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Norwegian Cruise Line Faces Lawsuit After ATV Flips During Shore Excursion

Norwegian Cruise Line News

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Mar 19, 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Line Faces Lawsuit After ATV Flips During Shore Excursion

Key Aspects:

A former NCL guest has filed a lawsuit against the cruise line after being seriously injured during a shore excursion.
The guest was partaking in an ATV tour when her ATV turned over and fell on her during an accident.
She alleges that the cruise line is negligent in its advertising of the tour and for not properly warning of the danger associated with it.

A former passenger of Norwegian Joy, Kelly Damron, is bringing the hammer down on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) after suffering serious injuries during a shore excursion that was booked through the cruise line.

Damron filed a federal lawsuit against the cruise line in the Southern District of Florida on March 18, 2026, seeking no less than $250,000 to compensate for her injuries and ongoing suffering.

Almost exactly one year prior to filing, on March 19, 2025, Damron participated in the “Buggy Eco-Adventure & Mayan Eden Park” while the 167,725-gross ton cruise ship was making a call in Roatan, Honduras. The tour involved riding off-road ATV/buggy vehicles on steep terrain.

During the tour, the Arizona resident was following another buggy that repeatedly stalled while navigating the hilly conditions. During one of these instances, Damron attempted to maneuver around the stalled vehicle.

Unfortunately, Damron lost control of her assigned ATV in the process, causing the vehicle to overturn and fall on top of the cruise guest.

“As DAMRON attempted to safely maneuver around the stalled buggy, she began descending the steep hill and attempted to brake,” the claim states, which was sent to Cruise Hive by Damron’s attorneys.

“Due to the steepness and dangerous condition of the trail, and the lack of adequate supervision or guidance from excursion staff positioned along the trail, DAMRON lost control of the ATV, causing it to overturn and land on top of her,” the claim continues.

The cruiser suffered significant injuries in the accident, including a shattered right collarbone that required surgery, multiple fractured ribs, lower back injuries, neuropathy in her legs, memory loss, and potential cervical spine damage.

NCL Sued For Negligence

Specifically, Damron and her legal team are pursuing five counts against Norwegian Cruise Line and the unnamed third-party tour operator that NCL partners with to operate the tour.

The accusations are connected to negligence, negligent retention of an unsafe tour operator, failure to warn of unsafe conditions, and arguments that the cruise line is responsible because the excursion operator was effectively acting as NCL’s agent.

“The subject excursion was purchased by DAMRON through NCL’s excursion website. There was no sufficient mention in the advertisement or the purchase confirmation for the excursion from NCL that the excursion was being operated by independent contractors,” the claim argues.

Damron’s legal team is arguing that the cruise line failed to clarify that the excursion was operated by an independent third party and had prior notice of safety problems related to similar ATV/buggy tours through past lawsuits and consumer reviews.

“Prior passengers complained of and/or commented about safety-related dangers involving ATV and buggy excursions, including rollover risks, unsafe terrain, equipment problems, breakdowns, and unsafe operations, through publicly available reviews, complaints, and prior lawsuits involving substantially similar excursions,” the suit alleges.

Additionally, the lawsuit goes on to claim that Damron was not given proper instruction on how to safely operate the ATV on hazardous terrain, nor were enough guides present on the trail to supervise guests and ensure proper spacing between vehicles.

As of the time of publication, Norwegian Joy is operating normally and is based in Port Canaveral, Florida. She will continue offering itineraries to the Caribbean and the Bahamas until repositioning to Seattle to begin her Alaska season in May.

Is There an Assumption of Risk?

Currently, Norwegian Cruise Line offers two ATV excursions for Roatan, Honduras, on its website. These include the 4.5-hour “Jungle ATV Adventure & Beach Escape” and the 4.5-hour “ATV & Mangrove Cruise.”

NCL categorizes its excursions with activity levels, with a level 1 tour being easy and a level 3 tour requiring the most physical exertion. The listings for these ATV tours make it clear that they are both intense, level 3 activities.

The website also makes it clear that only healthy guests should book these tours and warns of potentially dangerous conditions.

