Posts in category: Cruise News

Carnival Cruise Line has removed Cairns from Carnival Encounter’s upcoming Great Barrier Reef itinerary after reduced channel depths were deemed too shallow for the ship to safely reach the cruise terminal.

The 108,865-gross-ton vessel is due to leave Brisbane on 5th September 2026 for a six-night cruise, with the change announced to passengers on 1st September, four days before departure.

Cairns had been scheduled for 8th September, but the cancellation has prompted Carnival to bring forward the ship’s Airlie Beach visit and add Townsville as a replacement destination.

“Current channel depths have reduced and are now too shallow to allow for the safe passage of our ship to Cairns Cruise Terminal, and the issue will not be fixed before our planned visit,” Carnival said in its notice to guests. “The safety of our guests is our top priority, so our scheduled visit to Cairns can no longer proceed.”

Carnival did not specify what had caused the reduction in channel depths or provide a timeframe for the conditions to be resolved.

Townsville Added To Revised Itinerary

Carnival Encounter’s scheduled visit to Willis Island on 7th September remains unchanged.

Rather than continuing to Cairns the following day, the approximately 2,600-passenger ship will now visit Airlie Beach on 8th September, one day earlier than originally planned. Townsville has been added to the itinerary for 9th September.

Passengers will be able to arrange shore excursions for the new Townsville call after boarding, either through the Carnival HUB app or at the Carnival Adventures Desk.

Any prepaid Carnival shore excursions booked for Cairns will be refunded automatically.

The itinerary adjustment will also affect the end of the cruise. Carnival Encounter is now scheduled to arrive back in Brisbane at 8am on 11th September, one hour later than its original 7am arrival time.

No compensation was outlined in the passenger notice for travellers whose onward arrangements may be affected by the later return.

Further Cairns Calls Remain Scheduled

The cancelled visit comes as Carnival Encounter continues its year-round programme from Brisbane, which includes a range of Great Barrier Reef itineraries.

Cairns remains on the schedule for subsequent Carnival Encounter cruises, although continued restrictions in the channel could potentially affect future calls if conditions remain unsuitable for the ship.

The vessel is next scheduled to return to the area later in September. Carnival Encounter is due to depart Brisbane on 26th September on a seven-night itinerary, with Airlie Beach scheduled for 28th September and an overnight Cairns visit beginning on 29th September.

Willis Island is then scheduled for 1st October before the ship returns to Brisbane on 3rd October.

As of the notice concerning the 5th September departure, Carnival had not announced changes to that later itinerary.

Carnival Encounter recently underwent enhancements and is part of Carnival Cruise Line’s expanded Australian operation. The line has scheduled further Great Barrier Reef cruises from Brisbane into 2027 and 2028, with Cairns included on a number of itineraries.

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Royal Caribbean International has fully cancelled the 30th August 2026 departure of Serenade of the Seas from Vancouver, following days of unsuccessful repair attempts whilst guests remained aboard the vessel.

The cruise line announced that passengers must disembark by 11:59 p.m. on 2nd September 2026, ending hopes for even an abbreviated Alaska cruise after technical issues prevented the ship from safely departing.

Passengers eagerly boarded Serenade of the Seas on 30th August expecting to embark on a seven-night Alaska cruise, only to find themselves stranded in Vancouver harbour whilst repair crews worked around the clock on an undisclosed technical problem.

The cruise line initially optimistic about resolving the issue, kept guests aboard with promises of a shortened sailing. Royal Caribbean first notified passengers on 22nd August about a delay and modification to the itinerary.

The original seven-night voyage was to be reduced to a five-night sailing, visiting only Ketchikan and Prince Rupert instead of the originally planned ports. An earlier communication to guests stated: “Due to necessary maintenance requiring additional time in Vancouver, British Columbia, we will now depart on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 9:00 PM.”

This optimistic timeline, however, proved impossible to meet as repair work dragged on longer than anticipated.

Full Cancellation Announced After Extended Repair Attempts

Despite round-the-clock efforts by technical teams, the repairs could not be completed in time for a safe departure. The latest letter distributed to guests aboard the vessel explained the difficult decision to cancel the entire sailing.

“As you may know, Serenade of the Seas has been experiencing a technical issue. Despite our teams’ around-the-clock efforts to complete the necessary repairs, we were unable to resolve the issue in time for the ship to safely depart. As a result, we must cancel this sailing,” the communication read.

The announcement came as a particular blow to passengers who had already spent several days aboard the stationary vessel, watching their holiday slip away whilst hoping for a last-minute resolution. Many had already made significant adjustments to their travel plans when the initial delay was announced.

Passenger Frustration Mounts As Holiday Dreams Evaporate

Social media channels filled with disappointed comments from guests aboard Serenade of the Seas as news of the full cancellation spread. The frustration was amplified by the belief that the cruise line may have anticipated the outcome earlier than disclosed.

“Frustrating to be on this cruise! Disappointed as they likely knew this would be the outcome, more time to figure out options would have been nice!” one guest commented on Facebook, expressing a sentiment shared by many of the 2,143 passengers affected.

The extended period of uncertainty whilst aboard the ship added to passenger frustration. Rather than being notified of the cancellation immediately, guests remained in a state of limbo for days, unable to make alternative holiday arrangements or change flights home.

