A crew member has been arrested onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship after attacking three security crew members, a nurse and a female passenger.
On 6 May 2024, Ntando Sogoni, a new crew member from South Africa, tried to deploy a lifeboat from the ship for no clear reason.
Sogoni had only joined the ship the day before, and his unusual behaviour alerted the security team onboard who escorted him to the medical centre for a physical and mental assessment.
Mr. Sogoni, in a sudden outburst, assaulted both a security guard and a male nurse.
The altercation continued, moving to another room where a 75-year-old female passenger was unfortunately injured with medical scissors. Her injuries, while serious, were non-life-threatening and involved her arm, hand, and face.
Sogoni injured two more security team members as he was detained, where he was kept in the ship’s jail. He was then arrested in Juneau, Alaska the following day and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.
Norwegian Encore, like most modern cruise ships, is equipped with comprehensive surveillance systems and an experienced onboard security team ready to intervene at a moment’s notice.
The ship’s security protocols and the crew’s training are designed to mitigate any potential threats, ensuring the safety and security of all passengers and staff.
Norwegian Encore’s itinerary and onboard experiences have not been affected by the incident. The names of the injured passenger and crew members have not been revealed.
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HX, the cruise expedition specialists, has joined forces with an esteemed researcher to study the ocean floor of Antarctica.
The cruise line worked with Dr. Manuel Novillo for a project titled “Exploring the Unseen”, working from the ship MS Roald Amundsen.
The aims were to explore the secrets of the Antarctic Ocean floor, finding spawning grounds for overexploited fish species and looking at opportunities for further research projects in future.
This was done through the use of underwater drones, setting new company records for deep diving in Orne Harbour across 16 deployments during January and February.
Even more exciting is that guests were able to take part in the drone deployments, helping to make their cruise experience feel even more special as they contributed to the research project.
This research goes beyond science communication; it’s about making a real impact…I’m thrilled to see our underwater drones utilised to their full potential, contributing to a project that holds immense promise.
Dr. Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist at HX
MS Roald Amundsen has its own state-of-the-art Science Center onboard, which helped to provide the platform needed for the research to be carried out successfully and made for some fascinating experiences for the guests onboard.
HX, formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions, is the leading expedition cruise line with over 250 destinations sailed to in more than 30 countries across the world.
The cruise line is also on a mission to be the world’s most sustainable expedition company, being the first cruise line to ban heavy fuel oil and single-use plastics, and launching the world’s first battery hybrid-powered ship.
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A crew member has gone missing at sea from an around-the-world cruise with Ambassador Cruise Lines.
The Ambience cruise ship was completing the last leg of its 120-day journey, sailing from Lisbon to Tilbury in London, when the crew member – originally from India – was reported missing.
They didn’t show up to begin their shift in the morning, which caused staff to raise the alarm.
The ship then turned around to begin a search in the waters for the missing crew member, along with ship-wide searches onboard.
However, once it was clear that these searches were not going to be successful, they were called off and the ship once again set course for Tilbury.
As a result of this distressing news, the planned events to celebrate the end of the world cruise in Tilbury were cancelled.
Our immediate priority is to provide full support to all crew members closely affected by this incident…We are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of our colleague at this difficult time. Specialist support will be offered to all crew affected by today’s events
Ambassador Cruise Line spokesperson
As a result of the searches and delayed return to port, the 11-night British Isles Discovery cruise set to sail on Sunday 5th May 2024 was pushed back by 24 hours.
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P&O Cruises, one of the most popular cruise lines for British cruise passengers, has announced changes to its drinks policies that are likely to disappoint many.
The changes include price increases for the drinks packages, and also a change to the drinks guests are allowed to bring onboard at the start of their cruise.
It’s important to clarify that this information has been released to travel agents, but no official statement has come from the cruise line yet.
Notably, guests will no longer be permitted to bring a bottle of spirits onto the cruise ship – anyone who does will have it confiscated. While the wording of the information provided to travel agents is slightly contradictory, this does seem to be the big takeaway from the information provided.
