Tag Archives: Severe Weather Travel

Cruise News, Travel News & Current Events

Cruise News Roundup: Hawaii Storm Changes, Carnival’s Forgotten Shoes & Flames From an American Airlines Engine

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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 brought us a little bit of everything this week: severe weather changing Hawaiian cruise itineraries, Carnival giving forgotten shoes a second life, and a frightening bird strike that sent an American Airlines flight safely back to the airport after flames were seen coming from an engine.

In this edition of Your Daily Boarding Call, we’re unpacking the headlines without charging you an overweight baggage fee.

Although after today’s Carnival story, you may want to make sure your shoes actually made it into the suitcase.

So grab your coffee, grab your boarding pass, and apparently…count your shoes.

It’s time for the Boarding Call.

This article is adapted from the original Cruise Therapy Podcast transcript for Friday, August 14, 2026.

Tropical Storm Forces Norwegian Cruise Line to Change Two Hawaii Sailings

Mother Nature has rewritten another cruise itinerary.

According to the original episode, a tropical storm approaching Hawaii forced Norwegian Cruise Line to change two sailings involving two ships: Pride of America and Norwegian Spirit.

Pride of America Returns to Honolulu Early

Pride of America, which operates year-round Hawaiian cruises from Honolulu, headed back to Honolulu earlier than originally planned.

Norwegian Spirit Cancels Two Hawaiian Ports

Meanwhile, Norwegian Spirit canceled its final two Hawaii port calls and also headed toward Honolulu early.

The changes came as the storm was strengthening and threatening portions of Hawaii with potentially dangerous conditions, including:

  • Strong winds
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Flooding
  • Dangerous surf
  • Changing port conditions

Missing a port is disappointing, especially when you have been dreaming about that stop for months.

You may have booked an excursion.

You may have researched the perfect beach.

You may already know where your first Mai Tai is supposed to come from.

But this is exactly why cruise itineraries are never guaranteed.

The captain is not sitting on the bridge thinking:

“You know what would be fun today? Disappointing 3,000 people.”

When severe weather starts knocking on the door, the correct response is:

We’re going the other way.

And that is exactly what you want the people responsible for your safety to do.

Mother Nature does not accept reservations.

Severe weather can force cruise lines to adjust ports and schedules quickly in the interest of passenger and crew safety. (AI-Generated Image)

Carnival Has a New Plan for All Those Shoes Guests Leave Behind

Now, from storm trackers to sneaker trackers.

Carnival Cruise Line apparently has one question:

Why do y’all keep leaving your shoes on the ship?

Carnival has partnered with Sneaker Impact, an organization that collects used footwear for reuse and recycling.

Under the program, Sneaker Impact can collect unclaimed shoes left aboard Carnival ships and send them to its facility in Miami instead of simply discarding them.

Guests and crew members may also donate footwear.

And I actually love this idea.

Because somewhere, somebody gets home from their cruise, opens the suitcase, looks around the bedroom, and suddenly yells:

“WHERE ARE MY CROCS?!”

Baby…

Your Crocs may have moved on.

They found purpose.

They’re healing.

Let them go.

Turning Lost-and-Found Into Something Useful

Jokes aside, the partnership provides another potential destination for shoes that might otherwise end up in a landfill.

It also gives guests and crew an opportunity to intentionally donate footwear they no longer need.

So before you leave your cabin on debarkation morning:

  • Check the safe.
  • Check the bathroom.
  • Look under the bed.
  • Check the closet.
  • Check behind the curtains.
  • And please…

Check your feet.

Carnival is partnering with Sneaker Impact to give eligible unclaimed and donated footwear another life. (AI-Generated image)

American Airlines Flight Returns Safely After Bird Strike

Now let’s head from the cruise terminal to the airport.

This next story sounds frightening—and it was certainly dramatic—but the most important part is that everyone landed safely.

According to the episode, American Airlines Flight 1760 departed Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina for Charlotte, North Carolina.

Shortly after takeoff, the Boeing 737-800 reportedly encountered birds.

Video captured by passengers and people on the ground showed bursts of flames coming from the aircraft’s left engine.

The pilots declared an emergency and returned to Myrtle Beach.

The Most Important Detail: The Plane Landed Safely

The aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported.

American Airlines then took the plane out of service for inspection, while passengers were moved to another aircraft to continue their journey to Charlotte.

Now imagine looking out the airplane window and seeing flames.

I do not care how calm the flight attendants look.

Internally, I am already holding a full emergency church service in seat 17A.

