The Deck Briefing

Cruise News Roundup: Mexico Passenger Fees, Asia-Pacific Deployments, Alaska 2028 and More

Mexico has doubled its cruise passenger fee, while Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises outline major future deployments. The roundup also covers eclipse cruises and Seabourn’s 2028-29 Caribbean season.

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 13, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Mexico's higher passenger fee, Royal Caribbean's 2027-28 Asia-Pacific reshuffle, Princess Cruises' 2028 Alaska season, eclipse-positioned ships in Iceland and Greenland, and Seabourn's 2028-29 Caribbean voyages.

Mexico Doubles Cruise Passenger Fee

Mexico's cruise passenger fee doubled to $10 per person on Aug. 1, 2026, and Cruise Hive reports that it is scheduled to rise again. The charge applies at cruise ports throughout the country, including Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Costa Maya.

The fee is collected once per itinerary, even when a sailing calls at several Mexican ports. It will increase to $15 per guest on July 1, 2027, before reaching $21 on Aug. 1, 2028; that rate is scheduled to remain in place through at least Sept. 30, 2030.

Mexico recorded 4.8 million cruise visitors from January through April 2026, a 14.8% year-over-year increase, according to Cruise Hive. Cruise lines are adding the charge to the cruise fare rather than moving away from Mexican ports, the report says.

Mexico initially proposed a $42 passenger tax before reducing it after pushback from the cruise industry. Other destinations cited in the report with cruise-related tourism charges include Greece, where seasonal fees apply at Santorini, Mykonos and other ports, and Amsterdam, where the 2026 charge is €15 per person per day.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Royal Caribbean Expands Asia-Pacific Deployment

Royal Caribbean is reshuffling ships for its 2027-28 season, with three vessels scheduled to sail from Australia and expanded operations planned for Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, according to Royal Caribbean Blog. Ovation of the Seas will be based in Brisbane, while Anthem of the Seas will sail from Sydney.

Ovation will offer three- to eight-night cruises beginning in Brisbane in November 2027, including two four-night voyages to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. The ship's recently added features include a revamped pool deck, Splashaway Bay, private casitas and restaurants such as Izumi Teppanyaki and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen.

Voyager of the Seas will move through five homeports during the deployment: Brisbane, Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. It is scheduled to offer seven Brisbane sailings from October through December 2027, followed by five cruises from Sydney and later voyages timed around Chinese New Year and Japan's cherry blossom season.

Voyager's Asia-Pacific program includes Hong Kong round trips, calls at Ishigaki and Okinawa, and itineraries visiting Taipei and Hue/Danang. In February 2028, four 10- to 12-night cruises from Tokyo will visit destinations around Japan.

Navigator of the Seas will also remain in Singapore longer than previously planned. After debuting in Asia in October 2026, it is now scheduled to stay through October 2027, offering mainly two- to five-night cruises to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, along with a 12-night sailing from Tokyo to Singapore.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Princess Opens 2028 Alaska Season

Princess Cruises has opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska season, with eight ships offering 185 departures from late April through late September, Cruise Hive reports. The program includes 14 itineraries ranging from four to 16 days, with departures from Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The fleet will include Star Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Royal Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Island Princess and Ruby Princess. The ships will visit 16 destinations, including Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, along with the Canadian ports of Prince Rupert and Victoria on selected sailings.

Itineraries include round-trip and one-way cruises, as well as options to combine voyages into 14-day trips. Emerald Princess is scheduled to offer a 16-day Inside Passage round trip from Los Angeles, while Ruby Princess will operate 10-day round trips from San Francisco.

Planned scenic cruising includes Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord and Endicott Arm, although itineraries may change because of weather and safety conditions. Princess will also offer land-based cruisetour extensions featuring places such as Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, with stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Cruise Ships Line Up for Iceland-Greenland Eclipse

Multiple cruise ships have positioned across Icelandic and Greenlandic waters for the total solar eclipse on Aug. 13, Seatrade Cruise News reports. The eclipse is scheduled to begin in Reykjavik at 4:47 p.m. local time, with totality at 5:48 p.m. lasting just over one minute.

In Iceland's Westfjords near Isafjörður, totality is expected at 5:44 p.m. and will last one minute and 31 seconds. Some locations in Greenland will reach totality earlier, around 5:18 p.m.

Virgin Voyages has positioned Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady for eclipse viewing. Valiant Lady is on a 15-night round trip from Portsmouth, while Scarlet Lady is sailing from Barcelona to Rome; the ships are offering approximately two minutes of totality from open ocean, along with programming involving astronauts, astrophysicists and scientists.

Ponant has positioned Le Lyrial near Isafjörður and Le Lapérouse west of Heimaey Island, while Queen Mary 2 is positioned in Reykjavik during a Southampton-to-New York crossing. Expedition operators including HX Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions and Quark Expeditions have also placed ships along the viewing path, with Scoresby Sund in Greenland hosting the largest concentration cited in the report.

Prices vary across the eclipse cruise market. Virgin Voyages' voyages start at £2,016 per person, while expedition sailings cited by Seatrade Cruise News range from $8,550 to more than $28,000 per passenger.

Source: www.seatrade-cruise.com

Seabourn Opens 2028-29 Caribbean Voyages

Seabourn has opened bookings for its winter 2028-29 Caribbean season aboard Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Quest, Cruise Industry News reports. The voyages run from Dec. 28, 2028, through March 29, 2029, with 10 itineraries lasting seven to 12 days.

The ships will visit 21 ports across 20 countries and island territories, including St. Barts, Bequia and Little Bay in Montserrat. The schedule includes late departures in St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, Aruba and Curaçao, while Ovation will sail between Bridgetown and Philipsburg and Quest will offer round trips from Miami.

Selected holiday voyages include New Year's Day celebrations at Carambola Beach, along with Christmas Eve at Carambola Beach and Christmas Day in Jost Van Dyke on certain 10-day sailings. Seabourn also plans its Caviar in the Surf experience at Carambola Beach in St. Kitts, and guests aboard Quest will see what the company describes as one of its most extensive interior updates.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

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Cruise News Roundup: European River Drought, Labadee Closure and 2028-29 Deployments

Severe drought is disrupting European river cruises, while Royal Caribbean extends its Labadee suspension and reports a second missed Naples call. Viking and Celebrity also open details of their 2028-29 programs.

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 11, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers drought-related changes on Europe's rivers, Royal Caribbean's extended Labadee closure, repeated Naples omissions for Legend of the Seas, Viking's 2028-29 ocean program and Celebrity Cruises' 2028-29 deployment.

