The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), working on behalf of the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority, is examining the death of an electrical technician aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia, a Bermuda-registered vessel.
The incident occurred October 26, 2025, as the vessel, carrying more than 5,000 passengers and 1,600 crew members, sailed from Southampton, England, to Santa Cruz, Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands.
At about 5:52 a.m. UTC, the technician and the ship’s staff electro-technical officer were testing a passenger elevator following overnight repairs. The elevator had been stopped on deck 11 while testing was carried out from inside the car.
The report reveals the technician left to inspect the top of the elevator from higher decks but ran into a problem on deck 12. A defect prevented the door release key from working, blocking access to the elevator shaft. He then moved up to deck 14 to access it.
Moments later, the lift reactivated automatically.
According to the interim report, safety interlocks were restored once the lift doors closed on the 2022-built vessel, and a stored call signal triggered the elevator to move upward, crushing the technician between the car and the shaft wall.
P&O Arvia in Europe (Photo Credit: Claudine Van Massenhove)
A medical emergency was declared at 6:02 a.m., and the crew member was pronounced dead by the ship’s doctor at 6:07 a.m. The ship diverted to A Coruña, Spain, where local emergency services recovered the body.
The investigation stresses the report’s release is focused on safety rather, not blame, stating, “The sole objective of a safety investigation into an accident under there regulations shall be the prevention of future accidents through the ascertainment of its causes and circumstances.”
The cause of death remains pending a postmortem report, and the investigation is ongoing. Investigators now say a combination of equipment defects and safety procedures is under close review.
What Happened Aboard Arvia
The death of the electrical technician aboard Arvia was first confirmed to Cruise Hive by P&O Cruises the day after the accident. The cruise line said that a crew member had died following an onboard accident while the ship was two days into a transatlantic sailing.
At that time, the company said it was offering “every possible support” to the family, friends, and colleagues of the crew member without releasing his name or role.
Arvia, one of the largest ships in the P&O Cruises fleet, had departed Southampton on October 24 for a repositioning voyage to Bridgetown, Barbados.
After being rerouted to A Coruña, the ship remained in port for several hours, and local authorities then confirmed a workplace accident involved a “deceased crew member.”
It’s not the first time elevator maintenance was the cause of death for a crew member. In December 2015, a member of crew on Carnival Cruise Line’s Ecstasy was also pinned between the car and the shaft wall while working on an elevator. The ship was in port in Florida at the time.
Elevator systems on cruise ships are heavily regulated and inspected, especially because vessels can carry thousands of passengers and crew across many decks.
When the rare incident does occur, they typically involve maintenance or testing scenarios and not routine passenger use.
Princess Cruises is offering special commemorative merchandise for America’s 250th Anniversary on select itineraries.
The line is offering 2026 sailings exploring historic US destinations, including Alaska, New England, and Hawaii.
Special savings are now available on select sailings for budget-friendly explorations of the US.
With the US preparing to celebrate its semiquincentennial, Princess Cruises is highlighting unique voyages along the iconic coasts of the US, along with special deals and commemorative merchandise to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Of great interest is the cruise line’s largest-ever season in Alaska to date. Cruise Hive has previously reported that the newest Princess ship, Star Princess, will sail the Last Frontier in 2026, offering spectacular 7-night itineraries from Seattle starting on May 3.
Star Princess will join seven other ships in Alaska this year. Together, the Princess Cruises Alaska fleet will offer 180 different departures with itineraries that include 19 unique destinations such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Skagway.
Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. Visiting on a Princess cruise offers not only a chance to immerse oneself in the history and cultures of some of the last remaining frontier towns, but also to marvel at the phenomenal vistas along the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Tracy Arm Fjord.
“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it feels especially meaningful to celebrate by sailing alongside the landscapes and visiting landmarks that helped shape our nation,”said Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises.
Land-and-sea cruisetour options offer guests even more options to explore Alaska with visits to Denali National Park and other national parks, along with stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Onboard the Alaska sailings, guests will have the unique opportunity to buy souvenirs specifically designed for this special year. Not only will limited-edition blankets inspired by Alaskan landscapes be for sale, but special “Celebrating America 250 by Princess” collector pins and other merchandise will be available.
Other Itineraries Exploring America
If Alaska doesn’t appeal to guests, Princess Cruises is offering itineraries that explore other parts of the US with the same premium experiences the cruise line is known for.
“From Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness to the tropical beauty of Hawaii and the historic charm of New England’s coastal towns, our 2026 sailings invite longtime Princess guests and first-time cruisers alike to experience the places that tell America’s story,”said Lee.
View of Star Princess (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
For example, this fall Princess Cruises is offering a short series of Canada and New England Itineraries on Majestic Princess departing from New York.
Not only can guests explore the Big Apple before or after their 7-night sailing, but along the way the ship will visit such historic destinations as Boston, Newport, and Portland, depending on departure date.
Sapphire Princess is also offering 10-night, one-way trips between Boston and Quebec City this fall if guests want to spend more time in Massachusetts, right where so much of America’s history began.
