Norwegian Epic will no longer visit Cozumel on its January 10, 2027 departure.
The other ports on the 7-night sailing are also rearranged and have had their times adjusted.
Cruise lines can and do change itineraries for many reasons, and can do so at any time.
When travelers pick a cruise itinerary, the ports of call are often an important consideration for what they hope to experience on their vacation. It can be disappointing, then, when one of those ports is removed from the schedule, particularly without a replacement.
For guests on Norwegian Epic for the ship’s January 10, 2027 departure, the port that has been removed from the sailing is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, with more than 4.7 million guests per year. On this sailing, Norwegian Epic will not be visiting Cozumel.
Guests received the itinerary change news via email with no details about why the port has been removed.
“We’d like to share an update to your itinerary following newly revised port availability,”the email said.“As part of a recent itinerary refinement, this voyage will no longer include a visit to Cozumel, Mexico.”
The idea of “newly revised port availability” seems to indicate the change may be coming from port authorities in Cozumel. Yet the phrase “recent itinerary refinement” makes it seem as those Norwegian Cruise Line made the adjustment themselves.
Either way, this 7-night sailing will now be visiting only Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, followed by stops in Grand Cayman and Jamaica.
The visit to Great Stirrup Cay has been shifted earlier in the day by one hour on Monday, January 11, but will also leave the private island one hour earlier.
The days for Grand Cayman and Jamaica have also been switched, and the times for both ports are adjusted. The overall time in Grand Cayman has been shortened by an hour, though the total time in Jamaica remains the same.
Shore tours booked through Norwegian Cruise Line for the rearranged port visits will be adjusted automatically. If tours cannot be accommodated after all, they will be cancelled and fully refunded to the original form of payment. Similarly, all pre-booked NCL tours for Cozumel will be cancelled and refunded.
There is no replacement on the schedule for Cozumel, but Norwegian Epic does offer guests some amazing amenities and entertainment to enjoy during the extra day at sea to finish their cruise vacation.
Why Is Cozumel Cancelled?
With Cozumel as the most popular port in Mexico, many guests will be understandably disappointed to miss its vibrant culture and energetic vibe. Others, however, won’t mind a bit of a quieter and less crowded vacation.
On Friday, January 15, 2027, when Norwegian Epic was scheduled to visit the island destination, six other cruise ships are currently scheduled for Cozumel:
Symphony of the Seas
MSC Seascape
Enchantment of the Seas
Carnival Liberty
Sun Princess
Nieuw Statendam
Together, those six ships will be bringing as many as 25,000 guests or more to the island, not to mention Norwegian Epic‘s 4,100 guest capacity on top of that.
This will mean a very crowded, busy day for the port with fewer reservations available for tours, less seating in restaurants, long waits in shops, and other inconveniences.
Cruise lines do keep guests’ experiences in mind when refining itineraries. At times, cancelling a port visit – even without a replacement available – is a better option than what could easily become a less-than-enjoyable visit.
Fuel efficiency, port operations, guest and crew safety, and regional tensions are other reasons why ports may occasionally be cancelled, even months in advance. Cruise Hive regularly reports on such cancellations from different cruise lines.
Because this itinerary change for Norwegian Epic is still so far ahead of sailing, booked guests could reconsider their vacation plans if they prefer. No itinerary is safe from such changes, however, and additional adjustments can and do happen to itineraries, whether far in advance or right at the last minute.
Booked guests have discovered a $45 per person fee for an exclusive show on Norwegian Luna.
“LunaTique: Pop Circus” is an adults-only show featuring mature themes and vintage circus glam.
The fee includes four specialty cocktails, a souvenir glass, and gratuity.
One tremendous draw for cruise vacations is the all-inclusive aspect of amazing entertainment. From high-energy stage productions to comedy acts to live music, guests can enjoy all types of great shows onboard, all part of their cruise fare.
Guests eager to set sail on the brand new Norwegian Luna, however, are learning that the unique “LunaTique: Pop Circus” show has a fee, and not a small one. Guests must pay $44.99 per person to see the innovative show Norwegian Cruise Line describes as “an interactive, character-driven experience where our vibrant troupe of circus performers take center stage.”
The fee is not disclosed on the cruise line’s website, but is on the NCL App that guests download before setting sail and use to make reservations, view activities, preview menus, and more.