Beyond those currently aboard, passengers booked on upcoming September departures have also expressed concern about whether their cruises might face similar cancellations. With only three sailings remaining in the vessel’s Alaska season, the pressure is on Royal Caribbean to complete repairs quickly.

Comprehensive Compensation Package Offered To Affected Guests

In response to the cancelled sailing, Royal Caribbean has assembled a substantial compensation package for the disappointed passengers. All guests will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, ensuring they are not financially penalised for the cancellation beyond their control.

Additionally, the cruise line is providing a 100 per cent future cruise credit equal to the original fare price paid. This credit offers considerable flexibility, as it may be used on any Royal Caribbean sailing, aboard any ship, and to any destination in the company’s global deployment.

The future cruise credit must be used within one year from the date of issue. This type of generous compensation has become Royal Caribbean’s standard response when sailings must be abruptly cancelled or when overbooking situations force guests to forfeit their planned holidays.

Recognising the additional financial burden of changing travel arrangements, the cruise line is also reimbursing flight change fees. Guests can claim up to $200 USD per person for domestic flights or $400 USD for international flights, helping to offset the costs of rebooking air travel.

To facilitate making these arrangements whilst still aboard the vessel, Royal Caribbean has provided complimentary WiFi access to all passengers. This allows guests to contact airlines, travel agents, and family members without incurring additional charges during an already stressful situation.

Serenade Of The Seas’ Vancouver Alaska Programme

The 90,090-gross-tonne Serenade of the Seas has been homeported in Vancouver throughout the 2026 Alaska season, offering seven-night roundtrip voyages to some of the region’s most popular destinations.

The ship’s itineraries typically include calls at Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, and Prince Rupert, along with scenic glacier cruising experiences. The exact ports of call vary depending on each departure date, allowing the cruise line to showcase different aspects of Alaska’s stunning coastline and wildlife-rich waters.

These voyages have long been popular with cruise enthusiasts seeking to experience the natural beauty of the Last Frontier. With the 30th August departure now cancelled, only three sailings remain on Serenade of the Seas’ Alaska calendar – departures scheduled for 6th September, 13th September, and 20th September 2026.

The cruise line faces a tight deadline to complete repairs if these final voyages are to operate as planned. At present, Royal Caribbean has confirmed there is no change to the 6th September departure.

However, the cruise line has advised booked guests to maintain close contact and monitor official communications as repair work continues, as the situation could evolve rapidly.

Technical Issues Plague Vessel’s Recent Operations

Whilst Royal Caribbean has not disclosed specific details about the technical malfunction affecting Serenade of the Seas, the fact that the vessel has been unable to leave port strongly suggests problems with the propulsion system. Such issues would prevent the ship from safely navigating the challenging Alaskan waters.

This is not the first time Serenade of the Seas has experienced technical difficulties whilst operating Alaska itineraries. During the 2025 season, the vessel was forced to adjust or cancel multiple port visits throughout June and July due to reduced speed capabilities and the need for propulsion repairs.

The recurring nature of these problems raises questions about the ageing vessel’s mechanical reliability and whether more extensive refurbishment work may be required. At 23 years old, having entered service in 2003, Serenade of the Seas is amongst Royal Caribbean’s older vessels.

The ship underwent a significant refurbishment in 2020 as part of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified modernisation programme, receiving updated dining venues, new technology features, and refreshed staterooms. However, even extensive renovations cannot entirely eliminate the challenges that come with operating ageing mechanical systems.

Sister Ship Faced Similar Propulsion Problems

Serenade of the Seas is not alone in experiencing technical difficulties amongst Royal Caribbean’s Radiance-class vessels. Her sister ship, Radiance of the Seas, encountered remarkably similar problems during the final weeks of her Alaska season in late August and early September 2023.

Both vessels belong to the cruise line’s Radiance class, which represents some of the oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Radiance of the Seas entered service in 2001, making her two years older than Serenade of the Seas.

The pattern of propulsion-related issues affecting multiple ships in the same class suggests potential systemic concerns with this generation of vessels. As these ships continue to age, maintaining their complex mechanical systems becomes increasingly challenging, particularly when operating in demanding environments such as Alaska’s Inside Passage.

The Radiance class consists of four ships in total: Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas. All were built between 2001 and 2004, making them between 22 and 25 years old.

Industry Context And Fleet Management Challenges

The cancellation highlights the ongoing challenges cruise lines face in maintaining ageing vessels whilst meeting passenger expectations for reliable service. Royal Caribbean operates one of the industry’s largest and most diverse fleets, with ships ranging from brand-new vessels featuring cutting-edge technology to older ships that have served for over two decades.

Whilst newer ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, such as the Oasis-class and Icon-class vessels, incorporate the latest propulsion technology and redundant systems, older vessels like Serenade of the Seas rely on mechanical systems that require increasingly intensive maintenance as they age.

Alaska’s cruise season places particular demands on ships due to the remote locations, challenging navigation conditions, and limited repair facilities available in the region. When technical problems arise, ships may need to remain in ports like Vancouver or Seattle where adequate shipyard facilities and parts are available.

