A male crew member jumped overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and did not survive.
New details have revealed that the crew member allegedly stabbed a female crew member multiple times before fleeing the scene and leaping into the ocean.
Passengers were not in danger and the female crew member is expected to recover.
New details have emerged just one day after a crew member working onboard Icon of the Seas plunged to his death on July 24, 2025.
While circulating theories suggested that the Royal Caribbean crew member had intentionally jumped overboard, no one could have anticipated the crime he is accused of committing before making the fatal leap.
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), the unidentified male crew member allegedly stabbed a female co-worker during a dispute.
“Shortly before 7:30 p.m., a 28-year-old South African female crew member was allegedly stabbed multiple times by another crew member, a 35-year-old South African male,” reads an RBPF press release.
“Following the incident, the male reportedly fled from the scene and jumped into the water. He was retrieved unresponsive and pronounced dead by onboard medical staff,” the statement continued.
Icon of the Seas Overboard (Photo Credits: Melissa Mayntz & Kyler Roe)
His alleged victim will likely fare better. Despite receiving multiple stab wounds to her upper body, she was treated and is reportedly in stable condition.
“One of the crew members was injured, was attended to by the onboard medical team, and she is now in stable condition,”Royal Caribbean confirmed in a statement.
An investigation into the attack is underway, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the deceased crew member’s exact cause of death.
Cruise Guests Remain Unimpacted
Despite the circumstances, the up to 5,610 passengers onboard the world’s largest cruise ship were not in any danger.
This was not a random attack, but rather the assault appears to be the result of a disagreement between the two specific crew members.
“Our onboard security team responded to an incident involving two crew members in a personal dispute,” Royal Caribbean clarified.
Judging by the rumors that were circulating, many guests did not even know that the altercation had taken place.
Overboard Icon of the Seas Crew Member
And of course, this type of incident is not common. Not only are crew members carefully background checked before they begin their lives at sea, but cruise ships have prevalent surveillance and their own personal security teams to prevent and mitigate issues.
She is expected to return to Miami, Florida, as planned on July 26, from where she will disembark the current 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and embark on a new 7-night Western Caribbean voyage.
At this time, there is no reason to believe that the pending investigation will delay cruising operations.
Celebrity Beyond is fully repaired and ready for her July 27, 2025 departure, a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise.
There have been itinerary adjustments to permit a slower speed, likely as a precaution following the repairs.
At this time, there are no further changes to the ship’s future cruises.
Following emergency repairs to her propulsion system, Celebrity Beyond has left the Bahamas shipyard, tested her systems at sea, and is ready to welcome guests as planned in Miami, Florida on Sunday, July 27.
This will be great news for guests on this weekend’s departure, though there are still itinerary adjustments to the next cruise. Fortunately, all the ports of call will still be visited, but the visit days and times have changed.
“We are truly delighted to welcome you aboard Celebrity Beyond this weekend! As you may have heard, our ship experienced a technical issue last week,”the notification email explained.
“Our experts responded swiftly and thoroughly, upholding the highest standards of safety and care. We’re pleased to share that all necessary work is progressing on schedule and on track to be completed prior to our cruise together.”
The email does say that it is necessary to “accommodate a lowered speed” and therefore the July 27 itinerary has been updated.
Now, Celebrity Beyond will set sail with this modified schedule:
Wednesday, July 30 – Falmouth, Jamaica; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (formerly Cozumel)
Thursday, July 31 – George Town, Grand Cayman; 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (formerly 10 a.m. to 6 p.m)
Friday, August 1 – Cozumel, Mexico; 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (formerly Jamaica)
Saturday, August 2 – Day at Sea
Sunday, August 3 – Arriving Miami
There is no indication that the slower speed is problematic. It is common practice to have a more cautious “breaking in” period following significant repairs to ensure proper operation.
Satellite tracking now shows that Celebrity Beyond has performed several maneuvers after already leaving the shipyard in Freeport, which would have been a critical testing period.
None of the ship’s navigation or safety systems have been compromised, nor are her hotel operations, such as dining or entertainment impacted in any way.
