Carnival-Sunrise.jpg

Teenager Jailed After Cruise Bomb Hoax

A 19-year-old man has been jailed for 8 months after emailing in a bomb hoax to a cruise over a trivial disagreement.

Carnival Sunrise

Joshua Lowe, a Michigan resident, has been sentenced to 8 months in a federal prison after the hoax, which was attributed to him being upset that his girlfriend cruised without him, leaving him to look after the pets.

The threat, sent via email to the Carnival Sunrise in January 2024, prompted immediate and widespread emergency action.

More than 1,100 crew members onboard were forced to conduct an urgent search of over 1,000 staterooms as the ship followed security protocols.

The Sunshine-class vessel was also escorted by the US Coast Guard and Jamaica Marine Police during the scare.

The cruise, which had departed from PortMiami, was carrying thousands of passengers when the threat caused panic and operational disruption.

Ultimately, the email was traced back to Lowe, who confessed he was angry about being left behind to pet sit while his girlfriend vacationed with her family.

“We take every threat of mass violence seriously,” said US Attorney Mark Totten following Lowe’s sentencing on April 14, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

“Hoaxes can endanger lives, incur needless costs, and divert public safety resources needed to address real threats. My office has zero tolerance for wrongdoers who intentionally convey false and misleading information,” Totten added.

Although Lowe received an eight-month sentence, the punishment could have been more severe.

Under Section 35 of Title 18 of the US Department of Justice’s Criminal Resource Manual, making a false bomb threat carries penalties of up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

In a comparable case in 2010, a Florida woman was sentenced to a full year behind bars after falsely claiming a female terrorist with a bomb was aboard Carnival Fascination.

Despite the disruption and wasted resources, Lowe expressed remorse. In a letter to US District Judge Paul Maloney, he wrote, “This is all my fault and [I] take full responsibility.”

A Costly Mistake

Lowe’s actions not only caused fear and confusion aboard Carnival Sunrise, but also resulted in the unnecessary deployment of emergency services.

Given the heightened sensitivity surrounding cruise ship security, hoax threats are treated with full seriousness, regardless of the motivation.

“Anyone making a bomb threat should expect to be taken at his word. Fortunately, this particular hoax did not result in physical injury,” said Assistant US Attorney Nils Kessler.

The Carnival Sunrise scare wasn’t the only recent cruise-related bomb threat.

On 3rd March 2025, PortMiami – one of the world’s busiest cruise hubs – experienced chaos after an unrelated threat disrupted port operations for hours. Though no explosive was found and no one has been arrested, the investigation remains ongoing.

Five cruise ships were in port that day, including Independence of the Seas, MSC Divina, Norwegian Joy, and both Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Conquest.

The key takeaway: real threats should always be reported to cruise security teams or authorities. But making false reports – even in moments of anger or jealousy – can result in serious legal consequences.

Carnival Cruise Line and other operators have strict security protocols in place for any kind of threat, with teams trained to handle emergencies both onboard and ashore. While most cruises are safe, enjoyable experiences, safety will always remain the top priority.

For Lowe’s girlfriend, if her pet is a dog then she may wish to consider a dog-friendly cruise in future instead of leaving any partner behind where they might be so upset as to fake a bomb!

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Cruise Private Island To Undergo Major Redesign

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced an ambitious transformation of its private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay.

NCL Great Stirrup Cay redesign render

The update will include a long-awaited multi-ship pier and a range of new guest experiences. The first phase of the enhancements is set to be completed by the end of 2025.

NCL President David Herrera shared details of the redesign in a webcast interview with Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley, and later during the christening ceremony of Norwegian Aqua in Miami on Sunday, 13 April.

One of the most significant developments is the construction of a multi-ship pier, which will allow vessels to dock directly at the island for the first time.

Currently, guests must be tendered ashore – a process that can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly in adverse weather.

“Tendering is not ideal, and tendering in the Caribbean can be a challenge in the winter months,” Herrera noted. “We’re fixing that and I can’t wait until we open up this pier in the next few months.”