One guest booked on the new ship shared the pricing on Reddit, though it is possible the fee may vary for different sailing dates. The guest is sailing on Norwegian Luna at the end of May, so hasn’t yet booked the show. Of course, prices can change as the popularity of the show is determined during early sailings.
“I was really annoyed to see that LunaTique has a $45 fee!”the guest noted.“I don’t understand why the fee for LunaTique… I guess everyone’s sick of the family friendly entertainment and they feel it’s going to be popular?”
LunaTique: Pop Circus is one of the ship’s signature shows, but it is different than a typical production show in the main theater. Guests must be 21+ to reserve the show, which is noted as an immersive experience that “contains mature themes intended for adult audiences.”
The app’s description of the show offers this insight (but few concrete details):
“Vintage circus glamour collides with pop decadence in a bold, cheeky good time designed purely for grown-up fun. Expect big laughs, playful mischief, and just a little ‘Ooo la la!'”
Norwegian Luna Cruise Ship
Given the adults-only nature of the show, skimpy costumes, adult humor, and a bit of raciness may be part of the immersive experience.
It should be noted that the show’s fee includes the standard gratuity as well as four specialty cocktails and a souvenir glass. Guests can request mocktails in advance, but there appears to be no change in fee regardless of what types of drinks guests prefer.
As Cruise Hive previously reported, for no-show for specialty dining, there is a $10 fee if guests do not cancel their LunaTique reservations at least two hours before the start of the performance.
Other Exciting Entertainment Options on Norwegian Luna
While the fee for LunaTique may be a surprise for eager guests, other entertainment options on the new ship do not appear to have any sort of cost.
“ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John” is a musical review of the legendary performer’s greatest hits, while “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder” is a multimedia, high-tech show featuring acrobatics and dance in innovative combinations. Various other shows and the exclusive Norwegian Luna Eclipse Party are all part of the entertainment lineup.
Guests will also be able to enjoy a wide range of classic activities onboard the new ship, including trivia contests, lectures, and demonstrations.
Cruise Hive reported earlier this week that Norwegian Luna has officially been delivered. Her maiden voyage will depart Civitavecchia (Rome) on Tuesday, March 10 for a 13-night transatlantic cruise to Miami, which will remain Norwegian Luna‘s homeport for 7-night sailings through March 2027.
From the Sunshine State, the ship will visit top Caribbean ports such as Costa Maya, Cozumel, Harvest Caye, Roatan, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and Great Stirrup Cay.
The fourth ship in the Prima Class, Norwegian Luna can welcome 3,565 guests at double occupancy and is also home to roughly 1,600 international crew members.
Princess Cruises has raised the price for shipping Medallions to guests’ homes in advance of their sailings.
As of February 27, guests will need to pay an extra $10 to have their order shipped to residences in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
If guests do not want to pay, they can still pick up their Medallions for free during embarkation.
Certain guests of Princess Cruises have the option to ship their Medallion, which functions as a cruise card, to their homes in advance of their sailing. This service is available to guests in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
But if cruisers would like to take advantage of the shipping option, which can save time at the cruise port, they need to be preparedto shell out some extra cash.
As of February 27, 2026, Medallion shipping for eligible guests in the US and Puerto Rico has risen from $10 to $20 USD and from $15 to $25 USD for passengers who reside in Canada.
Shipping used to be included for free for guests who purchased the Plus or Premier packages, but this practice has also been discontinued and all passengers will be required to pay the full shipping cost.
“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,”Princess Cruises said in a communication, which was obtained by Cruise Hive.
For context, a typical order consists of one to four Medallions shipped under the same order number to a single home address. If guests do need to ship Medallions to multiple addresses, or if orders are placed separately, shipping fees will apply each time.
Orders must be placed at least 13 to 15 days ahead of departure at the latest to ensure the Medallions will arrive on time.
A Free Alternative
Of course, guests are not required to have the Medallions shipped to their home address. They can also pick them up at the cruise port on embarkation day for free, which is what international passengers are already required to do.
“Please note, guests are still able to pick up their Medallion once they are at the pier on day of embarkation,”Princess Cruises confirmed.
As passengers reacted to the news, most said that free cruise port pickup is the route they would take.
