Diplomacy

Princess Cruises has launched a new flash sale during the month of March on cruises that depart from July through December 2025.

This latest sale from Princess Cruises runs through April 1, 2025 and offers up to 50% off cruises to the most popular cruise destinations. This includes the Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, and Canada/New England.

The flash sale offers the following perks:

• Up to 50% off cruises that depart between July and December 2025
• 3rd and 4th guests in a cabin can sail for free
• Up to $500 in onboard spending money once you are on the ship*
• Free cabin upgrades to a better location on the ship
• Ends April 1, 2025
• View Best Prices on Princess Cruises

*The onboard credit is determined by the length of the cruise.

These latest cruise deals include the cruise line’s next new ship that will debut in October, Star Princess.

Itineraries included in this sale

Here are a few highlight itineraries that are included in this sale from Princess.

Sun Princess, the newest ship in the Princess fleet, will sail a 10-day cruise to Greece and Italy from Istanbul on July 19.

Enchanted Princess will offer a seven-day cruise to the Western Caribbean on July 19 that will visit Cozumel, Roatan, Belize City and Costa Maya.

Grand Princess is sailing to Alaska and their seven-day Inside Passage cruise to Alaska starts at $1,112 per person.

Royal Princess is also cruising to Alaska and their August 30 departure from Seattle will stop at Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria.

Enchanted Princess will sail roundtrip from New York City on September 20, 2025 on a seven-day cruise to Canada and New England.

This sale runs through 11:59 PT on April 1, 2025. It is open to all residents of the U.S. Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and Washington D.C.

For complete terms and conditions of this sale from Princess Cruises, contact your preferred travel professional or visit Princess.com.

Eating with complete strangers on a cruise ship used to be a normal part of the cruising experience, especially in the MDR (main dining room).  But now with more cruise lines offering flexible Anytime/My Time Dining in addition to offering more dining options than ever before, many will opt to eat only with their own cabin or group.

Some people love meeting new people at the dining table, while others aren’t big on the idea.

A recent social media post by Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald made it clear exactly how most of the cruise line’s passengers prefer to enjoy their evening meals.

With a recent social media post poll, Heald asked if cruisers:

• A) “enjoy sitting at a table with new people,”
• B) prefer to eat with friends or family without asking for it, or
• C) would “not want to be seated at a table with people I do not know”

The post has already attracted almost 2,000 comments, and just a brief look over the most common answer made the preference clear. 

Comments on the Poll

Option C: “I absolutely do not want to be seated at a table with people I do not know” was overwhelmingly the majority response.  

The reasons for wanting to eat alone or with their own group ranged from wanting to avoid the awkward small talk to previous experiences that paired them with unpleasant table mates.

“C. Please never seat me and my family with strangers,” wrote Marsha. “We don’t mind meeting new people, but not at dinner. I want to enjoy my dining experience.”

Many agreed. “C. I would skip dinner rather than sit with people I don’t know,” said Dave.

Erin described a bad experience: “The couple we were seated with were so drunk… and the ladies next to us were also drunk. We’ve asked for our time dining ever since.”

Many wanted time with family. “That’s the only time I enjoy being alone with family,” said Mel. “Dinner is our time,” added Carol.

Kaye said, “Used to be A, now it is C. One too many times with rude people and now we just want to eat in peace.”

Lisa noted that despite her preference it didn’t matter as much because “the tables are close enough to each other, I feel like I’m sitting with strangers.”

But some liked meeting new people. “Even us introverts can make friends,” said Sam. “I always request shared,” added Jill. Tyler said, “I love to meet new people.”

It’s Different for Everyone

While not everyone has the same dining preference, it’s true that not every dining experience with a stranger is the same either.

We recently reported on a pair of vegan passengers on a Carnival cruise that requested a different table because their tablemates were farmers.  Heald ended up moving the farmer and his wife and gave them the steakhouse selections free of charge.

As was stated in the comments, it’s often these negative experiences that prompt cruisers to choose a more intimate setting for their next sailing.  But not everyone agrees.

Friends for life have been made from sitting with complete strangers on a cruise ship.   As Jennifer stated, “Love meeting new people and getting to know them throughout the cruise. We’ve had many interesting and fun conversations with table mates who became friends.”

And in an age where solo cruising is becoming more and more popular, dining with someone new offers a chance to gain perspective.  Amanda alluded to this by saying, “On Glory two weeks ago, we were seated next to a solo cruiser. It was her first cruise, and we were able to answer any questions. She found us the next day and said that made her cruise better.”