“Tours with this activity level involve physical exertion for extended periods of time; can involve uneven or steep terrain or swimming in a light current. Recommended only for physically fit and adventurous travelers,” both tours warn.

Guests are also required to sign a waiver prior to participating in these shore excursions, in which they indicate that they understand the risk associated with the activity.

In a somewhat similar situation, NCL was sued by a family after a father drowned during a shore excursion in Bermuda. The family alleged that Norwegian Cruise Line did not properly inform guests about the hazards associated with the swimming tour. The results of that lawsuit are still pending, but Cruise Hive will be sure to cover it if and when updates become available.

NCL Reverses Course and Honors Drink Packages Indefinitely at Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 19, 2026

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NCL Reverses Course and Honors Drink Packages Indefinitely at Great Stirrup Cay

Key Aspects:

NCL has announced two operational updates for Great Stirrup Cay impacting drink packages and the destination’s new pier.
First, Norwegian Cruise Line will now allow guests to use their “Free at Sea” drink package on the island indefinitely.
Next, the private destination will temporarily resume tendering operations as work on the new pier is completed.

Norwegian Cruise Line has dropped two big pieces of news for Great Stirrup Cay, one of which guests will be very happy about and the other some may find mildly annoying.

Starting with the good news, Norwegian Cruise Line has now fully walked back controversial plans to render the “Free at Sea” drink package unusable at the private Bahamian destination.

Potentially in response to the mass outrage, the current “Free at Sea” beverage program has been extended indefinitely at the private island.

Travel professionals have been notified of the switch, and as further confirmation, Great Stirrup Cay has also been removed as a package exclusion on NCL’s website.

“The Free at Sea beverage package has been extended indefinitely for Great Stirrup Cay. So if you have the FAS drink package it will still work on GSC after March 31; you don’t need to upgrade to FAS+,” a travel agent shared on social media.

If guests already upgraded their drink package in order to use it on the island, they are able to cancel or downgrade as long as they are at least three days out from embarkation day.

Why Was the Drink Package Change Controversial?

Initially, the onboard drink packages were going to be cancelled in exchange for the creation of a new, island-specific drink package. Details of this were never released, but it’s possible that they will still come in the future.

What ultimately ended up happening was guests who wanted drink package perks at Great Stirrup Cay were being told to upgrade to the “Free at Sea Plus” (FAS+) package, which is more expensive at a cost of $49.99 per person, per day.

Great Stirrup Cay and Drinks (Photo Credits: Paul Bartlett & Dennis MacDonald)

For context, the “Free at Sea” package has a lower price point of $28.50 per person, per day, and that extra $21.49 per person can add up quickly. On a week-long cruise, that would be an extra $150.43 per person.

In light of the negative feedback, NCL had already delayed the implementation of the new policy. Before the indefinite pause, the launch was pushed back from March 1, 2026, until March 31, 2026.

Of course, drink packages are not mandatory to cruise with NCL. Beverages like water, lemonade, and basic teas and coffees are included in the cruise fare, and guests who would like something extra can purchase à la carte.

A Temporary Return to Tendering

Here comes the news that cruise guests may be less excited about. When Great Stirrup Cay first opened in the Berry Islands, it did so as a tender port.

This was problematic, as port calls were more likely to be cancelled due to inclement weather and shuttling guests between the ship and the shore could be a time suck.

The cruise line opened its own pier at the private destination at the end of 2025, but the pier in use is temporary and construction still needs to be completed. The island will temporarily return to tendering while the work on the permanent pier is finished, beginning in April.

“Many of you have used the pier built at GSC and noticed it was temporary. NCL will be working on the permanent pier, so tendering will return beginning in April,” the travel advisor’s update continued.

The goal is to complete the work by July, which should align well with the planned opening of the 19-slide Great Tides Waterpark this summer.

Florida Police Sergeant Drowns at Grand Turk During Cruise Visit

Port News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 18, 2026

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Florida Police Sergeant Drowns at Grand Turk During Cruise Visit

Key Aspects:

A cruise guest drowned near the Grand Turk Cruise Centre on Monday, March 9, 2026.
The guest was identified as 39-year-old Richard Parrish of the Wildwood Police Department.
The incident is likely to be investigated and the cause of Parrish’s drowning has not been released.

