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Two Cruise Ships Skip Canadian Port Due to Forecasted Weather

Key Aspects:

  • Neither Crown Princess nor Oceania Vista were able to visit St. John’s (Newfoundland-Labrador), Canada, on July 14, 2026.
  • According to port authorities, the double call was cancelled due to forecasted bad weather.
  • Per cruise tracking data, both vessels spent the day at sea and are en route to their next port calls.

Thousands of cruise guests were forced to miss out on exploring the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

According to the City of St. John’s, Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess and Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Vista were both forced to cancel their calls at the last minute due to inclement weather.

“The Oceania Vista cruise ship and the Crown Princess cruise ship, both scheduled to arrive in the Port of St. John’s today, Tuesday, July 14, at 8 a.m., have been cancelled due to forecasted weather,” the City of St. John’s posted on Facebook.

Per cruise tracking data, both vessels spent the day at sea instead of pivoting to a different port.

The 3,090-guest Crown Princess is now en route to Corner Brook, Newfoundland, which is her next stop on July 16. 

Princess Cruises’ Grand-class vessel is currently in the middle of a 114-night world cruise, which, as Cruise Hive reported, is the longest world cruise to ever set sail from Australia.

Oceania Vista included St. John’s as part of a much shorter voyage. The current 14-night one-way sailing embarked in New York on July 9 and will conclude in Reykjavik, Iceland, on July 23.

The next port call for the 1,200-guest ship will be at Grundarfjordur, Iceland, on July 18.

How Bad is the Weather?

As of the time of publication, there are no cyclones or hurricanes brewing in the Atlantic, nor is St. John’s under any severe weather alerts from the Government of Canada.

Throughout the day on July 14, the Canadian cruise destination has been experiencing rain showers and winds of around 20 miles per hour.

While these wind speeds aren’t particularly treacherous, standalone gusts could be stronger. The winds could also still cause shifts in the current or create swells that make docking dangerous.

For context, cruise ships generally require significantly lower wind speeds to safely dock than to sail in the open ocean.

The cruise port, which uses two piers in the heart of downtown, is also on the smaller side. This can make navigating large cruise ships more challenging as well.

Alternatively, cruise ships will sometimes reroute to avoid poor weather along their course even when conditions at their intended destination are suitable for visiting, which in theory, could have been the case here.

Unfortunately, it will be a while before any cruise guests get a chance to return to St. John’s. Cruise tourism will go silent until a flurry of activity begins with the arrival of Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam on August 18, 2026.

Holland America’s Volendam, Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Journey, Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Explorer, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Silhouette will also visit St. John’s before the end of August, weather permitting.

St. John’s is frequently impacted by storms during the Atlantic Hurricane Season thanks to its location on the eastern tip of the island of Newfoundland, directly on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. But luckily, experts are predicting a quieter year.

Port Canaveral Doubles Cruise Terminal 5 and Adds a 13-Story Parking Garage

Key Aspects:

  • Port Canaveral in Florida has shared additional information on two improvement projects.
  • Terminal 5 is getting a complete overhaul and redesign, expanding passenger capacity and accommodating larger ships.
  • Updates were also shared regarding construction of the massive 13-story parking structure adjacent to Terminal 6.

Port Canaveral in Florida just shared additional information on two major improvement projects. The first is a complete reimagining and expansion of Terminal 5.

This overhaul, led by Ivey’s Construction out of Merritt Island and designed by BEA Architects of Miami, comes with a price tag of nearly $80 million invested and will nearly double the size of the cruise terminal – from 90,000 square feet to around 170,000 square feet.

The interior is getting a complete redesign, with a modernized entry, expanded luggage laydown, and larger areas for passenger seating and security.

The expansion will not only modernize the space, but will also accommodate some of the world’s biggest ships carrying up to 5,600 passengers, such as Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas and the upcoming Hero of the Seas, debuting next year. The new terminal is expected to be finished in December 2026.

The second major project is the construction of a brand new 13-story parking structure next to Terminal 6.

