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Cruise News Roundup: Royal Caribbean Seeks Voyager Volunteers, Carnival Firenze Medical Evacuation and More

Royal Caribbean offers incentives to guests willing to give up an upcoming Voyager of the Seas Alaska sailing. Plus, a Carnival Firenze medical evacuation, Azamara’s 2029 world cruise 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 27, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Royal Caribbean's voluntary booking offer for a Voyager of the Seas Alaska cruise, a medical evacuation from Carnival Firenze, Azamara's 2029 World Cruise, Voyager's 2027-28 Asia-Pacific season and low water levels affecting European river cruises.

Royal Caribbean Seeks Volunteers for Voyager Alaska Cruise

Royal Caribbean is asking guests booked on Voyager of the Seas' September 4, 2026, Alaska cruise whether they would voluntarily give up their reservations, Cruise Hive reports. The seven-night sailing is scheduled to depart Seattle, visit Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, and include scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier before returning to Seattle on September 11.

Guests who accept one option can move to one of three seven-night Voyager Alaska cruises from Seattle in 2027. The August 27 and September 3 departures include the same listed destinations, while the September 10 sailing visits Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Victoria.

Those who transfer would receive a full refund of cruise fare paid, excluding taxes and amenities, along with $200 in nonrefundable onboard credit per stateroom. Royal Caribbean also offers reimbursement for nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses, including hotels and flights.

Guests may instead cancel for a full booking refund, reimbursement of eligible nonrefundable travel costs and a future cruise credit worth 150% of the cruise fare paid. The credit can be used on a Royal Caribbean sailing departing by September 4, 2027. Applications are due by September 1; guests who are not contacted by September 2 remain booked in their existing staterooms.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Carnival Firenze Medical Evacuation Delays Baja Cruise Ports

A critically ill passenger was taken ashore from Carnival Firenze near Long Beach, California, on August 25, 2026, Cruise Hive reports. Long Beach Fire Department marine safety crews met the ship near the Long Beach Sea Buoy at about 7 a.m., transferred the passenger to a rescue boat and took them to a local hospital.

The medical emergency occurred as the 135,156-gross-ton ship headed toward Catalina Island on a four-night Baja Mexico cruise. Carnival said its medical team responded immediately and cared for the guest, but the passenger's illness and current condition have not been disclosed.

Carnival adjusted the itinerary but kept both scheduled port calls. Catalina Island moved from August 25 to August 26, while Ensenada replaced the previously scheduled sea day on August 27. The ship was still expected to return to Long Beach on August 28.

Carnival Firenze, formerly Costa Firenze, entered Carnival service in 2024 and offers three- to seven-night Mexico cruises from Long Beach. The ship is scheduled to remain based there through early 2027 before relocating to the East Coast for a series of South America voyages.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Azamara Unveils 195-Night 2029 World Cruise

Azamara Cruises has revealed a 2029 World Cruise aboard Azamara Quest, with Cruise Industry News reporting three booking choices for the first time. The full voyage will run 195 nights from San Diego to Copenhagen, covering five continents, 40 countries and territories, and 126 ports, including 12 maiden ports.

The itinerary is planned to include 16 overnight stays and 60 late nights, with 65% of the sailing spent in port. A 179-night option from San Diego to London will also visit five continents and include 12 maiden ports, 16 overnight stays and 52 late nights.

The third option is a 139-night voyage from Sydney to Copenhagen, also across five continents, with 43 late nights, 11 overnight stays and four maiden ports. The full cruise opens for booking September 23, 2026, while the shorter options open October 14.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Royal Caribbean Details Voyager’s 2027-28 Asia-Pacific Season

Royal Caribbean has released more details about Voyager of the Seas' Asia-Pacific program from October 2027 through April 2028, Cruise Industry News reports. The ship will offer cruises lasting two to 15 nights from Brisbane, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The sailings will visit destinations in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, China, Japan and South Korea. Voyager will begin the season in Brisbane and Sydney before heading north to Singapore and later homeporting in Hong Kong. Bookings from the four homeports open August 26, 2026.

The deployment is part of what Royal Caribbean describes as its largest Asia-Pacific season. The wider program also includes Navigator of the Seas year-round from Singapore beginning in October 2026, Ovation of the Seas from Brisbane, Anthem of the Seas from Sydney, and Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Low Water Levels Disrupt European River Cruises

Historically low water levels on the Rhine and Danube have made this a difficult summer for European river cruise operators, Seatrade Cruise News reports. Lines have been rerouting vessels where possible instead of canceling, but the 2026 drought has already affected many sailings.

Viking recently reported that more than half of its sailings had been affected by low water since mid-July, with approximately 10% to 12% of customers on those cruises canceling. In Budapest, the Danube fell to four inches in early August, breaking the previous record low of 13 inches set in 2018.

The conditions follow droughts in 2022 and 2018, while concerns remain that climate change could make such events more frequent. The low levels are affecting tourism as European river cruise operators expand their fleets and new brands enter the market.

Source: www.seatrade-cruise.com

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Cruise News Roundup: MSC Cancellation, Royal Caribbean Delay, River Disruptions and More

MSC cancels a 26-night South Africa repositioning cruise, while Royal Caribbean revises an Alaska sailing after a propulsion issue. European river conditions, Carnival’s shorter-sailing dress-night changes and Norwegian Aqua’s 2028 Bahamas plans also make the roundup.

