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Cruise Expert Warns Holidaymakers Of Crime Risks In Top European Ports

British travellers heading to some of Europe’s most famous cruise destinations are being urged to remain on high alert, as concerns about theft and pickpocketing continue to shadow popular ports.

Barcelona with La Sagrada Familia during christmas season

Gary Bembridge, a London-based cruise expert, said that even in well-loved regions such as the Mediterranean, some of the busiest cities carry significant risks for tourists stepping ashore.

Speaking after a series of recent trips, he reminded passengers that “not every port is safe,” despite the steady flow of cruise ships docking in these areas.

In one of his widely watched travel videos, he warned: “Even in the most popular cruising regions – the Caribbean and the Mediterranean – many of the most visited ports are among the riskiest anywhere in the world.”

Five Ports to Watch Out For

Bembridge highlighted several European cities where cruise passengers should be extra cautious:

  • Barcelona, Spain – Despite an 8.8% drop in recorded crimes in the first half of 2025, the bustling Las Ramblas district remains a hotspot for pickpocketing. “It’s an absolute pickpocketer’s dream,” Bembridge said.
  • Rome, Italy – The Italian capital ranks second nationally for reported crime, with theft accounting for more than half of cases. Tourists around landmarks such as the Colosseum are frequent targets.
  • Venice, Italy – Crowds around St Mark’s Square and the city’s narrow alleyways create prime conditions for opportunistic thieves.
People boating at Venice
Venice
  • Athens, Greece – Incidents on public transport, including the theft of passports, have left some travellers unable to rejoin their cruise. Greek police logged more than 62,000 thefts nationwide in 2023.
  • Livorno, Italy – A gateway to Pisa and Florence, the Tuscan port connects visitors to two cities known for high levels of pickpocketing. Florence is the country’s third most crime-affected city, according to Italy’s Interior Ministry.

Staying Safe Ashore

Bembridge advises travellers to check the latest government travel guidance before leaving their ship, and to remain vigilant when visiting busy tourist areas.

He also suggested taking contact details for the port representative in case of emergencies.

His safety tips include:

  • Avoid wearing or carrying valuables.
  • Stay in busy, tourist-populated areas.
  • Keep passports and important documents stored safely, with copies kept separately.
  • Be cautious of distraction techniques often used by thieves.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office echoes these warnings, particularly around theft in city centres and on public transport in Spain, Italy, and Greece.

For some, Bembridge suggests the safest option may be to stay close to the port or even remain onboard. “Even in ports considered safer, there are still risks,” he concluded.

More Port Warnings

I’ve also conducted my own survey on the ports that cruisers regret visiting, although these were less due to crime.

Naples was the port most commonly mentioned, described as being extremely dangerous from a traffic perspective, and very dirty. One person did mention being robbed in the city, too.

Naples

Martinique in the Caribbean was another that was described as being less than idyllic, with one person even saying it was “the pits” around the harbour area.

Jamaica, Belize and Alexandria were the other ports that guests said they felt were dangerous, dirty or just downright disappointing.

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Royal Caribbean Expands Perks For VIP Programme ‘The Key’

Royal Caribbean is rolling out new benefits for guests who purchase The Key, its exclusive VIP add-on programme.

Promotional image for Royal Caribbean's 'The Key' program, set against the interior of a cruise ship stateroom. The image features an overlaid text 'UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS' with a graphic of a key, suggesting enhanced experiences for guests. In the background, the room is modern and elegant with ocean views, a couch with blue pillows, and a wood-finished vanity, highlighting the comfort and perks that 'The Key' offers.

The package already included popular extras such as priority boarding, carry-on luggage drop-off, and reserved seating for shows.

Now, one new perk has been added, and another boosted, to make the programme more appealing.

One of the enhancements is a bigger discount on sports activities.

Instead of the 25% savings previously offered, Key guests will now enjoy 50% off select onboard activities.

A person in a blue flight suit and helmet joyfully experiences simulated skydiving in the RipCord by iFLY, a vertical wind tunnel aboard the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship, set against a backdrop of clear blue skies.

