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Why Southampton’s Cruise Traffic Just Matched an Unbelievable Record

Donna Tunney
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Why Southampton’s Cruise Traffic Just Matched an Unbelievable Record

Key Aspects:

  • The Port of Southampton welcomed 3 million cruise passengers in 2025.
  • The number is a virtual match to the arrivals total in 2024.
  • Carnival UK’s ships play a major role in the port’s success.

The cruise industry continued to deliver big financial rewards to the Port of Southampton, to the tune of £1 billion ($1.3 billion USD) in 2025, a year-end report from its management firm, Associated British Ports, confirms.

The year reflected the most cruise ship calls at the port — nearly 450, and matched 2024’s record of 3 million passenger arrivals.

The Port of Southampton operates five cruise terminals, with the Horizon Cruise Terminal being the newest. Together, the terminals provide six cruise ship berths.

In 2025, the port experienced the most days when all five terminals were simultaneously in use.

Carnival UK ships play an important role at Southampton. Luxury line Cunard falls under that corporate umbrella, and its ships bring scores of passengers to the port.

The line’s Queen Mary 2, for instance, is the only ocean liner sailing weekly transatlantic itineraries between Southampton and New York from April to November. 

Cunard’s other ships, Queen Anne and Queen Victoria, are homeporting in Southampton for at least part of winter 2025-26, offering Caribbean voyages, Canary Island cruises, and short getaways to Germany and the Netherlands.

In January 2026, Queen Anne will set out from Southampton on her 110-night World Voyage.  

Read Also: Southampton Cruise Port – Terminals, Getting Around and More

Carnival UK’s 2025 Economic Report estimates that each of its ships’ departures brings up to £2.5 million ($3.37 million USD) to the Southampton region.

MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia and P&O Cruises’ Iona are also based at Southampton for this winter season, sailing 7-night Northern Europe itineraries, among other ships.

Norwegian Aqua’s Launch a 2025 Highlight For Port

One of the port’s 2025 highlights was the hosting of Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Aqua, which departed on her inaugural voyage from Southampton on March 28, 2025. Fresh out of a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 3,571-guest ship sailed to New York following a gala send-off.

Norwegian Aqua in Southampton
Norwegian Aqua in Southampton (Photo Copyright: Emrys Thakkar / Cruise Hive)

“I’m delighted to see Southampton’s cruise sector continuing to thrive. We take great pride in ensuring vessels arrive on time and in allocating berths well in advance—often up to two years ahead,” said Alastair Welch, regional director at Associated British Ports.

“Much of this success comes from meticulous planning months before each call by our Marine and Cruise Operations Teams to deliver a seamless experience for our customers,” Welch added.

Terminal operator Solent Stevedores reports that it handled 3.3 million pieces of luggage for cruise passengers who arrived or departed on 449 ships during 2025.

“It’s been another great year for cruise in Southampton and we’re proud to be a key part of these industry-leading operations in the region,” said Clive Thomas, commercial director at Solent Stevedores.

Southampton Had Its Challenges in 2025

Overall, according to Associated British Ports, Southampton is the UK’s busiest port and supports more than 45,000 jobs. In addition to its substantial cruise-tourism revenue, the port is a major cargo facility, handling about 14 million tons of goods annually.

But while the Port of Southampton can celebrate another successful year of operation, 2025 wasn’t all peaches and cream.

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In August 2025, a bomb threat to the port’s Mayflower Cruise Ferry Terminal caused an evacuation of the terminal and one docked cruise ship; the threat turned out to be a hoax. 

Then, in September 2025, a massive car theft operation saw 17 vehicles go missing from a parking lot near the port. Several of the cars were eventually found. The lot was not operated directly by the port, but by a private company.

Cruise Mom Arrested After Tackling Teen on Carnival Ship

Donna Tunney
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Cruise Mom Arrested After Tackling Teen on Carnival Ship

Key Aspects:

  • A Carnival Cruise Line guest was arrested after an incident on Carnival Conquest.
  • The violent behavior involved a case of mistaken identity.
  • The suspect is a 38-year-old mother from Minnesota.

