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Royal Caribbean Ship Hit by Delays After Los Angeles Port Power Failure

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Ship Hit by Delays After Los Angeles Port Power Failure

Key Aspects:

  • Embarkation was delayed for Quantum of the Seas on Wednesday, February 18 due to a port power outage.
  • Heavy winds and rain downed power lines close to the Port of Los Angeles which may have been related to the delay.
  • No itinerary changes are confirmed for the ship on her 6-night cruise to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

Guests boarding their 6-night Baja Mexico cruise aboard Quantum of the Seas on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 got a slower start than planned thanks to a power outage at the Port of Los Angeles.

Royal Caribbean texted guests to alert them to the situation and the slight delay to embarkation.

“The Port of Los Angeles is experiencing a power outage which will cause some boarding delays,” the notification explained. “Our boarding process for Quantum of the Seas will now begin at 1:00 PM. Please be sure to arrive no earlier than this updated time.”

Typically, boarding begins between 11 a.m. and noon, so the delay has been relatively minimal. Nevertheless, because of slower embarkation processing, it was important for guests to be aware of the situation and adjust their arrival to the cruise terminal.

Guests debarking the ship at the time discussed the power outage on Reddit, noting that customs processing was still able to move forward, but much more slowly.

“I was standing in line waiting to do customs when the power went out,” one guest described. “The facial recognition machines all still had power but weren’t working (I’m assuming no network). They had to go back to checking everyone’s passport manually. I’m sure that drastically allows things down.”

Heavy rain and strong winds moved through southern California and the Los Angeles area during the morning hours, causing intermittent power outages throughout the region.

According to local reports, a southbound stretch of the I-110 freeway in San Pedro just west of the Port of Los Angeles was closed for several hours due to downed power lines. It is unknown whether those specific power lines supply electricity to the port or cruise terminals, but the connection is possible.

Read Also: One of These Mexico Cruise Ports Could Be on Your Itinerary

Quantum of the Seas at Cabo San Lucas
Quantum of the Seas at Cabo San Lucas (Photo Credit: A. Viduetsky)

That specific freeway is the busiest connection leading to the Port of Los Angeles and the traffic congestion would have caused additional delays for guests heading for Quantum of the Seas.

No other cruise ships docked at the Port of Los Angeles on Wednesday, so no other vessels have been impacted at this time.

Power outages and network issues can have a significant impact on today’s technology-driven cruise terminal operations, particularly for security checks and passenger verification.

Cruise Hive reported extensively on Carnival Cruise Line’s recent tech glitches that caused embarkation and departure delays for multiple ships, as well as impacted onboard operations across the fleet.

Will the Itinerary Be Changed?

Quantum of the Seas‘ planned itinerary for her February 18 departure includes a full day at sea while the ship makes her way to Cabo San Lucas for an overnight visit from 1 p.m. on Friday, February 20 until 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 21.

Sunday will be another day at sea, and the ship will visit Ensenada on Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. before returning to Los Angeles on Tuesday, February 24.

While there have been no itinerary changes confirmed at this time, it is possible the ship may need to shorten her stay in Cabo San Lucas to make up for any departure delay.

It is also possible that Quantum of the Seas can simply make up for any delayed departure with a change in speed during her day at sea on Thursday, the first full day of the sailing.

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Satellite tracking, however, confirms the ship did appear to depart on schedule at 7 p.m. Guests will no doubt be notified onboard if there are any changes to the ship’s overall itinerary or scheduling in ports of call.

Quantum of the Seas, the lead ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class, can welcome 4,180 guests at double occupancy or up to 4,905 when fully booked with all berths filled.

Princess Cruises Crew and Guests Unite to Break Margarita Guinness World Record

Melissa Mayntz
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Princess Cruises Crew and Guests Unite to Break Margarita Guinness World Record

Key Aspects:

  • Guests and crew aboard Regal Princess set a new Guinness World Record for most margaritas sold in 8 hours.
  • The record number of 3,410 margaritas was sold while the ship was in Cozumel on February 17, 2026.
  • Princess Cruises uses Pantalones Organic Tequila onboard, which was also used to christen Star Princess.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, was definitely a day to raise a toast to Princess Cruises and the crew and guests aboard Regal Princess. During the ship’s visit to Cozumel, Mexico, everyone onboard pitched in to set a new Guinness World Record.