Port Canaveral New Parking Lot
Port Canaveral New Parking Lot (Credit: Port Canaveral)

Cruise Hive reported when construction on this new structure officially began in March 2026. The largest and most complex parking project in the port’s history, the over $90 million structure will add approximately 3,700 parking spots, bringing the total number of available parking spaces at the port to nearly 17,500.

The garage will also feature eight extra-large elevators, twin two-lane vehicle ramps, and a pedestrian bridge to accommodate large numbers of passengers and their luggage, as well as provide them with an easy route to the new Terminal 5. The new parking structure is scheduled for completion in Autumn 2026.

Read Also: Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal: Your One-Stop Guide

Altogether, these projects represent nearly $175 million in total investment for the Florida port.

“Every investment we make is focused on ensuring the Port can continue to support the level of guest experience and operational efficiency our cruise partners expect from us, while readying ourselves to meet future business commitments,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.

The two projects have created 2,000 local jobs and total more than 85,000 hours of work from contractors and subcontractors as of mid-July.

Port Canaveral Continues Growing

These two projects are just a small part of Port Canaveral’s investment into the future of its cruise infrastructure. Both the upgraded terminal and parking structure are a part of Port Canaveral Advantage, a five-year, nearly $1 billion capital improvement program dedicated to improving and expanding the port’s infrastructure and efficiency.

Port Canaveral currently holds the title of busiest cruise port in the world, having surpassed PortMiami with 8.6 million passenger movements in 2025’s fiscal year. The port sees business from 7 of the world’s leading cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line.

The port shows no signs of slowing down, and projects like these show its dedication to preparing for the future.

Holland America Unveils Zuiderdam Upgrades With New Suites

Holland America continues to push ahead with its Evolution program to upgrade its fleet. The next ship being focused on is the Zuiderdam, with the cruise line releasing new renderings and details about the upgrade.

Details released by the Carnival-owned cruise line include the Bridgeview and Pinnacle Suite. The enhanced exclusive suites will debut once the ship has been upgraded in Spring 2028.

There will be one new Pinnacle Suite, two new Bridgeview Suites, 14 enhanced Vista Suites, and 32 Solo Verandah rooms. The Pinnacle Suite will have panoramic ocean views and an expansive living area, making it the largest living space onboard.

On Zuiderdam, there will also be two 900-square-foot Bridgeview Suites located above the bridge, offering guests booked in those rooms forward-facing views. Even larger will be the enhanced 1,550-square-foot Pinnacle suite, featuring panoramic views, a powder room, a walk-in closet, a separate living room, and a private balcony.

Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, said in a press release, “We’ve seen strong interest in our Bridgeview Suites and Solo Verandahs on Oosterdam, and we’re excited to make these new accommodations available on Zuiderdam. We’re building on that momentum and look forward to sharing more details, including itineraries, very soon.

If you’re cruising on your own, the Holland America ship will also feature 32 Solo Verandahs, which will be 200 square feet, with a private balcony, a glass-walled shower, and a dedicated workspace.

And then there are the new Vista Suites, which will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a sitting area, and a private verandah.

The 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam will also follow in the footsteps of its sister ship Oosterdam by having the new Grand Dutch Café. This venue will become a hub for the vessel where guests can gather, enjoy a coffee, or even a bite to eat throughout the day.

In fact, Zuiderdam will be the second ship upgraded as part of Holland America’s $500 million Evolution program. Oosterdam will be the first to debut the upgrades in the fall of 2027. Following Zuiderdam, the program will continue with Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, Noordam, and finally Eurodam.

Port of Galveston Is Considering a Fifth Cruise Terminal

Key Aspects:

  • The Port of Galveston is studying the feasibility of building a fifth cruise terminal.
  • A new terminal would go between Terminal 10 and Terminal 16, and shows the potential to significantly boost the local economy.
  • This research is preliminary, as part of the port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan.

The Port of Galveston in Texas is looking into expanding its cruise infrastructure in a major way.

As part of its updated 20-Year Strategic Master Plan, the port released concepts and research for a proposed fifth cruise terminal, hoping to increase passenger capacity, city revenue, and boost the local economy.

