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Growing Cruise Demand Sets Tampa Bay on the Path to a New Terminal

Port News

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Apr 3, 2026

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Growing Cruise Demand Sets Tampa Bay on the Path to a New Terminal

Key Aspects:

Port Tampa Bay is continuing to expand and has begun construction on a new cruise terminal.
These growth plans are part of ongoing development to support all port operations.
This news follows the cancellation of the planned new cruise port south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

While the idea of a new cruise terminal south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay is now dead and will not be happening, Port Tampa Bay isn’t slowing down on developments to enhance cruising from the Sunshine State’s Gulf Coast.

Following the phenomenal year the port enjoyed in 2025 with more than 1.66 million cruise passengers, new changes are underway to accommodate even more ships and guests. In 2026, the port is expecting 1.8 million cruise passengers.

According to Spectrum News via Bay News 9, plans that are part of the port’s “Master Plan Vision 2030” are being advanced.

While some of those plans impact more cargo operations with expanded berths, warehouses, and storage, key aspects of the plan do directly affect cruise operations.

First, a $1.2 billion project to deepen the channel by four feet is planned to begin in 2028. While this may not seem like a significant increase, a deeper channel can better accommodate larger ships with deeper drafts.

It’s unlikely that Port Tampa Bay will ever be able to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class vessels or MSC Cruises’ World Class vessels, a deeper channel might provide more opportunity for some larger ships to visit or homeport in Tampa.

For example, ships homeported at Port Tampa Bay currently have drafts ranging from 23-28 feet. Deepening the channel might permit slightly heavier cruise ships to safely navigate to the cruise terminal (depending on their number of decks, of course!).

A new cruise terminal would also permit additional ship visits, while updated and reconstructed passenger bridges for the current terminals would smooth passenger flow and ease crowds on busy days.

Construction has already begun on the new terminal at Terminal 6 and completion is expected in 2029. Exact details of the new terminal and which cruise lines it would service have not yet been released.

Port Tampa Bay, Cruise Terminal 2 (Photo Credit: Feng Cheng)

Cruise Terminal 6 is the northernmost terminal for Port Tampa Bay, located alongside Channelside Drive between McKay Street and East York Street.

Enhancements to permit cruise ships to connect to shore power while docked are another part of the development plan and help ensure the future sustainability and environmental responsibility of the port.

Port Construction All Across the Sunshine State

Port Tampa Bay is not the only Florida cruise port planning enhancements, expansions, and growth to welcome more cruise guests. Cruise Hive has previously reported on the different development plans and challenges at other major Florida homeports.

Any passenger who has set sail from PortMiami in recent weeks knows the construction at that port, not only on cruise terminals but also on local roads and in the downtown area leading to the cruise port, has created tremendous traffic congestion on the busiest port days.

Port Canaveral is also working on growth plans with the construction of new parking facilities and updates to other terminals.

Thoughtful growth and development plans with consideration for future needs is essential for all cruise ports.

With newer and larger ships coming from all cruise lines, including Legend of the Seas (2026) and Hero of the Seas (2027), Carnival Festivale (2027) and Carnival Tropicale (2028), MSC World Atlantic (2027), and more, ports must be prepared for the tens of thousands of guests they may be serving on turnover days.

More efficient traffic, increased parking, smoother passenger operations, security upgrades, and enhanced fuel options will help ports be well positioned to welcome more guests in the years to come.

South Korea Unlocks Instant Tax Refunds for Cruise Passengers in Major Policy Shift

Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 3, 2026

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South Korea Unlocks Instant Tax Refunds for Cruise Passengers in Major Policy Shift

Key Aspects:

Passengers visiting South Korea will be able to receive refunds of VAT and consumption taxes.
The Korea Customs Service linked cruise guest manifests to the tax refund system so they could qualify.
The program applies to purchases made at about 23,000 designated tax-free retail stores.

Short cruise stops in South Korea are about to become more convenient for shoppers.

The Korea Customs Service announced April 3, 2026, that beginning April 6, foreign cruise passengers will be able to receive immediate or downtown refunds of internal taxes, including value-added tax (VAT) and individual consumption tax on goods purchased at designated duty-free stores.

