Blog Page 142

Norwegian Jewel Shortens Bermuda Visit Ahead of Hurricane Erin

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Jewel Shortens Bermuda Visit Ahead of Hurricane Erin

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Jewel left Bermuda a day ahead of schedule in order to head back to Boston before the worst of Hurricane Erin’s impact arrives.
  • This is the fifth ship to have cancelled or adjusted a Bermuda visit due to the massive Category 4 hurricane.
  • Erin is not expected to make landfall, but her wind fields are large and impacts are being felt hundreds of miles from the storm’s center.

Yet another ship has adjusted its itinerary regarding Bermuda as Hurricane Erin stays on track to pass between the island and US homeports.

Norwegian Jewel has left King’s Wharf early, cutting short her planned visit in order to put more distance between the ship and the worst of the storm’s impact.

Homeported from Boston, Massachusetts, Norwegian Jewel departed on her 7-night Bermuda cruise on Friday, August 15. The ship arrived in Bermuda as planned on August 17.

Unfortunately, the 93,500-gross-ton vessel was unable to stay in Bermuda as long as originally planned. The full visit was to have extended until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19.

Instead, Norwegian Jewel departed on Monday evening, August 18, to make her leisurely way back to Boston for debarkation as planned on Friday, August 22.

This will give the ship enough time to steer well away from the storm’s worst impact. Hurricane Erin is forecast to move between Bermuda and the US, making it challenging for any ship returning from the British territory to a US homeport.

Full Coverage: Complete List of Cruise Ship Changes Due to Hurricane Erin

By leaving a day early, Norwegian Jewel has much more time to make the journey home as safe and smooth as possible for her 2,300 guests and 1,100 crew members.

Due to the storm’s track and expected impact close to Bermuda, multiple cruise ships have opted to adjust their Bermuda itineraries this week.

Vision of the Seas from Baltimore skipped the port in favor of heading south to the Bahamas, while Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk also skipped Bermuda to head to Nassau and Celebration Key in the Bahamas.

Norwegian Aqua, which just left Florida and is now on her first sailing from New York, is heading to Saint John, New Brunswick, rather than Bermuda for the 4-night sailing.

Similarly, Liberty of the Seas from Bayonne is visiting Canada instead of Bermuda on her current 5-night sailing.

No other ships are scheduled for Bermuda over the next few days, until Liberty of the Seas on her next voyage. That visit is planned for Saturday, August 23, and the storm may be well out of the region by then.

Hurricane Erin Update

The National Hurricane Center’s 8 p.m. update on Monday, August 18, reports Hurricane Erin with sustained winds of 130 miles per hour, making the storm still a dangerous Category 4.

Located 695 miles southwest of Bermuda, Hurricane Erin is moving northwest at 10 mph and is expected to turn more directly north on Tuesday. By the middle of the week, she will be between Bermuda and the US.

Hurricane Erin, Advisory 30A
Hurricane Erin, Advisory 30A

Hurricane winds extend out from the storm’s center for roughly 80 miles, while tropical storm force winds extend for 230 miles.

This means that while Erin is unlikely to make landfall, her impact is still being felt more than 200 miles from the center.

Worth Reading: Upcoming Themed Sailing for NCL Ship Delayed by Hurricane Erin

For reference, Bermuda is just 650 miles from the closest point of the US coast. This means there is just a 90-mile margin of smoother waters outside the storm’s influence. This is too narrow of a margin for confident predictions, as the storm could easily shift along her track.

Tropical storm warnings are now in effect for the Turks and Caicos as well as the southeastern Bahamas. Tropical storm watches are in effect for the central Bahamas and along the North Carolina coast, where Erin is expected to make her closest approach to the US.

Cruise lines will continue to monitor the storm closely and coordinate with local weather services and port authorities on any necessary itinerary updates. Guests should stay alert for emails and other notifications from their cruise line in case of changes.

