral. In April 2025, the port reached 100 million passenger movements since the very first cruise ship was homeported from its terminal – Scandinavian Sea set sail in 1982.

That 502-foot ship was a far bit different than the largest ship sailing from Port Canaveral today. Star of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship in the world at 1,196 feet long, and she is offering 7-night Caribbean itineraries from the Space Coast.

2026 Looks Even Better

There is no sign that Port Canaveral’s growth is slowing, as projections for 2026 look even more promising.

The port is expected to homeport an astonishing 18 ships in the coming year, including vessels from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.

A total of 1,083 ship calls are currently scheduled, but of course, ship itineraries can be fluid depending on weather impacts and other operational concerns.

Read Also: Port Canaveral Raises Cruise Parking Fees

To support the growth of the second busiest cruise port in the world, Port Canaveral is investing $255 million in improvement projects. This includes adding 4,500 new parking spaces in garages and surface lots to ensure adequate facilities for more guests, as well as expanding Cruise Terminal 5 and Cruise Terminal 10 to service larger ships more efficiently.

New passenger bridges, roadway paving, channel dredging, and utility improvements are also part of the ongoing projects that will directly impact cruise guests.

Additional improvements are planned to expand cargo operations and support local boating and fishing, as well as enhance nearby camping and beach facilities.

“The Port has been a part of the local community for more than 70 years and has contributed significantly to the growth of the region,” Murray said.

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“It takes a total team effort to fulfill our mission day in and out, and one that is only possible thanks to the commitment of our employees, partners and the continued support of our Port community.”

Port Canaveral remains committed to offering the best possible experience to cruise guests while still supporting the local community, a mission it is fulfilling bigger and better than ever each year.

Cruise Passengers Concerned as FAA Cuts Flights at Major US Airports

Lissa Poirot
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Cruise Passengers Concerned as FAA Cuts Flights at Major US Airports

Key Aspects:

  • The FAA’s 10 percent air-traffic reduction may cause passengers to miss their flights into major cruise ports, raising the risk of missing embarkation.
  • Because most travel insurance policies exclude government-shutdown-related cancellations, passengers may have limited or no reimbursement for missed sailings.
  • Guests with upcoming cruises may want to switch flights to arrive earlier than expected to allow for delays or cancellations.

Cruise guests heading for upcoming cruises are bracing for widespread flight disruptions after the FAA confirmed it plans to reduce air traffic by 10 percent beginning Friday, November 7, 2025, across 40 major US airports.

The move, tied to the ongoing government shutdown and staffing limits among air traffic controllers, has cruise passengers scrambling for answers days before they are set to fly to their cruise port.

On Reddit, questions poured in from passengers with upcoming sailings. One user wrote, “So, with the FAA announcing flight cancellations starting this Friday, what’s the back up if your flight ends up getting cancelled?”

Another added, “We leave for a November 16 sailing next week and I’m started to get a little stressed.”

Many cruisers are trying to figure out what a 10 percent reduction actually means for their own itineraries. Some commenters advised preparing for long delays. Others suggested renting cars if driving is possible.

But some guests from the West Coast and Midwest quickly noted that driving across the country is unrealistic. “There is no world in which a rental car is a feasible option for me,” one flyer said.

Airlines are beginning to issue their own warnings. American Airlines told passengers it expects less impact on hub-to-hub routes but cautioned that regional flights may see heavier cuts. United Airlines issued a similar statement, promising to refund passengers for cancelled flights.

Travel insurance repeatedly came up in the online discussion, with multiple commenters reporting that their insurers would not cover missed cruises caused by a government shutdown unless the policy specifically lists shutdown-related disruptions as a covered event.

What an Air Traffic Cut May Mean

The FAA’s planned 10 percent reduction applies to 40 major US markets, including several airports tied to major cruise departure ports.

A cut of this size does not mean every airport loses the same number of flights. Instead, the FAA limits how many aircraft can take off and land per hour, and airlines must decide which flights to cancel, consolidate, or delay to meet those caps.

Among the most affected is Miami International Airport, the primary air gateway for PortMiami and a large hub for American Airlines. While hub-to-hub service on American Airlines should be less disrupted, Miami still falls under the FAA’s reduction plan.

Similar ripple effects may extend to Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Houston because aircraft and crews frequently rotate through affected hubs even when their final destinations are not on the list.