Cruise guests who want to celebrate America’s 50th state will enjoy Emerald Princess’ Hawaiian Islands voyages. These 16-night voyages are offered roundtrip from Los Angeles on a variety of departure dates, including September 30, October 16, November 8, November 28, and December 14.
The Aloha vibes will include visits to Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo, with exact ports depending on departure date.
For a limited time, Princess Cruises is offering a special “Princess Signature Sale” on select US itineraries. The deal is available through March 17, 2026 and includes instant savings, reduced deposits, and free third and fourth guests on select sailings, making it a budget-friendly way to set sail with this year’s historic celebrations.
Elliott Investment Management is pushing for sweeping leadership and board changes at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
The investor believes the company has underperformed, despite strong industry demand.
Elliott has warned it may take the case directly to shareholders at the annual meeting in March 2026.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is under pressure from one of its biggest investors to make major leadership and strategy changes, and fast.
Activist firm Elliott Investment Management has built a stake of more than 10 percent in the company and is pushing for major leadership and strategy changes. The move makes Elliott one of Norwegian’s largest shareholders and sets the stage for what could become one of the cruise industry’s most significant activist campaigns in years.
In a detailed letter to the board and an accompanying presentation titled “Norwegian Now,” Elliott argued that the cruise operator has failed to keep pace with competitors despite strong demand across the industry.
“The case for change at Norwegian is as compelling as any we have ever seen,” the firm wrote in a letter signed by Partner John Pike and Portfolio Manager Bobby Xu.
“We believe the gap between Norwegian’s current performance and what it should be achieving under capable leadership represents one of the clearest value-creation opportunities in the public markets.”
Elliott said NCLH, which owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has gone from being one of the cruise industry’s strongest performers when it first went public in 2013 to trailing behind rivals like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Corporation.
The investor firm said rising costs, missed revenue opportunities, and an inconsistent strategy are to blame, criticizing the board’s leadership decisions. It says recent executive appointments have not addressed long-term performance issues.
Elliott Investment Management has issued a “Norwegian Now” proposal for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ future success.
Elliott believes NCLH’s stock could reach $56 per share – about 159 percent higher than recent levels – if changes are made.
The firm said it is willing to work with the board but has warned it could take its case directly to shareholders at NCLH’s upcoming annual meeting in March 2026 if progress is not made.
“Norwegian’s shareholders have waited long enough,” Pike and Xu wrote.
Drawing Scrutiny
Elliott Investment Management’s push comes just days after NCLH announced a leadership change that is already drawing scrutiny from investors.
On February 12, 2026, the cruise company said it had appointed John W. Chidsey as chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Chidsey previously served as CEO of Subway and Burger King and has been a member of NCLH’s board. He replaced Harry Sommer, who had been in the role since 2023.
NCLH said Chidsey was selected to help improve execution and financial performance as the company moves into its next phase of growth.
Elliott, however, criticized the decision in its letter, noting that the board chose a long-tenured director with no executive experience in the cruise industry.
The firm said the move reflects broader concerns and underscores the need for new independent directors with relevant industry expertise, and calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the company’s board and executive leadership team, and suggested recruiting those with cruise leadership experience, including former Royal Caribbean executive Adam Goldstein.
NCLH’s financial performance has not followed the same trajectory as its competitors, according to the investors.
The company, which will release annual earnings on March 2, 2026, reported revenue of about $2.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, which was about 3 percent lower than the same period in 2024. That was followed by a rebound to roughly $2.5 billion in the second quarter, and a record $2.9 billion in the third quarter.
Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and has a joint-venture with TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, generated roughly $17.9 billion in revenue in 2025.
Carnival Corporation, which operates Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, AIDA, and P&O Cruises, reported record revenue of about $26.6 billion.
Elliott Investment Management argues NCHL should be delivering stronger returns in an environment of higher passenger demand and strong industry pricing.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been making growth moves in recent months. In December 2025, the company named industry veteran Marc Kazlauskas as president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
On February 17, 2026, the company also announced a major long-term expansion of its brands with new ships for all three of its brands planned through 2037.
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder cancelled a call to Kauai due to high winds.
The ship altered her itinerary and added an overnight in Honolulu.
The 10-night cruise sails to Vancouver before returning to San Diego.
Strong winds and poor weather conditions are impacting some areas of the Hawaiian Islands, including regions where Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder is sailing.
The 1,750-guest ship was due to depart Honolulu on February 16, 2026, operating a 10-night voyage to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Three port calls were originally scheduled, including an overnight in Nawiliwili, on the island of Kauai on February 17 and 18, followed by Kahului, Maui, on February 19, and finally Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, on February 20. After that, the ship will sail 5 at-sea days before arriving in Vancouver on February 26.
“We have been closely monitoring a weather system that has the potential to impact our planned stop in Nawiliwili, Hawaii. Given the anticipated strong winds and adverse sea conditions, we will not be able to visit Nawiliwili on Tuesday and Wednesday,” a notice from Disney said, which was posted online.
