Two Carnival cruise ships will hold full, in-person safety briefings in the next few days: Carnival Magic and Carnival Paradise.
All guests must participate in the mandatory drills, which include gathering at the assigned muster stations.
John Heald has previously clarified that all ships in the Carnival fleet must complete full drills two times each year.
Carnival cruise guests setting sail on two ships in the next few days will be completing the mandatory safety briefing as a full, in-person drill rather than the self-mustering or “e-muster” format most cruise lines have used for the past several years. The cruise line has reached out to booked guests to alert them to the change and what they can expect for the process onboard.
Carnival Magic‘s Sunday, September 13, 2026 departure from Miami as well as Carnival Paradise‘s Monday, September 14, 2026 departure from Tampa will both use the full mustering format before the ships begin their respective sailings.
“A full safety drill will take place on your upcoming sailing. This is a mandatory procedure, and all guests will be required to participate in this brief but essential exercise,”the cruise line explained in an email sent to guests.
The self-mustering drill on most sailings is a simple check-in at guests’ muster stations. Crew members stationed at each location may ask a question or two, and they are able to demonstrate life jacket use if a guest wishes.
In general, however, self-mustering is just a quick check to be sure all guests are accounted for, and guests can do this at any time before the ship’s departure. Shortly before that departure, public address announcements are made to remind guests to complete the check-in, and individual names may be called to alert stragglers to the requirement.
At the time of the drill, safety procedures will be read over the PA system and the ship’s horn will sound the emergency alert signal of seven short blasts and one long blast, but guests can continue to go about their business.
During a full in-person drill, however, the procedure requires all guests to attend at the same time.
“Ship-wide announcements will provide guidance on the process, which will include collective gathering at your assigned muster station to familiarize yourself with the necessary steps to take in the unlikely event of an emergency,”the email explained.
Carnival Drill Advisory Letter
Guests will proceed to their muster station, which can be very crowded to fit everyone into the designated space for each station. Carnival Magic can welcome 3,690 guests onboard at double occupancy, and up to 4,724 guests if all berths are filled. Carnival Paradise is smaller but can still welcome 2,190 guests at double occupancy and up to 2,606 guests at full occupancy.
During the in-person drill, crew members will demonstrate life jacket use, announcements will explain emergency procedures, and the ship’s horn will sound the emergency signal.
While a self-mustering drill can take just a few minutes, the full drill can take 20-45 minutes to complete, depending on ship size and how efficiently guests reach their muster stations and the entire process is covered.
Why Is There a Full Drill?
The notification of a full safety drill can be startling, especially if guests have only cruised a few times and may never have completed an in-person mustering before.
Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has previously explained the need for these full drills.
“This is something that every single ship needs to do twice a year as per US Coast Guard, Australian Coast Guard, and other government agencies, and SOLAS, Safety of Life at Sea,” he noted in October 2025 when rumors were spreading that the cruise line was returning to full drills permanently.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on full drills for various ships, including Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Valor, and Carnival Conquest.
As Heald said, every ship in the Carnival fleet undergoes full drills twice each year. Guests are notified several days ahead of their embarkation so they are aware of the procedure and it can proceed as smoothly as possible.
A sprinkler malfunction on Anthem of the Seas impacted the Royal Esplanade and Casino Royale on September 10, 2026.
The only significant impact from the incident appeared to be that the casino was closed for the evening.
Royal Caribbean has not commented but there appears to be no impact to the ship’s itinerary for the 7-night Alaska sailing.
Royal Caribbean often uses the Royal Promenade on its larger ships for different parades, parties, and live music, but on Anthem of the Seas, an impromptu aqua show happened on Thursday, September 10, 2026 when the sprinklers went off in the retail space.
(Note: On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, including Anthem of the Seas, the Royal Promenade is called the Royal Esplanade.)
Video posted to Reddit shows the sprinkler malfunction, which created the appearance of a heavy, drenching mist across the Royal Esplanade between Decks 4 and 5 at the aft end of the space, near the La Patisserie coffee shop.
The video is just 14 seconds long, and according to at least one guest onboard, it is clear that the incident had only one impact on the evening’s operations while most guests were unaware the sprinklers had gone off at all.
“On the ship now. 99% of the people didn’t even know it happened,”the commenter noted.“The only effect is that the casino is closed for the night.”
The Casino Royale is on Deck 3 directly beneath the area where the sprinkler malfunction occurred. Because an open stairway leads directly to the casino, it’s likely the water pooled on the casino’s flooring and caused the temporary closure for the space to be cleaned and dried.
No other onboard operations appeared to be impacted. In these types of situations, crew members generally act quickly to repair the malfunction, clean up the water, and return to normal activities.
The 4,180-guest ship is currently on a 7-night roundtrip Alaska sailing that departed Seattle on Monday, September 7, 2026. On the day of the Royal Esplanade aqua show, Anthem of the Seas was in Skagway from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There is no indication on the video of what time the sprinkler malfunction occurred, but plenty of guests were around to watch the waterworks and retail booths in the area were open, suggesting the ship was no longer docked.
Sprinklers on Anthem of the Seas (Photo Credit: Alt-Zeeman101)
Royal Caribbean has not commented on the incident but Anthem of the Seas moved on to her scheduled visit to Juneau on Friday, September 11, so it is unlikely the ship’s schedule has been impacted in any way.
The ship will finish her final Alaskan cruise of the season on September 28, after which she will move to Vancouver to welcome guests aboard the next day for a 12-night one-way sailing to Hawaii. That is the first leg of her repositioning to Australia, where Anthem of the Seas will homeport from Sydney until mid-April 2027, when she will head back to Alaska.
Different Types of Water Incidents Not Unheard Of
This is not the first water-related incident Cruise Hive has reported on just this month. Quantum of the Seas recently experienced what appeared to be a burst pipe that flooded a public stairwell. Video of that incident was posted on Friday, September 4, though the actual date of the leak is unclear.
Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas are sister ships in the fleet, having debuted in 2014 and 2015, respectively, though the unusual incidents are not related.