“I will be picking up at the port. $15 was enough but $25 for that little box is not worth it. Plus exchange rates. Ridiculous,”a Canadian guest said.
“I wait months for my sail date to get here. I can wait in line a bit to pick up my medallion,” another cruiser chimed in.
Star Princess Open Deck (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
The biggest difference on embarkation day is that passengers will have to go to the “blue lane” instead of the faster “green lane” while checking in at the cruise terminal.
Green Lane guests have completed all pre-check-in steps on the Princess Cruises app, including adding payment methods, security photos, and receiving their medallion at home. These passengers essentially get to head straight to the ship.
Blue Lane guests also must complete the check-in process on their app, but must stop at a designated station in the cruise terminal to pick up their Medallion prior to boarding.
As long as you are on time for your designated terminal arrival appointment, you will make it onboard regardless of how you receive your Medallion.
What is a Princess Medallion?
The Medallions, which are typically distributed as circular, quarter-sized pendants on a lanyard, are Princess Cruises’ unique take on cruise cards. They are used for boarding and exiting the cruise ship, provide stateroom access, and to make onboard purchases.
Using an encrypted guest ID, the Medallions can also be used by crew members to locate guests in the event of an emergency or to provide services like delivering drinks and snacks wherever the passenger is onboard the ship.
Systems are in place using a combination of anonymization and encryption to keep data from the Medallion secure, and no personal information is stored on the device.
MSC Cruises has made great progress in sending home thousands of guests from the Middle East.
As of March 6, more than 1,500 guests have been placed on flights and seven have already departed.
Crew members continue to provide top-notch care for the passengers who remain onboard.
The end is in sight for cruise passengers who have been sheltering onboard the MSC Euribia in Dubai. The 6,327-guest ship has been in the port since February 27, 2026, arriving just one day before the conflict exploded in the Middle East.
MSC Cruises had previously announced that it had been working to secure flights home for stranded passengers, which is no easy task thanks to airspace closures and very limited flight availability.
At this time, the Dubai International Airport (DBX), which is only five miles from Port Rashid, has resumed operations on a limited capacity and flight cancellations are still common.
But as of March 6, 2026, the cruise line has officially arranged flights for more than 1,500 guests and a total of seven flights have already departed from the war-torn region.
This was accomplished by partnering with Emirates and Fly Dubai, organizing charter services operated at MSC Cruises’ expense, and grabbing seats on government-organized flights.
The passengers have been flown to a large range of destinations throughout the UK, Italy, Germany, Spain, Brazil, and the US.
“Our Ship Command and crew have worked tirelessly to ensure our guests are well cared for and our teams across the globe have worked round the clock to get our guests home safely and in a timely manner,”said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.
“We have received unparalleled support from our airline partner, Emirates as well as the regional and national governments who are supporting us to facilitate the necessary operational logistics and authorisation for the flights,” Vago continued.
Some guests still remain onboard the Meraviglia-Plus class vessel and the cruise line is working tirelessly to secure return flights for them as well.
The cruise line requested priority service from its airline partners and has been prioritizing which guests to send home first using their original departure dates.
What is it Like Onboard MSC Euribia?
While guests wait for their turn to leave the war-torn Middle East, they are doing so in comfort. Cruise Hive understands that the conditions onboard are calm and that guests have access to the cruise ship’s normal services and amenities.
“The situation on board remains calm. Guests are regularly updated on the situation and have full access to all onboard services and facilities. We continue to provide a high standard of care, comfort and support,”MSC Cruises confirmed.
The only thing that may be a bit different is that access to outdoor areas may be limited or restricted entirely, and guests have to listen out for two new emergency codes designed for the unprecedented situation.
MSC Euribia in the Middle East (Photo Credit: Q world)
If guests hear “Delta Tango Blue” broadcast over the PA system, it means that there is a moderate emergency or a potential threat near the ship.
If guests hear this code, it means that crew members will clear any outer decks that are open and guests should follow instructions immediately to gather at designated safe zones.
If “Delta Tango Red” is announced, this indicates an immediate emergency is directly affecting the cruise ship.
All that said, these codes were only created out of an abundance of caution should the situation change directly. As of the time of this writing, Dubai’s port area is considered secure.
Leaving the Middle East
Along with MSC Cruises, brands like TUI Cruises are also working hard to secure flights home from the Middle East for guests of Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5. Of course, it’s nice to see some progress being made for stranded passengers.