Depending on the ship, this could mean reduced pricing for Crown’s Edge on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, Ripcord by iFly on Quantum-class ships, or even extra FlowRider sessions.

The second addition is a new spa discount.

Guests can save $60 when they purchase a spa treatment priced at $250 or higher.

Options may include massages, detox wraps, IV therapy, or cosmetic services such as teeth whitening. This offer is one-time use per guest.

Everything Included in The Key

Here’s a list of everything you get included when you purchase The Key:

  • Priority access into the terminal on embarkation day
  • Carry-on bag drop-off with stateroom delivery
  • Exclusive welcome lunch
  • Priority departure at tender ports
  • VIP access to live shows
  • VOOM Surf & Stream internet
  • Exclusive breakfast on departure day
  • $60 discount on a spa treatment priced $250+
  • 50% off select sporting activities onboard

The price of The Key remains steep at $25-40 (or more) per person, per day, with all passengers over age six in the same stateroom required to purchase it.

For families, this can add up quickly – often over $1,000 for a weeklong cruise.

Independence of the Seas Spa

Still, many travellers find the value worthwhile for the convenience, discounts, and priority access it offers.

if you were planning on paying for a WiFi package anyway then it’s definitely worth considering The Key.

The Key will always be more expensive, so I’m not saying you should always get The Key instead of separate WiFi packages.

But you might find that the value is worth it to you if you intend to make the most of the other perks included.

Royal Caribbean regularly adjusts The Key’s offerings based on guest feedback.

Earlier in 2025, FlowRider access was removed in favour of the original 25% sports activity discount, and now the package has been further enhanced.

For anyone interested, it’s worth watching the cruise line’s app or website, as The Key is sometimes available at up to 40% off. Packages are limited for each sailing and do sell out.

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Carnival’s Towel Animal Magic Exposed?

For many guests, one of the most delightful parts of a Carnival cruise is returning to the stateroom to find a towel animal waiting.

But one recent cruiser may have uncovered the secret behind the magic.

TikToker Matt Kortelainen, sailing on Carnival Adventure from Sydney to Moreton Island, found a bag of pre-made towel animals hidden under his bed.In a now-viral video, he compared the discovery to finding out Santa isn’t real.

The revelation sparked laughs, mock disappointment, and plenty of comments from other cruisers online.

Some admitted they’d also stumbled across hidden towel animals during past sailings.

@mynamesmattt Oh my goodness Carnival! 😂 #carnival #carnivalcruise #towelanimals #cruise ♬ original sound – Matt

While the discovery might spoil the illusion for some, it also makes sense.

On a full sailing, Carnival’s crew may need to deliver thousands of towel animals every day.

Preparing them ahead of time would help with efficiency, especially alongside all their other duties.

Kortelainen himself took the situation in good humour.

Rather than being upset, he unpacked the animals and displayed them around his cabin as a tongue-in-cheek surprise for his steward.

Towel Animal Rumours Denied by Carnival

Carnival Cruise Line has previously had to address speculation that its towel animals might be retired altogether.

In late 2023, an online rumour spread across cruise forums and social media, claiming that room stewards would no longer create the animals due to workload pressures.

The claim was quickly dismissed by the cruise line’s brand ambassador John Heald, who called the story “100% false” and confirmed that towel animals will always remain part of Carnival’s onboard tradition.

The rumour suggested that discontinuing the practice would give cabin attendants more time for other duties, but as stewards are highly skilled in making the animals, the time saved would have been minimal.

Many cruise lines offer towel-folding workshops onboard, for guests who wish to learn how to create their own versions of the animals at home.

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Small Fire Causes Restaurant Closures On P&O Cruises’ Iona

Guests sailing aboard P&O Cruises’ flagship, Iona, experienced a brief scare on 29th August 2025, when a small galley fire disrupted dining services and prompted a swift crew response.

P&O Cruises Iona With A Mobility Scooter Header Image

The incident occurred while the ship was at sea returning to Southampton at the end of her 7-night Norwegian Fjords itinerary.

Passengers reported hearing an announcement calling for a first aid team to respond to a “fat fryer oil fire” on Deck 5.