Engine Problems Not Uncommon
While engine problems are not a technical issue that any cruise guest wants to experience, such issues do occasionally happen.
Cruise ships run their engines constantly not only for propulsion, but also to power all the electrical systems onboard. This includes air conditioning, lighting, sound systems, water pumps, cooking equipment, laundry facilities, elevators, and much more.
Though some cruise ships, particularly newer vessels, are equipped to connect to shore power while available, this does not help if the ship develops engine trouble at sea.
Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship in Aruba (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
While guests may be disappointed at the changes in their upcoming itinerary, the alternative could have been a full cancellation, which would obviously be far more distressing.
There is no indication that any further changes will be necessary for upcoming sailings beyond the July 27 departure, though booked guests will want to stay in close communication with Celebrity Cruises just in case.
Celebrity Beyond debuted in 2022. The 141,420-gross ton, Edge-class ship can welcome 3,260 guests onboard and is currently homeported from Miami, offering both Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries year-round.
Are you ready for Cruise Hive’s comprehensive weekly news recap? Of course you are, so let’s dig in! Top headlines this week include the grand opening of the long-awaited Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island destination, and the updating of Princess Cruises’ two add-on packages, Premier and Plus.
Also, find out which cruise ship had a temporary water shortage, and why a Celebrity Cruises’ voyage was cancelled.
Make sure you stay well-informed by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, so the big cruise stories are delivered right to your inbox.
Cruise Line Officially Opens Celebration Key
Celebration Key Suncastle
The highly-anticipated opening of Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island destination, Celebration Key, went off without a hitch on July 19, 2025, with Carnival Vista becoming the first ship to deliver guests to the exclusive enclave on Grand Bahama Island.
The $600 million development featured live music, fireworks, scores of cruise line and local dignitaries, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Even Shaquille O’Neal showed up, throwing the first ball at the basketball court.
Guests got their first look at the Suncastle, where thrill seekers experienced two racing waterslides, the marketplace called Lonoko Cove, the adult-only Pearl Cove Beach Club, plus multiple pools, swim-up bars, lagoons, and warm turquoise waters.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald was there too, touring the destination and making videos to post on his social media. He showed off Celebration Key’s in-pool swings and the private cabanas available for rent, among other fun features of the destination.
Work is already underway to expand the pier so that more than one cruise ship can visit at the same time.
Ship’s Speed Issue Causes Cancellation of Caribbean Cruise
Ongoing propulsion issues caused Celebrity Cruises to cancel Celebrity Beyond’s July 20, 2025 voyage, a 7-night Caribbean cruise from PortMiami.
The sailing had been delayed by one day, but then the cruise line altered course and nixed the voyage outright. Guests had been looking forward to visiting Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas, USVI, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
The technical problem had surfaced on the ship’s previous cruise, which was late to return to port by one day due to the lowered speed of the vessel. Efforts to fix the problem were under way but work crews needed more time to assess and complete repairs.
Guests booked on the cancelled cruise were refunded and provided with a 100% future cruise credit, valid for any of the line’s voyages departing within one year. It also offered reimbursements for flights (up to $400) and hotel expenses (up to $250).
It is unclear whether any future cruises will be impacted by the needed repairs.
Princess Cruises Updates Its Add-On Packages’ Perks, Prices
Bar on Emerald Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Yingna Cai)
Princess Cruises added some new benefits to its Premier and Plus inclusive packages, and removed a few as well. The updated plans are on sale now and are valid for departures starting in 2026.
The costs of both packages rose. Premier jumped by $10 per person, per day, bringing the full cost to $100 per day, while Plus rose by $5 per day, to $65.
The prices of the add-on value plans are higher on the line’s two newest ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess. Premier packages cost $105 per person per day, while Plus plans cost $70 per person per day.
Specific changes include benefits tied to specialty dining and casual dining, the beverage packages, WiFi access, crew gratuities, and shore excursion credits.
For instance, the Premier plan now features a shore excursion credit up to $300 for cruises 21 days or longer; $200 for cruises of 10 to 20 days; and $100 for sailings of 6 to 9 days.
Gone from both packages are free fitness classes, among other perks the line said were not guest favorites.
