Margaritaville at Sea’s newest ship, Beachcomber, will sail from Galveston, Texas, beginning in October 2027.
The ship will offer diverse Caribbean, Mexico, and Bahamas itineraries, including Margaritaville’s first-ever call to Veracruz, Mexico.
Beachcomber features multiple new experiences and an industry-first live music venue designed by Zac Brown.
Margaritaville at Sea is quickly expanding its presence and will base its new flagship, Beachcomber, from Galveston, Texas beginning in October 2027, nine months after the ship will initially debut in Miami.
From the Lone Star State, the 2,716-guest Beachcomber will be offering itineraries that the line claims stretch further than other cruise lines based from Texas, including visits to Aruba, Key West, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, and Mexico.
Of special interest will be a first visit to Veracruz, Mexico, which no other cruise line sailing from Galveston currently offers.
“Texas knows how to have a good time, so bringing Margaritaville at Sea to Galveston feels like a natural fit,”said Christopher Ivy, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville at Sea.
“With Beachcomber, we’re giving guests an incredible ship and more choices for where their vacation can take them, including places they simply can’t reach on other cruises from Galveston. It’s a chance to see more, go farther and make every getaway a little different, all while experiencing the Margaritaville lifestyle at sea.”
Itineraries will be from 4-7 nights and are now open for booking. Beachcomber‘s first departure from Galveston is a 4-night “Cozumel Express” sailing leaving Monday, October 4, 2027, and is the ship’s only 4-night sailing from Texas.
The weeklong cruises offer diverse options of port choices, but it is the ship’s January 14, 2028 departure that is the only sailing currently including the visit to Veracruz. The “Mexico Trio” cruise also includes visits to Cozumel and Progreso.
Located on the east-central Gulf Coast of the Mexican mainland, Veracruz is Mexico’s oldest port city and offers a wide range of historical sites, museums, cathedrals, and the Acuario de Veracruz, the country’s largest aquarium, with more than 250 marine species on display.
15 New Onboard Experiences for the New Ship
While Beachcomber will certainly be offering attractive itineraries to guests sailing from Galveston, Margaritaville at Sea is also emphasizing the ship’s exclusive onboard experiences.
A total of 15 new experiences have been designed specifically for Beachcomber, including the world’s largest 5 o’Clock Somewhere space, a poolside hub spanning four decks at the aft of the ship.
Fleet favorites like Cheeseburger in Paradise and License to Chill have not been forgotten, and in total, Beachcomber will have 17 dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and more than 20 entertainment options.
Beachcomber Open Deck
Part of that entertainment is an industry-first for cruise ships, an artist-designed live music venue created in collaboration with three-time Grammy winner Zac Brown. The venue, named Same Boat and found aft on Deck 5, the “Livin’ It Up” deck, features Brown’s influences to offer a country music vibe that pairs live performances with elevated cocktails.
Market-style dining, three original production shows, a house-made margarita bar, and the quick-service Daiquiri Shack are just a few of the features coming onboard Beachcomber that Cruise Hive has already reported.
When she debuts in January 2027, Beachcomber will first be homeported from PortMiami offering 4-9-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.
The vessel is currently in service as Costa Fortuna on her final sailing with Costa Cruises, which departed Piraeus (Athens), Greece on Friday, September 4. The 7-night cruise will return to Piraeus on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Renovations and rebranding are in store for the ship to prepare for her debut with Margaritaville at Sea. More details are sure to be released as she prepares to join her new fleetmates, Paradise and Islander.
MSC Cruises has unveiled five new bars and lounges that will debut aboard MSC World Asia.
The new venues include a throwback soda bar, the futuristic Sky Box Bar, an Italian aperitivo lounge, a Philippine-inspired pool bar, and a cocktail bar serving drinks inspired by Asian flavors.
MSC World Asia will begin sailing 7-night Mediterranean cruises on December 4, 2026, visiting ports in Spain, France, Italy, and Malta.
Less than three months ahead of her debut, MSC Cruises is showcasing new bars and lounges coming to its new flagship, MSC World Asia. The cruise line unveiled concepts for five new onboard drink venues debuting on the 215,863-gross-ton vessel when she enters service in December.
The new bar spaces include the Clubhouse and Soda Bar, Sky Box Bar, The Terraces Bar & Lounge, Coral Cove Bar, and Pan Asian Bar. Experiences at the venues range from family-friendly non-alcoholic drinks to cocktails inspired by Italian and Asian flavors.
The Clubhouse and Soda Bar is a nostalgic, family-friendly space inspired by the 1980s and 1990s. Guests create custom non-alcoholic soda concoctions by choosing a base and adding cream, flavorings, and other toppings.
