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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.

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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. 

Carnival Reveals Who Really Decides When Shows Are Changed

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Reveals Who Really Decides When Shows Are Changed

Key Aspects:

  • It is not the Cruise Director but the dance manager who determines if a show can be performed.
  • Rough seas, illness, and technical problems are the top reasons why shows might be adjusted.
  • Carnival Cruise Line is developing new Playlist Production shows that will be released soon onto various ships.

Entertainment can be a fantastic part of any cruise, from live musicians to comics to interactive game shows. Most popular, however, are the high-energy, signature production shows offered in the main theaters.

On Carnival cruise ships, these “Playlist Production” shows offer musical reviews from different eras, with outstanding special effects, lasers, video backgrounds, energetic dancing, elaborate costuming, and more.

So, it’s understandable that a guest might be disappointed when a Playlist Production isn’t offered as expected. One recent Carnival guest reached out to John Heald with their disappointment over the entertainment.

While Heald did not share the guest’s exact comment – which he sometimes avoids due to too much identifying information, profanity, or simply confusion – he did explain the situation.

“A gentleman wrote to me about a show that he’d seen on the ship, or actually that he hadn’t seen on the ship. It was a show where our brilliant Playlist performers were not actually doing the show but were sitting on stage on stools singing,” Heald said.

“Sometimes that happens and there could be three reasons why,” Heald added.

Heald carefully notes why shows might be shortened or even cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances:

  • Illness among the performance cast or the technical team impacting the scenery, lighting, or sound
  • Rough seas that make for unsafe conditions on stage for complicated dance moves
  • A technical problem just before the show begins that cannot be resolved before showtime

Heald goes on to clarify that most of the time, the decision to minimize a show is due to rough seas that could endanger the performers. But who makes the call to change the show?

Carnival Cruise Ship Theater
Carnival Cruise Ship Theater (Photo Credit: gary yim)

“I’ve been there many times myself as a cruise director and a lot of people think it is the cruise director’s decision whether the performances happens or not, and I just wanted to set that record straight,” Heald said.

“It absolutely is not. It is the dance captain – I don’t even think they’re called that any more – dance captain, what are they called now? Playlist cast manager, anyway, it’s their decision. As a cruise director, you always respect their decision.”

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Director Schedule

When a ship is rolling or pitching significantly, performers could easily be injured so severely as to end their entertainment career. That is not a risk the cruise line will take, and safety is always the most important consideration about whether or not a show moves forward.

Instead of simply cancelling a show, the minimized version with the cast singing rather than performing the full production is an alternative that is safer for the performers.

This is especially suitable on shorter sailings when there may not be opportunities to reschedule full productions to another night during the cruise.

New Shows Coming Soon

Heald also noted that new Playlist Production shows will be coming soon to different ships in the Carnival fleet. It takes time to develop new shows, from first concept to writing, choreographing, costuming, technical effects, initial rehearsals, and more.

“We are at the moment putting new shows on some of the ships,” he confirmed. “There will be more new shows coming.”

Heald attributes the delay in new show releases to the pandemic, as that was two years of not producing any new shows or refining the for onboard releases.

He does not give any hints about what the new shows may be, what ships will be receiving new Playlist Productions, or when they will debut, but that is certainly something for frequent Carnival cruisers to eagerly anticipate.

What Shows Do Guests Prefer?

Dozens of Carnival guests chimed in with their recent Playlist Production favorites, and by far, two stood out: FLICK and Celestial Strings.

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FLICK is a movie-magic exploration showcasing various illusions and tricks with an ethereal vibe, while Celestial Strings is blend of classical music with pop-rock tones for an energetic yet elegant performance.

88 Keys, Epic Rock, and Dear Future Husband are also popular, with some guests returning over and over again to their favorite shows.

“The most awesome show is Celestial Strings. I will watch this show over and over again,” one guest said.

“I have seen “Flick” several times and it has been wonderful each time!” another said.

While these popular shows will always be favorites, it will be exciting to see new entertainment options appearing on Carnival ships in the coming months.

Legend of the Seas Guests Are Being Informed of Unexpected Cabin Changes

Catie Kovelman
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Legend of the Seas Guests Are Being Informed of Unexpected Cabin Changes

Key Aspects:

  • Some staterooms have been recategorized for Legend of the Seas, which is launching this summer.
  • This means that some guests have been upgraded to new staterooms, which not everyone is happy about.
  • Those that were moved were switched from Surfside Family View Balconies to Ocean View Balconies.

