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Princess Cruise Ships in Alaska: Which One to Choose?

Princess Cruises Advice

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Feb 15, 2026

Princess Cruise Ships in Alaska: Which One to Choose?

When you talk about Alaska cruises, there’s one name that comes up again and again: Princess Cruise Lines. The brand has decades of experience offering cruises to The Last Frontier, plus owns a bevy of land-based lodges to further extend and enhance your vacation.

Currently, Princess Cruises operates nine cruise ships on its Alaska deployments: Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess and Star Princess. Obviously, that gives you a lot of options and they can feel overwhelming.

I’m here to help, breaking down everything you need to know about these nine ships, specifically what kind of Alaska experience you can expect on each, so you can make the best choice for your upcoming 2026-2028 cruise.

Ship Overview

Ship	Homeport(s)	Glacier Access	Best For
Coral Princess	Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier	Glacier Bay (select itineraries)	Small‑ship fans, retirees, balcony lovers
Crown Princess	Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier	Glacier Bay (select itineraries)	Mid‑size traditional cruising, value seekers
Discovery Princess	Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier	Glacier Bay (select itineraries)	New‑ship fans, couples, modern amenities
Emerald Princess	Los Angeles	Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point	Scenery lovers, sea‑day fans
Grand Princess	Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier	Glacier Bay (select itineraries)	Budget cruisers, port‑intensive itineraries
Island Princess	Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier	Glacier Bay (select itineraries)	Small‑ship, low‑stress cruising
Royal Princess	Seattle	Glacier Bay (select itineraries)	Amenity‑focused travelers, Seattle departures
Ruby Princess	San Francisco	Glacier Bay	West Coast/SF cruisers, promenade‑view fans
Star Princess	Seattle & Vancouver	Glacier Bay	Newest‑ship experience, activity seekers

Coral Princess

Coral Princess debuted in 2003 and was originally built specifically for cruises that pass through the Panama Canal. While the ship is up there in age, it was refurbished in 2019 and then again in 2024, and cruisers report that she feels fresh.

The ship is on the smaller side, with a capacity of just 2,000 guests. There are 1,545 staterooms, and 700 of those come with balconies (great for taking in the Alaskan scenery).

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Coral Princess

Cruisers love that this is a smaller ship, and rave about the high level of service that Princess Cruises is known for. Crowds are very minimal, and the average age is more in the retiree range.

Princess Cruises really goes all in on the land-based excursions during its Alaska sailings, and that remains the case on Coral Princess, so be sure to book a few.

Alaska Deployments

Starting at just around $100 USD per night, Princess Cruises offers Alaska deployments on Coral Princess that range in length from six to 17 nights, and leave from four departure ports: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier. Both one-way and round-trip cruises are available, visiting popular stops such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and more.

Coral Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska

Pros:	Cons:
Small ship with minimal crowds	Overall older ship
Plenty of balcony staterooms available	Smaller ships do ultimately feature fewer amenities/options

Crown Princess

Crown Princess is a little bit newer and bigger than Coral Princess. Originally launched in 2006, the ship holds just under 3,100 guests. The ship also recently received extensive renovations via a dry dock in December of 2025.

The renovations included the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub to the ship’s dining options and the EFFY Lounge and High-End Vault for shopping. The casino was also given an overhaul.

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Crown Princess

Prior to the 2025 dry dock, guests on Crown Princess’s Alaska cruises complained heavily regarding the ship’s age and basic wear and tear throughout. However, the cruise line’s official statement on the dry dock notes that the ship underwent “general refurbishments,” so those issues should now be resolved.

As is to be expected, cruisers still rave about the ship’s crew on Crown Princess, and find the staterooms to be spacious. Balconies and suites are a favorite pick for Alaskan itineraries.

Alaska Deployments

Starting at around $144 per night, Crown Princess sails Alaska itineraries ranging in length from four to 17 nights. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.

Itineraries stop at popular ports like Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as Princess Cruises’ lodges in national parks near Denali and Mt McKinley.

Crown Princess Pros & Cons

Pros:	Cons:
Small ship with few crowds	Older ship despite recent refurbishments
Spacious staterooms	Few entertainment and dining options

Discovery Princess

Just like Crown Princess, Discovery Princess also underwent some refurbishments in late 2025 — but it’s not like the ship was in dire need of them. Its maiden voyage occurred in 2022. Still, the cruise line gave the ship new carpets, upholstery, and furnishings. The ship can hold 3,660 people and weighs in at 145,000 GT.

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Discovery Princess

Expect scenic views aplenty and a newer ship that still feels fresh and luxurious when you sail to Alaska on Discovery Princess.

Even though it might be pricier, balcony rooms or mini-suites are a must, both for the extra space, as well as the wildlife watching opportunities.

A lot of Alaska itineraries have sea days, and while Princess Cruises ships don’t, by nature, have a lot of flashy, big features like a roller coaster or go-kart track on the top deck, they do offer enough for adults looking to relax to fill their time.

Kids and teens on the other hand… well, they might get bored while the adults spend their days at the Lotus spa or casino.

New Princess guests need to know that you should book your excursions for your next cruise on this vessel asap. While there aren’t a ton of people on this ship (at least not when you compare it to mega ships that can hold more than double the number of cruisers), travelers say the excursions book up fast.

Alaska Deployments

Discovery Princess travels to Alaska on seven to 17-night itineraries, starting at $112 per night. Departure ports for upcoming cruises include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.

Discovery Princess Pros & Cons

Pros:	Cons:
Newer ship that feels more luxurious than some of Princess Cruises’ older vessels	Many cruisers complain about long boarding processes
Highly rated service and staff	This cruise ship isn’t the most family-friendly

Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess was launched in 2007 and can fit 3,090 people across its 1,546 staterooms. The ship received a large refurbishment in 2019, and then was dry docked in 2025 for some basic maintenance.

As of 2025, cruisers reported that Emerald Princess, while not exactly new, is still well-maintained. Some compared the experience that you’ll find on Emerald Princess to what you might get on a Celebrity Cruises Solstice-class ship.

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Emerald Princess

This ship straddles the line between new and truly old, so expect a clean, overall beautiful ship, but without anything flashy.

