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Elderly Passenger Overboard From Carnival Splendor Triggers Major Operation, Next Sailing Delayed

Carnival Cruise News

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Apr 18, 2026

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Elderly Passenger Overboard From Carnival Splendor Triggers Major Operation, Next Sailing Delayed

Key Aspects:

Search underway for an elderly male passenger from the Carnival Splendor.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority launches a huge number of assets off the coast of Brisbane, Australia.
Embarkation for the following cruise has been delayed.

An urgent search is underway from the 3,012-passenger Carnival Splendor cruise ship after an elderly man, believed to be in his 70s, went overboard. The incident unfolded on the ship’s four-night sailing out of Sydney, Australia.

According to passengers onboard the ship, an announcement was made on the ship-wide public system with a man overboard emergency code for the starboard side. Guests have also reported that the captain confirmed the situation within the hour and that the vessel has turned around to launch search operations.

A Carnival spokesperson stated to Cruise Hive:

“Carnival confirmed on Saturday that Carnival Splendor assisted authorities search for a guest who apparently climbed over the safety railing and jumped overboard as the ship was sailing from Moreton Island towards Sydney overnight.“

The cruise line added: “The male guest was traveling with family who alerted the ship’s crew of a possible missing person, and a review of the CCTV footage confirmed the guest’s action. All appropriate authorities have been alerted and Carnival will assist authorities in their investigation upon the ship’s return to Sydney on Sunday. Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved one.“

The overboard occurred just off the coast of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast, approximately 30 miles southeast of Moreton Island. Cruise ship tracking data confirms the Carnival Splendor heading off course into a search pattern in the early hours of the morning on April 18 near the entry to the Port of Brisbane.

Carnival Splendor Search (Cruise Hive Ship Tracker)

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed with local outlets that it is involved in a major search and rescue operation, including six boats from the Queensland Police, five rescue helicopters, and Challenger search jets.

Carnival Splendor is coming to the end of its four-night sailing and was heading back towards its homeport of Sydney following the final port of call at Moreton Island on April 17.

Next Carnival Splendor Sailing Delayed

The 113,500 gross ton Carnival Splendor‘s delayed return to Sydney has pushed back the following April 19 sailing out of the Australian homeport.

In an updated text message to booked guests, Carnival said:

“Carnival Splendor is currently involved in a search and rescue operation and will be delayed arriving in Sydney tomorrow. As a result, check-in and embarkation for your cruise will also be delayed.“

“We are currently working on revised timing and will be back in touch later this afternoon with further details. Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you receive our final update on new embarkation times. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding“, the message continued.

The April 19 cruise is an identical four-night voyage that also visits Moreton Island and is set to return home on April 23.

Carnival Splendor Sydney Departure Delayed After Hours Long Search Operation

Carnival Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 18, 2026

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Carnival Splendor Sydney Departure Delayed After Hours Long Search Operation

Key Aspects:

Carnival Splendor’s April 19 departure from Sydney is delayed after the ship participated in an overnight search and rescue.
Guests have been reassigned new arrival windows starting at 8:30 p.m.
All passengers are required to arrive at the terminal by 10:30 p.m.

Guests eager to board Carnival Splendor in Sydney for a quick getaway to Moreton Island, Australia, will have to wait a little longer.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced it is delaying embarkation for the 4-night voyage after the 3,012-passenger ship spent hours participating in a search for a missing passenger at sea.

In a notice sent to passengers on April 18, the cruise line explained the vessel was delayed returning from its previous 4-night sailing, scheduled to return on April 19 at 6:30 a.m. local time.

The delay is forcing the 113,573-gross-ton ship to push back check-in and boarding times to 8:30 p.m.

“As mentioned in our earlier update, Carnival Splendor has been involved in a search operation, which will delay the ship’s arrival in Sydney tomorrow,” the letter said, while apologizing for the unexpected delay.

“Please know that our teams will be working hard to get you onboard as soon as possible,” it continued.

Passengers are being asked to arrive at the terminal later in the evening based on revised embarkation windows tied to their original check-in times.

Guests originally scheduled to arrive between 11 and 11:30 a.m. will now check in between 8:30 and 9 p.m., while those with an 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. appointment are also reassigned to 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Passengers who were set to arrive between 12 to 12:30 p.m. will now check in between 9 and 9:30 p.m., and those schedule for 12:30 to 1 p.m. will now arrive between 9:30 and 10 p.m.