Disney Wonder Letter
But Mother Nature is intervening with rain and wind gusts up to 36 miles per hour during the planned call to Kauai. The overnight stay was cancelled and is being replaced with an overnight in Honolulu on February 16-17, followed by a sea day on February 18.
“We will instead overnight in Honolulu tonight with an 8:00 a.m. departure on Tuesday morning before spending a day at sea on Wednesday, where conditions are forecasted to be more favorable,” the cruise line added.
Additional Disney Wonder Itinerary Change
However, a later message from the line indicates that the ship will now call at Hilo twice — on February 18, rather than spending the day at sea, and again as originally planned on February 20.
The new itinerary, as it currently stands, is as follows: The ship overnighted in Honolulu on embarkation day, February 16; operates a sea day on February 17; calls at Hilo on February 18; Maui on February 19; and Hilo on February 20. After that, the ship is at sea until her arrival in Canada.
The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory, prompting the itinerary changes.
Disney Wonder Update
The revised itinerary was announced on departure day, and the line’s notice confirms that all excursions in Kauai booked through the cruise line are being automatically removed from guests’ onboard accounts.
New excursions are being made available via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and at the Port Adventures department onboard the ship.
Wrote one cruiser on Reddit: “I know it’s out of their control and I’m still looking forward to the rest of this cruise, but just wanted to vent a little. . . . EDIT: Disney came through – they added another stop at Hilo to make up for the cancellations. This is why I love traveling with Disney!!”
Weather Impacted Another Ship’s Operations in Kauai
The weather around Kauai has been problematic for several days. As Cruise Hive reported, rough seas played a role in an incident where a harbor pilot fell into the water as he was trying to board a Princess Cruises’ ship on February 10, 2026.
In that case, Emerald Princess was preparing to enter the port on Kauai as the harbor pilot was coming aboard. He was retrieved from the water quickly and was uninjured.
Even in Europe, high winds and storms are impacting some itineraries. MSC Cruises’ MSC Splendida was unable to dock in Marseille, France, on February 15, due to high winds.
Following the Honolulu to Vancouver cruise, Disney Wonder will depart the Canadian port on February 26 and return to her homeport of San Diego, where she will operate a series of voyages to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.
Disney Wonder is one of seven ships in the cruise line’s fleet; she entered service in 1999.
Marella Voyager remained in Las Palmas overnight unexpectedly due to rough weather.
The extended stay cancelled the ship’s visit to Arrecife the following day.
During her new overnight visit, the ship had to close gangways to transfer to a different berth.
Marella Voyager‘s current 7-night “Canarian Flavours” sailing has not been quite as flavorful as guests may have hoped, as poor weather has kept the ship in port unexpectedly overnight and forced the cancellation of another port visit.
Guests onboard were notified of the change via loudspeaker announcements as well as a letter delivered to their staterooms over the weekend regarding the adjustments.
“We can confirm that it is not possible for Marella Voyager to call to the port of Arrecife, Lanzarote, tomorrow the 15th February 2026 as a result of poor weather conditions,”the letter explained.
“The weather forecast tonight continues to deteriorate significantly which does not ensure the safety of maneuvers due to high winds. So, we will remain in the shelter of the port, here in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria overnight until 17.00 [5 p.m.] tomorrow.”
Marella Voyager is homeported in the Canary Islands, offering departure options from both Tenerife and Las Palmas.
The ship’s current weeklong sailing began on Friday, February 13, from Tenerife, and the visit to Las Palmas was the first port on the itinerary on February 14. Instead of moving on to Arrecife the next day, the ship remained in Las Palmas, giving guests the rare opportunity to enjoy the destination’s sparkling nightlife.
The weather in Arrecife on Sunday was indeed blustery. On the small island of Lanzarote, where the port of Arrecife is located, Weather Underground recorded that steady winds remained from 20-30 miles per hour throughout the day, only slowing slightly after 6 p.m.
Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands and a popular port for ships visiting the archipelago. Marella Voyager will return to Arrecife for her next visit on Sunday, February 22, weather permitting.
In the meantime, any excursions guests had booked through Marella Cruises for their time in Arrecife were cancelled automatically and refunded.
Marella Cruises Funnel (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
For the remainder of this cruise, no further changes are expected. Marella Voyager moved on to Puerto del Rosario on Monday, February 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a day at sea.
Wednesday, February 18 will be spent in Funchal from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while La Gomera is the final port visit on Thursday, February 19 from 1-7 p.m. The ship will return to Tenerife for debarkation on Friday, February 20.
The 77,300-gross-ton Marella Voyager is the newest ship for Marella Cruises, having just joined the line in 2023. She can welcome 1,912 guests aboard for each sailing.
Berth Shift Limits Gangway Access
While the ship did indeed remain in Las Palmas overnight, she did not remain in the exact same position.