“Lord, remember when I said I was going to stop ordering shoes online? TODAY IS THE DAY!”

But incidents like this also demonstrate why pilots and cabin crews train repeatedly for emergencies.

The pilots:

  • Recognized the problem
  • Declared an emergency
  • Returned to the airport
  • Landed safely

That is the part of the story worth remembering.

An American Airlines flight returned safely to Myrtle Beach after a reported bird strike shortly after takeoff. (AI-Generated Image)

🌴 Travel Tip of the Day: Severe Weather Can Rewrite Your Cruise

Today’s Hawaii story offers a travel lesson every cruiser should remember:

Do not rely solely on the itinerary you printed months before departure.

When severe weather threatens a cruise destination, plans can change quickly.

Ports may change.

Arrival and departure times may change.

Excursions may change.

Sometimes an entire itinerary may need adjustment.

Before and during your cruise, regularly check:

  • Your cruise line’s mobile app
  • Email notifications
  • Text alerts
  • Official cruise-line announcements
  • Communications from your travel advisor

Independent Excursions Require Extra Attention

If you booked an excursion independently rather than through the cruise line, understand the company’s cancellation and refund policy before you leave home.

Ask what happens if:

  • The cruise ship skips the port
  • Your arrival time changes
  • The ship arrives too late for the excursion
  • Severe weather cancels the activity
  • Your itinerary is completely rerouted

And always pack flexibility.

It does not weigh anything, so TSA cannot charge you for it.

⚓ Key Takeaways

  • Severe weather approaching Hawaii prompted itinerary changes involving Pride of America and Norwegian Spirit.
  • Pride of America returned toward Honolulu earlier than originally planned.
  • Norwegian Spirit canceled its final two Hawaiian port calls.
  • Cruise itineraries can change when weather or port conditions make the original schedule unsafe.
  • Carnival Cruise Line has partnered with Sneaker Impact.
  • Eligible unclaimed shoes left aboard Carnival ships may be collected for reuse or recycling instead of being discarded.
  • Guests and crew can also donate footwear.
  • American Airlines Flight 1760 encountered a reported bird strike after departing Myrtle Beach for Charlotte.
  • Video showed flames coming from an engine.
  • The pilots declared an emergency and safely returned to Myrtle Beach.
  • No injuries were reported.
  • The aircraft was removed from service for inspection.
  • Travelers should monitor official cruise-line communications whenever severe weather threatens an itinerary.
  • Review independent shore-excursion cancellation policies before departure.
  • Flexibility may be one of the most valuable things you pack.

💬 Join the Conversation

Which story grabbed your attention?

Would you be disappointed if your Hawaiian cruise skipped two ports because of a tropical storm—or would you say:

“Captain, take me wherever it’s safe!”

Have you ever returned home from vacation and realized you left something behind?

Shoes?

A charger?

Sunglasses?

Your dignity after karaoke night?

And finally…

If you looked out an airplane window and saw flames coming from the engine, could you stay calm?

Because I already know my answer.

I may look calm on the outside, but internally?

Full emergency church service in seat 17A.

Drop your answers in the comments. I would love to hear your thoughts.

🚢 Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?

Weather changes, missed ports, flight disruptions, and unexpected surprises are part of why having someone help coordinate your vacation can be valuable.

Atlanta Travel Associates can help with:

  • Cruise vacations
  • Pre- and post-cruise hotels
  • Flights
  • Transportation
  • Shore excursions
  • Travel protection
  • Resort vacations
  • Group travel

Ready to start planning?

Complete our Guest Information Form:

Follow the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group on Facebook for more cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, and, of course, a little Cruise Therapy.

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 the Carnival Celebration over at Fahrenheit 555 for dinner.

Order me the prime rib.

Now the important question is…

What are YOU having?

Because if somebody says they’re ordering a salad, crewmates and cruise addicts…

We may need another therapy session. 🚢😂

Cruise News, Travel News & Current Events

Cruise News Roundup: Shattered Glass on Legend of the Seas, MSC False Alarm, Carnival Festival Progress and 737 MAX Inspections

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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 shattered glass aboard a brand-new Royal Caribbean ship, a frightening overboard alert that thankfully ended well, another construction update on Carnival Festival, a typhoon disrupting Spectrum of the Seas, and new FAA inspections involving Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

In this edition of Your Daily Boarding Call, we’re unpacking the latest headlines without charging an overweight baggage fee—or asking why you packed seven bathing suits when we both know you’re probably going to rotate the same two.

