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Disney Cruise Line Modifies Splash Pad After Toddler Suffers Serious Injury

Key Aspects:

  • A toddler broke his femur while playing in the Nemo’s Reef Splash Pad onboard Disney Dream.
  • The family recently returned to the Disney ship to find that the play area had been modified to make it safer.
  • It’s unclear if the changes were or will be carried over to Disney Fantasy, which has an identical splash pad.

Disney Cruise Line is learning from an unfortunate accident to improve the safety onboard for its youngest guests.

In September of 2025, Courtney Livingston (@courtneylivin) had to end her family’s sailing onboard Disney Dream early because her young son was injured while playing in the Nemo’s Reef Splash Pad on Deck 11.

The “Finding Nemo”-themed play area, which is found on both Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, is meant for toddlers and small children under the age of four.

Read Also: What Is the Best Cruise Line for Families?

During what seemed like a normal play session, the toddler fell from a coral fixture, breaking his femur. X-rays confirmed the injury, which required immediate medical attention.

Nemo's Reef Update
Nemo’s Reef Update (Photo Credit: @courtneylivin)

The family was medically evacuated in Nassau, Bahamas, so that the young child could receive prompt treatment. DCL graciously gifted the family a free sailing so that they could have a vacation do-over once the boy healed.

Disney has also now modified the splash pad to try to make sure no other family has to cut their cruise vacation short for this reason.

Changes Made For the Better

The Instagram-using mom posted a reel on March 30, 2026, showing that the family had made it back onboard the 129,690-gross ton Disney Dream and had been having a much better experience the second time around.

It’s not clear which specific voyage the family was onboard for, but the 4,000-guest ship is currently operating 3- to 5-night sailings to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The family also returned to the scene of the accident, where Livingston was happy to discover that the cruise line had modified the splash pad for safety.

“After my son fell and broke his leg on the Finding Nemo Splash Pad on the Disney Dream, they made it safer! Yay for change!” she captioned an Instagram reel, which has been viewed more than 7,000 times in just three days.

Specifically, the mother noticed that the coral fixture her son fell from had been removed and new, softer flooring had been installed.

Previously, there were four large stool-like coral pieces under the picture of Squirt (the baby turtle from “Finding Nemo”), near the far end of the play area.

At this time, nothing has replaced the removed features, and Cruise Hive has not yet learned if anything will be added in their place later. It’s also unclear when and if similar tweaks may be made for the splash pad on Disney Fantasy.

Disney may also be considering related updates to the splash pads on its other ships, including Dory’s Reef on Disney Wonder, Nephew’s Splash Zone on Disney Magic, and the Toy Story Splash Zone on the Wish-class ships.

Safety Rules in Place

Even with the new changes, parent supervision is still an extremely important part of child safety onboard Disney’s ships.

Disney’s policy clearly states that parents are required to supervise their children while using the splash pad at all times. In fact, adult supervision is required for all guests under the age of 16 while enjoying the pools or hot tubs.

As the pool deck can get rather crowded, parents are also encouraged to pay close attention to their kids and to prevent rougher play. Running, jumping, and diving is also prohibited.

Not the Only Safety-Forward Change

In addition to modifying the splash pad, Disney Dream has also added new railings and plexiglass to portholes after a 5-year-old girl fell through an open porthole in June of 2025.

At the time, Cruise Hive reported that the child was posing for a picture in the open window, which her mother mistakenly thought was sealed with clear glass.

Thankfully, the child, and her father who jumped in to rescue her, were both okay.

This is just another example of how Disney learns from past events to make the cruising experience safer for everyone.

A Big Redeployment Twist Shakes Up Mariner of the Seas Plans

Key Aspects:

  • A redeployment has cancelled Mariner of the Seas sailings in 2027.
  • Guests received a letter informing them of the change and outlining options.
  • It comes as Royal Caribbean is moving Freedom of the Seas to sail from the UK instead.

Thousands of Royal Caribbean cruisers just had their plans shaken up as two 2027 sailings aboard Mariner of the Seas have been cancelled due to a new summer redeployment.

Earlier this month, the larger 3,926-passenger Freedom of the Seas’ 2027 deployment was moved to Southampton, cancelling over 20 Caribbean and South American cruises in the process.