The venue also features games, interactive digital tables, and a LEGO area for younger guests, while nearby The Court offers bumper cars. In the evening, the venue transforms into a livelier social atmosphere, offering a selection of alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails.
In the Luna Park Arena, the Sky Box Bar will serve a variety of premium drinks and cocktails. Inspired by early 20th-century Futurism, the venue reimagines classic cocktails with a contemporary twist, served with theatrical flair.
The Terraces Bar and Lounge
For a more relaxed atmosphere, The Terraces Bar & Lounge offers an Italian aperitivo experience. Guests can enjoy classic cocktails, wines, prosecco, and light Italian bites, such as focaccia and olives, alongside panoramic ocean views and live music. The venue also features expert-led wine tasting sessions.
Coral Cove Bar
Meanwhile, within the Coral Cove Pool area, the Coral Cove Bar will serve classic drinks. The new poolside venue takes its design inspiration from Philippine coral reefs. The indoor Coral Cove Pool features a retractable glass roof, allowing it and the bar to be enjoyed in all weather conditions.
Finally, overlooking the Promenade, the previously announced Pan Asian Street Food restaurant will also feature the Pan Asian Bar. This bar will offer drinks inspired by Asian flavors, such as Jasmine Mojitos, Rose and Strawberry Daiquiris, Matcha Coladas, and Asian beers, such as Oceanic Asian, a house draft beer brewed at sea.
Construction of MSC World Asia began with a steel-cutting ceremony at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in April 2024. The ship reached another major milestone in November 2025, when she floated out of the shipyard for the first time.
Architecture, dining, and other onboard experiences are inspired by Asian culture, art, and landscapes. In June 2026, Cruise Hive reported on the installation of the massive Tree of Life, an illuminated focal point at the heart of The Harbour onboard the ship.
Inspired by Singapore’s famous Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, the structure also serves as the starting point for The Spiral at Tree of Life, which will be the longest dry slide at sea. Another eye-catching, Asia-inspired feature of the ship is the Dragon, an illuminated sculpture hanging above the Promenade, which was installed in August 2026.
Despite the Asian influences found throughout the ship, MSC World Asia’s initial deployment will be distinctly European. She will begin service on December 4, 2026, with a 7-night Mediterranean voyage out of Barcelona.Â
This sailing will visit Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta before returning to Barcelona on December 11. She will offer regular 7-night Mediterranean itineraries from ports throughout Spain, France, Italy, and Malta.
Daquan Lamont Smith has been federally indicted for making a threat against passengers aboard a cruise ship in December 2025.
The ship was not specified, but Smith’s recorded threat said he was on a cruise from the Bahamas with a bomb on the boat and the intention to blow it up.
If convicted the 20-year-old Smith could face up to five years in federal prison under US federal law.
A 20-year-old man from Chicago, Illinois, identified as Daquan Lamont Smith, has been federally indicted on a charge of interstate transmission of a threat against passengers onboard a cruise ship.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida in a release on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Smith made a recorded call with the threatening statement on December 6, 2025.
“I’m on the cruise boat coming from Bahamas that left two days ago, and I’m letting you guys know now I have a bomb on the boat and I want to blow it up,”he said.
The ship Smith was allegedly traveling on has not been identified, but multiple cruise lines travel to the Bahamas from different US homeports every week, on sailings as short as two nights and up to a week or longer. The recipient of the threatening call has not been disclosed.
It is also unknown what port or ports Smith may have visited in the Bahamas during the sailing. Nassau, Freeport, and Bimini are popular options, as are multiple private island destinations such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day CocoCay, Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key, and MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
The indictment is an official charge of the crime, which has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and will be prosecuted by the Assistant US Attorneys in the Orlando division of the US Attorney’s Office. Smith is presumed innocent until he may be proven guilty.
If he is convicted, Smith could face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
Not the First Bomb Threat Cruise Lines Have Faced
Smith’s statement is not the first bomb threat that different cruise lines and ports have faced, and every such threat is taken seriously for the safety of guests, crew members, and vessels.
For example, in January 2024, then 19-year-old Joshua Darrell Lowe II emailed a bomb threat to Carnival Cruise Line, alleging a bomb onboard the 2,984-guest Carnival Sunrise shortly after the ship had departed PortMiami.
The threat generated an emergency response, including a search of the ship’s 1,000 staterooms and the involvement of the US Coast Guard and Jamaican Marine Police, as the ship diverted to Jamaica for the search. The threat turned out to be a hoax Lowe made because he was upset with his girlfriend who was onboard the ship, and he was later convicted and sentenced to eight months in prison.
