An unidentified man fell off the pier in Nassau on Sunday, November 16, next to Norwegian Encore.
Nearby crew members quickly lowered a ladder and the man was helped safely out of the water.
The man has not been identified, but he did not appear to be injured in the brief but unexpected incident.
Swimming can be a great activity on any cruise, whether it is spending time in the pool onboard or enjoying a beach day at a fabulous port of call. One man, however, went for an unexpected dip while in Nassau when he fell off the pier between the gangways for Norwegian Encore.
The incident happened on Sunday, November 16, 2025, while Norwegian Encore made an unexpected stop in the capital of the Bahamas. The ship had departed Miami for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary on Saturday, November 15.
Initially, Norwegian Encore had planned to visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, on Sunday. Rough waves made tendering impossible, however, and the ship visited Nassau instead, where it could safely dock.
A number of videos circulating on social media captured the incident, showing the man in the water between the ship and the pier, clinging to a life ring.
It took just a couple of minutes for crew members to grab a nearby ladder and help the man out of the water. There are no reports that he was injured in any way – other than possibly his pride!
No further information on the man’s identity, age, or even whether he was a guest or passenger has been confirmed.
Bystanders who witnessed the incident described that the man either fell from the dock or had just stepped onto the gangway when he slipped and fell into the water.
Cruise Hive has reached out to NCL regarding the incident and will update this post as more details become available.
How Easy Is It to Fall Off a Pier?
It’s easier than many cruise guests might realize to fall off a dock or pier, even when a huge cruise ship is docked.
Ships do not rub directly on the pier structure, which would cause damage to a vessel’s hull and could also damage the pier itself. Thick rubber bumpers are floated next to the pier to serve as a cushion between the ship and the dock.
In between these large bumpers, there is often a gap of several feet where an adult could easily slip through if they weren’t cautious. It is over this gap that the ship’s gangway ramps are positioned. While gangways do have railings to prevent falls, it could be possible to slip off the very end of the gangway.
Just a short stumble or even a misstep if one is checking a phone or otherwise not paying attention to their footing could lead to an unexpected shipside dip.
Fortunately, the bumpers that keep the ship from rubbing the dock also ensure that it is unlikely someone in the water would be crushed, so long as they can stay calm and tread water.
The most dangerous situation would be if someone was unable to swim or float, as they might sink down below the ship and be unable to find their way to the surface.
In June 2025, an individual performed a shocking stunt on the pier in Juneau, Alaska and deliberately leapt off into the water, most likely as part of attempting to create a viral video. Due to security in the area, that person was likely a cruise guest.
Slippery docks, poor weather, or unstable gangways have all contributed to accidental dunkings from cruise ship piers, though thankfully, these incidents are rare and generally are resolved quickly and without injuries.
Guests should always be careful when walking on a dock or pier, keeping well away from the edge and watching their footing to avoid such mishaps.
Carnival is expanding the new Bagels @ Sea breakfast offering, which is now available on seven ships.
The entire Fun Ship fleet should be serving the new breakfast bagel sandwiches by the end of the year.
Guest feedback has been positive, but there is a call for a gluten-free bagel, which is missing from the menu.
Carnival guests who enjoy a morning bagel will be excited as the new Bagels @ Sea bar is expanding to more ships. Already on seven Carnival cruise ships, the breakfast sandwiches should be onboard the entire Fun Ship fleet in the next six weeks.
Now, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has confirmed to spread of the bagels (see what I did there?) to other ships. He is currently aboard Carnival Magic for a SEA sailing and shared a video of the Bagels @ Sea offerings served from the ship’s pizzeria during breakfast hours.
Bagels @ Sea is now offered onboard:
Carnival Conquest
Carnival Dream
Carnival Firenze
Carnival Horizon
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Magic
Carnival Panorama
“I will share the rollout schedule for the rest of the fleet in the coming days and we hope to have this available on every ship by the end of the year,”Heald explained.“Thank you and enjoy your bagel.”
Guest reactions to the new breakfast options have been very positive, and recent cruisers have confirmed that some of the selections can be customized.
“I loved the rainbow bagel with strawberry cream cheese and diced strawberries. I left off the sprinkles,”one guest noted.
“Great change of pace for a quick light breakfast,”another added.
Bagels @ Sea are found in different locations on different ships, depending on available breakfast venues and space. The pizzeria is a common spot for the fast breakfast sandwiches, and just like with the pizza available at other times, there is no extra charge to enjoy these breakfast bagels.
What Bagels Are Offered?
So, what bagels can you get from Bagels @ Sea? The menu offers a selection of options, from customizable bagel-and-spread choices to more elaborate sandwich creations.
Plain, whole wheat, seeded, asiago, and blueberry bagels can be paired with plain cream cheese, scallion and bacon spread, salmon and lox (nova) spread, or sweet vanilla (wedding cake) spread.
Bagels at Sea Menu
There are also four heartier sandwiches guests can choose from. The Breakfast Club features a western omelet, sausage, bacon, cheddar, and chive cream cheese. For a more classic flavor, guests might enjoy the Carnival Lox with smoked salmon, capers, onion, avocado and cream cheese.
Guests focused on protein won’t want to miss the Powerhouse Protein with pesto chicken, egg whites, fresh spinach, avocado, tomato, and a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
For me, the Rainbow is intriguing with a colorful bagel filled with strawberry cream cheese, diced strawberries, funfetti sprinkles (the same as in the iconic embarkation day funfetti cheesecake!), and maple caramel.
The One Missing Bagel
One type of bagel that is not available with the Bagels @ Sea offerings is a gluten-free bagel. Multiple guests have commented on the omission, and hopefully, Carnival Cruise Line will adapt the menu to offer a gluten-free option either with the available spreads or to be substituted on the sandwiches.
It is not uncommon for these types of specialized menus to be tweaked and adjusted as guests’ feedback is taken into consideration.
