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Carnival Splendor Sydney Departure Delayed After Hours Long Search Operation

Lissa Poirot
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Carnival Splendor Sydney Departure Delayed After Hours Long Search Operation

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Splendor’s April 19 departure from Sydney is delayed after the ship participated in an overnight search and rescue.
  • Guests have been reassigned new arrival windows starting at 8:30 p.m.
  • All passengers are required to arrive at the terminal by 10:30 p.m.

Guests eager to board Carnival Splendor in Sydney for a quick getaway to Moreton Island, Australia, will have to wait a little longer.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced it is delaying embarkation for the 4-night voyage after the 3,012-passenger ship spent hours participating in a search for a missing passenger at sea.

In a notice sent to passengers on April 18, the cruise line explained the vessel was delayed returning from its previous 4-night sailing, scheduled to return on April 19 at 6:30 a.m. local time.

The delay is forcing the 113,573-gross-ton ship to push back check-in and boarding times to 8:30 p.m.

“As mentioned in our earlier update, Carnival Splendor has been involved in a search operation, which will delay the ship’s arrival in Sydney tomorrow,” the letter said, while apologizing for the unexpected delay.

“Please know that our teams will be working hard to get you onboard as soon as possible,” it continued.

Passengers are being asked to arrive at the terminal later in the evening based on revised embarkation windows tied to their original check-in times.

Guests originally scheduled to arrive between 11 and 11:30 a.m. will now check in between 8:30 and 9 p.m., while those with an 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. appointment are also reassigned to 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Passengers who were set to arrive between 12 to 12:30 p.m. will now check in between 9 and 9:30 p.m., and those schedule for 12:30 to 1 p.m. will now arrive between 9:30 and 10 p.m.

Guests originally assigned to the 1 to 1:30 p.m. as well as the 1:30 to 2 p.m. arrival window have moved to 10 to 10:30 p.m.

Read Also: How to Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Cruise Vacation

All passengers must arrive at the cruise terminal no later than 10:30 p.m. to board the ship.

Carnival Splendor in Australia
Carnival Splendor in Australia (Photo Credit: james wk)

Carnival Splendor was originally scheduled to depart at 3:30 p.m. but the delayed arrival and late embarkation process mean the ship will now likely depart closer to midnight.

Guests who arrive earlier than their new allotted time will be asked to leave and return at the adjusted time.

The cruise line has not offered any compensation to make up for the lost time on board and has thanked passengers for their patience and understanding.

The delay in Carnival Splendor’s arrival follows a large search operation after a male passenger in his 70s went overboard while the ship was sailing along Australia’s east coast.

The incident occurred late at night as the ship traveled back to Sydney from Moreton Island. Family members noticed the guest was missing and alerted the crew around 2 a.m., prompting an immediate investigation onboard.

Crew members reviewed surveillance footage, which confirmed the passenger had climbed over a safety railing and gone into the water.

The ship initiated emergency procedures and contacted authorities, beginning a zig-zag search pattern to look for the missing guest.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority also joined in the search, deploying aircraft and helicopters along with a vessel in the area. Queensland Police also assisted, scanning the waters off the coast near Moreton Island.

Despite the extensive effort, the passenger was not located during the search.

Elderly Passenger Overboard From Carnival Splendor Triggers Major Operation, Next Sailing Delayed

Emrys Thakkar
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Elderly Passenger Overboard From Carnival Splendor Triggers Major Operation, Next Sailing Delayed

Key Aspects:

  • Search underway for an elderly male passenger from the Carnival Splendor.
  • The Australian Maritime Safety Authority launches a huge number of assets off the coast of Brisbane, Australia.
  • Embarkation for the following cruise has been delayed.

An urgent search is underway from the 3,012-passenger Carnival Splendor cruise ship after an elderly man, believed to be in his 70s, went overboard. The incident unfolded on the ship’s four-night sailing out of Sydney, Australia.

According to passengers onboard the ship, an announcement was made on the ship-wide public system with a man overboard emergency code for the starboard side. Guests have also reported that the captain confirmed the situation within the hour and that the vessel has turned around to launch search operations.

