104 cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported aboard Celebrity Eclipse’s Christmas sailing.
Vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps were the most common symptoms, but no causative agent has been confirmed.
Enhanced cleaning, isolating ill individuals, and other measures were immediately implemented.
A Christmas cruise can be an amazing getaway not only to enjoy all the amenities and relaxation of a typical cruise, but also to experience the magic of the holiday season in a unique and memorable way without all the seasonal stress.
For many guests aboard Celebrity Eclipse‘s Christmas Day cruise, however, the voyage has been memorable for all the wrong reasons. No one likes to be sick over vacation, and to be sick with a stomach bug on a holiday sailing is even worse.
The illness outbreak has been reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as it involved enough guests and crew members to cross the 3% mandatory reporting threshold.
A total of 95 guests out of the 3,042 onboard, along with 9 crew members of the 1,235 on the team, reported vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps during the ship’s December 20, 2025, sailing. This represents 3.1% of guests and just .7% of crew members reporting symptoms.
The 8-night cruise departed Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, December 20, for the Eastern Caribbean itinerary with visits to Antigua, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC when the ship returned to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, December 28. No delays have been noted, and the 121,900-gross-ton, Solstice-class ship has already departed on her next sailing.
To be clear, the number of cases reported to the CDC is for the entire voyage. It is possible different guests were sick on different days, not necessarily that all 104 reported cases were at the same time.
Onboard Response to Celebrity Eclipse Outbreak
Once the illness was reported, crew members on Celebrity Eclipse immediately implemented various measures to minimize any further spread or ongoing contamination. This included:
Increased cleaning and disinfection, particularly for public areas
Collecting samples for testing to find a causative agent
Isolating any guests or crew members reporting related symptoms
While the exact causative agent for this particular outbreak has not yet been identified, most bacteria or viruses that cause these gastrointestinal symptoms are spread through direct contact and contaminated surfaces.
Photo Credit: Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com
Enhanced cleaning protocols can be very effective at controlling outbreaks of norovirus and similar illnesses. Guests can protect themselves by thoroughly washing their hands after using the restroom and before eating, and trying to avoid excessive touching of high-contact surfaces such as railings, door handles, buffet serving utensils, and elevator buttons.
Previous Outbreaks This Year
The current outbreak aboard Celebrity Eclipse is the first reported outbreak for a Celebrity Cruises ship in 2025, but the twenty-second outbreak across all cruise lines.
Most have been norovirus, though several outbreaks did not have a causative agent confirmed. One outbreak was determined to be E. coli, while another was confirmed as ciguatera.
The most recent previous outbreak was aboard AIDAdiva, with 114 guests and crew members succumbing to norovirus in late November and early December.
While there is a misconception that cruise ships can be floating petri dishes, the fact that hundreds of cruises have set sail in 2025 without any significant outbreaks disproves that idea.
Furthermore, outbreaks can occur on ships from any line and vessels of any size. Throughout 2025, vessels from luxury lines like Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and Sea Cloud Cruises have had outbreaks, as have major mass-market lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.
Before this outbreak on Celebrity Eclipse, the most recent Celebrity Cruises outbreak reported to the CDC was aboard Celebrity Summit in May 2024, when 78 guests and crew members were impacted by norovirus.
Quintana Roo recorded its strongest cruise tourism year in 2025, with more than 7.4 million cruise passengers.
The Mexican state saw 1,874 ship calls across its ports, with Cozumel receiving 4.62 million passengers and Costa Maya adding 2.8 million guests.
Officials are hoping new developments will help it set a new record in 2026.
Cruise ship horns may have been the soundtrack of Quintana Roo in 2025, and now the Mexican state’s governor has put numbers to the noise.
Governor Mara Lezama announced that the past year officially set a cruise tourism record, calling 2025 the strongest year the state has ever seen for passenger arrivals.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering mid-year data released in June showed Mexico as a whole welcoming approximately 5.6 million cruise visitors, up 8.4 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
That data showed Cozumel alone receiving about 2.4 million passengers during that span, signaling early that 2025 was on track for a strong close.
According to Lezama, and shared on her social media accounts, more than 7.4 million cruise passengers arrived across Quintana Roo in 2025, an increase she says puts the state at the top of the national rankings.
She also reported 1,874 cruise ship calls statewide, a figure that grew nearly 4 percent compared to the previous year.
“In 2025, we experienced the best year in the history of cruise tourism in Quintana Roo,” said Lezama. “More than 7.4 million cruise passengers and 1,874 vessels arrived at our ports, consolidating Cozumel and Costa Maya as leading destinations nationally and internationally.”