Different options might be added or some selections removed if they prove to be less popular overall. Time will tell, but first, the rollout to the rest of the Carnival fleet must be finished.
Then, as a few weeks’ or months’ of feedback is collected, different menu changes might be implemented.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class includes five cruise ships that have become renowned for being bigger and more innovative than any other cruise ships sailing the seas today.
Here’s everything you need to know about this ground-breaking group of ships, so you can decide if an Icon-class cruise is in your future.
The five vessels in the Icon-class include Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, and two that are yet to be named.
Ship
Entered Service
Gross Tonnage
Guest Capacity (Double Occupancy)
Icon of the Seas
Jan. 27, 2024
248,663
5,610
Star of the Seas
Aug. 31, 2025
248,663
5,610
Legend of the Seas
July 11, 2026
248,663
5,610
TBA
Estimated 2027
Estimated 248,663
Estimated 5,610
TBA
Estimated 2028
Estimated 248,663
Estimated 5,610
What Makes the Icon Class So Special?
When the new Icon of the Seas launched in 2024, it was a big deal — a big deal. Both literally and figuratively. The cruise community couldn’t wait to get its hands on this ship that was reportedly bigger and better than anything that had ever come before it.
And it’s true — this ship has proven to be pretty special, as have those that have come after it.
The Icon class features the largest ships in the world, by a long shot, both in terms of gross tonnage and guest capacity. While the vessels carry 5,610 guests at double capacity, they can handle approximately 7,600 guests, plus more than 2,000 crew, when they’re stuffed to their max.
Three Icon-Class Cruise Ships
The ships also introduced a brand-new layout to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, with redesigned spaces that fit the needs of the modern cruiser.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean really went all out with offering the ultimate in options (whether you’re looking for things to do, places to eat and drink, or just choosing your stateroom or suite). Ships are also filled with high-end tech and everything new-new-new.
Basically, even if you’ve been cruising all your life, like me, the Icon-class is still going to be a brand-new experience like none you’ve ever had before.
How the Icon Class Ships are Laid Out
Most Royal Caribbean ships feature “neighborhoods,” or distinct areas themed around a certain activity or function, like the Royal Promenade or Central Park. However, the Icon-class vessels expanded on this idea, with new, more deliberate neighborhoods.
The Icon ships feature eight neighborhoods in total:
The Suite Neighborhood
Royal Promenade
Central Park
Surfside
The Hideaway
Chill Island
Thrill Island
AquaDome
Central Park, the Royal Promenade and the Suite Neighborhood are not new to the class, but the remaining five neighborhoods are.
The AquaDome is where one of the class’s most creative and unique (in my opinion) features lives. The giant, glass dome on the ship’s bow offers amazing views, a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, two bars, a few dining options and the AquaTheater.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Docked in Miami (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
Thrill Island is home to the largest waterpark at sea, with record-breaking slides as well as opportunities for other thrills and adventure, at the zip line and sports courts.
Chill Island offers multiple pools, multiple bars and restaurants and a swim-up bar (a feature that was completely new for Royal Caribbean when it was introduced on Icon of the Seas).
The Hideaway is an adults-only area with a bar and an infinity pool.
Surfside, lastly, is the impressive family-geared neighborhood, with staterooms designed with families’ needs in mind, a carousel, splash pool, games and kid-friendly eateries.
Top Innovative and Unique Features in the Icon Class
The Pearl
It’s hard to explain The Pearl if you haven’t seen it for yourself, but I’ll give it a shot!
Part of the reimagined Royal Promenade, The Pearl — created by the Brooklyn-based art studio BREAKFAST — is a three-deck sphere that features an art installation made up of more than 3,000 high-tech tiles. The tiles change based on music, as well as data related to actual, real-time wind and tide info.
Icon of the Seas Pearl Feature
A staircase leads cruisers up through and inside The Pearl to view this art installation up close. It’s also one of the first things you see as soon as you board the ship, so it really gets your cruise off on the right foot. When you ascend the staircase, you’ll find spectacular views and The Pearl Café.
Technically, The Pearl is the largest kinetic art sculpture in the world.
The AquaDome
The AquaDome is the largest glass and steel structure to be featured on any cruise ship.
AquaDome Neighborhood
Literally a dome, it offers 220-degree ocean views and, as already mentioned, many public spaces, including bars, restaurants and the cruise line’s staple AquaTheater amphitheater. There’s also a 55-foot waterfall — no big deal.
The Category 6 Waterpark
The 17,000-square-foot Category 6 waterpark is seriously jaw-dropping. It also made waves by racking up a huge number of “firsts” at sea.
Star of the Seas Slides (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
Not only is it the largest waterpark at sea overall, but it also boasts the biggest raft slide at sea, the tallest waterslide at sea, the first open free-fall slide at sea and more. From the Frightening Bolt to Pressure Drop, there’s a different slide for every day of the week.
Then, while not technically part of the waterpark, the Royal Bay Pool in the Chill Island neighborhood is also the largest pool at sea.
The Expansive Dining
While it might not be all that exciting to some, for foodie travelers like myself, more and better dining on a cruise ship is always a plus.
The Icon-class blew me away with the ships’ more than 20 restaurant options (and when you add on the places to grab a drink, too, the number climbs to above 40).
As much as you try, it’s hard to fit in all of those eateries in a single sailing!
Hollywoodland Supper Club
Some of the highlights, though, include the AquaDome Market, which is a food hall-style eatery.
Next, each ship has its own high-end supper club, with different themes depending on the ship. Icon of the Seas’ supper club has a Jazz Age NYC vibe. Star of the Seas taps into 1930s Chicago. Legend of the Seas channels the golden age of Hollywood.
Then, while it’s not on Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas, the Royal Railway dining experience is on Legend of the Seas. Previously, it was just on Utopia of the Seas. It’s an immersive experience wherein you dine in what feels like a real rail car, with scenery projected out your windows.