A Carnival spokesperson stated to Cruise Hive:

“Carnival confirmed on Saturday that Carnival Splendor assisted authorities search for a guest who apparently climbed over the safety railing and jumped overboard as the ship was sailing from Moreton Island towards Sydney overnight.“

The cruise line added: “The male guest was traveling with family who alerted the ship’s crew of a possible missing person, and a review of the CCTV footage confirmed the guest’s action. All appropriate authorities have been alerted and Carnival will assist authorities in their investigation upon the ship’s return to Sydney on Sunday. Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved one.“

The overboard occurred just off the coast of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast, approximately 30 miles southeast of Moreton Island. Cruise ship tracking data confirms the Carnival Splendor heading off course into a search pattern in the early hours of the morning on April 18 near the entry to the Port of Brisbane.

Carnival Splendor Search
Carnival Splendor Search (Cruise Hive Ship Tracker)

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed with local outlets that it is involved in a major search and rescue operation, including six boats from the Queensland Police, five rescue helicopters, and Challenger search jets.

Carnival Splendor is coming to the end of its four-night sailing and was heading back towards its homeport of Sydney following the final port of call at Moreton Island on April 17.

Next Carnival Splendor Sailing Delayed

The 113,500 gross ton Carnival Splendor‘s delayed return to Sydney has pushed back the following April 19 sailing out of the Australian homeport.

In an updated text message to booked guests, Carnival said:

“Carnival Splendor is currently involved in a search and rescue operation and will be delayed arriving in Sydney tomorrow. As a result, check-in and embarkation for your cruise will also be delayed.“

“We are currently working on revised timing and will be back in touch later this afternoon with further details. Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you receive our final update on new embarkation times. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding“, the message continued.

The April 19 cruise is an identical four-night voyage that also visits Moreton Island and is set to return home on April 23.

More Stranded Cruise Ships Head Through the Strait of Hormuz

Melissa Mayntz
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More Stranded Cruise Ships Head Through the Strait of Hormuz

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Euribia, Celestyal Journey, and Mein Schiff 5 are all in motion to transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Each ship is heading for a port in Oman before moving on to their new homeports in Europe.
  • Mein Schiff 4 remains docked in Abu Dhabi at this time but may be on the move soon.

With the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and the UAE now open, more cruise ships are using the opportunity to depart the Arabian Gulf and head for their next homeports.

Cruise Hive has already reported on the successful departure of Celestyal Discovery, which departed Dubai at 11:36 a.m. on Friday, April 17. The ship is heading for Muscat, Oman.

Three more ships have since set sail from the various ports where they have waited out the nearly two-month closure. While no cruise line has issued any official statement on the strait’s reopening, Cruise Hive’s Cruise Ship Tracker confirms their various movements.

MSC Euribia

The 184,000-gross-ton MSC Euribia is the largest of the cruise ships to have extended their stay in the Arabian Gulf while the Strait of Hormuz has been closed. The ship was docked in Dubai but is now en route to Muscat, Oman at just 8 knots (9 miles per hour) with an arrival time estimated at roughly 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.

While MSC Euribia‘s first departures in northern Europe have already been cancelled, she may yet make her May 23 departure from Kiel, Germany. Exactly which departure will now be her first for the European season will depend on how quickly she is able to transit the nearly 8,300 miles to Germany.

Celestyal Journey

From Doha, Qatar Celestyal Journey is now making her way across the Arabian Gulf on course to pass through the Strait of Hormuz to Khasab, right at the northern tip of Oman and technically still within the strait.

Currently moving at 18 knots (21 mph), the ship should arrive at roughly 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Celestyal Journey Cruise Ship
Celestyal Journey Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Michelangelo DeSantis / Shutterstock)

This is described as an anchorage port and may be a destination for the 42,300-gross-ton ship to refuel or take on further supplies before continuing to her next homeport.

Like her sistership, Celestyal Discovery, Celestyal Journey is scheduled to homeport in Greece. The ship will be offering 7-night Greek Isles and Mediterranean sailings through mid-November, at which time she is scheduled to return to the Middle East.

Mein Schiff 5

TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 5 has also been waiting in Doha but is now on the move to Khasab as well, scheduled to arrive at approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday. At a speed of 17 knots (20 mph), the 99,800-gross-ton ship is keeping a good pace.

Mein Schiff 5 is also headed to Greece to offer a season of 7-night itineraries from Heraklion before moving to the Caribbean and homeporting from La Romana in the Dominican Republic in mid-November.

What Is Next for All Three Ships?