Costa Maya Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Marvelous Adept)
The numbers break down clearly across the state’s two main ports. Cozumel ended the year with 4.62 million visitors and 1,300 ship calls, which is actually on par with 2024’s tallies at 4.623 million. However, Costa Maya brought in 2.8 million passengers and 574 cruise ship calls, illustrating a continued rise for the newer port and elevating the state’s numbers.
Lezama tied the year’s results to collective effort, saying “This achievement is the result of coordinated work between the government, the private sector, and international agencies, under a vision of orderly and sustainable development.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
As Quintana Roo celebrates its record year, Lezama is already turning her attention to 2026 and beyond. Officials in Cozumel are actively pursuing a record-breaking 5 million passengers to the island.
Cruise lines seem ready to support that goal and have already locked in itineraries that include regular visits to the state’s ports through the 2026-27 season.
Royal Caribbean’s lineup for 2026, for example, features a mix of vessels sailing from Florida and Gulf Coast homeports that include both Mexican ports on their Western Caribbean routes.
One of the most highly anticipated attractions in 2026 will be the opening of the Royal Beach Club Cozumel, a new beach club operated by the cruise line that is slated to debut in late 2026. This destination will offer passengers dedicated beach space, pools, food and beverage options, and all-inclusive perks.
The cruise company is also building Perfect Day Mexico, which will transform part of Costa Maya into a sprawling private resort destination in 2027.
With these destinations in the works, Quintana Roo just may reach its goals.
A guest who may have meningitis was evacuated from Costa Diadema on Monday, December 29.
The ship diverted to Laguna, Brazil and used a lifeboat tender to bring the guest to shore for emergency care.
No details about the guest or their condition have been released.
A cruise guest suspected of having meningitis was evacuated from Costa Diadema on Monday, December 29, 2025 to receive more specialized care at a local hospital in Laguna, Brazil.
According to Agora Laguna, the cruise ship’s close approach to Laguna caught the attention of passersby on shore, even more so when one of the ship’s lifeboats was used as a tender for the evacuation.
While the ship was not positively identified, only Costa Diadema was in the vicinity on Monday. Satellite tracking confirms that the vessel diverted from her route to Laguna.
An ambulance met the tender and the guest was transported to Hospital de Caridade Senhor Bom Jesus dos Passos for care and treatment.
No details about the guest’s overall condition have been released, as is standard procedure to protect their privacy at a very stressful time. Similarly, no other identifying details, such as age, gender, or nationality, have been confirmed.
Monday, December 29, was a day at sea for Costa Diadema as the ship traveled between Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The ship should still arrive in Buenos Aires for debarkation as planned on Wednesday, December 31.
The 7-night South American cruise departed Buenos Aires on Christmas Eve and visited Montevideo, Uruguay, as well as Itajai and Sao Paulo in Brazil. Departures are available from all ports in Brazil and Argentina, giving guests options for sailings of different lengths depending on their preferences, budget, and vacation plans.
The 132,500-gross-ton, Dream-class Costa Diadema is homeported in South America through April 2026, at which time she will move to Europe for a summer of northern European and Norwegian sailings and autumn in the Mediterranean.
The ship can welcome 3,724 guests at double occupancy or up to 4,927 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are more than 1,200 international crew members.
Costa Diadema is part of the Costa Cruises fleet, under the corporate umbrella of Carnival Corporation & plc.
Was the Medical Evacuation Necessary?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord.
It can have fungal, bacterial, parasitic, or viral causes, or could even be caused by injuries, drug reactions, or other diseases. Symptoms include fever, headache, a stiff neck, nausea, confusion, and photophobia.
Photo Credit: byvalet / Shutterstock.com
Meningitis can be a medical emergency and successful treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis of the precise cause, testing that a cruise ship medical center may not be able to confirm.
Furthermore, the specialized care necessary to treat meningitis may not be available onboard a ship.
Some forms of meningitis can be contagious depending on the cause of the inflammation. Undoubtedly, extra sanitation and other precautions are being taken onboard Costa Diadema to ensure there is no contamination or spread of the illness.
Other Reasons for Medical Evacuations
Medical evacuations are not uncommon on cruise ships, though they do not occur on every voyage.
Anytime a guest may need more specialized or critical care than a cruise ship could reasonably provide, a medical evacuation may be necessary. This could be due to a heart attack or stroke, a sudden inflammation like appendicitis, complications with an existing health condition, or even a severe injury.
If possible, the cruise ship will divert to the nearest possible port so the guest can be debarked, possibly with a tender, or else by the entire ship docking briefly.
If the ship is already close to a planned port of call, the vessel may speed up to arrive as soon as possible. This happened with Carnival Pride en route to Bermuda in September 2025, when a guest had a medical emergency and the ship arranged to arrive 15 hours early.