Falling Forklift Damages Cruise Ship at Greek Port

Catie Kovelman
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Falling Forklift Damages Cruise Ship at Greek Port

Key Aspects:

  • In an unusual incident, a forklift rolled off the pier and into a cruise ship that was docked in Corfu, Greece. 
  • It’s not clear which cruise ship was hit, but Viking Sea, AIDAblu, and MSC Fantasia were all present at the time. 
  • Thankfully, the damage was only superficial and there was no significant impact to cruising operations for the ship or for the busy port.

Collisions rarely occur at cruise ports. When they do, the story is usually that a cruise ship accidentally impacted the pier while docking or one vessel managed to float into another, typically with extenuating circumstances in the mix.

But a rogue forklift falling into the water and hitting a cruise ship is certainly unique, to say the least.

However, that is exactly what happened in the popular port of Corfu, Greece, on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

In the early morning hours, likely during or just before disembarkation, a forklift fell into the Neo Limani, or New Port. This is the main port where cruise ships dock.

According to local news outlet Enimerosi, the unidentified 59-year-old driver said that he had parked the vehicle on the pier, when the forklift allegedly developed a mind of its own and decided to start moving again anyway.

Unable to be stopped, the forklift rolled into the sea and hit the right stern of a cruise ship on its way down. Thankfully, the impact only caused two superficial scratches.

The specific cruise ship was not specified, but Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sea, AIDA Cruises’ AIDAblu, and MSC Cruises’ MSC Fantasia were all docked in Corfu on Saturday.

Officials from the Greek Coast Guard and the Corfu Port authority responded to the scene, with an investigation by the Corfu Central Port Authority now underway.

It’s possible that the driver hadn’t fully engaged the parking brake but thought that he had, or that something was wrong with its transmission or parking mechanism.

It’s also not clear what the driver was using the forklift for, but they are commonly used to help efficiently transport checked luggage between the ship and the cruise terminal.

Alternatively, they are also used to transport supplies to and from the ship and even to dispose of onboard waste.

No Delays to Cruising 

While this event was unusual and had the potential to be quite serious, the damage wasn’t too severe and no injuries have been reported.

Cruise ship tracking data shows that all three cruise ships left the port at their scheduled times and are cruising at normal speeds.

As the scratches were superficial, it wouldn’t have been a safety concern to continue operating the planned itinerary.

It’s likely something that can be addressed during an upcoming port call or turnaround day or can wait for a routine dry dock visit.

Cruise Ships Docked in Corfu
Cruise Ships Docked in Corfu (Photo Credit: Sergiy Palamarchuk)

Minor cosmetic damage can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to fix, depending on the extent of the damage, which both the cruise lines and the cruise ports typically have insurance for.

Read Also: 10 Worst Cruise Fails You Can Prepare For

The forklift likely took the brunt of the damage, as it was completely submerged in the salty sea water. It was quickly fished out of the harbor with the assistance of a private crane and a private diver.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway was then able to call on the port as part of an 11-night sailing from Barcelona to Trieste, Italy, on August 18, 2025, with no issue.

The cruise port, which is considered the second busiest in Greece in terms of revenue and passenger visits, is expecting eight more ship calls before the week is through.

Holland America Ship is Next to Pivot to Avoid Hurricane Erin

Catie Kovelman
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Holland America Ship is Next to Pivot to Avoid Hurricane Erin

Key Aspects: 

  • Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam will no longer visit St. Johns in Canada due to unsafe weather conditions related to Hurricane Erin.
  • The skipped port call will be replaced with an overnight visit to Halifax, Canada.
  • Hurricane Erin won’t directly hit the US, but will bring inclement weather and rough seas to the US East Coast and Canada’s Atlantic Coast by the middle of this week.

Hurricane Erin is not done wreaking havoc on cruise itineraries. This time, the Category 4 storm has thrown Zuiderdam’s planned visit to Canada out of whack.

