Just when the Merritt family thought there might be a light at the end of the tunnel, the saga continues. Their stolen suitcase has now been returned after weeks of strife, but was missing several important belongings.
Jason Merritt’s suitcase originally went missing during Carnival Magic’s 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing that embarked from PortMiami on February 8, 2025 – which was supposed to be a fun celebration of his anniversary with his wife, Tammy.
The suitcase could not be located during the voyage – but after weeks of tracking the suitcase to the cruise ship using a pair of AirPods inside, the luggage was finally located inside of another guest’s cruise cabin.
The passenger allegedly stole the suitcase because she liked how it looked – and it remained onboard because she had booked back-to-back sailings. For her actions, the unidentified suspect was placed under confinement in her cabin and was banned from all future Carnival Corporation sailings.
Once the bag was found, Carnival made arrangements to send the suitcase home to the Merritt household. But, the family was met with more disappointment when they looked inside and found several items were missing.
“Daddy-O’s made it home!!!!,” Jason wrote in the Daddy-O’s Facebook page, which is a reference to the name of the AirPods that were used to track the suitcase.
“Unfortunately, most of my clothes didn’t. She took my slacks, my belt, all my dress shirts, both pairs of shoes, ALL OF MY BOXERS, the key to my Bronco, my toiletry bag was empty (don’t know why she needed my toothbrush and deodorant), meds were gone, my glasses, all of my shorts, couple other shirts and my Rangers Spring Training hat,”he continued.
The Merritt’s are understandably peeved, as the items will cost a considerable chunk of change to replace. Some items, like the commemorative spring training hat, may be irreplaceable.
When the ordeal first began, Tammy estimated that the contents of the suitcase were valued at around $1,000. In the state of Florida, where the cruise embarked from, grand theft charges can be levied for stealing property valued at $750 or more.
The Quest for Compensation
If Jason’s luggage had arrived at his house intact and with no missing belongings, there is a good chance that the family would have let the incident go at that. But now that a lot is confirmed missing, the Merritts want fair compensation.
“I’m pretty ticked off. It will cost a lot of money to replace the clothes and some of it can’t be replaced,”Jason shared.
“We’ll be contacting the authorities in the coming days and see what the next step is. Thanks to everyone that helped, shared, looked and complained on my behalf. This is not over yet!”, he added.
The family is now hoping to receive compensation from the cruise line and is looking into pressing charges against the guest who stole the suitcase.
Items Stolen from Luggage (Photo Credit: Jason Merritt)
The legal consequences will vary depending on if she is charged with theft or grand theft, and if she is prosecuted in the port state (Florida)or not – which can get confusing when cruise ships sail in international waters and are registered to non-US countries.
Carnival Magic, along with the majority of Carnival’s fleet, are registered in Panama.
Per Jason’s updates, communication with Carnival’s team members has been challenging, but the cruise line did get in touch on the next step – which appears to be filling out an incident report.
“I’ve tried to post both negative and positive here throughout all of this, so, in light of that…Carnival Cruise Line reached out to me and explained how to go about getting the incident report and how I need to proceed. So I do have that information now. Thank you, Carnival,” Jason updated on March 7, 2025.
Incident reports are documented by the ship’s onboard security team, with serious crimes reported to local law enforcement as is mandated by the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act.
It’s unclear at this time what will follow the incident report in this case – and if the Merritt family will receive any additional compensation beyond the $350 that was provided onboard by the Miami-based cruise line.
Cruise Hive reached out to Carnival for a statement, and did not hear back. We will update this article if and when we receive a response.
With vaping growing in popularity, plenty of cruise passengers are now wondering if it is allowed while on a cruise ship. Luckily for those who vape, you are allowed to do so on a cruise ship, but there are many restrictions for vaping at sea.
There are general rules and cruise line-specific regulations that vary from one cruise line to the next. As a general rule, stick to designated smoking areas and specific areas approved by your cruise line, but to make sure you know what to expect, here’s a complete guide to vaping on cruises.
When it comes to vaping on board a cruise ship, most cruise lines enforce policies that are actually really similar to those you’ll find in airports and hotels. Generally, smokers using electronic cigarettes and e-cigarettes are allowed to vape only in approved designated smoking areas.
These areas are usually limited to open decks, outdoor areas, or other clearly designated areas marked with visible signage. Trust me, they’re not difficult to spot on any cruise ship, as the crew wants to make it as simple as possible for vapers and smokers to find the right spots.
