Cruise Lines

Carnival Corporation is dealing with propulsion issues on two major ships across its fleet, with Carnival Horizon and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 both forced to adjust itineraries, delay operations and compensate guests after significant mechanical difficulties.

Carnival Horizon: Delays, Missed Flights and Ongoing Speed Restrictions

Carnival Horizon’s problems began during her 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing, which was due back into PortMiami on Sunday 16th November.

The Vista-class ship developed a propulsion fault late in the cruise, leaving her unable to reach normal operating speed.

The delay stretched past eight hours, wreaking havoc on guests’ post-cruise travel plans. Many missed flights and pre-booked transfers, and some were left scrambling for last-minute hotels or rebooking fees.

Two days later, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy issued a formal apology by email, acknowledging the disruption:

“On behalf of the entire Carnival team, I am extending sincere apologies for Carnival Horizon’s delayed return to Miami… Certainly, none of us expected your cruise to end later than scheduled.”

Carnival is now offering up to US$200 per person to cover independent, non-refundable air costs or change fees, with guests required to submit receipts.

The compensation offer arrived later than many expected, with some noting the delay added to frustration on disembarkation day.

Itinerary Changes Continue

Horizon sailed again that same evening but remains under speed restriction, resulting in further changes. The ship has already:

• Cancelled its scheduled visit to Grand Cayman
• Had a delayed arrival into Cozumel on 18th November
• Maintained its call to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on 20th November

Guests were informed of the adjustments shortly after boarding and are receiving US$100 per stateroom in onboard credit.

Tracking data shows the ship cruising at 16–17 knots, several knots below her normal speed.

Engineers and shoreside technicians boarded in Miami, but full repairs may require parts or work that can only be completed dockside.

There is currently no confirmation on whether the following 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing, due to depart on 22nd November, will also be affected. Given the long distances to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, further delays or itinerary changes remain possible.

Queen Mary 2: Propulsion Pod Fault Forces Diversion and Cancellations

While Carnival Horizon grapples with reduced speed in the Caribbean, sister brand Cunard is dealing with its own propulsion setback in Europe.

During a Northern Lights cruise, Queen Mary 2 suffered a technical defect in a propulsion pod, prompting an unplanned diversion to Bremerhaven, Germany, rather than continuing to Hamburg as scheduled.

Hamburg Call Abandoned

Calling at Hamburg requires the ship to navigate 50 miles up the River Elbe, including narrow channels and tight turns. With reduced manoeuvrability, the liner instead docked at a container terminal in Bremerhaven, which lacks traditional passenger facilities.

Around 420 guests who were due to end their cruise in Hamburg were transferred by coach, a two-hour journey.

Short Cruise Cancelled

To facilitate repairs, Cunard cancelled QM2’s 2-night Hamburg–Southampton sailing, originally scheduled for 17th November.

The ship did make it to Southampton on 19th November ahead of her transatlantic sailing – but there is no word yet on if the itinerary will be impacted at all.

Recurring Propulsion Troubles Across the Group

Both ships fall under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, and both have experienced propulsion issues in the past.

Queen Mary 2’s Mermaid pod system has long been criticised for reliability problems; Cunard successfully sued the manufacturer in 2009. Carnival Horizon, meanwhile, is part of the Vista class, which has previously encountered azipod-related challenges.

Carnival Corporation has not indicated that the two current issues are related.

Carnival Horizon’s engineers are continuing attempts to restore full propulsion. With the lack of update from Cunard, it could be assumed that Queen Mary 2 has been repaired, although that could change.

Passengers booked on upcoming voyages for either vessel are advised to monitor email updates closely and maintain contact with their travel agents.

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One of the Caribbean’s most famous floating food spots is making a splash in a new location, just in time for peak cruise season.

Lime Out, the award-winning floating taco bar that put St John on the global culinary map, is opening a second outpost in Lindbergh Bay, St Thomas – a move set to delight both locals and the many cruise guests who flock to the island each year.

Bigger, Greener and Perfectly Placed for Cruise Day-Trippers

The new Lime Out spans 850 square feet, making it over a quarter larger than the original St John site, and it runs fully on solar power.

Most importantly for visiting cruisers, it’s positioned just a short ride from both Havensight and Crown Bay, the island’s two major cruise piers.

Travellers arriving on one of St Thomas’ busy port days can hop aboard a water shuttle such as Taco Taxi, making it easy to float out for lunch, cocktails and a swim before returning to the ship.

“Lime Out St Thomas is a culmination of what we believe to be some of the most beautiful attributes of the Virgin Islands – the sea, contagious energy, vibrant food and welcoming hospitality,”

Co-Founder Chelsea Baranowski

Tacos, Cocktails and a New St Thomas Twist

Led by celebrated Puerto Rican chef Amaro Rivera, the menu combines Lime Out favourites – like Surf & Turf and Rum-Rib Pulled Pork tacos – with new St Thomas exclusives.