Drought Disrupts European River Cruises

Severely low water levels on the Danube and Rhine are forcing river cruise lines to consider itinerary changes, ship swaps and cancellations, Cruise Hive reports. Heat waves and a drought that began early in the summer have contributed to historically low levels on major European rivers, making some routes difficult for ships to navigate safely.

Viking is monitoring conditions and says its use of identical sister ships on the same itinerary can allow guests and luggage to move around an affected section of river while keeping the same stateroom assignment. Saga Cruises is also reviewing conditions and plans to contact affected guests in departure-date order.

Uniworld has changed the first four days of its August 9, 2026, itinerary and plans to transfer guests from SS Elisabeth to SS Antoinette on August 13. The ship swap will not affect onboard programming and activities, while Uniworld says its team will handle the transfer and luggage.

Avalon Waterways has cancelled selected Danube Dreams cruises because of low water levels and is contacting affected guests individually. The cruise lines are warning that changes may occur close to departure because river conditions can shift if sufficient rainfall arrives.

Low water can prevent ships from completing planned routes and may create risks including running aground, which could result in damage or injuries. Cruise lines are continuing to monitor the Danube and Rhine and will update guests if their sailings are affected.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Royal Caribbean Extends Labadee Closure Through June 2027

Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of ship calls at Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027, Royal Caribbean Blog reports. Ships with scheduled Haitian calls have been rerouted to ports including Costa Maya in Mexico and Nassau in the Bahamas, or have received an additional sea day.

The destination is not completely inactive. Royal Caribbean continues to send ships on brief supply visits and maintains a small staff at the private resort, while the company says it remains committed to its operations and community support in the area.

Adventure of the Seas made a short stop at Labadee on August 9 during a nine-night cruise from Port Canaveral to CocoCay and the Southern Caribbean. Photos shared from the visit showed an otherwise nearly empty resort, with only a few staff members present.

Royal Caribbean began leasing the northern coastal property from the Haitian government in 1986, later developing attractions including the Dragon's Breath Flight Line, Arawak Aqua Park and Dragon's Tail Coaster. The company has suspended calls since April 2025 amid security concerns in Haiti, while continuing initiatives that include a school, community infrastructure projects and a soccer field partnership.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Legend of the Seas Skips Naples Again

Legend of the Seas has missed its scheduled Naples call on two consecutive cruises, according to guest reports cited by Cruise Industry News. The second cancellation involved the August 7, 2026, sailing, with Marseille substituted on the same day.

The first reported omission was on the ship's July 25 cruise between Civitavecchia and Barcelona. Naples was removed the night before the planned visit, and Marseille was added instead.

Royal Caribbean reportedly attributed the changes to port restrictions following a dock assessment by the Italian Port Authority, saying conditions at a Naples pier currently prevent the ship from calling as scheduled. The 5,610-passenger ship is listed for weekly Naples visits through October before repositioning to Florida in early November for winter cruises from Fort Lauderdale.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Viking Opens 2028-29 Ocean Program

Viking has opened bookings for its 2028-29 ocean program, with more than 700 departures across 80 itineraries, Seatrade Cruise News reports. The deployment covers 301 ports in 84 countries on six continents.

Two new ships are scheduled to join the fleet: Viking Vega in 2028 and Viking Leda in 2029. Each vessel will measure 54,300 gross tons and have 499 staterooms for 998 passengers.

The program adds departures of the Japan Discovery itinerary and introduces Alaskan Fjords & the Inside Passage and Mediterranean, Malta & North Africa. Itineraries range from eight-day cruises to extended world voyages across regions including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, South America and the Panama Canal.

Source: www.seatrade-cruise.com

Celebrity Details Expanded 2028-29 Deployment

Celebrity Cruises has announced a 2028-29 program featuring an expanded Europe season and itineraries across all seven continents. Celebrity said four Edge Series ships will sail in Europe for the first time, with additional programs planned for Alaska, Asia, Australia, New England and South America; the announcement was also reported by Cruise Hive.

Celebrity Beyond will return to Europe for the first time since 2023 with seven- to 14-night cruises from Southampton to Norway, Iceland and Scandinavia. Celebrity Summit will offer roundtrip Iceland sailings from Reykjavik, while Celebrity Apex will operate 12-night Scandinavia cruises and new 12-night British Isles itineraries that include the line's first visit to Galway, Ireland.

Other European plans include seven- to 11-night cruises to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Greece and Turkey, plus 10- and 11-night Celebrity Constellation sailings focused on Italy and Croatia. Celebrity Infinity will again operate year-round in Europe, including the company's first Egypt sailings since 2023 and overnight calls in Alexandria.

Three Celebrity ships are scheduled to sail in Alaska in 2028. Celebrity Edge will return for a fifth season, Celebrity Equinox will make its first Alaska season with seven-night open-jaw cruises between Vancouver and Seward, and Celebrity Millennium will offer roundtrip sailings from Vancouver; Equinox will also operate new roundtrip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles.

The deployment includes Australia and New Zealand sailings on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice, with 23 departures from Sydney and Auckland ranging from four to 14 nights. Further plans cover South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Japan and South America, including Antarctica itineraries and a 16-night holiday sailing timed for New Year's in the region.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com (also reported by www.cruisehive.com)

Cruise News Roundup: MSC Rescue Near Ibiza, Alaska Assistance and More

MSC Musica rescued eight people near Ibiza, while Wilderness Legacy assisted stranded Alaska boaters. Santorini also reopened its cruise path, and Royal Caribbean and Carnival shared ship 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 August 10, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers MSC Musica's rescue of eight people near Ibiza, Wilderness Legacy's assistance to stranded Alaska boaters, Santorini's reopened Karavolades Stairs, a shattered AquaDome panel on Legend of the Seas, and Carnival Festivale's construction progress.

MSC Musica Rescues Eight People Near Ibiza

MSC Musica rescued eight men from a disabled small boat about 16 miles east of Ibiza on July 31, 2026, Cruise Hive reports. The cruise ship was approaching the Spanish island for a scheduled port visit when its crew spotted the craft in distress shortly before 11:30 a.m.

The ship launched a lifeboat, and the men were transferred first to that boat and then aboard MSC Musica. The first mate, 27-year-old Roberto de Girolamo, led the operation, while Salvamento Marítimo and the Guardia Civil in Sant Josep were notified.

