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Royal Caribbean Overboard Alert Turns Out to Be Teen Prank

Calvin Musquez
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Royal Caribbean Overboard Alert Turns Out to Be Teen Prank

Key Aspects:

  • An overboard situation on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas turned out to be a false alarm.
  • The fake emergency was a prank by teenagers onboard.
  • The itinerary was not affected, but many are calling for harsh punishments for the teens.

What was believed to be a life-or-death situation unfolding aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas ended up being a false alarm. According to passengers onboard, it was nothing but a prank in very poor taste.

The 226,838-gross ton ship is on a 6-day Western Caribbean sailing, which left Fort Lauderdale on March 15. The overboard report was made on March 20, 2026, sailing from Amber Cove in Puerto Plata on its way back to Fort Lauderdale.

Oasis of the Ship Turnaround Track
Oasis of the Ship Turnaround Track

The ship turned around off the coast of Cuba near Cayo Guajaba, and the crew sprang into action. Safety rings were tossed, and the US Coast Guard was called for assistance. For 90 minutes, they searched for the overboard passenger.

Other passengers were understandably frightened.

“For my praying friends please pray for the rescue of a person that fell overboard on Oasis of the Sea just a few minutes ago.” wrote one passenger in a post on Facebook.

But here comes the twist. In the same post, passengers reported that the Captain’s voice came over the PA system at 1:45 pm announcing that there was never any emergency at all. It was all just an elaborate prank by a group of teenagers onboard.

@mrsshannonford

Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1:10pm, Our captain just came on to tell everyone that someone saw someone fall off the ship. All my years of cruising and this is a first. Praying for the person and their family. I will update if I hear more. #oasisoftheseas #manoverboard

♬ Cycle Syncing Frequency – Still Haven

One Facebook user onboard reported that a girl’s friends told her grandmother that she’d fallen off the ship, resulting in the subsequent panic and search.

The search was called off, the Coast Guard informed, and Oasis of the Seas continued back on her original course towards Fort Lauderdale.

The false alarm may have caused a great deal of stress for those onboard, but in spite of the minor delay, the ship is still on track to dock in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, March 21 as originally scheduled. There is no known impact to the current itinerary.

Passengers Call for Punishment

A knowingly false report wastes time, money, and resources. It’s anything but a funny prank. Many online and onboard Oasis of the Seas are already calling for the teenagers involved to be harshly punished.

“The only way cruise lines will get parents to actually parent is to become much more aggressive with the lifetime bans on the parents for the children’s behavior,” wrote one Reddit user.

A lifetime ban may seem harsh to some. The adults accompanying these kids didn’t personally do anything wrong, though they are responsible for supervising their children.

Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship
Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz)

However, the Royal Caribbean Guest Conduct Policy states clearly,“Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior and appropriate supervision of their accompanying minor(s) and young adult(s) throughout their vacation.”

This comes as Spring Break gets underway, and cruise lines have already been reminding guests to be on their best behavior.

There has been no official word from Royal Caribbean on what the punishment for these teens and their families may be, but Cruise Hive will update if a public statement is made.

Overboards Are No Laughing Matter

False alarms are not uncommon on cruise ships, but they are typically a result of genuine misunderstanding rather than an intentional prank. 

Earlier in March, Cruise Hive reported another overboard false alarm on MSC Seashore. In this case, guests and crew lost several hours to launching a search and rescue mission and completing a count of everyone onboard (which required guests to wait in their cabins) to ensure everyone is accounted for.

A similar protocol was likely followed here, though guests of the 6,780-guest ship say that things did not get far enough for bars and the normal onboard activities to be shut down.

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Overboards are very serious situations, and minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

Cruise ships are equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art safety and security systems, as well as high railings on outer decks, making genuine overboard situations fairly rare.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if there is ever a suspicion of a genuine man overboard situation, it should be reported to the crew as quickly as possible. Guests who report an overboard in good faith will not be penalized if it turns out to be a false alarm.