Airlift evacuations are another possibility when guests need a faster response or it isn’t possible for the ship to divert to an appropriate port. The US Coast Guard often facilitates such airlifts, as do other authorities whenever necessary.
Regardless of how or why a guest (or crew member) may need a medical evacuation, Cruise Hive wishes them all the best for a smooth recovery.
Royal Caribbean has won the title of Best Overall Cruise Line of 2025.
This is the first time a brand besides Carnival Cruise Line has won this honor.
Carnival is now in a close second place behind the newly crowned victor.
Step aside, Carnival! There is a new “Best Overall Cruise Line” in town.
Royal Caribbean has been named the Best Overall Cruise Line of 2025, unseating Carnival Cruise Line from the top spot for the first time in the history of the Cruise Hive Awards.
But if it’s any consolation to Carnival, which came in second place, the competition was fierce.
Royal Caribbean won with 18.3% of the vote, which is only 1.1 points ahead of Carnival at 17.2%.
Best Cruise Line Award
Third and fourth place is only separated by less than a percentage point (.2%), with the Royal Caribbean-owned Celebrity Cruisesat 12.6% and MSC Cruises at 12.4%.
This is yet another feather in Royal Caribbean’s cap, as the brand has been sweeping the floor during this year’s Cruise Hive Awards. The brand has also won Best Cruise Line App of 2025and Best New Cruise Ship of 2025 for Star of the Seas, the second Icon-class ship.
The title of Best New Cruise Ship previously went to the first Icon-class ship, Icon of the Seas, in 2024.
For context, public voting took place from October 14, 2025, until December 19, 2025, and responses were screened to ensure they were legitimate (not AI or bots).
Best Cruise Line of 2025 Chart (Data: Cruise Hive)
Royal Caribbean Gets the Edge
For the past several years (including 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021), Royal Caribbean has come in second place to Carnival for top honors. But now the tables have been turned.
While Royal Caribbean sailings generally come with a higher price tag than more budget-friendly Carnival cruises, they also offer some of the most innovative experiences on the high seas.
There is entertainment onboard for everyone, such as high-caliber production shows and stunt shows in the AquaTheater on Oasis and Icon-class ships.
Royal Caribbean Ships Docked in CocoCay (Photo Credit: Aleksandr Dyskin)
Across the fleet, cruisers will also find ice skating rinks, escape rooms, surf simulators, rock climbing, and the Category 6 Waterpark on the Icon-class vessels, which is the biggest waterpark at sea.
And of course, the family-friendly brand doesn’t just prioritize the onboard experience, but also offers the most in-demand itineraries.
Royal Caribbean currently sails to over 270 destinations across more than 60 countries, including bucket-list destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Alaska.
Innovating On Land
Royal Caribbean is on track to be operating a total of seven private destinations by 2028, which is an impressive accomplishment.
Royal Beach Club Cozumel is expected to open in 2026, while Perfect Day Mexico is coming to Costa Maya in 2027 – along with a record-breaking waterpark.
An additional beach club is coming to Greece (Santorini) in 2026, with plans also in the works to open a Royal Beach Club in Lelepa (Vanuatu) in 2027. This will make history as the first ever cruise line private island destination in the Southern Hemisphere.
Is Sentiment Changing Toward Carnival?
Considering Royal Caribbean’s lead over Carnival is narrow, the second-place cruise line shouldn’t be too worried just yet.
The lively “Fun Ship” vibes, no shortage of entertainment onboard, and affordability of many of these sailings make Carnival a popular brand for many.
However, the cruise line has met a lot of controversy this year – particularly regarding the announcement of the new Carnival Rewards Program, which goes into effect on September 1, 2026.
The biggest point of contention has been that the new program is doing away with lifetime loyalty status, which left many long-time Carnival cruisers feeling abandoned and disrespected.
It’s possible that this shift in public sentiment was just enough to turn the tides in Royal Caribbean’s favor.
Different efforts to free Coral Adventurer from a reef in Papua New Guinea have failed.
Despite multiple different efforts to free Coral Adventurer from the reef she grounded on in Papua New Guinea, the expedition cruise ship remains stuck days after first shuddering to a halt on Saturday, December 27.
Because there is no timeline for the ship to be successfully freed, guests onboard will now be flown back to Cairns on chartered flights while the authorities of Papua New Guinea have detained the vessel due to potential damage from the reef strike.
According to 7 News, Coral Adventurer has listed approximately six degrees to port following the grounding. This does not appear to be impacting operations on the vessel, but it could potentially create additional complications for refloating the ship.
First, the ship’s own engines were used in conjunction with tidal schedules to attempt to loosen and refloat the vessel.
