The Deck Briefing

Cruise News Roundup: Royal Princess Disruption and More

Royal Princess cancels two Alaska ports amid engine trouble, while Norwegian Jade moves during a Whittier dock fire. MSC, Celebrity and HX also announce major future plans.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on September 15, 2026.

Today’s cruise news roundup covers Royal Princess skipping two Alaska ports because of engine problems, Norwegian Jade moving after a fire at an Alaska cruise dock, MSC World Asia completing final sea trials, Celebrity’s first river ship entering fitting-out, and HX Expeditions’ 2028/29 season launch.

Royal Princess Skips Two Alaska Ports

Royal Princess has cancelled calls at Juneau and Ketchikan during its seven-night Alaska cruise that departed Seattle on September 12, 2026, Cruise Hive reports. Princess Cruises said an engine issue has reduced the ship’s operating speed, while the technical problem does not affect the safety of guests or crew.

The ship was scheduled to spend September 14 at sea instead of visiting Juneau and to call at Skagway from 6 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. on September 15. It is then expected to proceed to Victoria, arriving at 9 p.m. on September 18 and departing at midnight. Skagway and Victoria are the only remaining ports listed after the two cancellations, while Princess has not confirmed whether the planned Glacier Bay scenic cruising will proceed.

Guests will receive a refund equal to 50% of their cruise fare, returned to the original form of payment, with processing expected to take 10 to 15 business days. Shore excursions booked through Princess for Juneau or Ketchikan will be cancelled automatically and credited to onboard accounts.

Royal Princess is expected to return to Seattle on September 19, and the material says there is currently no impact to the ship’s following 14-night sailing to Tokyo. Princess has not provided further technical details or confirmed whether the engine issue will be resolved before the current cruise ends.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Norwegian Jade Moves After Whittier Dock Fire

Norwegian Jade moved away from the Chugach Glacier Gateway Cruise Terminal in Whittier, Alaska, after a fire broke out on a local tour boat at about 11 a.m. on September 14, 2026, Cruise Hive reports. No damage to the 2,402-guest cruise ship or injuries were reported.

The fire involved Klondike Express, a Phillips Cruises & Tours vessel that was moored at the dock without passengers aboard. The boat was released from the pier, the blaze was extinguished, and officials confirmed that the vessel sustained some fire damage. Fire and rescue units from Girdwood, Whittier and Anchorage, along with LifeMed Alaska, responded.

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel closed for several hours to help emergency responders reach Whittier and reopened near 2 p.m. The cause of the fire had not been announced, and the material does not establish how the incident will affect cruise operations at the terminal in the following days.

Norwegian Jade was scheduled to begin a seven-night southbound Alaska cruise from Whittier on September 14, with calls at Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan before arriving in Vancouver on September 21. Norwegian Cruise Line said access to the area remained restricted while emergency personnel responded and that embarkation would proceed from the alternate Whittier Alaska Cruise Ship Terminal 1.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

MSC World Asia Completes Final Sea Trials

MSC World Asia has completed its final sea trials in the Atlantic ahead of its scheduled delivery on November 25, 2026, Cruise Hive reports. The 216,638-gross-ton, LNG-powered ship underwent tests of propulsion, maneuvering, safety capabilities, performance and efficiency after departing the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.

MSC Cruises plans to officially name the third World Class ship in Le Havre three days after delivery. The ship’s first passengers are due to board in Barcelona on December 4 for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise calling at Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta before returning to Barcelona on December 11.

MSC World Asia will accommodate up to 6,764 guests in 2,614 cabins and will be divided into seven onboard districts. Among its features is The Spiral @ Tree of Life, a 266-foot dry slide spanning 12 decks, while the ship’s design, dining and onboard spaces draw on Asian art and culture.

The ship is scheduled to offer seven-night Mediterranean itineraries through mid-November 2027 before repositioning to the Caribbean. It will become the 24th ship in the MSC fleet, following MSC World Europa and MSC World America, while MSC World Atlantic is under construction for a planned 2027 debut.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Celebrity Floats First River Cruise Ship

Celebrity Cruises’ first river ship has been floated out and moved to a fitting-out yard in the Netherlands, The Maritime Executive reports. The vessel, which will be named Celebrity Compass, is scheduled to launch the brand’s European river operation in August 2027.

Construction of the first hull began at Zwijnenburg’s Rotterdam shipyard in January 2026, and the float-out started on September 9. The hull then traveled about 50 miles to TeamCo’s yard in Heusden, where the interiors will be completed. Zwijnenburg said the second hull is expected to follow within 12 weeks.

Each ship will measure about 135 meters and accommodate up to 170 passengers in 86 staterooms. The accommodations will include 12 suites, 27 balcony staterooms, 31 rooms with lowering-window “infinite balconies,” and 16 river-view staterooms. Celebrity says the lightweight hull design is intended to support smoother sailing in low-water conditions and fewer itinerary interruptions.

Celebrity Compass is due to sail the Danube between Budapest and Vilshofen beginning in August 2027. Celebrity Seeker is scheduled to join the fleet in October, with the program expanding to the Rhine in December. The brand has committed to a 20-ship river fleet by 2031, including an initial commitment for 10 ships and 10 additional vessels announced in January 2026.

Source: maritime-executive.com

HX Launches 2028/29 Expedition Season

HX Expeditions has opened its 2028/29 season with 57 voyages, including 26 new itineraries, Seatrade Cruise News reports. The program covers 1,288 ports in 14 destinations.

The season includes new routes in Greenland and Alaska, along with voyages featuring Antarctica and South Georgia, Scandinavia, Svalbard and the Northwest Passage. HX is also promoting shorter eight-day expeditions for travelers with less time available.

Among the new options is an eight-day round trip from Nuuk exploring West Greenland’s Disko Bay and meeting communities along the coast. Two eight-day Alaska Inside Passage sailings will operate between Vancouver and Sitka in opposite directions, and the voyages can be combined into a 15-day Vancouver-to-Vancouver expedition without repeating a port.

Source: www.seatrade-cruise.com

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Cruise News Roundup: Royal Caribbean Cancels Casita Deals and More

Royal Caribbean is canceling some discounted casita reservations, while Princess offers refunds and future credit to guests on a sold-out Island Princess sailing.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on September 14, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Royal Caribbean's cancellation of incorrectly priced casita reservations, Princess Cruises' refund offer for some Island Princess guests, an MSC Alaska itinerary change, P&O's Caribbean spending promotion, and Seabourn's 2028 Amazon voyage.

