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A couple who first met on board a P&O Cruises ship in 2019 are marking Valentine’s Day by celebrating a romance that has spanned multiple sailings, an engagement in the Norwegian fjords, a wedding at sea and now their first cruise as parents.

Hannah, 25, and Mitchell Still, 28, from St Neots, first crossed paths on Ventura in September 2019 during a sailing to Amsterdam and Bruges. What began as a light-hearted prank on the opening night has since evolved into a relationship that has played out almost entirely on ships in the P&O Cruises fleet.

The pair, now parents to three-month-old daughter Mae, are preparing to introduce her to cruising this June when they sail to the Norwegian fjords on Iona, joined by extended family.

A Meeting Written In The Stars

Hannah, who grew up in Southampton and has holidayed with P&O Cruises since the age of 11, met Mitchell’s friends in Brodie’s Bar on the first evening of the cruise. Mitchell, meanwhile, was asleep in his cabin on what was his first ever cruise.

“It was destiny that I met the love of my life on a cruise,” Hannah said. “I’d spent so much of my childhood sailing the world with P&O Cruises and it just feels so magical that cruising is a huge part of our story.”

Recalling the moment they were introduced, she added: “I was 19 and convinced it was just a holiday romance. I met his friends first and they said Mitchell was asleep in his cabin. It was his first ever cruise. They dared me to wake him up as a prank. I remember saying to him, ‘hello, it’s the girl of your dreams’ and somehow, I was right!”

As Ventura sailed across the North Sea, the couple quickly became inseparable. Their first date took place ashore in Bruges, followed days later by their first kiss in the ship’s Havana nightclub.

“As it happens, my dad was in the vicinity when we had our first kiss. He was giving Mitchell the ‘I have my eyes on you’ look like Robert De Niro from Meet the Parents.

“But there’s something amazing about being on a ship – you’re away from real life, work doesn’t exist, and you’re your best self,” she said. “We spent so much time just talking, including an entire night at the buffet one evening.

“It all just clicked, and I think the uniqueness of the peaceful backdrop of the sea coupled with the energy on board, brought out this beautiful chemistry in us.”

When the cruise came to an end, the reality of parting ways was difficult.

“I cried the whole way home,” Hannah recalled. “Ventura wasn’t just where we met, it felt like a character in our story.”

From Engagement At Sea To Wedding On The Ocean

Cruising soon became central to the couple’s relationship, with return sailings helping to cement their bond. A subsequent trip to the Canary Islands on Ventura strengthened their connection.

In 2023, Mitchell proposed while the couple were sailing through the Norwegian fjords on Britannia. He asked Hannah to marry him ashore in Flåm, beside a waterfall.

That evening, the ship’s dining team marked the occasion with a handwritten ‘Happy Engagement’ message on their menu, which Hannah has kept as a memento.

“When I realised you could actually get married at sea, there was no question,” she said. “It had to be a P&O Cruises ship. I didn’t care about anything else.”

The couple married in May 2025 on board Azura, Ventura’s sister ship, during a Greek Islands cruise. The ceremony took place in the Planet Bar, with panoramic ocean views providing the backdrop.

Hannah said: “Walking around the ship afterwards with everyone clapping was surreal – I felt like a film star. Even the entertainment hosts remembered us from our very first cruise years earlier and gave us a wedding gift. It honestly felt like all the stars had aligned.”

A New Generation Of Cruisers

Mae was born in November and, at just three months old, is already preparing for her first sailing. In June, the family will board Iona for a fjords cruise, joined by relatives in what Hannah describes as “a real family affair”.

“Cruising has always been part of my life, and continuing that tradition for Mae feels so special,” she said. “Watching her look out at the fjords for the first time – I can’t wait.”

The couple’s home features reminders of their maritime milestones, including model ships of Ventura and Azura and nautical-themed wedding gifts, such as an anchor-shaped doorbell.

“People buy us cruise-themed presents because everyone knows how much it means to us,” Hannah said.

Reflecting on their journey, she added: “It’s like a dream. To know that P&O Cruises played such a huge role in our love story – and that we’re now continuing it as a family – feels incredibly special.

“We can’t wait to tell Mae one day that it all started on a ship. I feel so privileged to have spent so much time sailing the world and I’m just so excited for Mae to feel that same spark for cruising that I do.”

Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Hannah and Mitchell’s story is a wonderful example of the meaningful connections people make at sea. From meeting and falling in love, to getting engaged, married and now returning with their daughter, it’s incredibly special to see how P&O Cruises has been part of every chapter of their journey. Our ships are designed to bring people together, create unforgettable moments and become a part of life’s biggest milestones – and this story really brings that to life.”

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Finland’s leading shipbuilder Meyer Turku has introduced a groundbreaking cruise ship concept designed to achieve net-zero emissions, setting out plans that could reduce carbon output by more than 90 percent compared with current International Maritime Organization standards.

The concept, developed under the AVATAR research project, outlines a large cruise vessel that would combine renewable fuels, lighter construction and advanced onboard energy systems. If brought to fruition, the design could result in one of the cleanest large cruise ships ever constructed.

At the heart of the proposal is a shift towards bio-methanol as the ship’s primary fuel source. Produced from renewable materials, bio-methanol generates significantly fewer emissions than conventional marine fuels. By adopting this alternative fuel, the vessel would be able to operate with a drastically reduced carbon footprint without sacrificing operational performance or reliability.

Alongside the fuel innovation, the ship’s physical design has been refined to improve efficiency. Engineers have worked to minimise weight and reduce hydrodynamic drag, ensuring the vessel requires less energy to travel through the water. These structural efficiencies play a central role in achieving the overall emissions target.

Advanced Energy Systems On Board

Energy efficiency has also been prioritised within the ship itself. The concept incorporates next-generation air-handling systems capable of cutting heating and cooling demands on cabin decks by nearly 50 percent.

In addition to lowering overall energy consumption, this approach would enhance passenger comfort by maintaining stable cabin temperatures while limiting environmental impact.

The vessel would also integrate a range of renewable energy technologies, including wind-assisted propulsion, extensive solar panel arrays and intelligent energy management software.

Working together, these systems would generate supplementary renewable power during voyages and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

A Digital Twin For Smarter Design

Among the most forward-looking elements of the project is the use of digital twin technology.

Engineers create a comprehensive virtual replica of the vessel, enabling them to simulate real-world conditions such as varying weather patterns, sailing routes, fuel consumption, passenger behaviour and maintenance requirements.

By testing thousands of potential scenarios before physical construction begins, designers can optimise performance, efficiency and sustainability at every stage. This data-driven approach not only reduces risk but also ensures that environmental targets are embedded into the ship’s design from the outset.

While the concept remains at the research and development stage, Meyer Turku’s proposal highlights the accelerating push within the cruise sector towards cleaner propulsion and lower emissions.

As regulatory pressure intensifies and cruise lines seek to meet increasingly ambitious climate targets, innovative designs such as this could help define the next era of large-ship cruising.

Get the best price on your cruise…

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A harbour pilot was rescued from the sea on 10th February 2026 after falling while attempting to board a Princess Cruises ship off the coast of Kauai, forcing the vessel to cancel its scheduled port call.

The incident occurred as Emerald Princess, which carries 3,090 guests, was preparing to enter Nawiliwili Harbor. According to passengers on board, the pilot was climbing a rope ladder from a pilot boat positioned alongside the ship when he slipped and fell into the water on the port side.

Guests reported that a “man overboard” announcement was made immediately after the fall.

Eyewitnesses shared that the pilot had made several attempts to board in challenging conditions before losing his footing. One passenger said he fell an estimated 10 to 20 feet away from the ship’s hull rather than directly alongside it.

Crew members aboard the pilot vessel responded swiftly, manoeuvring the boat into position and retrieving the man from the water within minutes. Video footage circulating online shows the pilot being pulled back on board the pilot boat. He did not appear to have sustained any injuries.

One guest wrote, “A member of the pilot boat slipped off the ladder into the sea. Thanks to God for a quick recovery and a well-trained crew he is healthy and fine… I am amazed how well-trained and efficient the Emerald staff handled everything quickly and professionally. Well-done crew.”

At the time of writing, Princess Cruises has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. However, cruise lines typically provide automatic refunds for pre-paid shore excursions when a port call is missed.

Emerald Princess, a 113,561-gross-ton ship, departed Los Angeles on 4th February 2026 for a 16-night Hawaii sailing. Kauai was due to be the first port of call following several days at sea.

