A tragic incident has taken place onboard Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ newest and largest vessel, after a crew member went overboard while the ship was sailing through the Dardanelles Strait on Wednesday night, 20th August 2025.
The man overboard alert was issued at approximately 11 pm local time as the Sphere-class ship was en route to Istanbul during a 14-night voyage from Barcelona to Athens.
The vessel immediately turned back to the presumed location and launched rescue boats, while at least five Turkish Coast Guard vessels joined the search effort through the early hours of Thursday, 21st August.
Princess Cruises confirmed the overboard in a statement, saying:
“Our ship’s emergency response team immediately initiated search and rescue procedures, which are actively underway at this time. We are working in coordination with local maritime authorities to support the operation.”
Crew Member Confirmed
The cruise line later confirmed that the individual was a member of the ship’s crew, though their name and role have not been released to protect their family’s privacy.
Despite extensive searches, the crew member has not been located. Princess Cruises said:
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our team member during this difficult time.”
Specially trained counsellors are onboard Sun Princess to support both crew and guests, while Princess’ Family Assistance programme is working directly with the crew member’s relatives.
Impact on Itinerary
Due to the incident, Sun Princess was directed to an anchorage near Tekirdag, Turkey, to continue coordination with local authorities.
The ship reached Istanbul at 2 pm on Thursday, later than its originally scheduled 7 am arrival.
Guests have been given until 11:30 pm to return to the ship, with some shortened half-day tours still running.
The ship’s scheduled call to Mykonos on Friday, 22nd August, has been cancelled. All tours booked for the Greek island are being automatically refunded to passengers’ onboard accounts.
Despite the changes, the voyage is still expected to conclude in Athens on Saturday, 23rd August, as originally planned.
About Sun Princess
At 177,000 gross tons, Sun Princess is the first of the Sphere-class and the largest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, with capacity for 4,300 guests and 1,600 crew.
The vessel entered service in early 2024 and has been sailing a mix of Mediterranean itineraries.
After her summer season in Europe, she will reposition to Fort Lauderdale in November for Caribbean voyages before returning to the Mediterranean in spring 2026.
This is the first reported overboard incident involving the new ship, and investigations remain ongoing.
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A late-night snack run turned violent aboard a Carnival cruise when a group of passengers began fighting in the ship’s buffet, reportedly over chicken tenders.
The incident happened around 2 am in the Lido Marketplace, where Carnival typically offers round-the-clock bites.
Video captured by fellow passenger Mike Terra and widely shared on social media shows shouting, punching, and tackling, with the occasional shoe and mobile phone hurled across the room.
At one point, a bystander can be heard yelling, “Where the f— is security?” as one crew member attempts to intervene.
Terra, who filmed the altercation, later remarked, “Over chicken tenders is crazy.” He later clarified to the Daily Mail UK that there was “more to the fight than just fried chicken, but that is really the basics.”
The video contains strong language and violent scenes, should you wish to watch it.
Carnival Cruise Line has not yet issued a public statement, and it remains unclear which ship the incident took place on.
Carnival’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
Carnival enforces strict rules against violence and disruptive behaviour.
Guests involved in fights typically face severe consequences, which may include confinement to their staterooms, disembarkation without refund, a $500 fine, and in many cases, a lifetime ban from the cruise line.
“All guests must acknowledge and commit to our code of conduct during the check-in process, and any violation may result in a fine of $500, possible stateroom confinement and removal from the ship,” the cruise line’s policy states.
A Pattern of Misconduct
This is not the first outbreak of violence aboard a Carnival ship this summer.
Earlier in August, a brawl involving more than a dozen guests erupted outside the cruise terminal in Long Beach, California.
In June, passengers aboard Carnival Sunrise were banned after throwing both punches and chairs during a lido deck altercation near the ship’s pizzeria.
Carnival has recently reinforced its “Have Fun. Be Safe” guidelines, which include curfews for under-17 guests, bans on smoking in non-designated areas, and strict enforcement against drugs and disruptive conduct.
Despite those efforts, isolated incidents of passenger misbehaviour continue to draw headlines.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
A tragic incident has taken place onboard Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ newest and largest vessel, after a crew member went overboard while the ship was sailing through the Dardanelles Strait…
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An 83-year-old British man has died aboard the Marella Voyager after being found unresponsive in the ship’s swimming pool while it was docked in Naples, Italy.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, 19th August 2025.
