Pelican Plunge on Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas is temporarily closed for refurbishment.
The cruise line has not announced any reopening date for the floating platform and its two waterslides.
Because Castaway Cay does not have extensive waterslides, the closure will be disappointing to many guests.
Castaway Cay, one of Disney Cruise Line’s private destinations in the Bahamas, is a favorite port of call for many guests. There may be some disappointment in the coming weeks, however, as a popular feature of the island is now closed for refurbishment.
Guests visiting Castaway Cay are learning that Pelican Plunge is now closed, albeit temporarily, for refurbishment. Disney Cruise Line is reaching out to notify guests of the closure, but there is no indication when exactly it may reopen.
“While the Pelican Plunge water slide is closed over the coming weeks due to necessary refurbishments, there is lots to see and do!”the notification, which was shared on Facebook on Sunday, August 23, 2026, read.“The water play structure in the swimming lagoon and Spring-A-Leak are open for your enjoyment, as well as onboard water slides that may be available.”
There is no indication of exactly when Pelican Plunge was first closed, nor is there any exact date for it to reopen.
Disney Cruise Line has not disclosed the exact refurbishments necessary for Pelican Plunge. All waterslides, however, require regular maintenance to stay safely coated and comfortable for guests to ride.
The water pumps and other features also require regular maintenance, and it is possible the platform itself requires flooring work or other maintenance before guests will be able to use it again.
Photo By: Brian Hart (Creative Commons)
While Pelican Plunge is closed, a smaller play platform is available in the southern swimming lagoon, though it does not have the waterslides. Guests can also enjoy swimming in the clear water, and a variety of port adventures include snorkeling, banana boat rides, and other water sports and activities on Castaway Cay.
Different Disney Cruise Line ships have waterslides onboard, from the classic AquaDunk on Disney Magic to the exciting AquaMouse water coaster on Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny.
What Is Pelican Plunge?
Pelican Plunge is a floating activity platform anchored off the northernmost of the island’s two family beaches. The jutting spur of the Heads Up bar curves around Pelican Plunge. The Pelican Point tram stop is the closest to Pelican Plunge.
The platform includes two twisting waterslides, one open and one enclosed. Other features on the platform include a water dump bucket, water guns to shoot at nearby targets, and whimsical nautical theming such as nets, buoys, barrels, a mouse-ears-shaped life ring, and of course, pelicans.
Guests must be at least 38″ tall to ride the Pelican Plunge slides. There is no pathway access to the floating platform, so guests must be able to swim out to the platform to access the waterslides. Both slides exit directly into the swimming lagoon.
Other private islands have more extensive waterslide sections. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day CocoCay, for example, has 14 waterslides at Thrill Waterpark and the Great Tides Waterpark on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay has multiple slides, a rapid river, and cliff jumping.
Unlike the larger waterparks on other private islands that have sometimes expensive entrance fees, there is no charge to enjoy Pelican Plunge.
Disney Cruise Line’s private destinations do not have a large selection of waterslides, making Pelican Plunge even more popular and this temporary closure all the more disappointing for guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) boasts an array of ships within its fleet, including some of the most innovative and family-friendly cruise ships on the oceans today.
At the moment, there are 21 NCL ships in the fleet, with Norwegian Luna being the newest and Norwegian Spirit being the oldest. The fleet will expand even further when Norwegian Aura arrives in 2027.
So now you know which of NCL’s cruise ships are bigger than the rest and which are newer and which are older — but what else do you need to know before you book that cruise? Here are the need-to-know details on each ship, as well as a few fun facts.
We’ve listed the Norwegian Cruise Line ships by age, including the upcoming Norwegian Aura:
Norwegian Aura (2027)
Norwegian Aura Cruise Ship
The cruise line is elevating its Prima-class ships once again in 2027 with the arrival of Norwegian Aura, announced on January 15, 2026, and reported by Cruise Hive. The vessel will become the largest in the fleet at an impressive 168,000 gross tons, making it 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Luna. There will also be a total of 1,976 staterooms.
The ship will be the first to feature Ocean Heights, a new fun zone for guests to enjoy, and it will span from 18 to 21! The space includes NCL’s first -ever mat racing dual waterslides. The entire area will also be illuminated like an aura at night. The open spaces onboard will also be 20% more expensive than Norwegian Aqua and Luna.
Norwegian Aura will debut from Barcelona in Spain on May 21, 2027. The new ship will begin its inaugural season from Miami, Florida, in June 2027 and will offer seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages through October 2027. Aura will shift to Western Caribbean sailings from winter 2027.