Read Also: How to Enjoy a Cruise Vacation in Uncertain Times

Travel insurance has become a major point of confusion, as most standard travel insurance policies do not cover delays or cancellations caused by a government shutdown.

Policies that do offer broader protection, such as “Cancel For Any Reason” plans, may reimburse only a portion of prepaid cruise costs and often require passengers to cancel before departure.

Miami Cruise Port Road Signs
Miami Cruise Port Road Signs (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

Some passengers have already reported denied claims tied directly to shutdown-related flight disruptions.

This is why cruise lines and travel advisors routinely stress the importance of flying in at least one day before a cruise. Because ships do not wait for delayed passengers, arriving the same day as embarkation leaves guests vulnerable to missing the sailing entirely.

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Passengers concerned about the upcoming cuts still have a few strategies. Consider switching to earlier flights, whether a day or two early or first thing in the morning, which is less likely to be canceled during FAA reductions because airlines will protect morning departures first.

For those within a reasonable distance of their cruise port, car rentals or driving can provide a backup option. 

Two Livestreamers Kicked Off Royal Caribbean Ship After Misbehaving

Melissa Mayntz
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Two Livestreamers Kicked Off Royal Caribbean Ship After Misbehaving

Key Aspects:

  • Two social media streamers have reportedly been removed from Harmony of the Seas following a fight incident.
  • The ship’s November 2 sailing has multiple streamers onboard, and there has been a great deal of poor behavior.
  • This behavior is a violation of the cruise line’s Guest Conduct Policy, and different consequences are possible.

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas is enjoying a 7-night cruise with two fewer guests following an incident that happened early in the sailing.

The Oasis-class ship departed Galveston, Texas on Sunday, November 2, 2025 for the Western Caribbean itinerary, and the first two full days of the ship were relaxing days at sea.

During that time, however, two livestreamers got into a tense situation that came to repeated blows. The two, identified as David Ryan and Dave Willis, were arguing over another streamer when punches were thrown.

The two men grappled, tossed their equipment around, and wrestled to the floor during the altercation.

Guests onboard Harmony of the Seas who witnessed the situation noted that the two men had reportedly been drinking throughout the evening. Both had been streaming repeatedly, recording their interactions, and the conversation was less than civil.

Other clips online show the same individuals and other streamers earlier in the sailing interacting with other guests, not always in polite ways. For example, several streamers were knocking on decorated stateroom doors and asking if the individuals were swingers, filming the entire time.

Another incident took place in the ship’s Studio B arena on Deck 4 during a game show event. One of the streamers was standing to record and blocking views, deliberately goading other guests nearby, and filming the interaction.

Security did intervene at the fight (as well as several times previously), and the men were removed when the ship reached Roatan, Honduras, ostensibly to make their own way home.

Cruise Streamers Misbehave on Harmony of the Seas
Cruise Streamers Misbehave on Harmony of the Seas

This would be consistent with Royal Caribbean’s Guest Conduct Policy. Any “verbally abusive or offensive language” is prohibited, as is any abusive, discourteous, or disruptive behavior.

Any guests who violate the policy are subject to various security measures, including but not limited to:

  • Intervention by security personnel
  • Removal of onboard privileges, which could include being confined to one’s stateroom
  • Being removed from the vessel
  • Complete ban from future cruises

At this time, it is clear that the two individuals were removed from Harmony of the Seas. The pair was left in Roatan, Honduras, on November 5. However, there is no confirmation about whether or not they have been banned from the cruise line or other lines in the Royal Caribbean Group.

Cruise Hive has reached out to Royal Caribbean about the incident, but has not yet heard back as of this writing.

Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Jails? Here’s the Truth!

Harmony of the Seas‘ itinerary has not been impacted by the unfortunate incident. The ship is visiting Costa Maya on Thursday, November 6, and will visit Cozumel on Friday, November 7, before another day at sea, before she returns to Galveston on Sunday, November 9.

Should Streaming Be Banned From Cruise Ships?

Livestreaming and the presence of “influencers” onboard cruise ships has become increasingly controversial. Many cruise guests support banning this type of activity, particularly when streamers block views, film guests without permission, and may deliberately seek to push boundaries for the sake of views.

This is often called “nuisance streaming” with individuals deliberately trying to cause mayhem in order to elicit reactions from those around them, which they then post online.

Harmony of the Seas Balconies
Harmony of the Seas Balconies (Photo Credit: mridulablog)

Guests onboard ships where this is happening are angry about the behavior and how different cruise lines appear to look the other way.