The timing of this cancellation, coming near the end of Alaska’s cruise season, adds additional pressure on Royal Caribbean to resolve the issues quickly. The company must balance the desire to complete the remaining scheduled sailings with the paramount importance of passenger safety and operational reliability.

Future Implications For Upcoming Departures

Passengers booked on the three remaining September departures face considerable uncertainty about whether their cruises will operate as scheduled. The 6th September sailing is particularly at risk, as it is scheduled to depart just four days after guests from the cancelled voyage must disembark.

Royal Caribbean has stated there is currently no change to the 6th September departure, but this position could shift rapidly depending on the progress of repair work. The cruise line has urged booked guests to stay in close communication and monitor official channels for updates.

If repairs cannot be completed in time for the 6th September sailing, Royal Caribbean may face difficult decisions about whether to cancel that voyage as well or potentially reposition another vessel to fulfil the commitment.

However, repositioning a ship on short notice would be logistically complex and potentially impossible given Alaska’s late-season timing. The 13th and 20th September departures may have better prospects if additional time allows repair teams to fully resolve the technical issues.

However, guests booked on these voyages would be wise to purchase travel insurance and maintain flexible travel arrangements until Royal Caribbean provides definitive confirmation that the ship has been cleared to sail.

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Captain Gennaro Arma has announced his departure from Princess Cruises after 28 years with the cruise line, ending a distinguished career that saw him navigate one of cruising’s most challenging crises and help launch the brand’s newest vessels.

The Italian captain, best known for his calm leadership during Diamond Princess’s COVID-19 quarantine in Japan, shared the news via an emotional LinkedIn post on 31st August 2026, though he has not disclosed a final departure date or characterised the move as full retirement.

Captain Arma’s journey with Princess Cruises began in 1998 when he joined the company as a cadet, representing the traditional path through which many mariners ascend to command positions.

Over nearly three decades, he progressed through the various ranks required of a ship’s officer, gaining experience across multiple vessels and departments before assuming the responsibilities of master.

His dedication and skill culminated in receiving his first command in 2015 aboard Sea Princess, a vessel that would later depart the Princess fleet in 2020.

This milestone marked the beginning of his tenure as one of Princess Cruises’ senior captains, a position that would see him entrusted with some of the line’s most significant vessels and challenging assignments.

The progression from cadet to captain typically takes many years of sea time, advanced certifications, and demonstrated leadership ability.

Captain Arma’s rise through these ranks at a single cruise line reflects both his commitment to Princess Cruises and the company’s investment in developing maritime talent from within.

Diamond Princess Crisis Brings Global Recognition

Captain Arma’s name became known far beyond the cruise industry in February 2020 when he commanded the 2,710-passenger Diamond Princess during a COVID-19 outbreak whilst docked in Yokohama, Japan.

The vessel became one of the earliest major outbreaks of the virus outside of China, thrusting the captain into an unprecedented crisis that would test every aspect of his leadership.

The outbreak resulted in a 14-day quarantine that saw more than 700 infections amongst passengers and crew, with the last individuals not disembarking until 1st March 2020.

Throughout this extraordinarily difficult period, Captain Arma’s calm demeanour and professional conduct drew widespread praise from passengers, health officials, and industry observers.

The situation aboard Diamond Princess unfolded during the early days of the pandemic when protocols for managing shipboard outbreaks were still being developed.

Captain Arma had to coordinate with Japanese health authorities, manage anxious passengers confined to their cabins, ensure crew welfare whilst maintaining essential operations, and communicate transparently with global media – all whilst the world watched intensely.

His handling of these responsibilities under extreme pressure earned him official recognition from the Italian government.

President Sergio Mattarella named Captain Arma a Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, with the Italian presidency specifically citing his “exemplary conduct” during the emergency.

This honour represents one of Italy’s highest civilian awards and underscores the extraordinary nature of the challenges he navigated.

Leading Princess Cruises Into The Sphere-Class Era

Beyond his crisis management credentials, Captain Arma played a pivotal role in bringing Princess Cruises’ newest and most advanced vessels into service.

Princess appointed him as the newbuild site lead for both Sphere-class ships – Sun Princess and Star Princess – during their construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Italy.

This position extended far beyond typical captain duties, involving direct participation in the construction process, oversight of technical installations, coordination with shipyard personnel, and ensuring that the vessels met Princess Cruises’ exacting standards.

The newbuild site lead serves as the cruise line’s primary representative during construction, responsible for accepting or rejecting completed work and ultimately taking delivery of the finished vessel.

Captain Arma was present aboard Star Princess when the ship completed her sea trials in August 2025, the final major milestone before delivery.

These trials test all shipboard systems under actual operating conditions, from propulsion and navigation to hotel functions and safety equipment.

His presence during this critical phase ensured continuity between construction and operational phases.

The work culminated in September 2025 when Princess Cruises officially took delivery of Star Princess, with Captain Arma instrumental in the handover process.

Just over a week later, on 4th October 2025, the vessel embarked on her maiden voyage with Arma serving as captain, marking the beginning of the ship’s commercial service.

Star Princess represents Princess Cruises’ largest vessel to date at 175,500 gross tonnes, with capacity for 4,300 passengers.

