A life jacket worn by a survivor of the RMS Titanic has sold for £670,000 at auction, setting a new benchmark for memorabilia linked to the ill-fated liner.
Titanic Life Jacket (Photo Credit: Henry Aldridge & Son)
The flotation device, once used by first-class passenger Laura Mabel Francatelli, went under the hammer at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire.
It is believed to be the only Titanic life jacket ever offered for sale at auction since the ship sank in 1912.
Francatelli was among roughly 700 passengers and crew who survived the disaster after the vessel struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. She wore the life jacket before boarding a lifeboat and later signed it along with other survivors.
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said he was “ecstatic” with the result, noting that the sale highlights the enduring fascination with Titanic’s story.
He previously described the item as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, given its unique status and direct connection to a named survivor.
The vest features 12 cork-filled pockets, shoulder supports and side straps, and had been expected to sell for between £250,000 and £350,000. Competitive bidding pushed the final price hundreds of thousands of pounds beyond that estimate.
Historic Artefacts Continue To Draw Strong Interest
The life jacket was not the only Titanic-related item to attract attention during the sale. A seat cushion from one of the ship’s lifeboats achieved £390,000.
The cushion is linked to London tea importer Richard William Smith, who perished in the disaster while travelling to New York. Although his body was never recovered, the cushion had been preserved by a friend.
It has been purchased by the Titanic Museum Attraction, which operates sites in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. The artefact is expected to go on public display.
Enduring Legacy Of The Titanic Disaster
The auction coincided with commemorations marking 114 years since the Titanic sank on 14th April 1912.
Ceremonies were held in Southampton, the port city closely associated with the ship and many of its crew.
More than 1,500 people lost their lives in the tragedy, making it one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history.
Over a century later, items connected to the ship and its passengers continue to command significant interest from collectors and museums alike, reflecting the lasting global impact of the event.
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P&O Cruises has launched its largest ever summer programme, putting 215 cruises on sale for 2028 across its seven-ship fleet, with departures from Southampton and fly-cruise options from Malta.
The new collection covers sailings between March and October 2028 and underlines the line’s continued focus on no-fly convenience from the UK as well as warm-weather Mediterranean holidays.
The programme spans 121 destinations in 29 countries and includes a broad mix of short breaks, British Isles voyages, Canary Islands sailings, Mediterranean fly-cruises, Northern Europe and Scandinavia itineraries, as well as longer 30-night cruises to the USA and Canada.
A major part of the new season is an expanded line-up of Norwegian fjords cruises, which remains one of the strongest parts of the P&O Cruises holiday offering.
The line is scheduling 36 weekend departures, including Friday sailings, between May and September 2028 in a move designed to make shorter scenic breaks easier to book for UK guests travelling from Southampton.
More time ashore is another key feature of the collection. Across the programme there are 64 overnight calls and 69 late evening departures, giving passengers longer in port to explore headline attractions including Athens’ Acropolis from Piraeus and Barcelona’s landmark Gaudí architecture.
More Northern Europe Sailings Take Centre Stage
Among the standout additions is a new 14-night Arvia itinerary combining Spain and France with the Norwegian fjords on round-trip sailings from Southampton.
It’s an unusual blend of Western Europe and Scandinavia in one voyage and gives the line a new way to package longer no-fly holidays for the UK market.
Arcadia and Aurora continue to play an important role in that strategy. P&O Cruises positions both vessels as its more traditional, adult-focused ships, although each also operates selected all-ages departures.
For summer 2028, the pair will offer cruises to Norway and Iceland, Northern Europe and Scandinavia, alongside selected multi-generational sailings ranging from three to 21 nights.
Aurora’s 21-night Arctic itinerary in August 2028 is one of the most notable longer cruises in the programme and includes an overnight stay in Reykjavik. P&O says Arcadia and Aurora remain its two ships most associated with adult-only holidays, while the rest of the fleet is primarily family-friendly.