In just over a month, the world’s newest mega cruise ship, MSC World America, will sail from Miami, Florida for the first time.

MSC World America was featured in a Super Bowl ad with Orlando Bloom and Drew Barrymore. Barrymore will serve as the ship’s godmother when the vessel is christened in Miami days before the maiden voyage.

Orlando Bloom has praised the cruise ship’s dynamic blend of European style and American comfort. Here is a look at his six most anticipated experiences that will be featured on MSC World America.

Cliffhanger

Cliffhanger is promising to be the ultimate cruise ship thrill ride. Up to four cruisers at a time will swing on the top deck of the ship, 160 feet above the ocean.

It will be the only over-water slide ride at sea and will be a part of the Family Aventura district.

The Harbour

This outdoor destination is designed for kids and families. It will have an aquapark, 11-story slide, ropes course, shaded family rest area, and a thematic playground.

It will also have a fast-casual dining spot that will have food and drinks.

“Dirty Dancing in Concert”

MSC World America will have the first ever “Dirty Dancing in Concert” at sea. This hour and a half concert experience will bring the popular movie to life.

It will have a live band, dancers and singers belting out the film’s classic songs. The show will conclude with guests singing and dancing in the aisles followed by an afterparty that will go late into the night.

Eataly at Sea

MSC Cruises is bringing back Eataly on MSC World America. It will have many of the restaurant’s most loved dishes as well as options that will be exclusive to the cruise ship.

Guests can enjoy an unparalleled ingredient selection carefully sourced from Italian suppliers, with freshly made pasta crafted on-site. The open kitchen will allow for guests to see the production process.

LEGO Experiences

There will be three LEGO experiences on MSC World America. The ship will have the first LEGO parade at sea that starts in the Family Aventura district and ends in the World Promenade.

The LEGO Family Zone will be a brand new area where children and parents can play together.

The LEGO Game Show is a family team challenge in the Luna Park Arena that will have timed challenges, colorful brinks and unexpected twists.

View Prices on Cruises on MSC World America

Bar and Lounge Concepts

A multi-purpose adults-only venue called The Loft will have dueling pianos, comedy shows, karaoke and other entertainment.

The All-Star Sports Bar will allow guests to watch games, play interactive darts, digital shuffleboard and foosball. It will also have a large terrace with ocean views.

Orlando Bloom gave the following statement about this new cruise ship:

“MSC World America has something for everyone, whether you are into thrilling rides, world-class dining, or immersive entertainment. It’s an incredible way to travel, and it makes it easy and accessible for people to explore new places and create unforgettable memories.

“I’ve always thought the best kind of holiday combines adventure, discovery, and comfort, which is exactly what you get with MSC World America. Imagine soaring over the ocean on the Cliffhanger swing ride, dining at the only Eataly restaurant at sea, or enjoying ‘Dirty Dancing in Concert.’ Every moment is unforgettable.”

MSC World America will sail its maiden voyage on April 12, 2025, a week-long cruise to the Caribbean from Miami.

The ship will sail year-round from Miami offering seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.  All cruises will also visit the cruise line’s popular private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Cruise passengers sailing on Carnival Luminosa are getting a longer vacation than they had planned on as Tropical Cyclone Alfred shuts down operations at the Port of Brisbane.

The cruise ship, currently navigating the waters near Australia in a waiting game, is safely sheltering from the storm, but its return to port has been delayed.

John Heald, Brand Ambassador for Carnival Cruise Line, shared an update on the situation on his Facebook page, relaying a message directly from the captain of the ship, Captain Marchi.

“The storm continues its path towards Brisbane and, as we shared yesterday, the port is closed as officials prepare for landfall,” Captain Marchi stated. “Alfred has slowed and is now expected to make landfall Friday afternoon, 7 March. We remain very optimistic that the post-storm assessment will be successfully completed sometime Saturday, 8 March, but given current forecasts, it seems more likely that we will not be able to head into port until Sunday, 9 March. Forecasts can change, however, and we are hopeful for a more positive outcome.”

The captain reassured passengers that “We are in a safe position from the storm, but we will continue to monitor it and keep you updated.”

Several of the replies to the Facebook post were from passengers currently on Carnival Luminosa, and they show that spirits are still positive on board.

“I’m on board – nothing we can do except enjoy extended drink package. Thinking of those at home in Brisbane,” wrote Mandy.

Belinda added what most cruise lovers are probably thinking, “Hey John, this being stuck on the ship a few more days is just terrible. I mean I was really looking forward to going home and doing my own dishes and laundry again. But hey… we will suffer through the fun.”

