Cruise Lines

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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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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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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When you book an Alaskan cruise, you’re dreaming of glacier-carved fjords, charming frontier ports, and perhaps spotting a breaching whale or two from your balcony. What you’re certainly not expecting is to spend an extended weekend in port whilst engineers scramble to fix your ship’s propulsion system, forcing the cancellation of virtually your entire itinerary.

Yet that’s precisely the situation facing passengers aboard Holland America Line’s Zaandam, whose 3rd June sailing has been dramatically curtailed due to technical difficulties that have left the 61,400-gross-ton vessel unable to maintain normal cruising speeds.

The propulsion problems have necessitated the cancellation of multiple ports of call and one of Alaska’s most sought-after experiences, leaving what should have been a dream holiday memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Propulsion Problems Force Extended Stay In Juneau

The seven-night voyage departed Vancouver as scheduled on 3rd June 2026, and initially, all appeared to be going according to plan. Guests enjoyed the scenic glacier cruising they’d anticipated, and the ship arrived in Juneau – Alaska’s charming capital city, accessible only by sea or air – on Friday morning.

However, rather than departing at the scheduled 10 pm that evening to continue northward to Skagway, Zaandam remained firmly moored whilst the crew worked to address the developing technical issues.

In an announcement shared with guests, the captain explained the predicament in straightforward terms: “We’re dealing with a technical issue affecting one of our propulsion systems, which means we’re unable to sail at our normal speed. Because of that, we’ll remain in Juneau overnight so additional technical specialists can come on board and assist with repairs.”

For cruise passengers, particularly those who’ve saved for what might genuinely be a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan adventure, the news would have been deeply disappointing.

Alaska cruises are rarely cheap, and for many travellers, the journey involves expensive flights, potential hotel stays, and considerable advance planning. The itinerary isn’t merely a list of ports – it’s a carefully curated experience designed to showcase the best of America’s Last Frontier.

Skagway, Ketchikan And Glacier Bay Cancelled

The decision to remain in Juneau overnight meant that passengers who had booked Cruisetours – those popular land-based extensions that combine cruise sailing with inland exploration – and were scheduled to join Zaandam in Skagway on Saturday, 6th June, found their plans abruptly altered.

Rather than boarding in the historic Gold Rush town of Skagway, approximately 85 miles north-northwest of Juneau, these guests were instead transported to Juneau to join the ship there.

When Zaandam did finally depart Juneau on Saturday evening, it wasn’t to continue the planned itinerary. Instead, the ship set a direct course for Vancouver, bypassing all remaining ports of call entirely. This wholesale cancellation means passengers missed visits to both Skagway and Ketchikan, two of Alaska’s most beloved cruise ports, each offering distinct character and attractions.

Skagway, with its restored Gold Rush-era buildings and the famous White Pass & Yukon Route railway, provides a window into the Klondike Gold Rush history that shaped the region.

The railway journey alone, climbing through dramatic mountain passes with jaw-dropping scenery, regularly features on lists of the world’s most scenic train rides. It’s precisely the sort of experience that brings many cruisers to Alaska in the first place.

Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” offers its own unique appeal, from the colourful Creek Street historic district built on stilts over the water to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. For many first-time Alaska cruisers, these ports represent quintessential Alaskan experiences that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Perhaps most disappointing of all, however, is the cancellation of the scenic cruising through Glacier Bay. This protected national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site represents one of the absolute highlights of any Alaskan cruise.

The opportunity to sail through the bay’s icy waters, witnessing massive tidewater glaciers calving enormous chunks of ice into the sea whilst rangers provide expert commentary, is an experience that regularly features in passengers’ most treasured cruise memories.

Glacier Bay access is also strictly controlled by the US National Park Service, with only a limited number of cruise ships permitted to enter each day during the summer season. This makes it all the more precious – and all the more frustrating when circumstances force its cancellation.

By proceeding directly to Vancouver rather than attempting to visit any of the remaining ports, Holland America Line can at least ensure that Zaandam arrives at her homeport in time for the scheduled Wednesday, 10th June disembarkation. This decision, whilst disappointing for current passengers, prevents a cascading series of delays that would impact future sailings and affect potentially thousands of additional guests.