“To facilitate this extended stay we are required to change berth within the port,”the letter explained.
This could have been due to previous scheduling conflicts, the facilities available to service the ship overnight, or ensuring the vessel was in as much of a protected position as possible for her longer stay.
To accommodate the move between berths, Marella Voyager pulled up her gangways from 10:30 p.m. until midnight during her overnight stay.
During those 90 minutes, the ship moved to her new location, where the gangways were again lowered for guests to come and go as they wished. This move was timed so that the disruption interfered with as few guests as possible and was accomplished without difficulty.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on similar occasions when cruise ship must remain sheltered in port, such as when Ambassador Group’s Ambitionremained overnight in Lisbon due to rough weather in mid-January.
When cruise ships have such last-minute changes with longer stays in port, every effort is made to keep the vessel at the same berth. If a change is necessary, it is done as quickly and efficiently as possible, and guests onboard Marella Voyager were not unduly inconvenienced.
Great things are coming for every brand under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) as the company has announced an agreement with Fincantieri for three new ships, one each for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The Italian shipbuilder will design and construct all three new ships, with delivery dates in 2036 and 2037.
The Norwegian Cruise Line ship will be the fourth in the upcoming as-yet-unnamed new class for the line, which Cruise Hive has previously reported.
The new class will be the largest ever built for Norwegian Cruise Line, with the first vessel slated to debut in 2030. At an expected 225,000 gross tons, the new class will rival Royal Caribbean’s famed Oasis class ships and each vessel should be able to welcome approximately 5,100 guests at double occupancy.
For Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas cruises, the new ships will both be sister ships to existing designs in new classes to debut in the next two years.
The Oceania Cruises’ new ship will be a sister ship to Oceania Sonata (debuting in 2027) first in the new Sonata class, while the new ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises will be a sister ship to Seven Seas Prestige, scheduled to debut in December 2026.
“Together with Fincantieri, a trusted partner for decades, we continue to advance a disciplined approach to fleet growth that builds on the strength of our brands, defines the future of cruising and elevates the guest experience for years to come,”said John W. Chidsey, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCLH.
Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
“This agreement secures access to valuable shipyard capacity through the end of 2037, supporting our long-term growth while maintaining financial discipline and driving sustainable shareholder value.”
By adding a new, upcoming ship to each of its brands, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is ensuring continued growth across the breadth of the cruise market, from the mass-market appeal of Norwegian Cruise Line’s megaships to the luxury experiences aboard the Oceania and Regent Seven Seas fleets.
17 New Ships Planned Across Three Cruise Lines
In total, Norwegian Cruise Line now has 17 newbuild ships on order with delivery dates as follows:
Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Luna (2026); Norwegian Aura (2027); Prima-plus (2028); New class (2030, 2032, 2034, 2036, 2037)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Prestige (2026); Prestige class (2030, 2033, 2036)
Adding new ships to each fleet is an important growth strategy for the company, ensuring appeal to all types of cruise guests. New ships offer new venues, features, and amenities that keep guests returning for future cruise vacations.
It should be noted that future cruise new build contracts are always subject to financing. This is a standard agreement but protects both the cruise line and the shipyard in case of financial conflicts or economic fluctuations.
In today’s competitive cruise market, however, it is imperative that cruise lines secure adequate shipyard space for the construction of future ships.
Shipyard logistics can be complicated, needing to accommodate not only new builds but also regularly scheduled dry dock operations as well as emergency repairs.
By placing these new build orders nearly a decade before construction would even begin on the three ships, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings continues to position itself for growth and innovation in the ever-expanding cruise industry.
Radiance of the Seas rescued six individuals west of Cuba on Sunday, February 15.
The individuals were in a small boat that was taking on water at the time of the rescue.
The cruise ship is currently on a 6-night cruise and no itinerary change is expected at this time.
While enjoying what was intended to be a quiet day at sea on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas sprang into action when a makeshift boat was spotted nearby taking on water.
Onboard were six individuals, all of whom were taken onto the cruise ship because their craft was not seaworthy.
Guests onboard Radiance of the Seasshared the tense scene on Reddit, noting that the stranded individuals appeared to be bailing water out of their craft as the cruise ship approached.
Satellite tracking confirms that the 90,090-gross-ton ship was just west of Cuba at the time of the encounter, and in fact, Radiance of the Seas backtracked slightly along her course in order to effect the rescue.
The incident happened at roughly 4:45 local time, when the cruise ship stopped briefly and sent a notification to authorities. The pilot boat from Radiance of the Seas was sent out to meet the smaller craft about an hour later and all six individuals were safely brought onboard the cruise ship.
It is not clear where the small craft originated from, though Cuba is the likely home country for these individuals. Cruise Hive has previously covered multiple similar rescues in the same general area from several cruise ships.
Radiance of the Seas Rescue (Photo Credit: Mike Hoglander)
This time of year is common for such incidents, as it is outside hurricane season and weather conditions, while never ideal for such small, makeshift boats, are smoother for desperate attempts.