Cruise Guests Arrested on Drug Charges in Bermuda
Carnival Pride in Bermuda (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Four guests sailing aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship to Bermuda were detained by the ship’s security team and then arrested by Bermuda police authorities upon arrival at Kings Wharf. The charge: possession with intent to sell drugs in the island nation.
According to police, the passengers allegedly had in their possession cannabis, THC vape pens and gummies, and a supply of carfentanyl, a synthetic opioid similar to fentanyl but stronger.
The Bermuda Police Service’s Narcotics Unit is investigating the case and the four suspects are in custody in Bermuda.
They are potentially subject to prosecution in Bermuda and the US. If convicted under the US Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, they could be fined up to $5 million and serve prison terms from up to 20 years to life.
Carnival Cruise Line’s zero-tolerance policy enables it to remove guests found to be in possession of illegal drugs and to ban them from sailing with the line in the future.
A shortage of fresh water onboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition caused the ship to alter port calls so that she can take on a needed supply of H20 during her 11-night Normandy and British Isles cruise, which departed Newcastle on July 19, 2025.
The ship, for reasons unexplained, was unable to secure the full amount of needed water at her departure port.
Port calls to Portland and Fowey were swapped, making Portland an earlier call since the ship can take on a water supply at that destination.
The ship called at Portland on July 25, 2025, rather than the originally planned July 26, 2025. Ambition will call at Fowey on July 26 instead of July 25. Shore tours were adjusted to accommodate the itinerary change.
The 25-year-old ship carries 1,248 guests. The vessel can create fresh water from saltwater by using its Evaporators and Reverse Osmosis equipment, but cannot do so in all ports and sea areas.
Cruise Line Opens Sales on 500-Plus 2027 Voyages
Norwegian Getaway Departing New York (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Norwegian Cruise Line detailed its deployment plans for spring and summer of 2027 and opened for sale some 500 voyages that will visit nearly 60 countries.
Twenty ships will offer cruise vacations from 30 homeports, calling at 150 ports across the globe between April and October 2027.
Guests can choose to explore the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada/New England, and even the South Pacific. Among the most noteworthy deployments are the homeporting of what will be the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Luna, in New York.
The 3,500-guest ship, which will enter service in April 2026, will offer sailings from the Big Apple to Bermuda, spending two overnights at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Other highlights of the season feature Alaska voyages, with three ships — Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Joy sailing roundtrip from Seattle, and another, Norwegian Jade, operating between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Whittier, Alaska.
Norwegian Prima will be among the ships based in Europe, sailing from Southampton to destinations including Croatia, Montenegro, Iceland, and Norway.
Three more ships will sail the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, bringing guests to classic ports such as Barcelona, Istanbul, and Rome.
MSC World Asia Unveils Updated Entertainment
The Harbour, MSC World Asia
When MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia launches in December 2026, she will introduce new entertainment options for guests of all ages.
The Clubhouse, debuting on the mega-ship, is designed to be a magnet for families, with its retro games such as roller skating and bumper cars.
Several spaces are being refreshed and updated for the new-build, which can accommodate 6,700 guests with all berths filled.
Luna Park, which is already offered on MSC World Europa and MSC World America, will be improved as a multi-purpose destination, at times a space for youth activities, a nightclub, and themed parties.
The Harbour is also being redone for the new ship and will offer an outdoor adventure park with a ropes course and waterslides. The Tree of Life @ The Spiral, the longest dry slide at sea, will give thrill seekers 265 feet of twists and turns.
The ship’s World Theatre will be the setting for stage shows and musical performances, while World Promenade will host parades, street dances, light shows, and plenty more.
More Cruise Headlines
Looking for more cruise news? Cruise Hive has many more developments covered. Learn about protests that prevented a cruise ship from debarking guests at a Greek island; Antigua officials touring the construction site of the island’s new cruise terminal; and a famous shore excursion bar in Grand Turk getting a big expansion.
Also, the residential ship Villa Vie Odyssey adding a floating recreation platform, and erosion causing some problems at Disney Cruise Line’s private island destination.
The Netflix docuseries “Amy Bradley is Missing” is the second most watched show on the platform globally.
