News

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has raised the bar on ultra-luxury travel with the reveal of its jaw-dropping Skyview Regent Suite, set to debut aboard the new Seven Seas Prestige when the ship launches in December 2026.

Announced on 11th June 2025, the double-deck, 8,794-square-foot suite comes with every imaginable amenity – and a nightly price tag starting at an eye-watering $25,000.

It is the largest suite ever offered by the brand and a centrepiece of its newly announced Prestige-class.

The 77,000-gross-ton ship is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, and will carry 822 guests when it enters service.

The Skyview Regent Suite is one of 12 suite categories the vessel will feature.

Inside the Skyview Regent Suite

The two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom suite sprawls across two floors and includes:

• Private elevator connecting the levels
• Wraparound balcony with 3,700 square feet of outdoor space
• Glass-enclosed bar and in-suite dining area
• Private gym and massage room
• Sauna, walk-in shower, and hand-carved soaking tub
• Exclusive access to The Study, a private 12-guest dining room

Designed by Miami-based Studio DADO, the suite’s aesthetic embraces sleek architectural lines and a soothing neutral colour palette, enhanced by abundant natural light from expansive skylights.

“At nearly 9,000 square feet, this breathtaking two-level suite delivers the most exclusive and elevated experience at sea,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

As an added indulgence, guests of the Skyview Regent Suite will enjoy a private car and driver in every port – a level of personalised service rarely matched in the cruise industry.

Prestige-Class Ship to Debut in December

Seven Seas Prestige, the first of two ships in the new class, will launch with a 14-night transatlantic holiday voyage from Barcelona to Miami departing on 13th December 2026.

Ports of call include Málaga (Spain), Funchal (Madeira), and Tortola (British Virgin Islands).

Following her arrival in Miami, the ship will homeport there for winter 2026-2027, offering 10- to 12-night cruises throughout the Caribbean, including two transits of the Panama Canal.

In spring 2027, Seven Seas Prestige will make a northbound voyage to New York, before crossing the Atlantic once again on the “Gilded Crossing” to begin her summer European season.

Voyages aboard Seven Seas Prestige, including the opportunity to reserve the Skyview Regent Suite, will go on sale 25th June 2025.

With such an extravagant new offering, Regent Seven Seas continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in ultra-luxury cruising. Whether the Skyview Regent Suite becomes the most coveted suite at sea remains to be seen – but it has certainly earned the spotlight.

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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.

Read more about me

A misunderstanding over a complimentary bottle of water has led to a heated exchange between a Carnival Cruise Line Platinum guest and the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald. The…

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A misunderstanding over a complimentary bottle of water has led to a heated exchange between a Carnival Cruise Line Platinum guest and the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald.

The incident unfolded after the guest was charged for a 1.5-litre bottle of water that had been left in their stateroom.

The guest, who had achieved Platinum status in Carnival’s loyalty programme, was entitled to one complimentary bottle as part of their VIFP Club perks.

Upset at the unexpected charge, the cruiser contacted Heald via social media – with what he described as a “scathing” message. Most notably, the passenger threatened to withhold their gratuities, a move Heald called “despicable.”

Carnival recommends $16 per person, per day in gratuities for standard staterooms and $18 for suites, which are shared among the onboard service team, including stewards, waitstaff and other behind-the-scenes crew members.

The Water Perk That Caused the Fuss

Guests with Red, Gold, Platinum or Diamond status in the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty programme receive a free 1.5-litre bottle of water per sailing.

However, it appears confusion over how to claim that water was at the heart of the incident.

Unlike past cruises, where the complimentary water may have been placed in the stateroom, guests now typically need to collect it themselves from any onboard bar or restaurant – after showing their loyalty pin.

“This is how we are currently doing it,” Heald clarified, acknowledging that while not ideal for everyone, the current process is standard fleetwide.

Bottled water left in cabins is not automatically free and is often chargeable unless specified otherwise. A single 1.5-litre bottle costs $5.31 for those without an included beverage package or complimentary status.

Refund Issued, But Frustration Remains

In this case, Heald immediately reached out to shipboard staff and arranged for the charge to be reversed – “for the sake of the crew, so that they would receive their gratuities.”