With Legend of the Seas’ maiden voyage now just over six months away on July 11, 2026, Royal Caribbean is starting to iron out the nitty-gritty details for the third Icon-class ship’s inaugural season.

Part of this preparation involves checking and giving out stateroom assignments.

Like her older sisters, the 5,610-guest ship is expected to have a total of 2,805 staterooms divided across more than 20 categories – which can make sorting through cabin assignments a rather arduous task.

Read Also: Icon of the Seas Cabins and Suites Guide

In some cases, Royal Caribbean has had to recategorize staterooms that have already been booked onboard its newest addition, causing some passengers to get new cabin assignments.

“After a recent accommodations review, we’ve noticed that some staterooms, including yours, have been recategorized in our system,” Royal Caribbean notified impacted guests.

“While we know you originally booked a Surfside Family View Balcony, you’ll now receive a complimentary upgrade to an Ocean View Balcony,” the cruise line continued.

The “upgrade” will come at no additional cost to impacted guests.

How Different Are These Staterooms?

How much of an upgrade the new cabin assignments feel like will really depend on guest preference and what they are hoping to get out of their sailing.

The Surfside Family View Balconies are approximately 196 square feet and can sleep up to four guests.

Rather than overlooking the ocean, the private balconies have a view of the family-oriented Surfside Neighborhood, which features kid-friendly splash zones, restaurants, and other entertainment.

Guests were most likely switched to Standard Balcony View Cabins, which use standard doors and have a small balcony with seating provided.

Legend of the Seas Render
Legend of the Seas Render

As the name suggests, these rooms boast views of the ocean and port views while visiting the destinations on the itinerary.

Standard Ocean View Balcony cabins are usually 204 square feet, making them ever so slightly bigger than the originally booked Surfside staterooms. They also comfortably accommodate up to four guests.

Changes Met With Mixed Response

Among some passengers, these new room assignments are a welcomed change, as many felt that these accommodations would be more peaceful than staying in a family-forward area and offer better views.

“I’d much rather be in an Oceanview Balcony than the Surfside Balcony. The Surfside area can get pretty loud and that ringing bell from the carousel is enough to drive you mad after a while,” one cruiser acknowledged.

Others were upset to have their carefully laid plans changed, especially among those who strategically chose their staterooms for a reason.

Larger groups who booked multiple staterooms close to each other were also disappointed to find themselves booted from connecting staterooms, and potentially even separated on different decks.

“Me and my daughter pay extra to be on 12 deck and close to each other and they change our stateroom one in 10 deck and other in 9 deck, we pay extra to choose the rooms,” one frustrated guest said.

“Yes I got this too. I’ve contacted my TA. We have two connecting rooms and we have only had one email. So I don’t want to be in separate decks now,” another chimed in.

Guests who aren’t happy with their staterooms may call Royal Caribbean to discuss possible options.

Royal Caribbean App Temporarily Unavailable

Indeed, unsatisfied guests will need to call and speak to a customer service representative, as their Legend of the Seas booking will be temporarily unavailable on the Royal Caribbean App and online.

Booking management features will be unavailable in the app and online for approximately two weeks, meaning these capabilities should return around January 20, 2026.

“After a recent review, we’re doing some behind the scenes maintenance. Kindly note, while we conduct this update, your booking will be unavailable to access on the app and website for about two (2) weeks from today,” Royal Caribbean stated in a letter.

This letter was sent to guests booked on the new ship’s September 5, 2027, sailing to the Western Mediterranean, but it’s possible that other passengers have or will be similarly impacted.

But rest assured, cruisers’ original reservations will remain intact and unchanged unless guests call the cruise line to make changes.

NY Travel Agent Accused of Taking Thousands for Cruises That Didn’t Exist

Lissa Poirot
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NY Travel Agent Accused of Taking Thousands for Cruises That Didn’t Exist

Key Aspects:

  • Police in Nassau County, New York, arrested a woman accused of running a travel agency scam.
  • Tavia Thomas allegedly collected tens of thousands of dollars for cruises and trip that were never booked.
  • Nine people who paid nearly $36,000 for a Royal Caribbean cruise discovered their fraudulent booking on embarkation day.