Of course, different social media platforms have different guidelines for what users may post. Some are more lenient about offensive behavior than others.

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“Royal just needs to ban these streamers from streaming on the ship,” one guest suggested on a Reddit discussion, with more than 100 upvotes in agreement.

Unfortunately, it would be very difficult for a cruise line to ban simply recording videos, as many cruise guests love to capture the happy moments of their vacation to share with loved ones on land. Perhaps the idea to ban streaming could be added to the list of security interventions for these types of incidents.

Virgin Voyages’ Ship Cancels Port Calls to Storm-Ravaged Jamaica

Donna Tunney
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Virgin Voyages’ Ship Cancels Port Calls to Storm-Ravaged Jamaica

Key Aspects:

  • Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has cancelled port calls to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on her current sailing and her November 17, 2025 cruise.
  • The ship is instead calling at Cozumel, Mexico, on the current cruise and will visit Grand Turk on her next voyage.
  • The Grand Turk call will cause a visit to Grand Cayman to be replaced by the Dominican Republic.

Virgin Voyages has notified booked guests about upcoming itinerary changes due to damage caused by Hurricane Melissa when the monster storm made landfall in Jamaica in late October 2025.

The cruise line’s Brilliant Lady, its newest ship that entered service in September 2025, is impacted. Based at PortMiami, the 2,860-guest ship sails 7- to 12-night voyages to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, with some that were to call at Ocho Rios, Jamaica, this week and in the coming weeks.

Ocho Rios is no longer a port call option, at least temporarily, and guests learned that Brilliant Lady’s November 8, 2025, departure will be affected. 

The 12-night “Colorful Curaçao to the Charming Caymans” cruise was to call at Ocho Rios on November 17, 2025.

Five port calls are scheduled. In addition to Jamaica, the ship is due to visit Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

“Originally set to visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on November 17, we’ll now sail to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, arriving at 11 a.m. and departing at 6 p.m.,” states Virgin Voyages’ notice to guests.

“To ensure you’re able to visit as many ports as originally planned, we’ve chosen Grand Turk as an exciting alternative that keeps your itinerary full of adventure,” the statement continues.

Read Also: IDEAL Eastern Caribbean Cruise Ports You Should Visit

But there’s a catch. In adjusting the ship’s routing to Grand Turk, the itinerary will now drop Grand Cayman and instead call at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Booked guests indicated they understand the need to temporarily avoid the Jamaica port, but some were frustrated about also missing Grand Cayman.

Jamaica Flag and Cruise Ship
Jamaica Flag and Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

“Replacing George Town with Puerto Plata is like replacing a Lexus with a Pinto, and calling it a fair exchange. I’m not happy,” one guest posted on Reddit.

“Yeah, totally understanding about Jamaica but genuinely bummed about George Town, there were so many great excursions there,” posted another.

Brilliant Lady, in fact, already missed one scheduled call to Ocho Rios on her November 1, 2025 cruise, a 7-night “Western Caribbean: From Miami to Bimini” sailing. Her November 3, 2025 call to Jamaica was replaced with a visit to Cozumel, Mexico.

Still More Itineraries Are Likely to Be Revised

It is too soon to know exactly when Jamaica’s cruise ports will reopen, but the Jamaican Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has said that the goal is to resume all tourism operations by December 15, 2025.

Brilliant Lady is next scheduled to call at Ocho Rios on her December 7, 2025 cruise. The 11-night “Aruban Sunsets & Calm Cayman Days” cruise will also call at Aruba, Grand Cayman, and Colombia. The cruise line has not yet revealed an itinerary change for that voyage.

A second Virgin Voyages ship, Resilient Lady, includes Ocho Rios on some itineraries from her homeport of Miami. The ship’s November 22, 2025 sailing, the 7-night “Cayman Coves & Jamaican Waterfalls” cruise is slated to visit the destination on November 24, 2025.

No announcement has been made regarding that ship’s itinerary either. Other port calls are Grand Cayman and Bimini Islands, Bahamas.

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The other two ships in the Virgin fleet, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, do not feature any Jamaica ports on their voyages from Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico, respectively.

Virgin Voyages is not the only cruise line temporarily adjusting itineraries away from Jamaica. Royal Caribbean, for instance, has altered the itineraries of several ships that were scheduled to call at Jamaica.

Like other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages has pledged to support Jamaica’s recovery with a donation.