Fellow passengers and crew members attempted to revive the man, but despite their efforts, he could not be saved.
Investigation in Naples
Local authorities boarded the TUI-operated vessel and temporarily detained it while an investigation was carried out.
The ship’s scheduled 5 pm departure was delayed by several hours.
After interviews and examination, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.
It is believed the passenger suffered a medical episode while seated near the pool, causing him to fall into the water.
Officials ruled the death as natural causes, and the ship was released to continue its itinerary.
Cruise Line and Government Response
A spokesperson for Marella Cruises said:
“We can confirm that sadly a passenger passed away of natural causes onboard Marella Voyager. Our thoughts are with the passenger’s family during this difficult time, and our care team is providing assistance.”
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also confirmed it is supporting the man’s family.
Marella Voyager had departed Palma de Mallorca on 16th August and called at Olbia, Sardinia, before arriving in Naples.
The ship is now sailing onward to Rome, Ajaccio (Corsica), Palamós (Spain), and will return to Mallorca at the end of the voyage.
Not The Only Tragedy This Week
The sad news comes just days after two American cruise passengers drowned at Carnival Cruise Line’s newly opened Celebration Key private resort in the Bahamas on Friday, 15th August.
In separate and unrelated incidents, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman lost their lives despite lifeguards and medical staff responding immediately.
Investigations are still ongoing but there is speculation that both guests also suffered unrelated medical issues whilst in the water, causing them to drown.
One guest was snorkelling while the other was swimming in one of the resort’s lagoons.
Carnival confirmed that the victims were travelling on different ships – Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.
Both vessels continued their scheduled itineraries after the incidents, with Carnival’s Care Team providing support to the families.
While rare, such tragedies can occur even in supervised or controlled environments.
Cruise lines urge guests to remain mindful of their own health conditions and swimming abilities, to avoid entering the water alone, and to take care in unfamiliar settings.
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Villa Vie Residences, the residential cruise brand known for its continual world voyages, has introduced a new lifetime cruise fare based on age.
The “Golden Passport” programme, unveiled on 19th August 2025, lowers the cost of joining its around-the-world lifestyle the older a guest is when they book.
The line’s single vessel, Villa Vie Odyssey, is currently on her maiden three-and-a-half-year circumnavigation, visiting more than 140 countries and roughly 400 ports across all seven continents.
Age-Tiered Pricing Model
Golden Passport offers eight pricing tiers, beginning at $99,999 per person for those aged 90 and over booking the lowest category cabin – a Deck 2 porthole stateroom.
At the other end of the scale, travellers between 55 and 59 years old pay $299,999 for the same accommodation.
Sample pricing shows steady reductions across each age bracket:
Ages 65–69: $249,999 per person
Ages 75–79: $189,999 per person
Ages 85–89: $129,999 per person
Upgraded cabins naturally cost more. A Deck 6 ocean view cabin starts at $199,999 for those aged 90 and above, rising to $399,999 for the youngest eligible group.
The fare includes all meals, beer and wine with meals, internet access, housekeeping, laundry, entertainment, medical check-ups, and more.
Founder Mike Petterson explained: “As people retire, one of their biggest fears is outliving their money. With the Golden Passport, that uncertainty disappears – one payment secures a lifetime of adventure.”
Signals of Expansion?
The company also noted that the new pricing model provides “transferable access across the Villa Vie Residences fleet.”
At present, however, the line operates only one ship, sparking speculation that a second vessel may be on the horizon.
However, the cruise line did have a tough time launching their first ship with several delays. It may yet be some time before a second ship could join the fleet, even if planned.
Launched 32 years ago, Villa Vie Odyssey previously sailed as Braemar for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and before that operated under several other lines including Cunard and Norwegian Cruise Line.
The 24,344-gross-ton ship accommodates 929 passengers, though current guest numbers are thought to be under 200.
Growing Menu of Offers
Villa Vie Residences has continually expanded its products since debuting in 2023. Alongside full cabin purchases and rentals, options include:
Endless Horizons: a retirement-geared ownership plan.
Seasonal Ownership: $24,999 for 120 credits to be used flexibly.
Tour La Vie: one- to four-year memberships with prices from $49,999, featuring ocean-view villas.
The new Golden Passport is aimed squarely at older travellers seeking financial certainty while embracing long-term global cruising.