New Attractions and Amenities

The redesigned Great Stirrup Cay will feature a host of new additions focused on elevating the guest experience. Highlights include:

  • A giant, heated pool described as being “tens of thousands of square feet” with areas for adults and children, DJ entertainment, cabanas, and ample loungers.
  • A welcome centre and island-wide tram service to help guests navigate the upgraded space with ease.
  • Vibe Beach Club, the adults-only retreat already popular on NCL ships, will be recreated on the island – though access will require an upcharge.
  • Horizon Park, the new activity space seen on ships like Norwegian Bliss and Breakaway, will also make its debut on the island.
  • A kids’ splash zone for younger cruisers.
  • A new relaxation area, complete with hammocks and “Tiki-inspired” elements for a laid-back, tropical vibe.

Importantly for guests, those with the top-tier drinks package will be able to continue using it on the island – ensuring a seamless transition from ship to shore.

“This island is already one of our top-rated ports of call, and the enhancements are going to take that to the next level,” Herrera said. “We’re sprinkling a lot more offerings so our guests can have a genuine private island experience while still having these additional amenities.”

The island’s redesign is rooted in feedback from NCL guests, who, Herrera said, are looking for authentic experiences that still offer comfort and variety.

“A private island is all about the guest experience, and the feedback we receive is that they want something genuine and authentic. We’re enhancing that experience.”

More to Come

Great Stirrup Cay was the first private island ever acquired by a cruise line when NCL purchased it back in the 1970s.

Since then, it has undergone steady development, but this latest revamp marks its most comprehensive upgrade yet.

Herrera confirmed that this is just the beginning. Additional features and upgrades are expected to be revealed over the coming months as the company moves towards launching the updated destination in late 2025.

With a mix of relaxation, recreation, and signature NCL experiences, the upgraded Great Stirrup Cay is poised to become a standout private island destination in the Caribbean – and a major draw for future NCL sailings.

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British Couple Travels 10,000+ Miles Only To Be Denied Boarding Over Minor Passport Issue

A long-awaited cruise holiday turned into an expensive ordeal for a British couple after one of them was denied boarding their Cunard voyage in Sydney, Australia – all due to a minor passport issue.

UK passport

David Hornsby from Southampton and his wife had flown more than 10,000 miles to join a 14-night sailing aboard Queen Elizabeth, departing on 11 February 2025 from Sydney and destined for Singapore, with port calls in Australia and Indonesia.

But their plans came to a screeching halt at the Overseas Passenger Terminal when border officials deemed Mr Hornsby’s passport damaged.

Speaking to local media, Hornsby explained that everything seemed normal until check-in.

“We arrived at the cruise terminal, went to check in as usual, having already dropped our luggage off,” he said. “They looked at my passport and then called somebody over, and then took it away.”

While his wife was cleared for boarding, officials reportedly flagged the “loose stitching” on the centre seam of his UK passport – a detail Hornsby insists did not interfere with its legibility or function. But the damage was enough to prompt immigration to deny him entry.

The couple then had to wait several hours to retrieve their luggage before booking last-minute flights back to the UK at a cost of £700.

Cunard Responds

Cunard did not refund the cruise or flight costs, citing immigration rules as beyond their control.

In a statement, Cunard acknowledged the situation but stood firm in its policy.

“Our understanding is that Mr and Mrs Hornsby were refused embarkation to the ship by immigration officials at the international cruise terminal due to a damaged passport,

“The planned voyage included a port call to Indonesia, where they have strict standards for damaged passports.

“Unfortunately, the actions of foreign immigration authorities are outside of our control, and any associated costs should be directed to the guests’ travel insurers.”

While the couple did receive refunds for certain shore excursions they’d booked, Cunard has refused further compensation. Hornsby is now appealing to the line for either a refund or an alternative sailing.

Although the passport in question had allowed Mr Hornsby to travel internationally without issue up to that point, Indonesian immigration policies are among the strictest when it comes to passport condition. Even small tears, fading, or binding issues can result in denied entry.

As Queen Elizabeth was scheduled to visit both Bali and Jakarta, Indonesian authorities would have needed to clear all passengers well ahead of arrival.

Any passport damage that might cause issues at Indonesian checkpoints can be grounds for denying embarkation altogether.

Such strict interpretations are not limited to Indonesia. With biometric scanners increasingly used to verify travel documents, passports with even minor flaws may not scan correctly – and that can prompt a refusal from immigration officials.

Despite the frustration, Cunard’s terms clearly state that passengers must ensure their travel documents are valid and undamaged, and that refusal of entry or embarkation due to documentation issues is not the cruise line’s responsibility. The line advises all passengers to secure travel insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.