Guests originally assigned to the 1 to 1:30 p.m. as well as the 1:30 to 2 p.m. arrival window have moved to 10 to 10:30 p.m.

All passengers must arrive at the cruise terminal no later than 10:30 p.m. to board the ship.

Carnival Splendor in Australia (Photo Credit: james wk)

Carnival Splendor was originally scheduled to depart at 3:30 p.m. but the delayed arrival and late embarkation process mean the ship will now likely depart closer to midnight.

Guests who arrive earlier than their new allotted time will be asked to leave and return at the adjusted time.

The cruise line has not offered any compensation to make up for the lost time on board and has thanked passengers for their patience and understanding.

Carnival Splendor Delay Following Search

The delay in Carnival Splendor’s arrival follows a large search operation after a male passenger in his 70s went overboard while the ship was sailing along Australia’s east coast.

The incident occurred late at night as the ship traveled back to Sydney from Moreton Island. Family members noticed the guest was missing and alerted the crew around 2 a.m., prompting an immediate investigation onboard.

Crew members reviewed surveillance footage, which confirmed the passenger had climbed over a safety railing and gone into the water.

The ship initiated emergency procedures and contacted authorities, beginning a zig-zag search pattern to look for the missing guest.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority also joined in the search, deploying aircraft and helicopters along with a vessel in the area. Queensland Police also assisted, scanning the waters off the coast near Moreton Island.

Despite the extensive effort, the passenger was not located during the search.

MSC Euribia Clears Strait of Hormuz, Upcoming Cruises Reinstated

MSC Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 18, 2026

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MSC Euribia Clears Strait of Hormuz, Upcoming Cruises Reinstated

Key Aspects:

MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Euribia will set sail for her May 16 and 17 departures in northern Europe.
The two sailing dates were previously cancelled while the ship remained in Dubai with the Strait of Hormuz closed.
MSC Euribia was able to safely transit the strait and guests will be contacted about reinstating their vacation plans.

Just days after cancelling MSC Euribia‘s May 16 and 17 departures in Europe, MSC Cruises has now reinstated those sailings as the ship has successfully passed out of the Arabian Gulf and is en route to northern Europe to begin her season in the Baltic Sea and North Sea.

In a surprise move, the cruise line has opted to move ahead with the sailings that were already cancelled. At the time of the cancellation, just two days before MSC Euribia had the opportunity to depart the Arabian Gulf, there was no indication about when passage might be possible.

As it turns out, the Meraviglia-Plus class ship was able to set sail from Dubai and move through the Strait safely. She will now be able to reach Europe in time for those cruises to move forward.

“MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and is now en route to Northern Europe. The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities,” the cruise line confirmed to Cruise Hive.

“MSC Euribia is on course to resume her Northern Europe season, and as the ship will now be able to return sooner than previously anticipated, MSC Cruises confirms that the cruise departing on May 16 from Kiel (and May 17 from Copenhagen) will now operate as originally scheduled, with all subsequent sailings operating as planned.”

The May 16 departure from Kiel, Germany is a 7-night sailing with visits to Copenhagen, Denmark (another departure point) as well as Hellesylt, Alesund, and Flam in Norway. The May 17 departure is the same cruise, but with embarkation and debarkation in Copenhagen.

Satellite tracking shows that MSC Euribia cleared the northern tip of Oman on Saturday, April 18, and is continuing on her way to reach Kiel.

While no exact day or time is yet announced for her arrival in Europe, the fact that the ship has finally departed the Arabian Gulf is great news indeed for guests booked on upcoming voyages.

First, however, MSC Euribia must travel roughly 8,300 miles to reach Germany. Along the way, refueling and resupply stops will be necessary.

Guests Can Shift Their Bookings Back to the Original Cruises

Of course, guests were naturally disappointed about the initial cancellation of the May 16 and 17 departures, but MSC Cruises is permitting them to shift back to those sailings.

“Guests whose cruises were cancelled will have the option to transfer their booking to this sailing should they wish, and will be contacted directly with further details,” the cruise line confirmed.

When the sailings were cancelled, guests were offered three options. They could shift to another sailing, accept a future cruise credit, or choose a full refund.