The Sphere-class design introduces numerous innovations to the Princess fleet, including the line’s first glass-floored seawalk, enhanced dome experience, and expanded entertainment venues.

Captain Arma’s involvement from construction through inaugural sailings ensured these new features were properly integrated into operational procedures.

Ceremonial Duties And Inaugural Season Leadership

Captain Arma’s role extended to the ceremonial aspects of Star Princess’s debut.

In November 2025, he stood alongside Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha at Port Everglades as actress Camila McConaughey and her husband, actor Matthew McConaughey, officially named the ship during a traditional maritime christening ceremony.

These naming ceremonies represent important milestones in a vessel’s life, combining maritime tradition with modern celebration.

The presence of the ship’s captain at such events acknowledges their role as the vessel’s senior officer and symbolic guardian.

Captain Arma’s participation underscored his central position in Star Princess’s successful launch.

He remained at the helm as Star Princess continued through her inaugural seasons, providing leadership stability during the critical early months when new vessels work through operational refinements.

This included the ship’s first arrival in Seattle in May 2026, marking the beginning of her first Alaska season – one of cruising’s most prestigious deployment regions.

The Seattle arrival represented another ceremonial milestone, with Captain Arma joining local officials for a plaque exchange commemorating the occasion.

These port partnerships are essential to cruise operations, and the captain’s participation in such formalities helps establish relationships that benefit future port calls.

Rotating Command And Current Assignment

Most recently, Captain Arma has served as captain aboard Star Princess whilst rotating the role with Commodore Nick Nash, Princess Cruises’ most senior captain.

This rotation arrangement is common practice on major cruise ships, allowing captains scheduled time off whilst ensuring continuity of experienced leadership.

Commodore Nash holds the ceremonial rank of commodore within Princess Cruises, traditionally bestowed upon the cruise line’s senior-most captain.

The fact that Captain Arma shared command rotation with the commodore reflects his standing within Princess’s maritime hierarchy and the trust placed in him to lead the fleet’s flagship vessel.

It remains unclear whether Captain Arma will serve as captain aboard any additional cruises before his final departure from Princess Cruises.

The timing and logistics of captain transitions can be complex, particularly on vessels maintaining demanding itineraries with booked passengers.

Princess Cruises has not announced whether another captain will be permanently appointed to serve aboard Star Princess following his departure.

Reflections On A Career At Sea

In his LinkedIn announcement, Captain Arma offered reflections on his nearly three decades with Princess Cruises, highlighting achievements, challenges, and relationships formed throughout his career.

“After 28 years with Princess Cruises, I have decided that it is time to close one of the most important chapters of my professional life,” he stated.

His words conveyed both the difficulty of the decision and acceptance of life’s natural transitions.

“Life is made of chapters, and sometimes you know when it is time to turn the page,” Captain Arma continued.

“I leave with gratitude for the past, affection for the many people I have met along the way, and an open heart for whatever comes next.”

The captain’s career spanned significant changes in the cruise industry, from Princess’s expansion in the late 1990s through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic era and into the current period of fleet modernisation.

His experience encompasses multiple ship classes, evolving safety regulations, advancing maritime technology, and changing passenger expectations.

Beyond his service at sea, Captain Arma has served as President of Istruttori Associati Marittimi (IAM) since 2021.

This Italian organisation represents maritime instructors and promotes professional development within the maritime industry.

He has not announced any intention to leave that role, suggesting his departure from Princess Cruises may allow him to dedicate more time to industry education and advocacy.

What Comes Next Remains Unannounced

Whilst Captain Arma’s announcement confirmed his departure from Princess Cruises, he provided neither a final departure date nor details of future plans.

Significantly, he did not characterise this move as full retirement, suggesting he may pursue other opportunities within the maritime industry or related fields.

Given his extensive experience with newbuild projects, his leadership credentials demonstrated during crisis situations, and his profile within the cruise industry, numerous possibilities exist for his next chapter.

These could include consulting roles with shipbuilders or cruise lines, positions with maritime organisations, educational roles at maritime academies, or advisory positions leveraging his unique experience.

The cruise industry maintains a relatively small community of senior captains with experience commanding large passenger vessels, and those with Captain Arma’s combination of crisis management credentials and newbuild expertise represent particularly valuable resources.

His decision to leave whilst still actively commanding one of the industry’s newest vessels suggests a personal choice rather than retirement age or health considerations.

A Legacy Of Leadership And Service

Captain Gennaro Arma’s departure marks the end of an era for Princess Cruises and represents the loss of one of the cruise industry’s most recognisable maritime leaders.

His 28-year career with a single cruise line reflects a level of loyalty and institutional knowledge increasingly rare in modern employment contexts.

From his early days as a cadet learning the fundamentals of seamanship to his role shepherding the Sphere-class vessels from construction to service, Captain Arma’s journey embodies the maritime profession’s traditions whilst adapting to contemporary challenges.

His calm leadership during Diamond Princess’s quarantine provided a model for crisis management that the industry studied as the pandemic unfolded across the global fleet.

As Princess Cruises prepares for his departure, the company faces the task of filling command positions aboard vessels including Star Princess whilst maintaining the high standards Captain Arma helped establish.