Carnival Jubilee Diverts for Evacuation, No Delay Confirmed

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Jubilee Diverts for Evacuation, No Delay Confirmed

Key Aspects:

  • A medical evacuation from Carnival Jubilee caused a diversion in the ship’s route in the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, March 20.
  • The nature of the emergency and the individual’s identity have not been disclosed at this time.
  • The ship will still return to Galveston on time and no delay to Saturday’s debarkation is expected.

No cruise guest wants to end their vacation on a helicopter rather than a ship, but when a medical need arises, they are grateful for the expert reactions of the crew and rescue personnel to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation.

Carnival Jubilee‘s cruise director, Kyndall Fire, explained some of the necessary coordination for such an evacuation that took place on Friday, March 30, 2026.

At the time, the Excel Class ship was in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) heading back to Galveston, Texas, at the end of a 7-night sailing. The ship had originally departed on Saturday, March 14.

The last two days of the cruise are both days at sea as the ship makes her way home, but it was during that extended time at sea that a medical emergency arose and evacuation was necessary.

“Today we had a person who needs urgent medical attention so our team onboard organized and executed a helicopter medical evac. Now this is a very complicated safety procedure that can only be executed under certain set of conditions,” Fire explained.

“Weather, wind, waves, distance from shore, and stability of the patient, there’s a lot of conditions that need to align.”

The identity of the individual requiring evacuation was not disclosed, not even whether it is a guest or a crew member. Furthermore, the nature of the “urgent medical attention” was also not disclosed in order to preserve that individual’s privacy, as well as the privacy of their family members and friends.

Ultimately, it does not matter whether the individual is a guest or a crew member. The procedure to get them urgent medical attention is the same.

Once the determination is made that a medical evacuation is necessary, the ship contacts the US Coast Guard for assistance. If all conditions are suitable, a team is dispatched to the ship. This includes weather conditions, rescue craft available, and other factors.

Carnival Jubilee Airlift
Carnival Jubilee Airlift (Credit: Kyndall Fire)

In this case, satellite tracking also shows that Carnival Jubilee diverted significantly from her typical course back to Galveston. This would be an effort not only to meet the rescue team more quickly, but also to ensure the aircraft has sufficient fuel for the roundtrip operation.

The airlift took place approximately 200 miles south of New Orleans and 300 miles southeast of Galveston.

“With the help of our Captain, Chief Engineer, Sr Physician, Hotel Director, and USCG, as well as countless other key personnel, we were able to complete this rescue and get the person ashore to get the medical attention needed,” Fire confirmed.

Cruise Hive has frequently reported on similar emergency evacuations that the USCG carries out in all types of challenging situations, most recently from Star of the Seas.

No Delay for Carnival Jubilee

Despite the route diversion and the time necessary for the critical evacuation, Carnival Jubilee will not be delayed in her return to the Lone Star State.

The ship is scheduled to arrive back at her Texas homeport by 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, March 21, and debarkation will begin shortly thereafter.

“As of now we see NO IMPACT on our arrival time in Galveston, Texas. Guests onboard should debark as originally scheduled,” Fire said.

It is not unusual for cruise ships to slow their speed during days at sea. This helps minimize breezes on the open decks, permitting more fun by the pool, on waterslides, and in other outdoor activities.

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When a diversion or evacuation might be necessary, the ship can increase speed to compensate for such delays. As of Friday afternoon, Carnival Jubilee is sailing at 16 knots (18 miles per hour), which is still a typical cruising speed. Undoubtedly, the ship will increase speed overnight as she gets closer to Galveston.

Cruise Hive commends the great work of the ship’s crew as well as the USCG team for a smooth and safe evacuation, anytime and anywhere such emergency help is needed.

P&O Cruises Expands Caribbean Footprint With New St. Kitts Homeport

Lissa Poirot
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P&O Cruises Expands Caribbean Footprint With New St. Kitts Homeport

Key Aspects:

  • P&O Cruises will homeport Iona in Basseterre, St. Kitts, starting in November 2027.
  • The move expands P&O Cruises’ fly/cruise program beyond Barbados.
  • St. Kitts is fast-tracking new cruise terminal infrastructure at Port Zante to support Iona’s operations.