P&O Cruises has long had one of the best policies for guests looking to save by bringing their own drinks onboard, but this change brings the company in-line with many of the big American cruise lines, including those owned by P&O’s parent company Carnival Group.
From Tuesday 7th May, guests will only be allowed to bring one litre of wine or Champagne onto the ship on embarkation day, and any additional bottles will be stored and returned to the guest on the last day of the cruise.
Guests must drink these bottles in their stateroom if they want to avoid a corkage fee. Any bottles consumed in the bars, restaurants, dining room or lounges will incur a £20 corkage cost, added to guests’ onboard accounts.
The drinks package price increase, while also likely to disappoint cruise guests, is not uncommon within the cruise industry and so will be seen as more of an inevitable change.
The price increases will roll out across the fleet between 9th May and 25th May. Guests could secure the drinks package at the old price if they book before Wednesday 8th May, when the new pricing structure is put into place.
Here’s a summary of the changes (all prices are per person, per night)
Package
Old Price – Pre Cruise
Old Price – Onboard
New Price – Pre Cruise
New Price – Onboard
Refresh
£9.85
£10.95
£12.95
£14.45
Alcohol Free
£22.45
£24.95
£24.25
£26.95
Classic
£40.45
£44.95
£43.95
£48.45
Deluxe
£49.45
£54.95
£54.45
£60.50
While the biggest financial increase is on the Deluxe package, with a £5.55 per night increase on the onboard prices, it’s the Refresh package which has seen the biggest price increase – anyone who bought onboard will now pay an extra £3.50 per night, an increase of almost 32%.
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Abingdon Co., a female-owned watch brand renowned for creating timepieces for women in demanding professions, has announced a new partnership with one of cruises’ best-known captains, Kate McCue.
I was lucky enough to secure an exclusive interview with the duo, so read on to hear what makes them tick…
Captain Kate McCue has invested in Abingdon Co., a watch brand that makes durable, high-quality watches primarily aimed at women in the maritime, aviation, and transport industries.
Captain McCue was originally a customer of the brand, and has now decided to invest in the watch company to help it grow and to bring new customers to the business.
McCue is well known as the first female captain of a mega cruise ship, and she has curated her own online brand to become one of the real innovators in cruise – not only as a pioneer for women in senior officer positions but also as a content creator in the broader cruise industry.
She has amassed over 3.6 million followers on TikTok, along with over 950,000 followers on Instagram and 76,000 on YouTube, where she shares daily video clips from her life as a cruise captain.
Interview with Captain Kate McCue and Abingdon Mullin, the founder of Abingdon Co.
Kate, what was it about an Abingdon watch that caught your eye initially?
The first thing that caught my eye with Abingdon were the beautiful vibrant designs of watches made by a woman for women. They had all the features and automatic movement that I was looking for in a watch, without overwhelming my wrist, which is something I could never find with mass-produced watch companies.
After learning about the company, I was beyond impressed to find that it’s not about the decoration, but a much bigger purpose of providing tools, without compromise, for women doing extraordinary things in their hard work and play, while most importantly, paying it forward.
And navigating through your maritime career, what challenges have you conquered that made you resonate with Abingdon Co.’s mission?
When it comes to challenges while navigating my career, one that has always been prevalent is not having equipment tailored to or for women. Being in a male-dominated field means that something as simple as fitting into safety shoes, coveralls or firefighting gear has always been an obstacle because of the idea that one size fits all… men.
As a firm believer in “if you can see it, you can be it”, Abingdon gives women a platform to do more and be more by providing the incredible tools to do so.
You’ve turned from a customer into an investor. Can you share that moment of decision?
Meeting Abingdon in person in 2021 made such a powerful impression that this is so much more than a watch company. I love the empowerment and community aspect. Not only because Abingdon is located in Las Vegas, where I proudly call home, but because Abingdon makes you part of the crew; strong adventurous women who push boundaries and want more out of life and their watch!
