Diplomacy

A little over a week ago, all cruise lines canceled visits to the popular Mexican resort town and cruise port of Puerto Vallarta.   Now, at least one cruise ship is back.

Chaos and unrest gripped the city after it was reported that drug cartel leader “El Mencho” was killed.  Social media videos out of Puerto Vallarta showed multiple fires across the city as reports of gunshots and car jackings flooded online platforms.

There were no cruise ships in port at the time of the peek of unrest, but Holland America’s Zuiderdam quickly pulled their scheduled visit that was planned for the following day.

Now that things have calmed down and the Mexican military moved in to put a stop to the violence and chaos, NCL’s Norwegian Bliss is back in port.  It’s the first ship to call on Puerto Vallarta since the violent upheaval of February 22, 2026

Norwegian Bliss Arrives

Norwegian Bliss arrived at the Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal around 5:45 AM local time today.

While other cruise lines have been hesitant to return to Puerto Vallarta, Norwegian Cruise Line made the independent decision to resume its schedule after its security teams determined the city was stable and safe enough for passengers to disembark.

The ship brought over 4,000 passengers into the port, an area that heavily relies on tourism for its economic survival. 

Bliss is on a 7-day sailing out of San Pedro, California and is scheduled to make stops in Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas before heading back to homeport.

Not All Ships Coming Back Yet

Royal Princess was also originally scheduled to visit Puerto Vallarta today, but cruise ship tracking data with CruiseMapper shows the ship in Mazatlán.

Carnival Corporation & plc (which owns Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Carnival Cruise Line) has issued a broader suspension, indicating that most of its brands will skip Puerto Vallarta through at least mid-March as an extra precaution.

Mazatlán has become a common “safe haven” for ships during this period, as it remained unaffected by the specific violence that broke out in the state of Jalisco.

Bottom Line

Even though this is not the busiest time of year for cruise ships in Puerto Vallarta, the lack of any ship visits over the last ten days has had to have made an impact.

Some industry travel experts estimate that the string of five major canceled calls resulted in a loss of between $9 million and $14 million in local economic activity.  This represents well over 15,000 passengers and includes crew spending, port fees, shore excursions, and other related revenue generated by cruise traffic.

For now, Norwegian Bliss even pulling into port suggests that the worst of the chaos may be behind us.  Puerto Vallarta has long been regarded as one of the safest and most tourist-friendly cities in Mexico.

The next scheduled port of call is not until March 10 for Island Princess, and the next day Norwegian Bliss and Royal Princess are scheduled to make a stop. We have reached out to Princess to see if the cruise line plans to avoid the port and will update this article when we hear back.

Thousands of cruise passengers have been trying to get back home after cruises along the Persian Gulf had to be canceled due to the conflict in the region.

After a lot of uncertainty in and around Iran, German travel giant TUI confirmed today that it has officially begun the process of sending guests back to their home countries.

TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel announced that the company is responsible for about 10,000 customers in the Middle East, with about 5,000 of them being cruise passengers currently on two vessels.  Add in the crew and these ships have about 7,000 people in total. 

These ships include Mein Schiff 4, docked in Abu Dhabi, and Mein Schiff 5, currently in Doha.

“We Take it Very Seriously”

To get everyone home safely, TUI is working with Gulf carriers including Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.

While TUI’s own airline, TUIfly, has aircraft ready to help out, they are currently on standby waiting for the necessary governmental permissions to fly through the restricted airspaces.

“Repatriation is our responsibility, and we take it very seriously,” Ebel told German broadcasters. “Everything is organized, but when you have 5,000 customers on a ship and each plane only holds 200, it takes time.”

Reports Near Mein Schiff 4

Over the weekend, reports surfaced that a projectile, which was likely debris from an intercepted missile, landed in the water near Mein Schiff 4 in Abu Dhabi.  In reality, the debris was still 1 to 2 kilometers away and no one on board was in any imminent danger.

But still, this kind of event is nothing to play games with, and after hearing the loud explosion travel across the water, it’s no wonder any one on board would be ready to head home.

Smoke was visible from the ship and passengers received emergency alerts on their phones.

Passengers have spent much of the last 48 hours following strict safety protocols, which include staying away from outdoor decks and remaining in interior cabins.

What’s Next?

The first wave of flights is expected to arrive in Germany, specifically Munich, later today. But because of the large number of travelers and the limited number of available flight slots, the full evacuation is expected to take several days.

The German Foreign Ministry is also stepping in to provide any help needed.  Reports say Germany is focusing on chartering flights for the most vulnerable travelers, including the elderly, children, and pregnant women.

Carnival Sunshine is currently on a 6-day sailing out of Norfolk, Virginia that was supposed to leave port Sunday afternoon.