The type of substances you are vaping also matters. Most cruise lines don’t allow you to bring THC vapes, even with a valid medical marijuana permit.
Generally, only regular tobacco-based vapes are allowed. Most cruise lines also stick to age-of-use rules for vaping based on where the ship has departed from.
For example, cruises departing from the USA often have a minimum age of 21 for the purchase and use of tobacco-based products, including vapes.
Another general rule across almost every cruise line is that you must refrain from vaping in staterooms, including in your private cabin or on your balcony. Plenty of cruise guests make the mistake of thinking that smoking and vaping are permitted on stateroom verandas, but it’s rarely allowed.
While they may seem excessive, these rules are in place mostly due to safety. Lit cigarettes and even electronic vapes can be a fire hazard, so, in the interest of safety, the activity has to be restricted to specific areas of the ship.
On top of that, vape clouds and cigarette smoke can be an unwelcome annoyance to other passengers if it is allowed to blow over to their cabin.
In other words, prohibiting smoking and vaping in private quarters isn’t just a safety issue; it’s a policy cruise lines have in place to ensure all guests enjoy a comfortable and welcoming travel experience.
While vaping is generally seen as a cleaner alternative to cigarettes and pipe smoking, the rules are pretty much the same, and they are also quite strict. Remember, the two main priorities of any cruise line are to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers.
All public areas have to remain pleasant environments for smokers and non-smoking guests alike. Where smoking and vaping rules tend to be laxer on land, the rules are strictly enforced on cruise ships, including in places like bars, common lounge areas, and inside a ship’s casino.
So, don’t even try to sneak a few puffs of your vape, even if you’re pumping quarters into the slot machines.
Cruise Line Policies on Vaping
As mentioned, each cruise line has its own set of detailed smoking and vaping rules, so it’s important to know what regulations your specific cruise ship has in place.
It’s also worth noting that these policies can vary depending on where you travel. For example, vaping rules differ significantly on cruise ships sailing from American ports compared to voyages departing from places like India, Hong Kong, and Australia.
While it’s always a good idea to check on your cruise line’s policies before you depart, as these rules are updated regularly and can even vary from ship to ship, here’s a quick overview of some of the main cruise line policies so you can get a general idea of what these policies look like.
Carnival Cruise Line
Two Carnival Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: denbaim)
Carnival only permits vaping in designated smoking areas, but some of these areas include certain bars and outdoor lounges. Like the other cruise lines, Carnival fines guests caught doing so outside of designated areas.
Carnival’s fee is $500 per violation, so it also happens to be one of the strictest out of the major cruise lines. This includes those caught vaping on balconies.
Another key rule regarding smoking and vaping is the fact that Carnival prohibits it outdoors while the ship is docked and refueling. This will be announced over the ship’s PA system.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line Ships in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Norwegian treats vaping and smoking the same way. Both activities are only permitted in designated areas, including an indoor Cigar Lounge on certain ships. Certain ships, including Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy, also allow vaping inside their casinos, but only in the designated smoking room.
Royal Caribbean Ships Docked in Labadee (Photo Credit: BrianPIrwin)
On all Royal Caribbean cruise ships, electronic cigarettes are treated the same way as cigarettes and cigars, meaning they are only permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas with visible signage throughout the ship.
One unique exception to Royal Caribbean is that vaping and smoking are allowed inside a designated area in their Casino Royale establishments. Aside from that, you will need to locate outdoor smoking areas if you plan on vaping.
If you are caught vaping or smoking inside a stateroom, including on a private balcony, there is a mandatory fee of $250. This is a minimum charge and you could be subject to further actions, especially if you are a repeat offender.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)
Disney also only allows vaping in specific outdoor areas. Unlike other ships, some designated smoking and vaping areas are only available during certain hours, so you need to be mindful of this.
The fees for getting caught smoking and vaping inside a stateroom or on a private balcony are really steep with Disney. Not only is there an automatic $250 fee, you can be held responsible for replacing the furniture inside the room.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
Princess also has a strict smoking and vaping policy, with only certain open deck areas allowing it. Even their cruise ships’ casinos and outdoor bars are vape and smoke-free. Disposing of vapes improperly can also put you at risk of a steep fine.
Naturally, vaping and smoking are allowed in all Churchill’s Cigar Lounge locations, but you’ll still want to pay attention to signage regarding smoking elsewhere on any Princess Cruises ship.