This is a safe space. No judgment here.

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.

Shattered Glass Discovered Inside Legend of the Seas’ AquaDome

Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Legend of the Seas has encountered an unexpected issue inside one of its most recognizable spaces.

Guests discovered a shattered glass panel inside the ship’s massive AquaDome.

And remember, crewmates, this ship is only about a month old.

She should still have that new-cruise-ship smell.

Somebody please check the warranty and make sure no one threw away the receipt.

Aquadome – Aquatheater – Deck 15 Forward. Legend of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean Group)

What Is the AquaDome?

The AquaDome sits high at the bow of the Icon-class ship and is made up of hundreds of glass panels surrounding spaces that may include:

  • Restaurants
  • Entertainment venues
  • Panoramic viewing areas
  • The AquaTheater
  • Lounges and gathering spaces

The cause of the damaged panel had not been publicly confirmed in the source material.

  • Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas preview photos Fusion Absolute Zero
  • Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas preview photos Shockwave Aqua Theater
  • Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas preview photos.
  • Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas preview photos Fusion Absolute Zero
  • Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas preview photos Shockwave Aqua Theater

So we are not blaming:

  • A bird
  • Rough weather
  • Somebody leaning against the glass
  • One of the aunties after three margaritas and a tequila shot

We simply do not know yet.

Most importantly, there were no reported injuries connected with the damaged panel.

Crew members can secure an affected section while the glass is inspected and repaired. One broken panel also does not mean the entire AquaDome is structurally compromised.

Still, Legend of the Seas just got here.

She has barely finished unpacking and maintenance already has a service call.

Overboard Alert Aboard MSC Grandiosa Ends With Good News

Now to a story that began frighteningly but ended with relief.

An overboard alert was triggered aboard MSC Grandiosa while the ship was sailing toward Spain.

When a ship receives an overboard alert, the crew must treat it as a genuine emergency.

That can involve:

  • Changing course
  • Beginning search procedures
  • Reviewing surveillance footage
  • Checking onboard systems
  • Accounting for passengers and crew
  • Coordinating with authorities when necessary
MSC Grandiosa in the Port of Rotterdam (Photo Credit: MSC Cruise)

Thankfully, this incident turned out to be a false alarm.

Everyone was reportedly safe.

And “false alarm” may be two of the best words you can hear in cruise news.

Why Cruise Lines Take Every Alert Seriously

Even when an alert turns out to be incorrect, ship crews cannot assume that from the beginning.

Every possible overboard situation must be investigated quickly because time is critical in a real emergency.

For passengers, the best response is to:

  • Follow crew instructions
  • Stay away from restricted search areas
  • Avoid spreading unverified information
  • Wait for official announcements
  • Do not interfere with emergency procedures

Social media speculation can travel faster than the ship itself.

Official communication matters.

MSC Grandiosa, Galleria Grandiosa (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)

Carnival Festival Construction Continues in Germany

Now that everyone is safe, let’s move into something a little more exciting.

Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany has released another behind-the-scenes look at construction progress aboard Carnival Festival.

The ship is scheduled to enter service in May 2027 and will become Carnival Cruise Line’s fourth Excel-class vessel.

She is expected to join:

  • Mardi Gras
  • Carnival Celebration
  • Carnival Jubilee

Eventually, Carnival Festival is expected to call Port Canaveral home.

Building a Cruise Ship Is No Small Project

Construction has already moved through several major stages, including:

  • Engine installation
  • Bridge construction
  • Crew-cabin production
  • Exterior assembly
  • Structural work
  • Systems installation

Building one of these ships is basically the world’s most expensive LEGO project.

Except if there is a piece left over at the end, engineering is absolutely going to have questions.

Cruise fans who enjoy following shipbuilding projects can expect more construction milestones as the vessel moves closer to sea trials and final delivery.

Typhoon Dolphin Delays Spectrum of the Seas

Mother Nature has once again reminded everyone who actually controls the itinerary.

Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas was delayed returning to Shanghai because of Typhoon Dolphin.

The disruption affected the ship’s return schedule and shortened the following cruise.

This is the domino effect of severe weather.

If the current sailing cannot safely return to port on schedule, then:

  • Passengers cannot disembark on time
  • The ship may need additional preparation time
  • New guests may not be able to board as scheduled
  • Ports may need to be removed
  • Shore excursions may change
  • Flights and hotels may be affected

Safety Comes Before the Original Itinerary

Cruise lines adjust operations based on:

  • Weather forecasts
  • Sea conditions
  • Port restrictions
  • Local-government guidance
  • Safety assessments

Nobody wants to lose vacation time.

