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Norwegian Sun to Spend Two Overnights in Port for Unplanned Repairs

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Sun to Spend Two Overnights in Port for Unplanned Repairs

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Sun will remain in Copenhagen for two extra nights for required maintenance during her September 23, 2026 sailing.
  • The ship’s safety is not impacted but it is not confirmed if this maintenance is related to propulsion repairs a few weeks earlier.
  • The visit to Oslo and a sea day are now changed to accommodate the extended Copenhagen stay, but no other ports are impacted.

Guests booked on the September 23, 2026 departure of Norwegian Sun will be getting a prolonged stay in the departure port of Copenhagen, Denmark, while the ship remains docked for maintenance. Norwegian Cruise Line has sent email notifications of the change and how the rest of the 10-day itinerary is impacted.

“To support required maintenance, which does not affect the safety of our ship or that of our guests and crew, our highest priority, our visit to Oslo, Norway, and one scheduled day at sea have been replaced with two overnight stays in Copenhagen, Denmark,” the email explained.

Embarkation will still take place as scheduled on Wednesday, September 23. The cruise line is firmly reminding guests that they must still adhere to their pre-selected arrival time window, even though the ship will not be departing Copenhagen that evening as originally planned.

“Although the ship will remain in Copenhagen overnight, guests are still required to arrive at the terminal during the designated arrival window selected during Online Check-In,” the email stated. “To help ensure a smooth embarkation experience for all guests, pre-selected arrival times will be strictly enforced.”

Because the 1,976-guest ship will remain docked in Copenhagen until Friday, September 25, the visit that was planned for Oslo, Norway on Thursday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. is now cancelled. Likewise, Friday will no longer be the day at sea that was originally scheduled.

Norwegian Sun Letter
Norwegian Sun Letter

Instead, Norwegian Sun will depart Copenhagen at 5 p.m. on Friday and make for Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany. Because the two ports are just over 100 miles apart, the ship should be able to reach Warnemunde easily for the planned visit from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 26.

The rest of the itinerary is not changed at this time. Norwegian Sun will visit Gdynia, Poland from 1:30-9:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27; Klaipeda, Lithuania from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 28; Riga, Latvia from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29; Nynashamn, Sweden from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30; and Tallinn, Estonia from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 1.

Norwegian Sun will arrive in Helsinki, Finland for debarkation at 7 a.m. on Friday morning, October 2.

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest

Guests booked on the now-adjusted journey will receive a $100 non-refundable onboard credit, which will be split between the first two guests booked in each stateroom. Norwegian Cruise Line is providing this credit in appreciation for guests’ understanding of the change.

Regular Maintenance Not Explained

While the email notification cites “required maintenance” as the reason for the change, no further details have been provided about which system needs the work. The cruise line does note that Norwegian Sun‘s safety is not impacted in any way.

This is not, however, the first time recently that Norwegian Sun has required an extended stay in Copenhagen. Just a few weeks ago, Cruise Hive reported that two Baltic itineraries were disrupted due to the need for propulsion repairs that were carried out during unplanned extended stays in Copenhagen.

Norwegian Cruise Line has not stated whether the new need for maintenance is related to the prior propulsion repairs.

Because cruise ships are complex machines that are running 24 hours a day, every day, ongoing maintenance is critical to keep every system functioning smoothly.

Every ship has technicians and engineering teams constantly working to keep the ship at its best, but some systems need more intensive repairs that can only be done while the ship is docked or even in dry dock.

Norwegian Sun is finishing her service with Norwegian Cruise Line over the next year. Cruise Hive reported in April 2025 how the ship, along with her fleetmate Norwegian Sky, has been chartered long-term to Cordelia Cruises and will join that line permanently in late 2027.

Before she leaves the NCL fleet, Norwegian Sun will finish her northern European season in mid-October 2026, then move to Miami to spend winter in the Caribbean. In April 2027, she will return to Europe for a final Mediterranean season with departures from Ravenna and Civitavecchia (Rome) until early September.