That includes the Bless Up taco, layered with jerk-spiced grilled chicken, pickled cabbage and a pineapple and mango-lime relish.

Signature cocktails including The Danger and Nene’s Margarita return, all served in reusable cups to support the brand’s eco-friendly ethos.

“We’re bringing the heart of Lime Out St John’s menu to St Thomas but infusing it with local ingredients and island-specific flavours,”

Chef Amaro Rivera

Sustainable by Design – A Boost for Responsible Tourism

All food preparation takes place on land to protect the surrounding waters, and biodegradable materials are used throughout.

Lime Out St Thomas also plans to partner with local non-profits, organise coastal clean-ups and work alongside island farmers and fishers.

For cruise visitors, that means enjoying a fun, postcard-perfect outing without adding strain to the environment – a welcome trend as more travellers prioritise sustainable tourism.

A New Reason to Visit St Thomas

Lime Out opens to the public on 23rd November 2025, initially operating Sunday to Friday, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, with plans to expand to daily service in January.

With St Thomas already one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, the new location is poised to become a standout day-trip option, offering guests a chance to sip, swim and snack in true Virgin Islands style before heading back to their ship.

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A cruise passenger received an unscheduled swim on Sunday, 16th November 2025, after slipping from the pier beside Norwegian Encore during the ship’s unexpected call to Nassau.

Norwegian Encore had originally been due to spend the day at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island.

Rough seas made tendering unsafe, forcing the 4,000-guest ship to divert to the Bahamian capital instead.

While guests were returning to the vessel that afternoon, a man lost his footing and fell into the water between the pier and the ship – a narrow but hazardous gap occupied by floating rubber fenders.

Videos shared on social media show the man clinging to a life ring as onlookers shouted for assistance. Within moments, crew members arrived with a ladder and pulled him from the water.

There are no reports of injury, and it remains unclear whether the man was a guest, crew member, or port worker.

Witnesses told local media they believed he either slipped from the dock or missed his step while approaching the gangway.

Why Falls From Piers Happen More Easily Than You Think

Although piers may appear safe, the space between a dock and a cruise ship can be surprisingly dangerous.

Cruise ships never sit flush against the pier, as direct contact would damage both the hull and the dock. Instead, large rubber bumpers float between the two structures.

Gaps between these bumpers can be several feet wide – more than enough space for an adult to slip through.

Gangways have railings, but the very start or end of the ramp is typically positioned above these gaps.

A brief lapse in attention, such as checking a mobile phone or misjudging a step, can be all it takes.

The good news is that the same rubber bumpers that protect the ship also create a buffer, reducing the risk of being crushed, provided the person stays afloat and calm. The greater danger is for anyone who cannot swim or panics, as they may drift beneath the pier or hull.

Other Recent Pier Incidents

Falls from cruise docks are rare but not unheard of:

• August 2025: A guest on the preview sailing of Star of the Seas walked backwards while filming the ship and stepped straight off the pier.
• June 2025: A person in Juneau, Alaska deliberately jumped from the dock – apparently attempting to film a viral stunt.

Slippery surfaces, uneven wooden planks, high winds, and simple distraction are the most common causes of pier mishaps.

A Reminder For Cruise Travellers

While this latest incident ended without injury, it serves as a reminder for guests to take extra care when walking along piers, avoid distractions near the water’s edge, and use gangways cautiously.

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A holiday at sea ended abruptly for one Australian traveller after he was ordered off a cruise ship in New Zealand following an onboard altercation.

The man’s family remained on the vessel as he was told to leave and arrange his own way home.

Passenger Removed After Mid-Voyage Assault

The incident occurred on Wednesday night when a 44-year-old Australian passenger became involved in a confrontation with another man onboard.

According to local authorities, the situation escalated and the Australian guest allegedly struck the other passenger at around 9.30pm.

Police were notified and were waiting at Port Chalmers, near Dunedin, when the ship arrived the following morning.

Officers boarded, spoke to those involved and issued the man with a formal warning for assault.

The police confirmed that, following their intervention, the cruise line exercised its right to exclude the passenger from the remainder of the voyage.

This meant that while the man’s travelling companions continued their holiday as planned, he was forced to disembark immediately and make his own arrangements to return to Australia.

The other man involved in the altercation received treatment onboard for a minor injury to his nose.

The incident reportedly occurred on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas.

Follows String of Cruise Removals

There have been several cruise ship removals in the past couple of weeks that have caught the attention of the cruising world.

In another case earlier this month, two guests were removed from Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas after a late-night brawl broke out in the ship’s smoking area.