A woman in East Meadow, New York, who owned and operated a Long Island travel agency, has been arrested on multiple counts of fraud and larceny, Nassau County police said on January 6, 2026.

Authorities allege she collected tens of thousands of dollars from customers for travel and event bookings, including cruises, that were never made.

Investigators identified the accused as 47-year-old Tavia Thomas, who ran Destiny Travel out of 1936 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow. Thomas was taken into custody after several victims reported they never received the travel services they paid for and were unable to recover refunds.

According to local news accounts, police detailed one of the alleged scams involving fake bookings for a Royal Caribbean cruise departing out of Bayonne, New Jersey.

Nine would-be passengers, who paid Thomas $35,753.98, arrived at port for a July 2024 cruise and were told their bookings were fraudulent and null and void.

Police also said Thomas faces three counts of grand larceny, three counts of scheme to defraud, and two additional grand larceny charges related to separate incidents.

Pool deck onboard Adventure of the Seas
Pool deck onboard Adventure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Santiago Castillo Chomel)

The fraud didn’t stop with cruises, according to investigators. Thomas allegedly accepted $5,000 from two people who believed she was booking a destination wedding at an ALG Vacations resort, while a third reported case indicates Thomas collected over $10,000 from a family planning a 75th birthday trip to the Dominican Republic.

None of the bookings were ever made. Thomas was the sole operator of Destiny Travel, and customers paid by cash, check, or electronic transfer.

Detectives are now seeking possible victims of additional fraudulent bookings to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.

Online Presence Raises Questions

According to Thomas’ website, Destiny Travel NY has been serving New York City and Long Island since 2016.

The site emphasizes a team of “experienced travel agents” and claims certifications and endorsements from industry organizations such as the American Society of Travel Advisors, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and others.

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas in New York
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas in New York (Photo Credit: ARK NEYMAN)

Thomas said, “I founded Destiny Travel NY to offer stress-free planning for unique and memorable destination weddings.”

One customer shared a review on Destiny Travel on TheKnot on August 19, 2024. “Tavia Thomas is a scammer and she must be stopped. My group of 80 people were set to leave to Cancun, Mexico, for our wedding 07/17/24 and Tavia called us 07/16/24 stating the vendor cancelled. Which was a compete lie.”

“She stole our money and she keeps doing this to multiple groups of people,” the review continued. “She is a liar and a thief and she must be stopped and in jail!”

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Another review, posted in 2022, was glowing, with the author writing, “Destiny Travel was so attentive to my needs and went above and beyond with making my day come true.”

Destiny Travel is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which had rated the company with an F for failure to respond to three complaints filed against the business and the length of operation.

At press time, the BBB had acknowledged Thomas’ arrest, and Destiny Travel NY’s address is linked to UPS Store.

Carnival Makes a Brand Switch Across Its Zero-Proof Lineup

Lissa Poirot
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Carnival Makes a Brand Switch Across Its Zero-Proof Lineup

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has replaced Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits with Ritual Zero Proof across its fleet.
  • The new brand is now being used in zero-proof cocktails included with the Cheers Zero Proof beverage package.
  • The cruise line is expected to announce expanded availability for the beverage package beyond first-quarter sailings.

Carnival Cruise Line has made an adjustment to its onboard beverage lineup, affecting guests who choose alcohol-free options.

The cruise line has replaced Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits with Ritual Zero Proof across its fleet, a move that directly impacts offerings under the Cheers Zero Proof beverage package.

The change was confirmed by John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s longtime brand ambassador, during a Facebook video update on January 6, 2026.

The switch means guests sailing with the Cheers Zero Proof package will now receive cocktails made with Ritual Zero Proof spirits instead of Lyre’s products.

Read Also: Should You Get a Cruise Line Drinks Package?

Heald said the swap had been finalized shortly after he previously shared information about the Cheers Zero Proof program.

“We had these Lyre’s, these are the non-alcoholic spirits we had,” Heald began. “We’ve moved from them to a new brand called Ritual non-alcoholic spirits, and those are available across the fleet now, and they are absolutely still part of the Cheers Zero Proof program.”

Carnival Cruise Line introduced the Cheers Zero Proof beverage package in late 2025 as a standalone option for guests who want access to premium non-alcoholic drinks without purchasing an alcohol-inclusive plan.

