MSC Cruises has partnered with Meyer Werft to order four new ships.
The brand new “New Frontier” class will be roughly 180,000 gross tons.
The first MSC ships ordered from Meyer Werft will debut beginning in 2030.
MSC Cruises is fast becoming a global player in the cruise market with astronomical expansions beyond its European origins.
Now, the cruise line has ordered a completely new class of ships from Meyer Werft, its first collaboration with the German shipbuilder. The announcement was made in Berlin on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Four “New Frontier” ships have now been ordered, with future options on two more ships for a total of six potential new builds in the next decade on a very ambitious construction schedule.
This is the first time Meyer Werft will have built ships for MSC Cruises, which has historically partnered with Chantiers de l’Atlantique or other French shipyards, as well as Fincantieri in Italy.
“Meyer Werft’s track record, expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding. Together, we will create vessels that redefine the cruise experience while preserving the craftsmanship that keeps Germany at the forefront of maritime engineering,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.
“The New Frontier class will enable us to design new and exclusive itineraries, offer exceptional guest experience and will feature next-generation environmental technologies that will advance our net-zero 2050 commitment.”
Meyer Werft is equally optimistic about the new partnership, as it will provide significant economic security for years to come with thousands of jobs necessary to support the new project.
“This new order marks a significant milestone in the 230-year history of MEYER WERFT,” said Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft. “We are delighted to welcome MSC Cruises as a new customer and strategic partner, and we are truly honored by the trust they have placed in us.”
What Do We Know About the New Ships?
Very little is known about the new class, but they are expected to be approximately 180,000 gross tons. This is just slightly larger than Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships and very similar to Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class vessels.
Guest capacity would max out at about 5,400 passengers, though double occupancy has not been announced.
MSC New Ship Orders
MSC Cruises’ recent newbuild trend has been for bigger ships. The World class is roughly 216,000 gross tons, comparable to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class. All of those vessels top the list of the largest cruise ships currently in operation (along with the phenomenal Icon class, of course).
These somewhat smaller ships would still accommodate great numbers of passengers, but may have somewhat more flexibility for berthing requirements and therefore more diverse itineraries.
A Fast-Growing Fleet – Are Some Ships Ready for Retirement?
The first of the new and as-yet-unnamed ships would be delivered in 2030 with one new ship introduced every year afterward.
This would overlap with the most recent orders of the much larger World class ships. MSC World Europa first set sail in 2022 and MSC World America just debuted in March 2025. The upcoming MSC World Asia is due in 2026 followed by MSC World Atlantic in 2027.
Additional World-class ships are also scheduled for 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031. If the New Frontier class does indeed debut in 2030 and a second ship joins the fleet in 2031, MSC Cruises would have 31 ships sailing in 2031, assuming no ship retirements in the meantime.
Of course, the line’s oldest vessels are the Mistral class: Armonia, Sinfonia, Lirica, and Opera, which first set sail for MSC Cruises in 2004, 2005, 2003, and 2004, respectively. In terms of construction, MSC Armonia was built in 2001 and is the oldest MSC Cruises’ ship currently sailing.
It is possible the New Frontier vessels may replace older ships as they are retired or scrapped, but no such announcements have yet been made.
MSC Cruises fans will want to stay tuned to learn more about the new ships as well as to discover the fate of older ships as new vessels debut.
Utopia of the Seas boarding times for Monday, December 15 have been delayed 6.5 hours.
Some onboard benefits will be refunded due to the long delay because they cannot be honored.
Booked guests are wondering why other ships appear to have on-time arrivals to Port Canaveral.
It’s been a tense weekend for guests eager to board Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas on Monday, December 15, 2025. On Friday, the cruise line announced that the ship would be delayed returning to Port Canaveral due to expected high winds, but it wasn’t until Sunday evening that the length of that delay was confirmed.
“As a reminder, our previous sailing is returning to Port Canaveral later than originally planned due to high winds in the area,”the notification reminder explained.
“Please stick to your updated window as arriving earlier may have you turned away until your adjusted time. Parking, and the terminal, will only open once our previous guests have finished debarking.”
The updated cruise terminal arrival times are 6.5 hours later than originally planned with guests not beginning check-in until 5 p.m. for the first arrival window that was to have been at 10:30 a.m.
The latest cruise terminal arrival, originally 2 p.m., is now 8:30 p.m. The cruise line is alerting guests not to arrive later than 8:30 p.m. as everyone must be checked in and onboard Utopia of the Seas by 9 p.m.
Some Benefits Refunded
Because of the delay and how it impacts the exclusive benefits of The Key, Royal Caribbean is also refunding 30% of the purchase price to guests who pre-paid for that elite package.
The Key offers priority ship boarding during embarkation, stateroom carry-on luggage delivery, and an exclusive welcome lunch with a signature menu from 12-1:30 p.m. Because of the delay, none of those coveted embarkation day benefits will be available.
Utopia of the Seas Sets Sail from Port Canaveral (Credit: Port Canaveral)
The rest of The Key benefits remain intact, including discounts on select onboard activities and spa services, dedicated show seating, and debarkation benefits.
