Cruise News Update - 10 Major Stories

1. Emergency Elevator Incident on Carnival Horizon

On Friday night, 15 passengers became trapped in an elevator between decks 4 and 5 for approximately 45 minutes, resulting in a frightening experience for those involved.

Key Details:

• The elevator's emergency call button spring mechanism was malfunctioning, preventing passengers from opening the panel to call for help
• Two men pried the door open slightly to yell for assistance
• After 20 minutes of waiting, one woman began losing consciousness
• A second woman started to faint and was caught by her husband
• Multiple passengers experienced panic attack symptoms
• Maintenance arrived 40 minutes into the incident
• It took an additional 5 minutes to open the door
• No medical personnel were present when the door finally opened
• Several passengers required medical attention following the incident

2. Princess Cruises Expands Port Canaveral Operations

Princess Cruises has increased capacity for sailings from Port Canaveral by upgrading their vessel assignments.

Changes:

• Originally began sailing from Port Canaveral in early 2024 with Caribbean Princess (capacity: ~3,100 passengers)
• Now deploying Sky Princess to Port Canaveral (capacity: 3,600+ passengers)
• Sky Princess will offer 6-day and 8-day sailings through March 2026
• Caribbean Princess currently operates from Fort Lauderdale

3. Virgin Voyages Introduces Alaska Month-Long Passes

Virgin Voyages announced month-long passes for their inaugural 2026 Alaska season aboard the Brilliant Lady.

Pass Details:

• Four different time windows available
• Pricing ranges from $26,000 to $38,000 (for two people)
• Cost breakdown: $500+ per person per day regardless of selected window
• Inclusions: gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry, select drinks, and additional amenities

4. TSA Implements New Real ID Fee

Starting February 1st, the Transportation Security Administration will charge a $45 fee for travelers without Real ID-compliant identification.

Important Information:

• Real ID cards are identified by a star on state-issued driver's licenses or ID cards
• Required for U.S. citizens 18 years or older at TSA checkpoints
• Acceptable alternatives include passports
• Fee revenue will fund TSA ID verification efforts without using taxpayer dollars
• Non-compliant travelers can pay the $45 fee online, print a receipt, and bring it to the airport
• Without payment, travelers may be directed out of line for additional verification, potentially causing delays

5. CDC October Cruise Ship Inspection Results

Five cruise ships underwent CDC inspections in October (lower than the typical 15 monthly inspections, possibly due to government shutdown).

Inspection Scores (100-point scale, 86 minimum passing):

• Holland America's Rotterdam: 100 (perfect score)
• Viking Polaris: 100 (perfect score)
• Norwegian Jade: 99
• Grand Princess: 95
• Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas: 95

Year-to-date average across all cruise lines: approximately 95

6. Norwegian Cruise Line Returns to Philadelphia

After more than 10 years, major cruise operations are returning to Philadelphia with Norwegian Cruise Line leading terminal construction.

Details:

• Norwegian Jewel will homeport in Philadelphia starting April 2026
• The 20-year-old ship recently underwent thorough refurbishment in October 2025
• Vessel described as looking pristine following renovations
• Good option for Northeast residents interested in mid-sized ships

7. Enchanted Princess Rescues Man in Martinique

The Enchanted Princess crew rescued a local man who jumped into the water while the ship was docked in Martinique (eastern Caribbean).

Incident Summary:

• Crew launched a rescue boat
• The man was receptive to rescue efforts
• Reports indicate he was arrested by police shortly after rescue
• Speculation suggests he may have been fleeing from authorities

8. Passenger Goes Overboard from Marella Explorer 2

A 76-year-old male passenger went overboard from the Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship north of the Canary Islands at the end of last week.

Search and Rescue Efforts:

• Ship immediately initiated emergency procedures
• Spanish helicopters and rescue boats assisted in the search
• Sadly, the passenger was never recovered
• Search called off after extended period without success
• Cruise line expressed condolences to the individual and their loved ones

9. Carnival Raises Service Charges

Carnival Cruise Line quietly increased service charges for certain purchases without prior notification.

Changes:

• Beverage purchases service charge: increased from 18% to 20%
• Specialty dining options (Bonsai Teppanyaki, Chef's Table): increased from 18% to 20%
• Updated rates now reflected on Carnival's website

10. Missing Passenger Located in St. Martin

Anne Evans, a 55-year-old American passenger from Holland America's Rotterdam, who went missing in St. Martin, has been located.

Incident Timeline:

• Evans went on a tour bus while at port
• Got off at one of the stops to look around
• Never returned to the bus or the ship before departure
• Island-wide search was conducted
• Police confirmed contact has been made with Evans
• Further details withheld due to privacy laws
• Holland America thanked local authorities and confirmed the situation's resolution

Additional Notes:

• The channel is hosting an Alaska group cruise on Royal Princess from August 22-29, 2026 (round trip from Seattle)
• Viewer poll results showed: 3% planning first cruise, 33% have taken 1-5 cruises, 24% have taken 6-10 cruises, 40% have taken 11+ cruises
• Approximately 51% of U.S. citizens have passports according to the Department of State