Five American cruise passengers are in serious hot water after a port stop in Nassau turned into a chaotic mess. The incident was complete with a police station brawl and broken glass.
Cruisers often joke about staying on the ship when it pulls into Nassau, even though the port has made a lot of positive changes in recent years.
But five cruise passengers would have been better off if they just stayed on the ship Monday afternoon.
According to local news reports, it all started just after 4:45 p.m. on Monday, June 8, when officers were called to break up a fight involving several cruise ship passengers right at the Nassau Cruise Port.
They arrested three women and two men, all American citizens. But things only got worse when the group was taken to the nearby Tourism Police Station.
Police say officers were preparing to search the five when another fight broke out.
One woman allegedly threw a chair through a glass door, which shattered. Then a male suspect reportedly kicked out the remaining glass in an attempt to escape.
Officers quickly subdued him.
Video of the Incident
Videos from the scene show the chaos, including people shoving at the port and the moment at the station with broken glass everywhere and officers restraining a young man in a white T-shirt.
The incident left four police officers injured. One got a cut to the mouth, others were struck on the body, and one officer with a serious shoulder injury who had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
The five passengers suffered only minor injuries from the original fight and were treated on site. They could now face multiple charges, including assaulting a police officer, fighting in a public place, resisting arrest, malicious damage, and disorderly behavior in a police station.
As of Tuesday, the five remained in police custody.
There was apparently one complication for investigators though. While these five cruise passengers ended up missing their ship when it left Nassau, witnesses of the incident didn’t exactly want to miss the rest of their cruise vacation.
The original complainants couldn’t provide full official statements because their cruise ship’s schedule forced them to leave on time.
Royal Caribbean took delivery of their newest and third Icon class cruise ship, Legend of the Seas, today during a ceremony that was held at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.
More than 1,200 crew members and partners were at the ceremony led by Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm.
Legend of the Seas is the third of seven Icon class ships that have been ordered by the world’s largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean.
The cruise ship will head to Cadiz, Spain where the final touches will be added to the ship ahead of its debut next month. The ship will debut on July 4, 2026, a seven-night cruise in the Mediterranean.
After spending several months in Europe, Legend of the Seas will head to Florida in November and offer six- and eight-night cruises to the Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale. All cruises from Florida will visit the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. You can view the best prices and the different itineraries offered on Legend of the Seas here.
Legend of the Seas has 28 dining options, seven pools, the largest waterpark at sea, and entertainment for the entire family.
Entertainment on the ship include Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and America’s Got Talent LIVE, alongside deck-defying performances during the AquaTheater’s “Shockwave” and ice-skating spectacles at Absolute Zero’s show, “Fusion”.
Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, gave the following statement:
“Today’s delivery of Legend of the Seas marks another important milestone in our ambition to continuously redefine the vacation experience.
“This new ship reflects the strength of the vacation ecosystem we are building – combining industry-leading ships, innovative technology, and exceptional experiences for our guests. It is an achievement only possible through the extraordinary partnership and expertise of Meyer Turku and the thousands of talented people whose creativity and commitment continue to help us design the future of vacations.”
Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean, added:
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce Legend of the Seas to vacationers and continue the legacy of the revolutionary Icon Class,” said. This wouldn’t be possible without the many talented individuals that came together to deliver what is truly the ultimate family vacation, and we look forward to making Legend’s debut this summer a legendary one.”
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Oceania Cruises is inviting travelers to explore the stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and hidden gems of Northern Europe in 2027 aboard its intimate, luxury ships. From charming coastal villages and vibrant capital cities to breathtaking fjords and remote Arctic destinations, guests can experience the region in comfort and style while enjoying the personalized service and relaxed atmosphere that define the Oceania Cruises experience.
The 2027 Northern Europe season features voyages aboard the elegant Oceania Insignia, Oceania Marina, and Oceania Vista, with itineraries spanning the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia, the British Isles and Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and Norway’s spectacular fjords. Designed for travelers seeking immersive experiences and smaller ports often inaccessible to larger vessels, these sailings offer an unforgettable way to discover some of Europe’s most captivating destinations.