On July 28, 2026, the Oasis-class Allure of the Seas also experienced a burst pipe that caused flooding in at least two staterooms.
It isn’t just Royal Caribbean ships that can have these types of incidents, however. Cruise Hive has reported on sprinkler malfunctions, burst pipes, pool overflows, and toilet flooding on ships from Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and others over the years.
Princess Cruises is offering Island Princess guests a full refund and bonus future cruise credit to change their September 16 sailing.
Guests who accept can also be reimbursed up to $800 per person for documented private travel expenses.
Princess has not confirmed the cruise is overbooked, though the Princess Cruises website shows the sailing is sold out.
Guests booked on an upcoming sailing aboard Princess Cruises’ Island Princess are being offered a full refund plus credit in exchange for adjusting their travel plans. The 2,210-passenger ship is set to embark on a 4-night cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles on September 16, 2026.
The sailing features three consecutive sea days along the Pacific coast, but no port calls before arriving in Los Angeles. Despite the lack of port visits, the sailing has proved popular, and Princess Cruises has sent a communication to some booked guests asking them to change their voyage.
“Due to the popularity of your upcoming September 16th cruise on Island Princess you are eligible for exceptional savings should you choose to change your travel arrangements,”the communication said.
Guests who elect to change their plans will receive a 100% refund for their cruise. They will also receive future cruise credits amounting to 100% of their base cruise fare paid, which will be valid for two years.
Additionally, Princess Cruises is offering reimbursement for private travel expenses, such as flights and hotels. The cruise line will reimburse up to $800 per guest upon receipt of valid documentation.
This could prove to be a very enticing offer for guests who have some flexibility with their travel. In the sailing’s unofficial Facebook group, one guest was happy to accept. Curiously, they say they received a larger credit than they paid for the sailing.
Island Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Brian Logan Photography)
“It was ok for us! It’s a nowhere cruise and we’re going to Hawaii in 2 months!”they said.“For some reason they gave us a bigger credit than what we paid for the cruise. Couldn’t resist!”
The offer is subject to availability and is not guaranteed to all who apply for it. The cruise line urged guests not to cancel flights or hotels until they have received formal confirmation of approval.
Is Island Princess Overbooked?
Offers such as this can be prompted by a variety of factors. One common reason is overbooking, which occurs when a cruise line accepts more reservations than it has accommodations available, anticipating that some guests will cancel.
Princess Cruises did not confirm that the sailing was overbooked. One guest who shared the offer on Threads, however, was convinced that this was the case.
“My cruise over booked [sic] and not enough rooms for all the travels [sic],”the guest posted.
The September 16 voyage currently shows as completely sold out on the Princess Cruises website. While a sold-out cruise does not guarantee it has been oversold, the offer indicates that the cruise line is seeking to free up space ahead of departure.
It is unclear how many guests on the September 16 voyage received the offer or how many spaces Princess is hoping to clear out. The cruise line did not indicate whether any guests would be involuntarily bumped from the sailing, should too few passengers accept the offer.
Short Sailing Repositions Island Princess
The September 16 sailing comes immediately after Island Princess returns from her final Alaska voyage of 2026, as part of what Princess Cruises calls its biggest-ever Alaska season. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Vancouver at 7:30 a.m. September 16, following a 7-night Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary from Whittier.
It then turns around that afternoon for the affected 4-night cruise. After reaching Los Angeles on September 20, she is scheduled to depart that same afternoon again on a 16-night Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, arriving October 6.
There’s nothing better than learning more and seeing a shiny new cruise ship enter service. Knowing how a new ship became reality and what new features are onboard is one of the best things about the cruise industry. So, on this page we’ll keep you updated on new orders from all the major cruise lines and when new vessels are expected to arrive.
Many of these new cruise ships on order are continuations of current classes, but they still introduce brand-new, never-before-seen features.
Cruisers have a lot to look forward to in 2027. If you have a favorite major cruise line, they probably have a new ship coming out. Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean: They all have something big coming up.
A lot of these 2027 cruise ships are continuations of current classes, but they nevertheless manage to introduce brand-new, never-before-seen features. Here’s what you can expect from the new cruise ships debuting in 2027.
Interestingly, this is not the first ship of its name for the brand. An original Festivale sailed from Florida under Carnival Cruise Line’s banner in the 1970s, but it was quite different.
It held just a fraction of the guests that the new Carnival Festivale will be able to accommodate, a mere 1,400 or so people to the 2027 vessel’s approximate 6,400. Still, that original ship was considered groundbreaking and massive for its time.
But enough about the past. What can you expect from the 2027 Carnival Festivale? Quite a lot of fun, for one, and a lot of new features.
Highlights include the new three-deck outdoor zone, dubbed Sunsation Point, which will encompass a water park with four new water slides. For the first time ever, the water park on a Carnival Cruise Line ship will be open at night, too!
Other fun features include music-themed zones across three decks. One of those zones is Studio 724, which will create an immersive experience through media and sound, while also housing some of the ship’s restaurants and bars. The Festival is another such zone, with an outdoor music fest vibe, also housing restaurants.
New dining and drinking experiences are also on tap, such as The Spark and Mix, both music-inspired bars. Also new? Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, which is exactly what it sounds like; Fetaccine, serving up Mediterranean fare; Uku Lei Lei, a Hawaiian-Asian eatery; and Le Bistro Musicale, for Parisian café-style bites.
Debut: Spring 2027
Gross Tonnage: 180,000 GT
Guest Capacity: 6,400
Shipyard: Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany
Explora IV (Explora Journeys)
Explora IV
Explora Journeys is expanding its fleet rapidly, with Explora IV just one in a group of six total luxury ships that will all be launched by 2028, with the first setting sail in 2023.
This LNG-powered small, ultra-luxury ship is expected to be quite similar to its sister ships, with familiar restaurants and social spaces.