Many passengers praised the crew’s professionalism and the Captain’s communication.

“The Captain and crew have been absolutely wonderful. Very nervous at first, but we are staying outside of the danger zone and the Captain and Zach are keeping us well informed,” shared Cindy.

Another had a lot off positive things to say about the crew and stated, “I am onboard and have to say that the crew has been fabulous throughout the changes. The captain has been as forthcoming with information as possible, and we are grateful to be safe, well fed, and have open lines of communication to use to rebook flights and stay in touch with our families.”

Some passengers emphasized the unique position of being on a cruise ship during such an event.   For some it’s like a dream come true.

“At least these people get free food, entertainment, and activities while waiting! Best way to wait out a storm!” noted Denise. Others, pointed out the added perks: “Not only is everyone being kept safe, John, the passengers get a free extra day of good food and Fun Day at Sea activities! I would love this, Mate!”

While passengers on board are making the most of the situation, those on land are also facing the storm’s impact.

“John, I’m at home on the Gold Coast Qld, waiting for Cyclone Alfred to pay a visit. Weather is deteriorating. Damage and flooding are kept to a minimum,” shared Wendy.

Another comment expressed concern about the port’s strength, stating, “Who are you kidding[?] The port may not with stand the cyclone in Brisbane. We will see how well it was built.  This is its first cyclone.”

Carnival Cruise Line continues to prioritize the safety of its passengers and crew, providing regular updates and ensuring a comfortable experience during the extended voyage.

As we reported yesterday, Royal Caribbean has also canceled a Quantum of the Seas’ scheduled 3-night sailing, set to depart on March 7th, 2025. The cancellation is due to Cyclone Alfred’s forecast and the closure of the Port of Brisbane. The next scheduled Quantum of the Seas sailing, a 14-day New Zealand cruise, is set for March 14th, followed by a repositioning to Seattle for the Alaskan cruise season in early May. 

Carnival Luminosa, a Vista-class cruise ship, joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 2022. Originally built for Costa Cruises as Costa Luminosa, the vessel went through a significant transformation before its Carnival debut. The ship has a gross tonnage of 92,720 and a capacity to accommodate about 2,260 guests. Luminosa has recently been deployed in the Australian market and is currently scheduled to move to Seattle for the Alaska sailing season in early May.

MSC Cruises is not slowing down in the U.S. market.  The Geneva based cruise line just announced the 2026-2027 winter sailing season, revealing that seven ships will be homeporting in the United States.

The company started cruising from places like Fort Lauderdale back in the early 2000s, but it wasn’t a regular sailing schedule. Now, especially in the last ten years, MSC Cruises has grown by leaps and bounds. They’re using more ports and bigger, newer ships.

You can see that in their plans for 2026-27, with cruises from four major U.S. cities.

PortMiami

MSC World America, which will be the largest ship in the fleet and the cruise line’s flagship, will offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises out of the South Florida port.

Itineraries include popular destinations like Puerto Plata, San Juan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, with all voyages featuring a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.  At least 5 of the 7 ships in this article will be visiting the company’s private island.

MSC Poesia will embark on a 20-night Panama Canal sailing, cruising from Seattle to Miami, on a unique itinerary.  

The third ship to sail from PortMiami for the cruise line, MSC Seaside, will provide 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas, and Ocean Cay.

Port Canaveral

MSC Grandiosa will offer year-round 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises in 2026 and 2027, providing the classic Caribbean cruising experience on the 4,800-passenger ship.

MSC Seashore will continue to offer popular year-round 3- and 4-night Bahamian cruises, ideal for cruisers wanting those quick getaways for cheap. MSC has also committed to bringing a fourth World-class ship to Port Canaveral in the 2027-2028 season, so that’s another ship for the growing port to get excited about.

Galveston

MSC Seascape is currently sailing from Galveston and will continue to do so in 2026.  The newest Seaside-class vessel will offer 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries, featuring destinations like Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel. Galveston’s convenient location for Texas-area travelers has led to the port’s rapid growth over the last few years, and MSC has is looking to capitalize on it.

New York City

MSC Meraviglia will also continue to offer tropical vacations to New Yorkers as the ship will offer 7-night Caribbean and Bahamian cruises through 2027.  This ship will also be doing a grand voyage from Barcelona to New York in October of 2026 that will last for 19 nights.