Because each of the cruise ships now on the move out of the Arabian Gulf are repositioning without guests aboard, they will likely take time to refuel and resupply before arriving at their new homeports.

Crew members may also have been evacuated as a precautionary measure when the strait’s closure grew more extensive, and those crew members will now need to rejoin their respective vessels.

Just one more major cruise ship remains docked and has not yet begun to move out of the Arabian Gulf: Mein Schiff 4 is overdue to begin her Mediterranean season. She was scheduled to move around Africa with a departure from Cape Town on April 11, but her route may now be adjusted to arrive in Palma de Mallorca more quickly.

Despite some tense moments in the past two months, including when two Iranian missile-armed drones crashed in Abu Dhabi on March 1, close to Mein Schiff 4, no cruise ship has reported damage during the conflict.

As of publication, Mein Schiff 4 remains docked in Abu Dhabi but may well be making departure plans very soon.

Carnival Sunshine Guests Warned of Traffic Difficulties for Embarkation

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Sunshine Guests Warned of Traffic Difficulties for Embarkation

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has alerted guests to traffic congestion for Carnival Sunshine‘s April 18 embarkation.
  • The City of Norfolk is hosting the 73rd Annual Parade of Nations, which will lead to road closures and detours.
  • There is no change to Carnival Sunshine‘s departure time or her 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary.

Arriving at an embarkation port can be a hectic day even for the most experienced cruiser, and Carnival Sunshine guests have now been warned that their Saturday, April 18, 2026 embarkation may be even more hectic than typical.

The ship is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, and Carnival Cruise Line has notified incoming guests about a special event that will impact traffic near the cruise port.

“The City of Norfolk will be hosting the 73rd Annual Parade of Nations on the day of your embarkation,” the email explained. “As a result, there will be numerous street closures and heavier-than-normal traffic in and around the city.”

The Parade of Nations is the only parade in the US to honor NATO and features more than 100 bands, floats, military units, and community groups. The parade route runs between Water Street and East Freemason St., including parts of Waterside Drive and Granby Street. The event officially starts at noon, but road closures will likely begin well ahead of time to allow for setup.

While guests should still plan to arrive during the appointment window they selected when they checked in for the cruise, they are advised to check traffic conditions as they get near the port and to be aware of potential congestion.

Carnival recommends that guests parking at the port use the Cedar Grove Lot on Monticello Avenue, just over a mile’s walk from the Half Moon Cruise Center. Complimentary shuttles will be available at the Cedar Grove Lot to transport guests to the cruise terminal.

If guests are being dropped off at the terminal by family, friends, or rideshare services, detour signs will be posted and local authorities will be on hand to direct traffic around street closures.

Norfolk Nato Festival
Norfolk Nato Festival

The drop-off zone will be across from the cruise terminal at Todd Jurich’s Bistro on Boush Street, less than a 5-minute walk to the terminal building.

There is no change to Carnival Sunshine‘s schedule, and the ship will still be setting sail at roughly 4:30 p.m. for her 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing. The visits to RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove are not affected, and the ship will return to Norfolk on Sunday, April 26, as planned.

The cruise line is adamant that all guests must be on board no later than the final boarding time printed on their boarding passes. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated and may be denied boarding.

Carnival Sunshine can welcome 3,002 guests at double occupancy or as many as 3,758 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is also home to just over 900 international crew members.

Local Events Often Impact Cruise Embarkations

Travelers often have to plan around different local events that can create traffic difficulties near cruise terminals, particularly for weekend sailings at metropolitan homeports.

Cruise Hive has often reported on such events as cruise lines work to alert guests about potential traffic congestion, road closures, and detours.

In Miami, for example, annual marathons, 5K races, and music festivals can disrupt cruise port traffic, not to mention ongoing road construction and projects at the port itself.

More From Cruise Hive

Road construction has also been a concern lately at the Port of Galveston, where resurfacing work at the cruise port has diverted some traffic patterns temporarily.

Port Tampa Bay has a unique annual event when the Gasparilla Pirate Fest takes over not only several downtown streets, but also waterways that impact the cruise port.

Most cruise lines will reach out to booked guests in the days before embarkation if any large events might cause problems, but guests should always do their own local research as well, so they don’t have trouble reaching their cruise terminal.