For the ship’s compact size, the brand manages to pack in quite a lot. For example, you’ll find 461 ocean-front suites, seven restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, and five heated pools. All the while, you can expect stellar service thanks to the line’s 1.25:1 passengers-to-crew ratio.
Debut: Summer 2027
Gross Tonnage: Approximately 72,000 GT
Guest Capacity: Approximately 900
Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy
Norwegian Aura (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Aura
When Norwegian Aura debuts in May 2027, it will beNorwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ship ever, both in terms of gross tonnage and length. In fact, the vessel will be 10% larger than sister ships Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
Of course, with a ship this big, you can easily expect to find new features and thrills. One of the most anticipated is Ocean Heights, an open-air portion of the ship that will offer fun family activities during the day and a more chill environment in the evenings. Ocean Heights sits on decks 18 to 21.
Additionally, Norwegian Aura will offer the most slides of any ship in the fleet. There’s the new dueling mat racer waterslide, Eclipse Racers, as well as the drop-in slide Aura Free Fall and the lotus waterslide The Wave. Guests will also be able to get their adrenaline pumping at the 82-foot ropes course.
Other new features include overhanging private cabanas at Vibe Beach Club and a new bar on the Ocean Boulevard promenade.
Since this ship is so much larger than its predecessors, Norwegian Cruise Line has also chosen to expand on some fan-favorite areas, making them bigger and better than ever. For example, compared to Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, the Ocean Boulevard promenade is 11% larger, the pool deck is 20% larger, and Vibe Beach Club is 15% larger. There are also 30% more suites.
This hydrogen-powered small ship offers adults-only experiences that mirror what cruisers have already found on Viking Cruises’ similar vessels.
Across its nine decks, the ship features just under 500 well-appointed and spacious cabins. There’s also a spa and fitness center, and a handful of restaurants and social spaces.
There’s not much new or wildly exciting about Viking Astrea, but for a lot of cruisers, that’s the whole point. Viking fans return to the cruise line time and time again for its reliably on-brand experiences.
Debut: June 2027
Gross Tonnage: 54,300 GT
Guest Capacity: 998
Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy
Hero of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
The fourth Royal Caribbean Icon-class ship, Hero of the Seas continues to deliver everything that cruisers love about this class, which all started with Icon of the Seas, plus more.
You have the typical expected, but no less impressive, features: eight neighborhoods, the most pools at sea, 28 dining venues, etc. Then, there’s all the new flashy additions that will make this ship stand out from its sisters.
Coconut Cove is a new pool near The Lime and Coconut. The Hideaway will feature two pools on this ship as well. Splashaway Bay gets some new attractions, and the waterpark introduces two new slides, one of which is the first funnel raft slide at sea.
Just as is the case on the previous Icon-class ships, Hero of the Seas includes a supper club restaurant, but as each ship gets its own theme for that restaurant, cruisers will now find a supper club styled after the early 20th-century French Quarter. A new cooking class experience is coming to the Surfside neighborhood. The AquaDome Market will also have four new concepts.
In short, Royal Caribbean International continues to roll out all the stops with its latest addition to the cruising industry.
Debut: August 2027
Gross Tonnage: 248,663 GT
Guest Capacity: 5,610 at double occupancy
Shipyard: Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland
Oceania Sonata (Oceania Cruises)
Oceania Sonata Render
Oceania Sonata is the only one of our new cruise ships for 2027 that’s not just a new cruise ship for the line. It’s introducing an entirely new class of cruise ships.
That’s right, Oceania Sonata will be the lead ship for Oceania Cruises’ new Sonata class, which will eventually be made up of four total ships.
So what can you expect? The cruise line promises that this is going to be its most spacious vessel to date, with the most amenities overall.
Nearly a third of all the accommodation options are suites. Two new suite categories will be available, such as the Horizon Suites, with 600-plus square feet and separate living and bedroom spaces, plus walk-through wardrobes. Each suite and even every cabin will have its own private veranda.
The new Owner’s Suites are of particular note, measuring in at a whopping 2,500 square feet each, and situated on the aft corners of the ship for 180-degree views. Each suite has two bedrooms with their own private bathrooms.
Cruisers will find 10 restaurants on board, including some first-at-sea options. There’s La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, which the cruise line claims is “the most exclusive fine-dining restaurant at sea” and the only restaurant at sea to boast a seal of approval from Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. La Table will exclusively serve only 18 guests at once.
Then, another new option will be Nikkei Kitchen, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant. Given Oceania Cruises’ reputation for exquisite culinary experiences, foodie cruisers will want to snag their spot on this ship stat.
Debut: August 2027
Gross Tonnage: 86,000 GT
Guest Capacity: 1,390
Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy
MSC World Atlantic (MSC Cruises)
MSC World Atlantic Cruise Ship
MSC Cruises has introduced some stellar ships in recent years, and that trend continues with MSC World Atlantic.
Another World-class ship and the fourth of its kind, MSC World Atlantic will both include some of the favorites that cruisers have found on its sister ships, like The Clubhouse entertainment space and the Cliffhanger overwater swing, but also new features, too. With over 38,000 square meters of public space and more than 40 restaurants and bars, there’s plenty of room for them.
Viva La Musica, for instance, is a new lounge focused on Latin music and cocktails. Apparently there will also be some new “thrill-seeker-style” attractions on the ship, too, though they have not yet been announced.
Debut: November 2027
Gross Tonnage: 215,863 GT
Guest Capacity: 6,758
Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France
Explora V (Explora Journeys)
Explora V
No, you’re not mistaken. Explora Journeys is, in fact, coming out with two new luxury ships in 2027. After Explora IV sets sail in the summer, Explora V will be approaching quickly in December.
As can be expected, Explora V will not be all that different from Explora IV. There are fewer ocean-front suites, but still a respectable 457. There are also the five heated pools, seven restaurants, and 12 bars and lounges. Explora V continues the brand’s usage of sustainable fuels.
