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Another Carnival Cruise Ship Recently Slowed by Mechanical Issues

Catie Kovelman
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Another Carnival Cruise Ship Recently Slowed by Mechanical Issues

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Conquest recently experienced propulsion issues.
  • As a result, a visit to Celebration Key was shortened and debarkation in PortMiami was adjusted.
  • Propulsion issues can happen anytime for a variety of reasons, and this is not the only ship to experience engine troubles this month.

Just days after Carnival Horizon developed significant propulsion issues in mid-November, another Carnival cruise ship experienced some technical issues of its own.

On November 20, 2025, guests onboard Carnival Conquest received letters informing them that Conquest-class flagship had developed propulsion issues that limited her speed.

“Overnight, the ship developed a mechanical issue that is limiting its speed,” Captain Giuseppe Donato wrote to the up to 2,980 guests onboard.

“Our engineers are working to resolve it, but since we are sailing slower than required, our arrival into Celebration Key will be later than scheduled,” the letter continued.

Rather than cancel the port call entirely, the plan was to shorten the call to Celebration Key in the Bahamas on November 20, 2025, by several hours.

This was the second and final call of a 4-night Bahamas sailing that was based out of Miami, Florida.

Read Also: How Fast Do Cruise Ships Go? Speed Facts & What Affects It

The 2002-launched ship arrived at the island destination at around 11:30 a.m. instead of the previously scheduled 8 a.m. A $50 onboard credit was issued for the inconvenience.

Debarkation Gets Rearranged

Soon after learning of the propulsion issues, cruisers were also notified that debarkation in PortMiami had been moved to a new terminal on November 21.

Instead of returning to Terminal D, where the cruise originally embarked, the voyage would now conclude at Terminal F.

“When we return to PortMiami, we will be docking at Terminal F instead of Terminal D, where we embarked,” Hotel Director Martin Fowler wrote to guests in another letter that was delivered on November 20, 2025.

While a specific reason for the change was not given, it would be a big coincidence if the cause was not related to the propulsion situation.

While the two terminals are within walking distance, the walk can be cumbersome when carrying luggage. Therefore, complimentary shuttles were available to bring guests back to Terminal D.

This, of course, would force guests embarking on the November 21 sailing, which was a 3-night voyage to Celebration Key, to adjust their plans as well.

Why Do Propulsion Problems Happen?

Per cruise tracking data, Carnival Conquest now appears to be operating normally and is in the middle of a 4-night Bahamas sailing that embarked on November 24.

Cruise Hive reached out to Carnival to ask if the issue was indeed resolved, but did not receive a response in time for publication.

But before the cruise community gets too harsh toward the ship’s hiccup, keep in mind that propulsion issues can happen for a variety of reasons related to mechanical failures, electrical problems, and even external factors.

Carnival Conquest Departing Miami
Carnival Conquest Departing Miami (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

As these ships operate 24/7 every single day of the year with rare exception, sometimes onboard systems simply end up out of whack – even with constant maintenance and inspections.

It’s unclear what caused the recent propulsion issues onboard Carnival Conquest, or if the reason might be related to similar difficulties that impacted the ship earlier this year.

In January, engine troubles delayed the 110,000-gross ton vessel’s return to Miami by several hours at the end of a 3-night getaway cruise to Nassau, Bahamas.

Proving that this vessel is not alone, Carnival Horizon experienced a propulsion-related delay in mid-November that even prompted a personal apology from Carnival President Christine Duffy.

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Meanwhile, guests booked onboard MSC Meraviglia’s November 30, 2025, voyage have been notified that their Bahamas itinerary has been altered due to speed limitations.

If you find your cruise has been impacted by engine troubles, it’s important to do your best to remain patient, flexible, and respectful.

Carnival Venezia Embarkation Slightly Pushed Back Due to Inspection

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Venezia Embarkation Slightly Pushed Back Due to Inspection

Key Aspects:

  • The first two cruise terminal arrival appointments for Carnival Venezia‘s November 30 departure have been delayed.
  • This minimal delay is due to a US Coast Guard inspection before the ship’s 14-night Carnival Journeys sailing.
  • There are no mechanical problems reported aboard Carnival Venezia and the inspection is a routine occurrence.