Royal Caribbean Cancels Discounted Casita Reservations

Royal Caribbean is canceling some Port Day Casita reservations after a pricing error created unusually low rates, Cruise Hive reports. The affected bookings are on the line's three Icon-class ships: Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas.

Guests whose reservations are canceled are being told that a full refund will be sent to the original payment method within 14 business days. Some passengers have reported seeing the same casitas return for substantially higher prices after cancellation; one guest said a $120 booking was replaced by a $384 rate.

Port Day Casitas are pool-deck loungers with dedicated service, water, a charging outlet, welcome drinks and a prime poolside location. Royal Caribbean said the issue has been corrected, allowing affected guests to check for new availability, while the source notes that cruise lines generally reserve the right to cancel purchases made at incorrect prices.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Princess Offers Refunds to Island Princess Guests

Princess Cruises is asking some guests booked on Island Princess's September 16, 2026, sailing to change their plans in exchange for a full refund and additional benefits, Cruise Hive reports. The four-night voyage is scheduled to travel from Vancouver to Los Angeles and is currently listed as sold out on the Princess Cruises website.

Guests who are approved and accept the offer will receive a refund covering 100% of their cruise fare, plus future cruise credit equal to 100% of the base fare paid. That credit is valid for two years, and Princess is also offering reimbursement of documented private travel expenses, including flights and hotels, up to $800 per person.

The offer is subject to availability and is not guaranteed for everyone who applies. Princess has not confirmed that the sailing is overbooked and advised guests not to cancel flights or hotels until they receive formal approval; the cruise line also did not say how many passengers received the offer or whether anyone could be involuntarily removed from the voyage.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

MSC Removes Endicott Arm Scenic Cruising

MSC Cruises is changing the September 21, 2026, Alaska and British Columbia itinerary aboard MSC Poesia, Cruise Industry News reports. The seven-night, roundtrip Seattle sailing will no longer include scenic cruising through Endicott Arm.

MSC attributed the adjustment to seasonal operational considerations. The revised schedule is expected to bring the ship into Juneau at 8 a.m. rather than 2 p.m., giving guests six additional hours in the destination.

The itinerary still includes Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, and guest reports say MSC is providing a $50 onboard credit per person, capped at $100 per stateroom. The sailing will conclude MSC Poesia's first summer season in Alaska before a 19-night repositioning cruise from Seattle to PortMiami via the Panama Canal.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

P&O Adds Up to £600 for Caribbean Fly-Cruises

P&O Cruises is offering up to £600 in onboard spending money on selected Caribbean fly-cruise holidays, Cruise Industry News reports. The promotion applies to bookings made from September 10 through September 30, 2026, covering more than 100 Select Price itineraries departing between October 23, 2026, and March 18, 2028.

The credit can be used for experiences including specialty dining, spa treatments, retail purchases and shore activities. P&O's Caribbean fly-cruise program also includes Basseterre in Saint Kitts and Nevis as an additional homeport from November 2027, alongside Bridgetown, Barbados.

One example is a 14-night Eastern Caribbean Islands fly-cruise aboard Arvia departing Bridgetown on November 13, 2027. The itinerary includes Basseterre, Tortola, St. Maarten, Fort de France, an overnight stay in Antigua, Castries and Grenada, with prices starting at £2,419 per person based on two people sharing a balcony cabin and including £600 in onboard spending money for the cabin.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Seabourn Sets 30-Day Amazon Voyage for 2028

Seabourn has announced a 30-day Amazon Explorer: Rivers & Rainforests voyage aboard Seabourn Quest, Cruise Industry News reports. The sailing will operate roundtrip from Miami from November 18 through December 18, 2028, visiting 15 destinations in seven countries.

The voyage is part of Seabourn's Ruby Jubilee year, which celebrates the line's 40th anniversary. It will also begin a season of extended travel for Seabourn Quest.

After the Amazon itinerary, the ship is scheduled to operate two 10-day Caribbean holiday voyages. Seabourn Quest will then leave Miami on January 7, 2029, for the 138-day World Cruise: Iconic Islands & Remote Horizons.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Cruise News Roundup: Carnival Tropicale Bookings and More

Carnival Tropicale opens bookings from Galveston, while Explora announces a South America season and cruise lines issue holiday and embarkation updates.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on September 11, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Carnival Tropicale bookings from Galveston, Explora Journeys' first South America season, Regatta's debut with Explorations by Norwegian, a new Disney Magic port call, and a Carnival Venezia embarkation warning.

Carnival Tropicale Opens 2028 Galveston Bookings

Carnival Cruise Line has opened reservations for Carnival Tropicale, its newest ship and the fifth and final vessel in the Excel class, according to the cruise line. The ship is scheduled to begin sailing from Galveston on April 15, 2028.

Carnival Tropicale will offer four-, five-, six- and eight-day cruises to destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Mexico. Planned calls include Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Isla Tropicale, Puerta Maya, Progreso and Nassau.

The ship's family-focused Sunsation Point area will include Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, six waterslides, younger-children's splash areas, a redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course, sports courts and the Treehouse Adventure Trail. Carnival also plans new arcade spaces, including The Vault Retrocade, along with evening activities and extended waterpark hours.

Dining concepts will include Uku Lei Lei, Fetaccine and Emeril's Coastal Seafood, created with Carnival Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse. The reservations announcement coincided with a western-themed celebration at MEYER WERFT's shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where the ship is being built.

Source: www.carnival-news.com

Explora Sets First South America Season

Explora Journeys will send Explora I to South America for its first winter season in the region during 2027-28, Cruise Industry News reports. The deployment replaces previously scheduled Middle East sailings, and the new itineraries went on sale September 9, 2026.

After a Mediterranean summer, Explora I is scheduled to cross the Atlantic in December 2027 on a 17-night voyage from Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro. The itinerary includes stops in Morocco, Spain and Brazil, including Málaga, Tangier, Recife and Maceió.

The ship will then operate seven-night open-jaw cruises between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, visiting ports in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. The season includes Paraty and Ilha Grande, while Explora I is also scheduled to become the first cruise ship to attend the New Year's fireworks display in Balneário Camboriú.