Will Arrive: May 2027
Gross Tonnage: 168,000
Length: 1,130 feet
Guest Capacity: 3,840
Shipyard: Fincantieri
Norwegian Luna (2026)
Norwegian Luna Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Currently the newest, Norwegian Luna became the second cruise ship built for the Prima Plus class and sister ship to Norwegian Aqua. The vessel features the thrilling Aqua Slidecoaster, a digital sports complex called Glow Court, and many of the features already found on other Prima-class ships. However, it no longer has a go-kart track. The ship will be based out of Miami and will sail the Caribbean.
Entered Service: March 2026
Gross Tonnage: 156,300
Guest Capacity: 3,571
Shipyard: Marghera, Fincantieri
Norwegian Aqua (2025)
Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
The brightly looking Norwegian Aqua is the third Prima-class cruise ship ordered by the cruise line. The ship is also 10% larger than earlier sister ships at an increased 156,300 gross tons and a passenger capacity of 3,571. The ship is the next generation of the class and also features the first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide.
I actually sailed on the newest ship in the fleet along with Cruise Hive staff member Paul Bartlett, you can see what he thought here.
Entered Service: April 2025
Gross Tonnage: 156,300
Guest Capacity: 3,571
Shipyard: Marghera, Fincantieri
Norwegian Viva (2023)
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Robert McGillivray)
Debuted in 2023, Norwegian Viva was built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. The ship features some of the same amenities and world-first offerings that can currently be seen on Norwegian Prima, Viva’s Prima-class sister.
The ship brings more than 43,000 square feet of outdoor space, more than one infinity pool and a cool dining concept called the Indulge Food Hall, which encompasses nearly a dozen restaurants all in one dining experience.
Entered Service: August 2023
Gross Tonnage: 142,500
Guest Capacity: 3,215
Shipyard: Marghera, Fincantieri
Norwegian Prima (2022)
Norwegian Prima Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Studio Porto Sabbia)
Debuting in 2022 and kicking off the Prima class, Norwegian Prima was also built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. Guessed to cost the cruise line approximately $850 million to build, the ship features world-class accommodations, a wealth of suite options, and a bigger and better go-karting track, unlike anything cruisers have ever seen before.
Entered Service: 2022
Gross Tonnage: 143,535
Guest Capacity: 3,099
Shipyard: Marghera, Fincantieri
Norwegian Encore (2019)
Photo Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line
Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Encore was the last Breakaway Plus ship. With nearly 30 different dining and drinking venues aboard the massive ship, as well as tons of family-friendly entertainment, cruisers certainly won’t be wanting for things to do, no matter where they sail.
Entered Service: 2019
Refurbished: 2024
Gross Tonnage: 169,116
Guest Capacity: 3,958
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Bliss (2018)
Photo Courtesy: Port of Seattle
Designed with improved energy efficiency in mind, so as to better meet Alaskan environmental regulations during Alaskan cruises, Norwegian Bliss was built by Meyer Werft in Germany.
The ship offers 20 decks and more than 2,200 cabins. Like other Breakaway Plus ships, Norwegian Bliss offers a wealth of dining options and entertainment spaces.
Entered Service: 2018
Refurbished: 2025
Gross Tonnage: 168,028
Guest Capacity: 4,010
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Joy (2017)
Photo Credit: Igor Grochev / Shutterstock.com
Another mammoth Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Joy, was likewise built by Meyer Werft in Germany. Delivered in 2017, the ship has sailed around both Asia and North America.
Despite being in the same class, Norwegian Joy does stand apart in a few ways, from sister ship and predecessor Norwegian Escape. Norwegian Joy, for example, has a lower guest capacity, but also more restaurants, a larger casino and more shopping options.
Entered Service: 2017
Refurbished: 2024
Gross Tonnage: 167,725
Guest Capacity: 3,776
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Escape (2015)
Photo Credit: Mia2you / Shutterstock.com
The first of the Breakaway Plus-class ships, Norwegian Escape was likewise built by Meyer Werft in Germany. When Norwegian Escape debuted, it featured the largest water park in the entire NCL fleet.
Entered Service: 2015
Refurbished: 2022
Gross Tonnage: 164,998
Guest Capacity: 4,218
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Getaway (2014)
Photo Credit: StockPhotosLV / Shutterstock
One of two Breakaway-class ships, Norwegian Getaway was built by Meyer Werft in Germany and, at the time of its debut, was the ninth-largest cruise ship in the world. It featured a range of new amenities specific to its class, such as restaurants helmed by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian and Grammy and magic-themed entertainment areas.