Guests looking forward to setting sail on their 14-night Carnival Journeys Southern Caribbean itinerary aboard Carnival Venezia on Sunday, November 30, 2025 will have to wait just a tiny bit longer.

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests to alert them to a minor embarkation change before the ship can welcome them aboard at Port Canaveral.

The US Coast Guard will be conducting a routine inspection before the sailing. In order to permit adequate time for that inspection, the first cruise terminal arrival appointments must be pushed back.

“As a result it is necessary to partially revise embarkation plans,” the notification read.

Carnival Cruise Line schedules cruise terminal arrival times in 30-minute intervals. For Carnival Venezia‘s November 30 departure, only the first two time slots are impacted.

If guests originally selected the 10-10:30 a.m. arrival times, they should now plan to arrive at Port Canaveral from 11-11:30 a.m. Similarly, the 10:30-11 a.m. arrival time is also pushed back an hour and guests should plan to arrive from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

All other cruise terminal arrival times are unchanged, and there should be no impact to the ship’s planned departure for the sailing.

Guests are urged, however, not to disregard the change in arrival times. If guests arrive outside their scheduled appointment time, they will be asked to leave and return at the appropriate time.

Unfortunately, such policies are not always enforced consistently. Recent guests have reported congestion and confusion at the cruise port when these sorts of delays are necessary.

Carnival Venezia in the Caribbean
Carnival Venezia in the Caribbean (Photo Credit: Sumerdita_Dphots)

It’s understandable that guests want to get onboard Carnival Venezia quickly and get right to their cruise vacation fun. A delay of just one hour, however, is only one-third of one percent of the 14-night itinerary, and patience is essential to permit the inspection to proceed without difficulty.

Carnival Venezia has an outstanding itinerary planned for this sailing, with port visits to St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, St. Maarten, Tortola, and San Juan over the next two weeks before returning to Port Canaveral on Sunday, December 14.

Read Also: Port Canaveral Cruise Port – Piers, Terminals, and What’s Nearby

The brief delay for some embarkation is a small inconvenience ahead of such an outstanding sailing, and should have no impact to all the fun guests can expect onboard.

Why Are Inspections Necessary?

This delay is similar to the recent inspection onboard Carnival Miracle, which caused a similar cruise terminal arrival appointment delay ahead of the ship’s November 22, 2025 departure.

These inspections are conducted on all cruise ships operating from US homeports. Safety equipment and procedures are carefully investigated to ensure complete compliance with US regulations.

There is no reported problem with any mechanical systems onboard Carnival Venezia and the ship is operating smoothly.

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Similarly, this inspection is not related to the startling incident with the broken lifeboat from Carnival Dream last week.

Hopefully, Carnival Venezia will come through her upcoming inspection without difficulty and it will be smooth sailing ahead for her up to 5,260 guests who will surely enjoy a phenomenal cruise vacation.

Cruise Passenger Vanishes in St. Maarten, Urgent Search Ongoing

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Passenger Vanishes in St. Maarten, Urgent Search Ongoing

Key Aspects:

  • A 55-year-old woman, Ann Evans, has been reported missing in St. Maarten.
  • Evans was a guest aboard Rotterdam during a visit on November 20 but never returned to the cruise ship following an organized tour.
  • Little further information is available about Evans, but authorities are appealing to the public for help in locating her.

During this Thanksgiving week filled with family, one family member is missing from a recent cruise and authorities are requesting help from the public to locate 55-year-old Ms. Ann Evans.

Evans was a guest aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam on its current sailing, a 12-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that departed Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

On Thursday, November 20, Rotterdam was docked in St. Maarten and Evans debarked the ship at 10 a.m. as part of an organized tour. She left the tour bus at a scheduled stop in Marigot, French Saint Martin, but failed to return to the bus or the cruise ship later that day.

“Efforts to locate Ms. Evans are ongoing, and law enforcement authorities on both the Dutch and French sides of the island have been alerted,” a statement from the Police Force of Sint Maarten said.

Missing Ann Evans
Missing Ann Evans

Anyone with information on Evans’ whereabouts is asked to come forward to the authorities. Furthermore, local authorities are appealing to Evans herself.

“If Ms. Evans herself sees this message, she is kindly requested to contact her family, the Police Force of Sint Maarten, or the French Gendarmerie as soon as possible to confirm her safety,” the statement urged.