Passengers on a four-day sailing aboard Carnival Glory expected a short getaway from Port Canaveral, with at least two ports of call. The captain attempted to add a third stop in Freeport, but due to weather conditions, this also failed, leaving the voyage a cruise with zero destinations beyond the ship itself.

A “cruise to nowhere” used to be a popular short vacation option, especially for those wanting a taste of cruising without giving up an entire week. But changes in U.S. maritime law and stricter enforcement of crew visa regulations have made it nearly impossible for cruise ships to offer them from U.S. ports today.

Carnival Glory appears to be an exception, as this cruise to nowhere was due to weather conditions.

A user on Reddit wrote about the ordeal in a post with this message:

 “I’m currently on a 4 day cruise on the Carnival Glory. We were supposed to stop in Nassau and Princess Cays, but both ports were cancelled due to rough seas. Today was supposed to be a sea day, but the captain has coordinated an attempted stop in Freeport. He did kind of hint at unfavorable sea conditions in his announcement yesterday, so I will be surprised if we actually stop in Freeport.”

Instead of being upset though, the poster said that most were still positive about the experience.

“Cruisers seem to be in good spirits, despite missing both ports, and though the length and itinerary would suggest it’s a “booze cruise”, everyone I’ve seen has been very well behaved,” the post read.

But not everyone seems to be thrilled with this “portless” cruise.  Apparently, the guest services line has been getting longer and longer as some passengers are upset with the course of events.

Another comment came from a passenger on board the ship as well that stated:

“Currently on board with you. All three ports being canceled seems to have EVERYONE fuming on our side of the boat. Neighbors and people walking around me angry and heading to guest services to demand refunds. Pretty sure carnival doesn’t care, but personally I would appreciate a future cruise credit or something.”

There were only two ports of call on this itinerary, but the captain attempted to add a third stop in Freeport since the others had to be cancelled.  But once again, weather conditions also made this port stop impossible.

“I don’t understand the unfavorable weather in Freeport. I’ve been there before – the port just allows you to walk off the ship. It is bright and sunny outside. My weather app shows no sign of rain or anything. I’m hearing this from others too”, the passenger stated.

Another user pointed out the importance of cruise travel insurance in these situations.

“If you have trip insurance check to see if you can get reimbursed for missed ports. All you need is evidence that it was missed by going to the Guest Service desk and ask them for it and then file a claim against your trip insurance,” the comment read.

The 2,980-passenger Carnival Glory is currently heading back to Port Canaveral where it is scheduled to arrive on March 7 for a 3-day sailing that has one stop in Nassau.

This news comes as another Carnival ship, Carnival Luminosa, is delayed in returning to the cruise port in Brisbane due to Cyclone Alfred.

While the captain of a cruise ship will do everything they can to ensure a smooth sailing that reaches each destination on time, some matters out of their control.  But one benefit of a cruise is that a ship can avoid severe weather by going around it or waiting it out.  In either case, travelers are encouraged to be flexible.

Whether we want it to happen or not, getting sick on vacation is a real possibility.  But the close quarters of a cruise ship dictate a different set of rules for handling illness.

A sign in the Long Beach cruise terminal, telling passengers to report feeling unwell, has started an interesting discussion among Carnival Cruise Line fans online.

The original poster, “orangesandonions,” shared a photo of the sign on Reddit while waiting to board Carnival Firenze, prompting questions about what actually happens if someone admits they are sick before boarding a cruise ship.

The sign, prominently displayed near the restrooms, read:

“Stay healthy by washing your hands frequently. If you feel unwell, please notify a member of our staff.”

As it turns out, some passengers can be hesitant to admit being sick or might even conceal symptoms for fear of what may end up happening to them for the rest of the cruise.

“It feels like this could be a trap,” the poster wrote.

This sentiment highlights an interesting dilemma, and I’m sure the poster was not alone in feeling this way.  The fear of missing out on a cruise of a lifetime can incentivize people to hide their illness, but this could potentially just spread a sickness to other cruisers.

What Happens If You Report Feeling Unwell?

The reality is, cruise lines like Carnival take health screenings seriously, especially since the shutdown which we won’t even dive into here. While the sign may seem concerning, it’s a standard precaution to prevent the spread of illness.

Context and Insight

Carnival, like other cruise lines, has protocols in place to manage potential illnesses that may happen on board. These can include:

• Medical Screening: Passengers reporting symptoms may be subject to further medical evaluation.
• Isolation: If a contagious illness is suspected, passengers may be isolated to prevent further spread.
• Denial of Boarding: In some cases, if a passenger exhibits symptoms of a highly contagious illness, they may be denied boarding.