But ships do not race typhoons because somebody prepaid for a shore excursion.

Safety wins every time.

FAA Orders Inspections of Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

Now let’s taxi over to airline news.

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines to begin inspecting Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for potential structural cracks.

Before everybody starts yelling, “Not the MAX again,” there is some important context.

The FAA has ordered precautionary inspections of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for possible structural cracking. (Photo Credit: Boeing)

According to the transcript, the cracks were initially discovered on an older Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft—not on a MAX jet.

However, the MAX uses the same design for a structural reinforcement component near the forward service door.

That component is sometimes referred to as a bear strap.

Because cracking in that area could potentially affect structural integrity, the FAA wants MAX aircraft inspected as a precaution.

What This Means for Travelers

At this point, travelers should not automatically assume their upcoming flight will be canceled simply because it is scheduled on a 737 MAX.

This is preventive maintenance.

And preventive maintenance is exactly what we want aviation regulators to require.

Check the plane.

Check it twice.

Check whatever needs checking underneath the hood—even if airplanes technically do not have a hood in the same way your car does.

I have a cruise to catch.

During Severe Weather, Use Official Sources First

When severe weather affects your cruise, do not rely solely on:

  • Facebook groups
  • TikTok videos
  • Cruise-message boards
  • Something somebody’s cousin heard from a bartender

Go directly to the source.

Check:

  • Your cruise line’s app
  • Your email
  • Text messages
  • The cruise line’s official website
  • Official port notices
  • Your travel advisor

If the sailing is delayed, shortened, or rerouted, immediately review:

  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Airport transfers
  • Cruise transfers
  • Independent excursions
  • Travel insurance
  • Prepaid activities

Before changing a flight or canceling a hotel, understand what the cruise line and your travel-insurance provider may cover.

Take screenshots of every official notification.

“Somebody posted it in a Facebook group” is not documentation when you are filing a $700 travel-insurance claim.

Key Takeaways

  • A shattered glass panel was reported inside the AquaDome aboard Legend of the Seas.
  • No injuries were reported in connection with the damaged panel.
  • The cause of the shattered glass had not been publicly confirmed in the source material.
  • An overboard alert aboard MSC Grandiosa turned out to be a false alarm.
  • Everyone aboard was reportedly safe.
  • Cruise crews must treat every potential overboard alert as a genuine emergency.
  • Construction continues aboard Carnival Festival at Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.
  • Carnival Festival is scheduled to enter service in May 2027.
  • The ship will become Carnival Cruise Line’s fourth Excel-class vessel.
  • Spectrum of the Seas was delayed by Typhoon Dolphin.
  • The delay also shortened the following cruise.
  • Severe weather can affect embarkation, ports, flights, hotels, and excursions.
  • The FAA has ordered precautionary inspections of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
  • The concern involves a structural reinforcement component near the forward service door.
  • Travelers should not assume a flight will automatically be canceled because it uses a 737 MAX.
  • Official cruise-line notifications should be saved and documented during weather disruptions.

Join the Conversation

Would seeing shattered glass inside the AquaDome make you nervous about sailing on a brand-new ship?

How relieved would you be to learn that an overboard alert was only a false alarm?

Are you excited to see Carnival Festival getting closer to its 2027 debut?

And when you hear that the FAA is ordering additional inspections of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, does that make you feel more concerned—or more reassured that regulators are checking the aircraft?

Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation in the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group on Facebook.

Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?

Whether you’re thinking about sailing on a brand-new cruise ship, planning a future Carnival cruise from Port Canaveral, or coordinating flights and hotels around your voyage, Atlanta Travel Associates can help you compare options and prepare for the unexpected.

Complete our Guest Information Form to begin planning:

Follow the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group for more cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, and practical travel tips.

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 Carnival Jubilee over at Guy’s Pig & Anchor.

I’ll have a ThirstyFrog Red in my hand.

What are you having?

Photo collage of the Carnival Jubilee, Guy’s Pig and Anchor, and Carnival’s Thirsty Frog Red, and the Cruise Therapy Logo.
Cruise News, Travel News & Current Events

Cruise News Roundup: Double Points, Solo Balconies and a $53,500 Vacation Injury

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Prefer listening instead of reading? Enjoy the full episode of The Cruise Therapy Podcast, hosted by GFree, your Cruise Therapist.

Cruise and travel news is serving expensive excursion lessons, loyalty rewards, solo-cruiser upgrades, mysterious discoveries at sea, and plenty of airport turbulence.