Why Royal Caribbean Passengers Are Walking Into MSC’s Miami Terminal

Catie Kovelman
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Why Royal Caribbean Passengers Are Walking Into MSC’s Miami Terminal

Key Aspects:

  • Renovations are underway at Terminal G, which is Royal Caribbean’s usual cruise terminal in PortMiami.
  • While the work is underway, guests will embark at Terminal AA, which is MSC Cruises’ state-of-the-art cruise terminal that opened in 2025.
  • Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas will collectively visit PortMiami nine times before the month is over.

Royal Caribbean will be moving to a temporary home in PortMiami while renovations are completed at Terminal G, its usual passenger terminal.

A letter to passengers is instructing future guests to proceed to Terminal AA, which is utilized by MSC Cruises, to embark on their upcoming sailings.

“Our usual terminal is currently undergoing renovations, and in the meantime, we’re excited to be using the brand-new Terminal AA, courtesy of our friends at MSC,” Royal Caribbean wrote in a letter, which was shared in a Royal Caribbean Facebook group.

Royal Caribbean Terminal Change Letter
Royal Caribbean Terminal Change Letter

MSC Cruises only opened Terminal AA last year on April 5, 2025. The young facility is the largest cruise terminal in the world and is able to accommodate up to three large cruise ships simultaneously.

This also isn’t the first time that MSC Cruises has helped out. Cruise Hive previously reported that Freedom of the Seas docked at MSC’s facilities in October 2025 due to the demolition of Terminal G on Dodge Island.

Royal Caribbean’s new $345 million cruise terminal will take the place of the former building and is expected to open in 2027.

Navigating PortMiami

PortMiami is expecting nine ship calls from Royal Caribbean before the end of August, including repeat visits from Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas. Royal Caribbean did not confirm which specific departures will be affected.

Thankfully, the biggest impact to cruise guests seems to be where they drive, where they park, and how much they walk. No mid-voyage port calls should be affected by this change.

New MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami
New MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami

While it may feel counterintuitive, guests will need to drive past Terminal A, another Royal Caribbean terminal, to reach Terminal AA. It will be important to follow the blue “AA” signs, or else guests might get lost and will be forced to loop back around the busy port.

“You will drive by Terminal A, which belongs to Royal Caribbean. That is not your terminal – do not stop there. You’re sailing from Terminal AA for this sailing, so stay in the proper lane and follow the signs accordingly,” Royal Caribbean explained.

It’s worth noting that PortMiami has designated parking facilities for every cruise terminal, so guests who are commuting to the port will want to make sure they park in their assigned structure.

Finally, guests should keep in mind that MSC’s cruise terminal is a whopping 492,678 square feet, meaning they should don their comfy shoes and be prepared to walk.

“This terminal has the feel of an airport concourse, so please be prepared for some walking as you make your way through,” Royal Caribbean advised.

Guests who are unable to walk should contact Royal Caribbean to arrange for disability and/or mobility assistance.

Editor’s Notes: This article was updated on August 20, 2026, to correct that it’s Terminal G that’s being upgraded. Also included is the letter that Royal Caribbean sent out.

Port Canaveral Tops Off Massive 13-Story Cruise Parking Garage

Melissa Mayntz
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Port Canaveral Tops Off Massive 13-Story Cruise Parking Garage

Key Aspects:

  • Port Canaveral celebrated the topping off of a new 13-story parking garage on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
  • This marks the exterior completion of the $93 million facility adjacent to Cruise Terminal 6.
  • When complete in fall 2026, the new garage will add more than 3,700 new parking spaces to the busy cruise port.

Cruise guests who struggle to find the ideal parking space at Port Canaveral can celebrate, as the new parking garage adjacent to Cruise Terminal 6 has reached an important milestone. On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the garage was “topped off” with the final vertical piece of material on its way toward completion.

