MSC Cruises has opened its 130,000-square-foot North American headquarters in Miami.
The new office will be home to more than 400 team members.
The cruise line remains committed to expanding North American operations with more ships.
The largest cruise line in Europe and third-largest in the world, MSC Cruises, has officially opened its new Miami headquarters, providing the base of operations for its North America market and showcasing its dedication to bringing its unique brand of cruising to the region.
The 130,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art office space is on the seventh floor at Block 55 at Sawyer’s Walk, located at 249 NW 6th Street in Miami. This is just two blocks from the Miami Brightline Station and less than four miles from the MSC Cruises terminal at PortMiami.
The ceremonial ribbon cutting on Monday, January 26, 2026 included cruise line executives along with city officials, MSC Group leadership, community partners, and more.
The new facility, part of a 1.5 million-square-foot mixed-use development by SG Holdings, will be home to MSC Cruises in a critical location to support their North American cruise operations and will provide office space for more than 400 team members.
“Our new North American Cruise Division headquarters reflects the scale of our ambitions for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO of MSC Group’s North America Cruise Division.
“By bringing our teams together under one roof, we are creating an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and shared purpose as we continue expanding our footprint, deploying more ships, welcoming more guests and strengthening our presence across U.S. homeports.”
MSC Cruises’ flagship, MSC World America, is homeported from PortMiami, offering 7-night Caribbean itineraries and visiting the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
MSC Cruises’ ships in North America are also homeported from Port Canaveral, Galveston, New York, and Seattle, depending on the season.
MSC Investment in Miami
The project has been a $100 million direct investment by MSC Group and an economic boom to Miami, expected to support an additional 1,500 jobs over the next three years.
Furthermore, the overall recurrent economic impact of the headquarters is expected to be approximately $300 million annually across hospitality, retail, infrastructure, logistics, and other economic sectors.
“I am thrilled to welcome MSC Group’s North American Cruise Division headquarters to Miami-Dade County, just a few miles from PortMiami,” said Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County.
“This exciting investment will create hundreds of new jobs, generate meaningful economic impact, and further strengthen Miami-Dade’s position as a global hub for cruise and cargo operations. It also reflects MSC Group’s confidence in our community and our shared commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient future. I’m proud to partner with MSC Group as they continue to grow and invest in our region.”
“MSC Group’s decision to establish its North American Cruise Division headquarters in Miami reflects the city’s unmatched position as a global gateway for trade, travel, and maritime commerce,”added Eileen Higgins, City of Miami Mayor.
MSC Cruises has continued investing in its North America operations over the past several years, including deploying vessels to US homeports, building the world’s largest cruise terminal in Miami, and planning a joint cruise terminal with Norwegian Cruise Line in Galveston.
Cruise travelers eager for new options, exciting new ships, and ever-more cruising opportunities are happy to see MSC Cruises continue to grow in North America, bringing a unique new experience and even more options to set sail.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s NCL Air program now requires guests to fly to their homeport at least one day ahead of sailing.
The change takes effect from January 26, 2026 and applies to all new bookings or existing reservations that are repriced.
Guests will be responsible for their own hotel reservations unless using the NCL Hotel or Hotel Plus programs.
Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its NCL Air policy, effective immediately, requiring all airfare bookings through the NCL Air program to schedule guests to arrive at least one day ahead of their cruise ship’s departure date, regardless of homeport or sailing date.
The policy change takes effect from January 26, 2026, and now applies to all new reservations, including air arrangements, as well as any existing reservations that may be repriced from this date forward.
“We know that flight delays (particularly day-of-sailing arrivals) have, in some cases, resulted in guests missing embarkation for their cruise and having to downline to embark at a later port of call,”the cruise line explained to travel advisors.
“This update reflects our shared goal of protecting your clients’ vacations by allowing more time for unexpected travel disruptions such as flight delays or weather interruptions, ensuring a smoother, more relaxed start to their cruise journey.”
This update comes coincidentally as the northeastern US continues to experience extensive flight delays due to Winter Storm Fern. On Monday, January 26, FlightAware has reported more than 5,100 flight cancellations in the US, and more than 15,100 flight delays.
Over the previous few days, tens of thousands of flights were cancelled or delayed across the country, impacting cruise guests to multiple homeports regardless of whether their ships were individually impacted by the storm.
Guests Responsible for Hotel Arrangements
It must be noted that when using NCL Air for flight arrangements under the new requirement, guests are responsible for their own pre-cruise hotel accommodations, even when the cruise line schedules their flights.
This may initially seem controversial as guests will be required to fly to the homeport at least one day early. However, giving guests the responsibility of choosing and paying for their own hotel does permit greater flexibility for individual hotel preferences and budgets.
