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How Big is the Star Princess? Size, Stats and Comparisons

Emrys Thakkar
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How Big is the Star Princess? Size, Stats and Comparisons

The Star Princess is the newest ship in the Princess fleet, as well as one of the cruise line’s largest ships to date (along with sister ship Sun Princess, both of the Sphere Class). Both vessels were absolutely groundbreaking for Princess Cruises when they debuted, bringing never-before-seen features to the line and the cruising industry in general.

That said, these ships aren’t among the largest in the world — not even close. So just how big is Star Princess? I’m breaking down everything you need to know about this ship’s size, in numbers you can actually visualize, so you can gauge if it’s the perfect fit for your next cruise.

In this Article:

Just How Big is the Star Princess?

Constructed by Italian ship builder Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani, Star Princess boasts a gross tonnage of 177,800 and a passenger capacity of 4,300. There are 1,600 international crew members, and the massive princess ship has 21 decks and 2,157 total staterooms.

Star Princess Length

As for length, Star Princess measures 1,133 feet. That’s more than three football fields, and nearly a quarter of a mile. If you were to walk from the front of the ship to the end of the ship at a leisurely pace (because how else would you want to walk on a cruise ship?), it’d take you nearly 10 minutes.

Star Princess Width

At the waterline, the width of this second Sphere Class ship comes in at 139 feet, though at its maximum width, the ship measures 158 feet.

Star Princess Height

There are 21 total decks on Star Princess, though not all of them are available to the public. The ship is 200 feet tall, though a large portion of the hull sits below the waterline.

If you’re having trouble imagining that height, consider that that’s about half the height of the Great Pyramid of Giza (which stands at 481 feet), or about the same height as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney.

Star Princess Weight

Cruise ship weight is measured in gross tonnage, or GT. Rather than calculating the number you’d get if you were to drop a cruise ship onto a very large scale, gross tonnage calculates a ship’s internal space. One gross ton equals 100 cubic feet of internal volume.

Star Princess Cruise Ship
Star Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mary Baratto)

Not only does gross tonnage matter in terms of how big a ship is, though. Gross tonnage is also related to cruise ship safety. A certain GT has to be reached in order for a ship to carry a certain amount of weight and passengers and still ensure buoyancy and stability.

So just how much does Star Princess weigh in GT? She comes in at 177,800 GT.

While this does make Star Princess one of the largest ships for Princess Cruises, it doesn’t even allow the vessel to crack the top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world. Those are closer to 250,000 GT.

How Does Star Princess Measure Up to Other Ships?

Along these lines, let’s take a look at how Star Princess measures up against other ships, including some of its sister ships, as well as one of the largest cruise ships in the world: Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

StatStar PrincessSun PrincessDiscovery PrincessIcon of the Seas
Gross Tonnage177,882 GT177,882 GT145,000 GT248,663 GT
Length1,133 ft1,133 ft1,083 ft1,196 ft
Total Decks21211920
Passenger Decks17171718
Capacity (dbl occ.)4,3004,3003,6605,610
Max Capacity5,1895,1894,6107,600
Crew1,6001,6001,3462,350
Cabins2,1572,1571,8302,805

After the Sphere Class, the next-largest ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet is Discovery Princess, but it weighs more than 30,000 GT less than Star Princess and Sun Princess. Meanwhile, though, Icon of the Seas is 70,000 GT+ bigger than all of them! 

Star Princess Guests Capacity – Passengers and Crew

Star Princess can accommodate 4,300 people at double occupancy, and just under 5,200 people at maximum capacity. But what’s the difference between double occupancy and maximum occupancy or capacity?

Double occupancy assumes that the average cabin will be filled with two people during every sailing. Double occupancy numbers can be useful for the cruise line when it comes to setting their cruise fare, reporting and planning for an upcoming cruise.

However, double occupancy isn’t really the reality on most sailings. While there are plenty of couples cruising, there are also tons of families, groups of friends, etc.