Royal Caribbean Begins Diverting Ships From Jamaica

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Begins Diverting Ships From Jamaica

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean is confirming itinerary changes to remove Jamaica on several different ships in November.
  • This is not unexpected, as Jamaica cannot yet welcome cruise ships until more post-storm repairs are made.
  • Whenever possible, alternatives are being arranged for impacted sailings so guests can still enjoy port visits.

Royal Caribbean has begun notifying guests booked on sailings that include stops in Jamaica that their itineraries have been changed. This is not unexpected, as port facilities in the Caribbean nation remain damaged from Hurricane Melissa and it may be several weeks before cruise calls can resume.

Whenever possible, the cruise line is arranging substitute port visits for the impacted ships. For example, on Symphony of the Seas‘ November 16 departure from Miami, the 7-night sailing is unable to call at Falmouth, Jamaica.

Instead, the ship will be visiting Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic on day five (Thursday, November 20). That is the same day Symphony of the Seas was to have been in Jamaica.

“We’re excited to bring you this refreshed experience and appreciate your understanding, as itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruises to have a certain level of flexibility,” the notification email explains.

“Sometimes, these changes are the result of a weather impact or issue avoidance, speed restrictions, berth or scheduling conflicts, and agreements we have with the ports we visit.”

A similar change has been made to Oasis of the Seas‘ November 23 departure from Fort Lauderdale. That 6-night itinerary was also supposed to visit Falmouth, but will now be going to Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic instead. The same explanation, word-for-word, is part of that itinerary notification.

“While these itinerary changes are occasionally necessary, please know they’re made thoughtfully, with your experience and enjoyment in mind,” the email continues. “We know it’s not the original itinerary we planned; however, we’re excited to explore this destination together!”

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Falmouth
Photo Credit: David Magorian / Shutterstock

Read Also: The Best Way to Help Cruise Ports After a Hurricane

It’s likely that many upcoming sailings to Jamaica will have similar adjustments. This could include voyages not only aboard Symphony and Oasis, but also on Rhapsody, Independence, Adventure, and Freedom of the Seas in November and early December.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has already declared that Jamaica will be ready for full tourism operations to resume on or before December 15, 2025. This is an ambitious goal, but it may certainly be doable, depending on what types of repairs different facilities need.

In the meantime, Royal Caribbean is not the only cruise line diverting sailings away from Jamaica. Disney Cruise Line has already cancelled Disney Treasure‘s visit to Falmouth on November 5, and undoubtedly, additional sailings will also be impacted.

Not All Cruises Are Completely Skipping Jamaica

While guests will not be able to visit Jamaica for the next few weeks, not all cruise calls are completely cancelled.

Some ships are using planned port calls to the island as an opportunity to deliver relief supplies. Carnival Horizon dropped off pallets of bottled water, baby food, diapers, canned goods, and hygiene supplies to Ocho Rios on Tuesday, November 4, exactly one week after the storm tore across the island.

Similarly, Rhapsody of the Seas delivered more than 120 pallets of supplies to Falmouth, also on Tuesday, November 4.

These relief stops are not actually port visits, as guests are not permitted to debark the ship. Instead, each vessel stops just long enough to safely unload materials that are being donated to help the island recover, then they resume sailing for a day at sea.

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It is possible that similar relief calls will be made over the next few weeks as enough supplies are collected and packaged for efficient delivery.

Different cruise lines have also pledged to make significant financial donations toward Jamaica’s storm recovery, vowing to support the communities they visit and to resume cruise stops as soon as possible.

Royal Caribbean Ship to Host Motorcycle-Theme Cruise in 2026

Donna Tunney
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Royal Caribbean Ship to Host Motorcycle-Theme Cruise in 2026

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas will host the 2026 High Seas Rally motorcycle theme cruise.
  • The 7-night voyage will sail from PortMiami in November 2026 and call at three destinations.
  • The cruise raises money for the High Seas Dialysis Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project.

The 2026 High Seas Rally, a themed cruise for motorcycle enthusiasts, will be held aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class Allure of the Seas, organizer Entertainment Cruise Productions has announced.

The 7-night “Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day” cruise sets sail from PortMiami on November 1, 2026, and features calls at Perfect Day at CocoCay, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Basseterre, St. Kitts.

The High Seas Rally cruise attracts motorcycle riders from across the US. With capacity for 5,500 guests in double occupancy, Allure of the Seas — second in the Oasis class following the pioneering Oasis of the Seas — has an abundance of space.