The lineup of itineraries reflects Oceania Cruises’ commitment to destination-rich voyages, thoughtfully planned around Northern Europe’s long summer days, seasonal traditions and ports best explored by sea. Its boutique ships call on destinations not always accessible to larger vessels, such as Rosendal, Norway; Stornoway, Scotland; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; and Karlskrona, Sweden, alongside iconic cities including Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Stockholm.
Across all these itineraries, guests can choose from a range of shore excursions designed to bring the region’s smaller ports to life through local cuisine, culture, history and outdoor exploration. In Eidfjord, Norway, travelers can experience the Hardanger region’s apple-growing traditions with a cider tasting amid the area’s scenic landscapes. When in Visby, Sweden, guests can join one of Oceania Cruises’ signature Culinary Discovery Tours™, exploring Swedish farm-to-table traditions, visiting various local farms in the region, followed by a seasonal lunch highlighting the island’s sustainable ingredients. In Seydisfjordur, guests can travel by 4×4 through eastern Iceland’s remote countryside to Brekka, the country’s smallest town, set along a narrow fjord surrounded by waterfalls, seabirds and striking mountain scenery.
“Our Northern Europe voyages offer travelers an extraordinary way to experience one of the world’s most sought-after regions during the best time of year to visit,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “From the fjords of Norway to the cultural capitals of Scandinavia and the remote coastlines of Iceland and Greenland, these itineraries are designed for guests who want to see more of the region in a seamless and refined way. Traveling aboard our intimate ships offers unparalleled convenience, allowing guests to reach destinations that can be more challenging to explore independently – while only unpacking once.”
Oceania Cruises’ 2027 Northern Europe itineraries are part of the line’s expansive array of global voyages, which feature more than 600 ports and over 250 unique itineraries each year. On board its elegantly appointed ships, guests can experience the hallmarks of Oceania Cruises, including attentive, personalized hospitality, a relaxed yet refined adults-only environment and The Finest Cuisine at Sea®.
Highlighted Northern Europe Voyages:
Baltic Beauty: 11-day voyage from Stockholm to Copenhagen, departing June 10, 2027, aboard Oceania Insignia. Guests will explore the Baltic’s historic port cities and design-forward capitals, with calls in Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Gdansk, Karlskrona, Szczecin, Berlin (Warnemünde), Kalundborg and Kiel. The itinerary offers a mix of medieval old towns, coastal culture and extended time in select ports, including Berlin (Warnemünde) and Kalundborg.
Castles of Ice & Stone: 14-day voyage from London to Copenhagen, departing June 22, 2027, aboard Oceania Marina. Explore the British Isles and Northern Europe, with calls in Glasgow, Londonderry, Stornoway, Scrabster, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Bergen, Stavanger, Kristiansand, Lysekil and Gothenburg. The voyage combines historic cities, rugged coastlines, Scottish island communities and Norway’s coastal scenery before concluding in Denmark.
Landscapes of a Lifetime: 10-day voyage roundtrip from Reykjavik, departing July 4, 2027, aboard Oceania Insignia. This Iceland-focused itinerary traces the country’s dramatic coastline, with calls in Heimaey, Djupivogur, Seydisfjordur, Siglufjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur and Grundarfjordur, plus Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. The sailing showcases volcanic landscapes, dramatic fjords, fishing villages and the stark natural beauty of the North Atlantic.
Charms of Northern Europe: 11-day voyage from Paris to Copenhagen, departing July 16, 2027, aboard Oceania Vista. Visit a mix of iconic cultural capitals and coastal ports, with calls in London (Dover), Bruges, Amsterdam, Kristiansand, Oslo, Aarhus, Kiel and Helsingborg before concluding with an overnight stay in Copenhagen. The itinerary offers a broad look at the region, from historic cities and maritime culture to Scandinavian design, coastal scenery and Northern Europe’s summer atmosphere.