Other Cruise Lines
Other major cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Cunard Line have similar smoking and vaping rules. There is little variation between them. Most policies involve limiting vaping to clearly marked designated smoking areas.
None of the major cruise lines allow you to vape inside private quarters, so it’s something you should always avoid, especially if you don’t want to risk a steep fine.
Bringing Your Vape Onboard
Vapes
Planning to bring vapes on your next cruise? Here are some tips to ensure you don’t break any rules or risk getting your vape confiscated:
Carry-on luggage is your best friend! Always pack your vaping devices and e-liquids in your carry-on instead of checked baggage to reduce the risk of violating fire hazards and battery storage rules.
In my opinion, it’s never a good idea to try to hide any vape or smoking accessories. Just be transparent as you move through security. It’s never worth risking violating the rules, especially so early on in your vacation.
I’d also suggest limiting the quantity of your e-liquids and coils you bring on the ship. Only bring what you need, as excessive amounts might raise concerns.
Another thing that’s easy to forget but is really important is the fact that flying with vapes and vaping accessories can be an issue. So, if you plan to fly to your embarkation point, consider airport rules.
The last thing you want is to risk being late for your departure time because you were caught going through airport security with things you aren’t allowed to carry.
Remember, vaping rules are in place because the vapor can be a nuisance to other passengers. There is also a potential fire risk associated with the lithium batteries inside them. This is why it is never a good idea to try hiding them when you board the ship.
If you’re traveling with a disposable vape, it’s just as important to make sure that it is stored openly and that you follow all of the same vaping rules.
What Happens If I’m Caught Breaking the Rules?
No Vaping Terminal Sign (Photo Credit: SJBright)
It’s important to adhere to all vaping restrictions because failing to do so can have serious consequences. If you’re caught vaping in prohibited areas, the cruise staff will strictly enforce their specific conduct policy. Penalties can include a steep cleaning fee, as well as additional maintenance charges if they deem it appropriate.
You’ll also be issued a formal warning for a first-time offense. Being caught more than once can put you at risk of a much steeper series of fines and other financial penalties. In severe cases, you could even be removed from the ship and barred from traveling with that cruise line on your next cruise.
If you are carrying illegal substances in vape form, or you have violated the rules enough times to warrant additional actions, formal legal consequences could be enforced. Even if you are off the ship but violate local or international maritime laws regarding narcotics, you can still get into serious trouble.
One seasoned cruiser on Reddit mentioned, “It’s never worth the risk. I’ve seen people get fined and told they’d be kicked off the ship if they kept vaping in public areas.” My advice? Always take these policies seriously! You don’t want to put your entire vacation at risk.
Tips for Vaping Responsibly on a Cruise
Vaping During Travel (Photo Credit: Irene Miller)
Here are a few tips I would recommend if you plan on using a vape while you’re cruising:
Review Vaping Policies for Your Specific Cruise Line
As mentioned, check the rules for your specific cruise line and ship. While most of them are the same, it’s always a good idea to make sure that you are up-to-date on the latest rules.
Some specific cruise ships have even gone entirely non-smoking in their casinos and other places where you may assume you’d be allowed to smoke or vape, so it’s always worth checking ahead of time.
Be Aware of Where You Vape
We also know that vaping can be an addictive habit that some people barely even realize they’re doing, but it’s important that you only use vaping devices in approved indoor and outdoor areas. Not only can it help you avoid getting into trouble, but it’s a courtesy you should extend to your fellow cruise passengers.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you can’t find any visible signage directing you to a vaping area, don’t hesitate to ask a crew member or go to guest services for guidance. They’ll be happy to help!
Be Careful with Certain Destinations
Even if vaping is allowed on your cruise, rules could be different regarding vapes in certain ports that you visit. It might sound surprising, but electronic cigarettes are not legal in certain countries. You could face serious fines or worse if caught with one when you explore the port.
Countries like Colombia and Mexico have recently banned the sale of vapes, while stricter countries, like the United Arab Emirates, don’t even allow individuals to carry vapes for personal use! If you’re unsure if vapes are allowed, ask the crew, or consider leaving your vape behind while you are in port.
The Final Word!
To put it simply, yes, you can vape on a cruise ship, but only by following the detailed restrictions and regulations put in place by your specific cruise line. Always make sure you know where the designated smoking areas are, and pack your vaping devices carefully in your carry-on luggage.