“After an unsuccessful attempt to manoeuvre the ship off the reef using its propulsion at high tide on 27 December, the ship’s operator engaged a towage provider to assist with refloating it,” the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed.
Unfortunately, that towing operation was also unsuccessful and Coral Adventurer remains grounded as of Tuesday, December 30, the day the ship was to have debarked in Cairns at the end of the 12-night cruise.
The 80 guests onboard the stranded ship include passengers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Israel. The guests will now be evacuated with smaller boats to Lae, the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea, which is approximately 60 miles west of the ship’s location.
From Lae, guests will be flown back to Cairns via chartered flights. No injuries have been reported and onboard operations have not been impacted.
Sky News Australia has also reported that Coral Adventurer is now detained by Papua New Guinean authorities, as the vessel may not be considered seaworthy following the grounding.
Further inspections and review of safety procedures will undoubtedly be necessary before Coral Adventure could resume sailing, though there is no indication of how long such inspections and reviews may take or when the ship may be freed.
How Did the Ship Run Aground?
Coral Adventurer is stuck at Dreghafen Point between Nussing Island and Kumbam Island, an area known for having trickier waters and higher reefs than many mariners may be accustomed to. In fact, local fishermen often avoid the area because of those dangers.
It is unknown why Coral Adventurer chose that exact route along the eastern coast of Papua New Guinea, but strong currents did contribute to the ship’s grounding.
The exact draft of the ship, her balance in the water, and the composition and shape of submerged reefs would all play a part in the severe mishap.
Expedition ships often venture into more remote regions than larger vessels, but at the same time they can also be more susceptible to strong winds, unusual currents, and other navigational hazards.
What Will Happen to Coral Adventurer?
At this time, it is unknown exactly what will happen to the troubled cruise ship. It will still be necessary to free the vessel, but exactly how and when that may be done will depend on whether or not any marine contamination is present, if the ship’s hull has been damaged, and what resources are available to assist.
Once freed, the ship will undoubtedly be rigorously inspected and go through various safety checks to be sure she is seaworthy. If necessary, repairs or modifications may be made to ensure such an incident does not happen again.
Because Coral Expeditions, and specifically Coral Adventurer, has had such a difficult time in the past few months (the ship inadvertently left an elderly guest behind on Lizard Island, and she tragically died before she could be found), it is possible some hard decisions may be made about the ship’s future.
The 5,536-gross-ton ship was built in Vietnam in 2019 and is homeported from Cairns, offering unique and immersive expedition itineraries around Australia and the South Pacific.
Norfolk, Virginia, completed a nearly full year of uninterrupted weekly cruising in 2025 with 338,959 passenger visits.
The port reported a total of 47 ship calls from Carnival Cruise Line and an additional 15 port-of-call stops from other cruise operators.
The city is preparing for continued growth in 2026 with its first-ever full year of sailings from Carnival Sunshine.
Norfolk, Virginia, often called the “Mermaid City” due to its charming public-art installations centered around mermaids, celebrated a milestone moment on December 27, 2025, as the final cruise of 2025 sailed away from Half Moone Cruise Center.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunshine once again departed for the Bahamas from the cruise port, as it had for nearly every week of 2025 since February, completing nearly a year of continuous, weekly cruising from the port.
Since February 11, 2025, downtown Norfolk’s waterfront discovery center, Nauticus, received the 102,853-gross-ton Carnival Sunshine, moving roughly 3,002 cruise passengers onboard and off during each cruise.
That supported the port’s record total of 338,959 unique passenger visits in 2025, exceeding the port’s projections by nearly 40,000.
Nauticus logged 47 ship calls from Carnival Cruise Line overall, and another 15 port-of-call visits from other cruise lines, with nearly 100,000 crew members also passing through the city in 2025.
Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland said the momentum now sets the stage for long-term growth.
Carnival Sunshine in Norfolk, Virginia (Credit: Nauticus)
“2025 exceeded expectations and firmly established Norfolk as a dynamic cruise destination,” he said. “The goal now is to build on this success with strategic, prudent, growth.”
The future of that growth includes ship changes and added cruise arrivals. Kirkland confirmed that Carnival Sunshine will not remain indefinitely, with weekly sailings expected to move to Carnival Freedom beginning in late 2027 as Sunshine heads to Texas.
That same year, Norwegian Cruise Line plans to add 20 call visits to Norfolk, projected to deliver nearly 50,000 additional passengers.
But first comes 2026, in which the port will have no paused cruise schedule through the winter for the first time. In fact, Carnival Sunshine will return to the port on January 4, kicking off what is slated to be a full calendar year of sailings.
Full Year of Cruises Scheduled
Norfolk’s 2026 cruise year begins immediately after the New Year holiday, when Carnival Sunshine returns from the Bahamas on January 4, and launches straight into its first new cruise of the year.