The Elevators
The elevators? Really?
Yep, if you ask just about anyone who’s sailed on an Icon-class ship about the elevators, they’ll probably have something complimentary to say.
There are 22 total elevators on the ship, but these aren’t just any elevators. They’ve been outfitted with impressive tech that helps to minimize wait times.
Icon of the Seas in Miami (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
For example, rather than everyone waiting for an elevator, picking their individual decks and then all of those people crowding into whatever empty elevator opens next, which then has to stop at every single chosen deck… these are destination-based elevators.
So, you pick your deck and then you’re assigned a specific elevator to get on. That way, the elevator takes everyone who’s going to the same destination, usually directly there. There’s no huge amount of stopping and starting.
Plus, the elevators harness AI capabilities to track cruisers’ usage across the day and adjust their availability accordingly. They’re even more sustainable, with elevators moving up using the energy generated by elevators going down.
Cool, huh?
Should You Be Worried About Crowds When Sailing on an Icon Class Ship?
Of course, when you unveil that your new cruise ship can hold more than 7,000 people, that’s going to lead to one big question: How are the crowds?
Even if you love sailing on a mega ship with all its options, most cruisers do not enjoy crowds.
However, there’s good news: Icon-class ships don’t feel crowded, and it’s not just me saying it. This has been a continual point of discussion among the cruise community on Reddit.
Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas
In one thread from 2024, a cruiser said that there was really only two times that they felt Icon of the Seas was crowded, during the first-night promenade balloon drop at midnight, and then at the breakfast buffet on a sea day. Otherwise, they noted, the ship was so well laid out that it never felt overwhelmingly crowded.
In another thread from summer of 2025, one poster said that Icon of the Seas was the least-crowded-feeling Royal Caribbean ship that they’d ever been on.
They credited the ship’s well-defined neighborhoods for this fact, as they help spread the crowds out, and also mentioned those high-tech elevators.
Who is the Icon Class Best for?
There are a few types of cruisers who are really going to enjoy sailing on an Icon class ship the most.
Families
Royal Caribbean really knocked it out of the park when it came to making these ships as family-friendly as possible.
Surfside Neighborhood
Not only is the Surfside neighborhood entirely geared at making family cruises more enjoyable, but the ship offers family-specific suites and staterooms, family-friendly restaurants and entertainment galore.
For the best family vacation, with bolder bonding across the board, pick an Icon ship.
Foodie Cruisers
I already mentioned it, but it’s worth repeating again. If you travel to eat, you’re going to really appreciate all of the restaurant options aboard Icon of the Seas and its sister ships.
AquaDome Market
Not only do you get tons of options, but these are actually interesting and creative options that go beyond the typical main dining room, buffet, steakhouse, Italian eatery and sushi joint that you’d find on just about any cruise ship.
You’ve got a food hall. You’ve got the supper clubs. You have the 24/7 Pearl Café. You have the Royal Railway experience.
Cruisers Who Don’t Mind Skipping Port Days
Some cruisers cruise for the ports. They’re all about seeing as many destinations as possible over the course of their itineraries.
Star of the Seas in St. Kitts (Photo Credit: St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority)
Other cruisers cruise for the ship. If you fall into this camp, you’ll likely love an Icon-class cruise. With so much to do right on the vessel, there’s no need to disembark to find ways to fill your days.
Plus, it’s worth noting that these popular ships stop at some of the most popular ports — the Bahamas, Cozumel, CocoCay, etc. So, chances are likely you may’ve already seen these destinations in the past.
Pros of Sailing on an Icon Class Ship
So what are the pros of sailing on an Icon-class ship?
Lots to do and plenty of options at every turn, no matter what you’re in the mood for
Family-specific amenities, venues and staterooms
Unique attractions that you won’t find on any other ships
New tech and innovative offerings for the best of 21st century cruising
Cons of Sailing on an Icon Class Ship
You won’t find a very intimate atmosphere here (some cruisers on Reddit have mentioned the inability to make friends with fellow cruisers on Icon class ships, the way you can on smaller ships)
High prices — you can expect that Royal Caribbean is going to charge a premium for its best, biggest ship, unless you find some special offers or last-minute cruise deals
So is an Icon Cruise Right for You?
An Icon cruise isn’t going to be for everyone, but it’s definitely for a lot of people.
If you love lots of options, want a family-friendly cruise and really value getting the newest and best in the industry, then sailing on an Icon-class ship will be right up your alley.
If, though, you value the more low-key, less-busy cruising experience, and the opportunity to see the same fellow cruisers on a regular basis, you might want to opt for a smaller ship.
Carnival Horizon will not arrive in Miami until Sunday afternoon on November 16, instead of early morning.
All cruise terminal arrival appointments for embarkations are now delayed by eight hours.
The ship’s itinerary has not yet been changed, but adjustments to the 6-night sailing may be necessary.
Guests setting sail on Carnival Horizon have been waiting anxiously to learn if their cruise will be delayed or cancelled following the development of propulsion difficulties.
Carnival Cruise Line did alert guests to the embarkation delay for their November 16 departure on Friday, November 14. It wasn’t until Saturday evening, however, that the extent of the delay has been confirmed and new embarkation plans announced.
Now, Carnival Horizon will be docking in Miami in the mid-afternoon on Sunday rather than the early morning. This means embarkation must be delayed and it is imperative that guests onboard be permitted to debark before incoming guests can be welcomed aboard.
Guests have been provided with an updated schedule for their terminal arrival appointments, showing an 8-hour delay.
This means that guests who selected the original 10:30-11 a.m. terminal arrival appointment will now be arriving at the cruise terminal from 6:30-7 p.m. The latest arrival appointment was originally 1:30-2 p.m. but will now be 9:30-10 p.m.
“All guests must be on board by 10:30 PM,”the email states.“We plan to depart shortly after embarkation and loading supplies are completed.”