P&O Cruises is expanding its Caribbean operations with a new homeport in St. Kitts, where passengers will be able to begin and end voyages beginning in November 2027.

The cruise line confirmed that its 184,000-gross-ton Iona will use Basseterre as an additional port as part of its Caribbean fly/cruise program from the UK. 

The move adds a second embarkation point in the region beyond Barbados, where the cruise line’s Britannia and Arvia are currently offering roundtrip voyages from Bridgetown.

While P&O Cruises has called on St. Kitts on previous itineraries, select sailings will now homeport on the island known for its rainforest-covered mountains and historic sugar plantations.

Passengers will fly directly to the island and board the ship to set off on 7- and 14-day roundtrip Caribbean voyages.

“We are delighted to be adding St. Kitts as an additional turnaround port for Iona, marking an exciting evolution of our Caribbean fly/cruise program from autumn 2027,” said Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK & P&O Cruises.

The deployment of Iona will bring up to 5,200 passengers per sailing, as well as 1,800 crew members, and Ludlow said the move gives P&O Cruises guests more access to “one of the region’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations.”

Basseterre, St. Kitts
Basseterre, St. Kitts (Photo Credit: Alexandre.ROSA)

Government officials in St. Kitts confirmed the agreement and praised the move. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew said, “The introduction of homeporting in St. Kitts marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s progress. Each ship that docks brings new opportunities for our people, our economy, and our culture to flourish.”

Added Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson, “By November 2027, the destination will move beyond a port of call to a transition port. This represents meaningful growth for our nation and it is growth that our people will feel.”

The addition comes as St. Kitts continues to post steady tourism growth. The destination recorded approximately 748,000 cruise passenger arrivals during the 2024-2025 season, and is already experiencing a record-breaking March 2026 as 68 cruise ship calls are expected to bring more than 130,000 guests to the island.

St. Kitts Port Upgrades Underway

The homeporting plan is part of a wider push to expand tourism capacity in St. Kitts ahead of 2027. Officials have linked the P&O Cruises agreement to broader development goals that could significantly increase visitor volumes over the next several years, with projections indicating tourism activity could double by 2027.

Government-backed projects extend beyond cruise homeporting to new cultural attractions, along with fast-tracked infrastructure upgrades at Port Zante in Basseterre.

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Authorities are developing a new cruise terminal designed to handle embarkation and disembarkation traffic more efficiently, including improved connections between the port and Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.

The project is being led by the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority and the Urban Development Corporation. Officials said the rollout will be phased ahead of the November 2027 launch to ensure the port can support turnaround operations tied to Iona.

The island expects an increase in demand for hotels, transfers, and pre- and post-cruise stays tied to Iona’s presence, though the scale will depend on sailing frequency and deployment plans, which have yet to be revealed.

Carnival Cruise Ship Returns to Service With Major Guest Enhancements

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Ship Returns to Service With Major Guest Enhancements

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Encounter is back in Brisbane following a 17-day dry dock in Singapore.
  • The ship’s hull now has Carnival Cruise Line’s signature livery design.
  • New dining and entertainment has been added to the ship, with other features refreshed and updated.

Refreshed and with a brand new look, Carnival Encounter has returned to Brisbane, Australia, following her 17-day dry dock in Singapore. Extensive updates were done to the ship from the inside out, and guests can now enjoy new venues and a whole new look.

The dry dock took place from February 16 through March 5, at which time the ship set sail on a one-way journey back to Brisbane, where she arrived with a great welcome on Friday, March 20.

The most obvious change to Carnival Encounter has been the addition of Carnival Cruise Line’s signature red-white-and-blue livery on the ship’s hull. This design was first introduced on Mardi Gras in 2021 and has since been added to all ships in the Carnival fleet.