The vessel calls in Norfolk nearly every weekend or mid-week through December 2026. Between January and March, all arrivals at the port will be Carnival Sunshine sailings except for a two-day port call from Oceania Cruises’ 1,200-passenger Allura on March 25 and 26.
In April, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 744-guest Seven Seas Grandeur arrives for a port call on the 2nd, as Carnival Sunshine continues service every weekend. Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, with up to 1,964 passengers, will also call on April 21 and 24.
The cruise line will also bring its 1,432-passenger Volendam to Norfolk on May 20, as Carnival Sunshine continues alternating Saturday and Sunday departures.
By June, Carnival Sunshine will begin increasing its frequency through the summer as Zuiderdam returns and the only vessel not owned by Carnival Corporation, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 1, arrives September 25, carrying up to 2,894 guests.
Carnival Corporation-owned AIDAdiva, operated by AIDA Cruises, Ponant’s La’Austral, Mein Schiff 1, and Viking Ocean’s Viking Octantis all visit in October 2026 as Carnival Sunshine continues its service around them.
While there will also be a single visit by Seabourn’s Ovation in November, the year closes with continued Carnival Sunshine arrivals through December, with a final seasonal sailing on December 26, 2026.
It will be the first uninterrupted calendar for Norfolk with weekly cruises across all 12 months
With 22.4% of the vote, Star of the Seas won Best New Cruise Ship of 2025 as voted by Cruise Hive readers.
MSC World America and Star Princess were second and third place, respectively.
Star of the Seas is following in the wake of Icon of the Seas‘ win for the same category in 2024.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is indeed a shining star for this year’s Cruise Hive Awards, as it has been chosen as Best New Cruise Ship of 2025 with 22.4% of the overall vote.
The competition was fierce, with MSC Cruises’ MSC World America coming in at a close second with 19.8% of the vote and another seagoing star, Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, in third place with 16.4% of the vote.
Cruise Hive readers cast their votes between October 14 and December 19, choosing which ship that first set sail anytime in 2025 would be worthy of the honor. Of course, only brand new ships that welcomed their first guests this calendar year were eligible.
In previous years, Wonder of the Seas (2023), Carnival Celebration (2022), Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Panorama (2019), Carnival Horizon (2018), Norwegian Joy and MSC Seaside (tied in 2017), Harmony of the Seas (2016), and Anthem of the Seas (2015) have been the award recipients during their respective inaugural seasons.
This means that over the years, Royal Caribbean has taken the title 5 times, just edging out Carnival Cruise Line’s four wins. Both cruise lines offer excellent experiences for guests, with their new ships featuring outstanding amenities, attractions, dining, entertainment, and fun for all ages.
Best New Cruise Ship of 2025 Chart (Data: Cruise Hive)
A Star Is Born
As the second of the enormous Icon-class ships, Star of the Seas debuted in mid-August, making her win all the more impressive as she’s only been welcoming guests for four months.
Nevertheless, the 248,663-gross-ton ship has certainly wowed guests in that brief span with her eight world-class neighborhoods, the Thrill Island waterpark, the classic FlowRider surfing simulator, 18 unique bars and lounges, 27 dining options, the adrenaline-inducing Crown’s Edge course, and the eye-catching Pearl promenade showpiece.
Built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, Star of the Seas was shining bright from the moment she was delivered to Royal Caribbean on July 10, following her outstanding sea trials in June.
Star of the Seas Departing Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)
With her construction finished ahead of schedule, Royal Caribbean was able to offer a series of four short “showcase” sailings aboard the new ship before she welcomed guests on her official maiden voyage that departed Port Canaveral on August 31, 2025.
The port hosted a wave out “sailabration” for the largest ship to ever homeport from the Space Coast on August 16, the first of those showcase sailings.
Star of the Seas offers 7-night Caribbean sailings with Sunday departures, alternating between Eastern and Western itineraries. Each sailing visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
Onboard, the ship can welcome 5,610 guests at double occupancy or up to 7,600 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is also home to more than 2,300 crew members eager to make each guest the star of their very best cruise vacation.
More Award-Worthy New Ships
While Star of the Seas certainly deserved the title of Best New Cruise Ship of 2025, other vessels had noteworthy showings in the voting as well.
Following MSC World America and Star Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua garnered 13.7% of the votes for fourth place, with Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel coming in fifth at 11.2%. Disney Destiny (5.8%), Brilliant Lady (4.6%), Viking Vesta (2.9%), Allura (2.7%), and Mein Schiff Relax (.4%) rounded out this year’s voting.