And it now looks like we have a clear picture of what’s happening with the slightly smaller 3,344-passenger Mariner of the Seas, now moving away from the UK for that time.

Affected Mariner of the Seas passengers received a letter informing them of the redeployment.

“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process—which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs, Mariner of the Seas will be redeployed for our Summer 2027 season,” the letter reads.

“As a result, your… sailing has been redeployed. We know how much effort goes into planning your vacation and apologize for the inconvenience.”

The first affected itinerary is a 15-night transatlantic sailing departing on April 24, 2027 from New Orleans, Louisiana. This cruise was to stop at Grand Bahama Island, Ponta Delgada, Vigo in Spain, and Paris (Le Havre) before docking in Southampton in the UK on May 9, 2027.

The second itinerary was a 17-night transatlantic cruise departing October 18, 2027, from Southampton, hitting La Coruna, Vigo, Lisbon, Madeira, and Nassau before docking in New Orleans.

The redeployment moves the 139,863 gross ton ship out of Southampton, swapping in the slightly larger Freedom of the Seas in its place.

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Redeployments are common, and can be caused by any number of factors, from overbooked ports to unforeseen shifts in supply and demand. In December 2025, Cruise Hive reported a similar redeployment for three Freedom of the Seas sailings in the second half of 2026.

Royal Caribbean has not yet released details of this Mariner of the Seas redeployment, but it will be interesting to see what new itineraries come. While the original cancelled itineraries were still listed on the Royal Caribbean website as of April 1, 2026, they were unavailable to book.

What Options Do Affected Guests Have?

Affected passengers have a few options to resolve the change. They can automatically move to a comparable cruise departing on the same date, cancel for a full refund, or re-book any other Royal Caribbean sailing with no additional fees. 

However, if they choose to rebook on another cruise that’s more expensive than the original, guests must pay the difference.

If guests request a cancellation and refund, only the cash amount paid will be refunded. Crown and Anchor Society loyalty points and future cruise credit will be returned in their original form and won’t be paid out in cash.

Guests who opt to automatically move to another comparable sailing do not have to do anything on their end.  

The April cruise will be automatically moved onto a new 17-night Mariner of the Seas cruise departing April 24 from New Orleans, stopping in Miami, Casablanca, Tangier, Seville, and Malaga, disembarking in Barcelona.

An altogether different experience from the original sailing, featuring none of the original ports and even disembarking in a different country.

The October cruise, meanwhile, will be switched to a 12-night Freedom of the Seas sailing leaving Southampton on October 18. This cruise features some of the same stops as the original Mariner of the Seas sailing, such as La Coruna and Vigo, but swaps Lisbon, Madeira, and Nassau for Ponta Delgada and disembarks in Miami instead of New Orleans.

Guests who choose to be automatically moved to these sailings will only be charged their original fare or prorated to the lower fare and be placed in either the same stateroom or a comparable one.

Passengers choosing to rebook or refund must inform Royal Caribbean of their decision by April 14, 2026.

Norwegian Cruise Line Discontinues Pre-Cruise Entertainment Bookings

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line used to allow guests to reserve their seats at many of the onboard shows in advance.
  • But as of April 1, pre-cruise show bookings will no longer be available.
  • This eliminates the pressure to reserve show seating before setting sail, but may lead to other challenges onboard for theater lovers.

Norwegian Cruise Line has just made an important operational announcement regarding its onboard entertainment that will almost definitely be controversial.

As of April 1, 2026, NCL has discontinued the pre-cruise bookings for popular entertainment onboard, including for the Broadway-style and mainstage shows, live game shows, select comedy shows, and performances featuring other major headliners.

The cruise line has been notifying travel professionals of the change so that they can help spread the word amongst their clients.

“Effective April 1, 2026, NCL will no longer be accepting any pre-cruise bookings for entertainment on any of their ships,” a travel advisor posted in Cruise Hive’s “Norwegian Cruise Line News, Tips & Chat” Facebook group.

“For many of the ships, this has already been implemented, but will be discontinued fleetwide. This shift allows for greater flexibility in the guest’s experience onboard,” the update continues.

The reservations have slowly been disappearing throughout the fleet, but now the change is in place once and for all.