Debut: December 2027
Gross Tonnage: Approximately 72,000 GT
Guest Capacity: Approximately 900
Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy
Disney Believe (Disney Cruises)
Disney Believe Render
Lastly, the fourth Wish-class vessel for Disney Cruises, Disney Believe will incorporate fan-favorite characters and film classics into its aesthetic, including “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Moana,” “Frozen” and “Encanto.”
Not much is yet known about the LNG-powered ship, given that it’s expected to debut right on the tail end of 2027, but it’s expected that details will begin rolling out over the fall of 2026.
Disney’s not just stopping here, either. Disney Cruises plans to begin operating a new class of cruise ships in 2029, with three ships that are smaller than the Wish class.
Debut: Late 2027
Gross Tonnage: Approximately 144,000 GT
Guest Capacity: Approximately 4,000
Shipyard: Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany
New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2028
While 2028 may seem very far away, tons of avid cruisers are already making their plans for the 2028 cruising season and excitedly anticipating all the new cruise ships on order. Just as was the case in 2027, many major cruise lines have new vessels debuting in 2028, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line, among others.
Viking Lyra (Viking Cruises)
Photo Credit: Steve Heap / Shutterstock
Viking Lyra is the 17th of Viking Cruises’ ocean vessels, and while little is known about it thus far, it’s safe to assume that this ship will carry on the cruise line’s tradition of seamless, Nordic design and adults-only experiences.
The ship is rather small in size, but that’s part of the appeal. You get an intimate experience with relatively few other passengers, under a thousand for this ship specifically. The ship is 10 decks high and 784 feet long, with a beam of 101 feet.
Amenities will include multiple dining and drinking options, an on-board spa, fitness center, and pools. There is no casino on board, in keeping with Viking tradition.
Staterooms will be spacious, with many suite options and 499 cabins stretched across the ship.
Crystal Grace is a big deal. It’s Crystal Cruises’ first new ocean ship in more than two decades! If you’ve been a fan of Crystal Cruises for years, this is one new cruise ship that you won’t want to miss out on.
In keeping with Crystal Cruises’ intimate, luxury vibe, Crystal Grace will be relatively small (at least compared to the mega ships rolling out from lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line). It’ll hold just about 650 guests, which is quite a rarity in today’s cruising market.
All the while, the ship is exceptionally spacious and will tout one of the highest guest-to-space ratios at sea, according to the cruise line.
Across its 11 decks, Crystal Grace will offer numerous new amenities and perks. The ship will be home to the only Nobu restaurant at sea, as well as the only Beefbar at sea. New spaces are designed specifically for younger guests. Meanwhile, the pool area gets a new poolside bar and revamped look.
Otherwise, guests will be able to check out the paddleball and pickleball courts; the golf driving nets; multiple pools; and a range of other public spaces.
Debut: June 2028
Gross Tonnage: 61,800 GT
Guest Capacity: 650
Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy
Explora VI (Explora Journeys)
Explora Journeys Cruise Ship
Explora Journeys is known for its luxury small ships, which the boutique line has been rolling out on a regular basis over the last few years. Owned by MSC Group, which, yes, also owns MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys’ fleet is thus so far limited to just six vessels, so Explora VI will cap out the current expansion plans.
Expect much of what’s already been seen on past Explora Journeys vessels, with a continued focus on sustainability. This ship will offer just over 450 ocean-front suites, five heated pools, seven restaurants and 12 bars and lounges. Meanwhile, the ship is exclusive enough to boast a 1.25 to 1 guest to crew ratio.
The cruise line describes Explora VI as a “floating hotel.”
Celebrity Cruises’ sixth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcite maintains the cruise line’s Edge-class features, promising guests lots of ocean views and newer spaces, similar to Celebrity Xcel, which debuted in 2025.
Again, as this ship is still quite a far way out from debut, we don’t know a lot, but similarities to its most recent sister ship are more or less a guarantee.
Debut: November 2028
Gross Tonnage: 141,000 GT
Guest Capacity: 2,900
Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Carnival Tropicale (Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival Tropicale
Carnival Cruise Line continues to expand its Excel class, with the 2028 addition of Carnival Tropicale. The Excel class debuted in 2021 with Carnival Mardi Gras and now also includes Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. The class will expand further in the spring of 2027, with the debut of Carnival Festivale, as we’ve already discussed.
As is the case with some of its sister ships, Carnival Tropicale’s name is actually a throwback to Carnival Cruise Line ships of years past. The OG Tropicale was originally introduced in the 1980s.
Carnival recently revealed further details about the ship, including a new Turning Tides raft slide, The Vault Retrocade, Fairway 66 mini golf, and the Grand Central Atrium. The vessel also had its steel cutting ceremony take place at the shipyard on September 10; this means the official start of construction.
Debut: 2028
Gross Tonnage: Approximately 180,000 GT
Guest Capacity: Approximately 5,000–6,000
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Germany
5th Icon Class (Royal Caribbean)
Workers at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland at the steel cutting for Royal Caribbean’s fifth Icon Class ship. (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
The brand has two ships coming out that year. One is the next in the lineup of Icon-class ships, the fifth of the bunch.
So far, this ship has not been named and little has been released about it, but chances are likely that the ship will be fairly similar to its Icon-class sisters, just maybe with a few updates or changes here or there. Expect big thrills and tons of options across staterooms, dining, etc.
Debut: 2028
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Guest Capacity: TBA
Shipyard: Meyer Turku, Finland
7th Oasis Class (Royal Caribbean)
7th Oasis Class Keel Ceremony
Royal Caribbean is also extending its Oasis class with another ship in 2028. This vessel will be the seventh in the class. The Oasis class first debuted in 2009 and so the class has come a long way between then and now.
Again, not much has been announced about this ship as of mid-2026, but given all the fun new features we found on Utopia of the Seas, we can assume that this unnamed Oasis-class ship will continue to up the ante.
Debut: 2028
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Guest Capacity: TBA
Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
4th Prima Plus Class (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Cruise Line Logo on Ship (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)
Norwegian Cruise Line is in the midst of rolling out ships for its Prima/Prima Plus class. In 2027, cruisers will get the largest ship the cruise line has ever introduced, Norwegian Aura, and then another unnamed ship will follow in its footsteps in 2028, taking on a similar size.