Elsewhere in the programme, Azura gains a new overnight call in Livorno, creating more time for guests wanting to visit Florence and Pisa, while selected cruises on Britannia and Ventura will again offer access to Rome from Civitavecchia.
What Guests Can Book Now
The summer 2028 collection is now on sale with a series of launch offers available on bookings made by 30th June 2026. These include a 10% early booking discount and a 10% deposit on applicable Select Price and Early Saver holidays, plus an extra 5% saving for Peninsular Club members on selected sailings.
P&O Cruises is also offering third and fourth guests a fare from £49 per person on selected off-peak Southampton cruises of seven nights or more, where they are sharing a cabin. That could prove particularly attractive on family sailings during shoulder-season dates.
The cruise line is also continuing to push its newer always-on package options, which bundle together drinks, speciality dining credit and WiFi.
The Classic Package is priced from £49 per person per day and can offer savings of up to 32% against buying those elements separately on board.
The launch adds further weight to P&O Cruises’ push for early booking business in the UK market. The company has already been directing customers towards its wider 2028 cruise collection and has highlighted the breadth of destinations available across that programme, from Northern Europe to the Canary Islands, Caribbean and longer grand voyages.
For passengers, the main message from this release is straightforward. P&O Cruises is putting more summer product on sale than ever before, with Southampton departures, Norwegian fjords cruises and flexible holiday lengths all firmly at the centre of its 2028 plans.
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A passenger has died during a snorkelling excursion in Australia aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor, in an incident that occurred only hours before a separate overboard emergency on the same vessel.
The 67-year-old woman, from Tasmania, was found unresponsive in the water on 17th April 2026 while snorkelling off Moreton Island, near Brisbane. Despite efforts by emergency responders and crew members, she could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities in Queensland confirmed the ship alerted emergency services as the situation unfolded, prompting a coordinated response. The woman’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report is now being prepared for the coroner, in line with standard procedure.
Carnival Cruise Line said it is supporting the guest’s family and cooperating fully with investigators. A spokesperson said, “Carnival Cruise Line is deeply saddened by the death of a guest on Moreton Island on Friday. Our Care Team is supporting the guest’s family during this difficult time.”
Incident Occurred During Popular Island Stop
The fatality took place during a scheduled call at Moreton Island, a well-known destination for cruise passengers sailing from Sydney. The 113,500-gross-ton ship was operating a four-night roundtrip itinerary that includes two sea days and approximately 10 hours at the island.
Moreton Island is particularly popular for its calm waters and marine life, with activities such as snorkelling around the Tangalooma Wrecks, kayaking, and guided excursions drawing visitors from both cruise ships and the nearby city of Brisbane.
Passengers on board typically spend the stop engaging in water-based activities, which are generally considered safe but do carry inherent risks, particularly for older travellers or those with underlying health conditions.
Second Emergency Follows Hours Later
Just hours after the snorkelling incident, Carnival Splendor was involved in a separate emergency in the early hours of 18th April.
A male passenger in his 70s reportedly climbed over the ship’s safety rails and went overboard, prompting a large-scale search operation involving Australian maritime authorities. The search continued for several hours before being suspended.
The incident disrupted the vessel’s schedule, delaying its return to Sydney and impacting its subsequent departure. There is no indication that the two incidents are connected.
Water-Related Incidents Remain Uncommon
While such events are rare, this is not the first time Carnival Splendor has been linked to a fatal water-related incident during a port call.
In May 2023, a passenger died while swimming during a stop at Mystery Island in Vanuatu while the ship was sailing a South Pacific itinerary from Sydney.
Elsewhere in the cruise industry, similar incidents have occurred, including in August 2025 when two American passengers in their 70s died in separate drowning incident at Celebration Key in the Bahamas.
Despite these cases, fatalities linked to swimming or snorkelling excursions remain uncommon when compared to the millions of passengers who cruise each year. Cruise lines routinely advise guests to assess their swimming ability, follow safety guidance, and remain aware of local conditions before entering the water.