High Surf Advisory In Place

The cancelled visit came as Hawaii experienced severe weather conditions. On 8th February, the National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kauai, warning of hazardous sea conditions.

According to the advisory, strong trade winds were generating breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet, with surf heights forecast between 8 and 12 feet. The warning was extended through to 6 p.m. on 11th February.

Rough seas can significantly complicate pilot transfers. In such manoeuvres, a small pilot boat must maintain precise positioning alongside a much larger cruise ship while the harbour pilot climbs a rope ladder secured to the vessel’s side. Swells and shifting winds can cause unpredictable movement between the two vessels, increasing the risk of slips or falls.

Passengers on board Emerald Princess reported that the ship had been listing by around five degrees as it approached the island. One guest commented, “The weather has been insane here in Hawaii. Our ship has been listing about 5 degrees for about 20 minutes.”

Following the aborted call in Kauai, the ship continued to Maui, where it was scheduled to arrive on 11th February. The itinerary also includes stops in Hilo and Honolulu before a final call in Ensenada, Mexico, ahead of the vessel’s planned return to Los Angeles on 20th February.

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Princess Cruises has received one of the highest international endorsements for Italian cuisine, with Alfredo’s Pizzeria aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess awarded the Ospitalità Italiana Certification.

Announced on 9th February 2026 from Fort Lauderdale, the recognition confirms that Alfredo’s Pizzeria meets strict standards for authenticity, quality and service, placing it among a select group of dining venues worldwide approved for preserving Italy’s culinary heritage.

The certification focuses on the use of traditional techniques, fresh ingredients and genuine hospitality, all of which are central to the Alfredo’s Pizzeria concept at sea.

The accolade applies specifically to Alfredo’s Pizzeria on Sun Princess and Star Princess, where guests are served Neapolitan-style pizzas that are made to order. Each pizza features hand-stretched dough and is baked in a stone Moretti Forni oven, reflecting methods more commonly found in specialist pizzerias ashore than on board cruise ships.

Authentic Italian Techniques At Sea

The Ospitalità Italiana Certification is widely regarded as the gold standard for Italian dining outside Italy.

Awarded only to establishments that demonstrate a deep respect for Italy’s culinary traditions, the certification assesses everything from ingredient sourcing and preparation methods to service standards and overall dining experience.

For Princess Cruises, the award reinforces a broader strategy to elevate onboard dining through authenticity rather than adaptation. Alfredo’s Pizzeria focuses on classic Italian flavours, traditional recipes and skilled chefs trained to replicate regional techniques, ensuring consistency across sailings while maintaining a strong connection to Italian food culture.

The timing of the announcement also coincides with National Pizza Day, which the cruise line marked by highlighting its long-standing collaboration with chef Tony Gemignani, a globally recognised pizza expert.

Partnership With A World Pizza Champion

Princess Cruises works closely with Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion, who has developed a dedicated pizza menu for Alfredo’s Pizzeria. His involvement has helped shape five signature pizzas now served across the Princess Cruises fleet of 17 ships.

“Earning the Ospitalità Italiana Certification is a meaningful validation of our dedication to authentic Italian culinary excellence,

“As we celebrate National Pizza Day, we’re proud to recognise this achievement and our partnership with Chef Tony Gemignani to showcase how we bring our guests closer to the tastes, traditions, and hospitality of Italy, one perfectly crafted pizza at a time.”

Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises vice president of food and beverage.

Gemignani’s creations feature premium ingredients and bold flavour combinations, including soppressata sausage with hot honey, and gorgonzola paired with sweet fig preserves. The collaboration has already earned wider recognition, with Princess Cruises previously named by USA Today as offering the Best Pizza at Sea.

With the addition of the Ospitalità Italiana Certification, Princess Cruises further strengthens its position as a cruise line focused on destination-inspired dining, offering guests an authentic Italian pizza experience without leaving the ship.

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A Royal Caribbean cruise passenger has questioned the integrity of onboard art and memorabilia auctions after discovering that a signed Muhammad Ali boxing glove delivered to his home was not the same item he believed he had purchased while at sea.

The issue was highlighted by Australian television programme A Current Affair, which reported on a Brisbane man and his wife who attended an art auction during their cruise.