Cruise Hive reported extensively about Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure moving from P&O Cruises Australia to Carnival Cruise Line in early 2025, but no changes to the vessels’ hulls were made at that time other than adding “Carnival” to the name.

This latest dry dock has added some Carnival favorites to the ship, including Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites with saunas, steam baths, and heated loungers. This is always a popular retreat for the most relaxation at sea.

For guests who prefer poolside fun, all five pools onboard Carnival Encounter have been revitalized and all seven whirlpool tubs have been replaced. Thrill seekers will also love that the Twin Racer slides on Deck 16 have been polished for even smoother, faster rides.

Carnival Encounter in Dry Dock
Carnival Encounter in Dry Dock

More adventures will be found on the resurfaced basketball court with new hoops and netting, perfect for family competitions and fun.

While Carnival Encounter already has plenty of food options, the popular Bonsai Sushi Express has been added starboard on Deck 5, right next to Cherry on Top. Guests will now be able to indulge in not only sushi, but also sashimi, salads, poke bowls, and more.

Cruise Hive previously reported that the ship will be getting a Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, but that rebranding is not expected to be finished until early May 2026.

New Exclusive Entertainment Added

To light up the evenings, all new entertainment has been added to the ship with “Rock Revolution: Summer of 69” and “Broadway Beats,” both exclusive shows for the cruise line’s Australia-based ships.

Another new show has also been added, “Dear Future Husband,” which was first introduced aboard Carnival Jubilee in 2023. Other onboard entertainment, including comedy acts, game shows, and trivia contests, are still part of the fun lineup for every sailing.

Guests will also find other Carnival Cruise Line favorites across departments, such as the youth clubs, the Fun Shops, a dozen bars, and the Seaside Theater.

Sailing Aboard the Refreshed Carnival Encounter

Now that Carnival Encounter has returned to Brisbane, she will resume offering year-round sailings from Queensland’s capital city. The 109,000-gross-ton, Adventure Class ship offers a diverse schedule with sailings ranging from 3-14 nights, depending on departure date and itinerary.

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Shorter sailings typically visit ports such as Airlie Beach, Cairns, or Willis Island. The 3-night getaway sailings are actually cruises to nowhere, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy all the fun Carnival Encounter has to offer.

Longer itineraries go to even more exotic destinations, including Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji, with multiple stops in the different island nations.

Carnival Encounter can welcome 2,600 guests aboard at double occupancy. The ship is also home to roughly 1,100 international crew members who strive to ensure every guest has a great cruise vacation.

Passenger’s Poolside Fall Sparks Lawsuit Against Norwegian Cruise Line

Catie Kovelman
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Passenger’s Poolside Fall Sparks Lawsuit Against Norwegian Cruise Line

Key Aspects:

  • A former passenger of Norwegian Escape fractured her left femur in a poolside slip.
  • The guest is now suing the cruise line for negligence, alleging that the pool area was not safely maintained.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line has strict rules in place to ensure the safe operation of its pools for all of its ships.

For the second time this month, Norwegian Cruise Line has been slapped by a lawsuit from an injured passenger.

On March 19, 2026, Cruise Hive reported that a guest had filed a federal lawsuit against NCL after she was injured in an ATV shore excursion that she had booked through the cruise line.

But now, another maritime personal injury lawsuit has come to light. This claim was filed by Donka Kennedy in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on March 2, 2026.

Per the claim, Kennedy was a passenger onboard the 164,998-gross ton Norwegian Escape on January 31, 2025, when she slipped on a wet, slippery substance while walking on Deck 16.

At the time of the incident, she was passing by one of the ship’s three swimming pools while making her way to the Garden Café, which is a complimentary buffet toward the aft (or rear) of the 4,218-guest ship.

The lawsuit claims that the slippery substance was transparent, so the Illinois resident could not see it prior to slipping. She suffered a left femur fracture in the fall, which required surgery and ongoing physical therapy.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line at Fault?

