Costa Favolosa encountered rough weather caused by an extratropical cyclone.
The ship rocked and tilted, scaring passengers who were onboard at the time.
Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries or damage to the ship, which has continued operating normally.
A recent sailing onboard Costa Favolosa briefly descended into panic and chaos due to surprisingly intense weather conditions on the night of February 18, 2026.
An extratropical cyclone that was battering southern Brazil had the 113,216-gross ton ship rocking and rolling. But by around 10:30 p.m., the ship was notably listing, leading to panic among some of the passengers.
Videos and pictures from the night, which were acquired by Cruise Hive, show passengers bracing themselves as the ship tilted. Additional footage shows smashed plates and glasses on the floor of the main restaurants onboard.
At the time of the weather event, the ship was operating simultaneous 8-night sailings around Brazil and Uruguay out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
That night, the 3,780-guest ship would have been sailing from Montevideo, Uruguay, to Balneario Camboriu, Brazil, which was its scheduled port call on February 19, 2026.
No Injuries Reported
Aside from a brief scare and some broken cutlery, there have been no reports of guest injuries or damage to the cruise ship as a result of the rocky night.
Costa Cruises has confirmed that all appropriate safety protocols were followed and that the vessel’s structural stability was never compromised.
These safety protocols would include measures like closing off outdoor areas, deploying stabilizers, securing loose items, and possibly even draining the pools to prevent flooding and to promote stability.
The captain and his bridge team, as well as a dedicated shore time, are also always monitoring the weather to chart the smoothest possible course. But given the path of the storm, it’s possible that this was the smoothest possible course.
Alternatively, it also wouldn’t be the first time that weather conditions were more intense than expected, as Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Cruise Hive has certainly reported on scares from rogue waves or surprise winds in the past.
Per cruise tracking data, Costa Favolosa did continue sailing at normal speeds once the storm passed and there was no impact to the affected or subsequent itineraries.
Why Were Conditions So Bad?
On February 18, an extratropical cyclone, which is a large-scale, low-pressure weather system, was creating rocky seas across the South Atlantic.
The epicenter of the storm was in Juiz de Fora, which is in southeastern Brazil. Much of southern Brazil and the Río de la Plata region were impacted by strong winds, which reached over 60 miles per hour.
Per Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology, the rough weather isn’t over either. As of February 27, the southeastern coast of Brazil is under a red alert, with rainfall exceeding 60 mm/h or above 100 mm/day expected.
The alert spans from Goytacazes, Brazil, (which is about 171 miles from Costa Favolosa’s homeport in Rio) all the way up to Salvador. Costa Cruises will, of course, continue to monitor the situation to keep guests as safe and as comfortable as possible.
It’s been another hectic week for news across the cruise industry, and Cruise Hive has it all covered. In this week’s recap, some of our top stories include Carnival Cruise Line cancelling some Mexico shore excursions due to safety issues; Disney Cruise Line naming Robert Downey Jr. as godfather to Disney Adventure; and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Infinity sailing as planned following earlier issues with power outages.
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Regal Princess Rescues Four Off Yucatan Peninsula
It started as a relaxing day at sea aboard Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess on February 23, 2026, but soon turned into a rescue operation in the waters north of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
The event unfolded when guests and crew noticed a rowboat with four men inside, bailing out water. The boat had a makeshift sail and was clearly in distress.
Regal Princess quickly altered her route to come to the aid of the sailors, who were likely refugees. The northeastern coast of the Yucatan is about 150 miles from Cuba.
The men in the small, rusty boat were able to maneuver their vessel alongside Regal Princess and then board the cruise ship. At the time of the rescue, the cruise ship was roughly 150 miles north of Progresso, Mexico.
Regal Princess was sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Galveston when she came upon the sinking boat. The ship had departed from the Texas port on February 22, and her itinerary included an overnight at Cozumel, Mexico, on February 24.
That is likely where the four sailors were handed over to local authorities. The identities of the refugees are unknown. It is also unclear whether they were fleeing Mexico after the February 22 death of Mexican cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera. (See the next news brief for more on that.)
Safety First: Line Cancels Excursions to Mainland Mexico
Carnival Cruise Line drew a line in the sand this week when it comes to guest safety. The line has cancelled shore excursions to mainland Mexico from ships that are calling at Cozumel.