But for some passengers, the damage was already done. Multiple former Carnival cruisers responded to Heald’s post, sharing similar experiences and voicing disappointment at what they felt was a downgrade in loyalty recognition.

One mentioned that the policy change caught them off guard during a March sailing, saying they were “disappointed” not to find the water in their room and only learned after the cruise that they had to ask for it.

Others have said that the website seems to suggest that the free bottle can be taken from the water provided in the stateroom.

To avoid confusion, Carnival guests can also purchase water in advance of their cruise. Options include a 12-pack of 500ml bottles for $17.64, or an 8-pack of 1.5-litre bottles for $29.44, which can be delivered directly to the cabin.

Cruisers with the Cheers! drinks package – which includes bottled water – can claim their perk at any time.

But for those without, small misunderstandings over amenities can sometimes escalate into bigger guest relations issues.

For now, Heald has confirmed that the cruise line is looking at how they can improve the situation, especially since there are some mixed messages with the cruise line’s website on where the water can be taken from.

Hopefully the affected guest has calmed down!

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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.

Read more about me

What began as a laid-back afternoon on the lido deck quickly descended into chaos aboard Carnival Sunrise over the weekend, when a physical altercation broke out between multiple guests. The…

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Carnival Cruise Line is piloting a new express dining experience aboard Carnival Vista, designed to offer guests a quicker mealtime option after a full day exploring ashore.

The trial is currently limited to one section of the Horizon Dining Room and is exclusive to guests with My Time Dining (also known as “Anytime Dining”).

The new service aims to deliver a complete dinner – including appetiser, main course, and dessert – in just 45 minutes, significantly faster than the traditional 90-minute main dining room experience.

Sample Menu

To help meet the quicker turnaround, Carnival has introduced a smaller, streamlined menu for express diners. A sample of the offerings includes:

Appetisers

• Roasted Duck Rolls
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Caesar Salad
• Tomato Soup

Main Courses

• Shrimp
• Cornish Game Hen
• Braised Short Rib
• Sirloin Steak

Desserts

• Cheesecake
• Chocolate Melting Cake

Guests can still opt for the standard dining experience if they prefer a more leisurely meal.

The express dining simply adds a new level of flexibility, particularly appealing for those who want to enjoy the ship’s evening entertainment or unwind after a long shore excursion.

Future Rollout Possible

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald announced the pilot programme and indicated that if it proves popular, the express dining concept may expand to additional ships across the Fun Ship fleet.

For now, the 45-minute dinner option remains exclusive to Carnival Vista, giving her guests a chance to be among the first to try this speedier dining solution.

This new option adds to the cruise line’s growing list of flexible dining choices – already a key factor for many cruisers seeking control over their vacation schedule.

Some guests may be concerned about another tradition of cruising being eroded. A lot of guests still prefer that classic feel of dinner being an event that takes time.

The cruise line has assured guests that slower dinners are going nowhere, but I’m sure it won’t stop some people from worrying.

Me though? I love this. I have too much to do onboard, so I hate when dinner takes almost three hours. Get me in, get me fed, get me out and free to enjoy the rest of the ship!

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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.

Read more about me

What began as a laid-back afternoon on the lido deck quickly descended into chaos aboard Carnival Sunrise over the weekend, when a physical altercation broke out between multiple guests. The…

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What began as a laid-back afternoon on the lido deck quickly descended into chaos aboard Carnival Sunrise over the weekend, when a physical altercation broke out between multiple guests.

The fight occurred around 5:30 pm on Saturday, 7th June 2025, while the ship was sailing a 4-night roundtrip itinerary from Miami, Florida, with stops in The Bahamas.

The ship had just departed Carnival’s private destination, Half Moon Cay, when the incident unfolded.

The violent episode happened on the lido deck, near the popular Pizzeria, and quickly escalated.

Videos shared on social media show passengers shouting, hurling punches, and even throwing chairs, as others screamed and scrambled to safety.

Carnival Cruise Line’s onboard security team swiftly responded, breaking up the brawl as stunned bystanders looked on.

No official statement has been made regarding injuries, but several guests posted online that they witnessed security detaining participants shortly after the altercation.

One guest claimed a man involved in the fight had been confined to his cabin, guarded by security around the clock.

