The Barefoot Brief: July 11th
Carnival Unlocks Celebration Key
Carnival’s brand-new $600 million Bahamian playground, Celebration Key, officially welcomed its first guests this month. Think sweeping lagoons, a massive sandcastle centerpiece, and swim-up bars calling your name. The vibe is somewhere between family-friendly beach day and adults-only escape, with separate zones designed for every kind of traveler.
It’s also Carnival’s bold answer to Royal Caribbean’s wildly popular Perfect Day at CocoCay. Will it steal the crown? Too soon to say—but early reactions suggest cruisers are thrilled to have a new “favorite port day” in the making.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Sets Sail
Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class giant, the Star of the Seas, has officially left the shipyard in Finland and is en route to Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship will soon launch seven-night Caribbean cruises, bringing with it the largest waterpark at sea, neighborhoods designed for every mood, and enough dining choices to make your foodie friend cry happy tears.
The debut is big news: Royal is doubling down on its mission to make each ship a floating destination, and cruisers are already buzzing about booking their spot onboard. In true Barefoot style—this isn’t just a ship, it’s basically a vacation city that floats.
Storm Detours Prove Smooth Sailing
Hurricane Erin tried to stir things up in the Atlantic this week, but cruise lines weren’t having it. Carnival rerouted the Carnival Sunshine away from Bermuda, replacing it with stops at Celebration Key and Nassau. Royal Caribbean also shifted several itineraries to dodge rough seas.
For guests, the changes meant altered plans—but it also meant safety first and no soggy umbrella drinks. The lesson: the sea may be unpredictable, but cruise lines are pros at turning a detour into a new adventure.
Cruise Giants Eye German Market Growth
Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean spent part of this week talking business strategy—and all eyes were on Germany. The market is heating up, with both brands signaling plans to grow capacity and presence in the region.
Why Germany? Simple: it’s Europe’s cruise hub in the making, and travelers there are increasingly cruise-curious. For North American cruisers, this means more itineraries may start popping up that mix classic European ports with fresh German departures.
Norovirus Strikes Navigator of the Seas
Not every voyage is smooth sailing. Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas returned from a Mexican cruise with over 140 guests and crew battling gastrointestinal illness. Norovirus is suspected, and the line quickly enacted enhanced cleaning and isolation procedures to keep it contained.
It’s an unwelcome headline but a reminder of how seriously the industry takes onboard health. Most cruisers won’t notice beyond a little extra hand-sanitizer encouragement—but for those affected, it was a rough ending to an otherwise sunny getaway.
FBI Investigates Death Aboard Carnival Dream
Tragedy struck aboard Carnival’s Dream when a guest died during a voyage to Belize in mid-July. Carnival immediately reported the incident, prompting investigations by the FBI, Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection. While no foul play has been confirmed, the situation is still under review.
Carnival expressed condolences to the family and emphasized that guest safety remains the company’s top priority. For the cruising world, it’s a sobering reminder that even on vacation, real-life events can follow us to sea.
⚓ That’s all for this week’s Barefoot Brief. Check back next week for the latest headlines, ship launches, and sea stories from across the cruising world.