One thing that customers will need to consider is their insurance costs.
Guests in their 90s may like the sound of a lifetime cruising passport costing less than $100,000, but their insurance premiums for each trip they take is likely to be extremely high.
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Hurricane Erin is continuing to disrupt cruise plans across the Atlantic and Caribbean, with at least half a dozen major ships adjusting itineraries to keep guests and crew safely out of harm’s way.
The storm, which briefly reached Category 5 strength with sustained winds of 160 miles per hour, has already altered voyages for Carnival, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.
Carnival Sunshine Heads South Instead of Bermuda
Carnival Sunshine guests boarding in Norfolk on Sunday 17th August were expecting a 6-night Bermuda sailing.
Instead, the vessel is bound for Celebration Key and Nassau after the Bermuda calls were cancelled.
All Bermuda excursions have been refunded, with new tour options offered for the revised ports.
MSC World America Shifts to Mexico
MSC’s brand-new World America – sailing her inaugural season – was forced to drop calls to Amber Cove and San Juan.
The ship is now calling at Costa Maya and Cozumel, with Ocean Cay still on the schedule before returning to Miami.
Excursion refunds have been provided, and new tours opened for booking.
Norwegian Aqua Swaps Bermuda for Canada
Guests aboard Norwegian Aqua’s 4-night cruise from New York were expecting Bermuda, but instead will head north to Saint John, New Brunswick.
Norwegian is compensating passengers with onboard credit and a 20% Future Cruise Credit, while also warning that docking in Saint John will depend on final weather conditions.
Zuiderdam Cancels St. John’s, Heads to Halifax
Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, on a transatlantic voyage, has cancelled an overnight call in St. John’s, Newfoundland, citing rough seas.
The ship will now enjoy an extended stop in Halifax before continuing on toward Boston.
Norwegian Jewel Cuts Bermuda Visit Short
From Boston, Norwegian Jewel arrived in Bermuda as planned but departed a full day early to allow ample distance from the approaching storm before her return to New England.
Liberty of the Seas Trades Bermuda for Nova Scotia
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas was to have enjoyed an overnight in Bermuda, but instead sailed north to Halifax, where guests received onboard credit to compensate for the change.
Disney Treasure Switches to the Western Caribbean
Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line has rerouted its newest ship, Disney Treasure, away from the Eastern Caribbean entirely, opting for a Western Caribbean itinerary far from Erin’s path.
Across all sailings, cruise lines continue to emphasise that safety remains the top priority.
How Cruise Lines Handle Hurricanes
While the disruptions may be disappointing for travellers, cruise ships are among the safest places to be during a storm.
Ships rarely, if ever, sail into hurricanes. It wouldn’t make sense. Instead, they reroute to calmer waters or adjust itineraries to ensure safety.
With average speeds exceeding 20 knots, cruise ships are faster than most hurricanes and can easily outpace storms.
Captains also receive detailed forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and in-house meteorologists, giving them ample time to avoid dangerous conditions.
Itineraries are often adjusted to substitute different ports, add sea days, or switch to an entirely different region if necessary. Cruises are only cancelled outright when departure or arrival ports are directly affected and cannot operate safely.
While these changes can be frustrating, they underscore the industry’s strict safety-first approach, ensuring guests remain comfortable while still enjoying their vacation.
Travel insurance is also vital for anyone cruising during hurricane season.
Even though cruise lines refund cancelled tours and sometimes offer credits, independent bookings like private excursions, hotels, or flights usually aren’t covered unless you’ve taken out the right policy.
Guests should look for insurance that specifically includes missed port cover so they’re not left out of pocket when itineraries change unexpectedly.
My Recommendation
My recommendation for cruise insurance depends on where you live.
These are trusted price comparison sites that will quickly get you lots of quotes to match your exact needs.
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Most Holland America reviews describe the same thing: a calm, mid-sized, premium cruise line with excellent live music, attentive service and some of the strongest Alaska itineraries at sea. It suits travelers who want good food, proper destination time and a quieter atmosphere, and it is less suited to families looking for waterslides and non-stop activity.
This guide pulls together what passengers commonly praise and criticise in Holland America cruise reviews, plus the facts you need before booking: the current fleet, the Have It All package, dining, entertainment and how the line compares with Princess.
