Prefer listening instead of reading? Enjoy the full episode of The Cruise Therapy Podcast, hosted by G-Free, your Cruise Therapist.
Cruise and travel news is bringing us a serious incident aboard Carnival Glory, Disney Cruise Line’s fastest planned fleet expansion, the cancellation of Norwegian Sky’s farewell voyage, a major career change for Captain Kate McCue, and shifting fortunes at Disney and Universal theme parks.
In this edition of Your Daily Boarding Call, we are unpacking the latest headlines without charging an overweight baggage fee—or asking why you are carrying all that bottled water onboard when you could have ordered it for your cabin.
This is a safe space. We do not judge.
Grab your favorite libation, your passport, and your emotional-support luggage. Let’s get caught up.
This blog post is adapted from the original Cruise Therapy Podcast transcript.
Passenger Arrested Following an Alleged Incident Aboard Carnival Glory
We begin with a serious story involving a passenger aboard Carnival Glory.
Authorities arrested a 44-year-old man following an alleged incident involving two children aboard the ship.
According to a probable-cause affidavit referenced in published reports cited by the transcript, the children were playing tag in a hallway when the passenger allegedly stopped and struck them.
One child was reportedly hit in the face and suffered a bloody lip and head pain. A second child was allegedly struck in the stomach and reported pain.
The incident was reportedly captured by the ship’s security cameras.
Authorities said the passenger claimed he could not remember what happened because he had been heavily intoxicated. He was charged with two counts of child abuse and pleaded not guilty.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Important details remain limited, including the children’s ages and whether they knew the passenger. Because minors are involved, speculation would be inappropriate.
We hope the children are doing well and receiving the care and support they need.
Alcohol Does Not Excuse Dangerous Behavior
Cruise passengers remain responsible for their conduct, regardless of whether alcohol is involved.
Ship security cameras, crew members, and law enforcement do not take a vacation simply because everyone else has a drink package.
Passengers should immediately report threatening or unsafe behavior to:
- Ship security
- Guest Services
- A nearby crew member
- The onboard medical center, when necessary
- Local authorities, when directed by the cruise line
Parents and guardians should also remind children to remain aware of their surroundings and seek help from a crew member if they feel unsafe.
Disney Cruise Line Plans to Debut Three Ships in 2029
After that difficult report, let’s move to brighter cruise news.
Disney Cruise Line is preparing to do something it has never done before: introduce three ships in a single year.
According to the transcript, Disney expects three vessels to arrive in 2029:
- A Japan-based Wish-class ship operated through Disney’s partnership with Oriental Land Company
- The first ship from Disney’s new smaller class
- A second ship from that smaller class
All three are currently expected to debut during the same year.
Disney fans everywhere are already calculating how many cruises they can book without the rest of the household noticing.
Disney’s Fastest Single-Year Fleet Expansion
The Japanese vessel is expected to be registered and based in Japan.
Disney has not yet released all deployment details for the two smaller ships. Their reduced size could allow them to visit ports that cannot easily accommodate Disney’s largest vessels.
That could potentially bring Disney cruising to:
- Smaller European ports
- Regional destinations with limited berth capacity
- New embarkation cities
- More culturally immersive itineraries
- Travelers who prefer smaller ships
Disney’s larger shipbuilding program is expected to grow the fleet to 13 ships by 2031.
Three ships in one year?
Disney apparently asked, “Why release the magic slowly when we can empty everyone’s vacation account at once?”
Somewhere, a small European harbor just heard “When You Wish Upon a Star” playing in the distance.
Norwegian Cancels Norwegian Sky’s Farewell Voyage
Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled Norwegian Sky’s planned 19-night farewell voyage.
The cruise was scheduled to travel through:
- Greece
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Saudi Arabia
- The Suez Canal
- The Red Sea
- Muscat, Oman
Norwegian said ongoing regional security uncertainty meant the company no longer felt confident it could deliver the safe and reliable experience guests expected.
The decision is especially disappointing for travelers who booked the voyage as their final opportunity to sail aboard Norwegian Sky before the ship leaves the fleet.
Compensation for Affected Guests
According to the transcript, affected passengers will receive:
- A full monetary refund
- A 50% future cruise credit
- A previously issued 15% credit connected to earlier itinerary changes
Safety must come first, but travelers should review every connected reservation immediately.
That includes:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Airport transportation
- Cruise-port transfers
- Independent excursions
- Visa arrangements
- Travel insurance
- Prepaid tours
- Nonrefundable add-ons
A cruise cancellation does not automatically cancel the rest of the vacation.
Your ship may have left the itinerary, but that nonrefundable hotel room could still be sitting there with the lights on, waiting for you.
Captain Kate McCue Steps Away to Prioritize Family
Captain Kate McCue has announced that she is leaving her position with Four Seasons Yachts to focus on her family.
Captain Kate became the first American woman to command a major cruise ship in 2015 and later became widely recognized through her years with Celebrity Cruises.
In 2025, she joined Four Seasons Yachts as an inaugural captain for Four Seasons I, which entered service earlier this year, according to the transcript.
Choosing a Different Course
Captain Kate said her family needs more of her time and attention.
Her father recently underwent major surgery, and she also lost her mother shortly afterward.
