On October 14, 2024, Seabourn Pursuit’s submarine made a historic discovery near Alejandro Selkirk Island, Chile, uncovering the Titania, a German ship lost for 110 years. Guided by local fisherman Gino Perez, the expedition team located the vessel 95 meters deep. This marks the first sighting since its disappearance in 1914, delivering an unforgettable Seabourn Moment.
Royal Caribbean is partnering with Goldbelt Incorporated to build a new cruise port in Juneau, Alaska, aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow. Set to open in 2027, the “Port of Tomorrow” will feature two berths and a recreated Alaska Native village, while diverting a third of downtown bus traffic, enhancing both visitor and resident experiences.
Royal Caribbean has been fined $473,685 by the EPA for violations related to improper waste disposal documentation at the Port of Galveston. The violations, spanning from 2019 to 2024, involved inaccurate reporting of waste amounts. The cruise line emphasized that the issues were documentation-related and not environmental, reaffirming its commitment to industry-leading waste management practices.
Royal Caribbean International is raising its daily gratuity charges starting November 1, 2024. Standard stateroom gratuities will increase from $18.00 to $18.50 per guest, per day, while suite guests will pay $21.00. Passengers can pre-pay gratuities at the current rate until the end of October 2024, after which the new rates will apply onboard.
Carnival Cruise Line expands its 2026/27 cruise offerings with new sailings from New Orleans and Long Beach. Carnival Valor and Carnival Liberty will offer Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans, while Carnival Panorama will sail to the Mexican Riviera from Long Beach. These cruises provide more diverse vacation options for travelers seeking unforgettable cruise experiences.
Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with seven new ships set to debut by 2033, including newbuilds and two vessels transferring from P&O Australia. The additions include Excel-class ships launching in 2027 and 2028, as well as a new 230,000-ton class debuting in 2029, marking the largest ships in Carnival’s fleet.
Carnival Miracle has arrived in Galveston, Texas, becoming the fourth Carnival ship homeported at this popular cruise destination. Offering 18 cruises ranging from four to twelve days, the ship will visit destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Panama Canal. This expansion solidifies Carnival Cruise Line’s presence in Texas, providing more cruise options for travelers.
Planning a cruise from Galveston? Explore parking options like the Official Port lots, Economy Lots, and off-site choices such as Discount Cruise Parking and Galveston VIP. Prices for a 7-day cruise range from $92 to $192. Shuttle services are available from most lots, or opt for parking within walking distance. Book early for savings!
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has pledged a total of $80,000 to the American Red Cross to aid impacted communities. This includes a previous $30,000 donation for Hurricane Helene relief and a matching donation of up to $50,000 for public contributions supporting Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is expanding operations in Galveston with a new 10-year contract, homeporting at the port’s $100 million terminal opening in November 2025. This move includes full-time operations, new Saturday sailings, and ships like Norwegian Prima. The expansion supports local jobs, boosts tourism, and strengthens NCLH’s presence in the Texas cruise market.
