News

Two former P&O Cruises Australia ships, Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, will soon join Carnival Cruise Line and sail under their new names: Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure.

Before they officially become part of Carnival’s fleet, both ships will undergo a two-week refurbishment, known as a wet dock, to update their appearance and onboard features.

A Fresh Design for Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure

Carnival has recently unveiled images showcasing the fresh designs of these ships. Unlike the traditional blue hulls typically associated with Carnival vessels, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure will feature unique designs inspired by Carnival Splendor, another ship based in Australia.

Specifically, Carnival Encounter will showcase a white hull with a distinctive red stripe, while Carnival Adventure will sport a white hull with a striking blue or turquoise accent. Both ships will also display an updated Carnival logo prominently on their sides, complete with a stylised swoop and stars representing the iconic Southern Cross constellation—a nod to Australia’s national flag.

When Will They Start Sailing?

Both ships will resume service under their new identities on 29 March 2025.

• Carnival Adventure will begin homeporting in Sydney, joining Carnival Splendor, which already sails from the city.
• Carnival Encounter will return to her previous homeport of Brisbane.

What to Expect Onboard

Guests familiar with Carnival will find plenty of beloved features onboard these newly rebranded ships, including a lively Fun Squad team that hosts popular activities like the Glow Party and White-Hot Night.

However, Carnival is keen to preserve some of the best-loved aspects of the former P&O Cruises Australia experience. Guests can still enjoy favourite dining venues such as Luke’s Bar & Grill, Angelo’s, and Dragon Lady, as well as popular entertainment options like the stunning Blanc de Blanc show and the thrill-seeking Edge Adventure Park with its ziplining attraction.

Those staying in suites and mini suites will enjoy exclusive access to the Byron Beach Club, which features a private pool, whirlpool spas, and premium seating areas.

Celebrating the Transition

Rather than seeing this as the end of an era for Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, Carnival invites guests to view it as a stylish new chapter—a “glow up” that blends the vibrant energy of Carnival’s ‘Fun Ship’ concept with the uniquely Australian charm these ships have long been known for.

Kara Glamore, Carnival’s VP of Sales and Marketing, said:

“This transition presents a unique opportunity to combine the best of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Line as the brand expands its footprint in Australia.”

These exciting changes mark a new beginning for Carnival Cruise Line in Australia, ensuring these ships remain firm favourites for many years to come.

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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 Corporation’s Princess Cruises has confirmed a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard the Coral Princess, affecting more than 80 passengers and crew.

Outbreak Details

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 69 passengers and 13 crew members experienced gastrointestinal symptoms during the cruise that commenced on 21 February 2025. In total, 82 individuals—comprising 3.62% of passengers and 1.45% of crew—reported illnesses. The ship carried 1,906 passengers and 895 crew members at the time of the outbreak.

The CDC officially identified norovirus as the causative agent on 7 March 2025. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus known for rapid transmission through contaminated food, water, and surfaces. Affected individuals primarily experienced symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.

Response Measures

Princess Cruises responded quickly by implementing rigorous cleaning procedures, testing samples from affected individuals, and isolating sick passengers and crew to control the spread of the illness.

The affected voyage was a 16-night Panama Canal itinerary departing from Los Angeles, California. It included port calls in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Aruba before concluding in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 9 March.

Second Norovirus Incident in 2025

This marks the second norovirus incident aboard Coral Princess in 2025, following an earlier outbreak in January that impacted 148 individuals. Symptoms during that outbreak were similarly characterised by vomiting and diarrhoea.

Broader Impact on Cruise Industry

Multiple cruise lines have reported norovirus outbreaks this year, including Royal Caribbean International (Radiance of the Seas), Holland America Line (Rotterdam and Eurodam), Sea Cloud Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Princess Cruises. The Eurodam outbreak was particularly severe, affecting approximately 8% of passengers and 17 crew members.

The CDC notes a significant increase in gastrointestinal illness outbreaks aboard cruise ships in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, during which only three outbreaks were recorded. As of 12 March 2025, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line have not reported similar incidents.

The CDC publicly reports outbreaks under its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) when voyages involving U.S. and foreign ports have illnesses affecting at least 3% of passengers or crew.