No other refunds, including for specialty dining packages or beverage packages, appear to be offered, though it is possible this may be updated once guests are able to board the ship.
Why Aren’t Other Ships Impacted?
While the early notification of Utopia of the Seas‘ delay has given guests time to plan for their late departure, it has also generated significant suspicion and questions.
Multiple guests on a Facebook group dedicated to the sailing have wondered why three other cruise ships have no apparent delays returning to Port Canaveral Monday morning, yet Utopia of the Seas will be so far behind schedule.
“Strange that all the other ships are still coming in on time,”one guest noted.
“Why can CARNIVAL and DISNEY arrive on time and Royal can’t. Scratching my head,”another guest wondered.
Three other cruise ships will be at Port Canaveral on Monday, December 15: Disney Wish, Carnival Glory, and Carnival Freedom.
It is critical to note, however, that Utopia of the Seas is by far the largest ship in port that day, at 236,500 gross tons and 16 decks tall.
Disney Wish is second in size but only 15 decks tall and 144,000 gross tons, making her more maneuverable.
Carnival Glory and Carnival Freedom are both sister ships in the Conquest class with 13 decks and just 110,000 gross tons.
The larger a cruise ship is, both in terms of height with number of decks as well as its gross tonnage, the more inertia it has and the more challenging it can be to maneuver and control in high winds. This means Utopia of the Seas is by far at the greatest risk on Monday morning.
According to Windy.com, winds at the time Utopia of the Seas was originally planned to be docking on Monday morning are expected to be roughly 30 miles per hour with gusts as high as 40-42 mph.
In comparison, winds at 3 p.m. will be only about 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. This will be much safer for the cruise ship to manage, particularly in the narrow channel at Port Canaveral.
Both Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line are undoubtedly monitoring the weather for their respective arrivals and will make any changes they deem necessary for the safety of their guests, ships, and crew members.
Carnival Horizon will deliver more than 5 tons of relief supplies to Jamaica this week.
The delivery includes hygiene kits as well as critical medical supplies.
Carnival Cruise Line and various partners continue to pledge support for the island’s recovery.
Just seven weeks after the catastrophic landfall of Hurricane Melissa in New Hope, Jamaica, there is new hope on the way to the island with continued relief supplies aboard Carnival Horizon.
Carnival Cruise Line, in partnership with Direct Relief, the Miami HEAT, and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, is sending 24 pallets of supplies to the island to help support ongoing emergency efforts as the Caribbean nation recovers from the Category 5 storm.
The supplies left Miami on Sunday, December 14, 2025 with the ship’s current sailing, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary that will first visit Cozumel and Grand Cayman before arriving in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on Thursday, December 18.
The supplies aboard Carnival Horizon include critical medical supplies, hygiene kits, and other essentials. Together, the pallets weigh in at more than five tons.
“Carnival is proud to work alongside Direct Relief, the Miami HEAT and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation to deliver these essential supplies to Jamaica,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Direct Relief is coordinating the humanitarian response to Jamaica with deliveries to different parts of the island just where supplies are needed most.
This latest shipment aboard Carnival Horizon is not the first time the 133,600-gross-ton, Vista-class ship has delivered relief to the island.
On November 4, just one week after the hurricane’s landfall, Carnival Horizon was the first cruise ship to visit the island. While guests were not permitted to debark, the first pallets of supplies were able to be offloaded.
These supply deliveries follow the $1 million donation Carnival Cruise Line and its partners pledged to support Jamaica’s recovery the day after Hurricane Melissa moved across the island.
More Supplies on the Way
The supplies aboard Carnival Horizon are just a fraction of the relief supplies being shipped to Jamaica. The day before the cruise ship set sail with those five critical palettes, an airlift from Miami International Airport headed for Jamaica with dozens of additional pallets of supplies.
“After a disaster of this magnitude, people need to know that care will be there when they need it,”said Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief.
Fortunately, generous corporations such as Carnival Cruise Line and the Miami HEAT are pitching in to ensure the island can recover.
“The devastation of Hurricane Melissa was incredible and will be felt in Jamaica for years to come,”said Eric Woolworth, president of business operations for the Miami HEAT.“Along with Direct Relief and Carnival, it’s our hope that the supplies we send will help start the road to recovery.”
While tourism operations have restarted on Jamaica and cruise ships are once again stopping for port visits, it will be a long time before the island is fully recovered. Continued supply donations are a great measure to help with that recovery.
“Because of the longstanding partnership and commitment of Carnival Corporation, the Miami HEAT, and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, we’re able to get essential medical support to communities across Jamaica as they continue to recover,”said Weaver.
Other cruise lines are also donating and shipping supplies to the island as their humanitarian efforts and itineraries permit.
How Can Cruise Guests Help?
As Jamaica reopens and welcomes cruises once again, the very best thing guests can do to aid in recovery is to visit the island and enjoy their time as tourists.
Taking a shore tour, buying a few extra souvenirs, tipping guides generously, and dining in a local restaurant are amazing steps any visitor can take to help boost the Jamaican economy and ensure a smooth recovery.
As Jamaica remains a top-visited cruise port and a favorite destination among guests, that popularity will help the island recover and be able to offer the outstanding hospitality and welcome cruisers always enjoy on the island.