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 24, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers MSC Cruises' cancellation of a South Africa repositioning voyage, a two-day delay and itinerary change for Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, continued European river cruise disruptions, Carnival Cruise Line's revised evening schedule on select short sailings, and Norwegian Aqua's 2028 Bahamas deployment.

MSC Cancels 26-Night South Africa Voyage

MSC Cruises has cancelled a 26-night repositioning voyage from Italy to South Africa because of continuing security concerns affecting transit through the Suez Canal and Red Sea, Cruise Industry News reports. The MSC Armonia sailing was scheduled to leave Marghera on November 1, 2026, and arrive in Durban.

The itinerary was set to include calls in Croatia and Greece before the Suez Canal crossing, followed by Red Sea and Indian Ocean destinations including Aqaba, Mahé, Diego Suarez and Port Louis. The 2001-built ship is scheduled to debut in the region during MSC's 2026-27 winter season.

MSC said affected guests can cancel without penalty for a full refund, transfer to another MSC Grand Voyage of similar length, or move to another currently scheduled cruise. Grand Voyage replacements may include sailings of up to three additional nights, with MSC guaranteeing the more favorable fare between the original and replacement departure.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Serenade of the Seas Alaska Cruise Delayed Two Days

Royal Caribbean has delayed Serenade of the Seas' August 30, 2026, Alaska cruise until September 1 at 9 p.m. because propulsion-system maintenance is taking longer than expected in Vancouver, Royal Caribbean Blog reports. The change removes several planned ports and eliminates the itinerary's scenic glacier-cruising day.

The original seven-night sailing was scheduled to visit Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Under the revised plan, guests will visit Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, while spending most of the voyage sailing the Inside Passage.

Passengers who stay on the shortened cruise will receive refundable onboard credit equal to two days of their paid cruise fare, along with a future cruise credit for the same amount. Royal Caribbean will also adjust eligible prepaid packages and daily gratuities, and remaining onboard credit will be refunded to the card on file within 14 business days after debarkation.

The line is offering hotel reimbursement of up to $300 per stateroom per day for August 30 and 31, or air-change-fee reimbursement of up to $200 for domestic flights and $400 for international flights. Guests may board Monday or Tuesday while the ship remains in Vancouver, but those onboard cannot go ashore there and the ship's shops and casino will be closed.

Source: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com

European River Cruise Disruptions Continue

Rain has improved water levels on parts of the Danube and Rhine, but cruise lines continue warning passengers that itineraries may change, Cruise Hive reports. Low-water conditions remain uncertain near Budapest and Bratislava, and drought conditions were described as critical across much of Europe in an early-August assessment by the European Drought Observatory.

Emerald Cruises has reassigned the ship for Emerald Sky's seven-night Danube sailing departing Budapest on August 30, 2026. Guests will now travel aboard Emerald Destiny, which has the same 182-passenger capacity as Emerald Sky, while the line assesses whether the Budapest-to-Bratislava section can reopen; it expects the itinerary from Bratislava through Regensburg to operate as planned.

Saga River Cruises is reviewing voyages individually and may offer alternatives on the Dutch Waterways, the Main or navigable sections of the Danube. The company says affected sailings will remain river cruises rather than being converted into coach tours, and it plans to retain original flights where possible.

Viking River Cruises has also warned that some Rhine and Danube itineraries may require changes. Its operations teams are monitoring conditions, with affected passengers and travel advisors being contacted before departure; the line says its fleet and identical sister ships operating in opposite directions provide options when river sections are impassable.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Carnival Replaces Elegant Night on Select Short Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line is replacing its Cruise Elegant evening with a White Hot Night on select three- and four-night sailings, Cruise Hive reports. Carnival's updated dress guidance says short voyages without a Cruise Elegant event will host the white-themed evening instead, although some shorter cruises continue to schedule formal night.

Cruises of six days or longer will continue to have two Cruise Elegant evenings. The change was observed on the August 17, 2026, four-night sailing of Carnival Glory from Port Canaveral, while the August 15 three-night Carnival Freedom sailing from the same port still included a Cruise Elegant evening.

Professional photographers and multiple portrait backdrops remain available regardless of the scheduled theme. Reports from the Carnival Glory sailing also indicated that the American Feast menu was still served in the main dining rooms, although the menu offerings had been adjusted.

White Hot Night encourages guests to wear white and typically features a pool-deck dance party, with the event moving to the atrium if weather prevents an outdoor celebration. Carnival's website now lists the party for six-day-and-longer sailings and select shorter cruises.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Norwegian Aqua Adds Short Bahamas Cruises for 2028

Norwegian Aqua will begin offering three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from PortMiami in April 2028, Cruise Industry News reports. The 2025-built, 3,571-passenger ship will operate Friday departures for three-night weekend cruises and Monday departures for four-night sailings.

Every itinerary will visit Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island destination. The four-night cruises will also include a full day cruising in the Florida Straits, and the schedule calls for more than 50 short sailings between late April and late October 2028.

Norwegian says Great Stirrup Cay is undergoing enhancements that include the Great Tides Waterpark, a pier allowing guests to disembark directly from the ship, Horizon Park with lawn games and pickleball courts, and Hammock Bay with more than 50 hammocks. Norwegian's 2028 summer deployment also includes Norwegian Aura from Miami, Norwegian Escape from Port Canaveral and Norwegian Prima from Galveston.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

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: 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