Cruise Hive has also learned that some guests who had existing reservations for the onboard shows have been told their reservations were no longer valid after boarding, or that the crew simply didn’t check at show time.

“I was on Viva last week, we made reservations for press your luck before the cruise on the app and confirmed when we got there. Then we later got a letter in the cabin saying just show up, no reservations anymore,” a recent guest shared.

Norwegian Escape in New York City
Norwegian Escape in New York City (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz)

Notably, Norwegian Luna also just entered service in March 2026 with brand new production shows, including “Rocket Man: A Celebration of Elton John” and “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” and no reservations.

The only exception is really for “LunaTique: Pop Circus,” which is an adults-only show that debuted with the second Prima Plus-class ship and requires tickets to be purchased in advance.

Removing Reservations Proves to be Controversial

Norwegian Cruise Line made this change so that guests would have more spontaneity and flexibility in their onboard plans, and to make it easier for more guests to see the entertainment they are most looking forward to.

However, many cruisers liked the peace of mind that came with knowing that they had a reserved spot at the shows and were worried that they would now have to show up at the theater extra early or would have to wait in long lines to get a seat.

“I swear, cruisers are waiting in longer lines, wasting time to try to see shows now more than ever and the shows that had the reservation option were so much better to attend and less stressful,” one recent guest lamented.

“I loved pre booking. Now you have to go stand in line up to 30 minutes or longer sooner to get in venue,” another complained.

It’s also worth noting that the cruise line typically schedules multiple performances of each show for the same sailing, so if guests don’t make it into the theater on their first try, they will have other opportunities.

How Did the Reservations Work?

Until now, guests were able to reserve certain shows or performances 21 to 26 days ahead of embarkation, depending on their stateroom category and loyalty status, with the specific offerings naturally varying by ship.

Guests staying in the Haven and other suite-level passengers got first dibs, as well as the top-tier members of the NCL Latitudes Rewards Program (Platinum, Sapphire, Diamond, and Ambassador).

If guests couldn’t score a reservation, they would be able to try to make reservations onboard, or they could take their chances in the standby line, which often required arriving very early.

Ideally, the new policy will level the playing field so that guests have greater flexibility and equal chances to see the entertainment they are excited about, regardless of their cabin type or loyalty status.

NCL Introduces New Parking Reservation System for Miami Cruises

Key Aspects:

  • Starting on April 3, 2026, guests of Norwegian Cruise Line can pre-reserve parking for embarkations in Miami, Florida.
  • The reservations allow guests to prepay and guarantee that they will have a parking spot on-site.
  • Reservations will be offered through ParkWhiz and must be made by midnight on the day before sailing.

The days of struggling to find parking and waiting in long lines to pay for it may finally be over at PortMiami, at least for guests of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Starting on April 3, 2026, guests who are embarking on NCL sailings out of Terminal B (or the Pearl of Miami, as it’s often called) are encouraged to pre-reserve parking if they would like to park at the nearby Garage B.

Norwegian Cruise Line has begun to circulate the news among travel professionals, one of whom posted the information on Facebook.

“Effective April 3, 2026, guests can now request to pre-reserve a parking spot at Port of Miami, Garage B,” the update states.

“Parking reservations are not mandatory, and subject to availability…The parking reservation guarantees a parking space will be available to you upon arrival,” it continues.

While reservations are not mandatory, they allow guests to prepay for their spot in advance, which leads to shorter lines following debarkation when guests are ready to just get home. Parking that is paid for onsite is usually due upon departure.

It also guarantees that guests will have a spot when they arrive at the port, as it’s not unheard of for Garage B to fill up. Despite being a 9-level structure, the garage only has around 1,000 spots and can run out of room.

Read Also: Miami Cruise Port Parking – Where to Park Guide

Cruise Hive confirmed that NCL guests will also still be able to park at multiple onsite structures on a first come, first served basis, including taking any unreserved spots in Garage B.

Garage C, which typically serves MSC Cruises and Disney Cruise Line’s operations in Terminal C, is also an option. This garage is slightly bigger with space for around 1,330 cars, but availability can still sometimes get dicey.