Cruise Hive has also covered when similar threats have been made against ports rather than individual vessels. All such threats are taken just as seriously.
On March 30, 2026, an “unspecified bomb threat” was called in to the Port of San Diego while Disney Wonder was in port, causing a slight delay in debarkation while the cruise terminal was searched. No bomb was found and the cruise terminal reopened after approximately two hours.
A bomb threat was also made to PortMiami on March 3, 2025, which disrupted port operations and traffic for several hours while five cruise ships were in port. No credible danger was discovered in that incident.
Norwegian Joy’s May 19, 2028 Alaskan itinerary has been shuffled, with visits to Skagway and Sitka replaced with a call at Whittier.
The day cruising near Hubbard Glacier as well as the port visits to Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan have also been adjusted.
There is no change to the ship’s departure from or return to Seattle as planned for the 10-day roundtrip sailing.
An Alaskan cruise can be a bucket list vacation even for the most frequent cruise guest, and such a vacation is selected with great care for specific itineraries that visit coveted destinations. It can be disappointing, then, when an itinerary must be changed, even if that change is made more than 20 months before embarkation.
This is the disappointment guests booked on Norwegian Joy‘s May 19, 2028 sailing are now dealing with, as Norwegian Cruise Line has sent email notifications of an itinerary change for the 10-day voyage. Booked guests shared the notification on Facebook on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
“Even the most thoughtfully planned sailings can occasionally shift course,”the email begins.“While these moments aren’t always expected, they often open the door to fresh ways of experiencing your vacation.”
The new itinerary is fresh indeed, as it drops two planned port visits, moves around scenic cruising and another port visit, adjusts times in two ports, and adds a new destination to the schedule.
The 3,802-guest Norwegian Joy will still be departing Seattle at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 19, her first full day of the cruise will still be a day at sea, and the first port visit will still be to Juneau from 1:30-10 p.m. on Sunday, May 21.
After her visit to Alaska’s capital city, however, the next five days of the itinerary are different than the original plan.
Monday, May 22: Icy Strait Point from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (previously Skagway from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Tuesday, May 23: Scenic cruising to view Hubbard Glacier (previously Sitka from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Wednesday, May 24: Whittier from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (previously Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising)
Thursday, May 25: Day at sea (previously Icy Strait Point from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Friday, May 26: Ketchikan from 12-8 p.m. (previously Ketchikan from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
The end of the cruise remains a day at sea on Saturday, May 27 and a visit to Victoria, British Columbia on Sunday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Norwegian Joy will still return to Seattle at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 29 for debarkation as originally scheduled.
Both Sitka and Skagway have been dropped from the schedule, while Whittier has been added to the itinerary. In addition to being on a different day than the original itinerary, the time in Icy Strait Point has shifted an hour later in the day but the duration of the port visit remains the same.
Ketchikan is still on the same day but the port visit is four hours shorter, as the ship will not arrive until noon instead of at 8 a.m. as initially planned.
Norwegian Joy Cruise Ship in Alaska (Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson)
Nevertheless, guests can still expect what Norwegian Cruise Line describes as an itinerary that will “showcase the remarkable beauty, wildlife, glaciers, and coastal scenery that make Alaska such an extraordinary destination to explore.”
Norwegian Cruise Line has noted that berth availability is the reason behind this dramatic itinerary shuffle, though the cruise line does not clarify which port or ports have caused the adjustments. These types of changes often create a knock-on effect with multiple adjustments needed to accommodate one initial change.
What Guests Need to Do Now
While these itinerary changes are automatic and guests do not need to do anything to enjoy their cruise, it might be necessary to adjust some plans for port days.
Typically, a cruise line will automatically adjust any pre-paid excursions booked through the line for changed port visits, or cancel and refund those excursions if they cannot be adjusted. Because this Norwegian Joy sailing is more than 20 months away, however, Norwegian Cruise Line may not yet have made tours available for booking.
If guests have already made independent plans with tour operators in their planned ports of call, they will need to contact those operators directly to cancel or adjust their plans.
Fortunately, because this itinerary change is so far ahead of time, it should be easy for guests to have those tours adjusted. Also, since Norwegian Joy is not changing her departure from or return to Seattle, guests should not need to adjust any pre- or post-cruise travel plans.
It is always prudent for cruise guests to stay in close contact with their cruise line when they have a sailing booked, just in case there are any such changes to be notified about.
Guests sailing aboard Norwegian Sky’s final voyage were notified that several onboard venues and services would be unavailable or closed early.
The ship’s gift shops were closed throughout the voyage, while the Art Gallery and Mandara Spa ceased operations before the cruise concluded.
Norwegian Sky will leave Norwegian Cruise Line following the voyage before joining Cordelia Cruises as Cordelia Sky.
