Viral waterslide stuck incident, MSC world cruise changes, Icon overboard & onboard violence, Carnival & Celebrity itinerary shifts, renewable-powered cruise ships.

The Barefoot Brief — Week of Sept 19, 2025

• Wonder of the Seas brawl sends ship back to Miami; two hospitalized.

• Carnival Pride crew removed after exploitation allegations.

• Juneau tragedy: 36-year-old Texas passenger dies on Mount Roberts hike.

• Sitka loss: 71-year-old Florida man found dead aboard Oceania Riviera.

• Celebrity Beyond sparks panic with erroneous itinerary emails.

• Western Australia announces major cruise expansion for 2026–27.

• Carnival modifies loyalty program: “Diamond Forever” for top members.

The Barefoot Brief — Week of Sept 12, 2025

• Overboard drama in San Juan: Rhapsody of the Seas guest jumped ship over unpaid gambling debt. Survived, swam ashore, and was later arrested with cash and fake IDs. Facing federal charges.

• Dock collision in Athens: MV Gemini smacked the pier at Piraeus, scraping her hull. No major injuries, but itineraries may shuffle.

• Ketchikan tragedy: A 57-year-old cruise guest died after a vehicle veered into a pedestrian area near the port. Others injured. Community stepped in quickly.

• Labadee pause: Royal Caribbean cancels Labadee calls until at least spring 2026 due to safety concerns.

• Disney Adventure delay: Inaugural season pushed to early 2026 out of Singapore.

• Carnival shuffle: Hurricane season prompts Carnival Firenze to swap Cabo and Ensenada stops. Expect more storm-season adjustments.

Carnival launches its new zero-proof drink package, a bomb scare halts embarkation in Southampton, Red Sea tensions rise after an attack, cruise slides face scrutiny, and Viking & Japan cruise demand skyrocket.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas made headlines after a waterslide shattered mid-ride, CocoCay turned into a poolside brawl, Legend of the Seas floated out in Finland, and Hawaii took cruise lines to court over a climate tax.

From towel-animal secrets to a midnight chicken-tender brawl, Carnival’s new doughnut fees, and a next-gen river ship with an escalator, this week’s cruise news proves the small details can cause the biggest waves.

Cruise news headlines: August 9-15

Cruise news headlines: August 2-8

Cruise news headlines: July 26-August 1

Cruise news headlines: July 19-25

Cruise news headlines: July 12 - 18

Weekly Cruise new roundup for July 5th - 11th.

From rollercoasters to gratuity hikes, this week’s cruise news roundup covers it all—tropical drama, future ships, and tips to cruise smarter (and funnier).

Cruises are paradise… until they’re not. From buffet brawls to mysterious hallway goo, these true cruise nightmares will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe pack an extra bottle of Febreze.

A weekly roundup of cruise news, nautical nonsense, and questionable decisions made at sea — brought to you by Barefoot and Booked.

Not every cruise stop has to be a tourist circus. These five Caribbean ports serve up real island flavor, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and a refreshing lack of overpriced margarita mugs. If you're craving authenticity, this list is your boarding pass.

A weekly roundup of cruise news, nautical nonsense, and questionable decisions made at sea — brought to you by Barefoot and Booked.

Think you know what a cruise day looks like? From sunrise coffee to midnight pizza, we’re breaking down a typical day at sea—plus how to level it up with simple, pro-level hacks. Whether you’re a napper, a show-goer, or a poolside lounger, there’s something here to make your next cruise day even better.

Picking a cruise line is basically choosing your vacation alter ego. Are you into karaoke-fueled conga lines, or sipping sushi after a Broadway show? From budget-friendly party ships to jaw-dropping mega-resorts at sea, Carnival and Royal Caribbean couldn’t be more different—and that’s what makes this showdown so fun.

Cruise ships are basically floating cities designed to test your liver and your dignity—and I rose to the occasion. From tropical smoothies laced with regret to banana-flavored chaos, here’s my honest (and slightly fuzzy) review of the drinks I definitely ordered and barely remember. Spoiler: one of them may have led to a limbo contest.