Rather than making her way home after a Bahamas getaway cruise, one passenger, a 38-year-old woman from Minnesota, was put behind bars.

Paetra Ann Grandsberry was arrested by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office authorities when her ship, Carnival Conquest, returned to PortMiami on Monday, December 22, following a 3-night cruise to Celebration Key, Carnival’s private destination on Grand Bahama Island.

Local media reports described how Grandsberry, who was traveling with her sons, became angry after finding out that her children had been attacked by other young guests.

The woman was said to be talking with the ship’s security team members when she saw a group of young people running and assumed they were the ones who had hit her children.

Grandsberry allegedly ran after the group, tackled one boy, and grabbed his collar. The sheriff’s deputy’s report indicates that the woman later said she accidentally fell on the child.

Carnival Conquest at PortMiami
Carnival Conquest at PortMiami (Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto)

The boy managed to pull away and run to a nearby relative. He told officers that he only began running when he saw other kids running, thinking there was a safety issue. He had played no role in attacking Grandsberry’s children.

Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Jails – Here’s the Truth

Celebration Key was the only port call on the 2,980-guest ship’s itinerary. The altercation happened on December 21, 2025, the same day as the call to the private destination. Law enforcement’s report does not indicate when Grandsberry’s sons were hit — whether it happened on the ship or at Celebration Key.

The boy Grandsberry tackled was not injured, but reports indicate that authorities contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families on his behalf.

When Carnival Conquest docked at PortMiami on debarkation day, December 22, 2025, Grandsberry was arrested. She was held in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, in Miami, after a local judge found probable cause for a charge of child abuse.

It is not clear what happened to her children after she was taken off the ship. It is also not known whether Grandsberry was in any way confined on the ship following the alleged attack on the child.

2025 Saw Several Examples of Bad Cruise Behavior

While physical altercations on cruise ships are uncommon, there have been several high-profile cases that made headlines in 2025 — some onboard ships and some on land.

In April 2025, a brawl erupted at the Galveston Cruise Terminal luggage pick-up area as guests debarked Carnival Jubilee. Video footage showed a group of people beating up at least two other men while bystanders looked on.

Galveston Cruise Terminal Brawl
Galveston Cruise Terminal Brawl

On Carnival Sunrise, a fight broke out in June 2025 near The Pizzaria on Lido Deck. A video posted on social media showed several guests throwing chairs and fighting each other while passengers watched. The ship also sailed from PortMiami.

It isn’t only Carnival Cruise Line ships that sometimes see violent behavior. In August 2025, a fight involving multiple guests broke out in the Oasis Lagoon on Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay destination in the Bahamas.

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Two ships were visiting the private island that day, Utopia of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, respectively.

The fight, also video-taped, involved about a dozen people in the freshwater pool, which was later closed for sanitation purposes.

Cruise lines frown on violent behavior of any kind, and will often place guests who behave badly on no-cruise lists, often for life.

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas Misses Beach Club’s Big Day

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas Misses Beach Club’s Big Day

Key Aspects:

  • High winds forced Utopia of the Seas to skip Nassau on Tuesday, December 23.
  • This meant the Oasis-class ship missed the grand opening day of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
  • The club still opened as scheduled for guests from Radiance of the Seas.

Today is the official opening day for Royal Caribbean’s first-ever beach club, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, but the World’s Biggest Weekend won’t be there.

Because of high winds, Utopia of the Seas was unable to dock in Nassau on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The ship was scheduled to be in port from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but unfortunately, that was not possible for one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

While Utopia of the Seas does visit Nassau twice a week – every Tuesday and Saturday – safe weather is always the primary consideration, regardless of special events, holidays, or grand openings.

Guests onboard the 4-night sailing that left Port Canaveral on Monday, December 22, reported multiple announcements explaining the cancellation due to high winds.

