Cruise News Roundup | Aired September 28, 2026| Episode 64
Prefer listening instead of reading? Enjoy the full episode of The Cruise Therapy Podcast, hosted by G-Free, your Cruise Therapist.
Seamates and saltwater souls, today’s Boarding Call has a little bit of everything: a brand-new private island, a heartfelt farewell to a longtime Carnival captain, a financial restructuring that sounds scarier than it may actually be for travelers, and holiday airfare that may have your wallet asking for therapy.
So grab your boarding pass, grab something from the bar, and let’s get into today’s cruise and travel news.
🏝️ MSC Breaks Ground on Sandy Cay in the Bahamas
MSC Group officially broke ground on September 28 for a new private-island destination in the Bahamas called Sandy Cay.
The new island will sit next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and is scheduled to open in 2028. But MSC says this will not simply be Ocean Cay 2.0.
Sandy Cay is being designed as a smaller, more intimate, elevated experience for guests sailing with MSC Cruises and its luxury sister brand, Explora Journeys.
Plans include:
- five beaches
- elevated dining
- private retreats
- wellness-focused areas
- relaxation spaces
- more personalized hospitality
In other words:
Ocean Cay said, “Come enjoy the beach.”
Sandy Cay said:
“Your cabana is ready.” 😂
MSC describes Sandy Cay as an intimate complement to Ocean Cay, not a replacement.
And MSC is not finished with Ocean Cay either.
The company is continuing upgrades there, including new restaurants, family and adults-only beach concepts, expanded relaxation areas, and additional marine conservation experiences.
So by 2028, MSC cruisers could have two very different private-island experiences sitting side by side.
My question is simple:
Which island has somebody bringing drinks directly to my chair?
Because that is where GFree will be. 🍹😂
⚓ Carnival Mourns Captain Francesco “Cheecho” La Farina
Now we turn to a much more somber story.
The Carnival Cruise Line family is mourning the loss of longtime Captain Francesco “Cheecho” La Farina, who died on Saturday, September 26, following a long battle with cancer.
He was surrounded by family in his final hours.
Captain La Farina spent approximately 27 years with Carnival Cruise Line, serving as both staff captain and captain.
During his career, he commanded several Carnival ships, including Carnival Glory and Carnival Magic.
Since news of his passing became public, former crew members, colleagues, and cruisers have been sharing memories of him online.
What stands out in those tributes is not simply the ships he commanded or the ports he visited.
People have remembered his:
- kindness
- respect
- humility
- professionalism
- steady leadership
- genuine care for others
Carnival said he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the fleet through his professionalism, leadership, and kind nature.
Twenty-seven years at sea means thousands of voyages, countless guests, and generations of crew members who trusted his leadership.
Today, we send condolences to his family, friends, Carnival family, and everyone who had the opportunity to sail or serve alongside him.
Fair winds and following seas, Captain.
🚆 Brightline Files for Chapter 11 — But the Trains Are Still Running
Some Florida travelers saw the words:
“Brightline files for bankruptcy”
…and immediately started wondering whether their train reservation had just disappeared.
For now, no.
Brightline’s parent-level companies are going through a Chapter 11 financial restructuring, but the operating company running the Miami-to-Orlando passenger service is not part of the filing.
Brightline says train service will continue operating normally.
The restructuring is aimed at strengthening the company’s finances and balance sheet.
According to the transcript, Brightline has identified roughly $4.4 billion in debt, while existing investors have committed about $490 million in new financing to support the restructuring and provide liquidity.
Brightline also says it intends to continue pursuing future growth plans, including:
- a future station near Cocoa Beach
- expanded commuter access in South Florida
- continued exploration of extending service from Orlando toward Tampa
That matters to cruisers because Brightline has become a popular transportation option for travelers moving between:
- Orlando
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale
- South Florida cruise ports
So if you already bought your Brightline ticket from Orlando to Miami:
No need to start walking down I-95. 😂
The train is still running.
