cruise industry

The former executive of one of the world’s largest cruise ship companies now leads Miami's Host Committee for the 2026 soccer World Cup. WLRN's Ammy Sanchez spoke with Lisa Lutoff-Perlo to find out her ambitions for the job.

Cargo traffic at Florida’s 16 seaports is slightly ahead of pre-pandemic numbers, while the cruise industry is expected to return to pre-pandemic passenger counts this year.

Cargo handled through Florida seaports was up at least 75% in 2021 from before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Florida Ports Council report. But the cruise industry is still a year or two from regaining pre-pandemic strength.

The cruise company would not confirm how many people tested positive for COVID but said there were a number of positive cases on the Carnival Spirit.

While the agency has lifted its travel health notice two years after putting it in place, officials say it's up to travelers to determine their own health risks before going aboard a ship.

The AAA study says declining COVID rates and increased eagerness about traveling have contributed to these statistics.

A Miami federal judge said four major cruise lines with South Florida ties engaged in “prohibited tourism” and “trafficking activities” by carrying passengers to Cuba and profiting from the use of Havana port facilities.

COMMENTARY: The positive effects of U.S. travel to Cuba — especially strengthening private entrepreneurs — helped bring Cubans out to protest last summer.

All 238 Miami-based employees of the cruise line lost their jobs, and the company's Miami office was closed.

Virgin Voyages hopes to stand out in the cruise ship business with its rock-and-roll attitude and adults-only cruises even as the CDC still advises travelers to avoid cruising because of COVID.

A motion for dismissal filed at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals did not explain the decision, but the CDC let expire what is known as a “conditional sailing order” that placed COVID restrictions.

The first week of the legislative session is here. Urban farms hope to solve food deserts in Palm Beach County. And cruise ships continue sailing during omicron.