The package includes zero-proof cocktails, specialty coffees, smoothies, milkshakes, energy drinks, and other alcohol-free beverages.

Carnival Cruise Line Zero Proof Drink Package
Carnival Cruise Line Zero Proof Drink Package

Heald also said the package is moving away from Monster-branded energy drinks to Red Bull and Red Bull Sugar Free, while addressing timing around future availability of the package, noting that it is currently limited to select early-2026 sailings.

“I will hopefully have news very soon about when it will become available for purchase for the remainder past March of this year,” said Heald. “I hope to bring you that news as soon as I can, and it’s so very popular.”

New Cheers Zero Proof Package

Carnival Cruise Line’s Cheers Zero Proof beverage package is now available, but only for cruises departing in the first quarter of 2026. 

The base price for the package is $29.99 per person, per day, but it must be purchased for the full length of a cruise rather than by the drink or daily. An automatic 18 percent gratuity is added to the overall cost.

The package does not apply at the cruise line’s private destinations such as Celebration Key or Princess Cays, and is intended for use onboard only.

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New zero-proof cocktails include On the Water, made with watermelon, lychee nectar, and lemon juice; Yuzu Vice, which uses Ritual Zero Proof Tequila with guava nectar, yuzu, and lime; Captain’s Cooler, featuring Ritual Zero Proof Tequila with piña colada blend, passion fruit nectar, and club soda; and Tropic Tide, a mix of orange juice, pineapple juice, hibiscus nectar, and passion fruit.

Each of the drinks is priced at $9.75 when purchased individually if passengers do not have a Cheers Zero Proof package.

The brand swap follows Carnival Cruise Line’s recent beverage updates in recent years, including switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products in 2025.

Carnival Passenger’s Tablecloth Request Gets Clear Answer From Cruise Line

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Passenger’s Tablecloth Request Gets Clear Answer From Cruise Line

Key Aspects:

  • One Carnival guest has requested crew members launder their personal tablecloth for every dinner service.
  • John Heald has confirmed this service is not possible, even though the elderly guest is a Platinum cruiser.
  • Other guests overwhelmingly agree that Carnival should not offer such a service, which could lead to a slippery slope.

It may now be 2026 with a new year of cruising fun to look forward to, but for some Carnival Cruise Line guests, old drama is resurfacing in a new way.

One guest who wants a return of old practices in the main dining room restaurants has reached out to John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, for assistance in creating the cruise experience they wish.

“If we bring our own tablecloth to use in the main dining hall would it be too much to ask that it is laundered ready for the next evening’s supper,” the guest asked. “I am Platinum and 71 years old.”

Carnival Cruise Line eliminated tablecloths from its main dining restaurants fleetwide several years ago, citing excessive laundry and environmental conservation measures.

The change was not necessarily well-received by some loyal cruisers, but this 71-year-old’s solution is certainly a novel one.

Heald, however, did note that using and laundering a guest’s personal tablecloth would not be possible.

“I did respectfully answer that we were not able to do this,” he confirmed.

This is not the first time that tablecloths have been subject to controversial suggestions. In May 2025, another guest proposed that Carnival Cruise Line offer tablecloths for a premium fee, with guests paying $10 for the privilege of a linen-topped-table.

Likewise, that suggestion was also not well received by other Carnival cruisers.

Other Guests Agree – The Service Is Not Reasonable

Heald went on to include the tablecloth issue in a poll of unusual guest questions, asking if he might not be correct in denying this unique service.

“Yes, you were wrong, you should have said yes, this is a small thing that Carnival could do,” the poll response noted.

Out of more than 16,200 votes in just a few hours, just 2% of voters (approximately 324 voters) agree that Carnival should launder guests’ personal tablecloths to use them for every dinner service.

Carnival Cruise Ship Dining Room
Carnival Cruise Ship Dining Room (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

In the meantime, a full 33% of voters (roughly 5,346 voters) agree that “no” was the correct response and Carnival should not offer this option.

“I cannot even imagine packing and messing with a tablecloth,” one commenter noted. “I liked them when they were there, but really don’t care that they are not. And, to expect the servers and laundry crew to add this extra work is nuts.”

“I cannot believe people would want Carnival to wash a tablecloth they bring from home for their dinner,” another guest added. “The staff has enough work to do without having to worry about unnecessary things like this.”