What Happens to Rescued Individuals?
Once onboard, it is standard practice for rescued individuals to be given food, water, and any necessary medical care. The appropriate authorities are alerted to the situation and the individuals will be turned over to those authorities as soon as possible.
In some cases, this will mean dropping the individuals off at the next port of call, which for Radiance of the Seas will be Grand Cayman on Monday, February 16. This is what the ship’s captain has confirmed will be the case in this incident.
Another option would often be to rendezvous with the relevant authorities at sea for the individuals to be transferred into appropriate custody. This might be necessary if the cruise ship was not scheduled for another port visit before leaving the region or returning to the US.
Regardless of when and how refugees are submitted to authorities, the individuals are generally returned to their home country in accordance with local laws.
It should be noted that at no time are rescued individuals permitted in guest areas or furnished with the extravagant amenities of the cruise ship. They remain restricted to crew areas and kept under secure watch at all times, though they are not considered prisoners and are not confined to the brig.
Radiance of the Seas is currently sailing a 6-night itinerary that departed Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, February 14. The ship will visit Grand Cayman on Monday, followed by another day at sea before a visit to Cozumel on Wednesday, February 18.
After a third day at sea, Radiance of the Seas will return to Fort Lauderdale on Friday, February 20.
There is no indication that the ship’s itinerary will be impacted by this encounter, but guests onboard will be notified if any schedule adjustment is necessary. Radiance of the Seas can host up to 2,501 guests (double occupancy) per sailing.
A small delay or diversion is certainly worthwhile to safeguard all life, and cruise ships from all lines will always stand ready to assist those in need, anywhere in the world.
The February 16 departure of Celebrity Infinity has been cancelled following a technical issue and power loss.
Impacted guests are being given full refunds, future cruise credits, and other compensation.
The nature of the technical issue has not been confirmed but is strikingly similar to a fire and power loss in July 2025.
The day before embarkation can be a stressful one as cruise guests finish (or in my case, start) packing, travel to the cruise port, and otherwise prepare for their getaway.
For guests hoping to board Celebrity Infinity on Monday, February 16, 2026, however, the day before embarkation has become much more disappointing than stressful, as they have now been informed their sailing has been cancelled.
The decision to cancel the cruise comes shortly after the 90,940-gross-ton, Millennium Class ship suffered a technical failure at the end of the previous sailing. Cruise Hive has already reported on the resulting power loss and early debarkation for previous guests.
Now, the next cruise is completely cancelled as the ship will require more time to repair.
“During our previous voyage, the ship experienced a technical issue and while our experts have been working diligently, we need additional time to complete necessary assessments and repairs,”the email notification explained.
“After carefully considering all options, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the February 16th, 2026, sailing.”
The now-cancelled voyage was to have been an 11-night “Best of Greece” exploration visiting a number of Greek Isles destinations, including Mycenae, Crete, and Rhodes, along with stops in Cyprus and Turkey, before returning to Piraeus (Athens) on Thursday, February 26, with debarkation the next day.
Celebrity Infinity Letter
Celebrity Cruises has not yet elaborated on the nature of the technical issue or the type of repairs necessary to bring Celebrity Infinity back to full service.
Because the full 11-night sailing is cancelled rather than being offered as a shortened voyage, the repairs may be quite extensive or there may be a need for specialty parts or technicians to fully repair the ship.
Guests onboard the ship reported on Reddit that the “bravo bravo bravo” emergency call was heard at the time of the power outage. This call would typically indicate a fire onboard, but has not been confirmed.
Cruise Hive has reached out to Celebrity Cruises for more information and will provide updates as they are confirmed.
In July 2025, Cruise Hive reported a similar incident on Celebrity Infinity, when small fire resulted in a power outage and a dramatically adjusted itinerary with multiple ports cancelled while the ship underwent repairs.
Celebrity Infinity can welcome 2,170 guests onboard at double occupancy, and is also home to approximately 1,000 international crew members. No injuries to either guests or crew have been reported with this incident.
Generous Compensation Offered for Last-Minute Cancellation
Due to the last-minute nature of the full cruise cancellation, Celebrity Cruises is offering generous compensation to impacted guests.
“While we can’t give you back the time you invested in your vacation, we are committed to ensuring you feel fully supported as you adjust your plans,”the email said.
All guests booked on the February 16 departure of Celebrity Infinity will receive a full cruise refund, including all non-refundable deposits and pre-paid amenities such as internet access, drink packages, spa treatments, or shore tours.
Those refunds will be returned to the original form of payment within 14 business days. The exact processing time for refunds may vary depending on guests’ individual financial institutions.
All guests will also receive a future cruise credit (FCC) valued at 100% of their cruise fare. This amount does not include taxes or pre-paid amenities, but only the cruise fare.
The FCC will be valid for any Celebrity Cruises sailing within the next year. It does not need to be used for a future sailing aboard Celebrity Infinity or for a cruise in the Greek Isles, but can be used for any future Celebrity Cruises voyage on any ship in the fleet.