The Hornsbys’ experience is a stark reminder that while a holiday might be months or even years in the making, a small detail like a frayed passport seam can quickly unravel the whole plan.

This isn’t the first time an issue like this has made headlines. Australian media has frequently reported on travellers being denied entry into Indonesia due to minor passport damage since the country tightened its border control policies in 2019.

While many travellers assume that wear and tear is acceptable, border officials ultimately have the final say – and with the rise in biometric screening, the margin for error is growing smaller.

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CDC Denies That Recent Layoffs Could Impact Cruise Inspections

The cruise community has been sharing concerns over the safety of cruises following layoffs as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prompting a response from the agency.

CDC Cruise Inspection

Despite growing concern across social media and within the cruise community, the CDC has confirmed that sanitation inspections and outbreak response efforts aboard cruise ships will not be impacted.

This is despite the significant layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) earlier this month.

Worries intensified after reports revealed that employees of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) – the unit responsible for monitoring, tracking, and managing gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships – were laid off.

The timing was especially alarming as the Seabourn Encore docked in Miami on Wednesday, 10th April with 35 confirmed cases of norovirus among passengers and crew following a 3½-week voyage.

Cruise fans and frequent travellers quickly voiced their concerns online, worried that a reduction in CDC oversight could lead to more unchecked outbreaks on ships already battling record-high norovirus transmission.

However, a CDC spokesperson has since offered assurances that VSP operations will continue uninterrupted.

The work is being carried out by U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers, who were not affected by the recent staffing cuts.

Ongoing Norovirus Surge Fuels Alarm

Concerns about the layoffs were exacerbated by a recent surge in norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, particularly those operating in and out of Florida, home to seven major cruise ports.

The CDC has already logged 12 cruise ship outbreaks in the first four months of 2025, with 10 linked to Florida.

According to Verily’s wastewater surveillance programme, several sites in South Florida and Central Florida – including areas near PortMiami and Port Canaveral – have shown persistently high levels of Norovirus GII since late 2024.

Despite the CDC’s assurances, reports suggest that only one epidemiologist remains assigned to the VSP’s outbreak investigation team, and that individual is still undergoing training.

This has left some industry observers wondering whether the same level of oversight and rapid outbreak response can be maintained with a reduced team – especially as high passenger volumes continue during the peak cruising season.

The CDC, however, reiterated that key VSP duties – including unannounced ship inspections, monitoring and reporting outbreaks, and providing sanitation guidance to cruise lines – are ongoing.

During the Seabourn Encore outbreak, for instance, the VSP remotely monitored the ship’s sanitation procedures and cleaning protocols.

What Is the Vessel Sanitation Program?

The Vessel Sanitation Program plays a vital role in keeping cruise ships safe and sanitary for passengers and crew. Responsibilities include:

  • Conducting unannounced inspections of ships sailing in US waters
  • Monitoring and assisting with gastrointestinal outbreaks
  • Reviewing new and renovated ship plans
  • Processing variances for onboard sanitation systems

Ships are rated on a 100-point scale during inspections, with a score of 86 or higher required to pass. Inspections are published online and often influence public perception of cruise cleanliness and safety.

Although staffing changes at the CDC and HHS have understandably raised alarm bells, the agency insists cruise sanitation inspections are not in jeopardy.

However, with norovirus transmission at elevated levels, passengers are encouraged to stay vigilant, practise good hygiene, and report any symptoms of illness while onboard.

For now, it appears the checks and safeguards that protect cruise health are still firmly in place – even if the team behind them has seen major restructuring.

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Femme It Forward Launches First-Ever Caribbean Voyage for 2026

The powerful voices behind Femme It Forward have officially opened bookings for their first-ever music cruise, Femmeland At Sea, set to sail 20th to 23rd February 2026.

Femmeland at Sea

In partnership with music cruise experts Sixthman and destination experience company Vibee, this groundbreaking event promises an immersive, empowering, and star-studded escape at sea – and the public sale is now live.

Sailing roundtrip from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas aboard the Norwegian Pearl, the three-night voyage will feature performances by award-winning artists Keyshia Cole, GRAMMY® winner Monica, and multi-platinum group SWV.

