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Anthem of the Seas Arrives in Sydney, Launching Australian Season

Lissa Poirot
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Anthem of the Seas Arrives in Sydney, Launching Australian Season

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas officially arrived in Sydney Harbor on October 31, 2025.
  • The Quantum-class vessel will spend the summer homeporting in Sydney and marks her debut Down Under.
  • More than 4,000 passengers will have a choice of 24 sailings across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

With the dramatic skyline of Sydney Harbor in its backdrop, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas marked its debut in Australia on October 31, 2025, ushering in the 2025-26 season from its new homeport in Sydney.

The 168,666-gross-ton ship will spend the summer Down Under offering 24 sailings that range from short weekend escapes to extended voyages across New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The deployment marks one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest Australian seasons to date and signals the cruise line’s growing commitment to the region.

“We’re excited to welcome Anthem to Sydney and give Australian holidaymakers the chance to experience first-hand the innovative thrills, world-class entertainment, and signature flavors that have made this ship a global favorite,” said Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean vice president and managing director Australia and New Zealand.

Anthem of the Seas brings Royal Caribbean’s high-tech experiences to Australian waters for the first time, including its RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator. 

Up to 4,180 passengers will be introduced to 360-degree views from the North Star observation capsule and enjoy bumper cars and sports inside the SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea.

But even more exciting is the all-new collaboration between Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles, one of Australia’s most recognizable children’s brands. Six themed “Wiggly” sailings will run across both Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas in 2025-26, including live performances, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise.

While Anthem of the Seas sails from Sydney, 139,999-gross-ton Voyager of the Seas will make its own debut in Brisbane beginning December 1, 2025.

Sydney Season Underway

Anthem of the Seas’ arrival followed a 17-night repositioning voyage that departed from Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 13, 2025. She pulled into her brand-new homeport around 6 a.m. local time.

Her first sailing from Sydney departed less than 12 hours later for a short, 3-night South Coast Getaway to Eden, Australia, and back.

Cruise Boards: Cruising Australia – Cruise Ports

The second voyage, however, will be a 7-night South Pacific journey to Noumea, New Caledonia, and Mystery Island, Vanuatu, followed by a 10-night sailing to New Zealand, visiting Fjordland National Park, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Picton.

The vessel will continue to alternate its sailings through April 14, 2026, when she repositions back to Honolulu and continues on to Alaska for a Northern Hemisphere summer season from Seattle.

Meanwhile, the 3,368-passenger Voyager of the Seas will offer 22 departures ranging from 2 to 12 nights around the Queensland coast and South Pacific. It, too, will return to North America in the late spring to operate from Seattle to Alaska.

More From Cruise Hive

Royal Caribbean is making a strong play in Australia. Beyond ship deployments, the cruise line is investing in a new private destination on Lelepa in Vanuatu, the first private cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

Originally announced in 2019, pre-pandemic, the destination experienced major delays but is back on track with an anticipated opening in early 2027.

Melissa Update: More Carnival Cruise Ships Are Now Impacted

Melissa Mayntz
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Melissa Update: More Carnival Cruise Ships Are Now Impacted

Key Aspects:

  • As the remnants of Hurricane Melissa churn northeast away from the Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line is detailing more itinerary changes.
  • Cruises operated by Carnival Paradise, Carnival Pride, and Carnival Magic are all impacted by the storm after its landfall in Jamaica.
  • The cruise line advises guests on upcoming sailings to opt-in to its alert system in case additional revisions are made to future sailings.

Hurricane Melissa is a hurricane no more, but she continues to impact Carnival Cruise Line ships in the region, causing more cancelled port calls after her landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025.

In its latest update, itinerary revisions are affecting three more ships:

Carnival Paradise

The Fantasy-class Carnival Paradise cancelled her call to Half Moon Cay on October 30, 2025. The 2,124-guest ship is sailing a 6-night cruise roundtrip from Tampa and called at Key West on October 28, 2025. The ship is visiting Celebration Key on October 31, 2025, before returning to her Florida homeport.