“I’m staying a couple of doors away from him,” the passenger wrote. “The man is locked up in his room with security outside 24/7.”

Lifetime Ban Confirmed

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that all guests involved in the brawl have been permanently banned from sailing with the line again.

“They will be locked in a room and get banned from Carnival,” one guest posted.

Carnival maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to onboard violence. According to the cruise line’s Code of Conduct, disruptive guests may be disembarked at their own expense, fined up to $500, and face lifetime bans.

It remains unclear whether the individuals involved were disembarked early during the ship’s final port call in Nassau on 8th June, or allowed to remain onboard until disembarkation in Miami on 9th June.

This is not the first time Carnival has dealt with high-profile passenger brawls. In June 2024, Carnival Paradise made headlines after a buffet fight was caught on video.

More recently, a scuffle broke out in the Galveston cruise terminal during disembarkation in April 2025.

These repeated incidents have sparked debate about cruise culture, passenger behaviour, and the role of alcohol consumption onboard.

Carnival has recently revised its Cheers! beverage package to cap the number of alcoholic drinks at 15 per person per day.

The company also continues to remind guests of the rules outlined in its Code of Conduct, which includes prohibitions against violence, disruptive behaviour, and conduct that affects the comfort or safety of others.

As for Carnival Sunrise, the ship completed its voyage as scheduled, returning to Miami on 9th June. The 2,984-passenger vessel is expected to continue its regular schedule of short Bahamas getaways from Florida.

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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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Carnival Cruise Line is piloting a new express dining experience aboard Carnival Vista, designed to offer guests a quicker mealtime option after a full day exploring ashore. The trial is…

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Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas experienced a tense moment on 8th June 2025 when a large window at the Coastal Kitchen restaurant unexpectedly shattered as the ship was manoeuvring into Port Canaveral, Florida.

The 228,081-gross-ton vessel was partway through a 7-night roundtrip sailing from Cape Liberty (Bayonne, New Jersey), with Port Canaveral being its first scheduled port of call.

Crew Member Hailed a Hero

According to guest reports, the situation could have been far more serious had it not been for the swift actions of waiter Nitin Kumar.

Guests say Kumar noticed stress cracks forming in the Coastal Kitchen’s glass wall and immediately rushed to the pool deck below to warn those relaxing nearby.

About “15 seconds later”, the glass broke, according to one guest, who described how the tempered glass shattered and rained down over the area where guests had been seated just moments earlier.

“The waiter, Nitin, saw it cracking and sprinted down to the pool deck and told the people in deck chairs to move. Dude saved some lives for sure.”

The broken panel caused the pool area to be temporarily closed while crew members secured the scene and removed debris. The pool was drained as a precaution, and the damaged glass was swiftly replaced.

Remarkably, no injuries were reported.

Quick Clean-up and Continued Itinerary

By the following day, 9th June, Symphony of the Seas continued on to Nassau, Bahamas, with minimal disruption. The ship is also scheduled to visit Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, before returning to New Jersey on 13 June.

Nitin Kumar received widespread praise from passengers across social media for his alertness and decisive action. In a heartfelt response, he posted:

“What I did, I did for family. I’m Friendly, Passionate, and Committed, and I’m Royal… (and I learned from Royal) How to take care of my guests like family.”

Rare But Not Unprecedented

The incident took place in Coastal Kitchen, an exclusive venue reserved for suite guests and Crown & Anchor Pinnacle members on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships.

Located on Deck 17, the restaurant’s panoramic windows offer sweeping ocean views – and in this case, a dramatic moment for all onboard.

While it’s unclear what exactly caused the glass to fail, some speculate that ship vibrations during its 180-degree turn into port may have contributed. Royal Caribbean has not yet confirmed the cause, but crew described the breakage as a rare and isolated event.

Glass failures, while uncommon, have occurred on other Royal Caribbean ships. In 2024, Voyager of the Seas sustained similar damage in rough seas near Galveston, Texas.

In previous years, Anthem of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas also experienced shattered windows during stormy conditions.

Despite the surprise incident, the cruise line’s rapid response and the heroism of its crew ensured the safety and comfort of all guests aboard Symphony of the Seas.

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A crew member aboard Costa Cruises’ Costa Deliziosa was successfully rescued after falling overboard in Souda-Chania, Crete, Greece, on 3rd June, 2025.