Community Insights and Experiences

While the Reddit thread didn’t provide definitive answers from Carnival, experienced cruisers offered valuable insights and shared personal experiences:

• “They have to ask, it’s a health concern, but they aren’t trying to trick you.”
• “It really depends on what you say. If you have a sniffle, they probably won’t care. If you say you have a fever, they might take a closer look.”
• “I had a cough on my last cruise. They made me wear a mask at boarding and gave me a quick checkup. No big deal.”
• “My husband got sick on the ship. They quarantined him in our cabin for a day, but he was fine after that.”
• “My friend got norovirus on a cruise. They quarantined her and her whole family. It wasn’t fun, but they took good care of them.”

These anecdotes illustrate the range of possible outcomes, from minor precautions to more serious situations like quarantine.

One user shared a more positive experience:

“My wife and I got Covid on a Norwegian cruise and we had travel insurance. They quarantined us in a balcony stateroom and gave us access to full room service menu plus whatever was in the dining room that night. Also unlimited high speed internet and movie rentals. Then when we got back to our home port the travel insurance reimbursed us the cost of the days we were quarantined.”

However, another user highlighted the potential downsides that probably spooked some readers:

“You get quarantined in your room, and your cruise is effectively over. No refunds. Which is why people are incentivized not to notify a staff member if they don’t feel well, and just try and bear through it. Not many people are willing to pay thousands of dollars just to be locked up in their cabin for a week. If the cruise lines were serious about this, they’d work to compensate you if you get sick on their ship.”

The Dilemma

So, that’s the issue, right? Honesty is important for public health, but the fear of quarantine and financial loss can create a powerful incentive to stay silent. This highlights the need for clearer communication from cruise lines, but it also shows just how important it is to have travel insurance on each cruise you take.

Even if it’s a 3-day cruise, just get the coverage.  You just don’t know what will happen.

Carnival’s Stance

Carnival’s official website outlines its health and safety protocols.  Specifically, their FAQ states:

“If you are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, such as COVID-19, influenza, or norovirus, we ask that you please refrain from boarding. If you begin to feel unwell during your cruise, please notify the medical center immediately.”

Bottom Line

So, nobody wants to be the person who puts a damper on vacation, right? But it’s also not cool to tough it out and risk getting everyone else sick. If you’re feeling under the weather, the responsible thing to do is speak up. It’s not a trap, it’s just how cruise lines are keeping everyone safe these days.

But sure, the idea of being stuck in a tiny cabin for days, missing out on all the fun, doesn’t exactly sound like a dream vacation. Maybe cruise lines need to make it easier for people to be honest about their health. Until then, that “please tell us if you’re sick” sign is going to make some people think twice, and that’s not good for anyone.

Norwegian Cruise Line is adding four new shows across nine cruise ships that will start debuting in September 2025.

The new shows, “Red, White, & British,” “Bring Back the 90s,” “ICONS: The Bands,” and “Ignite the Night” were created in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Creative Studios in Tampa, Florida.

The shows were created with guests in mind giving them more of what they love. This includes captivating stories, recognizable and timeless music and visual spectacles.

They will be original NCL productions and be on the following cruise ships in September 2025:

• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Epic
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Prima

Norwegian said that the new shows will continue to roll out on other ships across their fleet.

In addition to the new shows, the entertainment team has curated additional programming outside of the main theater to include more cast interactions, an increase in live music throughout more venues. This includes an expansion into youth and family entertainment.

Raising the bar even further, Norwegian Cruise Line is surprising guests with spontaneous “Mini Moments of More,” entertainment pop-ups across its fleet to maximize the guest experience.

This includes flash mob performances poolside, in dining rooms, atriums and more.

These interactive moments will keep guests on their toes, as the cruise line hopes to add an extra element of fun and energy throughout the guests’ cruise journey.

The pop-ups will occur every day and are a creative collaboration between the performers and the corporate entertainment team to provide NCL guests an unforgettable moment during their cruise.

Bryan A. White, vice president of Entertainment Production for Norwegian Cruise Line, gave the following statement about the new shows:

“NCL has long set the standard for the finest entertainment at sea, with world-class productions and top-tier talent. We’re excited to further enhance our guests’ cruising experience by introducing even more exclusive original productions and offering a wider range of entertainment options across our fleet.

“These innovative shows, exclusively available onboard our ships, reflect our commitment to delivering unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences that elevate every aspect of our guests’ journey with NCL.”