“Today, aboard Regal Princess in Cozumel, our guests and crew came together to set a new Guinness World Record for the most margaritas sold in an 8-hour period,” Princess Cruises announced on Facebook.

“The official count is 3,410 surpassing the existing record of 2,728. Raise a glass, we did it!”

The port of call was an appropriate one for the record attempt, as tequila is the key ingredient in all margaritas. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, native to Mexico. Princess Cruises uses Pantalones Organic Tequila onboard.

Cruise Hive has previously reported that the newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, Star Princess, was christened in November 2025 with a bottle of Pantalones Organic Tequila rather than the more traditional champagne.

Regal Princess is currently sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary that departed from Galveston on Sunday, February 15. Guests are enjoying an overnight call to Cozumel from 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18. The ship will visit Roatan on Thursday before returning to Texas on Sunday, February 22.

Princess Cruises Margaritas Record
Princess Cruises Margaritas Record (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)

The record attempt was held onboard the ship, and it is unclear whether or not off-duty crew members could also purchase margaritas to contribute to the event.

Nevertheless, the new record surpasses the old record by a total of 682 margaritas and an untold number of salted rims and lime and orange wedges.

“Ritas for the record is officially in the books,” the cruise line confirmed.

The previous record was set on September 15, 2024 in Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, at the Motel Mexicola restaurant in celebration of Mexican Independence Day.

Check Also: Cruise Drinks Package Calculator

To set a Guinness World Record, an official adjudicator must verify the attempt and its results. If successful, an official certificate of the attempt and outcome is presented once verified. This can happen immediately at the event, depending on the type of record.

The official certificate presentation was held onboard Regal Princess, complete with confetti, photographers, and a lot of smiles to mark the celebration.

More World Records on Cruise Ships

While definitely a record worth raising a glass to, the margarita sales record onboard Regal Princess is not the first world record set onboard a cruise or during a cruise vacation.

Cruise Hive has noted a variety of fun and unique records set onboard ships, such as how MSC Cruises offers different record-setting attempts onboard its ships.

For example, the record for the longest line of Lego ships ever created was set onboard MSC World America in March 2025 as a fun diversion for the crew before the ship welcomed her first guests.

Other fun records set onboard cruise ships and by cruise lines include such wild and wacky events as:

  • Carnival Cruise Lines – Largest Piñata by volume – 8,000 pounds of candy set in Philadelphia on November 2, 2008
  • Royal Caribbean – Fastest marathon run on a ship – 2 hours, 52 minutes, 47 seconds aboard Ovation of the Seas in December 2024
  • Virgin Voyages – Largest gathering of merpeople – 457 participants in Bimini on November 4, 2022

Would you be interested in joining a world record attempt during your cruise vacation? Sign me up for the most cruises booked, most chocolate melting cakes eaten, or fastest to reach the lido deck!

P&O Cruises Locks In Three Major Airlines for 2026–27 Caribbean Fly‑Cruise Season

Donna Tunney
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P&O Cruises Locks In Three Major Airlines for 2026–27 Caribbean Fly‑Cruise Season

Key Aspects:

  • P&O Cruises will continue its UK fly-cruise Caribbean program with three air carriers in 2026-27.
  • The line confirmed it has contracts with Virgin Atlantic, TUI Airways, and Norse Atlantic Airways.
  • The cruise ships Arvia and Britannia will sail Eastern and Southern Caribbean voyages.

The fly-cruise charter arrangements that P&O Cruises launched in the UK two years ago have been so successful that the cruise line has renewed its airline partnerships for the winter 2026-27 Caribbean season.

