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

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).

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

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