Within minutes, more crew were summoned and team members were ordered to muster stations as a precaution.

Guests, however, were never instructed to leave their cabins or public areas.

The all-clear came after about 15 minutes, though several restaurants were closed, including the Pearl and Coral dining rooms on Deck 6.

Passengers near the affected area described corridors filled with the smell of burning oil and fire crews rushing through the hallways.

While the scene was unsettling, no injuries were reported and the crew earned praise for their quick and professional response.

Clean-up teams moved in immediately, limiting the impact to dining operations only.

Fire at sea is one of the most serious emergencies a cruise ship can face.

Iona Cruise

Well-trained onboard fire teams respond rapidly, while other crew prepare for possible evacuations.

Temporary restaurant closures are a standard safety measure to secure and ventilate the area.

Iona, which carries more than 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew, is expected to arrive in Southampton on schedule, ready to embark her next round of passengers.

Cruise Fires Are Rare

Fires onboard cruise ships are rare, and are typically dealt with by crew quickly.

A similar incident did occur earlier in the summer on the MSC Cruises ship MSC Orchestra, when an electrical switchboard caught fire.

The ship did lose power for a few hours as a result, but due to the quick action of crew members there was never any risk to the safety of the passengers onboard.

Another small fire broke out onboard the Princess Cruises ship Island Princess in July 2025.

Island Princess

Again this was quickly contained, although it didn’t stop several fake stories spreading on social media about an explosion onboard as passengers “feared for their lives”.

Always be careful what you read on social media when it comes to cruise emergencies, and check across several reputable cruise sources if you have any concerns that a story could be fake!

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Man Overboard Drama On Disney Wish Turns Out To Be False Alarm

Guests aboard Disney Wish experienced a frightening evening on Tuesday 26th August 2025, when the ship’s “man overboard” alarm sounded shortly after leaving Nassau.

Rescue operations were quickly launched, but it has since been confirmed that the alarm was a false report.

Alarm and Rescue Efforts

The Wish-class flagship departed Nassau at 5:30 pm and was en route to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, when the overboard alert was made just before 8 pm.

Cruise ship tracking data showed the vessel turning back and stopping roughly 15 miles north of Nassau.

As part of standard emergency protocol, crew members deployed life rings and launched rescue boats while powerful spotlights scanned the water.

Guests onboard reported seeing the search in progress, with at least two rescue craft deployed to investigate.

To ensure passenger safety, all travellers were called to their muster stations for a full headcount.

False Alarm Confirmed

By late evening, Disney Cruise Line confirmed that the incident was a false alarm.

Disney-Wish-at-Castaway-Cay-2

The object initially thought to be a person in the water was actually a large piece of debris.

After a full passenger and crew count, everyone was confirmed safe and accounted for.

The ship then resumed its journey towards Castaway Cay, where it arrived on schedule on Wednesday morning.

Heightened Awareness After Recent Incident

This incident comes just two months after a genuine overboard case aboard Disney Dream on 29th June, when a child fell into the sea and her father jumped in after her.

Both were rescued successfully by the ship’s crew.

While false alarms can be disruptive, they also demonstrate the effectiveness of cruise safety systems.

Any possible overboard sighting triggers an immediate response involving search operations, life-saving equipment, and passenger verification to rule out any missing persons.

Disney Wish is currently sailing a 4-night Bahamas itinerary that departed Port Canaveral on 25th August, with Nassau and Castaway Cay as its two ports of call.

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Calls For Royal Caribbean To Immediately Cancel New Private Destination

Royal Caribbean’s ambitious new private destination, Perfect Day Mexico, has run into controversy as residents and activists raise concerns about the development’s potential impact on Costa Maya.

Perfect Day Mexico

A Change.org petition calling for the project to be cancelled has already attracted more than 278,000 signatures.

Organisers argue that the development, set to open in 2027, threatens the small fishing community of Mahahual, located just two miles from the cruise port.

Environmental and Cultural Concerns

Critics fear that the massive complex could block local beach access, harm mangroves and coral reefs, and create new levels of pollution in a region already under water stress.