After watching the now-viral series, viewers have been rallying for justice for Amy and debating how safe cruises really are.
Ultimately, the likelihood of going missing during a cruise is extremely low and not something most passengers will ever need to worry about.
I don’t know about you, but the mysterious disappearance of former Royal Caribbean guest Amy Bradley is a case that keeps me up at night as both a cruise lover and a true crime fan.
If you don’t know the story, Amy Bradley mysteriously went missing from Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas on March 24, 1998.
While some leads have occasionally popped up over the years, nobody truly knows what happened and the mystery is still unsolved today.
According to the office of Lipcon, Margulies, and Winkleman, P.A., who are nationally recognized maritime lawyers in the US, the documentary is the second-most watched Netflix show globally, with 12.2 million views in the past week alone.
Not only has this led to a renewed public outcry to find out what happened to Amy and to seek justice on her behalf, but it’s brought up concerns about cruise ship safety.
Since the series premiered, Google searches relating to how often people go missing or disappear from cruise ships have skyrocketed by anywhere from 900% to 3,100% depending on the specific prompt.
Even searches for ‘is Curacao safe,’ which is a popular cruise port in the Caribbean and where Amy was last allegedly seen, has jumped up by 300%.
Meanwhile, social media platforms like TikTok have been flooded with thousands of videos from creators discussing theories, claiming that they will never cruise again, and bashing how Royal Caribbean responded to the crisis.
Most notably, viewers felt that the crew members didn’t make a ship-wide announcement about Amy’s disappearance until it was too late.
In 1999, the Bradley family actually filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, but the case was ultimately dismissed.
The cruise line has always held firm in that it acted appropriately and responsibly at all times.
Going Missing is Unlikely
If you haven’t watched it yet, and you like cruising and true crime like me, I highly recommend “Amy Bradley is Missing.”
The docuseries offers a comprehensive look at the case with direct input from the family, investigators, and Royal Caribbean representatives.
The daughter of Alister “Yellow” Douglas, who is a musician who performed onboard and was seen with Amy shortly before her disappearance, was even interviewed.
It also chronicles how Amy’s family has never given up their quest to find their daughter, who today would be 51 years old.
For example, the family had aged imagescreated to try to generate new leads in 2024, which coincided with Amy’s 50th birthday.
However, it’s important to not let the documentary scare you too much. While Amy’s disappearance is absolutely horrible, going missing on cruise ships is actually quite rare.
Missing Amy Bradley (Photo Credits: Netflix & Dennis MacDonald)
While it does happen from time to time, the likelihood is very low considering a record 37.7 people are expected to cruise in 2025 and the vast majority will return home from their vacations.
“Cruise ship travel is generally considered very safe,” Michael Winkleman, a leading Personal Injury & Maritime Attorney, stated.
“While high-profile cases from the past, such as the disappearance of Amy Bradley, have gone viral on social media, thanks to the popularity of Netflix’s recent documentary, Amy Bradley Is Missing, the reality is that out of 30 million people who sail on cruises every year, only about 15-20 missing person reports are filed annually,” Winkleman continued.
Over the past 20 years, an estimated 200 to 400 passengers and crew members have gone missing from cruise ships, which is still a relatively low number.
“While these incidents are extremely rare compared to the massive number of travelers, each one is extremely alarming and emotionally devastating for the families and loved ones involved,” Winkleman concluded.
While cruise ships also have their own security teams and more surveillance technology today than they did during Amy’s ill-fated voyage, cruisers can help keep themselves and others safe.
This means practicing caution while on decks or on private balconies, especially when near railings, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and staying mindful of their surroundings.
When I cruise, I personally always practice the buddy system with my loved ones so we are never alone.
If one of us does have to do something solo, we tell our travel companions exactly where we’re going and when we expect to come back.
The Catania Cruise Port has added a third pier for cruise ships as port authorities strive to make the Sicilian destination a top Mediterranean cruise port.
The new pier is large and deep enough to welcome multiple modern mega-ships at once, which will enhance the port’s capacity significantly.
As the Italian port continues to strive for growth, a massive new parking lot has also been designed with tour buses and increased passenger traffic in mind.