Indeed, the Holland America ship is now the latest vessel to alter course in an effort to steer clear of the Category 4 storm.

The 1,964-guest ship embarked from Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, on a one-way sailing to Boston, Massachusetts, on August 5, 2025 – well before Erin first formed as a tropical storm on August 11.

The cruise ship has already successfully visited multiple destinations across Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, and Greenland, but the final leg of the 18-night voyage will be disrupted by the bad weather.

Current guests have reported that a decision was made to cancel the overnight call in St. Johns (Newfoundland-Labrador), Canada, on August 19 and 20, out of an abundance of caution.

Instead, the ship will sail to Halifax (Nova Scotia), Canada, for an extended call that lasts from August 20 to 21.

“The Captain just told us that he has cancelled the Tues/Wed port call at St John’s NF. Instead, we are going to Halifax NS on Wednesday afternoon and staying until late afternoon Thursday,” a current passenger shared.

“He feels there is too much risk in St. John’s port because of sea conditions from Erin,” he continued.

While Hurricane Erin is not expected to directly hit the US, the National Hurricane Center (NOAA) shows that it will be passing by Boston and moving in the direction of Halifax on Thursday, August 22.

This timing does coincide with when the 82,318-gross ton ship should be on her way to Boston to disembark on the morning of August 23, but the expert bridge team will surely do their best to avoid the worst of the rough seas.

At this time, there is no known impact on disembarkation or embarkation for the next sailing, which is a 7-day cruise to New England and Canada.

Where is Hurricane Erin Now?

Over the weekend, Hurricane Erin temporarily became a Category 5 level storm while North of Puerto Rico, with winds of 160 miles per hour.

Notably, this is the most intense classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Erin has since been downgraded to a (still dangerous) Category 4 storm system with sustained winds of 140 miles per hour and even stronger gusts.

Hurricane Erin, Advisory 30
Hurricane Erin, Advisory 30

As of NOAA’s most recent update at 5 p.m. EST on August 18, Erin is approximately 110 miles northeast of Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, and is moving northwest at speeds of 10 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are 140 MPH.

Erin will make her way past the Bahamas on August 18, and will reposition to between Bermuda and the US East Coast by the middle of this week – and has the potential to strengthen into an even stronger storm once again.

“Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the US, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days,” NOAA advised.

“Tropical storm conditions and coastal flooding are possible in the North Carolina Outer Banks beginning late Wednesday and a Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Watch may be required later today.”

NOAA’s forecasts are currently predicting that Erin will be off of Florida’s southeastern coast on August 19; Florida’s northern coast, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina on August 20; and the Mid-Atlantic Coast by August 21.

UK Port Completes the Fleet With New Virgin Voyages Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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UK Port Completes the Fleet With New Virgin Voyages Ship

Key Aspects:

  • Brilliant Lady has arrived in Portsmouth, bringing a “complete the fleet” moment to the UK port as the only port in the world to welcome all four Virgin Voyages ships.
  • The new “lady” ship will set sail on her mermaiden transatlantic cruise to New York City on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
  • Virgin Voyages’ impact on Portsmouth has been excellent, raising the port’s visibility and bringing strong economic forecasts to the region.

August 18, 2025 is a brilliant day in Portsmouth, UK as Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady, has visited the port as her very first port of call as the vessel prepares to enter service.

But that’s not the only unique honor for Portsmouth International Port with this very special visit. All four “lady” ships have visited the port, making the southern UK port the first destination in the world to welcome the entire Virgin Voyages fleet.

“Portsmouth has become a meaningful part of our journey. It’s where we introduced Scarlet Lady to the world and — four years later — where we’re celebrating the arrival of Brilliant Lady,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages CEO.

“Along the way, our full fleet of Lady Ships has passed through, making Portsmouth the first and only port in the world to have welcomed all of our vessels. Each one marks a new moment in the evolution of this incredible brand.”

Brilliant Lady will spend four days alongside in Portsmouth, hosting various guests onboard as well as being part of a careers event for specialists and educators in the cruise industry.