It’s all tied to the February 22, 2026, death of Mexican cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, and any possible ramifications that might stem from that event.
Among the ships that called at Cozumel this week was Carnival Jubilee, which homeports at Galveston, Texas. Guests onboard the ship posted on social media that the ship was calling at the destination as planned on February 23.
Carnival Jubilee in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
But their shoreside experiences were altered, as excursions were cancelled and refunded by the line. Nixed tours included mainland trips to the Mayan ruins at Tulum, for instance, as well as zip lining at Xplor Park.
Excursions happening on the island of Cozumel were continuing as scheduled.
The death of Oseguera has ignited violence in some Mexican Riviera destinations, causing some cruise ships to avoid the Pacific coast region, but the changes to Cozumel excursions is the first cruise line action taken on the Caribbean side of Mexico.
MSC Cruises to Roll Out Pioneering Robot Experiences
Interactions with robotic dogs and humanoids on a cruise ship? Yes, indeed, such experiences are coming soon to MSC Cruises, which is in the process of enhancing its entertainment programming with some very high-tech roll-outs.
The line’s robot program will debut first on two ships. The robot dogs, powered by AI and created by Unitree Robotics, are in testing stages on MSC Bellissima and will be introduced on MSC Magnifica during that ship’s 2026 world cruise.
MSC Cruises AI Robots
There will be robot meet-and-greets, robot-themed parades, and interactive workshops — all industry-first experiences.
Along with the robotics additions, MSC Cruises announced lots of other entertainment upgrades across the fleet. New game shows include Chart Toppers, a music competition, and Quiz O’Clock, a new trivia-style game.
The line’s popular LEGO Parade will expand to 14 ships; MSC Meraviglia will feature the lively flamenco show called “Paz,” and MSC Seascape will add an American country band performance and a dueling piano experience.
A New Disney Role For Robert Downey Jr.
American actor and longtime Disney movie star Robert Downey Jr. was named godfather of Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Adventure.
Downey is a major Marvel character (Disney owns Marvel), having starred as Iron Man in the three “Iron Man” movies plus the Avengers films, “Captain America: Civil War,” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”
He was named a Disney Legend in 2019, and soon he will oversee the christening of Disney Adventure, which is soon to begin cruising in Asia.
Robert Downey Jr., Disney Adventure Godparent
In fact, the 6,700-guest mega-ship, the largest in the cruise line’s fleet, will introduce Marvel Landing, featuring three thrill rides, including Ironcycle Test Run, inspired by “Iron Man.” At 820 feet, Ironcycle will be the longest rollercoaster at sea.
Other Marvel Landing thrill rides include Pym Quantum Racers, a car chase-inspired adventure around a track, and Groot Galaxy Spin, featuring vehicles that spin, lift, and drop.
Disney Adventure is scheduled to begin sailing short getaway cruises roundtrip from Singapore on March 5, 2026.
Celebrity Infinity Back at Sea After Power Issue
Guests booked on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Infinity’s February 27, 2026, cruise got some great news: The ship’s technical problem was solved, and the voyage is happening as scheduled.
The 90,940-gross-ton vessel has had issues in recent weeks with power outages that affected air conditioning, WiFi, bathroom operations, and more, prompting one cruise to be cut short and the next to be cancelled.
The ship will sail as planned from Athens on her 10-night voyage with calls at Nafplion, Heraklion, Rhodes, Kavala, Thessaloniki, and Kusadasi.
Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: David A Litman)
The technical issues started on February 15, when the ship lost power on her way to Athens. Guests debarked a day early and were put up in hotels. The next cruise, slated to depart the next day, was cancelled.
At the time, the cruise line did not disclose the specific nature of the power problem, but a statement from the Hellenic Coast Guard has since revealed there was a malfunction in the ship’s electrical distribution panels.
However, by all accounts, all is well now, and the ship is sailing as planned to those fabulous Greece and Turkey destinations.
Royal Caribbean Alters Ship’s Solar Eclipse Route
Royal Caribbean has alerted guests booked on Liberty of the Seas’ solar eclipse cruise in August 2026 that certain itinerary revisions are being made.
The changes are designed to provide the best viewing of the total eclipse, which will happen on August 12. The 4,960-guest ship will be at sea on that day, off the coast of Spain, but the port calls the day before and the three days after are being altered.