Two eight-night January 2028 itineraries will travel from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, with calls in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and the Falkland Islands. The voyages include scenic cruising at Cape Horn and overnight visits, before Explora I begins its return crossing to Europe; the 922-passenger ship is also scheduled to offer 12-night Amazon Rainforest cruises between Brazil and Puerto Rico in early 2027.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Regatta Begins Explorations by Norwegian World Voyage

Regatta entered service for the new Explorations by Norwegian brand on September 1, 2026, Cruise Industry News reports. The 684-passenger ship departed Civitavecchia earlier this month on the opening voyage for the brand.

That voyage is a 371-day world cruise covering more than 230 destinations. Regatta, formerly part of the Oceania Cruises fleet, is operating for the MyCruises-backed brand under a two-year charter agreement.

Explorations by Norwegian is also selling shorter cruises in regions including Scandinavia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, Alaska, Central America, the Amazon and the Mediterranean. The itineraries span all six inhabited continents and include late departures and overnight stays, according to the brand.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Disney Magic Adds Cozumel to Christmas Eve Sailing

Disney Cruise Line has added a Christmas Eve call at Cozumel to Disney Magic's five-night Very Merrytime sailing from Galveston, Cruise Hive reports. The change applies to the departure on December 22, 2026, which previously included only a stop at Progreso.

Disney Magic will depart Galveston on December 22, spend December 23 at sea, and visit Cozumel from 11:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 24. The ship will call at Progreso from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Day before spending December 26 at sea and returning to Galveston on December 27.

Disney notified guests about the change on September 9 and said it resulted from a change in port availability. The cruise line has not announced any other itinerary or departure adjustment, although onboard activities may be revised to accommodate the new port visit.

Guests can arrange Cozumel Port Adventures through Disney Cruise Line's website, app or onboard Port Adventures Desk. The 1,750-guest ship is scheduled to visit Cozumel alongside six other ships on Christmas Eve, while Carnival Breeze is scheduled to be the only other ship in Progreso with Disney Magic on Christmas Day.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Carnival Warns Venezia Guests on New York Arrival Times

Carnival Cruise Line is asking guests on Carnival Venezia's September 14, 2026, departure from New York to arrive only during their assigned terminal appointment, Cruise Hive reports. Early arrivals may not be allowed into the Manhattan Cruise Terminal because another cruise line's ship is also scheduled to use the facility.

Carnival Venezia is scheduled to leave New York at 4 p.m. for a six-night Bermuda cruise calling at King's Wharf. The 4,090-passenger ship's itinerary and departure time have not changed, and guests must still board by the time shown on their boarding pass.

Carnival advised passengers to follow terminal signage for the cruise line's luggage drop-off area and to carry documents, valuables and medications personally. Oceania Vista is also scheduled to embark from New York that day, although Carnival did not identify the other ship sharing the terminal.

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is operating with Pier 88 after Pier 90 went out of service in January 2026 because of aging infrastructure. Carnival Venezia is in its final scheduled New York season before moving to PortMiami, with Carnival Firenze set to take over its New York deployment.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Cruise News Roundup: AIDAperla Incident and More

AIDAperla misses Zeebrugge after breaking free in Le Havre, while Norwegian changes two sailings, Disney shifts terminals and Margaritaville announces a Galveston deployment.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on September 10, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers AIDAperla's Le Havre incident and missed Zeebrugge call, Norwegian Joy's Alaska itinerary changes, Norwegian Sun's maintenance-related schedule adjustment, Disney Wish's Port Canaveral terminal change, and Margaritaville at Sea's 2027 Galveston deployment for Beachcomber.

AIDAperla Hits Quay and Misses Zeebrugge

Strong winds caused AIDAperla to break free from her berth at the Port of Le Havre on September 8, 2026, and make contact with the quay, Cruise Hive reports. The ship's forward mooring lines parted at about 4 p.m., and the vessel's stern struck the quay wall as it drifted backward. No injuries were reported.

The 3,286-passenger ship was helped back to her berth by tugboats while technicians and authorities began inspections. Both gangways were torn away during the incident, and about 500 guests who were ashore on excursions were temporarily unable to reboard. The port was briefly closed while crews secured the ship and cleared the harbor.

AIDAperla was scheduled to leave Le Havre on September 8 and call at Zeebrugge on September 9, but the Zeebrugge visit was canceled. AIDA Cruises confirmed that the vessel is undergoing a thorough inspection, while German media reports said it also requires clearance from the responsible classification society before departure. The next scheduled call, in Rotterdam on September 10, and the ship's return to Hamburg on September 12 remained unchanged in the available information.

The ship was operating a seven-night sailing that departed Hamburg on September 5 after calling at Southampton on September 7. TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 3 was also held by tugboats in Le Havre and departed two hours late because of the port conditions.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Norwegian Joy Drops Skagway and Sitka

Norwegian Cruise Line has changed the May 19, 2028, Alaska itinerary for Norwegian Joy, according to Cruise Hive. The 10-day roundtrip sailing will no longer visit Skagway or Sitka and will instead call at Whittier. The ship will continue to depart from and return to Seattle as planned.

The revised schedule keeps Juneau as the first port call on May 21, but changes the following five days. Icy Strait Point moves to May 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier is set for May 23; and Whittier is scheduled for May 24 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 25 becomes a sea day, while Ketchikan remains on May 26 but now runs from noon to 8 p.m. instead of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The sailing will still include a sea day on May 27 and a visit to Victoria, British Columbia, on May 28 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Norwegian Joy is scheduled to return to Seattle at 6 a.m. on May 29. Norwegian Cruise Line told guests that berth availability prompted the changes.

The revised itinerary was sent to booked guests by email, and the changes are automatic. Cruise Hive reports that guests may need to review plans for port days, including excursions connected with ports that were removed or had their times changed.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Norwegian Sun Adds Copenhagen Overnights for Maintenance

Norwegian Sun will spend three days docked in Copenhagen during its September 23, 2026, departure, Cruise Industry News reports. Norwegian Cruise Line is changing the nine-night sailing to allow for technical maintenance on the 2001-built ship.

