A family aboard a Carnival Cruise made headlines after their eco-friendly “poop sponge,” or xylospongium, was confiscated, forcing them to abandon their trip. TikTok user Heather Farley expressed frustration over the cruise line’s hygiene policies, highlighting their commitment to sustainability while facing skepticism about the cleanliness of such ancient tools.
On May 26, 2026, the Silver Whisper, nearing the end of its journey from Tahiti to Vancouver, diverted to rescue an injured sailor from the stranded sailboat April Alice in the Pacific. Captain Michele Macarone Palmieri prioritized the distress call, showcasing international maritime solidarity amid rough conditions. The rescue highlighted the crew’s professionalism.
Captain Jan Dobrogowski of the MV Hondius expressed deep gratitude to both crew and passengers for their understanding during the recent hantavirus outbreak. He praised the crew’s courage and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience in navigating this crisis. The collective effort ensured safety amid unprecedented challenges.
A deceased Dutch ornithologist has been identified as the first case in a hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius. The ship has docked in Tenerife, allowing passengers to disembark for medical evaluation. WHO Director-General Tedros reassured the public about the outbreak, emphasizing no imminent risk of a new pandemic.
Medics are evacuating two individuals with hantavirus symptoms from a luxury cruise ship off West Africa, where three deaths have been reported. The vessel, anchored with 150 passengers, faces a low public risk according to the World Health Organization. The source of infection remains under investigation, with rodent transmission suspected.
The global cruise industry is rebounding, with demand surpassing pre-2020 levels, especially in luxury travel. Explora Journeys is set to launch its third ship, EXPLORA III, in July 2026, featuring 463 suites and a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, promising personalized service and a focus on wellness and sustainability.
Police in Bonaire are searching for Jessica Collins, a 47-year-old American woman who did not return to her Carnival Cruise ship, the Horizon, after it docked on September 17. Though she texted a Carnival team member stating she was safe and wished to remain uncontacted, her whereabouts remain unknown.
Fincantieri has successfully completed sea trials for Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-Class ship, the Star Princess. Conducted from August 9 to 12, the trials tested navigation and propulsion systems in the Adriatic Sea. Scheduled for delivery, the ship’s inaugural cruise departs Barcelona on October 4, accommodating 4,300 passengers and 1,600 crew.
The Israeli-owned cruise ship Crown Iris faced protests during its stop in Syros, Greece, where around 1,600 passengers, including many children, were aboard. Initially scheduled for a six-hour visit, the port call was canceled due to demonstrators blocking access, raising safety concerns and prompting the ship to divert to Cyprus.
The RMS St. Helena, a beloved vessel, connected the remote island of Saint Helena until its retirement in 2018. After serving various roles, it was announced in 2024 that the ship would be repurposed for expedition cruises, offering unique adventures to the Antarctic Peninsula, blending history with modern exploration.
Over 140 individuals aboard the Royal Caribbean ship Navigator of the Seas fell ill during a cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico, as reported by the CDC. Symptoms included diarrhea and vomiting. In response, Royal Caribbean intensified cleaning and isolated affected passengers while the CDC investigates the outbreak’s cause.
A passenger on the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship was arrested for murder after a 60-year-old man died during an altercation shortly after departure from Southampton. The incident occurred at around 8:30 PM, prompting a murder investigation. Authorities confirmed the cruise line is cooperating fully with the ongoing inquiry.
Holland America Line kicked off its 2025 season in Rotterdam with the arrival of the Nieuw Statendam, utilizing the port’s shore power system for the first time. VP Nico Bleichrodt praised the sustainability efforts and partnership with the port. The season will feature voyages to Europe, showcasing Dutch vendors and supporting local businesses.
More than 230 passengers and crew on a luxury cruise from England to the Eastern Caribbean were affected by a norovirus outbreak. The Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s flagship liner, isolated 224 passengers and 17 crew members with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. The C.D.C. is monitoring the situation and implementing sanitizing measures.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises has acquired a second luxury cruise ship from Carnival Corporation’s Seabourn Cruise Line, signaling its expansion in the domestic cruise market. The Seabourn Sojourn, with a gross tonnage of 32,477, was delivered to MOL on February 28 and will be chartered back to Seabourn until May 15, 2026.