Queensland Police continue to review the circumstances surrounding the Moreton Island incident as part of their ongoing investigation.
Disney Cruise Line’s special offers this week now extend into mid-September 2026 — with 72 different sail dates available from a variety of departure ports, including Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, San Diego, and Vancouver. Additional special offers are also available across the fleet for these sailings.
The Disney Wish continues to lead the fleet with 24 sailings (down 4 from last week’s 28), followed by the Disney Magic, which held at 20 sailings. The Disney Treasure added 3 to 17 sailings, while the Disney Wonder dropped 3 to 16 sailings. The Disney Destiny, which debuted on this update last week, added 3 more to 10 sailings, the Disney Dream dropped 1 to 8 sailings, and the Disney Fantasy is up 2 to 8 sailings.
The Florida Resident rate added 4 sailings for a total of 15. The US Military Personnel offer held strong with 57 sailings. The Canadian Resident offer dropped 2 to 28 sailings, and the Southern California Resident offer dropped 1 to 4 sailings. The special bonus US Military offer for $250 onboard credit, announced in November, for select sailings in 2026 remains available.
Finally, the extra savings for those with placeholder reservations where the standard 10% is applicable for some concierge levels on select sailings and a bump in the discount up to 25% off on select sailings remain active.
The special offers listed below are available to book today while inventory lasts.
Special Offers for U.S. Military Personnel
Special Rates for U.S. Military Personnel (MTO) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid for new bookings only.
Disney Destiny
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Philipsburg, St. Maarten • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • At Sea
Disney Dream
12-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia ending in Barcelona Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • At Sea • Messina (Sicily), Italy • Corfu, Greece • At Sea • Mykonos, Greece • Piraeus (Athens), Greece • Rhodes, Greece • Rhodes, Greece • At Sea • Valletta, Malta • At Sea
7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona Barcelona, Spain • At Sea • Naples, Italy • Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • Livorno, Italy • Ajaccio, France • At Sea
7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona Barcelona, Spain • At Sea • Livorno, Italy • Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • Naples, Italy • Cagliari, Italy • At Sea
7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona Barcelona, Spain • At Sea • Cagliari, Italy • Naples, Italy • Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • Livorno, Italy • At Sea
7-Night Western Europe Cruise from Barcelona ending in Southampton Barcelona, Spain • Cartagena, Spain • Málaga, Spain • At Sea • Vigo, Spain • La Coruña, Spain • At Sea
9-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Barcelona ending in Civitavecchia Barcelona, Spain • At Sea • Messina (Sicily), Italy • At Sea • Piraeus (Athens), Greece • Santorini, Greece • Mykonos, Greece • Chania, Greece • At Sea
9-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • At Sea • Chania, Greece • Mykonos, Greece • At Sea • Dubrovnik, Croatia • Corfu, Greece • Valletta, Malta • Valletta, Malta
Disney Fantasy
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
Disney Magic
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
Disney Wonder
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
Special military rates are available to retired and active US military personnel (and their spouses), including US Coast Guard, US National Guard and US Military Reserves. Members of the US National Guard or the US Military Reserves (or their spouses) must show active-duty orders dated January 1st of the previous year to qualify. Third and fourth Guest prices valid with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Rates may vary by sail date and category. Other restrictions may apply. Other categories and sail dates may be available. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Active and retired members (or spouse) of the US military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. Valid for new bookings only.
Special Offers for Florida Residents
Special Rates for Florida Residents (FLR) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid on new and existing reservations.
Disney Destiny
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Fantasy
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
To take advantage of Florida residency cruise rates, proof of Florida Residency for at least one adult in each stateroom must be presented at time of check-in. Guests unable to show proper proof of Florida residency at check-in will have their cruise re-priced and the balance must be paid before being allowed to sail.