Increased Norovirus Activity Across the U.S.

Norovirus cases have also risen in the U.S. From 1 August 2024 to 15 January 2025, NoroSTAT-participating states—including North Carolina, Michigan, Oregon, and New Mexico—reported 1,078 outbreaks, nearly double the figure from the previous year.

Recent data from MU Health Care indicated that more than 60 patients presented norovirus-like symptoms within a single week. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Times highlighted elevated norovirus activity throughout Florida.

Dr Maria Garcia, an emergency medicine physician at Baptist Health South Florida, remarked, “It’s a tough illness to have to deal with.”

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A family’s cruise on Carnival Panorama took an unexpected turn when their toddler’s hand was injured in an elevator door, leading to a stressful medical experience and an unexpected bill.

The incident, which occurred on February 28th, 2025, has sparked discussion about onboard safety, particularly regarding elevator mechanics.

Lash artist and hairstylist Emily Lee, who documented the ordeal on her TikTok account (@emilyclairelee), explained that while her family was exiting the aft elevator B, her toddler placed his hand on the door frame for support.

Unfortunately, the child’s hand became lodged between the door and the frame, prompting Lee and her husband to work quickly to free him before seeking urgent medical attention.

The family immediately called the onboard medical center, but before they could get directions, a crew member noticed their distress and escorted them directly to the facility.

Once there, the medical team conducted an x-ray, provided painkillers, and treated the wound.

However, the family was frustrated by the long wait to see a doctor, who ultimately decided against stitches, stating it would be too traumatic for the child.

Following treatment, Lee was asked to sign discharge paperwork – which she was assured was not a bill – and was then required to speak with ship security before being allowed to leave.

Later that evening, the family discovered a $506 charge had been applied to their onboard account for the medical services.

Carnival initially refuses to waive medical fees

When Lee tried to dispute the charge with Guest Services, she was told there was nothing they could do, and she was given an 800 number to contact Carnival Cruise Line directly.

Feeling frustrated, she took to social media, sharing a detailed video about the incident. In the post, she also questioned the safety of the elevator doors, particularly after noticing tape on parts of the elevator frame, which she speculated could indicate prior issues.

Some cruise lines do have warning signs on the elevators for exactly this reason – this one is from British cruise line Marella:

My son Adam has once got his hand trapped in an elevator when he was 5 or so. It was awful – it wouldn’t come out for ages. He wasn’t badly hurt. But even if he was, that’s our fault not the cruise line.

Lee’s video quickly gained traction, amassing over 67,000 views, sparking online debate over whether the charge was justified for what seemed to be a ship-related safety issue.

Less than 24 hours after Lee’s video went viral, Carnival responded and agreed to fully reimburse the $506 medical charge.

While Lee was grateful for the refund, she urged the cruise line to investigate the elevators further to ensure similar incidents do not happen again.

Carnival Panorama, along with ships like Carnival Horizon, Carnival Venezia, and Carnival Vista, is equipped with smart elevator technology, designed to distribute passengers more efficiently and reduce wait times.

However, these elevators have been met with mixed reviews, with some passengers finding them confusing and slow.

While Carnival has introduced instructional videos and online demonstrations to assist guests in using the smart elevators, concerns remain about safety and accessibility, particularly for families with young children.

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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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A cruise vacation is meant to be a time of relaxation, but for one unfortunate couple sailing aboard P&O Cruises’ Azura, their trip was anything but smooth sailing.

The couple, who recently disembarked from the 3,100-passenger vessel, endured not one but two separate cabin floods during their Canary Islands voyage.

Azura was completing Canary Islands cruises at the time – a concurrent 7-night and 14-night itinerary – which concluded in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 8th March 2025. The cruises were supposed to be a memorable getaway.

But for these guests, the biggest memories involved waking up to four inches of water in their cabin – twice.

The first flood prompted a cabin change, and the couple assumed their troubles were over.

However, disaster struck again when, at 4:30 am, they awoke to yet another flooding incident in their second cabin, located on deck 14.

“Cabin was seriously flooded last night, for the second time! Wife woke up screaming as there was 4 inches of water in the cabin, she thought the ship was sinking,” the passenger shared in a Facebook forum.