From October 2026 to March 2027, UK-based cruise guests who book the cruise line’s fly-cruise packages will travel to the Caribbean aboard TUI Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Norse Atlantic Airways.

P&O Cruises will base two ships in Bridgetown, Barbados, for the season, Britannia and Arvia, with air-inclusive 14-night cruise packages offered to guests across Great Britain. Arvia will operate departures from both Barbados and Antigua, and guests can join the ship at either destination.

“For our fly-cruise guests, their holiday begins at the airport, so getting the flight experience right really matters to us. That’s why we’re delighted to be continuing our long‑standing relationships with TUI, Norse Atlantic, and Virgin Atlantic,” said Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises.

“Together, these partnerships mean our guests can enjoy consistently high‑quality journeys, with the comfort and care they know and love from P&O Cruises, right from take‑off,” added Ludlow.

Norse Atlantic Airways will offer service on Saturdays from London Gatwick and Manchester to Antigua, on certain departure dates, and will operate regional flights to Barbados from Cardiff, Glasgow, and Newcastle, also on select dates.

A whole plane charter will be offered on a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330 every two weeks for guests booked on Arvia’s 14-night departures from Barbados.

TUI Airways will serve Barbados, too, offering flights from London Gatwick, Birmingham, and Manchester. For select departures, the airline will operate regional service from Belfast, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, and Newcastle.

P&O Cruises is a Carnival Corporation brand that caters to the UK market. Its 5,200-guest Arvia is an Excellence-class ship that entered service in 2022, while the smaller Britannia accommodates 3,600 and was launched in 2015.

P&O Cruises Arvia
Photo Credit: Daniele Speranza

During the 2026-27 winter season, both ships will operate 14-night voyages to a wide range of Caribbean destinations. Some longer cruises are offered, too, such as a 28-night Christmas/New Year’s sailing.

Read Also: Eastern vs. Western Caribbean Cruise: Which Will I Prefer?

Guests can embark Arvia at either Barbados or Antigua. The ship’s 14-night November 28, 2026 cruise, for instance, departs from Antigua and calls at St. Lucia and Grenada before arriving in Barbados, where she overnights and embarks more guests.

The ship then visits Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and Tortola, BVI, before debarking guests in Antigua, and then continuing on to other islands before returning to Barbados.

A Previous Charter Carrier Didn’t Measure Up

P&O Cruises reached agreements with the three airline partners after it suspended a relationship with Maleth Aero, an air charter company that previously transported cruise guests from multiple UK airports to Barbados.

The cruise line parted ways with Maleth Aero in February 2024, as reported on Cruise Hive, after guests complained about Maleth Aero’s lack of premium seating and in-flight entertainment on the long-haul flights.

At the time, the P&O Cruises president took to Twitter (now X), with a video in which he assured guests that he was aware of passengers’ frustrations with the charter carrier and was working toward a solution.

More From Cruise Hive

In addition to Maleth Aero, the cruise line was also partnering with TUI Airways, and that relationship has been steady.

The fly-cruise guests can choose economy, premium economy, or upper class seats on Virgin Atlantic; a full slate of in-flight entertainment on all three carriers; meals and some free drinks; and baggage service.

Carnival Replaces Multiple Venues With New Dining Lineup on Two Ships

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Replaces Multiple Venues With New Dining Lineup on Two Ships

Key Aspects:

  • The Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse is being added to both Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.
  • The rebranding replaces Luke’s Bar and Grill on the Australian-based cruise ships.
  • Also onboard now is the Bonsai Sushi Express Station, and a new burger venue will be added.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced new dining additions coming soon to its two ships permanently based in Australia, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

Both ships will have the onboard Luke’s Bar and Grill restaurant replaced and rebranded into the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, a favorite across the Carnival fleet.

Carnival Encounter is currently undergoing an extensive dry dock in Singapore and will return to service from March 5, 2026. Carnival Adventure has a brief dry dock scheduled in early 2027. The new specialty dining steakhouse, however, will be ready on both ships from their May 4, 2026 departures.