How to Make Parking Reservations

In order to reserve a parking spot, cruisers will need to sign up for a ParkWhiz account if they do not already have one. For context, ParkWhiz is a platform that allows drivers to find and book parking spots at popular venues in advance.

Once guests snag their spot and pay for parking, they will be prompted to enter the license plate of their car. While printed passes are occasionally provided, the reservation is usually automatically linked to the car’s license plate.

Norwegian Cruise Line Miami Terminal
Norwegian Cruise Line Miami Terminal (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

Reservations must be made no later than midnight on the day before embarkation. Overnight parking costs $35 per night plus a reservation fee of $3.50 per night and a 3% credit card transaction fee.

Guests who choose to take their chances without a reservation will still owe $35 per night, but won’t have to pay the extra fees. PortMiami accepts cash, US Traveler’s Checks, and the major credit cards.

NCL also isn’t the first cruise line to do this, as Royal Caribbean already lets guests pre-reserve parking near Terminal A on a dedicated website, which allows guests to prepay for parking based on their specific voyages.

Which NCL Ships Homeport in PortMiami?

Norwegian Cruise Line is very active in the Cruise Capital of the World, from where it launches a variety of itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

NCL has also increased its deployment to Great Stirrup Cay to align with major improvements made to the private island. As the Bahamian island is only around 120 nautical miles away from Miami, the port is a great origin point for cruises to the exclusive destination.

For the remainder of 2026, 11 different NCL ships will operate out of PortMiami, including the newest additions to the fleet: Norwegian Luna (2026) and Norwegian Aqua (2025).

The cruise line will also continue its year-round presence in Florida in 2027 with ten ships homeporting in Miami for at least a little while.

Many of these ships will be operating overlapping sailings from Miami at the same time which makes it more likely that Garage B will run out of room and makes those parking reservations feel extra important.

Norwegian Cruise Line Details Temporary Plan for Philadelphia Departures

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line will use a hotel for check-in for its new Philadelphia season.
  • Guests must shuttle to and from the Clarion Hotel near the airport for embarkation and disembarkation.
  • The temporary process is due to PhilaPort’s construction delays.

When Philadelphia was added as a new homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in 2024, the company expected the city’s new cruise terminal to be open and ready to welcome its guests for its first sailings in 2026.

Instead, weather-related delays have pushed back competition of the facility at PhilaPort, forcing the cruise line to introduce a temporary new embarkation plan for Norwegian Jewel, which is setting sail from Philadelphia on April 16.

Guests booked on the first sailings have now been informed that check-in will take place at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport, rather than at a cruise terminal.

“We’re excited to return to Philadelphia and restart cruising from the destination for the first time in many years,” NCL told guests in a message explaining the changes.

“As we partner closely with PhilaPort to prepare the new facility, progress on the permanent terminal has taken longer than anticipated due to adverse weather conditions that impacted the area this winter.”

The cruise line went on to detail the temporary plan for the 93,502-gross-ton ship, which has passengers arriving at the Clarion Hotel to begin the embarkation process.

Guests who purchased cruise line airport transfers will be brought directly from Philadelphia International Airport to the hotel for check-in. Passengers arriving on their own will need to drive to the hotel.

Parking will be available at the hotel in a designated area for cruise guests and currently costs about $16 per day, paid directly to the hotel.

Luggage drop-off will take place outside the hotel entrance before guests proceed inside the ballroom to complete the check-in process.

Passengers are encouraged to arrive during the check-in window they selected during online check-in to help manage the flow of travelers.

Once check-in is completed, guests will board complimentary shuttle buses that will transport them to the ship at the pier.

Read Also: Here’s How You Can Make Cruise Embarkation a Breeze

Wheelchair assistance will not be available at the hotel check-in location, although the cruise line said assistance will be provided once guests arrive at the pier.

“For everyone’s safety and to ensure smooth access at PhilaPort, guests cannot make their own way to the port, and there is no option to check-in at the ship,” NCL said in its instructions.

Norwegian Jewel in Pennsylvania
Norwegian Jewel in Pennsylvania

Upon arrival at the port, passengers will pass through security screening inside a covered tent before continuing to the vessel.

The final walk to the ship will take place outdoors, and guests may see nearby construction as work continues on the permanent terminal, which broke ground in December 2025.