There are numerous cruise ships debuting in 2026 from major lines such as MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas and more.
If you’re a cruiser who always prioritizes sailing on the newest, biggest and best ships, you’ve maybe already even booked your spots on some inaugural 2026 sailings.
Whether you have or haven’t, though, this is what you need to know about all the newest ships setting sail for the very first time in the year ahead.
Originally slated to debut in December 2025, Disney Adventure’s first sailing from Singapore has been pushed back to March 2026. Regardless of the delay, though, this vessel is sure to excite Disney fans.
It’s worth noting that this ship was not intended to be a member of the Disney Cruise Line fleet from the start.
Disney Adventure Cruise Ship
Instead, it initially was owned by Genting Cruise Lines, which declared bankruptcy in 2022. At that time, the ship was partially completed, and Disney Cruise Line eventually purchased it and began a huge branded overhaul.
Disney Adventure will be the largest ship by passenger capacity across the entire fleet, with room for nearly 7,000 guests, as well as the largest by gross tons, at 208,000 GT.
The ship offers a lot of cruise line firsts. The Ironcycle Test Run Marvel attraction is the longest rollercoaster at sea, at 820 feet long (this rollercoaster is in addition to two other, all-new Marvel attractions on the upper decks).
Disney Adventure Imagination Garden
The ship will also feature more retail space than any other in the fleet, at 17,000 square feet. New retail offerings include the World of Disney shop and a National Geographic store.
The ship is split into seven themed areas, including the Disney Imagination Garden, Toy Story Place, San Fransokyo Street, Town Square, Wayfinder Bay, Disney Discovery Reef and Marvel Landing.
Debut: March 2026
Gross Tonnage: 208,000 GT
Guest Capacity: 6,700
Norwegian Luna (Norwegian Cruise Line)
This Prima Plus-class ship sets sail in the Caribbean in the spring. Norwegian Luna is 10% larger than the earlier Prima Plus ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, and will be more similar to Norwegian Aqua. As such, expect a lot of the same features.
Norwegian Luna Render
For example, you’ll find the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide that’s the first of its kind, and the longest and fastest slide at sea. There’s also the Glow Court digital sports complex, which serves as an interactive activity center during the day and a nightclub at night.
The ship will likewise feature Norwegian Aqua’s three-bedroom duplex suites, which are only accessible in The Haven.
Otherwise, expect other favorites from the broader Prima Plus class, in terms of both entertainment and dining.
Debut: April 2026
Gross Tonnage: 156,300
Guest Capacity: 3,550
Viking Mira (Viking Cruises)
Viking Mira is the first of two ocean ships that Viking Cruises plans to unveil in 2026. When it sets sail in the springtime, it’ll head off on itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, to destinations like Barcelona and Rome, Iceland and Oslo.
Viking Mira is quite similar to its sister ships. It’s about the same size and has the same guest capacity as others, with 499 staterooms. It has the same theming and all-balcony cabins. The public venues and service is the same. There are two pools, a gym and fan-favorite spa.
In short, if you like Viking Cruises’ award-winning past offerings, you’ll like Viking Mira. It’s basically the exact same experience, just a little newer and fresher, without any major changes — because, after all, if it’s not broke, why fix it?
Debut: Spring 2026
Gross Tonnage: 54,300 GT
Guest Capacity: 998
Legend of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Royal Caribbean reliably goes all out with its new cruise ships and Legend of the Seasis no exception. The new Icon-class ship continues the larger-than-life fun and thrills that this class has become known for.
Like its sister ships, Legend of the Seas offers the largest waterpark in the industry, plus seven pools.
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas
However, Legend of the Seas isn’t 100% identical to other Icon-class ships. It stands apart with the most dining at sea (with 28 restaurants), including new offerings such as Royal Railway – Legend Station (a concept before only experienced on Utopia of the Seas) and the Hollywood Supper Club. The AquaDome Market will also provide new dining options.
In addition to the dining, there are more than 20 bars, lounges and live music venues. Other entertainment is provided by Absolute Zero (the largest ice arena at sea), the AquaTheater and a rendition of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in the theater.
Debut: July 2026
Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GT
Guest Capacity: 7,600
Mein Schiff Flow (TUI Cruises)
A member of the TUI Cruises InTUItion class, alongside sister ship Mein Schiff Relax, Mein Schiff Flowwill debut in the summer of 2026 with sailings across the Mediterranean.
The ship’s design is intended to help guests “experience lightness,” which comes across in both the interiors and outdoor spaces.
Mein Schiff Flow Float Out
Large windows allow a lot of natural light to spread across each deck. Dining options, like the main restaurant, Atlantik, prioritize amazing views. Outside, spacious outdoor areas also offer excellent views and there’s an area on Deck 16 designed after a Greek village square.
Mein Schiff Flow will feature an ecologically advanced fuel system, as part of the cruise line’s ongoing efforts to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Debut: July 2026
Gross Tonnage: 160,000 GT
Guest Capacity: 4,000
Explora III (Explora Journeys)
While Explora Journeys may not be as well-known as some of the other cruise lines on this list, it may be familiar to luxury cruisers. The line specializes in all-inclusive, luxury experiences on relatively smaller ships.