The changes will enable the ship to take full advantage of the phenomenon as the eclipse passes over the region.
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas (Photo Credit: 26ShadesOfGreen)
Unfortunately, a call to Lisbon, a very popular cruise destination, is now off the 9-night itinerary. The ship will sail roundtrip from Southampton on August 7, 2026. On August 11, the port call to La Coruna was replaced by Vigo, Spain. The ship will call at La Coruna the day after the eclipse, rather than Lisbon.
On August 14, the ship will be at sea, rather than calling at Vigo, and on August 15, Liberty of the Seas will call at Paris, rather than spend the day at sea.
Guests who had booked Lisbon shore excursions through the cruise line are being refunded, and tours in Vigo and La Coruna are being adjusted based on the new itinerary.
Carnival Legend Alters Sign & Sail Settlement
Guests sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Legend’s Eastern Caribbean cruise that ended on February 26, 2026 experienced an unexpected change in the way their onboard accounts were settled.
Without explaining why, the cruise line told guests on the 10-night voyage, which departed Galveston on February 16, that there would be two account settlements — one on February 23 and a second on debarkation day.
Typically, onboard accounts are settled once, on the night before disembarkation. So, guests on this cruise who used a credit card for their onboard Sign & Sail accounts, as most cruisers do, will see two charges on the card rather than one.
Carnival Legend Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: JMT Photography and Media)
Guests were able to switch the credit card associated with their Sail & Sign accounts mid-voyage, if they wished.
Carnival also informed guests that, once the first payment is processed on February 23, that portion of the account will be considered settled. It meant that no one could be added or removed from the account, and payments could not be changed.
The cruise line did not indicate whether the two-payment settlement process was a one-time thing, a pilot test, or a permanent change.
More Cruise Headlines
Let’s keep going with more cruise news, including the Port of Vancouver prepping for a record year in cruise-tourism; Carnival Luminosa revising her South Pacific itinerary due to bad weather; and new-build Legend of the Seas reaching another construction milestone.
Also, a former guest sues Princess Cruises after a dining room accident, and MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesiaenters dry dock for a series of major enhancements.
Disney Magic stood ready to offer aid to a sailboat that appeared to be in distress on Thursday, February 26.
A USCG plane dropped supplies to the sailboat and the cruise ship’s assistance was not required after all.
The ship’s itinerary for her 4-night sailing was not impacted and Disney Magic visited Progreso as planned.
Whenever a vessel of any size, construction, or intention appears to be in distress, cruise ships will always stand ready to offer aid, even if it turns out not to be necessary.
Disney Magic did not hesitate to offer assistance to a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico [Gulf of America] on Thursday, February 26. The 84,000-gross-ton ship, the oldest in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, had departed from Galveston, Texas on her current 4-night sailing on the day before and was enjoying a day at sea.
A small sailboat was spotted in what first seemed to be in distress, and the cruise ship sounded her horn to signal to the craft. Guests onboard Disney Magicshared the incident on Facebook, noting that the sailboat appeared to signal back to the cruise ship.
While the day was sunny and the skies were relatively clear, it was windy and the seas in the area were very choppy. This could have caused more difficulties for the sailboat than those aboard the small craft might have expected.
Disney Magic Assists Sailboat (Photo Credit: John Frels)
A US Coast Guard (USCG) aircraft was in the vicinity and dropped supplies with an orange parachute to the sailboat, which then tacked toward the drop to retrieve the package.
While the contents of the package are not confirmed, it was likely some emergency supplies to restock the sailboat, or could have been a transmitter or emergency beacon in case a greater need arose. It might also have been a pump or other equipment.
The sailboat was not in any apparent emergency distress, and no one was evacuated from the small craft.
It is unclear where the sailboat might have originated from, considering the incident happened roughly 250 miles from the closest coastline. Likewise, there is no confirmation of how many individuals were aboard the sailboat.
Disney Magic‘s aid was not necessary after all, though another guest noted that crew members were quick to stage a lifeboat in case more direct assistance was required.
Shortly after the encounter, the cruise ship moved on and continued on her way to Progreso, Mexico. Her visit to that port on Friday, February 27, was not delayed, and the ship will return to Galveston on Sunday, March 1.