You’ll experience glaciers via the panoramic views available on the ship’s upper decks, and while many say that they love the views from their balcony cabins, others note that you may not want to spend all that much time on them if the Alaska weather isn’t quite balmy enough.

Many cruiser reviews also mention small bathrooms and cramped cabins, which is fairly expected given the ship’s age, and if you book an interior cabin specifically. Plenty of shore excursions are available, and the on-staff naturalist earns high praise.

Emerald Princess Alaska Itineraries

There are relatively few Alaska itineraries on Emerald Princess. You have a dozen options, starting at $104 per night, with cruises ranging from seven to 16 nights. Uniquely, this ship offers cruises that depart from Los Angeles.

These itineraries leave Los Angeles before spending four days at sea, arriving in Juneau and then heading to Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, the Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan, before spending another day at sea, arriving in Victoria, Canada, and then spending another three days at sea before ending up back in LA. It’s a great option for those who love sea days!

Emerald Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska

Pros:	Cons:
Well-maintained ship	A bit lackluster, even if it is in good condition
Alaska-specific programming and excursions receive high praise	Cruisers report small cabin sizes

Grand Princess

Grand Princess is Princess Cruises’ oldest ship in operation, launched in 1998. It holds 2,610 guests and offers just over 1,300 staterooms. There are 17 decks, a handful of dining options and bars, and relatively minimal entertainment options.

In 2019, Grand Princess underwent a significant refurbishment, which added several new dining venues and refreshed public spaces. In 2025, another dry dock took place, touching up the ship where needed without making any major overhauls.

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Grand Princess

While the ship is a bit dated, it’s still managed to keep pace with most mid-size traditional cruise ships of a similar class. Many cruisers find that the on-board experience on Grand Princess, though, is a bit “meh.”

All the fun here is really in getting off the ship and into port — so this might be a good ship for you if you prefer seeing and doing as much as possible in the destinations on your itinerary, and you’re not really keen on sea days.

Though if you do end up with an itinerary with a sea day, check out the One5 lounge at the ship’s aft for the views. Don’t miss the wrap-around promenade on Decks 7 and 8 for good views, too. You’ll enjoy unobstructed scenery and be protected from the elements if it happens to be raining.

Grand Princess Alaska Itineraries

Starting at just $92 per night, you can book cruises to Alaska on Grand Princess that last anywhere from seven to 15 nights, inclusive of on-land experiences at Princess Cruises’ various lodges. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.

Grand Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska

Pros:	Cons:
As this is the oldest ship in the fleet, its cruises are often more affordable	For its age, the ship has been well-maintained
For its age, the ship has been well maintained	Décor and furnishings are dated

Island Princess

Still not exactly new, Island Princess launched in 2003, with room for just 2,210 guests — so if you prefer a truly small cruise ship, this may just be the best option for you. There are 16 decks and approximately 1,100 staterooms, with more than half of those staterooms offering balconies.

Given the ship’s age and size, there’s not much in the way of dining and entertainment, and there are only three pools to some of the other Princess Cruises’ ships’ four. However, when you have so few guests to keep occupied, it isn’t too much of an issue.

The ship was last majorly refurbished in 2015, an effort that added extra staterooms. More recently, minor enhancements were made in 2024.

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Island Princess

The ship’s small capacity, as well as its updated layout, make for an uncrowded, stress-free experience. It’s easy to get around and doesn’t feel overwhelming. If you can snag one, grab one of the cabins that were added in 2015, for a newer feel.

Then, as far as those iconic Alaskan views go, if you opt for an oceanview cabin versus a balcony, also consider getting one at the ship’s aft, where the window isn’t positioned directly over the bed (because how are you supposed to enjoy the view that way?). Ocean views aplenty can also be found throughout the public spaces.

Island Princess Alaska Itineraries

Starting at just around $90, you can book an Alaskan cruise on Island Princess that lasts between seven and 14 nights, inclusive of on-land experiences. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.

Island Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska

Pros:	Cons:
Small ship that’s easy to get around	Not a ton of bars or entertainment options
Plenty of spaces to enjoy the scenery	Princess Cruises is not the best cruise line for children or others looking for lots to do

Royal Princess

This 2013 cruise ship holds over 3,500 guests and is the lead ship for Princess Cruises’ Royal Class. It offers 1,780 staterooms over 19 decks and a decent number of restaurants, entertainment venues, bars and other public spaces, at least compared to many of the cruise line’s other ships.

Princess Cruises Ship in Alaska — Photo Credit: Just dance

If you’re sailing on Royal Princess during the 2026 Alaska season, you’ll experience the ship as it has been for the last several years (the last major refurbishment occurred in 2018). However, those potentially booking a 2027 Alaskan cruise will be delighted to learn that this ship is slated for a late 2026 dry dock.

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Royal Princess

Expect lots of great views, especially if you have a balcony cabin. Want to enjoy the views with a drink in hand? Visit the Horizon Terrace and Outriggers Bar, says one cruiser, explaining that this is where you can find outdoor dining steps from the buffet, couches, overhead cover and full bar service. It’s a true hidden gem spot on the Lido deck.

Then, when the ship stops in Glacier Bay, go to the open deck behind the buffet, at the far aft, for the best views possible.

Royal Princess Alaska Itineraries

Royal Princess offers a fair number of cruises to Alaska. Itineraries start at $107 per night and range from seven to 10 nights.

The ship departs mostly from Seattle, which makes it a bit of an outlier. If you’ve been holding off on booking a Princess Cruises Alaska cruise because it seems like all the ships depart out of either Canada or even Alaska itself, then this is the ship for you.

Royal Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska

Pros:	Cons:
Larger than some of Princess Cruises’ other ships that go to Alaska, so more amenities and options	Larger ships mean more crowds, which some say are particularly bad in the bars
Plenty of departure options out of Seattle	Not the newest ship available, and won’t be refreshed until late 2026

Ruby Princess

This 2008 cruise ship holds just over 3,000 guests and offers over 1,500 staterooms across 19 decks.

In 2023, the cruise ship received a refurbishment that affected many public spaces, the casino and basic furnishings and décor to a degree. However, in 2024, cruisers were still saying it needed more work.