A cruise vacation should be a joyful time to make memories, but unfortunately, tragic incidents can occur at any time and at any cruise port. One such incident happened at Grand Turk on Monday, March 9, 2026 when a cruise passenger drowned in what is being described as an accident.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force confirmed the incident, stating that there was a drowning near the Cruise Centre.

The statement confirmed the death of a 39-year-old male identified as Richard Parrish, who was a passenger aboard one of the cruise ships visiting Grand Turk that day.

Parrish was snorkeling near the Cruise Centre at roughly 11:40 a.m. when he apparently had difficulty and lifeguards responded to his distress, pulling him from the water and beginning CPR.

As lifesaving efforts continued, Parrish was transported to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre. The hospital is just over four miles north of the cruise port. Unfortunately, further efforts were unsuccessful and Parrish was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

No further details about what caused Parrish’s difficulties while snorkeling have been released, and it is not known whether he was traveling solo or with family members or friends. The incident is likely to be further investigated to determine the exact cause of death, including whether any medical condition or extenuating circumstances may have contributed to Parrish’s death.

The exact cruise ship has also not been identified, but only two vessels were in Grand Turk on March 9.

Carnival Vista was visiting on an 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that departed Port Canaveral on Saturday, March 7, and Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam was on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Fort Lauderdale, also having departed on Saturday.

Local news reports further identified Richard Parrish as a Sergeant with the Wildwood Police Department in Florida. The department released condolences about Parrish’s death on social media and local media reports have stated that he died while on vacation in the Caicos Islands.

“Sgt. Parrish was an excellent police sergeant, but more improtantly, he was an amazing person and a good friend to all,” Chief Randy Parmer stated. “He was well-respected, valued, and loved by those he worked with and everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed by our Wildwood Police Department family and the entire community.”

Drownings Are Not Common, But Do Happen on Cruise Vacations

It can be troubling to think of a drowning death on a cruise vacation, particularly when water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, and more are such popular activities.

Unknown waters can always be dangerous, however, even if they may appear beautiful and calm.

Cruise Hive has often reported on drowning deaths at different destinations. In August 2025, for example, two Carnival cruise guests drowned in separate incidents at Celebration Key, one in a pool and another on the beach.

Just days earlier, two Celestyal Cruises guests drowned after being swept off rocks on Milos in Greece during strong winds and rough waves.

In March 2024, a Norwegian Cruise Line guest drowned during a visit to Bermuda, while in December 2025, an AIDA Cruises guest was swept out to sea and drowned while taking photos from dangerous rocks in Vigo, Spain.

Despite what may seem to be frequent incidents, many cruise guests do safely enjoy all manner of water sports on their vacations.

Cruise guests should always be cautious whether they are actively swimming or just near the water, regardless of the water’s conditions or overall depth. Even strong swimmers could easily underestimate their abilities or succumb to unexpected waves, currents, or invisible obstacles.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with Sgt. Parrish’s friends, family, and department at this very sad time.

Disney Cruise Line Confirms Disney Believe as New Wish Class Ship for 2027

Disney Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 18, 2026

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Disney Cruise Line Confirms Disney Believe as New Wish Class Ship for 2027

Key Aspects:

Disney Cruise Line has announced the name of the fourth Wish Class ship as Disney Believe.
The new ship will debut in late 2027 with a “promise and possibilities” theme.
The ship’s homeport and itinerary options have not yet been announced.

Disney Cruise Line is growing rapidly and guests who believe in the magic of a cruise vacation as the perfect getaway will love the name of the fourth Wish Class ship: Disney Believe.

The vessel’s name was announced by the cruise line’s new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, on his very first day leading the cruise line. The announcement was made at the 2026 Walt Disney Company Annual Shareholders Meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The ship follows the lead ship in the class, Disney Wish, as well as her two active sister ships, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny.

Disney Believe is scheduled to set sail in late 2027, though exact dates and details about her voyages and homeport have not yet been announced.