The men, reportedly from North Africa, were handed over to local authorities when the ship reached Ibiza; no further information about their identities or condition was released. MSC Musica was carrying 2,550 guests on a seven-night roundtrip Western Mediterranean voyage from Civitavecchia and returned to its homeport on schedule on August 3 without reports of a significant delay.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Wilderness Legacy Aids Stranded Alaska Boaters

UnCruise Adventures' Wilderness Legacy towed a fuel-starved skiff to safety in southeastern Alaska on August 3, Cruise Hive reports. The 21-foot Hewescraft boat requested assistance near Point Highland, about 85 miles south-southeast of Juneau, at 9:32 p.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard determined that the boat was not in immediate distress but needed assistance, then passed along the request at 9:56 p.m. Wilderness Legacy began its response at 10:58 p.m., towing the skiff more than nine miles to safe anchorage in Farragut Bay and supplying additional fuel.

The skiff was reported safely anchored at about 12:50 a.m. on August 4, completing the operation in just under three and a half hours. Two women, a child and a dog were believed to be aboard, with no injuries or vessel damage reported, and the 88-guest cruise ship was not significantly delayed.

A closer vessel, the 387-foot luxury yacht Launchpad, did not respond to the assistance request, according to the report. Launchpad is owned by Mark Zuckerberg, but the material does not explain why it failed to answer; the Coast Guard classified the incident as an assistance call rather than a distress call.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Santorini Reopens Karavolades Stairs

Santorini's Port of Fira has returned to normal operations after a collapsed wall temporarily blocked the Karavolades Stairs, Cruise Hive says. The Mayor of Thira, Anastasios Nikolaos Zorzos, reopened the route on August 3, after the damage was addressed and the walkway was deemed safe for pedestrians.

The closure had cut off the stepped route between the old port on the Bay of Fira and the city of Fira. Cruise visitors could still use the Santorini Cable Car or travel by road, while cruise operations were temporarily moved to Athinios, the island's main ferry port.

Athinios is about seven miles from Fira, with bus and taxi trips taking around 25 minutes. Greek authorities relocated cruise operations there on July 28, and shore excursions operated from the ferry port during the closure; no canceled port calls were publicly reported.

The previous limits on cruise arrivals are being enforced again now that the stairs have reopened, with up to 70% of guests required to disembark at Fira's old port and no more than 30% arriving through Athinios. Sixty ship calls remain scheduled for August 2026, including visits by MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Broken Glass Panel Spotted on Legend of the Seas

A glass panel in the AquaDome on Royal Caribbean's new Legend of the Seas has shattered, Cruise Hive reports. The discovery came just over a month after the Icon-class ship entered service on July 4, 2026, with the broken triangular panel apparently still held within its frame.

Royal Caribbean has not said what caused the glass to break. No injuries to guests or crew members were reported, and cruise tracking information showed the 5,610-guest ship continuing to sail normally in the Mediterranean near the end of a seven-night voyage scheduled to finish in Barcelona on August 9.

The AquaDome contains 673 glass panels and occupies the forward top deck of the 248,663-gross-ton ship. A similar triangular panel broke aboard the second Icon-class vessel, Star of the Seas, in May 2026, while a separate tempered glass panel on that ship shattered during a preview sailing on August 26, 2025.

Another glass-related incident occurred aboard Icon of the Seas in August 2025, when an acrylic panel on the Frightening Bolt waterslide shattered and injured a guest. That slide was closed on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas while the incident was investigated and repairs were completed.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Carnival Festivale Adds Propulsion Pods

Meyer Werft has released a construction video showing an azimuth thruster pod being installed on Carnival Festivale, Cruise Hive reports. The fourth Excel-class ship for Carnival Cruise Line now has both propulsion pods mounted, although the propellers will be installed closer to the vessel's launch.

The one-minute video shows cranes and rigging lifting a pod into position while engineers and construction workers oversee the installation. Welding is also visible in the background, and the ship's name appears on the aft hull beneath scaffolding.

Carnival Festivale and the other Excel-class ships use two azimuth thrusters to propel the 182,800-gross-ton vessel. Once completed, the ship is expected to reach 21.5 knots, or about 25 miles per hour.

The ship's steel was first cut on April 8, 2025, and its keel was laid on August 14, 2025. The engines were installed in March 2026, while the 949 crew cabins had been completed by mid-February and work was set to begin on guest staterooms.

Carnival Festivale is scheduled to welcome its first guests on May 19, 2027, on a four-night Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral. Before that sailing, the ship still must undergo final outfitting, sea trials, delivery to Carnival, crew embarkation and a first transatlantic voyage to Florida.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Cruise News Roundup: Typhoon Delays Royal Caribbean Sailing, Disney Plans 2029 Fleet Milestone and More

A typhoon changes two Spectrum of the Seas sailings, while MSC Grandiosa resumes course after a false overboard alert. Disney, Carnival and Port Canaveral also announce 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 August 7, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers typhoon-related changes to two Royal Caribbean sailings, a false overboard alert on MSC Grandiosa, Carnival Cruise Line's first female Staff Captain, Disney Cruise Line's 2029 fleet plans, and Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminal 10 overhaul.

Typhoon Delays Two Spectrum of the Seas Sailings

Typhoon Dolphin and the closure of Shanghai's port have forced changes to two Royal Caribbean sailings aboard Spectrum of the Seas, Cruise Hive reports. The ship will not return to Shanghai on August 8 as planned after completing its current five-night voyage from the city.

Spectrum of the Seas departed Shanghai on August 3 with calls scheduled at Busan and Yeosu in South Korea. After leaving Yeosu, the ship remained at sea and diverted from its planned return to avoid the storm, which is expected to make landfall south of Shanghai on August 9.

The next sailing will now begin on August 11 rather than August 8 and has been reduced from eight nights to five. The revised cruise will call at Jeju on Thursday and Nagasaki on Friday, with both visits scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., before returning to Shanghai on August 16 at an expected 6:30 a.m.; the original calls at Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo have been removed.

Royal Caribbean is offering refundable onboard credit based on stateroom type: $400 for inside rooms, $550 for outside rooms, $600 for balconies and $1,100 for deluxe rooms. The line is also providing a future cruise credit for the same amount per stateroom, with bookings required by August 16, 2027, and is prorating refunds for gratuities and prepaid drink, dining and internet packages.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

MSC Grandiosa Clears False Overboard Alert

A man-overboard alert aboard MSC Grandiosa was determined to be false after an emergency search and full headcount, Cruise Hive reports. The alert was issued shortly before 11 p.m. on August 6 while the ship was about 110 miles east of Palma de Mallorca on a return voyage.