It’s anticipated that the 2028 ship will be the final Prima/Prima Plus-class vessel, with even larger ships to follow in a brand-new class. Norwegian Cruise Line plans to build more than a dozen ships with Fincantieri through 2037.
Debut: 2028
Gross Tonnage: 172,000 GT
Guest Capacity: 3,840 (double occupancy)
Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy
New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2029
These are all the cruise ships that will debut in 2029 so far. Do know that as we head to years further away, specific details are usually not yet known, but we’ll keep the list updated when cruise lines reveal more.
Viking Cruises has several ships planned to join its fleet over the next several years, and in late 2028, we’ll see the launch of Viking Leda.
This ship will continue the trend that this cruise line has continually followed in recent history: small, all-veranda ships that provide a consistent, high-quality experience no matter which vessel you’re on. While, yes, some ship experiences may differ depending on the vessel’s age, you can reliably find the same venues, stateroom types and aesthetic across the entire fleet.
After Viking Leda, another announced ship will set sail in June 2029: Viking Vega. Following that, more ships are on order for 2032.
Debut: December 2028
Gross Tonnage: Approximately 54,300 GT
Guest Capacity: 998 guests
Built by: Fincantieri, Italy
Oceania Arietta (Oceania Cruises)
Oceania Sonata Render
Oceania Arietta will be the second ship in Oceania Cruises’ new Sonata class. The first ship in the class, Oceania Sonata, debuts in 2027.
While we don’t know much about Oceania Arietta just yet, it’s safe to assume that the vessel will be somewhat similar to the first Sonata ship: meaning, impressive. These ships are the largest that the cruise line has ever built, with a large number of amenities promised, including of the culinary variety, for which Oceania Cruises is known.
The class is already gaining a fair amount of attention from cruisers. In February 2026, the line announced that, when it opened up reservations for Oceania Sonata, it received a record-breaking number of bookings, surpassing the launch day bookings for Oceania Allura by 45%.
After Oceania Arietta’s launch, three additional sister ships will join the class in 2032, 2035 and 2037.
Debut: 2029
Gross Tonnage: Est. 86,000 GT
Guest Capacity: Est. 1,390 guests
Built by: Fincantieri, Italy
Carnival Destiny (Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival Destiny Reveal
Carnival Cruise Line has an exciting few years coming up. In 2027, we’re getting Carnival Festivale. In 2028, we’ll get Carnival Tropicale. And then, in 2029, Carnival Destiny will be hitting the high seas.
However, this third ship in the trio is not like the rest. Whereas the first two are members of the Excel class, Carnival Destiny will kick off an exciting, brand-new class for the line: the Ace class. Additionally, it will be the largest-ever Carnival cruise ship.
This ship has been long anticipated, as Carnival Cruise Line has been hinting at it for multiple years. These ships are going to be massive and, in fact, could very well take the title for the largest ships ever constructed in Italy.
The line promises that these ships will offer more ocean-facing spaces than any other ships in its fleet and the most balcony cabins with ocean views at sea, as well as a wealth of new venues.
One thing that Carnival Destiny does have in common with the other ships the cruise line is rolling out in the near future? Its name is a throwback to a Carnival Cruise Line ship of yesteryear.
The original Carnival Destiny was launched in 1996 and it, too, was a record breaker. It was the first passenger ship to measure in at larger than 100,000 GT, ever. Today, you can see the OG Carnival Destiny sailing under a different name: Carnival Sunshine.
Currently, the Ace class is limited to three ships, with the other two following in 2031 and 2033. As we all know, though, classes are expanded all the time, so we may very well see further ships joining this group.
Debut: 2029
Gross Tonnage: Est. 230,000 GT
Guest Capacity: Est. 8,000 guests at maximum capacity
Built by: Fincantieri, Italy
The Sixth Icon-Class Ship (Royal Caribbean)
Construction Milestone for 6th Icon Class Ship
It feels like just yesterday that Icon of the Seas debuted, but here we are already talking about the sixth ship in this class. While construction has not yet begun and the ship isn’t named, cruisers are already eagerly awaiting news of the sixth Icon-class ship’s progress.
It’s expected that construction will begin in late 2026 or early 2027. While not much is announced, it’s fairly likely that the ship will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors, with very similar venues and offerings. It’ll likely feature the same neighborhood concept as well.
Following this sixth ship, a seventh is also on order.
Debut: 2029
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Guest Capacity: TBA
Built by: Meyer Turku Shipyard, Finland
The First Discovery-Class Ship (Royal Caribbean)
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Alison Ward)
As if a new Icon-class ship in 2029 wasn’t enough, Royal Caribbean will also be giving us a brand-new class altogether, with the introduction of the first ship in the Discovery class.
This class is taking a bit of a departure from Royal Caribbean’s most recent ships, with a smaller footprint. This was a very purposeful decision on the line’s part, though, as a smaller size means easier travel through tight spaces, such as the Panama Canal.
Don’t ignore this ship’s launch just because it isn’t one of the biggest vessels on order, though. Royal Caribbean can still deliver big fun even in a more compact package.
Another Discovery-class ship is planned for 2032, with further ships optional.
Debut: Summer 2029
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Guest Capacity: Approximately 4,300 guests at double occupancy
Built by: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
New Disney Class (Disney Cruises)
New Disney Class
It was only a few years ago that Disney Cruises was one of the smaller lines in the biz. And, yes, it still is when you compare it to long-standing brands like Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean. All that said, it’s very quickly growing its fleet and stake in the cruising market.
That progress will continue in 2029, as Disney Cruises launches not one, not two, but three new ships in a year. Disney Cruise Line’s 2029 ships include a new Wish-class vessel and two in a brand-new class.
Let’s start with the new class first.
While the class hasn’t been named, the new ships are expected to be smaller than the line’s previous Wish class, by about 40,000 GT. In terms of guest capacity, that means the new class of ships should be able to hold about a thousand fewer people.
