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Norwegian Cruise Line Sets September Opening Date for Massive New Waterpark

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Sets September Opening Date for Massive New Waterpark

Key Aspects:

  • The Great Tides Waterpark will open on Great Stirrup Cay on Friday, September 4, 2026.
  • Guests booked on sailings visiting the private island after September 4 can purchase day passes beginning May 28.
  • The nearly 6-acre waterpark includes 19 waterslides, a unique active river, cliff dives, water coasters, and more.

It is only a few months before the new Great Tides Waterpark will open on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, and now cruise guests can begin planning their visits to the private island in the Bahamas with advance sales for day passes and exclusive rentals.

The park will officially open for guests on Friday, September 4, 2026, with the new Norwegian Luna as the first ship to visit the upgraded destination.

From Thursday, May 28, any guests booked on sailings that will visit Great Stirrup Cay on or after September 4 will be able to purchase day passes for the nearly 6-acre waterpark. Rentals for private cabanas and similar options will also be available, and each rental includes a waterpark pass.

Full details on the cabanas have not yet been released, but artist renderings show luxurious seating, privade shade umbrellas, ceiling fans, and other elevated amenities. Up to six guests will be able to enjoy each cabana.

The cabanas appear to be located in multiple spots, including right near the waterslides as well as the lazy river for convenient access to the waterpark’s most popular features.

“Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in the Bahamas, and we’re excited to officially open Great Tides Waterpark on Sept. 4, 2026,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“With the best activities for families and for every type of traveler—from high-energy slides to laid-back lagoon experiences—guests can purchase their day passes ahead and lock in an unforgettable day on the most spectacular private island in the Caribbean beginning tomorrow.”

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that pricing for the waterpark passes and cabana rentals will vary. Different factors, such as the cruise date, overall popularity, holidays, and the number of ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay, will likely impact pricing.

More Waterpark Features Announced

Cruise Hive reported when Great Tides Waterpark was announced in July 2025 that the park would feature 19 waterslides, a lazy river, cliff jumps, play areas for kids, and other unique features. Now, more details have been confirmed about the park.

At the center of the park will be the massive 170-foot Tidal Tower, where multiple slides originate. Thrill-seeking guests will want to tackle the Breakwater Blasters water coasters, while the Whitewater Dash body slides offer speed and excitement.

Great Stirrup Cay Tides Waterpark
Great Stirrup Cay Tides Waterpark

Rapid Mat Racers has two different mat slides, and guests who enjoy spirals and spins will want to try out Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral.

Another industry-first feature of Great Tides Waterpark is Cliffside Cove, where guests can test their bravery with 10- and 15-foot cliff dives.

Guests who want to enjoy thrills with family members and friends won’t want to miss The Great Slide, the only 4-person body slide in the Caribbean. The youngest guests will also enjoy Splash Cay with 9,000 square feet of splashtastic fun, including fountains, sprays, mini slides, and a tipping splash bucket.

Read Also: I Visited Great Stirrup Cay Mid-Makeover and Here’s My Honest Take

Anyone who wants to keep cool and simply enjoy the island vibes should check out the Wandering River. This uniquely elevated lazy river has a multi-sensory grotto and more active sections with a total length of more than 800 feet.

Great Stirrup Cay Tides Waterpark Cabana
Great Stirrup Cay Tides Waterpark Cabana

It isn’t just the waterpark that will be new and amazing on Great Stirrup Cay, however. Private cabanas, three all-new food trucks, the expansive Great Life Lagoon, swim-up bars, spectacular beaches, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, and more await visitors.

The island’s updated tram system ensures everyone can visit all parts of the private destination and save their energy for all the fun!

Visiting the New Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Luna will be the first ship to visit Great Stirrup Cay when Great Tides Waterpark opens. The ship’s August 29 departure from Miami will first go to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and Tortola before visiting Great Stirrup Cay as the last port of call on the 7-night Caribbean itinerary.

More From Cruise Hive

In the days following what is sure to be a grand opening, the new waterpark will enjoy multiple visits from not only Norwegian Luna but also Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Prima in September, followed by Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Jewel in October.