Because of the late embarkation, dinner will be served as open seating in the main dining rooms rather than at assigned times. The Lido Marketplace buffet will also be available.
At this time, there is no change to the ship’s 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary. The schedule calls for visits to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios, but changes may be necessary as the ship’s speed is further assessed.
“Repairs are still underway, and technicians will be boarding to work with our teams to deliver the scheduled itinerary,”the email noted.“If our plans change, we will let you know.”
Depending on the nature of the repair, the ship may be able to resume top speed soon, or the entire itinerary could be changed to accommodate slower speeds.
Compensation Provided for the Delay
With the significant disruption to the start of the cruise, Carnival Cruise Line is offering compensation to guests on the somewhat shorter sailing.
All guests will receive a one-day, pro-rated refund of the cruise fare that will be credited back to the original form of payment. Similarly, any pre-purchased packages, such as drink packages or internet service, will also have a pro-rated refund as onboard credit.
Gratuities will also be adjusted “accordingly” for the shorter sailing.
Ship Returning to Different Cruise Terminal
Guests currently onboard Carnival Horizon have likewise been alerted to the delay and when they can expect to arrive back in Miami. Announcements have noted that guests should place luggage outside their staterooms by 10 a.m. Sunday morning and vacate their staterooms by 3 p.m.
This will give the stateroom stewards time to begin preparing the rooms for the next cruise’s guests for as smooth of a turnover day as possible, given the circumstances.
Carnival Cruise in Miami (Photo Credit: byvalet)
In addition to the delayed arrival, Carnival Horizon will be docking at a different cruise terminal than at embarkation. They will now be arriving at Terminal D instead of Terminal F.
“While you can walk to Terminal F, it is a little distance away, especially if you will be carrying luggage,”a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms explained.“If you have a vehicle parked at Terminal F, complimentary shuttle service will be available to transport you there.”
Depending on exactly which doors one uses to exit Terminal D and where one parked at Terminal F, the two cruise terminals are just over one-third of a mile apart.
The change in terminal is not necessarily related to Carnival Horizon‘s mechanical difficulties. As Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, terminal adjustments are occasionally necessary to accommodate a wide range of ship schedules and other port operations.
On Sunday, November 16, 10 different cruise ships from seven different cruise lines will be in Miami, which will definitely create scheduling challenges.
Carnival Horizon has developed a propulsion problem and will be delayed returning to Miami on Sunday, November 16.
This will impact embarkation for the next cruise and Carnival Cruise Line will provide an additional update Saturday evening.
This is at least the third time Carnival Horizon has developed propulsion problems since the ship entered service in 2018.
Guests onboard Carnival Horizon are getting a bit longer of a cruise than expected, and not necessarily in a good way. The ship has developed mechanical issues and is sailing slower than anticipated, which will mean a delay in her return to Miami.
The Vista-class ship is currently on an 8-night Southern Caribbean “ABC” itinerary that departed Miami on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the next departure, scheduled to leave on Sunday for a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. That cruise will be impacted by the ship’s delay.
“Regrettably, Carnival Horizon has developed a mechanical issue that is affecting the ship’s cruising speed,”the email explained.“Consequently, the return to Miami will be later than scheduled for Sunday, November 16.”
Both shipboard and shoreside engineers are planning repairs to get Carnival Horizon back up to speed, which seems to indicate that the problem has already been identified and can be repaired. Exactly what repairs may be necessary have not been disclosed.
“Although the ship is sailing a bit slower, all features and venues are fully operating,”the email confirmed.
This means the ship’s safety and navigational systems are not compromised in any way, and all onboard dining, hotel, and entertainment is moving along as planned.
Guests are urged to sign up for text alerts to stay updated as further information becomes available and any embarkation revisions are confirmed.
How Slow Is Carnival Horizon Moving?
Satellite tracking data shows Carnival Horizon moving at just 16 knots (18 miles per hour) on Saturday afternoon as she heads back toward Miami.
At that speed, it would take Carnival Horizon at least 28 hours to cover the 500 miles she has to reach Miami, not counting extra time for slower harbor speeds or docking. The ship is currently sailing along the northern coast of Cuba, 40 miles east-northeast of Antilla.
Carnival Horizon Docked in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
On a day at sea, cruise ships do typically reduce speed to offer a more comfortable sailing experience. For example, on Saturday afternoon, the following Carnival ships are also enjoying days at sea but still sailing at higher speeds than Carnival Horizon:
Carnival Paradise – 18 knots
Carnival Liberty – 20 knots
Carnival Celebration – 17 knots
Carnival Pride – 17 knots
Carnival Panorama – 20 knots
While Carnival Horizon is not moving significantly slower than some other at-sea ships in the fleet, if the vessel cannot increase speed overnight, her return to Miami will be very much impacted.
At the moment, her estimated time of arrival to Miami is 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. This is a satellite tracking estimate only and not an official confirmation of her planned arrival.
Other Vista-class ships have likewise had propulsion difficulties, but mechanical problems are not confined to just one class of ships or one cruise line.
Hopefully, Carnival Horizon‘s current issue will be a minor one with quick repairs that can get the ship sailing smoothly forward for her next cruise.
A cruise ship’s naming ceremony, or christening, is one of the most important milestones for a new build because it officially launches its career at sea.
And in November of 2025, four brand new cruise ships have (or will be) christened in a ten-day time span.
These include Princess Cruises’ Star Princess on November 6, Disney Cruises’ Disney Destiny on November 10, and Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Allura on November 13, 2025.
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel will be christened on November 16, bringing the total to four naming ceremonies in ten days.
This spells good news for the cruise industry, which has absolutely been booming – and the upward trajectory is expected to continue into the new year.
A record 21.7 million Americans are expected to cruise in 2026, which is a 4.5% increase upon the 20.7 million projected to set sail in 2025.
Thankfully, these ships will be able to accommodate a combined 12,760 guests on every sailing (when looking at capacity numbers based on double occupancy).