More From Cruise Hive

MSC Cruises has not yet clarified which guests will receive priority to return to their original sailing date, or in what order travelers may be contacted. Given that the departure dates are a month away, there is some time for those arrangements to be made.

Undoubtedly, not all travelers will be prepared to shift back to the previously cancelled sailings due to the logistics of pre- and post-cruise travel plans that may already have been adjusted.

Future departures for the 184,000-gross-ton ship should move forward as planned and there are no updates to any other itineraries at this time.

MSC Euribia will remain sailing in northern Europe through mid-October, at which time she will move to the Mediterranean with departures from Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, and Palermo for the winter season. The ship will return to Kiel and Copenhagen in April 2027.

Norwegian Cruise Line Issues New Parking Procedures for Philadelphia Sailings

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 19, 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Line Issues New Parking Procedures for Philadelphia Sailings

Key Aspects:

Cruise passengers sailing from Philadelphia must arrive at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport.
The off-site check-in process will remain in place until Philadelphia’s new PhilaPort cruise terminal is completed.
Guests will park and check-in from the Clarion Hotel, where shuttles will transfer them to Norwegian Jewel.

As excitement continues over Philadelphia’s reopening as a cruise port for the first time in 15 years, passengers sailing in coming weeks have received new instructions on where to arrive and park before their cruise begins.

In a notice sent to guests and travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) outlined revised parking procedures tied to the temporary embarkation setup near Philadelphia International Airport.

Instead of heading directly to the cruise pier, guests arriving by car must first go to the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport, which is serving as a central arrival spot for the cruise line as it awaits the completion of PhilaPort’s new passenger terminal.

The hotel is where all passengers must park, as well as drop off luggage and check into voyages on the 93,502-gross-ton Norwegian Jewel. Once checked-in, guests will be transported to the port by shuttle bus.

The system is designed to keep traffic organized during embarkation while cruise operations begin in the city, following the nearly 3-hour delay that took place on Norwegian Jewel’s first Philadelphia departure on April 16, 2026.

“To help set the tone for a smooth and well-orchestrated arrival, we kindly ask guests to follow posted signage and the guidance provided by arrival staff on embarkation day,” said the notice from NCL.

Guests driving to the cruise have two parking choices. The cruise line recommends prepaying for parking before arrival by contacting the hotel directly. Those who prepay will be guided into a designated traffic flow reserved for NCL passengers and directed to a dedicated parking area.

Upcoming PhilaPort Cruise Terminal (Credit: PhilaPort)

After arriving, guests notify the arrival team that they prepaid. Staff will confirm names on the prepayment list and provide a parking decal for the vehicle. Passengers can then unload luggage and proceed to the designated drop-off area outside the hotel entrance before heading inside to complete check-in.

Passengers who choose to pay for parking upon arrival will follow a similar process but will have to complete payment inside the hotel before receiving their parking decal, which can slow the arrival process.

For those arriving by taxi, private drop-off, or ride share, the drop-off point will be the Clarion Hotel entrance. From there, guests will check-in inside the ballroom before boarding a shuttle to the cruise port.

Drop-offs are not permitted at the cruise terminal itself.

Unfortunately, wheelchair assistance will not be available at the hotel location, though the cruise line says assistance will be provided at the port for guests who requested it prior to sailing.

Temporary Setup Until Cruise Terminal Is Finished

The unusual embarkation process is tied to construction delays affecting Philadelphia’s new cruise terminal at PhilaPort along the Delaware River.

The new terminal is being developed on a 16-acre site next to the Philadelphia International Airport.

Port authorities had expected the terminal to be ready in time for the return of cruise departures this spring. However, winter weather slowed construction, leaving the facility unfinished when Norwegian Jewel arrived for its first sailing.

The temporary system debuted April 16, when the ship launched its inaugural Philadelphia voyage, but the rollout did not go smoothly.

Guests reported long lines, heavy traffic, and crowded conditions inside the hotel ballroom during the embarkation process.

One passenger described the experience as 2.5 hours of standing in a small ballroom with almost no air movement.

“It was physically hard,” the guest shared, adding that once onboard, the ship and crew were amazing. “It’s just the process of getting here is exhausting.”