Kennedy’s lawsuit is seeking compensation on multiple counts of negligence, including for negligent maintenance and negligent failure to warn of a hazard.

Her legal team is arguing that the cruise line failed to safely and adequately maintain the pool area and surrounding flooring, and alleges that the crew members did not inspect the high-traffic area enough to ensure the safety of guests.

Kennedy also claims that the cruise line did not use proper non-skid mats or floor coverings and failed to use proper cleaning agents that would have prevented the walkway from becoming as slick.

Norwegian Escape Cruise Ship Pool
Norwegian Escape Cruise Ship Pool (Photo Credit: Photomarine)

These allegations have not been confirmed by the cruise line, nor are photos or videos of the conditions on deck at the time of the fall publicly available to verify or debunk Kennedy’s argument. NCL has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

Additionally, there could be an argument made that it is impossible for pool areas to be completely dry during operating hours – even with crew members actively monitoring the area – as new guests are constantly splashing around and getting in and out of the water.

Read Also: Lawsuit Filed Against Princess Cruises Over Dining Room Accident

This suggests that there is an assumption of risk for guests who choose to walk through the area. 

And to play devil’s advocate, information about other factors that could contribute to a fall, such as what shoes Kennedy was wearing, how fast she was walking, and if she was distracted at the time of the fall, is not publicly available.

NCL Enforces Pool Safety Rules

Slippery pool decks are not just unique to Norwegian Cruise Line, but are actually a complaint that guests have for essentially any cruise ship with a pool and/or jacuzzi.

In order to maintain pool deck safety, Norwegian Cruise Line’s website states that all ships have American Red Cross-certified lifeguards supervising at all times and do use slip resistant surfaces.

Additionally, children under 12 cannot use the pools unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times and no running or jumping is allowed.

As of the time of publication, Norwegian Escape is sailing normally with all pools and hot tubs open for guest enjoyment.

The Breakaway Plus-class ship is currently operating 7-night Caribbean itineraries out of New Orleans, where she will continue to homeport until mid-May.

Florida Bill Leaves No Path Forward for New Manatee County Cruise Port

Lissa Poirot
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Florida Bill Leaves No Path Forward for New Manatee County Cruise Port

Key Aspects:

  • Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill restricting dredging in protected waters on March 19, 2026.
  • The bill could block a proposed cruise port in Manatee County near Tampa and is backed by environmental organizations.
  • The planned terminal is designed to accommodate larger cruise ships that cannot pass under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

A plan to bring larger cruise ships to the Tampa Bay region may have hit a major roadblock. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a coastal resiliency bill on March 19, 2026, placing new limits on dredging in environmentally sensitive waters.

Known as SB 302, the legislation includes protections for the Terra Ceia Bay Aquatic Preserve in Manatee County, the proposed site of a new cruise terminal.

The move follows months of debate over the project, which would be located near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and designed to accommodate ships too large to pass beneath it to reach Port Tampa Bay.

Supporters of the legislation say the new rules are intended to protect fragile coastal ecosystems. At the same time, the restrictions could make it difficult to move forward with large-scale construction projects like a deep-water cruise facility.

The bill was amended in February 2026 by Bradenton Sen. Jim Boyd after developers, including SSA Marine and Slip Knott LCC, revealed plans for a new cruise port in Terra Ceia Bay.

SB 302 adds limits on dredging and filling in at designated aquatic preserves, a key requirement for building a cruise terminal capable of handling larger ships.

“When the cruise terminal was started to be discussed, we said this is just something we can’t allow in our community in that particular spot,” Sen. Boyd told local media.

Added Bradenton Rep. Will Robinson, “We don’t need a cruise ship [terminal] out there, we love our area.”

The legislation was also backed by environmental group Suncoast Waterkeeper, which has raised concerns about potential impacts to the watershed.

The bill includes exceptions for certain activities, including projects tied to public navigation, environmental restoration, or public health needs. 

Proposed Port in Jeopardy

The proposed Manatee County cruise terminal was introduced as a solution to the height restrictions of Tampa Bay’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which has a vertical clearance of about 180 feet – too low for many of the cruise industry’s newest ships.