Furthermore, if guests booked flights through the cruise line, they will be contacted with updated travel details. Celebrity Cruises will also reimburse up to $200 (USD) for flight change fees for domestic flights or up to $400 for international flights if guests booked their flights independently.
Reimbursement for up to two hotel nights (up to $300 USD per night) will also be available as guests sort out their travel plans.
Finally, Celebrity Cruises is also providing guests with a credit of $100 USD per guest for up to two days to cover “incidentals” such as meals and other transportation.
Guests must submit receipts for air changes, hotels, and any incidental charges to Celebrity Cruises for reimbursement consideration.
At this time, there is no information concerning the ship’s next departure on February 27, a 10-night sailing. If the repairs are able to be completed before then, the sailing will likely move ahead without impact, or additional cancellations might be necessary if repairs take longer than expected.
When you talk about Alaska cruises, there’s one name that comes up again and again: Princess Cruise Lines. The brand has decades of experience offering cruises to The Last Frontier, plus owns a bevy of land-based lodges to further extend and enhance your vacation.
Currently, Princess Cruises operates nine cruise ships on its Alaska deployments: Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess and Star Princess. Obviously, that gives you a lot of options and they can feel overwhelming.
I’m here to help, breaking down everything you need to know about these nine ships, specifically what kind of Alaska experience you can expect on each, so you can make the best choice for your upcoming 2026-2028 cruise.
Ship Overview
Ship
Homeport(s)
Glacier Access
Best For
Coral Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Small‑ship fans, retirees, balcony lovers
Crown Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Mid‑size traditional cruising, value seekers
Discovery Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
New‑ship fans, couples, modern amenities
Emerald Princess
Los Angeles
Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point
Scenery lovers, sea‑day fans
Grand Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Budget cruisers, port‑intensive itineraries
Island Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Small‑ship, low‑stress cruising
Royal Princess
Seattle
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Amenity‑focused travelers, Seattle departures
Ruby Princess
San Francisco
Glacier Bay
West Coast/SF cruisers, promenade‑view fans
Star Princess
Seattle & Vancouver
Glacier Bay
Newest‑ship experience, activity seekers
Coral Princess
Coral Princess debuted in 2003 and was originally built specifically for cruises that pass through the Panama Canal. While the ship is up there in age, it was refurbished in 2019 and then again in 2024, and cruisers report that she feels fresh.
The ship is on the smaller side, with a capacity of just 2,000 guests. There are 1,545 staterooms, and 700 of those come with balconies (great for taking in the Alaskan scenery).
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Coral Princess
Cruisers love that this is a smaller ship, and rave about the high level of service that Princess Cruises is known for. Crowds are very minimal, and the average age is more in the retiree range.
Princess Cruises really goes all in on the land-based excursions during its Alaska sailings, and that remains the case on Coral Princess, so be sure to book a few.
Alaska Deployments
Starting at just around $100 USD per night, Princess Cruises offers Alaska deployments on Coral Princess that range in length from six to 17 nights, and leave from four departure ports: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier. Both one-way and round-trip cruises are available, visiting popular stops such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and more.
Coral Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Small ship with minimal crowds
Overall older ship
Plenty of balcony staterooms available
Smaller ships do ultimately feature fewer amenities/options
Crown Princess
Crown Princess is a little bit newer and bigger than Coral Princess. Originally launched in 2006, the ship holds just under 3,100 guests. The ship also recently received extensive renovations via a dry dock in December of 2025.
Crown Princess in Vancouver (Photo Credit: Lenic)
The renovations included the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub to the ship’s dining options and the EFFY Lounge and High-End Vault for shopping. The casino was also given an overhaul.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Crown Princess
Prior to the 2025 dry dock, guests on Crown Princess’s Alaska cruises complained heavily regarding the ship’s age and basic wear and tear throughout. However, the cruise line’s official statement on the dry dock notes that the ship underwent “general refurbishments,” so those issues should now be resolved.
As is to be expected, cruisers still rave about the ship’s crew on Crown Princess, and find the staterooms to be spacious. Balconies and suites are a favorite pick for Alaskan itineraries.
Alaska Deployments
Starting at around $144 per night, Crown Princess sails Alaska itineraries ranging in length from four to 17 nights. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Itineraries stop at popular ports like Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as Princess Cruises’ lodges in national parks near Denali and Mt McKinley.
Crown Princess Pros & Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Small ship with few crowds
Older ship despite recent refurbishments
Spacious staterooms
Few entertainment and dining options
Discovery Princess
Just like Crown Princess,Discovery Princess also underwent some refurbishments in late 2025 — but it’s not like the ship was in dire need of them. Its maiden voyage occurred in 2022. Still, the cruise line gave the ship new carpets, upholstery, and furnishings. The ship can hold 3,660 people and weighs in at 145,000 GT.
Discovery Princess in Ketchikan, Alaska (Photo Credit: Kenneth Sponsler)
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Discovery Princess
Expect scenic views aplenty and a newer ship that still feels fresh and luxurious when you sail to Alaska on Discovery Princess.