This is not a story about scandal or controversy. It is a deeply personal decision to choose family.
Even the person steering a luxury yacht sometimes needs to change course.
Captain Kate intends to keep her captain’s license active and has indicated that she may still enjoy future sailings as a guest.
A Lasting Maritime Legacy
Captain Kate has:
- Inspired women around the world
- Increased visibility for women on ship bridges
- Encouraged young people to consider maritime careers
- Made cruise-ship leadership feel more accessible
- Built a strong connection with passengers and cruise fans
Her influence extends beyond any one cruise line or ship.
We wish Captain Kate and her family calm seas and meaningful time together.
Disney Theme Parks Grow While Universal Reports Softer Profits
Now, let’s move from ships to theme parks.
Disney reported that attendance at its domestic parks increased 3% during its latest quarter.
Walt Disney World reportedly saw particularly strong attendance from domestic visitors and annual passholders.
According to the transcript, Disney’s domestic parks and cruise business generated approximately $7 billion in revenue during the quarter ending in June, representing an 11% increase from the same period the previous year.
Meanwhile, Universal theme parks reportedly experienced a 5% decline in profit.
Universal’s parent company pointed to factors such as:
- Higher fuel costs
- More expensive airfare
- Softer Orlando travel demand
- Pressure on broader travel spending
Epic Universe was reportedly still performing well, but Universal’s wider theme-park operations felt pressure.
What This Could Mean for Travelers
Strong Disney attendance does not necessarily mean every family is spending freely.
Some travelers may be:
- Shortening vacations
- Staying off-property
- Visiting fewer parks
- Using annual passes more strategically
- Bringing more food and supplies
- Choosing fewer premium experiences
Softer demand at Universal could eventually lead to:
- Select promotions
- Hotel discounts
- Ticket packages
- Dining offers
- Better values during slower periods
But do not assume the parks will be empty.
Attendance may be softer, but that does not mean you and Harry Potter will be riding alone.
What to Do When a Cruise Is Canceled
When a cruise is canceled, work through your reservations in order of urgency.
Travelers using a travel advisor may receive help coordinating this process. Everyone else should begin immediately.
Step 1: Save the Cruise-Line Notice
Keep copies of:
- The official cancellation email
- Refund details
- Future cruise credit terms
- Rebooking offers
- Compensation information
- Applicable deadlines
Step 2: Review Connected Reservations
Contact:
- The airline
- The hotel
- Transportation providers
- Independent excursion operators
- Tour companies
- Visa-processing services
- Parking facilities
- Pet-care providers
Ask whether they offer:
- Full refunds
- Partial refunds
- Credits
- Date changes
- Cancellation waivers
- Exceptions related to the cruise cancellation
Step 3: Contact Travel Insurance Before Canceling
Speak with the insurance provider before canceling anything that may qualify for reimbursement.
Canceling first could affect the documentation or eligibility required for a claim.
Step 4: Track Every Refund Separately
Cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and tour operators may process refunds on different schedules.
Create a simple list containing:
- Provider name
- Amount paid
- Cancellation date
- Refund amount
- Expected processing time
- Confirmation number
- Current status
Keep every email, receipt, screenshot, and cancellation confirmation until all money and credits have been received.
Key Takeaways
- A passenger aboard Carnival Glory was arrested following an alleged incident involving two children.
- The passenger pleaded not guilty, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
- The incident was reportedly captured by ship-security cameras.
- Alcohol does not excuse dangerous or unlawful behavior.
- Disney Cruise Line expects to debut three ships in 2029.
- The planned expansion includes a Japan-based Wish-class ship and two smaller vessels.
- Disney’s smaller ships may be able to visit ports that cannot accommodate its largest vessels.
- Disney’s fleet could grow to 13 ships by 2031.
- Norwegian canceled Norwegian Sky’s planned farewell voyage because of regional security concerns.
- Affected travelers are expected to receive refunds and future cruise credits.
- Passengers should review flights, hotels, transfers, excursions, and insurance after a cruise cancellation.
- Captain Kate McCue is stepping away from Four Seasons Yachts to prioritize her family.
- Captain Kate plans to keep her captain’s license active.
- Disney reported stronger domestic park attendance and business revenue.
- Universal reported softer theme-park profits.
- Travelers should not assume one cruise cancellation automatically cancels every connected reservation.
Join the Conversation
Which of Disney’s three expected 2029 ships interests you most?
How would you feel if a long-awaited farewell cruise were canceled?
What do you think about Captain Kate choosing family over remaining at the helm?
And could softer demand from Universal influence when you plan your next Orlando vacation?
Share your answers in the comments or join the conversation in the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group on Facebook.
Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?
Whether you are dreaming of a Disney cruise, an Orlando theme-park vacation, a smaller-ship adventure, or a future sailing with flexible travel protection, Atlanta Travel Associates can help you compare itineraries, accommodations, transportation, and insurance options.
Complete the Guest Information Form to begin planning:
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Again, I’m GFree, your Cruise Therapist.
Until our next therapy session, keep calm, keep cruising, and keep listening.
And I’ll SEA you aboard MSC World America near Cliffhanger. No, I am not getting on that ride. I am only there for the piña coladas and the screams. What are you ordering? BYE!