In late 2025 and early 2026, global terminal operator SSA Marine and Tampa-based Slip Knott began outlining plans for a new cruise facility on 328 acres of land known as Knott-Cowen’s tract. 

Knott Cowen tract
The Knott Cowen tract of land is the site of a proposed cruise port near Tampa.

SSA Marine also announced the purchase of Rattlesnake Key, an adjacent 710-acre site in lower Tampa Bay within the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

The concept calls for building a deep-water terminal south of the bridge that could accommodate larger vessels that currently cannot access Port Tampa Bay, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon- and Oasis-class vessels.

Early plans include multiple berths, terminal infrastructure, and significant dredging to create a channel capable of handling modern cruise ships.

Developers said, “We are committed to transparently working through the public process and welcome the opportunity to engage local residents in meaningful dialogue and work collaboratively with the community to ensure this effort reflects West Central Florida’s needs and create sustained, long-term public benefit.”

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The plan prompted immediate reaction from local officials and environmental groups, particularly due to the scale of dredging required in protected waters.

With the bill now signed into law, the new restrictions on dredging directly affect the type of work needed to build the facility. SSA Marine and Slip Knott had not responded to the legislation as of press time. Suncoast Waterkeeper has said it expects a “long battle ahead.”

Princess Cruises Adds New Alaska Experiences Across Eight Ships

Lissa Poirot
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Princess Cruises Adds New Alaska Experiences Across Eight Ships

Key Aspects:

  • Princess Cruises is expanding its North to Alaska program with four new onboard experiences for the 2026 season.
  • The new programming will be available across all eight ships sailing in Alaska.
  • The 2026 season will be the cruise line’s largest in Alaska, with 180 departures and visits to 19 destinations.

Alaska cruises are already known for glacier views and wildlife sightings, but in 2026, passengers sailing with Princess Cruises will see more programming built around what happens onboard.

The cruise line announced on March 19, 2026, that it will expand its “North to Alaska” program for the 2026 season, introducing four new experiences that will be available across all eight ships operating in the region.

The rollout comes as the cruise line prepares for its largest Alaska deployment, with 180 departures visiting 19 destinations.

The program, first introduced in 2015, focuses on bringing regional culture, history, and natural elements onboard through presentations, entertainment, and destination-driven activities.

Read Also: Princess Cruise Ships in Alaska: Which One to Choose?

The updated lineup will be offered on Star Princess, Coral Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, and Island Princess.

Princess Cruises, Alaska
Princess Cruises, Alaska (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte)

Among the additions are a new glacier-focused programming day tied to scenic cruising, a presentation designed to orient guests early in the voyage, an après-style gathering following shore excursions, and an Alaskan-themed expansion of the line’s candlelight concert series.

“Our North to Alaska program is designed to bring guests closer to the spirit, culture, and natural beauty of Alaska in ways only Princess can deliver,” said John-Paul Lamb, Princess Cruises vice president of entertainment.

He says the experiences will connect guests with Alaska “along every step of their journey.”

The expansion coincides with the debut of Star Princess in Alaska, as the brand-new, 177,800-gross-ton vessel kicks off her first season in Alaska on May 3, 2026.

New Programming in Alaska

The new additions in the North to Alaska program in Alaska center largely on structured onboard programming tied to Alaska’s landscape and culture, with several anchored to glacier viewing days.

“The Glacier Experience: A Signature Princess Day” will be offered on select Glacier Bay sailings. The programming includes real-time commentary during scenic cruising, access to forward-facing viewing areas, National Park Service presentations, and ranger-led talks.

Guests will also have access to information desks, theater presentations, and youth-focused ranger programs.

A new “Welcome to Alaska” session will take place once per sailing and is designed to introduce guests to onboard experts and outline how to approach the itinerary.

Another addition, Après Sea, is positioned as a post-excursion gathering with drinks and views, with a dedicated venue planned aboard Star Princess in The Dome.