As the name suggests, Explora III is the third ship to join the brand’s fleet, and it’s also the largest of the three vessels. It’s the first LNG-powered ship in the family, too.
EXPLORA III Cruise Ship
Explora III will offer 463 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences, all with private terraces. There are seven restaurants and 13 bars and lounges.
Plus, there’s more space per guest here than on any other Explora ship; looking at this measurement overall, the ship shines industry-wide, with 18.7 square meters of public space per guest.
Public spaces include a spa, sports court with pickleball and paddle, children and teens club and more.
Debut: August 2026
Gross Tonnage: 72,710 GT
Guest Capacity: Approx. 900 guests
MSC World Asia (MSC Cruises)
The long-awaited MSC World Asiawill be one of the final new ships to debut in 2026, in December, when it sets sail in the Mediterranean.
The ship, one of the largest in the MSC Cruises fleet, as part of its World Class, will offer a range of cool features.
MSC World Asia Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises)
For example, for a few new ships now, MSC Cruises has been consistently adding the longest dry slide at sea to its entertainment lineups, and MSC World Asia is no exception to this rule. It will debut with the new longest dry slide at sea, surpassing its sister ships, at 266.7 feet and 12 decks long.
Other new features include a Pan-Asian street food dining option with cuisine from countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The Harbour, MSC World Asia
The new Clubhouse offers a family-friendly entertainment space with a LEGO zone, bumper cars, basketball and more. The Harbour has also been redesigned, and is where you’ll find dining, outdoor space and the Cliffhanger, a water swing ride that takes cruisers out 164 feet over the ocean.
Additionally, the ship will provide the largest choice of MSC Yacht Club staterooms and suites to date, including the brand-new Royal Duplex Suite, which can accommodate up to six cruisers.
All in all, the ship offers more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, plus more than 20 accommodation types, over seven distinct districts.
Debut: December 2026
Gross Tonnage: 215,863 GT
Guest Capacity: 6,758
Seven Seas Prestige (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)
From luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises comes the new Seven Seas Prestige. The first of three, next-generation, Prestige-class cruise ships for the line (the next one is set to appear in 2030, followed by another in 2033), the vessel will offer a handful of new features, as well as an abundance of space.
Just under 850 guests will be spread across 411 suites, for one of the highest space-to-guest ratios possible. While the ship is overall 40% larger than prior ships in the fleet, it will only hold 10% more passengers.
Seven Seas Prestige (Rendering: Regent Seven Seas)
Additionally, those 800-odd cruisers will be served by an impressive 630 crew members, for an exceptionally high crew-to-guest ratio.
Otherwise, the ship will provide 12 suite categories, with four brand-new suite types, including the largest, all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship suite in the industry. Dining options will include new restaurants as well, across the 11 venues.
Seven Seas Prestige is the seventh ship in the fleet.
Debut: December 2026
Gross Tonnage: 76,550
Guest Capacity: 822
Star Explorer (Windstar Cruises)
For those who love an intimate cruising experience, Star Explorer is worth the wait. While the ship technically debuts in December 2026, its christening won’t take place until May 2027, after which more regular sailings around Europe will be available through 2028.
Windstar’s New Star Class Ship
The ship is more of a yacht than a ship, with room for just 224 guests. It joins the Windstar Cruises family as one of two new such yachts, alongside Star Seeker, delivered in December 2025. The ships are the first two of the new Star-class.
Star Explorer contains 112 suites and classic Windstar Cruises features, such as the marina and Yacht Club Café. The Amphora dining room has been redesigned and a specialty restaurant has yet to be announced. Other spaces include a two-story spa and fitness center.
Debut: December 2026
Gross Tonnage: 9,923
Guest Capacity: 224
Viking Libra (Viking Cruises)
Viking Libra will be, excitedly, the very first hydrogen-powered cruise ship in the world, capable of operating while creating zero emissions. While this is great news for those that may’ve been concerned about their cruising’s environmental impact, though, the small ocean ship offers lots more to appreciate beyond its climate-friendliness.
Photo Credit: Steve Heap / Shutterstock
Debuting in late 2026, the ship holds just under a thousand people across 499 staterooms. The ship will be very similar to other Viking Cruises vessels, so if you’ve become accustomed to this reliable brand, you’ll appreciate its consistency.
More From Cruise Hive
Think a Scandinavian design, all outside balcony cabins, 24-hour room service and a handful of dining options, alongside a spa, lounge, library and main pool.
While Viking Libra’s hydrogen power capabilities are a landmark achievement in the cruise industry, the line isn’t stopping here. A second hydrogen-powered vessel is already on order, with Viking Astrea set to launch in 2027.
The official ribbon cutting for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island was held Saturday, December 13.
The ceremony included local and cruise line executives, VIPs, and more to celebrate.
The club will welcome its first cruise guests on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
Christmas has come early for Royal Caribbean in Nassau, Bahamas with the official ribbon cutting for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, just 10 days before its official debut to cruise guests.
The ceremony was attended by more than 150 Bahamian government officials, community members, VIPs, and cruise line and Royal Caribbean Group executives to celebrate the opening of the club and the culmination of the amazing project.