A number of guests do miss the elegance and atmosphere of linen tablecloths, but it is not a dealbreaker for a fun cruise vacation.

Why Can’t Carnival Offer This Service?

While Heald did not go into a detailed explanation about why crew members are not able to offer this service, there would be several logistical challenges.

A guest would not know the size or shape of their assigned dining table before boarding their cruise ship, and therefore, what tablecloth would be appropriate to bring?

Would Carnival Cruise Line be liable for damage to what may be a sentimental or heirloom tablecloth if it became irreparably stained or otherwise damaged?

What would be the cost of laundering a personal tablecloth, which undoubtedly would not fit within the allotted laundry bag for a guest’s wash-and-fold laundry service?

If the guest chose to eat at the Lido Marketplace buffet for dinner one evening, or had specialty dining reservations, would they expect their tablecloth to be moved from place to place?

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Furthermore, if Carnival Cruise Line did accommodate this type of request, where would such service stop? As another guest rightly notes, there are similar issues that could be included with such requests.

“Next thing you know you’ll be expected to wash their private sheets and comforters too and have those fresh on the bed each day. And for free!” they said.

What about personal bath towels? Or a robe? How about preferred lounge chair cushions? Where might it end?

Do tablecloths make-or-break your cruise dining experience? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

Princess Cruises Unveils Major Expansion of Northern Europe Sailings for 2027

Lissa Poirot
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Princess Cruises Unveils Major Expansion of Northern Europe Sailings for 2027

Key Aspects:

  • Princess Cruises will operate an expanded Northern Europe program in summer 2027.
  • There will be 48 voyages to 54 destinations across 18 countries from April through August.
  • Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, and Caribbean Princess will sail from multiple homeports.

As Mediterranean ports grow increasingly crowded in peak summer, more cruise itineraries are shifting north to cooler weather, quieter ports, and routes that haven’t carried the same volume of traffic.

Princess Cruises is leaning heavily into that shift for 2027, unveiling an expanded Northern Europe season that spans Iceland, Scandinavia, the Baltics, and the British Isles… with a light taste of the Med.

The cruise line’s newly announced 2027 summer season, from April through August, includes 48 voyages visiting 54 destinations across 18 countries.

Four vessels will operate from homeports in Southampton, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; Reykjavik, Iceland; Helsinki, Finland; as well as Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Princess is sailing Northern Europe like never before, presenting our most comprehensive program yet,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises’ chief commercial officer.

“With enriched itineraries, broader destination choices, and more opportunities for guests to personalize their ideal 2027 summer getaway, this Northern Europe program is more varied, more flexible, and more inspiring than ever.”

Among the additions is a 64-day Ultimate European Journey. The voyage is designed to connect multiple Northern European regions and can be broken into shorter segments.

A 49-day Northern Europe Explorer is also part of the lineup, with both extended itineraries sailing roundtrip from Southampton or Copenhagen and including overnight stays in select ports.

Cruise Ships in Olden, Norway
Cruise Ships in Olden, Norway (Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe)

Princess Cruises said the 2027 summer season will cover six regions overall, including Northern Europe, the British Isles, the Baltics, Iceland, Scandinavia, and portions of the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

The cruise line also highlighted increased access to smaller ports alongside major capitals, with itineraries that reduce sea days in favor of more frequent stops ashore.

New Itineraries Connect Northern Europe

Four Princess Cruises ships will operate the Northern Europe program in 2027: Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, and Caribbean Princess.

Regal Princess will anchor some of the most port-intensive itineraries, including extended sailings departing from Southampton and Copenhagen.

Majestic Princess and Sky Princess will operate itineraries across the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Iceland, sailing from ports including Southampton, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Reykjavik.

Caribbean Princess will support select Northern Europe and Atlantic itineraries during the season.

Read Also: Princess Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest

Princess Cruises’ 2027 program introduces several new and updated itineraries designed to link regions that have often been sailed separately, with bookings opening on January 13, 2026.

One option, for example, is an 8-night Irish Counties and Scottish Shores sailing roundtrip from Southampton, departing June 25, 2027. The itinerary includes Falmouth, England; an overnight in Cobh, Ireland; Dun Laoghaire for Dublin; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Greenock, Scotland.