Just follow the rules! Trust me; the entire cruising experience will be far more enjoyable and stress-free if you’re not looking over your shoulder constantly to make sure you don’t get caught breaking the rules.
Cruise guests with booked sailings to Grand Turk will want to be aware of a new travel advisory issued by the US Department of State. On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the advisory level for the Turks and Caicos Islands was raised to a Level 2, urging visitors to exercise increased caution.
The travel advisory has been issued primarily due to increased crime in areas where there may be “limited investigatory services” to assist visitors.
The advisory notes that most crime occurs in the state of Providenciales, also known as the island of Provo, in the northwest Caicos Islands. For comparison, the Grand Turk Cruise Center is in the nation’s capital, Cockburn Town, in the Turks and Caicos Islands archipelago.
The two destinations are 75 miles apart, on completely separate islands.
Much of the concern prompting this advisory is due to the country’s strict policies concerning firearms and ammunition, even single bullets with no associated gun that might be found in luggage.
“Travelers face arrest, jail time, and heavy fines. Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage. Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison,”the advisory explains.“The Department of State cannot guarantee your release.”
These restrictions are enforced throughout the Turks and Caicos, regardless of whether travelers arrive by plane or ship.
The guest only avoided the 12-year mandatory minimum sentence through intervention from a US Congressional delegation. Such interventions cannot be expected and may not always be successful, particularly following the highly publicized case that has raised awareness of the country’s laws.
Travelers to the Turks and Caicos are urged to check all bags and luggage carefully for any ammunition or firearms before leaving the US, as well as to practice individual safety while visiting the islands. This includes not opening doors to unknown persons and avoiding walking alone at night.
Such precautions are always prudent for travelers, no matter what the destination or what level of travel advisory may be present.
Grand Turk is a very popular destination for all major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, and more.
There is a cruise port on Providenciales Island, but only three ship calls are scheduled to that destination in the next two years – all by MSC Cruises’ MSC Explora 3. The first visit is not until November 10, 2026, followed by calls on February 2, 2027 and March 16, 2027.
At this time, no cruise lines have announced any itinerary changes or port adjustments related to the increased advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Caribbean Travel Advisories
While many travel advisories do not impact cruise itineraries, guests should always be aware of any increased concerns for the destinations they may visit.
At the moment, there are Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisories for a range of popular cruise destinations throughout the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.
Grand Turk (Photo Credit: JTTucker)
Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisories are in effect for destinations such as Jamaica and Honduras.
Very few Level 4: Do Not Travel advisories are in place, though such firm warnings have been issued and are currently in effect for Haiti and several individual states in Mexico, including the state of Sinaloa, where Mazatlan is located.
All cruise lines stay updated on travel advisories, regional crime rates, and other information to ensure they are visiting safe and enjoyable destinations for their guests.
If an itinerary is changed, booked guests are notified with as much advance notice as possible, though last-minute changes are sometimes necessary.
Getting a good night’s sleep is a relaxing and refreshing part of any cruise vacation, but if the ship seems a bit too loud, it can be hard to get those hours of sleep that are so important to refuel for the next day’s fun. Fortunately, Carnival Cruise Line can help guests with one simple accessory.
A recent guest on Carnival Sunshine reached out to the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, with the unusual request for assistance because of some noisy surroundings.
“I am on Sunshine [and I am] in bed [by] 10 p.m.,”the guest explained.“People [are] walking down the corridors, laughing and shouting. Keeping me awake which is very disrespectful, [in my honest opinion].”
While it’s unlikely that other passengers were being intentional about noise in the corridors and the idea of it being “disrespectful” is questionable, there is no question that excess noise can be bothersome to sleepy travelers.
Heald notes that everyone has different bedtime routines and sleep schedules, and having fun is just part of the ambience onboard every Carnival ship.
“People are excited, people are having fun, and people do forget sometimes that maybe people are already asleep,”he said.“I don’t think it’s disrespectful on the most part. I think it’s just the sound of fun. However, I do understand.”
Fortunately, there is a fast and easy solution – one that does not involve calling security, making complaints, or causing tension that isn’t necessary.
“Does Carnival hand out ear plugs or do we have to bring our own?”the guest asked.“If I call guest Services front desk now will they give me ear plugs?”
Heald confirmed that the Guest Services desk – aboard Carnival Sunshine, on the forward starboard side of Deck 3 (Lobby Deck), in the Sunshine Atrium – will provide ear plugs upon request.
