Latest news with #ComeCruiseWithMe
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Carnival Cruise Line passengers arrested for drug smuggling
Carnival Cruise Line passengers arrested for drug smuggling originally appeared on TravelHost. No matter where you're traveling on a cruise, it's essential to read up both on local laws in your cruise ports of call and your cruise line's rules and restrictions. Even though marijuana is legal in some states and parts of the world, cruise lines sailing from the U.S. like Carnival follow U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits possession of marijuana and other illegal substances. This means that marijuana, cannabis, and cannabis derivatives such as Cannabidiol (CBD) products used for medicinal purposes are prohibited on board cruise some ports that Carnival and other cruise lines visit, these substances are illegal, too, and attempting to bring them into certain cruise destinations can come with severe penalties. A group of passengers who recently sailed on one Carnival Cruise Line ship are now learning exactly how harsh those penalties can be after they were found in possession of multiple packages containing drugs. Authorities believe they intended to smuggle those drugs into the cruise police arrest four Carnival cruise passengers for drugs Four Carnival Cruise Line passengers have been arrested and detained by authorities in Bermuda after they were found in possession of illegal drugs on board a ship sailing a Bermuda cruise from the U.S. The passengers are accused of trying to smuggle drugs onto the island. 'Four U.S. cruise ship passengers were arrested upon arrival in Bermuda after Carnival Cruise Lines security detained them for possession of a significant quantity of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, believed intended for distribution on the island,' Bermuda Police Service said in a July 22 seized from the Carnival cruise passengers included: Multiple compressed cannabis packages One package containing carfentanyl Vape pens Suspected THC gummies 'Carfentanyl is about 100 times stronger than fentanyl and was originally used to sedate large animals like elephants. Even tiny amounts can be deadly. This seizure may have prevented a potential tragedy,' Acting Detective Superintendent Derricka Burns said in a statement. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Cruise passengers face harsh drug penalties in Bermuda The Bermuda Police Service works with cruise lines and other partners to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country and enforce its strict local drug laws. The U.S. State Department cautions cruise travelers about this in the Bermuda international travel information it provides on its website. 'Bermuda Customs routinely boards visiting cruise ships with drug sniffing dogs and will arrest persons found to have any illegal drugs in their cabin. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bermuda are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and/or heavy fines. Having a prescription for marijuana or any other drug currently illegal in Bermuda will not protect you from arrest or prosecution for possession of that illegal drug,' the State Department this year, a Royal Caribbean passenger was fined $2,500 for bringing cannabis and cocaine into Bermuda. In that case, the passenger did not realize cannabis was illegal in Bermuda and mistakenly brought it in for personal use. She likely would have faced harsher penalties had she not been cooperative and immediately admitted the offense. Along with issuing her a hefty fine, the judge delivered a stern warning to always do your research when traveling to another country. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Carnival Cruise Line adds rare sailing to iconic destination
Carnival Cruise Line adds rare sailing to iconic destination originally appeared on TravelHost. Apart from private cruise line destinations, most major cruise lines visit many of the same ports of call. Ports like Nassau in The Bahamas, Cozumel, Mexico in the western Caribbean, and Juneau in Alaska are staples of cruise lines' itineraries in those regions. Some cruise lines offer their passengers unique opportunities to explore deeper in certain parts of the world with one-off voyages that call to lesser-visited ports, Cruise Line does this with its Carnival Journeys program, a popular series of longer-length cruises that visit exotic ports of call. As part of that program, Carnival just revealed that it will offer one special journey in spring 2027 that will visit a famous Pacific coast destination that's rarely featured on cruise itineraries. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Carnival Cruise Line offers cruise to Acapulco, Mexico in 2027 As Carnival Legend repositions from Tampa, Florida to Seattle to spend summer 2027 sailing cruises to Alaska, the ship will sail a unique Carnival Journeys voyage that will take Carnival passengers to Acapulco, Mexico for the first time since 2010. Known for its gorgeous golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and vibrant culture, Acapulco was once a premier vacation destination in Mexico. In recent years, the city has seen a major tourism decline due to high crime rates and devastating hurricanes. Although it's making a comeback as a tourist destination, Acapulco isn't a staple of Mexican Riviera cruise itineraries like Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada to its north. Norwegian Cruise Line and its luxurious sister cruise lines Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are the only major cruise lines that offer itineraries that visit Acapulco in 2025 and 2026. Small-ship cruise line Azamara Cruises also offers sailings to Acapulco in December 2026 and April 2027. Carnival's 16-day Panama Canal Journeys cruise to Acapulco departs April 4, 2027, and also features stops in sought-after Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia, along with Cabo San Lucas, Mexico as well as a full transit of the Panama Canal. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Carnival offers strong lineup of cruises to Alaska, Mexican Riviera After completing its Panama Canal cruise, Carnival Legend will sail an extensive Alaska season offering 22 week-long voyages in 2027. These sailings feature visits to popular Alaska ports, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Carnival will continue to sail three ships in Alaska during the 2027 season. Carnival Spirit will join Carnival Legend in sailing seven-day cruises from Seattle while Carnival Luminosa will sail 10-day cruises from San Francisco visiting Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Prince addition to its Alaska cruises, Carnival Luminosa will sail several Baja Mexico cruises from San Francisco, including four-day extended-weekend sailings to Ensenada departing on Thursday and returning on Monday. Vacationers who want more Mexico cruises from the West Coast can also choose from a full schedule of mostly six- and eight-day Mexican Riviera cruise itineraries from Long Beach, California with Carnival Panaroma's newly released 2027 – 2028 season. Carnival Panorama sails Mexican Riveira cruises year-round from Long Beach, offering opportunities to visit popular ports including Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean passengers urge cruisers to pack key travel kit
Royal Caribbean passengers urge cruisers to pack key travel kit originally appeared on TravelHost. There's an abundance of advice online about what to pack for your first cruise, and while some of these lists can be helpful, others can lead you to pack more than you really need. Some first-time cruisers overpack because they listened to social media influencers who recommended certain cruise 'essentials' for the sole purpose of earning a commission from Amazon. Other people overpack simply because that's how they frequent cruisers advise against overpacking, however, because packing light for a cruise makes the overall experience better — from simplifying the embarkation and disembarkation process to leaving more room in your small cruise ship cabin. But while packing light for a cruise is generally recommended, there are certain travel essentials that could be worth overpacking. A recent discussion in the Royal Caribbean community on Reddit revealed that many experienced cruisers have learned that it pays to overpack when it comes to a key type of travel kit. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Royal Caribbean cruisers say pack a well-stocked cruise medicine kit When one first-time cruiser reached out to the Royal Caribbean community for advice on often overlooked things to bring on a cruise, passengers delivered. Hundreds of experienced cruisers shared one or two things they didn't realize they should have packed until they needed it on board. The essentials most Royal Caribbean passengers wished they had packed? Over-the-counter medicines. 'Any OTC meds you could possibly need. We bring ibuprofen, DayQuil, NyQuil, Pepto, Imodium, and Prilosec. Do I need them? Not often but it's great to have them when I do. My friends laugh but when they need something, they know who to ask,' Top_Turnip4781 cruiser went on to explain that they started packing their well-stocked cruise medicine kit after being forced to pay a premium when they needed cold medicines during a cruise. 'We started this after my husband got a cold on a ship,' Top_Turnip4781 explained. 'He's a big baby when he's sick so he needed cough medicine, cold medicine and cough drops. We were docked in St. Maarten. It was $47!' Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Over-the-counter medicine is expensive on a cruise ship On most cruise ships, the onboard gift shop stocks a limited selection of toiletries and over-the-counter medicines, and each item is sold at a significant markup. Most Royal Caribbean ships also have a vending machine on board that dispenses health essentials. 