Cruise News Update: Bees on Board, Cancelled Sailings, and Other Exciting Developments!

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This week has been eventful in the world of cruising, and it’s time for Cruise Hive’s important Cruise News Update. We’re covering the origins of Legionnaires’ disease found on two different ships, reports of a bee swarm causing disturbances for guests on board Carnival Valor, the cancellation of two sailings on the Regal Princess, as well as an opening for an onboard supervisor position for alcohol intoxication management.

In addition, a significant motorcycle event might disrupt transfers to the port of Galveston this weekend, and two cruise lines are set to introduce ships in Alaska for the first time in 2026.

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A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may cause travelers to reconsider using hot tubs on cruise ships. The findings indicate that an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease on two undisclosed cruise ships was traced back to private balcony hot tubs.

One incident was noted on “Cruise Ship A,” following a cruise in November 2022, while another case was documented aboard “Cruise Ship B” after several illnesses were reported in January, February, and May of 2024. Numerous guests on both vessels were affected.

The respiratory illnesses linked to Legionnaires’ disease required hospitalization for 65% of those affected on Ship A and all cases on Ship B. Curious about which cruise lines were involved? Check out our detailed report for more information.

A cruise vacation can make passengers feel like royalty, but most travelers don’t anticipate the presence of actual queen bees and their worker bees. This unexpected event occurred on Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Valor during a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise.

After a 3,000-guest cruise ship docked in Cozumel, Mexico, an unexpected situation arose when a swarm of bumble bees became attracted to a lounge chair on the lido deck, deciding it would be the ideal place to establish a new hive for their queen.

Although bumble bees are generally less aggressive than wasps or hornets, the sight of the swarm understandably startled some cruise attendees. The best approach was to maintain a safe distance while experts boarded the ship to locate and safely remove the queen bee.

This wasn’t the first instance of a bee hive removal aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship. Find out more here about how a previous case was resolved.

In another development, Princess Cruises has cancelled a second sailing of the 3,500-guest Regal Princess due to ongoing technical issues affecting the vessel. Initially, the cruise line announced the cancellation of the ship’s departure from Galveston on October 27, 2024, followed by the cancellation of the November 3, 2024 voyage.

Refunds are currently being processed, and those impacted will receive a 25% discount on a future cruise. Bookings must be completed by May 31, 2025, for trips that set sail by May 31, 2026.

The affected week-long cruises were scheduled to visit well-known destinations including Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, as well as Roatan in Honduras. The cruise line has yet to reveal the exact nature of the ship’s issues, but some passengers aboard the September 2024 transatlantic voyage reported a fire in the engine room during that journey.

Although the fire was quickly extinguished, could this technical problem be related to that event? Read our full coverage here.

How many drinks are excessive? What’s the best method for managing someone who is intoxicated? These are questions many cruisers might ponder upon encountering a fellow guest who has indulged a little too much.

Carnival Cruise Line faces the challenging task of managing onboard guests across its 27 vessels while ensuring their safety. This may explain the company’s decision to seek a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) supervisor.

The selected supervisor will be responsible for overseeing alcohol consumption to help reduce the risk of intoxication among guests. Additionally, this role involves ensuring that individuals under the age of 21 do not consume alcohol while on board.

Some may argue that this position contradicts the line’s Cheers! Drink package, which permits up to 15 alcoholic beverages in a 24-hour timeframe. The cruise line is also in the process of hiring a youth security officer. To learn more about this role, check out the story.

Passengers planning to embark from Galveston, Texas, through November 3, 2024, should prepare for potential traffic congestion and road closures. This is a result of the annual Lone Star Rally motorcycle event, which typically draws a crowd of around 500,000 attendees.

Carnival Cruise Line has informed its guests that roads leading to the Gulf Coast port are expected to be congested due to a biker event, which may cause delays for cruise passengers.

The cruise line’s transfer services, which transport guests from nearby hotels to the port, are also likely to be impacted. Guests with bookings are advised to allocate extra travel time to arrive at the port and to ensure timely arrangements for their pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointments.

To discover which ship departures may be affected by this major biker event, click here for our full report.

In 2026, the waters of Alaska’s southeastern coast will see an influx of travelers as the 3,600-guest MSC Poesia, part of the MSC Cruises fleet, begins to offer voyages from Seattle.

MSC Cruises is embarking on a new adventure with its seasonal series of 7-night cruises, marking its inaugural entry into the Alaskan market. Travelers can look forward to visiting beloved Alaskan destinations such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Hoonah, located in Icy Strait Point. Additionally, the itinerary includes a call to Victoria, British Columbia, and offers breathtaking scenic views while navigating the stunning Inside Passage.

This expansion signifies a major step for MSC Cruises in their ambitions to enhance their presence in North America. Just a year ago, the cruise line operated only two ships from U.S. ports. By the winter of 2024/25, they are set to elevate their fleet to five vessels, eagerly stationed in Florida and New York.

Come spring 2025, a brand new ship will join the Miami fleet. To discover more about MSC’s exciting plans for Alaska, click here.

In addition, Virgin Voyages is planning to make its mark in the Alaskan market by 2026, with the introduction of its latest ship, Brilliant Lady, to the region.

The new ship, accommodating 2,762 passengers and currently under construction, is set to begin operations in September 2025, offering routes between Seattle and Vancouver. Itineraries lasting between 7 and 12 nights will be revealed shortly.

The maiden voyage has already been confirmed as a 7-night cruise that will include stops at Ketchikan and Sitka in Alaska, along with Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Passengers will also experience scenic views while cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord. The ship will embark on its inaugural roundtrip from Seattle on May 21, 2026.

The Brilliant Lady is highly anticipated and will make her debut in New York. Click here to discover additional destinations the fourth ship in the Virgin fleet will visit after her initial launch.

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