It’s been hinted that perhaps this smaller size will allow the line to travel to new destinations.
Originally, Disney Cruises was just going to launch one new ship from this class in 2029, but the schedule was adjusted and now two are taking to the high seas that year, one earlier in 2029 and one later.
Debut: 2029
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 100,000 GT
Guest Capacity: Approx. 3,000 guests
Built by: Meyer Werft, Germany
New Wish-Class Ship (Disney Cruises)
This unique Wish-class vessel will debut in Japan. Details are yet to be revealed, including a name, but those details are expected to be coming in fall 2026.
The ship will be operated via a partnership with Oriental Land Co.
While few details have been released regarding these future ships, it can be expected that they’ll be quite similar to prior World-class ships. They’ll be big. They’ll offer tons of amenities. They’ll probably set some new records, like that for the longest dry slide at sea, for instance.
Videos shared from the dry dock shipyard in Marseille show Carnival Freedom is getting a new funnel during her update.
The ship also appears to be receiving the “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest that will be introduced across the Carnival fleet.
Carnival Freedom will be in dry dock until early October, so many additional updates are possible.
Carnival Freedom will return from her dry dock update with an important new look: a new whale-tail funnel. It’s common for cruise ships to get visible refurbishments during dry dock operations, but this will be the second time the 2,980-guest cruise ship has gotten a new funnel in less than five years.
Video posted to YouTube under the username sahidalam3995 shows the old, straight funnel being removed while the new funnel fins are waiting for installation. Titled “Carnival Freedom Funnel Change!” the video shows the funnel being lifted by a crane and set down on the dock next to the new fins.
It is likely the old part of the funnel will be repainted to refresh its look before the new fins are installed and the entire assembly is lifted back onto the ship.
The video was posted on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Carnival Freedom entered dry dock in Marseille, France on September 1, and is scheduled to remain out of service for refurbishment work until Friday, October 9, 2026. At that time, she will begin an 8-night Mediterranean sailing roundtrip from Barcelona.
Following that first cruise, which provides an opportunity to ensure all systems work as expected under full guest operations, Carnival Freedom will set sail on a 13-night transatlantic cruise on Saturday, October 17 to return to Port Canaveral, Florida, bringing her new funnel with her.
What Happened to Carnival Freedom‘s Funnel?
Carnival Freedom first lost her funnel fins during a fire while the ship was docked in Grand Turk on May 26, 2022. That fire severely damaged the starboard fin and necessitated an emergency dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas for repairs.
At that time, the fins of the funnel were removed and Carnival Freedom sailed with a modified funnel until her next regular dry dock in October 2023, at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, when she received a new funnel.
Unfortunately, a second fire occurred on March 23, 2024, believed to be caused by a lightning strike while the ship was sailing in the Bahamas. This second fire damaged the port fin, and once again the ship underwent emergency repairs to modify the funnel. Ever since, she has sailed with a straight funnel, until the current dry dock.
Another New Feature on Carnival Freedom‘s Bow
Another 25-second video of the ship in dry dock was also posted on September 8 and shows another new detail on the ship’s hull. Carnival Freedom appears to be receiving a new crest on her bow.
While details are indistinct because the crest is not yet finished, the shape appears to be the same as the “From Sea to Shining Sea” crest installed on both Carnival Legend and Carnival Magic in May 2026 during their dry dock updates.
The crest features the Carnival logo on stylized waves, with the words “From Sea to Shining Sea” and “Carnival” in a circular frame, along with two stars.
Cruise Hive reported on the new crest when it was announced, and why Carnival Cruise Line is adding the detail to its fleet.
“With the debut of this new crest, we’re reinforcing what guests have long known: Carnival is proud to be America’s Cruise Line,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, at the time the new crest was first revealed.
Only two ships will have a different bow crest design. Carnival Jubilee sports the Star of Texas on her bow, and the upcoming Carnival Tropicale will also have the Star of Texas.
Carnival Jubilee is homeported from Galveston, and Carnival Tropicale will join her in the Lone Star State when she debuts in April 2028. Steel was just cut for Carnival Tropicale‘s construction on Thursday, September 10.
No Other Details Yet Released
Carnival Cruise Line has not yet officially confirmed any of the updates coming to Carnival Freedom during this dry dock. It is not unusual for those updates to be announced once the work is finished and the ship is ready to return to service.
Technical updates and general maintenance are usually part of dry dock updates, as are refurbishments to carpeting, decking, painting, lighting, and more. Venues may be expanded or updated, and staterooms may likewise be updated with new features, such as nightlights or updated USB outlets.
During Carnival Freedom‘s 2023 update, in addition to the new funnel, she also received the red, white, and blue hull livery that has become distinctive for Carnival Cruise Line. The Heroes Tribute Bar was also added to the ship at that time.
A woman scammed out of nearly $1,100 booked a cruise to confront her alleged scammer and get an explanation for their behavior.
The incident took place onboard the August 30, 2026 sailing of MSC Seascape, a 7-night cruise from Galveston.
Despite the verbal confrontation, the woman does not condone bullying or harassment and has reported the scam to the FBI.
No one likes to get scammed, particularly when the scam might cost hundreds of dollars. But would you spend even more to get revenge on the scammer? That is exactly what one cruise guest did on a recent sailing of MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape.
She met Armonte Wilson, whom she describes as “a former associate” on a previous MSC sailing in December 2025. Wilson was hoping to find someone to set sail with in August 2026, and Phillips agreed.
Phillips alleges that Wilson concocted an elaborate scheme that included an itinerary, agent booking numbers, and invoices, all for a cruise reservation that didn’t actually exist or that she was removed from. Ultimately, Phillips sent payments totaling close to $1,100 to Wilson, only for Wilson to cut off contact with her shortly before the departure date.
Frantic to recoup her money and discover what happened, Phillips reportedly contacted MSC Cruises’ customer service and was told that Wilson had only paid $524 for the 7-night Western Caribbean sailing to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.