Carnival Pride

The 2,124-guest Carnival Pride, based in Baltimore, cancelled her October 30, 2025 call to Princess Cays, a private island in the Bahamas. The Spirit-class ship visited Nassau on October 29, 2025 and is calling at Celebration Key on October 31, 2025.

Carnival Magic

The 3,690-guest Carnival Magic was due to call at Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, on October 30, 2025, but nixed the visit. Based at PortMiami, the Dream-class ship is en route to her homeport on October 31, 2025.

Carnival Magic Departing Miami, Florida
Carnival Magic Departing Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Deutschlandreform)

Earlier announcements detailed itinerary impacts on several other Carnival Cruise Line ships:

Carnival Liberty

Sailing from New Orleans, Carnival Liberty’s current sailing departed the Big Easy on Sunday, October 26. The 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary will be unable to visit Montego Bay, Jamaica on Wednesday, October 29 as planned. Likewise, the call to Grand Cayman on Thursday, October 30 is cancelled.

Instead, the ship will be visiting Mahogany Bay in Honduras as well as Belize City, Belize as alternative ports. Carnival Liberty’s return to Louisiana on Sunday, November 2 is not changed.

Carnival Celebration

The Excel-class Carnival Celebration set sail from Miami on Sunday, October 26 for what was to have been a 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyage with calls to Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Nassau, and Celebration Key.

Instead, the visits to Grand Turk and Amber Cove on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, have been cancelled and the ship is on her way to Cozumel, Mexico. The visits to Nassau and Celebration Key remain the same for now, but additional changes are possible before the ship returns to Miami on Sunday, November 2.

Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream is sailing a 14-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that departed from Galveston on Saturday, October 18. While much of the ship’s voyage is already complete, the visit to Montego Bay, Jamaica on Wednesday, October 29 is now cancelled.

Instead, the vessel is enjoying an extra day at sea on her return to Texas. She will arrive on time on Saturday, November 1.

Read Also: Cruising During Hurricane Season – What You Must Know!

Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise‘s Monday, October 27 departure from Miami on a 5-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary has been adjusted to remove the planned visit to Grand Turk on Thursday, October 30.

Instead, the former Carnival Triumph will be visiting Nassau, though the calls to Celebration Key and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay remain unchanged for Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29. Carnival Sunrise will return to Miami on Saturday, November 1.

Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista left Port Canaveral on Sunday, October 26 for a 6-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary with stops in Celebration Key, RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, and Amber Cove.

Unfortunately, the ship’s visit to Amber Cove on Thursday, October 30, will not be possible, but a replacement port has been secured, and Carnival Vista will visit Nassau instead. The ship will return to Port Canaveral as planned on Saturday, November 1.

Melissa Impact

After tearing across the Caribbean and making landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa decimated large areas of the island, including the key cruise port of Montego Bay.

Melissa Storm, Advisory 41
Melissa Storm, Advisory 41

It also caused significant damage to several other destinations, namely Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and to a lesser degree, parts of the Bahamas.

More From Cruise Hive:

She arrived in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane with winds up to 185 mph. Melissa is now a post-tropical cyclone moving northeast in the Atlantic from Bermuda.

Carnival Cruise Line asks guests booked on upcoming voyages to be sure and opt-in to alerts using the Cruise Manager function on the line’s web site.

Royal Caribbean Faces Lawsuit Over Guest’s Fatal Fall Overboard

Donna Tunney
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Royal Caribbean Faces Lawsuit Over Guest’s Fatal Fall Overboard

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean is facing a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a woman who went overboard on Allure of the Seas in 2024.
  • The lawsuit contends that the cruise ship enabled the woman to become severely intoxicated at three lounge venues before falling to her death.
  • It also charges that crew members did not adequately search for the woman after learning that she had fallen from her balcony.

The family of a woman who fell overboard from her balcony aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas in 2024 has filed a wrongful death suit against the line in the US District Court, Southern District of Florida, Miami Division.