Norwegian Cruise Line Funnel (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
Guests could, for example, choose a hotel near local attractions or amenities they are interested in, or they might select a hotel where they can already use rewards points or programs not necessarily affiliated with Norwegian Cruise Line.
NCL’s Hotel and Hotel Plus program is available as well, if guests prefer to let the cruise line make all the arrangements.
Reactions Generally Positive
Experienced cruise guests are pleased with the update, noting that it’s always wise to fly in early to a cruise homeport.
Admittedly, there will always be some guests upset at changes, especially if it means they have to pay for the hotel night. Nevertheless, that extra expense would be well worthwhile to minimize the risk of missing one’s cruise ship.
“This is an EXCELLENT decision by NCL. Will it result in customers that are unhappy that they have to pay for a hotel night? Probably. Will it result in a better all-around experience? ABSOLUTELY,”one booked guest commented on Reddit.
Some guests even note that they’ve avoided using NCL Air in the past because flights were often booked for day-of-boarding travel, which made them too nervous to trust the arrangements.
Now, the update will ensure more time to shift travel plans in case of delays or other problems. If all flights are smooth, guests will have the added experience of spending time in the homeport city, extending their cruise vacation in a way that will benefit local communities even more.
The Pearl has been lifted into place on the fourth Icon-class ship, a key construction milestone.
The spherical structure is an architectural marvel and a guest favorite selfie spot onboard the Icon-class ships.
Construction progress continues on the vessel, and she should debut in 2027.
At the same time that the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland cut steel for the upcoming fifth Icon-class ship, a key structural component and one of the most unique features of the fourth ship in the class has been lifted into place.
Meyer Turku noted the progress update on Facebook, sharing key photos as The Pearl was lifted onto the ship, which is currently under construction in Finland.
“Icon 4’s Pearl was lifted into the ship last week. The Pearl is a key feature of the Icon class’ Royal Promenade deck,”the shipyard explained.“It functions both as a load‑bearing structure and a staircase connecting the promenade and the Pearl Café.”
For the construction lift, the structure of the pearl is carefully wrapped so it is not damaged during the move and installation. Both the upper and lower entrances of The Pearl are visible by the asymmetry of the structure. The larger, lower entrance will be positioned on Deck 5, with the smaller, upper entrance on Deck 6.
Pearl Being Installed on Fourth Icon Class Ship (Credit: Meyer Turku)
This is a key milestone in the construction of the as-yet-unnamed ship, which will be fourth in the famed Icon class after Icon of the Seas (2023), Star of the Seas (2025), and the upcoming Legend of the Seas (2026).
The fourth vessel has not yet been named, but it is anticipated that it will debut in 2027. Further details are sure to be released as construction continues and the ship’s launch date approaches.
About The Pearl
The Pearl was first introduced as a mystery while Icon of the Seas was under construction. Speculation was rampant about what the never-before-seen feature might have been, including a planetarium exhibit, a small but unique dining venue, or an immersive entertainment experience.
The Pearl is actually the world’s largest kinetic art installation at 16 meters (52.5 feet) in diameter with color-changing lights, moving tiles, and reflection effects that evolve throughout the day in the heart of the ship’s busy Royal Promenade.
Icon of the Seas Pearl Feature
As a staircase, The Pearl provides quick access between Decks 5 and 6, as well as serving as a key structural support while permitting abundant light into the ship’s interior.
“The Pearl has a lot of different purposes,”said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer for Royal Caribbean International.“It’s a bit art, a bit sculpture, a bit experience, a bit wow – but all in an architectural marvel.”
On both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, The Pearl has quickly become a favorite passage between the public decks as well as a selfie spot for truly iconic vacation photos.
Icon 4 Construction Progressing
The fourth Icon-class ship was initially ordered in August 2024. Her physical construction began on September 8, 2025 with the ceremonial keel laying, marking the first bits of the ship to begin being assembled.
In mid-January 2026, the first of the modular staterooms were lifted into place on the growing ship, showing her ongoing progress. The ship will feature 2,800 staterooms and will ultimately have a guest capacity of more than 5,600 at double occupancy and well over 7,500 when all berths are filled.
Royal Caribbean’s 4th Icon Class Cabin Installation (Photo Credit: Meyer Turku)
It’s not uncommon for ships in the same class to have slightly different capacities as layouts are tweaked and adjusted based on guest feedback from earlier ships.
There is still a lot of progress that must be made before the massive new ship will be ready for guests. The construction has to be completed, and the ship will be floated out. Then, further construction will continue as well as interior outfitting, and the ship will progress to sea trials.