“So why did he tell me that it costed [sic] $1100 you ask?? I asked the same thing,”she commented in her video caption.
Rather than stay at home and fume about being scammed, Phillips took action: she took a cruise. Specifically, she took the same cruise Wilson had booked, MSC Seascape departing Galveston on Sunday, August 30.
The Onboard Confrontation
Once onboard the 5,877-guest ship, Phillips met another guest who had agreed to help her set up a surprise meeting with Wilson so she could film the encounter.
“I never had plans to put my hands on this man. My intention was to get him to confess so that I can report him to all legal authorities, including cruise ship security,”Phillips explained.
The meeting happened as Phillips approached Wilson in one of the ship’s hot tubs, where she immediately asks where her money is and demands an explanation.
“What I want to know is, where’s my $1,100?”she asks, repeating the question as she approaches Wilson. “You know you stole my $1,100.”
The explicit language in the 2-minute, 13-second video is not suitable for publication. At no point did there appear to be any physical contact between Phillips and Wilson. Phillips repeatedly says she wants her money and wants to know what “we are going to do” but there are no threats made.
Wilson claims to be wanting to call ship’s security while exiting the hot tub, which Phillips encourages and wants to go with him. At the point the video ends, another guest not on screen can be heard asking “Why you bothering him?” but the video cuts off without any answer.
Phillips’ video on Facebook has received more than 2.5 million views and 3,500 comments in less than five days. On other social media platforms, the video has surpassed 14 million views.
She did report her complaint to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for fraud and claims to be taking other legal action against Wilson. At the same time, however, a follow-up on her TikTok clearly shows where the line is drawn.
“I removed my explanation video because I do not want him doxxed or harrassed… I posted the receipts but was unaware certain information was present,”she said.“I do not condone bullying or harrassment [sic].”
Many commenters have expressed further support and respect for Phillips as she has not encouraged bad behavior, but wants others to be aware of the incident.
Wilson did publicly respond to Phillips’ allegations on TikTok and Instagram with his dispute of her claims, including saying the monetary transactions were disputed, but no further direct confrontation between the two has been noted.
Unfortunately, different types of fraud and scams can be common on cruises. Cruise Hive has reported on cases of credit card scams, casino and jewelry fraud, and even scams involving transportation to and from cruise ports. Passengers have been scammed by fraudulent travel agents and supposed “hacks” to get onboard privileges that are only scams.
Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley is celebrating 45 years since joining the cruise line in September 1981.
Bayley was surprised with an anniversary party after joking that he thought his colleagues had forgotten the milestone.
The longtime executive began as an Assistant Purser aboard Nordic Prince before eventually rising to become Royal Caribbean’s president and CEO.
Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley is celebrating a major career milestone. This September, the cruise executive officially marked the 45th anniversary of his start with Royal Caribbean.
Bayley began his career with the cruise line at age 22 as an Assistant Purser. His first contract, which began in September 1981, was at the front desk of the second-ever ship built for the cruise line, Nordic Prince.
“My love affair with Royal Caribbean had begun,”Bayley recalled.
Four and a half decades and several days after that start, the now-CEO thought that nobody at Royal Caribbean would acknowledge the milestone. In a post on Facebook, Bayley humorously noted that his tenure with the company has been longer than most of his employees have been alive.
The post’s accompanying reel, however, revealed that his colleagues hadn’t forgotten the anniversary at all. It showed Bayley walking to what he thought was a meeting in the Royal Caribbean offices when, much to his surprise, he was met with a party.
On September 3, 1981 I boarded a Pan Am flight in London bound for Miami. I had just turned 22 and got a job working on a cruise ship as Assistant Purser on the front desk of the m/s Nordic Prince. My love affair with Royal Caribbean had begun. What a journey of fun, Adventure and happiness. 45 years and a few days later I was relieved no one had mentioned my anniversary. (Longer than 80 per cent of my fellow employees have been alive). Then Boom ! A surprise party. Thank you !
“I was relieved no one had mentioned my anniversary,” he said. “Then Boom! A surprise party. Thank you!”
Employees gathered with dancers and confetti, and signs reading “Happy 45th Service Anniversary Michael” to celebrate. A conference room was adorned with streamers, balloons, cake, and photos from throughout Bayley’s long career with the cruise line.
From Assistant Purser to CEO
Despite being a native of Cardiff, Wales, Michael Bayley describes himself as a believer in the American Dream, and his career path certainly demonstrates that. Since beginning as an Assistant Purser in 1981, Bayley has risen steadily up the ranks within the cruise line.
In his first ten years with Royal Caribbean, he took on increasingly more demanding roles. He later became Vice President of Total Guest Satisfaction and Fleet Operations for the cruise line, followed by Senior VP of Hotel Operations and Onboard Revenue.
Bayley then served as Chairman and Managing Director of the now-defunct Island Cruises. This joint venture between Royal Caribbean and First Choice Holidays operated cruises in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America before Royal Caribbean sold its 50 percent stake to TUI Cruises in 2008.
Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley
Following his time at Island Cruises, Michael Bayley was appointed Executive VP of International Sales and Marketing for Royal Caribbean. In this role, he opened offices in 11 countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
Then, in 2012, Bayley was appointed to the role of President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, which is owned by Royal Caribbean Group. Two years later in 2014, he became President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
Bayley Continues to Grow Royal Caribbean
In his position as President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, Bayley oversees more than 50,000 employees worldwide. The cruise line operates a fleet of 30 ships and visits destinations all around the world.
During his time in this role, Bayley has overseen the introduction of new ships, such as the Icon-class lineup. Cruise Hive previously reported on the September 4, 2026 float-out of the upcoming Hero of the Seas, the day after Bayley’s official 45th anniversary with the company.
He has also overseen the development of new destinations for the brand, including Perfect Day CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Royal Caribbean plans to continue introducing new destinations, such as Royal Beach Club Cozumel, slated to open in December 2026.