Through the winter months, more and more ships will visit as this is the peak of the Caribbean sailing season. The cruise line does visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, however, and thousands of guests are sure to enjoy the new waterpark every week.

Cruise Tour Bus Collides with Concrete Mixer at Popular Greek Port

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Tour Bus Collides with Concrete Mixer at Popular Greek Port

Key Aspects:

  • A cruise ship tour bus collided with a concrete mixer in Corfu, Greece on May 26 in a sideswipe accident.
  • No injuries were reported from either vehicle, though there were traffic delays as the accident site was cleared.
  • The only cruise ship in port that day was Viking Star, but increased traffic is a concern at the popular port.

Dozens of cruise guests visiting Corfu, Greece, had a startling and unexpected stop on the island when their tour bus collided with a concrete mixer. The incident happened on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 on the western Greek island in the Nisaki area, 12 miles north of the cruise terminal.

According to local reports, the two vehicles “collided sideways” at a particularly sharp turn. It is unknown whether either vehicle intentionally crossed into the other’s lane, or simply if the length of the bus and the width of both vehicles caused the accident.

Local authorities are investigating the incident. All involved parties, including the cruise guests on the bus, remained at the scene until the vehicles could be safely removed. Delays in the area were minimal, though traffic was stopped until the accident was cleared.

Read Also: 11 Most Dangerous Cruise Ports You Should Be Extra Cautious About

No injuries were reported for either passengers or the drivers of the two vehicles, though the bus did suffer sideswipe damage on the left side from the impact.

The number of cruise guests onboard the bus has not been released, but only one cruise ship was docked in Corfu on Wednesday: the 47,842-gross-ton Viking Star. The ship can host up to 930 passengers, though tour buses only accommodate a few dozen when full.

Viking Star Cruise Ship
Viking Star Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Amilat)

Viking Star departed from Marghera (Venice), Italy, on Thursday, May 21, for a 9-night one-way itinerary to Greece. Along the way, the ship has visited ports in Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Corfu was the first port visit in Greece, followed by Katakolon on Wednesday and Santorini on Thursday, before the ship arrives in Piraeus (Athens) on Saturday, May 30.

There has been no apparent change to the ship’s itinerary and satellite tracking confirms that Viking Star has already continued on her cruise as planned.

Local Traffic a Concern

With Greek Isles cruises becoming ever more popular, local authorities are concerned about increased traffic and the possibility that tourist-involved accidents may become more common.

Corfu has a resident population of just over 100,000, but that population is concentrated in select areas due to regional geography. Tight roads and the increased use of larger buses to accommodate tour groups, including cruise guests, can raise risks.

At this time, there is no change to other ship visits planned for Corfu. The popular island regularly welcomes multiple ships, from smaller vessels like Viking Star to larger ships from more popular lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Holland America Line.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on traffic accidents impacting cruise guests and shore tours in different ports of call.

In August 2025, an elderly couple was struck by an excursion bus backing up at the Port of Livorno in Italy, and one guest was killed. In March 2025, a cruise tour bus collided with another bus in Barcelona and 53 people were injured.

Such incidents are extreme and while any potential for a serious accident is concerning, thousands of cruisers safely use tour buses every day in ports all over the world.

Glass Panel Suddenly Shatters in Royal Caribbean’s Iconic AquaDome

Catie Kovelman
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Glass Panel Suddenly Shatters in Royal Caribbean’s Iconic AquaDome

Key Aspects:

  • A broken glass panel inside Star of the Seas’ AquaDome is drawing attention from cruisers.
  • Thankfully, the shattered glass has remained in its frame and does not appear to pose a risk to guests.
  • This is the second time a glass panel has suddenly shattered onboard the Royal Caribbean ship since her debut last summer.

Guests onboard Star of the Seas have noticed that the AquaDome is looking a bit worse for wear. Specifically, passengers of the second Icon-class ship noticed that one of the 673 glass panels within the dome had shattered.

As the 248,663-gross ton vessel entered service less than a year ago in August 2025, many were surprised to see the new build showing signs of potential wear and tear.

For context, the AquaDome serves as a glass-domed neighborhood on the forward top deck of the ship that is designed for tranquility during the day and to be an entertainment hub at night.