Indeed, the Catania Cruise Port, which is one of four major cruise ports in Sicily, is actually expanding its capacity.
As of July 22, 2025, the renovation of a third berth for Catania, known as Pier 25, has officially been completed and significantly increases the port’s capacity.
Global Ports Holding (GPH), which manages the port, had the work completed as part of a larger breakwater project.
A newly upgraded 405-meter (or 1,328 foot) quay was created while a water depth of 9 meters (or 29.5 feet) was also established.
“This was a fundamental intervention to bring the dock in line with today’s operational standards,” said Francesco Di Sarcina, engineer and president of the Eastern Sicilian Sea Port System Authority.
“We’ve restored the quay edge, recertified the bollards, upgraded the fenders, and—most critically—leveled the seabed, which had become uneven due to sediment shifts. Maintaining this depth through routine monitoring will be essential as cruise activity increases,” Di Sarcina elaborated.
The brand new Pier 25 connects to the port’s central pier, which is currently the longest and the scheduled site for a future cruise terminal.
The new pier also joins up with the quay adjacent to the breakwater, where additional work is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Supporting Future Growth
GPH, which is the largest independent cruise port operator in the world, has set a goal to increase cruise tourism and establish Catania as a top Eastern Mediterranean destination.
Not only has the Mediterranean retained its rank as the second most popular cruise market globally, but Catania specifically has been increasing in demand because it serves as a gateway to stunning sights like Mount Etna, Taormina, and Syracuse.
Checking the New Berth
“The addition of a third operational berth represents a major leap in our ability to manage larger passenger volumes and welcome next-generation ships,”stated Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of GPH Italian Cruise Port.
“This project is a tangible example of successful collaboration between GPH and the Port System Authority and reflects our shared vision of transforming Catania Cruise Port into a leading Mediterranean destination,”he continued.
Currently, the Catania Cruise Terminal welcomes approximately 250,000 guests every year, but that number is expected to grow with the port’s improved capacity.
Cruise tracking datashows that the port is expecting over 102 cruise calls between the peak 2025 cruise season of March to November, which also signals growth. This is up from the 98 ship visits recorded for 2024.
The cruise port has also built new infrastructure on land in order to support the greater numbers that could come from Pier 25.
For example, a new 7,000-square-meter (or 75,347 square feet) parking lot has been designed to accommodate tour buses for shore excursions and increased passenger traffic.
In May of 2025, port authorities also installed a symbolic peace emblem on the windows of the cruise terminal as a symbol of their commitment to promoting hospitality, as well as unity and cultural integration.
A Carnival guest has complained that profanity and sexual innuendos don’t belong on the family-friendly cruise line even at adults-only comedy.
John Heald has noted that jokes often come at the expense of a victim, no matter what the type of gag.
Carnival Cruise Line offers plenty of alternative activities suitable for all ages, even later in the evening.
Some complaints just don’t go away, and it is no laughing matter. Or is that the problem?
One upset guest has reached out to Carnival Cruise Line about what they feel just isn’t funny for the comedy shows. They brought their concerns to John Heald, and they weren’t joking.
“The entertainment was great, with the exception of the 18+ comedy,”the guest said about their recent cruise.“We couldn’t believe what both comedian entertainers brought up. Incredibly inappropriate for any age.”
Despite being the adults-only performance, the commenter believed that some material should always be off limits.
“The first [comedian] opened up with the F-word and within the next five mins dropped it at least three times,”they described.“It was racist and it was cruel. I could not believe that everyone stayed and listened to this filth.”
The guest was startled to learn that the performer, whom Heald has not identified, is one of Carnival’s “star performers.”
“In my opinion he should be fired! Politics, sexual connotations, and the use of the F-bomb has no place on a so-called family cruise line,”the guest concluded.
First of all, this was the adults-only, R-rated comedy. Carnival Cruise Line is very clear that such performances may contain profanity and controversial topics, a point Heald confirmed.
“Being a comedian in 2025 is one heck of difficult profession,”he admitted.