Disembarkation Will Also Change

The temporary system will also be used when passengers return from the 7-night cruise to Bermuda and Charleston, South Carolina.

Guests who purchased NCL transfers will be transported directly from the pier to the airport after disembarkation. All other passengers will board shuttle buses back to the Clarion Hotel, where they can retrieve their vehicles or arrange onward transportation.

Because the port area is still an active construction site, taxis and ride-share services will not be allowed to pick up passengers directly from the pier.

It is unclear when NCL will be able to operate from PhilaPort, which is being built along the Delaware River near Philadelphia International Airport.

The project is reintroducing large-scale cruise departures from Philadelphia and, once complete, is expected to serve as a homeport capable of handling modern cruise ships with a dedicated passenger terminal for embarkation and disembarkation.

The 2,368-passenger Norwegian Jewel will homeport at PhilaPort through October 2026, beginning with a series of 7- to 9-night cruises to Bermuda and transitioning to longer itineraries to Canada and New England. 

Norwegian Cruise Ship Arrival Delay Forces Late Embarkation in New York

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Escape will be returning later than planned to New York at the end of her August 19, 2026 sailing.
  • The change is due to berth availability in Manhattan, but no other itinerary change is noted for the 10-night cruise.
  • The August 29 sailing is also impacted with a delay for embarkation due to the later than expected docking.

Guests on one upcoming sailing for Norwegian Escape will be enjoying a few extra hours onboard with a unique itinerary change. Only the ship’s return to New York is impacted, with no changes to ports of call during the 10-day cruise.

The impacted sailing is Norwegian Escape‘s Wednesday, August 19, 2026 departure, a Caribbean itinerary that includes visits to San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Puerto Plata before the ship returns to the Big Apple on Saturday, August 29.

Fortunately, there is no change to any of the port visits, but the return to New York is adjusted. Instead of arriving at 7 a.m. as originally planned, Norwegian Escape will now be docking at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal at 3 p.m.

“While the port remains available, our assigned window for disembarkation has shifted due to other ships calling earlier in the day,” an email sent to booked guests explains.

On August 29, only Norwegian Aqua is also scheduled to be in port. It is possible that the two ships must compete for the same berth space, or else other local operations, such as ferries, might be impacting the space available for Norwegian Escape.

Norwegian Cruise Line is spinning the delayed return for Norwegian Escape as a great opportunity to enjoy what the 165,000-gross-ton Breakaway Plus class ship has to offer.

“While unexpected, this later arrival offers a rare gift of continued unhurried time on board, an invitation to slow down and enjoy your final hours aboard Norwegian Escape exactly as you wish,” the email reads.

Once the ship arrives at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, disembarkation is expected from 4-6 p.m.

If guests have transfers, airfare, or other post-cruise plans booked through Norwegian Cruise Line, those arrangements will be adjusted automatically.

Guests with independent arrangements will need to contact their airlines or other transportation options to reschedule. Norwegian Cruise Line is recommending that no flights be scheduled before at least 8:30 p.m.

Norwegian Escape in New York
Norwegian Escape in New York (Photo Credit: quiggyt4)

The cruise line will also reimburse up to $300 (USD) per person for change or cancellation fees that may not be covered through airline policies or travel insurance. Guests must submit receipts for reimbursement consideration.

Because the impacted cruise does not set sail for four months, the up to 4,266 guests the ship can host should have ample time to make travel adjustments if needed.

Cruise Hive just recently reported on a similar late arrival of Norwegian Aqua into New York for her April 18, 2026 sailing. In Norwegian Aqua‘s case, however, the delay is due to the ship repositioning from Miami for her summer season. No guests will be onboard for that repositioning and so no debarkation is disrupted.

Next Norwegian Escape Embarkation Delayed

What both Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Aqua have in common with these changes, however, is a significantly delayed embarkation for the next cruise.

Norwegian Escape‘s August 29 departure is a 7-night Canada and New England itinerary visiting Boston, Portland, Saint John, and Halifax.

In order to accommodate the ship’s late arrival and give guests adequate time to debark Norwegian Escape and exit the terminal and parking areas, check-in for the next cruise will not begin until 5 p.m.