“Come on, this ship is only 9 months old and someone already broke a glass panel on the AquaDome,” one current passenger posted on Facebook on May 26, 2026, along with photos of the shattered panel.

While the guest’s language implies that a person caused the damage, this has not been confirmed by the cruise line.

The break could have been caused by a variety of factors, including inherent glass defects, a bird strike, sailing through stormy weather, rogue waves, and/or sudden and significant changes in temperature.

Currently, the Port Canaveral-based ship is operating 7-night Caribbean itineraries, where toasty temperatures can reach into the high 80s and low 90s (degrees Fahrenheit) in May. However, the glass would be impacted more by a dramatic shift in temperature than by consistent heat.

Star of the Seas Glass Panel
Star of the Seas Glass Panel (Photo Credit: Mike Pastore)

Thankfully, there are no reports that passengers were endangered or injured because of this incident. It appears the shattered fragments stayed in their frame, and crew members will likely cordon off the area until repairs are complete.

Not the First Glass Incident

Interestingly, this is not the first time that Star of the Seas has had issues with broken glass during her short career.

Cruise Hive previously reported that a glass panel suddenly shattered on Deck 15 of the 5,610-guest ship during a preview sailing ahead of the official maiden voyage last August.

The panel in question was part of the safety barrier to prevent guests from going overboard. The open section was blocked off with a crowd control barrier and a white tarp until the panel was replaced.

Thankfully, no guests were injured when the glass shattered, but it certainly caused a fright for the passengers lounging in the area.

Out of an abundance of caution, the young ship was also forced to debut with the Frightening Bolt waterslide out of order, which is a key attraction in the Category 6 Waterpark.

Star of the Seas Glass Panel Breaks
Star of the Seas Glass Panel Breaks (Credits: Asphalt Mafia & Nancy Pauwels)

On August 7, 2025, just before Star of the Seas made her debut, an accident occurred onboard Icon of the Seas in which an acrylic panel on the slide shattered while a guest was riding it.

Unfortunately for Star of the Seas, its version of the tallest drop slide at sea is essentially identical to the slide onboard Icon of the Seas.

Both slides were closed out of an abundance of caution to ensure that the same accident could not unfold a second time onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest addition.

Royal Caribbean Glass Incidents

For whatever reason, Royal Caribbean seems to be particularly unlucky when it comes to glass. While it’s not unheard of for glass to break occasionally on cruise ships, it seems to have happened a lot recently.

Including the waterslide incident and the broken barrier on the two Icon-class ships, the cruise line experienced at least six glass incidents in 2025.

In September, a glass panel broke in the Windjammer Marketplace onboard Utopia of the Seas. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Throughout the summer, Symphony of the Seas had three different glass panels break in the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, the adults-only Solarium, and on the sports deck near the zip line.

Once again, nobody was injured, though the Coastal Kitchen incident could have been bad if not for the quick actions taken by a crew member that got guests out of harm’s way just in time.

Safety is Royal Caribbean’s top priority, and the cruise line has surely investigated these incidents and made any necessary repairs to try to prevent future breakage.

Propulsion Issue Prompts Mid-Sailing Change for Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas

Calvin Musquez
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Propulsion Issue Prompts Mid-Sailing Change for Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas

Key Aspects:

  • A propulsion issue has removed a stop from Allure of the Seas‘ itinerary at the last minute.
  • Guests will now have two days in Nassau, replacing a planned stop in Falmouth.
  • Royal Caribbean is compensating guests for the change.

Guests aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas have had an entire port removed from their itinerary, while they were already en route to the destination!

The 225,282 gross ton vessel left Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, May 24, for a 6-day western Caribbean sailing, with stops planned at Royal Caribbean’s Private Destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as Falmouth in Jamaica and Nassau in the Bahamas.

As guests enjoyed a sea day after leaving CocoCay, a message came over the PA system informing them that, due to a technical issue with the ship’s propulsion, the visit to Falmouth was cancelled. 

Instead, they would be turning around and heading to Nassau two days early.

