Mexico to Introduce $5 Cruise Passenger Tax in 2025
Starting in July 2025, cruise passengers arriving at Mexican ports will be subject to a new head tax, the Mexican government has announced.
The Americas
US and China Agree to Slash Tariffs in 90-Day Deal
In a step toward easing trade tensions, the U.S. and China have agreed to significantly reduce tariffs on each other’s goods for a 90-day period.
Multiple Medical Emergencies Occur on Norwegian Bliss
A recent Alaska cruise aboard the Norwegian Bliss was disrupted by a series of medical incidents, including a serious emergency evacuation.
USVI Open Registry Plan Resurfaces with Trump Briefing
Supporters of a proposed open ship registry for the U.S. Virgin Islands have revived plans that were initially introduced three years ago.
Anthem of the Seas Launches Inaugural Alaska Season
Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, is making its debut in Alaska, marking its first deployment in the region.
Holland America Expands Partnership With AWCC for 2025
Holland America reveals an expanded collaboration with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, introducing new experiences for its 2025 season.
Carnival Rolls Out Digital Shore Excursion Platform
Carnival launches new digital platform designed to replace paper tickets for shore excursions, aiming to streamline check-ins and communication.
Two Towboat Collisions Close Mississippi River Bridge
In just five days, two separate towboats struck the Old Highway 80 Bridge over the Mississippi River in the U.S., leading to its temporary closure
Sky Princess Itinerary Switched to Eastern Caribbean Route
Princess Cruises has announced a full change to the itinerary for the Sky Princess sailing which is departing on December 28th, 2025.
18 States Sue to Overturn Trump’s Offshore Wind Shutdown
Eighteen attorneys general have filed a federal lawsuit opposing U.S. president Donald Trump’s decision to shut down offshore wind projects.
Rio de Janeiro Wraps Up Strong 2024-25 Cruise Season
Rio de Janeiro saw a bustling 2024-25 season, welcoming over 327,000 visitors and 36 cruise ships, according to the Pier Mauá Cruise Terminal
Tanker Collision Sends Barges Adrift on Mississippi River
The tanker Isla De Bioko collided with a group of barges being towed by the Ginny Rose, resulting in one barge sinking and six others breaking loose
US Sanctions Vessels for Allegedly Aiding Houthi Efforts
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has imposed sanctions on three vessels for allegedly supporting the Houthis
Ferry and Boat Collide in Florida, One Dead, Several Injured
On April 27 authorities in Clearwater reported a collision between a ferry and private boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge resulting in a death
Royal Princess Departs Australia for Alaska via Pacific
Earlier this month, the cruise ship, the Royal Princess set sail from Australia on a 33-night repositioning voyage bound for Alaska.
Brawl Erupts at Galveston Terminal After Carnival Cruise
Chaos broke out at the Galveston Cruise Terminal when a fight erupted in the luggage pickup area after passengers disembarked from Carnival Jubilee
Trump Calls for Free U.S. Access to Panama, Suez Canals
U.S. President Trump has called for American ships, both military and commercial, to be granted free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals
Norwegian Bliss Sparks Emissions Concerns in Juneau
Norwegian Bliss became the first ship to arrive in Juneau for the 2025 cruise season, marking the official start of the year’s maritime tourism
Carnival Expands Heroes Tribute Lounge Across Fleet
Carnival has introduced its Heroes Tribute Lounge and Bar to 14 ships, building on the concept that was launched aboard Carnival Panorama in 2019
Mitsui OSK Lines to Open Strategic Office in Washington
Reflecting a shifting global landscape, Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), has announced plans to establish a new office in Washington, DC.