The Candlelight Concert Series will also be expanded with a new “Fire & Ice” format featuring Alaska-based musicians, scheduled to take place twice per voyage.

On the dining side, Princess is adding Alaska-focused menu items at specialty restaurants, including seafood dishes such as king salmon and crab cakes at Crown Grill and a halibut dish at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria.

The 2026 season will also continue existing programming, including lumberjack-themed activities tied to Ketchikan, sled dog presentations in Skagway, and guest speakers ranging from Alaska Native educators to photographers and authors.

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Additional onboard offerings include outdoor movie nights, stargazing sessions, and youth programming tied to Alaska themes, including gold rush activities and ranger-style educational programs.

Princess Cruises kicks off its season with Royal Princess setting sail on May 2, 2026, from Vancouver, and Ruby Princess and Star Princess both launching on May 3 from San Francisco and Seattle, respectively.

Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, Island Princess, and Coral Princess will also be sailing from Vancouver beginning May 6, 8, 9, and 13, respectively.

MSC Poesia Welcoming New Menus and Dining Venues for Alaska Season

Lissa Poirot
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0
MSC Poesia Welcoming New Menus and Dining Venues for Alaska Season

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Poesia is adding new menus and beverage options ahead of its inaugural Alaska season, beginning in May 2026.
  • The culinary focus will be on regional seafood and cold-weather offerings, including hot drinks during glacier viewing.
  • The ship is also adding Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar to its specialty dining options.

Hot chocolate on deck while sailing past glaciers is one of several changes coming to MSC Cruises’ Alaska season as the cruise line rolls out new menus and dining venues aboard MSC Poesia.

The company announced that its inaugural Alaska season, beginning in May 2026, will include updated food and beverage offerings designed to reflect the region.

The changes introduce a stronger focus on seafood and bring more menu items suited to cooler weather conditions.

“Our inaugural season in Alaska represents an exciting milestone for MSC Cruises, and enhancing the onboard dining and beverage experience to reflect the destination was a key priority for us,” said Neil Palomba, executive vice president, MSC Cruises USA.

Palomba said the changes will mix European style and American comfort with a goal of matching Alaska’s natural experience with the cruise line’s culinary experience.

He added MSC Poesia will give guests “everything from the perfect cup of hot chocolate as they sail past stunning glaciers to a taste of Alaska’s trademark seafood after an exhilarating day of exploring on shore.”

Menus across the ship’s main dining venues will include regional dishes like halibut tacos, amber-battered cod, and seafood chowders. Alaskan salmon is expected to appear across multiple venues throughout the sailing season.

Dining updates extend across multiple areas of the ship, including both included and specialty venues, with menu additions intended to align with destinations on the itinerary.

Butcher's Cut
Butcher’s Cut

The beverage program is also being adjusted for Alaska sailings with a range of hot cocktails. Among them are a gin-based “Hot Honey Soother,” a lighter take on a mulled wine called “Un-Wined in Juneau,” and a traditional hot toddy and spiked hot chocolate.

Additional options include a chocolate-based martini, a martini featuring smoked salmon flavors, and a crisp sparkling cocktail, “Fjord the Love of Bubbly.”

During daytime sailing, the Mojito Bar will host a Bloody Mary experience.

New Restaurants for a New Destination

The dining updates for MSC Poesia also include two new specialty restaurants being added during the 92,627-gross-ton vessel’s dry dock ahead of the Alaska season.

The ship entered dry dock in Malta on February 19, 2026, and is expected to resume service on April 6, beginning a transatlantic repositioning to Seattle with several cruises and a Panama Canal crossing.

Butcher’s Cut, the cruise line’s American-style steakhouse found across much of the MSC fleet, including MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, and World-class ships, will serve a menu centered on premium cuts of beef alongside traditional steakhouse sides.

Kaito Sushi Bar will bring a second new option, focusing on sushi and Asian-inspired dishes.