The crew asked guests to remain in or return to their staterooms while stewards conducted the count, and crew members scanned their identification cards. Authorities were notified and a rescue helicopter was sent to assist as the ship slowed and briefly doubled back along its route.

After about two hours, the captain confirmed that every guest and crew member was accounted for. MSC Grandiosa resumed sailing toward Palma at 19 knots, with an estimated arrival at 6 a.m. on August 7 and no expected effect on debarkation or the next sailing.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Carnival Names First Female Staff Captain

Carnival Cruise Line appointed Daniela Gargiulo as the global fleet's first female Staff Captain during a ceremony in Sydney on August 5. Carnival Adventure Captain Francesco Bencivenga welcomed her as his second-in-command while the ship returned from the South Pacific.

Gargiulo joined Carnival Adventure last year and began with Carnival Cruise Line as a Deck Cadet in 2013. She entered nautical school in Italy at age 14 and advanced through the ranks during 13 years with the company.

As Staff Captain, Gargiulo will oversee marine operations, safety and crew leadership among other responsibilities. Carnival Adventure operates year-round from Sydney and carries more than 2,600 guests and 1,100 crew members.

Source: www.carnival-news.com

Disney Plans Three New Ship Debuts in 2029

Disney Cruise Line now expects three new ships to debut in 2029, Cruise Hive reports, marking the first calendar year in which the cruise line will introduce more than one vessel. The plans include a Japan-based Wish-class ship and two vessels from a smaller, not-yet-named class.

The updated schedule brings forward the delivery dates for three ships that had originally been expected in 2029, 2030 and 2031. Two are now planned for 2029, including one late in the year, while the third is expected in late 2030.

Disney Believe remains scheduled to debut in late 2027 and is under construction at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Disney Cruise Line has not announced bookings or itineraries for the fourth Wish-class ship, but more information is expected in October 2026; the fifth Wish-class vessel will be operated by Oriental Land Company and sail from Japan beginning in 2029.

The three ships in the undisclosed smaller class are estimated to accommodate roughly 3,000 guests at maximum occupancy. That would place them below the Wish-class ships and slightly above Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, which can each carry 2,700 guests.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Port Canaveral Begins $95 Million Terminal 10 Upgrade

Port Canaveral has begun a $95 million expansion and renovation of Cruise Terminal 10, Seatrade Cruise News reports. The project is designed to support ships carrying up to 5,700 passengers and is scheduled for completion in November 2027.

The terminal serves MSC Cruises and Disney Cruise Line and will grow to more than 145,000 square feet, nearly 30% larger than its current footprint. Planned improvements include expanded security and luggage areas, new elevators and escalators, updated signage and HVAC systems, and additional lighting and artwork.

Miami-based Bermello Ajamil & Partners designed the reworked facility, while Orlando-based PCL Construction Services is handling construction. The project will also add a glass façade and modernized interiors.

Source: www.seatrade-cruise.com

Cruise News Roundup: Typhoon Disrupts Spectrum of the Seas, Naples Call Canceled and More

Royal Caribbean passengers face itinerary changes linked to a typhoon and Naples pier issues. The roundup also covers Captain Kate McCue’s resignation, MSC’s new private destination and Carnival’s eclipse-cruise loyalty changes.

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 6, 2026.

Today’s cruise news roundup covers Royal Caribbean’s typhoon-related disruption aboard Spectrum of the Seas, a second consecutive Naples omission for Legend of the Seas, Captain Kate McCue’s resignation, MSC Cruises’ new Catalina Sugar Beach destination and Carnival’s changes to Platinum benefits on its solar eclipse sailing.

Typhoon Extends Spectrum of the Seas Sailing

Typhoon Dolphin and the closure of Shanghai’s Baoshan port have delayed Spectrum of the Seas’ return to Shanghai, Royal Caribbean Blog reports. The ship was due back on August 8, 2026, but the affected sailing has been extended and the next departure is now scheduled for August 11.

The revised five-night itinerary will replace calls at Osaka, Tokyo and Nagoya with visits to Jeju, South Korea, and Nagasaki, Japan. Guests who sail on August 11 will receive onboard credit ranging from $400 for inside staterooms to $1,100 for deluxe staterooms, while third- and fourth-berth guests will receive $150 each.

Royal Caribbean will reimburse up to $200 per guest for eligible non-refundable transportation change fees, provided documentation is submitted by September 16, 2026. Guests who do not want to take the revised sailing can instead receive a 100% future cruise credit valid for Royal Caribbean sailings through August 11, 2027, but prepaid excursions in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo have been canceled and will be refunded within 14 business days.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Legend of the Seas Skips Naples Again

Legend of the Seas has canceled its Naples call for the second consecutive week because conditions at the Italian port’s pier prevented the ship from receiving clearance to dock, according to Royal Caribbean Blog. The ship had been scheduled to visit Naples on August 7, but will instead call at Marseille, France, on August 8 from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Royal Caribbean told guests that a recent assessment by the Italian Port Authority found the pier unsuitable for the visit and said safety was the priority. Guests with prepaid shore excursions for Naples will receive automatic refunds, while the ship’s scheduled August 6 call at Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, was reported to remain unchanged.

The cause of the infrastructure issue and the date when authorities may clear the pier for larger ships have not been announced. More than five other ships, including MSC World Europa, Enchanted Princess, Costa Toscana and Viking Sea, visited Naples during the week, while passengers expressed disappointment about losing the destination during Legend of the Seas’ inaugural European season.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Captain Kate McCue Resigns From Four Seasons Yachts

Captain Kate McCue is leaving Four Seasons Yachts to spend more time with her family, Cruise Hive reports. She announced the resignation through social media on August 5, 2026, after changes in her family circumstances, including her father’s recovery from major back surgery and the unexpected death of her mother in June.

McCue said she had spent much of the previous year away from home while working and now plans to experience cruising as a guest with her father. His bucket list includes trying different types of cruise vessels, although McCue has not announced specific ships, cruise lines or destinations.

She is keeping her captain’s license active and has not ruled out returning to sailing. McCue has spent 30 years at sea, including 11 years as a captain, and during her career delivered two new ships and worked on a prototype vessel.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

MSC Names New Catalina Sugar Beach Destination

MSC Cruises has named its new private destination near La Romana, Dominican Republic, Catalina Sugar Beach, Cruise Hive reports. The site on Catalina Island is scheduled to welcome its first guests in November 2026 through calls by MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.