Holland America reviews at a glance: pros and cons
Holland America Line (HAL) has been sailing since 1873 and is part of Carnival Corporation. Read enough reviews and clear patterns emerge.
What passengers commonly praise
Live music every evening across several small venues, rather than one big production show.
Service, especially in the main dining room and from cabin stewards.
Mid-sized ships that are easy to get around, with plenty of quiet corners, libraries and outdoor promenade decks.
Itineraries with longer port stays, plus a big Alaska program and long voyages such as Grand Voyages.
Value when fares are discounted or bundled with Have It All.
What passengers commonly criticise
Older ships on the smaller end of the fleet can feel dated in places, despite refurbishments.
Limited choice for children and teens compared with Royal Caribbean or Carnival.
Quiet evenings for anyone wanting late-night clubs or splashy production shows.
Extra charges for specialty dining, drinks and Wi-Fi if you book a basic fare.
Who Holland America suits (and who it doesn’t)
Holland America works best for couples and solo travelers over about 45, first-time cruisers who want a gentler introduction, multi-generational groups led by grandparents, and anyone whose main goal is the destination rather than the ship. It is also a sensible choice if you want a long voyage, as the line runs extended cruises that few mainstream brands still offer.
It is a weaker fit for families with young children who want waterparks, for groups who want a party atmosphere, and for travelers who care most about the newest, flashiest ship hardware. If you are weighing it against another premium brand, our Holland America vs Celebrity Cruises comparison sets out the differences in style and price.
Holland America ships: the current fleet
Holland America currently sails 11 ships, all mid-sized by today’s standards. In October 2026 the line announced that P&O Cruises’ Arcadia will transfer to the fleet in 2029, taking it to 12 ships. Guest numbers below are standard (double occupancy) capacity from Holland America’s fleet facts.
Ship
Class
Entered service
Guests
Rotterdam
Pinnacle
2021
2,668
Nieuw Statendam
Pinnacle
2018
2,666
Koningsdam
Pinnacle
2016
2,650
Nieuw Amsterdam
Signature
2010
2,106
Eurodam
Signature
2008
2,104
Noordam
Vista
2006
1,972
Westerdam
Vista
2004
1,964
Oosterdam
Vista
2003
1,964
Zuiderdam
Vista
2002
1,964
Zaandam
R Class
2000
1,432
Volendam
R Class
1999
1,432
Arcadia (joining 2029)
Vista
2005
around 2,000
The three Pinnacle Class ships are the newest and get the most positive reviews for public spaces and dining choice. If you are booking Nieuw Statendam, check our guide to Nieuw Statendam cabins to avoid before you choose a stateroom. Zaandam and Volendam are the smallest and oldest, which suits travelers who like an intimate, traditional feel but means fewer venues.
HAL has also launched a multiyear upgrade program, Holland America Evolution, which brings Pinnacle-style venues and new cabin types to the Vista Class. Oosterdam is scheduled to debut its changes in fall 2027 and Zuiderdam in April 2028, and Arcadia will join the same program. Details are still emerging, so check the latest when booking. You can read more in our news story on Arcadia joining Holland America in 2029.
Main dining rooms are a highlight in many Holland America cruise reviews. Photo: Furkan Tumer on Pexels
Dining: main dining room, Lido Market and specialty restaurants
Food is one of the areas most Holland America cruise reviews rate highly, particularly for consistency rather than wow factor.
Included dining
The main dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with waiter service, and you can choose set-time or flexible dining. The Lido Market is the casual buffet-style venue, laid out as separate stations with many items served by crew rather than self-service. Most ships also have a free poolside grill and pizza, plus afternoon tea and snacks.
Specialty dining
Pinnacle Grill: HAL’s signature steakhouse, found across the fleet.
Canaletto: Italian, usually in a section of the Lido.
Tamarind: Pan-Asian, on selected ships.
Sel de Mer: French seafood brasserie, on selected ships.
Morimoto by Sea: Created with chef Masaharu Morimoto. A Morimoto by Sea sushi bar (a la carte, extra charge) is on Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. Nieuw Amsterdam also has a full Morimoto by Sea restaurant, and the rest of the fleet offers at least one pop-up per cruise.
Venue line-ups differ by ship, so check the deck plan for your sailing rather than assuming every restaurant is on board.
The Have It All package explained
Have It All is HAL’s bundled fare add-on and the easiest way to cut extra charges. At the time of writing it includes:
The Signature Beverage Package (drinks up to $12 each, up to 15 drinks a day, plus specialty coffee, sodas and mocktails).
