An HM Coastguard helicopter airlifted a guest from Carnival Legend on the morning of Saturday, August 29, 2026.
The ship was traveling in the English Channel at the time of the medical emergency and diverted slightly to meet the helicopter.
No delay has been reported for Carnival Legend returning to Dover for debarkation on Sunday, August 30, as planned.
Carnival Legend had a brief diversion during her trip through the English Channel as a medical evacuation took place on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
According to Plymouth+, the emergency happened during the morning, when an HM Coastguard helicopter was scrambled to manage the evacuation. The HM Coastguard released a statement on the incident:
“At 9:40 a.m. today (29 August), HM Coastguard’s assistance was requested for the medical evacuation of a passenger on board a vessel around eight (8) nautical miles south of Lizard Point, Cornwall,”the statement confirmed.“An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent and the person was handed over to the Ambulance Service at Newquay.”
Satellite tracking confirms the cruise ship diverted slightly from her course to move closer to the coast and meet the helicopter. This is a typical response to ensure such evacuations can happen as quickly as possible.
No further details have been released about the incident. While the statement does confirm that the evacuated individual was a guest onboard the ship, the individual’s age or the nature of the medical emergency has not been released.
This is not uncommon for such incidents, as cruise lines take great care to protect the privacy of the individual, their family members, and any traveling companions at such a very stressful time.
Carnival Legend in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)
Carnival Legend was traveling between the Isle of Man and Dover, with Saturday being a full day at sea to make the roughly 670-mile trip.
The 2,124-guest ship is currently on a 10-night British Isles itinerary that departed Dover on Thursday, August 20, 2026 and has enjoyed visits to Cork, Holyhead, Dublin, Liverpool, Greenock (Glasgow), Belfast, and the Isle of Man.
At this time, there appears to be no delay with the ship’s return to Dover for debarkation on the morning of Sunday, August 30, as planned.
Medical Evacuations Not Uncommon
While no cruise guest wants to debark their ship via helicopter rather than getting off along the gangway at the end of the sailing, medical evacuations are not uncommon.
Cruise ships are equipped with medical centers and have doctors and nurses onboard, but if a guest’s or crew member’s condition requires advanced intervention, a medical evacuation will be requested.
This may be done via helicopter or rescue boat, depending on sea conditions, how close a ship may be to shore, and where adequate medical facilities exist. If a ship is close to an adequate port, however, the vessel may divert and dock briefly to evacuate the guest to an ambulance.
Extensive medical details are not usually released for such incidents, but guests and crew members have been evacuated from cruise ships due to stroke-like symptoms, early pregnancy complications, appendicitis, and other emergencies.
The rescue crews and emergency personnel that coordinate and carry out such evacuations do so in many types of weather conditions, including harrowing storms, rough seas, and strong winds, all to safeguard the lives of those requiring emergency assistance.
Cruise Hive’s good thoughts are with the individual evacuated from Carnival Legend and all guests and crew members are grateful for the emergency personnel willing and able to manage such rescue operations whenever and wherever they may be needed.
Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded the specialty dining offer of its Free at Sea package to include all guests in one stateroom.
Previously, the package pricing for discounted dining at specialty restaurants only applied to the first two guests.
All cruises booked on or after August 26, 2026 will have the new specialty dining bundle availability for all guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” package is a bundle deal that allows guests to add the most popular extras to their cruise booking at very reduced rates. Now, one of those add-ons can apply to extra guests, making it easier for families and groups to take advantage of the savings.
Specialty dining is one of the most popular parts of the bundle, but the savings have only applied to the first and second guests in each stateroom.
The cruise line has now updated the terms and conditions for the package to apply to larger groups. Guests who are booking the Free at Sea package have noticed the update, which has been shared on Facebook.
“For all new bookings made on or after August 26, 2026, Specialty Dining will be available to guests 3-8,”the update notes.
This means families or groups traveling together in the same stateroom can all take advantage of the savings. Before the update, additional guests had to pay full price for meals in the specialty restaurants, even when dining with their traveling companions from the same stateroom.
Guest Reactions: Great for Groups
While the update will not have much impact on guests who travel solo or as couples or pairs, larger groups are thrilled with the change, as it now opens new dining possibilities for their entire party.
“That’s great news. We’ve thought about booking the Garden Villa or one of the 3-[bedroom] Haven cabins on the Prima-class ships but one of the holdups was that specialty dining didn’t extend to other adults in the cabin, which made no sense at all for those big cabins,”one guest commented.
Dining on Norwegian Luna (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
If the extra guests (numbers 3-8 on the same reservation) are children, the policy gets a little more complicated. Children ages 2-12 aren’t charged the package price for specialty dining pre-cruise, and they can dine off the complimentary children’s menu without difficulty. If the child chooses a regular menu item from the specialty restaurant, however, the specialty dining package fee will be charged.
If a child is 13 years or older, the specialty dining package fees apply.
Are the Savings That Great?