But on the way back to Norfolk after an 8-day cruise, the 3,000-passenger ship started experiencing some trouble.

As the ship approached Chesapeake Bay, the vessel lost propulsion and the lights went out, just a few miles from the Bridge-Tunnel complex.

A Late Wake-Up Call

According to a user on Reddit who was on the ship, the power failure hit around 1:55 AM, cutting off propulsion and some other systems on board.

While most passengers might have slept through it, the Captain and Cruise Director made a ship-wide announcement at 2:20 AM to make sure everyone knew what was going on.

This move surprised some but was probably just a safety precaution.

One passenger noted that for many, the only sign of trouble (other than the announcement) was the silence when the AC fans stopped:

“Most people never would’ve known the power went out… 5 minutes after he announced that the AC fans kicked back on.”

Safety First

Even though the outage only lasted a few minutes, the crew responded quickly. Passengers reported that crews were at every elevator within 15 minutes to make sure no one was trapped.

It should also be noted that atrium elevators were kept running on emergency power.

The Coast Guard Steps In

The ship’s engineers restored power by 2:45 AM, but the U.S. Coast Guard wasn’t taking any chances.

According to some passengers, they denied the ship entry into the bay until tugboats arrived to escort her.  The ship was under its own power by then, but the tugboats were on standby just in case.

“Can’t blame VA either [for denying access]! Much better safe than sorry,” one comment stated.

Despite the technical hiccup and the lack of Wi-Fi (which forced some cruisers to rely on expensive satellite roaming), the mood on board remained fairly positive.

Even though power was restored some non-essential systems on the ship were not fully operational.

Passengers praised the crew for their hard work and running everything smoothly throughout the incident.

Delay and Likely Itinerary Change

Since Carnival Sunshine was not able to dock in Norfolk until 11:30AM, Carnival sent out a notice for the upcoming guests that there would be a slight delay.

The notice stated that because the ship was sailing later than originally planned “it is likely that our voyage plan will be impacted. Carnival Sunshine’s Captain, Antonio Gargiulo, and our Fleet Operations Center are reviewing the alternatives and will have an update for you later this evening.”

Carnival Sunshine ended up departing around 6:00PM on Sunday.

Lunch on the House for Incoming Guests

Since the ship was delayed in returning to port, guests on the upcoming cruise were also delayed and were either stuck in the terminal or were waiting in the city. 

To help make up for this inconvenience, Carnival gave these guests $25 of onboard credit to cover lunch while they waited to board.

Carnival Sunshine is scheduled to return to Norfolk on March 7, 2026.  There have been no statements regarding what may have caused the temporary power outage, and according to ship tracking data with Cruisemapper, the vessel is currently traveling at 18 knots as it heads south.

Update: A spokesperson from Celestyal Cruises sent Cruise Fever the following statement 2:00 PM on Sunday: 

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remains our highest priority.

“We regret to inform our guests and travel partners that in view of the current circumstances in the Middle East, the Celestyal Journey cruise scheduled to depart from Dubai on March 2, and the Celestyal Discovery cruise scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi on March 2, have been cancelled.

“Celestyal Journey will remain alongside in Doha until March 7. Subject to operating conditions, we then plan to resume our scheduled Desert Days itinerary. Guests currently on board may choose to remain on Journey until March 7 or disembark in Doha in the interim.

“Celestyal Discovery is currently alongside in Dubai. At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests. We are working closely with the relevant authorities and will begin disembarkation in Dubai as soon as permission is granted. Guests currently on board will be advised as soon as further information is available. Once disembarkation is approved, we will provide support to assist guests with transfers from the ship to Abu Dhabi Airport.

“All guests who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit. We strongly encourage guests to speak directly with their travel provider regarding onward or alternative travel arrangements.

“We sincerely apologize to guests for the disruption to their travel plans, and greatly appreciate their patience and understanding while we work through this evolving situation.”

Original article published at 1:00 PM on Sunday: Two cruise lines have either altered or canceled cruises this week due to missile attacks around the Arabian Gulf by Iran.

MSC Cruises and Celestyal Cruises have both made changes to cruises this week for the safety of their guests and crew members. Here is a look at the changes that have been made so far.

Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Cruises has both of their cruise ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, based in the middle east right now.

The cruise line has altered itineraries on both ships. The cruise line sent the following statement to Cruise Fever about the changes.

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew is always our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East region in close coordination with the relevant authorities.”

Celestyal Journey is currently docked in Doha, Qatar and the ship will remain there for at least 24 hours. She was originally scheduled to leave Doha on February 28, 2026 for a seven-night ‘Desert Days’ cruise in the Arabian Gulf.

Guests who were unable to board the ship due to flight disruptions can receive either a full refund for their sailing or a future cruise credit equal to the value of the cruise. The cruise line is also extending this offer to guests who no longer wish to travel at this time.