“We are currently experiencing a technical issue with one of our propulsion systems. While our team works to resolve this, we’ll be sailing at a reduced speed and will need to make a slight adjustment to our itinerary.” Royal Caribbean wrote in a letter to guests.

The reduced speed was noticed by passengers, prompting concern.

“It feels like we’re barely moving!” one passenger wrote on Reddit. “I’d love some reassurance that we’re going to make it back!”

Interestingly, the originally planned sea day between Falmouth and Nassau will remain intact. The ship will leave Nassau, sail around for a day, and then return to Nassau for the originally scheduled visit on May 29, 2026.

“You’ll have a full day on Wednesday to explore the beauty and charm of Nassau,” Royal Caribbean wrote in the letter. 

“We’ll then enjoy our relaxing Sea Day as planned before returning to Nassau again on Friday.” 

Allure of the Seas Propulsion Issue letter
Allure of the Seas Propulsion Issue Letter (Credit: McKean Romriell)

Guests were invited to visit the shore excursions desk on Deck 6, or browse the Royal Caribbean app to book additional activities for the bonus Nassau day.

Nassau is home to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, an exclusive Royal Caribbean club which opened for the first time in January 2026. Guests who may have been on the fence about visiting the brand new destination in favor of other excursions will now have ample time to do it all.

While the ports have changed, the timing of the sailing remains unaffected, with the ship still scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

There has also been no change issued for the following Allure of the Seas cruise, an 8-day, Eastern Caribbean voyage departing from Fort Lauderdale in the afternoon of May 30, 2026.

Cruisers Will Be Compensated

Royal Caribbean has assured guests with prepaid excursions planned in Falmouth that they will be automatically cancelled and refunded in the form of onboard credit. If these funds are not used by the end of the cruise, they will be refunded to the cruiser’s on file credit card within 14 days of disembarkation.

Additionally, all guests will receive additional onboard credit, varying in amount by stateroom type. 

Guests booked in inside or oceanview cabins will receive $100 in onboard credit. Those in Oceanview/Neighborhood Balcony rooms will get $150 and suits will receive $200. An additional $50 in onboard credit will be issued to every 3rd and 4th guest as well.

More From Cruise Hive

This news comes on the heels of a slew of itinerary changes for Allure of the Seas. 

Cruise Hive recently reported on two separate 2027 cruises aboard the Oasis-class ship being cut a full day shorter, one in January and another in May. Cruise Hive also recently reported on another March 2027 cruise, which was cancelled entirely for a full-ship charter.

NCL Commits 325,000 Passengers a Year to Port of Seattle in New Deal

Catie Kovelman
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NCL Commits 325,000 Passengers a Year to Port of Seattle in New Deal

Key Aspects:

  • The long-standing partnership between Seattle and Norwegian Cruise Line will continue for at least ten more years.
  • Under the lease amendment, the cruise line must draw at least 325,000 revenue passengers to the port annually.
  • Additionally, NCL will work with local authorities to improve sustainability and decarbonization efforts within the port.

The Port of Seattle has approved a new long-term lease amendment with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), extending the term of the agreement and pushing sustainability, community benefit, and economic opportunity to the forefront.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s decades-long partnership with Seattle dates back to 2000, and the extended agreement will ensure that the cruise line continues homeport operations in the Washington port through at least 2035.

Assuming continued decarbonization goes to plan and the cruise company continues to prioritize sustainability, there is also an option to extend the partnership through 2045.

“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Port of Seattle,” said Dan Farkas, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Development Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“This agreement allows us to continue to invest in Seattle as a homeport, supports the ongoing growth of local jobs and businesses, and allows us to work collaboratively on practical sustainability initiatives through our Sail & Sustain program,” Farkas continued.

The partnership is meant to be mutually beneficial, with NCL securing a highly lucrative and strategic homeport for its Alaska voyages, and the port reaps economic benefits and aid in improving port infrastructure.

Cruise Ship Docked at Port of Seattle
Cruise Ship Docked at Port of Seattle (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators)

Additionally, the cruise company makes a commitment to the local community, including educational programs for local students and pledging to participate in anti-human trafficking efforts.