The cruise line has not issued a statement regarding his departure or announced succession plans for his current assignments.

For cruise passengers who sailed under Captain Arma’s command – whether during routine voyages or the extraordinary circumstances of the Diamond Princess quarantine – his departure will mark the end of a connection to one of cruising’s most memorable figures.

His legacy within Princess Cruises and the broader maritime community will endure long after he signs off from his final voyage.

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Carnival Breeze made contact with a pier while docking in Cozumel, Mexico, on Monday, 31st August 2026, leaving visible scrapes and paint damage on the ship’s starboard hull.

The 3,690-guest Carnival Cruise Line ship was manoeuvring into its berth at approximately 9am when it contacted the corner of the pier. Carnival Jubilee was using an adjacent berth at the same pier, but the two cruise ships did not make contact.

Photos and video shared following the incident show an area of scraped paint on Carnival Breeze well above the waterline, between two sets of access doors.

One video records a loud impact as the ship reaches the pier. Footage also shows Carnival Breeze approaching the berth at an angle, although the circumstances leading to the contact have not been confirmed.

No injuries were reported, while passengers commenting online said they did not feel the impact or experience other problems when it occurred.

Carnival Breeze Continues Western Caribbean Cruise

The pier contact did not prevent Carnival Breeze from completing its scheduled visit to Cozumel. The ship had been due to remain in port until 5pm and departed on schedule.

Cozumel was the first port of call on the ship’s five-night Western Caribbean cruise, which departed Galveston, Texas, on Saturday, 29th August.

After spending Sunday at sea and visiting Cozumel on Monday, Carnival Breeze was scheduled to call at Progreso from 9am until 5pm on Tuesday, 1st September. The itinerary then includes another day at sea before the ship is due to return to Galveston on Thursday, 3rd September.

No damage to the Cozumel pier had been confirmed following the incident, and there was no indication that the schedules of other cruise ships would be affected.

The visible damage to Carnival Breeze appears to be above the waterline. The full extent of any damage to the vessel has not been confirmed.

Previous Cruise Ship Pier Incidents

Although pier contacts are relatively uncommon, similar incidents have involved cruise ships in ports around the world. Factors including wind, currents, swell and other local conditions can affect manoeuvring during arrivals and departures, although there has been no confirmed indication that any of those factors contributed to the Carnival Breeze incident.

In September 2025, Miray Cruises’ MV Gemini contacted a pier while docking in Piraeus, Greece, resulting in damage to the vessel.

Another Carnival Dream-class ship, Carnival Magic, struck a pier in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, during bad weather on 6th February 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas also made contact with a dock in Falmouth, Jamaica, on 26th May 2022, in an incident subsequently attributed to pilot error.

Other previous cases include Norwegian Escape striking a pier in Civitavecchia, Italy, in December 2020, Carnival Horizon making contact with Pier 90 in Manhattan in August 2018 and Disney Dream hitting a pier in Nassau, Bahamas, in September 2017.

Following a pier contact, a vessel can be inspected to establish whether there has been any structural damage and whether it remains safe to operate. Carnival Breeze was able to depart Cozumel on schedule following Monday’s incident.

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Australian maritime authorities inspected Carnival Adventure after receiving a complaint about an unpleasant odour on board, with passengers also reporting nausea, breathing difficulties and problems with cabins and plumbing during recent cruises from Sydney.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed that an inspector boarded the Carnival Cruise Line ship and spoke with its captain and relevant crew after the complaint was received in August.

Although the odour was no longer present when the inspection took place, AMSA said its likely source and cause were identified. Carnival was already carrying out remedial work, and the authority did not issue a formal defect.

The inspection followed complaints from passengers who described strong sewage, rotten egg and diesel-like smells in cabins and public areas of the 13-deck ship.

One Queensland passenger, Elicia, 38, said she became seriously unwell during a ten-day cruise on Carnival Adventure while travelling with her partner to celebrate their engagement.

She claimed she noticed what she described as an exhaust diesel smell shortly after boarding and subsequently experienced migraines, nausea, breathing problems and other symptoms.

Passenger says illness forced early departure

Elicia said difficulties with her original cabin meant she spent time waiting in another part of the ship while discussing the accommodation with housekeeping and guest services.

She claimed the cabin had not been properly cleaned following the previous occupants and said medication and needles had been left behind.

“I was forced to sit in the area that had the diesel exhaust because our room wasn’t cleaned,” she said.

“The previous passengers’ Mounjaro medication and needles were still in the room.”

She was moved to another cabin the following day but claimed there were further maintenance and cleanliness problems there.

“The carpet was moving in the “upgraded” clean room,” she said.

“It was so old and so gross, but also dangerous.

“The fridge couldn’t close and the lounge couldn’t fold back down, so you couldn’t sit on it.”

Elicia said she could detect the odour in several parts of Carnival Adventure, including close to the medical centre on Deck 4.

She later attended the ship’s medical facility and said she was connected to an EKG before another patient arrived requiring treatment.

“My O2 stats were in the early 90s and they never gave me oxygen, nothing,” she said.

Elicia said her condition included high blood pressure, a low heart rate, migraines, breathing difficulties and repeated dry retching.