Specialty dining: one night on 4-9 night cruises, two nights on 10-20 nights, three nights on 21 nights or more.
Shore excursion credit: up to $100, $200 or $300 per person depending on cruise length.
Surf Wi-Fi for browsing and messaging.
Holland America lists the upgrade at around $60-65 per person per day depending on departure date, so check the current price when booking. As a rule of thumb, it pays off if you drink at least a few cocktails or glasses of wine a day and plan to use the excursion credit. If you barely drink, buying specialty dinners and Wi-Fi separately is often cheaper.
Entertainment and Music Walk
Live music is the line’s strongest entertainment card. On many ships the Music Walk groups several venues together so you can move between them in an evening. Depending on the ship you may find:
Billboard Onboard: dueling pianos playing chart hits.
B.B. King’s Blues Club: a live blues and soul band with a dance floor.
Rolling Stone Rock Room (Pinnacle Class) or Rolling Stone Lounge (Vista Class): classic rock and pop.
The line-up has changed over the years. For example, the Lincoln Center classical venue closed, and Rolling Stone Lounge replaced B.B. King’s on the Vista Class ships. Expect a different mix on each ship. Daytime options include cooking demonstrations, talks and trivia. The line’s shows tend to be smaller-scale than Broadway-style productions on bigger ships, which is the source of most entertainment complaints.
Alaska is the destination Holland America is best known for. Photo: Yuanpang Wa on Pexels
Alaska and Glacier Bay: HAL’s biggest strength
If there is one area where Holland America reviews are near-unanimous, it is Alaska. The line has sailed there for decades, and Holland America says it has more permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. Entry is tightly limited by the National Park Service, and on Glacier Bay days park rangers board the ship to give commentary.
HAL also runs Alaska cruisetours that combine a cruise with land travel into Denali and the Yukon, plus a glacier guarantee: if you don’t see at least one glacier, you receive a future cruise credit (exclusions apply, so read the terms). Not every Alaska sailing goes into Glacier Bay itself, so check the itinerary before you book. For port planning, see our Alaska cruise ports guide.
Caribbean and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
In the Caribbean, many HAL itineraries call at the private island in the Bahamas now named RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Holland America shares the island with Carnival Cruise Line. A new pier means ships can now dock rather than use tenders, and an enhancement program running through 2026 adds new dining, bars and cabanas. HAL guests use the quieter south side of the island, which is getting a refreshed beach club and lunch venue. Our Half Moon Cay guide covers what to do once ashore.
Holland America vs Princess Cruises
Holland America and Princess are sister brands under Carnival Corporation, and both target travelers who want a relaxed, premium-leaning experience. The main differences:
Holland America
Princess Cruises
Ship size
Mid-sized, roughly 1,400-2,700 guests
Wider range, including much larger newer ships
Atmosphere
Quieter, more traditional
Slightly busier, more activities
Entertainment
Live music focus (Music Walk)
Production shows, Movies Under the Stars
Tech
Standard app and Wi-Fi
MedallionClass wearables for contactless service
Alaska
Most Glacier Bay permits, Denali and Yukon land tours
Also strong, with its own wilderness lodges
Bundles
Have It All
Princess Plus and Princess Premier
Pick Holland America if you value a calmer ship and live music; pick Princess if you want more onboard choice and a larger, newer ship. In Alaska, both are strong, so compare the specific itinerary and how many glacier days it includes.
Our verdict on Holland America Line
Taken together, Holland America reviews point to a dependable, well-run cruise line that does the classic things well: good dining, warm service, real destination time and excellent live music. Its weaknesses are the age of some ships, limited facilities for children and quieter evenings. If those suit you, and especially if Alaska is on your list, it is one of the best-value premium choices at sea. Check the latest deals and Have It All pricing on the official Holland America website before booking.
Yes, for the right traveler. Reviews regularly praise its service, dining, live music and itineraries, especially in Alaska. It is less suited to families who want waterparks or anyone looking for a party atmosphere.
How many ships does Holland America have?
Holland America sails 11 ships at the time of writing. P&O Cruises’ Arcadia is due to join in 2029, taking the fleet to 12.
Which is better, Holland America or Princess?