The 2,004-passenger Norwegian Sky is wrapping up its final voyage with Norwegian Cruise Line. This 9-night Mediterranean voyage departed from Barcelona, Spain on August 31, 2026.
The cruise featured calls in Villefranche, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Salerno, Santorini, Mykonos, and Iraklion. A few days prior to embarkation, however, guests booked on this farewell voyage received an email informing them that some key venues and services onboard would be limited.
“As part of preparations taking place following this cruise, a limited number of onboard venues, services, and activities will be adjusted during your sailing,”Norwegian Cruise Line said in the email to guests.
Guests who were hoping to get some branded merchandise to commemorate this final sailing were out of luck. The email stated that all gift shops onboard would be unavailable for the duration of the cruise.
Meanwhile, the Art Gallery only operated for a limited time. It was open through the evening hours of the second port of call in Livorno on September 2, before closing for the remainder of the cruise.
Passengers with mobility or health issues requiring scooters, wheelchairs, or respiratory equipment were advised to make arrangements prior to embarkation. The cruise line stated that additional onboard inventory would not be available for rental during the voyage.
Spa services were also limited, as the final day of operations for the onboard Mandara Spa was slated for September 7, two days before the end of the cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line said that any bookings for September 8, 2026 would be automatically cancelled and refunded to the guests’ onboard accounts.
While many other regular services and venues were still available, these closures may have made for a less-than-complete experience for guests during Norwegian Sky’s farewell. The sailing ends in Piraeus, Greece today, September 9, 2026.
This Was Not Originally the Final Sailing for Norwegian Sky
This voyage was not originally meant to be the final Norwegian Cruise Line sailing for the 77,104-gross-ton ship. The vessel was previously scheduled for another 21-day repositioning cruise to Dubai on September 9, 2026. However, this sailing underwent multiple changes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The voyage was first shortened to 18 days, with the debarkation port moved to Muscat, Oman, to avoid the Persian Gulf. Subsequently, as tensions in the region continued to fluctuate, the sailing was cancelled for cruise passengers in August 2026.
As a result of that cancellation, the August 31 sailing became the final passenger cruise for Norwegian Sky. However, while her time with Norwegian Cruise Line is coming to an end, she is not retiring altogether.
Norwegian Sky Prepares to Join Cordelia Cruises
After the ship docks in Piraeus on September 9, the ship will be prepared for transfer to Cordelia Cruises. Cruise Hive previously reported when Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced in April 2025 that the Indian cruise line had chartered both Sky and her sister ship, Norwegian Sun.
The ship will undergo rebranding and renovations for Cordelia Cruise Line. The rebranded vessel is set to debut in October 2026 and sail 3- to 5-night voyages from Mumbai to Goa.
Cordelia Cruises has already revealed how the vessel will look following the transfer. The cruise line’s website shows the ship, rebranded as Cordelia Sky, retaining her distinctive floral hull artwork.
The transfer to Cordelia Cruises will bring an end to a lengthy career with Norwegian Cruise Line. The Sun-class vessel is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest ships, first entering service in 1999.
She was briefly rebranded as Pride of Aloha in Hawaii under NCL America from 2004 to 2008 before reverting to Norwegian Sky. She also underwent a few major refurbishments, most recently in 2019 and 2024.
Hero of the Seas was floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Both Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean have shared behind-the-scenes looks at the milestone with photos and video.
The fourth Icon-class ship is now at the outfitting pier at the shipyard where her construction continues.
Cruises are getting a little more heroic as the upcoming fourth Icon-class ship, Hero of the Seas, has floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where the vessel is currently under construction.
The ship was floated out on Friday, September 4, 2026, and Meyer Turku shared the important milestone on Facebook several days later, on September 8. A ship’s floating out or launching ceremony is the first time water touches the completed hull, a critical step in a vessel’s construction.
Hundreds of the project’s construction workers were on hand for the momentous event as the dry dock was filled with more than 90 million gallons of water, a process that occurred overnight. A ceremonial cannon firing, a long-standing maritime tradition, marked when the floating out began.
Photos show the process from both aerial and close-up perspectives, shipyard viewpoints cruise guests do not typically get to see and ones that highlight the ship’s massive size. Royal Caribbean has also shared a behind-the-scenes video of the special milestone for Hero of the Seas.
When she debuts, Hero of the Seas will join her sister ships Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas as the largest cruise ships (by gross tonnage) in the world.
Process Getting Refined for Building Massive Ships
For Meyer Turku, the process of building Hero of the Seas is a continuation of a lengthy relationship that has redefined modern shipbuilding.