The petition warns that welcoming as many as 20,000 tourists a day will bring an influx of plastic waste, chemical sunscreens, and heavy freshwater use.

Organisers stress that they are not opposed to tourism outright, but believe the project should be halted until a full, independent environmental assessment is carried out and a broader debate held on the future of Mexican tourism.

Royal Caribbean’s Response

Royal Caribbean has pledged to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement and will hold a community meeting to address concerns.

The line maintains that Perfect Day Mexico will deliver a positive long-term impact on both the environment and local economy.

Plans include conserving more than 100 acres of mangroves, protecting turtle nesting areas, restoring natural waterflows, and installing both a wastewater treatment facility and a reverse osmosis plant.

The company has also committed to using 100% green energy across the site no later than 2040.

What’s Planned at Perfect Day Mexico

The 200-acre project will feature more than 30 waterslides, the world’s longest lazy river, a cliff-diving attraction, and a 100,000-square-foot pool.

Perfect Day Mexico Tower

Adults-only spaces, beach clubs, bars, and two miles of white-sand beaches are also part of the design.

First announced in October 2024, the park will join Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day lineup, which already includes Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Whether the protest movement will influence the timeline or design of the Costa Maya destination remains uncertain.

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Family Sues Norwegian Cruise Line Over Tragic Bermuda Excursion

A family holiday aboard Norwegian Getaway turned into tragedy when a father drowned at Bermuda’s Horseshoe Bay – and now his relatives are taking Norwegian Cruise Line to court.

Horseshoe Bay Bermuda

The family of Hyon Duk Shin allege that the line failed to warn them about dangerous sea conditions during their March 2024 cruise, despite promoting the excursion as “easy” and suitable for all.

What Happened at Horseshoe Bay

Shin, his wife Yanli Gong, their two sons aged seven and nine, and Shin’s mother were enjoying the popular pink-sand beach on 27th March 2024.

While snorkelling, Shin noticed a girl being pulled out by rip currents. He successfully helped her but was then overcome by the strong undertow himself.

Without lifeguards present – as the visit was outside the island’s peak tourist season – bystanders attempted a rescue but were unable to revive him.

His wife, mother, and children witnessed the devastating incident.

Allegations in the Lawsuit

The family filed their case against Norwegian Cruise Line this year, citing several points of negligence:

  • The excursion was advertised as “easy,” with no warnings about rip currents.
  • The cruise was scheduled during a period when lifeguards were not stationed at the beach.
  • NCL allegedly knew of previous drowning incidents and government warnings but did not disclose them.

Court documents argue that had the family been properly informed, they would not have joined the excursion.

Excursion Still on Sale

Despite the tragedy, Norwegian Cruise Line continues to market Horseshoe Bay transfers on its website.

Norwegian Sun NCL with a beautiful sun design on the sides, cruising the sea majestically.

The beach trip is still listed as a Level 1 “easy” tour, described as a chance to swim or relax on the sand, with no mention of currents or potential hazards.

Shin’s death is not the only water-related tragedy linked to cruise holidays.

This month alone, two guests drowned in separate incidents at Carnival’s new Celebration Key in the Bahamas.

Earlier in August, a Vietnamese couple visiting Milos in Greece also died after being swept into the sea by strong winds.

While drownings remain rare, they highlight the risks of underestimating conditions in unfamiliar environments.

This lawsuit could prompt cruise lines to rethink how they label and describe their shore tours, giving guests clearer information to make safer choices.

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Carnival Panorama Hit By Sudden Storm Causing Sudden Tilt

Guests aboard Carnival Panorama endured a frightening moment on Wednesday evening when the ship unexpectedly listed after running into a severe storm in the Gulf of California.

Carnival Panorama

The 4,008-passenger ship was sailing between Mazatlán and La Paz on an 8-night Mexican Riviera voyage from Long Beach, California, when the incident occurred at roughly 8:15 p.m., just as the second dinner seating was getting underway.

Passengers reported a sudden tilt that lasted about 30 seconds, accompanied by heavy rain and wind gusts estimated at 60 mph. The ship’s captain quickly altered course to steer clear of the worst of the storm.