Naturally, guests are disappointed to miss the port visit, but safety is always the primary consideration and it is up to the ship’s master to make the final determination as to whether or not a ship can safely visit a destination.

According to Windy, wind speeds in Nassau were reaching 22 miles per hour with even higher gusts when Utopia of the Seas would have been docking.

After careful consideration, it was determined to be too unsteady for the massive ship to safely maneuver into position and to maintain safe mooring.

Instead, the Oasis-class cruise ship will spend the day at sea, with extra activities added to the daily schedule for more fun and entertainment onboard. Guests can check the Royal Caribbean app for updates and new offerings.

Guests who had already purchased passes for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (and other shore tours in Nassau) will have those costs automatically refunded.

Other Ships Still Docked in Nassau

Five other cruise ships did successfully visit the capital of the Bahamas on Tuesday, December 23: Sky Princess, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Celebration, Disney Wish, and Radiance of the Seas.

While some of these ships are the largest in their respective fleets, they do not compare to the sheer mass and height of Utopia of the Seas.

Read Also: Utopia of the Seas Size Comparison – Facts and Stats

The Excel-class Carnival Celebration, for example, is 183,500 gross tons and 19 decks high, while Disney Wish is 144,000 gross tons and 15 decks.

Utopia of the Seas Arriving at Nassau Cruise Port
Utopia of the Seas Arriving at Nassau Cruise Port

Utopia of the Seas is 236,473 gross tons and 18 decks. This means Carnival Celebration may be a wee bit taller depending on where the ship’s waterline is in comparison to decks, but Utopia of the Seas is still 29% larger than Carnival Celebration and 64% larger than Disney Wish.

As stronger winds act upon a ship that size, the inertia of the vessel can be challenging to manage. It is far better to be safe than risk damage to the ship or dock or even broken mooring lines such as happened just two days ago with Celebrity Equinox.

Will the Royal Beach Club Still Open?

With the much smaller Radiance of the Seas still docked in Nassau, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island was able to welcome its first official guests, just from only one ship instead of two.

Royal Caribbean shared a fun video of the preparations for the opening on Monday, December 22, showcasing the vibrant colors and charisma of the new attraction, from beach-ready towels to chilled drinks to energetic dancers.

“We’re putting the final touches on paradise,” the caption said. “The crew is ready. The vibes are set. The ultimate beach day is almost here!”

It’s been 20 months since ground was broken on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. While some slight construction delays did cancel a special preview earlier this month, the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new destination was held on December 13.

More From Cruise Hive

Guests can purchase passes to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island as a shore tour option whenever they visit Nassau. The 17-acre resort features pools, beaches, restaurants, and exclusive amenities, including internet access and drink packages all as part of the pass price.

Royal Caribbean is currently developing additional beach clubs in Cozumel, Vanuatu, and Santorini.

Warm Christmas Ahead? Carnival Shares Holiday Weather Outlook

Catie Kovelman
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Warm Christmas Ahead? Carnival Shares Holiday Weather Outlook

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival’s Amy Sweezey shared the holiday weather forecast that cruisers have been waiting for.
  • Christmas Day should bring sunny and warm weather across the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
  • No matter where cruisers are celebrating, it will surely be a wonderful holiday.

Carnival cruisers who are dreaming of spending Christmas in paradise will be getting their wish.

Carnival Weather Contributor Amy Sweezey has shared the Christmas Day weather forecast for several cruise destinations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

From the new Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island to Grand Turk in the Caribbean, Santa is delivering on warm weather and sunny skies.

Celebration Key

There is no better place to celebrate Christmas than Celebration Key in the Bahamas, and that is where Carnival Glory and Carnival Freedom will be on December 25.

Making the occasion extra special, this is also the first Christmas to be celebrated at the private destination, which officially opened on July 19, 2025.

Read Also: Christmas on a Cruise Ship: What To Expect

According to Sweezey, skies will be blue and temperatures will reach into the upper 70s.