The extended stay in Juneau on Saturday did provide one small consolation – passengers were permitted to disembark and explore the port city further, turning necessity into an unexpected opportunity for deeper exploration.

However, even this came with logistical complications. Due to Juneau’s popularity as a cruise destination, the port had eight ships scheduled to visit that same Saturday, and Zaandam needed to vacate her berth from 8 am until 4:30 pm to accommodate these other vessels.

The other ships calling that day represented a veritable who’s who of the cruise industry: Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit, Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess, Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Explorer, and Silversea’s Silver Whisper, alongside two smaller expedition vessels and a regional river cruise ship.

With no water shuttle service available, any Zaandam passengers who chose to disembark for the extended Juneau visit faced a commitment – once ashore, they needed to remain there until 4:30 p.m., unable to return to the ship until she returned to the dock.

For some passengers, this would have been a welcome opportunity to hire transport to Mendenhall Glacier, explore the shops and galleries of downtown Juneau, or perhaps book a last-minute floatplane excursion or whale-watching tour. For others, particularly those who had already explored Juneau during the ship’s originally scheduled stop, it would have felt like rather cold comfort for missing the remainder of their itinerary.

Holland America Offers Refunds And Future Cruise Credit

Holland America Line has moved to compensate affected passengers for the dramatic alteration to their cruise.

Guests currently aboard Zaandam have been offered a 50% refund of their cruise fare, alongside a 50% future cruise credit, also based on the cruise fare only. Additionally, any shore excursions booked through Holland America Line for the cancelled ports of Skagway and Ketchikan will be automatically cancelled and refunded.

The compensation package represents a significant gesture from the cruise line, though opinions will inevitably vary on whether it adequately addresses the disappointment of missing such substantial portions of an Alaskan itinerary.

It’s worth noting that the compensation applies to cruise fare only, which means it doesn’t extend to flights, hotels, or other travel arrangements guests may have made to reach Vancouver and return home.

These associated costs can often equal or exceed the cruise fare itself. Passengers who booked independently booked shore excursions in the cancelled ports would need to seek refunds directly from those tour operators, which may prove more complicated than dealing with the cruise line directly.

Crew Praised As Guests Face Disappointment

Despite their understandable disappointment and frustration, passengers aboard Zaandam have been quick to praise the ship’s crew members, who find themselves managing a difficult situation not of their making. These crew members continue to work tirelessly to ensure guests enjoy the best possible experience under challenging circumstances.

“Have no complaints about staff or food as most are really kind and helpful,” one passenger shared on social media, a sentiment that speaks volumes about the professionalism of Holland America Line’s crew members during what must be a trying time for everyone aboard.

This graciousness from passengers reflects a broader truth about cruise ship crew members, who often become the human face of the cruise line during both smooth sailings and unexpected difficulties.

From waiters and stateroom attendants to entertainment staff and guest services personnel, these individuals work long hours to maintain the holiday atmosphere even when circumstances beyond anyone’s control threaten to dampen spirits.

The specific nature of the technical issue affecting Zaandam’s propulsion system has not been publicly disclosed, which is fairly standard practice for cruise lines addressing such matters.

What has been confirmed is that no other shipboard systems are affected, meaning the vessel remains fully operational in all other respects. Restaurants and dining operations continue as normal, bar service proceeds uninterrupted, the casino remains open, and all entertainment and activities are going ahead as planned.

For passengers, this at least ensures that whilst their port experiences have been curtailed, the onboard cruise experience continues undiminished. They can still enjoy Holland America Line’s well-regarded cuisine, attend evening shows, relax in the Greenhouse Spa, or simply enjoy the sea views from their staterooms or the ship’s public areas.

Questions Remain Over Upcoming Zaandam Sailings

Propulsion issues, whilst concerning to passengers when they occur, are not unprecedented in the cruise industry. Various cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, have all dealt with similar technical challenges on different vessels at various times.

Modern cruise ships are extraordinarily complex pieces of engineering, essentially floating cities with sophisticated systems that must work in harmony to propel these massive vessels across the ocean.