Port Canaveral announced the moment on Facebook with the title “NEARLY COMPLETE” to emphasize how close the garage is to being finished. While no exact opening date has yet been announced, the post does note that it is “the most complex project in Port history, opening this fall.”

The topping off ceremony was a celebratory moment for Port Canaveral officials as well as Merritt Island-based Ivey’s Construction and Apopka-based Finfrock Construction contractors working on the project, and they have all left their mark on the new garage.

Before the final piece was lifted into place, contractors signed the ends of the concrete slab, a fun tradition of adding their own personal touch to the project as they marked the event.

Photos from the celebration appeared to include multiple prizes, such as televisions, grills, and tools, along with refreshments for the hard-working team to celebrate their accomplishment.

“Many thanks to everyone from Ivey’s and Finfrock for their efforts on this groundbreaking project!” Port Canaveral said in acknowledgement of the momentous day.

The topping off marks the completion of the exterior construction for the new garage, which will hold more than 3,700 parking spaces. This should greatly alleviate parking congestion for cruise travelers.

Combined with the other parking spaces at Port Canaveral, the new garage brings the port’s parking capacity to nearly 17,500 spaces. This includes eight total garages as well as surface lots. The new garage has been fully funded by Port Canaveral.

Cruise Terminal 6 Parking Garage
Cruise Terminal 6 Parking Garage

While the exterior is now complete, interior work must continue. This is likely to include steps like installing pay stations, striping, lighting, signage, and other important components before the garage can be opened for use.

Cruise Hive reported that the 13-story structure began its vertical construction in early March 2026, meaning the full exterior has been completed in less than six months.

Which Terminal Will Use the New Parking Garage?

The new garage is being constructed next to Cruise Terminal 6 on the north side of the west turning basin. Multiple cruise lines use Cruise Terminal 6, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Because Cruise Terminal 5 is also close by, guests from the Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean cruises that use that terminal will also use the new garage. A pedestrian bridge will connect the parking garage to Cruise Terminal 5.

The $93 million project is the largest and most complex parking garage ever built at Port Canaveral. The facility encompasses more than 1.2 million total square feet and will have eight extra-large elevators to ensure excellent capacity to move multiple passengers and their luggage simultaneously.

More From Cruise Hive

The garage is part of the Port Canaveral Advantage capital improvement that includes $1 billion in upgrades, enhancements, and expansions over the next five years.

Cruise Hive has reported on how these projects will impact cruise guests, including the $95 million expansion and renovation of Cruise Terminal 10 that began in early August 2026 and will be completed in November 2027.

Carnival Cruise Line Gives Guests More Time to Book Adults-Only Cruises

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Gives Guests More Time to Book Adults-Only Cruises

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has extended the booking deadline for four October and November 2026 21+ adults-only cruises to August 30.
  • The four cruises are all aboard Carnival Firenze from Long Beach and range from 7-14 nights along the Mexican Riviera.
  • John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, will be aboard the October 12 departure to host events and greet guests.

While Carnival Cruise Line remains firmly a family-oriented cruise line, the select SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults) voyages the line offers are consistently popular. To give more guests the opportunity to join in four upcoming SEA cruises, the booking deadline has been extended to August 30.

The sailings are all aboard Carnival Firenze from Long Beach, departing on the following dates (all 2026):

  • October 12 – 7-night sailing to Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada
  • October 19 – 14-night voyage to Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Acapulco, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Ensenada
  • November 2 – 11-night cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlan, Cabos San Lucas, and Ensenada
  • November 13 – 7-night sailing to La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada

Previously, interested guests only had until July 31, 2026 to reserve their places on these select sailings after a June 30 booking deadline that was open by invitation only.

Carnival Cruise Line has not given a specific reason for why the booking deadline has now been extended another month, but it will be welcome news to guests still interested in these unique vacations. Guests must be 21 years or older to reserve their space.