The new terminal would go between Royal Caribbean’s Terminal 10 and the still relatively new Terminal 16, which Cruise Hive reported on the opening of last November. Terminal 16 services MSC Cruises year-round as well as Norwegian Cruise Line in the winter.

The port performed an economic impact study to determine the feasibility and theoretical effectiveness of the proposed terminal.

Findings showed a good potential boost to the local economy, estimating that the new terminal could generate 1,500 new local jobs, $91.5 million in personal income, $278 million in direct business revenue, and $7.9 million in state and local taxes.

It also estimated a non-specific increase in city revenue through parking fee agreements from the new terminal. In 2025, the port paid the city over $3 million in passenger and parking fees, which is estimated to grow to over $4 million in 2026.

In addition to the economic impact, the port also hired an independent engineering firm to study the potential traffic impact. 

Traffic is a real concern for Galveston. Recently, road construction led to difficult parking situations for Carnival guests, with many needing to take a shuttle to the terminal.

Bearing this in mind, the firm generated a 107-page study assessing the impact on traffic operations and potential issues the new terminal may create, offering suggestions to improve traffic handling.

Galveston Cruise Terminals Aerial View
Galveston Cruise Terminals Aerial View (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)

The study concluded that the updates would result in minimal traffic delays surrounding the port. The Port of Galveston is now preparing to hire a consultant to further analyze the demand for port growth as well as the economic and traffic impact.

This is just the beginning of Phase 1 of the Port of Galveston’s research for the ongoing expansion project, but it provides a strong foundation indicating promising results for the port, the local economy, and the cruise industry as a whole.

Rapid Growth In Galveston

Galveston has been a rapidly growing market for the cruise industry in the last few years. In 2023, the port welcomed around 3 million passengers, rising to 3.4 million in 2024, and 3.6 million in 2025.

With the new Terminal 16 and MSC Cruises fueling increased demand, it anticipates that number rising further, estimating up to 4 million passengers in 2026.

The 20-Year Strategic Master Plan, first adopted by the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees in 2019, has already made significant headway, having completed a 2-mile-long internal roadway, new on-site parking infrastructure, and additional roads to ease traffic congestion.

In addition to the new terminal, the plan also includes a new modern commercial area around the port, with hotels, retail, restaurants, and housing, further boosting the local economy.

Royal Caribbean Embarkation Update Leads to Scam Concerns

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean sent out an alert that Mariner of the Seas’ next embarkation would be slightly delayed due to an inspection from the US Coast Guard.
  • However, some guests mistakenly thought that the text update was trying to get them to click on a dangerous link.
  • It’s better to be cautious, as cruisers continue to be targeted by scams that employ fake emails, phone numbers, and advertisements.

While it’s always a good idea to be cautious about what you click online, sometimes notifications from the cruise lines really are legitimate.

A suspicious-looking text message from Royal Caribbean had some guests wondering if they were being scammed.

But in reality, the cruise line was letting soon-to-be guests of Mariner of the Seas know that embarkation would be delayed on Thursday, July 16, due to a US Coast Guard inspection.

“Is this a legit email from Royal? My first cruise and first email I’ve received and I was nervous to open the link. We sail this week,” one of the impacted guests posted on Facebook.

The passenger also shared a screenshot of the text, which reads “Royal Caribbean: The U.S. Coast Guard…” before the words trailed off and an Everbridge link was posted.

Several in the comments agreed that the link looked suspicious, so this guest was not alone in their concerns, but Royal Caribbean does actually use Everbridge as a third-party mass notification system.

That said, it’s better to be cautious and inquire than fall victim to a scam. Cruisers in the past have been tricked by fake emails and phone numbers, as well as fraudulent advertisements.

When in doubt, the best practice is to reach out to the cruise line directly using the contact information from the official brand website.

Mariner of the Seas’ Embarkation Delay

Mariner of the Seas will undergo an inspection from the US Coast Guard on the morning of July 16. This will take place at the 139,863-gross ton vessel’s homeport, Galveston, Texas.