Her “Crew Members” gain access to inspiring events which promote and support educational opportunities for girls and women around the world. We are aligned with the idea that the world needs strong women, who are brave, fierce and tender. We understand that success comes from lifting each other up. I believe in the company and it’s mission and that is why I want to be more involved in this incredible company.
Great, thanks! And Abingdon, what sparked the idea to create watches for women in demanding professions?
After obtaining my pilot’s certificate in 2006, I searched for a fashionable yet durable pilot’s watch to celebrate this milestone in my career. All of the watches I came across at the time were too bulky and masculine-looking.
Other women around me shared the same frustration and it inspired me to launch the brand in 2007 – taking on the watch market that predominantly serves the male consumer and providing women with stylish, purpose-built watches designed to withstand all.
Hearing that Captain Kate McCue became not just a supporter but an investor must have been thrilling. What does this mean for Abingdon Co.’s future?
Captain Kate’s leadership and dedication align perfectly with our mission to create opportunities for women to thrive and succeed. Her continuous support and investment open up exciting opportunities for the future and together we will continue empowering women in industries where they’ve been traditionally underrepresented.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to other female entrepreneurs looking to make waves in male-dominated industries?
In the realm of male-dominated industries, one piece of advice I’d impart is to embrace tenacity wholeheartedly. I’ve fought through many roadblocks throughout my career and have overcome them, fueled by an unwavering determination to carve my path in an industry often monopolized by men.
It’s about being bold, bouncing back from setbacks, and refusing to take no for an answer. When people doubt you because you’re a woman in a “man’s world,” use that doubt as fuel to prove ’em wrong. We’re all in this together, breaking barriers and making history.
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Ready for an unconventional cruise experience that combines the thrill of the high seas with the freedom of a clothing-optional environment?
Mark your calendars for February 2025, as Norwegian Cruise Line prepares to host a one-of-a-kind journey aboard the luxurious Norwegian Pearl.
Over an eleven-day voyage, adventurers can enjoy the sun and sea as nature intended, exploring the enchanting islands of the Caribbean from the Bahamas to St. Lucia.
Bare Necessities, a pioneer in naturist travel since 1990, is charting the course for the Big Nude Boat 2025. This special charter not only promises the liberating feel of a clothing-free holiday but also ensures all the high standards and amenities expected from a top-notch cruise experience.
Setting sail from lively Miami on February 3, 2025, the ship returns on Valentine’s Day, making this trip a perfect, romantic escapade.
With a capacity for nearly 2,400 passengers, the Norwegian Pearl promises intimacy without overcrowding, allowing you to mingle with like-minded travellers or find your own peaceful spot on the deck.
The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to suit the nudist lifestyle, with special arrangements for clothing-optional excursions. Starting and concluding with visits to Norwegian Cruise Line’s own Great Stirrup Cay, guests will enjoy exclusive access to this private paradise. Imagine zip-lining or snorkeling as freely as you wish, without the encumbrance of wet swimwear!
Beyond the Bahamas, the cruise includes stops at:
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Immerse yourself in the rich history and lively culture of this charming American territory.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten: Split between Dutch and French governance, this island offers eclectic shopping and gorgeous beaches.
Roseau, Dominica: Known as the “Nature Isle,” explore lush rainforests and bubbling hot springs.
Fort-de-France, Martinique: Experience the French flair of the Caribbean with exquisite cuisine and architectural beauty.
Castries, St. Lucia: Conclude your island hopping with dramatic vistas, volcanic beaches, and luxurious relaxation spots.
Sea days are designated as “Nude Days,” where passengers can enjoy the ship’s amenities without clothing, feeling the sea breeze directly on their skin – a truly liberating experience!
Special events, though under wraps for now, promise to be as engaging as past cruise highlights, which have included costume parties, deck dance-offs, and talent shows. Imagine dancing under the stars, minimalistic in attire but maximal in spirit!
To ensure comfort for all, Bare Necessities and the cruise line enforce a practical clothing policy. Nudity is permissible when the ship is at sea or anchored away from port.