“I will be calling guest services to have a pair of ear plugs delivered today,”he said.
I am an extremely light sleeper and use ear plugs myself. Without them, simple and often overlooked noises such as pipe gurgling from an adjacent stateroom, a door slamming down the hall, a conversation from passing guests, or even noises from public areas on the deck above or below might keep me awake.
On my first cruise, aboard the former Carnival Fascination in what was then called a verandah cabin on Deck 11, we didn’t know we were right below the ship’s fitness center.
I never got to sleep in, thanks to early morning workouts that created banging and creaking noises. This was before I knew how helpful ear plugs could be.
More recently, I was aboard Mardi Gras and realized on the first night that I’d forgotten my ear plugs. I was facing a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary and might not get a good night’s sleep the whole time!
Fortunately, a trip to the Guest Services desk quickly solved the problem, as I was given several pairs of neon yellow 3M ear plugs, and I was able to sleep perfectly.
Guests Offer More Quiet Sleep Tips
Regardless of when one prefers to retire for bedtime, there are different ways to enjoy a night of quiet sleep. While several other commenters chimed in with Heald to share their own ear plug preferences, other tips were also offered.
Bringing along a small fan (not a large fan that is prohibited) or white noise machine can be helpful to cover up small sounds that might be disruptive.
Guests should also be careful when booking their stateroom and choose a location away from public areas, elevators, and other potentially noisy spots – a tip I could have used on my first cruise!
Noise-cancelling ear buds or lightly playing music from a cell phone are other tips that can help travelers sleep better if unknown noises are a bother.
As for me, I keep one of those extra pairs of ear plugs from Mardi Gras tucked in my go-to luggage bag permanently, so I’ll never forget my ear plugs again!
For the first time, a ship in TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff fleet will offer an adults-only voyage, designed to provide guests ages 18 and up with pure relaxation as it crosses the vast Indian Ocean over the course of 23 days.
Mein Schiff 6, a 2,534-guest ship that entered service in 2017, will operate the cruise that departs from Cape Town, South Africa on November 17, 2025 and concludes in Singapore on December 10, 2025.
Adding to the atmosphere of tranquility, mental coach Eva Wellner will be onboard the ship, offering workshops and advice to guests around the topics of nutrition, sports, and holistic living.
With several consecutive days at sea, the cruise is intended for those looking to retreat and recuperate. One of the public spaces onboard Mein Schiff 6 where guests can unwind is the Spa & Meer.
It features multiple saunas, including Finnish, salt, and herbal, plus a zen garden, a mud bath experience, a sundeck where open-air massages can be enjoyed, and spa balcony cabins offering direct access to the facilities.
After departing Cape Town, the ship will call at Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Saint-Denis, Reunion; and Port Louis, Mauritius. After Port Louis visit, the ship spends five full days at sea before reaching Colombo, Sri Lanka on December 2, 2025.
Other destinations to be visited as the ship continues to Singapore include Hambantota, Sri Lanka; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Aside from many relaxation opportunities, Mein Schiff 6 has several dining venues where guests can partake in global cuisine.
These include Hanami, serving Far Eastern dishes, Osteria, offering Italian cuisine, and two main dining rooms — Atlantik Klassik and Atlantik Mediterran, where breakfasts and lunches are served buffet style and dinners are a grand five-course affair.
Cruise fares for Mein Schiff’s adults-only retreat voyage start at 2,229 euros ($2,421 USD) for an inside stateroom.
Is TUI Cruises Testing the Adults-Only Market?
TUI Cruises’ announcement of the upcoming adults-only cruise did not provide any reason for offering its first age-limited sailing, but it could be due to guest feedback or industry trends that indicate a growing demand for more voyages without youngsters. It also could be a pilot program to gauge interest in the niche market.
Less than a handful of cruise lines operate as adult-only vacations. Viking, Virgin Voyages, and Saga Cruises each have adults-only policies. On Viking and Virgin Voyages ships, passengers must be 18 or older, while Saga Cruises accepts bookings only from guests ages 50 and up.
TUI Cruises in Cape Town
TUI Cruises operates seven ships in the Mein Schiff fleet, with the newest — Mein Schiff 7, having entered service in June 2024. The cruise line has two 4,000-guest vessels under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Mein Schiff Relax is due to launch in spring 2025 while Mein Schiff Flow will debut in 2026. Both are inTUItion-class ships.