The destination is being developed with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. Planned features include an open-air buffet pavilion serving international and local dishes, two bars, water-sports equipment, daybeds, cabanas and a path with overlooks and interpretive signs through the natural landscape.

MSC Opera will be homeported from La Romana beginning in November and is scheduled to visit Catalina Sugar Beach on every seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing. Its first call is set for November 17, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Explora III is scheduled to make the first Explora Journeys visit on November 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Carnival Removes Platinum Benefits From Eclipse Sailing

Carnival Cruise Line has removed several Platinum VIFP benefits from Carnival Legend’s August 9, 2026, departure from Dover, UK, Cruise Hive reports. The 11-night roundtrip sailing is the line’s first solar eclipse cruise and will be at sea for the total eclipse on August 12.

Platinum guests will not receive priority embarkation or debarkation, priority handling at ports, early stateroom access, early luggage dropoff or priority luggage delivery on this voyage. Priority service at the Deck 2 Guest Services desk and priority phone assistance may be offered only when demand allows, according to the notice sent to booked guests.

The Western Europe itinerary includes France, Guernsey, Spain, Portugal and Belgium before Carnival Legend returns to the UK on August 20. The ship can accommodate 2,124 guests at double occupancy, but Carnival does not publish the number of guests in each loyalty tier; the VIFP program is scheduled to be retired at the end of August.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Cruise News Roundup: Princess Payment Changes, Wonder of the Seas Incident, Europe 2028 and More

Princess Cruises is moving final payments earlier and raising deposits, while Wonder of the Seas lost a gangway at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Holland America Line expanded its 2028 Europe program, and Carnival Pride is testing robotic hull cleaning.

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 5, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Princess Cruises' revised payment and deposit rules, a gangway incident involving Wonder of the Seas, an arrest at Naples, Holland America Line's 2028 European deployment and Carnival Pride's robotic hull-cleaning pilot.

Princess Moves Final Payments to 120 Days

Princess Cruises will require final payment 120 days before sailing for all cruises, replacing the previous 90-day deadline for shorter voyages. Cruise Hive reports that the change applies to new bookings made from September 2, 2026, for sailings departing January 1, 2027, or later.

Deposits are also increasing for the first and second guests in each stateroom. For inside, oceanview, balcony and mini-suite cabins, the new amounts are $125 for voyages of five days or fewer, $300 for six to nine days, and $500 for 10 to 44 days; suite deposits will be $250, $600 and $1,000 across those same sailing lengths.

The deposit for voyages of 45 days or longer, including World Cruises, remains 30% of the fare for all stateroom types. Princess has also revised its cancellation fee schedule to align with the earlier payment deadlines, while its overall cruise fares are not changing. The cruise line told travel agents that bookings are automatically canceled when final payment is not received by the due date, with email reminders sent 14 and seven days beforehand.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Wonder of the Seas Loses Gangway at CocoCay

A gangway fell into the water as Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas departed Perfect Day at CocoCay on Saturday, August 1, 2026. According to Cruise Hive, no guests were on the equipment, and there were no reports of injuries or damage to the ship.

Video recorded from Allure of the Seas shows the 235,600-gross-ton vessel moving away from the pier while a forklift appeared to help bring the gangway aboard. The equipment tipped, hung briefly and then dropped into the sea alongside the ship.

Wonder of the Seas was on a three-night sailing from Miami and continued to Nassau on Sunday, August 2, before returning to Miami on Monday, August 3. Cruise Hive reported no departure delay or itinerary disruption, and Royal Caribbean had not issued a statement about the incident. The reason the ship appeared to move before all gangways were secured was not known.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Alleged Drug Ring Leader Arrested at Naples Cruise Port

Italian authorities arrested an alleged drug trafficking ring leader while he was attempting to board a cruise ship at the Port of Naples. Cruise Hive reports that Vito “Viktor” Rizzo, a 34-year-old man from Taranto, was detained under a precautionary order linked to a wider investigation.

The arrest followed a May 19 search of Rizzo's apartment, where officers allegedly found illegal substances, more than €700 believed to be drug-sale proceeds and a list of work shifts and accounts for people involved in dealing. Rizzo was not present during that search, but authorities believe he led drug activity in Taranto's Salinella neighborhood.

The ship involved and the date of the arrest were not identified. Cruise Hive noted that MSC Meraviglia and Odyssey of the Seas were in Naples on August 1, while Enchanted Princess and MSC World Europa visited on August 3; none of those ships is homeported in Naples. Cruise lines generally cooperate with local authorities, and identification checks can take place at homeports and ports of call depending on local requirements.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Holland America Opens 2028 Europe Season

Holland America Line has opened bookings for a year-round 2028 European program featuring five ships and destinations across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. In a report from Cruise Hive, the line says Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam and Zuiderdam will operate the season from January through December.

The deployment represents the line's highest number of European ports in nearly a decade, with record visits planned for Norway, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands. Voyages will range from seven to 48 days and include overnight stays, extended port calls and late-night departures on selected itineraries. Early-booking offers include additional benefits for the Have It All package and an Early Booking Bonus.

From January through March, Nieuw Statendam will sail seven- to 14-day itineraries to the Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Lisbon and Casablanca. Between March and May, Rotterdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zuiderdam will join the ship on routes through the Mediterranean, Low Countries and Northern Europe, with calls including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Bruges, Barcelona, Athens and Naples.

Volendam joins the European program from June through August for sailings to Norway, Iceland, the British Isles, the Baltic, Greece, Croatia and Turkey ranging from seven to 35 days. In autumn, four ships will operate seven- to 48-day itineraries in Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Ireland and the Netherlands, followed by seven- to 14-day Mediterranean, Canary Islands and transatlantic voyages from November into early December.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Carnival Pride Tests Robotic Hull Cleaner

Carnival Pride is the first ship in Carnival Cruise Line's fleet to pilot Jotun's Hull Skating Solutions, including the remotely operated HullSkater vehicle. Carnival News says the system is being used to inspect and proactively clean the ship's hull below the waterline.

The robot uses cameras and sensors to move along the hull, assess its condition and perform routine cleaning when needed. The approach allows more frequent monitoring and maintenance than traditional cleaning methods, helping remove marine growth before it builds up.

Carnival says marine growth can raise propulsion power demand by 25% to 30%, while propulsion accounts for approximately 60% of a cruise ship's total energy consumption. The team is collecting operational data aboard Carnival Pride to assess whether the technology can improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and support lower associated emissions.