The couple successfully bid AUD $5,000, approximately USD $3,500, for a signed Muhammad Ali glove, only to later find that the glove shipped to them differed from the one displayed onboard.

According to the report, the glove was not listed during the auction preview but appeared unexpectedly during the live sale. The couple, recalling a similar item they had passed on during a previous cruise years earlier, decided to bid. They intended the glove as a gift for their son, a keen fan of the former heavyweight champion.

As with standard cruise ship auction procedures, the couple were not allowed to take the glove with them at the end of the voyage. They were told the item would be shipped to their home after being re-framed.

Auction Operator And Contract Terms

The auction was run by Park West Gallery, which describes itself as the world’s largest art dealer and operates onboard auctions across more than 90 cruise ships. These include vessels from Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises.

Park West Gallery states that its onboard auctions are “specially curated for each and every cruise” and offer “something for everyone”. Memorabilia items, including signed sports and film collectibles, are often among the most popular lots.

In this case, the couple were told they would receive the exact glove shown during the auction. However, Park West Gallery later explained that items displayed onboard ships are often “display pieces” only. Its purchase contracts allow for similar substitute items to be supplied if the original piece is unavailable.

Discovery Of Differences After Delivery

Concerns arose when the glove arrived at the family’s home around 10 weeks after the cruise. While their son was initially delighted, the family noticed several discrepancies when comparing the delivered glove to photographs taken onboard.

The differences included an extra ink dot, subtle variations in the signature and a completely different serial number. These details confirmed that the glove delivered was not the same one displayed during the auction.

“It was just lucky enough that we took photos of the glove prior to leaving the ship,” the guest said.

The family said they had been assured they would receive the exact item they bid on, and described the situation as an error made during the auction process. The experience led them to question whether bidders are fully aware that substitute items may be supplied.

“Who would bid on an auction if they knew that?” the guest commented.

Wider Scrutiny Of Cruise Ship Auctions

Celebrity memorabilia has long been an area vulnerable to forgery, and while Park West Gallery provides a Certificate of Authenticity with every purchase, independent verification would typically require specialist forensic analysis.

Following the complaint, the gallery offered to rectify the issue by ensuring the couple received the exact glove from their cruise ship. It is unclear whether that offer was accepted.

The case is not isolated. In May 2025, a family sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas believed they had won an auction with a $650 bid, only to later discover the final cost was $2,700.

Although Park West Gallery operates independently from the cruise lines themselves, its prominent presence onboard has led consumer advocates to urge passengers to exercise caution. For cruise guests tempted by the excitement of onboard auctions, the principle of caveat emptor remains particularly relevant.

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Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed widespread technology issues across its fleet, leading to embarkation and debarkation delays for three ships on Monday morning, 9th February 2026. The disruption affected operations at multiple homeports, with guests asked to adjust their terminal arrival times as systems remain offline.

The impacted vessels are Carnival Breeze, Carnival Glory and Carnival Freedom, each scheduled to depart on short Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. While the delays are currently limited to port operations, the cruise line has acknowledged that several onboard systems have also been affected.

Embarkation Delays And Revised Arrival Times

Guests booked on the affected sailings were contacted directly by Carnival Cruise Line via email, text message and phone call on Monday morning, advising them to arrive later than originally planned.

“We are managing a system-related matter that is impacting our debarkation and embarkation operations and your check-in time is being pushed back,” the notification stated.

“Please arrive two hours later than your pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment (for example, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM appointment will become 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM).”

Despite the delays, all guests were still asked to be onboard by 4:30 pm to allow the ships to prepare for departure.

The three affected sailings are:

• Carnival Breeze on a five-night Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston, visiting Cozumel and Progreso
• Carnival Glory on a four-night Bahamas sailing from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Celebration Key
• Carnival Freedom on a five-night Bahamas itinerary from Port Canaveral to Celebration Key, Nassau and Half Moon Cay

At this stage, there are no changes to ports of call. Carnival has advised guests to opt in to text alerts in case further updates are required.

The latest disruption follows similar issues on Carnival Liberty on Sunday, 8th February, when a system outage caused a two-hour embarkation delay in New Orleans.

Debarkation Slowed As Sail And Sign Cards Collected

The technology failure has also complicated debarkation procedures. With scanning systems unavailable, crew members have been required to conduct manual guest counts, significantly slowing the process of leaving the ship.