Fjords to Icelandic Vistas: 14-day voyage from Stockholm to Reykjavik, departing August 7, 2027, aboard Oceania Vista. This sweeping Northern Europe itinerary connects Baltic cities, Scandinavian coastlines and Icelandic landscapes, with calls in Visby, Rønne, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Haugesund, Flåm, Bergen, Ålesund, Djupivogur, Husavik and Isafjordur. The sailing features a mix of historic towns, fjord scenery, coastal culture and North Atlantic beauty.
Fabulous Fjords: 11-day voyage roundtrip from Reykjavik, departing August 8, 2027, aboard Oceania Marina. Exploring Iceland and Greenland, this voyage calls on Heimaey, Grundarfjordur and Isafjordur before scenic cruising through Prince Christian Sound, an overnight stay in Nuuk and a call to Narsaq. The itinerary highlights remote fjords, rugged coastlines and dramatic natural scenery.
Rugged to Rustic: 12-day voyage from Reykjavik to London, departing August 19, 2027, aboard Oceania Marina. Tracing a route from Iceland to the United Kingdom, this sailing calls on Isafjordur, Akureyri, Djupivogur, Tórshavn, Lerwick, Måløy, Vik, Bergen, Haugesund and Stavanger before concluding in London (Southampton). The itinerary brings together Iceland’s remote coastal towns, the Faroe and Shetland Islands, Norway’s fjord country and historic maritime cities along the North Atlantic.
For more information on Oceania Cruises’ collection of small, luxurious ships and curated global itineraries, visit OceaniaCruises.com or call 855-OCEANIA.
Royal Caribbean has officially welcomed Legend of the Seas to its growing Icon Class fleet, marking another major milestone in the cruise line’s mission to redefine the ultimate family vacation. Following nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, the highly anticipated third Icon Class ship is preparing for her debut in Europe this July, bringing even more next-generation experiences, thrills, and family-friendly adventures to sea.
To mark the milestone, more than 1,200 crew members and partners came together for a legendary ceremony led by Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm. During the celebration, the team recognized the hard work of thousands of engineers, designers, architects and crew members who brought Legend to life and marked the transfer of ownership between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku.
Today’s delivery of Legend of the Seas marks another important milestone in our ambition to continuously redefine the vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “This new ship reflects the strength of the vacation ecosystem we are building – combining industry-leading ships, innovative technology, and exceptional experiences for our guests. It is an achievement only possible through the extraordinary partnership and expertise of Meyer Turku and the thousands of talented people whose creativity and commitment continue to help us design the future of vacations.
The delivery is part of the company’s long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku, securing the Group’s access to shipbuilding capacity through 2036, including the order of Icon 5 to be delivered in 2028, as well as the sixth and seventh Icon Class ships in 2029 and 2030, respectively.
Soon, Legend will journey from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, where Royal Caribbean will add finishing touches before vacationers set sail on 7-night Western Mediterranean adventures from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, this summer. In November, the ship will arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to deliver 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean vacations with every adventure visiting Royal Caribbean’s top-rated Perfect Day CocoCay.
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce Legend of the Seas to vacationers and continue the legacy of the revolutionary Icon Class,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. “This wouldn’t be possible without the many talented individuals that came together to deliver what is truly the ultimate family vacation, and we look forward to making Legend’s debut this summer a legendary one.”
Royal Caribbeans’s Legend of the Seas officially joined the vacation brand’s revolutionary lineup with a delivery celebration at the Mayer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.
Vacationers of all ages on Legend can experience an all-encompassing lineup of standout dining, immersive entertainment, adrenaline-filled activities and accommodations across eight neighborhoods.