Their personal belongings suffered significant water damage, with photos showing soaked shoes, drenched luggage, and a flooded floor.

After the back-to-back flooding incidents, the couple sought compensation from guest services, but their experience has been frustrating.

“They just gave us a letter to speak to guest services when we return. Customer service is poor,”

Despite being moved to a third cabin, the repeated disruptions and ruined belongings left the couple dissatisfied with the response onboard.

Now back on land, they hope to have better luck reaching P&O Cruises directly.

Not the first flooding incident on Azura

This isn’t the first time P&O Cruises’ Azura has faced serious flooding in 2025.

During a 10th January sailing, a burst pipe from one of the ship’s swimming pools led to significant water damage, affecting 20-26 staterooms on the upper decks.

Guests had to be evacuated in the middle of the night, and some waited nearly two hours before being reassigned dry cabins.

With the couple’s second flooded cabin located just one deck below the pools, it’s unclear whether the latest incident was connected to the previous water system issues.

At 15 years old, the 115,055-gross-ton Azura is still in her prime, but routine maintenance is essential. Fortunately, the ship is now undergoing a three-week dry dock retrofit from 9th March to 27th March 2025.

The refurbishment will include:

• Upgrades to bars, restaurants, cabins, and luxury suites
• Work on elevators and public restrooms
• Replacement of six whirlpools

While it’s unclear if the flooding issues will be specifically addressed, passengers will be hoping that Azura’s next sailings are far less eventful.

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A passenger who tracked his stolen suitcase after it went missing aboard Carnival Magic has now received the bag back – but several valuable items are still missing, leaving him…

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A passenger who tracked his stolen suitcase after it went missing aboard Carnival Magic has now received the bag back – but several valuable items are still missing, leaving him seeking further compensation and legal action.

The 8-night Southern Caribbean cruise, which set sail from PortMiami on 8th February 2025, was supposed to be a celebratory anniversary trip for Jason and Tammy Merritt.

However, when Jason’s checked luggage never arrived in his cabin, the couple quickly realised something was wrong.

Despite repeated efforts to locate the bag during the voyage, it remained missing – until weeks later, when Jason used a pair of AirPods that had been left inside the suitcase to track its location.

The missing suitcase was eventually found inside another guest’s cabin during a later sailing.

The passenger who took the suitcase allegedly did so because she liked how it looked and had kept it onboard as she was sailing back-to-back cruises.

Once discovered, she was confined to her cabin and subsequently banned from all future Carnival Corporation sailings.

After the suitcase was located, Carnival arranged to return it to the Merritts. But upon its arrival, Jason discovered that many of his belongings were gone.

“Daddy-O’s made it home!!!!” he wrote in a Facebook post – referencing the AirPods that helped track the bag. “Unfortunately, most of my clothes didn’t.”

Among the missing items:

• All dress shirts, slacks, and belt
• Both pairs of shoes
• Boxers and toiletries (including toothbrush and deodorant)
• Prescribed medication
• Glasses
• Key to his Ford Bronco
• A commemorative Texas Rangers Spring Training hat

Some of these items, like the hat and prescription glasses, are difficult or impossible to replace. Also, who steals someone else’s underwear and toothbrush?!

The couple estimates the value of the stolen items to be around $1,000 – an amount that, in Florida (where the cruise began), qualifies as grand theft (the threshold being $750 or more).

Now, Jason is exploring his legal options.

“I’m pretty ticked off. It will cost a lot of money to replace the clothes, and some of it can’t be replaced,” he shared, adding, “We’ll be contacting the authorities in the coming days to see what the next step is.”

Carnival’s response and compensation process

So far, Carnival Cruise Line has provided $350 in compensation for the lost belongings.

However, after struggling to get in touch with the cruise line, Jason received guidance on how to proceed with filing an incident report.

“Carnival Cruise Line reached out to me and explained how to go about getting the incident report and how I need to proceed. So I do have that information now,” he shared in an update.

The jurisdiction for theft cases on cruise ships can be complicated. While the incident occurred onboard Carnival Magic, the ship is registered in Panama, which could make legal action more challenging.

Additionally, if the alleged theft happened in international waters, it raises further questions about which laws and authorities have jurisdiction.