Proof of residency must be valid at the time of sailing, and includes the following:
Florida Driver’s License
Florida Identification Card
If you do not have one of the IDs indicated above, then you must provide one of the following—dated within the past 2 months—verifying a Florida residential address and your name, along with a corresponding, valid government-issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, state identification card):
Monthly mortgage statement
Renter’s lease agreement
Current automobile registration, insurance policy or bill
Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
Current utility bill (power/phone/cable/water)
Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements
Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency
Note: property deeds and P.O. boxes are not considered acceptable proofs of residency.
Children’s rates are also available to Guests ages 3 through 12 that are traveling with 2 adults in the same stateroom.
Special Offers for Southern California Residents
Special Rates for Southern California Residents are limited to 50 staterooms per sailing. The offer is available to those living in a qualifying zip code—90000 to 93599—at time of check-in. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. To take advantage of Southern California resident rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide proof of residency. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts, but is valid on new and existing reservations.
Disney Magic
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
Disney Wonder
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
To take advantage of this offer, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide valid proof of residency in a qualifying zip code—90000 to 93599—at time of check-in. If valid proof of residency is not provided at check-in, the non-discounted, prevailing rate for the cruise will be charged and must be paid by Guests before sailing; failure to pay the full balance due will result in cancellation of the reservation with applicable fees.
Proof of residency must be valid at the time of sailing, and includes the following:
California Driver’s License
California Identification Card
If you do not have one of the IDs indicated above, then you must provide one of the following documents—dated within the past 2 months—verifying your California residential address in a qualifying zip code (90000 to 93599) and your name, along with a corresponding, valid government-issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, state identification card):
Monthly mortgage statement
Renter’s lease agreement
Current automobile registration, insurance policy or bill
Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
Current utility bill (power/phone/cable/water)
Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements
Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency
Note: Property deeds and P.O. boxes are not considered acceptable proofs of residency.
Children’s rates may also be available to Guests ages 3 to 12 that are traveling with 2 adults in the same stateroom.
Other categories and sail dates with other rates may be available.
Canadian Resident Rates
Special Rates for Canadian Residents with savings on prevailing rates as quoted on Disneycruise.com for non-concierge Verandah, Oceanview, and Inside Staterooms on select cruises. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Proof of residency is required an you must mention the special offer code CAN when booking. NOTE: Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested when calling in. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits.
Disney Fantasy
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Magic
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver ending in San Diego Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
Disney Wonder
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
The Canadian Resident rate excludes suites and categories with restrictions (VGT, OGT, and IGT). Proof of Canada residency will be required at time of check-in. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses are not included. If booking through Disney Cruise Line’s Contact Center, you must mention code CAN. Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested by caller. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits. Offer valid for new and existing reservations.
Please note, the offers listed are not to be taken as official quotes. Prices and availability can change at any time without notice. More importantly, the deals listed above are a snapshot in time based on DCL’s online cruise search tool.
Last but certainly not least, I wanted to invite you to consider joining us on an upcoming DCL Blog Group Cruise! This summer, we are heading to Fort Lauderdale to sail to the Western Caribbean on the all new Disney Destiny. Click here to learn more out this group opportunity. We look forward to seeing you aboard.
MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Euribia will operate its previously cancelled sailings on 16th and 17th May 2026 after successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz and beginning its repositioning voyage to northern Europe.
The Meraviglia-Plus class ship had remained in Dubai due to uncertainty surrounding access through the key waterway, prompting the cruise line to cancel the two early-season Baltic departures.
However, in a reversal of that decision, the line has now reinstated both voyages after the vessel was able to safely depart the Arabian Gulf.
“MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and is now en route to Northern Europe. The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities.
“MSC Euribia is on course to resume her Northern Europe season, and as the ship will now be able to return sooner than previously anticipated, MSC Cruises confirms that the cruise departing on May 16 from Kiel (and May 17 from Copenhagen) will now operate as originally scheduled, with all subsequent sailings operating as planned.”
The ship cleared the northern tip of Oman on Saturday, 18th April, according to tracking data, and is now making her way towards Europe. The repositioning voyage spans approximately 8,300 miles, with refuelling and operational stops expected along the route before arrival in Germany.