Before that time, Royal Caribbean will need to release the ship’s name, announce her homeport and itineraries, and of course, open her reservations for eager bookings.
Eventually, the vessel will be handed over to the cruise line, fully equipped and supplied, and ready to bring guests aboard for phenomenal cruise vacations and perfect pictures at The Pearl.
Carnival Pride will be arriving in Baltimore one day late because of Winter Storm Fern.
Embarkation will not be able to take place until the late afternoon on January 26 due to snowy conditions.
Aside from skipping Bimini on January 28, no additional itinerary changes are expected.
Thanks to the historic Winter Storm Fern wreaking havoc throughout the US East Coast, Carnival Pride was forced to spend an extra day at sea to avoid the worst of the weather.
Instead of returning to Baltimore, Maryland, on January 25, 2026, the Spirit-class ship will arrive to disembark its current 14-night Caribbean sailing on January 26, 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line has now issued a more specific embarkation update for the up to 2,134 guests who were supposed to embark on a 7-night Bahamas cruise on the 25th.
“Carnival Pride is expected to arrive in Baltimore tomorrow, Monday, January 26, at noon, and your embarkation time has been updated accordingly,” the cruise line wrote in a letter.
“We apologize for this weather-related delay and thank you for your patience and understanding. If you are impacted by the storm, please take extra precautions in staying safe while traveling.”
Terminal arrival appointments were adjusted with the snowy conditions in mind and to allow current passengers time to disembark and make their way out of the parking facility.
Embarkation Will be Late
Because of the delay, guests have been asked to push their pre-selected terminal arrival appointments back by four hours.
This means that a guest who was supposed to arrive from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. on January 25 shouldn’t come to the port until 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on January 26, and so forth. All guests must be checked in by 7 p.m. local time.
Carnival Pride Docked in Baltimore (Photo Credit: Cruise Maryland)
It will take a significant amount of time for current guests to disembark and make their way home, especially because the parking facility and vehicles have been buried in snow.
“Our partners at the port have advised us that the parking facility and vehicles are covered in heavy snow. It will take significant time to clear this,”Carnival advised.
Per weather reports, Baltimore received anywhere from six to ten inches of snow depending on the neighborhood.
“To properly manage the embarkation process, we kindly ask for your full cooperation with this revised operational plan,” the cruise line continued.
“Importantly, we must allow guests from the current cruise to disembark the ship and leave the parking facility before we can accommodate your arrival,” they added.
Radar Update (536-646 am): Wintry precipitation continues to fall across the region. The area of warm air above the surface has begun to approach the I-66 corridor this morning. This has introduced some sleet pellets into the snow. #MDwx#VAwx#DCwx#WVwxpic.twitter.com/3FRZmu1Ink
Guests who arrive early cannot be accommodated, though it may still be important to plan for potential delays reaching the cruise port given the hazardous conditions.
No Additional Itinerary Changes for Carnival Pride
When the delay was first announced, guests were informed that the call to Bimini, Bahamas, on January 28, 2026, would have to be cancelled.
However, the cruise line can now confirm that no additional ports on the itinerary will be adjusted.
“As shared in our previous email, due to our Monday departure, we will no longer be visiting Bimini. The rest of the itinerary remains unchanged,” Carnival confirmed.
The remaining ports are both Carnival-owned private islands. The 88,500-gross ton vessel will call at Princess Cays on January 29 and the new Celebration Key on January 30.
Compensation Provided
Because guests are embarking a day late and will miss their first port call, Carnival is providing compensation as a gesture of good faith.
It is generous, as the cruise contract does not require the cruise line to compensate guests for itinerary changes that are outside of the company’s control. Guests will receive a one-day, pro-rated refund of their cruise fare to their original form of payment in the next three weeks.
They will also get a pro-rated refund for pre-purchased beverage and Wi-Fi packages, as well as pre-paid gratuities. These will come in the form of an onboard credit and will be available in guests’ Sail & Sign accounts by Tuesday, January 27.
Though there seems to be a plan in place now, further operational adjustments are still possible. Guests should look out for additional communication from the cruise line and sign up for text alerts for immediate updates.
Odyssey of the Seas will be a day late returning to Cape Liberty, New Jersey, due to the winter storm.
This automatically shortens the next sailing by a day and two port visits are now cancelled.
The remainder of the itinerary remains unchanged and Odyssey of the Seas is in no danger.
Winter Storm Fern is impacting multiple cruise ships in the northeast, including Carnival Pride in Baltimore and MSC Meraviglia in Brooklyn, and now Odyssey of the Seas has joined that list.
The Quantum-Ultra-class ship is homeported from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, and will now be late returning to her Garden State homeport due to poor weather conditions. Naturally, this has the knock-on effect of shortening the next cruise by a full day.
Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests on the ship’s January 26 (now January 27) itinerary with their updated plans.
“Due to the major winter storm affecting much of the east and northeast US, and the impacts to land-based travel and port operations, we are delaying our arrival into Bayonne by one day,”the email sent to guests confirmed.
“This will allow for the weather to improve and shore based-operations to recover. For many guests experiencing difficulty getting to Bayonne, we hope this relieves some worry as you’ll have an extra day to make it there safely. We will now be sailing on Tuesday, January 27th with an updated itinerary.”
Odyssey of the Letter Related to thew Winter Storm
According to Flightaware, the three closest airports to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port are showing the following delays and cancellations on Sunday, January 25:
Newark Liberty International Airport (12 miles away) – 20 delays, 909 cancellations
LaGuardia Airport (20 miles away) – 32 delays, 899 cancellations
John F. Kennedy International Airport (25 miles away) – 37 delays, 956 cancellations
Odyssey of the Seas (Photo Credit: AlexKuznetsov / Shutterstock)
As the storm is not expected to clear the East Coast until early Monday morning, additional delays are possible. Furthermore, flight schedules will be chaotic for several days following the storm as delayed travelers must catch up with their plans.
With Odyssey of the Seas now planning to set sail on Tuesday, guests will have extra time to even out their travel plans and arrive at the cruise terminal without missing the ship.
Itinerary Adjusted for Shortened Sailing
Odyssey of the Seas is returning from an 11-night (now 12-night) Southern Caribbean itinerary. The ship’s next sailing was to have been a 12-night cruise, but will now instead be an 11-night sailing, also with a Southern Caribbean route. Unfortunately, the shortened itinerary cannot accommodate all the originally planned ports of call.
“Due to this change, our calls to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas will be canceled and instead we’ll enjoy some extra time onboard,”the cruise line confirmed.
With no alternative ports available, this makes Odyssey of the Seas‘ upcoming itinerary as follows:
Tuesday, January 27 – Depart Cape Liberty at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, January 28-30 – Days at sea
Saturday, January 31 – St. Johns, Antigua from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, February 1 – Bridgetown, Barbados from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, February 2 – Castries, St. Lucia from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, February 3 – Philipsburg, St. Maarten from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, February 4-6 – Days at sea
Saturday, February 7 – Arrive New Jersey at 6 a.m.
Any shore tours booked through Royal Caribbean for the now-cancelled visits to San Juan and Charlotte Amalie will be automatically cancelled and refunded.
While it will be disappointing for guests to miss these destinations, the extra time at sea ensures Odyssey of the Seas can adjust her sailing route to be as far as possible from any remnants of the storm, ensuring the smoothest possible conditions for guests to enjoy.
If there are any further adjustments to the ship’s itinerary, booked guests will be notified as soon as changes are confirmed.
Three cruise ships have been severely impacted by Winter Storm Fern with itinerary adjustments and delays.
Three additional ships have been on alert for possible changes due to inclement weather.
Flight cancellations and hazardous driving conditions can cause travel problems for thousands of cruise guests.
Winter Storm Fern is ravaging much of the US with bitterly cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, freezing rain and sleet, and further south, strong thunderstorms that may produce tornadoes.
The National Weather Service is noting heavy snowfall as high as 18 inches from the Ohio Valley to the Northeast, as well as “catastrophic ice accumulation” in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
While many of these impacts are far from cruise ports, several cruise ships and US homeports have still been impacted with delays or itinerary changes, while others remain on alert in case further adjustments are necessary.
Cruise Hive will continue to keep this list updated with the latest:
Odyssey of the Seas
To permit time for shore-based operations to improve following the storm, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas is delaying her return to Cape Liberty, New Jersey until Tuesday, January 27. The ship was originally scheduled to return from her 11-night sailing on Monday, January 26.
Odyssey of the Seas (Photo Credit: AlexKuznetsov / Shutterstock)
The Southern Caribbean itinerary first departed New Jersey on January 15, 2026, well before the storm’s severity was anticipated.
This also means the next cruise, originally a 12-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, is shortened by one day. In order to permit the ship to sail the smoothest course possible, the port visits to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas are cancelled and Odyssey of the Seas will enjoy additional time at sea instead.
Harmony of the Seas
Returning from what was to have been a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary that originally departed on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas opted to speed up her return to Galveston ahead of the storm.
The ship arrived in port on Saturday afternoon instead of Sunday morning, giving guests onboard the opportunity to debark early if they wished to start home more quickly. This permitted many travelers to make their way home before the worst of the storm’s impact in Texas.
Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Andres Felipe Perez)
Guests were not required to debark early, however, and could have remained onboard the Oasis-class ship to enjoy the last night of their cruise with modified activities. Because of local regulations, retail shops and the ship’s casino were closed once Harmony of the Seas approached the port.
The ship’s next sailing, another 7-night Western Caribbean cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, is not impacted and should depart Galveston as planned on Sunday, January 25.
Carnival Pride
Carnival Pride has done the opposite of Harmony of the Seas and has remained at sea on Sunday, January 25 instead of returning to her Baltimore homeport as planned at the end of her 14-night Caribbean and Panama itinerary that departed on Sunday, January 11.
Instead, the ship will be back to Maryland on Monday at noon, with embarkation to begin at roughly 4 p.m. The next sailing, a 7-night Bahamas cruise, is now shortened by one day and will be unable to visit Bimini as originally scheduled.
Carnival Pride Docked in Baltimore (Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Both private island port visits – Princess Cays on Thursday, January 29 and Celebration Key on Friday, January 30 – should remain as planned, but further operational updates may be necessary once the ship sets sail.
Guests on the now-shortened cruise are receiving a one-day, pro-rated refund of their cruise fare and of any pre-purchased packages such as drink packages, internet service, or pre-paid gratuities.
Carnival Jubilee
Sailing from Galveston, Carnival Jubilee was on alert for her Saturday, January 24 embarkation and departure in case changes were necessary. Carnival Cruise Line reached out to guests and urged them to sign up for text alerts and stay in close communication in case of further updates.
Fortunately, the Excel-class ship was able to depart as planned for her 7-night sailing, with visits planned to Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.
At this time, there are no changes for Carnival Jubilee and she should enjoy smooth sailing and an on-time return to the Lone Star State on Saturday, January 31.
Carnival Sunshine
On the east coast, Carnival Sunshine was also on a weather-related alert for her Saturday, January 24 departure from Norfolk, Virginia, with guests urged to sign up for text alerts in case of last-minute changes.
Carnival Sunshine Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Daniel Wright98)
Fortunately, the storm’s impact on the Old Dominion State was minimal ahead of the ship’s departure, and she was able to set sail as planned for her 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary to Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and Grand Turk.
The ship is underway as planned and no changes are expected either to her itinerary or her return to Virginia on Sunday, February 1.
MSC Meraviglia
While parts of New York are expected to receive up to 12 inches of snow, MSC Meraviglia has arrived as planned at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on Sunday, January 25.
The ship is due to depart on a 7-night Bahamas itinerary with visits to Port Canaveral, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, and Nassau before returning to the Big Apple on Sunday, February 1.
Because of winter weather conditions in the region, guests have been urged by MSC Cruises to take extra precautions to ensure their timely arrival to the cruise terminal. The ship is expected to depart on schedule and delayed guests may be unable to board if they miss the cutoff time for final boarding.
Other Travel Impacts
According to FlightAware, more than 27,000 flights across the US have been cancelled or delayed due to the storm, causing incredible congestion and travel challenges for cruise guests trying to reach their homeports or return home after their sailings.
This unfortunate situation emphasizes how critical it is for cruisers to be flexible with their travel plans as they head for a cruise and to have alternative options in place in case of travel disruptions.
Even if cruise ships are not directly affected, cruise guests should always be mindful of weather that could impact how they reach their ships so they can be sure to set sail smoothly and safely.
Winter Storm Fern is expected to drop up to 12 inches of snow in parts of New York, along with sleet and freezing rain.
This will not impact MSC Meraviglia’s arrival at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on January 25, 2026.
Guests embarking on the ship that day should take extra precautions when making their way to the port.
Sunday, January 25, 2026, is shaping up to be one of the worst travel days ever on the US East Coast. It’s also the day that MSC Meraviglia is due to embark on its next 7-night Bahamas sailing from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in New York.
According to current forecasts, the massive Winter Storm Fern is expected to drop up to 12 inches of snow in New York between 3 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. on Monday, January 26.
When not actively snowing, the Big Apple may be bombarded with a mix of sleet and freezing rain.
Winter storm warnings will remain in place in New York and New Jersey during this time period, as these states join 16 others to declare states of emergency ahead of the historic storm’s arrival.
While MSC Meraviglia’s planned arrival in the port at 7 a.m. on January 25 is not expected to be changed due to the storm, these conditions will make travel to and from the cruise port risky.
Guests Warned of Hazards and Delays
Traveling during snowy and icy weather can be dangerous, and MSC Cruises is encouraging its guests to exercise increased caution and plan for delays as they make their way to the cruise port.