As far as the cruise ships go, the already complex situation is even more complicated. In order to leave the ports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, the ships would need to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, which is dangerously close to Iran.
And due to retaliation from Iran, the waterway remains effectively closed to most commercial shipping and passenger vessels. It’s unclear when it will reopen at this time.
Keeping up with the major cruise news headlines across the globe is easy with Cruise Hive’s weekly update, where we recap the big developments. Top stories in this edition include the delivery of Norwegian Cruise Line’s second Prima Plus-class ship, Norwegian Luna; the christening of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure in Singapore; and Royal Caribbean’s plan to control sargassum seaweed along Mexico’s Costa Maya region.
Get your daily cruise news fix by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, delivered to your inbox each morning.
NCL Extends Drink Packages to Private Island
Norwegian Cruise Line reversed a new policy that would have invalidated the use of various drink packages on its private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, effective March 1, 2026.
The line has now extended the use of the packages through March, while a new drink package designed specifically for Great Stirrup Cay is being created. In fact, the new drink plan was supposed to debut on January 1, 2026, but it has still not been revealed.
Guests Enjoying a Day at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Grindstone Media Group)
Norwegian’s decision to prevent the drink packages from being used in the private destination on March 1 drew the ire of many booked guests, who criticized the move. The extension allowing the plans to be valid through March didn’t satisfy all guests, particularly those who had bought the upgraded Free at Sea Plus plan.
It features top-shelf spirits, and premium wines and champagne, plus many other non-beverage benefits. It also costs more than Free at Sea and More at Sea packages, so some guests who purchased the upgraded plan are looking for a refund.
No details have emerged regarding the special drinks plan for Great Stirrup Cay.
Refit Adds More Staterooms, Venues to Celebrity Solstice
A slew of upgrades and the addition of 54 staterooms have debuted aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice as the 121,878-gross-ton vessel emerged from a dry dock renovation.
The refit is part of a $250 million enhancement of the line’s Solstice-class ships; Celebrity Solstice was the first in the class and entered service in 2008.
With the added staterooms, there are now 1,479 cabins on Celebrity Solstice. The ship formerly accommodated 2,852 guests in double occupancy.
Celebrity Solstice relaunches in Singapore following major renovation. (Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises)
During the refit, the vessel received several dining and lounge spaces. They include Trattoria Rossa, serving Italian dishes; Fine Cut Steakhouse; the Boulevard Lounge entertainment space and Boulevard Bar; and Sunset Park Cafe, a breakfast and lunch spot.
Among her new accommodation categories are the luxurious Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, Panoramic Ocean View Suite, and Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View. The ship’s AquaClass staterooms received updates, and the Retreat Lounge was refitted with high-end furnishings.
Celebrity Solstice departed on her first post-dry dock voyage on March 2, 2026, a 12-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong. Port calls are being made to Ko Samui and Bangkok, Thailand; and Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Halong Bay, Vietnam.
In April 2026, the ship will deploy to Vancouver, British Columbia, to begin a series of Alaska cruises through the summer.
Robert Downey Jr. Christens Disney Adventure
It was a star-studded christening ceremony for Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Adventure in Singapore on March 4, 2026, as American actor and Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr. officially named the ship.
The 6,000-guest Disney Adventure, the largest in the Disney fleet, had arrived in her homeport a day earlier to a celebratory fireworks display and water cannon salute.
Downey, who has starred in several Disney movies, including as Iron Man in the films of the same name, entertained attendees along with international singers Dami Im and Jed Madela.
Disney Adventure Christening
Disney characters were on hand, too, of course, as Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse delighted the audience.
Disney Adventure will be based in Singapore for the next five years, and is the cruise line’s first ship to specifically cater to the Asian market. The ship will sail 3- and 4-night cruises to nowhere from Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
The ship’s inaugural voyage is scheduled to depart on March 10, 2026.
Partially constructed when Disney Cruise Line bought it in November 2022, Disney Adventure was built to her new owner’s specifications, adding many of Disney’s signature spaces and services.
Formerly called Global Dream, the ship had been owned by Genting Cruise Lines, which went bankrupt in early 2022.