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Ruby Princess

Regardless of the ship’s age, some say that age comes with a benefit: The ship has a better promenade deck and better views compared to some of Princess Cruises’ newer ships, particularly those in the Royal class — ideal for viewing the scenery during an Alaskan cruise.

Still, this might not matter all that much if you have a balcony stateroom, and especially if you’re most excited to enjoy the views of Glacier Bay. This is when the ship will be completely turned around, 180 degrees, so that guests on all sides of the ship can see the sights.

Ruby Princess Alaska Itineraries

Ruby Princess’s Alaska deployments are all fairly long, with your options starting at 10-night cruises and going up to a 20-night cruise option. Fares start at under $100 per night.

Meanwhile, all the ship’s itineraries leave from San Francisco. As such, this ship is really only going to be your best option if it’s easiest for you to get to San Fran versus the Pacific Northwest.

Ship Name Pros & Cons in Alaska

Pros:	Cons:
Offers great views from a range of public spaces	Only departs from San Francisco
Cruisers love the offered on-ship experiences and excursion options	Some feel the ship is slightly outdated

Star Princess

Star Princess is the newest ship that Princess Cruises is deploying to Alaska at this time. The ship took its inaugural voyage in late 2025.

As the second Sphere-class ship, if you care about a certain level of newness and luxury on your cruises, this is hands-down the ship you’re going to want to pick for your upcoming Alaska cruise.

The ship is also the largest Princess ship sailing to Alaska. It can hold 4,300 passengers with its more than 2,150 staterooms. Star Princess offers a multitude of dining and entertainment options, so even if you end up on an itinerary with a ton of sea days, you’ll never get bored.

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Star Princess

Honestly, an Alaska cruise on this ship might be a little overwhelming due to all the options. You want to see all the ship’s amazing features, but you also want to be out in port, exploring what you actually came to see: Alaska!

Worth Reading: Best Cruise Lines for Alaska – Top Picks for Every Type of Traveler

However, if this sounds like a perk to you, rather than a downside, you’ll be right at home. Those who prefer a more relaxed experience may want to chill on a smaller ship.

Star Princess Alaska Itineraries

There are only four current Star Princess itineraries to Alaska. There are several seven-night cruises leaving from Seattle and one nine-night cruise departing from Vancouver. Cruises start at $129 per night.

Star Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska

Pros:	Cons:
Ship is brand-new	Because the ship is brand-new, fares can be higher
Tons of options for dining and entertainment

Technical Failure Halts Celebrity Infinity, Sailing Ends Unexpectedly

Celebrity Cruises News

Emrys Thakkar

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Feb 15, 2026

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Technical Failure Halts Celebrity Infinity, Sailing Ends Unexpectedly

Key Aspects:

Celebrity Infinity suffers from a technical failure just off Piraeus, Greece.
The cruise ship was helped by tugs to port in the early hours of February 15.
The February 3 cruise ended a day early, with guests having to disembark.

Celebrity Infinity guests did not get the ending they expected during their 13-night Mediterranean sailing that departed Barcelona in Spain on February 3, 2026.

According to passengers on board at the time, the ship lost power at approximately 3:00 AM on February 15 and required assistance from local tugboats. In footage shared on social media, the tugs can actually be seen towing the Celebrity Cruises ship into port. Fortunately, the ship was just off its turnaround port at Piraeus, Greece.

One guest posted online, “No electric in the rooms, air con off, toilets off, WiFi off. Bravo Bravo Bravo announcement over the ship wide speaker system.“

The Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line confirmed that the 1,950-passenger vessel experienced a technical issue, resulting in an unexpected end to the cruise just off the Greek coast. No further details about the issue have been provided, but guests reported a Bravo Bravo announcement over the PA system, which could indicate a fire-related incident (not confirmed).

Celebrity Cruises said in a letter to passengers, “As the captain announced, while approaching Piraeus-Athens, the ship experienced a technical issue and our team has been working to address this, as quickly as possible.“

Celebrity Infinity Technical Issue Letter

The 91,000-gross-ton Celebrity Infinity was already heading to the Port of Piraeus, with an originally scheduled arrival of 7:00 AM on February 15. However, guests were not scheduled to disembark until the following day, on February 16.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience caused. And thank you for your patience, understanding, and flexibility as we work through this. Your safety and well-being are our highest priority, and every decision we make is guided by that commitment,” The cruise line added in the letter.

Cruise Hive has reached out to Celebrity Cruises for further details and will keep readers informed on any new developments.

What Is the Impact on Celebrity Infinity Guests?

With the unexpected end to the cruise, what has been the impact on those passengers who were on the February 3 sailing?

So, with Celebrity Infinity originally set to commence disembarkation procedures on Monday morning, February 16, that has now changed. Passengers are disembarking a day early on Sunday.

One impacted guest posted, “Now in port, everybody being removed from the boat. 180 Back to back cruisers are being moved to hotels and told not to leave any items on board. Still no electric in the rooms, but cold water back on, no A/C.“

Celebrity Infinity in the Mediterranean (Photo Credit: Zeuslight by Alexander)

The cruise line said, “We hope you are able to enjoy your day in Athens, and we’re here to assist you with your onward journey. We are encouraging guests to debark today and make hotel arrangements. We will provide you with a $300 USD reimbursement per stateroom.“

In addition to the $300 per-stateroom compensation, Celebrity Cruises has informed guests that free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal as needed. There’s also a $200 USD cover for any air change fee for domestic flights, and $400 for international flights, per person.

With the cruise ending a day early, Celebrity Cruises is ensuring guests receive a refund for that day, including an onboard credit equal to one day, depending on the amount paid for the cruise fare.

Any onboard packages that were purchased will also have 1 day refunded, along with a $100 per person credit to help guests with things such as lunch and a taxi ride.

Celebrity Infinity is scheduled for another sailing to depart from Piraeus, Greece on February 16. This cruise is set to be an 11-night itinerary including calls at Mykonos, Katakolon, Iraklion, Rhodes, Limassol, Antalya, Kusadasi, and returning to Piraeus on February 26, with disembarkation on February 27.

