Cruise Ship Nearly Collides With Boat in Florida Port

Editorial Summary

Doug Parker reports on several developments within the cruise industry for August 20. In Tampa Bay, a disabled pontoon boat drifted into a shipping channel, creating a near collision with the Margaritaville Islander. Deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit performed an emergency tow to rescue six adults after a line became wrapped around the boat's propeller. No injuries were reported during the incident. Regarding company policies, Carnival Cruise Line clarified that guests are not eligible for refunds if they choose to skip a sailing due to a hurricane, unless the cruise line itself cancels the trip. The company noted that itinerary changes are permitted under its ticket contract. In ship upgrades, Royal Caribbean announced that Ovation of the Seas will receive forty new staterooms during its next dry dock as part of the Royal Amplified program. These renovations will replace certain public areas with new cabins, a larger casino, a nightclub, and a Starbucks. Similar refits are planned for Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Finally, the report covers mixed performance in cruise industry stocks, noting fluctuations for Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Viking.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.