“I had high blood pressure, was dry retching to the point where I couldn’t breathe, had a low heart rate, massive migraines and trouble breathing,” she said.

“Once, I was also in shock and going between being alert and not, and I also had mild hypothermia.”

She ultimately left the cruise at its first port of call, six days before she had originally expected to complete the voyage.

After returning home, Elicia said her GP told her that her reported symptoms were consistent with severe carbon monoxide poisoning.

“My GP was the one who said all my symptoms related to severe carbon monoxide poisoning,” she said.

“Carbon monoxide was building up in the body due to the diesel exhaust fumes I inhaled.”

Her account of the cause of her illness has not been independently confirmed by the maritime regulator.

AMSA investigates separate odour complaint

Another passenger, identified as Natalie, reported encountering a strong smell during a separate four-day Carnival Adventure cruise from Sydney’s White Bay with her five-year-old son.

She said the pair left their inside cabin during their first night after waking to what she described as a sewage-like smell, with her son eventually sleeping near Guest Services while she sought assistance.

“We woke during the night to an incredibly strong sewage-type smell in our internal cabin,” Natalie said.

“It was bad enough that my five-year-old and I left the room in the middle of the night.

“He was feeling really unwell and ended up sleeping near Guest Services at 2am while I tried to get help.”

Natalie described the odour as resembling rotten eggs and said she noticed it elsewhere on the ship, particularly around the midship area.

She was initially moved to another cabin for one night before being allowed to stay there for the remainder of the sailing, but said the replacement accommodation was also affected by an odour that appeared to be coming from a drain.

Natalie and her son later visited the onboard medical centre after continuing to feel nauseous. She said she could smell the same odour when a nurse opened the door.

“When I got down there and the nurse opened the door, the rotten egg sewage smell was in there too,” she said.

“The nurse and doctor both said they were used to it now.”

Natalie subsequently complained to AMSA.

She said an inspector contacted her following an inspection and told her that ageing or defective plumbing traps were considered responsible for allowing hydrogen sulphide to escape, including a trap beneath a sink in the medical centre.

AMSA separately confirmed that it had received an odour complaint and carried out an inspection of Carnival Adventure.

“Earlier this month, AMSA received a complaint regarding an unpleasant odour onboard the Carnival Adventure,” an AMSA spokesman said.

“An AMSA inspector followed up on the complaint and boarded the vessel, engaging with the captain and relevant staff.”

The authority said the smell had disappeared before its inspector arrived but that investigators were still able to establish its likely origin.

“The odour was no longer present at the time of AMSA’s inspection, but the likely source and cause were identified,” the spokesman said.

“As remedial actions by Carnival were underway to address the source of the odour, no formal defect was issued.

“The outcome and findings from AMSA’s inspection were communicated to the passenger who made the complaint.”

Other passengers have also posted complaints online describing sewage-like odours and toilet problems aboard Carnival Adventure, although individual social media accounts have not been independently verified.

One passenger said their young son became ill after the family noticed a strong smell and required a visit to the ship’s medical centre.

Another described repeated problems with a toilet during a nine-day sailing, including delayed flushing, loud noises and two occasions when it overflowed.

Carnival Adventure continues to operate cruises from Sydney. The ship joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet after previously sailing for P&O Cruises Australia as Pacific Adventure, as part of the integration of the P&O Cruises Australia operation into Carnival.

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Carnival Cruise Line’s biggest loyalty programme overhaul in years takes effect from 1st September 2026, replacing the long-running VIFP system with Carnival Rewards and introducing a new approach to status, points, milestone recognition and benefits.

The change moves Carnival away from awarding loyalty status primarily according to days sailed. Under Carnival Rewards, most guests will instead qualify for status by earning “stars” through eligible spending with the cruise line, while a separate points currency can be redeemed towards cruise purchases and onboard experiences.

Carnival has also revealed the first Platinum and Diamond collectible pins for the new programme. The dated, ship-specific pins are available on cruises departing from 1st September onwards, although Gold guests will no longer receive loyalty pins.

Carnival Rewards was originally due to launch on 1st June 2026 before its introduction was postponed until September. Guests were given until 31st August to opt in and transfer their existing loyalty status and sailing history from VIFP.

Status Moves To A Spending-Based System

One of the most significant changes under Carnival Rewards is the way passengers earn and retain loyalty status.

Instead of status being permanently accumulated according to the number of days a guest has sailed, eligible Carnival spending will generate stars that count towards status. Those stars operate within two-year earning periods, meaning most passengers will have to continue earning to retain their level.

Carnival has made an exception for existing Diamond VIFP members. Following criticism of the original Carnival Rewards proposals, the cruise line announced in September 2025 that Diamond status already earned under VIFP would be recognised as lifetime Diamond status under the new programme.

Existing VIFP status earned by 31st August 2026 carries over and remains the guest’s Carnival Rewards status through December 2028, covering the programme’s first earning period. From January 2029, status will be determined by what members have earned during that period.

Platinum members will also receive a 10,000-star boost at the beginning of the next earning period, allowing them to start at Gold rather than the entry-level Red tier.

Carnival Rewards continues to provide different benefits according to status.

Members at every level receive a complimentary 1.5-litre bottle of water, while Gold members receive one complimentary beverage on cruises of five days or longer.