There is an expected 10 p.m. departure. All guests must arrive no later than 8 p.m. to check in at the terminal. Originally, the ship was to have set sail at 4 p.m.

While some guests are understandably upset at beginning their weeklong cruise several hours later than expected, many travelers note that it will not be difficult to find exciting and interesting things to do in New York City for a few extra hours.

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal, for example, is just a mile from Central Park, the Modern Museum of Art, Times Square, and other top city sights.

There is no expected change to the August 29 itinerary at this time. No compensation is being offered to guests for the 6-hour delay, as travelers have more than four months to adjust their plans before they set sail on their cruise vacation.

Calmer 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season May Cause Fewer Cruise Disruptions

Key Aspects:

  • Forecasters predict that there will be 11-16 named storms during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
  • Four to seven of these storms are expected to become full fledged hurricanes.
  • These predictions, however, suggest that the season will be less active than 2025.

With the memories of intense 2025 hurricanes like Melissa, Erin, and Imelda still fresh, many cruisers are looking ahead to the looming Atlantic hurricane season with dread.

But according to AccuWeather, the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, 2026, may bring a reprieve compared to the previous year. 

AccuWeather’s forecast predicts an average to below average season, with an estimated 11 to 16 named storms expected to develop this year. However, it only takes one powerful storm to do significant damage and to majorly disrupt the cruise industry.

Four to seven of these storm systems will likely become hurricanes, and two to four are expected to reach Category 3 or higher. For context, Category 3 hurricanes reach sustained winds of 111-129 miles per hour.

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), a season with six to 18 named storms and three to nine hurricanes is considered near-normal, or average.

This is also below the expectations for the 2025 hurricane season, in which forecasters predicted 17 named storms with nine hurricanes and four major storms. Ultimately, the 2025 season was hit with 13 named storms, five of which became hurricanes.

Potential Impact to US Cruise Ports

Three to five of the storms are supposed to directly impact the US, with stormy weather especially likely in the northeastern Gulf Coast and the Carolinas.

“It’s very important that everybody from South Texas all the way to Maine prepares equally for each and every hurricane season, regardless of what the official forecast is,” AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

“Even if it’s expected to be a slightly below average hurricane season, we can still see major hits across the United States,” he continued.

This means that potential storm systems could disrupt itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, or even New England and Canada, as Cruise Hive has seen happen many times before.

Carnival Horizon in Miami
Carnival Horizon in Miami (Photo Credit: Just Dance)

Operations at major cruise ports could also be affected, as the ports may have to close to maritime traffic during times of dangerous weather.

Busy ports like Galveston, New Orleans, New York (Manhattan and Brooklyn), Norfolk, Charleston, and the major Florida ports (Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Port Canaveral) could all potentially be in the line of fire.

An El Niño Will Determine the Season

A developing el niño will play a huge part in determining if the 2026 season really turns out to be below average, or if it will backfire and lead to a series of rapidly intensifying storms.

For context, an El Niño occurs when ocean temperatures near the eastern Pacific Ocean warm to at least 0.9 of a degree Fahrenheit above established averages. 

El Niño comes with warmer water temperatures, which is more likely to allow storms to rapidly intensify and may contribute to hurricanes forming early, before the official start of the season on June 1.

“Those waters are also exceptionally, exceptionally warm…That is why once again we are very concerned about rapid intensification this upcoming hurricane season,” DaSilva noted.

Read Also: Cruising During Hurricane Season: What You Must Know!

However, El Niño also usually brings a stronger wind shear to the Atlantic, which can make it harder for storms to form in the first place.

AccuWeather also shared that there is a small chance (about 15%) of a “super El Niño” developing later in the season, which would significantly reduce storm activity in late October and November. The season officially ends on November 30.

Hopefully this is the case, as it will be safer for the people who live in the affected areas and should lead to less cruise disruptions.

Is it Safe to Cruise During Hurricane Season?

Modern cruise ships are designed to safely navigate rough weather, and the cruise lines monitor weather forecasts closely to always chart the smoothest and safest course.

Many cruise guests also prefer to sail during the hurricane season, as kids are usually in school (leading to less crowds onboard) and prices are often lower due to the risks of weather-related disruptions.

