Cruise Consequences, Cancellations, and Crowds

Three cruise stories today. Aboard Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, a 35-year-old Spanish passenger was arrested by the Hellenic Coast Guard in Souda, Crete, on July 10 on suspicion of possessing and distributing cocaine and cannabis after ship security alerted authorities; the passenger was released by the Chania prosecutor, flown to Spain, and banned from rejoining the voyage without a refund. Royal Caribbean canceled the July 11 sailing of Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai after Typhoon Bavi forced the government closure of Baoshan port, offering full refunds, future cruise credits, and travel reimbursements with claims due by September 10. And Galveston Wharves is studying a fifth cruise terminal at Pier 14 as passenger traffic climbs toward an estimated four million in 2026, part of a $2.4 billion, 25-year master plan.