It’s also worth noting that Norwegian Cruise Line is one of two brands to enter into an agreement with the Port of Seattle. In 2024, Cruise Hive reported that Carnival Corporation entered into its own 10-year berthing agreement with the port.

The Economic Perks

In order to agree to the new amendment, there are two key things that Norwegian Cruise Line must do to benefit Seattle.

First, the cruise line must guarantee that it will bring a minimum of 325,000 paying passengers to Seattle each Alaska season to ensure the wellbeing of the local tourism, transportation, hospitality, and maritime industries.

Over the course of ten years, this should equate to an estimated $116 million in revenue for the Port, with the potential to bring in much more. 

“The Port of Seattle’s cruise sector is a particularly bright spot in our business lines, with growing passenger numbers, revenues, and benefit for the community,” said Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho.

“Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been an outstanding partner to the Port of Seattle for more than a quarter of a century, and I am pleased to support this new agreement today,” Cho added.

This agreement comes soon after Seattle opened for its busiest season ever in April, with 330 ship calls and 2.1 million passengers expected during the 2026 Alaska season.

NCLH ships will make up more than 70 of the expected calls. Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy are homeporting at Seattle’s Pier 66 for the duration of the current season.

Oceania Cruises, which is also owned by NCLH, has also made Seattle the home base for Oceania Riviera during its Alaska deployment.

Improving Sustainability

Seattle has always had the environment as a top priority, and in 2024, the cruise port even issued a mandate that all homeporting vessels must be shore-power capable by 2027.

This aligns with the goals of Norwegian Cruise Line, which has previously gone out of its way to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet.

Through the revised agreement, the cruise line will help take sustainability to the next level by collaborating with local port authorities on a demonstration project to test the use of sustainable, non-fossil fuels in Seattle.

More From Cruise Hive

NCL leadership will meet with the Port to review decarbonization progress and develop a mutually agreed-upon methodology before the end of the year.

But beyond this, the cruise line will help identify the infrastructure, technology, and supply conditions needed to help more fleets make the transition to shore power.

Carnival Breeze Narrowly Avoids Failing CDC Health Inspection

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Breeze Narrowly Avoids Failing CDC Health Inspection

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Breeze scored 86 on a CDC health inspection on May 14, one point above a failing score of 85.
  • Corrective actions were taken for many of the violations, but a new score will not be issued until the ship’s next inspection.
  • The ship’s most recent prior inspection was in January 2026 with a perfect 100 score.

Carnival Breeze has barely passed her latest health inspection from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The inspection was conducted through the Vessel Sanitation Program on Thursday, May 14, 2026, while the ship was on her turnaround day in Galveston.

The 128,052-gross-ton, Dream class ship scored an 86 on the comprehensive inspection. Any score of 85 or lower is considered failing the inspection. The highest possible score is 100.

A total of 36 violations were noted in the ensuing report, detailing every instance of poor sanitation, maintenance, and health-related issues found onboard the ship.

While many of these are simple, such as spilled spices in a storeroom on Deck 0 and a crew member’s personal water bottle stored in an undercounter cabinet at a waiter station in the Deck 3 dining room, some issues are more concerning.

For example, incorrect food storage in the galley with raw chicken, steak, and shrimp stored in a manner that could create cross-contamination was noted. Likewise, in the Lido Marketplace buffet on Deck 10, foods out for service were not labelled correctly for being discarded in the appropriate time frame for adequate safety, including cut lettuce and sliced deli meats.

Illness Noted in Several Violations

The most severe infractions that could impact guests more directly were multiple violations related to acute gastroenteritis.

In one incident, a food service employee reported symptoms on April 19 during their shift but continued working for almost a full hour before reporting for medical evaluation and treatment.

On May 10, another crew member reported gastroenteritis (including using public bathrooms due to their symptoms), but also finished working their shift for several hours under the recommendation of the supervisor.

A cruise guest reported acute gastroenteritis on May 7 and was placed in isolation as per health protocols, but the housekeeping team assigned to that stateroom was not notified until the following day. This led to more exposure as the housekeeping team cleaned the stateroom in the interim without being aware of possible contamination.