The fleet is also expanding, with Hero of the Seas scheduled to debut in 2027 and a fifth Icon-class ship ordered for 2028. Additionally, the cruise line will introduce the new Discovery Class beginning in 2029.
Disney Magic will now be visiting Cozumel on Christmas Eve on her December 22, 2026 departure from Galveston.
Previously, only a visit to Progreso was on the ship’s 5-night Very Merrytime sailing, but Cozumel has been added.
There are no other changes to the cruise at this time, either to Progreso or the ship’s departure from or arrival back to Galveston.
Guests booked on the Very Merrytime sailing of Disney Magic departing on Tuesday, December 22, 2026 are getting a special gift from Disney Cruise Line as an extra port of call has been added to the 5-night cruise.
“Due to a change in port availability, we are pleased to offer the opportunity for your sailing to visit Cozumel, Mexico,”the email notification explained.
Disney Cruise Line began notifying guests about the change on September 9, more than three months before their voyage will set sail from Galveston, Texas. This gives guests plenty of time to plan activities to enjoy their stop in Cozumel.
The revised itinerary for the holiday cruise is as follows:
Tuesday, December 22 – Depart Galveston (all aboard by 3 p.m.)
Wednesday, December 23 – Day at Sea
Thursday, December 24 – Cozumel, Mexico from 11:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. (previously at sea)
Friday, December 25 – Progreso, Mexico from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, December 26 – Day at Sea
Sunday, December 27 – Arrive Galveston (debarkation approximately 7:30 a.m.)
This means guests on the 1,750-guest Disney Magic will enjoy Christmas Eve in Cozumel, followed by Progreso on Christmas Day.
What This Means for Guests
Because there are no other changes to Disney Magic‘s itinerary, there should not be any impact to guests’ plans for most of the sailing.
If guests have planned onboard appointments on December 24, however, they may want to adjust those reservations in order to enjoy what Cozumel has to offer. This could include visits to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for holiday glam, a visit to the Senses Spa & Salon for the ultimate relaxation, or early dinner reservations at the adults-only specialty restaurant, Palo.
Disney Magic Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)
Port Adventures for Cozumel will be available to book through Disney Cruise Line’s website, on the app, or by visiting the Port Adventures Desk onboard, starboard side in the atrium on Deck 3.
Onboard activities will likely be adjusted to accommodate the new port visit, but crafts, trivia contests, drawing lessons, princess visits, and other options will still be available throughout the day.
What to Expect in Port on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Local retailers may choose to be closed on the holiday, but this will be an individual decision for different businesses in each port and is not controlled by the cruise line. This could mean available tours may sell out quickly or there is less to do ashore for visitors on those days.
Because these communities rely heavily on cruise tourism, however, local businesses may well be open even on the holiday so as not to miss important income.
Furthermore, Disney Magic is far from the only ship in either port on the holidays. On Christmas Eve, six other ships are currently scheduled for Cozumel: Viking Sky, Viking Mars, Norwegian Luna, Celebrity Reflection, Carnival Paradise, and Star of the Seas.
Because Disney Cruise Line cited “a change in port availability” as the reason Disney Magic is able to add the Christmas Eve visit to Cozumel, however, it is possible one of those ships may have released its berth for that day. None of those cruise lines have yet confirmed any adjustment to their holiday sailings.
On Christmas Day, Disney Magic is visiting Progreso alongside just one other ship, Carnival Breeze.
Carnival Venezia guests booked on a September 14, 2026 sailing from New York are being warned to follow their terminal arrival appointments due to high guest volume.
Guests arriving before their assigned time may not be permitted inside the cruise terminal.
The terminal will be shared with another cruise line’s ship, which Carnival did not identify, although Oceania Vista is also scheduled to embark from New York that day.
Guests preparing to embark on an upcoming Carnival Venezia sailing from New York are being asked not to arrive at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal ahead of their assigned time. Higher-than-normal traffic is expected due to a ship from another cruise line also utilizing the terminal.
The 4,090-passenger vessel will depart from New York City on September 14, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. on a 6-night Bermuda sailing visiting King’s Wharf. Carnival sent a notice to guests on September 9, 2026, asking them to adhere to their scheduled arrival time and warning that early arrivals may be denied entry.
“To properly manage our embarkation operations, we kindly ask for your full cooperation with adherence to your pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment,” the notice said. “Guests who arrive earlier than their assigned time may not be permitted to enter the cruise terminal.”
In spite of the increased traffic at the terminal, there has been no announced alteration to the itinerary or departure time of Carnival Venezia’s sailing. Guests are still required to be on board by the time indicated on their boarding pass.
The cruise line also urged guests to pay close attention to signage in light of the shared terminal. Guests checking luggage were advised to look for the Carnival Cruise Line luggage drop-off signs at the terminal.
Carnival Venezia in New York (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Carnival also stressed the importance of personally carrying items that may require special handling. Examples the cruise line provided include boarding and travel documents, valuables, and medications.
Carnival Cruise Line did not identify the other cruise ship that would be sharing the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. However, Oceania Cruises’ 1,200-guest Oceania Vista is also scheduled to begin a cruise from New York on September 14 at 5:00 p.m.
Oceania Vista will sail an 11-night itinerary from New York to Montreal. This voyage will call in Halifax, Sydney in Nova Scotia, Charlottetown, Gaspé, Baie-Comeau, Saguenay, and Quebec City before disembarking in Montreal on September 25, 2026.
The Manhattan Cruise Terminal primarily operates two piers: Pier 88 and Pier 90. However, Pier 90 has been out of service since January 2026 due to aging infrastructure, leaving only Pier 88 to handle cruise traffic out of Manhattan with only two available berths.
The closure of Pier 90 came just two months after Cruise Hive covered plans for a major renovation of the terminal in November 2025. The proposed overhaul would introduce shore power at all berths while increasing capacity, allowing up to three ships to dock simultaneously.
Until that renovation is approved and completed, however, Pier 88 will be left handling all cruise traffic at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. This presents a challenge on high-traffic days, such as September 14, when two ships are scheduled to depart.