On Thursday, August 21 the new ship will begin her “mermaiden” transatlantic crossing to New York. From the Big Apple, she will offer four autumn sailings before one departure from Quebec City. Then it will be on to Miami for a winter in the Caribbean.

From April 2026 and beyond, Brilliant Lady will offer departures from Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Seattle. This gives Virgin Voyages fans many different options to experience the new ship on different itineraries.

A Brilliant History in Portsmouth

Though Virgin Voyages may yet be a smaller cruise line with just four ships – Scarlet Lady (2021), Valiant Lady (2021), Resilient Lady (2023), and now Brilliant Lady (2025) – it is relatively unique for a single port to welcome every ship in a fleet.

“Portsmouth is very proud to be dubbed the UK home for such a recognisable brand,” said Steve Pitt, leader of the Portsmouth City Council.

“The city has welcomed us from the start and been a great partner. As we continue to expand globally, it feels right to mark these milestones in a place that reflects our values, shares our maritime spirit and has supported us every step of the way,” said Saverimuttu.

Brilliant Lady Arrives in Portsmouth
Brilliant Lady Arrives in Portsmouth (Credit: Port of Portsmouth)

As the cruise line has grown, more than 72,000 Virgin Voyages guests have traveled through Portsmouth. This has had a dramatic impact in improving the port’s visibility and growing its cruise business.

“The investment our council-owned port has seen over the last few years has attracted many regular calls from established cruise lines who bring repeat business into the city,” Pitt noted.

Other cruise lines that call on Portsmouth include Saga Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, Azamara Cruises, and more.

Set Sail Aboard Brilliant Lady – Book Through Cruise Hive!

Each visit has a great economic impact on the port and surrounding community, generating up to £1.5 million (roughly $2 million USD) from tariffs, supplies, and both guest and crew spending.

“All profit made by the port goes directly back into funding vital council services, so it is always exciting for residents to see such a wide range of ships coming through the harbour,” said Pitt.

In 2025, Portsmouth International Port is expected to bring in more than £10 million ($13 million USD) in profit to the city council.

American Cruise Passenger Dies After Bus Strikes Couple at Italian Port

Lissa Poirot
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American Cruise Passenger Dies After Bus Strikes Couple at Italian Port

Key Aspects:

  • An 83-year-old American woman was killed and her 84-year-old husband critically injured when a reversing excursion bus struck them at the Port of Livorno.
  • The couple had just returned from a shore excursion and were walking back toward their cruise ship when the accident occurred.
  • Italian authorities are investigating to determine how the collision happened.

Livorno, Italy, is one of Italy’s most popular cruise ports. A jumping off point for reaching Florence, Tuscan villages, and Pisa’s leaning tower, passengers often board shuttle buses to whisk them off to see sites in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

But one recent call turned tragic when a reversing shuttle bus struck a couple of American passengers, killing the woman and critically injuring her husband.

According to Italian reports, the victims, aged 83 and 84, had just disembarked after a city excursion and were returning to their cruise ship when the accident occurred.

Authorities say the shuttle bus was maneuvering in the port area on August 12, 2025, when it backed into the couple, likely within the driver’s blind spot. 

Witnesses reported, “He had not noticed their presence until he heard a noise and the screams.”

Both passengers were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but sadly, the woman died shortly after arrival. Her husband remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The identities of the couple have not been released, although one source suggests the couple were guests aboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria.

According to ship trackers, the 2,061-guest ship was in Livorno on August 12 during a 21-night Adriatic and Western Mediterranean voyage that had departed from Trieste, Italy, on July 28, 2025.

Read Also: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents

The ship had explored Croatia, Malta, France, Sardinia, and numerous ports in Italy before the accident occurred and ended its journey in Barcelona earlier this morning, August 18.