This selection of SEA cruises offers tremendous diversity of port visits along the Mexican Riviera, letting guests choose the voyage that best suits their interests. Of special note are the calls to Acapulco on the October 19 and November 2 departures, as that destination is a rarity for Carnival cruise itineraries.

Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship
Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Pedro H C Carvalho)

Cruise Hive reported that Carnival Legend only returned to Acapulco in October 2025. That was the first time any Carnival ship had visited the legendary city since 2010, and was an unplanned visit following the cancellation of another port of call.

In addition to these port visits, exclusive activities are part of every SEA cruise, including special entertainment, casino tournaments, and elevated dining room menus that appeal to more mature palates.

Cruise Line Ambassador on One Sailing

Along with the typical SEA fun for these departures, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, will be onboard the October 12 sailing.

“Please come and join me on a sailing from Loooooooong Beach on 10/12/26 aboard the Carnival Firenze,” he confirmed on Facebook.

“I will be there to enjoy with you the enhanced dining room menu (available on all SEA cruises), special entertainment, and of course a big dollop of Fun in the casino too. I will host some events and shows and join you for a massive dollop of FUN.”

Read Also: Everything to Know About Carnival’s Adults-Only SEA Cruises

While the October 12 SEA cruise is not Heald’s official “FFS Cruise” with exclusive merch and other special events featuring the brand ambassador, he is sure to be greeting guests and sharing his particular sense of humor throughout the sailing.

Heald recently announced his significant scaling down of social media work as he wants to spend more time onboard ships, enjoying interactions with guests. Joining in on select sailings is part of that effort, along with ship visits whenever he can.

Guest reaction to Heald’s presence on the cruise has been very positive, with many booked guests eager to meet him as well as enjoy their adults-only sailing.

“John, I can hardly wait to meet you on the 10/12 SEA cruise,” one guest commented, while others expressed regret that they aren’t on that specific departure.

More From Cruise Hive

“We’re sorry to miss you. We’re going to be on the October 19 sailing to Acapulco. Being on the same sailing as you has been something I’d love to do,” another guest said.

There are also many requests for Carnival Cruise Line to bring SEA cruises to other homeports. Miami and Galveston are popular requests, as well as for more East Coast homeports and additional SEA sailing dates in different months.

Upcoming Norwegian Aura to Bring New, Expanded Dining and Spa Experiences

Melissa Mayntz
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Upcoming Norwegian Aura to Bring New, Expanded Dining and Spa Experiences

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line has announced two new dining experiences and an expanded spa for Norwegian Aura, debuting in May 2027.
  • The Indian specialty restaurant Tamara is a first for NCL, while The Panorama Room is an immersive complimentary dining room.
  • The Mandara Spa’s Thermal Suite will include an industry-first Sensory Rain Pool with a thunderstorm experience.

Norwegian Aura will not debut until May 2027, but there is already great buzz around the fifth Prima-class ship and third in the Prima-Plus subclass. Norwegian Cruise Line has now announced first-in-fleet dining experiences for the new ship as well as the largest Thermal Suite in the cruise industry.

“Norwegian Aura is all about giving guests more of what they love, with spaces and experiences that make vacation feel even easier,” said Marc Kazlauskas, Norwegian Cruise Line President.

Norwegian Aura Cruise Ship
Norwegian Aura Cruise Ship

New Restaurants Debuting on Norwegian Aura

Two all-new dining experiences will intrigue guests, as both offer unique options in the lineup of 22 restaurant and bar options onboard.

Tamara is Norwegian Cruise Line’s first Indian-themed specialty restaurant. The new venue was developed following the popularity of Indian cuisine at the Indulge Food Hall, exclusive to the Prima-class ships, along with guest feedback.

Read Also: The Different Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Classes

Located on Deck 8, Tamara’s architecture is an inviting, open-view kitchen with tandoor ovens in a contemporary setting for an elevated experience. The entire space is inspired by North Indian temples and luxury courtyards.