While Carnival Breeze has not had a recorded outbreak of norovirus or other illnesses noted this year, these types of illnesses can spread very quickly if proper protocols are not followed.

Corrective Action Underway

No full corrective report has yet been submitted following Carnival Breeze‘s low inspection score, but certain corrective actions are already underway. As the inspection proceeded, some immediate action was taken and noted in the report.

For example, when bromine levels in one of the Serenity whirlpools were shown to be higher than recommended, the spa was immediately closed.

Similarly, in areas where ice machines were excessively soiled with black debris, crew members began cleaning the affected units right away.

Carnival Breeze Lido Deck
Carnival Breeze Lido Deck

“Crew initiated corrective action” was also noted on the report in response to food storage concerns and other cleanliness notes. Many such corrections are easy and immediate.

No new score will be assessed to Carnival Breeze until her next surprise inspection, however, even after such corrective action is taken. This is standard procedure for any inspection scores.

Previous Inspection Was Much Better

Interestingly, Carnival Breeze scored a perfect 100 on her previous health inspection on January 17, 2026. While this does not mean there were no violations at that time (in fact, there were 22 violations listed in that report), the nature of the violations was more severe for this most recent inspection.

Carnival Breeze has been inspected 21 times since she first set sail in 2012. The ship has scored a perfect 100 on five separate occasions: December 2012, January 2016, February 2017, April 2018, and January 2026.

The ship has only failed one inspection, in December 2017, with a score of 77. All of her other scores have been in the 90s, except one other near-fail with a score of 86 in March 2024.

More From Cruise Hive

All cruise ships are subject to these random, surprise inspections by the CDC, and all cruise lines are graded dispassionately. Failing scores can happen, as Cruise Hive reported with Norwegian Dawn in April 2026, with a score of 84. Many immediate corrective actions were also taken in that case.

So far in 2026 Carnival Breeze is the only Carnival ship to come close to a failing score. Of all inspected ships from major cruise lines, only MSC Meraviglia has also scored in the 80s with an 89 from an inspection conducted on March 10.

Carnival Magic Returns from Dry Dock With Upgrades and New Bow Crest

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Magic Returns from Dry Dock With Upgrades and New Bow Crest

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Magic has returned from dry dock as the second ship sporting the new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest.
  • Additional updates have been made to the ship’s arcade, casino, spa, fitness center, and Lido Marketplace restaurant.
  • The 35-day dry dock was completed at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport and the ship is now sailing from Miami.

Just days after Carnival Legend debuted the new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest that will be making its way across the fleet, Carnival Magic has become the second ship to showcase that soon-to-be iconic feature of the Fun Ships of America’s Cruise Line.

The 128,048-gross-ton, Dream class ship just completed a 35-day dry dock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport. The new bow crest was just one refreshment for the 2011-built ship, with new features and amenities added for all ages to enjoy.

Teens will love that the ship’s Warehouse Video Arcade on Deck 4 (Mezzanine Deck), adjacent to the Club O2 teen space, has been refreshed, while adults will appreciate the new games and refreshment in the adult video arcade, aka the Hat Trick Casino, on Deck 5.

On Deck 12, the Spa & Sports Deck, the WaterWorks aqua park has been revitalized and the pools have been refreshed. A new miniature golf course has also been added midship on Deck 12 under the ropes course for all ages to enjoy.

Carnival Magic Dry Dock Upgrade
Carnival Magic Dry Dock Upgrade

All new fitness equipment and updated wellness spaces have been added to the Cloud 9 Spa on Decks 12 and 14, providing guests with the best possible options to stay fit for every sailing and rejuvenate with the latest in wellness treatments.

For guests who look forward to different tastes and deliciousness for their cruise vacation, the Lido restaurant layout has been redesigned to create a more efficient flow and better seating. This will elevate the dining experience at the buffet, as the main dining restaurant has already been elevated.

As Cruise Hive has reported, Carnival Magic was the first ship to debut Carnival Cruise Line’s new dining room menus, which have been well-received by many guests and are currently being rolled out to the rest of the fleet.

