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Cruise News: Norwegian Aqua’s Grand Debut and a Carnival Jubilee Brawl in Galveston

Norwegian Aqua Makes a Splash at Port Canaveral

A Festive Arrival and Star-Studded Christening: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) celebrated the debut of its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, at Port Canaveral, Florida, over the weekend​. The 156,000-ton vessel sailed into port on Saturday, April 26, 2025, greeted by great fanfare and thousands of eager guests ready to board her first 7-night Caribbean voyage​. Approximately 3,700 passengers embarked on the maiden sailing – marking the start of Aqua’s spring/summer season of round-trip cruises from the Space Coast. NCL President David J. Herrera was on hand to welcome the ship, expressing excitement about the line’s partnership with Port Canaveral. “We are so thrilled to have Norwegian Aqua homeport in Port Canaveral for her inaugural season of Caribbean voyages,” Herrera said​, noting that the ship arrives “just in time for summer” to offer fun-in-the-sun getaways for both thrill-seekers and those looking to relax. Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray echoed the enthusiasm, calling the port “the ideal homeport for this new Prima-Plus class ship” and praising NCL as a valued partner​.

In a break from the traditional “godmother” role, NCL appointed two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet (famous for Modern Family) as the ship’s godparent. Stonestreet took center stage at the Miami christening on April 13, 2025, leading the ritual breaking of a champagne bottle across Aqua’s bow – a maritime tradition for good luck​.

Innovative Amenities and Attractions: Norwegian Aqua is the first of NCL’s Prima Plus class, and NCL highlighted many of the ship’s cutting-edge amenities during its debut. The headline attraction is the Aqua Slidecoaster, billed as the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide at sea. This adrenaline-pumping ride launches guests in raft-like vehicles through a pair of twisting slides that race across three decks before a splashy finish. In the evenings, guests can enjoy Broadway-caliber entertainment, including the immersive “Revolution” Prince tribute show that earned rave reviews during the christening.

Aqua debuts NCL’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant, Sukhothai, serving authentic Southeast Asian cuisine​. There’s also a 10-station Indulge Food Hall that even features the line’s inaugural all-plant-based eatery for vegetarian and vegan fare. With her innovative features and lively onboard atmosphere, Norwegian Aqua is charting a new course for NCL. w.

Brawl on Carnival Jubilee Leads to Dozens Banned in Galveston

Security officers attempt to break up a brawl among passengers in the Galveston cruise terminal after Carnival Jubilee’s return.

Chaos at the Cruise Terminal: What should have been a routine disembarkation turned into a melee in Galveston, Texas this weekend, as a massive brawl erupted among Carnival cruise passengers. The altercation took place on Saturday morning, April 26, 2025, in the baggage claim area of the Port of Galveston’s cruise terminal​. Passengers from the Carnival Jubilee – fresh off a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise that had just returned to port – were collecting their luggage when an argument escalated into violence. Video footage of the incident, shared on social media, shows a crowd of people shoving, punching and even knocking down signposts amid piles of suitcases​. In the chaotic clips, several men can be seen chasing and tackling another man to the ground and throwing kicks and blows, while stunned onlookers (including families with children) look on or record the mayhem​. Uniformed security officers and U.S. Customs officials rushed in to intervene, but the brawl continued even as authorities arrived on the scene. One security guard was forcefully shoved back as he tried to pull apart the fighting passengers It was an ugly end to what had been an enjoyable cruise itinerary visiting Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatán Island just days earlier​.

Carnival Responds with Lifetime Bans: Carnival Cruise Line swiftly condemned the incident and affirmed that such behavior has no place on its ships. “The incident occurred in the debarkation area under the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The matter was turned over to law enforcement,” Carnival said in a statement, adding, “We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list.”​ In other words, two dozen passengers believed to be involved in the fight are now permanently banned from sailing with Carnival. “They can go on another cruise line if they want but are never welcome back with us,” a Carnival representative told Cruise Hive bluntly​. The line confirmed the case has been handed over to law enforcement authorities. Because the brawl took place on shore in the terminal (which is under the jurisdiction of the Port of Galveston and U.S. Customs), local police and federal agents are handling the investigation​. Several participants were detained for questioning, and at least one arrest has been made so far​. According to Galveston authorities, a 21-year-old passenger from Chicago was taken into custody and now faces a serious first-degree felony charge for injuring an elderly person during the fracas​. Court documents suggest the fight may have stemmed from bad blood earlier in the voyage – the arrested guest admitted there had been a confrontation during a basketball game on board the ship a day prior, which reignited in the terminal when the other group crossed paths with him. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported publicly, but the investigation is ongoing and more individuals could potentially face charges as officials review the video evidence.

Outrage and Eyewitness Reactions: The onboard Carnival crew and terminal security eventually managed to separate the feuding travelers, restoring order after a chaotic few minutes. Video of the brawl spread quickly online, drawing widespread condemnation from fellow cruisers. “Arrest them all and ban them from cruising on Carnival. Families don’t need to see this behavior from grown adults,” one Carnival fan wrote on Facebook, voicing frustration shared by many​. Others expressed relief that Carnival took decisive action by blacklisting the offenders. The hope among law-abiding passengers is that such incidents remain rare – and that those responsible for this Texas-sized tussle face appropriate consequences. Carnival Cruise Line emphasized that it will not tolerate fights or violence on its vacations. In extreme cases like this, that means lifetime bans and letting law enforcement do the rest. As the Port of Galveston’s police force continues its investigation, the message is clear: a cruise holiday is supposed to be fun and relaxing, and unruly brawls at baggage claim are off the itinerary from here on out.

Video: See Video (Fox News)

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