'You will spend less on all of it at Walmart than for one item on the ship,' spidernole pointed out in the thread about over-the-counter medicines. Some cruise line's onboard shops carry more medicines than others. If you need something that's not available in the gift shop or health vending machine, like medications for most stomach issues, you'll have to go to the ship's medical center, which charges even higher prices.'Last place you want to find yourself is ship medical for some OTC meds. Highway robbery prices,' JazzBassMan agreed. One passenger reported that they recently spent $250 at a Royal Caribbean cruise ship medical center for Phillips' milk of magnesia for cruise constipation relief. So, even if you're the type of cruiser who aims to pack as light as possible, you may find that overpacking is wise when it comes to putting together a cruise medicine kit. In addition to stocking your cruise medicine bag with pain relievers and first aid items, digestive aids, allergy medications, and seasickness remedies, don't forget to include sunscreen and aloe.(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Cruise lines, Las Vegas Strip gamblers get good IRS news
Generally, any interaction with the Internal Revenue Service means something bad has happened. The agency never sends you a letter saying "thanks for paying your taxes," and it rarely has an IRS agent check in on a business owner to see how his vacation was. More often, when an IRS letter shows up in your mailbox, it's a heart-stopping moment. At its best, dealing with the agency is a hassle. Filing your taxes takes some effort and the IRS has endless power to question your deductions, income and anything else. Casino gamblers, however, have a special beef with the IRS. Gambling wins are treated as income. As a practical matter, however, most people do not track their small wins and losses. Players who use loyalty cards to track their play can get a win/loss statement at year's end and they can deduct their losses from any wins. The biggest complaint, however, comes as a result of what gamblers call a hand pay, a win of $1,200 or more on a slot machine. When that happens, the machine you are playing freezes and you have to wait for an attendant. That can often take a long time as casinos - whether you're on the Las Vegas Strip, in a regional casino, or on a cruise ship that sails from a U.S. port - don't seem to have personnel scouring the floor for the light that goes on. It's a frustrating process: You have to sit at your machine to wait for an attendant who collects your driver's license and then brings you a W-2G, the IRS form that tells the agency about your win and forces you to report the winnings. If you're lucky enough to hit multiple hand pays on the same day (or on the same cruise), the process happens a little faster the second time, but the process makes scoring a big win frustrating. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Many casino gamblers, both on land and at sea, complain about the process specifically because the $1,200 limit has been in place since 1977. That's 46 years with no increases, which puts that number well out of whack with inflation. Casinos don't like this rule because they have to devote labor to completing the forms. Players don't like it because they have to stay at their machines but can't play, hoping to get the attention of a casino worker, All land-based casinos follow the rules, while nearly every cruise line sailing from U.S. ports does. MSC Cruises, a growing rival to Royal Caribbean and Carnival, does not opt into the program. In theory, any casino wins on an MSC ship are still taxable, but in practice it seems unlikely that anyone would report their winnings without a W2G being filed. The IRS Advisory Council, however, has recommended that the W2G threshold increase to $5,800. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel appeared to back such a move during a recent appearance in Congress. "I think it's very valuable when we get input from the taxpaying community and our Advisory Council on when thresholds may be out of date," Werfel said, according to "The determination of something like that is of regulatory nature and therefore the decision rests with the Treasury's Office." The change has been championed by U.S. Reps. Dina Titus (D-Nevada) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pennsylvania). They note that the purchasing power of $1,200 today equals $6.200. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. "Because the threshold has not kept up with inflation, it has resulted in a drastic increase in reportable jackpots, which trigger tax burdens for winners and compliance burdens for casinos," explained Reschenthaler. "Increasing the threshold will eliminate this onerous red tape, ensuring the gaming industry can continue to support good-paying jobs, and foster economic growth in Pennsylvania and across the country." Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Carnival Cruise Line shares serious weather warning