Open Deck on Star Princess
Open Deck on Star Princess (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

As such, if you’re trying to get a sense of the number of other people you’ll be cruising with, it’s best to estimate a number somewhere between the double occupancy and maximum capacity (which is the true number of guests a ship can hold across all its available beds). 

Your estimated number should lean closer to max capacity, because, after all, the ship wants to make as much as possible, which means getting as many people on the cruise ship as possible. 

Add Star Princess‘s max capacity number to the number of crew members on the ship (1,600) and you could have a sailing with close to 6,800 people on board. 

That can, admittedly, scare some cruisers off. It sounds like a ton of people! 

While, yes, some cruisers do report crowds in busy areas, such as the buffet at peak meal times, keep in mind that Star Princess was designed with this guest capacity in mind. The majority of the time, the ship can absorb large numbers of guests without those numbers feeling overwhelming.

Star Princess Cabins and Accommodations

Star Princess offers 2,157 guest staterooms, including 80 suites, 123 mini suites, more than a thousand balcony staterooms and a hundred connecting rooms. Accessible staterooms are also available.

All of the suite guests on both Sun and Star Princess enjoy exclusive access to the Sanctuary Club, which is the cruise line’s answer to the “ship within a ship” trend. Sanctuary collection staterooms guests get their own lounge, restaurant and outdoor spaces with loungers and a pool.

Star Princess Balcony Stateroom
Star Princess Balcony Stateroom (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

There are also numerous suites available, including the Sky Suite, which offers the cruise line’s largest, most luxurious stateroom experience yet. It fits up to five guests over two bedrooms, two bathrooms, relaxation areas and a balcony. All combined, the suite measures 1,262 square feet.

Worth Reading: I Spent 14 Days in a Cruise Ship Suite for the First Time

There are also new cabana mini-suites that feature indoor-outdoor cabanas, with Deck 9 cabana mini-suites enjoying access to an exclusive deck. 

What’s Inside? Star Princess Features

Of course, there’s a lot more to be found inside Star Princess than just its staterooms and suites, plus a whole lotta other cruisers. 

There’s also so much to do, so much fun to be had and so many features that truly make this ship stand out among the others in the industry.

The Dome

The groundbreaking geodesic Dome first appeared on Sun Princess and it’s truly one-of-a-kind. Literally a dome-shaped glass-enclosed structure on the top of the ship, you can’t miss it. It gives these ships a very unique and eye-catching appearance. So what is it on the inside?

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

The multi-level, indoor-outdoor glass-enclosed dome inspired by the terraces of Santorini offers a pool and loungers during the daytime, but then serves as an entertainment space by night, for music, acrobatics and light shows. 

The Princess Arena

The Princess Arena is a large theater, and it’s the most technologically advanced Princess theater design yet. It features three configurations for improved sight lines, and offers a truly elevated entertainment experience for cruisers.

The Princess Casino

While a cruise ship casino might normally not be a thing of note (they all pretty much have them, after all), the one on Star Princess is worth pointing out because of its size.

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

With some of the largest casinos in the fleet, the Sphere Class brought newly expanded non-smoking casino areas and additional slot machines to their casinos.

30 Restaurants and Bars

For some cruise guests, the best part of going on any vacation is the food and beverages, and you’ll not be left wanting for options on Star Princess. During your voyage, you’ll be treated to more than 30 beverage and culinary experiences, from casual dining to luxury world-class cuisine.

The Catch by Rudi
The Catch by Rudi (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

Some of the notable highlights include those that were created in partnership with renowned, celebrity chefs and food icons, such as The Butcher’s Block by Dario (in partnership with Dario Cecchini, known as the world’s most famous butcher) and Makoto Ocean (in partnership with Makoto Okuwa). There’s also the Romero Britto eatery and unique venue, an artistic-inspired dining experience celebrating love: Love by Britto.

SkyDeck Sports Court & Track

This is a new sports court area for active guests, that offers engaging activities like pickleball and basketball, a jogging track and a splash pad play area.