Guests currently in Doha who wish to embark may do so, with the understanding that the cruise ship will remain in port while Celestyal Cruises continues to monitor developments.

Celestyal Discovery is currently in Dubai and the ship will remain there for at least 24 hours. The ship departed on February 27 from Abu Dhabi, UAE on a three-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ sailing.

The current itinerary will be adapted as required in line with operational guidance and ongoing assessments.

The cruise line told Cruise Fever that updates regarding future sailings departing from March 2 onwards will take place as further information becomes available.

Celestyal Cruises is communicating directly with affected guests and travel partners and will provide further updates as appropriate.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has canceled today’s sailing on MSC Euribia, a seven-day cruise in the Arabian Gulf. The cruise ship is currently in Dubai and the ship will remain there as a precautionary measure.

The cruise line said in a statement that they are reviewing and monitoring all of their operations in the region. They went on to say that the safety and security of their guests was their focus.

Because airspace in the region was closed, it’s making any flights to or from the cruise port impossible.

You can read more about this canceled cruise here.

Cruise Fever will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in the Middle East and will have all cruise updates as cruise lines make changes to keep guests and crew members safe.

A March 1, 2026 cruise out of Doha, Qatar has been canceled due to ongoing security threats and military strikes in and around Iran.

According to news reports, MSC Cruises has decided to call off a 7-day Arabian Gulf sailing on MSC Euribia. 

The ship is currently docked in Dubai, along with Celestyal Discovery, and will remain in the port as a precautionary measure while the company reviews the situation.

The cruise line said the following in a statement:

“Due to the current situation and the air space closure in the Middle East region, we are currently monitoring and reviewing all our operations in the region, and we are in constant contact with the local and national authorities and relevant partners.”

“Our focus is the safety and security of our guests and crew therefore MSC Euribia cruise sailing from Doha tomorrow, 1st March is cancelled and the ship will remain in the port of Dubai.”

Because airspace in the region is closed, it’s making any flights to or from the cruise port impossible. 

Passengers who have just arrived in Dubai after a 7-day cruise out of the port are remaining in place while the cruise line evaluates the situation and decides on the safest course of action for all guests.

Because of recent missile and drone interceptions over the UAE, several airlines have grounded flights, and some shipping routes have been put on hold for safety.

The decision by MSC Cruises follows a move made by several other major lines earlier this season. Both AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises (which are both brands under the Carnival Corporation umbrella) pulled out of the Middle East for the 2025/26 winter season back in July of last year.

Maritime traffic in the region has come to a halt as operators were advised to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for trade routes in and out of the Arabian Gulf.

Many of these ships are in holding patterns and waiting to see how things play out.

MSC Euribia is not new to these waters, as it’s been operating in the Arabian Gulf for the last two winter seasons.

For now, MSC Cruises is monitoring any developments and remaining in contact with authorities.  It’s a fluid situation and more cruises may be impacted.  As always, passenger and crew safety is a top priority for cruise lines.

Every cruise line has a page on their website that lists the prohibited items that should not be brought onto a cruise ship.  These pages are frequently updated as new technologies or trends pop up.

Royal Caribbean just recently updated their “ban list” or “prohibited items onboard policy” page and organized it into easy-to-find sections. 

These sections include topics like drinks, snacks, hair tools, sporting goods, pets, and the recently added smart glasses category.

As a recent addition to the list, smart glasses have been a controversial topic, and the cruise line gave more specific guidance as to where they can be worn.  So, it’s not an outright ban, but anyone wearing them where they aren’t supposed to will have them confiscated.

Here is a straightforward breakdown of the current Royal Caribbean rules for 2026.

New for 2026: Smart Glasses

The most obvious addition to the list involves wearable technology. While you can bring Smart Glasses (like Ray-Bans with cameras) onboard, they are strictly prohibited in several areas for privacy reasons.

Royal Caribbean plainly states that you basically can’t wear them “anywhere there is a reasonable expectation of guest and crew privacy”.

• Restricted Zones: Casinos, spas, restrooms, locker rooms, medical facilities, security screening locations, back-of-house tour locations, crew areas and youth areas.
• Consequences: Use in these areas will lead to the glasses being confiscated by security.
• Side note: If you are bringing your smart glasses for your prescription, the cruise line recommends bringing a second pair of backup glasses to use in the restricted areas.

Beverage and Snack Rules

The rules for drinks are very specific, although under the new snacks category on the page the cruise line advises for cruisers to be “sensible”.  After all, the ship is loaded with food, so I never understood bringing the kitchen pantry onto the ship anyhow.