Norwegian Jewel was scheduled to depart at 4 p.m. but did not set sail until after 7 p.m. due to the embarkation delays, prompting NCL to send new arrival instructions ahead of the vessel’s next departure to Bermuda on April 23.

The first Philadelphia voyage arrived in Kings Wharf, Bermuda, for an overnight call on April 18. It will stop in Charleston, South Carolina, on April 21 before returning on April 23.

Carnival Sunshine Flips Itinerary and Swaps Ports to Dodge Bad Weather

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 20, 2026

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Carnival Sunshine Flips Itinerary and Swaps Ports to Dodge Bad Weather

Key Aspects:

Carnival Sunshine is reversing the order of port visits because of unfavorable weather for her April 18 sailing.
No ports are cancelled, but the times in each port are also adjusted on the new itinerary.
Weather conditions are continuously evaluated and the ship’s safety is always the top priority.

While guests had some challenges boarding Carnival Sunshine in Norfolk, Virginia on Saturday, April 18 due to a local event, even more challenges are in store for the 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

On Sunday, the first full day of the cruise, guests received letters updating them on the sailing schedule. All three ports of call are impacted, though none are cancelled.

“With help from our Fleet Operations Center, we’re monitoring weather forecasts for our itinerary,” the letter, signed by Captain Antonio Gargiulo, explained. “Unfavorable conditions are expected, therefore, weather permitting, we will follow a revised voyage plan.”

Following two full days at sea, the 103,900-gross-ton Carnival Sunshine was originally scheduled to visit RelaxAway Half Moon Cay on Tuesday, April 21, followed by Grand Turk on Wednesday and Amber Cove on Thursday. Two more days at sea would bring the ship back to Virginia for debarkation on Sunday, April 26.

Now, however, the ship is reversing the itinerary and will visit Amber Cove on Tuesday, Grand Turk on Wednesday, and Half Moon Cay on Thursday. The days at sea are unchanged.

In addition to the change in visit days (except for Grand Turk), the time in all three ports has also been adjusted on the revised schedule.

Amber Cove’s visit will now be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., when it was originally planned for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., cutting one hour off the in-port time. Grand Turk’s visit is now also from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but was originally 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This adds an hour to the port visit.

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Artha sant)

When Carnival Sunshine reaches Half Moon Cay, the ship will be at the port from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Originally, the schedule for that day was 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the same amount of time for the port visit, just shifted one hour earlier.

Any shore tours purchased through Carnival Cruise Line for any of the ports of call will be automatically adjusted for the revised schedule. Guests do not need to visit the Carnival Adventures Desk on Deck 3 unless they want to cancel their tours or purchase new ones.

Reversing Itineraries Not Uncommon

Cruise Hive has regularly reported on itinerary reversals when cruise ships must avoid widespread weather systems. By reversing the order of ports, it is possible for the ship to still visit all the planned destinations, albeit on different days than the original schedule.

Because the first and last ports on Carnival Sunshine‘s sailing; Half Moon Cay and Amber Cove, are roughly 470 miles apart, the ship can easily avoid rough weather that may be affecting one port at the time the ship was scheduled to visit.

Even if strong storms may not seem to be in the forecast for each port of call, if tendering is necessary, the port may be impacted.

While a pier is currently under construction for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, it is not yet complete and ships must still use water shuttle service to ferry guests to shore. Because Carnival Sunshine can welcome up to 3,758 guests, this can take some time even in the best conditions.

If strong swells are expected in the area, tendering is not possible and the port must be skipped.

Forecast expectations for Half Moon Cay on Tuesday, when Carnival Sunshine was originally scheduled, include a 65% chance of rain and winds up to 22 miles per hour. During the rescheduled visit for Thursday, however, there is only a 10% chance of rain and winds should only reach 15 miles per hour.

Safety is always the first priority for cruise ships visiting any port of call. Even on days that may seem mild, winds or swells from the wrong direction can still impact docking or tendering operations.

The ship’s captain will always take all current information into account and make the most responsible decision about whether or not to visit a port. Forecasts can and do change, and it’s not unusual for a port to be cancelled at the last minute if conditions aren’t suitable.