The cruise line is also expanding its Norway and Iceland offerings with a 10-night Norwegian and Icelandic Fjords sailing from Copenhagen to Reykjavik on July 10, 2027. That sailing calls at Skagen, Denmark, and Kristiansand, Stavanger, Nordfjordeid, and Molde, Norway, along with Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Grundarfjordur, Iceland.

A 14-night Scandinavia and Baltic Adventure will sail from Southampton to Helsinki beginning May 15, 2027. Ports include Zeebrugge, Belgium; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Oslo and Kristiansand, Norway; Skagen, Bornholm, and Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemünde for Berlin; Gdynia, Poland; Visby, Sweden; and Tallinn, Estonia.

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The new lineup also incorporates limited Mediterranean sailings into the broader Northern Europe season. A 15-night Mediterranean Adventurer itinerary, for instance, departs Southampton on April 30, 2027, calling at Cadiz, Barcelona, Ibiza, and Cartagena, Spain; Toulon and Corsica, France; and Livorno and Alghero, Italy.

For passengers seeking longer regional coverage, Princess Cruises will offer a 25-night British Isles and Icelandic Fjords Explorer departing June 15, 2027. The sailing runs from Reykjavik to Copenhagen, stopping at multiple Icelandic ports before continuing through Scotland, Ireland, England, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Antigua Packs in 12,000 Cruise Passengers as Six Ships Arrive at Once

Donna Tunney
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Antigua Packs in 12,000 Cruise Passengers as Six Ships Arrive at Once

Key Aspects:

  • Antigua celebrated a robust cruise day on January 4, 2026, when 12,000 guests visited.
  • The island destination is expecting its 2025 cruise arrivals number to reach 900,000.
  • A new cruise terminal in St. John’s is under construction and slated to open in summer 2026.

The new year got off to a strong start for cruise-tourism at the Antigua Cruise Port, which welcomed more than 12,000 guests in one day from ships calling at the destination.

The twin-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda, roughly 400 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, recorded its robust cruise day on January 4, 2026, when five ships called at St. John’s Harbour and one called at Falmouth Harbor.

St. John’s Harbor is located in the capital city of St. John’s and is typically the cruise terminal used by large ships. Falmouth Harbor, also referred to as English Harbor, is situated in the southeast region of Antigua and accommodates smaller ships.

Both cruise ports are managed by Global Ports Holding (GPH), a major player in port operations and management across the Caribbean and Europe.

Among the ships that called on January 4, 2026, were Ritz-Carlton’s luxury Ilma vessel, Celebrity Eclipse, Norwegian Epic, Marella Discovery 2, and Valiant Lady.

GPH noted the robust activity at its Antigua cruise ports in a social media post celebrating the good news.

“These calls are bringing significant movement and vitality to the capital and surrounding communities, supporting local businesses and the wider tourism ecosystem,” Global Ports Holding posted on Facebook.

“Antigua & Barbuda continues to build momentum in cruise tourism, with record passenger volumes contributing to economic growth and increased demand across the destination,” it added.

It Wasn’t a Record Day, But It Was Close

The high-visitor day was not a record for the island nation. On December 28, 2024, the destination counted 13,312 cruise passengers visiting from four ships.

In fact, 2024 was a great year for the island’s cruise industry, with 570 ship calls and 825,526 cruise guest arrivals. It marked a substantial increase over 2023, when 446 ship calls were made, delivering about 670,000 passengers.

Cruise Ships Docked in Antigua
Cruise Ships Docked in Antigua (Photo Credit: Antigua Cruise Port)

GPH is predicting a record number of cruise arrivals on January 23, 2026, when 17,000-plus passengers are slated to visit Antigua.

While 2025’s final cruise numbers have not yet been released, the island nation is expecting cruise guest arrivals to reach or break 900,000 for the year.

Read Also: When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?

Looking ahead to the remainder of the winter 2026 season, Antigua will host cruise ships from a slew of lines, including Virgin Voyages, Seabourn, Holland America Line, AIDA Cruises, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, among others.

Antigua to Open New Cruise Terminal in 2026

Antigua & Barbuda will be able to roll out the welcome mat to more cruise ships going forward, thanks to the construction of a new cruise terminal in St. John’s. Expected to open in summer 2026, the terminal will be located at the port’s fifth cruise berth.

