Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Rescues Immigrants At Sea Near Cuba

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Majesty of the Seas, rescued seven Cuban migrants from danger at sea.

The migrants’ boat reportedly malfunctioned during the journey and pleaded for help. According to cruise news, the cruise ship spotted the raft in danger on Sunday some 20 miles off the coast of Cuba.

It sent a bought to bring them in. The migrants’ rustic boat was caught in the whirlwind sea currents while they were attempting to reach the coast of Florida.

The occupants in the boat screamed for help after their vessel broke and were dragged by the current, witnesses said.

The rescued rafters were attended on the Royal Caribbean cruise. They were given first aid and had blood tests, according to witnesses.

However, the identities of the seven immigrants have been kept confidential. It is not yet known whether they will be deported or face questioning in the United States.

The U.S has a large diaspora Cuban population. Many Cubans seek refuge across the water. The Little Havana neighborhood in Miami, Florida houses thousands of Cuban exiles and is named after the Cuban capital Havana.

Little Havana is noted for its street life, restaurants, music, and cultural activities.

It is a thriving center of social, cultural, and political activities in Miami. Little Havana hosts many festivals. The Calle Ocho Festival is very popular. Some of its landmarks include Calle Ocho, Walk of Fame, Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, and Gloria Estefan.

Buy luxury cruise perks onboard

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise is testing a program of onboard perks that will be available for spot purchases. They are normally reserved for those who have booked suites or have a lofty status with the cruise line's loyalty program.

Cruise Radio reported that the new program is called “Priority Access."

Under these special cruise deals, passengers can get priority security, check-in, boarding and tendering. They also get access to a daily complimentary room service breakfast menu; a $50 spa credit on port days and priority disembarkation.

Trial runs on at the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Sky. Fees range from $69 to $199 per stateroom.

However, there is criticism that the new program “devalues” perks of those who have spent good money on a high-end suite and also the benefits earned from loyalty points.

Norwegian Cruise also sprung a surprise by choosing Kelly Clarkson as the godparent to its new cruise ship, Norwegian Encore. The “Since U Been Gone” singer will be gracing the new ship’s christening ceremony.

Andy Stuart, Norwegian's President, and CEO said: “We wanted someone who represents our core values. Kelly is a role model passionate about family and community, as well as music and entertainment. We look forward to celebrating Norwegian Encore’s debut in Miami with her, this November.”