The festivities included not only the ceremonial cutting of an appropriately colorful tropical ribbon, but also live music, dancers, drinks, and much more fun.
“I think the thing I’m most excited about is to welcome our first guests to the Royal Beach Club. I am just delighted and looking forward to seeing their expressions and how much fun they’re going to have here.”
While an earlier preview of the club has delayed due to construction, the grand opening of the resort has not been changed. The first guests will be arriving on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 when the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island officially opens.
Construction at Royal Caribbean’s Nassau Beach Club (Photo Credit:
SirSpectre)
Visiting Nassau that day will be Radiance of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, followed on Christmas Eve by Wonder of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas. Odyssey of the Seas will be the only Royal Caribbean ship in Nassau for Christmas Day.
Ground was broken on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in April 2024, and throughout the 20-month project, collaborations with local Bahamian artists and contractors have been a key focus, which has now happily come to fruition.
Massive Logo Installed at Beach Club
The momentous day and ceremonial ribbon cutting followed the day after a massive Crown and Anchor was erected at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, literally putting the crowning glory on the new attraction.
The massive structure faces toward the cruise port, boldly declaring Royal Caribbean’s presence and connection to the Bahamas.
The logo was assembled on Friday, December 12, with cranes lifting it into place piece by piece atop a central core to stabilize the emblem and ensure its integrity for decades to come.
What a photo opportunity this will be for guests on cruise ships docked just across the narrow channel to Paradise Island!
Visiting the Beach Club
Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay and other exclusive private destinations from different cruise lines, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is not an included extra for cruise guests.
Instead, it is comparable to a shore tour to local resorts, only this resort is owned by Royal Caribbean.
The passes guests can purchase on their visits to Nassau includes transportation to the 17-acre resort from a fleet of bright, tropically-colored ferries, plus lounge chairs, shade umbrellas, three grill restaurants, three pools, two beaches, towels, and a variety of amenities from internet access to drinks to exclusive spaces.
Prices for the club start at roughly $170 per person, depending on the amenities guests are most interested in.
As a matter of note, no pre-purchased drink or dining packages for use onboard Royal Caribbean ships apply to the Royal Beach Club; those amenities must be purchased separately by those wishing to visit the club.
While Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be the first of these exclusive resorts to open, several more are already planned or under construction, including in Cozumel, Vanuatu, and Santorini.
Carnival Cruise Line has released its New Year’s Eve Gala dinner menu to ring in 2026.
Special appetizers, entrees, and desserts are all featured, along with vegetarian options.
Guests will have to wait until midnight for the deck party’s free champagne toast.
The holiday season is all about treats, though many people make resolutions to eat healthier in the new year. But what about on New Year’s Eve? As it is technically still the old year, bring on the treats!
That is exactly what Carnival Cruise Line is doing with its New Year’s Eve 2026 Gala Dinner, which will feature the ultimate in decadence for appetizers, entrees, and of course, desserts.
John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, shared the menu with hungry guests on his Facebook page.
For starters, the Chef’s Pick for the New Year is a low-country crab dip, baked and served warm with buttery crostini.
Guests can also choose from a lobster and shrimp bisque, traditional shrimp cocktail, chicken potstickers, a white bean and spinach soup with parmesan, or slow-braised sticky pork belly with papaya slaw.
For guests who want a healthier option leading into the new year, three salads are offered as starters: a spinach and warm mushroom salad with toasted pine nuts and feta cheese, a beets and berries salad with candied pecans and lemon honey vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad.
For entrees, the maple-clove spiced baked Virginia Ham with apple and ham bread pudding and pineapple chutney is sure to be a burst of flavor, while the grilled filet mignon with double-cooked potatoes and wild mushroom cream sauce is an elevated option.
Other entrees on the gala menu include seared seabass with a dill champagne beurre blanc, cranberry-orange glazed roast chicken with fruit and nut stuffing, stuffed pork tenderloin with a peach whiskey glaze, garlic jumbo shrimp, and a duet of lamb leg and cutlets with beluga lentils and grilled zucchini.
Carnival New Year’s Eve Gala Menu
Vegetarian entrees for this very special dinner include a spinach, artichoke, and mushroom en croute, pappardelle with butternut squash and portobello ragu, or paneer tikka with paratha, biryani, and bhindi masala.
If guests can’t choose between entrees, they’re welcome to select more than one, but a $5 charge will apply for a third, fourth, or higher entree, a fee that was instituted in November 2022.
The Steakhouse Selection menu will also be available for entrees, but comes with a $25 fee each for the broiled lobster tail, 14-ounce wagyu cheeseburger, New York strip steak, and other options.
Don’t Skip Dessert!
If New Year’s Eve dinner is truly a last celebration of those holiday calories, Carnival Cruise Line’s special menu doesn’t disappoint.
The s’mores chocolate bar with torched marshmallow is tempting, as is the pina colada cheesecake garnished with tropical salsa.
Nevertheless, there are still lighter sweet treats on the menu. The very berry yogurt panna cotta is topped with a granola crunch and has no added sugar. Guests can also enjoy the fresh tropical fruit plate, and as always, the selection of ice cream and sherbet is available.