While some package bundles can be confusing, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Seareally is a significant savings for guests who enjoy specialty dining.
When the package is purchased, it offers a select number of meals at a dramatically reduced rate. On sailings of 2-4 nights, guests get one specialty dining meal for just $20 per person (gratuities included). If purchased onboard, that meal would be $72.
The number of meals included in the package varies by sailing length. For cruises from 5-6 nights, two meals are included, and three meals are included for cruises from 7-8 nights. Sailings of 9+ nights get four specialty dining meals per guest at the package pricing. Each meal has the same $20 cover charge under the package pricing.
Additional specialty dining meals must be purchased at the prevailing rate, even if guests have the Free at Sea package.
Other items bundled in the Free at Sea package include an unlimited open bar, WiFi access, and shore excursion credits. Exact terms and conditions, as well as pricing, are subject to change.
Royal Caribbean has dropped the “at” in the name of its private Bahamian destination, now Perfect Day CocoCay.
The preposition has been removed from marketing materials, the cruise line’s website, and the booking engine.
No explanation has been offered for the change, but it does align better with the names of other Royal Caribbean private destinations.
Royal Caribbean guests will no longer have a Perfect Day at CocoCay, but they will still enjoy Perfect Day CocoCay as a top destination in the Bahamas.
Read that again: Royal Caribbean has dropped the “at” from the private island’s official name and now it is simply “Perfect Day CocoCay” rather than “Perfect Day at CocoCay.”
The cruise line confirmed the stylistic change with a short video posted on social media showcasing one of the performers who welcomes guests to the destination.
Filmed on the pier with the “CocoCay” sign in the background, the funny video has the performer in a pirate costume enthusiastically welcoming guests with the phrase “Welcome to a Perfect Day at CocoCay!” but each time she says “at” her voice is bleeped out with a brief ship’s horn sound and her mouth is covered with an ice cream cone emoji.
A narrator’s voice comments, “Wait, you can’t say that!” and “Try again!” when she includes the “at” in her phrase, but her third try is simply, “Welcome to Perfect Day CocoCay!” with a winning chime sound.
Perfect Day at CocoCay (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
“Say goodbye to the ‘at’ in Perfect Day at CocoCay – from now on, it’s Perfect Day CocoCay,”the video is captioned.“A different name, with the same award-winning island experience you know and love.”
The video was posted on Thursday, August 27, 2026, and already has nearly 60,000 views on Facebook and more than 2,200 likes on Instagram, where Royal Caribbean notes “The ‘at’ in Perfect Day CocoCay has left the chat.”
Why Drop the Preposition?
In addition to the video, the “at” has been dropped across Royal Caribbean’s website and in marketing materials as well as the online booking engine and on reservation invoices. This change also applies to sister line Celebrity Cruises’ website and materials, as Celebrity Cruises began visiting the destination in April 2024.
But why would Royal Caribbean drop the preposition “at” in the name of their private Bahamian destination? While the cruise line has not confirmed any official logic behind the switch, “Perfect Day CocoCay” does align better with the names of other private destinations Royal Caribbean has around the world, which the cruise line calls “Ultimate Destinations by Royal Caribbean.”
Every beach club experience, for example, is named “Royal Beach Club: [Location]” such as “Royal Beach Club: Paradise Island” in the Bahamas and “Royal Beach Club: Santorini” in Greece.
While the project was rejected by the Mexican government and will not be built as originally designed, the planned destination that was to have been near Costa Maya, Mexico would have been named “Perfect Day Mexico” not “Perfect Day at Mexico” or “Perfect Day in Mexico.”
This would have created a second “Perfect Day” location to continue the branding theme, and Royal Caribbean may yet develop future “Perfect Day” destinations.
As of August 26, 2026, only one destination lacks the “Perfect Day” or “Royal Beach Club” name, and that is the cruise line’s private destination of Labadee, Haiti, which is described as an “Exclusive Destination.”
Due to violence and civil unrest in the nation, no Royal Caribbean ship has visited Labadee since March 2024, when increasing problems were punctuated by jail breaks, escalating gang activity, and ultimately the widespread government collapse.
Cruise Hive reported in mid-July 2026 that the cancellations have been extended at least through June 2027. When possible, alternative port visits are being arranged for the more than 60 future itineraries impacted by the cancellation extension.
Royal Caribbean has narrowed the potential names for Hero of the Seas’ future Chief Dog Officer to seven finalists.
Cruisers can cast their vote for their favorite name before CEO Michael Bayley makes the final decision.
The dog will become Royal Caribbean’s fourth Chief Dog Officer, following Rover, Sailor, and Skipper aboard the first three Icon-class ships.
As Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class ship Hero of the Seasmakes progress towards her summer 2027 debut, the cruise line’s CEO Michael Bayley has a “ruff” decision to make. On August 6, 2026, he took to Facebook, asking fans to suggest names for the Chief Dog Officer aboard the ship.
The cruise line has now narrowed the most popular suggestions down to seven finalists for the yet-to-be-revealed female pup. Now, cruisers are getting another chance to help choose the winner.