The move extends a tax refund system that has long applied to international visitors arriving by air but has largely excluded cruise passengers, who often call in port cities of Busan, Incheon, and Jeju on major cruise lines.

Under South Korea’s tourist tax refund program, foreign visitors who purchase goods at designated tax-free shops can reclaim internal taxes included in the purchase price once the goods are verified as leaving the country.

The program operates under the Restriction of Special Taxation Act and the Special Regulations for Foreign Tourists.

Immediate refunds allow visitors to purchase goods at tax-excluded prices directly at participating stores, and passengers can receive refunds at city refund counters before leaving the country, as well as to claim refunds at seaport refund counters when departing Korea.

Immediate refunds generally apply to purchases under 1 million Korean won (about $740) per transaction and up to 5 million won total, while downtown refunds allow transactions up to 6 million won per purchase.

“With the implementation of this service, cruise tourists will be able to enjoy both the pleasure of shopping and the convenience of tax refunds even during their short stays in Korea,” Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Myung-koo said in the agency’s press release.

Officials expect the change will shorten wait times tied to customs export verification procedures, as originally guests entering South Korea on a ship used a tourist landing permit rather than a standard immigration process.

This meant their information was not automatically connected to the tax refund system and forced retailers and refund operators to confirm eligibility via passenger manifests.

The Korea Customs Services estimates that around two million cruise tourists may visit South Korea annually starting in 2026.

A Win Amidst Rising Costs

The policy change in South Korea arrives at a time when cruise lines are facing rapidly rising fuel costs.

Oil prices have surged in recent months due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Brent crude climbing above $100 per barrel after disruptions to global oil supply routes.

Fuel is one of the largest operating costs for cruise ships, which burn heavy fuel oil or marine gas oil to power vessels.

Carnival Corporation recently lowered its profit forecast after reporting about $500 million in unexpected fuel expenses tied to the jump in oil prices.

While cruise lines try to hedge fuel purchases in advance, sustained price increases can filter down to passengers through higher fares or new fees.

Most cruise contracts include provisions that allow lines to add fuel surcharges if oil prices rise above certain thresholds. For example, several cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, reserve the right to impose fuel supplements of roughly $10 per passenger per day.

Some operators have already begun passing on those costs. Asian brands StarCruises and Dream Cruises introduced fuel surcharges earlier in 2026, with fees reaching about $25 per passenger per night on some sailings.

This means a weeklong cruise for a family of four could see hundreds of dollars added to the overall cost. A tax refund on a shopping purchase may offset a small part of the bill during a Korean port visit.

Royal Caribbean Served with Three New Lawsuits From Injured Guests

Royal Caribbean News

Catie Kovelman

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Apr 3, 2026

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Royal Caribbean Served with Three New Lawsuits From Injured Guests

Key Aspects:

Three passengers, who fell during their cruises, are suing Royal Caribbean.
The lawsuits blame the cruise line for allowing unsafe conditions onboard and for not properly warning guests of slip hazards.
Royal Caribbean prides itself on safety and exceeds safety standards set by regulatory authorities, such as SOLAS.

People often say that bad things come in groups of three, and in Royal Caribbean’s case, that seems to be true. The cruise line has been slapped with not one, not two, but three new lawsuits that were filed at the end of March 2026.

In all three cases, the cruise guests were injured in falls while sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s ships. They believe that the cruise line had a part to play in their accidents and are accusing the brand of negligence.

Royal Caribbean has not publicly responded to the lawsuits, but Cruise Hive will issue an update if a statement is released.

Cruiser Suffers Head Injury Onboard Oasis of the Seas

The first lawsuit of this batch was filed on March 19, 2026, by a North Carolina resident named Lindemere Richard Bernhardt.

On February 21, 2025, Bernhardt was enjoying his time onboard the 226,838-gross ton Oasis of the Seas when he slipped and fell in the Central Park neighborhood.

The cruise guest claims that he landed on his back and hit his head, causing him to lose consciousness for several minutes. Royal Caribbean provided immediate medical assistance and Bernhardt spent the rest of the voyage in a neck brace.