When one of these systems develops problems, cruise lines face difficult decisions about how to proceed. The calculations involve passenger safety, operational capabilities, port schedules, and the impact on both current and future sailings.

In Zaandam’s case, Holland America Line has evidently determined that the ship cannot safely or reliably maintain the speeds necessary to complete the planned itinerary, but can proceed at reduced speed directly to Vancouver.

For context, Zaandam is one of the older vessels in Holland America Line’s fleet, having entered service in 2000. At 61,400 gross tonnes and with capacity for up to 1,432 passengers, she’s considerably smaller than today’s mega-ships, but this mid-sized format is often appreciated by passengers who prefer a more intimate cruising experience.

The ship has been a stalwart of Holland America Line’s Alaska programme for many seasons, regularly receiving positive reviews for her elegant interiors and attentive service.

The question now occupying many minds – particularly those of passengers booked on Zaandam’s subsequent sailings – is whether the ship’s next cruise will be impacted by these propulsion problems.

At the time of reporting, Holland America Line has not issued any confirmed announcement regarding changes to Zaandam’s next seven-night sailing, which is scheduled to depart Vancouver on Wednesday, 10th June.

This silence likely reflects the ongoing nature of the repair efforts. Until engineers can fully assess the problem and complete whatever repairs are necessary, it’s difficult for the cruise line to make definitive statements about the ship’s operational readiness for future voyages. However, the fact that Zaandam is proceeding to Vancouver under her own power, albeit at reduced speed, suggests the issues may be manageable with proper repairs in port.

As many as 1,432 guests could potentially be booked on that next sailing, as well as on the numerous further sailings scheduled throughout Zaandam’s Alaska season.

The ship is homeported in Vancouver through early October, predominantly offering identical seven-night sailings that showcase Alaska’s Inside Passage. She’s then scheduled to return to Vancouver for another Alaska season beginning in April 2027.

For passengers booked on imminent Zaandam sailings, the uncertainty must be deeply frustrating. Many will be monitoring news and social media channels anxiously, wondering whether they should proceed with their travel plans or expect cancellations. Some may already be en route to Vancouver, whilst others might still have time to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

The Importance of Travel Insurance

The situation highlights one of the realities of cruise travel that passengers often don’t consider when booking: the potential for itinerary changes due to technical issues, weather, port conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Whilst cruise lines work diligently to operate as scheduled, ships are complex machines operating in challenging marine environments, and sometimes things go wrong.

This is precisely why comprehensive travel insurance is so important, particularly for cruise holidays involving significant travel to reach distant homeports.

Quality cruise travel insurance should cover not only medical emergencies and trip cancellations, but also itinerary changes and missed ports, potentially providing compensation when cruise line reimbursements don’t fully address the financial impact of disruptions.

For British travellers specifically, who often face higher costs to reach North American departure ports, the financial stakes of cruise disruptions can be particularly significant.

Return flights to Vancouver aren’t inexpensive, and many passengers will have booked hotels for pre- or post-cruise stays, hired cars, or arranged other travel components that won’t be refunded if the cruise proceeds but with an altered itinerary.

As this situation continues to develop, passengers booked on upcoming Zaandam sailings would be well advised to monitor communications from Holland America Line closely and ensure they’re registered for text or email alerts. The cruise line’s past practice suggests they’ll communicate with affected passengers as soon as they have definitive information about the ship’s operational status.

For those currently aboard, the journey back to Vancouver will likely feel bittersweet. They’ll still enjoy Holland America Line’s renowned service and hospitality, but the sea days will serve as a constant reminder of the ports and experiences they’re missing. Some may vow never to cruise again, whilst others might already be planning their return to Alaska to experience what they’ve missed.

What this incident ultimately demonstrates is the unpredictable nature of travel, particularly cruise travel. Despite meticulous planning, substantial financial investment, and excited anticipation, sometimes circumstances beyond anyone’s control intervene.

How cruise lines respond to these challenges – through transparent communication, appropriate compensation, and genuine care for passenger wellbeing – often determines whether disappointed passengers become former customers or return to sail again.

Holland America Line, with its long history and reputation for service excellence, will be working to ensure as many passengers as possible fall into the latter category.

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