Even though it might be pricier, balcony rooms or mini-suites are a must, both for the extra space, as well as the wildlife watching opportunities.
A lot of Alaska itineraries have sea days, and while Princess Cruises ships don’t, by nature, have a lot of flashy, big features like a roller coaster or go-kart track on the top deck, they do offer enough for adults looking to relax to fill their time.
Kids and teens on the other hand… well, they might get bored while the adults spend their days at the Lotus spa or casino.
New Princess guests need to know that you should book your excursions for your next cruise on this vessel asap. While there aren’t a ton of people on this ship (at least not when you compare it to mega ships that can hold more than double the number of cruisers), travelers say the excursions book up fast.
Alaska Deployments
Discovery Princess travels to Alaska on seven to 17-night itineraries, starting at $112 per night. Departure ports for upcoming cruises include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Discovery Princess Pros & Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Newer ship that feels more luxurious than some of Princess Cruises’ older vessels
Many cruisers complain about long boarding processes
Highly rated service and staff
This cruise ship isn’t the most family-friendly
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess was launched in 2007 and can fit 3,090 people across its 1,546 staterooms. The ship received a large refurbishment in 2019, and then was dry docked in 2025 for some basic maintenance.
Emerald Princess (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock)
As of 2025, cruisers reported that Emerald Princess, while not exactly new, is still well-maintained. Some compared the experience that you’ll find on Emerald Princess to what you might get on a Celebrity Cruises Solstice-class ship.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Emerald Princess
This ship straddles the line between new and truly old, so expect a clean, overall beautiful ship, but without anything flashy.
You’ll experience glaciers via the panoramic views available on the ship’s upper decks, and while many say that they love the views from their balcony cabins, others note that you may not want to spend all that much time on them if the Alaska weather isn’t quite balmy enough.
Many cruiser reviews also mention small bathrooms and cramped cabins, which is fairly expected given the ship’s age, and if you book an interior cabin specifically. Plenty of shore excursions are available, and the on-staff naturalist earns high praise.
Emerald Princess Alaska Itineraries
There are relatively few Alaska itineraries on Emerald Princess. You have a dozen options, starting at $104 per night, with cruises ranging from seven to 16 nights. Uniquely, this ship offers cruises that depart from Los Angeles.
These itineraries leave Los Angeles before spending four days at sea, arriving in Juneau and then heading to Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, the Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan, before spending another day at sea, arriving in Victoria, Canada, and then spending another three days at sea before ending up back in LA. It’s a great option for those who love sea days!
Emerald Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Well-maintained ship
A bit lackluster, even if it is in good condition
Alaska-specific programming and excursions receive high praise
Cruisers report small cabin sizes
Grand Princess
Grand Princess is Princess Cruises’ oldest ship in operation, launched in 1998. It holds 2,610 guests and offers just over 1,300 staterooms. There are 17 decks, a handful of dining options and bars, and relatively minimal entertainment options.
Grand Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Macklin Holloway)
In 2019, Grand Princess underwent a significant refurbishment, which added several new dining venues and refreshed public spaces. In 2025, another dry dock took place, touching up the ship where needed without making any major overhauls.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Grand Princess
While the ship is a bit dated, it’s still managed to keep pace with most mid-size traditional cruise ships of a similar class. Many cruisers find that the on-board experience on Grand Princess, though, is a bit “meh.”
All the fun here is really in getting off the ship and into port — so this might be a good ship for you if you prefer seeing and doing as much as possible in the destinations on your itinerary, and you’re not really keen on sea days.
Though if you do end up with an itinerary with a sea day, check out the One5 lounge at the ship’s aft for the views. Don’t miss the wrap-around promenade on Decks 7 and 8 for good views, too. You’ll enjoy unobstructed scenery and be protected from the elements if it happens to be raining.
Grand Princess Alaska Itineraries
Starting at just $92 per night, you can book cruises to Alaska on Grand Princessthat last anywhere from seven to 15 nights, inclusive of on-land experiences at Princess Cruises’ various lodges. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Grand Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
As this is the oldest ship in the fleet, its cruises are often more affordable
For its age, the ship has been well-maintained
For its age, the ship has been well maintained
Décor and furnishings are dated
Island Princess
Still not exactly new, Island Princess launched in 2003, with room for just 2,210 guests — so if you prefer a truly small cruise ship, this may just be the best option for you. There are 16 decks and approximately 1,100 staterooms, with more than half of those staterooms offering balconies.
Island Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Brian Logan Photography)
Given the ship’s age and size, there’s not much in the way of dining and entertainment, and there are only three pools to some of the other Princess Cruises’ ships’ four. However, when you have so few guests to keep occupied, it isn’t too much of an issue.