Other ships in the Mein Schiff fleet also are hosting just-announced themed cruises in late 2025, including the “Mein Schiff Film Festival at Sea,” onboard Mein Schiff 4 in October 2025, and a culinary-focused cruise, “Logbook of Aromas – The Spice Route,” aboard Mein Schiff 5 in December 2025, among others.
TUI Cruises had earlier confirmed it would host a series of music-themed sailings in 2025. A 7-night ABBA tribute cruise is set for October 17, 2025 onboard Mein Schiff 5 as the ship sails the Greek Islands.
Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, TUI Cruises is a joint venture of TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group, with each owning a 50% stake in the line.
With Carnival Luminosa now two days overdue to return to her homeport of Brisbane, Australia due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, some concerns have been raised about whether or not the ship has adequate supplies onboard.
Because cruise ships return to their homeports on a regular schedule, the concern is an understandable one. Guests onboard have reached out to Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, to ask about the situation.
“I had people asking me yesterday if there was enough food on board,”he commented.“The best way I can answer that is tomorrow every guest will be provided with a fishing rod.”
Heald is well known for his bold sense of humor and quite obviously, guests will not need to fish for their meals. Some great seafood entrees are sure to be offered in the Main Dining Room, however, or guests could stop by Bonsai Sushi Express midship on Deck 2, just forward of the casino.
“Seriously, please don’t worry,”Heald continued.“The beards plan for this on every ship with extra food and provisions although this being a ship full of Australians and knowing how much they love to have Fun in any situation, there may be one or two ummmm, beverage items that may be running low.”
While not all guests may appreciate the jokes, it is important to note that Carnival Luminosa is in no danger and the ship is being kept well away from the strongest storm impact.
Not all guests are happy with the situation, however, and some are making demands and offering thoughts that aren’t necessarily appropriate.
“One lady [was] demanding that we give everyone ‘a free cruise for being stuck at sea’ and she went on to say that this was ‘the cruise from hell,'”Heald noted.
Such exaggeration can be frustrating and does not help either guests or crew members.
“These words are used now and then and of course it isn’t a cruise from hell,”Heald explained.“Being late back into port because of weather is not ‘hell,’ it is saving your life, it is making sure we don’t sail you into a sodding cyclone. A ‘cruise from hell’ is not a cruise where everything works, where the crew work hard to bring you brilliant service, unlimited food, entertainment joy and fun.”
Carnival Luminosa is fully operational and despite some rough weather, no onboard systems – safety, navigation, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, etc. – have been compromised in any way.
Fortunately, not all guests agree with the original poster and many passengers are indeed having a good time on their unexpectedly extended vacation.
“Spirits are high on Luminosa!”one current guest replied.“We’re in good hands with Captain Vittorio and CD Zack!”
When Will Carnival Luminosa Return Home?
The current sailing of Carnival Luminosa was to have been an 11-night Fiji and South Pacific getaway that first departed on Sunday, February 23 and was to have returned on Thursday, March 6.
Due to the track and intensity of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, however, the ship has remained at sea and the next cruise has been cancelled. That sailing was to have been a 3-night getaway from March 6-9.
Carnival Luminosa (Photo Credit: litttree)
Further monitoring of the storm has indicated that Carnival Luminosa may not be able to return to Brisbane earlier than Monday, March 10. This means the next sailing – a 4-night sailing to Airlie Beach – may be shortened or otherwise adjusted.
Guests booked on the next cruise will be kept updated if any changes are necessary, though no such adjustments have yet been confirmed.
Exactly when the cruise ship can safely return to her seasonal homeport will depend on the storm’s speed and track, as well as any damage that may need to be cleaned up or repaired at the port.
Post-storm safety assessments must be completed before the port will be reopened and Carnival Luminosa can dock once again.
The ship’s summer in Australia is drawing to a close, as Carnival Luminosa is scheduled to depart on a one-way transpacific cruise on April 3. The 28-night itinerary includes ports in Japan and Alaska before Carnival Luminosa arrives in Seattle, Washington on May 1 to begin her Alaska season.
Thanks to its strategic location on the US East Coast, the Baltimore Cruise Porthas become a favorite for many – especially because this venue offers a calmer experience than the busier Florida cruise ports that accommodate millions of passengers annually.
However, one big name will be notably absent from Baltimore, Maryland, by the end of 2026 – and that is Royal Caribbean.