Godparents Camila and Matthew McConaughey broke from tradition to bless the ship using a bottle of their brand of tequila, which is Pantalones Tequila.
I was then lucky enough to stay onboard for the second Sphere-class ship’s maiden voyage, which was a 3-night sailing to the Bahamas that officially embarked on November 7.
But while this was her official inaugural sailing in the US, the 4,300-guest ship operated a series of European sailings before crossing the Atlantic. She only arrived in Fort Lauderdale on November 5.
The young ship will remain homeported in Fort Lauderdale through April of next year, when she relocates to Seattle to begin her inaugural Alaska season.
The 177,800-gross ton vessel was constructed by Fincantieri at its shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy – where Sun Princess was also built.
Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny, DCL’s “heroes and villains” themed ship, received a hero’s welcome during her naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 10, 2025.
The event was commemorated with the fanfare that Disney is known for, including drone effects, scenic projections on the Wish-class ship itself, and elaborate musical performances.
This is fitting as Susan Egan, the prolific Broadway performer and famous Disney voice actress, is her godmother.
Since the naming ceremony, the 4,000-guest ship has been operating preview sailings for VIPs, travel experts, and members of the media.
Disney Destiny Naming Ceremony
She will officially kick off revenue sailings on November 20, 2025, with a 5-night maiden voyage to both of Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas: Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
But she is now home to stay, and will continue operating Caribbean and Bahamas-bound sailings through at least mid-2027.
She’s really come a long way since construction first began at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, in March of 2024.
Oceania Allura
Up next is Oceania Allura, which was formally named in Miami, Florida, on November 13, 2025. She had first arrived in the US at the end of October.
The pier-side ceremony culminated in a first-of-its kind godparent christening, in which several acclaimed chefs representing the Food & Wine Best New Chefs franchise came together to bless the ship.
Oceania Allura Cruise Ship
Following the festivities, the 1,200-guest vessel launched her inaugural season in the Caribbean.
Her inaugural voyage actually already set sail months ago on July 18, 2025. It was a 6-night sailing from Trieste, Italy, to Athens, Greece.
The 68,000-gross ton ship will continue to homeport in Miami through spring of next year, when she crosses back to Europe.
She will even return to Italy, not far from where she was constructed in the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Genoa, Italy.
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity’s newest Edge-class ship arrived in the US in early November to prepare for her naming ceremony and official launch. While she waits, she has been operating preview sailings.
The 3,260-guest ship will officially be christened on November 16, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale.
Once christened, the 140,600-gross ton ship will embark on a 5-night maiden voyage to Bimini Island in the Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico, on November 18.
She will continue to homeport in Fort Lauderdale, operating Bahamas and Caribbean sailings, until the spring of 2026.
Starting in May, she will primarily homeport in Barcelona, with the occasional embarkation from Athens, Greece.
She’ll even return to her “birth country” of France. For context, the innovative ship was constructed in the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
We’re back with the top news stories of the week from Cruise Hive, keeping you up to date on developments from the major cruise lines and ports of call.
In this week’s news recap, some of our coverage highlights include the sinking of an excursion boat in the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas deploying to Texas in 2027, and MSC Cruises ordering two more mega-ships.
Get your daily cruise news fix by and sign up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, delivered to your inbox each morning.
Cruise Guests Saved After Excursion Boat Sinks
A catamaran sail on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea sounds like the perfect cruise excursion, but for a group of cruisers in the Dominican Republic, it turned into a scary experience they are unlikely to soon forget.
It happened on November 9, 2025 when guests sailing on TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 1 were enjoying their catamaran excursion in Samana Bay. The boat apparently had an internal failure or may have collided with an underwater object and taken on water.
Sinking Catamaran Boat (Credit: Dominican Navy)
The 40-foot vessel quickly sank, leaving some 50 guests in the sea. Thankfully, all of them were reported to be wearing life vests and were rescued by the Navy of the Dominican Republic.
The incident is under investigation. There were no major injuries reported, and all of the cruise guests were returned to their ship. Videos and pictures posted on social media show one section of the catamaran sticking out of the water.
Mein Schiff 1 is sailing a 14-night voyage that did not originally have the Dominican Republic on its itinerary. The ship was operating a revised route due to cancelled calls at two Jamaican ports, and the Dominican Republic call had been added in place of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
Massive Wave Sweeps Cruise Guests Off Pier
In a tragic turn of events in Tenerife, Canary Islands, three people died and 15 were injured when a giant wave swamped a pier where tourists, including a group of cruise passengers, were enjoying ocean views in Puerto de la Cruz.
The event happened on November 8, 2025, and at least one of the dead was a cruise passenger and a Dutch national. The unidentified woman was reported to have died from a heart attack after being swept into the sea. About 10 other people from a cruise ship were also swept off the pier and into the water.
Wave Hitting and After
Rescue teams successfully pulled all of the people from the water. The cruise passengers were on a shore tour from a ship calling at Tenerife, but it is unknown which cruise ship they were sailing on.
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Dawn and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3 were docked in Tenerife that day. Other tourists, including a French group, were swept into the water by the same rogue wave.
The pier apparently had a warning beacon, and it is not clear why the tourists disregarded it. Tenerife is known for its heavy surf and large swells that can unexpectedly create huge waves.
Celebrity Cruises Unwraps 2027-28 Itineraries
From Asia to South America and the Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises unveiled its 2027-28 roster of cruises that sail to 131 destinations in 42 countries, many with longer stays in port.
With its largest deployment to date from Florida ports, the line will base eight ships in the Sunshine State, offering cruises to 65 destinations in the Caribbean.
Among them are Celebrity Beyond sailing from Miami, and Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Eclipse from Fort Lauderdale. Other ships will sail from Port Canaveral and Tampa.
Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship
Itinerary highlights will feature Panama Canal transits and visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas.