On the menu are regional dishes such as Short-Rib Dosa with a rice-lentil crepe and tomato sambar, fenugreek, and coconut chutney, and classic Lamb Biryani with basmati rice and caramelized onions. For a lighter touch layered with flavor, the Green Papaya Salad is tossed tableside with pomegranate, tamarind, peanuts, and chili.

The Panorama Room, Norwegian Aura
The Panorama Room, Norwegian Aura

The Panorama Room is a new complimentary main dining room on Deck 6. Expansive LED displays, synchronized lighting, multi-channel audio, and dynamic high-definition screens will shift throughout the day for ever-changing landscapes and artwork. Renderings show the immersive venue with screens on the ceiling for a truly panoramic experience.

In addition to the new venues, Norwegian Aura will have updated decor and layouts for guest-favorite venues, including Hudson’s, Le Bistro, Cagney’s Steakhouse, and more.

From French to Italian, Mediterranean, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, and more, the new ship offers dining tastes from 10 different and distinct cuisines. Guests will also be able to enjoy more casual fare including The Local Bar & Grill and the nine different stations of the Indulge Food Hall.

Expanded Wellness Options in Fleet’s Largest Mandara Spa

Updates and expansion to the two-deck Mandara Spa include an emphasis on nature’s own restoration, with natural features integrated throughout the space. Cascading waterfalls, forest-like canopies, and retreats styled like caves create relaxing spaces for 15 wellness experiences guests can choose from, with 24 treatment rooms available.

The Thermal Suite focuses on the concept of contrast therapy, with guests able to move between warm and cool spaces, water features and quiet lounges to stimulate their senses in ways personalized for their own wellness journeys.

Spa Reflection Pool, Norwegian Aura
Spa Reflection Pool, Norwegian Aura

The Sensory Rain Pool is a first-of-its-kind in the cruise industry, creating an immersive 360-degree rainfall experience that culminates in a simulated thunderstorm, complete with lightning and rolling thunder.

Also part of the Thermal Suite is a blue-light therapy room, a dedicated foot spa, a snow cave, a reflection pool with panoramic sea views, and more. Various saunas, a salt room, aromatic steam room, and other popular spaces are still part of the experience.

Ultimately, Norwegian Cruise Line’s goal with Norwegian Aura is to support guests in the ultimate freestyle experience to cruise exactly the way they want for their best getaway.

“From Tamara, our new Indian specialty restaurant, which expands the already guest-favorite eatery in Indulge to an elevated culinary offering; to The Panorama Room’s immersive dining experience and our most expansive Thermal Suite to date, every addition has been purposefully designed to give guests more freedom, choice and opportunities to relax, recharge and enjoy their vacation their way, without compromise,” said Kazlauskas.

Cruise Hive has already reported on other new experiences coming to Norwegian Aura, the largest-ever ship in the NCL fleet, including the open-air complex Ocean Heights that will include waterslides, a ropes course, rock climbing wall, and more.

The 3,840-guest Norwegian Aura will debut in May 2027 with two Mediterranean departures, including her first transatlantic cruise that will bring her to her Miami homeport in mid-June. Her first Caribbean departure will set sail on June 14, 2027 and is a 6-day (5-night) sailing before she begins offering 8-day (7-night) itineraries.

Royal Caribbean Ship Races to Meet Rescue Helicopter Off Canada

Calvin Musquez
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Royal Caribbean Ship Races to Meet Rescue Helicopter Off Canada

Key Aspects:

  • A passenger aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas was medically evacuated by helicopter off the coast of British Columbia on August 8.
  • Canadian rescue crews airlifted the passenger and their spouse from the ship before transporting them to a hospital in Victoria.
  • The evacuation occurred early in a 7-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Seward.

A cruise passenger was airlifted from Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas on August 8, 2026. According to a report by Canadian outlet Castanet, the ship was sailing 52 nautical miles northwest of Tofino in British Columbia when an unidentified passenger suffered a medical emergency.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Victoria dispatched a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-295 Kingfisher airplane to the ship’s location. Passengers aboard reported that Ovation of the Seas increased speed to reach a rendezvous point with Canadian rescue crews.