Celebrity Cruises Warns Guests of Palma Cathedral Closure on Transatlantic Sailing

Celebrity Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 20, 2026

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Celebrity Cruises Warns Guests of Palma Cathedral Closure on Transatlantic Sailing

Key Aspects:

A key feature of a City of Palma tour will not be available when Celebrity Xcel visits Palma de Mallorca on May 10.
Because the visit is on a Sunday, the city’s iconic cathedral and its museum will be closed to visitors.
The overall tour is not cancelled but Celebrity Cruises is alerting guests to what could be a disappointing change.

Shore tours can be a phenomenal way for cruise guests to learn about the history and culture of a region, but what if that history and culture isn’t available on the one day a ship will be visiting?

Unfortunately, guests booked on Celebrity Xcel‘s April 26, 2026 sailing will miss their chance to see the interior of the spectacular Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (also known as La Seu Cathedral), one of the most famous Gothic architecture cathedrals in the world.

The ship will be visiting Palma de Mallorca on Sunday, May 10, as the last port of call on the 15-night transatlantic cruise. This amounts to poor timing for that outstanding site.

Celebrity Cruises reached out to guests booked on impacted tours to alert them to the change.

“We’ve been advised by the tour operator of an update to the ‘Small Group: City of Palma’ excursion. As our call to Palma de Mallorca will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the Cathedral and its museum will be closed,” the cruise line explained.

“As a result, planned visits to these landmarks will take place from the exterior only.”

Because the visit to Palma de Mallorca is still several weeks away, however, guests who no longer wish to take the planned excursion have ample time to cancel the tour and select a different option they may enjoy more.

Tours are available once the up to 3,260 booked guests log in to the Celebrity Cruises app, or tours can also be booked on the cruise line’s website.

Other stops on the adjusted tour are not impacted, and visitors are sure to still enjoy the amazing sites of the Spanish city in the small group tour that provides a better individualized experience than larger group bookings.

Celebrity Xcel‘s itinerary is not changed. After departing Fort Lauderdale, the ship will also be visiting Bermuda, the Azores, Lisbon, and Cartagena before arriving in Palma de Mallorca. Debarkation will be the next day (May 11) once the ship arrives in Barcelona.

The Edge-class ship will be offering Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Athens through the summer and will return to the Sunshine State in early November, at which time she will homeport from Miami.

Is Visiting the Cathedral Necessary?

To be clear, the intimate, immersive tour will still be visiting the cathedral, but guests will not go inside the building. Instead, the tour guide will likely offer what historical context they can from the outside.

Guests will still see the impressive flying buttresses and pinnacles of the iconic structure, as well as other distinctive architectural elements.

Because they will not be going inside, however, they will not be able to view the stunning artwork, the glorious light from the rose window, the tombs of Mallorcan Kings James the II and III, or the white marble Episcopal Throne of 1346.

The cathedral is the most popular tourist site in Palma de Mallorca, but it is important to remember that it is still an active cathedral.

On Sundays and on holy days, visitors may not be permitted, as space would be reserved for parishioners. Tour groups would disrupt the sanctity of services and other cathedral activities.

Cruise lines always follow local laws and make every effort to respect local history, traditions, and customs.

While it can be an amazing experience and a special bonus for cruise guests to visit a city on the day of a local festival, art fair, or other event, it is important to respect closures and restrictions as well.

Carnival Splendor Guest Dies Snorkeling Hours Before Overboard Search

Carnival Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 20, 2026

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Carnival Splendor Guest Dies Snorkeling Hours Before Overboard Search

Key Aspects:

A 67-year-old passenger died while snorkeling during a call at Moreton Island, Australia.
The incident occurred on Carnival Splendor on April 17, 2026.
Queensland Authorities said the drowning is not considered suspicious.

Just hours before Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor was involved in a large search operation for a passenger who went overboard, Cruise Hive has discovered another emergency occurred on the same ship.

A passenger died while snorkeling during the 113,500-gross-ton ship’s April 17, 2026, call in Moreton Island, Australia, just off Brisbane.

Local authorities confirmed that a 67-year-old woman from Tasmania was found unresponsive in the water while snorkeling during an excursion. Emergency responders and crew members attempted to assist her, but she could not be revived.

The ship contacted authorities as the situation unfolded, prompting a response from Queensland emergency services. The passenger was later pronounced dead at the scene after attempts to resuscitate her failed.

The incident took place during the 3,012-passenger Carnival Splendor’s regularly scheduled 4-night roundtrip cruises from Sydney, which spend two days at sea and 10 hours on Moreton Island.