Celebrity Equinox will explore South America with 14-night cruises that visit popular sights such as the Chilean Fjords, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and Cape Horn. Itineraries will call at ports in seven countries.
Two ships, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium, will operate Asia voyages to destinations including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Longer port calls are planned, as are overnight stays in key destinations like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Phuket.
Royal Caribbean Offers Deals on Oversold Cruise
Passengers booked on an oversold Royal Caribbean voyage during the Thanksgiving holiday were offered some pretty tempting deals to help alleviate the crush of bookings.
The overtures are being made to guests booked on Allure of the Seas’ 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise set to depart Port Everglades on November 22, 2025.
Allure of the Seas in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)
Under the first option, guests who did not book an interior cabin are being asked to move their reservation to an inside stateroom, and those who agree will receive a full refund of their cruise fare. They would sail free, basically, not counting any packages or shore excursions, if they downgrade their accommodations.
Under a second option, guests can cancel the cruise, receive a full refund, and also enjoy a future cruise credit that totals 50% of the cruise fare they paid. The credit can be used on any Royal Caribbean cruise sailing on or before November 22, 2026.
In this instance, the cruise line will reimburse guests for non-refundable expenses, like airfares and hotels. Guests interested in opting for either offer must notify the line by November 18, 2025.
Icon of the Seas Deploys to Galveston in 2027
As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, and that will soon apply to the Port of Galveston, where the mega-ship Icon of the Seas will be based starting in August 2027.
Icon of the Seas is one of the world’s two biggest cruise ships (the other is her sister ship Star of the Seas), at 1,198 feet long and weighing 250,800 gross tons. These ships can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers plus 2,300 crew members.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Icon of the Seaswill reposition from her current homeport, Miami, and begin sailing 6- to 8-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The ship will officially leave Miami for the Lone Star State on August 7, 2027 and sail her repositioning cruise.
The ship’s first cruise from the Texas port will be a 7-night Western Caribbean voyage. The weeklong cruises call at Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras. Six-night sailings will visit those same ports, but offer one less day at sea. The 8-night voyages add Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas.
Guests who love to sail Icon-class ships from Florida will still be able to do so, since Star of the Seas is based at Port Canaveral, and Legend of the Seas, due to enter service in summer 2026, will homeport at Port Everglades.
Royal Caribbean Details 2027-28 Voyages From US Ports
Royal Caribbean ships will sail from four US ports in 2027-28, offering voyages from 4 to 12 nights to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, and Canada.
Nine ships will sail from homeports in Los Angeles, Galveston, Baltimore, and Cape Liberty. Caribbean and Mexico cruises will offer guests the chance to visit Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas, set to open in December 2025, and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico, slated to debut in 2026.
Icon of the Seas Departing Miami (Photo Credit: Florida Chuck)
Perhaps the biggest piece of news is that Icon of the Seas will deploy to Galveston, starting in August 2027 (see related brief above).
Here’s the rundown of the planned deployments:
Liberty of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas from Galveston to Western Caribbean ports.
Ovation of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles to Mexico and Catalina Island.
Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas from Cape Liberty to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Canada/New England.
Vision of the Seas from Baltimore to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada.
MSC Cruises’ World Class Expanding to 8 Ships
MSC Cruises’ World class just keeps on growing. The line announced another ship order, this time for two vessels, that will expand the class to eight ships by 2031.
The order, worth about $4 billion, was confirmed by the line and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, where the World-class ships are all being built.
The latest two, temporarily referred to as World Class 7 and World Class 8, will debut in 2030 and 2031, respectively. The class is the industry’s biggest in terms of gross tonnage and passenger capacity, behind Royal Caribbean’s massive Icon class.
New MSC World Class Orders Agreement
Two MSC World-class ships are already sailing — MSC World Europa, which was introduced in 2022, and MSC World America, which launched in 2025.
Two are under construction: MSC World Asia, due to enter service in 2026, and MSC World Atlantic, set to debut in 2027. And two more, World Class 5 and World Class 6, are ordered but not yet under construction. They will launch in 2029 and 2030, respectively.
The announcement of the latest order coincided with construction milestones for MSC World Asia, which was floated out of her bay, and MSC Atlantica, which held its keel laying ceremony.
More Cruise Headlines
Stick around for even more news from Cruise Hive, such as a new gameshow launching on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, a third new ship being ordered for luxe line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line updating its onboard party schedules.
Also, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is nearing completion, and Princess Cruises’ ships will add Celebration Key as a port call in 2026.
Take it from an old pro with plenty of cruises under my belt: There are some key mistakes you can make on a cruise that clearly call you out as a rookie.
Not only can these mistakes lead to a less-than-ideal cruise experience, but in some cases, they can even cost you money. Here are 20 mistakes newbies always make on a cruise, so you can avoid them and cruise like a pro, too.
Don’t be the cruisers who’re lugging multiple, giant bags to the cruise terminal. Not only will you not have much space to store your luggage in your stateroom (and unless you book an extra-large suite, you won’t have the floorspace for it, either), but there’s a lot you just don’t need on a cruise.
Sure, you want the essentials, like toiletries and OTC meds, so you don’t end up paying a premium on the ship. However, there are many items a cabin steward can fetch for you on request (like a small fan if you’re prone to overheating at night, as one example).
And, if you’re really worried about clothes, you can always do your laundry on the ship. That said, many cruisers find they really just need pool-going and excursion clothes, and then one or two nicer outfits.
Overpacking will just leave you frustrated as you try to navigate your stateroom.
2. Wearing a Lanyard Everywhere
Yes, a lanyard can be useful for holding your room key, cash, or whatever else you want to have on hand, but it’s a clear indicator that you’re a cruise newbie.
Leave the lanyard in your stateroom unless you’re just going to the pool or the buffet. Otherwise, don’t let it mess up your formal look in the main dining room and definitely don’t wear it in port. It’ll be like a neon sign attracting grifters looking for tourists to scam.