Retail

Lastly, Princess Cruises really went all out on the Sphere Class ships’ retail options, with more than 4,500 square feet of retail space across two decks, representing more than 200 premium brands (think Chanel, Estee Lauder and Dior; fine jewelry retailers; a wellness boutique, etc.).

Retail Store on Star Princess
Retail Store on Star Princess (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

Along your extraordinary retail journey, you’ll experience new offerings such as the first-at-sea Breitling Lounge concept — a fine timepieces boutique for a selection of signature timepieces — and the first boutique styled after Effy’s famed Fifth Avenue store.

As you consider which ship to book for your cruise, do remember that while Star Princess and Sun Princess are highly similar, there are some very small differences and enhancements were made. For example, that new expanded non-smoking area in the casino is exclusive to Star Princess, as are some expanded public spaces and restaurants (like O’Malley’s Irish Pub).

Star Princess — Big Ship, Green Credentials

The entire time you’re enjoying the Princess experience, you’ll also enjoy the knowledge that this ship is easier on the planet. This is an LNG cruise ship, which means that it uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power its propellers, versus traditional fuels.

Star Princess in the Bahamas
Star Princess in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

LNG is a non-toxic liquid derived from extremely cold methane gas. It burns cleaner and results in fewer carbon emissions, cutting them by as much as 30%. Sun Princess also uses LNG. 

Final Words

Star Princess is one of the largest ships Princess Cruises has ever built, and offers a wealth of new features and attractions. For passengers who want a resort feel but without the major, major crowds that can come with some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, Star Princess delivers.

Read Also: Princess Cruise Ships By Age – Newest to Oldest

While no next Sphere Class ship has been announced just yet, I’m sure that this class will continue to expand upon all the great things Princess Cruises has done with these two ships thus far.

Carnival Jubilee Confronts Mystery Capsized Boat During Gulf Crossing

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Jubilee Confronts Mystery Capsized Boat During Gulf Crossing

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Jubilee encountered a capsized boat near the same location as another recent assistance operation.
  • While no one was found and it was not the same boat, the crew was immediately ready to assist if needed.
  • The ship’s itinerary is not impacted for her 7-night Western Caribbean cruise.

No matter where a cruise ship is sailing, what the weather conditions are, or what the situation may be, every crew member stands ready to offer assistance to those in distress and to safeguard all life at sea, even if it doesn’t turn out to be needed.

Carnival Jubilee did just that on the morning of Sunday, March 1, 2026. The Excel-class ship, flagship of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, had departed Galveston, Texas on Saturday, February 28 for a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing.

Sunday is a day at sea as the ship crosses the Gulf of Mexico [Gulf of America] on her way to her first port of call: Roatan, Honduras.

The morning began with some emergency excitement and swift reactions, however.

“At around 8:15am this morning, our team noticed a floating object on the ocean surface,” the ship’s cruise director, Kyndall Fire, posted on Facebook. “After investigating the floating object, we found a capsized boat floating in the open water.”

Crew members immediately sprang into action in case emergency help was necessary. No persons were found on or near the capsized boat, however, and Fire noted that debris and markings on the boat indicated it had been there for some time.

Sunken Boat Spotted by Carnival Jubilee
Sunken Boat Spotted by Carnival Jubilee (Photos Credit: Kyndall Fire)

Therefore, it was not necessary for Carnival Jubilee to initiate any further search operations or recovery efforts and the ship was able to continue on her way.

“We have alerted the appropriate authorities and now will continue towards our first port of call Mahogany Bay Roatan,” she said. “Our arrival has not been impacted due to this safety operation.”

“A big thank you to our Captain, Chief Engineer, and their teams for the quick response and maneuvering ensuring they were ready to take life saving actions if needed.”

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Director Schedule

The 5,282-guest Carnival Jubilee is scheduled to arrive in Roatan at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3. The ship will then visit Costa Maya on Wednesday and Cozumel on Thursday, before another day at sea. She will return to Galveston on Saturday, March 7.

Same Area as Disney Magic Assistance

Interestingly, Carnival Jubilee‘s sighting of the capsized boat was in the same general area where Disney Magic stood ready to assist a drifting sailboat on Thursday, February 26.