Entered Service: 2014
Refurbished: 2024
Gross Tonnage: 145,655
Guest Capacity: 3,903
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Breakaway (2013)
Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock
The first Breakaway-class ship, Norwegian Breakaway was actually named by the public, via a contest that NCL hosted in 2011. Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Breakaway shares many amenities with sister ship Norwegian Getaway, such as a Geoffrey Zakarian-designed restaurant.
Entered Service: 2013
Refurbished: 2025
Gross Tonnage: 145,655
Guest Capacity: 3,903
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Epic (2010)
Photo Credit: Vintagepix / Shutterstock
One of NCL’s stand-alone ships without a class, Norwegian Epic debuted in 2010 after being built at the STX France Cruise SA, Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. When built, the ship was the third-largest in the world.
Originally, the cruise ship was intended to have some sister ships, but a dispute with the builder caused the other two ships to be canceled, leaving Norwegian Epic alone.
Entered Service: 2010
Refurbished: 2025
Gross Tonnage: 155,873
Guest Capacity: 4,070
Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Norwegian Gem (2007)
Image Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line
The last Jewel-class ship, Norwegian Gem, was built in 2007 by Meyer Werft in Germany. Built at a cost of $700 million, the ship shares exterior features with Norwegian’s Dawn Class, though its interior and amenities are all Jewel-class.
Entered Service: 2007
Refurbished: 2022
Gross Tonnage: 93,530
Guest Capacity: 2,344
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Jade (2006)
Photo Credit: David Fowler / Shutterstock
Originally built by Meyer Werft in Germany as Pride of Hawaii, Norwegian Jade received a rebranding in 2008 when Pride of Hawaii was removed from the Hawaiian market and redeployed.
Along with the name change, the ship also received new livery and extra features at that time, including the addition of a casino.
Entered Service: 2006
Refurbished: 2022
Gross Tonnage: 93,558
Guest Capacity: 2,352
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Pearl (2006)
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Norwegian Pearl
Launched in 2006, Norwegian Pearl was built by Meyer Werft in Germany. The ship has made appearances on a variety of television shows and documentaries and frequently hosts themed or special interest cruises.
Entered Service: 2006
Refurbished: 2021
Gross Tonnage: 93,530
Guest Capacity: 2,344
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Jewel (2005)
Photo Credit: GTS Productions / Shutterstock
The first Jewel-class ship, Norwegian Jewel, debuted in 2005 after being built by Meyer Werft in Germany. Similar to sister ship Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jewel has connections to several pop culture figures; the ship’s godmother is former First Lady Melania Trump and the ship appeared on an episode of The Apprentice.
Entered Service: 2005
Refurbished: 2022
Gross Tonnage: 93,502
Guest Capacity: 2,330
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Pride of America (2005)
Photo Credit: A. Michael Brown
Built partially in Mississippi and partially in Germany, Pride of America was part of an NCL effort to build and flag several cruise ships within the United States.
When inaugurated in 2005, the ship was the first new U.S.-flagged deep-water cruise ship in multiple decades. Because of its U.S. registration, the ship has no casino, a mostly U.S. crew and only sails around the United States.
Entered Service: 2005
Refurbished: 2025
Gross Tonnage: 80,439
Guest Capacity: 2,180
Shipyard: Lloyd Werft, Germany
Norwegian Dawn (2002)
Norwegian Dawn Cruise Ship
Built by Meyer Werft in Germany (and originally built for Star Cruises), Norwegian Dawn was the first NCL cruise ship to feature hull art. Now, the cruise line is known for its colorful exteriors.
Entered Service: 2002
Refurbished: 2024
Gross Tonnage: 92,250
Guest Capacity: 2,290
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Star (2001)
Photo Credit: Galina Savina / Shutterstock
The first Dawn-class ship, Norwegian Star, like Norwegian Dawn, was built for Star Cruises before being transferred over to NCL. Norwegian Star was built by Meyer Werft in Germany.
Entered Service: 2001
Refurbished: 2021
Gross Tonnage: 91,740
Guest Capacity: 2,298
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Sun (2001)
Photo Credit: NEFLO PHOTO / Shutterstock.com
Built by Lloyd Werft in Germany, Norwegian Sun was the last Sun-class ship. She was launched in 2001 in a dual christening ceremony with sister ship Norwegian Star. In April 2025, the cruise line announced that Norwegian Sun would leave the fleet in 2026 for the Indian-based cruise line Cordelia Cruises.
Entered Service: 2001
Refurbished: 2021
Gross Tonnage: 78,309
Guest Capacity: 1,878
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Sky (1999)
Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship
Originally ordered by Costa Cruises, Norwegian Sky was built by Lloyd Werft in Germany. For a short time, Norwegian Sky, now a Sun-class ship, sailed as Pride of Aloha. The vessel will also depart the fleet for Cordelia Cruises in 2026.