What is known is the theme of the new ship, which will be “promise and possibilities.” This is an excellent choice for this period of growth for the cruise line, as well as to embody the hope of every cruise traveler eager for all the opportunities a cruise vacation may present.

In comparison, Disney Wish has an “enchantment” theme while Disney Treasure embraces an “adventure” theme and Disney Destiny highlights a “heroes and villains” theme. Onboard each ship, these themes guide not only decor but also the highly detailed rotational dining restaurant themes as well as activities and entertainment.

Disney Believe will bring to life the promise and possibilities of hit films such as “Encanto,” “Frozen,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Moana,” and “The Little Mermaid.”

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A post shared by Disney Cruise Line (@disneycruiseline)

Details of which films might become themed dining experiences, production shows, or unique character interactions have not been revealed. Individual stateroom decor will also likely be guided by these key films.

It is possible that the ship’s iconic stern characters may also be from these films. Disney Wish, for example, features Rapunzel and her playful chameleon companion Pascal, perfect for the ship’s “enchanted” motif.

Disney Treasure features Captain Hook and Peter Pan for the ultimate adventure, while Disney Destiny has one of the Marvel universe’s most popular heroes, Spider-Man, hanging on by a thread.

Truly Magical Cruise Line Growth

Disney Cruise Line is growing at a magical pace to fulfill the promises and possibilities of great cruise vacations for all its guests.

While the line featured just four ships in its first 15 years – Disney Magic (1998); Disney Wonder (1999); Disney Dream (2011), and Disney Fantasy (2012) – it would be a full decade before Disney Wish joined the fleet in 2022.

Now, in just four years, three other ships have set sail for Disney Cruise Line. Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny debuted in 2024 and 2025, while the new Global Class Disney Adventure just debuted a week ago in Singapore.

Cruise Hive has reported on that ship’s initial successes and surprises, as well as her official christening on March 4, 2026.

A fifth Wish Class ship is already planned to debut in 2029 and will be based in Japan, and Disney Cruise Line is planning a future class of slightly smaller ships with vessels debuting in 2029, 2030, and 2031.

The Wish Class ships are 144,000 gross tons, while the new, as-yet-unnamed class will be just 105,000 gross tons. This will be slightly smaller than the Dream Class but larger than the Magic Class.

Speculation is high that the new, smaller class might eventually replace the aging Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, which will be more than 30 years old by the time the new class sets sail. This has not been confirmed, however.

Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for more updates on Disney Believe as well as future Disney Cruise Line ships as the fleet continues to grow, bringing ever-more cruise magic to guests worldwide.

Norwegian Cruise Brands Make Changes That Hit Top Tier Cruisers Hardest

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 18, 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Brands Make Changes That Hit Top Tier Cruisers Hardest

Key Aspects:

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has updated its cross-brand loyalty status matching across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The biggest changes affect top-tier members, whose status will now be recognized at lower levels.
The updated structure applies to requests submitted on or after March 16, 2026.

Cruise loyalty perks are getting a reset across Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ (NCLH) three cruise lines: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The company has updated its Status Honoring Tier Recognition Structure for its Latitudes Rewards program, which allows guests to have their loyalty status recognized across brands.

But the changes won’t impact all loyalty members equally. The biggest shifts are expected at the top tiers, where guests crossing between brands, particularly into Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, may see their status recognized at a lower level than before.

“As you know, Latitudes Rewards members enjoy their loyalty status when cruising with Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises,” said NCLH in its announcement. “As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver a consistent and rewarding experience across all NCLH brands, we’ve refined our Status Honoring Tier Recognition Structure.”

Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises see the biggest changes under the revised recognition chart, with the top end of both programs compressed under the new structure.

At Oceania Cruises, the President’s Circle is no longer matched at the top level and now maps to Diamond.

At Regent Seven Seas, the upper tiers have also been narrowed, with Commodore and Diamond both mapping to Titanium, while the former Titanium tier now maps to Platinum.

The shift carries over to Norwegian Cruise Line passengers crossing into those sister brands. Ambassador, NCL’s highest Latitudes Rewards tier, is now capped at Diamond when matched to Oceania Cruises rather than President’s Circle.