The lawsuit centers on two elements: that servers continued to provide the woman, 66-year-old Dulcie White, with alcoholic beverages when she was already severely intoxicated, and that the cruise ship failed to adequately search the water for the guest.

Filed on behalf of White’s husband and daughter, the suit notes that the woman had purchased Royal Caribbean’s unlimited alcoholic beverage package to enjoy during the Caribbean cruise from PortMiami.

White had booked the 4-night Taylor Swift-theme cruise with her daughter, Megan Klewin, and departed Miami on October 21, 2024. The overboard incident occurred the next evening as the ship sailed near Nassau, Bahamas.

The lawsuit, filed by Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, a Miami-based firm, charges that servers at three venues — Sorrento’s Pizzeria, the Sand Bar, and Studio B, served White at least seven alcoholic beverages between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Klewin told local media that her mother was “completely intoxicated” and that another passenger had assisted her back to her balcony stateroom. Klewin said she saw her mother enter the cabin balcony but assumed she was retrieving something from a suitcase stored there.

Klewin’s last sighting of her mother was as she sat on the balcony railing, but then fell overboard.

“This isn’t an accident; it’s an industry pattern. We’re putting the cruise lines on notice: the days of profiting from over-service while passengers die at sea are over,” said Spencer Aronfeld, of Aronfeld Trial Lawyers.

Lawsuit Charges Inadequate Search Operation

The lawsuit, which was announced by the law firm on October 28, 2025, also charges that Royal Caribbean’s search for the woman was not adequate. However, Cruise Hive’s reporting of the incident at the time indicates that a search and rescue operation was immediately launched.

The “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” alert was reported at about 9:40 p.m. on October 22, 2024, and searchlights were used in the area where the overboard happened.

Emergency watercraft was dispatched to the scene to search for White, and Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, which was sailing nearby, changed course to join the search effort.

Allure of the Seas Overboard
Allure of the Seas Overboard (Photo Credits: Brian Rowe & MyImages – Micha)

Allure of the Seas had contacted the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the US Coast Guard, and those entities dispatched watercraft and aircraft and joined the search as well.

Fifteen hours later, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force called off the search. White’s body has never been found.

According to the law firm, White’s family wants a trial jury and is seeking all damages allowed under maritime and state laws.

Passengers and crew members going overboard are not common occurrences on cruise ships, but they do happen from time to time. There were two instances just within the last two weeks.

More From Cruise Hive

On October 21, 2025, a guest was reported overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel as it sailed off the Azores during a transatlantic crossing to Miami. A 10-hour search yielded no results.

And on October 27, 2025, a crew member went overboard from Viking Cruises’ Viking Star as it sailed in the Aegean Sea. The ship, which was sailing between Crete and Sicily at the time, searched the area with the Italian Coast Guard before continuing on her itinerary. 

Antarctic Dreams Grounded as Extreme Weather Forces Cruise Cancellation

Catie Kovelman
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Antarctic Dreams Grounded as Extreme Weather Forces Cruise Cancellation

Key Aspects:

  • Silversea Cruises has cancelled Silver Endeavor’s fly-cruise to Antarctica.
  • Due to inclement weather conditions, the cruise line will not be able to safely fly its guests to the remote embarkation port.
  • Compensation has been provided and the cruise line is helping guests sort out their new travel plans.

The up to 220 guests who were preparing for a trip of a lifetime onboard Silversea Cruises’ Silver Endeavour have just received some disappointing news.

Due to poor weather conditions, Silversea Cruises has made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the luxury vessel’s next Antarctica expedition, which would have been a 6-night sailing embarking on November 1, 2025.

As one of Silversea’s popular Fly Cruises, the brand flies guests from Punta Arenas in Chile to the remote port of King George Island in Antarctica, where the sailing should have embarked.

This type of vacation allows guests to skip the rough seas in the notorious Drake Passage, but weather conditions have to cooperate enough to allow for the charter flight.

And unfortunately, weather conditions are not suitable for flying, even if the cruise line delayed embarkation.

“Antarctica’s weather windows for flights to King George Island have been unprecedentedly fragile and changing,” the Royal Caribbean-owned brand notified guests.