All Incidents Get Emergency Attention
Cruise Hive regularly reports on incidents when cruise ships assist other vessels. While refugee rescues, such as Regal Princess‘ diversion to rescue four individuals just three days ago, capture headlines, all types of incidents receive the same emergency responses, no matter what the situation or where it occurs.
For example, in March 2023, Grand Princess rescued two individuals who had abandoned their disabled boat hours earlier near Victoria, Australia.
In November 2024, Disney Treasure successfully rescued four individuals from a sinking catamaran more than 200 miles from Bermuda, even before the cruise ship officially entered service.
That same month, Voyager of the Seas rescued four family members and their dog from a disabled sailboat near the coast of Morocco.
Even wildlife gets emergency rescue attention when necessary. An unidentified Disney ship rescued a masked booby – a type of seabird – found on the ship during a transatlantic cruise in November 2023. The bird was delivered to a wildlife rescue organization when the ship arrived in Florida and was nursed back to health before being successfully released.
Norwegian Cruise Line appears to have backtracked on recent dining dress code restrictions.
An emphasis is made on “appropriate” attire, but no definition is offered for what is appropriate.
Guests don’t mind casual vibes but would like clear guidance about what is expected.
Norwegian Cruise Line may be lightening up on recent restrictions to the dress code for onboard restaurants, or maybe not. Guests onboard have noticed new, “laid back” signage at different restaurants that lacks the strict guidelines instituted in recent weeks.
The new sign, which was posted on Cruise Hive’s NCL group page, seems to clarify that the relaxed dress code remains, now with fewer overall restrictions.
“We simply ask that attire feels put-together and suited to the setting – shirts and footwear required, graphics respectful, and styles that offer appropriate coverage for a dining environment,”the signs read.
NCL Dress Code Sign (Photo Credit: Lee Goldman)
Guests are asked to keep swimwear by the pool and “extremely short shorts” for other activities.
Cruise Hive has already reported on previous signs that delineated more strict dress code requirements, specifically that “tank tops, hoodies, robes, jeans with holes or excessively revealing tears, and caps/hats” were not permitted in either the Main Dining Rooms or specialty restaurants for dinner.
Now, it appears that the negative guest feedback to that change has had an impact, and Norwegian Cruise Line may have rolled back to more relaxed options.
The cruise line’s FAQ still notes that “Depending on the restaurant or bar you are attending, certain items such as tank tops, hoodies, robes, shorts, jeans with holes or tears, and caps/hats may not be permitted,” but it does not state exactly which restaurants do not allow that attire.
Furthermore, shorts and flip-flops are still prohibited at select specialty restaurants for dinner, including Palomar, Ocean Blue, Onda, Cagney’s, Le Bistro, and Haven Restaurant.
How Will Dress Code Be Interpreted?
The biggest difficulty with any dress code is that if exact guidelines are not spelled out in detail, interpretations of what is “appropriate” can vary widely.
For example, one guest may feel that the only appropriate dinner attire would be formalwear, including gowns or cocktail dresses, suits, or even tuxedos. Another guest on the same sailing might feel that nice jeans and a bold Hawaiian shirt would be suitable.
Similarly, buffet attire could vary widely. Some people feel that swimwear with the barest of coverups (believe me, you’re not covering anything with a fishnet “dress”) is suitable for lunch at Windjammer Marketplace, while others would prefer more conventional clothing.
Crew members may be reluctant to approach guests with requests to adjust their attire, which could lead to complaints or even more unpleasant incidents if guests feel they have been singled out.
Guests React, Wish for Clarity
While most cruise guests don’t mind relaxed dress codes, what is most desired is clarity and consistency, so everyone knows what to expect. Dress code concerns continue to be a hot topic on Reddit following this latest apparent change.
“I don’t care what the guidelines are – but they need to be clear,”one guest commented.“They changed some requirements at specialty [restaurants] a few weeks ago, yet I received an email that contained the previous guidelines. It now appears it is changed again. I would just like clear, consistent communication.”
“I don’t like how vague they manage to make it, all while still advertising ‘freestyle’ cruising!”another added.
Other guests note that they may prefer casual attire themselves, but don’t mind that certain dining venues have more strict requirements to preserve an elegant atmosphere.