Entered Service: 1999
Refurbished: 2024
Gross Tonnage: 77,104
Guest Capacity: 1,944
Shipyard: Lloyd Werft, Germany
Norwegian Spirit (1998)
Photo Courtesy: NCL
Built in 1998 for Star Cruises by Meyer Werft, Norwegian Spirit officially became a NCL vessel in 2004. Norwegian Spirit is one of the few NCL ships that do not fit into any particular Norwegian ship class.
Carnival Cruise Line is no longer offering an official Cruise Elegant evening on every short sailing.
On “select” 3- and 4-night cruises, the formal event is being replaced with a “White Hot Night” theme.
Professional photographers are still available with multiple backdrops regardless of the scheduled theme.
The opportunity to dress in one’s finest and have professional photos on formal night is a fun tradition for many cruise guests, but on shorter Carnival sailings, there are no longer as many chances to do so.
Guests onboard recent 3- and 4-night sailings have noticed the “Cruise Elegant” evening is missing from the daily schedule, replaced instead with White Hot Night.
This is a recent change in Carnival’s activities lineup and is reflected in the cruise line’s “What to Wear” FAQ.
“Select 5 days or shorter cruises will have one Cruise Elegant evening (short duration voyages not hosting a Cruise Elegant evening will host a White Hot Night),”the FAQ reads.
Previously, cruises 5 days or shorter (3- and 4-night sailings) had one Cruise Elegant evening, while longer cruises had two. On the new schedule, cruises 6 days and longer still have two Cruise Elegant evenings.
This change is confirmed from one guest who was on the August 17, 2026 departure of Carnival Glory. That 4-night cruise from Port Canaveral visited Nassau and Celebration Key in the Bahamas before returning to the Sunshine State on Friday, August 21.
“I just got off a four night Carnival Glory cruise this morning where Elegant Night was completely replaced by White [Hot] Night,”the guest posted on Reddit.“Apparently this is a new thing that is being implemented for most cruises less than five days long and elegant night is not going to be on these short cruises moving forward.”
The change, however, is only on “select” cruises, and some shorter sailings still have Cruise Elegant night. One guest on the August 15, 2026 departure of Carnival Freedom, also from Port Canaveral and visiting Nassau, commented on the same Reddit thread that there was a scheduled Cruise Elegant evening for that 3-night cruise.
Onboard activities on the White Hot Night also create confusion as to whether an elegant theme is still being used. The Carnival Glory guest said there were still plenty of photo backdrops for posed portraits, including glittering diamonds and other backdrops most often presented only on Cruise Elegant evenings.
Formal Night (Photo Credit: Zachary L. Gross)
In the main dining room restaurants, guests report the “American Feast” menu is still offered that night, whether it is themed Cruise Elegant or White Hot Night, though the offerings on the menu have been adjusted.
It is not uncommon for Carnival Cruise Line to tweak menus and introduce new items. While the title of “American Feast” has traditionally been the formal night menu, the menu changes as the cruise line scales back the formality of the evening may just be coincidental.
What Is White Hot Night?
White Hot Night is an easy theme night onboard many Carnival ships when guests are encouraged to dress in all white. This is not a new event, but it has never before replaced the traditional formal night.
Carnival suggests guests bring their “favorite, most fun… even quirkiest white clothing and matching accessories. Keep the theme going head to toe, if you can. We’re counting on you to help us heat up this amazing night of dancing, giveaways, fun and more!”
The highlight of White Hot Night is a dance party on the pool deck, often with Latin beats or other exciting tunes to keep guests dancing. If the weather does not permit an outdoor celebration, the dance party may be moved to the ship’s atrium.
Carnival’s website now notes that “the White Hot Night Party is offered on 6+ day sailings and select short cruises” but as recently as early June 2026, the description claimed “this party may be too hot for short cruises — it’s only available on 6+ day sailings.”
Not all guests in the Reddit conversation are happy with the change, considering that eating dinner while dressed all in white isn’t always a wise plan. Others don’t mind either way and will continue to wear formal attire as they please on any evening during their sailings.
Regardless of the theme, cruise ship photographers are available every evening and guests are welcome to pose for formal portraits or fun snaps as much as they wish no matter what they are wearing.
Recent rainfall has improved water levels on parts of Europe’s Danube and Rhine rivers, but cruise lines are warning guests of possible continued disruptions.
Emerald Cruises has already changed the ship assigned to an upcoming Danube cruise as conditions near Budapest and Bratislava remain uncertain.
Viking and Saga are also warning passengers of potential itinerary changes, including ship swaps and alternative river itineraries.