But aside from the risk of potential itinerary changes or cancellations, guests should never be put in active danger. And of course, Cruise Hive will continue to monitor for storm activitiy and related itinerary changes.

Carnival Gratuity and Drink Package Price Increases Now in Effect

The latest Carnival Cruise Line gratuity and drink package price increase has now taken effect for all guests. The price increase was first announced in early February, with a start date for all sailings leaving on or after Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The rate increase applies to all stateroom types on all Carnival ships and is just $1 per day higher per person. This makes the current rate $17 per person, per day for standard staterooms (interior, ocean view, and balconies) and $19 per person, per day for all suites.

Guests who chose to pre-pay gratuities before April 2 were able to lock in the previous lower rate, regardless of their sailing date.

Gratuity increases are always controversial. While cruise guests usually agree that crew members deserve gratuities, frequent increases can become frustrating.

One common argument is that it’s only $1 a day, and therefore not too much for any individual cruise guest. That’s true, but calculating gratuities for an entire family or group can show just how expensive these charges can become, especially on longer sailings.

For a family of 4 on a week-long cruise, for example, gratuities will now be $28 higher than originally expected.

When noted over time, gratuity prices can seem even higher. In 2016, for example, Carnival Cruise Line’s gratuities were just $12.95 per person, per day for most staterooms.

For the same family of 4 on a 7-night sailing, gratuities would have been just $362.60 in 2016. Today, those same gratuities would now be $476, an increase of 24%.

This can come as a shock to guests who may not cruise frequently or who may budget for onboard expenses based on their own past experiences.

Carnival Cruise Ship
Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)

Carnival Cruise Line’s gratuities are not the highest in the industry, however. Cruise Hive reported in early February 2026 that Margaritaville at Sea increased its gratuities to $22 per person, per day for standard staterooms and $25 per person, per day for suites.

Virgin Voyages has the same gratuity rate as Margaritaville at Sea, but aboard Virgin Voyages’ Lady Ships, guests can adjust gratuities at their discretion or get a lower rate by pre-paying before they set sail. On Margaritaville at Sea ships, the cost is fixed and may not be adjusted or removed.

Bottomless Bubbles Price Now Higher

The gratuity increase is not the only higher price that has now gone into effect aboard Carnival ships. The Bottomless Bubbles price for adults has also increased from $9.50 per person, per day to $11.99 per person, per day.

Read Also: Expert Cruiser Details How You Can Save Money During a Cruise

There is no change in the pricing for kids, which remains at $6.95 per day.

A 20% service charge is added to the package price as well. That fee used to be 18%, but was raised to 20% in December 2025. That increase applies not only to Bottomless Bubbles, but also to other add-on packages, including other beverage packages, specialty dining, in-stateroom gifts, and more.

Purchased individually, sodas onboard Carnival ships are roughly $3.50-4, plus the service charge, depending on ship, homeport, and sailing region. Whether or not any drink package is a worthwhile purchase depends on individual guests’ drink preferences.

Calculating your beverage habits can help you decide if a soda, non-alcoholic, or full beverage package is worth adding to your cruise budget, bearing in mind that certain packages come with the requirement for all guests in a stateroom to purchase the same package.

Royal Caribbean Served with Three New Lawsuits From Injured Guests

Key Aspects:

  • Three passengers, who fell during their cruises, are suing Royal Caribbean.
  • The lawsuits blame the cruise line for allowing unsafe conditions onboard and for not properly warning guests of slip hazards.
  • Royal Caribbean prides itself on safety and exceeds safety standards set by regulatory authorities, such as SOLAS.

People often say that bad things come in groups of three, and in Royal Caribbean’s case, that seems to be true. The cruise line has been slapped with not one, not two, but three new lawsuits that were filed at the end of March 2026.

In all three cases, the cruise guests were injured in falls while sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s ships. They believe that the cruise line had a part to play in their accidents and are accusing the brand of negligence.

Royal Caribbean has not publicly responded to the lawsuits, but Cruise Hive will issue an update if a statement is released.

Cruiser Suffers Head Injury Onboard Oasis of the Seas

The first lawsuit of this batch was filed on March 19, 2026, by a North Carolina resident named Lindemere Richard Bernhardt.