“We’ll start in Grand Bahama, where both Carnival Freedom and Carnival Glory guests will enjoy the very first Christmas at Carnival Celebration Key,” Sweezey said.

“Temperatures in the upper 70s will be perfect for snorkeling or relaxing on the sand,” she continued.

The island destination has been decorated for Christmas with themed trees, oversized gift boxes, and sand sculptures.

Extra lucky cruisers might even spot Santa Claus in Starfish Lagoon, fresh off his Christmas Eve flight to deliver presents all around the world.

Nassau, Bahamas

Four different Carnival cruise ships will be spending Christmas in the capital of the Bahamas, about 150 nautical miles away from Celebration Key.

These vessels include Carnival Pride, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Conquest, and Mardi Gras.

“Just to the south in Nassau, it will be a busy day with Carnival Conquest, Liberty, Pride and Mardi Gras all in port,” Sweezey added.

“Expect just a few passing clouds and temperatures in the upper 70s, ideal for beach time or exploring downtown,” she forecasted.

Despite some moments of cloudiness, Christmas Day should mostly be sunny and perfect for water-filled fun and shore excursions.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Grand Turk may be about 400 miles away from Nassau, but skies will still be sunny and blue there, too.

The 5,374-guest Carnival Celebration will visit Grand Turk on Christmas Day, where passengers can enjoy temperatures up to 80 degrees and what will surely be a very welcomed breeze.

Cozumel, Mexico

Guests onboard Carnival Paradise will be saying “Feliz Navidad,” as they’ll be spending a warm Christmas in Cozumel, Mexico.

Temperatures will peak in the lower 80s, with passing clouds helping to provide occasional coverage from the sun.

St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie), US Virgin Islands

Conditions in St. Thomas will be similarly beautiful for guests of Carnival Venezia, which will be calling to the Eastern Caribbean destination on Christmas Day.

It will be a sunny day here, too, with highs in the low to mid-80s. Hopefully these guests made sure to pack plenty of sunscreen!

Progreso (Yucatán), Mexico

Last but not least, Carnival Valor will celebrate the holiday in Progreso, which is part of the broader Mayan Riviera region.

The up to 2,980 guests onboard will enjoy a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures reaching into the lower 80s along the coast.

Merry Christmas!

No matter where cruisers are spending Christmas – whether it’s at sea, a different cruise port, or at home – it’s sure to be a wonderful holiday.

Cruise Hive wishes all of our readers a very happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

Cruisers React as Tensions Grow in the Southern Caribbean

Catie Kovelman
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Cruisers React as Tensions Grow in the Southern Caribbean

Key Aspects:

  • As tensions rise between the US and Venezuela, cruisers are wondering how their sailings could be affected.
  • So far, at least two voyages from Norwegian Cruise Line have been changed as a result of the conflict.
  • Some also worry that more nearby cruise destinations, such as Trinidad and Aruba, could also be impacted.

As tensions between the US and Venezuela rise, cruisers are speculating about the potential fallout for the cruise industry – particularly in regards to Curacao.

The Southern Caribbean destination is only about 40 miles north of Venezuela, and has already been impacted by military activity.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic already had to skip her visit to Willemstad, Curacao, on December 17, 2025, due to “naval exercises” that required the 4,070-guest ship to steer clear of the area.

Norwegian Sky’s January 5th Caribbean sailing will also be skipping Willemstad due to “updated port availability.”

Between the fact that approximately 600,000 passengers visit Curacao annually – and that it is now the peak Caribbean cruise season – future guests can’t help but wonder how their itineraries could also be impacted.

In addition to Norwegian Cruise Line, popular brands like Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean (among others) are currently active in Curacao’s capital.

Are More Changes Coming?

The question on everyone’s minds isn’t so much about safety, but rather if their Curacao-bound sailings will be able to go ahead as planned.

Even with the US on the verge of possible war with nearby Venezuela, Curacao is under the lowest possible US travel advisory, which is “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.”

Cruisers on upcoming sailings early in the new year have taken to social media to try to gauge how likely they are to encounter itinerary changes.

