Holland America Line has canceled the Zuiderdam's planned port call in Pointe-à-Pitre, originally set for Saturday, November 2. The decision was made due to concerns over the current social unrest in Guadeloupe, safety issues, and logistical challenges with shore excursions.

The 286-meter-long ship carrying approximately 2,500 passengers, was scheduled for its first visit of the season to the port’s cruise terminal. However, the cruise line opted to cancel this stop, prioritizing the safety of its passengers, many of whom are elderly.

A 53-year-old passenger was denied boarding on the German cruise ship AIDAmar, operated by AIDA Cruises, due to severe intoxication, reported Bild.

AIDA Cruises is set to release its vibrant new cookbook, The World Eats Colorfully, on November 7, 2024. With over 300 pages packed with recipes, stories, and cultural delights, this cookbook brings the tastes and traditions of AIDA's diverse crew and travel destinations directly to the reader's kitchen. Featuring more than 90 recipes for dishes and cocktails, it’s designed to help people savor the unforgettable flavors of an AIDA cruise from home.

The Norwegian Star, a 294-meter cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, has arrived at the Damen Shiprepair dock in Brest, France, for a three-week maintenance period that began on October 21, 2024. This technical shutdown, managed by Damen Shiprepair, involves complex repairs and routine maintenance to prepare the vessel for future cruises.

Key Maintenance Projects at Damen Shiprepair:

We are deeply saddened to report the passing of a crew member aboard the Margaritaville Islander. The tragic event occurred during a general emergency crew drill while the ship was docked in Cozumel, Mexico.

The crew member, from Indonesia and part of the AB Deck Department, was found unresponsive on the deck following the drill. 

While the details remain unclear, it appears he sustained fatal injuries during the lowering of a lifeboat.
 

Starting November 1, 2024, Royal Caribbean International will raise its daily gratuities by fifty cents per person, per day. This announcement comes as part of a broader trend across the cruise industry, where gratuities seem to climb year after year. The updated rates will bring standard stateroom gratuities to $18.50 per person, and suite gratuities to $21.00 per person. While this might seem like a small increase, it marks the second hike in the past 12 months, raising questions about where these additional funds are going and how they impact the hard-working crew.