Recent rainfall is providing some relief from the low water levels on Europe’s rivers, but river cruise passengers aren’t out of the woods yet. Multiple cruise lines continue to warn guests that upcoming itineraries could be altered as they monitor changes.
Historic droughts in Europe have left sections of the Danube and Rhine rivers too shallow to pass through. As Cruise Hive recently reported, several river cruise lines, including Viking River Cruises, Saga River Cruises, and Uniworld River Cruises, have all made changes to recent and upcoming sailings.
Recent rainfall across parts of France, Germany, and Central Europe has helped improve conditions in some areas. This has eased restrictions on parts of the upper Danube. However, the rivers are not fully recovered.
The European Drought Observatory, run by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre, states that drought conditions “remain critical in most of Europe” as of early August. As the changing water levels remain uncertain, river cruise lines continue to monitor and update itineraries.
Emerald Swaps Ship Over Budapest–Bratislava Uncertainty
Passengers booked on Emerald Sky’s August 30, 2026 7-night Danube River cruise from Budapest received a notification from the cruise line. Emerald Cruises remains confident that the majority of the sailing will be unaffected by low water levels.
“Based on the current forecast, we anticipate being able to operate your cruise itinerary as planned from Bratislava through to Regensburg,” the notice sent to guests reads.
However, water levels on the first section of the voyage, between Budapest and Bratislava, are more uncertain. The cruise line is keeping a close eye on water levels as it assesses the potential for this section of the river to reopen.
As a precaution, guests on the sailing will now travel aboard Emerald Destiny instead of the originally scheduled Emerald Sky. Both vessels are similar in size and have an identical passenger capacity of 182 guests. The cruise line says it will provide further details closer to embarkation day.
Saga Promises Cruises Won’t Become Coach Tours
Meanwhile, Saga River Cruises issued an update on social media on August 18. The cruise line is also reviewing conditions and making itinerary adjustments on a cruise-by-cruise basis.
If conditions do not allow a scheduled itinerary to operate, Saga is offering alternatives. These alternatives include options exploring the Dutch Waterways, the Main, and navigable portions of the Danube.
River Danube, Budapest (Photo Credit: Civic Lens)
Saga promises that ships will continue sailing. The cruise line is assuring passengers that altered voyages will remain river cruises rather than being replaced by overland trips.
“We won’t turn your itinerary into a coach holiday; the ship will be sailing,”Saga said in the update.
Saga also plans to retain original flights where possible to avoid lengthy transfers. Affected passengers will be contacted directly by the cruise line with updates.
Viking Warns Rhine and Danube Sailings May Change
In an August 20 update, Viking River Cruises remained hopeful for improving conditions. The cruise line acknowledges, however, that some itinerary adjustments may still be necessary.
Viking’s operational teams continue to assess the situation. Affected passengers and travel advisors are being contacted before departure. The cruise line’s extensive fleet allows it to provide guests with a solution to impassable sections of rivers.
Viking operates identical sister ships in opposite directions. When a section becomes impassable, passengers can sometimes leave one ship, cross the affected area by land and board an identical vessel on the other side.
When conditions allow, Viking says it can implement these “ship swaps” to minimize disruption. Because the vessels are identical, Viking says guests can even transfer to the same stateroom on the replacement ship.
For now, the recent rainfall is encouraging, but conditions vary by location. With operators continuing to keep tabs on the Danube and Rhine, passengers sailing in the coming weeks may not know whether changes are necessary until relatively close to departure.
Royal Caribbean has delayed Serenade of the Seas’ August 30 Alaska cruise by two days for additional maintenance in Vancouver.
The shortened voyage will now depart September 1 and call only at Ketchikan and Prince Rupert before returning to Vancouver on September 6.
Guests can sail with onboard credit and future cruise credit or cancel for a full refund and a 25% future cruise credit.
Guests booked aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas are facing a two-day delay after the cruise line determined the ship requires urgent maintenance in Vancouver.
The 90,090 gross-ton ship was originally meant to depart on a 7-night Alaska voyage from Vancouver on August 30, 2026. The sailing was scheduled to visit Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert, along with cruising through the Inside Passage and Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier.
In a letter, the cruise line informed guests that this sailing would be heavily altered to accommodate unplanned maintenance.
“Due to necessary maintenance requiring additional time in Vancouver, British Columbia, we will now depart on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 9:00 PM,” the letter reads. “We’re sorry for this inconvenience and have worked on options available to you and an updated itinerary.”
The new 5-night itinerary departs from Vancouver two days later than planned on September 1. The shortened itinerary also sees the removal of some key destinations.