Legend will introduce the most dining at sea with28 options for every occasion. New experiences include Hollywoodland Supper Club, a multi-course elevated dinner inspired by old Hollywood; Royal Railway – Legend Station, a five-course immersive train dining journey through the Silk Routes; and AquaDome Market, an all-inclusive food hall with five concepts, along with a new juice and smoothie bar for wellness-focused guests.
Entertainment will span stage, air, water and ice, with productions designed for families, couples and multigenerational groups. Vacationers can experience Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”andAmerica’s Got Talent LIVEon Legend of the Seas, alongside deck-defying performances during the AquaTheater’s “Shockwave” and ice-skating spectacles at Absolute Zero’s show, “Fusion”.
Families can enjoy seven pools and dedicated water experiences for all ages, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea; Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay in the Surfside family neighborhood; and adults-only spots at The Hideaway and Swim & Tonic swim-up bar.
Adventurers looking for thrills can take on Crown’s Edge – part skywalk, part zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean. More adrenaline-pumping activities include mini golf at a new Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, Category 6 waterpark, the FlowRider surf simulator and more.
Signature Icon Class favorites on Legend include the Royal Promenade’s floor-to-ceiling ocean views and the Pearl – the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture – and the open-air Central Park, lined with more than 30,500 real plants, restaurants, live music, and convenient pick-up windows for sushi, champagne, sparkling wine and more.
For families of all ages, there are plenty of ways to stay in style from the exclusive Suite Neighborhood to a redesigned three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, featuring a slide, dedicated entertainment spaces and rooms for the whole family.
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas officially joined the vacation brand’s revolutionary lineup with a delivery celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. (Credit: Royal Caribbean)
Legend will be the vacation company’s fourth ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature a proven lineup of industry-leading environmental programs, including applications ranging from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connection. As Legend advances Royal Caribbean Group’s journey toward introducing a net-zero cruise ship by 2035, the vacation brand is also set to deliver their fifth ship powered by LNG with Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon Class vacation set to debut in 2027.
“Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship built at our shipyard, and constructing the series has enabled us to develop our production processes in a systematic way. We have built on the experience gained from the previous vessels and further improved efficiency with the customer and our extensive partner network,” said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku. “The ship is an exceptional project in terms of both scale and technical complexity, requiring strong expertise and seamless collaboration across the entire maritime cluster. At the same time, Legend of the Seas moves shipbuilding towards more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions.”
Royal Caribbean’s lineup of vacation experiences combines game-changing ships with one-of-a-kind destinations, including the game-changing Perfect Day CocoCay, the all-inclusive beach day experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas and the Ultimate Santorini Day at Royal Beach Club Santorini. The vacation brand continues to grow its portfolio of signature destinations across Mexico and Australia.
Vacations on Legend are open to book on Royal Caribbean’s website.
A former Royal Caribbean passenger is seeking damages from the cruise line after allegedly suffering serious injuries when she tripped over a mobility scooter left in a walkway aboard Jewel of the Seas.
Colleen Parsons, a Florida resident, filed a negligence lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Group in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 18th May 2026. The claim stems from an incident that occurred nearly a year earlier, on 22nd June 2025, while she was sailing aboard the Radiance-class vessel.
According to court filings, Parsons was visiting Casino Royale on Deck 6 when she became involved in an accident that she says was caused by an improperly parked mobility scooter. She alleges that the casino was crowded at the time and that another guest bumped into her, causing her to lose balance and fall over the scooter, which had reportedly been left in a passenger walkway.
The lawsuit does not target the scooter’s owner or any other guest who may have been involved. Instead, Parsons argues that Royal Caribbean failed in its responsibility to provide a safe environment for passengers.
As a result of the fall, Parsons suffered a fractured left wrist that required surgery. The injury reportedly left permanent scarring and led to ongoing damages that form the basis of her compensation claim.
Claims Focus On Safety Procedures
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean was negligent in several ways, including failing to maintain safe walkways, failing to warn guests about potential hazards, and failing to establish or enforce adequate policies regarding the operation and parking of mobility scooters onboard.