The adjustment removes the planned visit to Oslo and one day at sea, replacing them with two overnight stays in Copenhagen. Norwegian said the maintenance does not affect the safety of the ship, guests or crew, and passengers must still arrive at the terminal during their assigned check-in windows even while the ship remains overnight.

As a gesture of appreciation, Norwegian is providing a $100 non-refundable onboard credit per stateroom, divided as $50 for the first guest and $50 for the second guest. After Copenhagen, Norwegian Sun will continue the itinerary with calls in Warnemunde, Gdynia, Klaipeda, Riga, Nynashamn and Tallinn before ending in Helsinki.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Disney Wish Changes Port Canaveral Terminals

Disney Wish will use different terminals for its three-night sailing from Port Canaveral on September 11, 2026, Cruise Hive reports. The ship will depart from Cruise Terminal 10 on Friday and return to Cruise Terminal 8 for debarkation on Monday, September 14.

The two terminals are next to each other on the port's west end but do not share parking facilities. Guests who park are instructed to drop luggage at Terminal 10, move their vehicle to Terminal 8, and use the provided shuttle to return to Terminal 10 for check-in. Guests using rideshares, taxis or private drop-offs are advised to go to the correct terminal for the relevant day.

Disney Cruise Line motorcoach passengers will be transported between the appropriate terminals. Cruise Hive advised guests parking at the port to allow extra time when arriving for their boarding appointments.

The reason for the switch has not been released. Cruise Hive notes that Port Canaveral is undertaking a $95 million expansion and renovation of the terminal, a project expected to be completed by November 2027.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Margaritaville Brings Beachcomber to Galveston

Margaritaville at Sea will base its newest ship, Beachcomber, in Galveston beginning in October 2027, Cruise Hive reports. The 2,716-guest ship will offer four- to seven-night sailings to the Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas, including the line's first call at Veracruz, Mexico.

Beachcomber's first Galveston departure is a four-night Cozumel Express sailing on October 4, 2027. The only Galveston sailing currently scheduled to visit Veracruz departs January 14, 2028, and also calls at Cozumel and Progreso. Other announced destinations include Aruba, Key West, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Belize.

The ship is planned to debut with Margaritaville at Sea from Miami in January 2027 before moving to Galveston. Renovations and rebranding are planned ahead of its Margaritaville at Sea debut.

Beachcomber will feature 15 new onboard experiences, including a four-deck 5 o'Clock Somewhere space at the aft pool area. The ship is also set to have 17 dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, more than 20 entertainment options, and Same Boat, a live music venue created with Zac Brown.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Cruise News Roundup: Serenade of the Seas Returns and More

Serenade of the Seas has resumed scheduled Alaska sailings after a technical cancellation. The roundup also covers cruise-duck restrictions, loyalty bonuses and 2027 Norway offers.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on September 9, 2026.

Today’s cruise news roundup covers Serenade of the Seas returning to service after a cancelled sailing, restrictions on cruise ducks, Celebrity Cruises’ double-points promotion, Hero of the Seas’ float-out and Hurtigruten’s 2027 Norway offer.

Serenade of the Seas Resumes Alaska Sailings

Serenade of the Seas has resumed scheduled operations after a technical problem forced Royal Caribbean to cancel its previous Alaska cruise, Royal Caribbean Blog reports. The Radiance Class ship was scheduled to leave Vancouver, British Columbia, at 4 p.m. on September 6 for a seven-night, round-trip Alaska voyage.

The sailing is the ship’s first departure since maintenance work kept it in Vancouver the previous week. Royal Caribbean initially delayed the earlier cruise by two days and planned a shortened five-night itinerary, but cancelled it after repairs could not be completed in time for a safe departure.

The current itinerary includes Sitka, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan, with a return to Vancouver scheduled for September 13. Serenade of the Seas is expected to continue Alaska sailings through September before repositioning to San Diego, California, in October.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Three Cruise Lines Restrict Cruise-Duck Hiding

Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Marella Cruises have introduced restrictions on hiding cruise ducks, Cruise Hive reports. None of the three lines lists ducks or duck toys among its official prohibited items, but each has asked guests to follow limits on where or whether they leave them.

Disney Cruise Line asks passengers not to hide rubber ducks or similar items in public areas or staterooms. Crew members may collect and discard ducks found around the ships, while guests can continue the activity through mailbox trades on stateroom doors, fish extenders or “pixie dust” gifting.

Royal Caribbean has designated Central Park on its Oasis- and Icon-class ships as a duck-free zone because of the area’s tens of thousands of real plants and trees. Marella Cruises’ notices on Marella Voyager and Marella Discovery ask guests not to leave or hide toys, novelty items or other personal objects around the ship or destinations, warning that crew members usually dispose of items they find.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Celebrity Offers Double Captain’s Club Points

Celebrity Cruises is offering double Captain’s Club points on eligible new bookings made from September 8 through September 21, 2026, Royal Caribbean Blog reports. The offer applies to select sailings departing from October 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027.

A seven-night Veranda booking, for example, would earn 42 points instead of 21, while eligible suite bookings could earn more than 330 points on a weeklong voyage. Solo travelers will earn three times the standard points, and the promotion applies only to the first two eligible sailings departing within the promotional window.

The promotion cannot be added to existing bookings, and MoveUp bids, Transatlantic sailings and Transpacific sailings do not qualify. Promotional bonus points also cannot be transferred to Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society through the Points Choice program.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Hero of the Seas Floats Out in Finland

Hero of the Seas was floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on September 4, 2026, marking the first time water touched the completed hull, Cruise Hive reports. The fourth Icon-class ship has since moved to the outfitting pier, where construction will continue.

More than 90 million gallons of water filled the dry dock overnight for the milestone, which was attended by hundreds of construction workers. A ceremonial cannon firing marked the start of the float-out, and Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean shared photos and video from the event.

Work ahead includes installing waterslides, decking, interior venues and artwork. The ship will later undergo sea trials covering navigation, steering, propulsion and emergency responses before delivery to Royal Caribbean.

Hero of the Seas is scheduled to enter service with a three-night inaugural sailing from Miami, Florida, on August 11, 2027, visiting Perfect Day CocoCay. It is then planned to operate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Hurtigruten Offers 15% Off 2027 Norway Fly Cruises

Hurtigruten is offering savings of at least 15% on select 2027 fly cruises in Norway, Cruise Industry News reports. The promotion covers selected Signature and Original Voyages booked between September 7 and November 9, 2026.