Severe Winds Disrupt MSC Cruises Again, Forcing Another Marseille Cancellation

MSC Cruises News

Catie Kovelman

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Feb 14, 2026

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Severe Winds Disrupt MSC Cruises Again, Forcing Another Marseille Cancellation

Key Aspects:

Strong winds prevented MSC World Europa from visiting Marseille, France, on February 14.
Instead, the MSC ship pivoted to spend Valentine’s Day in Toulon, France.
It was previously announced that intense winds will also block MSC Splendida from the French port on the following day.

It’s a blustery weekend in Marseille, France, and unfortunately, guests of MSC Cruises won’t get to enjoy it.

Cruise Hive previously reported that MSC Splendida was forced to cancel her call to the French Riviera destination on January 15, 2026, due to dangerous weather conditions.

Now, MSC World Europa has been forced to do the same for her planned visit on February 14, 2026. This means that all calls to Marseille from MSC cruise ships have been cancelled for the entirety of Valentine’s Day weekend.

“Forecasts indicate bad weather in the Marseille area tomorrow morning, with wind gusts that could exceed 40 knots, which would affect our ability to enter the port,” guests were notified on February 13.

Wind speeds of 40 knots equate to around 46 miles per hour, with the Met Office reporting gusts reaching up to 53 miles per hour on February 14.

“Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, so we have made the difficult decision to cancel the scheduled port call,” the cruise line continued.

“This situation is due to causes beyond our control. As always, we are committed to ensuring your comfort and enjoyment for the rest of your cruise.”

Conditions are supposed to worsen overnight, with winds reaching closer to 50 knots (around 57 miles per hour) when MSC Splendida would have arrived the following day.

Thankfully, the Met Office predicts that winds will begin dying down by Monday, February 16, when MSC Orchestra and Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Saturn are expected to call.

Toulon Replaces Marseille

On the morning of February 14, the up to 6,782 guests onboard woke up in Toulon, France, instead of Marseille.

The World-class ship remained docked from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. local time to allow guests to enjoy the destination’s natural beauty and attractions, such as colorful markets in the old town and the famous Mont Faron cable car.

“We are pleased to confirm that, instead, we will visit Toulon, which offers more favorable conditions and is sheltered from the approaching weather system,” MSC told guests on February 13.

MSC World Europa in Italy (Photo Credit: Artem Stepanov)

As Toulon is only around 40 miles away from Marseille, it’s also possible that guests could have still enjoyed their original shore excursions. Driving between the ports takes less than an hour.

Indeed, MSC guests were told they would receive updates on their booked excursions rather than the standard note that their tours were automatically cancelled and refunded, as is what usually happens with port cancellations.

“All guests who have purchased an MSC shore excursion will receive an additional letter delivered directly to their cabin with more information about their tour,” the cruise line advised.

Specific tours were then handled on a case-by-case basis.

Embarkation and Debarkation

Similar to MSC Splendida, MSC World Europa is also operating several 7-night Mediterranean sailings simultaneously. Embarkation and debarkation occur every time the 215,863-gross ton ship calls at Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina, Barcelona, and, of course, Marseille.

Valentine’s Day was meant to be one of those passenger turnover days where a chunk of guests disembark and a new round of guests take their place.

But given the proximity between Marseille and Toulon, it likely wouldn’t have been too hard for guests to travel the extra distance between the two ports.

And typically in these situations, Cruise Hive usually sees that MSC Cruises will offer a free shuttle service to help guests complete their journeys to and from the port.

For example, this is how the Switzerland-based brand aided stranded guests when protesting sailors blocked MSC Orchestra’s call to Marseille on February 2.

Embarking guests who were left behind in Marseille were shuttled 244 miles to meet the ship in Genoa, Italy, as quickly as possible.

Cruise News Update: Tech Issues, Inspections, New Cruises, and More

Cruise News

Donna Tunney

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Feb 14, 2026

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Cruise News Update: Tech Issues, Inspections, New Cruises, and More

It’s that time again, so let’s dive right into Cruise Hive’s exciting weekly news roundup. Highlights in this installment include coverage of Disney Cruise Line deploying Disney Wish to Europe for summer 2027, Carnival Cruise Line solving technology issues that impacted multiple ships, and Royal Caribbean adding smart glasses to its list of prohibited items.

Get your daily cruise news fix by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, delivered to your inbox each morning.

Tech Glitches Resolved Aboard Carnival Ships

The troublesome technology glitches that impacted multiple Carnival Cruise Line ships have been resolved, and the line’s president, Christine Duffy, has issued a letter of apology to affected guests.

The disruptions happened on February 8 and 9, 2026, when tech problems caused embarkation and debarkation delays for Carnival Liberty, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Glory, and Carnival Freedom. Other impacts from the systemwide failure then spread to more vessels in the fleet.

Some of the issues included the lack of WiFi and the inability of guests to use their onboard accounts to buy amenities and services. It meant, for instance, that guests had to pay cash at the casino rather than use their Sail and Sign accounts.

Carnival Freedom's Funnel — Carnival Freedom’s Funnel (Photo Credit: fitzcrittle)

Duffy said passengers who had purchased internet packages and were unable to use them would be refunded. She confirmed that all technology issues have been resolved and all ships’ operations are back to normal.

The February 9 boarding delays for Carnival Breeze, sailing from Galveston, and Carnival Glory and Carnival Freedom, both departing from Port Canaveral, stemmed from crew members having to manually collect and record guests’ ship IDs rather than quickly scanning them at the gangway.

This resulted in a two-hour embarkation delay for passengers eager to begin their vacations at sea. A similar scenario had played out aboard Carnival Liberty on February 8, as the ship was due to depart New Orleans.

Onboard Auction Left These Cruise Guests Frustrated

Buying a piece of high-end sports memorabilia on a cruise ship turned out to be a frustrating experience for one couple sailing with Royal Caribbean.

A couple from Brisbane, Australia, bid on and won a signed Muhammad Ali glove that was being auctioned by Park West Gallery, the art vendor the cruise line uses to hold art and memorabilia sales and auctions.

They paid $5,000 AUD (around $3,500 USD) with the understanding that the item would be shipped to them. It is not known which ship the couple was sailing on.