Per the claim, the former guest continues to suffer from debilitating symptoms caused by post-concussion syndrome and cervical spinal stenosis.

Allegedly, the fall happened because the tile flooring became wet due to intermittent rain. The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean is negligent because the crew members failed to place any wet floor signs or to verbally warn guests of the slip hazard.

For context, this area has a mix of tiled and wood-like surfaces that are meant to mimic a real outdoor park on land.

Bernhardt also wouldn’t be the first guest to complain about the flooring in the Central Park neighborhood. In October 2025, Cruise Hive reported that multiple guests had slipped or fallen in this area on the Oasis and Icon-class ships.

Despite the legal conflict, the 5,606-guest ship is sailing normally and is currently operating Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with Central Park open for business.

Guest Falls Onboard Navigator of the Seas

The next lawsuit, which was filed on March 25, 2026, also has to do with slippery floors and an accidental fall.

In this case, a guest named Samia Boctor fell and became injured while walking near the Windjammer Buffet on Deck 11 of Navigator of the Seas on May 11, 2025.

The California resident says that she slipped on unreasonably wet and dangerous flooring, and that once again, the crew members did not properly warn guests of the hazard.

For context, Deck 11 is also home to multiple hot tubs, a swimming pool, and a splash pad. Anything from a food spill within the restaurant to swimming guests who tracked in water could have caused the hazard.

Navigator of the Seas Open Deck — Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Bathing suits are not allowed in the popular buffet, but guests with proper coverups are allowed to enter, which suggests some passengers who may not have fully dried off from their pool day could come inside.

Given the location and nature of the venue, there may be an inherent assumption of risk where guests should assume that slippery or hazardous conditions may be present.

Just like Oasis of the Seas, the 139,999-gross ton vessel is continuing normal operations. The Voyager-class ship is currently offering cruises to Mexico from Los Angeles, California.

Lounge Chair Topples Guest on Odyssey of the Seas

On March 27, just one day after Boctor filed her lawsuit, Maryland resident Thomas Stein filed his own lawsuit against Royal Caribbean.

Stein was sailing onboard the 169,379-gross ton Odyssey of the Seas on April 18, 2025, when he tripped and fell due to a misplaced lounge chair on the Lido Deck.

The guest claims that the leg of the chair protruded into the walkway and was not easily visible. His attorneys allege that Royal Caribbean is responsible for not properly managing and maintaining the layout of the chairs on the pool deck.

Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Ship — Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Believe it or not, there are actually crew members assigned to monitor the outer decks to keep conditions safe and clean. But with up to 5,510 guests onboard every sailing moving things around, it’s impossible to prevent every potential hazard.

As the Lido Deck can also get quite busy, especially during prime pool and lounging hours, guests should pay extra close attention to where they are walking.

Currently, guests are enjoying the Lido Deck onboard the Quantum Ultra-class ship as it operates cruises around the Greek Isles.

Is Royal Caribbean at Fault?

Though these passengers claim that Royal Caribbean was negligent, the cruise line prides itself on its commitment to safety, which includes using flooring and deck materials that comply with safety standards set by Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

In fact, the brand frequently goes far beyond what is required by organizations like SOLAS and other authorities when it comes to safety.

“At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and security of our guests and crew is our highest priority and fundamental to our operations. Our marine safety record over our 42-year history clearly illustrates our commitment to the safety of the millions of guests and crew that sail on our ships,” Royal Caribbean’s website states.

“The measures we take in the interest of safety are many, with our ships often exceeding what is required by regulatory authorities – these are all part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in every aspect of our business,” the statement continues.

As lawsuits are fairly common in the cruising industry, Royal Caribbean has an expert legal team that is prepared to defend the brand. Only time will tell if the cruise line will be found at fault.

Carnival Gratuity and Drink Package Price Increases Now in Effect

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 3, 2026

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Carnival Gratuity and Drink Package Price Increases Now in Effect

The latest Carnival Cruise Line gratuity and drink package price increase has now taken effect for all guests. The price increase was first announced in early February, with a start date for all sailings leaving on or after Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The rate increase applies to all stateroom types on all Carnival ships and is just $1 per day higher per person. This makes the current rate $17 per person, per day for standard staterooms (interior, ocean view, and balconies) and $19 per person, per day for all suites.