“In comedy most jokes are at someone’s expense. Whether it’s Hardy bullying Laurel, Jerry dropping a bowling ball on Tom’s head, or me making a jibe about something in the news or indeed my weight and my ugliness, the laugh comes at a cost to a victim.”
True enough. It’s also true that not every type of comedy will appeal to every guest.
“The nitty gritty of all of this is simple though. Our adult comedy shows are uncensored – if you are in any doubt please simply don’t go,”Heald suggested.
Multiple announcements before each R-rated comedy show note that the content may not appeal to all guests. Furthermore, signage is posted at the entrance to the Punchliner Comedy Club stating that the show is adults-only.
Most comedians onboard do offer family-friendly shows without profanity and stick to more neutral material suitable for all ages.
Still, it can be difficult today to find a topic that won’t offend someone. Want to make jokes about education? Teachers in the audience might take offense. What about parenting styles? Different parents might get upset. How about pets? That could trigger animal lovers.
Carnival Cruise Line Punchliner Comedy Club (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Fortunately, Carnival Cruise Line offers a busy schedule even into the late evening hours. Guests have a lot more to choose from other than just a comedy show.
There are also game shows, trivia contests, live music, production shows, deck parties, and more, all of which can be great options for everyone.
Is Leaving That Hard?
The guest does admit they left the show, and Heald agrees that is often the best decision.
“If you don’t like a joke a comedian says on one of our stages, please don’t demand don’t write to the beards telling them that Mr. or Mrs. Funnybone be fired,”he requested.“Go do something that brings you happiness and joy and a sense of Fun.”
It might seem intimidating or rude to walk out of a comedy show, but believe me, it happens frequently. I’ve personally left R-rated comedy performances because they just weren’t to my liking.
Sitting closer to the back of the lounge, preferably near the exit, can make it easier to discreetly exit without disrupting the show for others.
And what to do after leaving? The night is young, and there is plenty to enjoy! My favorite? An extra ice cream cone, a stroll around the deck, and maybe an early night to rest up for the next day’s fun.
Amendments to Mexico’s wildlife laws now prohibit some signature interactions with captive dolphins, with Royal Caribbean now informing booked guests.
Less intrusive activities with dolphins will still be available and tours are still being offered.
These changes are not unlike other laws to protect sloths and monkeys in Honduras or other wildlife, such as sea turtles, in many cruise destinations.
Dolphin encounters, swims, and interactions can be amazing experiences for cruise travelers, creating lifelong memories and inspiring a love of these special marine mammals.
With a new law now in effect in Mexico, however, the exact interactions guests are permitted on these tours have to be scaled back. This is to safeguard guests as well as the wildlife, but it can be disappointing for travelers who have looked forward to the experience.
Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests booked on impacted tours to alert them to the changes, so it is no surprise that the activity has been altered.
“Recently, the tour operator for your ‘Dolphin Swim & VIP Experience All-Inclusive’ tour in Cozumel, Mexico informed us that adjustments have been made the the excursion,”the notification read.
“Effective immediately, the General Wildlife Law has been implemented and enforces new operations standards for dolphin habitats across Mexico. As a result of this change, several high-impact interactions in our tours offered are now mandatorily removed.”
The activities that have been removed from dolphin visits include:
Grabbing or holding on to the dolphin’s dorsal or pectoral fins
Belly rides astride the dolphin while holding its fins
Boogie board interactions where the dolphin pushes the board
Foot pushes with the dolphin propelling a guest
Dorsal tows of any length or duration
This may not be a comprehensive list of the types of interactions now prohibited, and different tour operators may call these types of interactions by different names.
Royal Caribbean is giving guests the opportunity to change their excursion choices if they no longer wish to participate in the impacted tours. There is no indication whether or not cancellation fees might be waived for imminent tours.
According to the cruise line’s excursion FAQ, cancellation fees may apply depending on when guests opt to cancel.
“Excursions can be modified or cancelled up to 48 hours prior to port arrival without penalty,”the website reads.
Guests can cancel tours from the Royal Caribbean website or onboard by visiting the Shore Excursions desk or the Guest Relations desk.
While the notification email only mentioned tours in Cozumel, the fact that this is a national law and similar tours at other ports of call, such as Costa Maya, are sure to be likewise impacted.