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and that six month period means that any plans you make to cruise may change. Every cruise line puts the safety of its passengers, crew, and ships ahead of all other concerns. That can mean changed itineraries, delayed cruises, and sometimes ships that get stuck at sea. Related: Carnival Cruise Line sailings disrupted by Hurricane Flossie In many cases, passengers may not even know what's happening. The captain may sail a different route to avoid weather, but still make the same stops. There are, of course, also times where the changes are more drastic. Ports may be skipped or itineraries could get shuffled around. In rare cases, there can be major changes like a New York Caribbean sailing moving to a Canada itinerary. Last year, port closures in Tampa and at Port Canaveral forced multiple ships to spend extra days at sea. That's not convenient for people flying home the day after their cruise, but the cruise lines don't control the ports, and would likely reach the same decision to close even if they did. Every cruise contract makes it clear that itineraries can change. When that happens, port fees and cruise line excursions are refunded, but cruisers are not entitled to any additional compensation. When cruise dates change, cruise lines generally work with passengers to get flights rebooked and figure out how to get people home. In the end, however, safety comes first and Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald talked in a recent video about how his company handles bad weather. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Heald, it should be noted, is a messenger. He didn't make the decision to change your itinerary or cancel your cruise. He's also not the person who decides on compensation when something as extreme as a cancellation happens. He will, however, relay your concerns to "The Beards," his term for Carnival management. Heald also shares lots of information as he did in a July 1 video. "In all seriousness, we have to talk about the weather because I want to keep you updated. And even though this may not be affecting you directly, I do want you to know these things because I think it's important that during storm season, we do highlight the incredible work of the Fleet Operations Center and the fact that we have spent millions and millions of dollars and continue to invest in this center," he shared. Heald noted that the operations center looks like CTU in the old television show "24." "There are screens. And anyway, it's something that is in direct contact with all of the ships, the latest information and 24 hours manned by wonderful ladies and gentlemen. And they've been working very hard and they confer and they talk to the captains continuously," he added. Currently, there are multiple situations the cruise line is monitoring. "Now we have over on the west coast, I'm pointing over there, over there is London. Anyway, across the west coast at Long Beach, we have a couple of ships that have been affected with that," he added. He started by talking about the Carnival Panorama. "I mentioned that Flossie, the very inappropriately named tropical storm, which could strengthen to a hurricane, the Fleet Operations Center said in their latest report, they have informed the captain that they would advise that the captain leaves after the first day in Cabo. So they'll have a full and extended day in Cabo San Lucas, but they won't be there for the second planned day because that will be some very adverse weather coming in on the bands of tropical storm Flossie. So they will have that day at sea," he added. He also noted that another West Coast cruise was being impacted. "Now also on the west coast, we have Flossie affecting Carnival Firenze and they also were supposed to go to Cabo. So instead, they will stay away, keep the ship safe, keep everybody safe, and we'll have two days in Ensenada," he added. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. When a change in itinerary happens, some passengers will take out their anger on the crew, Heald has always asked them to express their anger to him, no crew members who have no role in the decision "The crew, as always, will give everybody the most wonderful, wonderful time," he added. Heald also understands that people will be upset when their long-made plans change. "So, it's great to see that as always, there's going to be disappointment when we have to change an itinerary, but I'm sure, I'm sure, he says with eyes closed and fingers crossed, there won't be a single glitter-knicker who is screaming at the guest services desk for compensation, etc., he shared. The Brand Ambassador stressed that changes aren't made to keep people on the ships so that Carnival can make more money (a common charge). "It's all about keeping you safe, keeping the fun going, and that is what is happening," he added. "But anyway, my point of that was that we do have the Fleet Operations Center and it is keeping every ship safe from Australia across North America into Europe, wherever we are, this Fleet Operations Center are there to make sure that we have all the information that the captains and the crew need. So stay safe, have a wonderful time, and the crew, as always, are going to make sure that that happens," he shared. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