Visits to Sitka, Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier, and Juneau have been cancelled. The cruise will now sail the Inside Passage, then visit Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, followed by a second day of Inside Passage cruising, before returning as scheduled on September 6.
The latest unexpected maintenance delay comes a little over a year after Serenade of the Seas experienced technical problems during its 2025 Alaska season. Cruise Hive reported at the time that a June 29 sailing was forced to operate at reduced speed and skip Icy Strait Point.
Serenade of the Seas Letter
The following July 6 voyage then returned to Vancouver just hours after departure and ultimately sailed more than a day late. This delay also forced the cancellation of Sitka.
Royal Caribbean has not indicated that the current maintenance is related to those earlier technical issues. No reason for the current unplanned maintenance was provided in the letter to guests.
Guests Have A Few Options
Given the substantial itinerary changes, Royal Caribbean is offering guests two choices. They can continue the sailing with compensation or cancel their cruise.
Guests who choose to continue on the sailing will receive onboard credit equivalent to two days’ cruise fare per guest. Any unused credit will be refunded to the guest’s on-file payment method at the end of the sailing.
They will also receive an additional future cruise credit equivalent to two days’ cruise fare per guest. These can be used to book any future Royal Caribbean sailing. Prepaid packages and gratuities will get a prorated adjustment.
Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
The cruise line will also reimburse the additional two hotel days or airfare change fees. It will reimburse up to $300 per stateroom, per day for hotels or up to $200 per guest for domestic airfare. For international flight changes, Royal Caribbean will reimburse up to $400.
If guests do not want to change their travel plans, Royal Caribbean will allow guests to board Serenade of the Seas on August 30 or August 31 and use the ship as a hotel while it remains in Vancouver.
However, as the ship will be in port, shops and the onboard casino will be closed. Guests will not be allowed to go ashore after boarding due to immigration regulations. Some bars, lounges, and spa services will remain available, with details provided onboard.
Guests can also cancel this sailing. Those who cancel will receive a full refund as well as a 25% future cruise credit based on cruise fare paid. This future cruise credit can be applied to any Royal Caribbean sailing departing by September 1, 2027.
Prepaid purchases and gratuities will also be fully refunded. Royal Caribbean will reimburse airfare change fees up to $200 for domestic flights and $400 for international flights per guest. Hotel reimbursement is only available for those remaining on the cruise.
Shipping fees for Princess Cruises’ Medallions have increased by $2 for guests in the US and Canada.
The shipping rate increase is effective from Thursday, August 20, 2026 for all new orders.
Guests may still pick up their Medallions for free during embarkation check-in at the cruise terminal.
Princess Cruises’ guests eager to get their Medallions ahead of embarkation so they are ready for smooth sailing onboard will now have to pay a bit more for the privilege.
In a communication sent to travel agents and shared widely online, the Medallion shipping fee for new orders is increased by $2 (USD) as of Thursday, August 20, 2026.
For guests in the US, this means the shipping fee is increasing from $20 to $22, while in Canada, the fee is increasing from $25 to $27. Not all guests will need to pay this fee, however.
The change only applies to new orders placed on or after August 20. If guests have previously ordered a Medallion ahead of an upcoming, already booked Princess sailing, the shipping fee is not changed for that purchase, regardless of when the Medallion is scheduled to be shipped.
Medallions can still be picked up for free at the cruise terminal during embarkation. Not only can this be a savings, but it also ensures Medallions are not lost in the mail or delayed due to postal congestion. It does mean, however, that guests must take the extra time on embarkation day to pick it up as they check in at the cruise terminal.
The shipping cost covers all Medallions shipped under one order to the same mailing address. If guests ship to multiple addresses or place orders separately, however, shipping fees apply each time even if the cruise reservations may be linked.
Second Price Increase in 2026
This is the second price increase for Princess Cruises’ Medallion shipping in 2026. Cruise Hive reported in early March that shipping was increased from $10 to $20 for US addresses, and from $15 to $25 for guests in Canada.
“While we have made every effort to maintain affordable shipping rates for our guests, this adjustment is necessary to align pricing and ensure continued high-quality, reliable shipping services,”the cruise line stated at the time of that first increase.
At the same time as the first increase, free shipping for booked guests with the Plus or Premier amenities packages was also discontinued and all guests began to pay for the full shipping cost.
For context, the US Postal Service increased various postal rates effective July 12, 2026. While the rate for a first-class letter up to one ounce increased by just $.04 (from $.78 to $.82), other shipping prices increased on periodicals, flat rate postage for packages, and marketing mail.