The incident occurred in the afternoon while the cruise ship was docked at the port and guests were ashore exploring the popular Mediterranean destination.

Under circumstances that remain unclear, the 30-year-old Tunisian crew member fell into the water, prompting an immediate rescue response from her fellow crew members onboard.

Crew aboard the Costa Deliziosa swiftly initiated emergency procedures, including throwing a life jacket to the woman and alerting local authorities.

The Greek Coast Guard quickly arrived at the scene, dispatching multiple patrol units and a rescue boat to assist.

According to the Chania Port Authority, the woman was retrieved conscious from the water with the joint assistance of crew onboard and the local rescue units.

After being assessed by medical personnel onboard the Costa Deliziosa, she was confirmed to be in good health and required no further medical attention.

“The Chania Port Authority was informed of the fall of a woman into the sea, in the port of Souda. Immediately, LS-EL.AKT patrol vehicles went to the scene, while with the assistance of a launch and a cruise ship (C/Z), flagged in the Bahamas, from which a life jacket was thrown, the woman was retrieved conscious,

“She is a 30-year-old foreigner (Tunisian citizen) sailor (specialty of assistant), a crew member of the above C/Z. The 30-year-old, after examination by the C/Z’s doctor, was diagnosed as being in good health,”

Chania Port Authority

Costa Deliziosa, the only cruise ship docked in Souda-Chania at the time of the incident, can accommodate 2,826 passengers and 934 crew members.

The vessel is currently operating Mediterranean cruises, visiting ports in Greece, Italy, and Croatia on itineraries of 7 and 14 nights.

An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crew member falling overboard.

Other Overboard Incidents

Though concerning, incidents of individuals falling from cruise ships are relatively rare.

According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), only 212 people fell overboard between 2009 and 2019, a small number relative to the millions of guests and crew sailing annually.

However, due to factors like strong currents, difficulty in locating individuals, and weather conditions, successful rescues remain challenging, with only about 28% of overboard situations resulting in a successful rescue during that period.

The most recent similar incident involving a crew member occurred in August 2024 aboard Carnival Dream off the coast of Mexico, in which the individual sadly was not found.

Prior to that, a crew member from AIDAperla fell overboard in the English Channel in October 2023, and was also presumed lost.

Costa Cruises has not released further details on this recent event, but the quick action by crew members and the local authorities helped avert a more serious outcome.

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Cruise passengers planning mid-2027 voyages aboard Carnival Adventure from Sydney will need to adjust their travel plans, as Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled six sailings scheduled between 17th May and 14th June, 2027.

The affected itineraries ranged from 3 to 9 nights and included sought-after routes to Moreton Island, Vanuatu, and the Great Barrier Reef.

The cruise line cited a “short-term change in itinerary plans” for the 108,865-gross-ton ship but did not provide further details about the reason for the schedule disruption.

Carnival is offering full refunds to all impacted guests and the option to rebook on alternative sailings.

Those who choose to rebook will receive a nominal onboard credit as a goodwill gesture.

For guests on shorter voyages (3rd & 11th June), an onboard credit of AU$25.00 per person (approximately £12 / $16 USD) is being offered, capped at AU$50.00 per stateroom.

For longer cruises, that amount rises to AU$50.00 per person, with a maximum of AU$100.00 per stateroom.

The last confirmed sailing for Carnival Adventure before this pause is a 3-night roundtrip cruise to nowhere departing 14th May 2027.

Unconfirmed Dry Dock or Repositioning

While Carnival has not revealed the exact reason behind the change, some guests have speculated online that the ship may be headed for dry dock in Singapore, possibly for maintenance or upgrades.

These rumours are consistent with past fleet patterns. Sister ship Carnival Encounter, also acquired from P&O Australia, is due to undergo a similar dry dock in 2026.

Despite speculation that Carnival could be reducing its footprint in the region, the line maintains that it is committed to Australian cruising.

In March 2025, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy confirmed ongoing plans to support the region, stating the company is “proud to strengthen its commitment to the millions of Australians who love to cruise.”

A Shift in Australia’s Cruise Landscape

Carnival Adventure joined the Australian fleet in March 2025 after being transferred from P&O Australia, where it previously sailed as Pacific Adventure.