The cruise line recently posted its deployment schedule that covers winter of 2026 through 2027, and none of the more than 20 ships in the fleetwill be operating sailings from or homeporting in the port – which welcomes more than 440,000 cruise guests annually.
For the past several years, Vision of the Seas has homeported in Baltimore year-round, which makes this change rather surprising.
Indeed, she has been a staple at the port, from which she operates 5 to 9-night cruises to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and throughout Canada and New England during the fall season.
As a more modestly sized ship at 78,340-gross tons and 915-feet long, she is able to fit under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the recently damaged Francis Scott Key Bridgethat are too low for taller and newer ships to sail under.
But after one final 5-night sailing to Bermuda that embarks from Baltimore on October 17, 2026 – the Vision-class cruise ship will relocate to a new homeport: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida.
From Florida, the 2,514-guest vessel will embark on shorter 3 to 4-night sailings to the Bahamas – which fits with Royal Caribbean’s recent announcement that more of its ships would start offering “getaway” sailings in the 2026-2027 season.
However, her departure means that no Royal Caribbean ship will be homeporting in Baltimore for the first time in years.
The other ships in the fleet that could potentially fit under the bridges in Baltimore have already been deployed to Tampa, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; San Diego, California; and Cartagena, Colombia or Colon, Panama.
Is Cruise Tourism Leaving Baltimore?
Especially for cruisers who live on the East Coast, the information regarding Royal Caribbean’s latest deployment plans was met with disappointment.
“They need more small ships. Baltimore is so convenient and has such an easy terminal to get through,”one cruise fan commented on the news.
“This sucks! Baltimore is always sold out! Everyone on the East Coast can drive,”a second added.
“What a disgrace. I live in Maryland and love going out of the Port of Baltimore. Guess we will sail Carnival and maybe NCL will move a ship here. Shame on you Royal!,”a third cruiser chimed in.
Ultimately, Royal Caribbean has to consider its fleet as a whole and business strategywhen sorting out deployments and likely came to the decision that relocating Vision of the Seas is the right move for now.
Vision of the Seas in Baltimore (Photo Credit: Cruise Maryland)
However, this doesn’t mean that the cruise line won’t resume homeporting operations in Baltimore in the future – potentially even with a different ship that will offer a new experience for locals.
The brand could also potentially send its smaller ships for one-off sailings or include the port in one-way voyages – so East Coasters would really only need to fly one way.
But while Royal Caribbean is planning its exit – at least for now – another cruise line has been increasing its presence in the port.
Carnival Cruise Line has indeed expanded its operations in Baltimore and has made a formal commitment to sail from the cruise port for at least five more years.
While Carnival has offered sailings from the Old Line State for 20 years, it’s worth noting that Carnival Pride is currently offering year-round sailings from Baltimore – making her the first of Carnival’s fleet to do so.
The Spirit-class vessel will continue to offer a variety of 5 to 14-night sailings to destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Bermuda from the port through at least the spring of 2027.
After receiving some misinformation, an avid cyclist rushed over to Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald to complain – with a similar energy as the Wicked Witch riding her bike to Dorothy’s house in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Allegedly, the future passenger reached out to guest services because they wanted information about bringing their bicycles onboard for their next sailing – and didn’t like (or fully understand) the answer he received.
“Why with all of the beautiful ports that Carnival visits, I’m sure I’m not the first one to think, ‘Wow, it would be really nice to bike around the island.’ Yet Carnival says NO!!,” the guest wrote to Heald on his public Facebook page.
“I am in my 40s, my wife also and we love to ride bikes when on vacation. Why is a Carnival vacation the only place where this idea is slammed shut?! That is what happened when I called the service number and spoke to the very rude ———,”the angry cruiser continued.
The enraged cyclist even went so far as to insult guests who use mobility scooters – claiming most don’t really need them – and insisting that if the scooters are allowed onboard that bikes should be, too.
But here’s the kicker: After raging at the cruise personality, Heald revealed that bikes are actually allowed onboard – as long as they fit within certain limitations.
“Bikes can be brought on board but they must be folding bicycles with wheels less than 20″ and are allowed only to be used in port. Meaning, you can’t ride them on the ship or across the Lido deck to get to the buffet line quicker,”Heald clarified.
“Regular bikes are not allowed. There are safety and operational reasons why and so I am going to say “no” respectfully to you sir and I really hope you will not think of me rude by doing so,” Heald continued.