Similarly, other cruise lines may also notify their guests of these widespread tour changes, as the new law is nationwide and not just focused on Royal Caribbean.
What Can Dolphin Tours Still Include?
It will naturally be disappointing for guests to learn that these signature activities with dolphins are no longer possible, but what types of interactions can still happen?
There are many different activities that can be part of dolphin encounters without violating the new amendments to Mexico’s General Wildlife Law, also called “Mincho’s Law.” The law’s adjustments were approved in late June 2025.
While “exploitative” shows and potentially harmful interactions are no longer permitted, simpler activities are still available. This could include receiving “kisses” from the mammals, taking selfies, offering belly rubs, petting the dolphins, and feeding them.
Dolphin Tour in Cozumel (Photo Credit: Luis Ayerves Photography)
Exactly what types of interactions are available will likely vary by tour operator and are always subject to change. The top priority, of course, will always be the animal’s welfare.
This change to dolphin interactions is not unlike laws enacted in Honduras in March 2025, limiting what guests can (and mostly can’t) do with sloths and monkeys, both of which have been popular wildlife attractions.
Similar laws are in place in many areas to protect delicate and endangered species. For example, it is generally illegal to touch sea turtles while snorkeling, though some tours offer limited options depending on the location and type of interaction.
Tours are often adjusted based on changes in local laws, guest preferences, and other factors. While dolphin tours will now be different in Mexico, they can still be a magical and amazing experience for cruise guests.
Norwegian Getaway‘s October 29, 2025 cruise now has two Bahamas ports cancelled and the ship will visit Cozumel instead.
Berth availability is cited as the reason for the dramatic itinerary change, but no further details are provided.
Cruise lines reserve the right to alter itineraries at any time, and port of call changes are not uncommon.
Any experienced cruise traveler knows that itinerary changes can and do happen. How disappointing is it, however, if two-thirds of your ports are cancelled and a replacement port is more than 600 miles in the wrong direction?
This is the situation for guests booked on the October 29, 2025 departure of Norwegian Getaway. The cruise line has informed them of a significant itinerary change, and now the Bahamas-themed sailing isn’t actually going to the Bahamas.
Norwegian Cruise Line reached out to notify guests of the change, explaining why the dramatic alteration was necessary and where the ship would be sailing instead.
“Every now and then, unexpected changes like port availability can shake up even the best-laid plans. While we work closely with port authorities to lock in every detail well in advance, circumstances may still shift, and sometimes we are informed that space is no longer available,”the email said.
“With that in mind, we want to let you know that due to updated port availability, our scheduled visit to Bimini and Nassau, Bahamas, has been canceled.”
Bimini and Nassau were two of the three ports scheduled for the 5-night itinerary, the ship’s first departure after moving to Miami following her season sailing from New York.
Now, the ship’s voyage will be as follows:
Wednesday, October 29 – Depart Miami
Thursday, October 30 – Day at Sea (formerly Nassau)
Friday, October 31 – Cozumel, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (formerly Bimini)
Saturday, November 1 – Day at Sea
Sunday, November 2 – Great Stirrup Cay, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, November 3 – Arrive in Miami
The ship’s times to depart and return to PortMiami are unchanged, as is the day at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
Nevertheless, swapping Nassau and Bimini for a visit to Cozumel is quite the change for travelers, particularly if they were looking forward to experiencing different destinations in the Bahamas.
Personally, I do prefer Cozumel (I always enjoy restocking my vanilla supply!), but each port is distinctive and offers unique experiences for visitors.
Is This Bad Timing for an Itinerary Change?
Some travelers booked on the cruise are upset because this notification comes just over three months before the departure date. This means guests can no longer cancel or change their vacation plans without significant penalties.
According to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Cancellation Fee Schedule, if guests on this cruise were to cancel right away, they would face penalties of 25-50% of their cruise fare, depending on their stateroom selection.
In just a few days, those penalties will increase to 50-75%, which does not give guests much time to consider their options.
Of course, the cruise line does reserve the right to change itineraries for any reason. This is outlined in the Guest Ticket Contract, which all travelers agree to when they book a cruise.