Cunard Queen Victoria
Cunard’s Queen Victoria (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

MSC Cruises’ MSC Seaside has made Livorno a homeport for its 7-night Mediterranean cruises, but was in Barcelona on the day the incident occurred.

Local police are said to be conducting interviews, reviewing surveillance footage, and gathering evidence in a continuing investigation. 

Rising Traffic and Growing Risks

The Port of Livorno is one of Italy’s largest ports. In 2024, it welcomed more than 860,000 cruise passengers – a 23.2 percent increase over 2023.

Besides being a main port of call, its location as a homeport has quintupled its homeport traffic to nearly 54,000.

Forecasts for 2025 suggest continued strong performance, with Livorno expected to see a 25.4 percent increase in cruise passengers and more than a 30 percent rise in ship calls.

Port of Livorno
Port of Livorno (Photo Credit: Rosamar

Although the port is busy, accidents – especially those involving cruise passengers – are extremely rare.

Still, accidents do happen. Barcelona also had its own dangerous bus crash in March 2025. Fifty-three people were injured when a cruise passenger bus and a bus carrying students collided near the Sagrada Familia.

A similar incident occurred in 2024’s late summer Alaska season when a cruise bus overturned while carrying 24 passengers. Twelve passengers were hurt; none of them fatally.

The unidentified Livorno bus driver, described as an experienced operator, reportedly appeared shaken, having just assisted the woman with her walker before the accident in the busy pedestrian zone took place.

Cruise Hive extends its deepest condolences to the victims’ family.

Norwegian Cruise Ship Diverts to Canada as Hurricane Erin Looms

Lissa Poirot
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Norwegian Cruise Ship Diverts to Canada as Hurricane Erin Looms

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Aqua will skip Bermuda and sail to Saint John, New Brunswick, to avoid Hurricane Erin.
  • Guests will receive a $100 onboard credit per stateroom and a 20% Future Cruise Credit.
  • All Bermuda shore excursions have automatically been cancelled and refunded to passenger accounts.

When Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, departs on its 4-night voyage today, August 18, 2025, its surprised guests won’t be sailing to the beautiful pink beaches of Bermuda.

Instead, passengers have been told they will be heading north to Saint John, New Brunswick, in Canada.

“To steer clear of Hurricane Erin and the forecasted rough weather, we’ve made the decision to adjust our route to keep everyone safe and sound,” the cruise line said in a letter to passengers.

The cruise’s only call on its 4-night roundtrip voyage was meant to be Kings Wharf in Bermuda on August 20. However, with Hurricane Erin, a Category 4 hurricane at press time, heading north, the ship’s sailing route would have it passing right into the storm’s projected path.

Worth Reading: Norwegian Cruise Ship Skips Port Due to Weather, But Not Tropical Storm Erin

According to the National Hurricane Center, Erin will be off of Florida’s southeastern coast on August 19; its northern coast, Georgia, and South Carolina on August 20; and the Mid-Atlantic Coast on August 21.

By traveling to Saint John, the 156,300-gross-ton Norwegian Aqua will keep guests away from stormy seas and able to enjoy a more relaxed call from 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. (Maybe.)

Despite the “exciting” news that passengers will now get to take in the beauty of the Bay of Fundy, Norwegian Cruise Line added a worrisome disclaimer:

“Once we arrive, the Captain and Harbor Master will carefully review conditions to determine if we can remain docked or if we will need to depart shortly after clearance,” the cruise line revealed.

Passengers, unfortunately, won’t be notified until arrival in Saint John.

To compensate for the itinerary change, Norwegian Cruise Line is automatically adding a $100 non-refundable credit per stateroom ($50 per guest for up to two).

It is also offering a 20 percent Future Cruise Credit to be applied to a sailing through December 31, 2026.

All shore excursions in Bermuda were also automatically cancelled and refunded to passenger accounts, with bookings open for excursions in Saint John available at Norwegian Aqua’s Deck 7 Shore Excursion Desk.