However, attire is required in dining areas, during docking, and also in line with specific conduct guidelines in public areas. Additional measures such as mandatory towel-use on shared seating and strict non-photo zones highlight a commitment to privacy and respect for all guests.
Accommodation ranges from snug inside cabins, available from $2,000 per person, to the opulent 3-bedroom Haven Garden Villa on Deck 14, which commands a price tag of $33,155 per person.
These diverse options ensure that whether you’re budgeting or splurging, the Big Nude Boat offers something tailor-made for your needs.
Anyone interested can contact Bare Necessities to book their place on this cruise.
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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.
Experience the journey of a lifetime with Princess Cruises, as the cruise line has revealed its most captivating world cruise to date, slated for early 2026.
Guests can set sail on Coral Princess, covering 35,000 nautical miles through stunning landscapes and diverse cultures.
This extensive 114-day odyssey begins in Fort Lauderdale on January 5, 2026, with another departure from Los Angeles on January 21, giving you the option to start from the port that best fits your plans.
This carefully planned voyage is designed to provide an unparalleled exploration of 52 ports across 28 countries, making it the most destination-rich itinerary in the history of Princess Cruises.
From the lively streets of Singapore and the historical charm of Sydney to the tranquil beauty of Honolulu, the 2026 World Cruise aims to provide late-night stays in 13 key ports and an overnight visit in the lively city of Hong Kong.
These ports of call give guests the chance to delve deeper into each destination with enough time to explore cultural and historical jewels, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to the engaging rhythms of local life.
Each segment of the journey offers unique encounters and vistas.
Starting in Fort Lauderdale, your initial major stops include the architectural marvels of Cartagena, Colombia, followed by a scenic journey through the engineering feat that is the Panama Canal.
The trip then proceeds along the Pacific coastline of Latin America including stops in Costa Rica and several captivating Mexican ports before reaching Los Angeles.
Crossing the equator, you’ll visit picturesque islands in Hawaii and Samoa, capturing the spirit of the Pacific. In February, the ship docks in New Zealand and Australia, offering days filled with exploration in Fjordland National Park, Sydney, and Brisbane. Next, Asia awaits with its dynamic cultures and historical landmarks, including a first-time stop in exotic Boracay, Philippines.
The educational and entertainment offerings aboard the Coral Princess are exceptional. Guests will be able to engage with destination ambassadors and guest lecturers who bring each location to life through engaging stories and insights.
Authentic folkloric shows and themed festivities will immerse you in the cultural fabric of the regions visited, enriching your experience and deepening your understanding of the world’s diverse cultural heritage.
The Coral Princess, accommodating nearly 2,000 passengers and supported by 900 attentive crew members, offers a comfortable and intimate setting, delivering personalised service and meticulous attention to detail.
The world cruise is now available for bookings.
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Cunard’s newest cruise ship, the Queen Anne, has arrived in Southampton ready to depart on her maiden voyage.
The first ship to launch for the cruise line in 14 years, Queen Anne will become the flagship of the fleet, and she was welcomed to her homeport by large crowds.
Her maiden voyage is a 14-day cruise to the Canary Islands, to be followed by a cruise around the British Isles.
And during this second cruise, when the ship visits Liverpool, her naming ceremony will take place, on 3rd June.
“Not only does she reflect the Cunard distinctive style on the outside, the inside perfectly echoes the brand heritage with reimagined, elegant spaces and designs.”
Katie McAlister, Cunard president, speaking at the handover ceremony on 19th April
The ship may be the newest in the fleet, but she is far from the biggest. While her gross tonnage of 113,300 exceeds that of sister ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, it is still some way short of Queen Mary 2, which has a volume of 149,215 GT.
Queen Anne will offer guests world-class comfort in stylish suites and staterooms, along with some new alternative dining restaurants to try and plenty of fantastic boutiques for retail therapy.
The ship is also home to some beautiful outdoor spaces, and the Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa facilities are sure to help guests unwind.
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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.
Music fans can sail for an extraordinary adventure this October as the luxury cruise ship Crystal Serenity departs from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale on October 26th with a special guest onboard – Gloria Gaynor.