For even more indulgence, the mile-high gelato pie is a $6 surcharge but features salted caramel, mocha, toasted coconut, and Chantilly cream.
If guests prefer a more savory finish to their meal, the cheese plate is also on the menu.
More New Year’s Eve Celebrations
One thing not on the gala dinner menu is a champagne toast to ring in the New Year. For that, guests will have to wait for the midnight party on Lido Deck (or order their own bottle of champagne at dinner!).
“Celebrating New Year on one of our ships is an incomparable experience,”Heald said.“There will be parties all over the ship and of course especially on Lido deck with complimentary champagne, music, dancing, and of course, the fabulous countdown to 2026.”
There’s truly no feeling like standing on the deck of a cruise ship with tremendous crowds of guests and crew members ready to ring in the new year. The classic countdown will be held on the big screen and each ship will blow its horn to celebrate the start of 2026.
Brilliance of the Seas will homeport at Trieste instead of Ravenna on August 10, 2026.
This impacts both the departing passengers as well as embarking guests.
Construction delays at Ravenna are causing the switch, but no further details are available.
Planning flights to a distant cruise homeport can be tricky, especially with the possibility of delays and cancellations. It gets even trickier when that homeport might be many thousands of miles away.
What can make it trickier still is if the cruise line then changes the homeport, and now you may be visiting the wrong city to board a cruise ship that won’t be there.
This is just what guests booked for Brilliance of the Seas‘ August 10, 2026 departure are finding out, as Royal Caribbean has now notified them of a homeport change.
“A construction delay has led to a berthing conflict in Ravenna, Italy,”the email states.“As a result of this change, we’ll now begin our European summer adventure in Trieste, Italy, instead.”
While both Ravenna and Trieste are in northern Italy, the two cities are 185 miles apart. This can be a 4-hour drive or longer, depending on route and traffic, though there are also train options and other ways to transit between the two homeports.
“You may already have arranged transportation, and we know this unexpected change may cause inconvenience,”the email acknowledges.
To help guests adjust their pre- or post-cruise travel plans, Royal Caribbean is offering reimbursement of up to $200 (USD) per guest for domestic travel fares or up to $400 for international changes.
This reimbursement can apply to changes for flights, trains, or rental cars. Guests must submit reimbursement requests for consideration.
While it will be disconcerting to guests to have to rearrange plans to reach Trieste rather than Ravenna, fortunately, the impacted cruise is not setting sail for nearly eight months.
This gives guests plenty of time to make necessary changes to prepare for their 7-night sailing and the outstanding ports it will visit.
No Further Itinerary Changes
Rearranging the homeport may be a hassle, but the weeklong itinerary has not been changed. Brilliance of the Seas will still be visiting all five outstanding ports on the original schedule:
Koper, Slovenia – Tuesday, August 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Split, Croatia – Wednesday, August 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Thursday, August 13 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kotor, Montenegro – Friday, August 14 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Naples, Italy – Sunday, August 16 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The arrival in Rome (Civitavecchia) on Monday, August 17, is still planned for 5 a.m., though guests should be aware that Brilliance of the Seas will depart Trieste at 8 p.m. to begin the sailing, rather than the 5 p.m. departure that had been planned from Ravenna.
Why the Homeport Change?
Royal Caribbean has not provided any further details on the “construction delay” that has required this itinerary change, but Ravenna is in the process of building a new cruise terminal.
That project may be running behind schedule, and therefore, the port is unable to accommodate as many ships as previously anticipated.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva is also scheduled for Ravenna on August 10, 2026.
Comparing the vessels, Norwegian Viva is 142,500 gross tons and can welcome 3,195 guests, while Brilliance of the Seas is 90,090 gross tons and has a guest capacity of 2,142.
If only one ship can be accommodated, it makes sense that the larger vessel would take priority, as fewer travelers overall would be inconvenienced.
The new cruise terminal in Ravenna is scheduled to open in 2026, but no firm date of its debut has been announced.
Guests on any cruise line sailing to or from Ravenna in the next few months should stay in close communication with their cruise line in case of additional changes to homeport or port visit arrangements.
Hopefully, plenty of advance notice will make it possible for any future frustration to be minimal as guests rearrange their travel plans.
A future guest complained because their Carnival ship won’t show the final episodes of the hit Netflix show, “Stranger Things.”
Guests who can’t wait to watch the series will need to splurge for a premium internet package to watch onboard.
Other cruise fans felt that passengers should prioritize enjoying the onboard entertainment instead of binging content they can watch at home.
Reading some of the demands sent to Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald can make one feel like they are in the “Upside Down,” and this request is certainly one of them.
One future guest of Carnival Panorama has had their Christmas dreams crushed because the cruise line will not be broadcasting the next installment of “Stranger Things,” on the big screen. The popular Netflix show is currently in its final season.
“Really John Heald. [Your] answer to me is that Carnival Cruise Line does not have Netflix. You mean Carnival refuses to give us Netflix,” the fan ranted on Heald’s Facebook page.
For context, the next four episodes of season five (Volume 2) debut on Christmas Day, and the two-hour series finale premiers on New Year’s Eve.