When matched to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Ambassador is capped at Titanium instead of Commodore. Sapphire members are also affected, now matching at the Platinum level on both Oceania and Regent Seven Seas.

The changes do not alter NCL’s own tier ladder, which still runs from Bronze through Ambassador within the Latitudes Rewards program.

NCLH said the revised structure is intended to better align those differences across its portfolio. The company did not announce any changes to onboard benefits, earning rates, or qualification requirements within each individual loyalty program.

What Passengers Need to Know

The cross-brand loyalty program at NCLH is relatively new. Introduced on September 29, 2025, the first sailings eligible for matched benefits across cruise lines began on October 15, 2025.

The updated Status Honoring Tier Recognition Structure now applies to all requests submitted on or after March 16, 2026.

Guests who submitted a status match request before that date – but who are sailing after March 16 – will continue to be honored under the 2025 structure.

Under both the original and updated versions of the program, guests must actively submit a request to have their status recognized across brands at least 10 days before departure and cannot be added once a cruise has begun. Once approved, the matched tier applies to upcoming sailings with the sister cruise lines.

NCLH notes that status matching is not a permanent offering and recognition is granted on a per-cruise basis and applies only for the duration of that sailing. Guests revert back to their original tier with each brand after the voyage is completed.

While guests will receive standard tier benefits from the brand they are sailing with, milestone perks such as complimentary cruises, upgrades, and personalized gifts, are not included.

Points are earned only with the cruise line being sailed, and if a passenger holds status across multiple brands, the highest tier will be honored for that voyage.

TUI Cruises Scraps More Sailings Aboard Two Ships Stuck in the Middle East

TUI Cruises News

Donna Tunney

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Mar 18, 2026

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TUI Cruises Scraps More Sailings Aboard Two Ships Stuck in the Middle East

Key Aspects:

TUI Cruises has cancelled more cruises aboard two ships stranded in Middle Eastern ports.
Scheduled sailings of Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 are nixed at least through late March.
The ships are unable to leave the area via the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict.

Still unable to move two of its ships through the closed Strait of Hormuz, TUI Cruises has cancelled more itineraries that were to be operated aboard Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 in the coming weeks.

The strategically crucial strait, which separates key Persian Gulf ports from the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, remains off limits as the US-Israeli war against Iran continues.

Mein Schiff 4 is currently docked in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, while sister ship Mein Schiff 5 is in Doha, Qatar.

A new statement from TUI Cruises on March 17, 2026, confirms that Mein Schiff 4’s scheduled cruises up to and including its March 23 departure are cancelled, and Mein Schiff 5’s itineraries through its March 29 departure are cancelled. The ships accommodate 2,506 and 2,534 guests, respectively.

TUI Cruises is based in Hamburg, Germany, and caters to the German market. The eight-ship line is a joint venture between the Germany-based TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group, each of which owns a 50% stake.

In addition to regional hostilities caused by the widening conflict, the cruise line cited the German Foreign Office’s travel warnings, which were recently updated to include 11 Middle East destinations.

Where the Cruise Ships Were Scheduled to Sail

Mein Schiff 4 was due to sail from Dubai, UAE, on March 22, operating a 20-day voyage to Cape Town, South Africa. Port calls were scheduled for Muscat, Oman; Mahe Island, Seychelles; Mauritius Island; Reunion Island; and Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The next scheduled cruise onboard the ship, if it is able to reposition via a Strait of Hormuz transit, departs April 11, 2026, and sails a 20-day cruise from Cape Town to Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

According to its statement, TUI Cruises advised guests booked on future voyages that they would receive details about next steps if additional changes are required.

As for Mein Schiff 5, the ship’s next cruise was to depart on March 29, 2026, from Cape Town and sail a 19-day voyage to Palma de Mallorca. Guests were to visit Walvis Bay, Namibia; Santiago Island, Cape Verde; Tenerife, Canary Islands; and Gibraltar.

Her next scheduled cruise, a 7-night sailing from Palma de Mallorca to Crete, Greece, is to depart on April 17, 2026.

TUI Cruises also confirmed that all guests and many crew members have disembarked Mein Schiff 5 and are en route to their home destinations.