“We are sorry to inform you that despite all efforts from our charter carrier, in partnership with local weather experts and authorities, we do not see any weather windows opening this week or through the weekend. Therefore, we must cancel your voyage,” the update continued.

Because of global warming (and accelerated warming in the Polar regions), researchers have found that conditions in Antarctica are changing rapidly and becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Due to these unpredictable and potentially severe weather conditions, the US government even issued a Level 2: “Exercise Increased Caution” Travel Advisory for the southernmost continent earlier this year.

Generous Compensation Provided

The 20,499-gross ton ship would have embarked on the itinerary of a lifetime, featuring calls to the Antarctic Sound, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the South Shetland Islands.

Not only is the last-minute notice disappointing, but guests would have shelled out at least $12,740 to reserve a spot on the expedition.

With this in mind, the ultra-luxury brand is doing everything it can to make things right.

All passengers will receive a full refund of their cruise fare paid, as well as a future cruise credit valued at 25% of the cruise fare to be put toward a new booking.

The cruise credit will be valid for 24 months, or two years, or guests can request an extension to December 31, 2026.

Silver Endeavour
Silver Endeavour

Those impacted will have plenty of options to pick from, as the cruise line offers Antarctic expeditions annually in the spring and winter onboard Silver Endeavor, Silver Wind, and Silver Cloud.

“On behalf of all of us at Silversea, please accept our apologies. Despite our best efforts, the weather did not cooperate with us this time,” the cruise line wrote.

“We do hope to welcome you on another Silversea voyage to explore the world with us.”

Read Also: What You Should Know About Cruise Port Cancellations

The cruise line is also helping guests navigate their airfare and travel plans, no matter where they are in their journey.

Guests who have already made their way to Chile will have hotel accommodations provided at no extra cost through November 1, 2025, to give them time to get on a new flight home.

Meals will be included and meal expenses of up to $100 per person can be reimbursed.

Passengers who booked their airfare through the cruise line do not need to take any action. Silversea will coordinate new flights and will communicate the details to guests as soon as possible.

Those who booked airfare independently will need to handle their own flights. But if they run into any complications, the Silversea Emergency Travel Team will be available via phone and email to provide support.

All independent guests, whether they are already in Chile or not, will be reimbursed up to $500 per person for fees incurred from flight changes and/or flight cancellations.

Disney Cancels Call to Jamaica Following Destructive Hurricane

Catie Kovelman
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Disney Cancels Call to Jamaica Following Destructive Hurricane

Key Aspects:

  • Due to catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, Disney Treasure will not be calling on Falmouth, Jamaica, on November 5 – and more ship calls to Jamaica could be cancelled in the near future.
  • The dropped port call will be replaced with a day in Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
  • The cruise lines are rallying around Jamaica as the Caribbean destination begins extensive recovery efforts.

First, Disney Treasure changed its itinerary in order to avoid the worst of Hurricane Melissa. Now, its next sailing is pivoting to avoid the mass destruction that the storm left behind.

Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, leaving behind a path of destruction in its wake.

As Jamaicans are only just wrapping their heads around the catastrophic damage, it’s not practical (or appropriate) for a Disney ship to call right now.

Accordingly, Disney Treasure’s next sailing, which embarks in Port Canaveral, Florida, on November 1, 2025, has replaced its scheduled call to Falmouth, Jamaica, on November 5.

The voyage in question is a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise.

Guests will instead get to visit Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which is Disney’s new private island in the Bahamas, on Thursday, November 6, which was previously a sea day.

November 5 (when the 4,000-guest ship should have been in Falmouth) will become the new sea day.

Worth Reading: Disney Ship Completely Changes Itinerary Due to Hurricane Fiona

The Wish-class ship will still visit Cozumel, Mexico, on November 3, and George Town, Grand Cayman, on November 4, as planned.

The final port call will also still be Disney’s Castaway Cay on November 7, meaning cruisers will now get to enjoy both of Disney’s private islands.