Presented by Femme It Forward, a female-led music and entertainment company known for championing women in the industry, the cruise experience will be packed with curated activities, live podcast recordings, mentorship sessions, wellness events, parties, and much more.

It’s a whole ship charter that celebrates the empowerment of women, but to be clear it is open to all – it’s not a women-only cruise.

The long-anticipated public sale opened on 11th April 2025 and cabins can now be secured for just $100 USD deposit if booked before 20th June 2025, or while availability lasts.

With only limited space aboard the Norwegian Pearl, guests are encouraged to secure their spots early for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of music, sisterhood, and empowerment.

A celebration of women and culture at sea

Femmeland At Sea is more than a cruise – it’s a floating festival of culture, creativity, and connection, designed to amplify the voices of women through community and curated experiences.

Attendees can expect:

  • Live music from headline performers Keyshia Cole, Monica, and SWV
  • Live podcast recordings, including Keep It Positive Sweetie with Crystal Renee Hayslett and Let’s Try This Again with B. Simone
  • Wellness and empowerment workshops, including sessions by WalkGood LA, Pretty Girls Sweat, and Morning Mindset with Tai
  • Mentorship labs, with speed mentoring and office hours led by Next Gem Femme and MUSE
  • Karaoke, dance parties, wine tastings, and panels with industry leaders
  • Trap Karaoke, #MusicSermon LIVE, and even Kirk Franklin’s Sunday School
  • A vibrant Black Market Flea featuring independent makers and creatives

“As we celebrate our 5th anniversary, we are thrilled to announce our first-ever cruise – a vision I’ve had since our launch in 2020. I have always been bold about what Femme It Forward stands for and the experiences we create with women at the center.

“And despite the current optics and everything around us demanding we shrink, we will continue to do more –  create more opportunities, make space for more representation, and curate more experiences that amplify the voices of women everywhere”

Femme It Forward Founder and CEO Heather Lowery

Guests will sail aboard the Norwegian Pearl, a cruise ship offering everything from the Mandara Spa and Pearl Club Casino to hot tubs, fine dining, and poolside bars.

The ship provides the perfect backdrop for Femmeland’s unforgettable itinerary and community-focused programming.

During the voyage, guests will also have time to explore Nassau, Bahamas – famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lively culture.

Anyone interested in booking on the cruise can secure a cabin by visiting www.femmelandatsea.com.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of these iconic performers or you’re seeking a supportive space to grow, learn, and connect – Femmeland At Sea is a celebration of women like no other.

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Carnival Guest’s Blunder Disrupts Ten Cabins

When packing for a cruise, some guests like to bring their own creature comforts from home – but one such item has recently caused a major disruption aboard a Carnival cruise ship, affecting not just one, but ten cabins in the process.

Carnival cabin bathroom

According to Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald, a guest flushed wet wipes down the toilet – an action that not only blocked their own loo, but also disabled nine others due to the ship’s interconnected plumbing system.

Heald, who shares cruise advice and behind-the-scenes stories with over 600,000 followers on Facebook, used the incident as a cautionary tale.

“We had a situation on a ship yesterday,” he explained, “where somebody had flushed something down the toilet – wet wipes. Now, not only did it block their toilet, and not only did it have this person very upset, but it also blocked and stopped the flushing of nine other toilets. Nine.”

The toilets on cruise ships – whether in guest cabins or public restrooms – are vacuum-assisted systems that rely on narrow piping and suction technology.

That means flushing anything other than bodily waste and the cruise-provided toilet paper can cause major blockages.

While Heald made light of the situation by referencing a fictional crew member – “Luigi the plumber gets very upset about this” – the consequences are no laughing matter.

Cruise ship toilets are delicate – even on new ships

Cruise ships, whether brand new or decades old, all tend to use a very similar plumbing setup. And while Carnival’s toilet paper may not win any luxury awards, it’s specifically designed for the vacuum system.

Heald acknowledged this in his post:

“I’m not going to sit here and proclaim that our lavatory paper is the best toilet paper in the world – it’s not. But it is designed to accommodate the suction toilet system. Please don’t flush anything else.”

That includes not only wet wipes – even so-called “flushable” ones – but also feminine hygiene products, contraceptives, nappies, cotton wool, paper towels, and tissues.

Importantly, guests are not prohibited from bringing wet wipes or other personal hygiene products onboard. However, they must be disposed of correctly – in a bin, not the toilet.