Parsons’ legal team argues that crew members should have taken steps to prevent scooters from obstructing public areas and that the cruise line did not properly monitor conditions within the casino.
Casino Royale aboard Jewel of the Seas covers approximately 6,459 square feet and features around 195 gaming machines along with 12 gaming tables. While Parsons described the venue as overcrowded at the time of the incident, no official information has been released regarding occupancy levels in the casino when the accident occurred.
Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
Jewel of the Seas continues to operate regular three- and four-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with no reported operational changes related to the case.
Cruise Line Already Has Mobility Scooter Rules
The lawsuit comes despite Royal Caribbean maintaining established policies governing the use and storage of mobility scooters onboard its ships.
The cruise line requires scooters to be stored and charged inside guest staterooms when not in use. The policy is designed to keep corridors, elevator lobbies and emergency routes clear in the event of an evacuation.
Royal Caribbean’s guidance also states:
“Mobility scooters must be stored and recharged in your stateroom so fire doors, corridors and elevator lobbies are kept clear for emergency evacuation. When parked throughout the ship, they must be parked out of the way to allow safe and easy access by other guests and crewmembers.”
Similar requirements are enforced across much of the cruise industry, including by major operators such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.
With Jewel of the Seas carrying up to 2,702 guests and approximately 859 crew members, enforcing compliance with onboard policies often depends on both crew oversight and passenger cooperation.
Mobility Scooters Remain A Growing Topic Across The Industry
The case is the latest incident to highlight ongoing debate surrounding mobility scooters aboard cruise ships.
While scooters provide essential accessibility for many travellers, their use occasionally becomes the focus of safety concerns, particularly in busy public spaces, terminals and ports.
Earlier this year, a former passenger filed legal action against Carnival Cruise Line after allegedly falling from a mobility scooter during the debarkation process from Carnival Valor. Separately, a tragic incident in May saw a cruise guest die after driving a mobility scooter off a pier and into the water at Celebration Key in The Bahamas.
Despite such incidents, cruise lines are unlikely to consider widespread bans on mobility scooters due to the important role they play in making cruising accessible to passengers with mobility challenges.
The only significant restrictions are typically found on some river cruise vessels, where narrow passageways, low bridges and other structural limitations can make scooter use impractical. Even then, several operators, including Viking River Cruises, generally permit compact folding scooters where conditions allow.
For now, the lawsuit against Royal Caribbean will move through the court system, where the key question is likely to centre on whether the cruise line took reasonable steps to prevent the hazard that allegedly led to Parsons’ injury.
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Casinos on Carnival cruise ships have received a new awards system after Carnival Cruise Line partnered with Konami to add the company’s SYNKROS system to all the casinos.
Carnival Cruise Line is the second of Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines to add SYNKROS for casino rewards. The first was Holland America Line and the system is now outfitted on all 29 Carnival cruise ships.
SYNKROS, known under the acronym SURF, stands for “Serving Up Rewards and Fun”. Carnival guests can now tap into personalized rewards, offers, bonuses and cashless wagering in the onboard casinos.
Rewards, offers and bonuses are tailored to the player, reflecting gaming preferences and featuring cruise-specific elements such as seamless cashless folio integration.
Tom Jingoli, president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc., gave the following statement:
“Carnival Corporation continues to innovate the guest experience in every detail of the journey, demonstrated in exciting new ways across the combined 40 onboard casinos of Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line now live with top SYNKROS technology. Konami is committed to serving Carnival Corporation’s existing SYNKROS install base with trust and reliability, while partnering collaboratively through ongoing expansion fleetwide.”
Marty Goldman, SVP Global Gaming at Carnival Corporation, added:
“We’re obsessed with giving guests the best time possible with great service, standout rewards and innovation that raises the fun factor even higher, so it’s been fantastic to roll out SURF across the entire Carnival Cruise Line fleet and make the guest experience even more rewarding.