Rotterdam continued on its itinerary as planned and will be back in Port Everglades on Friday, November 28. The 99,860-gross-ton ship can host as many as 2,668 travelers at double occupancy, or up to 4,173 guests when fully booked with all berths filled.

Read Also: What Happens If You Miss Your Cruise Ship?

The search for Evans has been expanded across various social media channels and it is hoped that someone will have information on her whereabouts or she herself will come forward.

Evans is a US citizen, but it is unknown whether or not she may have personal ties to St. Maarten.

Strange Circumstances – Where Is the Urgency?

With little other information revealed about Evans and no strong pleas from family members or friends, it’s strange that the call for help to find the woman hasn’t come until six days after she went missing.

This is similar to an incident in September 2025 about a guest missing from Carnival Horizon. Jessica Collins, a 47-year-old guest, never returned to the cruise ship after debarking by herself in Bonaire.

Authorities reached out with requests for assistance to find her, and the guest contacted Carnival Cruise Line the next day to confirm that she was safe but did not want to be located.

In that incident, however, authorities alerted the public somewhat earlier and the case was resolved more quickly, even if not in the way that family members might have wished.

It is unknown whether or not Ann Evans also wants to be left alone or if she has been a victim of something more nefarious during her visit to the Dutch-French island. It is also possible that she may have suffered some medical incident.

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Another possibility, though unlikely, is that Evans may simply have become lost and failed to return to the ship on time, and therefore was left behind in the port. It would seem, however, that she would have reached out to port authorities earlier if that were the case.

Hopefully, the more people who see alerts about Evans’ disappearance, some information will surface to help her be located and ensure her safety.

Cruise Port Operator Expands Reach With 2025 Successes

Donna Tunney
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Cruise Port Operator Expands Reach With 2025 Successes

Key Aspects:

  • Global Ports Services, a ground operations firm, reviewed its key operational successes from 2025.
  • The company handled turnaround services for TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Relax.
  • It also opened a new headquarters office in Malaga, Spain.

Global Ports Holding is a familiar name to cruise industry insiders, since the firm enjoys long-term management contracts with 30-plus ports around the world. However, some might not realize the full scope of operations provided by its Global Ports Services (GPS) division.

GPS handles, for instance, ground services that include everything from passenger and luggage security to the loading of cruise ship provisions, setting up gangways, coordinating harbor pilots — even managing mail for crew members, among other tasks.

As 2025 winds down, the service company is looking back on the milestones it reached and the strides it made as operations continue to expand across the world. Among them is the opening of a new headquarters office in Malaga, Spain, as business in the region grows.

Read Also: Docking a Cruise Ship – How Is It Done?

“2025 has been a year of meaningful progress: expanding our reach, deepening client relationships, and delivering services that meet the rising standards of the cruise industry,” said Jordi Guillem, director of GPH Port Services. 

“We are committed to building on this momentum and continuing to provide integrated port services that bring efficiency, quality, and added value to every port call,” Guillem added.

In Barcelona, the Mediterranean’s busiest cruise port that Global Ports Holding (GPH) has managed since 2014, the services company handled five embarkations and debarkations for TUI Cruises’ newest ship, Mein Schiff Relax.

The 4,100-guest ship entered service in February 2025 as the first in the cruise line’s InTUItion class. Mein Schiff Relax is among the industry’s most technologically advanced; she is powered by liquefied natural gas, is equipped for shore-power connection, and has a thermal waste treatment system.

Port of Barcelona Attracts Cruise Ships Year-round

Barcelona is a sought-after port of call as well as an embarkation port. The destination is included on many transatlantic crossings and world voyages.

In winter 2026, several cruise ships are operating roundtrip from Barcelona, such as MSC World Europa and MSC Orchestra, while others, including Viking’s Viking Vesta, are sailing between Barcelona and Athens and Rome.

Cruise Ships Docked in Barcelona, Spain
Cruise Ships Docked in Barcelona, Spain (Photo Credit: Iglwch)

Along with its new office in Malaga, GPS notes that it managed operations for Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady, including crew movements and onboard logistics after she left her shipyard.