Shortly after Norwegian Cruise Line tweaked the guidelines a bit more strictly, Virgin Voyages responded indirectly with a tongue-in-cheek announcement of their own that, despite internal discussion, they’d failed to ban different clothing items.
How do you prefer to dress on a cruise vacation? Share your style influences on the Cruise Hive boards!
Royal Caribbean will no longer include cups for the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines with select beverage packages.
Guests can add a cup for an extra $4.99 one-time charge, but free cups are still part of the classic soda package.
The change takes effect fleetwide from March 15, 2026.
Royal Caribbean guests who purchase various drink packages will soon have fewer soda options to enjoy. In a quiet change to the package details, the cruise line is removing the Coca-Cola souvenir cups, which means guests with select packages can no longer access the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
Guests with booked sailings noticed the change when logging in to check drink package pricing and options and began discussing the adjustment on Reddit.
This change applies to both the Deluxe Beverage Package and the Refreshment Package. If guests add on the Royal Beach Club Open Bar Day Pass to their package, the cup is still excluded.
The cups are still available for purchase as an add-on to both drink packages for an extra $4.99. That cost is a one-time charge, not a per-day add-on.
This change begins on Sunday, March 15, 2026. It is unclear whether the change may impact guests who have already pre-paid for drink packages but who set sail after that date, though it is likely they will not receive free cups.
Royal Caribbean Drinks Exception Change (Photo Credit: Sandra Foyt)
This does mean that guests will not have the same variety of drinks that is available from the touch-screen machines, which permit users to mix and customize their sodas in more than 100 combinations.
Cans and fountain soda is still included in the applicable packages, it is only the Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines that will be excluded. Instead, guests will have to order their sodas at a bar or from a server instead of getting their own.
The cup and therefore the Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines are still available with the classic soda package. Only one cup is included per package, and if lost, a replacement cup can be purchased for the same price as the add-on: $4.99.
Guests React to Change
While Royal Caribbean has not confirmed an explanation for the change, guests familiar with the Freestyle machines and how they’re used onboard think beverage package cheating may have prompted the exclusion.
“Too many people handed the cup to their kid to use. Just another hack people used that ruined it for others,”commented one guest.
Cruise Hive previously reported on Royal Caribbean tightening drink package restrictions in mid-2025 in an effort to combat certain types of package cheating behavior.
Other guests responded to that conclusion, noting that unscrupulous travelers could still simply pay the extra $4.99 for the cup and do the same thing.
Nevertheless, this change might stop some of that unauthorized behavior. It could also be a waste-reduction tactic, as some guests may never use the cups at all even if they were still included.
“I rarely used it. My kid and I had the soda package and 99.9% of the time we just went to the bar to get a soda. My wife and son had an alcohol package. They never used it,”one guest described.
“At the end of the cruise we left them in the room because I don’t need another souvenir cup at home and they couldn’t be used on a future cruise.”
Some guests simply prefer the taste of soda from cans, or don’t want to have to find a Freestyle machine when they want a drink.
Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are available fleetwide except for four vessels: Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas.
In addition to Coca-Cola sodas, the Freestyle machines also dispense other sodas manufactured by Coca-Cola along with iced tea, fruit punch, water, lemonade, and more. Exact selections can vary based on demand.
The location of the machines varies on each ship, but they are typically located in the Windjammer Marketplace buffet, near Sorrento’s Pizza, and occasionally another location on the ship’s Royal Promenade.
Three Carnival Sunrise passengers injured on a tender boat are suing Carnival Corporation for negligence.
While enroute to Princess Cays, the boat experienced turbulent conditions.
The lawsuit was filed on February 26, 2026, and seeks a jury trial.
Three guests who were injured during a Carnival Cruise Line voyage have filed a lawsuit against parent company Carnival Corporation, citing multiple charges of negligence.
Filed on February 26, 2026, in the US District Court/Southern District of Florida, the suit contends that the guests, Brandi Leber, Patrick Leber, and Carol Susie McCabe, sustained injuries while on a tender boat headed to the private island destination Princess Cays.
The three were passengers onboard Carnival Sunrise and are each seeking damages in excess of $75,000.
According to the lawsuit, the guests are charging three specific acts of negligence tied to the operation of the tender boat, which encountered turbulent conditions as it approached the private island in the Bahamas on March 10, 2025.