The destination is known for its calm waters, shipwreck snorkeling sites, and marine life that draw cruise visitors and day-trippers from Brisbane.

Passengers on the itinerary typically spend the stop swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or taking guided marine excursions around the island’s famous Tangalooma Wrecks.

Carnival Cruise Line has not publicly released any additional details about the passenger out of respect for the family but confirmed that it is cooperating with authorities following the incident.

Said a spokesperson in a statement to local media, “Carnival Cruise Line is deeply saddened by the death of a guest on Moreton Island on Friday. Our Care Team is supporting the guest’s family during this difficult time.”

Carnival Splendor Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: denbaim)

The fatal snorkeling incident occurred only hours before Carnival Splendor was linked to a separate emergency.

In the early morning hours of April 18, a passenger in his 70s climbed over the safety rails and went overboard from the ship, triggering a major search operation involving Australian maritime authorities. The search lasted for several hours before it was eventually suspended.

The operation disrupted the ship’s schedule and delayed its arrival and subsequent sailing departure from Sydney. The incidents are not believed to be linked.

Drowning Incidents Remain Rare

While the drowning near Moreton Island shocked passengers aboard Carnival Splendor, this is not the first time crew from the ship have dealt with a drowning during an excursion.

In May 2023, a passenger sailing on Carnival Splendor died while swimming during a port call at Mystery Island in Vanuatu. The ship was operating a South Pacific cruise from Sydney at the time.

Other water-related deaths have occurred on Carnival Cruise Line itineraries, including an August 2025 incident in which two American passengers in their 70s drowned in separate incidents at Celebration Key, the cruise line’s private beach destination in the Bahamas.

Such cases are rare relative to the millions of passengers who cruise every year, but they underscore the risks that can accompany ocean swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities offered during port calls.

Cruise lines typically advise passengers to follow safety instructions, remain aware of weather and current conditions, and participate only in excursions that match their comfort level and swimming ability.

Queensland Police are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the Moreton Island drowning but said the recent death is not considered suspicious.

A report is being prepared for the coroner, which is standard procedure in such cases.

Royal Caribbean’s Third Icon-Class Giant Kicks Off 10-Day Trials in Finland

Royal Caribbean News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 20, 2026

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Royal Caribbean’s Third Icon-Class Giant Kicks Off 10-Day Trials in Finland

Key Aspects:

Legend of the Seas has begun sea trials in Finland, testing propulsion, maneuverability, and onboard systems.
More than 2,000 people are onboard the vessel for her first 10 days at sea.
The ship will sail roughly 2,400 nautical miles before returning to the shipyard for final preparations.

Royal Caribbean’s next giant cruise ship has officially left the shipyard for its first tests at sea.

Legend of the Seas, the cruise line’s third Icon Class vessel, began sea trials on April 19, 2026, in the Baltic Sea after departing from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.

The tests mark one of the final phases of construction before the ship is delivered and begins carrying passengers in summer 2026.

“The vessel departed the shipyard on Sunday evening, marking the start of an approximately week-long testing phase at sea,” announced Meyer Turku. “Smooth sailing and fair winds for the journey ahead!”

During the trials, more than 2,000 engineers, technicians, and specialists are onboard to evaluate how the ship performs under real operating conditions.

The testing program will last about 10 days and will examine everything from maneuverability in open water to engine performance and safety systems.

“Over the next 10 days, Legend will push her engines to the limit – think doing donuts and hitting max speed,” Royal Caribbean said. “This marks one of the last few major milestones ahead of Legend’s debut in July.”

Over the course of the tests, Legend of the Seas is expected to sail roughly 2,400 nautical miles before returning to Turku to complete interior work and final preparations ahead of delivery.

Like its sister ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, the vessel will feature multiple themed areas designed to organize the massive ship into smaller districts, along with dozens of dining venues, bars, and entertainment options.

Legend of the Seas sea trials — Legend of the Seas has begun sea trials. (Photo Credit: Meyer Turku)

After entering service on July 4, 2026, the ship will spend its inaugural season sailing in Europe before relocating to Florida in November 2026. From Fort Lauderdale, it is expected to operate 6-night Western Caribbean cruises and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries.