Northern Europe Season Back On Track
The reinstated 16th May sailing from Kiel is a seven-night itinerary that includes calls to Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Alesund and Flam. The 17th May departure mirrors the same itinerary but operates as a round trip from Copenhagen.
MSC Euribia is scheduled to spend the summer season sailing across the Baltic Sea and North Sea before transitioning to the Mediterranean in mid-October. Winter itineraries will include departures from Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples and Palermo, with a return to northern Europe planned for April 2027.
Guests Offered Chance To Rejoin Cancelled Cruises
Passengers affected by the earlier cancellations are now being given the option to move back onto their original sailings.
“Guests whose cruises were cancelled will have the option to transfer their booking to this sailing should they wish, and will be contacted directly with further details,” MSC Cruises confirmed.
At the time of cancellation, travellers had been offered alternative sailings, future cruise credit, or full refunds. While the reinstatement provides an opportunity to restore original plans, some guests may be unable to return due to rearranged travel or scheduling conflicts.
The cruise line has not yet clarified how priority will be given to guests wishing to switch back, though with around a month before departure, there is still time to manage rebookings.
Captain Reflects On Strait Crossing
Following the successful transit, the ship’s captain shared a personal message reflecting on the experience:
The successful transit and swift reinstatement of sailings marks a significant turnaround for MSC Euribia’s European season, which now appears set to proceed without further disruption.
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A pair of cruise YouTubers say they have been banned from sailing with Margaritaville at Sea after publishing a widely viewed negative review, with the cruise line reportedly citing their past criticism as the reason for the restriction.
The creators behind the Travel Spree channel allege they discovered the ban while attempting to book a new cruise in 2026.
After entering their personal details online, they were repeatedly blocked from completing the reservation and instructed to contact customer support.
Testing the system with different names allowed bookings to proceed, prompting suspicion their accounts had been flagged.
That suspicion was later confirmed during a call with a customer service representative. According to a recording shared by the creators, the agent told them: “the system show me this is a guest blocked… you’re not allowed to board a cruise,” before adding that the restriction was linked to “something about… bad reviews.”
Viral Video Sparked Widespread Attention
The situation stems from a 2023 sailing aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s Paradise, which Travel Spree documented across YouTube and TikTok. While their longer-form video performed well, it was a short-form clip that gained significant traction, reportedly reaching around 10 million views.
The viral video highlighted aspects of the onboard experience the creators found disappointing, using humour and trending audio to showcase what they described as underwhelming conditions. The clip attracted hundreds of thousands of likes and tens of thousands of comments, as well as wider media attention.
Business Insider, which interviewed the pair at the time, described scenes including “a trash can full of used toilet paper, a rusted shower drain, and an unusual smell wafting through the cabin,” as the video circulated widely online.
Travel Spree have consistently stated they paid for the cruise themselves and were not invited as part of any promotional partnership. In the weeks following the video’s success, the Paradise entered dry dock for refurbishment, though the creators say they cannot directly link the timing to their content.
“We made a video. It got a result,” they said in their recent update. “We just showed you guys what our real experience was.”
Attempt To Rebook Reveals ‘Guest Locked’ Status
The creators recently attempted to revisit the cruise line to assess newer ships, including Islander, with the aim of providing an updated review for their audience.
“We wanted to give it a fair shot… our audience wants to know what it’s like now,” they explained.
However, after failing to complete a booking online, they contacted customer support, where they were informed of the restriction. When asking for clarification, the representative pointed to their previous feedback.
“So basically, because we didn’t have a good experience, they blocked us from getting on the ship again,” the creators said.
Despite the outcome, they emphasised they are not angry about the situation. “We’re not trying to play the victims here… we take accountability,” they said, adding that they were simply surprised by the long-term consequences of their review.
“I never realized that being so honest in a review could actually get you banned from a cruise line.”
Debate Grows Over Handling Of Criticism
The story has quickly gained traction within the cruise community, with other creators and viewers weighing in on the implications. A follow-up video discussing the situation attracted tens of thousands of views within hours, alongside hundreds of comments.