Who may take the title in 2026? With Legend of the Seas debuting in July, it could be a three-peat for Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, or the honor may go to MSC World Asia, Disney Adventure, or any other ship set to take the oceans by storm next year.
Celebrity Eclipse has replaced a port call for its April 19, 2026, sailing to Grand Cayman and the Bahamas.
Instead of Nassau, Bahamas, the ship will instead visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Recently booked guests may not have been officially notified of the change yet, leading to confusion.
Some future guests of Celebrity Eclipse will get to have the private island experience, but not at the exclusive destination that they expected.
During its April 19, 2026, sailing, the 2,850-guest ship will be switching out a stop at thenewly completed Royal Beach Club Paradise Islandon Nassau with a day at the tried-and-true Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
This is an interesting change of pace, especially after Celebrity Cruises’ sister-brand, Royal Caribbean,recently changed several itineraries for early 2026 to direct more sailingsto Nassau.
“Recently, we’ve revised our plans for our itinerary. To ensure your experience remains effortless and enjoyable, we’ll now visit Perfect Day at CocoCay on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, before returning to Fort Lauderdale,”the cruise line wrote to impacted guests.
Other than guest enjoyment, Celebrity Cruises did not provide a reason for the change of plans. These tweaks can happen for a variety of reasons, like unexpected changes to port availability or maintenance requirements.
The rest of the 6-night itinerary, which includes calls to George Town, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico, remains unchanged.
Changes Lead to Guest Confusion
This itinerary change was made very recently, and not all guests have received the official notice from Celebrity Cruises yet – especially those that only just booked their sailings.
Popular cruise tracking websites, which function independently from the cruise line, have not been updated online yet. This is leading to confusion for guests who see the revised itinerary on Celebrity’s website and app, but not elsewhere.
“Have you heard of an itinerary change? It is shown online as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Perfect Day. Perfect Day would be 4/24,” one recent booker inquired on Reddit.
“Looking at port schedules…Eclipse is not showing scheduled for Perfect Day on 4/24. It is, however, showing scheduled for Nassau on 4/24,” they continued.
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay (Photo Credit: All About Nature Photo)
Making things more complicated, not all of Celebrity’s customer service representatives were in the loop on the changed itinerary.
“I called Celebrity to ask if there was an itinerary change, and the representative doesn’t see any reference to an itinerary change. However she also sees the “mismatch” between destination and shore excursions,”they went on.
“She created a ticket to IT about the issue, and they say to check again after 3-5 business days, meaning I suppose that from their perspective it seems like a glitch. It doesn’t seem like a glitch if I look at port schedules, but maybe I have trust issues,” the poster added.
Rest assured, this definitely is not a glitch and official communication from the cruise line confirmed that the itinerary did replace Nassau with Perfect Day in CocoCay. Just not everyone has received the formal letter yet.
Are More Itinerary Changes Coming?
While cruise lines sometimes issue itinerary changes in waves that impact multiple voyages, this does not seem to be the case for the Solstice-class cruise ship.
The Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line has released a couple of itinerary updates for future sailings operated by other ships in which Nassau is again replaced by CocoCay, but these appear to be unrelated to each other.
Celebrity Silhouette’s October 26, 2027, sailing, which is a 4-night sailing to the Bahamas, replaced the capital of the Bahamas with the private destination on October 29, 2025. No reason was given for the change beyond guest enjoyment.
Celebrity Reflection has also made the same change for one of its 4-night Bahamas sailings, switching out Nassau for CocoCay during its April 17, 2028, voyage. The reason cited here was a berthing conflict.
In general, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for possible itinerary changes, as they can happen anytime for a variety of reasons.
The Mobile Cruise Port is a favorite among travelers hoping for a more laid-back experience. It’s a modern and easily accessible port centrally located in the city’s downtown. It’s situated along the scenic Mobile River and serves nearly 200,000 cruise passengers annually.
In my opinion, it’s one of the best ports to sail from due to its convenience. Mobile is welcoming and the cruise port is well-organized, so you start your trip out on a good note.
In this guide, I’ll explain what you should know about visiting this Gulf Coast port and how to make the most of your time in the area.
The port is located in downtown Mobile, Alabama. Cruise ships departing from the port travel down the Mobile River before reaching the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
This is one of the most convenient seaports from which to sail. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the nearest airport and is accessible via I-10 East or West and US-90, making it easy to find, even if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Mobile Cruise Port Address
South 201 Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602
Mobile Port Piers and Terminals
Since the port is located right on the Mobile River in downtown Mobile, ships have a convenient starting point for cruises to the Gulf of Mexico.
Mobile, Alabama Cruise Parking (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
The port offers easy access to nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions. This means you can enjoy the city for a few hours or nights before or after your voyage.