It’s too soon to tell when Falmouth will be ready to accommodate cruise ships once again, but it’s quite possible that Disney Treasure’s next planned visit to Falmouth, which is on November 19, 2025, could also be scrapped.

Disney Cruise Line, however, has not confirmed any additional changes at this time.

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship
Disney Treasure Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: MartinLueke)

More ships bound for Falmouth, as well as other Jamaican cruise ports like Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, may also be rerouted.

Brands like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard Line, and TUI Cruises are all scheduled to visit Jamaica in the next month.

Why Was Hurricane Melissa So Destructive?

The National Hurricane Center (NOAA) reported that Hurricane Melissa slammed Jamaica with sustained winds of up to 185 miles per hour.

This not only makes Melissa the strongest storm to ever hit Jamaica, but also one of the most powerful storms to form in the Atlantic in more than a century.

The intense wind and torrential rainfall caused significant flooding, destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, damaged or destroyed critical infrastructure like roads and bridges, and knocked out power and communication for most of Jamaica.

“Flooding across Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola could persist for another few days,” NOAA noted in its 5 p.m. AST update on October 30.

Several deaths have already been confirmed and over 25,000 residents were displaced.

Hoping to make a terrible situation just a little bit easier, some of the major cruise lines have already stepped up to aid in recovery efforts.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line and other partners have already pledged a $1 million donation.

Royal Caribbean has followed suit with its own $1 million donation and by helping to coordinate the delivery of essential donations, such as bottled water and non-perishable foods.

The cruise lines are also making extra efforts to support crew members who are from Jamaica.

As of October 30, Hurricane Melissa has already moved on from Jamaica and through the southeastern and central Bahamas, causing more dangerous flooding, damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surges.

However, NOAA reports that flooding within the Bahamas is expected to subside by the end of the day on October 30.

More From Cruise Hive

The storm, which has been downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, is now expected to hit Bermuda on the night of October 30.

It’s still a powerful storm system, with sustained winds reaching 105 miles per hour.

Royal Caribbean Steps Up for Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa Devastation

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Steps Up for Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa Devastation

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean Group has pledged $1 million in relief to support Jamaica’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa.
  • Global Empowerment Mission and its Caribbean recovery team based in Kingston are coordinating donations.
  • Royal Caribbean Group is also supporting crew members and employees from Jamaica so they can reach out to family members and friends.

With the first reports from Jamaica showing how Hurricane Melissa devastated the island nation, Royal Caribbean Group has announced it is supporting the recovery of the beautiful country and its crew members who call Jamaica home.

The combined cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, have pledged more than $1 million to support relief and recovery efforts. The donations are through Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), which has a Caribbean team based in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica.

“In times of need, Royal Caribbean Group remains steadfast in supporting the local communities where our ships and employees call home,” the donation website explains.

“Our Hurricane Melissa disaster relief efforts are currently focused on delivering care packages and essential supplies to those affected. Together with the GEM, we can make a significant impact and support sustainable, long-term recovery.”

In addition to financial donations, items such as bottled water, canned goods, and non-perishable foods will all be delivered to Jamaica in the coming weeks. Recovery efforts will likely take several months.

Royal Caribbean Group is going beyond just material and monetary donations, however. The company is also offering support for crew members and shoreside employees from Jamaica who are worried about their family members and friends back home.

“Our thoughts and actions are with the people of Jamaica impacted by the Hurricane. We have been in touch with the Government and many of our 1,200 employees and crew from the island,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean.

Various Royal Caribbean ships visit Jamaica regularly on different itineraries. Falmouth is the typical port that Royal Caribbean ships visit.

In November, six different Royal Caribbean ships are scheduled to visit Falmouth: Rhapsody of the Seas on Wednesday, November 5, followed by Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas throughout the month.

Every ship visit is an opportunity for more supplies and relief to be delivered, as well as for onboard crew members to hopefully connect with family members and friends.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Falmouth
Photo Credit: David Magorian / Shutterstock

The Port Authority of Jamaica is currently assessing each of the country’s cruise ports to ensure they can reopen safely. At this time, the ports have not yet reopened.