The Leber couple and McCabe joined other passengers of the 2,984-guest Carnival Sunrise on the tender, and planned to enjoy a port call at the destination. Instead, the lawsuit charges, heavy seas caused guests to be thrown around the boat, and the bench the plaintiffs were sitting on became unbolted from the floor.
Evidence detailed in the suit, including pictures, indicates that the bench had previously been re-bolted to the floor and that the existing bolts were loose.
The lawsuit describes the ocean conditions at the time as “red flag,” and criticizes the tender boat captain’s actions, which included steering the boat “parallel to heavy wave patterns.”
That, coupled with the boat’s “top-heavy instability and the lack of adequate passenger restraints,” caused the three guests to sustain serious injuries.
Injuries sustained by the guests are described in detail. Brandi Leber hit her head on a metal railing and sustained a traumatic brain injury, while Patrick Leber injured his left knee when it became pinned under the bench, which had collapsed.
McCabe had multiple injuries to her left leg, back, and neck. The lawsuit also charges that, upon returning to Carnival Sunrise, the ship’s medical staff members told the three guests that their injuries “were not serious and required minimal treatment.”
They were also told that the cruise line would follow up with them regarding the event, but the suit states that no follow-up has happened.
Specifically, the lawsuit is charging Carnival Corporation with negligent failure to remedy the subject bench; negligent failure to warn of the danger of the subject bench; and negligence for the acts of Carnival’s tender boat captain.
The three plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial; no date has been set.
Carnival Sunrise, which formerly operated as Carnival Triumph, is based at PortMiami and sails Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. The Sunshine-class ship typically calls at several of Carnival’s private destinations, including Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, along with Princess Cays.
Lawsuit Joins Others Recently Filed Against Cruise Giant
This latest lawsuit is the third one tied to a Carnival Corporation brand that emerged in February 2026. Two lawsuits, as reported on Cruise Hive, were filed on February 19, 2026.
One involves an incident that happened in March 2025 aboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess. In that case, a female guest is charging three counts of negligence after she tripped over some ribbons that had been left on a dining room floor and sustained injuries.
A second lawsuit was filed by a woman who was injured while on Carnival Sunshine, also in March 2025. The guest became injured while riding a water slide. When she reached the bottom of the slide, her feet hit the wall, causing her to break her right foot and sprain her left ankle.
That suit charges that there was insufficient water at the bottom of the slide, but the crew allowed passengers to continue using the thrill ride.
Royal Caribbean has reorganized its prohibited items list and now offers greater explanations for some restrictions.
The list also now includes common items guests ask about, such as snacks, baby items, and pets.
The redesign will make it easier to find answers to common questions about what guests can and can’t bring onboard.
All cruise guests are aware that some obvious items cannot be brought onboard cruise ships. Weapons, illegal drugs, and fireworks – it is not surprising that these items are not permitted.
But guests often have questions about more unique items that a cruise line might or might not allow. What about an iron or steamer to look your best for formal night? Your favorite snacks? Full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner?
Cruise Hive has regularly reported on changes to the prohibited items list, such as the recent ban on smart glasses in certain areas of the ship. Now, Royal Caribbean is making it easier for guests to discover what they can and cannot bring onboard.
The cruise line has revised, updated, and reorganized its prohibited items list specifically to provide answers for guests’ most common questions. Subheadings now make the list easier to scan and explanations are more thorough.
Royal Caribbean’s Prohibited List Before the Changes:
Royal Caribbean’s Prohibited List Before the Changes
Two key features are unique about the reorganization. First, the very obvious prohibited items, such as illegal drugs and weapons, are no longer at the top of the list. Guests don’t typically ask about these, as it is generally understood that such items are not permitted.
Second, the list also specifies what items ARE permitted in many cases. For example, the second section on the list is about snacks. Snacks are not prohibited and were not previously mentioned on the old list.
Now, the cruise line explains: “You can bring on a sensible amount of your favorite pre-packaged sealed snacks.”
While a “sensible amount” is not defined, the fact that items must be pre-packaged and sealed is important for guests to understand. So pack along the Little Debbies, Doritos, or beef jerky if you wish (oh wait, that’s my luggage!).