First Cruise Ship Clears Strait of Hormuz After 2-Month Closure

Lissa Poirot
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First Cruise Ship Clears Strait of Hormuz After 2-Month Closure

Key Aspects:

  • Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz on April 17, 2026.
  • Celestyal Discovery became the first cruise ship to pass through the strait, departing Dubai at 11:36 a.m. local time.
  • Other vessels still in the region may soon be able to reposition out of the Gulf.

The first cruise ship has now cleared the Strait of Hormuz after the strategic waterway spent weeks effectively closed amid military conflict in the Middle East.

Celestyal Discovery, a 1,360-guest vessel operated by Greece-based Celestyal Cruises, departed Port Rashid in Dubai, U.A.E., on April 17 at 11:36 a.m. local time, becoming the first cruise ship known to exit the strait since the crisis began earlier this year.

Per Cruise Hive’s Cruise Ship Tracker, the vessel is sailing toward Muscat, Oman, where it is scheduled to arrive April 18 at 4 p.m. local time.

Its passage marks a major development for the cruise industry after the Strait of Hormuz had remained inaccessible to commercial vessels since late February, when escalating military conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel destabilized the region.

On February 28, Iran’s forces warned ships were not allowed to sail through the strait. The threat effectively halted most maritime traffic through the narrow channel that links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

The disruption stranded multiple cruise ships in Gulf ports, forcing cruise lines to cancel sailings and postpone repositioning voyages.

Celestyal Cruises was among the most affected, remaining docked in Dubai for weeks while sister ship Celestyal Journey waited in Doha, Qatar, both unable to leave the region.

Cruise Ship Tracking for Celestyal Discovery
Cruise Ship Tracking for Celestyal Discovery

Celestyal Discovery had been operating an “Iconic Arabia” program that was calling at ports in the Persian Gulf, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Doha, Ras al Khaimah, and Khasab, when the conflict began.

Sister ship, Celestyal Journey, was operating similar itineraries on its “Desert Days” program. The vessel remains in the Port of Doha at press time. The line cancelled all April departures while awaiting safe passage back toward the Mediterranean.

Other cruise operators faced similar challenges, with ships from MSC Cruises and TUI Cruises also stuck in ports across the Gulf, cancelling sailings as vessels were unable to pass through the strait.

Other Stranded Ships Could Soon Follow

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could quickly unlock the rest of the cruise ships that have been trapped inside the Persian Gulf for weeks.

Several vessels have been waiting in regional ports since late February. Among the largest vessels stuck in the region is MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia, a 181-541-gross-ton liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered ship currently docked in Dubai.

The vessel was scheduled to begin its European summer season in Kiel, Germany, but the cruise line has cancelled multiple sailings through mid-May after the ship was unable to reposition.

Two ships from TUI Cruises have also been waiting for the route to reopen. Mein Schiff 4 remains in Dubai while sister ship Mein Schiff 5 has been holding position in Doha. Both vessels cancelled several planned itineraries during the crisis because they could not leave the Gulf.

If the transit remains open and proves safe, other cruise lines are expected to begin repositioning toward Europe for the summer cruise season.

For ships like MSC Euribia, the journey involves sailing through the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman, crossing the Arabian Sea, passing through the Suez Canal, and continuing to Europe.

Whether that process begins immediately will depend on security conditions and procedures required by Iranian authorities.

Port of Seattle Opens Its Busiest Alaska Cruise Season in History

Lissa Poirot
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Port of Seattle Opens Its Busiest Alaska Cruise Season in History

Key Aspects:

  • The Port of Seattle expects 330 vessel calls and about 2.1 million passengers in 2026.
  • The season begins with a call by Norwegian Jade on April 17, while Noordam begins the homeport season on April 19.
  • Sixteen vessels will homeport in Seattle, including first-time MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages’ vessels.

The Port of Seattle officially launched the 2026 Alaska cruise season on April 17, 2026, with the first cruise ship arrival of the year, beginning a schedule that will run through mid-October.

The season will include a record number of ship visits and passengers, with the port revealing it is expecting 330 vessel calls and roughly 2.1 million passengers, the highest totals the port has ever recorded.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade is the first to call on the Port of Seattle on April 17 as the ship repositions from San Diego to Vancouver for its Alaska season.

On Sunday, April 19, Holland America Line’s Noordam will kick off the official homeport season with a 7-night roundtrip voyage that includes calls in Ketchikan, Alaska, and Prince Rupert, Nanaimo, and Victoria, British Columbia. 