“We look forward to bringing these exciting gaming experiences to millions more, as SURF continues to expand across Carnival Corporation’s world-class portfolio.”
Carnival Corporation stated that they will continue to roll out SYNKROS to more of their award-winning cruise lines in the future.
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Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings chief executive Frank Del Rio has filed a lawsuit against the cruise company he once led, claiming he was denied millions of dollars in compensation that he says was promised when he agreed to step down from the top role.
The lawsuit, filed on 5th May 2026 in Miami-Dade County, Florida, names Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., and former directors Russell Galbut, Harry Curtis, Mary Landry and Stella David as defendants.
According to the complaint, Del Rio alleges that he agreed to retire earlier than he otherwise would have after being assured he would receive a long-term consulting arrangement worth approximately $18 million. He claims the agreement would have paid him $1 million per quarter through the end of 2027 in exchange for supporting the company’s succession plans and transitioning out of the chief executive position.
Del Rio argues that stepping aside resulted in a significant loss of future earnings, as he would have continued receiving substantial compensation had he remained in the role.
The veteran cruise executive served as president and chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings from 2015 until June 2023. During his tenure, the company expanded significantly across its Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands.
When his retirement was announced, NCLH said Del Rio would remain involved with the company as a senior advisor to the board while Harry Sommer assumed leadership of the organisation.
Consulting Agreement At Centre Of Dispute
The lawsuit centres on the consulting arrangement that followed Del Rio’s departure.
According to the complaint, the written agreement Del Rio ultimately signed provided for only two-and-a-half years of consulting services, valued at approximately $10 million. Del Rio alleges this fell well short of what had been promised during discussions surrounding his retirement.
He further claims that company representatives assured him the shorter agreement would eventually be extended to reflect the full compensation package. However, he alleges that no extension was ever provided and that the payments ultimately ceased.
The lawsuit includes claims of fraud, breach of contract and conspiracy. Del Rio is seeking damages and has requested a jury trial.
As of publication, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has not publicly commented on the litigation.
Leadership Turmoil At Cruise Giant
The legal action arrives during a period of significant change at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Del Rio’s departure in 2023 marked the beginning of a major leadership transition, with Harry Sommer moving from his role as president of Norwegian Cruise Line to chief executive of the parent company.
That stability proved short-lived. In February 2026, Sommer stepped down as chief executive and was succeeded by former Burger King CEO John Chidsey.
The company’s governance structure came under further pressure weeks later when activist investor Elliott Investment Management disclosed a stake exceeding 10% in NCLH. Elliott argued the cruise operator had underperformed rivals despite strong industry demand and called for substantial changes to leadership, strategy and corporate governance.
The campaign contributed to a boardroom overhaul that resulted in several director departures, including Stella David, who stepped down as board chair.
Notably, all four former directors named in Del Rio’s lawsuit are no longer serving on the company’s board. Russell Galbut has since become involved with Crescent Seas, a new residential cruise venture.
Executive Pay Under Scrutiny
The complaint also revisits longstanding shareholder concerns regarding executive compensation at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
During Del Rio’s tenure as chief executive, investors repeatedly voted against executive pay proposals in advisory shareholder votes. While those votes were non-binding, they highlighted ongoing concerns among some shareholders regarding compensation levels at the company.
According to Del Rio’s complaint, those concerns influenced the way his post-retirement consulting arrangement was structured. He alleges the shorter written contract was designed to reduce potential criticism from shareholders and governance observers, while company representatives privately assured him that additional compensation would be provided through a future extension.
Court filings indicate that defendants have submitted waivers in the case. No hearings had been scheduled as of press time.
The lawsuit now places one of the cruise industry’s most influential modern executives in direct legal conflict with the company he helped build into one of the world’s largest cruise operators.
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Cruise passengers on Margaritaville at Sea’s 2,210-capacity Islander got a unique experience while sailing off the coast of Cuba yesterday.
A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Cuba, and the quake was strong enough to startle some guests on the nearby 85,619 gross ton cruise ship.