Guests who chose to pre-pay gratuities before April 2 were able to lock in the previous lower rate, regardless of their sailing date.

Gratuity increases are always controversial. While cruise guests usually agree that crew members deserve gratuities, frequent increases can become frustrating.

One common argument is that it’s only $1 a day, and therefore not too much for any individual cruise guest. That’s true, but calculating gratuities for an entire family or group can show just how expensive these charges can become, especially on longer sailings.

For a family of 4 on a week-long cruise, for example, gratuities will now be $28 higher than originally expected.

When noted over time, gratuity prices can seem even higher. In 2016, for example, Carnival Cruise Line’s gratuities were just $12.95 per person, per day for most staterooms.

For the same family of 4 on a 7-night sailing, gratuities would have been just $362.60 in 2016. Today, those same gratuities would now be $476, an increase of 24%.

This can come as a shock to guests who may not cruise frequently or who may budget for onboard expenses based on their own past experiences.

Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)

Carnival Cruise Line’s gratuities are not the highest in the industry, however. Cruise Hive reported in early February 2026 that Margaritaville at Sea increased its gratuities to $22 per person, per day for standard staterooms and $25 per person, per day for suites.

Virgin Voyages has the same gratuity rate as Margaritaville at Sea, but aboard Virgin Voyages’ Lady Ships, guests can adjust gratuities at their discretion or get a lower rate by pre-paying before they set sail. On Margaritaville at Sea ships, the cost is fixed and may not be adjusted or removed.

Bottomless Bubbles Price Now Higher

The gratuity increase is not the only higher price that has now gone into effect aboard Carnival ships. The Bottomless Bubbles price for adults has also increased from $9.50 per person, per day to $11.99 per person, per day.

There is no change in the pricing for kids, which remains at $6.95 per day.

A 20% service charge is added to the package price as well. That fee used to be 18%, but was raised to 20% in December 2025. That increase applies not only to Bottomless Bubbles, but also to other add-on packages, including other beverage packages, specialty dining, in-stateroom gifts, and more.

Purchased individually, sodas onboard Carnival ships are roughly $3.50-4, plus the service charge, depending on ship, homeport, and sailing region. Whether or not any drink package is a worthwhile purchase depends on individual guests’ drink preferences.

Calculating your beverage habits can help you decide if a soda, non-alcoholic, or full beverage package is worth adding to your cruise budget, bearing in mind that certain packages come with the requirement for all guests in a stateroom to purchase the same package.

Calmer 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season May Cause Fewer Cruise Disruptions

Cruise News

Catie Kovelman

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Apr 3, 2026

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Calmer 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season May Cause Fewer Cruise Disruptions

Key Aspects:

Forecasters predict that there will be 11-16 named storms during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
Four to seven of these storms are expected to become full fledged hurricanes.
These predictions, however, suggest that the season will be less active than 2025.

With the memories of intense 2025 hurricanes like Melissa, Erin, and Imelda still fresh, many cruisers are looking ahead to the looming Atlantic hurricane season with dread.

But according to AccuWeather, the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, 2026, may bring a reprieve compared to the previous year.

AccuWeather’s forecast predicts an average to below average season, with an estimated 11 to 16 named storms expected to develop this year. However, it only takes one powerful storm to do significant damage and to majorly disrupt the cruise industry.

Four to seven of these storm systems will likely become hurricanes, and two to four are expected to reach Category 3 or higher. For context, Category 3 hurricanes reach sustained winds of 111-129 miles per hour.

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), a season with six to 18 named storms and three to nine hurricanes is considered near-normal, or average.

This is also below the expectations for the 2025 hurricane season, in which forecasters predicted 17 named storms with nine hurricanes and four major storms. Ultimately, the 2025 season was hit with 13 named storms, five of which became hurricanes.

Potential Impact to US Cruise Ports

Three to five of the storms are supposed to directly impact the US, with stormy weather especially likely in the northeastern Gulf Coast and the Carolinas.

“It’s very important that everybody from South Texas all the way to Maine prepares equally for each and every hurricane season, regardless of what the official forecast is,” AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

“Even if it’s expected to be a slightly below average hurricane season, we can still see major hits across the United States,” he continued.