In this edition of Your Daily Boarding Call, we are unpacking the biggest headlines without charging an overweight baggage fee—or asking you to share an armrest with a stranger.

Grab your coffee or cocktail, your passport, and your emotional-support luggage. Let’s get caught up.

Cruise Excursion Injury Leads to a $53,500 Bill

One traveler’s cruise excursion took a painful and extremely expensive turn after she was seriously injured while using a rope swing during a stop in Honduras.

The injury reportedly resulted in more than $3,500 in shipboard medical expenses and approximately $50,000 in emergency transportation and evacuation costs. The activity was reportedly not sponsored by the cruise line.

That rope swing said, “Come make a vacation memory.”

The hospital said, “We accept Visa, Mastercard and your firstborn.”

The incident is an important reminder that accidents can happen during both independent and cruise-line-sponsored activities. Medical treatment outside the United States may require payment before services are provided, and a traveler’s regular health insurance may offer limited—or no—international coverage.

Why Travel Insurance Matters

Depending on the policy, travel insurance may help cover:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Medical evacuation
  • Trip interruption
  • Emergency transportation
  • Certain delays and cancellations
  • Other covered travel emergencies

Nobody enjoys spending extra money on insurance. But nobody wants to return home with a medical bill that costs more than a balcony cabin for the next ten years.

Before purchasing a policy, review the medical and evacuation limits—not only the trip-cancellation benefit.

Emergency medical and evacuation coverage can be especially important when traveling internationally or participating in adventurous excursions. (AI-Generated Image)

Royal Caribbean Brings Back Double Cruise Points

Royal Caribbean has brought back its popular Double Cruise Points promotion for Crown & Anchor Society members.

Eligible new individual and named-group reservations must be made between July 21 and July 31, 2026. Qualifying cruises must depart between September 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027. Transatlantic and Transpacific sailings are excluded, and the promotion may be used on up to two cruises during the eligible sailing period.

The clock is ticking.

This promotion is like the last piece of bacon at the buffet. Look away for too long, and someone else will grab it.

Crown & Anchor members typically earn one point for each cruise night, with additional points available for qualifying suite and solo reservations. The promotion may help loyal guests reach their next membership tier faster.

Before Booking for the Points

Consider:

  • The total cruise fare
  • Taxes and fees
  • Airfare and transportation
  • The itinerary
  • The cabin category
  • The promotion’s exclusions
  • Whether the trip fits your existing vacation plans

Double points are exciting, but the cruise and price should still make sense.

Do not spend $4,000 chasing a complimentary tote bag. That math needs therapy.

Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor members can earn double points on qualifying new reservations made by July 31, 2026. (AI-Generated Image)

Holland America Introduces Solo Balcony Cabins

Holland America Line is showing solo cruisers some balcony love through its major fleet-refurbishment program.

The line plans to add 30 purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms to Oosterdam. Each cabin will include a private balcony, a dedicated workspace, a glass-walled shower, and standard Holland America amenities.

Finally, a cruise line has realized that solo passengers enjoy fresh air too.

Traditionally, travelers booking a cabin designed for two may face a single supplement, which can push the cost close to the price paid by two passengers.

Purpose-built solo accommodations can provide independent travelers with more suitable pricing and a space designed specifically for one guest.

Dynamic pricing will still mean that rates vary by sailing and demand. The imaginary roommate may be disappearing, but dynamic pricing still knows how to find you.

Still, this is positive news for travelers who want their own space without paying for someone who does not exist.

Holland America solo verandah cabin designed for one cruise passenger. (Photo Credit: Holland America)

Princess Cruise Guests Discover a Mysterious Lifeboat

Guests aboard Emerald Princess encountered an unexpected mystery while sailing off Alaska: an empty lifeboat drifting in the water.

The ship investigated and reported the sighting as required. The boat was later connected to the Morning Midas, a cargo vessel that caught fire and was abandoned in the North Pacific in 2025. Its crew had been safely rescued before the ship later sank.

A ghost lifeboat in Alaska?

This is how every maritime thriller begins—right before someone says, “Let’s get closer and take a look.”

An apparently empty or abandoned boat must be treated seriously because it could indicate that someone needs assistance, even when there are no obvious signs of distress.

For passengers, it was certainly an unusual addition to the glacier-viewing schedule.

You book Alaska expecting whales, waterfalls and icebergs—not an audition for Unsolved Mysteries at Sea.