“Our teams are working diligently to restore safe, secure and efficient operations, inspecting critical infrastructure, access points, and navigational channels,” the Port Authority stated. “These efforts are helping to ensure that cargo operations and cruise shipping can resume securely, while prioritizing the safety of port personnel and surrounding communities.”

Helping Communities Recover After Hurricanes

Royal Caribbean Group is not the only cruise company committed to helping Jamaica recover. Carnival Corporation & plc, along with various corporate partners, has also pledged $1 million to hurricane relief and medical supplies.

Cruise guests can donate through either company’s donation campaigns, and all monies raised will go to help support storm recovery efforts.

Jamaica’s Office of the Prime Minister has also launched a disaster relief website with updates on different communities and recovery needs.

Jamaica Flag and Cruise Ship
Jamaica Flag and Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Other non-profit organizations are also organizing various fundraising campaigns to support Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and other regions impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Cruise travelers who want to contribute should take care to ensure they are donating through legitimate organizations.

More From Cruise Hive

Even as the storm struck Jamaica, false AI-generated images of damaged communities began circulating online, and scam fundraisers are sure to be problematic.

These types of issues arise after any such disaster and it is important that generous contributors be sure they are actually supporting the region’s recovery.

Norwegian Star Cruise Extended Three Days – For Free!

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Star Cruise Extended Three Days – For Free!

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Star‘s September 27, 2026 sailing is being extended from a 7-night to a 10-night sailing.
  • The change is due to scheduling needs at the shipyard where Norwegian Star will be dry docked after the cruise.
  • There is no charge to guests for the extra cruise days and prepaid packages are also being extended for free.

Guests looking forward to their September 27, 2026 sailing aboard Norwegian Star have been notified about an extra bonus – three days more to enjoy their cruise! Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to alert booked guests to a change in the ship’s dry dock schedule, which will extend that sailing.

The cruise will be departing Southampton, UK on September 27 as planned, but the voyage will now be longer than expected. This is the ship’s last sailing before dry dock, and the change is due to the shipyard’s schedules.

“Following a change in Norwegian Star’s scheduled dry dock for technical enhancements, your sailing has been extended from seven days to ten days,” the cruise line announced. “As part of this change, the itinerary has been adjusted.”

The original itinerary included calls to Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, La Coruna, and Oporto before arriving in Lisbon on October 4, 2026.

Because of the extension, the call to Oporto has been cancelled and La Coruna has been moved later in the sailing. New ports have also been added, and Norwegian Star‘s new itinerary is as follows:

  • Sunday, September 27, 2026 – Depart Southampton
  • Monday, September 28 – Amsterdam from 1-9 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 29 – Zeebrugge from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 30 – Le Havre from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 1 – Day at sea
  • Friday, October 2 – La Rochelle from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (previously La Coruna)
  • Saturday, October 3 – Le Verdon from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (previously Oporto)
  • Sunday, October 4 – Bilbao from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (previously arriving in Lisbon)
  • Monday, October 5 – La Coruna from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 6 – Vigo from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 7 – Arrive in Lisbon

Who doesn’t want a longer cruise vacation? And even better for booked guests is that this extension will not cost anything further with respect to the cruise fare, even if the reservation is not yet paid in full.

“This new ten-day itinerary provides three extra days to enjoy these exciting destinations at no additional cost,” the notification confirmed. “All existing pricing, promotions, and packages tied to your reservation will remain fully protected.”

Furthermore, if guests have prepaid for any add-on packages, those will likewise be price-protected and extended without additional cost.

“If you’ve added prepaid daily service charges, a promotional beverage package, or promotional dining package, those will be price protected based on your original sailing length,” the email explained.

“Even better, the number of specialty dining package meals and Wi-Fi minutes associated with any promotional packages will be increased to match the new sailing length.”

Norwegian Star Cruise Ship
Norwegian Star Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

This represents a great bonus for booked guests and the opportunity for an even longer cruise vacation than originally anticipated.