Most cruise ship bathrooms include a small rubbish bin or a sanitary bag dispenser for safe and discreet disposal of non-flushable waste.

If you require additional bags, a note to your cabin steward will usually solve the issue quickly and quietly.

While it may seem a little unpleasant to dispose of wipes this way, it’s a lot less unpleasant than dealing with an overflowing toilet in your stateroom.

Even small products like wipes can cause major chain reactions across multiple cabins. Cruise ships are designed with a shared plumbing network – often servicing cabins in vertical “stacks” – which means one blocked toilet can take out an entire section of the ship’s sanitation system.

In this case, it affected ten cabins, inconveniencing multiple guests and crew members and requiring maintenance intervention. Not exactly the relaxing cruise experience anyone was hoping for.

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Cruise Tails Launches Crowdfunding Campaign To Bring Dog-Friendly Cruise to Life

Cruise Tails, the team behind the world’s first dog-friendly cruise, has launched a crowdfunding campaign as it looks to turn its bold idea into a reality.

Cruise Tails launches crowd funding site

The campaign, now live on Indiegogo, aims to raise $500,000 to help fund the development of the first-ever cruise designed specifically with dogs in mind – from pet-friendly amenities to dedicated events for canine companions.

The sailing, originally planned for this year, has already been pushed back to 2026, highlighting the scale and complexity of creating a cruise that caters not just to people, but to their pets too.

The new fundraising push is now a key step in keeping the project moving forward.

A small, fluffy dog with a wind-swept cream coat and a blue bone-shaped tag enjoys a river cruise, with its fur tousled by the breeze and a serene water backdrop under a clear sky. The dog’s bright expression and the gentle waves suggest a delightful day out on the water.

Cruise Tails is offering a range of reward tiers for supporters, including branded merchandise, the chance to name parts of the ship or themed cruise days, and opportunities to host events.

It’s all part of a wider move to involve the community in shaping what promises to be a unique experience for dog lovers.

The fact that the cruise has been delayed until 2026, and now a crowd-funding campaign has been launched, may raise some eyebrows.

But Cruise Tails is working to overcome obstacles that no other cruise charter has faced before, and not just put on a fantastic experience for guests, but also laying the groundwork for future pet-friendly cruises.

It’s not an understatement to suggest that the dog-friendly cruise could be the first stepping stone onto a complete revolution of how travel companies, cruise lines and other organisations treat guests who have pets in the family.

“Witnessing the growth of the pet-friendly community since our inception has been so rewarding, and I can’t wait to see how these new engagements in action will continue to foster this momentum among our members.” 

Cruise Tails Captain Steve Matzke

Alongside the crowdfunding launch, Cruise Tails has also unveiled a new online platform – CruiseTales.com – which will host live and virtual events, updates on the cruise’s progress, and opportunities to support dog rescue charities.

While there’s no denying that raising half a million dollars is a big ask, the Cruise Tails team say they’re more determined than ever to make cruising with dogs a normal part of holiday life.

And if the passion shown by the pet-loving community so far is anything to go by, they have a great chance to pull it off.

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New Study Reveals The Item Most Commonly Lost By Cruise Passengers

With the 2025 cruise season in full swing, a new survey reveals which items cruise passengers are most at risk of losing.

Jenni with Britannia

According to recent research by Confused.com, over one in five cruise passengers (22%) admit to having left something behind on a cruise ship.

The most commonly lost items? Sunglasses, prescription glasses, and chargers, each reported by 30% of respondents who have misplaced belongings on board.

Whether it’s a forgotten phone charger, a misplaced pair of reading glasses, or a treasured piece of jewellery, cruise holidays – with their relaxed pace and ever-changing scenery – can make it easy to leave items behind.

Top 10 most commonly lost items on cruise ships

Based on the responses from travellers who admit to have lost something on a cruise, the most frequently lost items are:

  1. Sunglasses or prescription glasses – lost by 30% of those who have lost an item
  2. Chargers or power banks – 30%
  3. Clothing – 28%
  4. Jewellery, including watches – 27%
  5. Headphones or earbuds – 25%
  6. Toiletries or cosmetics – 23%
  7. Toys or stuffed animals – 17%
  8. Wallet or purse – 17%
  9. Camera – 15%
  10. Books or e-readers – 14%

Expert tips: how not to leave anything behind on your cruise

To help holidaymakers avoid that dreaded post-disembarkation panic, travel insurance expert Alvaro Iturmendi from Confused.com has shared his top five hacks for remembering your belongings at the end of your voyage:

Snap an “arrival photo”

“As soon as you’ve unpacked, take a photo of your belongings laid out – sunglasses, chargers, passports, jewellery. Then, use the photo as a visual checklist before you pack up again.”