Bayley narrowed down the options to Hero, Scout, Marina, Pearl, Coco, Coral, and Sandy. In another post on August 28, Bayley asked fans to vote on which of the names he should choose.
“We have now narrowed down the names to the list below based on likes of all the names. So voting is open for the final round before it goes to the distinguished panel of judges (me) for the final decision,”Bayley wrote.
Opinions are mixed in the comments. Some fans pointed out that Hero or Coco could be confusing because the dog would share a name with either the ship itself or the cruise line’s private island, CocoCay. Others felt that Scout would fit nicely alongside the other Icon-class Chief Dog Officers: Rover, Sailor, and Skipper.
Michael Bayley Dog Naming
A significant number of comments suggested throwing the name Dolly into the mix, in honor of the late country music icon Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026. The post received over 1,200 comments within the first 8 hours of posting with votes and opinions. Michael Bayley did not say when voting officially closes, nor when the chosen name would be announced.
Iconic Dogs Have Become An Icon-Class Tradition
Hero of the Seas will be the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, following Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas. Each of the previous three Icon-class vessels has received a golden retriever to serve as Chief Dog Officer onboard. The breed of the newest dog has not yet been revealed.
Rover serves aboard Icon of the Seas and Sailor aboard Star of the Seas. In February 2026, Cruise Hive reported when Royal Caribbean confirmed the third Chief Dog Officer for Legend of the Seas. A week later, the cruise line revealed the pup’s name would be Skipper.
Beyond simply being adorable, the dogs also serve an important role providing companionship for guests and crew members. In a June 2025 video showcasing Sailor, Michael Bayley explained that both guests and crew members can miss their pets back home while sailing, contributing to homesickness.
Before introducing the program, Royal Caribbean tested the idea by bringing a team member’s golden retriever aboard one of its ships during a turnaround day. According to Bayley, numerous crew members stopped to hug and interact with the dog.
“When we saw that, we thought, ‘Wow, this is amazing. People miss their own family dogs,’”Bayley recalled.
Bayley said the response from crew members helped convince the cruise line that having a dog onboard could be a welcome addition. The cruise line says it partnered with the American Humane Society to create the program and ensure the dogs are well cared for.
Hero of the Seas Prepares For 2027 Debut
The new Chief Dog Officer will begin spreading joy on Hero of the Seas when the ship debuts in summer 2027. Hero is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
She will debut on August 11, 2027 with an inaugural sailing from Miami, Florida. This 3-night sailing will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. From there, she will begin regular 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
Curacao is a popular cruise destination due to its stunning natural beauty, ideal location, and vibrant culture. With pristine beaches and a unique blend of European and Caribbean cultural influences, it is the perfect place for both relaxation and exploration.
I’ll detail the Curacao Cruise Port in Willemstad so you can discover why it is one of the main gateways to the island nation’s various attractions. I know arriving first is important, so I’ve included details on getting around and explained all the pier areas.
Curacao is an island nation in the southern Caribbean Sea. This tiny island is considered one of the Dutch Caribbean territories, roughly 40 miles from the coast of Venezuela. The Curacao Cruise Port is located within Willemstad, the island’s capital city, on the southern coast of the island.
Willemstad is built around a harbor called St. Anna Bay, or Sint Annabaai in Dutch, which is where the cruise port is located. This natural harbor splits the city into two distinct areas: Punda and Otrobanda. Both areas are easily accessible from the cruise port’s two terminal locations.
The main cruise terminal for Curacao Cruise Port is the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, or Mega Cruise Dock, which extends from the coast of Otrobanda into the Caribbean Sea. The second terminal, the Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal, is located along the St. Anna Bay inlet on the western edge of Otrobanda near the Koningin Julianabrug Bridge, which connects the city’s two sides.
Addresses for the Two Cruise Terminals
Mega Pier Cruise Terminal: 4335 V82, A.H. Maduro Wharf, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao
Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal: 4358 H4Q, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao
Terminal Layouts and Number of Piers
As mentioned, the two terminals that make up the Curacao Cruise Port. They are located in different parts of the city and differ in size. To make things simple, here’s a basic breakdown of the two:
Mega Pier Cruise Terminal (Two Berths)
Curacao Mega Pier 1 & 2 (Photo Credit: Nicola Pulham)
As you may have guessed, the terminal takes its name from the enormous pier designed to accommodate larger cruise ships and opened in November 2017. It can accommodate two berths at the same time and is just west of the St. Anna Bay entrance.
The pier extends directly into the Caribbean Sea, with the Mega Pier 1 berth at 150m that can hold a maximum 150,000 gross ton cruise ship and then the Mega Pier 2 berth, which is roughly 200m and able to cater for a maximum 225,000 gross ton vessel, such as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class.
The location of the two piers allows ships to dock more easily and allows visiting passengers to access the city’s attractions quickly.