Read Also: The Different Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Classes

If guests have already arranged airfare or other plans after the original debarkation date, those plans may need adjusting. Fortunately, because this sailing is 11 months away, there is plenty of time for travelers to make those changes if necessary.

Why the Dry Dock Change?

Norwegian Cruise Line has not given any reason for the dry dock change, nor has there been any indication that Norwegian Star has any unexpected mechanical or operational concerns.

Rather, this is likely a shipyard issue that could be related to other ships getting upgrades or refreshment, labor availability, or supply issues that are impacting the overall schedule at the shipyard.

It is not uncommon for dry dock schedules to be shifted as necessary. That is a risk guests take if they book sailings right before or right after a planned dry dock, as those itineraries can be impacted if the schedule changes.

More From Cruise Hive

At this time, there is no change to Norwegian Star‘s first sailing after completing her dry dock. That cruise is a 14-night transatlantic sailing from Southampton to Miami that will depart the UK on November 20, 2026.

Guests booked on that cruise will want to stay in close contact with Norwegian Cruise Line in case further scheduling adjustments may be needed.

Oil Spill at Galveston Forces Major Change to Princess Cruise

Donna Tunney
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Oil Spill at Galveston Forces Major Change to Princess Cruise

Key Aspects:

  • The departure of Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess was delayed by one day at the Port of Galveston after a cargo ship accident caused an oil spill.
  • Regal Princess was forced to cancel her one port call, to Cozumel, Mexico, as a result of the overnight delay.
  • Guests were offered an onboard credit and a future cruise credit as compensation for their disappointment.

An oil spill at the Port of Galveston is causing some major disappointments for guests booked to sail on Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess, which is based at the port and sails Western Caribbean voyages.

The 3,560-guest ship was due to sail a 4-night getaway cruise on October 29, 2025, visiting just one port, Cozumel, Mexico. However, an oil spill that occurred when a cargo ship accidentally rammed the port’s Pier 32 the night of October 28, 2025 caused the port to temporarily close during clean-up efforts.

It meant that Regal Princess was essentially stuck at the Port of Galveston and unable to refuel. Since port officials determined that the clean-up process must be done in daylight, the ship had to remain in port overnight on October 29, 2025 rather than begin her scheduled itinerary.

“This final cleaning will take place in the morning, and we plan to depart late morning tomorrow, Thursday, October 30, after we receive final clearance to do so,” stated a notice from Captain Aldo Traverso, master of Regal Princess. 

“As a result of our late departure, and after evaluating the long passage to our scheduled port, we do not have enough time to preserve our visit to Cozumel, Mexico and must cancel our call,” the notice to guests explained.

The captain also said that those who had booked the cruise line’s shore excursions in Cozumel would be automatically refunded.

There will be one brief port stop during the cruise, however. In order to comply with US law, Regal Princess must make one port call at a foreign port before returning to Galveston. As a result, the ship will visit Progreso, Mexico, but as a service call only — no passengers will be allowed to depart the ship.

The notice to guests did not indicate when the Progreso call would be made.

The captain reminded guests that, while in port, the ship was unable to open the casino or the retail stores. Also, the alcoholic beverage component of Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages was not valid while the ship was delayed.

Galveston Oil Spill
Galveston Oil Spill (Photo Credit: Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas City)

The cargo ship accident at Galveston impacted other cruise ships, too. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Breeze announced an embarkation change due to the port mishap.

The 3,690-guest ship will depart the port as scheduled on October 30, 2025, on a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise, but will do so from a different cruise terminal.

Normally, the ship docks at Cruise Terminal 28, however, the ship was moved to Terminal 10, and booked guests will board the vessel there. No itinerary changes are anticipated.

Cruise Line Offers Limited Compensation For Delay

Princess Cruises took steps to assuage passengers’ frustrations with the departure delay and the itinerary change by offering compensation.

Read Also: 10 Worst Cruise Fails You Can Prepare For

First, a $25 onboard credit is being provided to each cruiser, as well as a future cruise credit (FCC) reflecting half of the cruise fare paid. Moreover, guests will receive a cruise fare refund of one day of the base fare — making up for the lost day stuck in port.