Cruise Hive previously reported that Disney Magic’s assistance did not turn out to be necessary in that incident either, but the sailboat did retrieve a package of supplies that had been airdropped by a US Coast Guard plane.

Close examination of photos of both incidents confirms the capsized boat is not the same sailboat that was sighted several days earlier.

The hull shape and markings do not match. Even if the sailboat had encountered a tragedy, it could not have accumulated the debris and discoloration shown on the capsized boat in such a short time.

Regal Princess also rescued four individuals from a makeshift boat north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Monday, February 23. When such rescues are made, the vessels are generally left adrift and may later capsize and sink.

More From Cruise Hive

It is also unlikely Carnival Jubilee encountered that boat, however. Again, the shape of the boat does not match and the craft rescued by Regal Princess is just a makeshift affair, not the well-constructed hull Carnival Jubilee sighted.

Even though this incident did not end up requiring an emergency response, it is a testament to the dedication of cruise ship crews that they are always ready just in case.

Carnival Cruise Ship Delayed After Unexpected Power Loss

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Ship Delayed After Unexpected Power Loss

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Sunshine was delayed several hours due to an early morning power loss.
  • Embarkation for the next cruise was delayed roughly five hours.
  • The cause of the power outage has not been disclosed, but Carnival Sunshine appears to be fully restored.

Guests boarding Carnival Sunshine on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia will have to wait a little longer to start their cruise vacation.

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests to alert them to an embarkation delay following an early morning power outage as the ship was returning to her homeport at the end of an 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that left on February 21.

While the outage has been resolved and the ship is fully functional, Carnival Sunshine‘s arrival in Norfolk has been impacted.

“To comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements to enter Norfolk, the ship must be assisted by tugboats, and this will result in an unplanned delayed arrival, by early afternoon,” the cruise line explained.

Because guests must be able to debark the ship and leave the terminal and parking areas before arriving guests can be welcomed aboard, embarkation is now delayed.

Depending on when guests had chosen to arrive at the cruise terminal, those appointments are now bumped by 3-5 hours.

The earliest appointments will have the greatest delays. If guests had selected a 10-10:30 a.m. arrival appointment, for example, they are now asked to arrive from 3-3:30 p.m. For the latest original appointments, which would have been 2:30-3 p.m., the delay is less and guests should arrive from 6-6:30 p.m.

Carnival is informing all guests that they must arrive at the cruise terminal no later than 6:30 p.m., or they may be denied embarkation altogether. Cruise Hive has previously reported on instances when guests are not able to board the ship even if the vessel has not left yet, as USCG regulations require a final manifest to be delivered well ahead of the ship’s departure.

Carnival Sunshine Power Loss Delay Letter
Carnival Sunshine Power Loss Delay Letter

Carnival Cruise Line is providing every guest arriving to Carnival Sunshine on Sunday with a $25 (USD) onboard credit to cover the cost of lunch as they wait for embarkation. The ship can welcome as many as 3,002 guests.

As for dinner, the late embarkation will disrupt the typical dining times. Instead, both main dining rooms – the midship Sunset Dining Room on Deck 3 and the aft Sunrise Dining Room on Decks 3 and 4 – will offer dinner with open seating. The Lido Marketplace buffet on Deck 9 will also be open.

The cruise line is already preparing guests for a possible itinerary change as well.

“Since [we] will be sailing later than originally scheduled, it is likely that our voyage plan will be impacted,” the email said. “Carnival Sunshine’s Captain, Antonio Gargiulo, and our Fleet Operations Center are reviewing the alternatives and will have an update for you later this evening.”

Read Also: Why You Should Always Opt In to Carnival Cruise Line Text Alerts

Carnival Sunshine is scheduled to depart on a 6-night Bahamas sailing with visits to Celebration Key, Nassau, and Bimini. It is possible a port may need to be dropped or port times may need adjusting due to the late departure.

What Happened to Carnival Sunshine?

Carnival Cruise Line has not disclosed the cause of the power outage. Guests onboard the ship have posted updates to Reddit, however, noting how the incident unfolded.