Platinum members receive two complimentary beverages, limited complimentary wash-and-fold laundry and selected priority or preferred access covering areas including online check-in, embarkation, debarkation, dining times and other onboard services.

Diamond remains Carnival Rewards’ highest tier. Its benefits include additional complimentary wash-and-fold laundry, although the service is no longer unlimited, guaranteed main dining time selections, retail concierge services and an invitation to a special event hosted by the Captain.

Several benefits associated with the previous VIFP programme have ended. These include Platinum and Diamond VIFP parties on selected sailings, VIFP-branded loyalty gifts, welcome treats and complimentary stateroom upgrades.

Alongside stars, Carnival Rewards members can earn points from eligible Carnival purchases and through the Carnival Rewards Mastercard for qualifying cardholders.

Those points can be redeemed against a range of cruise expenses. Members can use them towards a deposit or cruise fare as well as purchases including shore excursions, spa treatments, drinks packages, speciality dining and onboard shopping.

Carnival says there is no minimum points balance required before redemption, giving members the option of using smaller balances rather than waiting until they reach a particular threshold.

Milestones, meanwhile, remain linked to sailing history rather than spending.

Carnival confirmed in July that milestone recognition would be based on total days sailed from 1st September, replacing the previous system based on the number of cruises taken regardless of voyage length.

Recognition is available at 50 days, 100 days and every additional 100 days thereafter. Depending on the milestone reached, rewards can include bonus points, a commemorative coin, onboard credit and other benefits.

The cruise discount, onboard credit and complimentary cruise previously associated with VIFP milestones have been discontinued as part of the transition.

New Carnival Rewards Pins Revealed

Carnival has retained one of the more visible collectibles associated with its former loyalty programme, although eligibility has been narrowed.

Brand ambassador John Heald revealed the first Carnival Rewards Platinum and Diamond pins on 31st August, confirming they would be available on qualifying sailings beginning from 1st September.

“Here are the images of the Carnival Rewards Platinum and Diamond ship specific pins which can be collected from the photo gallery on cruises that start from September 1 onward,” Heald originally said.

John later updated his post to let people know that the pins would be delivered to cabins instead.

Both circular designs feature an image of the relevant Carnival ship in the centre, with Carnival Rewards branding and the cruise line’s funnel logo above. The year appears at the bottom, retaining the dated format that allows passengers to associate individual pins with particular cruises.

The Platinum version has silver framing together with red, gold and platinum dots of graduated sizes, while “Platinum” appears around the upper border.

The Diamond version adds a larger diamond-style dot alongside the red, gold and platinum markings, with “Diamond” around the upper border.

Carnival has traditionally changed its loyalty pin designs annually, although it has not been confirmed whether the Carnival Rewards versions will receive a different design each year (beyond the date changing, of course).

Only Platinum and Diamond members are eligible for the new pins. Gold-level pins, which were available under VIFP, have been discontinued.

Eligible passengers must collect their pin from the Pixels Photo Gallery during their cruise, where staff have a list of Platinum and Diamond guests and record when each pin is claimed.

Carnival has used onboard collection for loyalty pins since cruises resumed in 2021. Before the industry-wide pandemic suspension, pins had been delivered to passengers’ staterooms.

Availability can still depend on onboard supplies. Shipping delays affecting the 2026 VIFP pins earlier this year resulted in some guests being unable to collect them during their cruises. At the time, Heald said affected passengers could contact customer service after sailing to request that a pin be mailed to them.

The transition to Carnival Rewards has not been entirely smooth. Some passengers reported inconsistencies involving their previous VIFP information and the stars and points displayed under the new programme in the days leading up to the change.

Carnival’s website and Carnival Rewards systems were also unavailable during a planned 18-hour maintenance period from the evening of 29th August until midday on 30th August.

With the new programme taking effect from 1st September, Carnival’s loyalty structure now enters its first earning period, which runs through the end of 2028 before members’ status is recalculated for January 2029.

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Norwegian Cruise Line has temporarily closed hot tubs and heated whirlpools aboard Norwegian Prima while working with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) following three reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease among passengers who sailed on the ship in May and July 2026.

The cruise line has notified guests about the investigation, although no source of the infections has been established and testing conducted aboard the ship has so far returned negative results for Legionella bacteria.

“We are reaching out to you to inform you that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding three reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease involving passengers who sailed on the Norwegian Prima in May and July 2026,” the notification said.

Norwegian Cruise Line has not identified the specific sailings involved, and it remains unclear whether any of the three passengers contracted the infection aboard Norwegian Prima or were exposed elsewhere.

Precautionary closures during testing

As part of the investigation, Norwegian Cruise Line has tested water-related equipment and fixtures aboard Norwegian Prima, including faucets, showers and hot tubs. According to the cruise line, all results received so far have been negative.

Despite those results, public hot tubs and heated whirlpools on private balconies are being kept out of service while further sampling and any necessary follow-up work are completed.

“As a precaution, all public hot tubs and private balcony heated whirlpools will remain closed and will reopen only after sampling has been completed and any necessary remediation measures have been carried out in accordance with CDC guidelines,” the notification said.