This means that potential storm systems could disrupt itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, or even New England and Canada, as Cruise Hive has seen happen many times before.

Carnival Horizon in Miami (Photo Credit: Just Dance)

Operations at major cruise ports could also be affected, as the ports may have to close to maritime traffic during times of dangerous weather.

Busy ports like Galveston, New Orleans, New York (Manhattan and Brooklyn), Norfolk, Charleston, and the major Florida ports (Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Port Canaveral) could all potentially be in the line of fire.

An El Niño Will Determine the Season

A developing el niño will play a huge part in determining if the 2026 season really turns out to be below average, or if it will backfire and lead to a series of rapidly intensifying storms.

For context, an El Niño occurs when ocean temperatures near the eastern Pacific Ocean warm to at least 0.9 of a degree Fahrenheit above established averages.

El Niño comes with warmer water temperatures, which is more likely to allow storms to rapidly intensify and may contribute to hurricanes forming early, before the official start of the season on June 1.

“Those waters are also exceptionally, exceptionally warm…That is why once again we are very concerned about rapid intensification this upcoming hurricane season,” DaSilva noted.

However, El Niño also usually brings a stronger wind shear to the Atlantic, which can make it harder for storms to form in the first place.

AccuWeather also shared that there is a small chance (about 15%) of a “super El Niño” developing later in the season, which would significantly reduce storm activity in late October and November. The season officially ends on November 30.

Hopefully this is the case, as it will be safer for the people who live in the affected areas and should lead to less cruise disruptions.

Is it Safe to Cruise During Hurricane Season?

Modern cruise ships are designed to safely navigate rough weather, and the cruise lines monitor weather forecasts closely to always chart the smoothest and safest course.

Many cruise guests also prefer to sail during the hurricane season, as kids are usually in school (leading to less crowds onboard) and prices are often lower due to the risks of weather-related disruptions.

But aside from the risk of potential itinerary changes or cancellations, guests should never be put in active danger. And of course, Cruise Hive will continue to monitor for storm activitiy and related itinerary changes.

Norwegian Cruise Ship Arrival Delay Forces Late Embarkation in New York

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 2, 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Ship Arrival Delay Forces Late Embarkation in New York

Key Aspects:

Norwegian Escape will be returning later than planned to New York at the end of her August 19, 2026 sailing.
The change is due to berth availability in Manhattan, but no other itinerary change is noted for the 10-night cruise.
The August 29 sailing is also impacted with a delay for embarkation due to the later than expected docking.

Guests on one upcoming sailing for Norwegian Escape will be enjoying a few extra hours onboard with a unique itinerary change. Only the ship’s return to New York is impacted, with no changes to ports of call during the 10-day cruise.

The impacted sailing is Norwegian Escape‘s Wednesday, August 19, 2026 departure, a Caribbean itinerary that includes visits to San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Puerto Plata before the ship returns to the Big Apple on Saturday, August 29.

Fortunately, there is no change to any of the port visits, but the return to New York is adjusted. Instead of arriving at 7 a.m. as originally planned, Norwegian Escape will now be docking at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal at 3 p.m.

“While the port remains available, our assigned window for disembarkation has shifted due to other ships calling earlier in the day,” an email sent to booked guests explains.

On August 29, only Norwegian Aqua is also scheduled to be in port. It is possible that the two ships must compete for the same berth space, or else other local operations, such as ferries, might be impacting the space available for Norwegian Escape.

Norwegian Cruise Line is spinning the delayed return for Norwegian Escape as a great opportunity to enjoy what the 165,000-gross-ton Breakaway Plus class ship has to offer.

“While unexpected, this later arrival offers a rare gift of continued unhurried time on board, an invitation to slow down and enjoy your final hours aboard Norwegian Escape exactly as you wish,” the email reads.

Once the ship arrives at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, disembarkation is expected from 4-6 p.m.

If guests have transfers, airfare, or other post-cruise plans booked through Norwegian Cruise Line, those arrangements will be adjusted automatically.