The offer applies to more than 200 departure dates and includes sailings across all seasons, from winter Northern Lights voyages to summer trips featuring the Midnight Sun. Flights can depart from London Gatwick, London Heathrow or Manchester Airport, and the package includes airport transfers and onboard Wi-Fi.

Signature Voyages include longer port stays, all-inclusive meals and unlimited selected drinks, while Original Voyages include full-board dining and visits to 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes. The offer is limited to fly cruises, can be combined with the Ambassador loyalty discount and selected third-party discounts, and is subject to availability.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Cruise News Roundup: MSC Alaska Change and More

MSC Poesia will skip Endicott Arm on three Alaska sailings, while NCL readies Great Tides Waterpark for its September 4 opening.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on September 3, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers MSC Poesia's removal of Endicott Arm scenic cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line's scheduled September 4 Great Tides Waterpark opening, a new accessibility program across Global Ports Holding terminals, SeaDream III's 2029 plans, and Seabourn Quest's 2029 world cruise.

MSC Poesia Drops Endicott Arm Scenic Cruising

MSC Poesia will skip its scheduled scenic cruising through Endicott Arm on the final three Alaska sailings of the 2026 season, Cruise Hive reports. MSC Cruises told booked guests that the change was due to “seasonal operational considerations.”

The affected departures leave Seattle on September 7, 14 and 21. On the September 14 sailing, the ship was scheduled to cruise Endicott Arm on September 18 before reaching Juneau, but it will now arrive in Juneau at 8 a.m. instead of 2 p.m.

The ship's 10 p.m. Juneau departure will remain unchanged, giving guests six additional hours in the port. Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, British Columbia, are also unchanged on the September 14 sailing.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

NCL Sets September 4 Opening for Great Tides

Norwegian Cruise Line has completed Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas, Cruise Hive reports. The nearly six-acre attraction is scheduled to open to cruise guests on September 4, when Norwegian Luna makes its visit.

The park includes 19 waterslides, the 170-foot Tidal Tower, an over-800-foot Wandering River, 10- and 15-foot cliff jumps, and the children-focused Splash Cay. It also offers lounge chairs, shade umbrellas, rentable private cabanas, a swim-up bar and three food trucks.

Entry requires a separately purchased day pass, with prices varying by sailing. Norwegian Getaway carried officials, guests, travel partners and media to a preview and ribbon-cutting event before the attraction's public opening.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

GPH Expands Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Global Ports Holding is introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across its network of 35 cruise ports, Cruise Industry News reports. The symbol allows people with non-visible disabilities, chronic illnesses or other conditions to indicate that they may need extra time, understanding or support.

The program follows its introduction at Nassau Cruise Port last year, the first GPH port to adopt it. Teams across the network have received training to recognize the symbol and better assist guests with a range of non-visible conditions.

The Sunflower is recognized in more than 95 countries and is used across travel, tourism, transportation, retail and public-sector organizations. Global Ports Holding said the network-wide launch is intended to make its ports more welcoming and accessible.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

SeaDream Plans 2029 Newbuild SeaDream III

SeaDream Yacht Club has opened reservations for the July 10, 2029, maiden voyage of SeaDream III, The Maritime Executive reports. The ship will be the company's third and larger than its two existing vessels, which are each 4,333 gross tons and accommodate 112 passengers.

SeaDream III is planned at 16,500 gross tons, with space for 230 passengers and a crew of approximately 200. The 151-meter ship is in the engineering phase and is slated to be built by China Merchants Cruise Shipbuilding with European engineering and technical suppliers.

Its inaugural deployment is scheduled to begin in Hong Kong and continue through Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, India, Arabia, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The ship is then expected to cross the Atlantic to Canada, the United States and the Caribbean before beginning SeaDream's first world cruise on January 5, 2031, a 180-day voyage scheduled to end in London.

Design plans call for expansive upper decks, a pool deck, indoor and outdoor dining, three watersports marinas, and expanded spa, fitness and wellness facilities. The ship will have 20 staterooms without balconies, while SeaDream says its design will retain an intimate yachting style and personalized service.

Source: maritime-executive.com

Seabourn Quest Opens 2029 World Cruise Bookings

Seabourn has opened bookings for Seabourn Quest's 138-day 2029 World Cruise, Cruise Industry News reports. The “Iconic Islands & Remote Horizons” voyage is scheduled to sail from Miami to Lisbon from January 7 through May 26, 2029.

The itinerary includes 58 destinations in 31 countries and territories across the Americas, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa and Europe. It features 20 extended stays, including overnight calls in Lima, Easter Island, Bora Bora, Bali, Singapore, Sydney, Zanzibar and Cape Town.

Optional Seabourn Journeys will offer visits to destinations including the Galápagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Uluru, the Taj Mahal, African safari locations and Easter Island. Guests booking the full cruise receive benefits including shipboard credit, round-trip Business Class air, a pre-cruise Miami hotel night and a two-day Bali journey; a 10 percent early-booking discount applies through September 17, 2026.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Cruise News Roundup: Serenade Cancellation and More

Royal Caribbean cancels a Serenade of the Seas sailing after boarding, while Carnival launches its rewards program and cruise lines unveil itinerary updates.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on September 2, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Royal Caribbean's cancellation of a boarded Serenade of the Seas sailing, Carnival Rewards' official launch, a Carnival Encounter itinerary change in Australia, Celestyal's new winter cruises, and RoyalUp Experiences bidding.

Royal Caribbean Cancels Boarded Serenade Sailing

Royal Caribbean canceled Serenade of the Seas' current sailing after a technical problem prevented the ship from safely leaving Vancouver, Cruise Radio reports. Passengers had already boarded and spent several days waiting for the Alaska cruise to begin after its planned August 30 departure moved to September 1.

The cruise line is allowing affected guests to remain aboard temporarily while they arrange onward travel. Everyone must leave the ship by 11:59 p.m. on September 2, when Serenade of the Seas is scheduled to depart the terminal, and Royal Caribbean is providing complimentary internet access to guests who did not purchase a Wi-Fi package.