“Hero of the Seas is another important milestone in the long-standing partnership between Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean. Building consecutive Icon Class ships has enabled continuous development of our expertise, production processes and energy-efficient shipbuilding solutions together with our partners and thousands of shipbuilding professionals involved in the project,”said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.
“We are proud to see Hero of the Seas move one step closer to delivery.”
All three previous Icon-class ships were also built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in southwestern Finland, and the shipyard cut steel for the as-yet-unnamed fifth Icon-class ship on January 19, 2026. That ship is expected to debut in 2028.
On April 27, 2026, Royal Caribbean Group also confirmed orders for the sixth and seventh Icon-class ships, though construction on those vessels has not yet begun and they will not debut until 2029 and 2030.
In the meantime, there is still much to be done to complete Hero of the Seas‘ construction and prepare her to welcome guests in August 2027.
The ship has now moved to the outfitting pier where construction will continue, such as the installation of the waterslides, decking, interior venues, art details, and so much more.
Following her construction, Hero of the Seas will undergo sea trials to ensure the full operation of all her systems, including navigation, steering, propulsion, and emergency responses.
After successful trials, the ship will be delivered to Royal Caribbean and officially become the property of the cruise line. At that time, she will take on supplies and crew members before entering service, including welcoming Dolly, her newly-named Chief Dog Officer.
Her inaugural voyage is planned as a 3-night sailing departing Miami, Florida on August 11, 2027 with a visit to Perfect Day CocoCay, before she begins a regular schedule of 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
These will no doubt be the 10 Western Caribbean cruise ports that are on your radar when planning a cruise. Many of these stops include multiple piers and cruise line exclusivity, so you’ll want to know which cruise lines sail to which ones.
Cruise Ships Docked in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: Creativity lover)
Lying just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the island of Cozumel is one of the most popular ports of call. The port is towards the west of the island. The island can accommodate up to eight cruise ships at a time with three dedicated cruise piers: Punta Langosta for mainly Royal Caribbean-owned ships, the International SSA Pier, and Puerta Maya for mainly Carnival-owned ships.
Additional ships use tenders to transport passengers ashore, but this is very rare due to the high number of piers. Punta Langosta is just a five-minute stroll south of downtown and the Main Square. The other two cruise piers are further south and visitors can use shuttle buses or take a taxi for the 5-minute trip.
Once ashore, there’s plenty of duty-free shopping and authentic Mexican restaurants to explore before you even leave the port area. Cozumel has some of the best and clearest diving and snorkeling sites with caves, underwater tunnels and a coral reef brimming with marine life.
Take your pick from jet boat tours, fishing trips, Jeep excursions to Mayan ruins and Tequila tastings. There are plenty more thrills, such as ziplines and glass-bottom kayaking at Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park.
Cruise lines visiting Cozumel:
Holland America Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Marella Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Virgin Voyages
TUI Cruises
Viking Cruises
Margaritaville at Sea
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Cruise Ship in Grand Cayman, Caribbean (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
Located in the Western Caribbean, midway between Cuba and Jamaica, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands making up the Cayman Islands. The cruise terminal is in the capital, George Town, on the sheltered west coast.
Grand Cayman is a tender port, which means the ships drop anchor in the harbor and use tenders/ lifeboats to transport cruisers ashore. There are three terminals: South, North, and Royal Watler. They have modern facilities for welcoming cruisers along with duty-free shopping and excursion departure points.
Once famous for its turtles, the island has an interesting Turtle Center where you can learn more about turtle conservation and see new hatchlings and fully grown turtles up close. Go snorkeling with rays at Stingray City, swim with dolphins or visit Starfish Point Beach to see bright red starfish in abundance.
Relax and enjoy swimming and watersports on idyllic Seven Mile Beach, or visit Hell, a rocky area of jagged black limestone, and send a postcard from Hell to your family and friends.
Cruise lines visiting Grand Cayman:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Marella Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Costa Maya, Mexico
Cruise Ship Docked in Costa Maya, Mexico
Located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Costa Maya is just north of the town of Mahahual. It’s about 100 miles south of the popular resort of Playa del Carmen and the Mayan site at Tulum. Royal Caribbean Group actually completed a purchase of the port in July 2025. It planned to build Perfect Day Mexico to totally transform the port, but that project faces setbacks with the Mexican government.
The port has modern facilities with duty-free shopping, restaurants, and bars. There are plenty of local taxis to take you independently to Mahahual or other tourist attractions. Some cruise lines offer shuttle services to Mahahual, which has beautiful sandy beaches.
Costa Maya is an exciting Caribbean cruise destination with an incredible number of attractions, including two biosphere reserves at Banco Chinchorro and Sian Ka’an. More reasons to visit Costa Maya include pristine beaches, jungle adventures and amazing watersports.