Guests on Carnival Adventure’s 12-night Fiji and South Pacific itinerary departing May 4 from Sydney, as well as Carnival Encounter’s 4-night Airlie Beach sailing from Brisbane that same day, can be the first to enjoy the new venue.

“We are delighted to be bringing Fahrenheit 555 to all of our Australia-based ships, so guests can experience Carnival’s signature premium experience no matter where or when they sail with us,” said Anton Loeb, Carnival Cruise Line Assistant Vice President Sales & Marketing.

The steakhouse is already available onboard Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor. Those two ships both sail in Australia from Brisbane and Sydney, respectively. Carnival Luminosa homeports seasonally Down Under, while Carnival Splendor stays in Australia year-round.

Fahrenheit 555 is an extra charge restaurant with a $77 (AUD – approximately $55 USD) per person surcharge.

The menu includes premium beef cuts such as New York strip loin steak, t-bones, filet mignon, and more, along with seafood, surf & turf, curated sides, an elevated wine list, and decadent desserts.

Carnival Cruise Line Steak
Carnival Cruise Line Steak (Credit: Carnival)

“You’re going to get all your wonderful steaks, all the brilliant stuff that the rest of the fleet [has] enjoyed,” confirmed John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador. “I’m so glad that we’re able to do this for our Australian guests.”

Read Also: Free Carnival Cruise Dining Options You’ll Want to Know (With Menus!)

Reservations are required for the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse. Guests can make those reservations for their sailings through the cruise line’s website or via the Carnival Hub app once onboard for their cruise vacation.

Guests already booked on Australia sailings who have made reservations for Luke’s Bar and Grill will be emailed details about the change to Fahrenheit 555 and how it may impact their dining plans.

Even More Dining Venue Updates Down Under

The addition of Fahrenheit 555 is not the only change coming to Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

Bonsai Sushi Express has also now opened on both ships with its made-to-order variety of sushi, sashimi, and other delicacies. A great grab-and-go snack for those who love sushi, the venue is already popular on many Carnival ships.

The onboard burger joint, Luke’s Burgers, will also be replaced with a new specialty burger venue, Carnival Topside Grill. While this will not be the wildly popular Guy’s Burger Joint, it will offer a new option for dining on both ships.

There have not yet been any further details released about Carnival Topside Grill, including whether or not there will be an extra charge or what items may be on the menu.

The changes to onboard dining, including removing Luke’s Bar and Grill and Luke’s Burgers, follows the successful partnership between the now-retired P&O Cruises Australia brand with celebrated Australian chef and restauranteur Luke Mangan. The new changes bring the two ships more in line with guest-favorite dining offerings across the entire Carnival fleet.

More From Cruise Hive

Cruise Hive previously reported on the rebranding to both ships when they joined the Carnival fleet in March 2025. Further details about the updates for each ship will be announced as they are confirmed.

Carnival Cruise Ship Switches Back to Old Safety Briefing for Upcoming Voyage

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Cruise Ship Switches Back to Old Safety Briefing for Upcoming Voyage

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Conquest’s February 20, 2026, sailing will begin with an in-person muster drill.
  • While E-Muster drills are preferred, in-person drills must be completed at least twice a year to comply with safety policies.
  • This is only a temporary change, and the E-Muster process is not going away anytime soon.

Future guests of Carnival Conquest will start their cruise with a blast from the past – at least when it comes to safety briefings.

Instead of the now-standard E-Muster process, where guests complete the mandatory safety briefing from the HUB App, the Conquest-class flagship’s next sailing will complete a traditional muster drill on embarkation day.

To be clear, this is the 4-night Bahamas sailing embarking in Miami, Florida, on February 20, 2026.

Read Also: What to Expect During a Cruise Ship Muster Drill

“Shortly before departure, a full safety drill will take place on your upcoming sailing,” Carnival told impacted guests in advance.

“This is a mandatory procedure, and all guests will be required to participate in this brief but essential exercise,” the cruise line continued.