Source: www.carnival-news.com

Cruise News Roundup: Grandeur Itinerary Change, Celebrity Gratuity Increase, Explora III and More

Royal Caribbean has replaced a port on a 2027 Grandeur of the Seas sailing, while Celebrity raises gratuities and Explora III begins its inaugural season. The roundup also covers Greek cruise taxes and a new Port Tampa Bay terminal.

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 4, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers a Royal Caribbean itinerary change for the Grandeur of the Seas, Celebrity Cruises' new gratuity rates, Explora III's maiden voyage, AIDA Cruises' Greek tourist tax policy and early work on Port Tampa Bay's next cruise terminal.

Grandeur of the Seas Replaces Bonaire With Santa Marta

Royal Caribbean is changing the itinerary for the Grandeur of the Seas sailing scheduled to depart on January 23, 2027, Cruise Industry News reports. The ship will no longer call at Kralendijk, Bonaire, and is instead scheduled for a seven-hour visit to Santa Marta, Colombia.

The sailing is part of the ship's 2026-27 Southern Caribbean season and is planned as a seven-night cruise from Colombia and Panama. Its other listed ports are Cartagena de Indias, Colón, Willemstad in Curaçao and Oranjestad in Aruba.

Royal Caribbean said shore excursions purchased through the company for Bonaire will be canceled automatically and refunded to the original forms of payment. Excursions for the replacement destinations are available through the company's booking channels.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Celebrity Raises Daily Gratuities

Celebrity Cruises has increased its discretionary onboard gratuities, with the new rates taking effect July 29, 2026, according to Cruise Industry News. Guests in inside, oceanview and balcony cabins now pay $19.50 per person per day, while Concierge Class and AquaClass rates are $20.50.

The daily charge for guests in The Retreat suites is now $24.50 per person. The increase is $1.50 per guest per day across all stateroom categories.

Passengers can prepay the gratuities at the former rates before sailing, Celebrity said. Otherwise, the new amount will be added daily to onboard accounts beginning July 29.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Explora III Begins Maiden Voyage

Explora III has departed Barcelona on its maiden voyage, beginning Explora Journeys' inaugural season on August 3, 2026, in a report from Cruise Industry News. Delivered by Fincantieri in late July, the 922-passenger ship is operating a seven-night itinerary through Portugal, Morocco and Spain.

The voyage includes calls at Portimão, Puerto Banús, Palma de Mallorca, Cádiz and Tangier, along with a full day at sea in the Western Mediterranean. It is scheduled to end in Lisbon.

A second seven-night cruise will take the ship to Southampton, with visits to Porto, La Coruña, Bilbao, Bordeaux and St. Jean de Luz. The two voyages can also be combined into a 14-night sailing from Barcelona to Southampton.

Explora III's inaugural season will also include Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America. Caribbean cruises from San Juan and Miami are scheduled to begin in December 2026.

The ship was christened at Barcelona on August 1, with marine educator and National Geographic Educator Cristina Ozores serving as godmother. The ceremony marked the debut of Explora Journeys' first LNG-powered vessel; a five-night pre-inaugural cruise had departed Genoa on July 24 and visited Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Livorno and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

AIDA to Add Greek Tourist Taxes to 2027 Cruises

AIDA Cruises will collect Greece's tourist tax directly from passengers on eligible 2027 cruises, Cruise Industry News reports. The mandatory charge will be added automatically to onboard accounts, with the amount determined by the port and travel period.

The fees apply to adults and children, although passengers who remain onboard during a Greek port visit will be exempt. Reservations made from August 1, 2026, are subject to the policy, while bookings made before that date remain exempt under AIDA's booking terms.

For Mykonos and Santorini, the charge is €4 per person per port from November 1 through March 31, €12 from April 1 through May 31 and in October, and up to €20 from June 1 through September 30. Other Greek ports carry charges of €1 in the winter period, €3 during the shoulder seasons and €5 during the summer months.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Port Tampa Bay Begins Work on New Cruise Terminal Site

Port Tampa Bay has begun restoring more than five acres of land for a new cruise terminal, Cruise Industry News says. The work is the first visible stage of the port's first new cruise terminal in more than 25 years, with completion planned for 2029.

Kimmins Contracting Corporation is leading the site preparation, including filling the former Metroport area and moving stormwater infrastructure. This phase is expected to continue through late 2026, followed by a settlement period before terminal construction proceeds.

The facility is expected to become Port Tampa Bay's fourth cruise terminal and handle more than 200 additional ship calls each year. The port projects that its cruise operations could reach more than 2 million passengers annually and produce an estimated $100 million in additional yearly economic impact; HDR and BEA Architects are designing the terminal and parking garage.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Cruise News Roundup: Ponant’s Antarctic Expansion, Greenland Voyages, Royal Caribbean’s Europe Plans and More

Ponant is adding more than 30 Antarctic departures for 2028-29, while AIDAluna begins a 21-night Greenland voyage. Royal Caribbean also details its 2027 European deployment and more.

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 1, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Ponant's expanded Antarctic programme, AIDAluna's 21-night Iceland and Greenland sailing, Royal Caribbean's 2027 European deployment, the work behind AquaTheater shows, advice on choosing an inside cabin, and Carnival Vista's 10-year milestone.

Ponant Plans More Than 30 Antarctic Departures

Ponant will operate more than 30 Antarctic departures during the 2028-2029 season, including its first full circumnavigation of Antarctica, Seatrade Cruise News reports. The programme will use four ships: Le Boréal, Le Lyrial, Le Soléal and Le Commandant Charcot.

The operator's signature 10-night exploration voyages are scheduled from November 2028 through February 2029. The package includes a pre-cruise night in Buenos Aires, flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, transfers, Drake Passage crossings and exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula with Zodiac landings guided by naturalist teams.

Wildlife on the programme may include humpback whales, several penguin species, seals and seabirds. Two departures are planned around Christmas and New Year in Antarctica, while other voyages will combine the Antarctic Peninsula with the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Valdés Peninsula.

Three departures will leave from Timaru for New Zealand's Subantarctic islands and the Ross Sea.

Source: www.seatrade-cruise.com

AIDAluna Begins 21-Night Iceland and Greenland Cruise

AIDAluna has departed Hamburg on a 21-night cruise to Iceland and Greenland, Cruise Industry News reports. The itinerary includes eight destinations in the region and an overnight call in Ilulissat.