Visit Xcalax, an authentic fishing village, or take a tour to see exotic wildlife, including beautiful jaguars, monkeys, and crocodiles. Divers can visit shipwreck sites and see turtles, rays, tigers, and hammerhead sharks. All this, plus Mayan temples and carved pyramids at Kohunlich and Chacchoben.
Cruise lines visiting Costa Maya:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
TUI Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Virgin Voyages
Roatán, Honduras
Carnival Cruise Ship Docked at Mahogany Bay, Roatan (Photo Credit: denbaim)
Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands. The offshore island of Roatán is a popular port of call for cruises due to its cultural diversity and aquatic fun. There are two main cruise ports, but it depends on which cruise line you sail on, which one you visit.
Carnival Corporation owns Isla Tropicale (formerly known as Mahogany Bay), opened in 2009, and it has two berths. It is located on the southwest coast of the island near the town of Coxen Hole. The Cruise Center actually has its own shopping village. From the cruise terminal, you can walk along a nature trail or take a chairlift down to the beach.
There’s also the Coxen Hole cruise ship dock, which is used by other non-Carnival cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and opened in 2008. This facility features a mall and stores for cruise visitors to enjoy.
On Roatan, you can snorkel and scuba dive on one of the largest reef systems in the world, visiting caves and shipwrecks while spotting sharks, eels, and colorful marine life. And where else can you visit a Sloth Farm or an Iguana Park that protects toucans, parrots, monkeys and reptiles? Other attractions to see from a water taxi tour include the multicolored stilted houses of fishermen in Oakridge and 17th-century pirate fortifications at Coxen Hole.
Cruise lines visiting Roatan:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
TUI Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Photo Credit: Rory Burchenson / Shutterstock
Perched on the northern coast of the Caribbean island of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is Jamaica’s largest cruise port. It is also a lively coastal town backing onto lush tropical hills.
Most larger cruise vessels dock at the main Turtle Bay pier. From there, cruisers can head to the local craft markets and beaches or take an excursion to see more of the island. Street performers are a popular sight around the port shopping area, providing entertainment and music. There’s also a second berth just across the bay at the Reynolds Pier, a former sugar factory.
Ocho Rios offers some unique opportunities for adventure, including the chance to climb up Dunn’s River Falls, a dramatic cascade that is 180 feet high. At the top of the falls is a Craft Market where cruisers can pick up fragrant Blue Mountain Coffee that is grown on the island.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking in the lush rainforest, lagoon swims, boat rides, ziplines, and thrilling bobsleigh rides. Everywhere you go in Jamaica, you’ll hear the beat of reggae. Of course, Bob Marley fans can pay homage at his hometown of Nine Mile, St Ann.
Cruise lines visiting Ocho Rios:
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
TUI Cruises
Costa Cruises
AIDA Cruises
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Viktor Hladchenko)
Montego Bay is a popular port of call on many Western Caribbean cruise itineraries. Located on the northwest side of the island, this buzzing port is the second-largest cruise port in Jamaica and can accommodate up to four ships at a time. The MoBay terminal has good amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, bars and excursion desks.
Montego Bay cruise terminal is within easy reach of many attractions on the island, such as the Rastafari Indigenous Village, just 15 minutes away by taxi. Four championship golf courses combine a round of golf with stunning scenery. The vibrant Hip Strip is the main hub for shopping and local businesses, such as the world-famous Margaritaville, which combines water slides and pools with cocktails in the sun.
Montego Bay has some of the finest white sandy beaches and clear blue waters in the Caribbean. Chill out and sunbathe, browse the local shops or visit one of the historic plantation homes such as Rosehall. A rafting trip down the Martha Brae River is the ultimate excursion from your cruise around the Western Caribbean.
Cruise lines visiting Montego Bay:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
MSC Cruises
TUI Cruises
Marella Cruises
Virgin Voyages
AIDA Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Ambassador Cruise Line
P&O Cruises
Falmouth, Jamaica
Falmouth Piers (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
Another major cruise port on the popular western Caribbean island is Falmouth, located on the northern coast between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
Royal Caribbean and the Port Authority of Jamaica developed the port, which offers two berths and opened in March 2011. This means two cruise ships can dock at the same time, including the large Oasis-class vessels. Ocho Rios and Montego Bay can’t handle the larger Oasis-class ships, so the cruise line needed a new port to handle its larger ships. Falmouth can often serve as a handy relief port because of its location between the others.
The port is also not exclusive to Royal Caribbean-owned ships, as some other cruise lines visit too.