3. Showing Up to the Main Dining Room Whenever
You may just assume that, because your cruise fare includes dining in the main dining room, that you can show up at any time during dinner service to eat — but it’s not that simple. If you just show up expecting to get in, immediately, you could be disappointed.
Many cruise lines’ main dining rooms have set dining times. There’s an early seating and a late seating. This is the case on both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line.
Arendelle Dining Room, Disney Wish (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
However, both of these cruise lines also offer basically an “anytime dining” option, which allows you to show up whenever you want — but you have to actually choose that option when you’re booking your cruise. Even then, reservations are still recommended, as seating is based on availability and there could be a wait.
Norwegian Cruise Line, in contrast, is a bit more flexible, with no fixed dining times.
So, before you just show up at the main dining room and expect to be immediately seated, know what dining plan you have and what the cruise line’s policy is.
4. Not Booking Activities Ahead of Time
There are a lot of activities that book up quickly on a cruise, so if you have your heart set on a certain experience, book it ahead of time.
Open Deck of Disney Wish (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
For example, parents taking Disney Cruise Line cruises say that the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique’s makeover spots fill up quickly, which can leave a kid rather crestfallen if they don’t get to enjoy that experience during their vacation.
So, if there’s something you absolutely must do — even if it’s just eating at a certain restaurant or going on a certain excursion — make that reservation as soon as you can.
5. Not Taking Advantage of the Main Dining Room Menu
Many cruise lines will allow you to order multiple apps, entrees and desserts off the main dining room menu, so don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re just stuck with one selection out of what’s offered.
Utopia of the Seas Dining Room (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
Really taking advantage of the main dining room is a great way to have a top-tier culinary experience without spending an extra dime.
6. Eating at the Buffet for Embarkation Day Lunch
If there’s one place to eat that’s going to be absolutely packed on embarkation day, it’s the buffet. This is in part because, on embarkation day, not all of the restaurants are going to be open for lunch. So, everyone just heads to the easiest option.
Utopia of the Seas Windjammer Buffet (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
However, if you don’t want to battle the crowds (and who does?), avoid the buffet at lunch and book a specialty restaurant for that meal. You may even find that some cruise ships will offer discounts on specialty dining on embarkation day!
7. Not Bringing Your Own Sunscreen
You’d think that buying sunscreen on a cruise ship would be easy, but that’s not always the case!
Pack your own sunscreen and, better yet, keep it in the bag that you’ll be carrying with you on embarkation day.
That way, if you go to the pool while you’re waiting for your larger luggage to be delivered to your stateroom by the porters, you can slather it on and avoid a bad sunburn — which is not exactly how you want to start off a vacation!
Oh, and did I mention that sunscreen on the ship isn’t cheap!
8. Not Remembering to Hydrate
For many cruisers, a cruise ship is a land of indulgence, but that indulgence can come at a price. While you’re soaking up all that sun on the pool deck, while you’re taking full advantage of your beverage package, while you’re going back for seconds (or thirds) at the buffet, remember to hydrate.
(Photo Credit: Angela Bragato)
Don’t get so overly excited about all that fun that you don’t take care of yourself, and end up taking yourself out of the game.
9. Trying to Do Too Much
Yes, when you’re on one of the big cruise ships, like Icon of the Seas, where there are multiple pools, a big waterpark, tons of indoor entertainment and more restaurants and bars than you could possibly visit in just a short, weeklong cruise, you might try to cram as much into your itinerary as possible.
Slides and Fun on Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
However, slow down. Stop racing around, trying to fit it all in. There will be a next cruise. Rushing from one thing to the next will leave you with a lackluster experience. Enjoy yourself!
If there’s something you just didn’t get to do during your cruise, that’s all the more reason to start planning the next one as soon as you get home!
10. Overlooking Onboard Credits
You can get a ton of onboard credit, if you play your cards right. So, if that wasn’t part of the package deal you may have booked for your cruise, don’t despair.
Cruise Ship’s Guest Services Desk (Photo Credit: steve estvanik)
You can get onboard credits if the cruise fare drops and you paid more for your stateroom than it’s going for now. You can get onboard credits if you’re a member of a certain group, like an educator or similar public servant. You can get onboard credit by working with a travel agent.
Make sure you’re taking advantage of any onboard credit you can get, as it can really add up and make onboard costs, like drinks and specialty dining, far more affordable.
11. Attending the Specialty Demos or Shows
Throughout the cruise, you’ll probably see specialty demos or shows advertised, like art auctions, spa demos, etc. While some cruisers swear by attending these because you can occasionally get a free spa treatment or a free glass of Champagne, unless you’re really desperate for that freebie, just avoid them.
Cruise Event Show on MSC Cruises (Photo Credit: Ana del Castillo)
Long-time cruisers know that they’re just money sucks and you usually do end up spending money rather than getting something at a discount.
12. Arriving at Your Port on Embarkation Day
If you’ve read your fair share of Cruise Hive articles, then you know this is a piece of advice I repeat regularly: Don’t wait to get to your port city until embarkation day.
Cruise Ships at PortMiami (Photo Credit: byvalet)
Embarkation happens in the morning. If you have even the slightest delay whatsoever, whether you’re driving from another city, or flying, you risk missing the boat at worst, or just making things a lot more stressful for yourself, at best.
If you don’t actually live in the port city, book a hotel room for the night before your cruise leaves and enjoy a more leisurely embarkation day. It’ll get your cruise off on the right foot.
13. Getting to the Pool Mid-Morning or Later
Yes, while some ships have half a dozen pools scattered throughout, the pools can still get crowded — very, very crowded. Plus, that army of deck chairs that looks like it could fit everyone on the ship? They’re going to get snatched up fast.
Marella Cruises pool deck (Photo Credit: Go My Media)
If you really want to make sure you can snag a prime spot near the pool, prioritize getting to the pool in the early morning, before or right after breakfast. Otherwise, you’ll be competing for a seat and may just end up shuffling around looking for an open spot in the crowd without any luck.