The smaller, foldable bikes are likely only permitted because they can be stored within the limited space available in the cruise cabins – while larger bikes would be too cumbersome.
More likely than not, the “passionate” guest either didn’t understand the policy or was upset that his standard bicycle was not allowed.
Opportunities to Cycle With Carnival
Even if this guest doesn’t own a foldable bicycle that fits within Carnival’s parameters, that doesn’t mean he can’t rent a bicycle or take a shore excursion that involves biking while in port.
While offerings vary depending on the location, the family friendly cruise line does offer biking excursions in several destinations.
There is a shorter island bike tour that costs $24.99 per person and a slightly longer tour that combines biking and hiking for $39.99 per person.
Bicycle in Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Just to name a few more examples, guests sailing to destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Ensenada, Mexico; and Freeport, Bahamas; can all book bike tours directly through the cruise line.
Additionally, cruisers are not limited to shore excursions offered by the cruise line if they can find what they want through another reputable tour company. It’s possible that Carnival might not offer bike rentals or tours in one port, but another company does.
If this cruiser feels the need to put the pedal to the metal onboard, he might also want to look into the cruise ships that feature the innovative SkyRide.
The first-of-its-kind attraction invites guests to “cycle” on an 800-foot long track that is suspended more than 100 feet above the ocean. Depending on how hard guests pedal, the ride can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.
SkyRide is included in the cost of the cruise fare and can currently be found onboard Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama.
It’s official! On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska signed the legislation for House Bill 65 (HB65)— the final step in giving the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) up to $135 million in revenue bonds.
This money will be used to fund the construction of a new passenger dock and terminal facility in Seward, Alaska — something that is urgently needed.
ARRC’s revenue bonds will not be using any state money to finance this dock — and is instead being secured by a 30-year agreement with an anchor tenant.
In this case the anchor tenant is Royal Caribbean Group, which guarantees that the revamped port will see a minimum of 140,000 visitors annually — though it will be available to other cruise lines as well.
To finance the new port, cruise fares will be supplemented with improvement fees, which will enable passengers to cover the bond debt repayment over time. The amount per passenger has not yet been announced.
“This bill demonstrates how state government can spur economic development and growth with no impact to state finances,”said Governor Dunleavy, adding, “The new cruise ship dock in Seward will maintain Alaska’s status as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations.”
ARRC’s current Seward passenger dock and terminal facility is 60 years old and in need of replacing. After a study in 2023, it was found that the port was deteriorating and heading for complete structural failure.
Even so, Seward remains a popular cruise port that saw 205,000 passengers in 2024 — and is now set to be demolished in the fall of 2025 so that the new dock can be built and installed ahead of the summer 2026 cruise season.
The all-new floating barge dock will be a double-berth pier — sitting at 748-ft long and 100-ft wide, with the ability to accommodate Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class cruise ships that can host up to 4,100 passengers per sailing.
ARRC will be the owners and operators of the facility – which has been dubbed the “Port of Tomorrow.”
“We’re excited to advance this needed project with the strong support of the Governor, the Legislature and the City of Seward,”added Bill O’Leary, President & CEO of the Alaska Railroad.
Seeing that Seward is in need of a new cruise ship terminal and dock, the state has been working quickly to get this project approved.
Seward’s Port History and Future
The original port has been crucial to Seward’s economy — as this city and its port supplies the needs of many cities in western Alaska.
But even when the weather isn’t optimal for cruising, the new facilities will still offer storage and event space, making it extremely versatile.
With over 100 cruise ships visiting during a typical season — up from just 64 in 2015 — the existing infrastructure is rapidly decaying and spurred the Alaska House of Representatives to work to raise the bond limit.
Rendering of Royal Caribbean ship docked in Seward (Photo Credit: The Seward Company)
The journey to replace the aging port began in March 2024, when the project’s cost was announced at $137 million. But initially, the Alaska Railroad Company had authorized only $60 million in bonds, falling short of the required amount.
Beyond Seward, the popular port of Juneau has faced its own issues related to overcrowding — and is now planning on building its own new facilities that are set to open in 2027 on Douglas Island with funding from Goldbelt, Inc. and Royal Caribbean Group.
Cruise tourism has been booming in Alaska, with the state growing from 878,000 cruise passengers in 2010 to 1.719 million cruise passengers in 2024.
As the state rushes to improve its cruise infrastructure, it makes way for even more cruisers to boost the economy, further solidifying Alaska’s position as a premier tourist destination.
