Weekly Cruise News Recap for August 17, 2025

P&O Ventura evacuated at port over bomb threat.

On Saturday, August 9, police were called to the Mayflower Cruise Ferry terminal in Southampton, England, after receiving reports of someone in possession of an explosive device. Police formed a barricade as the P&O Ventura was evacuated out of an abundance of caution. The police sweep did not uncover any explosives, but a 63 year old man was arrested on suspicion.

Disney starts building their next Wish-class ship.

Now that the Disney Destiny has left the Meyer Werft shipyard heading to it's home port of Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, the shipyard can now start building the next Wish-class ship. The Steel Cutting Ceremony included Captain Mickey, Disney Signature Experiences, and Walt Disney Imagineering Germany. Currently, we do not know the name or unique features of the next Wish-class ship.

Man overboard on the Norwegian Star.

Passengers were woken up early on Tuesday, August 12 with the ship's horn and a "Code Oscar". A 79 year old man had gone overboard in the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as the ship is on its way toward Nuuk, Greenland. The ship turned around and deployed lifeboats but the overboard passenger did not survive.

The Star Princess has completed her sea trials.

The second Sphere-class ship for Princess cruise lines has completed her sea trials. This is one of the last steps before the shipbuilder hands over the vessel to the buyers. The Star princess runs on LNG and is the second Princess ship to do so. Everything is on track for the Star Princess to embark on her first official voyage on October 4, 2025, sailing from Barcelona.

Diana Ross is no longer going to be the Godmother for the Star of the Seas.

On August 20, 2025 the naming ceremony for the Star of the Seas will take place, but no longer with Diana Ross as the Godmother. The 81 year old legendary singer has cancelled leaving Royal Caribbean to scramble and find a new Godparent for the new Icon-class ship. There was no reason given for Ross's cancellation but many are speculating health issues.

And… Kellie Gerardi name new Godmother for the Star of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has named Kellie Gerardi as the new Godmother for Star of the Seas. This comes after Diana Ross has to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Kellie is an American social influencer and commercial astronaut who is known for a sub-orbital spaceflight with Virgin Galactic.

2027 Princess Alaska cruise season has been announced.

Princess opened bookings for their 2027 Alaska cruise season. They have scheduled 8 of their ships making this their biggest Alaska cruise season to date. Star Princess, their newest ship which launches later this year, will be joining the Alaskan fleet for her second season in Alaska.

Royal Caribbean has reached their 100 million guests.

Royal Caribbean celebrated after hitting their 100 millionth guest across the cruise line. They celebrated on the Icon of the Seas, welcoming the 100 millionth guest, The Duquette family from Parkland, Florida, with awards and surprises. One of the surprise awards was another cruise aboard the Utopia of the Seas.

Carnival opens booking for their new ship, the Festival, coming in 2027.

The Carnival Festivale isn't even done being built yet, however you can book some of the first cruises for the fourth Excel-class ship sailing in 2027. The Festivale will be based out of Port Canaveral and will offer Caribbean sailings year round. New venues on the ship include the Sunsation Point family fun area, along with Studio 724, a music inspired lounge area.

Star of the Seas takes her first cruise from Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean's newest Icon-class ship took it's first sailing from it's homeport in Port Canaveral on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The destination is CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island. This initial sailing is 4 nights long and will follow up with a 7 day sailing to the Bahamas.

Celebration Key sees two drownings back-to-back.

Carnival's new private port on Grand Bahama Island had two ships visit on Friday, August 15, 2025, the Elation and the Mardi Gras. One person from each ship was involved in separate drownings. The first was a 79-year-old man who drowned while snorkeling at Celebration Key. The second was a 74 year old woman who drown in a swimming pool at the port. Both deaths are under investigation.

Hurricane Erin is causing ships to change their itineraries.

Carnival has adjusted the sailing for the Carnival Sunshine due to the Hurricane Erin. The ship will no longer visit Bermuda and will now sail to the Bahamas and stop at the cruise line’s new port, Celebration Key, and Nassau. Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas will also be changing it's course avoiding Bermuda and taking an unexpected stop in Port Canaveral.

Holland America Announces solar eclipse cruises for 2026.

There will be three solar eclipse cruises offered by Holland America that will put the ship in the path of totality on August 12, 2026. Each cruise will feature a different educational lecturer that will provide information and enrichment talks. The cruises will also have themed eclipse decor and food items, along with providing the necessary viewing glasses to watch the eclipse.