The Aircraft-carrier USS Gerald R Ford
The Aircraft-carrier USS Gerald R Ford (Photo Credit: Roque Ramajo Polo)

“Hey all, booked on a 12-day princess on 1/16. (Yes I like cruising with old people because I can just chill) and we are set to go to Aruba, Curacao, and Trinidad, all very close to Venezuela what are the odds these ports will be cut or replaced,” one soon-to-be-passenger inquired on Reddit.

“I was wondering about this too. I have a cruise booked on the Horizon in about 6 weeks and was wondering what itinerary changes may happen. I understand if it needs to change but I hope it doesn’t change to the Bahamas!” another chimed in.

At the moment, many cruise lines appear to be taking a “wait and see” approach.

The cruise lines try not to disrupt itineraries unless absolutely necessary, and may not receive updated information about military operations impacting the port until the last minute.

Read Also: Aircraft Carrier vs Cruise Ship – Giant Size Comparison

And though there is currently no active threat to cruise ships, the cruise lines are carefully monitoring the situation to ensure any future visits are safe.

Could More Caribbean Ports Be Affected?

Some future cruisers are also worried that more destinations that often wind up on Caribbean itineraries may also be impacted.

Many also have concerns about Aruba and Trinidad, which are even closer to Venezuela than Curacao.

Aruba is only around 18 miles north of Venezuela, and is so close that it’s possible to see the Venezuelan mainland from Aruba on a clear day. Trinidad is even closer at only seven miles away.

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“I am going on cruise next year in the Caribbean and am concerned with all the chaos that has been happening if it will even be safe. Some of the islands like Aruba, Curacao are very close. Also an embargo was placed on Venezuela by the US as well,” another person expressed on Reddit.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future. But rest assured that any itinerary changes that may be made as a result of the conflict will be done to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all onboard.

Coast Guard Rushes to Cruise Ship Emergency — Here’s What Happened

Donna Tunney
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Coast Guard Rushes to Cruise Ship Emergency — Here’s What Happened

Key Aspects:

  • The US Coast Guard evacuated a passenger sailing on Pacific World.
  • The guest was suffering from septic shock, a life-threatening condition.
  • The ship was sailing off the coast of Kauai at the time.

Just nine days into a 107-day Global Voyage, a guest onboard Pacific World was evacuated from the ship as it sailed near Kauai, Hawaii.

Pacific World is owned by Peace Boat, a Japan-based line that operates education- and cultural-focused world cruises roundtrip from Yokohama.

The ship’s captain called the US Coast Guard’s Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu at about 8:40 p.m. on December 21, 2025, asking for the medical evacuation of a 61-year-old woman suffering from septic shock.

The 2,010-guest ship was sailing roughly 90 miles from Kauai, en route to an overnight port call in Honolulu on December 24 and 25, 2025.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes sepsis as the body’s extreme response to an infection. The life-threatening condition can result from any infection.

It is not clear how the passenger developed sepsis, but her illness was so serious that onboard medical staff determined treatment could not wait until the ship docked in Honolulu.

The Coast Guard dispatched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, on the island of Oahu, evacuated the passenger, and transported her to Honolulu’s Queen’s Medical Center. The guest was said to be in stable condition, according to the Coast Guard report.

Pacific World Sails Culture-Focused Voyages

Pacific World departed on her global journey from Yokohama on December 15, 2025. Honolulu was the first port of call, followed by several South Pacific destinations. The ship will reach Easter Island on January 9, 2026, and circumnavigate South America to Rio de Janeiro before continuing on to Africa.

Destinations on the itinerary include South Africa and Madagascar before the ship returns to East Asia and, eventually, Yokohama, on March 31, 2026.

Read Also: Think Cruise Ships Are Floating Petri Dishes? These 12 Facts Say Otherwise

The ship is the former Sun Princess, owned and operated by Princess Cruises. Built in 1995, the ship was sold to Peace Boat in 2020 and renamed Pacific World.