The upset passenger will be onboard for the Vista-class ship’s 8-night Mexican Riviera sailing that lasts from December 20 to December 28, 2025.
“Across America everyone will sit down after Xmas dinner to binge on the final 4 episodes of Stranger Things unless you are on Carnival Panorama because you refuse to play this on the jumbotron. Way to ruin Xmas,” the future guest continued.
While Carnival Cruise Line occasionally broadcasts big events, such as major sports games, season 5 of this hit series does not fit into the same category – nor does the cruise line actually have access to Netflix.
Believe it or not, the cruise lines actually have to license content in order to show it onboard, which would likely be impossible (or insanely expensive) to do for a series as hot as “Stranger Things.”
Two Simple Solutions
Although Carnival isn’t going to provide free Netflix content anytime soon (despite other passengers sending Heald similar requests), guests do have two very simple options.
They can either be patient and wait to watch the show when they return home, or purchase a premium internet package to watch Netflix on their personal devices.
Carnival Cruise Line Cabin and TV (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Notably, video streaming is only available as part of the top-tier premium internet package, which currently starts at $25.50 per person, per day.
“We do not have Netflix on our ships. You can purchase the Premium Internet for the day and stream Netflix onto your eye phone or eye pad,”Heald advised.
“You can perhaps watch it when you get home?…I do understand it is very popular but is Stranger Things really a show that everyone watches after Christmas Dinner. It isn’t exactly joyous, happy or funny Christmas viewing,” he continued.
This brings up another good point, in that “Stranger Things” can be rather intense or scary and is not the most suitable content to broadcast during a family-friendly sailing.
Cruisers React to “Strange” Request
More than 1,000 people sounded off in the comments section of Heald’s Facebook page, the majority of whom felt that the guests shouldn’t spend their expensive vacation holed up in their cruise cabin watching Netflix.
“See that’s the great thing about Netflix and other streaming services. The thing you want to watch will be there to watch whenever, so if you are busy doing other things, like being on vacation, your show will be waiting for you when you get home,”one cruise fan wrote.
“What’s the big deal? Watch it when you’re home from the cruise. I wouldn’t waste my cruise time on a show I can go back and watch once I’m home. In fact, I’d rather watch it at home (yes, I do watch Stranger Things) in my pj’s on my recliner,”another said.
Guests will indeed have plenty of other entertainment to partake in onboard – which they can’t enjoy at home – including musical performances, production shows, game shows, trivia, Dive-In Movies, and more.
We’re back with another edition of Cruise Hive’s weekly Cruise News Update, a must-read for industry watchers. Top stories in this recap include Carnival Cruise Line’s plans to create a private destination in Ensenada, Mexico; Royal Caribbean facing a lawsuit after the death of a guest who became intoxicated; and how several containers of bananas prevented a cruise ship from leaving Southampton.
Stay up to date on the major cruise news stories with Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, a must-read for industry insiders. Sign up here and have the news delivered to your inbox each morning.
Cruise Line Revises Island Visits on Hawaii Voyages
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the only cruise ship that offers weeklong inter-island sailings in Hawaii, all roundtrip from Honolulu.
Starting in October 2026 and continuing through March 2027, the line has altered the order of port calls the 2,200-guest ship will make.
None are cancelled, and the cruise line has noted that the changes will provide a more immersive journey. In three ports, guests will have more time to spend exploring on land.
Pride of America Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: A. Michael Brown)
The revised order of visits provides an extra hour in Maui and Kauai, and an extra half-hour in Kona.
Pride of America’s itinerary during these months will be: Honolulu, Maui, Hilo, Kona, Kauai, Honolulu. The ship will overnight in Maui and Kauai.
More than two dozen cruises are impacted during the October to March timeframe. Excursions booked through Norwegian Cruise Line will be automatically adjusted to reflect the new schedule.
Cargo Incident Delays Cruise Ship’s Departure
This story is really bananas!
P&O Cruises’ 5,200-guest Iona was due to depart from Southampton, UK, on the evening of December 6, 2025, on a 14-night Spain, Portugal, and Canary Islands cruise.
But her schedule went haywire after some 16 containers of fruit, mostly bananas, fell off the Baltic Klipper cargo ship, which was sailing near the Isle of Wight, some 20 miles away. The accident forced the cruise ship to remain in Southampton harbor.
P&O Iona in Southampton, UK (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)
The delay turned into a 24-hour ordeal, as guests waited for authorities to retrieve the containers. It was a safety issue, since the 184,089-gross-ton ship could have collided with the containers or hampered the work of those trying to clear the waterway.
The containers were carrying bananas, plantains, and avocados, and several others were empty, Coast Guard officials said.
Finally, on the evening of December 7, 2025, the ship was able to depart on her voyage. No changes to her itinerary were expected, since her first port call, at Funchal, Portugal, was not scheduled until December 10, 2025, enabling the ship to make up for some of the lost time.
Iona will make several calls in the Canary Islands, followed by Cadiz, Spain, and Lisbon, before returning to Southampton on December 20, 2025.
Carnival Cruise Line Unveils Ensenada Bay Village
Carnival Cruise Line is looking to Ensenada, on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, as the site of a new private destination its cruise ships will begin visiting a few years from now.