This means that guests will need to assemble at their assigned muster stations, where attendance will be taken. They will then watch life jacket demonstrations and receive any other relevant safety information.

The ship’s emergency signal, which consists of seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast, will also be sounded.

Why Has the Muster Drill Changed?

This isn’t the first time that Carnival Conquest has temporarily reverted back to the old mustering format, and it likely won’t be the last time the 2,980-guest ship does so.

Cruise Hive also reported on a switch to the former mustering process for Carnival Conquest in March of 2025, which took place onboard another Bahamas-bound sailing.

In October 2025, Carnival confirmed that the in-person muster drill must be completed at least twice a year for safety reasons.

However, this change is only temporary, and there are no plans to revert to traditional muster drills full-time.

“The safety of everyone on board is always our priority, and we are dedicated to maintaining responsible and secure operations,” Carnival stated in the letter to guests.

Carnival Conquest Cruise Ship
Carnival Conquest Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)

Even though the E-Muster drills are strongly preferred these days, it’s still important to go through this exercise occasionally to make sure that all crew members are properly trained on what to do if an emergency did occur.

This is in addition to other routine drills and training that the approximately 1,150 crew members go through regularly to ensure they are ready to respond in essentially any emergency situation.

This exercise is also necessary to remain in good standing with the regulations established by Carnival Corporation’s Health, Environmental, Safety & Security Committee (HESS).

The purpose of these standards is to supervise and monitor health and safety programs onboard all Carnival ships and to ensure the vessels comply with the regulations set forth by the different regions where the cruise line operates.

Will My Cruise Have a Traditional Muster Drill?

Carnival Cruise Line randomly selects ships and sailings to go through the old muster process to make sure important safety standards are met.

There is no way to tell if your sailing will be selected for this process at the time of booking, but Cruise Hive typically sees Carnival notify guests in advance if their voyage has been selected for this exercise.

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The only other time guests might have to revert to the old ways without advance notice is if there is a technical difficulty that hinders the E-Muster process.

But when all is said and done, traditional muster drills only take around 30 minutes to complete from start to finish. In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t a lot of time to take out of your vacation to ensure everyone stays safe.

Expectant Mother Faces Heartbreaking Loss Aboard Norwegian Jewel

Catie Kovelman
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Expectant Mother Faces Heartbreaking Loss Aboard Norwegian Jewel

Key Aspects:

  • Paris Singleton-Ajaero was excited to join her mother for a music-themed cruise onboard Norwegian Jewel, which embarked on February 1.
  • At only 21 weeks pregnant, Paris was allowed to sail onboard the NCL ship.
  • But during the cruise, she went into early labor and her twins could not be saved.

Paris Singleton-Ajaero and John Ajaero were overjoyed to find out they were expecting a baby in October of 2025, and that excitement only doubled when they learned they were having twins.

On February 1, 2026, Paris and her mother embarked on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel in Tampa, Florida, for the inaugural music-themed Rise and Rhythm cruise.

It was meant to be a fun, 4-night getaway to Cozumel, Mexico, before the family really doubled down on preparing to welcome their dual bundles of joy.

At only 21 weeks pregnant, Paris was well within Norwegian Cruise Line’s requirements to set sail. NCL permits pregnant women onboard as long as they are less than 24 weeks along when the cruise ends.

But unfortunately for the Maryland-based couple, the dream vacation turned into a nightmare when Paris sadly lost both of her twins in the middle of the cruise.

What Happened?

Despite having no previous pregnancy complications, Paris went into preterm labor soon after embarking on the sailing. As recently as the day before the cruise, Paris was the picture of health at a routine doctor’s appointment.

“I couldn’t get comfortable and went into preterm labor on the cruise,” Paris told WMAR 2 News in Baltimore.

“Everything was going according to plan, like there was no signs or signals or anything being problematic with the twins. I actually just went to an appointment the day before,” she continued.

Paris was taken to the ship’s medical center, where her son, John Junior, was born prematurely. He sadly was too young to survive.