On February 21, 2025, Bernhardt was enjoying his time onboard the 226,838-gross ton Oasis of the Seas when he slipped and fell in the Central Park neighborhood.

The cruise guest claims that he landed on his back and hit his head, causing him to lose consciousness for several minutes. Royal Caribbean provided immediate medical assistance and Bernhardt spent the rest of the voyage in a neck brace.

Per the claim, the former guest continues to suffer from debilitating symptoms caused by post-concussion syndrome and cervical spinal stenosis.

Central Park on Oasis of the Seas
Central Park on Oasis of the Seas

Allegedly, the fall happened because the tile flooring became wet due to intermittent rain. The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean is negligent because the crew members failed to place any wet floor signs or to verbally warn guests of the slip hazard.

For context, this area has a mix of tiled and wood-like surfaces that are meant to mimic a real outdoor park on land.

Bernhardt also wouldn’t be the first guest to complain about the flooring in the Central Park neighborhood. In October 2025, Cruise Hive reported that multiple guests had slipped or fallen in this area on the Oasis and Icon-class ships.

Despite the legal conflict, the 5,606-guest ship is sailing normally and is currently operating Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with Central Park open for business.

Guest Falls Onboard Navigator of the Seas

The next lawsuit, which was filed on March 25, 2026, also has to do with slippery floors and an accidental fall.

In this case, a guest named Samia Boctor fell and became injured while walking near the Windjammer Buffet on Deck 11 of Navigator of the Seas on May 11, 2025.

The California resident says that she slipped on unreasonably wet and dangerous flooring, and that once again, the crew members did not properly warn guests of the hazard.

For context, Deck 11 is also home to multiple hot tubs, a swimming pool, and a splash pad. Anything from a food spill within the restaurant to swimming guests who tracked in water could have caused the hazard.

Navigator of the Seas Open Deck
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Bathing suits are not allowed in the popular buffet, but guests with proper coverups are allowed to enter, which suggests some passengers who may not have fully dried off from their pool day could come inside.

Given the location and nature of the venue, there may be an inherent assumption of risk where guests should assume that slippery or hazardous conditions may be present.

Just like Oasis of the Seas, the 139,999-gross ton vessel is continuing normal operations. The Voyager-class ship is currently offering cruises to Mexico from Los Angeles, California.

Lounge Chair Topples Guest on Odyssey of the Seas

On March 27, just one day after Boctor filed her lawsuit, Maryland resident Thomas Stein filed his own lawsuit against Royal Caribbean.

Stein was sailing onboard the 169,379-gross ton Odyssey of the Seas on April 18, 2025, when he tripped and fell due to a misplaced lounge chair on the Lido Deck.

The guest claims that the leg of the chair protruded into the walkway and was not easily visible. His attorneys allege that Royal Caribbean is responsible for not properly managing and maintaining the layout of the chairs on the pool deck.

Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Believe it or not, there are actually crew members assigned to monitor the outer decks to keep conditions safe and clean. But with up to 5,510 guests onboard every sailing moving things around, it’s impossible to prevent every potential hazard.

As the Lido Deck can also get quite busy, especially during prime pool and lounging hours, guests should pay extra close attention to where they are walking.

Currently, guests are enjoying the Lido Deck onboard the Quantum Ultra-class ship as it operates cruises around the Greek Isles.

Is Royal Caribbean at Fault?

Though these passengers claim that Royal Caribbean was negligent, the cruise line prides itself on its commitment to safety, which includes using flooring and deck materials that comply with safety standards set by Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

In fact, the brand frequently goes far beyond what is required by organizations like SOLAS and other authorities when it comes to safety.

“At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and security of our guests and crew is our highest priority and fundamental to our operations. Our marine safety record over our 42-year history clearly illustrates our commitment to the safety of the millions of guests and crew that sail on our ships,” Royal Caribbean’s website states.

“The measures we take in the interest of safety are many, with our ships often exceeding what is required by regulatory authorities – these are all part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in every aspect of our business,” the statement continues.

As lawsuits are fairly common in the cruising industry, Royal Caribbean has an expert legal team that is prepared to defend the brand. Only time will tell if the cruise line will be found at fault.