Chapter 11 can sound alarming, but it does not automatically mean a company is shutting down. It can allow a business to restructure debt while continuing operations.
For now:
Keep your reservation.
Keep monitoring updates.
And please stay off the railroad tracks. 😂
✈️ Holiday Airfare May Be Getting Even More Expensive
Now let’s head from the train station to the airport.
If airfare already feels expensive, the transcript brings some rough news.
Airfares in August 2026 were about 23.4% higher than they were during the same period the previous year.
And one airline pricing consultant cited in the episode expects fares could stay near current levels or potentially rise another 10% by the end of the year.
Why?
Several factors are hitting at once.
1. Jet Fuel Is Expensive
As of September 22, jet fuel averaged around $4.52 per gallon, more than a dollar higher than in early August.
2. Some Airlines Are Cutting Capacity
Fewer seats plus strong demand can give airlines more pricing power.
3. Travelers Are Still Traveling
American, Southwest, and United were cited as reporting continued strong demand even as ticket prices increased.
Basically, the airlines looked at us paying these prices and said:
“Oh, so y’all ARE still buying tickets.” 😂
Now, that does not mean every route is going up another 10%.
Airfare is highly route-specific.
Some markets will still have sales.
Some routes have stronger competition.
And some holiday fares may dip during certain booking windows.
But if you are traveling for:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- New Year’s
- another peak holiday period
…this may not be the year to wait until the night before and hope something opens up.
Something might open up.
A middle seat for $987. 😂
💡 Travel Tip of the Day: Start Tracking Holiday Airfare Now
If you know you are flying during the holidays:
Start tracking your airfare now.
Use:
- price alerts
- nearby airport comparisons
- alternate travel dates
- early-morning flights
- late-night flights
- airline miles
- credit-card points
With cash fares elevated, points may offer better relative value on some routes.
And if you see a fare you are comfortable paying?
Book it.
Many U.S. airlines no longer charge traditional change fees on standard tickets, depending on the fare type.
Waiting forever for the absolute lowest fare can sometimes cost you more than locking in a reasonable price.
Travel planning is not always about finding the cheapest airfare ever recorded in human history.
Sometimes it is about finding a price you can live with before Linda or Leroy grabs the last seat. 😂
⚓ Key Takeaways
MSC Sandy Cay: MSC broke ground on a new Bahamas private island scheduled to open in 2028 beside Ocean Cay.
Carnival: The cruise line is mourning longtime Captain Francesco La Farina after approximately 27 years of service.
Brightline: Parent companies are restructuring under Chapter 11, but Miami-to-Orlando train service continues operating.
Airfare: Holiday flights may remain expensive as fuel costs, capacity decisions, and strong demand affect pricing.
Travel Tip: Track airfare now and book when you find a price that fits your budget rather than chasing the perfect fare indefinitely.
💬 Join the Conversation
Cruise Family, I want to hear from you.
🏝️ MSC cruisers: which private-island experience sounds more like you?
A. Ocean Cay: larger, relaxed island day
B. Sandy Cay: quieter, more upscale retreat
🚆 Florida travelers: does Brightline’s Chapter 11 restructuring make you nervous even though service is continuing?
✈️ Flyers: have higher airfare prices changed your travel plans this year?
Are you:
- flying less
- using more points
- driving
- changing dates
- or saying, “Forget it — just put me on the cruise ship”? 😂
Drop your answer in the comments.
🧳 Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?
Whether you are planning a cruise, private-island getaway, pre-cruise hotel stay, train connection, or holiday flight, Atlanta Travel Associates can help coordinate the moving pieces.
🎙️ Keep Up With Cruise Therapy
Follow the Cruise Therapy Podcast for cruise news, travel alerts, destination trends, cruise tips, and your regular dose of 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 MSC World America.
Meet me at Kaito Sushi Bar for sushi, sashimi, and a little sake.
Grab a seat.
Order me the spicy tuna roll, dragon roll, and a carafe of sake.
Now the important question:
What are YOU ordering? 🍣🍶🚢
