Weekly Cruise Industry Update: New Developments and Incidents
The cruise industry is buzzing with significant developments this week, including Royal Caribbean’s commencement of construction on its fifth Icon-class ship, community opposition to a new cruise terminal in Tampa, Florida, and a new law in Mexico banning vaping devices for tourists. Here’s a detailed look at the latest news in the cruise sector.
High Winds Cause Disturbance at Port Canaveral
On January 18, 2026, guests boarding the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima at Port Canaveral experienced an unexpected situation when the ship began to drift away from its berth. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. due to strong wind gusts reaching up to 48 miles per hour, which snapped the lines securing the 143,535-gross-ton vessel at Cruise Terminal 5.
As passengers prepared for a seven-night Caribbean cruise, an emergency announcement, “Code Echo,” alerted crew members to the operational challenge. Fortunately, the ship did not completely detach from the pier, and no injuries were reported. Two tugboats were deployed to assist in stabilizing the ship while crew members worked to reattach new lines. The incident did not affect the ship’s scheduled departure.
Tragic Incident on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas
In a separate incident, authorities in Singapore are investigating the death of a 27-year-old man found aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas on January 19, 2026. The ship had just returned to Marina Bay Cruise Terminal after a three-night getaway cruise to Penang Island, Malaysia. The identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether he was a guest or crew member. Initial reports indicate that foul play is not suspected, and the investigation is ongoing.
The discovery of the man’s body caused a three-hour delay in the ship’s debarkation process. The incident occurred before 6 a.m., prompting a response team to be dispatched to a guest cabin, where the man was pronounced dead by the ship’s doctor. The cruise line is cooperating with local authorities as they conduct their investigation.
New Vaping Law in Mexico: A Warning for Cruisers
Travelers heading to Mexico should be aware of a new law that took effect on January 17, 2026, prohibiting the importation, sale, and distribution of vaping devices and e-cigarettes. This law expands an existing smoking ban and applies to all public spaces, including beaches and parks, which are popular destinations for cruise ship excursions.
While vaping is permitted on cruise ships docked in Mexican ports, bringing these devices ashore is considered illegal. Violators could face fines up to $12,500 or even imprisonment for up to eight years. Cruise guests are advised to leave their vaping devices onboard to avoid legal complications during their travels.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon 5 Construction Begins
Royal Caribbean has officially begun construction on its fifth Icon-class ship, known as Icon 5, with the first steel cut at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on January 19, 2026. This milestone event was attended by officials from Royal Caribbean and the shipyard, marking the start of hull construction for the new vessel.
Icon 5 will join the ranks of other Icon-class ships, including Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas. The ship is expected to weigh 248,663 gross tons and accommodate 5,610 guests. The keel laying ceremony, a significant next step in the construction process, is anticipated to take place approximately one year after the steel cutting. Icon 5 is scheduled for delivery in summer 2028.
Community Opposition to New Tampa Cruise Terminal
In Tampa, Florida, local residents are voicing their concerns over a proposed new cruise terminal that would allow larger ships to operate from the Gulf Coast port. A petition on Change.org has garnered around 6,000 signatures, urging city officials to halt the development plans. The proposed terminal would be situated on 328 acres adjacent to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which currently limits the size of ships able to access Port Tampa Bay.
Port Tampa Bay Welcomes PLRS Crane to Improve and Expand Capabilities
Residents fear that the new terminal could disrupt the local ecosystem, increase traffic congestion, and alter the character of the Tampa area. While no formal plans have been approved, the community remains vigilant in opposing the project.