The ship underwent minor refurbishments and rebranding before beginning service under the Carnival banner.

The move followed Carnival Corporation’s retirement of the P&O Australia brand, with ships either absorbed into the wider Carnival Cruise Line fleet or sold off as part of a broader global consolidation strategy.

Currently, Carnival Adventure, Carnival Encounter, and Carnival Splendor are all operating from Australia, offering a variety of short cruises and longer Great Barrier Reef sailings.

Seasonal deployments are supported by Carnival Luminosa, which serves the region during summer months.

At present, Carnival Adventure is still expected to return to service later in June 2027, although revised itineraries have not yet been announced.

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Global music icon Diana Ross has been named godmother of Royal Caribbean’s new Star of the Seas, the second vessel in the cruise line’s ground-breaking Icon class.

The announcement was made on 5th June 2025, ahead of the ship’s official debut from Port Canaveral later this summer.

While the exact date of the naming ceremony has yet to be confirmed, Royal Caribbean stated that it will take place in August 2025 at the ship’s homeport.

Ross will preside over the traditional christening event, which is scheduled to be held in the AquaTheater – the central entertainment venue within the ship’s AquaDome neighbourhood.

“Having spent years creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas,”

Diana Ross

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley called the partnership a natural fit:

“We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer.”

Michael Bayley

Ship Launch and Preview Sailings

Star of the Seas will begin sailing from Port Canaveral in August 2025, following the completion of four preview cruises: one 3-night and three 4-night sailings starting 16th August.

Her inaugural 7-night cruise departs 31st August, visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatan.

The new 5,600-guest ship (7,600 at max capacity) recently completed successful sea trials and is currently in the final stages of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

She follows the debut of Icon of the Seas in January 2024 and will continue the class’s focus on innovative vacation experiences at sea.

Like her sister ship, Star of the Seas will offer eight distinct “Neighborhoods”, each designed to cater to different guest experiences. Highlights include:

• Royal Promenade: Featuring dozens of bars and restaurants in a vibrant indoor boulevard.
• Central Park: An open-air retreat filled with over 33,000 real plants, offering quiet strolls and upscale dining.
• Category 6 Waterpark: The largest waterpark at sea, complete with six slides and family raft rides.
• Chill Island: A relaxing area with multiple pools and an adults-only retreat.
• Surfside: Designed for young families with splash areas, dining, and playful spaces.
• The Hideaway: A beach club-style venue with an infinity pool.
• Thrill Island: A shipwreck-themed zone filled with adrenaline-pumping attractions.
• AquaDome: A dramatic forward-facing entertainment venue housing the AquaTheater, where high-diving performances and the ship’s naming ceremony will take place.

Destinations

Star of the Seas will operate year-round Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, with every voyage including a stop at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The ship is expected to remain homeported in Florida through spring 2027.

More details, including the christening date and entertainment line-up, are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

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Guests aboard MSC Cruises’ MSC Orchestra experienced a tense night on June 2nd-3rd, 2025, after a brief electrical fire in the engine room led to a prolonged power outage and operational disruptions during the ship’s Mediterranean sailing.

The incident occurred during the early morning hours of Tuesday, 3rd June. According to passenger accounts, crew members responded quickly, with emergency teams deploying fire suppression measures and oxygen equipment in the affected area.

One guest described seeing crew “fleeing the area with blackened faces,” adding to the alarm among travellers.

MSC Cruises confirmed the situation involved smoke from an electrical switchboard in a technical space and emphasized that guest areas were not impacted.

“This was contained by the safety systems in the immediate area… There are no reported injuries,”

MSC statement

While the ship’s emergency systems functioned as designed, and there was no need for guests to report to muster stations, power was lost ship-wide for several hours, leaving the vessel temporarily adrift near Corsica.

Itinerary Disruption and Cancellations

MSC Orchestra was able to resume sailing under its own power and arrived safely in Genoa, Italy, where the ship will now remain for repairs and further inspection.

As a result, MSC Cruises has cancelled embarkations for guests in Genoa and Marseille, and impacted travellers are being contacted directly.

The ship’s next scheduled port of call, Marseille, France, has also been removed from the itinerary.