“My son was delivered on the cruise, and I just didn’t really comprehend what was happening at that moment,” Paris recalled.

Crew members then made arrangements to medically evacuate Paris and her mother to the nearest hospital, which was in Cancun, Mexico. This is where John Junior’s sister, Journey Rose, was also delivered prematurely. The baby girl could not be saved either.

The Twins Remain in Mexico

Cruise Hive learned that Paris was finally able to connect with her husband, John, from the hospital in Mexico. She introduced him to the twins over video chat.

Due to issues related to international regulations, obtaining foreign death certificates, and repatriation, Paris and her mother could not take the twins home with them when they returned to Maryland.

Paris only got one day with her children before she was discharged, and their father has not yet gotten to see them in person. John described seeing his twins on video chat as “somebody reaching into your chest and just squeezing your heart.”

“I still haven’t gotten to hold them. That is another painful part of it,” he added.

The couple is working on reuniting with their twins before they are laid to rest in the US.

Calls for Financial Aid

In the midst of mourning this tremendous loss, the couple has also been hit with medical bills and costs related to bringing their twins back to the US.

A friend of the family, Rhonda Wall, has started a GoFundMe to help provide financial relief. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $28,000, and so far over $19,000 has been donated.

“The emotional toll has been immense, and now Paris and her family are facing overwhelming medical bills,” Wall wrote on the fundraiser.

“The hospital has requested an initial payment for the emergency transportation and care Paris received,” Wall continued.

It’s unclear if the cruisers had purchased travel insurance that may cover any of the emergency transportation or medical expenses.

Cruise Hive sends our thoughts and prayers to the family as they navigate this tragedy.

Interim Findings Released in Investigation Into Cruise Elevator Crew Death

Lissa Poirot
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Interim Findings Released in Investigation Into Cruise Elevator Crew Death

Key Aspects:

  • A new investigation reveals the latest findings of a crew member’s death on P&O Cruises’ Arvia.
  • The crew electrical technician died after being crushed inside an elevator shaft due to equipment defects.
  • The investigation is ongoing and focused on preventing future accidents.

A routine maintenance check aboard one of the world’s largest cruise ships turned fatal when a crew member became trapped inside an elevator shaft while the vessel was sailing in the Atlantic, according to a new investigation report.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), working on behalf of the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority, is examining the death of an electrical technician aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia, a Bermuda-registered vessel.

The incident occurred October 26, 2025, as the vessel, carrying more than 5,000 passengers and 1,600 crew members, sailed from Southampton, England, to Santa Cruz, Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands.

At about 5:52 a.m. UTC, the technician and the ship’s staff electro-technical officer were testing a passenger elevator following overnight repairs. The elevator had been stopped on deck 11 while testing was carried out from inside the car.

The report reveals the technician left to inspect the top of the elevator from higher decks but ran into a problem on deck 12. A defect prevented the door release key from working, blocking access to the elevator shaft. He then moved up to deck 14 to access it.

Moments later, the lift reactivated automatically.

According to the interim report, safety interlocks were restored once the lift doors closed on the 2022-built vessel, and a stored call signal triggered the elevator to move upward, crushing the technician between the car and the shaft wall.

P&O Arvia in Europe
P&O Arvia in Europe (Photo Credit: Claudine Van Massenhove)

A medical emergency was declared at 6:02 a.m., and the crew member was pronounced dead by the ship’s doctor at 6:07 a.m. The ship diverted to A Coruña, Spain, where local emergency services recovered the body.

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Line’s Smart Elevators: Helpful or Confusing?

The investigation stresses the report’s release is focused on safety rather, not blame, stating, “The sole objective of a safety investigation into an accident under there regulations shall be the prevention of future accidents through the ascertainment of its causes and circumstances.”

The cause of death remains pending a postmortem report, and the investigation is ongoing. Investigators now say a combination of equipment defects and safety procedures is under close review. 