Those voyages will include stops at several ports across the Caribbean as well as visits to the cruise line’s private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

From Steel Cutting to Sea Trials

The new vessel represents the latest step in Royal Caribbean’s effort to build the largest cruise ships in the world.

Legend of the Seas is being built in the same shipyard that constructed the earlier Icon Class ships. Construction began with the first steel cutting in January 2024, followed by the keel laying later that year, a traditional step that marks the formal start of a ship’s assembly.

In August 2025, the ship was floated out of dry dock for the first time and moved to the outfitting pier, where interior spaces, cabins, and public areas were installed. It’s last key milestone took place in February 2026, when Legend of the Seas had her coin ceremony.

When completed, the ship will measure about 250,800 gross tons and stretch roughly 1,198 feet long. At double occupancy, it will carry abut 5,610 passengers, with a maximum capacity of roughly 7,600 guests, supported by more than 2,300 crew members.

That scale places the ship among the largest cruise vessels ever built following the debut of Icon of the Seas in 2024 and Star of the Seas in 2025.

Norwegian Aura Swaps Homeports Over Port Availability Issues

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 20, 2026

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Norwegian Aura Swaps Homeports Over Port Availability Issues

Key Aspects:

Norwegian Aura will not be debarking or embarking guests in Barcelona on May 28, 2027.
The ship’s schedule has been shifted to Tarragona, where the May 21 sailing will debark and the May 28 sailing will embark.
Port availability has been cited as the explanation for the switch, but no further details are offered.

Just days after a major construction milestone and more than a year before her debut, the first two itineraries are already changing for the upcoming Norwegian Aura.

Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the ship’s first two departures to alert them to the change. The two impacted cruises are the May 21, 2027 and May 28, 2027 sailings.

The first is a 7-night, one-way cruise as the ship departs Trieste, Italy and makes her way to Barcelona with port visits in Valletta, Salerno, and Rome. Those port visits are not changed, but the ship will not be arriving in Barcelona as planned.

Instead, Norwegian Aura will head to Tarragona, roughly 50 miles further west along Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast. Debarkation will then be in Tarragona rather than Barcelona.

Similarly, the May 28, 2027 departure will now be from Tarragona instead of Barcelona. That 13-night cruise is the ship’s first transatlantic crossing as she heads to Florida to homeport from Miami.

At this time, there is no change to the ports of call on the transatlantic cruise either, which include Motril, Cadiz, and Gibraltar. Norwegian Aura‘s arrival in the Sunshine State is not impacted.

The cruise line has cited “port availability” as the reasoning behind the homeport change.

“While we coordinate closely with port authorities to confirm every detail well in advance, operational conditions can change, and at times we’re informed that space is no longer available,” Norwegian Cruise Line explained.

No further details are available, but there are many reasons why such port changes can be made, even to pre-planned cruise ship homeports. Fortunately, Tarragona is just about an hour’s drive or train ride from Barcelona, making it easy for guests to adjust their pre- or post-cruise travel plans as appropriate.

Given that the impacted cruises are more than a year away, travelers have plenty of time to change how they reach Tarragona rather than Barcelona. This could be a great opportunity for guests who have already sailed from Barcelona to enjoy a new Mediterranean destination with a rich Roman history, beautiful beaches, and more.

Norwegian Aura just floated out from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy on April 16, 2026. This is a major step in her construction, marking the physical completion of the ship’s hull.

There is, however, a lot of work yet remaining before the new ship will welcome her first sailing of 3,840 guests.

Why Are Cruises Diverting From Barcelona?

Cruise Hive has already reported on a similar embarkation port swap from Barcelona to Tarragona for Norwegian Dawn‘s August 2, 2026 sailing.

Port availability was also cited as the reason for that change. Barcelona has been fighting increased cruise ship traffic for years, but the swaps could also be due to port operations, terminal construction or maintenance, and other issues.

Tarragona has been a cruise homeport for years, but it was only in 2024 when a new terminal opened that interest in the destination continued to grow. The thoughtfully designed port has remarkable architecture and eco-friendly features, as well as advanced security and accessibility.

The port can also accommodate ships of all sizes, making it an attractive option for many cruise lines. In 2026, ships from MSC Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Cunard Line, TUI Cruises, and more all have either port visit calls or homeport operations from Tarragona.