Use the ‘last place you look’ rule

“Choose one place – like inside your shoes or in the room safe – to store small essentials every day. This habit reduces the chance of scattering them throughout the cabin.”

Attach Bluetooth trackers to your most valuable items

“Attach a small Bluetooth tracker to items like sunglasses cases, wallets, or electronics. You can monitor their last known location through your phone – even if they’ve been left behind in the lounge or at the pool.”

Stick a note on your door

“Leave a sticky note on the inside of your cabin door the night before you leave that says: ‘CHECK EVERYTHING!’ It’s simple, but it works.”

Use invisible ink to mark your stuff

“Mark your valuables discreetly with your contact details using a UV marker or waterproof label. If a crew member finds your missing item, this makes returning it much easier.”

If you do lose something onboard, Alvaro recomments that you report it immediately to the ship’s Guest Services desk, or if they have a specific Lost & Found desk, go there instead.

If you don’t get any luck finding it, you can usually fill out a form to request that, if it does turn up, you can be contacted to arrange delivery. Of course, the longer the wait, the less likely it is that your item will be found (at least, by someone willing to turn it in).

If you lose a high-value item, you should check your travel insurance as you may be covered.

“To make a claim, you’ll usually need proof of ownership – a receipt, photo, or bank statement – and a report from the cruise line confirming the loss,”

“If theft is suspected, some insurers may also require a police report from the nearest port authority. The faster you act and the more evidence you can provide, the better your chances of a successful claim.”

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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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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Confirms Four Ships Leaving The Brands

In a significant fleet shake-up, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced that four cruise ships across its three brands will soon leave their respective fleets under long-term charter agreements.

NCLH ships Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky, Seven Seas Navigator and Oceania Insignia

While two vessels will be transferred to a new Indian cruise operator, the other two will join a luxury residential cruise brand.

The standout news for Norwegian Cruise Line fans is that Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, the line’s two oldest ships, will be departing the fleet in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

But this is far from a retirement story – both vessels are embarking on an exciting new journey with Cordelia Cruises, a premium cruise operator based in India.

Cordelia Cruises, which already operates Empress (formerly Empress of the Seas from Royal Caribbean), is now expanding its fleet with the acquisition of Sky and Sun via long-term charter agreements with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

The agreements also include options to purchase the ships outright.

“It’s official. We started with one – and now, we’re a fleet,” Cordelia Cruises shared on social media, proudly welcoming the two veteran vessels into its growing operation.

Norwegian Sky will be transferred to Cordelia Cruises in late 2026, followed by Norwegian Sun in late 2027. Both ships will continue sailing for NCL until then, giving loyal guests the opportunity to book a final voyage or revisit a favourite ship.

These ships, known for their vibrant hull art – the tropical blooms of Sky and the radiant sun of Sun – are expected to retain their visual flair while being refurbished to better suit the Indian cruise market.

Specific updates have yet to be announced, but Cordelia has teased new destinations, longer itineraries, and an “immersive, proudly Indian” experience.

With the changes now public, NCL will be in contact with booked passengers whose sailings may be impacted.

Refunds or future cruise credits are likely, but since the first transfer is more than 15 months away, most guests will have time to rebook or adjust their travel plans.

Norwegian Sky is currently offering itineraries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Southern Caribbean, while Norwegian Sun is sailing a diverse range of voyages in Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, and North America.

Both ships originally joined the NCL fleet in the late 1990s and early 2000s and have been key players in the brand’s evolution – from short Bahamas cruises to exotic global itineraries.

As newer vessels like Norwegian Aqua (launched in 2025) and Norwegian Luna (set to debut in 2026) join the fleet, the transition of Sky and Sun reflects NCL’s ongoing efforts to modernise and optimise.

Luxury brands also bidding farewell to ships

In addition to the two NCL vessels, Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Insignia from Oceania Cruises will also depart their respective fleets.