Royal Caribbean Takes On Sargassum Seaweed
In an effort to stem the growth of sargassum seaweed blooms, a brown algae that gives off a smelly hydrogen sulfide gas, Royal Caribbean will undertake a protection and removal plan in Mahahual, a coastal village in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
The village, near the Costa Maya cruise port about 120 miles south of Cozumel, is where the cruise line’s Perfect Day Mexico is being built. The mitigation program is being created with input from residents, environmentalists, and government officials, including the Mexican Navy.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Costa Maya, Mexico (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
While sargassum blooms are a turn-off to tourists, they can also cause fish kills and damage to the marine ecosystem. Protection efforts will include a netting system to control the spread of the seaweed and a skimming procedure that can stop the blooms from reaching beaches.
A collection process, also in the works, would gather and compost the seaweed for other uses.
Royal Caribbean has committed to the mitigation program not just in the vicinity of its planned Perfect Day destination, but up and down the southern coastal region of Quintana Roo.
Perfect Day Mexico is due to open in the fall of 2027.
Norovirus Sickens 76 on Holland America Ship
The norovirus stomach bug reared its ugly head again, this time aboard Holland America Line’s Westerdam as she sailed a 28-night voyage in Asia.
With a capacity for 1,964 guests in double occupancy, the ship reported that 76 cases of the bug were confirmed. These included 65 guests and 11 crew members. The outbreak happened during a cruise that sailed roundtrip from Tokyo on February 15, 2026.
During a port call in Hong Kong on March 1, representatives from the Hong Kong Department of Health investigated the outbreak, bringing local health officials onboard the ship.
Holland America Westerdam in Asia (Photo Credit: MasaPhoto)
Passengers suffering from the virus included those between the ages of 24 and 92. Thirty-eight men and 38 women were impacted by the bug, which typically causes vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
While in Hong Kong, health officials established a medical station in the cruise terminal where guest health assessments were made. Meanwhile, the ship was cleaned and disinfected.
The virus spreads mostly through contaminated surfaces and food. Additional port calls in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan are scheduled before the ship returns to Tokyo on March 15.
A Not-So-Fabulous Night on Costa Favolosa
It was a rocky night for guests sailing aboard Costa Cruises’ Costa Favolosa on February 18, 2026, thanks to rough seas caused by an extratropical cyclone off the coast of Brazil.
The 3,780-guest ship was sailing an 8-night voyage between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When the storm hit, the 113,216-gross-ton Costa Favolosa was sailing from Montevideo, Uruguay, to Balneario Camboriu, Brazil.
Costa Favolosa Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: ricochet64)
Passenger videos from around 10:30 p.m. show guests dealing with the tilting ship, as plates and glasses in the main dining venues were smashed to the ground. Some guests were clearly panicking as the storm raged and winds reached 60 miles per hour.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the ship’s structural integrity remained sound. Costa Cruises initiated safety protocols, which likely included closing outdoor decks, draining pools, and removing or tying down loose items outdoors.
Costa Favolosa’s itinerary was not affected, and the cruise continued on schedule as the storm passed.
Shipyard Officially Hands Over Norwegian Luna
Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard has formally delivered Norwegian Luna to Norwegian Cruise Line. The 3,565-guest ship is the second in the line’s Prima Plus Class, following the 2025 debut of Norwegian Aqua.
Norwegian Luna’shandover ceremony was held in Marghera, Italy, on March 5, 2026, five days before her inaugural transatlantic voyage from Rome on March 10, 2026. The 156,000-gross-ton ship will arrive at PortMiami on March 23, and be christened there on March 27.
Roughly 10% larger than the line’s Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, the Prima Plus vessel measures 1,053 feet long and has 1,809 staterooms.
Norwegian Luna Cruise Ship
According to Fincantieri, some 3,000 shipyard workers were involved in the ship’s construction.
Following her naming ceremony, Norwegian Luna will sail 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises and 7-night Caribbean voyages. A sample 7-night sailing visits destinations such as Roatan, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.
In April 2027, the ship will reposition to New York for a series of Bermuda cruises before returning to Miami in October 2027.
More Cruise Headlines
Get even more cruise news by checking out additional stories in Cruise Hive, including Avora Residences announcing a long-term charter of a Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ ship; Princess Cruises adding another Southern Caribbean homeport; and strong winds causing a Costa Cruises’ ship to miss a port call in Tunisia.