Now that Jason has filed an incident report, it remains to be seen if:

• Carnival will offer additional compensation.
• Local law enforcement will investigate the theft as a criminal case.
• The Merritts will take further legal action against the passenger who stole the suitcase.

For now, Jason and his family continue to seek justice, hoping to recoup their losses and ensure future cruise guests don’t face similar ordeals.

You can read more on Jason’s luggage fiasco on his Daddy-O’s Airpods Adventures Facebook page.

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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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A sightseeing excursion in Barcelona turned tragic on Monday, 3rd March, when a tour bus carrying cruise passengers was struck by another bus transporting Italian students.

The collision, which occurred on Avinguda Diagonal near the Sagrada Familia, left at least 53 people injured, including four – among them a child – who remain in critical condition.

The accident took place around 3 pm local time, as the Autocares Julià-operated tour bus was parked in a designated passenger drop-off zone.

The second bus, carrying students from Messina, Sicily, reportedly swerved to avoid a pedestrian who was illegally crossing the street, colliding with the stationary tour bus with enough force to push it onto the sidewalk, where it hit a tree and a lamppost.

A 60-year-old pedestrian was also struck in the incident, though it remains unclear whether they were the one who initially caused the crash or an unfortunate bystander caught in the chaos.

Emergency services quickly responded, with 19 ambulances, 10 firefighter units, and multiple police officers deployed to assist the injured.

Deputy Mayor Albert Batlle, speaking from the scene, confirmed the injuries:

“There are four critically injured, including a minor, and three less seriously injured. The rest have suffered less serious injuries for which they are being treated in various hospitals in Barcelona.”

The injured were transported to local hospitals, and the buses were removed from the site by 7.30 pm.

Impact on cruise passengers

The cruise passengers onboard the bus were of various nationalities, with most being British, German, or Italian, according to Autocares Julià.

“They were on a cruise liner which had arrived in Barcelona earlier today and was due to leave in the next few hours,” a company spokesperson told The Mirror.

Two cruise ships were docked in Barcelona Cruise Port on the day of the crash: Costa Toscana (Costa Cruises) and Star Legend (Windstar Cruises).

With some passengers requiring medical attention or unable to return to the pier in time, they may now face the difficult task of catching up with their ship at the next port or arranging alternative transport home.

Given the extraordinary circumstances, both cruise lines are likely working to assist affected guests with logistics, medical support, and repatriation efforts.

Catalonian regional president Salvador Illa addressed the accident on social media:

“Very concerned and awaiting the situation of the accident between two buses in Barcelona. I am in permanent contact with Mayor Jaume Collboni and the emergency services, whom I thank for their quick action. All my support to those affected.”

Barcelona has already imposed restrictions on cruise ships since October 2023, limiting where vessels can dock to combat pollution and overcrowding.

Mayor Jaume Collboni has since pushed for further restrictions, citing concerns over mass tourism.

With this tourist bus accident being one of several in recent months, some believe it could strengthen the movement to curb visitor numbers – and potentially tighten cruise ship regulations even further.

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Tropical Cyclone Alfred is wreaking havoc on cruise itineraries along the Queensland coast, forcing multiple cruise ships – including Carnival Luminosa, Pacific Encounter, and Quantum of the Seas – to remain at sea for several extra days due to the closure of Brisbane Port.

With sustained winds reaching 102 miles per hour and the potential for dangerous flooding, the storm has prompted Australian authorities to shut down ports, airports, and public facilities, leaving thousands of cruise passengers unexpectedly stranded at sea.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Luminosa, which was originally set to return to Brisbane on 6th March, has now been delayed until at least 9th March 2025, according to the ship’s captain, Captain Marchi – and it could be delayed beyond that.

The 2,260-guest ship had already cancelled its scheduled 3-night cruise that was due to depart on 6th March, with Carnival Cruise Line closely monitoring the storm’s progress before making further decisions.

Captain Marchi reassured guests that the ship remains safely positioned away from the cyclone’s strongest winds and rough seas, though there is still uncertainty regarding when the ship will be able to return.

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, shared updates on Facebook, stating:

“I am thinking of the guests and crew on the Carnival Luminosa as she has another extra day at sea sheltering from the cyclone.”