The 2,770-guest ship was built at a Fincantieri yard in Italy, entered service in September 2025, and began sailing from PortMiami a month later.

In another first, GPS handled its initial cruise ship embarkation and debarkation at Lisbon Cruise Port.

Global Ports Holding manages key ports in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. They include facilities in Nassau, St. Lucia, and San Juan in the Caribbean.

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In Europe, the company has contracts to operate the ports in Valencia and Tarragona, Spain; Messina, Sicily; Valletta, Malta; and Kusadasi, Turkey, among others.

In 2024, it completed a major construction project at the Tarragona Cruise Port, about an hour south of Barcelona. The new $6 million cruise terminal now accommodates up to four cruise ships.

Ongoing Construction Delays First Royal Caribbean Beach Club

Catie Kovelman
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Ongoing Construction Delays First Royal Caribbean Beach Club

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean has cancelled at least one preview visit to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on December 15, 2025.
  • The Nassau-based beach club is due to open on December 23, 2025, but construction is still ongoing.
  • The grand opening has not been delayed at this point, but it’s quite possible that more early previews will be scrapped.

Not long after announcing that Royal Beach Club Paradise Island would open early on December 23, 2025, the cruise line had to cancel previews of the exclusive resort due to ongoing construction.

Several lucky guests were invited to experience the first of Royal Caribbean’s beach clubs ahead of the official opening to allow the crew members to work out the kinks and ensure everything is operating smoothly.

However, at least one of these special previews has been cancelled due to ongoing construction, indicating that the completion of the resort is cutting it rather close.

“A few weeks ago, we invited you to be among the first to enjoy a special sneak peek of this brand-new destination,” Royal Caribbean wrote to some future guests of Symphony of the Seas.

The Oasis-class ship was supposed to call at Nassau, where the beach club is located, on December 15, 2025, which is only eight days ahead of the grand opening.

The Bahamas’ Capital is supposed to be the first stop on a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary that will be operated by the Oasis-class ship.

“Construction is still in progress, and while the island is shaping up beautifully, it’s not quite ready for guests just yet,” the cruise line continued.

“Our original plan was to have you help us experience everything Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will offer, but we want to make sure it meets the exceptional standards we’ve envisioned before opening it to you,” the letter added.

Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?

Even though this was meant to be a free, invitation-only experience, Royal Caribbean will be delivering some exclusive Paradise Island swag to the staterooms of impacted guests to make up for the disappointment.

Is The Grand Opening Delayed?

As of the time of publication, Royal Caribbean has not delayed the official opening of its Bahamas-based beach club.

The opening date is still expected to be December 23, 2025, which was moved up from December 27, 2025.

Construction of Royal Caribbean's Nassau Beach Club
Construction of Royal Caribbean’s Nassau Beach Club (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

In early November, new photos of the 17-acre slice of paradise showed that construction was still ongoing, but great progress had been made.

For example, one of the pools at the destination had already been filled with water and was ready for swimming.

When I passed by the resort during a recent ferry ride while I was in Nassau on November 9, I personally saw that the island appeared close to ready and caught a glimpse of its signature, colorful ferries.

More Previews Could be Changed or Cancelled

Other guests who have been invited for early previews should also look out for possible updates.

Other Royal Caribbean ships like Wonder of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas are all due to visit Nassau on December 14 and 15 and their guests could be similarly impacted.

Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas are also due in the week before the grand opening.

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Radiance of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas will be lucky enough to visit the destination on its opening day.

Once the resort officially opens, day passes will start at $109.99 for little cruisers aged 4 to 12 and $129.99 for adults.

Cunard Delays Embarkation, Alters Itinerary Following Propulsion Issues

Catie Kovelman
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Cunard Delays Embarkation, Alters Itinerary Following Propulsion Issues

Key Aspects:

  • Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 has been experiencing propulsion difficulties that are limiting her speed since mid-November.
  • The ship arrived late in New York on November 26, 2025, which delayed embarkation.
  • Multiple port calls at the end of the Caribbean itinerary have been replaced or switched to new dates.

Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 has had a rough couple weeks, and the troubles will continue into the two Thanksgiving voyages that are both embarking on November 26, 2025.

During a recent Northern Lights sailing, the 2,961-guest ship had to divert to Bremerhaven, Germany, instead of Hamburg, Germany, to facilitate repairs following propulsion issues.