“The National Weather Service has forecasted heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures for New York City on Sunday, January 25, 2026,”MSC Cruises wrote to soon-to-be guests.
“While this weather event is not expected to impact the arrival or departure of MSC Meraviglia in New York, there may be delays impacting guest’s arrival to the port,” the cruise line continued.
Officials have also warned that the storm may bring prolonged power outages, which could lead to congestion and delays if traffic lights go out in the already busy city.
Public transportation like subways and buses are expected to remain operational through the blustery weekend, but these systems could also be impacted by the dangerous conditions.
“To ensure a smooth embarkation process, please plan ahead and allow extra travel time. We also recommend monitoring local news and official traffic advisories for the most up-to-date information before your departure,” MSC advised.
The up to 5,642 passengers booked on this sailing are asked to do their best to adhere to their assigned check-in times.
The cruise terminal will shut its doors promptly at 2:30 p.m. EST ahead of the 171,598-gross ton vessel’s planned departure at 3 p.m.
Current guests debarking from the Meraviglia-class flagship should also exercise increased caution while leaving the cruise port.
No Impact to the Itinerary
Luckily for MSC guests, there is no impact to the current 7-night Bahamas sailing or the identical voyage that will leave New York to sail to paradise on January 25.
The calls to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida; MSC Ocean Cay in the Bahamas; and Nassau, Bahamas, are all expected to go ahead as planned.
This, of course, is in stark contrast to ships like Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, which had to cut its sailing short and return to Galveston, Texas, one day early to get ahead of the storm.
Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line had to delay Carnival Pride’s return to Baltimore because of the weather, and also issued alerts for Carnival Jubilee in Galveston and Carnival Sunshine in Norfolk.
Of course, this is still a developing situation and last-minute changes related to the historic winter storm are always possible.
Guests who are planning to set sail this weekend in the US Midwest, South, or East Coast should keep an eye out for updates from their cruise line and opt in to travel alerts when possible.
Anthem of the Seas has developed technical issues and will late returning to Sydney on Tuesday, January 27.
The next cruise has already been cancelled so full repairs can be made.
Royal Caribbean is offering compensation to guests on both sailings to assist with change fees and travel plans.
Anthem of the Seas‘ January 19, 2026 departure was to have returned to Sydney, Australia for a typical morning debarkation on Tuesday, January 27, but a technical issue has now forced a delay and the ship will not be returning until late Tuesday afternoon.
The South Pacific cruise visited ports in New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and satellite tracking now shows Anthem of the Seas heading back to Australia at just 14 knots (16 miles per hour). The top speed for the Quantum-class ship is 22 knots (25 mph).
Guests onboard have been notified of the difficulties, as well as reimbursement options regarding onward travel after debarkation.
“As previously announced by our Captain, we experienced a technical issue that has impacted our speed,”the letter delivered to guests confirmed.“As a result, our arrival into Sydney will be delayed and we’ll now arrive at approximately 4:00 PM on the 27th.”
Anthem of the Seas Technical Issues Letter
The original arrival time for the vessel was no later than 6:30 a.m., so this is a significant delay that will likely impact many guests’ travel plans after the cruise.
To help guests adjust those plans, Royal Caribbean is permitting phone calls from Guest Services at no charge, and guests without an internet package will receive a voucher for 120 minutes of complementary internet access (per stateroom).
All onboard packages for drinks and internet service will automatically be extended until debarkation at no extra charge.
When Anthem of the Seas arrives in Sydney and is cleared for debarkation, guests are urged to stick to their assigned departure groups and keep their travel documents in hand to ensure a smooth, efficient debarkation for the more than 4,000 travelers onboard.
Reimbursement for Flight Changes
Guests who have flights booked after their sailing will have those flights automatically adjusted if they made the arrangements through Royal Caribbean. Email confirmations will be provided once flight changes are confirmed.
Anyone who is making independent flight arrangements is urged not to reschedule flights before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27. Furthermore, Royal Caribbean is offering reimbursement for flight changes as follows (all figures in USD):
Up to $200 per person for domestic flight change fees
Up to $400 per person for international flight change fees
Up to $250 per stateroom for one hotel night if necessary
Guests must upload receipts to Royal Caribbean’s Guest Relations team for reimbursement consideration.
Next Anthem of the Seas Cruise Cancelled
Due to the nature of the technical issue, Royal Caribbean has already elected to completely cancel the next sailing for Anthem of the Seas, a 10-night voyage around New Zealand.
Guests booked on that cruise have been notified of the unfortunate cancellation and offered options.
“Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning to begin required maintenance,”the email notification explained.“Unfortunately, we will not be able to complete the needed repairs in time for our 27 January sailing. As a result, we are canceling our Anthem of the Seas cruise.”
