Cruise News Updates for Feb 15

Editorial Summary

Jason from Travel Scouts provides several updates regarding the cruise industry, including changes to booking procedures, island expansions, environmental concerns, and recent medical evacuations. Norwegian Cruise Line has implemented a new policy allowing certain passengers to pre-book entertainment. Platinum loyalty members and suite guests can book 26 days before sailing, while all other guests can book 21 days in advance. Royal Caribbean is expanding its private island, Coco Cay, by adding Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area designed to increase the island's capacity to 13,000 guests. Regarding environmental issues, the report notes that Sargassum seaweed is arriving earlier than usual in the Mexican Caribbean, appearing in places like Cancun and Cozumel this month instead of the typical April arrival. Finally, the video covers two recent medical evacuations involving passengers in the waters near the Dominican Republic. An 18-year-old male from Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas and a 79-year-old male from Celebrity Edge both experienced abdominal medical emergencies. Both individuals were evacuated via hoist system by a U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and transported to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for hospital care.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.