Pacific World’s voyages are focused on education and culture, offering itineraries that visit World Heritage sites and provide onboard enrichment programs such as guest educators and lecturers, and culture-inspired events.

The ship has departures of 105- to 109-day world cruises scheduled through November 2027, all originating in Japan.

When the Coast Guard Comes to the Rescue

While medical evacuations are not common on cruise ships, they do happen from time to time across the globe.

A recent emergency situation developed on December 11, 2025 onboard Celebrity Cruises’ 2,910-guest Celebrity Apex. 

The ship was sailing near Arecibo, Puerto Rico, during an Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral when an emergency call was placed to the US Coast Guard. A 65-year-old guest with multiple serious medical problems needed evacuation to a hospital.

In that case, an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen, in Puerto Rico, responded and handled the rescue.

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Sometimes the Coast Guard is called upon to assist in challenging conditions. In July 2025, a 71-year-old female guest needed to be airlifted from Carnival Legend as the ship sailed about 120 miles off the coast of Oregon — while a tsunami warning was in effect.

Emergency crews from Air Station Astoria, in Warrenton, Oregon, responded and evacuated the guest from the 2,124-guest ship.

Hawaii’s Cruise Tax Is Moving Forward — But the Fight Isn’t Over

Catie Kovelman
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Hawaii’s Cruise Tax Is Moving Forward — But the Fight Isn’t Over

Key Aspects:

  • A federal judge has denied efforts to stop Hawaii’s new cruise tax from going into effect.
  • The “green tax” will impose an 11% tax on cruise fares, in addition to a 3% TAT tax.
  • Cruise Lines International Association and its fellow plaintiffs plan to appeal the decision.

The cruise lines and local tourism operators are not getting the Christmas present they were hoping for – at least not in Hawaii.

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, US District Judge Jill A. Otake officially denied a request to stop Hawaii’s first-ever cruise ship tax from going into effect on January 1, 2026.

The new law, which was first passed in May, imposes an 11% tax on cruise fares, prorated for the days that vessels call at Hawaiian ports. This is in addition to a 3% transient accommodations tax (TAT).

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) joined forces with several local plaintiffs, including two tour companies that serve cruise ships, to try to block the tax from going into effect.

In a lawsuit filed on August 27, 2025, CLIA and its comrades alleged that the new tax unfairly targeted cruise ships and violated the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

However, these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Per the court ruling, the tax will go into effect on January 1.

The Purpose of the Tax

Hawaii isn’t proposing this tax just to be mean to cruise lines and their passengers, but rather to address the threats of climate change in the Aloha state.

The purpose of this “green tax” is to ensure all visitors – including cruise ships and their passengers – help with the state’s hefty conservation costs to protect the natural beauty and wildlife on the islands.

Cruise Ship Docked in Honolulu, Hawaii
Cruise Ship Docked in Honolulu, Hawaii (Photo Credit: Nate Hovee)

“We must protect and preserve Hawaiʻi’s natural resources and safeguard the health of our residents. Visitors who benefit from our island’s resources have a shared responsibility to help preserve them,” Governor Josh Green said.

“The Green Fee ensures that the resources needed to protect Hawaiʻi are available for future generations,” he continued.

The new tax is estimated to rake in around $100 million annually, which will be put toward sustainability and other environmental efforts.

But while this benefits Hawaii, it puts a greater financial strain on cruise lines and their passengers and will likely lead to rising costs for Hawaii-bound sailings.

Brands like Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line have already begun warning passengers of the new tax and passing on the extra fees to them.

Despite this week’s ruling, CLIA isn’t ready to accept defeat just yet. CLIA and its fellow plaintiffs plan to appeal the court’s decision.

“Cruise tourism generates nearly $1 billion in total economic impact for Hawaii and supports thousands of local jobs, and we remain focused on ensuring that success continues on a lawful, sustainable foundation,” CLIA spokesperson Jim McCarthy said in a statement.

Hawaii, meanwhile, has vowed to continue to defend the law.