This follows previous postal service time-limited rate increases on retail and commercial domestic shipping that went into effect on April 26, 2026. That change increased domestic packages by roughly 8% per package through mid-January 2027.
In comparison, the increase on Medallion shipping is a 10% increase for US addresses and an 8% increase for Canadian addresses, though Princess Cruises has not cited increased postal fees as a reason for the increase in the Medallion shipping fees.
The Medallion fulfills all the functions of a ship card onboard Princess Cruises’ ships: stateroom key, boarding and services identification, and onboard payment method. It can also connect to the Princess app for further customization and preference management throughout a cruise.
A man’s body has been recovered following a missing guest report from Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition on August 21, 2026.
The man’s family has been informed, but no further identification details or circumstances of the overboard have been released.
Ambition’s debarkation in Dundee, Scotland, and subsequent embarkation later that day were briefly delayed for an onboard search.
Just hours after Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition reported a missing guest and completed an intensive onboard search in an attempt to locate the individual, a man’s body was recovered off the east coast of Scotland and his family has now been notified.
Further details about the incident have now emerged. According to the BBC, a local Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed search operations and when the alert was raised.
“Around 8:55 a.m. on Friday, 21 August, 2026, we received a report that a man had gone overboard from a cruise ship in the North Sea,”the police spokesperson said.“A search and rescue operation, carried out by police and partner agencies, has been ongoing and a body has been recovered.”
At the time of the overboard report, the 1,200-guest Ambition was making her way back to Dundee at the conclusion of a 14-day solar eclipse cruise that included port visits in Iceland, Scotland, and the Faroe Islands. Her last port prior to debarkation was Lerwick, Shetland, on Wednesday, August 19, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Local resources launched a search and rescue operation as the cruise ship approached Dundee for docking. This included an HM Coastguard helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft, a commercial SAR helicopter, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Dundee, Arbroath and St Andrews, the two lifeboats, and nearby vessels.
Crew members onboard the ship conducted a thorough search but were unable to locate the missing guest. His luggage remained onboard the vessel but his bed appeared not to have been slept in.
No further identifying details about the man have been released. This is common in order to protect the privacy of family members, friends, and traveling companions at a very difficult time.
Ship Operations Briefly Delayed
To facilitate the search, Ambition‘s debarkation was delayed. Typically, debarkation would begin less than an hour after the ship had docked, allowing enough time for the vessel to receive customs clearance for guests to leave.
Because of the onboard search, however, guests were not permitted to begin debarking Ambition until approximately 11:30 a.m. Consequently, embarkation for the next sailing was also pushed back, but guests were advised to still arrive at the cruise terminal according to the original embarkation schedule.
Ambition has already departed Dundee on her next sailing, a one-way repositioning cruise to Newcastle upon Tyne, where she is expected to arrive by 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, August 22.
The ship will remain homeported from Newcastle for five departures, ranging from 5-13 days. Depending on the cruise length and sailing date, she will be visiting ports in the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, France, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany during the very diverse series.
On September 22, the ship will depart Newcastle to move to Bristol and begin another short series, before moving to London-Tilbury in November.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the man’s family members, friends, and all the guests and crew members aboard Ambition impacted by this sad incident.
US Customs and Border Protection arrested 11 foreign national crew members at the Port of Boston on allegations of child exploitation crimes.
The crew members were aboard Holland America Line’s Volendam as well as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway.
All arrested crew members will likely be returned to their home countries: 9 to the Philippines, 1 to Nicaragua, and 1 to Indonesia.
A total of 11 foreign nationals have been arrested by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as part of “Operation Tidal Wave” for crimes against children, including receiving and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
The operation took place from August 14-16, 2026, with the actual arrest at the Port of Boston. In addition to CBP, the operation was coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Boston, HSI Fort Lauderdale, and the CBP Fort Lauderdale Human Trafficking Unit.
The crew members were arrested onboard their ships when the vessels docked in Boston: Holland America Line’s Volendam and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway.
Volendam is currently offering departures from both Montreal and Boston. The 1,837-guest ship was in Boston on August 15 after an 8-day itinerary that departed Montreal on August 8 and included multiple port visits in Canada as well as a stop in Portland, Maine.
Norwegian Breakaway was in Boston on August 16 following an 8-day roundtrip voyage to Halifax, Nova Scotia and King’s Wharf, Bermuda. The 3,903-guest ship is homeported from Boston through early November 2026.
There is no indication that cruise ship operations were impacted in any way by the arrests and there were no delays to the ships’ next sailings.
No breakdown has been provided about how many crew members were arrested from which ship. Of the arrested individuals, nine are citizens of the Philippines, one is a citizen of Nicaragua, and one is a citizen of Indonesia. No names or other information has been disclosed, including their positions onboard either ship.