Mathey Wharf Cruise Port (Two Berths)
Mathey Wharf Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Ievgenii Bakhvalov)
Unlike the Mega Pier, the Mathey Wharf does not extend into the sea. Instead, it is designed to allow cruise ships to dock directly along the channel of St. Anna Bay.
While the terminal is technically smaller than the Mega Pier Terminal, it can still accommodate a full-sized cruise ship because cruise ships can continue north along the St. Anna Bay Channel, then turn around in Schottegat Bay before heading back out to open water.
Terminal Facilities and Services
The Mega Pier Terminal is the larger and more frequently used of the two terminals and is outfitted with better facilities. That said, both terminals offer everything required for a seamless visitor experience.
The Mega Pier’s facilities include a fast-track security and customs desk, several multi-language information booths where passengers can receive complimentary maps and general assistance, a tented area featuring various souvenir stands, and food and drink vendors.
Taxis are available on site from a sheltered taxi stand, and there is also a designated area for tour operator pickups and drop-offs.
Cruise Terminal in Curacao (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
The Mathey Wharf Terminal also has a streamlined security desk for visitors and a single tourist information booth. There is also a basic convenience store where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and a few basic souvenirs.
Both terminals allow visitors to connect for 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi, after which point credit card details are required for further access.
Once you venture beyond the cruise port, there are also some well-marked free public Wi-Fi spots throughout Willemstad. The two terminals also feature well-maintained and accessible washroom facilities.
Curacao Cruise Parking
Unfortunately, neither of the terminal facilities offers long-term parking. However, there are drop-off and pickup areas and designated taxi stands.
View of Willemstad, Curacao (Photo Credit: SJ Brown)
If you have decided to rent a vehicle and need somewhere to park while you explore the city, there is a large outdoor parking lot next to the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort and Mall. It is just a 0.2-mile walk from the Mega Pier and a 0.5-mile journey to Mathey Wharf.
Single-day parking is complimentary, but those not staying at the resort must pay overnight rates, which vary depending on demand. You can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per night.
Cruise Lines that Visit Curacao Cruise Port
Curacao is a busy cruise destination, and its port can handle some of the world’s biggest ships. For these reasons and more, it is visited by some of the most recognizable cruise lines in the world, including the following and more:
Curacao Cruise Port’s two terminals are roughly 7.5 miles away from Curacao’s Hato International Airport (CUR). Driving between the two usually takes about 20 minutes, but this is heavily dependent on traffic conditions when you arrive.
For those arriving in Curacao by air, there are plenty of options for traveling between the airport and the cruise port. Taxis charge approximately $25 to $35 for one-way travel, while complimentary shuttles are available through several cruise lines, hotels, and resorts.
Curacao International Airport (Photo Credit: Z. Jacobs)
If you have rented a vehicle at the airport and plan on driving to the cruise port yourself, directions are fairly simple:
Head east on Franklin D. Rooseveltweg for 7.1 miles
Merge onto Nijlweg and continue until you see the turn for Baden Powellweg
Watch for cruise terminal signs and arrive at your destination on Gouverneur van Slobbeweg
Transportation Available at the Terminals
Visiting cruise passengers have several options for transportation to and from the cruise port.
Shuttle Buses
Private shuttle buses are used as the primary method of transportation for shore excursions, but they can also be booked by groups for pre-arranged transit to various destinations.
Sightseeing tour bus in Willemstad (Photo Credit: Marcel Rommens)
While most excursions include transportation in their booking fee, private shuttle trips tend to run around $20 per person to most destinations in the Willemstad area. These shuttle buses will pick you up directly in front of the terminal where you arrived.
Taxis
A taxi is the most popular way to get around Willemstad and the island. Taxis are also available at both terminals. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and they can be obtained simply by waiting in line at either terminal’s taxi stand.
Not only do taxis provide quick and direct travel, but most trips also cost between $10 and $35 to anywhere within the city or to any of the nearby beaches or attractions.
For an idea of routes, it can cost around $34 per taxi from the cruise port to the airport and around $23 per taxi from Willemstad to Mambo Beach.
Taxi Sign Near Cruise Port in Curacao (Photo Credit: Jerry Sharp)
If you are hoping to book a taxi from outside the cruise port, the two primary providers on the island are Friendly Taxi Curacao and Dushi Taxi. Both offer flat rates for travel within the four main areas of Willemstad, and they charge fares per taxi rather than per person, which is the case in some of the other Caribbean islands.
None of the rideshare services are available in Curacao as of yet, so you cannot take an Uber or Lyft.
Public Buses
Public transit in Curacao is limited, but the options that exist are based around a system of minibuses called “konvoiis.” These have basic routes around the city and some lines that connect Willemstad to the smaller towns, like Sint Michiel and Tera Kora.
The rate for one-way travel is roughly $2, but you must pay in Curacao’s local currency, the Antillean Guilder (ANG). While there isn’t a bus stop directly outside either terminal, there are well-marked bus stops throughout the city.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Curacao?