This 14-night journey is a grand celebration of music featuring the iconic singer, celebrated for classic hits like “I Will Survive” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.”
Cruise guests can look forward to the ultimate cruising indulgence with the fresh ocean air, the sophisticated atmosphere on board, and unforgettable performances by a Grammy Award-winning artist that will become part of their cherished travel experiences.
On the cruise, Gaynor will captivate guests with her greatest hits, enchanting everyone with her powerful voice and ageless appeal. Her performances do more than entertain; they unite and inspire, celebrating themes of strength and togetherness.
Additionally, passengers will enjoy a unique opportunity to join an intimate Q&A session with Gaynor, gaining insight into the life and motivations of this incredible artist.
The journey begins in the historically rich Québec City, blending old-world charm with a lively cultural feel. Then, Crystal Serenity heads toward the energetic and ever-awake New York City for a luxurious overnight stay packed with exploration possibilities. Next, the ship visits Boston, where historic sites mingle with contemporary attractions during another enriching overnight stay.
As the ship makes her way toward the sunny shores of Fort Lauderdale, a peaceful stop in Nassau offers a slice of paradise with its pristine beaches and clear waters. Each destination has been carefully chosen to enrich guests’ cruise experience by combining cultural insights with opportunities for relaxation.
Aboard Crystal Serenity, attention to detail ensures supreme comfort and sophistication. Crystal Cruises is known for its spacious accommodations, exquisite dining experiences, and top-tier amenities, guaranteeing a voyage as spectacular as the destinations visited.
Keith Cox, Vice President of Entertainment at Crystal, reflects on the experience, stating, “Hosting Gloria Gaynor is a testament to our commitment to providing outstanding entertainment experiences for our guests. Her legendary status and unparalleled talent perfectly align with the calibre of entertainment that Crystal is known for.”
The choice to feature Gloria Gaynor on this voyage emphasizes Crystal Cruises’ dedication to crafting exceptional experiences that resonate with travellers.
Gaynor shared her own excitement, stating, “I am overjoyed to join Crystal Serenity for what promises to be an unforgettable voyage. Music has the power to bring people together, and I am honoured to share my passion with the discerning guests of Crystal.
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Carnival Corporation has been highlighted on Forbes’ esteemed “America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2024” list, a significant achievement that reflects the company’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
As of April 25, 2024, this leader in the global cruise industry is recognised not only for its position among the top 100 companies but also as a front-runner in the travel and leisure category.
Operating a fleet of 87 ships across nine cruise brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, Carnival employs over 160,000 individuals globally. This positions it as a major entity in the cruise sector, offering various roles both onboard and on land.
The diversity ranking by Forbes, developed in partnership with Statista, is based on a comprehensive evaluation process. The list is created from the feedback of more than 170,000 U.S.-based employees from large companies.
The employees share their experiences at work, highlighting essential factors like age, gender, ethnicity, and more. Carnival’s top position in diversity mirrors its progressive initiatives and policies.
A key advantage for Carnival Corporation is its international workforce, featuring employees from over 100 countries. This diverse array of cultures and backgrounds creates a dynamic and creative work atmosphere where varied perspectives are crucial and celebrated, contributing significantly to the company’s achievements.
“We are a better company when the diversity of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, culture, beliefs, and other backgrounds are celebrated.”
Bettina Deynes, the Global Chief Human Resources Officer. She further highlights the company’s target to become the top employer in the travel and leisure industry by cultivating a supportive and inclusive work culture.
This inclusion on Forbes’ list represents just one of many accolades for Carnival Corporation. The company has also been recognised in Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023, standing as the only cruise company to earn a top five-star rating.
Its consistent acknowledgement on Forbes’ lists of the World’s Best Employers and Best Employers for Diversity reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment.
Also, Carnival Corporation has the highest score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, marking it as the Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality for the sixth year running.
These consistent recognitions reflect Carnival Corporation’s ongoing commitment to diversity, which remains a cornerstone of its corporate ethos, paving the way for a more inclusive industry.
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