Losing luggage while traveling is a major headache. On cruise ships, you expect a few hiccups—maybe a bag ends up in the wrong cabin or gets sidelined due to a lost tag. But usually, passengers get their stuff back pretty quickly.

However, for Jason and Tammy Marritt from Oklahoma, their lost luggage story went on for weeks. News reports say they didn’t get their bags back until after their Carnival Magic cruise was over.  So, the entire voyage was spent buying what they needed and making do with what they had.

And this cruise was a celebration for the couple’s 26th wedding anniversary.

Fortunately, they were able to track their luggage using Apple AirPods, keeping tabs on it for all those weeks, which was probably more of a tease than a reassurance.

I say that because for almost a month the couple kept contacting Carnival Cruise Line to inform them of their luggage status and location.

“We kept showing them, ‘Hey, we’re tracking it. Hey, it’s here.’ You know, ‘Can you go to deck zero?’ No, it’s not going to be there. You know, we’ve searched all the floors, every room’s been checked. There’s nothing,” Merritt stated.

But now there’s good news and bad news.  The good news is that the Merritt’s have been reunited with their luggage.  The bad news?  39 items are reportedly missing. 

“There’s about 39 items missing, and she took the majority of his clothes. She took all of his shoes, belts, and his entire toiletry bag. So electronic toothbrushes, razors, medications, she took it all,” Tammy Merritt said.

Even the key to their Ford Bronco was missing from the bag, in addition to the name tag itself missing from the outside of the bag.  This same name tag had the couple’s names, address, and phone number on it.

Here is a recent news video on this story before the couple’s luggage was retrieved:

The really interesting part of the story was revealed when Carnival reportedly told the couple where the bag had been the whole time.

Apparently, the couple was told that their luggage had been in another passenger’s cabin just down the hall during their entire cruise.

“They let her off of that boat without checking any of her belongings. They just let her go,” Merritt said, frustrated that the apparent culprit was not brought to justice.

The couple is in the process of trying to replace the items that were missing from their luggage, and some news outlets have reached out to the cruise line for a response to this while situation.

As for Tammy, she stated that she will be contacting local authorities to seek legal action.

The Greek government is working overtime to make sure that Santorini, the “Jewel of the Aegean”, is ready for the start of cruise season.  But after recent earthquakes have caused evacuations and damage to the port city, it remains to be seen if it will be ready in time.

Over one million cruise passengers visit the iconic Greek cruise port of Santorini every year, but that number could drastically change for 2025. 

According to recent news reports, Santorini is already facing a downtrend in tourism, with about 20% less tourist activity compared to previous years. 

The downturn is due to more than 20,000 earthquakes that have rattled the city, with some measuring up to 5.3 in magnitude.

The seismic activity has shut down the famous Santorini cable car leading up to Fira near the cruise port, and it’s expected to be inoperable for another three months while earthquakes are monitored.

This is a big deal because Greek authorities have said that cruise ships should not dock at the main Fira port and instead should dock at Athinios Port due to safety concerns.

Santorini’s cruise season starts in late March with just a handful of cruise ship visits, and activity starts ramping up a lot more in April and onward. The 2025 schedule shows:

Current Cruise Schedule for Santorini

• April: 28 cruise visits from 14 lines
• May: 69 cruise visits from 23 lines
• June: 82 cruise visits from 18 lines
• July: 90 cruise visits from 24 cruise lines
• August: 85 cruise visits from 26 cruise lines
• September: 79 cruise visits from 26 cruise lines

While monitoring seismic activity, the Greek Government is doing everything it can to make sure the cruise season starts on time and that the city is ready and safe for cruise passengers.

Cruise Tax

But earthquakes aren’t the only thing shaking things up.  The port city recently decided to add an additional cruise tax of up to 20 euros to incoming visitors as well.

The passenger fee would actually be 20 euros during peak summer months (June-September), 12 euros in the shoulder seasons (April, May, October), and 4 euros during the off-season (November-March).

Over the next few weeks, local officials are expected to make a decision about the new tax and how it will be applied.  The earthquakes put a temporary hold on discussions about the cruise tax, but now it could add another layer to the complexity of cruising to this popular port.

For now, local port officials are more concerned with safety.  The Foreign Office recently gave advice about earthquakes in the city with this message:

“The area around the Cycladic islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, is currently experiencing frequent earthquakes which may continue for several weeks. The Greek authorities advised people in those areas not to attend large indoor gatherings, to avoid old or abandoned buildings and the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) in the area of Fira and to choose safe routes when travelling, particularly in areas where the landslide risk is high.”