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Cruise News Roundup: MSC Alaska Change and More

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

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

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

MSC Poesia Drops Endicott Arm Scenic Cruising

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

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

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

Source: www.cruisehive.com

NCL Sets September 4 Opening for Great Tides

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

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

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

Source: www.cruisehive.com

GPH Expands Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

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

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

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

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

SeaDream Plans 2029 Newbuild SeaDream III

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

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

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

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

Source: maritime-executive.com

Seabourn Quest Opens 2029 World Cruise Bookings

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

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

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

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Thanks for reading The Deck Briefing — your trusted source for clear, verified cruise updates. We’ll be back soon with more stories from the sea, and you can also follow our YouTube channel for the latest video briefings.

Cruise News Roundup: Astoria Grande Homeport Change, MSC Arrest and Disney Attraction Closure

Astoria Grande is moving its homeport to Antalya, while an MSC World America crew member faces an arrest involving a teenage passenger. Disney has also temporarily closed Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay.

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 25, 2026.

Today's cruise news roundup covers Astoria Grande's homeport change to Turkey, an arrest involving an MSC World America lifeguard, the temporary closure of Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay, Hurtigruten's new Arctic voyage and Holland America Line's planned poolside bandstands.

Astoria Grande Moves Homeport to Antalya

Astoria Grande will move its homeport from Russia to Turkey, with future cruises departing from Antalya, Cruise Industry News reports. The shipowner said the change was made in the interests of passenger and crew safety.

Charter flights from Russian airports and land transfers will be arranged in advance. Passengers who keep their bookings for the new departures will receive cabin upgrades, airport and port assistance in Antalya, and support for documented expenses linked to the change in departure and arrival ports.

The revised itineraries will add destinations in Greece, Italy and Egypt, including Piraeus, Heraklion, Corfu, Thessaloniki and Port Said. The ship will also continue visiting regional ports such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Kusadasi, Izmir, Çeşme, Bozcaada Island and Alexandria.

Russian passengers will receive Schengen visas at no charge, with Astoria Grande handling the process. Passengers who do not want to continue with their reservations can request a full refund or receive a future cruise credit worth 120 percent of the original fare for use in 2026 or 2027.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

MSC World America Lifeguard Arrested in Miami

A lifeguard from MSC World America was arrested in Miami after allegations involving a 17-year-old passenger, Cruise Hive reports. Rafael Cayetano Blanco, 38, faces a charge of unlawful sexual activity with a specified minor, and his bond was set at $7,500.

Investigators allege that Blanco exchanged numbers with the passenger on August 16 and later met her in his cabin, where the alleged sexual activity occurred twice. He was detained when the ship returned to PortMiami on August 22, then booked into Miami's Metro West Detention Center; he remains in custody on an immigration hold.

MSC Cruises said it contacted law enforcement after discovering the alleged conduct, assisted the passenger and dismissed Blanco from his position. The case remains pending, no court date had been publicly released, and no attorney was listed in the booking records.

MSC World America had departed PortMiami on August 15 for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise calling at Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Ocean Cay. The ship departed again on August 22 for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas sailing scheduled to visit Puerto Plata, San Juan and Ocean Cay before returning August 29.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Disney Closes Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay

Pelican Plunge at Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay is temporarily closed for refurbishment, Cruise Hive reports. Disney has not announced when the floating platform and its two waterslides will reopen.

The platform's attractions include one open and one enclosed slide, a water dump bucket and water guns. Guests must be at least 38 inches tall to use the slides and must swim to the platform, which is located off the island's northern family beach.

Disney has told guests that the water-play structure in the swimming lagoon and Spring-A-Leak remain open. Visitors can also use the island's swimming areas and book activities including snorkeling, banana boat rides and other water sports.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Hurtigruten Adds Six-Day Arctic Voyage

Hurtigruten has introduced a six-day offering called “Northern Delights: Svalbard and Arctic Norway,” Cruise Industry News reports. The itinerary is available to book for the 2026-27 season and starts in Longyearbyen.

The land program includes a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz with reindeer stew and a husky safari. Travelers then fly from Spitsbergen to Tromso, with time for independent exploration before boarding in the evening of the fourth day.

The sea portion visits Skjervoy and Hammerfest before continuing to Honningsvag and the North Cape. The route also passes Finnkirka and the northernmost mainland lighthouse before ending in Kirkenes on day six, where guests can extend their stay at the Kirkenes Snowhotel.

Prices start at £1,655 per person and include the flight from Longyearbyen to Tromsø, transfers, hotel accommodation, ship passage and selected activities.

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Oosterdam and Zuiderdam to Get Poolside Bandstands

Holland America Line will add permanent bandstands beside the Lido Pools aboard Oosterdam and Zuiderdam, Cruise Hive reports. The venues will host solo performers and full bands, as well as sailaway parties, special events and the cruise line's Orange Party.

The Lido Pools have retractable glass roofs, allowing the performance spaces to be used in poor weather. Oosterdam is scheduled to debut its bandstand in fall 2027 after its Evolution transformation, while Zuiderdam's updated sailings begin on April 2, 2028.

The bandstands are part of Holland America's Evolution program, a fleet update costing more than $500 million and covering six ships: Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam. The project will also add staterooms, expand dining options and introduce some experiences from the Pinnacle-class ships.

Both Oosterdam and Zuiderdam will receive a Grand Dutch Café. Zuiderdam is also set to gain one reimagined Pinnacle Suite, two Bridgeview Suites, 14 enhanced Vista Suites and 32 Solo Verandah rooms, while other existing spaces will be refreshed.

Source: www.cruisehive.com

Thanks for reading The Deck Briefing — your trusted source for clear, verified cruise updates. We’ll be back soon with more stories from the sea, and you can also follow our YouTube channel for the latest video briefings.

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

Thanks for reading The Deck Briefing — your trusted source for clear, verified cruise updates. We’ll be back soon with more stories from the sea, and you can also follow our YouTube channel for the latest video briefings.

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

Thanks for reading The Deck Briefing — your trusted source for clear, verified cruise updates. We’ll be back soon with more stories from the sea, and you can also follow our YouTube channel for the latest video briefings.

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

Thanks for reading The Deck Briefing — your trusted source for clear, verified cruise updates. We’ll be back soon with more stories from the sea, and you can also follow our YouTube channel for the latest video briefings.

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

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