The cruise ship was sailing on a 5-night itinerary from Tampa to Key West and Cozumel when the earthquake happened on the seafloor just after 2:00 PM Eastern time.
The epicenter was located roughly 65 miles west-northwest of Mantua, Cuba. While the National Weather Service immediately confirmed there was no tsunami threat, the underwater tremor created “acoustic pressure waves” that caused vibrations in nearby ships.
Residents in Florida, hundreds of miles from the epicenter, also reported some rattling in buildings and shaking.
“Thought We Hit Something”
An earthquake at sea doesn’t feel like the rolling waves of a storm. It’s much different than the small movements a ship will see on a typical sailing.
For cruise passengers on Islander it felt more like a sudden physical impact.
When the vibrations hit the ship, there was a bit of confusion among passengers who wondered what just happened. Some took to Facebook to share their immediate reactions.
One passenger recalled the feeling on the ship through a Facebook comment:
“Yep it was crazy. Was on the ship when it happened. Thought we hit something. Captain came over the intercom about 10 mins later to inform us what had happened.”
Shaking and “Grind-y” Noises
For those on the lower decks, the sudden sensation was even stronger, and it came along with the eerie sound of the ship flexing against the pressure waves.
One passenger reported:
“I’m on the Islander now, and was on deck two in the casino when it happened. It was a good two minutes of shaking and grind-y noises. I thought maybe we were going a ground! lol.”
Another passenger on board said, “It am on the islander rn! I was onboard with 14 friends and family! It was wild!”
Passengers Never Lost Sense of Humor
Because the cruise line is all about the tropical, laid-back branding of the late Jimmy Buffett, some passengers gave a not-so-subtle reference to the ship’s heritage.
“It was interesting. Was carrying my Cheeseburger in Paradise and froze, scared to move. Had no idea you could feel earthquakes on ships,” a passenger on board stated.
Others also made references to Buffet’s lyrics with one joking that “Jimmy had us covered for volcanos but not earthquakes at sea”.
It’s good to see that none of the passengers lost their sense of humor in all of this.
One comment on Facebook simply stated that the earthquake left them “shaken, not stirred.”
Joe Millender was taking a nap on the ship when the earthquake took place.
He said, “The ship started shaking and things falling off the shelves and people kind of grabbing hold of things trying to hold on.”
According to Millender, the captain said the earthquake took place just 20-25 miles from the ship’s location.
A Rare Event?
While the shaking was a surprise to those on vacation at sea, it was also surprising to scientists. Seismologists said that a 6.1-magnitude earthquake is pretty rare for that specific area of the Caribbean.
Despite the two minutes of grinding noises and general confusion as to what was actually happening, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander sustained absolutely no damage whatsoever. The captain kept passengers informed, the crew kept serving, and the ship safely continued its voyage. And on top of all that, passengers have a very cool story to tell back home.
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A Carnival cruise ship experienced a short power outage yesterday while the vessel was en route to Mexico after leaving Long Beach, California on Saturday.
The power outage hit Carnival Panorama during the ship’s second sea day. Passengers who were on the ship said that air conditioning and toilets still worked, but lights went out throughout the vessel and elevators stopped working.
One guest on the ship said that the outage lasted for around 30 minutes and that everything is now good.
The following announcement about the power outage was made to guests who were on the cruise ship:
“Carnival Panorama is experiencing a powder outage which is affecting the entire ship. The elevators in our hotel system is currently out of service and our technicians are working hard to resolve the issue. We have to have our systems restored soon.
“If there is anyone in the elevator, please activate the alarm and our technical team will work to assist you. Once again, if there’s anyone in the elevator, please activate the alarm and our technical team will work to assist you. Our fleet operations center in Miami has been notified as per protocol.
“For your safety, please take extra precautions while walking around. We’ll be back with another update as soon as more information is available. We do apologize for any inconvenience and thank you all for your patience and understanding.”