What Happened Aboard Arvia

The death of the electrical technician aboard Arvia was first confirmed to Cruise Hive by P&O Cruises the day after the accident. The cruise line said that a crew member had died following an onboard accident while the ship was two days into a transatlantic sailing.

At that time, the company said it was offering “every possible support” to the family, friends, and colleagues of the crew member without releasing his name or role.

Arvia, one of the largest ships in the P&O Cruises fleet, had departed Southampton on October 24 for a repositioning voyage to Bridgetown, Barbados.

After being rerouted to A Coruña, the ship remained in port for several hours, and local authorities then confirmed a workplace accident involved a “deceased crew member.”

More From Cruise Hive

It’s not the first time elevator maintenance was the cause of death for a crew member. In December 2015, a member of crew on Carnival Cruise Line’s Ecstasy was also pinned between the car and the shaft wall while working on an elevator. The ship was in port in Florida at the time.

Elevator systems on cruise ships are heavily regulated and inspected, especially because vessels can carry thousands of passengers and crew across many decks. 

When the rare incident does occur, they typically involve maintenance or testing scenarios and not routine passenger use.

Princess Cruises Showcases Special US Voyages Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

Melissa Mayntz
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Princess Cruises Showcases Special US Voyages Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

Key Aspects:

  • Princess Cruises is offering special commemorative merchandise for America’s 250th Anniversary on select itineraries.
  • The line is offering 2026 sailings exploring historic US destinations, including Alaska, New England, and Hawaii.
  • Special savings are now available on select sailings for budget-friendly explorations of the US.

With the US preparing to celebrate its semiquincentennial, Princess Cruises is highlighting unique voyages along the iconic coasts of the US, along with special deals and commemorative merchandise to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Of great interest is the cruise line’s largest-ever season in Alaska to date. Cruise Hive has previously reported that the newest Princess ship, Star Princess, will sail the Last Frontier in 2026, offering spectacular 7-night itineraries from Seattle starting on May 3.

Star Princess will join seven other ships in Alaska this year. Together, the Princess Cruises Alaska fleet will offer 180 different departures with itineraries that include 19 unique destinations such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Skagway.

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. Visiting on a Princess cruise offers not only a chance to immerse oneself in the history and cultures of some of the last remaining frontier towns, but also to marvel at the phenomenal vistas along the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Tracy Arm Fjord.

“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it feels especially meaningful to celebrate by sailing alongside the landscapes and visiting landmarks that helped shape our nation,” said Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises.

Land-and-sea cruisetour options offer guests even more options to explore Alaska with visits to Denali National Park and other national parks, along with stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

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

Onboard the Alaska sailings, guests will have the unique opportunity to buy souvenirs specifically designed for this special year. Not only will limited-edition blankets inspired by Alaskan landscapes be for sale, but special “Celebrating America 250 by Princess” collector pins and other merchandise will be available.

Other Itineraries Exploring America

If Alaska doesn’t appeal to guests, Princess Cruises is offering itineraries that explore other parts of the US with the same premium experiences the cruise line is known for.

“From Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness to the tropical beauty of Hawaii and the historic charm of New England’s coastal towns, our 2026 sailings invite longtime Princess guests and first-time cruisers alike to experience the places that tell America’s story,” said Lee.

View of Star Princess
View of Star Princess (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

For example, this fall Princess Cruises is offering a short series of Canada and New England Itineraries on Majestic Princess departing from New York.

Not only can guests explore the Big Apple before or after their 7-night sailing, but along the way the ship will visit such historic destinations as Boston, Newport, and Portland, depending on departure date.

Sapphire Princess is also offering 10-night, one-way trips between Boston and Quebec City this fall if guests want to spend more time in Massachusetts, right where so much of America’s history began.

Cruise guests who want to celebrate America’s 50th state will enjoy Emerald Princess’ Hawaiian Islands voyages. These 16-night voyages are offered roundtrip from Los Angeles on a variety of departure dates, including September 30, October 16, November 8, November 28, and December 14.

More From Cruise Hive

The Aloha vibes will include visits to Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo, with exact ports depending on departure date.