“We lost power, propulsion, and sanitation around 1:55AM today on March 1st,” the original poster described. “We got our first update from the captain and [cruise director] at 2:29AM, power went fully out a few times. Power was restored around 2:45.”

The ship was able to dock under her own power, but tugboats stood ready to assist if necessary.

Should any vessel the size of the 103,000-gross-ton cruise ship lose power when entering a port or docking facility, the risk of damage to port infrastructure or other vessels is too great to take chances. With tugboat assistance, the port is protected in case of any further unexpected power losses.

These extra precautions are especially vital following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the Port of Baltimore in March 2024. Cruise Hive reported extensively on the impact to cruise operations after that incident, which happened when a cargo ship lost power and collided with the bridge.

Middle East Tensions Force MSC Euribia to Remain in Dubai Until Further Notice

Melissa Mayntz
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Middle East Tensions Force MSC Euribia to Remain in Dubai Until Further Notice

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Euribia is docked in Dubai and will remain there until further notice amid the escalating violence in the region.
  • Guests remain safe on the ship, and all onboard operations appear to be proceeding as planned.
  • There is no notice yet about when the ship may resume sailing.

With the rapidly unfolding events in Iran and other areas in the Middle East, cruise ships in that region are on high alert for keeping their guests well and safe.

For MSC Euribia, that means remaining in Dubai for the time being rather than continuing on to other regional ports. The ship arrived in Dubai on the morning of Friday, February 27 and was scheduled to depart at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 28.

Guests onboard have been informed of the situation and advised of how best to enjoy their extended time in city.

“We regret to inform you that we need to change our itinerary due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East,” a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms explained. “In alignment with the national authorities, it has been decided to remain in the port of Dubai until further notice.”

Guests are permitted to go ashore but are nevertheless advised to stay at the cruise terminal area. Shore tours are cancelled, but they will be fully refunded to guests’ onboard accounts. There is no indication that any onboard activities are impacted at this time. All ship operations are proceeding normally.

MSC Euribia is currently docked at Cruise Terminal 3 at Port Rashid in Dubai, the closest dock to the historic city center and traditional souk markets. The port is about 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

The 184,000-gross-ton, Meraviglia-Plus Class ship has just finished a 7-night Middle East cruise roundtrip from Dubai, with visits to Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and a private island in the United Arab Emrites.

Itineraries in the Middle East vary and guests can board and debark the vessel at different points for different sailing lengths. During this 7-night cruise, for example, some travelers may have enjoyed just the 3-night segment from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

With the recent developments involving the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, however, and subsequent outbreaks of other violence and retaliatory action, MSC Euribia will remain in Dubai rather than setting sail.

Her next destination was to have been Doha, Qatar on March 1, but that port is currently closed. Local authorities expect other regional ports to likewise be closing and possibly remain closed for some time.

MSC Euribia Cruise Ship
MSC Euribia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

To be clear, there has been no attack or violence noted at the cruise port, though the city has heavy traffic congestion and the situation remains unpredictable. Dubai is less than 90 miles from the southern coast of Iran.

To help guests onboard MSC Euribia remain in contact with family and friends, the ship’s Wi-Fi has been opened without charge to everyone and guests will continue to be updated with any new developments.

“We are very sorry for this inconvenience, which is beyond our control,” the letter concludes. “In everything we do, the safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority.”

MSC Euribia can host up to 6,327 guests for each sailing. The ship is also home to approximately 1,700 international crew members.

Will Additional Cruises Be Impacted?

At this time, there is no confirmation about additional cruises being impacted, but that outcome seems inevitable given the tenuous nature of the situation.

Guests who are booked on MSC Euribia in the coming days should stay in close contact with MSC Cruises to be updated when adjustments are made.

More From Cruise Hive

Also docked at Port Rashid on Saturday, February 28, is Celestyal Discovery and Aroya Manara, the former World Dream cruise ship from now-defunct Genting Hong Kong. The ship now belongs to Aroya Cruises.

TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 and Celestyal Journey are also scheduled for Dubai in the coming days, but no official announcements have been made about whether or not their itineraries will be impacted.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts for peace and safety are with all travelers in tumultuous regions, no matter where they may be sailing in the world.

NCL Retreats from Controversial Drink Package Change on Private Island

Melissa Mayntz
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NCL Retreats from Controversial Drink Package Change on Private Island

Key Aspects:

  • Unlimited beverage packages will continue to be honored at Great Stirrup Cay through March 2026.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line had previously announced the packages would not be valid after February.
  • A new drink package for the private island is reportedly in development but has not yet been announced.

Norwegian Cruise Line guests will get to raise a glass (for free!) when they visit Great Stirrup Cay for the next few weeks, as the cruise line has temporarily extended drink packages to include onshore beverages for a little while longer.

Cruise Hive has previously reported that beginning March 1, 2026, various shipboard drink packages would no longer extend to Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.

At that time, a new drink package was said to be in development that would be “crafted exclusively for Great Stirrup Cay” and would be available for purchase from January 1. No new drink package is yet listed on the cruise line’s website, however.

Now, Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests on sailings to the private island to alert them that their beverage packages will still work during their visit to the beach day paradise.

“Guests who purchased one of our unlimited beverage packages, including More at Sea, Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus will now enjoy their favorite drinks from ship to shore,” the email notification read. “Beverages on Great Stirrup Cay will be included in the abovementioned packages through March.”

View of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
View of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Nancy Pauwels)

Guests were understandably frustrated when it was first announced that drink packages would no longer work on the island. That frustration has not been entirely eased now that the package use has been extended for another month.

In particular, guests who already purchased the upgrade from “More at Sea” or “Free at Sea” to the “Free at Sea Plus” package are wondering whether that cost can be refunded, now that drinks will be included.

It should be noted, however, that “Free at Sea Plus” does have more benefits than just including drinks on the private island. The “Plus” package includes everything the “Free at Sea” package offers, as well as:

  • Upgraded top-shelf spirits and premium wines
  • Energy drinks, specialty coffee, and bottled water
  • 50% off cover charges for specialty dining meals
  • Unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi
  • All daily gratuities

Cruise Tools: Cruise Drinks Package Calculator

At this time, there is no indication whether or not the beverage inclusion will be extended beyond March 31. This may be a decision Norwegian Cruise Line will make one month at a time as guest feedback and package planning continues.

What Would a New Package Involve?

There have been no details released about what a new Great Stirrup Cay drink package might include. It could be a full extension of onboard packages or there might even be something new and exclusive to the island, such as signature drinks, souvenir glasses, or a specialty bar.

In the meantime, Great Stirrup Cay is undergoing significant enhancements with the new 1.4-acre Great Life Lagoon, Vibe Shore Club, and Great Tides Waterpark all being added.

A new children’s play area and island-wide tram service are also being added, ensuring great accessibility and fun for guests of all ages.

It is possible that the new drink package may not be unveiled until the island’s new features are complete, which is expected to be in summer 2026.

The island’s new pier opened in late December 2025, which will eventually permit two ships to dock each day once construction is fully completed, rather than relying on tender boats to get to shore. Great Stirrup Cay has been notorious in the past for cancelled port visits due to wind and swells, even when it may seem like a perfect beach day.

Cruise Ship Alerts Coast Guard to Sinking Sailboat Near Port Canaveral

Catie Kovelman
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Cruise Ship Alerts Coast Guard to Sinking Sailboat Near Port Canaveral

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Elation alerted the US Coast Guard to a man in need of aid in a disabled sailboat near Port Canaveral.
  • The US Coast Guard then worked with a container ship to rescue the man and tow his sailboat.
  • As the craft was sinking, the rescue came in the nick of time.

Thanks to an impressive team effort, a distressed sailor has made it safely back to dry land. Carnival Elation sounded the alert, and then the US Coast Guard teamed up with a container ship to complete the rescue.