Passengers who joined the canceled sailing will receive full refunds for cruise fare, taxes, fees, amenities and shore excursions, plus prorated refunds for beverage, dining and VOOM packages and prepaid gratuities. Royal Caribbean is also offering onboard credit equal to two days of cruise fare per guest and a Future Cruise Credit worth 100% of the fare paid for a sailing departing within one year. The line had not announced whether the technical issue would affect Serenade of the Seas' next scheduled cruise later in the week.

Source: cruiseradio.net

Carnival Rewards Launches With Status Thresholds

Carnival Rewards officially went live on September 1, with status levels and earning rules now available, Cruise Radio reports. Guests receive Red status upon enrollment, while Gold requires 10,000 Status Qualifying Stars, Platinum requires 50,000 and Diamond requires 100,000.

Members earn three Stars for each dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities, and one Star for every Casino Point earned. A separate Points balance awards three Points per dollar spent, plus one Point for each Casino Point left unredeemed at the end of a sailing. Points post about 14 days after a cruise and can be used for future cruises, shore excursions, specialty dining and spa treatments.

The credit card discussed earlier as the Carnival World Mastercard is now called the Carnival Rewards Mastercard. Its published terms include a 50,000-point bonus after $1,000 in spending within 90 days, up to six times the points on Carnival purchases, two times on restaurants and groceries, one time on other spending, a six-month promotional 0% APR on cruise bookings and 2,500 points on each card anniversary. Carnival also lists milestone rewards based on days sailed, beginning with 5,000 points at 50 days and extending to rewards at 100-day intervals and a special gift at 500 days.

Source: cruiseradio.net

Carnival Encounter Drops Cairns Call Over Shallow Water

Carnival Encounter will skip Cairns on its September 5, 2026, departure from Brisbane because channel depths are too shallow for safe passage, Cruise Hive reports. The six-night Great Barrier Reef sailing will instead visit Airlie Beach on September 8 and Townsville on September 9.

The original schedule called for Willis Island on September 7, Cairns on September 8 and Airlie Beach on September 9 before the return to Brisbane on September 11. Willis Island remains unchanged, while the ship's arrival in Brisbane has been pushed back one hour to 8:00 a.m.

Guests can look for Townsville excursions through the Carnival HUB app or at the Carnival Adventures Desk after boarding. Carnival said prepaid Cairns shore excursions will be refunded automatically, but it did not indicate that it would cover changes to post-cruise travel arrangements caused by the later arrival.

Carnival did not explain why the channel depths had decreased or say when the problem would be resolved. Carnival Encounter's next similar itinerary is scheduled to call at Cairns beginning September 29, after an Airlie Beach visit on September 28, and the cruise line has not announced changes to that sailing.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Celestyal Adds Overnight Alexandria Cruises

Celestyal is adding winter Eastern Mediterranean cruises with overnight time in Alexandria, Egypt, aboard Celestyal Journey, Cruise Radio reports. Beginning in December 2027, the ship will operate four seven-night Mediterranean Mosaics cruises between Athens and Istanbul, which can also be combined into three 14-night Three Continents Explorer voyages.

The itineraries include ports in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus alongside the Alexandria overnight. Celestyal said the longer call gives guests more time for trips beyond the port, including visits to Cairo and the pyramids.

The announcement follows stronger-than-expected bookings for Celestyal's first dedicated Western Mediterranean winter program, which went on sale July 1. North American guests account for 50% of Celestyal's customers, and the company said it expects the new itineraries to have particular appeal in that market.

Celestyal also released its summer 2028 schedule, with 124 sailings on Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery. The program includes three- and four-night Greek Isles cruises, seven-night voyages covering Greece, Italy and Croatia, and 14-night combination cruises, with departures available for booking through November 2028 by the end of the week.

Source: cruiseradio.net

Royal Caribbean Expands Bidding to CocoCay Cabanas

Royal Caribbean has expanded its RoyalUp program so eligible guests can bid on premium experiences, including cabanas, beach beds, casitas and daybeds, Cruise Radio reports. RoyalUp Experiences covers onboard casitas, beach beds and cabanas at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and cabanas at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Invited guests can submit one offer for each experience type, with the bid covering the entire experience rather than an individual guest. Taxes are included, gratuities are not, and a valid payment card is required. Royal Caribbean may accept or reject an offer up to departure, with accepted bids charged and confirmed by email.

Bids can generally be changed or canceled without charge until 48 hours before the experience. After that point, changes are generally final, subject to limited cancellation or refund exceptions, while unaccepted bids are canceled automatically if the cruise booking changes or is canceled.

Prices vary by ship, sailing and date. Cruise Radio reported that an email from a guest on one Icon of the Seas sailing showed bids ranging from $200 to $500 for a CocoCay beach bed, up to $1,500 for a cabana and as much as $1,400 for a sea-day casita; those figures are not fixed rates. Royal Caribbean says the program is available fleetwide.

Source: cruiseradio.net

Cruise News Roundup: Carnival Breeze Damage and More

Carnival Breeze leaves Cozumel after scraping a pier, Terra Nova Expeditions secures a replacement Antarctic vessel, and Disney Wish plans a 2027 Prince Edward Island call.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on September 1, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Carnival Breeze's pier contact in Cozumel, Terra Nova Expeditions' vessel change for upcoming Antarctic seasons, and Disney Wish's 2027 call at Prince Edward Island.

Carnival Breeze Scrapes Pier in Cozumel

Carnival Breeze scraped the corner of a pier while docking in Cozumel on the morning of August 31, Cruise Hive reports. Photos and video posted online show paint scraped from the ship's starboard hull above the waterline, while no injuries have been reported.

The 3,690-guest ship was docking at an adjacent berth to Carnival Jubilee, and the two vessels did not make contact. The cause of the pier contact has not been confirmed, and Carnival Cruise Line had not responded to Cruise Hive by publication.

Carnival Breeze arrived at about 9 a.m. and was scheduled to remain in Cozumel until 5 p.m. AIS tracking showed the ship departed on schedule and continued its five-night Western Caribbean sailing from Galveston, which began August 29.

The itinerary called for a September 1 visit to Progreso from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by another sea day and a return to Texas on September 3. No pier damage has been reported or confirmed, and it is not known whether the incident will affect other Cozumel schedules.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Terra Nova Secures Vessel for Antarctic Seasons

Terra Nova Expeditions will use Terra Nova Adventurer for its 2026/27 and 2027/28 Antarctic seasons, according to Seatrade Cruise News. The vessel will replace the chartered St Helena, which cannot safely and promptly reposition from the Arabian Gulf for the start of the 2026/27 season.