Holland America has quieter, mid-sized ships and a focus on live music. Princess has a wider range of ship sizes, more onboard activities and MedallionClass technology. Both are strong in Alaska.
Is the Holland America Have It All package worth it?
Usually yes if you drink a few alcoholic drinks a day and will use the specialty dining and shore excursion credit. Light drinkers often save by paying for extras separately.
What age group cruises on Holland America?
Holland America attracts mostly couples and solo travelers in their 50s and older, though school-holiday and Alaska sailings bring more families and multi-generational groups.
Reports in Italian media suggest that a tragic accident at the port of Livorno, Italy, has claimed the life of an American tourist and left her husband critically injured.
The incident happened on 12th August, shortly after the couple returned from a city excursion and disembarked their shuttle bus.
According to initial reports, the 83-year-old woman and her 84-year-old husband were struck by a bus manoeuvring in the port area. It is unclear whether it was the same bus they had just stepped from.
One unconfirmed report named the victims as Ellen Jan and Samuel Davis.
The woman was rushed to hospital but sadly died shortly after arrival. Her husband remains in critical condition and has been admitted under code red.
Guests Were Onboard Queen Victoria
While the cruise line has not released an official statement, one guest onboard Queen Victoria contacted me to report the incident, and to confirm it was two guests from that ship that were the victims.
The guest, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the captain had announced the tragic news to passengers onboard.
Early investigations suggest the accident occurred as the bus reversed and the couple entered the driver’s blind spot.
Witnesses say the driver had only just assisted the woman off the bus and handed her a walker before moving to continue his service.
Police immediately cordoned off the area to conduct investigations and interview witnesses.
The driver, described as highly experienced, was visibly shaken, telling officers he realised something was wrong only when he heard shouts and a noise from behind the vehicle.
The accident has caused deep shock at the busy Tuscan port, which regularly handles cruise traffic. Authorities are now working to reconstruct exactly how the tragedy occurred.
Bus Accidents Are Rare, But Do Happen
While such incidents are rare, this is not the first time cruise passengers have been involved in serious bus accidents.
In June 2025, a sightseeing bus in Ketchikan, Alaska, carrying 46 cruise guests collided with an SUV, sending the bus into a roadside ditch. Three people were hospitalised, though thankfully no lives were lost.
Just a year earlier in September 2024, another Alaska excursion turned dangerous when a tour bus overturned on the South Klondike Highway near Skagway after the driver suffered a medical emergency. That accident left 12 passengers injured.
Elsewhere, in March 2025, a tour bus in Barcelona carrying cruise tourists was struck by another vehicle transporting Italian students. The collision, which happened close to the Sagrada Familia, left 53 people injured, including several in critical condition.
Despite these rare but high-profile incidents, the overwhelming majority of bus transfers and excursions connected to cruises are completed without incident, carrying thousands of guests safely each year.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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More than 120 naturists shed their clothes for the 13th annual “Nude Cruise,” a three-hour trip along the River Exe estuary in Devon celebrating body freedom and naturism.
Organised by Bare West Events, the cruise has been a fixture since 2012, with passengers of all ages mingling, dancing, and enjoying the voyage without a stitch of clothing.
Organiser Rachel Wick, 50, told The Sun that the event was about breaking misconceptions.
“It’s really sad that a large percentage of the population equate being naked only with sex – it’s not,
“If somebody misbehaves, they will be on our banned list. Not that it’s ever happened, but we’re always mindful that this has to be a safe environment because you can feel quite vulnerable when you haven’t got your clothes on.”
She added that naturism breaks down social barriers: “One of the things I love about it is you can’t tell from looking at all of us whether we are rich or poor, working or retired. When you can’t judge people’s status, we’re all on a level.”
Her partner, Nigel, said businesses are always willing to host nude events, with venues happy to welcome the so-called “buff pound.”
He said: “The nudist world is a real mix of people, from prison officers to barristers and doctors. It is the sense of freedom and being relaxed in your own body that draws people in. It’s a very friendly environment.”
On board, guests enjoyed a disco, raffle, and bar, with some passengers using pouches to carry cash and phones.
The £22 ticket included a hot pasty, while passing pleasure boats cheered on the sight of the unclothed party.
For some attendees, however, participation in such events remains private.
Dee, from Plymouth, admitted: “My employer and child would be shocked if they knew I was doing this. For some reason, a lot of people associate what we do with swinging but it doesn’t mean that. It’s just people wanting to take their clothes off and enjoying the freedom, nothing else.”