The link led to a message that stated, “The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct its annual inspection onboard Mariner of the Seas, which will cause some boarding delays.”

“Our boarding process will now begin at 11 AM. We’ve sent you an email with further details,” the message concluded.

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

Per several of the up to 3,344 booked guests, the delay was only slight, with the start of embarkation pushed back from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“It’s not spam. I got the same one. It’s for our arrival time. The US Coast Guard is doing an inspection so boarding can’t start until 11 am instead of 10:30 am if you are scheduled for 10:30 am,” one of the impacted guests shared.

This short delay will have no impact on the 4-night Western Caribbean itinerary, which sails to Cozumel, Mexico, and then back to Galveston.

The Purpose of Coast Guard Inspections

The US Coast Guard conducts routine (but very mandatory) inspections of all cruise ships operating in US ports twice a year, not just Royal Caribbean’s ships.

For example, Cruise Hive reported that embarkation was briefly delayed for Carnival Venezia and Carnival Miracle in November of 2025 to allow for two of these inspections to take place.

The purpose of these biannual examinations isn’t to annoy or delay passengers, but rather to ensure their safety.

During the inspections, Coast Guard officials ensure that cruise ships are following international maritime laws and environmental regulations.

Safety systems and equipment are also checked to ensure they are properly maintained and operating correctly, with everything from structural fire protection and sprinkler systems to lifejackets and lifeboats carefully scrutinized.

The Coast Guard inspections are also in addition to the health inspections that are conducted by the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, which occur without warning on ships in US ports twice a year.

Passenger Removed and Deported After Drug Arrest on Scarlet Lady Cruise

Key Aspects:

  • One passenger was removed from Scarlet Lady’s current LGBTQ+ sailing after drugs were allegedly found in his possession.
  • The guest was arrested in Chania on July 10, and has since been deported to his home country of Spain.
  • Virgin Voyages has a zero tolerance policy for drug-related offenses and strictly forbids guests from bringing illegal substances onboard.

The drama just keeps piling on for Scarlet Lady’s 2026 Atlantis LGBTQ+ charter sailing, which embarked in Piraeus (Athens), Greece, on July 5, 2026.

Virgin Voyages’ 2,770-guest ship first made national news after being blocked from visiting Turkey and Egypt due to the nature of the themed cruise, and now a passenger has been arrested on drug-related charges.

According to local outlet Gazzetta, the onboard security team allegedly discovered that a 35-year-old Spanish passenger was in possession of and distributing illegal drugs during the 10-night sailing.

The security team contacted the Chania Port Authority, and officers from the Hellenic Coast Guard were waiting to greet the suspect when the 110,000-gross ton vessel arrived in Souda (Chania), Crete, on July 10, 2026.

This was the next port of call on the itinerary, which was thrown in at the last minute to replace the cancelled visit to Cairo (Alexandria), Egypt.

A quick search by local authorities allegedly unearthed small packets of cocaine and cannabis in the cruise guest’s possession. He was then removed from the ship and placed under arrest on suspicion of violating Greece’s drug laws.

Both substances are illegal in Greece and are strictly forbidden onboard Virgin Voyages’ ships.

Passenger Flown Back to Spain

The unidentified cruise guest is lucky to be back in his home country with only a slap on the wrist, though his vacation came to an abrupt end with no refund.

Greece has some of the strictest drug laws in Europe, with penalties ranging from short jail terms (up to 5 months) for personal possession to life imprisonment for large-scale operations.

Atlantis Events Virgin Voyages
Atlantis Events Virgin Voyages (Photo Credit: Atlantis Events)

But after appearing before the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Chania, the guest was released from police custody and put on a plane back to Spain.

Cruise Hive learned that Virgin Voyages would not permit the passenger to rejoin the sailing, which will officially conclude on July 15, 2026, in Trieste, Italy.

Neither Virgin Voyages nor the charter company, Atlantis Events, have publicly commented on the arrest.