For a limited time, Princess Cruises is offering a special “Princess Signature Sale” on select US itineraries. The deal is available through March 17, 2026 and includes instant savings, reduced deposits, and free third and fourth guests on select sailings, making it a budget-friendly way to set sail with this year’s historic celebrations.

Investor Calls for Major Changes for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Lissa Poirot
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Investor Calls for Major Changes for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Key Aspects:

  • Elliott Investment Management is pushing for sweeping leadership and board changes at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
  • The investor believes the company has underperformed, despite strong industry demand.
  • Elliott has warned it may take the case directly to shareholders at the annual meeting in March 2026.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is under pressure from one of its biggest investors to make major leadership and strategy changes, and fast.

Activist firm Elliott Investment Management has built a stake of more than 10 percent in the company and is pushing for major leadership and strategy changes. The move makes Elliott one of Norwegian’s largest shareholders and sets the stage for what could become one of the cruise industry’s most significant activist campaigns in years.

In a detailed letter to the board and an accompanying presentation titled “Norwegian Now,” Elliott argued that the cruise operator has failed to keep pace with competitors despite strong demand across the industry. 

“The case for change at Norwegian is as compelling as any we have ever seen,” the firm wrote in a letter signed by Partner John Pike and Portfolio Manager Bobby Xu.

“We believe the gap between Norwegian’s current performance and what it should be achieving under capable leadership represents one of the clearest value-creation opportunities in the public markets.”

Elliott said NCLH, which owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has gone from being one of the cruise industry’s strongest performers when it first went public in 2013 to trailing behind rivals like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Corporation.

The investor firm said rising costs, missed revenue opportunities, and an inconsistent strategy are to blame, criticizing the board’s leadership decisions. It says recent executive appointments have not addressed long-term performance issues.

Elliott Investment Management has issued a “Norwegian Now” proposal for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ future success.

Elliott believes NCLH’s stock could reach $56 per share – about 159 percent higher than recent levels – if changes are made.

The firm said it is willing to work with the board but has warned it could take its case directly to shareholders at NCLH’s upcoming annual meeting in March 2026 if progress is not made.

“Norwegian’s shareholders have waited long enough,” Pike and Xu wrote.

Drawing Scrutiny

Elliott Investment Management’s push comes just days after NCLH announced a leadership change that is already drawing scrutiny from investors.

On February 12, 2026, the cruise company said it had appointed John W. Chidsey as chief executive officer, effective immediately. 

Chidsey previously served as CEO of Subway and Burger King and has been a member of NCLH’s board. He replaced Harry Sommer, who had been in the role since 2023.

NCLH said Chidsey was selected to help improve execution and financial performance as the company moves into its next phase of growth.

Elliott, however, criticized the decision in its letter, noting that the board chose a long-tenured director with no executive experience in the cruise industry. 

The firm said the move reflects broader concerns and underscores the need for new independent directors with relevant industry expertise, and calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the company’s board and executive leadership team, and suggested recruiting those with cruise leadership experience, including former Royal Caribbean executive Adam Goldstein.

NCLH’s financial performance has not followed the same trajectory as its competitors, according to the investors.

The company, which will release annual earnings on March 2, 2026, reported revenue of about $2.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, which was about 3 percent lower than the same period in 2024. That was followed by a rebound to roughly $2.5 billion in the second quarter, and a record $2.9 billion in the third quarter. 

Meanwhile, competitors reported significantly larger annual results.

Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and has a joint-venture with TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, generated roughly $17.9 billion in revenue in 2025.

Carnival Corporation, which operates Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, AIDA, and P&O Cruises, reported record revenue of about $26.6 billion.

Elliott Investment Management argues NCHL should be delivering stronger returns in an environment of higher passenger demand and strong industry pricing.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been making growth moves in recent months. In December 2025, the company named industry veteran Marc Kazlauskas as president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

On February 17, 2026, the company also announced a major long-term expansion of its brands with new ships for all three of its brands planned through 2037.

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