Minor Damage and Injuries Reported

The sharp list caused broken glass in dining venues and bars, tipped-over displays in retail shops, and water leaks that flooded parts of the lobby and some elevator banks.

Several lifts were put out of service, though they have since undergone repairs.

Pool water also sloshed out, partially draining the pools and spas. Crew members moved quickly to clear debris and restore order, with one of the evening shows stopped mid-performance as a safety precaution.

@queens_roost We just finished our appetizer… we got stuck in the eye of tonight’s #gulfofcalifornia huge tropical storm. It was wild and absolutley gorgous! Between Mazatlan and La Paz There were medics called so I hope everyone is ok. @Carnival Panorama @carnival #cruise #travel #storm #weather ♬ original sound – Queens Roost

Carnival confirmed that nine guests visited the onboard medical centre. All are in stable condition, though two were referred to hospital care once the ship arrived in La Paz.

Ship Continues Voyage

Despite the unsettling experience, the ship remains fully operational aside from a few elevators still under repair.

Carnival Panorama continued her sailing without significant delay, keeping to her scheduled call in La Paz on Thursday, 21st August followed by Cabo San Lucas on 22nd August, before returning to Long Beach on Sunday, 24th August.

The 133,500-gross-ton ship is homeported from California year-round, offering Mexican Riviera sailings at least through 2027.

Why Sudden Storms Still Surprise Ships

Some guests questioned how such a powerful storm could catch the ship off guard, given the close monitoring of Hurricane Erin in the Atlantic.

But the incident highlights how quickly localised storms can develop in the Gulf of California.

Unlike large hurricanes that can be tracked for days, fast-forming thunderstorms may appear with little warning. Factors such as wind angle, the ship’s course, and storm intensity can cause short but sharp lists that feel dramatic onboard.

These events rarely last long and dissipate quickly. Cruise ships are also designed with stabilisers, advanced navigation, and reinforced structures to withstand conditions far rougher than this.

Crews are trained extensively in emergency response, and all Carnival vessels remain in constant contact with the line’s Fleet Operations Center in Miami for weather updates.

Still, as this incident shows, sudden squalls can impact even the most prepared ships.

A similar episode occurred in November 2024 aboard Explorer of the Seas during a transatlantic crossing, reminding travellers that rough seas can happen in almost any part of the world.

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Cruise Photo Sparks Outrage After Child Stands Perilously Close to Balcony Edge

A family’s recent cruise could have ended in tragedy after a young child was photographed standing on a table dangerously close to the edge of their private balcony.

Child on a cruise balcony table

The image is going viral across social media. From the angle it shows, if the child had slipped, many believe that they were close enough to have toppled overboard.

The ship has not been identified, though some have reported that the ship’s balcony walls and style make it look to be a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, likely in the Breakaway or Breakaway Plus classes.

What is most concerning is that the child was not being properly supervised – an adult is visible in the photo, apparently taking a picture rather than intervening.

Shock From the Cruise Community

Reactions online have been swift, with parents and seasoned cruisers expressing disbelief.

Image showing a child stood on a cruise balcony table

Many have shared that they would never allow their child to go near the balcony without the parents being fully present and involved.

And others have said that nobody would ever fall off a cruise ship if sensible behaviours were followed.

Many suggested that if children want to climb, safer onboard alternatives like kids’ clubs and supervised play areas exist.

Serious Risk of Falling Overboard

Though the photo seems to have been taken while the ship was docked, the danger was very real. Balcony falls can have catastrophic consequences, with survival rates at sea estimated at only 17-25%.

If the ship’s security team had observed the stunt, the family could have faced disciplinary action ranging from warnings and confinement to loss of balcony privileges.

Cruise lines do have the authority to remove balcony door handles to prevent repeat incidents.

Recent Balcony Tragedy Avoided

The controversy comes just weeks after a genuine near-tragedy onboard Disney Dream on 29th June 2025.

A young girl climbed a railing on Deck 4 while her parents played shuffleboard and fell overboard.

Her father leapt in after her, and both were rescued by the ship’s emergency craft around 20 minutes later.

It’s Not Just Children at Risk on Cruise Ship Balconies

While much of the focus is often on keeping kids safe near railings, recent events prove that adults can be just as careless.