Curacao’s tropical climate makes it a year-round travel destination; however, most visitors agree that the dry season is the best time to explore the island. In Curacao, the dry season runs from early January until early April, which is the busiest stretch for tourism.
Cruise Ships Docked in Curacao (Photo Credit: Gail Johnson)
If you want to travel outside of these months, here is a basic breakdown of seasonal weather conditions on the island:
Winter (December to February): Temperatures between 75° and 84°F with relatively dry conditions.
Spring (March to May): The temperatures rise to 80° to 86°F. Relatively low rainfall makes it a good time to enjoy the outdoors.
Summer (June to August): The temperature averages 83° to 86°F, and high humidity levels can make it uncomfortable to be outside. Increased rainfall and a higher risk of storms can also be an issue.
Fall (September to November): Temperature averages drop slightly to the 80° to 85°F range, while rain showers remain fairly common.
Curacao is famous for its pristine beaches. Luckily, you won’t have to travel far from the cruise port to enjoy some of the best the island has to offer:
Mambo Beach (3 miles from the port)
Also known as Aquarium Beach due to its proximity to the Curacao Sea Aquarium, Mambo Beach is the closest to the cruise port.
This man-made beach has an entry fee of $3.50 USD, but it is well worth the price of admission. It features public restrooms, volleyball courts, a playground, and other amenities. Covered beach loungers and huts are also available for rental at $4 per day.
Mambo Beach
The turquoise waters are protected by a man-made outcrop of boulders, making it a great family-friendly spot for water sports and swimming. Plus, the beach is lined by the Mambo Beach Boulevard Boardwalk, which features plenty of stores, bars, and restaurants.
Blue Bay Beach (10 miles from the port)
Blue Bay Beach, also known as Blauwbaii, is a popular destination for many shore excursions, as the crystal-clear waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. The white sand beach is also shaded by palm trees, and the loungers provide beachgoers with a great view of the Caribbean Sea.
Although the beach is quite far and charges fairly steep $12 entrance fees to those not staying in the nearby resorts, it remains a popular option.
Kokomo Beach (3.5 miles from the port)
Kokomo Beach is one of the most popular options near Willemstad. There is no entrance fee, and daybeds cost $3.50 to rent for the entire afternoon. The beach also features a restaurant, beachside showers, and a dive shop where visitors can rent snorkel equipment and more.
Kokomo Beach (Photo Credit: Norma Coelho)
It can get a little bit crowded because it is nearby and doesn’t charge an entrance fee, but it’s a great spot to spend a few hours. You can also grab a stunning picture on the submerged swing set with a sign that says Kokomo, Curacao above it.
For those in port for a brief port of call visit, there are plenty of attractions that don’t require booking an excursion or traveling far. Here are just a few of the many highlights:
Queen Emma Bridge
Only half a mile from the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, this large pontoon bridge connects the Otrobanda and Punda sides of the city by stretching across St. Anna Bay.
Queen Emma Bridge (Photo Credit: JMT Photography and Media)
Do note, though, that the Queen Emma Bridge is out of service after being disconnected on August 2, 2026. The bridge will undergo a two-month refit and will reopen at the end of September to early October 2026.
Rif Fort
Only a 0.3-mile walk from the port, the historic Rif Fort was built in 1828 to protect the Dutch colony from pirates and rival settlers. Today, the fort functions as a museum, where visitors can learn about the various stages of the famous outpost’s past, including when it was used to protect the island during World War II.
Rif Fort (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
If you decide to visit, you can walk directly from the Mega Pier through part of the Renaissance Mall to get there, making it easy to shop before or after your visit to Rif Fort.
There are even several restaurants and food vendors just outside the fort, including the Royal Dutch Cheesery, where you can try various traditional Dutch dishes.
Kura Hulanda Museum
Another historical site less than a mile from the port is the Kura Hulanda Museum, which features interactive exhibits highlighting the island’s ties to Africa and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Kura Hulanda Museum (Photo Credit: Serge Yatunin)
Learn about the history of Curacao and its people in one place. Guided tours are available in English, Dutch, French, and several other languages. The museum is located so close to Breedestraat, one of the city’s main dining roads, that you can combine a visit to the museum with a delicious meal.
What Else Can You Do in Curacao?
If you are willing to travel beyond the immediate area surrounding the port’s two cruise terminals, Curacao offers numerous exciting attractions, each providing visitors with an opportunity to see what makes the island’s culture and natural beauty unique. Here are just a few of our recommendations:
Curacao Sea Aquarium
This fun, educational, and interactive aquarium allows visitors to learn about local marine life, including sharks, seals, stingrays, and more. There is even an area where guests can feed flamingos or put on snorkels and pet stingrays.
Not only are there plenty of exhibits to explore, but it is one of the most unique aquariums in the world because it uses an open-water system, meaning that it is connected directly to the Caribbean Sea.
Since it’s only about 3 miles from the port, it’s easy to get there by taxi.