As part of this workaround, Sail and Sign cards are being collected from guests rather than scanned and returned. For some passengers, this has been a disappointment, as the cards are often kept as personal souvenirs showing details such as the ship name, sailing date, dining time and muster station.

Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, confirmed that the cards cannot be returned or reissued.

“I know many of you keep these as a souvenir,” Heald said. “I wish there was a way that we could give you those keys back, but we can’t. And we can’t reprint them for security reasons as well, so all I can do is hope that that won’t be the only memory you have of your cruise.”

Safety Systems Prioritised As IT Teams Work On Fix

Beyond embarkation challenges, the outage has raised broader concerns among guests after confirmation that critical systems were affected.

“It affected the navigation and safety systems,” Heald confirmed.

Carnival has stressed that resolving these safety and navigation issues is the top priority, with technology teams working to ensure all systems are fully functional before any ship departs its homeport.

Guests across the fleet have also reported ongoing problems with the Carnival Hub app, including frequent glitches and disconnections.

As a temporary alternative, paper copies of the daily Fun Times schedule are being distributed onboard. While this limits app-based features such as dining check-ins and messaging, it allows guests to stay informed about activities and entertainment.

Carnival has reiterated that, aside from the technology-related disruptions, most onboard experiences including dining, shows and activities are continuing as normal while repairs are completed.

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A routine call to a private island in the Bahamas briefly turned dramatic on Thursday, 5th February 2026, when MSC Seaside broke free from several of her mooring lines while docked at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.

The incident occurred during a sudden burst of high winds, causing the ship’s bow to drift sharply away from the pier while guests were still ashore and waiting to reboard.

Although the vessel did not fully separate from the dock, the unexpected movement forced crew to halt the use of gangways until the situation could be brought under control.

Sudden Gusts Disrupt Calm Island Visit

The 153,516-gross-ton MSC Seaside, operated by MSC Cruises, had arrived at Ocean Cay early that morning and was scheduled to remain from 8 am until 8 pm. Conditions at the time of arrival were calm, with minimal wind and cool but pleasant temperatures that suggested a comfortable winter beach day ahead.

Wind conditions began to deteriorate shortly after 9 am, according to data from Weather Underground, with sustained speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour for much of the day. More severe gusts developed around midday, peaking at approximately 29 mph, before strengthening further in the afternoon.

The strongest gust of the day was recorded at 3:43 pm, reaching 37 mph. It was during this period of intensified wind that several of the ship’s mooring lines failed, leaving MSC Seaside partially detached at the bow. Video footage shared on social media showed broken lines hanging into the water, while the ship remained secured at the stern.

The sudden movement made it unsafe for guests to return onboard, prompting a temporary pause in reboarding operations. The ship’s crew quickly responded, using the vessel’s thrusters to bring her back alongside the pier, after which she was re-secured and gangway access restored.

No injuries or damage were reported, and the ship was able to depart Ocean Cay as planned later that evening, returning to Miami without delay. MSC Seaside is homeported in Miami year-round through at least April 2028, sailing short three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries with a capacity of up to 5,119 guests when fully booked.

Challenging Winter For Cruise Line Private Islands

The incident comes amid a challenging period of winter weather across the Bahamas, which has disrupted operations at several cruise line private destinations in recent weeks. High winds and rough seas have led to multiple itinerary changes, port cancellations and altered shore experiences.

Earlier in February, MSC Meraviglia was forced to skip a planned visit to Ocean Cay due to weather-related departure delays, while Disney Wish was unable to call at Castaway Cay during the same weekend because of strong winds.

Royal Caribbean has also cancelled multiple visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, citing a combination of poor weather and recent storm-related pier damage.

Even when ships have been able to call at private islands, conditions have not always met expectations. At Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, recent weather has resulted in the temporary closure of the pier and main pool, requiring tender operations instead of direct docking.

While cruise guests generally accept that weather-related changes are sometimes unavoidable, the string of disruptions highlights how exposed private island operations can be during the winter months. Cruise lines will be hoping for calmer conditions as the season progresses, allowing these destinations to once again deliver the relaxing escapes they are designed to offer.

