It’s time once again for the weekly cruise news update from Cruise Hive, the site industry watchers depend on to cover all of the big headlines and the stories behind them. This week, we’ve got coverage from Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line. Cruise News Update The cruise news just keeps on coming, and Cruise Hive has all of the cruise industry developments you need to know about, … [Read more...]

One cruise guest celebrated a very special milestone aboard a recent Fred. Olsen cruise, reaching 2,500 days at sea with the UK-based cruise line. Kevin Harrison has set sail with Fred. Olsen Cruise Line more than 100 times in the past 30 years, and has sailed on all the line’s ships during his extensive travels. Guest Reaches Outstanding Milestone Kevin Harrison of Wakefield, West … [Read more...]

The Titanic remains one of the most famous ships of all time. Not only does the tragic sinking of this famed ocean liner hold an iconic place in maritime history, but the RMS Titanic was unrivaled in both its scale and grandeur at the time it set off on its maiden voyage.  Today, we will take an in-depth look at the stern of the Titanic so you can better understand its powerful propulsion … [Read more...]

Queen Mary 2 recently completed an extensive dry dock period at the Damen Shiprepair yard in Rotterdam, preparing her for her upcoming 124-day world cruise sailing from New York City in January, 2024. The dry dock period started three weeks ago, on October 23, and since then, extensive repair and upgrade works have been performed by some 3000 workers. This included exterior paint works, as well … [Read more...]

The eastern Caribbean braces for Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two, which means that several cruise itineraries may face disruptions. The storm, poised to bring tropical storm conditions, has put the region’s cruise ports on alert. Areas that could be affected by the potential tropical storm range from Jamaica to Hispaniola, the Bahamas, and Turks & Caicos. Potential Tropical Storm … [Read more...]

In response to guest comments, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has offered some guidance on service dogs onboard, including where the dogs are permitted and what types of service dogs can set sail on the Fun Ships. Guest Questions Service Dog On a recent sailing of Carnival Horizon, currently based out of Miami and offering a range of Caribbean itineraries, a service dog was … [Read more...]

On Turkey’s southwest coast, Bodrum Cruise Port officially closed its 2023 season on November 15, after welcoming its final ship call by the Seabourn Encore cruise ship. Just over 100 ships visited the destination, which is the same number that called in 2022 and far lower than anticipated for 2023. Port’s Expectations For Growth Fall Short As the 2023 season came to a close at Turkey’s … [Read more...]

Holland America Line is unveiling a new showcase of cakes in 16 decadent flavors for its “Cake Me Away” celebration, just in time for National Cake Day on Sunday, November 26. Layer cakes and mini-cakes in jars are all part of the selection, as well as gluten-free, vegan, and no-sugar-added options so all guests can enjoy a sweet treat. Holland America Line Introduces Cake Me Away Pastry … [Read more...]

The sinking of the Titanic continues to fascinate people from all over the world. Everything about the world’s most famous ocean liner is studied with enthusiasm, from its iconic scale and luxury to the details of its tragic maiden voyage. Today, we will take a deep dive into the story of the Titanic’s demise. Not only will we uncover just how deep the RMS Titanic is, but we will also explore … [Read more...]

At least one cruise line has cancelled all shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island in the Bahamas following the sinking of a ferry boat and the death of a cruise passenger on Tuesday, November 14. Royal Caribbean International has temporarily suspended all tours to the island at least through Thursday, November 23, 2023. Royal Caribbean Cancels Shore Tours Royal Caribbean has sent notices … [Read more...]

The US Coast Guard has officially suspended search efforts in the Gulf of Mexico for the missing guest from Carnival Glory. The guest was reported missing on Monday, November 13 and later confirmed overboard, but despite an exhaustive search and rescue effort with multiple air assets, crews were unsuccessful in locating the passenger. Search Suspended for Carnival Glory Guest A … [Read more...]

In the realm of cruise vacations, internet speeds have always been the one thing that has disappointed guests. A significant leap forward has been the introduction of Starlink Internet onboard cruise ships in the last year or so. However, Carnival Cruise Line is taking this a step further with the introduction of 5G mobile connectivity on Carnival Jubilee, signaling a new era of hyper-connected … [Read more...]

Celebrity Cruises has announced worldwide itineraries for the 2025-2026 season, with bookings opening soon for outstanding destinations. Included are the bookings for the newly announced Celebrity Xcel, debuting in November 2025. Celebrity Cruises Sailing Worldwide in 2025-2026 Celebrity Cruises is taking guests across the globe in 2025 and 2026, visiting iconic destinations from the … [Read more...]

The search for a missing crew member from the MSC Seascape has come to a solemn conclusion. The US Coast Guard announced the suspension of their efforts on Wednesday evening, after an exhaustive search north of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Search Efforts Conclude Without Result Search efforts for a crew member who went missing from MSC Seascape by multiple assets from the US Coast Guard concluded … [Read more...]

JAXPORT, the northern Florida cruise port in Jacksonville, marked a milestone on November 13, 2023, when it welcomed its 3 millionth cruise guest. A family of cruisers hailing from Georgia pushed the arrivals number over the mark as they arrived for their sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Elation. JAXPORT Welcomes Family of Cruisers From Georgia Carnival Cruise Line and … [Read more...]

A full plane of airline passengers got an unexpected bonus to their travels when they were the winners of a free Virgin Voyages cruise aboard Resilient Lady. The lucky travelers were aboard a Virgin Australia flight following the same route the ship will make when she debuts Down Under on December 11, 2023. Free Cruise Awarded to Airline Passengers More than 150 travelers aboard Virgin … [Read more...]

October 2023 marked a significant milestone for Cyprus, particularly for the port city of Limassol, as it recorded the highest number of cruise ship arrivals in its history. This surge in cruise traffic represents an important moment for the region’s cruise industry, especially considering the ongoing geopolitical tensions in nearby Israel. Since the conflict in Israel started, nearly all major … [Read more...]

Princess Cruises has announced its 2025/26 Australian summer program, set to open for bookings at the end of November 2023. This program includes the Australian debut of Discovery Princess and the launch of the longest world cruise ever to sail roundtrip from Australia on the Crown Princess. Crown Princess and Discovery Princess will be based out of Sydney, while another Princess Cruises … [Read more...]

A woman has been banned for life from sailing aboard any Carnival Cruise Line ship for packing CBD gummies along in her carry-on bag for an August 2023 cruise from Miami, Florida. Despite the controlled substance being conditionally legal in Florida, all major cruise lines prohibit such items, as is clearly stated on Carnival’s prohibited items list. Banned for Life for Legal … [Read more...]

Royal Caribbean International is opening a slew of bookings on its 2025-26 Caribbean cruise roster, offering vacationers six embarkation ports and multiple ships to choose from including what will be the biggest cruise ship at sea, Icon of the Seas. The new itineraries opened for sale to loyalty club members on November 15, 2023, and will open to the general public on November 16. Icon of the … [Read more...]