Guests will be back in New York on August 22, just as the storm is scheduled to arrive in the northeast.

An Unpredictable Storm

Norwegian Aqua is not the only cruise ship rerouting in an effort to stay away from Hurricane Erin. The storm, which developed off the Western Coast of Africa on August 11, 2025, rapidly gained strength and became a hurricane by time it reached the Caribbean on August 15.

Within 25 hours, the storm became one of the fastest-progressing hurricanes, reaching Category 5 status with winds of 160 miles per hour by August 16.

Hurricane Erin, Advisory 29
Hurricane Erin, Advisory 29

Read Also: Rough Seas on a Cruise Ship – How They Handle It

Although the storm has been downgraded to a Category 4, it’s carrying wind speeds of 130 miles per hour and is just north of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The storm’s projected path does not have it directly hitting any coast towns in the US or Canada, but weather can be unpredictable.

Traveling at 13 miles per hour, the good news is that cruise ships are faster than hurricanes and can maneuver out of its path should it surprise forecasters again.

Hurricane Erin Forces MSC World America to Change Course

Lissa Poirot
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Hurricane Erin Forces MSC World America to Change Course

Key Aspects:

  • MSC World America has cancelled its calls to Puerto Plata and San Juan, replacing them with Costa Maya and Cozumel to avoid Hurricane Erin.
  • Erin intensified from a tropical storm on August 11 to a Category 5 hurricane by August 16, with peak winds of 160 miles per hour.
  • The storm’s location, currently north of the Turks and Caicos, prompted MSC Cruises to reroute for passenger safety.

One of the first hurricanes of the Caribbean season is moving fast, and with it, passengers aboard MSC World America are seeing their cruise take a different turn.

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, sailing her very first season ever, departed on August 16, 2025, from Miami with her bow originally pointed toward the Dominican Republic’s Amber Cove for an August 18 9 a.m. arrival.

However, with Erin officially becoming a Category 5 hurricane, guests have learned they will be missing the Dominican Republic and San Juan, Puerto Rico, calls in favor of calmer seas away from the storm.

“Due to Hurricane Erin (Category 5) and adverse weather forecasts, your cruise itinerary requires immediate adjustment,” read a post onboard the 6,762-passenger vessel.

Worth Reading: Hurricane Erin Forces Disney Cruise Ship to Reroute in Europe

The revised sailing schedule turned August 18 into a sea day, which will be followed by Costa Maya, Mexico, on August 19 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and nearby Cozumel on August 20 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Both ports are located along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, well away from Hurricane Erin’s projected storm path.

Guests on board seemed to take the news in stride, with many noting that safety comes first when navigating storms of this scale.

This itinerary shift allows the ship to still enjoy two Caribbean port days before the voyage sails to the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Ocean Reserve, and back to Miami on August 23.

Due to the changes, passengers who booked excursions through MSC Cruises were reimbursed for automatically cancelled bookings and were given an opportunity to book excursions in their new ports of call.

Passengers who booked private excursions were left to manage their own cancellations and refunds.

Storm Alters Caribbean Plan

Passengers onboard MSC World America, which made her grand debut in Miami on April 9, 2025, with Gloria Estefan performing, an exciting drone show, and godmother Drew Barrymore on deck, should not be too surprised the ship’s journey has been diverted.

Hurricane Erin became a tropical storm on August 11, 2025, off the west coast of Africa. By time the storm arrived across the Atlantic, it had strengthened. A day before MSC World America’s 7-day voyage began, it was classified as a Category 1 hurricane.

However, Erin quickly surged from Category 1 to Category 5 in just over 24 hours, shocking weather forecasters and maritime workers. Other cruise lines had to scramble to adjust their own itineraries, such as that of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure.

Hurricane Erin, Advisory 29
Hurricane Erin, Advisory 29

By August 16, as passengers were boarding the 215,863-gross-ton ship in Miami, Erin reached peak intensity with sustained winds up to 160 miles per hour.