Hato Caves
Although these unique limestone caves are nearly 7 miles away on the airport side of the island, they are still well worth visiting. In fact, they are one of the most populartourist attractions on the entire island, which is due to their natural beauty and the fact that humans inhabited them as long as 1,500 years ago!
Hato Caves (Photo Credit: Gail Johnson)
Take a guided tour of the cave system and view preserved cave drawings, learn about how runaway slaves hid in them, and see stalactites and other natural features formed millions of years ago.
Christoffel National Park (Photo Credit: Gail Johnson)
You can fully explore Christoffel Park on foot by hiking the trails alone or taking a guided walking tour. You can also opt for a safari-style tour, where a local guide will take you around the park in an open-top Jeep!
Dining Near Curacao Cruise Port
Willemstad offers plenty of culinary delights. Like the island itself, the food scene blends several different cultures, allowing visitors to sample European, African, and Caribbean dishes all in one place.
For a unique fusion of Dutch and Caribbean cuisine, we recommend dinner at Gouverneur de Rouville. Located just half a mile from the port, this stunning restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. It also offers an outdoor dining area with views of St. Anna Bay.
Dining in Willemstad Near the Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
If you want to try some of Curacao’s famed seafood, The Pen is another great option. The relaxed atmosphere and freshly caught seafood dishes are worth the 0.7-mile walk from the port. Open-air, beachside seating makes it an incredibly memorable place to enjoy a meal.
If you want something a little more casual and even closer to port, The Pancake Sensation offers traditional Dutch pannenkoeken, waffles, American-style pancakes, and much more. It’s a fun place for breakfast, but it also serves food throughout the day. Since it takes less than 10 minutes to walk from either terminal, it’s an easy spot to check off your list.
Shopping Near Curacao Cruise Port
While the terminals do not offer the same level of shopping opportunities as most Caribbean cruise ports, Willemstad offers plenty of options for shopping enthusiasts that don’t require you to travel far.
The Renaissance Mall near Rif Fort is less than half a mile away and offers a range of designer stores, souvenir shops, and dining options. Its uniquely historical setting also creates the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of shopping.
Shopping Near Curacao Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Crossing the Queen Emma Bridge once open again, you’ll find various stores and duty-free shops on the Punda side of St. Anna Bay. The area is considered to be one of the island’s best areas for premium shopping, and it is only a 0.5-mile walk from either port terminal.
With everything from craft and souvenir vendors to international jewelry and designer goods retailers, this area has something for everyone. For duty-free shopping, visit Penha Duty-Free Curacao, which has existed since 1708!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Curaçao walkable from the cruise port?
Yes, both of the port’s cruise terminals are located on the perimeter of Curacao’s capital city, Willemstad, which is very walkable. There are also plenty of attractions that are easy to walk to from the terminals.
Where do cruise ships stop in Curaçao?
Cruise ships stop at Curacao Cruise Port in the capital city of Willemstad. Ships dock at one of two cruise terminals: Mega Pier Terminal or Mathey Wharf Terminal.
What is the closest beach to the cruise port in Curaçao?
Mambo Beach is the closest beach to the port, approximately 3 miles away.
Princess Cruises is offering select guests booked on Emerald Princess‘s September 1, 2026 Alaska sailing a full refund plus a future cruise credit to voluntarily change their plans.
The future cruise credit is worth 100% of the base cruise fare paid and is valid for two years, while Princess is also offering up to $800 per person for eligible travel expenses.
Similar offers have been made on other Princess sailings in 2026 when seeking volunteers to give up their cabins.
Princess Cruises is once again asking guests to change their travel plans ahead of a sold-out September 1, 2026 sailing aboard Emerald Princess. In an email sent to select guests less than a week before departure, the cruise line offered a few perks in exchange for changing their voyage.
The affected sailing is a 7-night roundtrip Inside Passage cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, as part of Princess Cruises’ biggest-ever Alaska season. The 3,090-guest ship will call on Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, before returning to Vancouver on September 8.
“Due to the popularity of your upcoming September 1st cruise on Emerald Princess, you are eligible for exceptional savings should you choose to change your travel arrangements,” the email reads.
Guests willing to change sailings will receive a 100% refund on the current cruise. Additionally, they are being offered future cruise credit equal to 100% of the base cruise fare paid, excluding taxes and fees.
That future cruise credit is valid for two years and can be applied to any Princess cruise departing in that period, as well as any vacation protection, hotels, or flights booked through Princess Cruises. Those who opt into the offer will also be reimbursed up to $800 per person for documented travel expenses.
Passengers are not required to accept the offer if they wish to remain on the current sailing. Princess Cruises also specified that the offer is first come, first served and can be withdrawn at any time.
Emerald Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Andre Schmitt)
The cruise line urged guests not to cancel any hotels or flights until Princess has confirmed their acceptance into the offer. It stated that space is limited and responding to the offer does not guarantee guests will be accepted.
One key point for guests’ consideration is that this is the final Alaska sailing for Emerald Princess in 2026. She will then reposition to Los Angeles for Hawaii and California coast cruises and will not return to Alaska and Vancouver until spring 2027.