No other illness-related operational changes have been announced aboard the ship.

Norwegian Prima has capacity for 3,099 guests and is currently operating seven-night Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, with itineraries covering both the eastern and western Caribbean.

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Unlike many respiratory illnesses, it is generally not transmitted directly from one person to another. Infection can occur when people inhale small droplets of water containing the bacteria, making complex water systems and equipment capable of producing mist potential areas of concern during an investigation.

The CDC says symptoms generally begin between two and 14 days after exposure, although they can sometimes take longer to appear. Symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches.

People aged 50 and over, current or former smokers, and those with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems are among those at increased risk. Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics and can require hospital care.

Because symptoms can emerge days after exposure and travellers may encounter multiple water systems before, during and after a holiday, the three reported cases do not by themselves establish Norwegian Prima as the source of the infections.

Previous cruise ship investigations

The Norwegian Prima investigation follows several other Legionnaires’ disease alerts involving cruise ships in recent years.

Norwegian Cruise Line guests were notified in February 2026 about two reported cases involving passengers who had sailed aboard Norwegian Encore in December 2025. A separate notification concerning possible exposure was issued to Norwegian Epic guests in November 2025.

Other cruise lines have also taken precautionary measures following reported cases. Royal Caribbean notified guests in January 2025 in connection with cases involving passengers from Symphony of the Seas sailings in October and December 2024, while Celebrity Cruises issued a warning in January 2024 after two cases were associated with Celebrity Ascent.

In the latest case, Norwegian Cruise Line and the CDC are continuing their investigation aboard Norwegian Prima, with the affected hot tubs and whirlpools remaining closed until sampling is completed and any required remediation has been carried out.

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A passenger aboard Carnival Legend was evacuated by helicopter after a medical emergency prompted the cruise ship to make a brief diversion while sailing through the English Channel.

The emergency unfolded on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, as the Carnival Cruise Line ship was traveling toward Dover, England, near the end of a 10-night British Isles cruise.

An HM Coastguard helicopter was dispatched to the ship, which altered its course slightly to move closer to England’s southwest coast for the evacuation.

Coast Guard Helicopter Sent to Carnival Legend

According to Plymouth+, the emergency occurred while Carnival Legend was about eight nautical miles south of Lizard Point in Cornwall, a coastal area in southwest England.

Britain’s HM Coastguard confirmed that it received a request for assistance at 9:40 a.m. local time.

“At 9:40 a.m. today (29 August), HM Coastguard’s assistance was requested for the medical evacuation of a passenger on board a vessel around eight (8) nautical miles south of Lizard Point, Cornwall,” the statement confirmed. “An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent and the person was handed over to the Ambulance Service at Newquay.”

Satellite tracking showed Carnival Legend making a small change to its route to move closer to the coast and meet the helicopter. Such course adjustments can help emergency crews carry out medical evacuations as quickly as possible.

Officials have not released additional information about the passenger or the medical emergency. The passenger’s age and the nature of the condition that prompted the evacuation remain unknown.

Cruise lines typically limit the medical information they disclose following such incidents to protect the privacy of passengers, their families and traveling companions.

Ship Was Returning From British Isles Cruise

At the time of the evacuation, Carnival Legend was sailing between the Isle of Man and Dover. Saturday was scheduled as a full day at sea as the ship covered the roughly 670-mile journey.

The 2,124-passenger ship had departed Dover on Thursday, Aug. 20, for a 10-night British Isles itinerary.

During the cruise, Carnival Legend visited Cork in Ireland; Holyhead in Wales; Dublin; Liverpool; Greenock, the port serving Glasgow, Scotland; Belfast in Northern Ireland; and the Isle of Man.

Despite the medical evacuation and brief course change, there was no reported delay to the ship’s planned return to Dover for passengers to disembark on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 30.

Why Cruise Ship Medical Evacuations Happen

Cruise ships have onboard medical centers staffed by doctors and nurses, allowing many illnesses and injuries to be treated while at sea. However, passengers and crew members may occasionally need medical care beyond what can be provided aboard a ship.

When that happens, an emergency evacuation can be requested.

How the evacuation is carried out depends on several factors, including the ship’s distance from shore, sea and weather conditions, and the location of suitable medical facilities.

A passenger might be removed by helicopter or rescue boat. If a ship is close enough to a suitable port, it can instead divert and dock so the patient can be transferred directly to an ambulance.

The Carnival Legend incident was one of several recent medical evacuations involving Carnival Cruise Line ships.

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, a passenger was evacuated from Carnival Firenze by rescue boat in Long Beach, California. On Wednesday, July 15, a woman was airlifted from Carnival Luminosa near Northern California.

Details Often Remain Private

Detailed medical information is generally not released after cruise ship evacuations. Previous emergencies at sea have involved conditions including stroke-like symptoms, pregnancy complications, appendicitis and other serious medical problems.

Emergency teams may also have to conduct evacuations under difficult conditions. Rescue operations can take place amid rough seas, strong winds and severe weather when a passenger or crew member needs urgent treatment ashore.

In the case of Carnival Legend, the helicopter evacuation was completed and the passenger was transferred to ambulance personnel in Newquay. No further information about the passenger’s condition was released.

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