But the sailing is not a full-ship charter; it is open for sale with a per-person base cruise fare starting at $927.

“For those who live for the ride, High Seas Rally 2026 is more than a cruise. It’s a weeklong celebration of freedom, friendship and full-throttle fun for those who live loud and ride proud,” states Entertainment Cruise Productions.

The production company stages several themed voyages each year, including a Star Trek cruise, the Ultimate 80s Cruise, and the 90s Cruise, among others.

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

While the port calls on the 2026 itinerary and a wide variety of onboard activities offered on Allure of the Seas are sure to keep guests entertained, the High Seas Rally voyages serve another purpose, as fundraisers for important causes.

Various raffles, auctions, and games organized for the motorcycle group raise funds for two charities: the High Seas Dialysis Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project. In fact, since their inception in 2003, the theme cruises have raised close to $3.75 million for these causes.

World’s Only Motorcycle Rally on a Cruise Ship
World’s Only Motorcycle Rally on a Cruise Ship (Photos: High Seas Rally)

Allure of the Seas features five swimming pools and nine hot tubs, 20-plus dining venues, and nearly 20 bars and lounges.

With her seven neighborhoods — Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place, and Youth Zone, there is something for everyone.

Live Music, Custom Bike Builder to Join Voyage

Entertainment aboard Allure of the Seas ranges from a comedy club and karaoke to ice skating shows and Aqua Theater productions.

However, the High Seas Rally also provides its own entertainment in the form of live music by Steel Rod, the theme cruise’s own party band, plus the Black Smoke Sinners, Kevin Hamel, and the Retro DJ Travis Bell.

Also onboard will be Xavier Muriel of Providence Cycle Worx, a custom motorcycle builder. Indeed, all High Seas Rally cruisers will be entered to win one of Muriel’s custom-made bikes.

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The organizer’s cruise package covers the base fare, port fees and taxes, crew gratuities, a deluxe beverage package, and a WiFi plan, with inside cabin prices starting at $2,910 per person, for new High Seas Rally cruisers. Those who have cruised on a previous theme voyage pay $2,660 per person.

Ironically, the 2025 High Seas Rally cruise is currently underway. The 7-night voyage is aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander, which departed on November 2, 2025 from Tampa. The Western Caribbean cruise will call at Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, and Belize City, Belize.

Cruise Line Issues Cautionary Disease Notice to Current and Past Guests

Donna Tunney
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Cruise Line Issues Cautionary Disease Notice to Current and Past Guests

Key Aspects:

  • Guests sailing on Norwegian Epic, as well as those who recently sailed, are being warned that a former passenger has contracted Legionnaires’ disease.
  • As a safety precaution, current and former guests are advised to promptly notify medical professionals if any symptoms of the disease emerge.
  • The cruise line is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is investigating the case.

In a November 4, 2025 alert to guests, Norwegian Cruise Line disclosed a warning that no cruiser wants to hear: You might be at risk for Legionnaires’ disease.

The notice was sent to passengers aboard the 4,100-guest Norwegian Epic on the fourth day of their 12-night Mediterranean voyage from Rome to Lisbon. The alert was also dispatched to guests who recently sailed on the ship.

The cruise line informed guests it had learned that two people who recently sailed on the ship were found to have contracted Legionnaires’ disease. It is unknown, the notice states, whether the travelers became infected through Norwegian Epic’s water sources or some other source.

The cruise line is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is investigating the case.

Read Also: 14 Cruise Etiquette Rules You Need to Know About

The bacteria that causes the disease is Legionella, a type of pneumonia that is spread through water droplets that form on the fixtures of hot tubs, showers, misters, and fountains, among other items.

The CDC’s Legionnaires guidelines indicate that symptoms usually emerge from two to 14 days following exposure to the bacteria. 

“On the rare occasion that any past guests receive such a diagnosis, we work with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support their investigation efforts as part of their standard operating procedures,” states Norwegian Cruise Line’s notice to guests.

Like other forms of pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease can cause fever, headache, coughing, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.

The notice to Norwegian Epic passengers advises them to notify the ship’s medical staff if any symptoms appear. The alert was apparently also sent to guests who have recently sailed on the ship.

“If you have already disembarked and develop symptoms within 14 days of your cruise, seek medical attention right away, and share this letter with your doctor, so that they know to test you for Legionnaires’ disease and prescribe appropriate antibiotics, if needed,” the Norwegian Cruise Line warning states.