The ship was last majorly refurbished in 2015, an effort that added extra staterooms. More recently, minor enhancements were made in 2024.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Island Princess
The ship’s small capacity, as well as its updated layout, make for an uncrowded, stress-free experience. It’s easy to get around and doesn’t feel overwhelming. If you can snag one, grab one of the cabins that were added in 2015, for a newer feel.
Then, as far as those iconic Alaskan views go, if you opt for an oceanview cabin versus a balcony, also consider getting one at the ship’s aft, where the window isn’t positioned directly over the bed (because how are you supposed to enjoy the view that way?). Ocean views aplenty can also be found throughout the public spaces.
Island Princess Alaska Itineraries
Starting at just around $90, you can book an Alaskan cruise on Island Princess that lasts between seven and 14 nights, inclusive of on-land experiences. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Island Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Small ship that’s easy to get around
Not a ton of bars or entertainment options
Plenty of spaces to enjoy the scenery
Princess Cruises is not the best cruise line for children or others looking for lots to do
Royal Princess
This 2013 cruise ship holds over 3,500 guests and is the lead ship for Princess Cruises’ Royal Class. It offers 1,780 staterooms over 19 decks and a decent number of restaurants, entertainment venues, bars and other public spaces, at least compared to many of the cruise line’s other ships.
Photo Credit: Just dance
If you’re sailing on Royal Princess during the 2026 Alaska season, you’ll experience the ship as it has been for the last several years (the last major refurbishment occurred in 2018). However, those potentially booking a 2027 Alaskan cruise will be delighted to learn that this ship is slated for a late 2026 dry dock.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Royal Princess
Expect lots of great views, especially if you have a balcony cabin. Want to enjoy the views with a drink in hand? Visit the Horizon Terrace and Outriggers Bar, says one cruiser, explaining that this is where you can find outdoor dining steps from the buffet, couches, overhead cover and full bar service. It’s a true hidden gem spot on the Lido deck.
Then, when the ship stops in Glacier Bay, go to the open deck behind the buffet, at the far aft, for the best views possible.
The ship departs mostly from Seattle, which makes it a bit of an outlier. If you’ve been holding off on booking a Princess Cruises Alaska cruise because it seems like all the ships depart out of either Canada or even Alaska itself, then this is the ship for you.
Royal Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Larger than some of Princess Cruises’ other ships that go to Alaska, so more amenities and options
Larger ships mean more crowds, which some say are particularly bad in the bars
Plenty of departure options out of Seattle
Not the newest ship available, and won’t be refreshed until late 2026
Ruby Princess
This 2008 cruise ship holds just over 3,000 guests and offers over 1,500 staterooms across 19 decks.
Photo Credit: Macklin Holloway
In 2023, the cruise ship received a refurbishment that affected many public spaces, the casino and basic furnishings and décor to a degree. However, in 2024, cruisers were still saying it needed more work.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Ruby Princess
Regardless of the ship’s age, some say that age comes with a benefit: The ship has a better promenade deck and better views compared to some of Princess Cruises’ newer ships, particularly those in the Royal class — ideal for viewing the scenery during an Alaskan cruise.
Still, this might not matter all that much if you have a balcony stateroom, and especially if you’re most excited to enjoy the views of Glacier Bay. This is when the ship will be completely turned around, 180 degrees, so that guests on all sides of the ship can see the sights.
Ruby Princess Alaska Itineraries
Ruby Princess’s Alaska deployments are all fairly long, with your options starting at 10-night cruises and going up to a 20-night cruise option. Fares start at under $100 per night.
Meanwhile, all the ship’s itineraries leave from San Francisco. As such, this ship is really only going to be your best option if it’s easiest for you to get to San Fran versus the Pacific Northwest.
Ship Name Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Offers great views from a range of public spaces
Only departs from San Francisco
Cruisers love the offered on-ship experiences and excursion options
Some feel the ship is slightly outdated
Star Princess
Star Princessis the newest ship that Princess Cruises is deploying to Alaska at this time. The ship took its inaugural voyage in late 2025.
As the second Sphere-class ship, if you care about a certain level of newness and luxury on your cruises, this is hands-down the ship you’re going to want to pick for your upcoming Alaska cruise.
Star Princess Cruise in Alaska
The ship is also the largest Princess ship sailing to Alaska. It can hold 4,300 passengers with its more than 2,150 staterooms. Star Princess offers a multitude of dining and entertainment options, so even if you end up on an itinerary with a ton of sea days, you’ll never get bored.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Star Princess
Honestly, an Alaska cruise on this ship might be a little overwhelming due to all the options. You want to see all the ship’s amazing features, but you also want to be out in port, exploring what you actually came to see: Alaska!
However, if this sounds like a perk to you, rather than a downside, you’ll be right at home. Those who prefer a more relaxed experience may want to chill on a smaller ship.
Star Princess Alaska Itineraries
There are only four currentStar Princess itineraries to Alaska. There are several seven-night cruises leaving from Seattle and one nine-night cruise departing from Vancouver. Cruises start at $129 per night.
Star Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Ship is brand-new
Because the ship is brand-new, fares can be higher