“The primary objective now remains the safety and well-being of the remaining crew on board Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5,” a statement from TUI Cruises said.

Line’s Crisis Management Team Working on Solutions

Meanwhile, TUI Cruises’ crisis management team is working with authorities such as the German Foreign Office, various embassies, and security officials of its parent companies to continually assess the precarious situation in the region.

The company is also preparing possible scenarios to resume its ships’ scheduled itineraries. Its message to booked guests specifically requested that individuals with reservations to sail on future cruises avoid trying to contact the line about upcoming itineraries, saying it will keep them updated.

TUI Cruises had previously cancelled the March 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 sailings of Mein Schiff 4, and the February 28 and March 5 voyages of Mein Schiff 5.

The cruise line joined several other brands that cancelled voyages because their ships were stranded in Middle Eastern ports, with no way to transit the Strait of Hormuz. These included MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia, and Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey.

Coast Guard Carries Out Urgent Airlift of British Passenger From Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 18, 2026

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Coast Guard Carries Out Urgent Airlift of British Passenger From Star of the Seas

Key Aspects:

The US Coast Guard performed a nighttime airlift from Star of the Seas 200 nautical miles northwest of Puerto Rico.
A 64-year-old male British passenger was evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency.
The incident occurred during the ship’s March 8, 2026 sailing, an Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

An emergency medical situation arose on Star of the Seas on March 9, 2026 while the ship was 230 miles (200 nautical miles) northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The ship had departed Port Canaveral the day before on Sunday, March 8 and had enjoyed the next day visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay. After leaving the private island at approximately 4 p.m., Star of the Seas was heading for St. Thomas as the next stop on the 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

Unfortunately, a 64-year-old male British passenger experienced a medical emergency along the way, requiring a precision airlift from the ship. The ship sent out the request for emergency medical assistance on Monday, March 9.

A US Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter and its expertly trained crew from Air Station Borinquen on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico was able to respond. The crew airlifted not only the guest, but also his next-of-kin and a Star of the Seas nurse from the ship’s flight deck for transportation to the Centro Medico Hospital for further treatment.

“This was a great example of the professionalism of all of the Coast Guard units, medical professionals, and the crew of Star of the Seas to execute an early morning hoist of the patient,” said Lt. Nicholas Forsythe, Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen copilot for the rescue.

“The coordinated efforts ensured the individual was able to safely reach the higher level of care he required.”

A video shows the harrowing rescue with the litter being hoisted to the helicopter as the ship was underway.

Because the airlift was described as happening in the early morning hours, it is unclear whether the guest was airlifted on Monday or later in the week, perhaps on Tuesday morning as the ship got closer to Puerto Rico. To safeguard the guest’s privacy, no further information about his condition or treatment has been released.

There is no indication that the remainder Star of the Seas‘ itinerary was impacted. The 248,663-gross-ton vessel returned to Port Canaveral as planned on Sunday, March 15, ready to welcome another 5,600+ guests aboard.

The Challenges of At-Sea Airlifts

Cruise ships are well-equipped to handle many different situations, but even the most modern and largest vessels cannot manage every medical emergency. When the need arises, it may be necessary to evacuate a guest or crew member from the ship to a hospital facility on land.

No at-sea medical evacuation is simple or easy, but these operations can be even more complicated when a ship is far from shore.

When a ship is at sea, the medical staff onboard will coordinate the necessary care and will make an evacuation decision after consultation with on-shore experts and rescue evacuation teams.

Distance from shore, severe weather, the patient’s immediate condition, the ship’s itinerary, and other factors can all influence the timing of at-sea rescues.

Ultimately, the health and safety of all guests, crew members, and rescue personnel is the top priority in such situations. Rescues will be attempted whenever possible, even if a ship’s route or itinerary must be adjusted to compensate.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on all types of adjustments to such rescues. At times, a ship may return to its homeport or a recent port of call to evacuate a guest if the vessel is close enough to shore.

In some cases, a ship might make an unscheduled stop at a different port for a medical evacuation. Star of the Seas did exactly that in November 2025. At other times, speeding up to get closer to shore in order for an airlift team to reach the ship safely is the best option.