Legionnaires’ disease was initially identified nearly 50 years ago at an American Legion convention in Pennsylvania. That outbreak, in 1976, was found to have emerged from the air conditioning system in the hotel that hosted the convention.

Disease Warnings Impact Multiple Cruise Lines

Legionnaires’ disease has previously caused concern to cruise ship guests. In February 2023, passengers booked to sail on Norwegian Prima received a warning letter similar to the one Norwegian Epic guests received.

It stated that two guests who had sailed on the ship in late 2022 had been diagnosed with the disease after their arrival home. It was not determined that the ill travelers had been exposed to the bacteria on the cruise ship.

Norwegian Epic Deck
Norwegian Epic Deck (Photo Credit: hbpictures)

Similar situations have been reported on other cruise lines, too, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

In May 2025, Royal Caribbean issued an alert to guests sailing aboard Symphony of the Seas and those who had recently sailed on the ship, after it was learned that a former passenger had come down with Legionella. Again, the source of the illness was not determined.

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Norwegian Epic’s next voyage is a 10-night transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to San Juan, Puerto Rico, departing on November 13, 2025. The ship will be based in San Juan through mid-April 2026, operating a series of 7-night Caribbean cruises.

In April 2026, she will return to the Western Mediterranean for the spring and summer seasons, sailing voyages between Rome and Barcelona.

Norwegian Cruise Line Relaunches Free at Sea Ahead of Black Friday Blowout

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Relaunches Free at Sea Ahead of Black Friday Blowout

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line has reintroduced its popular Free at Sea program, replacing the More at Sea promotion.
  • Free at Sea is now available on all future sailings and can save guests thousands in add-on deals.
  • Guests have the option to remove parts of the offer for an even better deal for their budget and preferences.

Just in time for the hottest cruise sales of the year, with Black Friday just three weeks away, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the return of their popular “Free at Sea” promotion. The guest-favorite package bundles popular add-ons for significant savings on any sailing.

Norwegian Cruise Line ended the popular Free at Sea offer in October 2024, replacing it with “More at Sea” and updated options. Comparing the More at Sea offer to the reintroduction of the Free at Sea offer it seems the two are fairly identical, but More has been renamed to Free.

Free at Sea is now available for any future Norwegian Cruise Line voyage, of any length, on any ship, and from any departure homeport. The bundled amenities add up to more than $2,000 in savings for an average 7-night cruise, including:

  • Unlimited open bar with premium spirits and 100+ cocktail choices
  • 150 minutes of high-speed internet powered by Starlink for every guest
  • Three specialty dining meal credits for the first and second guests
  • $50 of shore excursion credits at every port on tours booked through Norwegian Cruise Line

Worth Reading: Cruise Lines Rolling Out Labor Day Sales With Fare Cuts, Credits, and More

On select sailings, the package also includes free third and fourth guests, which can be an incredible savings for families and groups. This is a great incentive for guests to be planning for 2026 cruise vacations and beyond just when deals are at their best.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Black Friday sale is 50% off all cruises, the line’s best sale of the year. The savings apply to all sailings, in every region and on every ship.

More at Sea & Free at Sea Comparison
More at Sea & Free at Sea Comparison

The exact details of the Free at Sea package do vary based on cruise length. For example, the three included specialty meals is valid for 7- and 8-night cruises. On shorter sailings, guests will only be credited for 1-2 meals, while on longer sailings, they will receive four specialty dining meals.

Read Also: The Different Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Classes

Nevertheless, the savings can add up significantly for budget-minded travelers, no matter what length of cruise they prefer.

Whether “More” or “Free” naming can be a strong advertising tactic and helps enhance the clarity of package offerings. Regardless of the name, however, savvy guests should always review a package’s terms and conditions to ensure it is the very best value for their vacation plans.

Is Free at Sea Always the Best Deal?

Guests should note that Free at Sea isn’t necessarily 100% “free” depending on their preferences. While the offer can be a valuable and worthwhile one for many guests, it isn’t always the best deal.

If you don’t enjoy many drinks or aren’t interested in specialty dining, it may be a better deal to reject the Free at Sea offer.

For a 7-night Caribbean cruise from Miami on the upcoming Norwegian Luna in mid-July 2026, for example, a balcony stateroom for two guests costs $4,457 with the Free at Sea offer.