A viral video from Icon of the Seas showed a passenger falling from the edge of the ship’s Hideaway Pool – an infinity pool located aft on Deck 15.

The clip, just a few seconds long, captured the guest balancing on the pool’s railing before tumbling over.

@neco_sparta A person fell into the sea from the #IconoftheSeas Royal Caribbean’s largest #cruiseship ♬ original sound – neco_sparta

At first, it appeared to be a catastrophic fall, but the individual landed on a restricted maintenance walkway protected by a secondary glass barrier, not in the ocean.

Crew quickly assisted the guest out of the area and, fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Eyewitnesses suggested the person may have been attempting a stunt, possibly under the influence of alcohol, though no drink was visible in the video.

This design quirk – a service deck directly beneath the pool – likely prevented a far more serious outcome.

However, the incident highlights that risky behaviour near railings can have tragic consequences. Past accidents on other Royal Caribbean ships have involved teens falling multiple decks after climbing balcony railings, with fatal results.

Cruise lines stress that guests must exercise personal responsibility at all times. Climbing or sitting on railings can lead not only to injury or death but also to serious consequences from the cruise line, including confinement, fines, or lifetime bans.

The latest balcony photo serves as a stark reminder that even momentary lapses in judgment can put lives at risk.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Crew Member Goes Overboard From Sun Princess

A tragic incident has taken place onboard Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ newest and largest vessel, after a crew member went overboard while the ship was sailing through the Dardanelles Strait on Wednesday night, 20th August 2025.

Sun Princess

The man overboard alert was issued at approximately 11 pm local time as the Sphere-class ship was en route to Istanbul during a 14-night voyage from Barcelona to Athens.

The vessel immediately turned back to the presumed location and launched rescue boats, while at least five Turkish Coast Guard vessels joined the search effort through the early hours of Thursday, 21st August.

Princess Cruises confirmed the overboard in a statement, saying:

“Our ship’s emergency response team immediately initiated search and rescue procedures, which are actively underway at this time. We are working in coordination with local maritime authorities to support the operation.”

Crew Member Confirmed

The cruise line later confirmed that the individual was a member of the ship’s crew, though their name and role have not been released to protect their family’s privacy.

The image shows a side view of Princess Cruises' Sun Princess, highlighting the unique "Sphere" structure at the center of the ship. This large, spherical feature is a prominent architectural element, with multiple decks of balconies curving around it. The balconies within this sphere offer guests panoramic views and a distinctive experience, likely enhancing the feeling of openness and connection with the ocean. Above and around the sphere, there are additional tiers of balconies, all part of the ship's accommodation layout. The sphere's reflective surface and modern design make it a standout feature on the ship, blending advanced engineering with luxury cruise amenities.

Despite extensive searches, the crew member has not been located. Princess Cruises said:

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our team member during this difficult time.”

Specially trained counsellors are onboard Sun Princess to support both crew and guests, while Princess’ Family Assistance programme is working directly with the crew member’s relatives.

Impact on Itinerary

Due to the incident, Sun Princess was directed to an anchorage near Tekirdag, Turkey, to continue coordination with local authorities.

The ship reached Istanbul at 2 pm on Thursday, later than its originally scheduled 7 am arrival.

Guests have been given until 11:30 pm to return to the ship, with some shortened half-day tours still running.

The ship’s scheduled call to Mykonos on Friday, 22nd August, has been cancelled. All tours booked for the Greek island are being automatically refunded to passengers’ onboard accounts.

Despite the changes, the voyage is still expected to conclude in Athens on Saturday, 23rd August, as originally planned.

About Sun Princess

At 177,000 gross tons, Sun Princess is the first of the Sphere-class and the largest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, with capacity for 4,300 guests and 1,600 crew.

The vessel entered service in early 2024 and has been sailing a mix of Mediterranean itineraries.

After her summer season in Europe, she will reposition to Fort Lauderdale in November for Caribbean voyages before returning to the Mediterranean in spring 2026.

This is the first reported overboard incident involving the new ship, and investigations remain ongoing.

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