Royal Caribbean’s Prohibited List After the Changes:
Royal Caribbean’s Prohibited List After the Changes
The section on pets is also new on the list. Royal Caribbean’s policy on pets has not changed and only service animals are permitted onboard, but now guests get that answer right away. Imagine if someone visited the old list to see if pets were prohibited. They weren’t mentioned, so you can bring your pet onboard, right?
While the answer has always been “no” the new list makes it clear and provides links to the relevant policy and accessibility pages for guests to read further.
Other categories on the new list include “Baby Things,” “Sporting Goods,” “Luggage Size,” and “Hair Tools,” all of which are things guests commonly ask about.
List Always Subject to Change
All cruise travelers should be aware that prohibited items lists are continually being revised and updated, particularly as new technologies evolve or new items begin to cause difficulties.
For example, “cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment” is a relatively recent addition to Royal Caribbean’s prohibited list. Such equipment, including portable routers and doorbell cameras, did not exist years ago when the list was first created.
At the very top of the new list, in fact, Royal Caribbean notes that the list is fluid and always under review.
“Keep in mind – the ship’s security team may prohibit or confiscate any item they determine is not permissible onboard,”the cruise line explains.
Some items also have geographic restrictions. Cruise Hive has already reported that Mexico has banned public smoking and vapes, and Royal Caribbean has listed that ban and the possible consequences on the list.
Similarly, the restriction on camouflage clothing in Barbados is noted, as well as how ulu knives (very popular souvenirs on Alaska cruises) must be handled.
Cruisers should always double check the prohibited items list for their specific cruise line leading up to their sailing date in case of changes and updates. Otherwise their items could be confiscated or there could be other consequences that put a damper on their vacation.
Carnival Luminosa missed a visit to Vila, Vanuatu, due to a low-pressure weather system creating unsafe conditions.
The ship had a day at sea instead and will visit Lautoka, Fiji, a day early for smoother sailing.
It is possible the ship may be able to visit Vila later in the sailing if weather conditions improve.
Cruise travelers are accustomed to the Atlantic hurricane season through the summer and fall months, but in the South Pacific, the months from November through April are prime time for typhoons and challenging weather.
Guests aboard Carnival Luminosa are facing exactly that sort of concern at the moment, and their 11-night Fiji and South Pacific itinerary is being adjusted for the safest sailing.
Carnival Luminosa departed Brisbane on Sunday, February 22, for the sailing with visits planned in Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia. Brewing weather along the ship’s route, however, has made the planned itinerary to Vanuatu impossible to keep.
“There is a low-pressure weather system developing over Vanuatu and surrounding areas that we are closely monitoring,”a letter sent to guests onboard explained.“This system is expected to bring strong winds and swell to Vila, and as a result we have had to cancel our planned call there.”
While the weather system is not an official typhoon, it does not take anywhere near typhoon or hurricane intensity to impact cruise itineraries. Cruise Hive has frequently reported on skipped port visits due to winds and swells that make docking or tendering unsafe at ports all over the world.
Carnival Luminosa‘s visit to Vila was to have been on Thursday, February 26. Instead, the ship spent the day at sea en route to Fiji with more schedule changes ahead.
Carnival Luminosa (Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography)
On the original itinerary, Friday was to have been a day at sea as the ship makes her way to Lautoka for Saturday’s visit. Instead, Carnival Luminosa will visit Lautoka a day early.
At this time, there are no changes to the remaining ports on the itinerary, including Dravuni on Sunday, March 1 and Noumea on Tuesday, March 3. Similarly, the ship’s return to Brisbane on Thursday, March 5 is unaffected.
Can Carnival Luminosa Get to Vila Another Day?
The ship’s master, Captain Vittorio Marchi, is hoping to visit Vila on an alternative day later in the sailing, though that cannot be confirmed until the weather patterns are more clear.
The situation is being closely monitored and the safety of the ship and everyone aboard is the highest priority. If the storm were to break up or move off favorably, Carnival Luminosa may yet be able to enjoy a visit to Vila.
In the meantime, any reservations guests have already booked through Carnival Cruise Line for shore excursions in Vila are being held just in case they are able to be moved to a revised date. If a new visit cannot be secured, the standard procedure is that those tours would be automatically cancelled and refunded.
Tours for Lautoka were already adjusted for the new visit date. It’s understandable that guests may be disappointed at the changes. It is always a cruise line’s hope to preserve the original itinerary, but safety must prevail.