Naturists Mark Carroll and Claire Stone said attitudes are slowly shifting.
Stone, on her first community naturist event, said: “I love it. I do a lot of naturist beaches but this is the first time I have done a community event. Times are changing – it’s becoming more popular but the younger generation are still quite prudish.”
Kevin Little, 61, who has practiced naturism since 1997, highlighted the benefits of living clothes-free.
“It’s quite addictive. I love being on a beach and just connecting with nature,” he said. “A lot of people tell me: ‘I wish I could do that’… Well, you can. But people are very body conscious, although nobody cares.”
His wife Tanis added that younger people are slowly becoming more involved, with their son encouraging friends to try naturist activities.
One of the few younger passengers, 39-year-old marketing professional Martin Niebroj, said: “I really like the social part of it. Technically it’s not illegal to be naked in public in Britain, but it always causes a lot of interest. I feel people who are naturists should be allowed to express themselves and should have a space to do it. Events like this allow that.”
While a YouGov poll suggests 59% of Britons feel uncomfortable with public nudity, naturists argue such events are helping to challenge stigma.
An Ipsos survey previously found that 14% of people in the UK identify as naturists or nudists.
After three hours of sailing, music, and mingling, the cruise returned to dock, with passengers reluctantly reaching for their clothes once more.
Ocean-Faring Nude Cruises
While Devon’s annual nude boat trip is a distinctly local affair, naturist cruising has also gone global, with major ocean itineraries dedicated to those who prefer life without clothes.
A Reddit discussion from a passenger on one of the world’s most popular nude cruises offered an insight into what these voyages are really like.
Unlike the nude boat trip, not everyone onboard a nudism ocean cruise is a paying guest; some operators invite professional models to join the sailing to help balance the demographics.
The majority of passengers tend to be older, typically between 50 and 70, though younger naturists are also part of the mix. Age differences, however, quickly become irrelevant once everyone is sharing the same sense of freedom.
The cruises are also popular with gay men, and while the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, organisers are quick to stress that nudism is not sexual – just as with this smaller cruise.
Behaviour on board is expected to remain respectful at all times. Hygiene is a priority too, with towels provided throughout the ship and guests expected to sit on them whenever they use public seating.
Practical considerations also come into play. Shoes or sandals are required when moving around the decks for safety reasons, while sunscreen becomes essential given that every inch of skin is exposed to the sun. Clothing is generally optional in most parts of the ship, including bars and lounges, though formal restaurants do require guests to dress.
Excursions often extend the naturist experience, with nude beaches and resorts forming part of the itinerary.
Crew members, meanwhile, remain clothed, though staff are given the choice of whether to work on a nudist voyage. Perhaps most importantly, the cruises are open to everyone, regardless of body shape, size or age, with passengers consistently describing them as welcoming and relaxed.
For many naturists, these ocean-going holidays offer the same appeal as the River Exe cruise – a chance to unwind, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the freedom of life without clothes.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed two tragic deaths at its newly opened Celebration Key in the Bahamas, after unrelated drowning incidents occurred on Friday, 15th August 2025.
According to reports, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman – both American citizens – died despite the immediate intervention of lifeguards and medical personnel stationed at the private resort.
“Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents at Celebration Key on Friday – one in the lagoon and one at the beach. Sadly, both guests have passed away.”
Carnival statement
One of the victims had been snorkelling, while the other was enjoying one of the site’s lagoons, though it has not been confirmed whether this was the family-focused Starfish Lagoon or the adults-only Oasis Lagoon.
Multiple Ships Impacted
Carnival noted that the victims were sailing on different vessels.
“One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation. Our Care Team is providing assistance,” the statement read.
Carnival Elation is currently operating a four-night Bahamas itinerary, while Mardi Gras is completing a six-night Eastern Caribbean voyage.
Both ships have since continued their scheduled cruises.
The double tragedy highlights the risks travellers can face even in controlled environments.
Drowning incidents are sadly not unprecedented on cruise holidays – with recent examples at MSC’s Ocean Cay in 2023 and at Mystery Island in Vanuatu the same year, both believed to involve possible medical complications.
Guests are advised to stay alert to their own limitations when swimming, use the buddy system, and be particularly careful in unfamiliar waters.
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