Much of the reaction has been critical of the cruise line’s reported decision, with some arguing it reflects poorly on transparency. Others suggested it represents a missed opportunity to invite the creators back and demonstrate improvements.
Some commentators have also highlighted the broader tension between cruise lines and content creators, particularly as influencer marketing becomes more prominent across the industry.
While many creators are invited on sponsored trips, Travel Spree noted they have never received a complimentary cruise, raising questions about how independent reviews are treated.
Another cruise vlogger discussing the case described the situation as unusual, noting that while bans do occur in the industry, they are rarely linked directly to negative reviews.
At the same time, opinion among viewers appears divided. Some argue businesses are entitled to refuse service following damaging publicity, while others suggest that preventing critics from returning may amplify attention rather than limit it.
For now, Travel Spree say they remain open to sailing with the line again in future if given the opportunity.
“We’re not mad at them… there’s no hard feelings,” they said. “We’d still like to try the new ships.”
Whether the incident signals a broader shift in how cruise lines handle online criticism remains to be seen, but it has already reignited debate about authenticity, transparency, and the growing influence of independent travel creators.
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An elderly passenger has gone overboard from Carnival Splendor, triggering an extensive search and rescue operation off the coast of Australia and delaying the vessel’s next scheduled sailing from Sydney.
The incident occurred during the ship’s four-night voyage departing Sydney, with the man, believed to be in his 70s, reported missing in the early hours of 18th April 2026. The 3,012-guest vessel was nearing the end of its itinerary at the time.
Passengers onboard reported hearing a man overboard alert broadcast across the ship’s public address system, specifically referencing the starboard side. Within an hour, the captain confirmed the situation and altered course, turning the vessel around to begin search efforts.
Tracking data indicates the ship deviated from its planned route and began conducting search patterns approximately 30 miles southeast of Moreton Island, near the approach to the Port of Brisbane.
Search Operation Intensifies Off Brisbane Coast
Australia’s national maritime authority has mobilised significant resources in response. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed it is coordinating a large-scale operation involving multiple agencies.
Assets deployed include six vessels from Queensland Police, five rescue helicopters, and Challenger jet aircraft tasked with scanning the area from above. The search zone lies along Australia’s east coast, where conditions and currents can complicate recovery efforts.
Carnival Splendor had visited Moreton Island on 17th April and was en route back to Sydney when the incident unfolded.
Next Sailing From Sydney Delayed
The operation has disrupted the ship’s return schedule, forcing a delay to its next cruise, which was due to depart Sydney on 19th April.
In a message sent to embarking passengers, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the delay and advised guests not to travel to the terminal until updated timings are issued.
“Carnival Splendor is currently involved in a search and rescue operation and will be delayed arriving in Sydney tomorrow. As a result, check-in and embarkation for your cruise will also be delayed,”
The statement added that revised embarkation details would be shared later, urging passengers to await confirmation before heading to the port.
The affected sailing is a four-night itinerary mirroring the current voyage, including a call at Moreton Island, and is scheduled to return to Sydney on 23rd April.
Man overboard incidents remain relatively rare but often require immediate and resource-intensive responses, with survival chances heavily dependent on how quickly a person is located and recovered.
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A passenger and his pet cat have been rescued by Carnival Legend after the cruise ship responded to a distress situation in the Gulf of Mexico on 14th April 2026.
The 85,942-gross-ton vessel was en route from Galveston, Texas to Cozumel when crew spotted a disabled sailboat launching emergency flares in choppy conditions. The sails on the smaller craft were down, leaving it drifting without control as waves buffeted the vessel.
Carnival Legend altered course and initiated a rescue operation, deploying a tender boat while illuminating the area with searchlights to maintain visibility. Despite the rough seas affecting the sailboat, conditions posed no difficulty for the much larger cruise ship.
When rescuers reached the vessel, they found one man onboard along with a black cat named Dahlia. Reports indicate the pair had been drifting for four days before being located. An inflatable raft was also spotted alongside the sailboat, suggesting the sailor may have been preparing to abandon ship.