By choosing a smoother path and adjusting the itinerary, Carnival Cruise Line is seeking to provide the best possible vacation for everyone onboard Carnival Luminosa. Hopefully, guests will be understanding of the changes and patient with such adjustments.
Carnival Cruise Line is tweaking select itineraries in late 2027 and early 2028 for five ships.
The impacted ships are Carnival Valor, Conquest, Miracle, Liberty, and Pride.
Changes include port swaps, shifted port visit times, and one completely changed itinerary.
Carnival Cruise Line is now reaching out to guests booked on five different ships to notify them of itinerary adjustments on select sailings. In total, nine different cruises are impacted, with sailing dates ranging from November 2027 through April 2028.
While the cruise line has not indicated any specific reason for the changes, it is not unusual for itineraries to have such minor changes as port schedules and sailing routes are refined. This is especially true when the ship in question does not set sail for more than a year.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on a variety of similar changes from Carnival Cruise Line impacting different ships from different homeports.
Carnival Valor
Three sailings aboard Carnival Valor are now changed. The Conquest Class ship, which can welcome 2,980 guests at double occupancy, is homeported in Mobile, Alabama, at the time of the adjusted cruises.
The November 13, 2027 itinerary will no longer visit Bimini, but will instead head for Key West. The 7-night Bahamas cruise will still visit Nassau and Celebration Key without changes to those destinations.
Carnival Valor Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: The Hungarian Sailor)
The very next sailing was also to have been a 7-night Bahamas cruise departing on November 20, 2027. That itinerary has been completely revised and will now be a Western Caribbean itinerary visiting Isla Tropicale on Roatan, followed by Belize and Cozumel.
The ship’s January 16, 2028 sailing has just a minor change with the port times adjusted for the visit to Celebration Key. That sailing is a 14-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, and the ship will now arrive at Celebration Key at noon on January 18 rather than 11 a.m. The ship’s departure at 7 p.m. is unchanged, and there are no further changes to the itinerary.
Carnival Conquest
Three sailings are being changed for Carnival Conquest, starting with the ship’s November 15, 2027 departure. Instead of visiting Celebration Key on the last day of the 4-night Bahamas sailing, the ship will be celebrating its visit on the third day of the itinerary, with a day at sea to finish the cruise.
The March 27, 2028 departure is similarly adjusted with Celebration Key moved from the last day to the second day of the sailing.
The ship’s April 10, 2028 departure is also changing a private destination day, but in this case for RelaxAway Half Moon Cay. During the 4-night cruise, Carnival Conquest will now visit Half Moon Cay on the very first full day, followed by a day at sea before arriving at Celebration Key.
For all three sailings, Carnival Conquest is homeported from Miami. She is a sister ship to Carnival Valor and can also welcome 2,980 guests.
Carnival Miracle
Just one sailing is tweaked for the Spirit Class Carnival Miracle while the ship is sailing from Baltimore in late 2027. The November 27 departure is an 8-night Bahamas cruise that will swap the planned days to visit Nassau and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.
Fortunately, guests will still visit both destinations, though Carnival Miracle will now be departing Nassau at 4 p.m. rather than 5 p.m. as originally scheduled. The call to Celebration Key is unchanged.
Carnival Miracle can host 2,124 guests on every cruise when booked at double occupancy.
Carnival Liberty
Just one minor change is being made to Carnival Liberty‘s December 12, 2027 sailing. That 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary from New Orleans will now visit Cozumel before instead of after Belize, but the time of the visit is unchanged from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cruise will end with two days at sea rather than one because of the port day swap.
Carnival Liberty is a Conquest-class ship with the capacity to offer vacations to 2,980 guests on each cruise.
Carnival Pride
There is just one change for the Spirit Class Carnival Pride, impacting the ship’s January 2, 2028 departure. The 7-night Bahamas cruise from Baltimore is swapping the days to visit Nassau and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.
Now, Carnival Pride will visit Nassau first on the itinerary, followed by Half Moon Cay. The visit to Celebration Key remains last on the schedule before the ship heads north again with her 2,124 travelers.
Cruise guests should always make sure they have provided their cruise line with updated contact information, just in case of such changes, particularly if they book well in advance of the sailing, and tweaks may be necessary.