Also, Carnival Corporation brands mark 20 years of sailing to Grand Turk, and dense fog at a Florida port delays the arrival of a Carnival Cruise Line ship.
The CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice after poliovirus was detected in 32 countries.
Several destinations on the list include major cruise hubs or ports visited by ships.
Health officials recommend passengers ensure they are up to date on polio vaccinations before international sailings.
A global polio warning from US health officials is drawing new attention to dozens of destinations popular with cruising.
As millions prepare for spring and summer trips, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says poliovirus has been detected in 32 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The agency has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice advising travelers to “practice enhanced precautions” when visiting areas where poliovirus has been detected within the last year.
For cruise guests, the warning is particularly relevant. Many itineraries span multiple countries in a single voyage, increasing the likelihood of visiting destinations where the virus has recently been detected.
While many associate polio with a disease largely eradicated decades ago, the virus continues to circulate in parts of the world and occasionally appears in unexpected places through environmental monitoring.
The CDC says the affected destinations include countries with active transmission as well as places where the virus has been detected through wastewater surveillance.
Some countries on the list, including Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Indonesia, are well-known hubs and ports frequently visited by cruise itineraries.
“Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines,” the CDC wrote in its advisory. “Before travel to any destination listed, adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series may receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.”
Polio, according to the CDC, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily spreads through contaminated food or water and poor hand hygiene. The virus can affect the nervous system and, in rare cases, lead to paralysis or death.
Countries Affected and What to Know
The CDC’s Level 2 advisory includes countries across several regions where poliovirus has been detected in the past 12 months.
Europe includes several countries on the advisory, including Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the UK. Among these, Spain and the UK are major cruise embarkation sites with Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia in Spain among the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a Level 2 alert about the detection of polio in more than 30 countries.
In the UK, Southampton serves as one of Europe’s largest cruise homeports for ships sailing Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and transatlantic voyages, as well as UK-specific sailings.
Germany is also a significant embarkation point through Hamburg.
Africa and the Middle East account for the largest number of countries on the CDC advisory list, although many of the destinations are not typical cruise stops due to limited tourism infrastructure or ongoing security concerns.
The list includes Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Yemen, along with Gaza.
Included in the advisory are Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, which are well-known safari destinations, as well as Egypt, where Nile River cruises are popular.
However, cruise itineraries in the region have recently shifted due to geopolitical tensions, with many ships avoiding the Red Sea and, many Middle East sailings cancelled amid conflict involving Iran, as reported by Cruise Hive.
In Asia, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea have experienced poliovirus cases, with Indonesia a popular cruise destination, particularly for itineraries that include Bali.
The CDC is not recommending cancelling travel to destinations included in the advisory. Instead, the notice is serving as a reminder for passengers to review their vaccination status before departing on international voyages.
Norwegian Sun was unable to visit Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam on March 5 due to cargo congestion.
Instead, the ship enjoyed a visit to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on the 2-week cruise.
Norwegian Sun will be leaving the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in late 2027.
A two-week cruise vacation can be an amazing chance to visit a variety of different countries and explore different cultures. That’s exactly what guests aboard Norwegian Sun are currently doing on the ship’s two-week cruise from Taiwan to Singapore, with calls in six different countries.
Unfortunately, one country has now been removed from the itinerary, but another has been added in its place. A letter delivered to guests’ staterooms has explained the updated itinerary and why the changes are necessary.
“Due to ongoing cargo congestion in Phu My, [Vietnam] our scheduled berth for March 5, 2026 is no longer available and our visit has unfortunately been canceled,”the letter read.“In its place, we’re pleased to welcome Sihanoukville, Cambodia.”
Phu My was Norwegian Sun‘s only planned port visit in Vietnam. The port serves as a gateway for tours to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the most populous city in Vietnam.
In contrast, no stops in Cambodia were on the original itinerary. This means guests are still visiting six different nations on this sailing, but not the same countries as initially planned.
If guests had already booked tours for Ho Chi Minh City through Norwegian Cruise Line, those excursions will be automatically cancelled and refunded to individual onboard accounts.
Sihanoukville is located opposite Ho Chi Minh City on the Gulf of Thailand rather than the South China Sea. The destination offers amazing beaches, natural beauty, religious temples and more for guests to explore.
Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Felipe Sanchez)
No other changes have been made to Norwegian Sun‘s itinerary at this time. The ship departed Keelung (Taipei) on Tuesday, February 24 and has already visited Hong Kong, two ports in the Philippines, and destinations in both Malaysia and Brunei.
Following the visit to Cambodia, the ship will also visit Bangkok and Ko Samui in Thailand before arriving in Singapore on Tuesday, March 10 for debarkation.
The 78,309-gross-ton Norwegian Sun can welcome 1,976 guests at double occupancy or up to 2,400 passengers when fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is also home to just over 900 international crew members.
Diverse Final Year for Norwegian Sun
As one of the oldest ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, Norwegian Sun will have a diverse range of itineraries and departure points for last year with the line.
Guests already booked on Norwegian Sun do not need to worry, however, as the ship will finish her planned itineraries with Norwegian Cruise Line through late 2027.
Before then, the ship will offer a variety of departures around the world, including sailings from Singapore, Thailand, Mauritius, Cape Town, Southampton, Copenhagen, Helsinki, New York, Miami, Rome, Ravenna, and Athens.
At the moment, Norwegian Sun‘s final scheduled cruise as part of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet is her September 5, 2027, departure from Athens, a 21-night itinerary one-way to Dubai. Along the way, the ship will make her final port visits to destinations in Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oma, and Qatar.
Following that sailing, the ship will undoubtedly be extensively renovated and refit for her new service with Cordelia Cruises, where she will continue to offer guests outstanding visits to unique and amazing ports.
Norwegian Epic has cancelled a visit to St. Lucia on the ship’s March 8, 2026 departure.
Instead, the ship will extend its visit to Barbados the day before into an overnight call.
No other ports on the 7-night sailing from San Juan are impacted at this time.
Many cruise guests select their vacation very carefully in the hopes of visiting specific port destinations that might not be otherwise convenient for a getaway. Cruise lines can and do change itineraries, and ports may be cancelled.
For guests boarding Norwegian Epic on Sunday, March 8, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, one specific port on the 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary has now been cancelled. The ship will not be visiting Castries, St. Lucia, as planned.
Norwegian Cruise Line reached out to booked guests to alert them to the change and the substitution that has been arranged.
Norwegian Epic was to have been in St. Lucia from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, following port visits to Tortola, Antigua, and Barbados earlier in the sailing.
Instead, the 155,873-gross-ton ship will be overnighting in Bridgetown, Barbados. This offers guests the rare opportunity to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the island nation.
Norwegian Epic will arrive in Barbados at 10 a.m. on Wednesday and will remain docked until 1 p.m. on Thursday. Originally, the ship was visiting Barbados on Wednesday only, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
At this time, no other ports on the itinerary are impacted. After Barbados, Norwegian Epic will proceed to St. Maarten on Friday and St. Thomas on Saturday before returning to San Juan on Sunday, March 15.
Why Is the St. Lucia Visit Cancelled?
Norwegian Cruise Line noted port congestion as the reason for cancelling the visit to St. Lucia. On Thursday, when Norwegian Epic was to have visited, two other ships are also listed for the port: TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 2 and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent.
Together, the three ships could have brought more than 10,000 guests to Castries in a single day. In comparison, the complete population of the capital of St. Lucia is just 20,000 people.
Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship in the Caribbean (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators)
Such a tremendous influx of cruise visitors could overwhelm port facilities and mean that no one would have a very enjoyable visit. This would be particularly true when considering the availability of port tours, size of shopping centers, beach crowds, and more.
Because Norwegian Epic is the largest of the three originally planned vessels that day, with 4,100 guests, it makes the most sense for that ship to cancel its visit. This will ensure that guests on the other two ships have a more enjoyable experience.
Ultimately, the decision of which ship to cancel may not have been up to Norwegian Cruise Line, but could be determined by the port authorities. All parties involved do want guests to have an amazing time and be able to enjoy all the port has to offer.
Guests React to Last-Minute Itinerary Change
So, what do guests really think of cancelling St. Lucia and extending the time in Barbados to an overnight visit? Different guests familiar have shared their experiences on Facebook.
One person posted, “It’s a very small port and narrow channel into Castries. They also have an airport that cuts across the channel so Port Authority and Air Traffic Control have to work in tandem for all marine and air traffic. This probably makes things more challenging for cruise ships.“
Another said, “We’re on the ship now – in st Lucia! And while we had a decent tour today it has been my least favorite / dirtiest island. Loved all the others esp Barbados and wanted to do more things there.“
Naturally, some guests are disappointed at the change, especially losing the opportunity to visit the Pitons, a pair of volcanic spires that are roughly a 2-hour drive from Castries. The Pitons are a World Heritage site and popular hiking site, often included on scenic shore tours.
Nevertheless, there will be amazing things to do in Barbados, particularly with an extended overnight visit. Not only can guests enjoy shore tours as planned, but they could try more local food with dinner ashore or even schedule a second tour so they don’t miss any sights at this amazing destination.
Guests onboard MSC Euribia in Dubai should stay alert for two new emergency code announcements.
These “Delta Tango” blue and red codes indicate emergency situations for the ship’s safety.
MSC Euribia remains docked in Dubai amid Middle East violence, but guests are gradually being flown home.
With MSC Euribia remaining docked in Dubai for the time being and violence unpredictable in the region, guests still onboard the Meraviglia Plus Class vessel are being advised of unique emergency procedures.
The new alerts go beyond standard safety procedures that guests always practice before setting sail. Those safety drills typically involve the need to assemble at muster stations in case an evacuation is necessary.
The new information, however, is special color-coded alerts guests may need to respond to if there is an immediate threat to the ship, such as with a drone or missile attack. This may seem extreme, but with the current tension in the region it is critical for everyone to be aware of updated safety procedures.
Letters delivered to guests’ staterooms outline the alert system and how guests will need to react in case of an emergency.
“Dubai’s port area continues to be considered secure. However, considering our prolonged stay in port, as a precaution, we have implemented additional safety procedures to ensure we are fully prepared should the situation change,”the letter explained.
The new emergency codes are “Delta Tango Blue Code” and “Delta Tango Red Code” respectively. Should guests hear those codes broadcast over the ship’s public address system, their immediate response is essential.
The “Blue Code” is the more moderate emergency, should there be a potential threat near the ship. At that time, crew members will begin clearing any outer decks that are still open and guiding guests to designated safe zones onboard. Guests are asked to “kindly follow crew instructions promptly” in that situation.
Should the “Red Code” be announced, “this indicates an immediate emergency affecting the ship.”
At that time, guests will be directed to safe areas that may be onboard or ashore if necessary. They are asked to remain calm and follow crew instructions “immediately and without delay” indicating greater urgency to the situation.
The “Delta” code is normally reserved for damage to a ship’s hull, but different cruise lines may use it differently. As this situation is unprecedented, the new codes are necessary for clear communication.
MSC Euribia Cruise Ship in the Middle East (Photo Credit: frantic00)
MSC Euribia‘s Captain Paolo Benini is stressing that there is no change in the risk assessment for the ship at this time. The new codes are just to be sure everyone can stay safe and informed should new situations develop in the coming days.
“Our crew is fully trained and prepared, and we continue to closely monitor the situation in close coordination with the relevant authorities,”the letter stated.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on the missile-armed drone crash at the Port of Dubai, so close to TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 that the ship felt the blast. No damage to the ship or guest injuries were reported, but had the crash been just a bit closer, the outcome could have been very different.
Now, however, guests are starting to be able to make connections that will fly them safely out of Dubai.
Dubai International Airport (DBX) is located just five miles from Port Rashid, where MSC Euribia is docked. With the current situation, however, many flights are cancelled. At this time, only limited operations have resumed with select flights.
On Monday, March 2, the airport confirmed the reopening of the facilities.
“Dubai Airports confirms that a limited resumption of operations will begin later today, 2 March, with a small number of flights permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC),”a Dubai Airports spokesperson said.
Al Maktoum International is 40 miles from the cruise terminal and generally offers far fewer flights for passengers as most traffic is cargo-based.
In comparison, Dubai International Airport is the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, serving more than 92 million passengers annually (according to 2024 figures, the most recent statistics available).
That cruise guests are starting to be flown home is a positive step toward ensuring everyone’s safe return from MSC Euribia, though it may take several more days to completely evacuate the 6,327-guest cruise ship.
