Bus Carrying Cruise Passengers Bursts Into Flames on I-95

Editorial Summary

Doug Parker reports on several significant developments within the cruise industry. A bus transporting approximately 50 passengers returning from an MSC sailing caught fire on I-95 in Darien, Connecticut, during winter storm Fern. Video footage shows flames engulfing the motor coach, which necessitated an evacuation and a highway shutdown. Local officials reported that several people were treated for minor injuries at area hospitals or at the scene, though no fatalities occurred. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. In separate news, Norwegian Cruise Line has implemented an immediate change to its air travel program. Passengers booking through NCL Air are now required to arrive at their cruise port at least one day before sailing. This policy aims to mitigate the risk of passengers missing departures due to weather or flight delays. Additionally, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 completed its first transit of the Panama Canal during a 108 night world voyage. This milestone occurred as the ship utilized the canal's newest locks. The ocean liner is scheduled to visit Mexico and Los Angeles next. Finally, the report notes mixed performance for cruise stocks, with Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, and Viking seeing gains while Norwegian saw a slight decline.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.