The ship’s May 10 sailing will begin its regular itinerary pattern, visiting Juneau, Endicott Arm, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

Noordam will also be the last ship to depart Seattle in 2026 on October 11, 2026.

Seattle has spent more than two decades building a cruise program centered on Alaska voyages, which remain among the most popular itineraries in North America. 

Port officials said the continued expansion reflects both strong demand for Alaska cruises and Seattle’s role as a convenient gateway to the region.

“We are fortunate to call the Puget Sound region home,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins.“It’s no wonder that more than a million travelers from around the world will begin their Alaska journeys here this season, supporting thousands of jobs and sustaining local businesses and farms across Washington state.”

Carnival-Owned Cruise Ships Docked in Seattle
Carnival-Owned Cruise Ships Docked in Seattle (Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography)

Cruise activity remains a significant economic driver for the region, with a 2025 impact analysis finding that cruise operations in Elliott Bay generate nearly $1.2 billion in annual local business revenue. It also supports more than 5,120 direct and indirect jobs across Washington State.

The port has also focused on environmental initiatives tied to cruise growth. Eleven homeport ships are expected to connect to shore power during the 2026 season, allowing vessels to plug into electricity from the local grid while docked.

The port will require all homeport cruise ships to use shore power by the 2027 season, becoming the first US port to adopt that such a rule.

New Cruise Lines for a Busy Season

The 2026 cruise season in Seattle will feature 16 homeport ships, the largest lineup Seattle has ever hosted. 

Two cruise lines will enter the market for the first time this year: MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages.

MSC Cruises will begin Alaska sailings from Seattle when the 2,550-passenger MSC Poesia begins operating from Pier 91 on May 11, 2026. The ship recently completed an expansive dry dock and will offer 7-night roundtrip itineraries that include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Victoria, along with scenic cruising in Endicott Arm.

Virgin Voyages will follow on May 21 with the Alaska debut of the 2,762-passenger Brilliant Lady. The ship will operate 7- to 12-night itineraries visiting ports including Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, and Haines, Alaska.

Several other cruise lines will also homeport ships in Seattle throughout the season.

Besides Noordam, Holland America Line will base Eurodam in the city, while Carnival Corporation sister brands Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Cunard will also operate Alaska sailings from the port.

Carnival Cruise Line will deploy Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit from Seattle, Princess Cruises will homeport Star Princess and Royal Princess, and Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth will join the lineup in May.

Royal Caribbean will begin its homeporting season May 8 with the dual arrival of Voyager of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas, followed by Anthem of the Seas on May 11.

Celebrity Cruises will also position a ship in the city when Celebrity Edge begins sailing from Seattle on May 22.

Although Norwegian Cruise Line will not be homeporting one of its vessels in Seattle, several ships will call at the port during the season, including Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore.

Legend of the Seas to Set Sail From Florida Earlier Than Planned

Melissa Mayntz
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Legend of the Seas to Set Sail From Florida Earlier Than Planned

Key Aspects:

  • A new sailing has been added for Legend of the Seas with a November 8 departure from Fort Lauderdale.
  • The 3-night cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, but the November 11 departure remains the official inaugural sailing.
  • The ship’s European schedule is unchanged and she will debut on July 4, 2026 with a 7-night cruise from Rome.

Royal Caribbean fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Legend of the Seas, even if the giant ship is still under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Finland. The cruise line has now announced that the third Icon-class ship will be making her Sunshine State debut sooner than originally planned.

While the ship will not be moving up earlier for her European debut in early July, she will now be offering an earlier-than-expected 3-night sailing from Fort Lauderdale departing Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The quick cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay on Monday, November 9, followed by a day at sea on Tuesday before returning to Port Everglades on Wednesday, November 11.

The November 11 departure is an identical 3-night itinerary and is not changed at this time. In fact, Royal Caribbean is reassuring guests booked on that sailing that it remains the “official” inaugural sailing from Florida.

Guests booked on the November 11 cruise are being offered the opportunity to switch to the earlier departure if they wish, as it can be a bucket-list opportunity for travelers to be the first to experience all a brand new ship has to offer.

“Whether you’re eager to be among the first to step onboard or excited to celebrate the inaugural voyage, we want to give you flexibility and priority – allowing you to switch sailings, add an additional adventure, or remain right where you are on your existing booking,” the email notification said.

Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas

Many travelers already booked on the November 11 cruise are debating adding the November 8 sailing to create a back-to-back experience.

Others are already booked on both the November 11 and the November 14 departures. The November 14 sailing is an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary with visits to Curacao and Aruba, as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay.

After settling into her regular itinerary rotation, the ship will be offering alternating 6- and 8-night cruises. The 6-night sailings are Western Caribbean itineraries visiting destinations such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, Jamaica, and (hopefully in 2027), Labadee.

Not the First Icon-Class Ship to Arrive Earlier Than Expected

Legend of the Seas is not the first Icon-Class ship to debut sooner than expected. Star of the Seas also debuted early, with four “showcase” cruises eventually added ahead of her official maiden voyage from Port Canaveral in August 2025.

These schedule shifts are often possible because cruise lines will be conservative about the timeline for a new ship to debut. If work progresses more smoothly than anticipated, however, earlier sailings become possible.

More From Cruise Hive

After all, it is easier to add a new sailing with great demand for a new ship instead of planning too optimistically and needing to push back the debut. That would mean cancelled sailings and very frustrated guests.

Cruise Hive has already reported on three new sailings added for Legend of the Seas in Europe. The ship’s first official voyage with guests will now be July 4, 2026, a 7-night Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Rome and visiting Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and La Spezia.

The new ship will spend the summer in the Mediterranean and will depart on her first transatlantic cruise on October 25, 2026. That 13-night voyage from Barcelona will visit Alicante, Malaga, and Cadiz before arriving in Fort Lauderdale on November 7.

Now, eager guests will be onboard the 250,800-gross-ton ship the very next day, ready for legendary adventures.

Norwegian Jewel Sets Sail from Philadelphia, Ending 15-Year Cruise Drought

Lissa Poirot
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Norwegian Jewel Sets Sail from Philadelphia, Ending 15-Year Cruise Drought

Key Aspects

  • Norwegian Jewel departed Philadelphia on April 16, 2026, marking the first homeport cruise sailing from the city in more than 15 years.
  • The 7-night voyage visits Bermuda and Charleston, South Carolina, before returning to Philadelphia on April 23.
  • The ship was delayed due to embarkation issues at the temporary PhilaPort terminal.

Philadelphia’s waterfront saw a milestone moment Thursday evening, April 16, 2026, when Norwegian Jewel departed the Port of Philadelphia as the sun began to set over the City of Brotherly Love.

It is the first regularly scheduled cruise sailing from the city in more than 15 years.

The departure marks Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) return to the Mid-Atlantic port and signals the restart of homeport cruise operations in Philadelphia after more than a decade without them.

City and state officials gathered earlier in the day aboard the ship for a ceremony recognizing the return of cruise activity to the port, and presenting the ship’s captain with a replica of the Liberty Bell, one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable symbols.

The event included Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, and leadership from PhilaPort.

“This is a defining moment for The Port of Philadelphia,” said PhilaPort executive director and CEO Jeff Theobald. “The arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line and Norwegian Jewel signals the beginning of a new chapter for our port, our city, and the entire region.” 

Cruise operations from the city had largely disappeared in the early 2010s, leaving cruisegoers in the region to sail primarily from ports such as New York, Baltimore, or Florida.

NCL said restoring departures from Philadelphia gives guests in the Mid-Atlantic another convenient homeport option.

“Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of NCL. “For the first time in over 15 years, travelers in the Mid-Atlantic area will once again be able to sail from their own backyard with us to experience everything NCL is known for.”

Kazlauskas highlighted both Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl, which will be arriving later in 2026, for providing the cruise line’s “exceptional experiences our guests know and love.”

The cruise line is working with PhilaPort and local officials on a new cruise terminal intended to support passenger operations and streamline embarkation and disembarkation in the coming seasons.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro welcomed Norwegian Cruise Line's executives
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro welcomed Norwegian Cruise Line’s executives (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

However, a harsh winter delayed construction on the new terminal, requiring passengers on the first cruise and several subsequent voyages to utilize a nearby hotel as a makeshift terminal, busing to the ship for boarding, and delaying the original scheduled 4 p.m. departure by three hours.