Cunard Line shared that the problem was related to a “technical defect in a propulsion pod,” which could significantly impact the ship’s cruising speed and maneuverability.

A subsequent mini cruise to Southampton, UK, also had to be cancelled and the fate of her November 19, 2025, transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York, New York, was called into question.

Read Also: What is a Transatlantic Cruise and Should You Take One?

Thankfully, the crossing did set sail as planned, but the impact of the propulsion issues have snowballed into the two cruises embarking in New York on November 26, 2025.

The first itinerary is a 19-night transatlantic voyage that sails through the Eastern Caribbean before returning to Southampton. 

The second sailing that is being operated simultaneously is a 12-night voyage to the Eastern Caribbean that disembarks in New York on December 8, 2025.

Delayed Arrival in Brooklyn

Queen Mary 2 arrived late at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on November 26, 2025, which has led to a delay for the embarkation process.

Guests were asked to arrive at the cruise port two hours later than planned as a result.

“Embarkation on Wednesday (26 November) will begin slightly later than previously scheduled. As a result, we ask that you arrive two hours later than the arrival time published on your boarding pass,” the Carnival-owned brand wrote to guests.

According to cruise tracking data and guests who were onboard, the delay into Brooklyn may not have been quite as significant as the cruise line may have been expecting, as the ship was only about an hour late.

Queen Mary 2 Docked in Southampton
Queen Mary 2 Docked in Southampton (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

“I’ll add QM2 arrived at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal about 7:30am this morning (so only an hour behind the originally scheduled 6:30am arrival time,” a passenger said.

That said, it still takes time to get clearance to disembark guests and go through the customs process, so this may be a situation where it’s better to overestimate than underestimate.

Cruise Port Gets Replaced

The Caribbean itinerary calls for stops at Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; and Basseterre, St. Kitts.

However, the planned call to St. Kitts on December 4, which would have been the final stop of the 12-night voyage, is no longer possible.

“As we look forward to the upcoming itinerary and finalise arrangements with the local agents, we regret to advise that our previously planned call to St Kitts on 4 December, can no longer go ahead,” Cunard Line noted.

Instead, the December 2 call to Barbados has been extended into an overnight call that will last through December 3.

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Relatedly, the stop in St. Lucia will be bumped from December 3 to December 4.

“In an effort to ensure that you can continue to enjoy your time ashore, we have secured an overnight call in Bridgetown, Barbados. Queen Mary 2 will now arrive in Barbados on the morning of 2 December and remain alongside until late evening on 3 December,” the cruise line continued.

“In order to accommodate this exciting overnight opportunity, our call to St Lucia will now take place on 4 December.”

The cruise line did not confirm if the itinerary was changed due to ongoing propulsion issues, or if other factors are also at play.

However, these are most likely operational adjustments related to the defective pod.

Carnival Cruise Line Ends Free Water Confusion With Simple Fix

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Ends Free Water Confusion With Simple Fix

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line is taking steps to eliminate the confusion over free bottles of water once and for all.
  • A new red neck tag will be added to every gifted bottle of water so guests won’t be charged for it.
  • All Red level and higher VIFP guests receive the free bottle, which will be placed in staterooms.

One of the first benefits that Carnival Cruise Line guests earn in the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program (and that will continue with the new Carnival Rewards program when it launches in September 2026) is a free 1.5-liter bottle of water.

Unfortunately, there has been confusion about which bottle is free and which is an extra fee over the years. Because the same bottles of water for sale are placed in every stateroom, it’s understandable that guests might assume those are actually the free bottles.

Now, the cruise line is introducing a sure-fire way to clarify which bottle is which in guests’ staterooms: a new “neck tag” that will be placed on every bottle of water offered as a gift.

Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, recently introduced the change on his popular Facebook page.

“There was some previous misunderstandings,” Heald noted. “Do you take it from the room or do you go to the bars?”

Guests have frequently asked about this. Furthermore, many guests have reported being charged for a bottle they take from their rooms despite having earned the free gift in the cruise line’s loyalty program. Now, that confusion will no longer be an issue.

Read Also: Can You Bring Snacks on a Carnival Cruise?

