Cruise & maritime incidents

On 18 March 2026, the newly delivered river cruise vessel AmaSofia, operated by AmaWaterways, experienced a dual propulsion failure during her inaugural voyage on the Rhine River near Urmitz, Germany.

AmaSofia propulsion failure on 18 March 2026, left the riverboat operating with only one of its three engines and led to a precautionary tow for technical assessment.

Major cruise operators have reaffirmed their long-term strategic commitment to the Arabian Gulf region despite temporary itinerary adjustments affecting the 2026–2027 winter season.

Harmony of the Seas boat rescue operation on 16 March 2026, helped recover three men after their small vessel capsized near the docked cruise ship at Galveston Harbor.

An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness consistent with norovirus affected passengers and crew aboard Star Princess during a Caribbean voyage that concluded at Port Everglades, Florida, on 14 March 2026.

According to information released by the CDC, 153 individuals reported symptoms consistent with norovirus infection during the voyage.

Azura fire accident in the wheelhouse pantry was reported during the early hours of 14 March 2026, while the P&O Cruises ship was operating a Canary Islands and Madeira voyage.

Costa Cruises confirmed it will not operate voyages to the UAE or the broader Middle East region during the winter 2026–2027 season, and reorganised its winter programme with revised itineraries focused on Europe and the Atlantic.