• Wine/Champagne: One sealed 750ml bottle per guest of drinking age is permitted. Boxed wine and liquor are prohibited.
• Non-Alcoholic: You may bring up to 12 standard cans or bottles (17 oz or less) of soda, water, or energy drinks per stateroom.
• Snacks: Pre-packaged, sealed snacks are allowed in “sensible” amounts (So don’t bring your entire Costco shopping cart on board). Open containers of food cannot be brought onboard.

Hair Tools

This is a new category that was added to the page, although the items under it are the same as before.  The new layout just makes it easier to peruse and find what you’re looking for.

Also, it might seem a bit confusing for this to be on the “ban list” because everything under this section is actually permitted on board.  Royal Caribbean is just making it plain and clear, so cruisers know these “hair tools” are allowed.

Under this category the page states that hair curling irons, straighteners, and hair dryers are perfectly fine.  There’s also a reminder that hair dryers are in each stateroom, so you don’t need to bring those along.

Sporting Goods

Royal Caribbean added this section to clarify that while you can bring your own gear, you can’t just use it anywhere. They want to make sure your pickleball hobby doesn’t turn into an impromptu hallway match (you know who you are).

• What’s allowed: You can bring your own pickleball paddles, ice skates, and other sports equipment to use at the actual onboard courts or to take with you for shore excursions.  Not sure why anyone would bring ice skates on a cruise ship but maybe Alysa Liu will inspire some to try it.
• The Restriction: You aren’t allowed to use this equipment in “non-sporting areas” of the ship.
• Diving Knives: If you’re a scuba diver, you can bring a recreational diving knife, but you can’t keep it in your room. You have to check it in with the security team, and they will let you “check it out” specifically for your dive trips.

Baby Things

This category gets a lot of questions for a family cruise line, so Royal Caribbean tried to make the rules even clearer. Cruising with a little one requires a lot of gear, and the new layout helps parents see exactly what is allowed in the stateroom versus what needs prior approval.

• The Essentials: You are allowed to bring strollers, baby bathing basins, and portable cribs/pack n’ plays.
• The Hallway Rule: The page is very clear that strollers and basins must be stored inside your room. They cannot be left in the hallway because they block the path for both passengers and crew.
• Case-by-Case Items: Things like baby bottle cleaners, sanitizers, and warmers are handled on a case-by-case basis. You’ll need to contact the Access team at [email protected] to have them reviewed before you board.
• The Ban: Baby monitors are explicitly listed as not allowed.

Pets and Service Animals

This section is short and to the point. Unless your animal has a specific job, it’s staying at home.  The fact this section was added tells me that people ask about bringing their pets on a regular basis.  Who knew?

• No Pets: Traditional pets are not allowed onboard no matter how cute they may be.
• Service Animals: Only officially recognized service animals are permitted. If you are traveling with one, you’re encouraged to contact the “Accessible Shore Excursions” team to make sure your tours in port can accommodate them.

Toiletry Size and Luggage

Unlike airlines, Royal Caribbean is much more relaxed about your bathroom bag and your suitcase.

• Toiletries: There is no “3-ounce rule” here. You can bring full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and sunblock.  The cruise line states that your room already has shampoo, body wash, and hand soap, but I know many are more particular about their skin products.
• Luggage: There aren’t strict size requirements, but the page does mention that if your bag is too big to fit through the standard X-ray machine at the terminal, it will have to be manually checked by security, which can slow down your boarding process.

Destination-Specific Warnings

At the bottom of the page, there are a few warnings that have nothing to do with the ship and everything to do with the countries you are visiting.

• Camouflage in Barbados: It is illegal for civilians to wear camouflage clothing in Barbados. It’s a serious rule.  Don’t even mess with this one.  Violators can face fines or even jail time.
• Vapes in Mexico: Mexico has strictly banned vapes and e-cigarettes. The page warns that you cannot bring these ashore, or you risk legal trouble with Mexican authorities.
• Ulu Knives in Alaska: If you buy an Ulu knife while in port in Alaska, you can bring it back to the ship, but you have to keep it in your room for the rest of the cruise.

Other Items Not Allowed

Finally, the page wraps it up with a catch-all list of items that remain strictly prohibited, many of which have been on the list for years:

• Illegal Drugs: This includes marijuana, even if you have a medical certificate.
• Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, and even realistic replicas are banned.
• Tools: Standard hardware tools like screwdrivers and hammers are not allowed.
• Cybersecurity Gear: This includes items like satellite dishes and routers that could interfere with the ship’s electronics.

Bottom Line

I recommend checking out your cruise line’s prohibited items page before you cruise as these policies do get updated more than you might think.  Most of the time it’s pretty obvious why an item might be banned, but with Royal Caribbean’s new layout on their webpage it makes it a lot easier to just peruse the list before you sail.