Read Also: Cruising During Hurricane Season: What You Must Know!

As of press time on August 18, Erin was downgraded to a Category 4 storm located just north of Grand Turk Island, moving northwest at 13 miles per hour.

Forecast models show the storm will pass east of the Bahamas before traveling northward and remaining offshore of the US East Coast, bringing with it plenty of rain and wind.

By sailing to the western Caribbean, MSC World America will be able to give guests a sun-soaked sailing.

Local Authorities Provide Update on Celebration Key Incidents

Melissa Mayntz
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Local Authorities Provide Update on Celebration Key Incidents

Key Aspects:

  • The Royal Bahamas Police has released an updated statement on the two deaths at Celebration Key on Friday, August 15.
  • The two incidents were not related and the guests were from different ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.
  • The investigations continue and full autopsies will be performed to determine the exact causes of death.

Carnival cruise fans were shocked to learn of two guests passing on the same day at Celebration Key on Friday, August 15, 2025. Now, local authorities have provided more details about the incidents.

The Royal Bahamas Police on Grand Bahama has issued a release about the pair of drownings. It is important note that these were separate, unrelated incidents.

Official investigations are standard procedure and seek to determine if all proper safety protocols were followed.

The first incident occurred just before noon when a 79-year-old male guest was found unresponsive while snorkeling at the beach.

“A lifeguard assisted him from the water, and CPR was administered, but to no avail,” the report clarified.

The second incident was just after 2:30 p.m. when a 74-year-old woman was found unresponsive in the island’s large freshwater pool, which Carnival Cruise Line calls a “lagoon.”

Again, the woman was assisted from the water and CPR was performed, but without success.

Both guests have been reported as American citizens. Carnival Cruise Line previously confirmed that one guest from each ship at Celebration Key that day, Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.

“One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance,” Carnival Cruise Line stated.

Mardi Gras was in port from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Carnival Elation was in port from 2-8 p.m.

There has been much social media speculation about the exact causes of death for each guest, such as a heart attack or an aneurysm. To be clear, these are unconfirmed speculations, as final investigations have not yet been completed.

Celebration Key, Bahamas
Celebration Key, Bahamas

“An autopsy will be performed on both victims to assist with determining the exact cause of death,” the police report reads. “The investigation continues in both matters.”

Medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms can impact guests in different ways. Because both guests were in the water, any emergency could immediately impact breathing and muscle activity, resulting in drowning.

Further details about the individuals, including names and other identifying information, are unlikely to be released in order to protect their privacy as well as the privacy of their family members and traveling parties.

Both Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation have continued on their itineraries, a 6-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and a 4-night Bahamas sailing, respectively.

Is Celebration Key or Carnival Cruise Line at Fault?

Emergency medical incidents can happen absolutely everywhere, from theme parks and sporting events to concerts, at the grocery store, at home, or yes, even on cruise ships or their private islands.

Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Morgues?

Carnival Cruise Line’s lifeguards and emergency personnel reacted to each incident immediately, implementing appropriate responses and lifesaving measures. It is a sad outcome that such responses were unable to save either guest.

This is not the first time cruise guests have passed while enjoying port visits. Similar incidents have happened at MSC Cruises’ MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, at Mystery Island in Vanuatu, and on the Greek island of Milos, among others.

Each incident is a tragic event for the families involved, as well as a sad and troubling day for other cruise guests and crew members.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with everyone impacted by such incidents, wherever and whenever they happen. Cruise vacations should always be fun and filled with good memories, not tragic endings.

MSC Cruises Drastically Changing World Cruise Due to Unrest

Melissa Mayntz
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MSC Cruises Drastically Changing World Cruise Due to Unrest

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Magnifica‘s 118-night 2026 World Cruise will now avoid the Red Sea region, which means the last segment will change and the Suez Canal transit will not be possible.
  • The revised itinerary is not yet available, but the cruise line will communicate the full route to booked guests as soon as possible.
  • If guests choose not to sail based on the final itinerary, MSC Cruises will permit full refunds within a short time after the updated route is disclosed.