Norwegian Luna Render
Norwegian Luna Render

Guests do have the discretion to remove the unlimited open bar and specialty dining offers, however, which changes the price to $3,938. This is a difference of $519 on the total cost of the cruise. “Free at Sea” is not actually “free” because guests are still responsible for the gratuities with both of those options.

For the unlimited open bar, those gratuities are $28.50 per person, per day. For the specialty dining, gratuities are $20 per person, per meal.

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If a guest only has 1-2 drinks per day or may not drink soda or alcohol at all and enjoys the included dining options rather than specialty dining, removing the offer can be an even better savings.

The Wi-Fi minutes and the shore excursion credits are still included at no cost, so guests still get those savings even if they remove the drink package and specialty dining options.

Carnival Conquers Funnel Fire Safety Onboard With New Installation

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Conquers Funnel Fire Safety Onboard With New Installation

Key Aspects:

  • A cruiser spotted crew members installing a new funnel fire suppression system on a recent sailing onboard Carnival Conquest.
  • The high-powered hoses were installed after Carnival Freedom experienced two separate funnel fires in two years.
  • It’s unclear when or if these extra fire safety measures will make their way onto additional Carnival ships, but an eventual fleet-wide rollout wouldn’t be surprising.

Fires are one of the most dangerous emergencies that can occur on a cruise ship because of the potential for catastrophic system failures and because it can be difficult to escape fast-spreading flames in a confined space.

Though fires at sea are rare, the cruise lines take precautions such as training a dedicated onboard firefighting team and using fire-resistant materials as much as possible.

Carnival Cruise Line, however, is taking fire safety a step further.

A recent guest of Carnival Conquest noticed that a new funnel fire suppression system was installed and tested during their sailing.

The fire system, which is essentially a solid red hose, was installed on the outer deck railings on both the port and starboard sides of the ship facing the funnel. It was also cordoned off for guest safety.

“Just got off Conquest yesterday, and wanted to share an interesting photo of a device that was recently installed on the ship to combat a funnel fire (like what happened to Freedom),” the cruiser shared on Reddit.

The poster is referencing an unusual event in March of 2024, during which Carnival Freedom’s exhaust funnel caught fire after being struck by lightning.

New Fire Suppression Installation
New Fire Suppression Installation (Credit: michaelthruman)

“From what I was told, the Conquest is the first ship in the fleet to be fitted with an extreme volume/pressure fire hose device. They installed 2 of these (one on each side), and were doing late-night testing of them during my cruise,” the passenger continued.

“I guess during the Freedom incidents, the fire hoses that were used didn’t have the water pressure to shoot water high enough to reach the flames. Well, these bad boys can!”

Read Also: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents

Carnival Conquest has not experienced any fires of its own, making it an interesting choice to give this ship the new fire safety tools first.

Carnival has not yet commented publicly about the introduction of the superior hoses, and it’s unclear when or if they will be installed onboard additional ships. That said, a fleet-wide rollout seems likely.

Learning From Past Fires

Assuming the cruiser who shared the news is correct, it’s nice to see Carnival learning from past events in order to be better prepared in the unlikely event of another fire in the future.

With Carnival Freedom’s whale-tail fire still fresh in recent memory, it only makes sense that the cruise line would take action to be better prepared for a funnel fire in the future.

The damage from the 2024 fire was so bad that the Freedom-class flagship had to cancel her next two sailings.

But while the odds of getting hit by lightning twice are approximately one in 9 million, fires can also break out for other reasons, such as fuel leaks, hot spots, or engine room failures.

Carnival Freedom Fire
Carnival Freedom Fire (Photo Credits: Heath Barnes & Randalyn Rogers)

The 2,980-guest ship’s funnel also caught fire in 2022 while the vessel was docked in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos (not due to lightning) – and two fires in two years is not a good look.

In addition to these new, stronger hoses, all Carnival ships would also be equipped with other fire hoses and plenty of fire extinguishers.

In addition, every ship has a sprinkler system running through all passenger and crew areas, and thousands of smoke detectors.

Per the cruise line’s website, a standard Carnival ship has approximately 3,500 smoke detectors. If smoke or flames are detected, an alarm will sound on the ship’s bridge, which is monitored 24/7.

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All fire safety practices meet the standards set by organizations like the International Maritime Organization and the US Coast Guard, and ships are subject to quarterly safety inspections.

Safety is and always has been the top priority for Carnival Cruise Line, and this newest project is another reflection of just how true that is.

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