The cruise line has yet to confirm compensation or alternative plans for affected passengers.

Heald did give a short update on the morning of 7th March, thanking the passengers for their patience and the crew for acting to keep everyone safe.

He did offer some trademark jokes about the situation too:

“I had people asking me yesterday if there was enough food on board? The best way I can answer that is tomorrow every guest will be provided with a fishing rod.

“Seriously, please don’t worry. The beards plan for this on every ship with extra food and provisions although this being a ship full of Australians and knowing how much they love to have Fun in any situation, there may be one or two ummmm, beverage items that may be running low.”

Pacific Encounter also stranded at sea

Passengers aboard P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter were also caught in the storm’s disruption.

The 108,865-gross-ton ship, carrying up to 2,600 guests, was due back in Brisbane on 8th March but has now been forced to remain at sea indefinitely.

In a statement to passengers, P&O Cruises Australia said:

“The cyclone has slowed and is now expected to make landfall some time on Saturday morning and the port will be closed, preventing us from sailing as scheduled.”

Pacific Encounter was supposed to embark on a 7-night Pacific Island Hopper voyage, visiting Noumea and Lifou, New Caledonia, and Champagne Bay, Espiritu Santo, but these calls have now been cancelled due to the storm.

Passengers on the delayed cruise will remain on board until Brisbane Port reopens, while those scheduled for the now-cancelled Pacific Islands itinerary are waiting for further updates on whether an alternative sailing will be offered.

Quantum of the Seas’ return pushed back by three days

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, which left Brisbane on 28th February for a 7-night South Pacific sailing, is also caught in the cyclone’s aftermath.

The 4,180-passenger ship was originally scheduled to return on 7th March, but its arrival has been pushed back three days to 10th March.

As a result, the cruise line has cancelled its next 3-night mini-cruise, leaving thousands of would-be guests scrambling to make alternative travel plans.

Beyond these three vessels, several other cruise ships in the region have had to adjust their routes due to Cyclone Alfred’s intensifying conditions.

Norwegian Sun (Norwegian Cruise Line) and Queen Anne (Cunard) are also delayed in returning to Australian ports, and the Brisbane shipping channel remains closed, with officials awaiting a full post-storm damage assessment before reopening.

Authorities have issued flood warnings and advisories for much of Queensland and northern New South Wales, with rainfall expected to reach 30 inches in some areas.

With Brisbane Port closed and no clear timeline for reopening, thousands of cruise passengers face uncertain travel plans.

While the affected ships remain in safe waters, their extended time at sea is causing significant disruptions to upcoming itineraries.

Cruise lines are expected to offer compensation or alternative routes for affected guests, though details remain unclear. Passengers booked on upcoming cruises should check for updates as the situation develops.

For now, Carnival Luminosa, Pacific Encounter, and Quantum of the Seas will continue to shelter at sea, waiting for Cyclone Alfred to pass and for port authorities to give the all-clear.

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One of the biggest cruise ships in the world is getting a long-overdue refurbishment – and thanks to one TikToker, cruise fans have been able to enjoy a sneak peek at what’s going on.

But the TikTok account eVASion_20s has been taken down, which begs the question on whether the cruise line is censoring the content to avoid guests seeing things they aren’t supposed to.

Before the account was removed, it had shared several videos of the dry dock renovation, highlighting different areas of the ship being worked on.

This included highlighting changes to the atrium and Royal Promenade area of the ship, updates for the spa, and a huge renovation to the pool deck.

It’s rare to see a cruise ship in this state – a sort of organised chaos, as protective wrappings and barriers are in place to look after features that are being preserved, and pallets of materials are stored throughout many open spaces.

Unfortunately just as the TikTok account was going viral, the videos have now disappeared, although some screenshots were taken before the videos were removed.

One other account has also posted a short walkthrough video of the ship during the renovation, and this remains live for now.

It raises the question of whether the original TikTok account for eVASion_20s got too much attention and they were asked to remove the content by Royal Caribbean, who may not have wanted to show off the behind-the-scenes work.

There’s no guarantee that Royal Caribbean was behind the removal of the videos and TikTok account, but it would be odd for someone to start going viral on the platform and then decide they didn’t want the views.