After leaving Germany on July 26, the 2009-built ship spent two days at sea before visiting Seydisfjordur and Akureyri in Iceland. Following three more sea days, the vessel is scheduled to reach Greenland in early August, with calls planned at Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Nanortalik.

The voyage also includes Isafjord and Reykjavik before AIDAluna returns to Hamburg. The ship is scheduled to operate another Iceland and Greenland cruise in late August, followed by a 43-night Caribbean and Bermuda voyage later in the year.

AIDAluna carries 2,030 passengers and underwent a seven-week drydock in 2023 through the AIDA Evolution modernization programme. The work added new features and restaurant concepts, updated public areas and staterooms, and created six family-friendly suites with private sun decks at the stern.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Royal Caribbean Sets Seven-Ship Europe Deployment for 2027

Royal Caribbean's 2027 Southern Europe programme will include seven ships and 50 itineraries, according to Cruise Industry News. The season will include the return of Legend of the Seas to the Western Mediterranean, where it is scheduled to sail to Spain, Italy and France.

Legend of the Seas will be joined in the Western Mediterranean by Mariner of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. Their itineraries will include Italian destinations such as Rome, Florence, Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

Four ships are scheduled for Eastern Mediterranean cruises: Odyssey of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas. Their Greek Islands itineraries include Mykonos and Royal Beach Club Santorini, which is available through the Ultimate Santorini Day excursion with transportation to and around Oia and Fira.

Odyssey of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas are also scheduled to visit Alexandria, Porto and Casablanca. Royal Caribbean's wider European programme includes Freedom of the Seas in Northern Europe and the United Kingdom, with the company redeploying both Freedom and Mariner to increase European capacity.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

How Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater Shows Come Together

AquaTheater performances combine diving, acrobatics, aerial stunts and water effects, but Royal Caribbean Blog reports that each show also depends on professional divers, performers, stage technicians and other crew members working behind the scenes. Their preparations include adjusting underwater lighting, coordinating the movable floor and cleaning the pool.

A former crew member said the pool may be drained on sea days so technicians and support divers can clean it, inspect equipment and test that everything is operating correctly. The water's chlorine level is also checked to help prevent discomfort for divers and dancers.

Safety divers support performers who jump from three, 10 and 17 meters into water that can reach nearly 18 feet deep. In an emergency drill shown in a video, divers secured a performer to a rescue board before the stage floor was raised to remove her from the pool.

The AquaTheater pool has three sections: stage right, a center lift and stage left. Performances can take place in water only a few inches deep or in the pool's deepest section, while the adjustable lifts move throughout the show.

Royal Caribbean introduced the AquaTheater on Oasis of the Seas in 2009. The feature is now present on nine ships in the fleet, including Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

When an Inside Cruise Cabin May Be the Better Choice

Choosing an inside cabin instead of a balcony can make sense when keeping the cruise within budget is the priority, Royal Caribbean Blog says. Money saved on the room could instead be used for shore excursions, specialty dining and souvenirs.

Inside rooms may also suit light sleepers because they can become completely dark when the lights are off. The lack of direct sunlight can help keep the cabin cooler as well, particularly for travelers who prefer a cold room.

A cabin with no outside view may be less important on a ship with a long list of activities, including shows, laser tag, restaurants, water slides, pools, music and mini-golf. The source also suggests considering an inside room for port-intensive cruises, such as itineraries in Alaska or Europe, where passengers may spend much of their time ashore.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Carnival Vista Marks 10 Years in Service

Carnival Vista has completed its 10th year of service with Carnival Cruise Line after being delivered on April 28, 2016, Cruise Industry News reports. Built at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the ship was the first in Carnival's Vista class.

The 135,000-ton vessel introduced several features for the line, including the suspended SkyRide cycling experience, Family Harbor staterooms, Carnival's first at-sea IMAX Theater and an expanded WaterWorks park with the company's first inner-tube slide.

Carnival Vista began its service with eight- to 10-night Mediterranean itineraries and a 13-night inaugural voyage from Trieste to Barcelona. The ship later crossed the Atlantic to New York, moved to Miami for the 2016-17 winter season and began year-round Caribbean and Bahamas cruises.

Now sailing from Port Canaveral, the 4,000-passenger ship operates six- and eight-night cruises to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean. Current calls include Celebration Key, RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, San Juan, Amber Cove, Oranjestad and Willemstad.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Cruise News Roundup: Norwegian Pricing Changes, Royal Caribbean Deals, Short Cruises and More

Norwegian is changing how it prices future sailings, while Royal Caribbean offers new family savings and continues expanding its short-cruise strategy. The roundup also covers first-cruise packing advice and a canceled Cape Canaveral space operations notice.

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 July 31, 2026.

Today’s cruise news roundup covers Norwegian Cruise Line’s shift to earlier pricing, Royal Caribbean’s Kids & Teens Sail Free promotions, first-time cruise packing essentials, the growing short-cruise market and a canceled Cape Canaveral space operations notice.

Norwegian Changes Its Cruise Pricing Strategy

Norwegian Cruise Line is changing how it prices and sells cruises to build demand earlier and reduce its reliance on discounts close to departure, Cruise Industry News reports. CEO John Chidsey said the company is moving to a base-loading revenue management approach after finding that prices had been held too high too far in advance in some areas.

The new method will introduce more competitive pricing earlier in the booking window while aiming to protect prices as sailing dates approach. Norwegian has already applied pricing changes to select 2027 sailings and newly opened 2028 inventory, with the greatest opportunity identified on voyages farther out in the booking curve.

All Norwegian sailings for new 2028 inventory and later will use the methodology from the outset. Chidsey said the rollout is taking place market by market and sailing by sailing, and described the change as a long-term adjustment in revenue management rather than a broad price cut.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Royal Caribbean Opens Family Cruise Promotions

Royal Caribbean is offering two family promotions beginning July 31, Royal Caribbean Blog reports. The Kids & Teens Sail Free promotion covers free cruise fare for eligible third and fourth guests in a stateroom, while the separate Kids Sail Free offer applies to children 12 and younger.

Bookings must be made between July 31 and September 14, 2026, for qualifying sailings departing from August 26, 2026, through August 20, 2027. The offers include summer 2027 sailings and have limited blackout dates, although Alaska Cruise Tours are excluded from the summer availability described in the report.