Regardless of the situation, all cruise guests should be grateful that the US Coast Guard teams and other rescue personnel stand ready whenever their emergency services may be needed.

Royal Caribbean Shows Off New Beach Club That Will Open in 2027

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 18, 2026

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Royal Caribbean Shows Off New Beach Club That Will Open in 2027

Key Aspects:

Royal Caribbean has provided a first look at Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu.
The new beach-and-nature destination will open for guests in October 2027.
Royal Beach Club Vanuatu will be included in guests’ cruise fare and will be a tender port.

Royal Caribbean guests are very familiar with the cruise line’s popular private destinations in the Bahamas: Perfect Day at CocoCay as well as the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island that opened in late December 2025. Cruise Hive has also reported on a lot of interest in the new plans for Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya and Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece.

Now the cruise line has offered a first look at Royal Beach Club Lelepa, the first-ever private cruise destination that will open in the Southern Hemisphere.

Royal Beach Club Lelepa is expected to be available for sailings beginning in October 2027. Those cruises are now available for booking, and include options aboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.

Different cruise options include voyages from Australia, longer South Pacific itineraries, and epic transpacific cruises. Additional deployments and ships may also be announced in the months leading up to the new destination’s grand opening.

Royal Beach Club Lelepa (pronounced leh-leh-PAH) will be in the nation of Vanuatu, an archipelago roughly 1,200 miles northeast of Brisbane, Australia. The beach club will be on the northern side of the island.

In comparison to other popular local ports, Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be just about 25 miles’ sailing distance from Port Vila and about 350 miles north of Noumea in New Caledonia.

How Royal Beach Club Lelepa Will Be Different

The new beach club is designed to offer guests an exclusive experience unlike any other.

“We are developing a beach club experience that is completely connected to the Australian guests who’ve told us exactly how they want to experience that, and that’s we’re creating,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean. “It’s really going to be a special place.”

The new beach club will feature two outstanding beaches, an adults-only retreat, a nature trail, water sports, unlimited island foods, and more for guests to enjoy.

Initial artistic renderings show bright tropical colors and shaded pavilions, plenty of beach loungers, beach volleyball courts, beach cricket, cornhole tosses, and more.

While Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be a tender port that requires the use of water shuttles rather than a pier, that will enhance the exclusive vibe of the destination.

The key to the new destination is its authentic connection to the Australian guest experience and what travelers Down Under want from their cruise vacations.

Unlike more developed locations, the idea behind Royal Beach Club Lelepa is to give guests an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and pristine marine habitats.

“We have spent a lot of time really understanding the topography of the island,” said Keri-Ann Chin-Sang, Senior Director, Product Development for Royal Caribbean.

“The plan is to really showcase the natural beauty of the destination. The waters are crystal clear, blue for miles. The backdrop is just a vision of mountains. It really is a stunning destination.”

In addition to the beaches, guests will be able to enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water sports. Glass bottom options will offer unique ocean views and a stunning connection to the water.

A total of 10 bars will provide a mix of popular favorite cocktails and drinks as well as more unique beverages and local brews.

Further details on menus, exact tour options, and more are sure to be released in the coming months.

What Will the New Beach Club Cost?

Unlike Royal Beach Club Paradise Island that is an excursion opportunity for an extra cost for Royal Caribbean ships visiting Nassau, Royal Beach Club Lelepa is included in guests’ cruise fare, similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

For refreshment, guests will be able to sample a blended menu of Royal Caribbean classic dishes as well as local dishes from two eateries, with dining included at no extra charge.

Beach strollers and beach wheelchairs will be free for visitors, ensuring everyone can access all the beauty and relaxation the destination has to offer. Towels, loungers, and umbrellas are also free, though guests can rent more exclusive daybeds and water sports equipment if desired.

A “Mama’s Market” shopping area will undoubtedly feature exclusive souvenirs and likely local artisan items and other unique retail shops.

Of course, guests do not have to get off their ship if they prefer to stay onboard and enjoy each vessel’s amenities.