Cruise Ship Art Auction Item (Credit: A Current Affair)

Ten weeks later, the glove arrived, but it looked different from the one they had seen on the ship. Checking the item’s serial number confirmed it was not the same glove they had bought.

Disappointed, the guests complained and were told that the items shown onboard cruise ships are display pieces, and that the Park West Gallery contract stipulates that it may substitute items.

In this case, the gallery vendor, which operates auctions onboard many major cruise lines, agreed to provide the guests with the exact item they saw on their ship. It is unclear whether the couple agreed to the solution, as the entire episode was a major disappointment.

Disney Wish Is Bound For Europe in Summer 2027

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish is headed to Europe for summer 2027, offering 3- to 10-night itineraries from multiple home ports.

The repositioning from Port Canaveral begins with a 13-night transatlantic cruise on April 25, 2027, calling at Barcelona, Madeira, Gibraltar, and Cartagena. The ship will then sail unique itineraries from Southampton, Barcelona, and Civitavecchia (Rome).

Port calls will bring guests to diverse destinations, from Belfast, Ireland, to Santorini, Greece, and many hot spots in between, including Lisbon, Liverpool, Naples, and Dubrovnik, to name a few.

Disney Wish Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

Disney Cruise Line’s announcement about Disney Wish was part of a larger fleet repositioning planned for 2027.

Two ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, will deploy to Vancouver, British Columbia, for Alaska voyages, sailing 7-night cruises to popular ports such as Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Juneau.

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are currently based at Galveston and San Diego, respectively.

Disney Destiny, meanwhile, will remain at Port Everglades, sailing 3- to 5-night Caribbean cruises, while Disney Adventure continues her deployment in Singapore.

No Fault Found After Inspection of Carnival Encounter

Carnival Cruise Line received some good news after a series of crew complaints was filed against one of its ships.

It turns out that a surprise inspection of Carnival Encounter by Australian authorities has found no negative issues related to the crew’s standard of living.

The unusual story unfolded on February 9, 2026, when officials from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority boarded the ship during a port call in Darwin, Australia. Their inspection was prompted by a whistleblower complaint that included charges by many crew members who cited long work hours, low hourly pay, cramped living spaces, and the lack of free drinking water.

Carnival Cruise Ship in Australia (Photo Credit: Elias Bitar)

However, later that day, local media reported the findings of the inspection, which revealed no deficiencies regarding the crew’s standard of living and accommodation areas.

Carnival Encounter is the former Pacific Encounter, which had been operated by P&O Cruises Australia before the brand was absorbed by Carnival Cruise Line in 2025. The ship sails Australia and Southeast Asia itineraries.

Carnival Cruise Line from the outset welcomed the onboard review, saying the maritime authority routinely inspects cruise ships.

Guest Injured on FlowRider Sues Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is facing a lawsuit from a former guest who was injured on the FlowRider Surf Simulator aboard Adventure of the Seas.

The incident happened on February 3, 2025, when guest Jason Keller fell, fractured his neck, and sustained other injuries.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed on February 9, 2026, Keller had multiple strokes as a result of the fall and experienced weakness on his left side as a result. The lawsuit charges that the onboard medical staff misdiagnosed his injury and, as a result, it worsened. Keller is seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost income.

Royal Caribbean FlowRider (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

The line’s surf simulator is a 40-foot-long water ride in which 30,000 gallons of water are unleashed for the purpose of surfing or boogie boarding.

Royal Caribbean’s website cautions that the FlowRider is an extreme sport and a high-risk activity. It warns that using the simulator may result in serious injury to the body.

The popular attraction is offered on many Royal Caribbean ships. Some ships have two FlowRiders to accommodate guest demand.

No More Smart Glasses on Royal Caribbean Ships

Smart glasses, trendy wearable device that can record video and audio, among other tasks, are now banned by Royal Caribbean. Those who attempt to bring a pair aboard one of the line’s ships will have it confiscated.

One other cruise line, MSC Cruises, also prohibits the item on its ships. No formal announcement has been made by Royal Caribbean, but smart glasses have been added to its prohibited items list.

Also, the app contains a notification to guests confirming that any ship’s chief security officer and captain are authorized to confiscate smart glasses.

Royal Caribbean and Smart Glasses (Credits: Habanero Pixel & Melissa Mayntz)

The objections to smart glasses include the ability of wearers to record or videotape others without them knowing. They could be used, for instance, in ship spas, medical centers, or locker rooms, or in public areas where children congregate.

Smart glasses are internet-connected, or AI-enabled eyewear that have cameras and speakers. While most users enjoy the high-tech gadget in innocent ways, smart glasses can also be used for nefarious purposes.

Royal Caribbean suggested that anyone attempting to bring prescription smart glasses onboard one of its ships should have a spare pair of regular glasses on hand, in the event the smart glasses are confiscated.

Guest Jumps From Ship While Docked at Italian Port

A man jumped to his death from a Costa Cruises’ ship while it was docked at the Port of Civitavecchia, near Rome, on February 6, 2026.

In what Italian authorities described as a deliberate act, the passenger, an unidentified German national, leaped from Costa Smeralda as the ship was calling at the port and embarking and disembarking guests.

The 20-deck ship accommodates 5,224 guests; it is unknown which deck the man was on when he jumped, but he fell onto the port’s concrete pier. First responders, who were already at the pier assisting with a separate medical emergency, saw the guest plummet from the ship.

Costa Smeralda Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

They attempted to render aid, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, having fallen an estimated 98 feet.

Costa Cruises issued a statement in which it said support was being offered to the man’s family. The line confirmed that the guest had voluntarily jumped onto the quayside.

The ship remained in port until about 8:30 p.m., while officials conducted their investigation, then continued on her itinerary to Savona and Palermo, Italy; Marseille, France; Barcelona; and La Goulette, Tunisia.

More Cruise Headlines

Let’s keep going with even more cruise news! Cruise Hive has many more important stories from this week, including a harbor pilot falling into the water as he was trying to board a Princess Cruises’ ship; Carnival Cruise Line delaying embarkation of Carnival Pride due to weather; and MSC Cruises touting its spring break and Easter holiday voyages.