The contract notes that Norwegian Cruise Line may “cancel any scheduled call at any port for any reason and at any time before, during or after sailing of the vessel.”
Ports are often changed due to poor weather or unexpected situations, such as pier damage that may remove needed berths from service.
For this specific sailing, the cruise line has not provided any information other than “updated port availability” as the reason for the change.
In Nassau on October 30, just three other ships are currently scheduled to visit: Liberty of the Seas, Carnival Elation, and Margaritaville Paradise. In Bimini the next day, Brilliant Lady is the only other ship confirmed for the port.
In contrast, in Cozumel on October 31, MSC Seashore, Carnival Liberty, and Regal Princess are already planned.
Regardless of the reason for the change and which other ships may be docked alongside Norwegian Getaway, hopefully everyone will enjoy their cruise vacation and everything the 145,655-gross ton ship has to offer.
Viral video shows a guest falling over the railing and outside Icon of the Seas‘ Hideaway Pool on Deck 15.
A small walkway and second safety railing undoubtedly saved the guest’s life following their reckless behavior.
The incident occurred on the same sailing when a crewmember tragically jumped overboard and was not able to be saved.
During the same cruise, when a crewmember went overboard from Icon of the Seas following a stabbing altercation and did not survive, a viral video has surfaced of another fall that could have ended just as tragically.
The second incident happened in the evening at the ship’s Hideaway Pool, the aft-facing infinity pool on Deck 15. The guest was at the edge of the pool, dangling over the railing, when they suddenly fell over the side.
The original video is just 5-6 seconds long and shows the guest precariously balanced on the railing. They were bizarrely slapping their own rear before losing their balance and tumbling over the edge.
Though the fall looks like it would be immediately devastating, to be clear, the guest did not fall into the ocean.
Below Hideaway Pool is the Splashaway Bay children’s play area on Deck 7. A fall from Deck 15 to Deck 7 would be extremely dangerous, of course, but the guest did not even fall that far.
There is a narrow walkway and another glass barrier along the outer edge of the infinity pool. Close examination of the video shows that the guest hit that second barrier and fell between the two glass railings.
This means they fell just outside the pool and remained on Deck 15, albeit in a restricted area.
That walkway is for crew only and likely for maintenance, should the pool need inspections or repairs. Clearly, it also serves as an important safeguard against reckless behavior.
Descriptions from onboard witnesses share what happened. The guest was trying to retrieve sunglasses that had fallen onto the safety walkway, but was unable to reach them and overbalanced.
This was confirmed with Cruise Hive by a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson: “A guest accidentally fell onto the pool gutter after reaching over to retrieve their sunglasses. Our crew immediately attended to the guest and fortunately the guest did not experience any injuries.“
Icon of the Seas The Hideaway Pool Fall
Witnesses onboard also confirm the guest was not injured and crew members were able to assist them in exiting the restricted space.
There is no confirmation about whether or not alcohol may have influenced the guest’s behavior. The Hideaway Bar is just steps away from the pool, though the guest does not appear to be holding a glass or bottle.
Icon of the Seas returned to PortMiami on time at the conclusion of the cruise on Saturday, July 26. The ship also departed for her next sailing, a 7-night Western Caribbean voyage, as planned.
Not All Guests Show Good Judgment
This incident was fortunately minor, but guests who engage in reckless behavior aren’t always so lucky. Just a few inches’ difference in the guest’s position and they could have been severely injured or killed.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas in Miami (Photo Credit: Ute Sonja Medley)
The teen’s behavior was never confirmed, but they may have been sitting or standing on the railing at the time of the accident, behavior that is clearly unsafe and prohibited.
Other silly behavior has often gotten guests banned from cruise lines. For example, two guests were banned for life from Carnival Cruise Line after fishing from their balcony stateroom while docked in Nassau, Bahamas, in April 2023.
Climbing on balconies, misusing onboard equipment, and alcohol-fueled antics are other types of incidents that can happen on any cruise line.
These behaviors are clear violations of guest conduct policies. Repercussions can range from a talk with security to fines, isolation in one’s stateroom, being banned from future sailings, and even legal action.