On Sunday, February 22, the US Coast Guard Sector in Jacksonville received a report that Spiritus, a 34-foot sailing vessel, had broken down 33 miles offshore of Port Canaveral.

One man was onboard, and he was requesting urgent towing assistance. By the time first responders made contact with the mariner, the vessel was taking on water and listing. It’s unclear what had caused the small craft to become disabled.

Read Also: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents

A Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral boat crew was deployed to search for the vessel, along with a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and an Air Station Miami aircraft crew.

Rescue Off Port Canaveral
Rescue Off Port Canaveral (Credit: US Coast Guard)

Port Canaveral is extremely busy, and recently surpassed PortMiami to be named the busiest cruise port in the world. While this is an exciting achievement, it can also lead to dangerous situations for smaller crafts in distress.

A sinking boat, and the people on it, may not be easily visible to cruise ships sailing in the area until it is too late.

On the date of this incident, cruise tracking data shows that Star of the Seas, Norwegian Prima, Sky Princess, MSC Seashore, and Carnival Venezia were all in the port.

Good Samaritan Vessels Aid in Rescue

While the US Coast Guard frequently completes impressive rescues, they are sharing some of the credit in this case with Good Samaritan vessels.

First, the initial report of the stranded man came from Carnival Elation, which has been operating sailings to the Bahamas out of Jacksonville, Florida.

“Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center watchstanders received a report via VHF-FM channel 16 from the cruise ship Carnival Elation,” the Coast Guard confirmed in a statement that was acquired by Cruise Hive.

It’s interesting that Carnival Elation sounded the alarm, given it was Carnival Venezia that was in Port Canaveral that day.

The Fantasy-class cruise ship was on its way to Celebration Key when the disabled vessel would have been found, and in theory, could have passed by the Orlando-based port to spot it or at least pick up on distress signals.

The Coast Guard also thanked the crew of Polar Mexico for aiding in the rescue.

“We sincerely appreciate the crew of the Polar Mexico for their professionalism and their support in bringing this rescue to a successful outcome,” said Lt. Michelle Goebel, the Sector Jacksonville search and rescue mission coordinator.

Polar Mexico is a 230-meter-long container ship, which is capable of assisting in emergency towing operations.

It’s good that the sailboat could be towed, as now the owner can try to repair it, and it won’t pose any lasting hazard to other ships sailing in the area.

Lots of Cruise Ship Rescues

People often say that when it rains, it pours – and apparently, this saying also applies to maritime rescues.

In the past two weeks, Cruise Hive has reported on three other rescues at sea. First up was Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Celebration, which rescued five refugees from a makeshift boat on February 16.

Just a few days later on February 23, Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess diverted from its course to rescue more refugees in a rowboat about 150 miles north of the Yucatan Peninsula.

And on February 26, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic came to the aid of a distressed sailboat in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America). Luckily, all of these stories had happy endings thanks to Good Samaritans at sea and skilled first responders.

Costa Favolosa Hit by Violent Seas as Cyclone Rocks Ship Overnight

Catie Kovelman
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Costa Favolosa Hit by Violent Seas as Cyclone Rocks Ship Overnight

Key Aspects:

  • 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.

Guests were likely never in any real danger, as modern cruise ships are built with advanced stabilizing and navigational systems to keep them safely upright.

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.

Cruise News Roundup: Disney’s Iron Man Godfather, Carnival Safety Cancellations, and More

Donna Tunney
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Cruise News Roundup: Disney’s Iron Man Godfather, Carnival Safety Cancellations, and More

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.

Regal Princess Rescue
Regal Princess Rescue (Photos Credit: @sarah_wxtx)

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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Poesia enters dry dock for a series of major enhancements.

Disney Magic Assists Sailboat as Coast Guard Performs Emergency Airdrop

Melissa Mayntz
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Disney Magic Assists Sailboat as Coast Guard Performs Emergency Airdrop

Key Aspects:

  • 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 Magic shared 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
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.

Read Also: Cruise Ship Lifeboats – Are There Enough and What You Might Not Know

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.

More From Cruise Hive

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.

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