“The captain announced a medical emergency a little after 5:30 pm and said we were going to rush to a meeting point with the Canadian coast guard helicopter so the person could be evacuated,” a passenger commented on Reddit. “We had been traveling around 11 knots per hour and they sped up to 22 knots.“

The crew of the Kingfisher arrived on the scene first, around 7:30pm. The Kingfisher crew communicated with Ovation of the Seas’ crew to establish the appropriate positioning for the helicopter operation. Once the ship was in position, search-and-rescue technicians were lowered onto the deck from the CH-149 Cormorant.

Quantum of the Seas Cruise
Quantum of the Seas Cruise (Photo Copyright Emrys Thakkar / Cruise Hive)

The ill passenger was assessed, stabilized, and prepared for transfer. Meanwhile, the passenger’s spouse was hoisted onto the helicopter. The ill passenger and technicians were then hoisted up as well.

After all were safely aboard, the patient and spouse were transported to a hospital in Victoria. Ovation of the Seas continued her scheduled Alaska itinerary.

Ovation of the Seas Continues Alaska Cruise

At the time of the rescue, the 168,666 gross-ton vessel was sailing a 7-night, one-way Alaska cruise that departed Vancouver on August 7. Following the airlift, the ship visited Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, and Hubbard Glacier. No itinerary changes related to the evacuation have been reported.

The voyage concluded August 14 at Royal Caribbean’s new Seward cruise terminal, which opened in June 2026. Cruise Hive recently reported on the opening of the new terminal, which also marked the first time Ovation of the Seas has homeported in Seward.

Medical Evacuations Require Careful Coordination

Medical evacuations may become necessary when a passenger requires a level of care beyond what can be provided aboard a cruise ship. This rescue highlights the careful coordination required to safely execute a medical evacuation.

In August 2025, Cruise Hive reported on the evacuation of two passengers from the 113,561 gross-ton Ruby Princess. This rescue required the teamwork and coordination of the ship’s crew, the US Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Canadian Coast Guard.

More recently, in April 2026, a 78-year-old man was airlifted from Celebrity Solstice off the coast of Oahu. Celebrity Cruises worked with the US Coast Guard and US Navy to safely evacuate the man.

The medical condition of the ill passenger aboard Ovation of the Seas has not been disclosed. We at Cruise Hive wish them a smooth and speedy recovery.

Adults-Only Cruise Line Posts Best Revenue Day in Its History

Calvin Musquez
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0
Adults-Only Cruise Line Posts Best Revenue Day in Its History

Key Aspects:

  • Virgin Voyages recorded the biggest revenue day in company history on August 13, surpassing its previous Black Friday 2025 record.
  • More than half of the day’s revenue came from newly released 2028 Northern Europe cruises aboard Valiant Lady.
  • The record follows Virgin Voyages’ recent growth trend and expansion into new markets.

Virgin Voyages is reporting a significant increase in bookings this summer. On August 13, 2026, the adults-only cruise line had the highest revenue day in the company’s history. 

At the start of August 13, the cruise line’s August booking pace was 20% above the previous year. By the end of the day, booking pace had risen to more than 45% above the prior year. Revenue exceeded the company’s previous record from its 2025 Black Friday sale. 

“Breaking a record on a random Thursday in August seems odd until you realize all of the momentum we’ve built over the last eight months,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “It’s pretty incredible, but what excites me most is knowing we’re now the go-to brand for anyone traveling without kids.”

According to Virgin Voyages, Northern Europe sailings accounted for more than half of the total revenue for the record day. The cruise line credits recently announced Scandinavia and Baltics itineraries for much of these sales.

As Cruise Hive reported on July 28, Valiant Lady will sail Virgin’s first Scandinavia and Baltics season in summer 2028, with Amsterdam becoming a new homeport. The deployment includes port visits through Scandinavia and the Norwegian fjords, as well as an Arctic Circle voyage.

Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship in Miami
Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship in Miami (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)

Virgin Voyages reports unprecedented demand for these itineraries, with the available early-access cabins for Sailing Club members selling out shortly after launch. For these voyages, the cruise line also reintroduced its popular Summer Pass, first offered in 2024. However, the $24,999 per-cabin Summer Pass has also sold out.

Virgin Voyages Continues Recent Growth

This revenue record doesn’t appear to be an isolated spike in demand for Virgin Voyages. The cruise line has experienced steady growth in recent years.

Cruise Hive reported in February that January 2026 was already Virgin’s highest booking month in company history. This followed nearly 20% year-over-year booking growth in 2025 and almost 30% growth in gross ticket revenue.

Virgin Voyages credits its growth to an increased interest in adults-only cruising. While other cruise lines have recently broken into the adults-only market, Virgin Voyages has occupied the space since it launched Scarlet Lady in 2021.

The cruise line has also expanded to new markets. In addition to the new Scandinavia and Baltics itineraries, Virgin Voyages launched its first-ever Alaska season in May 2026.

Virgin’s newest ship, the 110,000 gross-ton Brilliant Lady, sails from Seattle and Vancouver on 7- to 12-night Alaska itineraries until early September. With Alaska now underway and Northern Europe drawing record demand nearly two years before its debut, Virgin’s expansion into new markets appears to be paying off.

Norwegian Cruise Line Addresses Transportation Headache at Italian Port

Calvin Musquez
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0
Norwegian Cruise Line Addresses Transportation Headache at Italian Port

Key Aspects:

  • Guests aboard Norwegian Pearl have been warned of limited taxi availability when they disembark in Ravenna, Italy.
  • In an effort to alleviate this, Norwegian Cruise Line has added a $23 transfer option to Ravenna’s train station.
  • Ravenna’s distance from Venice and limited transportation options can complicate travel for cruise passengers.

Guests preparing to disembark Norwegian Pearl in Ravenna, Italy, are being warned that getting away from the cruise port may take some extra planning. The 93,530 gross-ton ship is currently sailing a 7-night, one-way cruise to Ravenna that departed from Piraeus, Greece, on August 16.

The sailing visits Santorini, Katakolon, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, and Koper before arriving in Ravenna on August 23. In a notice sent to guests on August 18, 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line addressed ongoing transportation issues at the Italian port.

The cruise line says that, on previous visits to the port, guests have had to wait up to two hours for a taxi due to limited availability. The issue has been particularly problematic for guests heading to Ravenna’s train station.

The train station provides onward connections for guests traveling to Venice and other destinations. In an effort to address these delays, Norwegian Cruise Line has opened a new transfer option to the Ravenna train station.

The new service will cost $23 per person, while Norwegian Cruise Line claims the average taxi fare to the Ravenna train station is about €50 (approximately $58 USD). While the transfer may be cheaper for solo travelers or couples, a taxi fare covers the entire vehicle, while NCL’s transfer is priced per person.

Larger parties may still consider the scheduled transfer worthwhile, particularly if it avoids a lengthy wait without seating or shelter. One Facebook user welcomed the new option. 

“This is awesome. Ravenna cruise port is not for the leary traveler, it takes some work to get too, especially if you want to actually visit Venice before or after,” the user commented.

Existing airport transfers to the Venice airport will still be available. Guests can book transfers to the Ravenna train station and Venice airport aboard the ship until noon on August 21, when the ship will be docked in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Norwegian Pearl continues offering 7-night cruises between Piraeus and Ravenna until November 1, 2026. She will then reposition to Philadelphia, USA for sailings to Bermuda, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Ravenna Can Be Challenging For Cruisers

While many cruisers associate Ravenna with Venice, the two cities are actually around 90 miles apart. Getting transportation to Venice or elsewhere can be challenging.