“The Department of the Attorney General is very pleased with today’s decision. The vast majority of the cruise industry’s claims were dismissed,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez.

“While the litigation is not over, we are confident in the legality of this law and will continue to vigorously defend it on behalf of the people of Hawaiʻi,” she continued.

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The plaintiffs have also requested an injunction pending an appeal that would at least delay the tax from going into effect until the legal battle is over.

It’s unclear what the judge will decide on this matter, but CLIA and its partners have requested a decision on the requested delay by Saturday, December 27.

Carnival Jubilee’s New Year Cruise Hit by Last-Minute Embarkation Change

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Jubilee’s New Year Cruise Hit by Last-Minute Embarkation Change

Key Aspects:

  • There will be a slight delay to Carnival Jubilee‘s December 27 embarkation schedule.
  • Refueling operations and USCG regulations require the delay, but the itinerary is not changed.
  • Guests should heed their revised arrival times so they are not turned away at the terminal.

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the December 27, 2025 departure of Carnival Jubilee to let them know about embarkation time changes in Galveston.

There are no changes to the 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, but guests will be embarking the ship somewhat later than expected due to essential refueling operations.

“The entire Carnival Jubilee team is looking forward to ringing in the new year with you, but ahead of that we have an update that requires your attention and full cooperation,” the notification email explained.

“As directed by the United States Coast Guard, refueling operations on Saturday, December 27, must begin before we can start embarkation.”

Carnival Jubilee is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which requires specialized refueling procedures.

For safety and security, guests may not be embarking the ship until the connections are in place for refueling. This will cause a bit of a delay in embarkation times, but guests will not need to wait until refueling is complete before boarding the ship.

As soon as regulations permit, embarkation will begin and there are no overall changes to the cruise terminal check-in or embarkation process.

Guests are advised, however, that they will not be able to be accommodated ahead of their revised embarkation timeframe. If guests arrive early, they will be asked to return at the later designated time.

Carnival Jubilee in Galveston, Texas
Carnival Jubilee in Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: NAN728)

“All guests must be on board by 3:45 PM,” the email noted.

This means Carnival Jubilee will be departing slightly later than her originally planned 3:30 p.m. departure time, but the delay will not significantly impact the overall itinerary.

The current flagship of the Carnival fleet, Carnival Jubilee can welcome 5,228 guests at double occupancy or up to 6,631 guests when fully booked. Also onboard are roughly 1,700 international crew members, representing more than 50 nations from around the globe.

Always a Balance With Port Operations

While no detailed explanation other than “refueling operations” has been given for the slight change to Carnival Jubilee‘s schedule on December 27, it isn’t unusual for port operations to impact the exact timing of embarkation and debarkation.

Not only does refueling impact a cruise ship’s timing, but the availability of harbor pilots, loading and unloading crews, check-in staff, customs officials, and other personnel can affect the ship’s schedule, as can planned inspections or other unexpected disruptions.

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

There are no technical or mechanical issues reported with Carnival Jubilee and she should set sail as planned without difficulty for guests to enjoy their New Year’s cruise.

New Year’s Cruise Unchanged

Carnival Jubilee will depart Galveston, Texas on Saturday, December 27 and the next day is a full day at sea. This will give the 183,500-gross-ton, Excel-class ship plenty of time to make up for the slight departure delay the day before.

The ship is scheduled to spend Monday, December 29 visiting Cozumel followed by Tuesday, December 30 in Costa Maya.

New Year’s Eve will be in Roatan, Honduras, though Carnival Jubilee is scheduled to depart at 5 p.m. well ahead of the evening’s festivities to ring in 2026.

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Among those special activities is a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with special selections in the ship’s Main Dining Rooms, including lobster and shrimp bisque, maple-clove spiced baked ham, and a pina colada cheesecake.

Carnival Jubilee, along with all ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, will also offer a free champagne toast at midnight as guests and crew members join together to ring in the new year with a phenomenal deck party and sounding the ship’s horn after the new year countdown.

