The latest at sea

Cruise news, minus the fluff.

Quick briefs on announcements, ships, destinations, drama, and unusually good fares.

Portland introduces cruise ship outbreak text alerts

The opt-in notification system is intended to alert the public about infectious disease outbreaks aboard cruise ships scheduled to dock in the city.

The ship is now set to resume service Oct. 31, with four additional Mediterranean, transatlantic and Caribbean sailings added afterward.

The cruise was first shortened from seven nights to five before ongoing maintenance prompted its cancellation.

Federal prosecutors say Daquan Smith could face up to five years in prison if convicted of transmitting a threat across state lines.