Allure’s $100 million renovation

The renovations to Allure of the Seas are far from ordinary. With a staggering $100 million investment, Royal Caribbean is set to amplify the ship in ways that will undoubtedly excite both new and returning guests.

As part of its 2025 refurbishments, Allure will receive a variety of major updates, from thrilling new attractions to revamped dining and entertainment spaces.

One of the biggest changes coming to the ship is the complete redesign of its pool deck. Royal Caribbean has decided to elevate the vibe with a more vibrant, resort-inspired look.

Guests can expect new Caribbean-themed décor, upgraded seating areas, modern hot tubs, and the addition of The Lime & Coconut pool bar, which has become a popular feature on other ships.

This revamped area will be perfect for guests looking to lounge by the pool or enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking up the sun.

For those in search of adrenaline, Allure will add the Ultimate Abyss, the longest dry slide at sea. This heart-racing slide will stretch 150 feet above the ocean, offering riders a thrilling drop down to the lower decks.

Designed to look like the mouth of an anglerfish, the slide’s entrance features a glass floor, giving guests a jaw-dropping view of the ship’s aft.

In addition to the Ultimate Abyss, Allure will also feature the Perfect Storm water slides, a fan favorite on other Oasis Class ships.

These slides include two racer slides and a thrilling champagne bowl slide, all included in the cruise fare. For younger guests, Splashaway Bay will get a makeover, offering fountains, slides, and other fun features designed especially for kids.

The area will even include a special zone for toddlers, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.

Looking for a new place to unwind? The ship will also see the addition of the Pesky Parrot bar.

A fun twist on the traditional tiki bar, it will feature a variety of fruit-based cocktails and frozen drinks, giving guests a taste of the Caribbean right on the Royal Promenade. It promises to be a lively spot to relax and socialise while enjoying some delicious beverages.

As with any major renovation, Allure is set to get some exciting new dining options.

Among them is the Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade, where guests can enjoy food while playing classic arcade games. Mason Jar will bring southern American comfort food to the high seas, and El Loco Fresh will offer delicious Mexican cuisine.

Luxury will take on a new meaning with the addition of the Ultimate Panoramic Suite, offering sweeping 200-degree views and over 900 square feet of space.

Families, too, will have more options to enjoy their cruise with updated Adventure Ocean spaces for kids, including new interactive zones for art, science, and tech.

Teenagers will also have their own dedicated space with Social298, a modern hangout designed just for them.

The renovations are set to be complete in April 2025.

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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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Thousands of holidaymakers have been left scrambling for answers after UK-based travel firm Jetline Holidays lost its ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) protection and ceased trading as an ATOL holder on 6th March 2025.

The collapse has impacted nearly 5,000 customers, with many discovering their cruise bookings have been cancelled due to an alleged breach of contract with Carnival Corporation and other cruise operators.

Jetline Holidays, which has operated for over 20 years and worked with major cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, and P&O Cruises, has been hit hardest by Carnival Corporation’s decision to terminate all bookings made through Jetline.

While ceasing to trade as an ATOL member does not guarantee that the company will cease to exist altogether, it does mean that it can’t sell protected package holidays, and it signifies financial problems that could result in the company going into liquidation.

In a statement, Carnival Corporation addressed the situation, saying:

“We recognize how disappointing this news will be for affected guests and express our sincere apologies for the disruption caused.”

While no further details of the breach have been disclosed, Carnival Corporation has instructed customers to contact Jetline Holidays directly – but many have reported being unable to reach the company.

Norwegian Cruise Line also warns customers

Beyond Carnival Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has also begun reaching out to Jetline customers.

One customer shared on social media that her mother had paid her full cruise balance six weeks ago, only to receive a call from NCL informing her that Jetline had gone into administration.

“NCL only received £100 from the booking company and told my mother that she needed to pay the remaining £965.38 within 48 hours to keep her booking.”

Similar stories have emerged from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC Cruises passengers, with many now uncertain whether their cruise bookings remain valid.

Attempts to contact Jetline Holidays have been largely unsuccessful.

• Their websites remain online, but sections such as “About Us” and “Contact Us” return error messages.
• Calls to the company go unanswered.
• Comments have been turned off on their social media pages.