14. Only Getting Breakfast at the Buffet
While many cruisers opt to go to the buffet for breakfast, those in the know recommend heading to the main dining room instead. While you won’t get the wealth of options that you might at the buffet, you will enjoy a quieter, nicer setting, as well as better service.
15. Trying to Wing it With Food Sensitivities
If you have any food sensitivities or dietary restrictions at all, from allergies to specialty diets like veganism, make a point to inform the cruise line in writing ahead of time, as well as to talk to the restaurant manager(s) once you’re on the ship.
Lido Buffet on Carnival Splendor (Photo Credit: Carnival)
Many cruise lines can accommodate such needs, but you’re actually going to need to speak up. Don’t go to the buffet thinking you’ll be able to automatically spot what’s vegan and what’s not, or that you’ll see a bunch of gluten-free options on the main dining room menu like you might on a typical restaurant’s menu.
16. Forgetting Motion Sickness Essentials
You may have never suffered from motion sickness in your entire life. You’ll still want to pick up some motion sickness medication for use during your cruise.
Cruise Passenger With Motion Sickness (Photo Credit: GBALLGIGGSPHOTO)
You never know when you’ll end up seasick for the very first time, and you don’t want to be at sea without a solution when the time comes.
Luckily, most cruisers find that, if they start taking their medication before boarding, they have no issues whatsoever.
17. Lingering in Port Right Until It’s Time to Leave
Getting back onto the cruise ship after a day in port takes a long time. Sometimes, you could end up standing in line, waiting to get back onboard, for hours.
That said, if you try to wait until the line’s gone, and you head back to the ship too late, you could miss it completely (the cruise ship isn’t going to wait around for you unless you’re on a cruise line-arranged excursion that’s running behind).
Make a note of the ship’s departure time and then make sure you’re back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. If you don’t want to wait in line, you may want to head back as much as an hour or more before the departure time.
18. Hogging the Deck Chairs
Remember how I said that you’re going to need to arrive early to get one of those oh-so-coveted deck chairs by the pool? Well, if you do get to the pool around breakfast time and get a great seat, the one thing you don’t want to do is hog it, just like what cruise passengers did here!
Royal Caribbean Chair Hogging (Credit: @jesstravel7)
That doesn’t mean that you can’t sit in that chair all day long. What it does mean is that you can’t put your towel, pool bag, shoes or a book on the chair and then leave it for hours at a time while you do other things, “reserving” it for your later use.
If you’re going to leave your claimed chair, only do so for about half an hour, max.
19. Being Too Shy to Ask Questions
The crew members are a font of great info. Don’t be afraid to ask any of the crew members, especially your cabin steward, for their advice and tips, both about the ship itself and what to do while onboard, as well as about what to do in port.
Carnival Crew Members Give Tips
20. Just Showing Up Without Doing Your Research
Last, but certainly not least, don’t just show up at port for embarkation day without doing a little research. Read up on your cruise line and its policies, the individual ship you’re sailing on and the various ports you’ll be stopping at.
MSC Foundation will transport a dozen containers of relief supplies to storm-ravaged Jamaica at no cost.
The foundation, a unit of MSC Group, has also donated 14 containers loaded with supplies.
MSC Divina delivered thousands of gallons of bottled water and other goods on November 11, 2025.
As Jamaica continues to recover from the massive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025, MSC Group has vowed to provide ongoing aid by transporting containers of relief supplies at no cost.
The relief operation has already started, in fact, with MSC Divina delivering 3,360 gallons of bottled water and 264 tarpaulins to the island nation on November 11, 2025.
The aid program is being run by MSC Foundation, the philanthropic division of MSC Group, which owns MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. In addition to emergency relief efforts, the foundation assists with environmental conservation, education, and other humanitarian causes.
It has committed to providing the free transport of 12 containers of relief supplies that will be shipped from the US, and is itself donating 14 containers to two local nonprofits — Food For the Poor and RG Cares Foundation.
MSC Divina’s delivery of the bottled water and tarps was made to local officials in Ocho Rios, one of the island’s busiest cruise ports.
While the 3,500-guest cruise ship has already delivered some supplies and may do so again, it is unclear which MSC Group ships will handle the massive container transports, since the company also owns a global cargo shipping operation.
“We are deeply committed to supporting the people of Jamaica as they respond to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises and Chair of the MSC Foundation Executive Committee.
“Through the coordinated delivery of essential resources with our local partners, we are working to bring relief to affected communities and provide critical supplies to those in need,” added Vago.
Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell / Shutterstock
Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, caused massive damage in the northern and western regions of the island, particularly in the area of Montego Bay, another major cruise port.
Tourism temporarily came to a standstill, as resorts were shuttered for repairs and cruise ports closed.
Cruise Lines Step Up With Relief Efforts
Jamaica is beginning to slowly reopen, and the first cruise guests disembarked in Ocho Rios from Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam on November 11, 2025.
The ship, which is sailing a 14-night voyage from PortMiami, delivered 1,700 boxes of relief supplies containing food items, water, clothing, and other goods. Guests were allowed to disembark the ship at the port’s Turtle Bay Pier.
Other cruise lines are also stepping up to help Jamaica recover. The first cruise ship to visit the island was Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, on November 4, 2025, however, passengers were not allowed to leave the ship.
Rhapsody of the Seasdropped off 120 pallets of bottled water, medical supplies, food, and other items, which were distributed to residents by local entities.
Other cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, have pledged monetary donations to aid in Jamaica’s recovery. Meanwhile, government officials have set a goal to reopen virtually all tourism operations, including cruise tourism, by December 15, 2025.
Cruising is a big part of the island’s travel industry-related revenue, accounting for roughly $198 million during the 2023-24 season, according to a survey by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and Jamaica Vacations Limited.
During that season, 1.4 million cruise passengers visited Jamaica.