Before the arrest, the crew members’ quarters and electronic devices were thoroughly searched. The US Attorney’s Office was also consulted, and ultimately, all 11 crew members were processed for removal from the US under the Immigration and Nationality Act for “crimes involving moral turpitude.” They will be deported from the US, likely back to their home countries.
View of Boston Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
“Protecting children from exploitation is among our highest priorities, and this operation demonstrates the critical role CBP officers play in identifying and stopping individuals who pose a threat to public safety,”said Julio Caravia, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Boston Field Office.
“HSI is proud to stand with our colleagues at CBP to reaffirm our message: Anyone who possesses or transports child sexual abuse material is not welcome in the United States and will face serious consequences,”said HSI New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming.“Together, we leverage our unique authorities to seek justice for children victimized and exploited across the globe.”
Multiple Arrests at Different Cruise Homeports
Operation Tidal Wave is an ongoing, multiagency initiative headed by the CBP and HSI agents of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The operation is targeted at cruise ship crew members and any association with possession, use, obtaining, producing, or distributing materials related to child sexual exploitation or abuse.
Two previous phases of the operation earlier in 2026 have resulted in charges and arrests for more than 40 crew members from nine different ships.
Phase 1 was in San Diego in April 2026, when 27 crew members were arrested from six different ships. They were all returned to their home countries. Cruise Hive reported on part of that phase of the operation as guests witnessed crew members arrested from Disney Magic.
The second phase of the operation was in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in June and July, when 14 crew members were removed from three ships, and one crew member was arrested for federal prosecution.
A guest was reported missing from Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition on Friday morning, August 21, 2026.
No overboard alert was raised at the time, but a full ship-wide search was conducted when the ship docked in Dundee, Scotland.
Turnaround operations were briefly delayed, as was embarkation for the next cruise, but no itinerary change is expected.
A guest has been reported missing from Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition on the morning of Friday, August 21, 2026 and the investigation is now ongoing in an attempt to locate the missing individual.
The cruise line has shared an update on the incident on Facebook, noting that the search operation has slightly delayed the ship’s homeport turnaround in Dundee, Scotland.
The ship has just completed a 14-day roundtrip sailing that originally departed Dundee on August 8. The voyage included port visits in the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Scotland, as well as viewing of the solar eclipse on August 12.
“We can confirm that the Captain of Ambition reported a missing person incident earlier this morning,”the cruise line stated.“The ship, which is now berthed in Dundee, was on passage from Lerwick to Dundee when the alarm was raised after it was found that a guest was not where they were expected to be.”
A thorough onboard search was completed once the ship arrived in Dundee. It is not clear exactly when the alarm was raised, but without evidence of an exact time and location for a potential overboard situation, it would not be possible for the ship to turn around and search in the water.
While the search was ongoing, guests were asked to remain onboard rather than begin debarkation. This caused a minimal delay to debarkation, but after the search was complete, guests were cleared to leave the ship.
“Ambassador follows stringent search and rescue protocols in line with international maritime safety standards. We continue to work in close collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, HM Coastguard and Police Scotland as the investigation continues,”the cruise line explained.
At this time, because the police investigation into the missing guest is ongoing, the cruise line will not comment further on the situation.
No details about the identity of the missing guest have been disclosed. This is standard practice to protect the privacy of their loved ones and traveling companions.
Guests debarking today have been very positive in their praise for the crew in this challenging situation.
“We were on board Ambition today, and can only say how professionally and calmly the crew handled this terrible situation,”one guest wrote in reaction to the cruise line’s statement.
“We know many of us now face rearranging our onward journeys, but our thoughts are entirely with the missing passenger’s loved ones at this awful time. It feels such a sad and poignant end to what was otherwise an absolutely wonderful cruise.”
Next Embarkation Delayed
Due to the onboard search, the ship’s turnaround operation to be prepared for incoming guests has been slightly delayed. The cruise line has asked that guests still make their way to the port according to the embarkation schedule as originally planned, so the delay should not be significant.
The 1,200-guest ship is set to begin a one-night repositioning voyage to Newcastle upon Tyne, arriving on Saturday, August 22. From her new homeport, Ambition will offer a short series of five departures visiting destinations in northern Europe and Scandinavia, with sailings ranging from 5- to 13-days.
Because the ship’s repositioning sailing is so short and the two ports are only about 130 miles apart, there should be no difficulty for Ambition to arrive on schedule, and the next cruise is not likely to be impacted.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the crew members and all guests onboard Ambition as well as the family members and friends of the missing guest at this difficult time.