Terminal Facilities
The Mobile, Alabama, Cruise Terminal is located inside a two-story, 66,000-square-foot facility. It has a modern design with comfortable seating and easy access to restrooms and elevators/escalators. It also features state-of-the-art security screenings for passengers.
Other amenities include:
Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
Luggage assistance
Wheelchair accessibility for passengers who need it
Unfortunately, there aren’t any full-service restaurants or large shops inside the terminal, but there are vending machines and beverage kiosks. And downtown Mobile offers plenty of dining options within walking distance.
Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto)
I was early enough for my cruise, and the downtown area is close enough that I had a chance to grab a cup of coffee without feeling rushed to get back before my ship began boarding.
Mobile’s port isn’t the largest I’ve sailed from, and it’s not all that elaborate, but it’s comfortable and convenient. The terminal is well-maintained, thoughtfully laid out, and makes it easy for cruisers to navigate and embark, even if it’s their first time setting sail from this location or cruising in general.
Cruise Lines That Use Mobile Cruise Port
Carnival Cruise Line is currently the only major cruise company offering regular departures from Mobile. They’re planning a significant expansion to the port beginning in the spring of 2027.
Carnival Valor will officially make Mobile its home port for year‑round cruising as the first “Conquest‑class” ship to be based there. In the meantime, Carnival Spirit will continue seasonal operations with a range of cruises from 6 to 16 days.
However, the port is broadening its offerings in 2026 with the addition of American Cruise Lines, deploying the 180-passenger vessel American Symphony on a Gulf Coast route that includes port calls in Mobile.
Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal)
This reflects growing confidence in the port’s capacity and appeal to cruisers across the South and Midwest. Upgrades to the terminal infrastructure (including boarding/gangway improvements) will support the increase in cruise traffic and improve passenger experience.
Current and upcoming cruises will sail to the Bahamas, including Carnival’s private islands and resort-style destinations.
While Florida and Louisiana are likely to remain the primary southern United States cruise ports, Mobile increasingly offers a convenient alternative for many cruisers, with easier access for travelers in Alabama, Mississippi, and the broader Midwest who want to avoid longer drives to other Gulf Coast embarkation points.
Parking at Mobile Cruise Port
At Mobile, the cruise terminal includes a covered parking garage right next to the terminal. You can park at the garage located at 201 South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602.
The garage offers about 500 covered parking spaces.
For oversized vehicles such as RVs or campers, higher parking rates apply. You’ll pay $42 and $63, respectively.
Official Mobile Parking Lot (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
When I cruised out of the Mobile Port, I dropped off my luggage at the terminal entrance. The port staff unloaded and tagged my bags and then directed me to my space. It made arrival and embarkation very convenient.
You also have the option of pre-paying for parking, so there’s one less thing to worry about when you arrive.
If you prefer off-site parking or wish to stay in a downtown hotel before or after your cruise, some nearby hotels offer “park‑and‑cruise” packages. This way, you can park at the hotel and get hotel transportation to and from the terminal.
Traveling from Nearby Airports
With two commercial airports in the general Mobile area, the cruise port is easily reachable for travelers from all over the country. If you’re planning to fly, here’s what to know about the nearby airports and getting to the port once you arrive:
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)
If you’re flying into Mobile for your cruise, Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is your most convenient option. Personally, I’ve found it’s a breeze compared to larger airports. It’s small enough to navigate quickly, but offers plenty of services.
It’s approximately 13 miles via I‑10 W and Water Street from the Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) to the Port of Mobile. Depending on traffic, the drive takes about 25 to 35 minutes.
Mobile Regional Airport (Photo Credit: EQRoy)
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are widely available, and a typical ride costs around $25–$35, depending on traffic and time of day.
If you prefer to drive yourself, follow these directions:
Exit the airport and get on I‑10 W junction toward downtown Mobile.
Take Exit 26A for Canal Street, then turn onto Water Street.
Follow Water Street for a couple of blocks; the cruise terminal at 201 South Water Street and its parking garage will be on your right.
I like this airport because it’s so close to the port. You can grab a quick breakfast, pick up a rental car if needed, and be at the terminal with plenty of time to spare. For first-time cruisers, that short drive reduces stress on embarkation day.
Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
If Mobile flights are limited or expensive, or it’s just more convenient for you, Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is another option.
The downside of PNS is that you’ll have to travel further once you arrive at the airport. PNS is more than 60 miles from the port, depending on your route, and the drive will take about an hour to an hour and a half, even without heavy traffic.
Pensacola International Airport (Photo Credit: Christopher S. Berglund)
Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are all available at PNS. I’d recommend driving yourself or booking a ride in advance, especially if you want to keep a relaxed schedule.