Both were safely transferred to Carnival Legend, where they received medical checks, food, and care. Cruise lines are obligated to assist those in distress at sea, and this extends to animals in rescue situations.
The abandoned sailboat was left afloat following standard maritime protocol. Officers recorded its position and alerted relevant authorities so it could be tracked and addressed.
The rescue operation did not affect the ship’s itinerary. Carnival Legend had departed Galveston on 13th April for a 10-night Western Caribbean sailing, with scheduled calls including Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman before returning on 23rd April.
The rescued man and his cat were later disembarked in Cozumel during the ship’s planned port call.
Guests onboard documented the dramatic rescue, sharing footage across social media that captured the challenging sea conditions and careful approach taken by the crew.
While pets are not permitted aboard cruise ships under normal circumstances, exceptions are made during rescue operations. Carnival Cruise Line confirmed Dahlia remained onboard following the rescue and was safely cared for until disembarkation.
Animal rescues at sea, while uncommon, are not unprecedented. In January 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas rescued six fishermen along with their dog in waters north of the Yucatan Peninsula.
In another unusual case in October 2023, a stowaway cat was discovered aboard Ovation of the Seas during a transpacific voyage and was later adopted after completing quarantine.
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A US jury has ordered Carnival Cruise Line to pay $300,000 in damages after finding the company partially responsible for overserving alcohol to a passenger who later suffered serious injuries onboard.
The case centres on Diana Sanders, a 45-year-old California woman who sailed aboard Carnival Radiance on 5th January 2024 for a three-night cruise from Long Beach to Mexico. Sanders claimed she was served at least 14 tequila shots over an eight-hour period before falling on a stairway late that evening.
She filed her lawsuit in November 2024, seeking damages exceeding $75,000 and requesting a jury trial. After a 17-month legal process, a six-person jury ruled in her favour, although liability was shared between both parties.
Details Of The Incident And Injuries
According to court filings, Sanders began drinking at around 3 pm and continued until shortly after 11:30 pm when the incident occurred. While walking around the ship, she fell on a stairway, resulting in multiple injuries.
The lawsuit listed those injuries as “including, but not limited to, a concussion, headaches, a possible traumatic brain injury, back injuries, tailbone injuries, bruising, and other injuries.”
The jury determined that Carnival bore 60% of the responsibility, while Sanders herself was assigned 40% of the blame, reflecting arguments that she had some level of personal accountability for her alcohol consumption.
Her attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, pointed to broader issues within the cruise industry when discussing the case.
“I believe a primary culprit is prepaid drink packages that encourage people to ‘get their money’s worth.’ Furthermore, servers on these cruise lines are often minimally paid workers from economically disadvantaged countries who are financially incentivized to continue serving alcohol because they are compensated by tips,”
Spencer Aronfeld, attorney.
At the time of the sailing, Carnival’s Cheers! drink package allowed guests to consume up to 15 alcoholic beverages within a 24-hour period, starting from 6 am. Sanders’ reported consumption fell just below that threshold.
Questions Over Service And Accountability
The case raised complex questions about how alcohol service is monitored onboard large cruise ships. Carnival Radiance, a vessel of more than 101,000 gross tonnes, features eight separate bars and lounges, meaning passengers may be served by multiple crew members throughout the day.
During proceedings, it emerged that Sanders could not identify a specific bartender or venue responsible for overserving her. Additionally, there was no clear evidence presented that she was visibly intoxicated in a way that would have prompted crew intervention.
While all purchases are logged through a guest’s Sail & Sign account, it remains unclear whether bartenders consistently review a passenger’s prior orders before serving additional drinks. High demand and long queues at onboard bars may also impact how closely consumption is monitored in real time.
Carnival is expected to challenge the verdict. In a statement issued to local media, the company said:
“Carnival Corporation respectfully disagrees with the verdict and believes there are grounds for a new trial and appeal, which it will pursue.”