Princess Has Made Similar Offers Before
This sort of offer is not uncommon in the industry. Referred to as “moveover” offers, they are often used when a sailing is oversold and the cruise line needs volunteers to give up their cabins.
In April 2026, Cruise Hive reported that guests booked on Discovery Princess‘s April 7 transpacific sailing received a similar voluntary offer after that sailing was oversold. That one included a full refund, 100% future cruise credit, and up to $1,500 for travel expenses.
A few days later, guests booked on an overbooked April 15 Mediterranean cruise aboard Enchanted Princessalso received an offer email. Those guests were given an identical offer of a full refund, 100% future cruise credit, and up to $1,500 in travel expense reimbursement.
The September 1 sailing is currently listed as sold out on Princess Cruises’ website, and the cruise line is now offering select booked guests incentives to voluntarily change their travel plans. That being said, the email sent to guests did not explicitly state that this sailing was oversold.
John Heald has clarified that the new Carnival Rewards program still includes free laundry for Diamond and Platinum guests.
The overall amount of complimentary laundry bags depends on sailing length and has been reduced from the VIFP program.
Heald also reminds guests that they must opt in to the new program no later than August 31, 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line’s new rewards program begins on September 1, 2026, and at that time, one of the most popular perks for Platinum and Diamond level guests is being slashed: complimentary laundry services.
What is not happening, however, is the benefit being discontinued altogether. John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, was firm with that clarification in a Facebook post he made on Friday, August 28, responding to unfounded reports that the benefit was disappearing.
“I would like to respectfully correct one of the big cruise influenzers and let you know that from September 1st when Carnival Rewards starts that Diamond and Platinum guests will indeed still have laundry perks and that they have not, as said by Mr Influenzer, ‘been canceled,'”he explained.
Both Platinum and Diamond level guests will receive free laundry under the new Carnival Rewards program, but exactly how much depends on the length of the cruise.
For sailings from 3-6 days, Platinum guests will get one free bag, while Diamond guests will get two free bags. For cruises of 7-13 days, the amounts are two bags for Platinum guests and three for Diamond guests. On longer sailings of 14 days or more, Platinum guests get four complimentary bags of laundry, while Diamond guests get five.
Cruise Ship Laundry Room
While this is certainly not cancelling the perk, it is dramatically reduced. Under the “Very Important Fun Person” loyalty program (which is ending after August 31, 2026), Platinum guests received 2, 3, and 5 bags on cruises of 2-6, 7-13, and 14+ days, respectively. This is exactly the amount that Diamond guests will receive under the Carnival Rewards program beginning September 1, 2026.
As VIFPs, Diamond guests received unlimited complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service, regardless of cruise length. As Heald has clarified, this is no longer the case and the overall number of bags will be limited under Carnival Rewards, but not eliminated altogether.
Another Reminder to Opt In to Carnival Rewards
Heald also reminds guests that they only have until Monday, August 31, 2026 to opt in to the new Carnival Rewards program. There is an “OPT IN NOW” button on the upper right corner on the rewards program’s official website, and guests can also check to see if they’ve already successfully opted in, just in case they are unsure or may have had technical problems.
A notice has also been posted on Carnival Cruise Line’s website for several months reminding guests to opt in.
“You must enroll and accept the Terms & Conditions to participate in the new Carnival Rewards™ program launching September 1, 2026, to ensure your status and benefits transition from the VIFP Club® program. You’re just two clicks away!”the notice reads.
Carnival Cruise Line has taken other steps to encourage guests to opt in before the deadline. VIFP guests have been sent emails and Heald has issued numerous reminders.
Heald and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy even put out a video discussing the new program and explaining why guests can’t be automatically enrolled, even if they have been members of the VIFP program for many years.
“It is a brand new program,”Duffy reminded viewers.“It has new terms and conditions, and guests should review and accept them. Privacy rules prevent us from automatically enrolling guests, even our longtime cruisers.”
The Carnival Rewards program was initially supposed to begin on June 1, 2026, but Cruise Hive reported in November 2025 that the changeover was delayed to September 1, 2026. At that time there was not yet any notice that guests had to individually enroll, but the program was still being tweaked.
A Cuban woman who previously worked aboard a cruise ship says she was barred from returning to Cuba for five years after remaining abroad.
The woman says Cuban immigration authorities linked the penalty to rules governing citizens working aboard international vessels, though the specific regulation has not been identified.
She says she had been abroad for roughly 18 months when she attempted to return in 2019, shorter than Cuba’s then-standard 24-month limit for citizens living overseas.
A former cruise ship worker from Cuba says she was prevented from returning to her home country for five years after remaining overseas following the end of her initial work contract. The woman, who goes by Una Cubana en Malta (A Cuban Woman in Malta) online, shared her full story in a video posted to Facebook.