Shavron posted the following video on TikTok with the announcement about the power outage on Carnival Panorama.
Carnival Panorama is currently on an eight-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera out of Long Beach, California. The ship has port stops scheduled in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, La Paz and Cabo Lan Lucas.
Vessel Finder shows that the cruise ship is currently at its first port of stop in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
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Guests booked on a 9-night Norwegian Star cruise in November 2027 are facing a major itinerary shake-up after Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the sailing will now depart from a different country and visit an entirely new collection of destinations.
The voyage, scheduled to begin on 13th November 2027, was originally planned as a one-way sailing from Lisbon, Portugal, to Barcelona, Spain. The itinerary included calls in Portugal, the Canary Islands, Morocco and Spain.
Under the revised plans, however, the ship will now embark from Tarragona, Spain, instead of Lisbon. Norwegian Cruise Line told guests the change was necessary because of port availability issues in the Portuguese capital.
The adjustment also includes a slight alteration to the ship’s departure time. Rather than leaving Lisbon at 4 pm as originally scheduled, Norwegian Star will now sail from Tarragona at 5 pm.
The change mirrors a similar move previously announced for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn, which is also set to switch embarkation ports from Lisbon to another location for a sailing in October 2026.
Five Ports Removed From Original Schedule
While a change in embarkation port can be disruptive, the most significant aspect of the update is the complete redesign of the cruise itinerary itself.
In a notification sent to guests, the cruise line confirmed that several originally scheduled ports have been removed.
“As part of this change, our visits to Funchal, Portugal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Arrecife (Lanzarote), Spain, and Agadir and Casablanca, Morocco, have been removed from the itinerary,
“In their place the journey has evolved into a Mediterranean-focused itinerary, now featuring visits to Marseille, France; La Spezia, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Salerno, Italy; and Valletta, Malta.”
Cruise line’s email to booked guests
The revised route shifts the cruise from an Atlantic and North African-focused itinerary to one centred almost entirely on the western and central Mediterranean.
For many travellers, the new ports represent an entirely different holiday experience. The replacement destinations are located more than 1,800 miles from the original ports and offer distinctly different cultures, landscapes and sightseeing opportunities.
The changes also affect the sailing schedule itself. The first full day of the cruise, which had originally been planned as a sea day, will now be spent in Marseille, France.
Only the final two days of the voyage remain unchanged. Norwegian Star will still spend 20th November at sea before visiting Palma de Mallorca on 21st November from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. The ship is also still scheduled to arrive in Barcelona for disembarkation at 7 a.m. on 22nd November 2027.
Guests Divided Over Extensive Changes
With the sailing still around 17 months away, many guests have time to reassess their travel plans and decide whether the revised itinerary still suits their holiday preferences.
Some passengers have expressed frustration at the scale of the changes, arguing that the new voyage bears little resemblance to what was originally advertised.
“That’s not even close to the cruise you booked,” one guest noted. “I can understand a port or even [two] changing, things happen, but this a complete rewrite.”
Others pointed out that the lengthy notice period provides guests with flexibility to cancel or switch to a different sailing if they were specifically interested in destinations such as Morocco, Madeira or the Canary Islands.
“Definitely an entirely different cruise, but thankfully you have plenty of time to change,” another guest commented.
Experienced cruisers have also noted that because the sailing remains so far in the future, many passengers are unlikely to have purchased flights or finalised extensive travel arrangements, making it easier to alter plans if necessary.
While itinerary adjustments are common in the cruise industry due to weather, operational requirements, port availability and other factors, it is relatively unusual for a voyage to undergo such a comprehensive transformation while retaining the same cruise length and arrival port.
For travellers who specifically selected the sailing for its Atlantic islands and North African destinations, the revised itinerary may prompt a search for alternatives. Others, however, may welcome the opportunity to visit some of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise ports, including Rome-access port Civitavecchia, Valletta and several destinations along the Italian coast.
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