Both luxury ships are being chartered to Crescent Seas, a new residential cruise brand offering long-term, liveaboard-style cruising. These transfers are likewise set for 2026 and 2027, although full details on Crescent Seas’ deployment plans remain under wraps.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings President and CEO Harry Sommer explained that the deals are part of a wider strategic approach to fleet optimisation:

“By strategically repurposing these vessels into markets and uses outside of our core business, we continue to generate value for our shareholders while focusing on a modernised fleet that enhances our guests’ vacation experiences.”

Despite the departures, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings remains committed to fleet growth. The company currently has 12 new ships on order through 2036 across its three brands – seven for NCL, three for Oceania, and two for Regent.

This includes additional Prima Plus-class ships and a new class of NCL vessels set to launch from 2030 – tipped to be the largest ships ever built for the brand.

As the cruise industry evolves, NCLH is demonstrating that while some vessels will leave, the next generation of ships will continue to push boundaries, innovate experiences, and welcome even more guests around the world.

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Carnival Announces New Ships But Ditches An Exciting Feature

Carnival Cruise Line has officially unveiled the names of its two newest Excel-class cruise ships, set to debut in 2027 and 2028.

Carnival Sunsation Point

The announcement was made during a pre-Seatrade Cruise Global event aboard Carnival Celebration in Miami, Florida, on 6th April 2025.

Carnival President Christine Duffy, celebrating her 10th anniversary at the helm of the world’s most fun-focused cruise brand, shared the exciting news with an audience of cruise industry insiders and media.

“We are very excited today to announce that our fourth Excel ship is coming in 2027,” said Duffy. “We’re continuing with our naming convention, showing the respect that we have for those original Carnival Cruise Line ships. It’s being named Carnival Festivale.”

The fifth Excel-class ship, due to set sail in 2028, will be named Carnival Tropicale – another nostalgic nod to the early days of the brand.

Both names harken back to Carnival’s pioneering fleet, with MS Festivale and MS Tropicale being two of the original ships in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Notably, MS Tropicale was the cruise line’s first-ever purpose-built ship, and the first to sport the now-iconic whale-tail funnel.

The upcoming 180,000-gross-ton sister ships will be constructed by renowned shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany.

Like their Excel-class predecessors, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, the two new builds will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) as part of Carnival’s ongoing sustainability commitment.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships represent a bold evolution of the fleet, blending high-capacity, next-generation technology with innovative guest experiences.

Duffy revealed that Carnival Festivale will have a distinct music theme, with musical tributes integrated throughout the ship’s design and entertainment offerings.

She also confirmed the vessel will homeport at Port Canaveral, Florida.

The repositioning of Mardi Gras, which currently sails from Port Canaveral, was also confirmed.

The ground-breaking ship will shift to shorter itineraries, offering cruises to the line’s private Bahamian destinations – Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay.

Sunsation Point to replace BOLT Coaster

In a surprise announcement, Carnival Cruise Line also revealed that the famed BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, the first rollercoaster at sea, will not feature on the new Excel-class ships.

Instead, it will be replaced with an expanded outdoor activity complex named Sunsation Point.

“Sunsation Point is going to be over-the-top with activities and fun for families and people of all ages,” Duffy explained.

Spanning three decks, Sunsation Point will integrate WaterWorks Ultra – the largest waterpark in Carnival’s fleet – boasting four new waterslides, a family raft ride, splash zones, and water dump buckets.

It will also include mini golf, a ropes course, and a new arcade and games zone.

The shift away from the BOLT rollercoaster comes as the line prioritises broader entertainment features and water attractions that cater to families and younger guests.

“We sail more families and more kids than any other cruise line,” Duffy emphasised, adding that Sunsation Point will also feature evening entertainment on select nights, making it a versatile space for both day and night activities.

Carnival Cruise Line continues to evolve and build on its 50-plus year legacy of “fun ships” with a blend of nostalgia and innovation.

The revival of historic names like Festivale and Tropicale offers a heartfelt tribute to the cruise line’s roots, while state-of-the-art design and entertainment ensure a modern and memorable guest experience.

With an expanding fleet, next-generation ships, and exciting destination developments such as Celebration Key, Carnival’s vision for the future remains focused on fun, family, and unforgettable memories at sea.

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