Also, MSC Cruises will broadcast all 2026 FIFA World Cup matches this summer, and Royal Caribbean names its Chief Dog Officer for new-build Legend of the Seas.

Dangerous Weather Blocks MSC Splendida from Visiting French Port

MSC Cruises News

Catie Kovelman

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Feb 14, 2026

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Dangerous Weather Blocks MSC Splendida from Visiting French Port

Key Aspects:

Strong winds will prevent MSC Splendida from docking in Marseille, France, on February 15.
Instead, the MSC ship will spend the day in the nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer.
It’s unclear what arrangements will be made for guests who were supposed to disembark or embark in Marseille at this time.

MSC Splendida has been dealt another rough blow by Mother Nature. The MSC ship, which is operating several 7-night Mediterranean itineraries simultaneously, has been no stranger to port cancellations due to inclement weather this winter.

Just days ago, Cruise Hive reported that the Fantasia-class ship had to cancel its call to La Goulette-Tunis,Tunisia, on February 12, 2026, due to extremely strong winds.

Now the same thing is happening again, but this time the vessel is blocked from visiting Marseille, France, on February 15, 2026.

Weather authorities are predicting winds of over 50 knots (about 57 miles per hour) for that Sunday, which makes docking too dangerous. In reality, any time winds reach 30 to 40 knots, entering a cruise port edges into dicey territory.

“Forecasts indicate bad weather around Marseille for Sunday, with wind gusts up to 50 knots, which could compromise the ability to enter the port,” MSC Cruises said in a letter to current guests.

“Your safety and comfort are our highest priority, therefore we have made the difficult decision to cancel the scheduled port call,” the cruise line continued.

In strong winds, there is a higher risk of collision with other ships or port infrastructure, as well as a heightened chance of mooring failures. It’s simply not worth taking the chance.

Replacement Port Added for MSC Splendida

Though it won’t be in Marseille, guests will still get the French experience on February 15 with a visit to Villefranche-sur-Mer, which has been added to the itinerary as a last-minute replacement.

The port, which is positioned between Nice and Monaco, is positioned in a way that shields it from the worst of the expected winds.

“We are pleased to confirm that we will instead call at Villefranche-sur-Mer, which offers more favorable conditions and is sheltered from the incoming weather system,” the cruise line confirmed.

MSC Splendida Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock)

MSC Cruises is offering a curated selection of tours and activities to help guests experience the port, which can already be booked at the shore excursions desk onboard or on the MSC for Me App.

Any shore excursions that were booked for Marseille will automatically be cancelled and refunded as a credit to guests’ onboard accounts, and this credit can be used to book new shore excursions.

Impact to Embarkation and Disembarkation

As another hiccup to consider, Marseille is one MSC Splendida’s homeports in the Mediterranean. In addition to Marseille, guests come and go in Genoa, Naples, and Palermo in Italy and in Barcelona, Spain.

Of course, February 15 was meant to be the end of the voyage for some guests and a new batch of guests was supposed to join the ship.

While MSC Cruises has not yet confirmed how it will handle the disruption to travel plans for these guests, the cruise line will most likely plan to shuttle impacted guests between Marseille and Villefranche-sur-Mer. The destinations are only about 130 miles apart, and it takes less than three hours to drive between them.

Cruise Hive will continue to monitor the situation and will share any operational updates as they become available.

Thousands Turned Away As Star Voyager Makes Last Minute Cruise Cancellation

Cruise News

Catie Kovelman

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Feb 14, 2026

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Thousands Turned Away As Star Voyager Makes Last Minute Cruise Cancellation

Key Aspects:

Star Voyager had to cancel its 2-night cruise due to technical difficulties.
The news came after hundreds to thousands of guests had already spent hours waiting to board at the cruise terminal.
StarDream Cruises is giving guests the option to reschedule for free or to receive a full refund.

Thousands of cruisers will no longer be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day at sea.

Star Voyager was supposed to embark on a quick getaway cruise in Hong Kong, China, on February 13, 2026, but StarDream Cruises had to cancel the entire sailing due to unexpected technical difficulties.

“We sincerely regret to inform you that due to a technical issue, today’s Star Voyager is not able to set sail,” StarDream Cruises wrote in a letter.

“We understand today’s cancellation will affect your travel plans and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused,” the Asia-based cruise line continued.

The specific issue that led to the cancellation has not been released publicly at this time.

The 2-night sailing would have cruised to Xiamen, China. The 2,395-guest ship was then due to return to Hong Kong on February 15 for disembarkation.

Guest Angered by Late Notice

While a cruise cancellation is always disappointing, impacted passengers were especially frustrated because of how late they received the news.

By the time the unfortunate update came, hundreds to thousands of passengers had already been waiting to board for hours at the terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Cruise Hive learned that the announcement was made at around 9 p.m. on embarkation day, well after guests should have been onboard and enjoying their vacations. A letter confirming the cancellation was then issued at 11:45 p.m.

Many guests were frustrated by the long wait, especially with the end result being a cancellation, and felt that the situation was handled poorly.

“I was only given a bottle of water,” one man told the South China Morning Post. “Of course, there were issues with how this was handled. I was standing until my legs were sore.”

“I booked the Palace Suite, which allows us to board the ship first. However, we were forced to squeeze together at the waiting area like refugees,” another passenger complained.

To help ease the wait, crew members did hand out water bottles. Dinner vouchers valued at HK$200 (About $25 USD) were distributed later in the evening.

Options for Compensation

While this change certainly threw a wrench into guests’ travel plans, StarDream Cruises isn’t simply leaving its guests high and dry. Instead, there are two ways they can receive compensation.

First, guests can reschedule and transfer their booking to any other 2- or 3-night sailing onboard Star Voyager that sets sail on or before August 30, 2026.

Rescheduling will be free of charge, even if the replacement sailing is priced more highly, and guests will also receive a HK$200 onboard credit per cabin as a gesture of goodwill.

This is in addition to a credit of HK$200 per guest and HK$500 for transportation costs that had previously been offered to guests for the inconvenience.

Alternatively, guests can cancel their booking outright and receive a full refund, along with the HK$200 per guest and HK$500 for transportation costs.

