The Barefoot Brief: September 5, 2025
CHEERS! Zero Proof—The Sober Sailor’s Oasis
Carnival’s long-rumored non-alcoholic drink package has finally arrived. Starting September 15, guests can pre-purchase CHEERS! Zero Proof for $29.99/day. It includes mocktails, smoothies, coffee specialties, and alcohol-free beer and wine. Carnival says it’s a response to rising demand from younger and sober-curious travelers. Whether it becomes a fan favorite or another “nickel-and-dime” debate remains to be seen—but the timing is perfect.
Southampton Bomb Scare Sends Hearts Racing
What should’ve been a routine embarkation turned into panic when a passenger at Southampton’s Mayflower Terminal claimed to have a bomb. Police rushed in, guests were evacuated, and a 200-meter cordon was set up. The device didn’t exist, and the suspect was arrested for making a false claim. Ventura eventually set sail, but not before guests had a story they’ll be telling for years.
Red Sea Under Fire—Eternity C Attack
The Red Sea turned deadly this summer when the cargo ship Eternity C was attacked and sunk by Houthi forces. Drones, RPGs, and small boats left crew dead, missing, or kidnapped. While this wasn’t a cruise ship, it rattled the industry. Insurers are jacking up rates, lines are rerouting voyages, and experts warn the Red Sea corridor could remain volatile for months. For cruise travelers, it’s a reminder that geopolitics doesn’t stop at the gangway.
Cruise Slides Get the Safety Spotlight
In the wake of the Icon of the Seas slide accident, regulators and maritime watchdogs are now pushing for tighter safety checks across the industry. Some have floated the idea of third-party certifications for all major attractions onboard. With cruise ships doubling as floating amusement parks, safety standards are moving from an afterthought to front-and-center.
Megaship Mania and Soaring Demand
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is now sailing, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is nearly ready, and demand for cruises is outpacing hotel bookings. Industry analysts report record bookings for 2026, and newbuild orders keep stacking. For now, the appetite for bigger ships and bigger vacations shows no signs of slowing.
Viking Cruises: No Kids, No Casinos, No Problem
While everyone else chases theme-park vibes, Viking is quietly thriving with its adults-only, casino-free model. Cabins sell out months in advance, nightly rates hover around $900, and 2026 bookings are already more than half full. Viking proves that quiet luxury—not waterslides—can be just as profitable.
Japan’s Cruise Comeback
Cruising in Japan is surging, with demand up more than 120% year over year. Big names like Disney, Princess, and Norwegian are piling in, while local operators are expanding capacity. With 2.5 million international visitors targeted this year, Japan is set to become one of the hottest cruise markets outside the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
September opened with Carnival’s new drink package, a bomb scare in Southampton, and geopolitical turbulence in the Red Sea. The seas are busy, the headlines are big, and the future of cruising is only getting wilder.