Read Also: Best Cruise Lines for Alaska – Top Picks for Every Type of Traveler

The 3,223-passenger MSC Poesia is scheduled to operate its first full Alaska season from May 11 through September 28, 2026. The ship will sail roundtrip from Seattle on 7-night itineraries, marking MSC Cruises’ inaugural season in the area.

Each sailing is expected to include a mix of port calls and scenic cruising with stops in Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Juneau, along with a stop in Victoria, British Columbia.

The cruise line has also confirmed that MSC Poesia will return to Alaska for the 2027 season.

Carnival Issues New PortMiami Traffic Alert for Weekend Cruise Departures

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Issues New PortMiami Traffic Alert for Weekend Cruise Departures

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has sent traffic alerts to guests sailing out of PortMiami this weekend, March 21-22.
  • With 8 ships on Saturday and 9 on Sunday, tens of thousands of guests will be moving through the port each day.
  • Guests should plan accordingly for potential delays, as each Carnival ship will be departing on schedule.

It’s becoming a regular concern that traffic is expected to be very congested and challenging in PortMiami, especially on weekends. To that end, Carnival Cruise Line has sent out an alert for four ships this weekend, ensuring that embarking guests are aware of the possibility of delays.

Emails, text alerts, and phone messages have been sent to guests embarking on Carnival Magic and Carnival Sunrise on Saturday, March 22, as well as guests embarking on Carnival Celebration and Carnival Horizon on Sunday, March 22.

“While you prepare for your cruise, we’d like to inform you that PortMiami will be operating with a high number of ships the day of your embarkation, amidst construction in the downtown area and within the port premises,” the email explained.

“Consequently, there will be detours and heavier-than-normal traffic in and around the area.”

The cruise line is reminding guests they still need to arrive within the terminal arrival appointment they selected when checking in for their sailing.

One twist guests should be particularly mindful of, however, is that every cruise ship should still be setting sail on time. For all four Carnival ships this weekend, their departure times are planned for 3 p.m.

Cruise Ships Docked in PortMiami
Cruise Ships Docked in PortMiami (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)

Cruise Hive has previously reported on incidents when traffic delays cruise passengers and they miss their ship’s departure. Even if the ship is still docked, if the all-aboard time (printed on every boarding pass) has passed, guests will not be permitted to embark on their ship, and they will miss their cruise.

When this happens, the cruise line is not responsible and no refunds or other compensation will be offered. If guests have travel insurance and miss their ship, any reimbursement will depend on the exact terms and conditions of their policy.

How Busy Will PortMiami Be?

In total, there will be 17 cruise ships moving through PortMiami this weekend. Eight ships are scheduled for Saturday, and nine on Sunday.

In addition to Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Magic, Miami will be hosting Icon of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Brilliant Lady, Oceania Allura, Norwegian Encore, and MSC World America on Saturday.

Considering both Icon of the Seas and MSC World America are among the top 10 largest cruise ships in the world, traffic may be extreme as more than 65,000 guests will be either debarking or embarking ships in Miami on Saturday.

Sunday is even busier. Along with Carnival Horizon and Carnival Celebration, ships from six other cruise lines will also be in port: P&O Ventura, Symphony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Scarlet Lady, Norwegian Aqua, MSC Divina, and Celebrity Beyond.

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Together, Sunday’s nine ships add up to more than 75,000 cruise guests coming or going at the port. On both days, additional traffic from other port operations, crew members, port employees, vendors, and more will further add to the traffic congestion.

Recent guests sailing out of PortMiami have shared what can only be described as horror stories with respect to traffic.

“Talked to someone on our recent cruise out of Miami who took an Uber at 11:30 a.m. to the terminal thinking that would be plenty of time to be onboard long before the 2:30 p.m. deadline,” one guest described. “They arrived at 2:25 p.m. The distance from their hotel to the terminal was less than 10 miles.”

Some guests have even chosen to get out of vehicles such as Uber, Lyft, or taxis and simply walk to reach the cruise terminal because the traffic has been so congested.

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