Guests with independent arrangements will need to contact their airlines or other transportation options to reschedule. Norwegian Cruise Line is recommending that no flights be scheduled before at least 8:30 p.m.

Norwegian Escape in New York (Photo Credit: quiggyt4)

The cruise line will also reimburse up to $300 (USD) per person for change or cancellation fees that may not be covered through airline policies or travel insurance. Guests must submit receipts for reimbursement consideration.

Because the impacted cruise does not set sail for four months, the up to 4,266 guests the ship can host should have ample time to make travel adjustments if needed.

Cruise Hive just recently reported on a similar late arrival of Norwegian Aqua into New York for her April 18, 2026 sailing. In Norwegian Aqua‘s case, however, the delay is due to the ship repositioning from Miami for her summer season. No guests will be onboard for that repositioning and so no debarkation is disrupted.

Next Norwegian Escape Embarkation Delayed

What both Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Aqua have in common with these changes, however, is a significantly delayed embarkation for the next cruise.

Norwegian Escape‘s August 29 departure is a 7-night Canada and New England itinerary visiting Boston, Portland, Saint John, and Halifax.

In order to accommodate the ship’s late arrival and give guests adequate time to debark Norwegian Escape and exit the terminal and parking areas, check-in for the next cruise will not begin until 5 p.m.

There is an expected 10 p.m. departure. All guests must arrive no later than 8 p.m. to check in at the terminal. Originally, the ship was to have set sail at 4 p.m.

While some guests are understandably upset at beginning their weeklong cruise several hours later than expected, many travelers note that it will not be difficult to find exciting and interesting things to do in New York City for a few extra hours.

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal, for example, is just a mile from Central Park, the Modern Museum of Art, Times Square, and other top city sights.

There is no expected change to the August 29 itinerary at this time. No compensation is being offered to guests for the 6-hour delay, as travelers have more than four months to adjust their plans before they set sail on their cruise vacation.

Norwegian Cruise Line Details Temporary Plan for Philadelphia Departures

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 2, 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Line Details Temporary Plan for Philadelphia Departures

Key Aspects:

Norwegian Cruise Line will use a hotel for check-in for its new Philadelphia season.
Guests must shuttle to and from the Clarion Hotel near the airport for embarkation and disembarkation.
The temporary process is due to PhilaPort’s construction delays.

When Philadelphia was added as a new homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in 2024, the company expected the city’s new cruise terminal to be open and ready to welcome its guests for its first sailings in 2026.

Instead, weather-related delays have pushed back competition of the facility at PhilaPort, forcing the cruise line to introduce a temporary new embarkation plan for Norwegian Jewel, which is setting sail from Philadelphia on April 16.

Guests booked on the first sailings have now been informed that check-in will take place at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport, rather than at a cruise terminal.

“We’re excited to return to Philadelphia and restart cruising from the destination for the first time in many years,” NCL told guests in a message explaining the changes.

“As we partner closely with PhilaPort to prepare the new facility, progress on the permanent terminal has taken longer than anticipated due to adverse weather conditions that impacted the area this winter.”

The cruise line went on to detail the temporary plan for the 93,502-gross-ton ship, which has passengers arriving at the Clarion Hotel to begin the embarkation process.

Guests who purchased cruise line airport transfers will be brought directly from Philadelphia International Airport to the hotel for check-in. Passengers arriving on their own will need to drive to the hotel.

Parking will be available at the hotel in a designated area for cruise guests and currently costs about $16 per day, paid directly to the hotel.

Luggage drop-off will take place outside the hotel entrance before guests proceed inside the ballroom to complete the check-in process.

Passengers are encouraged to arrive during the check-in window they selected during online check-in to help manage the flow of travelers.

Once check-in is completed, guests will board complimentary shuttle buses that will transport them to the ship at the pier.

Wheelchair assistance will not be available at the hotel check-in location, although the cruise line said assistance will be provided once guests arrive at the pier.

“For everyone’s safety and to ensure smooth access at PhilaPort, guests cannot make their own way to the port, and there is no option to check-in at the ship,” NCL said in its instructions.

Upon arrival at the port, passengers will pass through security screening inside a covered tent before continuing to the vessel.