The company said the repositioning issue is related to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Terra Nova Expeditions spent several months arranging an alternative vessel before finalizing the agreement for Terra Nova Adventurer.

The ship was formerly known as Expedition and G Expedition. The agreement covers the company's next three Antarctic seasons and allows its planned expedition program to proceed.

Source: www.seatrade-cruise.com

Disney Wish Sets 2027 Prince Edward Island Call

Disney Wish will make its first call at Port Charlottetown on October 27, 2027, when Disney Cruise Line returns to Prince Edward Island, Cruise Industry News reports. The visit will come nearly 10 years after Disney Magic called at Charlottetown on October 25, 2017.

The seven-night round trip will depart New York City on October 24 and return on October 31, calling at Charlottetown, Sydney and Halifax. Disney said the sailing will be the Wish's only seven-night Canadian itinerary from New York.

The voyage will also be the first time a Wish-class ship sails from New York City and the longest round-trip itinerary during Disney Wish's limited fall 2027 New York season. Port Charlottetown, the Province of Prince Edward Island and tourism partners are also using the late-October call to support visitation beyond the traditional peak season.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Cruise News Roundup: Carnival Laundry Cuts and More

Carnival’s new loyalty program limits complimentary laundry, while Norwegian Prima guests receive Legionnaires’ disease notices and storm disruptions affect Royal Caribbean.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on August 31, 2026.

Today’s cruise news roundup covers Carnival’s reduced laundry benefits and opt-in deadline, health notifications aboard Norwegian Prima, storm-related changes for Spectrum of the Seas, Princess Cruises’ Alaska moveover offer, and Norwegian’s expanded specialty dining perk.

Carnival Limits Loyalty Laundry Benefits

Carnival’s new Rewards program will keep complimentary laundry for Platinum and Diamond guests, but Cruise Hive reports that the benefit will be capped at specific bag allowances. The program begins September 1, 2026, replacing the VIFP Club structure after August 31.

On cruises lasting three to six days, Platinum guests will receive one free bag and Diamond guests two. For seven- to 13-day sailings, the allowance rises to two bags for Platinum and three for Diamond; cruises of 14 days or longer include four bags for Platinum and five for Diamond.

The new limits reduce the previous VIFP benefit, under which Platinum guests received two, three, or five bags based on sailing length and Diamond guests received unlimited wash-and-fold laundry. Guests must opt in and accept the new program’s terms by August 31, 2026, using Carnival’s Rewards website; Carnival says privacy rules prevent automatic enrollment.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Norwegian Prima Closes Hot Tubs During Testing

Norwegian Cruise Line is notifying guests about three reported Legionnaires’ disease cases involving passengers who sailed aboard Norwegian Prima in May and July 2026, Cruise Hive reports. The cruise line is working with the CDC, but it has not been established whether the guests became ill aboard the ship or elsewhere.

Testing of onboard water fixtures, including faucets, hot tubs, and showers, has so far produced negative results for Legionella bacteria. As a precaution, all public hot tubs and private balcony heated whirlpools are closed until sampling is complete and any required remediation follows CDC guidelines.

The 3,099-guest Norwegian Prima is currently homeported from Port Canaveral for seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Cruise Hive reports no other illness-related operational changes at this time and advises people who develop possible symptoms to seek medical attention.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Typhoon Delays and Shortens Spectrum Sailing

Typhoon Saudel’s closure of the Port of Shanghai has forced Royal Caribbean to extend one Spectrum of the Seas sailing and delay the next, according to Royal Caribbean Blog. Guests booked on the August 28 sailing were told that their departure would move back by one day and that the cruise would be shortened.

The revised itinerary called for departure from Shanghai on Saturday, a visit to Jeju in Seogwipo, South Korea, Monday at sea, and an early Tuesday return to Shanghai. The change removes one day from the original itinerary, while Royal Caribbean has offered affected guests the choice of sailing under the revised schedule or canceling.

Passengers who continue will receive a prorated refund initially issued as refundable onboard credit: $100 for interior and oceanview rooms, $150 for balconies, $250 for Sea, Sky, and Star Class suites, and $50 for third and fourth guests. The same amounts will also be provided as Future Cruise Credit, with those credits expected by September 15, 2026, and bookings required by August 29, 2027.

Royal Caribbean has canceled prepaid cruise-line shore excursions for Okinawa and will return the money as refundable onboard credit. Guests will receive four nights of Crown & Anchor Society points despite the shortened three-night itinerary, while Flights by Royal reservations will be adjusted automatically; passengers using independent transportation may qualify for up to $200 per guest per day in eligible travel costs, with receipts due by September 26, 2026.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Princess Offers Refund to Select Alaska Guests

Princess Cruises is asking select guests booked on Emerald Princess to voluntarily change plans for the ship’s September 1, 2026, Alaska departure, Cruise Hive reports. Those accepted into the offer will receive a full refund, future cruise credit equal to 100% of the base fare paid, and up to $800 per person for documented travel expenses.

The affected voyage is a seven-night roundtrip Inside Passage cruise from Vancouver, with calls at Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park. Emerald Princess is scheduled to return to Vancouver on September 8, and the sailing is listed as sold out.

The future cruise credit excludes taxes and fees, remains valid for two years, and can be used for eligible Princess cruises, vacation protection, hotels, or flights booked through the line. The offer is first come, first served, may be withdrawn at any time, and does not guarantee acceptance; Princess also told guests not to cancel travel arrangements before receiving confirmation.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Norwegian Expands Specialty Dining Benefit

Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded the specialty dining benefit in its Free at Sea package to cover all guests in the same stateroom, Cruise Hive reports. The change applies to bookings made on or after August 26, 2026, extending eligibility beyond the first two guests to guests three through eight.

Previously, additional guests in the stateroom had to pay the regular specialty restaurant price even when traveling with guests whose package included the discount. Children ages two through 12 are not charged the specialty dining package price before the cruise, but the fee applies if they select a regular menu item; guests age 13 and older are charged the package fee.