Anthem of the Seas in Sydney (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand)
All guests on the now-cancelled cruise will receive a 100% refund that includes not only the cruise fare, but all associated costs such as taxes, fees, pre-paid packages, gratuities, and shore excursions purchased through the cruise line.
Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment within 14 business days. The exact time for processing will depend on individual financial institutions.
All guests will also receive a 25% future cruise credit (FCC) to use toward booking a future Royal Caribbean cruise that departs within the next 12 months. Those credits will be available by February 9, 2026.
Additionally, guests will be reimbursed up to $200 (USD) for domestic flight changes, up to $400 for international flight changes, up to $250 for two nights of hotel accommodations, and $100 per person, per day for incidental charges. Guests must email receipts for reimbursement consideration.
“Thank you for your cooperation and understanding,”the email concludes.“And again, we apologize for this cancellation and the inconvenience caused by this.”
What Is the Technical Issue?
The nature of the technical issue impacting Anthem of the Seas has not been disclosed, but it is likely related to the ship’s propulsion system.
The 168,666-gross-ton cruise ship uses two diesel-electric Azipod engines, and a failure in either one would dramatically impact the vessel’s speed. This creates challenges for following a planned itinerary, particularly for reaching New Zealand, which is more than 1,300 miles from Sydney.
The onboard engineers will undoubtedly be working on the issue as best they can while the ship is underway, but it is necessary for the ship to be stationary for full repairs to be made. There is no indication as yet whether Anthem of the Seas will need to enter dry dock to complete repairs.
Hopefully, complete repairs can be made during the 10 days of the cancelled sailing and Anthem of the Seas will be ready to welcome guests again for her February 6 departure. Guests booked on that 7-night cruise will want to say in close contact with Royal Caribbean in case further delays or cancellations may be necessary.
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In this week’s news round-up, we have coverage of Royal Caribbean starting construction of its fifth Icon-class ship, thousands of local residents signing a petition to stop a new cruise terminal from being built in Tampa, Florida, and Mexico banning tourists, including cruisers, from bringing vaping devices into the country.
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High Winds Snap Ship’s Lines at Port Canaveral
Guests in the process of embarking Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima at Port Canaveral on January 18, 2026, heard an unusual announcement over the public address system: “Code Echo!”
It meant that the 143,535-gross-ton ship was drifting away from her berth at Cruise Terminal 5. Turned out that strong and sudden wind gusts clocked at up to 48 miles per hour had caused the lines holding the ship in place to snap.
Norwegian Prima Breaks From Moorings (Photo Credit: Jodie Romain)
The incident happened at around 2 p.m., as passengers were boarding Norwegian Prima for a 7-night Caribbean vacation. Winds had kicked up earlier that day, first to 20 miles per hour, then rising to a steady 30 to 35 miles per hour as a cold front impacted the port area.
Two tugboats were positioned to hold the ship in place while crew members worked to attach new lines to the vessel.
Code Echo is the emergency phrase used to alert crew members to operational challenges due to high winds. In this case, the 3,195-guest ship was never completely detached from the pier, and there were no injuries.
The odd event did not impact the ship’s departure either.
Getaway Cruise in Southeast Asia Ends in Tragedy
Officials in Singapore are investigating the death of a man found on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas on January 19, 2026.
The 4,180-guest ship had returned to her homeport at Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Terminal when the 27-year-old was discovered. The ship had been sailing a 3-night getaway cruise to Penang Island, Malaysia.
It is not known whether the man was a guest or crew member, and foul play was not suspected. No cause of death was revealed, and the investigation is ongoing, local media reported.
Royal Caribbean Ship Balcony in Singapore (Photo Credit: Pro Aerial Master)
The dead man’s identity also has not been disclosed. The sad event unfolded before 6 a.m., when a response team was dispatched to a guest cabin. The man was pronounced dead by the ship’s doctor.
Reports do not confirm that the tragedy happened on Ovation of the Seas, but the Quantum-class ship was the only cruise ship docked at the terminal that day.
The discovery of the dead man caused a three-hour delay in debarkation.
Warning to Cruisers: New Law Forbids Vaping in Mexico
Attention all Mexico-bound cruisers who vape: Don’t bring your vaping device or any other kind of e-cigarette onshore. Those who do will risk a heavy fine or even a prison sentence.
That’s the word from authorities in Mexico, where a new law took effect on January 17, 2026, prohibiting the importation, sale, and distribution of the devices.
Cruise Passengers in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: JMT Photography and Media)
The law expands a smoking ban that began in 2023 and makes smoking and vaping in all indoor and outdoor public places illegal. It applies to beaches and parks — destinations frequented on cruise ship shore excursions.