A No Tolerance Policy

Virgin Voyages’ code of conduct makes it clear that the adults-only cruise line will bring the hammer down hard and fast if passengers are found to be participating in illegal activities.

“No illegal drugs or other illegal substances are allowed onboard or may be used onboard a Virgin Voyages Ship. Illegal drugs or substances will be confiscated and appropriate action taken, which may include a search of the Sailor’s cabin, belongings and person, confiscation of any suspect substance or items found, removal from the ship and involvement of appropriate authorities,” the code of conduct reads.

“In addition, foreign governments at ports of call have strict laws that address drug possession. Sailors found in violation of such laws are subject to arrest and prosecution by the next jurisdiction at which the ship is calling or located, and may be disembarked,” the cruise line continues.

More serious offenses (like drug use) are punishable by immediate disembarkation without a refund and a lifetime banishment.

Cruise Ship Crew Member Dies After Going Overboard Near Cancun

Cruise Hive previously reported on an urgent search operation underway off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, for a missing crew member from the Regal Princess cruise ship. Sadly, that search has now come to an end, and the cruise line has confirmed the crew member has died.

In an updated statement to Cruise Hive, the cruise line said, “Princess Cruises is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a Princess crew member who has gone overboard today from Regal Princess.

The cruise line continued, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the crew’s family and friends during this difficult time. Grief support services are being offered to guests and crew members affected by this event.

Regal Princess, which is on a 7-day western Caribbean sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, was en route to a scheduled call in Cozumel, Mexico, on July 13. Cruise tracking data showed the Regal Princess suddenly turning around before reaching Cozumel to launch search efforts. The cruise line was also working with the relevant authorities during the search.

Regal princess Turning Around
Regal Princess Turning Around (Cruise Ship Tracker, Cruise Hive)

Carnival Jubilee, which is currently sailing a 7-night voyage out of Galveston, Texas, was also included in the search efforts. The Carnival-operated ship was heading towards its scheduled call in Honduras at the time, with an arrival on July 14. Both ships have now resumed their cruises.

Princess Cruises thanks the local maritime authorities and our colleagues from Carnival Jubilee who assisted in search and rescue efforts.” Princess Cruises stated.

Regal Princess Itinerary Impacted

Due to the 3,560-passenger Regal Princess turning around on July 13 and not making its scheduled call to Cozumel, the ship has adjusted its current July 11 sailing. The ship is now heading for its scheduled call to Belize on July 14.

The Cozumel July 13 call is cancelled, but guests will still be able to visit the port as Princess Cruises has added it back on the itinerary for July 16 instead. The call to Roatan in Honduras is unchanged, and the vessel will return to its homeport in Fort Lauderdale as normal on July 18.

Crew Springs Into Action After Passenger Falls Between Ship and Pier at CocoCay

Key Aspects:

  • An unidentified man fell between the pier and a cruise ship docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay on July 11, 2026.
  • Several crew members quickly rushed in to pull the man from the water.
  • The man, who appeared to be conscious, was immediately rushed away for further medical attention.

An incident on July 11, 2026, at Perfect Day at CocoCay is making waves online.

Chaos erupted at Royal Caribbean’s private island destination when an unidentified passenger fell into the water between the pier and the 137,276 gross ton Adventure of the Seas, which was docked at the island.

Adventure of the Seas was on the second day of an 8-Day Eastern Caribbean cruise which departed Port Canaveral on July 10.

In addition to Adventure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s 236,857 gross-ton Wonder of the Seas was also docked at CocoCay at the time of the incident, on the first stop of its 3-Day Bahamas Itinerary which departed from Miami on July 10.

It’s unclear which ship the passenger came from.

According to a guest sailing on Adventure of the Seas, the “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” code, which indicates a man overboard, was broadcast through the ship’s P.A. system at around 1:25 pm.

It’s important to note that while the emergency code was broadcast on Adventure of the Seas, this does not necessarily mean the overboard passenger came from that particular ship, and the code may have also been broadcast on Wonder of the Seas.