Plan extra time for the drive. It’s a relatively straightforward route via I‑10 W, but Gulf Coast traffic or construction can add delays.
It’s also a great option if you want to stop somewhere along the Gulf Coast or spend a night in Pensacola before heading to the cruise. Just make sure you factor in the extra hour or two on the road, so you don’t feel rushed before embarkation.
How to Get to the Mobile Port
You have a few options for reaching the port once you arrive in Mobile. For example:
Arriving By Car
Enter “201 South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602” into your GPS device. This is the official address of the City of Mobile, Alabama Cruise Terminal (MACT).
Mobile Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Andriy Blokhin)
If you’re not using GPS or you’re coming via the interstate system:
From I-65 (north or south): Take I-65 to where it meets I-10, then follow I-10 east toward downtown Mobile. Take Exit 26A (Canal Street). At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Water Street. You’ll want to continue for about two blocks until you see the parking garage and terminal on the right.
From I-10 East or West: Use Exit 26A (Canal Street), then turn right onto Water Street and follow it two blocks until you reach the terminal.
Once you’re near the port, you’ll see signage to guide you through the final stretch. Follow the signs pointing to “Cruise Terminal / Parking / Luggage Drop-off.”
Arriving by Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
You have plenty of taxi and rideshare options operating in Mobile, so getting to the port via a for-hire ride (Uber/Lyft/taxi) is generally easy. It’s one of the most common travel options for cruisers from the airport, but it works for anyone in the area.
When booking a ride, set your destination to 201 South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602. The average cost of a taxi or rideshare varies, but is typically between $30 and $40 from the airport to the cruise terminal, and can be higher depending on traffic and time of day.
View of Mobile, Alabama (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Most drivers will drop you off right in front of the terminal, where there are multiple covered pickup/drop-off lanes for that purpose.
Keep in mind, you’ll need to consider how much luggage you’re traveling with when booking your ride. In my experience, luggage usually isn’t a problem, but it can get tight if you’re traveling with a lot of bags.
Taking a Shuttle Service
Most cruisers park in the port’s lot and won’t need shuttle service to reach the terminal. Some hotels in the area offer Stay & Cruise packages that provide accommodations, parking for your vehicle while you cruise, and shuttle service to the port terminal.
In some cases, the cost of Stay & Cruise with included parking is comparable to parking alone, making it a budget-friendly option, especially if you need accommodations in Mobile before or after your cruise.
Using Public Transportation
The primary public‑transport operator in Mobile is The Wave Transit System (often just “The Wave”). The Wave runs regular fixed-route buses throughout Mobile, and a free downtown shuttle called MODA!, which loops around downtown.
Street in Mobile, Alabama (Photo Credit: Carmen K. Sisson)
If you happen to be coming from the New Orleans area and you want to avoid the crowds at that port, you can travel by train using Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service. It arrives in downtown Mobile, putting you within walking or short‑transit/shuttle distance of the cruise terminal.
While buses and downtown shuttles are options, I recommend driving to the port. Public transit can be unpredictable and a hassle if you have luggage or arrive from the airport.
Attractions Near Mobile Cruise Port
If you have time before embarking and want to see a few sites near the Mobile cruise terminal, you have several convenient options. The cruise terminal is close enough to downtown to check out a few nice local spots in the hours or a day or two before your cruise.
Bienville Square
Bienville Square is a historic downtown park in Mobile. It features shaded walkways, fountains, and occasional public events. It’s a pleasant spot to relax if you have limited time before embarking.
National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
This museum is located right on Mobile’s waterfront. It offers an immersive look at the maritime history, commerce, ecology, and culture of the Gulf region.
National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico (Photo Credit: Stephanie A Sellers)
The museum features more than 80 interactive exhibits, simulators, and immersive galleries that let you pilot ships and explore Gulf shipwrecks. It’s a great option if you have several hours or a day before embarking.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Another option, if you have a few hours before embarking, as well as a reliable form of transportation, you can visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. It features a historic WWII-era battleship, a submarine, and an aircraft pavilion.
Mobile has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and sticky, often reaching into the low 90s °F. Winters are generally mild with highs in the 50s–60s °F.
Cruising out of Mobile during the spring and fall, beginning in October, is ideal because of the moderate temperatures and reduced humidity.
The city’s busiest period is during Mobile’s Mardi Gras season, which typically runs from late January through Fat Tuesday in February or early March.
During this time, Mobile is lively, colorful, and full of parades and events. Visiting during this time is a unique experience. Mobile Mardi Gras isn’t as lively as New Orleans, but the city is crowded, accommodations fill up quickly, and traffic can be heavy.
If you’re cruising from Mobile, plan extra travel time to the port if you visit during Mardi Gras.
