A concerning trend of violent altercations among cruise passengers across multiple cruise lines escalated on May 3 when a passenger died following an onboard fight.
This incident comes just a week after Carnival Cruise Line put 24 people on its “Do Not Sail” list for engaging in a massive brawl in a Port of Galveston cruise terminal.
Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers demand key ban extend to all cruise lines
Violent altercations involving passengers were also reported on Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages cruise ships in April.
The latest incident occurred aboard an MSC Cruises ship sailing a weekend cruise from Southampton, England to Bruges, Belgium, and led to a murder investigation.
Doug Parker shared more details on the cruise ship murder investigation and other cruise news, including a cruise ship crackdown on child exploitation, on the May 6th edition of Cruise News Today.
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Cruise passenger arrested on suspicion of murder after fight
Transcript:
Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here’s your cruise news for Tuesday, May 6th.
British police have launched an investigation after a 60-year-old man passed away following an altercation aboard the MSC Virtuosa over the weekend. The incident reportedly happened shortly after departure from Southampton, where the ship had to return to dock three hours later. A 57-year-old man from southern England was arrested on suspicion of murder.
In a statement MSC said, “we are providing full support to those impacted and thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time.”
The investigation is ongoing and local authorities thanked MSC and its crew for their cooperation.
Related: Essential cruise port and travel warning safety advice
And federal agents have arrested or deported 11 cruise ship crew members in a nationwide child exploitation crackdown at U.S. ports. The joint operation led by Customs and Border Protection in Fort Lauderdale targeted workers on cruise ships at ports including Galveston and Port Canaveral.
One arrest was made after agents found illicit content on a device. Ten others were deported following investigations of intent to purchase.
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Crackdown aimed to make cruise travel safer for families
Officials say the sweep was geared toward protecting passengers, especially those with children, and it is not a reflection on the cruise industry as a whole.
And Norwegian Cruise Line is honoring Teacher Appreciation Week with its annual Giving Joy campaign. Yeah, now through May 31st, teachers in the U.S. and Canada can be nominated or nominate themselves for a chance to win a free cruise.
Related: Huge fire threatens Nassau cruise port; Norwegian upgrading ships
Now the top 20 will receive a three- or four-night cruise for two, and three grand prize winners will join the christening voyage of Norwegian Luna next year. The campaign, now in its sixth year, recognizes educators that make a lasting impact. Nominations are open at nclgivingjoy.com.
And cruise stocks were mainly flat on Monday. Carnival Corporation 19.56. Royal Caribbean down a half percent to 28.75. Norwegian 17.37 and Viking up one percent 42.80.
If you have a lead on a story, let us know. [email protected]. Have yourself a great Tuesday.
I’m Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
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