The massive 1.6 million-square-foot terminal will be situated on four acres in the capital city and represents an investment of $40 million.

The facility will offer several services to cruise guests, including the Antigua Day Club, where guests can relax in a recreational area that will feature a pool, dining and bar venues, and outdoor green spaces.

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A Bazaar will feature locally made arts, crafts, and other goods, where cruise guests can shop for souvenirs to take home.

The cruise terminal is a partnership between Antigua Cruise Port and GPH. A ground-breaking ceremony was held in February 2025.

Besides Antigua & Barbuda, GPH also manages Caribbean port operations at the Nassau Cruise Port, St. Lucia, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Carnival Navigates Two Jam-Packed Days at PortMiami With 19 Ships in Port

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Navigates Two Jam-Packed Days at PortMiami With 19 Ships in Port

Key Aspects:

  • It’s been a busy start to the year at PortMiami, Florida.
  • Carnival warned guests embarking on January 4-5 of increased congestion at the cruise port.
  • 10 ships were present on January 4, with nine more ships in the port on January 5.

As one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, it’s rarely quiet at Florida’s PortMiami.

Though it recently lost its title of busiest cruise port in the world to Port Canaveral, the bustling port still welcomes over 8.5 million guests annually. Its record for one day is a staggering 75,201 guests.

In fact, two recent days were busy enough for Carnival Cruise Line to issue an advisory about the crowds descending upon the Cruise Capital of the World.

Guests embarking on January 4 and January 5, 2026, were told to expect delays caused by possible detours and heavy traffic. Construction is also underway in and near the port, which can bring delays even without big crowds.

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

“We’d like to inform you that PortMiami will be operating with a high number of ships the day of your embarkation, amidst construction in the downtown area and within the port premises. Consequently, there will be detours and heavier than normal traffic,” the cruise line advised guests on January 3.

“To ensure prompt arrival within your pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment, we suggest you allow ample travel time to account for any potential delays,” the notice added.

As an additional tip, it’s always a good idea to sign up for Carnival’s text alerts to ensure you get real-time updates about your sailing and departure port.

Embarkations on January 4, 2026

Both Carnival Celebration and Carnival Magic graced PortMiami with their presence on January 4. Both vessels are currently cruising in the Eastern Caribbean, with Carnival Celebration on a 7-night sailing and Carnival Magic on a 6-night voyage.

And of course, these Fun ships were not alone. They were just two of ten ships in the port on January 4 that were all going through the same embarkation and disembarkation processes.

Assuming the Carnival vessels are operating at maximum capacity, they could bring a combined total of 11,224 guests to the cruise port – with 6,500 passengers coming for Carnival Celebration and 4,724 booked on Carnival Magic.

Carnival Cruises in Miami
Carnival Cruises in Miami (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

This number is per sailing, meaning up to 11,224 guests could be disembarking as 11,224 new guests are arriving to embark on the next voyage.

They were also joined by Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Jewel. Two Royal Caribbean ships, Symphony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, were also present – as was sister-brand Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Beyond.

Next on the list of present ships is Virgin Voyages’ new Brilliant Lady and MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina. Last but not least is Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Allura, which was the smallest vessel present with a capacity for 1,200 guests.

Embarkations on January 5, 2026

Three more Carnival ships – Carnival Conquest, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Sunrise – returned to PortMiami on January 5 for another extra busy day.

Carnival Conquest is currently on a 12-night voyage to the Southern Caribbean, while the latter ships are on shorter sailings to the Western Caribbean.

All in all, nine ships were in PortMiami on January 5.

Diving back into the numbers, the Carnival ships alone could have drawn a maximum of 10,941 guests to the port per sailing.

Carnival Conquest can accommodate a maximum of 2,980 guests per voyage, Carnival Horizon can welcome up to 4,977 at maximum capacity, and Carnival Sunrise’s capacity is set at 2,984 cruisers.

Royal Caribbean also had two ships in the port, which were Freedom of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. NCL was back with Norwegian Getaway (3,969 guests), while MSC was represented through MSC Seaside.

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Rounding out the total was Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Nautica and Explora Journeys Explora II, both of which are on the smaller side with room for under 1,000 guests onboard.

PortMiami will now get to recover with a lower number of ship calls over the next few days, with eight ships expected to arrive at the port at once on January 10 to ramp things back up.

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