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Biggest Cruise News Stories of 2025

(And What They Mean for Cruisers)

 

Cruising once again made headlines in 2025 — some exciting, some confusing, and a few that probably made you pause and think, “Should I be worried?”

Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just love staying in the know, here’s a seasonal recap of the biggest cruise news of 2025, with clear context on what it means for cruisers.

 

🌨 Beginning of 2025 – Winter Highlights

 

Norovirus & GI Illnesses Make Headlines
Early in the year, gastrointestinal illnesses struck multiple cruise ships, including Celebrity Eclipse, where 95 passengers and 9 crew reported symptoms during a Caribbean voyage. (people.com)

 

Why it matters: Illness outbreaks are still rare compared to the millions of passengers who sail each year. Good hygiene and early reporting help protect everyone onboard.

 

New Taxes Begin Appearing

 

  • Mexico introduced a small cruise passenger tax starting July 1. (royalcaribbeanblog.com)
  • Hawaii passed a law to charge cruise passengers an 11% prorated tax while docked — later temporarily blocked by a federal appeals court. (apnews.com)

Why it matters: Knowing about these taxes helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises when planning your cruise.

 

🌷 Middle of 2025 – Spring & Summer Highlights

 

New Ships Hit the Water
2025 was a big year for fleet expansion:

  • Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas debuted as one of the world’s largest ships. (en.wikipedia.org)

 

  • TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Relax and Celebrity Xcel joined the fleets, bringing fresh itineraries and amenities. (en.wikipedia.org)

 

 

Why it matters: More ships mean more choices, from itineraries to onboard experiences. If you’re planning for 2026, this is when early bookings really pay off.

 

Ongoing Norovirus & Health Oversight
Several ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas and AIDAdiva, experienced norovirus outbreaks during summer voyages. (people.com)

 

Why it matters: Even though outbreaks happen, cruise lines respond quickly. Being informed helps you take precautions without worrying unnecessarily.

 

🍂 End of 2025 – Fall & Winter Highlights

 

Expedition Ship Grounding
In December, the Coral Adventurer ran aground near Papua New Guinea, requiring passengers to be flown home after refloating. No injuries were reported. (people.com)

 

Why it matters: Expedition cruising offers unique experiences — but staying prepared and flexible is key for remote itineraries.

 

Legal & Tax Updates
Hawaii’s cruise tax continues to be reviewed in court, while other destinations explore new fees. (cruiseindustrynews.com)

 

Why it Matters: These updates help cruisers plan ahead and budget effectively, ensuring no surprises when you dock.

 

Safety Notes from Shore Excursions
Sadly, there were a few notable deaths linked to remote excursions and private island activities. For example, two Carnival guests drowned at a private Bahamian destination in August. (CBS News)

 

Why it matters: These incidents are rare, but they’re reminders to follow all safety instructions, stay within designated areas, and know your limits on shore excursions.

 

🔹 Overall Trends of 2025

 

  • Health monitoring remains strong, and cruise lines continue to enforce strict sanitation standards. (CDC)
  • Fleet expansion continues, offering more options and itineraries.
  • Taxes and port fees are evolving globally — being informed makes for smoother planning.

 

🌟 Cruise Safety Reminder

 

Serious incidents remain extremely rare compared to the millions of passengers cruising each year. Most 2025 stories made headlines because they were unusual — not because they reflect the normal cruising experience.

 

🌴 Looking Ahead to 2026

 

With new ships, exciting itineraries, and careful planning, 2026 can be your most memorable cruise year yet. Staying informed about news, fees, and safety tips ensures your experience is smooth and enjoyable — and I’m here to help make that happen.