The Falmouth pier design is impressive as it allows for many stores and facilities in the middle of two docked ships. Cruisers get easy access to local taxis to reach attractions such as Martha Brae rafting and the Glistening Waters luminous lagoon. Just beyond the secure gate entrance to the port is the historic town that was founded in 1769.
Cruise lines visiting Falmouth:
Royal Caribbean
Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Oceania Cruises
Progreso, Mexico
Carnival Ship Docked in Progreso
Located 30 km from the city of Merida in northwest Yucatan, the port of Progreso dates back to Mayan times. It remains a pretty fishing port as well as a busy cruise terminal that is growing in popularity as a port of call.
Progreso has an exceptionally long four-mile (6.4km) pier that goes over the shallow continental shelf to allow docking by larger cruise ships. Shuttle buses are provided to transport cruisers to the Progreso terminal. From there, you can walk just three blocks to the beach.
The most famous part of the port is El Malecon, an elegant mile-long seaside promenade that provides access to the sandy beach and has beautiful Gulf views. One of the main features is the traditional carousel right on the sand. The waters are warm and crystal clear for swimming.
The original Mayan city of Merida is worth a visit. Rebuilt by Spanish Conquistadors, it has grand Spanish-influenced architecture and palatial mansions. Shopping on the fashionable Paseo de Montejo is said to rival the Champs-Elysees in Paris!
Cruise lines visiting Progreso:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Disney Cruise Line
Margaritaville at Sea
Belize City, Belize
Belize Tender Port for Cruise Passengers (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)
Belize City welcomes cruise ships to the port, which includes a cruise terminal officially known as Fort Street Tourism Village. It’s located in the heart of Belize City. The terminal has good facilities, including restrooms, souvenir shops, and information desks.
Snorkelers and divers will be keen to visit Belize as the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere lies just offshore. It provides amazing scuba diving, including the 300-meter-wide Blue Hole.
Excursions venture into the tropical jungle for zip-lining over the rainforest or visit long-lost Mayan ruins. Wildlife preserves and botanical gardens showcase exotic flowers, plants, and mammals, while Belize City has a bustling market and impressive Colonial architecture.
Cruise lines visiting Belize:
Holland America Line
Royal Caribbean
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
TUI Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Viking Cruises
Key West, Florida
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
Key West, Florida, is the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Although the island community is just 120 miles or so southwest of Miami, it is a world away in lifestyle and culture. This colorful island is at the end of a chain of offshore islands linked by the breathtaking Overseas Highway.
Larger cruise ships dock at the deepwater Pier B at the Key West cruise port, while smaller vessels dock at the city-owned Mallory Square Dock. Both terminals are just a short stroll from the downtown area, making it easy to explore independently. There are plenty of small shops and stalls near the cruise terminal, along with waterfront bars and boat trips.
This laid-back community is known for its pastel-painted architecture, naval and shipwreck museums, art studios and bars in the Old Town. Go shopping on Duval Street, visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, or take in the main sights on a whistle-stop trolley tour that includes the lighthouse, aquarium, and Truman’s Little White House. After that, treat yourself to a rum cocktail or a slice of Key Lime Pie as you watch street performers at sunset on Mallory Square, a Key West tradition.
Cruise lines visiting Key West:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Margaritaville at Sea
Armed with all this information, it’s easy to book a Western Caribbean Cruise based on places to visit and things to do that appeal to your personal taste. Bon voyage!
Three cruise lines have placed restrictions on cruise ducks: Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Marella Cruises.
Despite the restrictions, none of the three cruise lines has ducks on its official prohibited items list.
Guests should respect the restrictions, or the activity could be banned outright, and more cruise lines might introduce restrictions.
Cruise ducks have flown to stardom for many guests, and hiding and finding a feathered flock can be great fun on a cruise vacation. Quackers of all sizes, shapes, and colors might appear just about anywhere on a cruise ship: in an elevator, tucked into a planter, hidden behind a sign, or even perched on a doorway.
Not all cruise lines welcome the activity, however, and three major lines are now restricting cruise ducks. Royal Caribbean has specific restrictions in one area, and both Disney Cruise Line and Marella Cruises request but do not demand an outright ban on ducks.
Disney Cruise Line’s No Duck Request
Disney Cruise Line was the first to discourage guests from hiding cruising ducks. Cruise Hive reported on the policy in January 2024, which the cruise line worded as “we kindly request that guests not hide items such as rubber ducks in public areas or staterooms.”
Do guests still leave ducks around Disney cruise ships? Yes, but crew members may collect and discard them to discourage the activity.
To still share the fun of cruising ducks while respecting Disney Cruise Line’s request, guests may trade them in mailboxes on their stateroom doors or share them in fish extenders or as “pixie dust” gifting.
