A federal appeals court temporarily blocked Hawaii from enforcing a new climate change tourist tax on cruise ships, which was set to start in 2026, after a lawsuit argued it violated the U.S. Constitution and would increase cruise costs. The law, aimed at raising nearly $100 million annually to address climate-related issues, is now under appeal, with enforcement halted pending the case's resolution.
MSC Cruises has ordered four next-generation cruise ships from Meyer Werft, with two additional options, to be delivered starting in 2030, emphasizing environmental innovation and supporting thousands of jobs in Germany.
Tourists visiting Norway's Geiranger Fjord are experiencing increased crowds and environmental concerns as climate change drives more visitors to cooler Nordic destinations, leading to crowded attractions like Waterfall Walk during peak times, especially when cruise ships arrive.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol removed 13 crew members with valid work visas from cruise ships docked in Detroit as part of an ongoing operation on the Great Lakes, with authorities not disclosing further details.
Cannes is implementing strict new regulations on cruise ships, banning vessels with over 1,000 passengers starting January to combat overtourism and environmental impact, while aiming to balance economic benefits with sustainability.
In 2024, eight cases of Clade II mpox were reported among cruise ship passengers and crew in the US, all linked to male-to-male sexual contact, highlighting the need for vaccination and preventive measures on cruises, especially those marketed to gay and bisexual men.
The article criticizes cruises, highlighting the risk of dengue fever outbreaks at popular ports, which are caused by mosquito-borne transmission and worsened by crowded ships, suggesting that traveling to places like Toronto might be safer and more enjoyable.
Amsterdam is intensifying its efforts to combat overtourism by planning to ban cruise ships from its harbor by 2035, reducing the current number from 190 to 100 by 2026. This move is part of broader measures to address pollution and overcrowding, as the city aims to maintain its livability and sustainability. Despite potential revenue losses, the city council believes these actions are necessary to preserve Amsterdam's attractiveness and infrastructure, which have been strained by a surge in tourist numbers.
Juneau, Alaska, will limit the number of daily cruise ship passengers to 16,000 on weekdays and 12,000 on Saturdays starting in 2026 to manage congestion and reduce the impact on residents. This agreement with the Cruise Lines International Association aims to balance the needs of the local economy and community. Similar measures have been taken in other tourist-heavy cities like Venice, Italy.
Cruise ships have resumed operations from Baltimore for the first time since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Sea and Carnival Cruise’s Pride set sail this weekend, marking the return of cruising at the Port of Baltimore. The port had been temporarily blocked following the bridge collapse in March.
Nearly 600 cruise passengers from the Viking Octantis and Pearl Seas ships arrived in Cleveland, exploring landmarks like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, West Side Market, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Port of Cleveland has seen a significant increase in cruise ship arrivals, with 10,000 passengers docking in 2023.
Lucy Southerton, a cruise ship worker, shares nine buffet blunders to avoid, including avoiding crowds, not taking food outside the buffet, dressing appropriately, prioritizing hygiene, scouting the entire spread, minimizing waste, minding the tongs, opting for a balanced diet, and following plate protocol to maintain a clean dining environment and ensure an enjoyable cruise ship buffet experience.
Royal Caribbean's new ship, Icon of the Seas, is the world's largest cruise ship and has garnered significant attention, resulting in record-high prices for last-minute bookings. For those seeking more affordable options, consider booking cruises on comparable ships such as Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Carnival Jubilee, or Disney Wish, which offer similar amenities at lower prices. Waiting for the popularity of Icon of the Seas to wane or booking well in advance may lead to more affordable fares.
The world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, sets sail from Miami amid concerns about its environmental impact despite being touted as the "biggest, baddest ship on the planet." While it runs on liquified natural gas (LNG), critics argue that using LNG is a form of greenwashing as it emits more greenhouse gas emissions overall due to "methane slip." Royal Caribbean defends LNG as a transitional fuel and expresses commitment to alternative energy sources, including fuel cells and shore power. The cruise industry's move towards larger ships and LNG is drawing criticism for its negative impact on the environment and port cities.
The Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, is set to debut on January 27, boasting extravagant amenities and marking the cruise industry's rapid resurgence. Despite its appeal to younger travelers and repeat cruisers, the industry faces criticism for its environmental impact and labor practices. While cruise companies promise greener futures, activists and some local governments are pushing back, citing the industry's history of environmental violations and leveraging flags of convenience.