And if these guests do decide to give the 2025-launched cruise line another chance, they can enjoy a 50% discount on any new booking for a 2- or 3-night sailing onboard Star Voyager that embarks on or before August 30, 2026.

Are More Sailings Impacted?

At this time, Cruise Hive has not learned of any impact to subsequent sailings for the 77,441-gross ton ship.

Per cruise tracking data, Star Voyager is supposed to embark on a 3-night sailing to Sanya, China, on February 15. This will then be followed by another 2-night cruise to Xiamen on February 18 if everything goes to plan.

As it’s not clear what actually went wrong, it’s hard to gauge how long repairs will take and if more cruise cancellations will be necessary.

Especially for guests booked on the next couple of sailings, it will be important to keep an eye out for possible updates from the cruise line.

Norwegian Cruise Line Tightens Dress Code for Specialty Dining

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 14, 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Line Tightens Dress Code for Specialty Dining

Key Aspects:

Norwegian Cruise Line has updated the dress code for the most elevated specialty restaurants in its fleet.
Greater restrictions have now been placed on where guests can wear flip flops and shorts for dinner.
Guests report inconsistent enforcement of dress codes on different ships, which is always a challenge for the crew.

The dining room dress code onboard cruise ships is constantly under scrutiny, as some guests prefer a more formal atmosphere for elevated restaurant experiences, while other travelers prefer more casual vacation vibes.

Norwegian Cruise Line has recently adjusted the dress code for select specialty dining restaurants to aim more for a formal atmosphere, and some very popular casual wear is no longer permitted in certain venues.

Guests onboard various Norwegian Cruise Line ships have noticed the change in signage posted onboard.

“Flip flops and shorts are not permitted for dinner at Palomar, Onda, Cagney’s, Le Bistro and Haven,” the signs read.

Respectively, these restaurants offer unique and exclusive experiences, from the Mediterranean-inspired seafood of Palomar to the modernized Italian flair of Onda. Cagney’s is the classic American-style steakhouse, while Le Bistro offers luxury French cuisine.

New Dress Code Sign (Credit: Sara Johnson Kelley)

The Haven Restaurant is exclusively on vessels that offer the ship-in-a-ship experience of The Haven with its private spaces, and is only available to guests booked in The Haven staterooms.

The different restaurants are found throughout the NCL fleet as follows:

Palomar – Breakaway, Aqua, Viva, Prima, Luna, Bliss, and Encore
Onda by Scarpetta – Aqua, Viva, Prima, Luna, Spirit, and Encore
Cagney’s Steakhouse – Fleetwide
Le Bistro – All NCL ships except Pride of America
Haven Restaurant – Escape, Epic, Getaway, Aqua, Viva, Prima, Luna, Aura, Bliss, Joy, Encore, and Breakaway

As these five restaurants are the most exclusive onboard, the expectation for slightly better attire is not unreasonable. Previously, the only specialty restaurant with such a restrictive dress code was Le Bistro.

For example, the Freestyle Daily newsletter distributed onboard has dress code notes on its daily dining list. Onboard Norwegian Aqua in the last few months, those notes have included the following:

“Le Bistro does not permit t-shorts or shorts of any kind.”

Until recently, there has been no mention of restrictions on flip flops or shorts for other specialty restaurants, though some newsletters have specified that “short shorts” are not permitted and there are language variations from ship to ship.

French Le Bistro on Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett / Cruise Hive)

The signs, as well as the daily newsletters, also remind guests that certain types of attire are not permitted in either the Main Dining Rooms or any of the specialty restaurants onboard.

“Tank tops, hoodies, robes, jeans with holes or excessively revealing tears, and caps/hats are not permitted” is the standard guideline.

The dress code on Norwegian Cruise Line’s website has also been updated to reflect these new restrictions and what is (and isn’t) permitted in which restaurants.

While these updates may be a surprise to some, Cruise Hive has noted changing attire guidelines and similar debates on different cruise lines in recent years, particularly with respect to formal night and what clothing should be permitted in dining rooms and restaurants on that more elevated evening.

Guest Reactions Support Better Attire (and Better Enforcement)

Despite the fact that many guests have strong opinions on what constitutes appropriate attire for different dining rooms and restaurants, most NCL guests appear supportive of the latest update.

In particular, the idea that not everyone has the same idea of what suitable clothing should be has many agreeing with the new, more restrictive language.

“To me these are more upscale dining environments and some of these people push the limits on acceptable attire,” one guest noted.

“I’m glad they try to maintain dignity, class, and respect in the nicer venues,” another commented.

Unfortunately, enforcement appears to be less than consistent on different ships, which can be the cause of frustration for many guests who do prefer the higher standards in the more exclusive restaurants.

It can be challenging for crew members to confront guests about attire, particularly when some travelers may be quick to withhold gratuities or make complaints if they feel personally attacked about their fashion choices.

Changing trends, personal preferences, and even the amount of space available in luggage all play a part in determining an individual’s attire for different dining experiences.

Virgin Voyages Reports Record Wave Season as Adults-Only Cruising Gains Ground

Virgin Voyages News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 13, 2026

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Virgin Voyages Reports Record Wave Season as Adults-Only Cruising Gains Ground

Key Aspects:

Virgin Voyages reported its highest booking month in its history in January 2026.
In 2025, the cruise line also saw bookings increase by nearly 20 percent year over year.
The company’s gross ticket revenue also rose nearly 30 percent in 2025.

Adults looking for a break from family-focused vacations are fueling new growth at sea, according to Virgin Voyages, the brainchild of Sir Richard Branson.

Virgin Voyages said it’s posting its strongest mid-Wave season performance yet, with the Miami-area-based cruise line marking its highest booking month it its 5-year history.

The results come as industry analysts project the adult-only travel market will grow from $9.2 billion in 2024 to $18.1 billion by 2033, with Cruise Hive reporting a number of cruise lines adding adult-only voyages and spaces into their operations to keep up with the demand.

But Virgin Voyages has a leg up, operating as one of the few cruise lines solely for adults. No passengers under the age of 18 can sail with the cruise operator, which added its fourth ship to its fleet, Brilliant Lady, in 2025.

