Cruise News Update - Key Headlines

1. Tourist Boat Capsizes in Cozumel, Mexico

A tourist vessel overturned in Cozumel waters on Sunday night with approximately 30 passengers aboard. The incident occurred when the boat, traveling at high speed, hit a wave a few hundred yards from shore. All passengers were wearing life jackets and were rescued by nearby vessels after clinging to the capsized boat. The investigation is ongoing, with injury details yet to be confirmed. It remains unclear whether passengers were cruise ship excursionists or land-based vacationers.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line Expands San Juan Operations

Norwegian Cruise Line announced two ships will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Norwegian Prima: Beginning November 2025
Norwegian Viva: Starting 2027

Benefits of sailing from San Juan:

Affordable flight options to Puerto Rico
Access to unique eastern and southern Caribbean ports (St. Lucia, Aruba, Curacao)
Shorter sailing distances enable itineraries not typically available from mainland U.S. ports
Old San Juan offers excellent pre-cruise exploration opportunities
Pricing starts around $1,100 per person

3. Inside Look: How Cruise Lines Maximize Revenue

Lauren Heavener, a 10+ year cruise industry veteran, reveals strategic practices cruise lines employ:

Entertainment & Scheduling:

Production show times prevent dining room bottlenecks
Bar entertainment and late-night bands drive beverage sales
Dance parties strategically route passengers to spending areas

Tracking & Data:

Stateroom keycards monitor passenger location and purchases
Cruise lines analyze spending patterns across bars, restaurants, and spa visits

Formal Nights:

Primary purpose is revenue generation, not elegance
Encourages specialty dining bookings
Creates upselling opportunities for premium beverages
Generates photo sales opportunities

Loyalty Programs:

Onboard spending outweighs tier status
Perks typically cost cruise lines minimal investment
Repeat customers spend more, complain less, and provide free marketing

Drink Packages:

Designed around "loss aversion" psychology
Breaking even is intentionally difficult
Reduces spending hesitation

Crew Member Considerations:

Post-cruise surveys significantly impact crew employment
Smiles are both genuine and contractually required

4. Hawaii Cruise Tax Blocked by Federal Court

A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked Hawaii's new 11% transient accommodation tax on cruise passengers, which was scheduled to begin January 1st. The tax would have applied to daily cruise fares for each day docked at Hawaiian ports (approximately $100+ per person for average cruises). The delay remains in effect pending completion of the appeals process, following a constitutional challenge by CLIA and three Hawaiian parties.

5. P&O Britannia Returns to Port for Maintenance

The P&O Britannia, currently on a 14-day round-trip sailing from Barbados, was diverted back to its home port due to power and propulsion issues. Multiple ports of call were skipped during the diversion. The cruise line has confirmed the vessel will rejoin its original itinerary, though specific details about the mechanical issue and resolution were not disclosed.

6. Debate Over Sports Whistles at Sail Away Parties

A new trend on some Carnival cruises involves passengers bringing and blowing sports or lifeguard whistles during sail away parties. The practice has generated mixed reactions: