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P&O Cruises Says No Compensation After Britannia Breakdown

Lissa Poirot
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P&O Cruises Says No Compensation After Britannia Breakdown

Key Aspects:

  • P&O Cruises has confirmed that no refunds or compensation will be issued to passengers on a recent sailing aboard Britannia.
  • The cruise line has directed guests to seek reimbursement through travel insurance for missed port calls due to a technical failure.
  • The decision has sparked anger among passengers who demand P&O Cruises take responsibility.

Passengers who sailed on P&O Cruises Britannia during its holiday December 26, 2025, New Year’s Caribbean cruise are angry, and rightfully so.

The cruise line informed them that no refunds or compensation would be issued following significant itinerary changes tied to a technical failure, including an extended stay in Barbados and the cancellation of multiple ports of call.

In a letter addressed to guests and signed by P&O Cruises Guest Relations, the cruise line confirmed its position in writing, stating no refunds or compensation would be provided as a result of the amended itinerary.

The letter triggered an immediate backlash from affected guests, many of whom said they felt the cruise line failed to take responsibility for a situation they believed was within P&O Cruises’ control.

“So, P&O are not going to take any responsibility and give anything in compensation? First and last time I will use them,” said one passenger.

Another described the financial and emotional impact the cruise had on her family, saying they had spent £15k on the vacation and were, “Completely disgusted with P&O.”

The guest added that passengers deserve more transparency, saying they want a detailed explanation of the mechanical problems that led to the disruption, as well as a breakdown of what went wrong and why information from the crew was so limited.

In a separate onboard letter dated January 8, 2026, P&O Cruises acknowledged passenger frustration and apologized for the disruption, stating, “On behalf of all of us on Britannia and at P&O Cruise, we would like to apologize and thank you for your patience following the recent itinerary changes and the unexpected diversion to Barbados due to a technical issue.”

The letter emphasized that guests only missed two calls and had one replacement port, highlighting the extra time in Barbados meant more time to discover its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality.

They advised passengers seeking reimbursement for missed ports should turn to their travel insurance providers.

“If you wish to make a claim with your travel insurance provider for the missed ports of call, please retain a copy of this letter for your records,” the cruise line advised.

P&O Britannia
P&O Britannia (Photo Credit: Photomarine)

This didn’t help the situation, with passengers questioning why they were being directed to travel insurance and noting the unexpected extra days at sea and homeport resulted in the vessel running out of food and beverage provisions, also affecting the experience.

“This should not be for our insurance to cover. It’s a failing from P&O to provide what was paid for,” said a guest, comparing the situation to airline refunds when flights are cancelled due to mechanical failure.

What Happened Aboard Britannia?

Britannia, carrying more than 3,600 passengers, set sail on a 16-night New Year’s Cruise from Bridgetown, Barbados, on December 26, 2025.

Although the cruise began in high spirits and with successful calls in Grenada and Curaçao, its December 31, 2025, stop in Aruba was scrapped due to forecasted high winds. Guests onboard spent the evening enjoying a sea day instead.

Read Also: What You Should Know About Cruise Port Cancellations

But, the situation escalated when a technical issue emerged, requiring urgent repairs and prompting the ship to slowly return to Barbados, with one passenger saying the 143,000-gross-ton vessel was “limping back” to its homeport.

Britannia arrived in Barbados on January 3, 2026, and remained there until late January 5 for repairs, keeping guests in Bridgetown for three additional days.

The disruption led to the cancellation of visiting St. Lucia as well as Antigua, which was replaced with a call to Martinique on January 6.

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In total, Britannia spent six of 16 days in Barbados, five days at sea, and five days on other Caribbean islands.

At the same time, P&O Cruises was also dealing with the aftermath of a US military strike on Venezuela that forced Caribbean airspace to shut down for 24 hours. The closure forced the cruise line to reschedule or issue refunds to 5,000 fly-cruise guests sailing on Arvia.

Why Holland America’s 2026 Europe Cruises Are Selling Out Faster Than Ever

Donna Tunney
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Why Holland America’s 2026 Europe Cruises Are Selling Out Faster Than Ever

Key Aspects:

    Cruises in Europe, particularly Northern Europe, are proving to be a major boon in Holland America Line’s advance bookings for 2026.

    Demand for Europe voyages has risen by one-third and by a whopping 50% for the continent’s northern destinations compared to early January 2025.

    Guests appear to be embracing the line’s itineraries that feature longer times in port, more overnights in port, and explorations of some 175 UNESCO World Heritage sites across 35 countries in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, British Isles, and Northern Europe.

    Several voyages were curated in partnership with The History Channel, a collaboration that the cruise line rolled out in early 2025. The iconic television brand signed a three-year agreement with Holland America to help design itineraries and shore excursions that take full advantage of a destination’s historical landmarks and elements.

    In Northern Europe, for instance, some excursions that debuted in 2025 included hiking the Trondheim Heritage Trail in Trondheim, Norway, and the Walk With Huskies experience in Tromso.

    One History Channel voyage onboard Nieuw Statendam, the 13-day Fjords of Norway, for example, departs September 19, 2026 from Rotterdam. The Pinnacle-class ship that accommodates 2,666 guests will make eight port calls in Norway, including at Trondheim, Stavanger, and Oslo, before ending in Dover, England.

    History Channel itineraries are offered in other destinations, too, such as Oosterdam’s 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise departing from Rome on August 29, 2026. Port calls offering history-focused and cultural excursions include Portofino, Italy, Ajaccio, Corsica, Marseille, France, and Gibraltar, UK, before the cruise ends in Barcelona.

    Holland America Line Cruise Ship
    Holland America Line Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Maykova Galina)

    Oosterdam has a capacity for 1,964 guests in double occupancy and is a Vista-class ship.

    “With our Dutch roots and unmatched expertise in the region, guests know they’re traveling with the European cruise experts when they choose Holland America. These voyages will sell out and at the fast pace we are seeing this year, now is a good time for guests to secure their ideal cruise,” said Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management for Holland America Line.

    The cruise line’s latest success story followed on the heels of another surge in bookings during its 2025 Black Friday weekend sale.

    Offered from November 28 to December 1, 2025, that promotion led to a nearly 20% jump in bookings — eclipsing an all-time record high back in 2023. Like the current Wave Season promotion, it featured reduced deposits, fare discounts, and other value-added benefits.

    Book By January 12 For Wave Season Deals

    Holland America Line’s announcement strongly suggests that travelers considering a summer voyage to Europe should book soon, noting that the cruise line’s Wave Season promotion — called Start Your Journey, is time-limited.

    It’s good advice, considering that the promotion is in effect only until January 12, 2026 and offers several valuable benefits. The Wave Season deal currently on offer includes reduced deposits of $25; up to 30% discounts on cruise fares; up to $500 in onboard credits; balcony cabin upgrades; and free fares for children, among other perks.

    Other notable itineraries Holland America Line is offering for summer 2026 include the 14-Day Wild British Isles sailing onboard Nieuw Statendam. The May 30, 2026 voyage sails roundtrip from Dover, England, and features an overnight in Glasgow, Scotland.

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    The full exploration of Great Britain includes port calls at Edinburgh and Kirkwall, Scotland; Lerwick, Shetland Isles; Portree, Isle of Skye; and Holyhead, Wales. Guests will also visit Greencastle and Cork, Ireland, and Amsterdam on this voyage.

    Sports-minded passengers will be glad to know that every match in the FIFA World Cup 26 competition will be broadcast across the Holland America Line fleet.

    ICE Burst Into His Cruise Stateroom at 6:45 AM — All Because of a Name

    Catie Kovelman
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    ICE Burst Into His Cruise Stateroom at 6:45 AM — All Because of a Name

    Key Aspects:

    • A Carnival guest was detained by ICE agents in Miami due to a misunderstanding.
    • The guest was flagged because he shared the same name as someone else who had multiple warrants.
    • He was released after spending about 90 minutes in a holding cell in PortMiami.

    One recent guest of Carnival Cruise Line ended a birthday cruise with a present nobody wants – getting wrongfully detained by agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

    Jose Martinez, who is a US Coast Guard Veteran and most definitely a US citizen, was onboard with his wife, Tamara Verhas, and several others to celebrate both his birthday and the birthday of a close friend.

    All was well until the ship returned to Miami, Florida, on the morning of January 5, 2026, to disembark a Caribbean cruise.

    It’s not clear which specific vessel Martinez had been sailing on, but three Carnival ships were in the busy port that day – including Carnival Conquest, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Sunrise.

    Read Also: Activists Protest Filipino Crew Deportations From Baltimore Cruise Ship

    It was then that a misunderstanding over mistaken identity led to a traumatic encounter with ICE agents for the Phoenix-based couple.

    ICE Storms Into Stateroom

    At approximately 6:45 a.m. on the morning of January 5, ICE agents suddenly burst into Martinez’s stateroom while the couple was still fast asleep.

    “[The door] burst open. Three men came in with flashlights shining them in our faces and giving us commands,” Martinez told 12 News.

    “They ordered me out of bed and put me against the wall, and handcuffed me. I had no idea what was going on. I was asking what this was about; it was a flurry of just confusion,” he recalled.

    Martinez tried to offer proof of identification, but per an interview with ABC 15 Arizona, these pleas fell on deaf ears.

    His wife also tried to film the incident to document the traumatic encounter, but her phone was taken. When the device was returned, the footage had been deleted.

    Martinez was ultimately removed from the cruise ship and detained in a holding cell in PortMiami.

    He was fingerprinted and questioned for about an hour and a half before agents finally let him go.

    What Went Wrong?

    Unfortunately for Martinez, this whole experience came about due to a case of mistaken identity.

    The veteran told ABC 15 Arizona that he had actually had previous run-ins with ICE before because his name is very common in the Hispanic community, but never in such a dramatic or traumatizing way.

    Per the couple, Martinez was mistaken for another person with the same name who had multiple warrants out for his arrest.

    Carnival Conquest in Miami, Florida
    Carnival Conquest in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

    “From what I understand, all of this was based off my first and last name, a very common Hispanic name. They thought I was someone who had warrants for drug trafficking or some sort of offender,” Martinez said.

    After nearly two hours, he was returned to the cruise terminal. Martinez alleges that he did not even get a simple apology for the ordeal he had been wrongfully forced to endure.

    US Customs and Border Protection have not commented publicly on the situation.

    Carnival Cruise Line Responds

    The ICE agents most likely incorrectly flagged Martinez during a review of the cruise ship’s manifest as part of the standard customs process.

    The manifest contains a detailed record of all passengers and crew members onboard, including their birthdays and citizenship status.

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    The agents then would have coordinated with the cruise ship’s security team to gain access to their stateroom. Carnival complied with the requests of the authorities in their investigation.

    “We are aware that U.S. Customs and Border Protection took a guest into custody as a person of interest. As this is a law‑enforcement matter, we defer all further questions to the appropriate authorities,” the cruise line said in a public statement.

    It’s unclear if the cruise line has reached out to Martinez and his wife following the detainment.

    Expedition Ship Breaks Free in Ushuaia and Slams Into Another During Windstorm

    Catie Kovelman
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    Expedition Ship Breaks Free in Ushuaia and Slams Into Another During Windstorm

    Key Aspects:

    • Two expedition ships collided in the Port of Ushuaia during a windstorm.
    • World Voyager broke free from its moorings and hit Viking Octantis.
    • Thankfully, no injuries were reported and the damage was minor.

    A scary incident occurred in Argentina’s Port of Ushuaia on Tuesday, January 6, 2025.

    According to local outlet El Diario del Fin del Mundo, two expedition ships collided while the port was battered by strong winds.

    The ships involved were Viking Expeditions’ Viking Octantis and Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager.

    Wind speeds averaged at around 30 knots, but stronger gusts reached speeds of 40 knots (approximately 46 miles per hour), which is certainly strong enough to cause problems for smaller vessels.

    What Really Happened?

    The collision came after the 10,000-gross ton World Voyager broke free from its moorings due to the strong winds.

    Specifically, the nautical rope that is owned and used by the small 198-guest ship snapped.

    Video of the incident that was shared by Ushuaia 24 Noticias shows World Voyager hit the dock, before colliding with the 30,150-gross ton Viking Octantis.

    “The collision occurred between the expedition ship World Voyager and the Viking Octantis. As it transpired, the Voyager came loose from moorings during an intense windstorm, slammed into the dock and collided with the other cruise ship,” Ushuaia 24 Noticias captioned the video.

    Read Also: What Happens If The Cruise Ship Is In Bad Weather

    The approximately 125 crew members onboard World Voyager are credited with quickly taking evasive action to soften the impact, but with the high winds there was simply nothing they could do to fully prevent the accident.

    This also isn’t the first time something like this has happened, and it likely won’t be the last.

    In the past year, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge, and MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape have all broken free from their moorings due to inclement weather.

    How Bad is the Damage?

    Thankfully, no injuries have been reported for the passengers and crew members who may have been onboard the two expedition ships.

    The vessels themselves didn’t escape completely unscathed, but also did not suffer any major or structural damage that would make sailing unsafe. Both underwent thorough technical inspections following the collision.

    The brunt of the impact occurred well above the waterline for both vessels, which helped protect their seaworthiness. Per the local outlets, Viking Octantis only suffered minor damage to a rear railing on one of its outer decks.

    World Voyager received a crack in its bow, which is the ship’s front section, but the damage was not severe and the ship was not taking on water because of it.

    Both ships were able to set sail as planned on the evening of January 6, and per cruise tracking data, are currently cruising at normal speeds of 13 to 16 knots.

    Where are the Ships Going Now?

    With the collision now behind them, Viking Octantis embarked on an 11-night sailing to Antarctica via the Drake Passage – which is notorious for being one of the roughest bodies of water in the world.

    The 378-guest ship will visit the Antarctic Peninsula and Cape Horn (Chile) before returning to Ushuaia on January 17

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    World Voyager is similarly making her way through the Drake Passage as part of a 10-night expedition to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

    It’s also business as usual at the Port of Ushuaia, where Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox called as planned on January 7.

    A New Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal Is About to Rise at PortMiami

    Melissa Mayntz
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    A New Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal Is About to Rise at PortMiami

    Key Aspects:

    • PortMiami is set to break ground on the new Cruise Terminal G on January 8, 2026.
    • Demolition on the existing terminal began in July 2025 and new construction can now begin.
    • The new, larger, updated terminal is planned to open by the end of 2027.

    It’s a busy time for one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and it’s about to get busier as PortMiami, along with Royal Caribbean Group officials, local authorities, and representatives from Lemartec-NV2A JV break ground on what will become the brand new Cruise Terminal G.

    The groundbreaking will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, bringing in new growth in the new year to the already bustling cruise port.

    The existing Cruise Terminal G began demolition in July 2025. It is essential to remove the older, outdated facility to provide adequate space for the new terminal.

    The new terminal will naturally be in the same location at the westernmost end of the main channel, next to the dedicated Virgin Voyages cruise terminal.

    Read Also: Miami Cruise Port Guide – Terminals, Transportation, and More

    With space at the crowded seaport at a premium, the demolition of one terminal and the construction of another is a complicated logistical challenge.

    What the New Terminal Will Provide

    The new construction will be a state-of-the-art facility to LEED silver certification environmental standards, emphasizing environmental responsibility and sustainability.

    Furthermore, the new terminal is being deliberately designed to accommodate the largest ships sailing today with up to 7,000 cruise guests.

    This means the largest cruise ships in the world, the famed Icon-class ships, will be able to use the new terminal, including Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and the upcoming Legend of the Seas. Only one ship will be accommodated at a time, however.

    New Royal Caribbean Terminal G
    New Royal Caribbean Terminal G (Image Credit: NV2A)

    A multi-level parking garage and ground-level transportation hub for shuttles, buses, ride shares, taxis, and drop-offs is also part of the new terminal, ensuring smooth, integrated operation for all travelers.

    In addition to Royal Caribbean ships, vessels from the entire Royal Caribbean Group will utilize the new terminal as needed, including Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.

    When Will the New Terminal Be Complete?

    No firm deadline has yet been announced for the completion of the new Cruise Terminal G, though it is expected to be finished by late 2027.

    The first ships to utilize the new terminal will be announced as the opening approaches, and undoubtedly, the occasion will be a much-celebrated event.

    Exact timing will depend on any changes or adjustments decided on throughout construction, as well as any possible delays due to materials shortages, labor concerns, or weather-related pauses.

    A word of warning: PortMiami is already known for sometimes extensive traffic difficulties and congestion. This new, active construction will undoubtedly create additional traffic challenges at times.

    More From Cruise Hive

    Anyone sailing from PortMiami in the next couple of years should take great care to plan adequate time to reach their designated cruise terminal, as well as allot enough time to leave the port after debarkation, especially if they need to catch a flight.

    As PortMiami hosts larger and larger vessels – the port broke 1 million guests in a single month in November 2025 – updated construction and expanded parking options are a critical need. The new Cruise Terminal G is sure to be a great step toward fulfilling that need.

    A Teen Stayed Out Past 1 AM on a Carnival Ship — Here’s What Happened Next

    Melissa Mayntz
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    A Teen Stayed Out Past 1 AM on a Carnival Ship — Here’s What Happened Next

    Key Aspects:

    • Carnival Cruise Line is issuing warning letters when teens violate the onboard youth curfew.
    • Further violations will lead to hefty fines, early disembarkation, or even cruise line bans.
    • One impacted parent has learned their lesson, and maybe it will alert other parents as well.

    For the second time in one month, another incident has come to light, demonstrating Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to better enforcement of its code of conduct on teen cruisers.

    A parent who recently cruised aboard Carnival Elation received a warning letter during the sailing that their 14-year-old son had violated the ship’s 1 a.m. curfew for young cruisers.

    The letter was delivered to the parents on December 10, 2025, while the Fantasy-class ship was enjoying a 5-night Bahamas itinerary from Jacksonville, Florida.

    “As outlined in our guidelines, and reinforced during the safety briefing, unless accompanied by someone 21 years or older from their traveling party, all guests, 17 years and under, must be clear of all public areas by 1:00 AM,” the letter explained.

    Carnival Cruise Line implemented that curfew in September 2022 in an attempt to curb poor behavior.

    The line is not unmindful, however, of how exciting a cruise vacation can be and that young cruisers will be meeting new friends and having fun. This does not, however, provide an excuse for violating the curfew policy.

    “We understand that our younger guests are eager to explore and enjoy the ship, however, the curfew is a mandatory policy,” the letter stated.

    “If your child violates this policy again during this cruise, a fine of up to $500 will be imposed.”

    The curfew is included in the Cruise Ticket Contract, section 9(k). Furthermore, this fine is in line with the cruise line’s stated consequences for breaking the Code of Conduct.

    Even stronger measures are possible if further violations are noted on the same sailing.

    “A third violation will result in disembarkation from the ship, for all in the travel group, and placement on our no-sail list,” the letter confirmed. “We know these consequences are rigid, but we take this matter very seriously.”

    Parents Taking It Seriously Too

    While the warning letter may have been a surprise to the parents, they are indeed taking it seriously.

    “Might be a while ’til we take these kids on a cruise… baby we almost got a $500 fine!” the parent said. “I wanted to keep them in the room for the rest of the 3 days.”

    The reaction indicates that the curfew-breaking incident likely happened on the second night of the cruise. The parent did acknowledge that their son was with his 19-year-old cousin(s), but the policy does require an adult 21 and older to accompany minors.

    Carnival Elation Cruise Ship in the Bahamas
    Carnival Elation Cruise Ship in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

    The parent had mistakenly believed the supervisory age to be 18, but now knows what will be needed on future cruises.

    “We learned the lesson!” they said.

    While many other commenters seem to think the travelers should have been banned immediately, there is no indication that there was any severe behavior other than breaking the curfew.

    Read Also: The 13 Worst Types of People You’ll Meet on Every Cruise

    There was no fight, vandalism, or other incident that would necessitate a stronger immediate reaction, making the warning letter entirely appropriate.

    Stronger Incident, Stronger Response

    This latest reveal comes after another parent agreed with Carnival Cruise Line’s fine on their child for vandalizing an arcade machine on Carnival Dream during the ship’s December 19 Christmas cruise.

    In that incident, the young teen was verified to participate in vandalizing the arcade equipment and was not only fined $500, but also one-third of the cost to repair the machine.

    The parent in that situation agreed with the fairness of the consequences, though naturally they were not happy that their son’s poor choices led to the fine.

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    Carnival Cruise Line’s swift responses to conduct violations will be a great relief to cruisers whose vacations are disrupted by unruly teens.

    While different teens behave differently, poor behavior does have a tendency to spread and can ultimately create a less-than-fun atmosphere on what should have been a fun vacation for thousands of guests onboard.

    Royal Caribbean Finally Opens Its First Royal Beach Club — Here’s What to Expect

    Melissa Mayntz
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    Royal Caribbean Finally Opens Its First Royal Beach Club — Here’s What to Expect

    Key Aspects:

    • Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is now open and welcoming guests from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
    • Family, party, and chill experiences are all available in exclusive spaces, providing exactly what guests want.
    • Three additional Royal Beach Clubs will open in 2026 and 2027, including Cozumel, Santorini, and Lelepa.

    The time has come, and Royal Caribbean guests are gearing up for the ultimate beach day at the first Royal Beach Club, now open in Nassau, Bahamas.

    Royal Beach Club Paradise Island welcomed its first guests on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 with visitors from Radiance of the Seas. Unfortunately, guests aboard Utopia of the Seas were unable to visit as the Oasis-class ship was unable to visit Nassau as planned that day due to high winds.

    Still, the grand opening was a great success. Now, Royal Caribbean visitors to the Bahamas have an elite, exclusive option for spectacular beach vibes at the all-inclusive resort, exactly what many guests have been craving.

    “Guests told us they were looking for more ways to make the most of their vacations in The Bahamas, and that’s exactly what we’ve created with Royal Beach Club Paradise Island,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean.

    “Whether it’s a chill day on the island’s two pristine beaches or the ultimate beach party at the world’s largest swim-up bar, we’ve crafted a destination that caters to every mood.”

    Families will enjoy the energetic and playful vibes of Family Beach, including the Shallow End zero-entry pool for the youngsters or anyone wanting a gentle approach to the beach.

    Games such as ring toss and spike ball offer friendly competition, or larger families could investigate the two-level Ultimate Family Cabana for even more exclusive fun with a private whirlpool, wet-dry slide, dedicated attendants, and more.

    For guests who prefer a more relaxing beach experience, Chill Beach is a great option. There, guests can enjoy the picturesque white sand beach or grab their favorite cocktail or mocktail at the world’s largest swim-up bar.

    Royal Caribbean's Nassau Beach Club
    Royal Caribbean’s Nassau Beach Club

    Upgrades to beach or poolside cabanas are available and come with personalized service for a more premium experience.

    For the most energy of all, Party Cove also provides access to the Floating Flamingo, the world’s largest swim-up bar, along with energetic DJs to keep the party vibes going all day long.

    For an exclusive party, up to 12 guests can book The Party Deck on the second floor of the Floating Flamingo, with private pool-front space, dedicated service, and the most stunning ocean views.

    20 Months of Construction

    Work first began on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island with the initial ground-breaking in April 2024. For every step of the project’s development, local artists, officials, and contractors have been involved in this first-of-its-kind public-private partnership with the Bahamian government.

    The Bahamian influence is evident throughout Royal Beach Club Paradise Island with architecture, art, music, and culinary flair, along with shopping options and entertainment.

    Construction at Royal Caribbean's Nassau Beach Club
    Construction at Royal Caribbean’s Nassau Beach Club (Photo Credit: SirSpectre)

    Local officials were on hand for the new destination’s ceremonial ribbon-cutting on December 13, celebrating the new opening and the great benefits it brings to local retailers, tour operators, and residents.

    Guests from both Royal Caribbean as well as Celebrity Cruises will be able to purchase day passes to the beach club when they visit Nassau. Day passes will also be available to Bahamian residents.

    It should be noted, however, that the destination is capacity-controlled and guests interested in enjoying their ultimate beach day should be sure to reserve their space early so they don’t miss out on such a phenomenal experience.

    More Beach Clubs to Come

    While Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first of these unique destinations to open, it will not be the last.

    “The opening of our first Royal Beach Club introduces a bold new kind of beach experience, and it’s just the start of what’s to come in our growing destination portfolio,” said Bayley.

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    Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico and Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece are both slated to open in 2026, with Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu scheduled to open in early 2027.

    This will give cruise travelers at popular destinations all over the world the opportunity to enjoy these exclusive clubs and the premium experiences they offer.

    Norwegian’s Private Island Just Got a Huge Makeover and It’s Only the Beginning

    Donna Tunney
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    Norwegian’s Private Island Just Got a Huge Makeover and It’s Only the Beginning

    Key Aspects:

    • The Great Life Lagoon and Vibe Shore Club are among the new spaces now open at Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay.
    • The enhancements are part of an island-wide refresh that includes a new dock for two ships.
    • Another major upgrade, Great Tides Waterpark, is set to open in summer 2026.

    New features and destinations, including an eye-popping 1.4-acre pool area, have opened at Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay.

    The private island in the Bahamas is undergoing a transformation into what the line calls its “Escape to The Great Life” experience.

    An ambitious series of enhancements now offers the huge pool area, called Great Life Lagoon, along with the adult-only Vibe Shore Club, a welcome center and island-wide tram service, and Splash Harbor, a new play area for children.

    “Great Stirrup Cay has always been a favorite for our guests, and these new enhancements make it even easier for guests to trade the winter weather for the warm tropics and enjoy an ‘Escape to the Great Life,’” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

    Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?

    “With the fun versatility of Great Life Lagoon, and family-friendly spots like Splash Harbor, we’ve created an island where everyone can unwind, play and make lasting memories,” Sommer added.

    Norwegian Cruise Line estimates that 1 million cruise guests will visit the 268-acre destination in 2026. Cruisers eager to check out the new features at Great Stirrup Cay in 2026 can choose from a wide selection of ships and departure ports.

    New Pool Area at Great Stirrup Cay
    New Pool Area at Great Stirrup Cay

    Among the ships slated to call at the island in the coming months are Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Prima, both sailing from Port Canaveral; Norwegian Gem, from Jacksonville; Norwegian Breakaway, based in New York; Norwegian Getaway, from PortMiami, and Norwegian Viva, homeported in Galveston, among others.

    The cruise line’s newest ship, Norwegian Luna, due to enter service in March 2026, will also feature calls to the destination from PortMiami.

    Upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay began with the construction of a two-ship pier, which opened on December 28, 2025. With the new facility in place, ships no longer will have to tender guests ashore.

    Norwegian Getaway was the first ship to dock at the new pier. Ships operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ other brands, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, will also be able to call at the enhanced destination.

    A Closer Look at the Newest Features

    Great Life Lagoon, the 1.4-acre pool space, offers guests a pool that is bigger than two Olympic-sized pools placed side by side. Two swim-up bars, spacious lounge areas, private cabanas, and the Splash Harbor water play area for kids make the lagoon perfect for all ages.

    Great Life Lagoon Grand Cabana at Great Stirrup Cay
    Great Life Lagoon Grand Cabana at Great Stirrup Cay

    Guests pay to rent the private cabanas. They can also purchase an all-day pass to the new Vibe Shore Club, an extension of the line’s shipboard destination, Vibe Beach Club, an exclusive area for those 18 and older. The Vibe Shore club also offers private cabanas and a private bar, all situated beachfront with spectacular ocean views.

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    Still to come is the destination’s Great Tides Waterpark, set to open in summer 2026. It is slated to feature the 170-foot-tall Tidal Tower, home to multiple water slides. All told, the park will have 19 waterslides, including tube slides and racing slides. 

    An 800-foot river and a cliff-jumping experience are sure to be among guest favorites.

    Why Oceania Cruises Is Suddenly Going Adults Only

    Lissa Poirot
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    Why Oceania Cruises Is Suddenly Going Adults Only

    Key Aspects:

    • Oceania Cruises will transition to an adults-only cruise line across its entire fleet.
    • All existing reservations booked before January 7, 2026, will be honored, including those with kids.
    • Reservations made on or after January 7, 2026, will be restricted to guests aged 18 and older.

    There are only a handful of adults-only cruise lines for passengers who want to steer clear of children and enjoy an unhurried onboard atmosphere. But one luxury cruise brand is now joining that group, announcing a move that will change future bookings beginning in 2026.

    Luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises, a brand in the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings umbrella, said it will transition to an adults-only model for all new reservations made on or after January 7, 2026. Under the policy, only guests aged 18 and older will be permitted to book future voyages.

    The change applies across the fleet of eight ships and to all itineraries.

    For passengers currently booked with Oceania Cruises in the future, existing bookings will not be affected. Any reservation made prior to January 7, including those with passengers under 18, will be fully honored.

    Guests already booked will sail under the terms in place at the time of purchase, allowing for a gradual transition rather than an immediate shift.

    Oceania Cruises said the decision follows extensive research and feedback from repeat guests, travel advisors, and passengers new to the brand.

    According to the cruise line, those groups pointed to the onboard environment as a primary reason for choosing Oceania Cruises, particularly its quieter public spaces and slower daily pace compared with more family-oriented cruise options.

    Read Also: I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise

    Oceania Allura Cruise Ship
    Oceania Allura Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Oceania Cruises)

    “Our guests have consistently shared that the tranquil environment aboard our ships is one of the primary reasons they return time and time again,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises.

    “By transitioning to an adults-only experience, we are enhancing the very essence of the Oceania Cruises journey,” he continued, saying that essence would be defined by “sophistication, serenity, and discovery.”

    While Oceania Cruises has never marketed itself as a family cruise line, it previously allowed children onboard without offering dedicated youth programs or children’s facilities and will not need to undergo ship renovations to reflect the change.

    An Adults-Only Trend

    Oceania Cruises isn’t just changing it guests’ policy. It has also been expanding its fleet and guest offerings as of late.

    In summer 2025, the line took delivery of its newest vessel, Oceania Allura, which began service with Mediterranean sailings before repositioning to New York and later deploying to Miami for its current winter season in the Caribbean.

    The cruise line also confirmed orders for four additional newbuilds that will expand capacity over the next decade, beginning with Oceania Sonata, debuting in 2027. 

    In addition to its fleet growth, Oceania Cruises recently introduced a revamped inclusive benefit structure called “Your World Included.” Under this program, guests can select either a shore excursion credit or a limited beer and wine package to provide an added value and more simplified pricing to passengers.

    The shift to adults-only bookings places Oceania Cruises in a niche but growing segment in the cruise industry. There are currently very few fully adults-only cruise lines, most notably Virgin Voyages and Viking Cruises, tailored solely to adult passengers.

    More From Cruise Hive

    While most large cruise lines do not ban children, many are incorporating adults-focused sailings or adults-only zones.

    Carnival Cruise Line, for example, has expanded its schedule of adults-only voyages, requiring passengers 21+ on specific sailings.

    Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, both extremely family friendly with specific programming and dedicated space for children, each provide adults-only areas such as Solarium retreats and H2O spice decks, respectively, that allow adults escape to family crowds.

    As Oceania Cruises’ 2026 schedule and many 2027 itineraries had been announced prior to January 7, expect adults-only voyages to fully begin in late 2027 to 2028. 

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