The free-fare offers do not cover taxes, fees, port expenses or gratuities. The Kids Sail Free promotion requires the child to share a stateroom with two full-fare-paying guests, while the Free 3rd and 4th Guests promotion also requires two full-fare-paying passengers in the same cabin; the deals may be combined with each other and with several other listed discounts and benefits.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

First-Time Cruisers Get a Practical Packing Checklist

First-time cruisers should pack for the practical challenges of shipboard cabins and shore days, according to Royal Caribbean Blog. The suggested essentials include a second bathing suit, allowing one suit to dry while the other is being used.

A suitable USB charging extender can help when cabin outlets are limited, but Royal Caribbean’s rules matter: the acceptable device described in the report is a single electrical plug with up to four USB outlets. Guests are also advised not to leave clothing unattended on balconies because wind could send items overboard.

The checklist also recommends a travel-size air freshener for cabins with limited bathroom ventilation and a small, packable beach bag or backpack for towels, drinks, sunscreen, books and electronics. The bag can also be used for pool visits and shore excursions.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Royal Caribbean Expands Its Short-Cruise Strategy

Royal Caribbean says demand for shorter getaways is growing, with guests using three- and four-night cruises to sail more often, Royal Caribbean Blog reports. Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty said these travelers may spend about as much on a short vacation as they would on a longer one.

In 2027, more than 10 Royal Caribbean ships are expected to offer three- and four-night sailings, including Freedom of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Short itineraries will also be available in Asia on Navigator of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas, while Freedom of the Seas will offer a three-night European option to Belgium or France.

The company said passengers on shorter sailings are still spending on specialty restaurants, shore excursions, drink packages and other onboard experiences. Royal Caribbean also sees its Bahamian destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, as part of the appeal of short getaways.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

Cape Canaveral Space Operations Notice Canceled

A government notice canceled a Cape Canaveral space operations advisory for the Atlantic Ocean off Florida, according to the notice posted on content.govdelivery.com.

The canceled notice is identified as CGD-SE BNM 9068-26. Its cancellation message references an advisory issued at 0227Z on July 28, 2026.

The notice states that NROL-95 had a successful launch. No additional operational details were provided in the supplied material.

Source: content.govdelivery.com

Cruise News Roundup: Santorini Staircase Closure, Celebrity Gratuity Increase and More

Santorini’s main staircase closure is changing how cruise passengers reach the island, while Celebrity Cruises increases daily gratuities. The roundup also covers Viking’s newest river ship, Oceania Sirena’s sale and Margaritaville at Sea’s Miami agreement.

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 July 30, 2026.

Today’s cruise news roundup covers Santorini’s staircase closure and its impact on cruise calls, Celebrity Cruises’ higher daily gratuities, Viking’s delivery of Viking Dagur, the planned sale of Oceania Sirena, and Miami-Dade County’s berthing agreement with Margaritaville at Sea.

Santorini Staircase Closure Changes Cruise Operations

Karavolades Stairs, the 558-step route connecting Santorini’s old port with Fira, has been closed after part of a private building’s wall collapsed, Cruise Industry News reports. The closure was ordered by the mayor of Fira and will remain in place until further notice.

Cruise passengers normally arrive at the old port by tender and can continue to Fira by staircase or cable car. Fira sits 250 meters above sea level, and vehicle roads are not available for the journey from the port to the town.

Passengers with booked shore excursions will instead be tendered to Santorini’s new port at Athinios, where tour buses will meet them. A previous limit allowing 30 percent of cruise passengers to use Athinios each day will be lifted while the stairs remain closed.

The Athinios limit had been introduced as a civil protection measure intended to keep roads clear for emergencies. More than 25 cruise ships are scheduled to call at Santorini in August, including vessels from Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, P&O and Celebrity.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Celebrity Cruises Raises Daily Gratuity Rates

Celebrity Cruises has increased its daily gratuity rates by $1.50 per person across all accommodation categories, Cruise Radio reports. The new charges took effect July 29, 2026, including for guests staying in the line’s suites.

Guests in Inside, Oceanview and Veranda staterooms will pay $19.50 per person, per day. The rate is $20.50 for Concierge and AquaClass staterooms, while The Retreat carries a daily charge of $24.50 per person.

Guests who booked before July 29 can still pay the previous rate if they do so before sailing. Reservations made after that date will use the new rates, and the higher charges will apply daily once guests are onboard.

Source: cruiseradio.net

Viking Takes Delivery of Viking Dagur

Viking has taken delivery of Viking Dagur, its newest Viking Longship, Cruise Industry News reports. Meyer’s Neptun Werft built the river ship at its shipyard in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany.

Viking Dagur accommodates 190 guests in 95 staterooms and is set to sail itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. The ship features Scandinavian design along with Viking’s square bow, indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace and asymmetric corridor arrangement for two-room suites.

Viking expects to receive 21 more river ships by 2028, along with nine additional ocean ships and two expedition ships by 2031. The company says those deliveries would bring its fleet to 114 river ships in 2028 and 26 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

NCLH Agrees to Sell Oceania Sirena

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has agreed to sell Oceania Sirena, Cruise Industry News reports. The 684-guest R-class ship is expected to leave the Oceania fleet after its spring 2028 deployment, although the buyer has not been identified.

The ship entered service as R Four for Renaissance Cruises in 1999 and later sailed for Princess Cruises from 2002 through 2016. It then joined Oceania Cruises as Sirena.

The move continues Oceania’s transition away from its older R-class fleet as the brand has been repositioned in the luxury market. Regatta has been chartered to myCruises for two years, Nautica is scheduled to return as Oceania Aurelia with reduced capacity and longer itineraries, and Insignia is expected to remain the fleet’s only R-class ship.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Miami Approves Margaritaville at Sea Berthing Deal

Miami-Dade County has approved a preferential berthing agreement with Margaritaville at Sea, Cruise Industry News reports. The five-year deal is projected to generate about one million passenger movements and at least $23.15 million in guaranteed revenue.

The agreement is expected to begin with Margaritaville at Sea’s first PortMiami call, scheduled for January 9, 2027, and run through April 30, 2031. Two additional five-year renewals may be added if both sides agree.

Terms include parking and marketing incentives, as well as possible operational incentives for non-peak-day or evening calls. Qualifying non-peak and evening calls could receive a 50 percent reduction in applicable port fees, with only one operational incentive available for each vessel call.

Margaritaville at Sea plans to base its largest ship, Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, at PortMiami year-round from early 2027. The 2,720-passenger vessel is scheduled to offer three- to eight-night cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas after a major refurbishment; it currently sails for Costa Cruises as Costa Fortuna.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com