Emerald Princess investigated an abandoned lifeboat spotted off Alaska during a recent sailing. (Photo Credit: Cruise Hive)

Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles Are Planting Trees

Royal Caribbean has partnered with The Wiggles and Planet Ark on a tree-planting initiative in Australia.

A native tree will be planted in Queensland or New South Wales for each of the first 1,000 families that book one of three eligible Wiggly-themed sailings during the 2026–2027 Australian summer season. The sailings will take place aboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.

The family cruises are expected to include:

  • Wiggly-themed parties
  • Live performances
  • Family discos
  • Meet-and-greets
  • Appearances from the Tree of Wisdom character

The Tree of Wisdom is going on a cruise and helping plant trees.

Meanwhile, some of us can barely keep a rosemary plant alive while away on vacation.

The partnership connects a family cruise experience with a longer-lasting environmental benefit in Australian communities.

Royal Caribbean, The Wiggles and Planet Ark are helping plant native trees in Australia through eligible family cruise bookings. (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Severe Weather Creates Airport Chaos in the Northeast

Severe storms caused widespread flight delays and cancellations across New York and other parts of the Northeast.

More than 630 flights were reportedly canceled at New York-area airports on July 21, with LaGuardia, JFK and Newark among the most heavily affected. American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and United issued travel waivers covering certain airports and travel dates.

Depending on the airline and waiver conditions, affected travelers may be able to change their flights without paying the usual change fee or fare difference.

Please read the conditions carefully.

An airline waiver does not mean, “Choose any flight, travel any day and bring your cousin for free.”

Before Leaving for the Airport

Travelers should:

  • Check the airline’s app
  • Review text and email alerts
  • Confirm the flight status
  • Read the waiver conditions
  • Explore rebooking options
  • Check connecting flights
  • Avoid relying only on airport departure boards

Nothing ruins a travel day faster than arriving three hours early only to discover that your flight left the schedule before you left the house.

Severe weather caused widespread flight disruptions and airline travel waivers across the Northeast. (AI-Generated Image)

Travel Tip of the Day: Read the Entire Insurance Policy

When shopping for travel insurance, do not focus only on the trip-cancellation benefit.

Review:

  • Emergency medical limits
  • Medical evacuation limits
  • Adventure-activity exclusions
  • Pre-existing-condition rules
  • Deductibles and reimbursement procedures
  • Requirements for contacting the insurer
  • Coverage for independent excursions
  • The insurer’s emergency-assistance number

Confirm that the policy covers the activities you plan to participate in.

The cheapest policy may look wonderful—right up until it excludes the exact activity that sends you swinging toward the emergency room.

Save the insurer’s assistance number in your phone and keep a copy of the policy with your travel documents.

Travel insurance is not one-size-fits-all.

Key Takeaways

  • A serious excursion accident reportedly resulted in approximately $53,500 in medical and evacuation expenses.
  • Travelers should review emergency medical and evacuation coverage before leaving the country.
  • Royal Caribbean’s Double Cruise Points offer applies to qualifying reservations made through July 31, 2026.
  • Holland America is introducing purpose-built solo balcony cabins aboard Oosterdam.
  • Emerald Princess investigated a drifting lifeboat connected to a previously abandoned cargo vessel.
  • Royal Caribbean, The Wiggles and Planet Ark are partnering to plant native trees in Australia.
  • Severe storms caused extensive airport delays and cancellations across the Northeast.
  • Airline travel waivers come with specific dates, airports and rebooking conditions.
  • Travel insurance policies should be reviewed for medical limits, exclusions, and emergency procedures.

Join the Conversation

Has a large medical bill ever convinced you to purchase travel insurance?

Would Royal Caribbean’s Double Cruise Points promotion encourage you to book another cruise?

Solo cruisers, would you reserve one of Holland America’s new balcony cabins?

Share your answer in the comments or join the conversation in the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group on Facebook.

Ready for More Cruise Therapy?

Follow the Cruise Therapy Podcast Group for more cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, and practical travel advice.

You can also support the show by:

  • Following or subscribing to the podcast
  • Leaving a rating and review
  • Sharing the episode with your favorite travel buddy
  • Contacting Atlanta Travel Associates to begin planning your next vacation

Again, I’m GFree, your Cruise Therapist.

Until our next therapy session, keep calm, keep cruising, and keep listening.

And I’ll SEA you up at the Rooftop Garden. Save me a lounge chair—and order me an Old Fashioned!

Celebrity Edge Rooftop Garden (Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruise Line)