Satellite tracking shows MSC Orchestra, which is currently operating 7-night Mediterranean sailings, drifting off her planned route near eastern Corsica following the power failure.

Though no major hotel or entertainment disruptions were officially reported, guests have noted that some restaurants, including a la carte venues, were not open for breakfast the morning after the outage.

Fires – especially in high-risk areas such as engine rooms and galleys – are among the most serious threats aboard a cruise ship, which is why cruise lines conduct regular fire and safety drills and maintain highly trained response teams onboard every voyage.

This latest incident comes almost exactly one year after a fire aboard MSC Armonia in June 2024, which was quickly extinguished with no reported injuries.

As with all onboard fires, MSC Orchestra will now undergo a full inspection and safety evaluation before resuming her itinerary.

MSC Cruises has not confirmed when the ship will return to her regular schedule, but guests with upcoming bookings are advised to monitor communications from the cruise line for the latest updates.

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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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In just the past week, three big-name cruise ships – Norwegian Epic, Holland America’s Westerdam, and MSC Seascape – have had some very windy run-ins with their mooring lines.

We’re talking about snapped ropes, gangways collapsing, and yes, even a few passengers getting sent into the water.

Scary stuff – should you be worried if you’re about to board a cruise?

What Happened? A Quick Look at the Incidents

1. Norwegian Epic – Blown Off in Sicily (May 30)

While docked in Catania, Italy, Norwegian Epic was hit by strong gusts (reportedly over 45 mph), which broke its mooring lines.

One poor guest was on the gangway when it gave way and ended up in the water. Their partner reportedly dived in to help them and also suffered minor injuries.

Thankfully, they were rescued quickly. Social media showed dramatic footage of lines snapping and the gangway swinging dangerously – definitely not your usual port stop.

2. Westerdam – Gangway Collapses in Alaska (May 30)

On the same day, Westerdam broke loose in Ketchikan, Alaska, when sudden winds (up to 60 knots!) caused the ship to shift.

The gangway collapsed, though no one was hurt, and the ship was quickly re-secured.

Passengers caught the moment on camera – videos show the gangway dangling before it plunges into the sea.

3. MSC Seascape – Trouble at Ocean Cay (May 31)

Just a day later, MSC Seascape ran into its own weather drama while docked at Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas.

A squall snapped the lines, the gangway dropped into the water, and a guest was injured while disembarking. They were treated onboard and re-joined the cruise shortly after.

Why Are These Incidents Happening More?

Here’s the nutshell version:

• Wild Weather Swings: Sudden squalls and high winds are becoming more common and harder to predict.
• Bigger Ships = Bigger Wind Targets: Today’s cruise ships are taller and wider, which means they catch more wind and put more strain on mooring lines.
• Ports Not Keeping Up: Not every port has upgraded bollards or fender systems to handle these mega-ships, especially in regions like Alaska or small Caribbean islands.

Put it all together, and even a “routine” docking can turn into a bit of a mess if the weather turns.

Should Cruise Passengers Be Worried?

Short answer: not really – but do stay aware.

Cruise lines are still very safe overall. These incidents are serious, but they’re also rare when you consider how many ships are sailing every day without a hitch. But a few smart precautions can make a big difference.

What You Can Do:

• Pay attention to weather updates from the crew or cruise app.
• Hold on to railings when using the gangway – especially if it’s windy.
• Avoid standing near mooring lines or overhanging decks when docking.
• Pack essentials in your carry-on, just in case a delay happens.
• Ask about port infrastructure if you’re cruising in weather-prone areas.

Remember, crew members are trained for these situations, and ships often delay embarkation or use tugboats when conditions look sketchy.

Cruise lines are now reviewing mooring procedures and investing in stronger equipment and faster weather-tracking tech.

Final Thoughts: Should You Cancel? Nope.

If you’ve got a cruise coming up, there’s no need to panic.

Think of these incidents like turbulence on a flight – unsettling, yes, but something the crew knows how to handle.

The best thing you can do is stay informed, follow the crew’s lead, and use common sense around gangways and open decks.

With over 30 million cruise passengers sailing safely each year, cruising is still one of the most enjoyable – and safe – ways to travel.

But as ships get bigger and weather gets wilder, being aware of the risks (and how to avoid them) is just good cruising sense.

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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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