Jetline’s director, Steven Roberts, has acknowledged the crisis, stating:

“We are trying to deal with various issues. Hopefully, we will have an update on what is going on very shortly.”

However, no further communication has been provided to affected customers.

What does this mean for customers?

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that Jetline is no longer ATOL protected, which significantly limits customers’ options for refunds and rebookings.

• Customers with P&O Cruises bookings are being transferred directly to the cruise line, ensuring their trips remain intact.
• Bookings sold as “accommodation only,” non-flight packages, and cruise-only bookings are NOT protected under ATOL, meaning passengers may have to pay again for services not yet settled by Jetline.
• The CAA is working to confirm the status of ATOL-protected bookings and will provide updates as soon as possible.

Customers should check their ATOL Certificate under the “Who is protecting your trip?” section to determine if their booking is covered. If the listed ATOL holder is still trading, they should contact that company directly for further assistance.

Jetline Holidays operated under multiple brand names, including:

• Jetline Cruise
• Bargain Late Holidays
• Best Priced Holidays
• Elegant Getaways
• Cruise & More
• Our Best Holidays
• Save on Sun

With a reported turnover of £28 million in 2023, Jetline’s sudden downfall raises questions on whether stricter regulations are needed to protect customers from sudden cancellations.

If you booked a holiday or cruise through Jetline Holidays, here’s what you should do immediately:

• Contact your cruise line to check if your booking is still valid.
• If your cruise is cancelled, ask about rebooking directly with the cruise line.
• Check your ATOL certificate – if your booking was flight-inclusive and the ATOL provider is still trading, contact them for a refund.
• If you paid via credit card, contact your bank about potential chargeback options.
• Monitor the CAA website for further updates regarding refunds and assistance.

With thousands of passengers affected, it remains to be seen whether Jetline Holidays will issue refunds or officially enter administration. For now, many travellers remain in limbo, uncertain if their dream holidays will go ahead.

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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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Kimberly Burch, the fiancée of Faster Pussycat’s lead singer Taime Downe, has died after going overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas during The 80s Cruise.

Burch, 56, went overboard from her balcony cabin on the first night of the cruise on 2nd March 2025, after what witnesses described as a heated argument with Downe, 60.

The ship had departed Miami earlier that day for a seven-day voyage, scheduled to visit Nassau, San Juan, and Labadee.

Royal Caribbean immediately launched a search and rescue operation in coordination with local authorities.

A US Coast Guard helicopter crew assisted the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, but the search was later suspended.

Burch’s body has not been recovered.

A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating:

“Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort, is working with local authorities, and we are providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. To respect the privacy of our guest’s family, we have no additional details to share.”

Guests on board shared real-time updates on social media, with one passenger posting on X (formerly Twitter):

“Currently on the #RCL Explorer of the Seas for the #80scruise. Unfortunately, we have a ‘woman overboard’ situation and boats have been deployed. We are currently 80+ miles from Miami at 11pm PST. Not good.”

Another wrote:

“Person overboard on Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas. On The 80s Cruise. Just saw a great show by Squeeze, then it was announced a person is overboard. Ship is stopped and searching. Other nearby ships helping.”

Eyewitness reports suggest that security footage may have captured the moment Burch fell, though this has not been confirmed by authorities.

Burch’s mother, Carnell Burch, told TMZ that she was informed of her daughter’s death by Downe.

She expressed doubts about whether the fall was intentional, saying she is “confident Kimberly would not purposefully hurt herself.”

Carnell also revealed that Kimberly had been drinking on the cruise, something she said was “out of character” for her daughter.

She also claimed that her daughter had an argument with Downe before the incident.

Ship resumes voyage after hours-long delay

Following several hours of searching, Explorer of the Seas resumed sailing, eventually arriving in Nassau, Bahamas, a few hours behind schedule.

Passengers were notified via PA announcement that the US Coast Guard had taken over the search, and the cruise continued as planned.

Burch and Downe had reportedly been together for five or six years before the incident.

As investigations continue, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding her fall and the events leading up to the tragedy.

Royal Caribbean and law enforcement authorities have not yet provided further details on the case.

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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

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