“You see, over the coming weeks, the 1.5 liter bottle, the big larger bottle, that has always been your VIFP benefit will now be delivered to your stateroom and identified with a neck tag,” Heald explained.

He notes that the new paper neck tag on the free bottles is red and will be labeled appropriately so there is no more confusion.

“That’s the bottle you need to take,” Heald said. “If it doesn’t have this neck tag on, and you drink the other bottles that will be there, then yes you’ll be charged.”

New Label Revealed

Shortly after the announcement, Heald revealed a photo of the new neck tag. Not only is it boldly colored in Carnival’s classic red shade, but it’s clearly labeled as a gift.

“A Refreshing Reward,” the label reads. “All members with Red status or higher receive a complimentary bottle of water, right here in your room. Cheers!”

Carnival Water Tag
Carnival Water Tag

This ensures there is no confusion any longer about which bottle is which. The typical sales tags for extra bottles guests can purchase are white and clearly have a price marked.

The 1.5-liter bottles cost $4.50 (USD), and guests can pre-order them to be placed in their stateroom before their cruise if they wish.

Is Water Really That Confusing?

It may seem silly to need to specifically label bottles of water as free or for-purchase, but this has been a confusing issue for Carnival guests for years.

Part of that confusion stems from the fact that pre-pandemic, the gifted bottles were placed in guests’ staterooms. After cruising resumed, guests had to collect the free bottles themselves from a bar or restaurant.

Heald has previously explained that the housekeeping and bar departments do use the same water, but have different inventories to track how much water is consumed. This is why some bottles are free but others are not.

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Further confusion sometimes stems from the fact that free water is also given to guests in suites, regardless of their loyalty level.

Hopefully, the new neck tag will be clear enough to eliminate any confusion, and all returning Carnival guests can easily stay hydrated on every cruise vacation. Drink up!

Ovation of the Seas Forced to Sail to Nowhere Due to Tropical Cyclone

Melissa Mayntz
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Ovation of the Seas Forced to Sail to Nowhere Due to Tropical Cyclone

Key Aspects:

  • Ovation of the Seas is cancelling a port visit and will have a cruise to nowhere to avoid a tropical cyclone.
  • The only port on the current itinerary from Singapore was to have been Penang, Malaysia.
  • Instead, guests will enjoy an extra day at sea to remain safely away from the storm’s strongest influence.

The Atlantic hurricane season may end in just three more days, but that doesn’t mean storms are not impacting cruise ships and ports of call.

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, in fact, is cancelling its only port visit for the sailing that departed on Thursday, November 27, 2025 due to the influence of Tropical Cyclone Senyar.

The Quantum-class ship is homeported from Singapore, offering primarily short 3- and 4-night getaways. Unfortunately, the current sailing will only be a cruise to nowhere because of the need to cancel the planned visit to Penang, Malaysia.

Guests were informed of the itinerary change when they boarded the ship.

“Along with our Meteorologist, Peyton Collado, we’ve been monitoring the development of Tropical Cyclone Senyar along our path to Malaysia,” the notification read. “In order to safely avoid the impact of the storm, we’ll have to skip our visit to Penang, Malaysia and enjoy an additional Sea Day instead.”

The visit to Penang was to have been on Friday, November 28, from 3-9:30 p.m. Because of the short length of the sailing, there are no alternative ports that can be arranged for a suitable visit.

Read Also: What to Do Onboard a Cruise Ship in Bad Weather

The 168,700-gross-ton Ovation of the Seas is still departing Singapore as planned, and the ship’s return to Singapore is also not impacted by the storm. The ship can welcome 4,180 guests onboard at double occupancy, or up to 4,905 guests when fully booked with all berths filled.

Any pre-booked Royal Caribbean shore excursions for Penang will be automatically cancelled and refunded to guests as onboard credit for the cruise. If the credit is not used, it will be returned to the card on file following debarkation.

Ovation of the Seas is homeported from Singapore through mid-March 2026, at which time she will undergo dry dock refreshment prior to setting sail for the Alaska season with departures from Vancouver and Seward.

In September 2026, Ovation of the Seas will begin homeporting from Los Angeles with Catalina and Ensenada sailings.

What Can Guests Do Instead?

Without a port visit on the current itinerary, guests will have ample time to explore all that Ovation of the Seas has to offer.