Carnival’s Roller Coaster Takes the Crown as Best Ship Feature

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival’s Roller Coaster Takes the Crown as Best Ship Feature

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival’s Bolt Roller Coaster has been voted the Best Cruise Ship Feature of 2025.
  • The Ultimate Sea Coaster has won the top honor for five consecutive years.
  • Bolt is found on all three of Carnival’s Excel-class ships but will not be built on future vessels.

The votes are in and it’s official: Carnival Cruise Line’s Bolt Roller Coaster is the Best Cruise Ship Feature of 2025!

Chosen from a select list of highly popular onboard features, Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster took the top honors with 22.9% of votes agreeing that the thrilling ride is a must-do for avid cruisers.

This is the fifth consecutive year Bolt has received this cruiser-driven recognition. The very first Bolt roller coaster debuted aboard Mardi Gras when the ship debuted in 2021, making this distinctive honor even more prestigious: Bolt has been selected as the best cruise ship feature for every year it has been thrilling guests.

Best Cruise Ship Feature of 2025, Cruise Hive Awards
Best Cruise Ship Feature of 2025, Cruise Hive Awards

The ride was first announced in 2018 and built by German manufacturer Maurer Rides. While land-based roller coasters are far more spectacular, the stats on Bolt are by no means paltry, considering the challenges of building a roller coaster on a cruise ship.

  • Length: 721 feet
  • Height Above Sea Level: 187
  • Acceleration: 1.2 Gs
  • Guest Capacity: 190 riders per hour

The first-ever rollercoaster at sea, Bolt has been a hit for guests on all three of Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

The track curves and dips for 430-degrees around each ship’s signature whale tail funnel, offering riders outstanding views of the surrounding ocean. Riders control the top speed of the electrically-powered ride and a boost option can deliver exciting extra thrills with a twist of the driver’s grip.

Best Cruise Ship Feature of 2025 Chart
Best Cruise Ship Feature of 2025 Chart (Data: Cruise Hive)

Two floater hills on the ship’s starboard side provide a bit of airtime, especially for guests who appreciate the top speed experience.

As a matter of interest, Carnival Cruise Line has already announced that the two new Excel-class ships currently under construction, Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, will not feature their own Bolt rides. Instead, the new ships will have a much more massive waterpark: Carnival WaterWorks Ultra.

Are You Ready to Ride Bolt?

While the onboard roller coaster is certainly popular with Carnival cruise guests, it isn’t necessarily the best feature for everyone to try.

Guests must be at least 52″ tall to ride Bolt, and the ride cannot accommodate anyone taller than 77″ (6’5″). The ride’s weight limit is 300 pounds per person and no more than 440 pounds per ride vehicle when two riders join the fun together.

Read Also: What’s It Like to Ride the First Roller Coaster at Sea? I’ve Done It!

BOLT Roller Coaster on Carnival Cruise Ship
BOLT Roller Coaster on Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mulevich)

Children under age 12 must be paired with a rider age 15 or older. Older riders can ride solo or with a friend, though solo rides may be limited when wait times are lengthy.

Bolt does have an extra fee and operating hours can vary depending on other ship activities, port or maintenance schedules, and weather conditions.

While Bolt took the top prize for 2025, other popular ship features certainly have their fans.

Celebrity Cruises’ Magic Carpet, the transformational space found aboard the Edge-class ships, took second place with 18.6% of the votes, followed very closely by MSC Cruises’ Cliffhanger, the exhilarating swing on the brand new MSC World America, with 18.2%.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua Slidecoaster from Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna came in fourth at 16.7%, with Royal Caribbean’s Crown’s Edge adrenaline-inducing ropes course at 16.5%.

Disney Cruise Line’s AquaMouse rounded out the selections with just 7% of the votes.

Voting for the annual Cruise Hive awards began October 14, 2025 and ran through December 19, with readers able to cast their votes in eight categories. No spam, bot, or other suspicious votes were included in the final totals to choose the winners.

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