Carnival Magic Dry Dock Upgrade
Carnival Magic Dry Dock Upgrade

Guests who prefer retail therapy for their oceangoing getaway will enjoy that the Fun Shops on Deck 5, including the luxurious Effy Jewelry boutique, have all been refreshed as well.

Additional standard maintenance and refreshment was also performed on the ship, such as updating flooring, technical upgrades, hull repainting, and more to ensure the ship is ready to welcome up to 4,724 guests per cruise with an all-new look and brand-new feel.

Sailing on the Refreshed Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic entered dry dock on April 18 and has now resumed service from Miami. Her departure on Tuesday, May 26, is her first sailing, a unique 4-night Bahamas cruise visiting RelaxAway Half Moon Cay and Nassau before returning on May 30.

The ship will then resume her planned schedule of 6- and 8-night cruises, with both Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean itineraries on offer.

More From Cruise Hive

Depending on the departure date and sailing length, the now-refreshed ship visits such top destinations as Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Princess Cays, San Juan, St. Thomas, and more.

Carnival Magic is scheduled to remain homeported from Miami at least through March 2028. Itineraries past that date have not yet been released but should be announced in the coming months as new deployment plans are revealed across the fleet.

Carnival Confirms New Dinner Menu Release Across Half of the Fleet

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Confirms New Dinner Menu Release Across Half of the Fleet

Key Aspects:

  • New dinner menus have already been rolled out to half the Carnival cruise ship fleet.
  • Additional ships will begin offering the new menus in the coming months, but complete dates are not yet announced.
  • Carnival Crew Favorites is a particularly popular and unique element of the refreshed menus.

Carnival Cruise Line has been rolling out refreshed, elevated menus for the Main Dining Restaurants across the fleet, with half of the line’s 29 ships either already offering the new menu or ready to begin doing so in the next few weeks.

The rollout has been confirmed by brand ambassador John Heald, who also shared a variety of the new menus during his recent FFS Cruise aboard Carnival Spirit in Alaska.

Guests first enjoyed the new menu when beta testing began on Carnival Magic in late January and Mardi Gras at the end of February. In March, three more ships began serving the new menu: Carnival Panorama, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Liberty.

Up next were Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, and Carnival Conquest, all of which debuted the new menu in April, followed by Carnival Vista and Carnival Miracle in May.

In fact, Carnival Miracle‘s current sailing that departed Seattle on May 21, 2026 for a 7-night Alaskan itinerary is the first cruise to offer the new menu onboard, much to the delight of the ship’s 2,124 guests.

Two more ships will begin offering the new menu in June. Carnival Celebration is scheduled to debut the new dining offerings beginning with the June 7 departure, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to Nassau, Celebration Key, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk.

Carnival Venezia will also begin serving the new dinner menus from her June 18 departure, a 5-night Canada getaway sailing from New York and visiting Saint John and Halifax.

In July, Carnival Dream will switch to the new menu from her July 5 sailing. Guests on that 6-night Western Caribbean sailing from Galveston to Costa Maya, Belize, and Cozumel will enjoy the new offerings, from appetizers to entrees to desserts.

The remaining ships in the Carnival fleet will debut the new menu at later dates that have not yet been announced. Exactly when each ship switches to the new menu may depend on a variety of factors, such as when ships can be supplied with the appropriate ingredients and when the culinary teams can be trained on the new recipes, preparation techniques, and plating designs.

Carnival Cruise Ship Dining Room
Carnival Cruise Ship Dining Room (Photo Credit: Benson Truong / Shutterstock)

Guests currently onboard Carnival Legend have reported the new menu already being served, but the full rollout to that ship may not yet be in place. Carnival Legend departed Miami on May 24 for her 14-night transatlantic cruise to Dover to begin her European summer season.

What Is On the New Menus?

The new menus include both classic favorites that have been popular with Carnival guests for years, as well as new selections offering different tastes for everyone to try.

Carnival “classics” on the new menu are highlighted with the iconic whale tail and include items such as shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, chicken parmigiana, penne mariscos, lasagna bolognese, slow-roasted prime rib, roast beef strip loin, and of course, the incomparable warm chocolate melting cake.