The law does not apply to using a vaping or other e-cigarette device onboard a cruise ship docked at a Mexican port, but once a guest steps ashore with one, he or she has technically “imported” the device.
Any cruise guest found to be in possession of a device on land in Mexico could face fines up to $12,500 and a jail term of up to eight years.
First Steel Is Cut For Royal Caribbean’s Icon 5
The first piece of steel was cut for Royal Caribbean’s fifth Icon-class ship at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, signaling the official start of hull construction.
The event on January 19, 2026 drew officials from the cruise line and its parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, along with shipyard representatives and others involved in the vessel’s building.
Workers at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland at the steel cutting for Royal Caribbean’s fifth Icon Class ship. (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
The ship, still unnamed and known as Icon 5, will join Icon of the Seas, which debuted in 2024, Star of the Seas, which launched in 2025, and Legend of the Seas, due to enter service in summer 2026. Icon 4 is also under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard and slated to launch in 2027.
The Icon-class ships weigh 248,663 gross tons and accommodate 5,610 guests in double capacity.
While the steel cutting marks the formal beginning of construction, the next big milestone will be the keel laying of Icon 5.
During that event, which happens roughly a year after the steel cutting, the ship’s keel will be placed, often laid on top of a plaque or a set of coins meant to bring the ship good luck.
Icon 5 is scheduled to be delivered to Royal Caribbean in summer 2028.
Man Jumps Overboard on South Pacific Cruise
A 66-year-old man aboard the luxury line Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze jumped overboard as the ship sailed in the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.
The guest, an American, apparently had an argument with his wife before jumping off the ship around 2 a.m. on January 19, 2026.
Crew members conducted a ship-wide search when the man was reported missing, and the ship doubled back on its route to try and locate the guest. The French Navy was notified and joined the search, which included patrol boats and aircraft.
Star Breeze Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)
The 312-guest ship is sailing a 14-night voyage that departed Papeete, Tahiti, on January 15, 2026. The itinerary includes several destinations across French Polynesia.
Details of the incident are scarce, and the man’s identity has not been revealed while the investigation continues.
The man went overboard about 70 miles off Fatu Hiva Island, where water temperatures at this time of year are in the mid-80s Fahrenheit — warm enough for someone to survive for a few days, depending on their physical condition and swimming ability.
The ship’s itinerary has not been impacted by the tragedy.
Thousands Oppose New Port at Tampa
Local residents in the Tampa, Florida, area are taking steps to prevent a new cruise port from being built that would enable larger ships to sail from the Gulf Coast port.
Some 6,000 signatures have so far appeared on a Change.org petition aimed at stopping city officials from green-lighting the proposal. While no firm plans have been approved, the proposal indicates the port would be developed on 328 acres next to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge In Florida (Photo Credit: ByDroneVideos)
The bridge is a hindrance to large cruise ships trying to reach existing Port Tampa Bay due to its low height, but a new port on the seaward side of the bridge would enable bigger ships, such as those in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel class, and MSC Cruises’ World class, to visit or homeport at Tampa.
Concerned residents say a new terminal that allows mega-ships to call would threaten the area’s ecosystem and wildlife, add traffic to the city’s already overcrowded roads, and conflict with the character of Tampa.
China-Japan Impasse Causes More Port Changes
The diplomatic impasse affecting travel from China to Japan continues, and itineraries operated by Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas are again being altered.
The ongoing dispute, in which China’s Foreign Ministry recently urged travelers to avoid Japan, prompted the 4,246-guest ship to cancel additional port visits to the country.
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas (Photo Credit: Luis F Ayerves)
Spectrum of the Seas is based in Shanghai, China, and has scheduled sailings to several Japanese ports on her 4- and 5-night cruises. The cruise line is notifying booked guests that several calls in Japan are being cancelled.
The revised itineraries mostly impact sailings between May 2026 and April 2027. Destinations being pulled from the itineraries include Okinawa, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto.
In place of these destinations, the ship will visit ports such as Busan, Jeju, Seoul, and Yeosu, South Korea. The cruise line began altering the ship’s itineraries in December 2025, when tensions escalated.
More Cruise Headlines
Let’s keep going with even more important news stories from Cruise Hive, including Norwegian Cruise Line unveiling plans to broadcast all FIFA World Cup 26 matches on its ships, Los Angeles planning to build a new cruise terminal, and a Carnival Cruise Line ship becoming the brand’s first to call at North African ports.
Also, check out a handy new feature on Cruise Hive that enables you to see whether a cruise line’s drinks package is worth its cost and learn why cruise tourism is booming in the Big Easy.