A video captured by a bystander showed the panicked moments following the fall, as nearby guests and crew members rushed in to see what happened. While it remains unconfirmed by official sources how the man fell into the water, some have claimed the man was on a mobility scooter that malfunctioned, sending him off the pier.

@dogsfamily_love

A man fell into the water between the port and one of the cruise ships #perfectdaycococay #royalcaribbeaninternationalcruise Brave men and women went to the rescue, going into the water to try and save the man. So emotional, watch until the end

♬ sonido original – Milisi

Within minutes, crew members rushed in with ropes, stretchers, and other safety equipment to pull the man out of the water. The rescue was captured in a part 2 follow-up video posted by the same TikTok user. As the man was pulled to safety, the crowd of onlookers cheered and applauded.

Cruise Hive reached out to Royal Caribbean, and a spokesperson stated, “Our crew responded swiftly and successfully to rescue a guest after they fell off the pier. The guest is receiving the appropriate medical care. To respect their privacy, we aren’t sharing any additional details.

The man, who appeared to be conscious, was immediately rushed off on a stretcher to receive medical treatment. While it’s unclear if the man had any serious injuries, TikTok users claiming to be the family of the man say he is doing ok.

Other Pier Mishaps

While the pier at Perfect Day at CocoCay is generally safe and designed with several precautions to prevent accidents, such as yellow lines and a 6-inch curb at the edge, mishaps and accidents unfortunately can still occur.

Last year in August, Cruise Hive reported when a young child fell between the same pier and the 228,081 gross ton Symphony of the Seas. Similarly to the man, crew members rushed in and rescued the child within minutes.

Malfunctioning or otherwise out of control mobility scooters are also a source of pier accidents. 

In May 2026, an 88-year-old woman tragically lost her life when she lost control of her mobility scooter and fell off the pier at Carnival’s Celebration Key in the Bahamas.

Carnival later faced a lawsuit for a separate incident, where another woman on a mobility scooter fell off the pier while disembarking Carnival Valor on January 2, 2025.

While these incidents are alarming, they are fairly infrequent.

Paying attention to safety precautions while staying close to any children, those with disabilities, or elderly people traveling with you can help prevent accidents, and allow for a quick response should a mishap occur.

Crew Member Missing From Regal Princess, Urgent Search Underway

An urgent rescue operation has been launched for a crew member overboard the Regal Princess cruise ship, which is operated by Princess Cruises, owned by the Carnival Corporation. Here’s our latest update on the developing news.

The vessel began search operations off the coast of Cancun, in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Search-tracking data shows the ship making turns and going off course on Monday morning, July 13. Princess Cruises has confirmed it is coordinating with the relevant authorities, and the Regal Princess is involved in the search.

Cruise Hive reached out to the cruise line and received the following statement:

Princess Cruises is responding to a situation involving a crew member aboard Regal Princess in waters off the coast of Cancun. The crew member is currently unaccounted for, and an active search and rescue operation is underway. Princess is coordinating closely with maritime authorities, and search efforts remain ongoing.

Regal princess Turning Around
Regal Princess Turning Around (Cruise Ship Tracker, Cruise Hive)

The 3,560-passenger ship is currently on a week-long western Caribbean cruise that departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 11. The ship was scheduled to make calls to Cozumel, Mexico, on July 13; Belize on July 14; and a final call at Roatán, Honduras, on July 15. Regal Princess is scheduled to return to Florida on July 18.

Read Also: What Happens When Someone Goes Overboard on a Cruise Ship?

With the 142,229 gross ton ship now involved in search operations, the sailing has been impacted. The call to Cozumel today has not taken place. The cruise tracker shows Regal Princess turning around before reaching Cozumel Island, and it’s yet unclear how the subsequent port calls will be affected.

Our thoughts are with the crew member, their family, and all those impacted by this situation. We are providing support to our onboard team and remain focused on the ongoing search efforts“, Princess Cruises stated to Cruise Hive.

No further details are known at this time. Princess Cruises has confirmed it will provide more details shortly. This is a developing story.