Bermuda Sailing Launches New Itineraries

The historic sailing is a 7-night roundtrip Bermuda itinerary, with Norwegian Jewel traveling along the Delaware River to reach the Atlantic Ocean. The 93,502-gross-ton, 2,368-passenger vessel will arrive at Kings Wharf in Bermuda on April 18.

The ship will remain in port overnight before departing Bermuda on April 19. The itinerary then continues to Charleston, South Carolina, where the ship is scheduled to arrive on April 21.

More From Cruise Hive

The cruise concludes with the ship returning to Philadelphia on the morning of April 23. NCL plans to operate additional Bermuda sailings from Philadelphia through August 2026.

After that, Norwegian Jewel will shift to Canada and New England itineraries to coincide with the fall foliage season.

Beginning in late 2026, Norwegian Pearl, carrying up to 2,344 passengers, will replace Norwegian Jewel and return NCL guests to Bermuda, as well as the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Scheduled to remain based in Philadelphia through April 2028, sailings will include calls at NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which is undergoing a multi-million upgrade.

Princess Cruises Shakes Up Every Ship With New Drink Collection

Calvin Musquez
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Princess Cruises Shakes Up Every Ship With New Drink Collection

Key Aspects:

  • Princess Cruises will launch the POURS beverage collection this summer.
  • The new menu features a unique assortment of alcoholic and zero proof options.
  • The new zero-proof menu takes a wellness-forward approach, including unique ingredients to maximize mood.

Princess Cruises is launching an exciting new beverage collection. This summer, Princess will debut the POURS signature beverage collection across its 17-ship fleet.

Replacing the previous Love Line Collection, POURS aims to shake up the menu with diverse alcoholic and zero-proof drinks and cocktails.

The new menu aims to unify the drinks served on Princess cruise ships under a consistent brand identity. 

“Today’s travelers are looking for both elevated indulgence and mindful choices, and this program allows us to deliver both in a way that feels intentional, inclusive and truly premium,” said Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage.

“From impeccably crafted cocktails to thoughtfully designed wellness forward creations, every detail has been curated to enhance the experience while remaining unmistakably Princess.”

The POURS collection will be included for cruisers with Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages. You can use Cruise Hive’s Drink Package Calculator to see if the Premier or Plus package may be a good fit for your upcoming Princess cruise.

While no exact date has been announced for the release of the POURS collection, it will be launched fleet-wide sometime in the summer of 2026.

What’s On The Menu?

For those who enjoy a boozy cruising experience, the POURS collection has you covered. The new collection will feature a wide assortment of premium, founder-led cocktails, wines, beers, and ready-made alcoholic options.

Princess POURS
Princess POURS

Many favorites from the Love Line Collection will carry over, such as Camila and Matthew McConaughey’s Pantalones Organic Tequila, Meili Vodka by Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson, and Melorosa Wines.

Some of the featured cocktails include:

  • 24K Margarita – a classic margarita featuring Pantalones tequila.
  • Tropical Alibi – a refreshing cocktail featuring Slainte Irish Whiskey, banana liqueur, and piña colada mix.
  • Meili Midnight Coconut – with Meili vodka, pineapple juice, coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, and agave nectar.

No Alcohol?  No Problem

For those who prefer a sober experience, Princess Cruises has ensured POURS can fill your glass as well. The new collection will also feature non-alcoholic, zero proof options. While many alcohol-free cruisers often fear that their needs will be an afterthought, the POURS zero proof collection is anything but. 

The collection boasts several non-alcoholic wines, beers, and cocktails, including Kylie Minogue’s non-alcoholic sparkling rosé.

The innovative zero-proof beverage recipes incorporate specially-selected ingredients designed to boost mood, increase energy, and maximize calmness. Ingredients include ashwagandha powder, reishi powder, lemon balm tincture, ginseng root, and maca root.

Some of the new featured non-alcoholic creations include:

  • Golden Orchard – a fruity concoction with green apple juice, lemon, banana, tarragon leaves, sprite, and lemon balm tincture.
  • Tropical Balance – featuring pineapple juice, lime, ginger syrup, ginger ale, and ashwagandha powder.
  • Garden Ember – a spicy mocktail with cucumber juice, jalapeno-infused agave syrup, lemon juice, and maca root powder.

Standard sodas will still be available onboard, although canned beverages will continue to not be included in drink packages.

Whether you’re aiming for a booze cruise or a relaxing ocean getaway, these new drink options are sure to give you something interesting and flavorful to sip on along the way.

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