Appetizers are clearly listed as either hot or cold selections, and each dinner menu highlights “Our Chef’s Favorite Pick” as well as Emeril selections.

A new feature on the menus are the “Carnival Crew Favorites” which are inspired by the diversity of the cruise line’s crew members.

“This dish captures the global flavors that bring our family at sea together,” the menu describes these items.

Carnival Crew Favorites include such unique entree selections as kung pao chicken, butter chicken, lomo saltado, beef borguignon, sausage and gravy, and chicken satay.

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Heald does note that the menus may yet be tweaked following guest feedback and the onboard popularity of new menu items.

“Remember please that it is still very much in the test phase as the Food Beards see what you have enjoyed and if they need to make any changes or additions,” he said.

While the different menus may still be adjusted, each one offers a wide selection of choices to tempt guests’ taste buds and ensure memorable meals onboard every voyage.

Royal Caribbean Cuts Another Allure of the Seas Cruise Short

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Cuts Another Allure of the Seas Cruise Short

Key Aspects:

  • The January 10, 2027 Allure of the Seas sailing has been shortened from a 5-night to a 4-night cruise.
  • To accommodate the change, the ship will no longer be visiting Nassau but will still sail to Cozumel.
  • Booked guests have been offered four options for adjusting their travel plans due to the itinerary adjustment.

Just days after a May 2027 sailing was adjusted to a one-day-shorter cruise, another Allure of the Seas sailing has suffered the same cut. The impacted cruise is the ship’s January 10, 2027 departure, which was to have been a 5-night itinerary visiting Cozumel and Nassau.

Guests have now been informed that their sailing will be a 4-night cruise instead, with the port visit to Nassau cancelled. Allure of the Seas will only be visiting Cozumel on the now-shorter getaway.

“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process – which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs, your January 10, 2027, Allure of the Seas sailing has been modified,” the email notification confirmed.

No further details are provided about why this 5-night cruise must now be a 4-night sailing. In the case of the earlier adjustment to the ship’s May 1, 2027 departure, the ship is scheduled to reposition from Miami to Fort Lauderdale at that time.

For this itinerary adjustment, however, Allure of the Seas is still homeported in Miami and there is no obvious explanation for the change.

Berth availability and port scheduling can often impact cruise ship schedules. In Miami on January 15, when the 6,780-guest Allure of the Seas was to have been docking, there are just three other ships scheduled in port: Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian Joy, and MSC Seaside.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Just dance)

On January 14, 2026, when Allure of the Seas will now be docking, there are already five other ships planned for PortMiami: Freedom of the Seas, Azamara Journey, Scarlet Lady, Norwegian Jewel, and MSC Poesia.

Other needs at the port, including cargo traffic and terminal construction, may be impacting Allure of the Seas instead, making it necessary to adjust the ship’s return to her Sunshine State homeport.

Multiple Options for Booked Guests

Royal Caribbean is offering booked guests four different options for their travel plans. First, they can be automatically moved to the new 4-night cruise with their fare adjusted to the new rate or prorated for the shorter duration, whichever is the best deal.

A second option is to move to one of two available alternative 4-night cruises, the January 25 or February 1, 2027 departures. Both of those cruises are visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the Bahamas, which is no longer on the original itinerary.

If guests choose either of those Bahamas rebooking options, they will be moved to a like-for-like stateroom. This means it will be in the same stateroom category but may not be the exact same stateroom assignment, depending on other guests’ reservations.

Guests rebooking on these 4-night sailings will also be reimbursed up to $200 (USD) for domestic transportation change fees or up to $400 for international changes as applicable.

The third option is for guests to rebook on any other Royal Caribbean itinerary (any ship, any length) at the prevailing rate and any monies already paid for the altered cruise will be moved to the new booking. Guests will still need to pay non-refundable deposit change fees as well as any difference in overall fare pricing.

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Finally, if guests prefer not to rebook at all, they can cancel for a full refund, including non-refundable deposits.

All travelers must contact Royal Caribbean or their travel agent no later than June 4, 2026 to confirm their choice. The only exception is if guests accept the first choice, staying on the adjusted January 10 departure, in which case there is no action necessary.

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