The ship not only features iconic Royal Caribbean attractions like the rock climbing wall and the FlowRider surf simulator, but is also one of the few ships in the fleet with the skydiving adventure, RipCord by iFly.

Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas (Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky)

The adults-only Solarium is a great spot to relax, while the various bars and restaurants onboard will be great for treats. The casino will be open, and the entertainment staff are sure to plan extra activities and options for the unexpected day at sea.

Tropical Cyclone Senyar

Currently centered on the western coast of Malaysia, Tropical Cyclone Senyar has maximum sustained winds of 25 knots (29 miles per hour), with higher gusts recorded.

While the storm is not necessarily a very strong one, the fact that it is located just 120 miles south-southeast of Penang means it is unwise to attempt docking in what could be challenging conditions.

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Tropical Cyclone Senyar is projected to move east across the Malaysian peninsula over the next 24 hours, then move out into the South China Sea.

It is unlikely to strengthen significantly, but an abundance of caution is always the best decision to ensure the ship, guests, and crew members remain safe.

Passenger Overboard From Marella Cruise Ship, Urgent Search Ongoing

Melissa Mayntz
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Passenger Overboard From Marella Cruise Ship, Urgent Search Ongoing

Key Aspects:

  • An overboard has been reported from Marella Explorer 2 in the Canary Islands on Thursday, November 27.
  • A 76-year-old British man is reported overboard and search operations are underway to locate him.
  • The search was suspended overnight but has resumed on Friday, though no further details have been released.

A worrying situation is developing from Marella Explorer 2 after a 76-year-old British passenger was seen going overboard from the British-operated ship on the morning of Thursday, November 27, 2025.

According to local news, the ship was 16.5 miles northwest of Punta Teno, on the west coast of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. At the time, the vessel was heading back to its homeport of Santa Cruz in Tenerife.

The local Spanish Coast Guard was reportedly contacted at 9:48 a.m. and immediately launched a search operation. Assets include two helicopters, an aircraft, and a patrol boat from La Palma, all coordinating to cover the search area as efficiently as possible.

One passenger from onboard told Cruise Hive that the alarm sounded at 9:45 AM and the vessel returned to search. Here’s footage of the rescue operation underway:

Marella Explorer 2 also aided in search efforts until authorities could take over the efforts sufficiently. Releasing a cruise ship to continue on its itinerary is standard procedure after more specialized assets arrive for the search.

Marella Cruises has confirmed the overboard incident with Cruise Hive:

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera. Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time. Our dedicated care team is supporting the family, providing assistance and comfort. We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer every possible support.”

No further details about the individual, including their name, have been released in order to protect the privacy of family members and friends at this very upsetting time.

Witnesses onboard Marella Explorer 2 have been interviewed about the incident, but no information about any particular circumstances – such as alcohol consumption or potential violence – has been confirmed. Guests did hear the overboard emergency alert when the incident occurred.

Marella Explorer 2 Cruise Ship
Marella Explorer 2 Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: HelgaQ)

Undoubtedly, a full investigation will take place, including reviewing any onboard security footage in the hours before the guest fell overboard.

Read Also: What Happens If You Jump Off a Cruise Ship?

The 1,814-passenger ship has already returned to Santa Cruz as scheduled on Friday, November 28. The cruise had initially departed seven nights earlier, on Friday, November 21.

Marella Explorer 2 is homeported from the Canary Islands, offering departures from various ports in the islands. The ship was constructed in 1995 as Legend of the Seas with Royal Caribbean, and entered service with Marella Cruises in 2017.

Search to Continue on Friday

While the initial search was called off late on Thursday as darkness impeded efforts, the search was resumed on Friday morning with helicopters.

Search efforts will continue until authorities determine it is either unsafe to do so or else there is little hope of successfully finding the individual.

Unfortunately, these types of situations rarely end with a good result. While it is always hoped that an individual will be recovered alive, the longer someone is in the water without assistance, the less likely it is that they will be found safe.

More From Cruise Hive

Overboard incidents are rare when compared to the number of cruise ships and the hundreds of thousands of guests enjoying sailings every day around the world, but they do happen.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the family members and friends of the missing guest, as well as the crew of Marella Explorer 2 at this very troubling time.

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