Big Guest Mistake Shuts Down Toilet Flush System on Cruise Ship

MSC Cruises News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 17, 2026

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Big Guest Mistake Shuts Down Toilet Flush System on Cruise Ship

Key Aspects:

The flushing system onboard MSC Meraviglia is temporarily out of order.
Per a letter from the cruise line, a current guest caused a blockage after flushing a towel down the toilet.
Some cruisers think the latest issue points to a bigger problem with the ship’s toilet and sewage system.

UPDATE:

MSC Cruises has provided an update regarding the plumbing issues onboard MSC Meraviglia and confirmed that there are no plumbing issues currently onboard. The cruise line is also reminding guests to dispose of items properly to avoid blockages in the toilet system.

MSC Cruises stated to Cruise Hive, “We can confirm that there is no current plumbing issue onboard and the ship’s plumbing systems are functioning properly. As with any cruise ship, flushing foreign objects can cause temporary blockages that may impact one stateroom or multiple areas. For this reason, we kindly remind guests to dispose of such items appropriately and only flush toilet paper. We appreciate our guests’ cooperation in helping us maintain the highest standards of comfort and functionality onboard.“

PREVIOUSLY:

Current guests onboard MSC Meraviglia are dealing with a rather crappy situation (pun intended) thanks to the poor decision of one guest.

According to a letter from MSC Cruises, which was obtained by Cruise Hive, someone decided to flush a cotton towel down their stateroom’s toilet, which has impacted the ship’s flushing system.

“We regret to inform you that we are currently facing a technical issue that is affecting the operation of our toilet flush system in different areas of the ship,” MSC wrote.

“Unfortunately, this malfunctioning has been caused by somebody that flushed a large cotton towel down the toilet, causing a blockage of the line that overloaded the extraction pump, which was subsequently damaged,” the cruise line explained.

As of the time of publication, the onboard engineering team is hard at work making the appropriate repairs and getting all of the toilets up and running again.

At the moment, there is no change to the itinerary due to the maintenance situation. The 5,700-guest ship is currently in the middle of a 7-night cruise to the Bahamas, which set sail in New York on March 15, 2026.

A History of Repeat Offenses

Interestingly, many on social media have spoken up to say that they had received the same or similar letters while recently sailing onboard MSC Meraviglia.

This means that either some cruise passengers are really stupid, or that this might be a template that MSC whips out anytime a blockage impacts the toilets.

“Hmmmm…same letter went out mid February so…either there’s multiple stupid people or there’s a mechanical issue and they fabricated the towel story,” one recent guest said.

“lol pretty sure this is a generic letter they send when toilets don’t work, they are liars, we got the exact same one in Feb,” another chimed in.

“They gave it to us on my cruise as well. The YC concierge said it’s people using bundles of wipes most of the time and not actual towels,” said a third.

No matter how much maintenance MSC Cruises performs on its ships, they can’t prevent every issue when certain guests refuse to follow the rules.

Guests are only allowed to flush cruise line-provided toilet paper down the toilets, which is a fact that several brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line, have to repeatedly remind their guests.

Even flushing something as seemingly harmless as a wet wipe can – and often does – cause major blockages.

Maintenance Concerns for MSC Meraviglia

Others said that this letter was an excuse that was made to cover the cruise line for ongoing sewage and plumbing problems.

“I call BS about the towel. That ship has constant sewage issues and stinks terrible on certain floors. The shower also smelled like cat urine. I’ve experienced this in both a balcony cabin mid ship and a suite completely forward,” another passenger claimed.

Upon doing a deep dive, Cruise Hive found several reviews speaking to plumbing issues and sewage smells onboard the 2017-launched ship from the past year.

It’s also worth noting that the 171,598-gross ton ship has never once failed a CDC Health and Safety inspection, though it only barely passed its most recent inspection in December of 2025.

The ship scored an 86, which is the absolute lowest passing score. Some sewage concerns, primarily related to select crew toilets, were flagged in the inspection report.

The vessel last visited dry dock for maintenance and technical work in early 2024 and is scheduled for another comprehensive dry dock visit in April of 2026 once her current season in New York concludes.

If there are bigger issues related to the sewage system and toilets, they will likely be addressed during this time.