Latest In A String Of Cruise Lawsuits
The case adds to a growing number of legal actions involving cruise lines and passenger safety. In recent years, incidents ranging from onboard injuries to equipment failures have resulted in lawsuits against major operators.
Claims involving alcohol service are less common but highlight ongoing scrutiny around drink packages and whether they encourage excessive consumption.
As these packages remain a popular add-on for passengers, the outcome of any appeal in this case could have wider implications for how cruise lines manage and monitor alcohol sales at sea.
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The first cruise ships have begun leaving the Arabian Gulf after weeks of disruption, with Celestyal Discovery leading a gradual return to movement through the Strait of Hormuz following a prolonged closure linked to regional conflict.
The 1,360-guest vessel departed Port Rashid in Dubai at 11:36 am local time on 17th April, becoming the first known cruise ship to transit out of the strait since late February. The ship is now sailing towards Muscat, Oman, where it is due to arrive on 18th April at 4 pm.
The reopening marks a significant turning point for the cruise sector, which had effectively been shut out of the key shipping lane after Iran warned vessels against entering the waterway on 28th February amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
That warning halted traffic through the narrow channel linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, leaving multiple cruise ships stranded in regional ports and forcing widespread cancellations and itinerary changes.
Celestyal Discovery had been operating its ‘Iconic Arabia’ itinerary at the time, visiting ports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Khasab. Its sister ship, Celestyal Journey, had been sailing similar ‘Desert Days’ cruises but was forced to remain in Doha as the situation developed.
More Ships Now On The Move
Following Celestyal Discovery’s departure, several other cruise ships have now begun repositioning voyages out of the region, signalling cautious confidence that transit through the strait is once again possible.
MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia, one of the largest vessels impacted, has departed Dubai and is currently sailing towards Muscat at reduced speed, with an expected arrival late on 18th April.
The 184,000-gross-ton LNG-powered ship had been due to begin its European summer season in Kiel, Germany, but multiple sailings have already been cancelled due to the delay. Whether it can meet its planned 23rd May departure from Germany will depend on how quickly it can complete the long journey to Europe.
Celestyal Journey has also departed Doha and is heading towards Khasab, near the northern tip of Oman within the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is expected to arrive late morning on 18th April, likely for refuelling or resupply before continuing towards its Mediterranean deployment. The vessel is scheduled to operate 7-night Greek Isles sailings from Greece through to November.
TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 5 is similarly underway from Doha, also bound for Khasab, with an arrival expected early afternoon on 18th April. The ship is due to spend the summer season in the Mediterranean, sailing from Heraklion before later repositioning to the Caribbean.
Cruise lines have not yet issued formal statements confirming a full reopening of the strait, but ship tracking data indicates a steady resumption of movements.
The best place to track cruise ships – as well as save a record of all cruises you’ve been on, replay the routes and countdown to your upcoming cruises – is The Cruise Globe, which is free to join.
More Departures Expected Soon
Attention is now turning to the remaining vessels still in the region, most notably Mein Schiff 4, which remains docked in Abu Dhabi at the time of writing. The ship had been due to begin its Mediterranean season earlier this month and may now adjust its route to reach Europe more quickly.
If conditions remain stable, further departures are expected in the coming days as cruise lines work to reposition ships for the summer season. These voyages typically involve sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, across the Arabian Sea, transiting the Suez Canal and continuing into Europe.
Many of the ships are currently travelling without guests on board, allowing operators to prioritise refuelling, resupply and crew logistics following the extended توقف. Some crew members may need to rejoin their vessels after precautionary evacuations during the height of the crisis.
Despite the heightened tensions in recent weeks, including a reported incident on 1st March when Iranian drones crashed in Abu Dhabi near Mein Schiff 4, no cruise ships have reported any damage.
The situation now appears to be stabilising, but cruise lines are likely to proceed cautiously, with ongoing security considerations and any requirements imposed by Iranian authorities expected to influence how quickly normal operations can fully resume.
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