A world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many cruise enthusiasts, with amazing opportunities for ports of call that simply aren’t available on conventional itineraries.

Guests booked on MSC Magnifica‘s 2026 World Cruise, however, are now learning that some ports as well as a very unique sailing experience will not be possible.

MSC Cruises has reached out to travelers about the change, even though an alternative itinerary is not yet confirmed. Nevertheless, the cruise line is actively working on an updated schedule.

“Due to ongoing geopolitical instability in the Red Sea region, and following a comprehensive assessment with our Security Team and external partners, we have made the difficult decision to adjust the planned itinerary to avoid transiting through the affected areas,” the notification read.

“This decision was made with your safety, comfort, and peace of mind as our highest priorities.”

This means the last leg of the cruise visiting ports of call such as Khasab, Oman and Aqaba, Jordan will not be possible, nor will MSC Magnifica be transiting the Suez Canal.

The 118-night World Cruise will officially begin from Genoa, Italy on January 5. MSC Magnifica was not planned to be in the impacted region until roughly mid-April.

It is also possible that some of the Mediterranean ports at the end of the sailing will also change, such as Iraklion, Greece and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, which were planned for April 30 and May 2, respectively.

MSC Magnifica should conclude her World Cruise on May 2, 2026 as she returns to Genoa.

At this time, it is not known exactly which ports must be removed from the World Cruise itinerary, nor what precise route or destinations will be added to the schedule.

It is also possible that the return to Genoa might be impacted, though that would have a knock-on effect on MSC Magnifica‘s next cruises in the Mediterranean. This will be something the cruise line works to avoid as the updated itinerary is coordinated.

In order to avoid multiple changes and potentially confusing updates, MSC Cruises is opting to fully finalize the entire last part of the cruise before sharing the changes with guests.

“We understand that not having the revised itinerary immediately available may cause concern,” MSC Cruises acknowledged. “We are in the final stages of confirming the updated route and expect to share full details with you by August 31, 2025, once all port calls are validated by local authorities.”

MSC Magnifica Cruise Ship
MSC Magnifica Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: venuswix)

Undoubtedly, the ship will now be sailing around Africa, which could mean port visits in Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Morocco, and other culturally rich and stunning destinations.

This is a similar situation as what happened to MSC Poesia when her 2024 World Cruise was adapted just days before departure, albeit in the opposite direction as it was the first part of the cruise impacted.

Also in 2024, Royal Caribbean’s World Cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas had to bypass the Red Sea region. As that change happened mid-cruise, guests onboard had the option to vote for their preferred African itinerary.

What If Guests Don’t Want to Set Sail?

While a World Cruise is an immersive experience and a stunning sailing regardless of exact destinations, some travelers may prefer to cancel their plans.

This could be if the port visits in the Middle East or transiting the Suez Canal may have been the bucket-list experiences those guests were most excited about.

MSC Cruises is giving booked guests the opportunity to evaluate their options and will honor requests for full refunds if preferred.

“In light of this change, we are offering you the option to cancel your booking free of charge and receive a full refund should you choose not to proceed,” the cruise line noted.

“This option will remain available for a limited period after the final itinerary is shared, giving you time to fully consider your plans.”

Because of its exclusivity, full payment for the World Cruise is due 120 days prior to departure. For 2026, this means that full and final payment is due no later than September 7, 2025.

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Guests may not learn the complete itinerary until just a few days before that deadline, however. It is possible MSC Cruises may extend the deadline to offer slightly more time to consider the changes yet still be able to cancel for a full refund.

Any extension for the final payment date for the 2026 World Cruise will undoubtedly depend on exactly when the full itinerary is confirmed.

MSC Cruises will reach out to guests as soon as possible so they have ample time to take the changes into consideration.

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