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Nine men were arrested at PortMiami on Sunday after law enforcement officers said narcotics were discovered in their luggage as they attempted to board a large-scale Atlantis Events cruise.

The arrests occurred shortly before the scheduled departure of Symphony of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises and chartered for a weeklong Caribbean itinerary by Atlantis Events. The sailing had been promoted by organisers as the world’s largest gay festival at sea and was expected to carry more than 5,000 passengers.

US Customs and Border Protection officers were conducting outbound baggage screening at Terminal A using trained detection dogs when several suitcases were flagged for inspection. Once suspected controlled substances were identified, the cases were referred to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, whose Narcotics Interdiction Squad assisted with arrests and processing.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Detective Joseph R. Peguero Rivera said deputies were called to PortMiami at approximately 6 pm on Sunday to support the federal operation.

“MDSO arrested a total of nine individuals on various drug-related charges,” he said.

Charges Linked To MDMA And Other Substances

According to arrest reports and court records, authorities seized a range of illegal substances during the operation, including MDMA, LSD and cocaine.

Documents also reference ketamine, methamphetamine and GBL, a chemical commonly associated with GHB that can cause unconsciousness and respiratory suppression.

Those charged are Joshua S. Eddy, 41, of West Hollywood, California; Brad R. Kloha, 41, of Nashville, Tennessee; Adam Jones, 49, of Atlanta, Georgia; Hoi Le, 51, of San Francisco; Joshua Lee Jenkins, 39, of Tacoma, Washington; Ryan D. Medrano, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona; Tamar J. Wilson, 37, of Chicago; Daisuke Nakanoh, 40, of Chicago; and Ricardo Gabriel Junquera, 39, of Miami.

Court filings allege Eddy was found with MDMA, methamphetamine, ketamine and GBL, leading to a trafficking charge related to MDMA along with multiple felony possession counts. Kloha faces MDMA trafficking and felony possession charges after officers said MDMA and ketamine were discovered in his luggage.

Jones and Le are each charged with felony drug offences connected to substances allegedly identified during screening. Jenkins is charged with felony possession following a field test that indicated the presence of a controlled substance. Medrano, Wilson, Nakanoh and Junquera were each charged with felony drug offences.

Across all nine cases, arrest affidavits describe a similar process involving outbound luggage screening, secondary inspection by Customs and Border Protection, field testing of suspected substances and subsequent arrest. All defendants were booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

Miami defence attorney Jordan Lewin, who represents Jones, said his client disputes the allegations.

“The defense is confident their investigation will demonstrate that he was falsely accused and will be able to show that none of the impounded items belonged to him,” Lewin said.

Scrutiny On Drug Use During Party Sailings

The Symphony of the Seas was preparing to depart on a charter sailing organised by Atlantis Events, a West Hollywood-based company that has built a major following through large-scale LGBTQ+ cruises that combine traditional itineraries with nightclub-style programming and late-night parties.

While the voyages are promoted as inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ travellers, they have also been linked to a number of serious medical emergencies in recent years. Sources familiar with past incidents have pointed to multiple “code alpha” alerts during Atlantis-chartered cruises, some of which were believed to involve drug overdoses.

In January 2024, 36-year-old Jonathan Mindrum from Chicago died aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas during an Atlantis-chartered sailing after a medical emergency was announced over the ship’s public address system.

Royal Caribbean and Atlantis Events later described the death as “unexpected and not suspicious”, though Mindrum’s family said they were left with limited information about the circumstances.

That incident followed other fatalities associated with Atlantis charters, including a passenger death in 2022 and the death of a 46-year-old Florida man in 2020 who fell overboard during a sailing.

The arrests at PortMiami have reignited debate over drug use on party-oriented cruises, particularly given the limited medical facilities available at sea and the challenges of emergency evacuations when ships are far from shore.

Atlantis Events did not respond to requests for comment regarding the arrests or its safety policies. Royal Caribbean Cruises and the US Department of Homeland Security also did not issue statements.

Randle Roper, founder and chief experience officer of LGBTQ+ travel company VACAYA and a former Atlantis executive producer, said his company takes a strict stance on illegal substances.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to illegal substances, not from judgment, but from lived experience and concern for our community’s safety and future,” Roper said. “Life at sea carries real legal and medical risks, and no vacation is worth that cost.”

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