The final walk to the ship will take place outdoors, and guests may see nearby construction as work continues on the permanent terminal, which broke ground in December 2025.

Disembarkation Will Also Change

The temporary system will also be used when passengers return from the 7-night cruise to Bermuda and Charleston, South Carolina.

Guests who purchased NCL transfers will be transported directly from the pier to the airport after disembarkation. All other passengers will board shuttle buses back to the Clarion Hotel, where they can retrieve their vehicles or arrange onward transportation.

Because the port area is still an active construction site, taxis and ride-share services will not be allowed to pick up passengers directly from the pier.

It is unclear when NCL will be able to operate from PhilaPort, which is being built along the Delaware River near Philadelphia International Airport.

The project is reintroducing large-scale cruise departures from Philadelphia and, once complete, is expected to serve as a homeport capable of handling modern cruise ships with a dedicated passenger terminal for embarkation and disembarkation.

The 2,368-passenger Norwegian Jewel will homeport at PhilaPort through October 2026, beginning with a series of 7- to 9-night cruises to Bermuda and transitioning to longer itineraries to Canada and New England.

NCL Introduces New Parking Reservation System for Miami Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Catie Kovelman

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Apr 2, 2026

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NCL Introduces New Parking Reservation System for Miami Cruises

Key Aspects:

Starting on April 3, 2026, guests of Norwegian Cruise Line can pre-reserve parking for embarkations in Miami, Florida.
The reservations allow guests to prepay and guarantee that they will have a parking spot on-site.
Reservations will be offered through ParkWhiz and must be made by midnight on the day before sailing.

The days of struggling to find parking and waiting in long lines to pay for it may finally be over at PortMiami, at least for guests of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Starting on April 3, 2026, guests who are embarking on NCL sailings out of Terminal B (or the Pearl of Miami, as it’s often called) are encouraged to pre-reserve parking if they would like to park at the nearby Garage B.

Norwegian Cruise Line has begun to circulate the news among travel professionals, one of whom posted the information on Facebook.

“Effective April 3, 2026, guests can now request to pre-reserve a parking spot at Port of Miami, Garage B,” the update states.

“Parking reservations are not mandatory, and subject to availability…The parking reservation guarantees a parking space will be available to you upon arrival,” it continues.

While reservations are not mandatory, they allow guests to prepay for their spot in advance, which leads to shorter lines following debarkation when guests are ready to just get home. Parking that is paid for onsite is usually due upon departure.

It also guarantees that guests will have a spot when they arrive at the port, as it’s not unheard of for Garage B to fill up. Despite being a 9-level structure, the garage only has around 1,000 spots and can run out of room.

Cruise Hive confirmed that NCL guests will also still be able to park at multiple onsite structures on a first come, first served basis, including taking any unreserved spots in Garage B.

Garage C, which typically serves MSC Cruises and Disney Cruise Line’s operations in Terminal C, is also an option. This garage is slightly bigger with space for around 1,330 cars, but availability can still sometimes get dicey.

How to Make Parking Reservations

In order to reserve a parking spot, cruisers will need to sign up for a ParkWhiz account if they do not already have one. For context, ParkWhiz is a platform that allows drivers to find and book parking spots at popular venues in advance.

Once guests snag their spot and pay for parking, they will be prompted to enter the license plate of their car. While printed passes are occasionally provided, the reservation is usually automatically linked to the car’s license plate.

Norwegian Cruise Line Miami Terminal (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

Reservations must be made no later than midnight on the day before embarkation. Overnight parking costs $35 per night plus a reservation fee of $3.50 per night and a 3% credit card transaction fee.

Guests who choose to take their chances without a reservation will still owe $35 per night, but won’t have to pay the extra fees. PortMiami accepts cash, US Traveler’s Checks, and the major credit cards.

NCL also isn’t the first cruise line to do this, as Royal Caribbean already lets guests pre-reserve parking near Terminal A on a dedicated website, which allows guests to prepay for parking based on their specific voyages.

Which NCL Ships Homeport in PortMiami?

Norwegian Cruise Line is very active in the Cruise Capital of the World, from where it launches a variety of itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

NCL has also increased its deployment to Great Stirrup Cay to align with major improvements made to the private island. As the Bahamian island is only around 120 nautical miles away from Miami, the port is a great origin point for cruises to the exclusive destination.

