The Barefoot Brief: July 18th
Celebration Key Gears Up for Grand Opening
Carnival gave Grand Bahama locals and leaders a sneak peek at Celebration Key this week—just days before its official debut. The 64-acre resort features freshwater lagoons, slides, a towering sandcastle centerpiece, and both family-friendly and adults-only zones. Guests also got a taste of the island’s retail village and more than 30 dining options, designed to spotlight local flavors while serving up classic Carnival fun.
Carnival Vista will be the first ship to officially call when it sails in on July 19, marking a major milestone in Carnival’s push to create signature destinations that rival Royal Caribbean’s private island escapes.
Fleet Shuffles and New Ships
The cruise world was buzzing with movement this week. Royal Caribbean officially welcomed Star of the Seas into the fleet, turning heads as the second Icon-class megaship geared for Caribbean service. Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line quietly shuffled two of its ships—sending Norwegian Breakaway to New Orleans and Norwegian Prima to San Juan.
These changes may seem small, but they signal how cruise lines continue to adjust homeports and itineraries to meet demand while keeping operations efficient.
Galveston Cruising Heats Up
Texas is proving it’s more than just barbecue and big hats—it’s becoming a cruise capital. Carnival projects nearly 238,000 guests will sail out of Galveston between Memorial Day and Labor Day this year, boosting the local economy by more than $90 million.
With 13 U.S. homeports within driving distance for millions of Americans, Galveston is shaping up as one of the most convenient—and increasingly popular—gateways to the Caribbean.
Carnival Clarifies Policy Changes
Carnival’s updated onboard conduct rules sparked chatter this week, with rumors swirling that certain music genres were being banned. The company clarified quickly: no, they aren’t policing your playlist. The refreshed policy—backed by fines up to $500 for violations—is meant to keep the onboard experience safe and enjoyable for all.
It’s a reminder that while Carnival encourages guests to “have fun,” it also wants to make sure that fun doesn’t come at the expense of fellow cruisers.
Illness Strikes Navigator of the Seas Again
Health made headlines once more as Navigator of the Seas returned to Los Angeles with more than 140 guests and crew sick from gastrointestinal illness. Norovirus is suspected, and the cruise line immediately implemented heightened cleaning and sanitation protocols.
It’s the second outbreak for the ship in recent weeks, reinforcing how seriously cruise lines must take onboard health. For most guests, it was an inconvenience rather than a trip-ender—but it underscores why hand sanitizer stations are there for a reason.
Legend of the Seas on the Horizon
Royal Caribbean is already looking ahead to its next Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, set to debut in July 2026. The LNG-powered vessel will launch in Europe with Mediterranean itineraries before heading to Fort Lauderdale for Caribbean adventures.
Billed as the most advanced of the Icon class yet, Legend will combine jaw-dropping size with a push toward greener cruising—something the entire industry is steering toward.
⚓ That’s all for this week’s Barefoot Brief. Check back next week for the latest ship launches, port day previews, and cruising headlines from around the globe.