Footage shared to social media appeared to show the passengers – part of a group cruise for streamers – fighting after a heated dispute.

The fight reportedly began over a mutual friend of the guests and escalated quickly, prompting Royal Caribbean security to detain those involved until the ship reached its next port.

The guests were removed from the ship at the next port, although further footage seems to show the two acting friendly and embracing their unusual position, waving the ship off.

Carnival Crew Member Removed in Port

Even more recently, a Carnival Cruise Line entertainment crew member was unexpectedly removed from Carnival Valor in Cozumel, Mexico, after submitting his resignation ahead of the end of his contract.

Trevor Johnson, a member of the Fun Squad, claimed in a now-viral social media post that he had handed in his resignation on 4th November, intending to finish work on 20th November to allow for a smooth handover.

Instead, he said he was woken by “a 6:00 a.m. knock” and told he had one hour to pack before being escorted off the ship.

Johnson described the abrupt departure as “embarrassing and devastating”, saying he had no chance to say goodbye to colleagues and was left to navigate onward travel alone in a foreign port.

His account triggered widespread debate among former and current crew online. Many noted that cruise ship contracts operate differently from land-based jobs: resigning mid-contract often triggers immediate removal, with companies permitted to sign off crew at the next approved port.

Cruise Lines Tighten Conduct Enforcement

Cruise lines have become increasingly strict about onboard behaviour, especially as passenger volumes have surged in recent years.

While most cruises remain peaceful, isolated cases of misconduct are promptly dealt with by ship security and, when necessary, local authorities.

For the Australian passenger now stranded in New Zealand, that means an abrupt end to his family holiday – and an expensive, solitary flight home.

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Princess Cruises is preparing for a record-breaking Caribbean deployment for winter 2027–28, revealing an extensive line-up of sailings, new ports, and expanded Panama Canal options.

The programme, which is now open for bookings, will run from October 2027 to April 2028.

An Expanded Caribbean Programme Across Five Homeports

The 2027–28 season marks the most ambitious Caribbean schedule ever released by Princess, both in size and variety. Highlights include:

• 187 departures across the seven-month period
• Five US homeports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, New York, and San Juan
• Nine ships sailing the region, including the latest Sphere-class vessels Star Princess and Sun Princess
• 43 different itineraries, ranging from short four-night escapes to 15-night voyages
• 31 ports of call, covering 22 distinct Caribbean islands

“We’re incredibly excited to bring our guests an expanded Caribbean season filled with more of what they love – sun-soaked destinations, immersive experiences, and the elegance of our two newest Sphere-class ships,”

Jim Berra, Princess Cruises’ Chief Commercial Officer.

Princess Strengthens Its Panama Canal Leadership

Princess Cruises, already the industry leader for Panama Canal transits, is further ramping up its canal schedule between 2026 and 2028.

Five ships will sail a collection of partial and full-transit itineraries:

• Star Princess
• Caribbean Princess
• Island Princess
• Coral Princess
• Emerald Princess

One of the most notable voyages is Star Princess’ first Panama Canal transit, departing 13th April 2026.

The 20-night repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Seattle includes a full passage through the canal and visits to Aruba, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, and Los Angeles. The sailing leads directly into the ship’s maiden Alaska season.

Other canal cruises will depart from Port Canaveral, Los Angeles, and Vancouver, giving travellers a broad choice of departure points and voyage lengths.

Princess Ships to Call at Celebration Key

A major addition to the 2026–27 and 2027–28 programmes is Princess Cruises’ debut at Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation’s new private destination in the Bahamas.

Originally designed for exclusive use by Carnival Cruise Line, the destination’s popularity has led to a wider rollout across the corporation’s brands.

“Celebration Key is an extraordinary destination oasis and adding it to our itineraries gives guests even more ways to savour the Caribbean,” Berra said.

Attractions at Celebration Key include:

• Paradise Plaza, the island’s lively welcome hub
• Starfish Lagoon, designed for families
• Pearl Cove Beach Club, an adults-only retreat
• Over 30 dining and bar venues
• Live music, beach lounges, Bahamian art, and a broad mix of activities

Princess ships scheduled to call at Celebration Key include Sky Princess, Sun Princess, Regal Princess, Caribbean Princess, Enchanted Princess, and Star Princess.

Sailings Across the Caribbean’s Best-Loved Destinations

Depending on the itinerary, guests will also visit ports such as Grand Turk, Belize, Cozumel, St Thomas, St Maarten, and many more.

Cruises range from four to sixteen nights, with options to combine sailings for extended back-to-back holidays.

With a greater choice of ships, itineraries, and destinations than ever before, Princess Cruises’ 2027–28 Caribbean season offers a wide range of holidays for first-time cruisers and loyal guests alike.

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