For guests who had purchased the line’s Princess Plus or Princess Premier inclusive packages, the refund will reflect one day’s cost of the package.

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Princess Cruises also acknowledged that some guests might wish to debark the ship and cancel their booking as a result of the itinerary change. They were permitted to do so between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. on October 30, 2025.

While no refunds or airfare change fees were offered, the line will provide an FCC of 25% of the cruise fare paid. Guests who disembarked the ship were required to carry off their luggage, as no portage staff was available.

Three-Deck-High Castle Installed Aboard New-Build Disney Adventure

Donna Tunney
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Three-Deck-High Castle Installed Aboard New-Build Disney Adventure

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Adventure is now home to a three-deck high storybook castle, following installation of the structure at a Meyer Werft shipyard.
  • The castle anchors one end of the ship’s Disney Imagination Garden, one of seven themed spaces on the ship.
  • Disney Adventure will enter service in March 2026 and serve the Asia market from her homeport of Singapore.

The magic continues at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, where a long-awaited storybook castle has been installed on Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship that will launch in March 2026.

Officially the first Disney-castle-at-sea, the 186-foot-tall structure spans the height of three decks — enough to wow little princes and princesses, and adults, too!

Disney Adventure is the first of the line’s cruise ships to host the spectacle of a giant castle, which was designed to look like the castles depicted in Disney movies and at its theme parks.

The castle looks like a paper cutout, similar to a pop-up book, with several intricate turrets and three stained-glass panels at its center. Each panel is dedicated to a famous Disney heroine and princess, and features aspects of nature inspired by the films “Moana,” “Tangled,” and “Frozen.”

The Disney family crest sits at the center of the castle, just like all of the castles that grace the Disney parks across the world.

The castle anchors one end of the Disney Imagination Garden, a sprawling themed area that will have two dining venues, a bar, and a new category of garden-view cabins. The garden is one of seven themed spaces on the ship.

When she debuts, Disney Adventure will be the largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, accommodating up to 6,700 guests. The 208,000-gross-ton ship will be based in Singapore and sail 3- and 4-night cruises to nowhere.

Originally scheduled to launch in December 2025, the line postponed the debut to March. Disney Adventure’s first scheduled cruise is a 4-night voyage roundtrip from Singapore on March 5, 2026.

Disney Adventure Storybook Castle
Disney Adventure Storybook Castle

Disney Adventure is the former Global Dream, which was owned by Genting Hong Kong for its Dream Cruises subsidiary. The ship was about 70% constructed when Genting filed for bankruptcy, enabling Disney Cruise Line to buy it in 2022.

A massive renovation to bring the ship up to Disney Cruise Line standards soon began. The ship will be the first in the Disney fleet to homeport year-round in Asia.

Disney Adventure will be based at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore, and will remain there for at least five years, according to its agreement with the Singapore Tourism Board.

Ship to Feature Seven Themed Areas

Guests who sail aboard Disney Adventure will enjoy the ship’s seven themed areas, including the Disney Imagination Garden. 

Other areas are Disney Discovery Reef, home to dining and retail options; San Fransokyo Street, a family entertainment space; Wayfinder Bay, an open-air space inspired by the South Pacific; and Town Square, which will have multiple bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Disney Cruise Line’s First Castle at Sea
Disney Cruise Line’s First Castle at Sea

Read Also: Disney Cruise Ships by Size: Largest to Smallest

Also, the Marvel Landing themed area will be a celebration of Disney’s iconic superheroes and supervillains, while Toy Story Place will feature Pixar characters.

Disney Cruise Line had earlier detailed some of the entertainment the ship will offer guests.

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In the Imagination Garden, for instance, the Garden Stage will be the site of several lively productions, including “Avengers Assemble!” where daredevil stunts and special effects will bring to life famous characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Captain America.

The ship’s launch is just over four months away. Still to come will be more outfitting of the ship’s public areas and staterooms, followed by sea trials in early 2026.

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