She was working onboard a cruise ship and living in Malta when she says she unknowingly violated Cuban rules for citizens working aboard international vessels. In October 2019, she attempted to return to Cuba after a year-and-a-half abroad.
Attempting to board a connecting flight from Paris to Havana, she was stopped and told she would not be allowed to board the flight. Her mother then contacted Cuban immigration to try and figure out what was happening.
It was then that she learned that she had been barred from re-entering the country for five years. She was stunned to have the ban imposed upon her.
“It wasn’t new to me. I’d heard of it happening to other people, but I never thought it would happen to me,” she said (translated from Spanish). “I didn’t leave with the intention of staying. I never wanted to leave Cuba that way.”
She remained living in Malta after being unable to return. She did not say whether she has been back to Cuba since the five-year restriction elapsed.
Recent photos and videos shared on her social media pages appear to have been taken aboard MSC Splendida. However, the Fantasia-class ship was redeployed to the Chinese market at the time the ban was imposed. The woman did not specify which cruise line or specific ship she was contracted on prior to the ban.
Reason For The Five-Year Ban Remains Unclear
At first glance, the length of her stay abroad does not appear to explain the penalty. At the time, Cuban citizens generally risked losing domestic resident rights after remaining outside the country for more than 24 months.
The woman says she had been abroad for approximately 18 months when she attempted to return in October 2019. Instead, she says immigration officials attributed the restriction specifically to rules governing workers aboard ships.
“What Immigration is saying is it’s because I supposedly didn’t comply with a law regarding ship workers,” she said (translated from Spanish).
She further claimed that, while she had finished her initial work contract, she was not required to immediately return to Cuba. Immigration authorities in Cuba have not publicly commented on her case. A complete copy of the document detailing the five-year restriction has also not been made public.
Cuba has since overhauled its immigration laws. The new Migration Law, published in the Official Gazette in May 2026 and due to take effect in late 2026, scraps the 24-month limit and replaces it with an “effective migratory residency” test. Those changes came years after her attempted return.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, PhilaPort, and local officials held a ribbon-cutting for Philadelphia’s new cruise terminal on August 27, 2026.
The new terminal is now where Norwegian Jewel docks and will support Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem in future deployments.
NCLH donated $20,000 to the local fire department and $30,000 to local Boys & Girls Clubs to support the community where they now homeport.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), PhilaPort, and the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania celebrated the official opening of the city’s new cruise terminal on Thursday, August 27, 2026 with a ribbon-cutting and other festivities.
State and local leaders, cruise line executives, community partners, and business stakeholders were all present for the historic moment, strengthening the commitment Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings made to the City of Brotherly Love when it returned to homeport from Philadelphia.
Norwegian Jewel was the first cruise ship to depart from the city in more than 15 years. Cruise Hive reported on her first voyage from the city, which set sail on April 16, 2026. However, the terminal was not yet complete, so guests had to check in at a local hotel.
Now, the new permanent cruise terminal at 4 Atlantic Avenue will make it easier for cruise guests to use the homeport and strengthens the long-term relationship between NCLH, PhilaPort, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The new cruise terminal is designed for a seamless guest experience. Ground was first broken on the 16-acre project on December 1, 2025 and is expected to support 2,185 jobs and generate roughly $300 million annually for the state’s overall economy.
“PhilaPort’s new cruise terminal is a critical component of our broader economic development strategy—creating good jobs, generating new economic activity, and strengthening the economies of Philadelphia and the entire region,”said Rich Lazer, executive director and CEO at PhilaPort.
It is hoped that the new terminal and cruise vacation options will bring more tourists to the city for longer stays, creating even more economic impact that will benefit the area.
NCLH has a 7-year agreement with the port that will run through March 31, 2033. The 2,368-guest Norwegian Jewel is homeported from Philadelphia through September 26, 2026, offering 6-, 8-, and 9-night sailings.
The autumn itineraries are one-way Canada and New England voyages between Philadelphia and Quebec City that will showcase stunning foliage as well as outstanding ports of call.
In November 2026, the 2,344-guest Norwegian Pearl will arrive in Philadelphia to begin sailings from 5-14 days that include itineraries to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Canada and New England through April 2028. In Summer 2028, Norwegian Gem will arrive for 7-day Bermuda and Atlantic Coast voyages for even more variety from the homeport.
Cruise Port Creating Community Bonds
The new cruise terminal is more than just a facility, it’s part of the local community and NCLH takes great pride in connecting to the communities where its ships are homeported.
“Today we celebrate being part of this community,”said Daniel Farkas, EVP, Chief Development Officer and General Counsel at NCLH.
“Through our global Sail & Sustain program, we believe in investing in and strengthening the communities we serve. As we establish a long-term presence in Greater Philadelphia, we’re proud to support the first responders, young people and families who call this region home while creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.”
Farkas’ comments coincide with a $50,000 donation from NCLH to support the local community. Of that donation, $20,000 will support Tinicum Township’s local fire department, while $30,000 is earmarked for three local Boys & Girls Clubs to serve families and children in the region.