Cruise ships dock at Porto Corsini, roughly 8 miles away from the Ravenna train station and about 12 miles from the Ravenna airport. Reaching Venice by road can take up to three hours.

Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Pearl (Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis)

Ravenna’s distance from Venice has caused confusion for cruise passengers in the past. Royal Caribbean was sanctioned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority in 2023 for its interchangeable use of the city names. A UK agency ruled this practice constituted misleading advertising. 

Additionally, recent construction delays have limited the number of ships able to dock at the port. Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas‘ 7-night August 10, 2026 departure was originally supposed to homeport at Ravenna, but had to switch to Trieste due to these delays.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Additional Ravenna Deployments

Norwegian Pearl isn’t the only NCL vessel using Ravenna this summer. Cruise Hive recently reported on itinerary changes affecting Norwegian Gem sailings from Civitavecchia to Ravenna.

The 142,500 gross-ton Norwegian Viva also regularly docks at Ravenna. She continues sailing 9- to 10-night itineraries visiting the port through October 14. With multiple NCL ships scheduled to continue calling on Ravenna, the new transfer could help ease challenges facing guests traveling through the Italian port.

Water Surges From Pool as Carnival Ship Suddenly Lists in Mississippi River

Catie Kovelman
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0
Water Surges From Pool as Carnival Ship Suddenly Lists in Mississippi River

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Valor briefly listed while transiting the Mississippi River in the early morning hours of August 17, 2026.
  • According to passengers, a cargo ship had lost power and was stuck in the dark, forcing the cruise ship to make a hard right turn when it was finally spotted.
  • There is no damage to the Carnival ship and no serious injuries were reported.

Guests sailing onboard Carnival Valor experienced a fright on the final night of a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise.

In the early morning hours of August 17, 2026, the 110,000-gross ton ship listed, scaring passengers. At the time, the 2,980-guest ship was transiting the Mississippi River on its way back to the Port of New Orleans for disembarkation later that morning.

According to guests who were onboard, the ship made a sudden, hard right turn to avoid a cargo ship that was stuck in the river without power. They said the ship listed, or dramatically tilted, on its starboard (right) side in the process of avoiding a collision.

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the incident in a statement to Cruise Hive, but did not comment on the presence of a powerless cargo ship.

“On August 17, Carnival Valor experienced a brief listing while transiting the Mississippi River. Vessel movements of this nature can occur during normal navigation, and the circumstances are being reviewed,” the cruise line wrote.

Carnival Valor Listing
Carnival Valor Listing (Photo Credit: Michael Bell)

One of the passengers onboard also captured the situation in a video, which he posted on Facebook. In the short clip, water from the pool can be seen flooding onto the deck as some guests shouted exclamations in the background.

“This happened last night on Carnival Valor. The captain had to make a hard right turn because a cargo ship lost power and it was sitting there in the dark. He saw it at the last second. It felt like the ship was gonna tip over,” the guest captioned the video.

While it surely seemed scary at the moment, cruise ships are designed for stability and it’s very unlikely that Carnival Valor would actually tip over.

Carnival Valor Resumes Normal Operations

The Carnival ship was quickly righted and has resumed normal operations. There was no damage to the cruise ship and no serious injuries were reported. Medical assistance was provided to a small number of guests who requested it.

“As a result of the movement, water from a swimming pool washed onto a portion of the open deck. Our crew responded immediately, and medical assistance was offered and provided to a few guests who requested it,” Carnival noted in the statement that was sent to Cruise Hive.

“The ship continued operating normally, and the safety and well-being of our guests remains our highest priority,” the cruise line continued.

Carnival did not indicate if the crew members assisted the cargo ship out of the darkened waterway or called for help on its behalf.

Under the Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Convention, all ships must stop to aid other persons that are in distress at sea unless they are cleared to leave by the party in distress or a requisitioned vessel’s master.

According to cruise tracking data, Carnival Valor arrived in New Orleans on time at 8 a.m. CDT and departed on time for its next sailing, a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise, at 3:30 p.m.

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