The line revealed its plans for the $26 million Ensenada Bay Village – Treasures of Baja, described as a resort and entertainment space with an adventure park, an adult-only beach and other attractions.
Ensenada Bay Village Render (Credit: ITM Group)
Cruise line president Christine Duffy was on hand to make the announcement in Ensenada as Carnival Panorama called at the destination. The ship sails 6- and 8-night Mexican Riviera cruises from her Los Angeles homeport.
Ensenada is typically included on itineraries that also visit Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas.
Carnival Legend is also scheduled to sail Mexico cruises from Los Angeles in 2027 and 2028.
Renderings of the planned village show it will feature 18th-century Mexican and Californian architecture, while the adventure park will offer activities such as zip lines, boat rides, river tours, and plenty more.
A firm opening date was not announced.
Royal Caribbean Hit With Wrongful Death Suit
Royal Caribbean is being targeted in a wrongful death lawsuit that claims it enabled a guest to drink 33 alcoholic beverages in a few hours’ time onboard Navigator of the Seas, an action that allegedly contributed to the man’s death.
The case unfolded at the start of a 3-night cruise from Los Angeles in December 2024, when the guest, Michael Virgil, 35, was over-served and became intoxicated, the suit states.
It charges that an altercation between Virgil and the ship’s security team members led to his death.
Royal Caribbean Michael Virgil Situation (Credits: FOX & Benson Truong)
The altercation, which was filmed by another guest, shows Virgil being subdued by security staff. He was later given a sedative by the ship’s medical staff, an action that the lawsuit says also contributed to his death.
Virgil’s fiancée, Connie Aguilar, filed the suit. She was onboard the ship with Virgil and their 7-year-old son.
Virgil apparently started to drink alcoholic beverages while waiting for their stateroom to become available. The interaction with security staff began when the guest could not locate his cabin and became angry.
Politics Prompt Ship to Drop Japan Port Calls
It seems politics is interfering with a cruise ship’s itineraries in East Asia.
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas is cancelling calls to Japan on several itineraries planned for winter and spring cruises in 2026.
The ship is based in Shanghai, China, caters to the Chinese market, and sails voyages that feature several Japanese destinations.
Spectrum of the Seas in Hong Kong (Photo Credit: Rick Siu)
But due to recent statements that Japan’s prime minister made in reference to Taiwan, China has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Japan. That prompted Royal Caribbean to drop port calls such as Okinawa, replacing them with visits to Jeju and Busan, South Korea.
The 4,246-guest ship will sail roundtrip from Shanghai between January 28, 2026 and November 1, 2026. Cruises affected by the change in Japan visits include those departing on February 1, 14, 18, and 27; March 8; and April 14.
Additional departures are likely to be impacted as well. Other destinations in Japan that Spectrum of the Seas is scheduled to visit include Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Nagasaki.
Guest Throws a Punch at Ship’s Crew Member
Experienced cruisers know how hard a ship’s crew members work, from cabin stewards to cruise directors and everyone in between, so it’s particularly regrettable when one of them is badly treated.
That’s what happened onboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas recently, when an argument between a guest and a crew member, who appeared to be a lifeguard, ended when the guest punched the staff member and knocked him down.
Misbehaving Icon of the Seas Passenger (Credits: Pat Brumley & Ceri Breeze)
The altercation happened after the guest began arguing with the guard. The scene was captured on video and posted on social media.
After throwing his punch, the guest was wrestled to the ground by a second crew member. The guest then got up, made an obscene gesture, and walked away, but was followed by other crew members.
It isn’t clear what ultimately happened to the guest, but the cruise line has a strict policy against any type of violent behavior.
The ship was sailing a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that departed from PortMiami on December 6, 2025.
Cruise Line Reveals 2027-28 Caribbean Voyages
Royal Caribbean has disclosed its 2027-28 ship deployments in the Caribbean, offering departures from five US ports, plus San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cartagena, Colombia, and Colon, Panama.
Ships will sail from all three Florida ports. Adventure of the Seas will deploy to Port Canaveral, while Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas will homeport at Miami.
Independence of the Seas (Photo Credit: Just Dance)
Ships sailing from Port Everglades will include Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas. Other US departure ports are Tampa and New Orleans.
Itineraries will feature the cruise line’s private destination — Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Royal Beach Club Cozumel, and Perfect Day Mexico.
The announcement also discloses plans for the line’s new-build, Legend of the Seas, which is due to enter service in summer 2026. Following the ship’s debut in the Mediterranean, she will be based at Port Everglades starting in November 2026 and remain in the Caribbean into 2028.
Legend of the Seas, an Icon-class ship that accommodates 5,610 guests, will operate 6- and 8-night itineraries to Southern and Western Caribbean destinations.
More Cruise Headlines
Want even more news? Of course you do! So let’s keep going with more coverage about Virgin Voyages launching a new loyalty match program, sales opening for MSC Cruises’ new-build MSC World Atlantic, and Norwegian Cruise Line getting a new president.
Also, it’s time once again to cast your votes in the annual Cruise Hive Awards, and hey, what are the emerging cruise travel trends for 2026? Click here to find out.