“We didn’t approach kid-free travel as a short-term trend,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “We built Virgin Voyages around it from day one.”

Saverimuttu says more adults are looking for space to truly switch off and reconnect and credits the innovative cruise line’s transformation of adult-only travel “from a niche idea into something people actively seek out.”

“That’s why we’re growing faster than the industry, and why our repeat rates are at record levels,” he added.

Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Martin Augustus)

The company said longer itineraries are outperforming forecasts, particularly in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. Alaska bookings are up by triple digits, and ships are currently sailing at full commercial loads, according to the company.

Growth Outpaces Competitors

Virgin Voyages isn’t just resting on a strong Wave season. It closed 2025 with its strongest year-over-year performance since its launch. The cruise line said gross ticket revenue increased nearly 30 percent in 2025, while bookings rose almost 20 percent year-over-year.

According to analytics firm Similarweb, website traffic to Virgin Voyages increased 98 percent year-over-year in January, while the average competitive growth was about 10 percent during the same period.

“We’re not slowing down,” said Saverimuttu. “Kid-free travel is not a niche category. It’s a movement. And we are now the go-to brand for anyone traveling without kids.”

Virgin Voyages launched in 2021 with just a single ship, the Scarlet Lady, which sailed from Miami. It was followed by Valiant Lady in 2022 and Resilient Lady in 2023, and completed its planned quartet of “ladies” with the arrival of Brilliant Lady bringing the fleet capacity to roughly 11,000 berths.

That ship, which launched with inaugural sailings from New York City and Miami, is part of the same 2,700-passenger class as its sisters with more than 20 dining venues included in the base fare, and no traditional main dining room or buffet.

Cabins feature the line’s signature configuration, including mood lighting features, convertible terrace hammocks, and RockStar suites with expanded outdoor space.

Since its debut, competitors have been expanding adults-only cruises, including Carnival Cruise Line, which announced in December 2025 that it will add two kid-free transatlantic voyages and a Mediterranean itinerary to its 2026 lineup.

Oceania Cruises, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, announced in January 2026 that it is repositioning the entire fleet into an adults-only brand, with all bookings made after January 7 to be for passengers 18 years and up.

Beyond Virgin Voyages and Oceania Cruises, Viking Cruises is also kid-free. P&O Cruises’ Aurora and Arcadia ships also offered adults-only sailings, but the cruise line decided it would open the vessels to families beginning in December 2026.

Cruise lines like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean feature adults-only retreats onboard, such as the Spice H20 on Norwegian Cruise Line and Solarium on Royal Caribbean.

The shift reflects the broader trend and cruise lines are carving out more space for guests seeking time away without a family-focused atmosphere.

Cruise Ship Drops Cuba Port Visit Following UK Travel Warning

Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 13, 2026

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Cruise Ship Drops Cuba Port Visit Following UK Travel Warning

Key Aspects:

Ambience is removing Havana from her 40-night Caribbean itinerary due to a UK travel advisory update.
The ship will instead replace the call with two new port visits, one to Guadeloupe and one to St. Kitts.
The visit to Guadeloupe will include an impromptu meetup with another ship in the Ambassador Cruise Line fleet.

Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience will not be visiting Cuba on her current itinerary, the 40-night “Jewels of the Caribbean Sea” sailing that departed Tilbury, UK on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The news comes as the British ship has already reached the Caribbean, just days after the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued an advisory against all but essential travel to Cuba.

“We can confirm that Ambience will no longer proceed with its scheduled call to Havana, Cuba, on Monday 16 February 2026 during the 40-night Jewels of the Caribbean Sea itinerary,” the cruise line posted on social media. “The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew is always our primary consideration.”

The warning was updated on Wednesday, February 11, just five days before the cruise ship was to have called on the capital of Cuba for a full-day visit from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The FCDO’s advisory is based on unreliable infrastructure and resources in Cuba that have resulted in extensive power outages and erosion of emergency services.

“These conditions significantly affect the ability of visitors to access reliable transport, medical care, communications, and basic services,” the advisory explains.

This could present difficulties should guests have any emergency while visiting Havana, as well as affect how the ship may be supplied in port. Power outages in Havana occur on a near daily basis, occasionally lasting 12 hours or longer.

The US Department of State has a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory for Cuba, citing both crime and unreliable electrical power as significant concerns. US law continues to prohibit tourist travel to Cuba.

Cruise Hive has previously noted the impact such travel advisories have on ship itineraries, such as calls to Labadee, Haiti being cancelled, or what guests should be aware of when visiting destinations in Mexico under elevated warning levels.

New Port Visits Added

Because Ambience will no longer be visiting Cuba, Ambassador Cruise Line has managed to add two new port visits to the ship’s immersive Caribbean itinerary. Now, Ambience will be visiting Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe on Saturday, February 14, followed by Basseterre, St. Kitts on Sunday, February 15.

As a special note, while the 70,285-gross-ton ship is in Guadeloupe for her unexpected Valentine’s Day visit, she will be joining another ship in the Ambassador Cruise Line fleet, Renaissance. Fleet meetup opportunities are always a unique and memorable occasion for guests.

Ambience Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis)

“We will be trying to get the ships photographed together,” the cruise line said. “We love a ship meet up!”

Without the call to Havana, on Monday, February 16, Ambience will spend the day at sea instead. This means that the following day, Tuesday, February 17, will also be a day at sea before the ship’s next port visit to Grand Cayman on Wednesday.

For the remaining three weeks of the cruise, Ambience has a wide range of stunning Caribbean ports to visit, including destinations in Jamaica, Martinique, Barbados, St. Lucia, and the Grenadines.

“The rest of the schedule will continue as planned,” the cruise line confirmed.

The final port visit before the ship turns back toward the UK is scheduled to be Basseterre, St. Kitts on Saturday, February 28. Since Ambience will now be visiting that port two weeks earlier, it is unclear whether that visit may be cancelled or swapped for a different destination.

If it stays on the itinerary, guests will have the unique opportunity of visiting St. Kitts twice, enjoying a second chance to try another shore excursion or visit a favorite spot on the beautiful island.