Royal Caribbean does not ban or restrict ducks outright, but does not permit the activity in one sensitive area. In July 2025, guests started noticing signs in the Central Park neighborhood of the cruise line’s Oasis- and Icon-class ships declaring those spaces as a “duck free zone” and asking that guests not hide ducks in Central Park.
No Cruise Ducks Sign on Royal Caribbean (Credit: Lisa Young)
The restriction has been put in place due to the delicate nature of the tens of thousands of real plants and trees in Central Park. Overly enthusiastic duck hiders and hunters might damage the plants, causing bare spots and disturbing the aesthetic of the peaceful neighborhood.
Guests are welcome to hide ducks in other areas of the ship, and in fact Royal Caribbean has embraced ducks on its newest Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, with a whimsical “Duckie-Go-Round” carousel in the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood.
Marella Cruises Requests No Ducks
British cruise line Marella Cruises is the latest to request that guests leave ducks at home. Notices began appearing in onboard newsletters on both Marella Voyager and Marella Discovery in August 2026.
The broad wording covers not just ducks, but all manner of small trinkets and novelties.
“We kindly ask that toys, novelty items and other personal bits aren’t left or hidden around the ship or at our destinations,”the notice said.
Furthermore, Marella Cruises goes even further to explain what happens to ducks that are found around its ships.
“While it’s all meant in good spirit, these can become hazards and are usually disposed of by our crew,”the notice confirms.
While these three cruise lines have official restrictions on cruise ducks, no other cruise lines have yet indicated any similar bans or limitations.
Nevertheless, should cruise ducks get out of control and become a problem with trash, disrupting onboard activities, or causing fights between guests eager to claim the same duck, it isn’t inconceivable that more cruise lines might restrict the activity or full bans could be put into place and ground cruise ducks for good.
A recent Royal Caribbean guest has asked about elevator use etiquette while toting luggage after encountering a skeptical passenger.
Cruise lines do not restrict guests from bringing luggage into elevators, even on the most crowded days.
Elevator etiquette can be a hot topic among cruisers, including rude behavior, misusing buttons, or smart elevator operation.
Every experienced cruiser has found themselves faced with a crowded elevator, and both embarkation and debarkation days are notorious for lacking elevator space when guests are trying to make their way around a very crowded ship. But what is the etiquette with luggage in the already tight confines of a cruise ship elevator?
Reddit users are debating the question after a recent guest on a Royal Caribbean ship was wondering if they were inadvertently rude when debarking the ship with their luggage.
They noted that they had chosen to carry their luggage themselves rather than hand it over to cruise crew members to move more quickly on debarkation morning and not have to wait, so they took to Reddit to check their behavior.
“We are as green as can be to cruising, so maybe we missed that part of the briefing where you are not supposed to take your luggage with you in the elevator,”the poster explained.
Responses were swift that there is no “no luggage in the elevator” rule aboard cruise ships, though polite guests will try to minimize how much space their bags take up in an elevator by using a corner, stacking bags, or standing over them.
The original poster did not identify the exact cruise ship they were on, but did state they were moving from Deck 14 to Deck 5. Many commenters agreed that while 1-2 decks might be okay to manage with a bag or two, multiple decks is too much without an elevator’s assistance.
Alternative Options
The idea of someone complaining about luggage in an elevator quickly led to multiple alternative suggestions for how to move one’s bags down multiple decks.
“I chuck mine over the railing down into the Central Atrium like any reasonable person would,”one guest said, to which another guest explained, “I prefer using the water slides.”
Luggage Outside Stateroom on Royal Caribbean Cruise (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
This was met with a loyal-to-Royal comment of “Amateur. Try the Abyss,” referring to the Ultimate Abyss dry slide which spans 10 stories onboard the cruise line’s six Oasis-class ships.
Another guest noted how simple it is to throw one’s luggage off the balcony to lighten the load for debarkation.
On a more serious note, some commenters did suggest making sure one debarks early when there are fewer people leaving the ship, so elevator space is more available.
Elevator Debates Not Uncommon
Elevator etiquette has been a frequent debate among cruise guests. Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has even issued informal guidance to guests on elevator etiquette, including urging respect for those using mobility scooters in elevators.
The introduction of “smart” elevators in recent years onboard different cruise ships, including newer Royal Caribbean ships, has also caused some confusion as guests learn how to use the new design and find their designated elevators.
Of course, one contentious topic has always been children misbehaving in elevators, such as pushing every button as a prank or simply hanging out in elevators when others wish to use them.
Experienced cruisers know the best way to approach any elevator onboard is to just be patient. After all, what goes up will eventually come down again.