For the remainder of 2026, 11 different NCL ships will operate out of PortMiami, including the newest additions to the fleet: Norwegian Luna (2026) and Norwegian Aqua (2025).

The cruise line will also continue its year-round presence in Florida in 2027 with ten ships homeporting in Miami for at least a little while.

Many of these ships will be operating overlapping sailings from Miami at the same time which makes it more likely that Garage B will run out of room and makes those parking reservations feel extra important.

Norwegian Cruise Line Discontinues Pre-Cruise Entertainment Bookings

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Catie Kovelman

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Apr 2, 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Line Discontinues Pre-Cruise Entertainment Bookings

Key Aspects:

Norwegian Cruise Line used to allow guests to reserve their seats at many of the onboard shows in advance.
But as of April 1, pre-cruise show bookings will no longer be available.
This eliminates the pressure to reserve show seating before setting sail, but may lead to other challenges onboard for theater lovers.

Norwegian Cruise Line has just made an important operational announcement regarding its onboard entertainment that will almost definitely be controversial.

As of April 1, 2026, NCL has discontinued the pre-cruise bookings for popular entertainment onboard, including for the Broadway-style and mainstage shows, live game shows, select comedy shows, and performances featuring other major headliners.

The cruise line has been notifying travel professionals of the change so that they can help spread the word amongst their clients.

“Effective April 1, 2026, NCL will no longer be accepting any pre-cruise bookings for entertainment on any of their ships,” a travel advisor posted in Cruise Hive’s “Norwegian Cruise Line News, Tips & Chat” Facebook group.

“For many of the ships, this has already been implemented, but will be discontinued fleetwide. This shift allows for greater flexibility in the guest’s experience onboard,” the update continues.

The reservations have slowly been disappearing throughout the fleet, but now the change is in place once and for all.

Cruise Hive has also learned that some guests who had existing reservations for the onboard shows have been told their reservations were no longer valid after boarding, or that the crew simply didn’t check at show time.

“I was on Viva last week, we made reservations for press your luck before the cruise on the app and confirmed when we got there. Then we later got a letter in the cabin saying just show up, no reservations anymore,” a recent guest shared.

Norwegian Escape in New York City (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz)

Notably, Norwegian Luna also just entered service in March 2026 with brand new production shows, including “Rocket Man: A Celebration of Elton John” and “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” and no reservations.

The only exception is really for “LunaTique: Pop Circus,” which is an adults-only show that debuted with the second Prima Plus-class ship and requires tickets to be purchased in advance.

Removing Reservations Proves to be Controversial

Norwegian Cruise Line made this change so that guests would have more spontaneity and flexibility in their onboard plans, and to make it easier for more guests to see the entertainment they are most looking forward to.

However, many cruisers liked the peace of mind that came with knowing that they had a reserved spot at the shows and were worried that they would now have to show up at the theater extra early or would have to wait in long lines to get a seat.

“I swear, cruisers are waiting in longer lines, wasting time to try to see shows now more than ever and the shows that had the reservation option were so much better to attend and less stressful,” one recent guest lamented.

“I loved pre booking. Now you have to go stand in line up to 30 minutes or longer sooner to get in venue,” another complained.

It’s also worth noting that the cruise line typically schedules multiple performances of each show for the same sailing, so if guests don’t make it into the theater on their first try, they will have other opportunities.

How Did the Reservations Work?

Until now, guests were able to reserve certain shows or performances 21 to 26 days ahead of embarkation, depending on their stateroom category and loyalty status, with the specific offerings naturally varying by ship.

Guests staying in the Haven and other suite-level passengers got first dibs, as well as the top-tier members of the NCL Latitudes Rewards Program (Platinum, Sapphire, Diamond, and Ambassador).

If guests couldn’t score a reservation, they would be able to try to make reservations onboard, or they could take their chances in the standby line, which often required arriving very early.

Ideally, the new policy will level the playing field so that guests have greater flexibility and equal chances to see the entertainment they are excited about, regardless of their cabin type or loyalty status.