Under the package, guests receive one specialty dining meal on two- to four-night cruises, two meals on five- to six-night sailings, three on seven- to eight-night cruises, and four on voyages of nine nights or longer. Each package meal carries a $20 cover charge including gratuities, while the source says an onboard purchase for the one-meal option would be $72; additional meals remain subject to the prevailing rate.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Cruise News Roundup: Carnival System Outage, Itinerary Changes, Alaska Plans and More

Carnival prepares for another reservations-system outage, updates 11 itineraries and rescues a mariner at sea. Holland America and Oceania also announce major deployment and fleet news.

Welcome to The Deck Briefing — your quick daily read for everyone who loves ships, sea days, and stories from the decks. Here’s what’s making waves on August 28, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Carnival Cruise Line's planned reservations-system outage, itinerary changes across four ships, a Carnival Conquest rescue at sea, Holland America Line's 2028 Alaska deployment and Oceania Sonata's float-out.

Carnival Plans 18-Hour Reservations Outage

Carnival Cruise Line plans to take its reservations system offline for maintenance from 6 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, August 29, until a targeted completion time of noon on Sunday, August 30, Cruise Hive reports. During the planned 18-hour window, guests and travel advisors will be unable to make bookings, submit payments or manage existing reservations.

The outage will also affect Carnival's online check-in, Fun Shops, payment tools and other guest-facing services. The cruise line's Contact Center will not be able to process bookings or payments while the reservations system is unavailable, although parts of the website, including deck plans and frequently asked questions, will remain accessible.

Cruise Hive notes that this is Carnival's third planned reservations-system outage in 2026, following maintenance periods in May and on August 16. Previous downtime has extended beyond the expected end time, including a December 2024 outage that involved failed logins, missing personal information and frozen pages; during a May 2026 maintenance period, Cruise Hive reported glitches that seemed to create erroneous low fares, and those fares were later canceled.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Carnival Revises 11 Sailings Across Four Ships

Carnival Cruise Line is notifying guests about relatively minor itinerary changes affecting 11 sailings on Carnival Spirit, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Legend and Carnival Elation, Cruise Hive reports. The revised departures range from November 2026 through April 2028 and involve port swaps or changes to port-call days and times.

Carnival Spirit's six-night sailing departing Mobile on November 8, 2026, will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, instead of Princess Cays. The stop remains scheduled for November 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the sailing's planned Celebration Key visit remains unchanged. Carnival Legend's December 13, 2026, six-night departure from Tampa and Carnival Elation's April 15, 2028, five-night sailing from Jacksonville will instead swap the days for their Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay calls.

Eight Carnival Conquest cruises departing Miami are also being adjusted: November 16, 2026; January 25, February 15 and April 12, 2027; and February 7, March 27, April 3 and April 17, 2028. Most changes alter the day and timing of the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay visit; the March 27, 2028, four-night Bahamas sailing will reverse the order of its port calls and move that stop to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from the original 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Carnival says shore excursions will be adjusted automatically when necessary. Excursions tied to the canceled Princess Cays call on Carnival Spirit will be canceled and refunded to the original form of payment, while the notices do not provide a reason for the broader schedule changes.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Carnival Conquest Rescues Mariner Bound for Grenada

Carnival Conquest rescued the sole occupant of a disabled sailboat on August 26 after receiving a distress relay from rescue authorities, Cruise Hive reports. The ship diverted during a sea day while sailing toward Grenada, brought the mariner aboard and continued toward St. George's as scheduled.

Passengers said the captain used the public-address system to keep them informed during the search-and-rescue response. Video shared from the encounter showed the small sailboat moving heavily in the water as Carnival Conquest approached, with its sails stowed.

Carnival Cruise Line said the rescued individual remained in the care of the ship's team as Carnival Conquest proceeded to Grenada. The 2,980-guest ship reached the port on Thursday, August 27, without a reported delay to the itinerary.

The ship departed Miami on August 21 for a 14-day sailing that includes St. Thomas, St. Croix, Dominica, Antigua and other ports before its scheduled return to Florida on September 4. The voyage is one of Carnival's invitation-only SEA, or Sailings Exclusively for Adults, cruises for eligible guests ages 21 and up.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Holland America Adds Nootka Sound to 2028 Alaska Plans

Holland America Line will include scenic cruising through Nootka Sound on select itineraries during its 2028 Alaska season, Seatrade Cruise News reports. The deployment also includes the Alaska debut of Oosterdam after its Holland America Evolution dry-dock work.

Six ships are scheduled to participate: Oosterdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Westerdam and Zaandam. Voyages will run from seven to 18 days, with departures roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, between Vancouver and Whittier, and on a new San Diego-to-Vancouver sailing.

The season includes an 11-day California to Alaska: Shores, Fjords & Glaciers voyage. Holland America Line said the program combines familiar Alaska highlights with less-traveled waterways and new onboard experiences.

Source: www.seatrade-cruise.com

Oceania Sonata Floats Out Ahead of 2027 Debut

Fincantieri and Oceania Cruises marked the float-out of Oceania Sonata at the Marghera shipyard in Italy, The Maritime Executive reports. The ship was moved from the assembly dry dock to a fitting-out berth, where work on the interior spaces will continue ahead of its scheduled 2027 entry into service.

Oceania Sonata is the first ship in Oceania's new Sonata Class. At 86,000 gross tons, it will be about 30 percent larger than the 68,000-gross-ton Allura and Vista class, while passenger capacity will rise 15 percent, from 1,200 to 1,390, through the addition of 90 staterooms.

One-third of the accommodations will be suites, including four Owner's Suites and two new suite categories. The ship will also have 13 dining venues, with Oceania describing the class as focused on more space, upgraded accommodations and enhanced culinary experiences.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has expanded the Sonata order to five ships. Oceania Arietta is beginning construction for delivery in 2029, while three additional sister ships are scheduled for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037.

The float-out coincided with Oceania Regatta's final cruise for the line on August 27 in Istanbul. Regatta is beginning a two-year charter with Australia's My Cruises for 365-day world cruises, while Oceania Sirena is slated for delivery to new owners in spring 2028 and Oceania Nautica is planned to become Oceania Aurelia after a 2027 reworking that will reduce its cabins from 340 to 238 and create 179 suites.

Source: maritime-executive.com