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Cruising Booms in New Orleans as Port NOLA Tops One Million Passengers Again

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruising Booms in New Orleans as Port NOLA Tops One Million Passengers Again

Key Aspects:

  • The Port of New Orleans welcomed more than one million cruise passengers in 2025.
  • This is the ninth year in a row (disregarding the pandemic) that the port has hosted more than one million guests.
  • More and larger ships homeported from the Big Easy will help the record-breaking trend continue in 2026 and beyond.

Cruising from the Big Easy is getting more and more popular, and for the ninth year in a row, the Port of New Orleans has welcomed more than one million cruise guests.

In 2025, the port recorded a grand total of 1,067,407 cruise passenger movements, which includes both embarking and debarking travelers. While this is slightly down from the 1.2 million cruise passenger movements of 2024, it is still an amazing total for the year.

“Consistently surpassing one million cruise passenger movements speaks to the strength of New Orleans as a global cruise destination and the collaborative efforts that make this success possible,” said Beth Branch, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans.

In March 2025, the port saw its highest single-month total in history with more than 165,000 passenger movements. March is traditionally a busy month with ships booked at full capacity due to spring break vacations.

The previous record, in March 2023, was just over 155,000 cruise passenger movements.

Furthermore, the Port of New Orleans offers a very unique option for travelers as the only US homeport to offer both river cruising and ocean cruising. What a back-to-back (or more accurately, side-to-side) opportunity for cruise guests!

The continued growth shows the confidence of the cruise industry and showcases the strong partnerships between various lines and the port.

Read Also: New Orleans Cruise Port – Piers, Terminals, and Getting Around

“Reaching this milestone for the ninth time reflects both strong demand and the confidence our cruise line partners continue to place in Port NOLA,” said Steven Gauthier, Port NOLA Vice President of Cruise.

While the years 2020 and 2021 were not included in the timeline due to the pandemic-related cruise industry shutdown, this is a very impressive achievement for the sixth largest homeport in the US.

Looking Ahead at More Growth

As confidence in sailing from New Orleans continues to grow, even more travelers will look at Louisiana as an amazing homeport option.

Already, even more guests are expected to utilize Port NOLA in 2026 and beyond, thanks to increased departures from various cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean is again planning cruises from Louisiana, and Carnival Cruise Line has shifted ship deployments to bring the larger Carnival Dream to the homeport, replacing the smaller Carnival Valor.

Carnival Cruise Ship in New Orleans
Carnival Cruise Ship in New Orleans (Courtesy: Port of New Orleans)

“As we welcome the return of Royal Caribbean and prepare for increased capacity from Carnival, we anticipate meaningful growth in passenger volumes over the next several years,” confirmed Gauthier.

Also, sailing from New Orleans, either for port visits or homeport operations, are ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, and more.

Popular itinerary options include Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, as well as longer voyages to Panama and Costa Rica. River cruises include outstanding journeys along the famed Mississippi River.

Cruise Traffic Drives Economic Boom

Cruising has a strong economic impact on New Orleans and the surrounding region, contributing an estimated $445 million to the region through not only taxes, fees, and other direct financial benefits, but also through jobs, infrastructure improvements, and guest spending.

Because an estimated 90% of cruise guests travel from outside Louisiana when they set sail from New Orleans, this further contributes to economic health through hotel rooms and restaurants.

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“Cruising is a vital economic engine for our region, and with expanded service and larger ships on the horizon, Port NOLA is well positioned to deliver even greater value to Louisiana and the Gulf South,” said Branch.

While New Orleans does suffer from the challenges of hurricane season if storms threaten the Gulf Coast, hopefully, it will continue to be smooth and profitable sailing for the Big Easy and all cruise guests who enjoy the vibrant city before and after their vacations.

MSC Cruises Readies for Year-Round Presence From Dominican Republic

Donna Tunney
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MSC Cruises Readies for Year-Round Presence From Dominican Republic

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Cruises’ MSC Opera is set to deploy year-round to the Dominican Republic.

MSC Cruises is gearing up to deploy its MSC Opera to the Southern Caribbean on a year-round basis starting in November 2026.

The 2,150-guest ship, a Lirica-class vessel that entered service in 2004, will begin sailing 7- and 14-night cruises from La Romana, Dominican Republic, a growing port roughly 75 miles from the island’s capital, Santo Domingo.

Cruises will have few repeating ports, and the ship will embark guests not only in La Romana but also in other Southern Caribbean destinations, including Barbados and Martinique.

Operational details about the new deployment were revealed by cruise line executives during an international industry conference in Madrid on January 21, 2026.

“MSC Cruises first started calling in the Dominican Republic in 2014, so after more than ten years it is a proud a moment for me to speak about our new homeporting offering in La Romana,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises.

“MSC Cruises is committed to the Dominican Republic and this new program for the long term,” Onorato added.

The cruise line estimates that its year-round deployment will bring 120,000 international guests to La Romana annually, providing an economic boon to the region’s shops, restaurants, and local vendors. 

MSC Cruises initially disclosed its intention to have a year-round presence in the Caribbean in May 2025.

A Second MSC Ship Will Sail Region Seasonally

MSC Opera’s new homeport represents the line’s first year-round presence in the Southern Caribbean. She will not be the only MSC Cruises’ ship in the region during the 2026-27 winter season, since MSC Seaview will be sailing nearby.

The 4,132-guest ship will join MSC Opera on a seasonal basis, offering 7- and 14-night voyages roundtrip from Guadeloupe, Barbados, and Martinique.

MSC Opera’s first roundtrip cruise from La Romana will depart on November 16, 2026, and call at Catalina Island, Dominican Republic; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort de France, Martinique; Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe; and Tortola, BVI.

MSC Cruises On La Romana
MSC Cruises On La Romana

The ship will embark more guests during her call in Martinique on November 20, 2026, and begin a 14-night itinerary. Passengers who booked the 7-night trip will debark in La Romana on November 23, 2026, while those on the 14-night itinerary will continue on to destinations such as Samana, Dominican Republic; Virgin Gorda, BVI; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Catalina Island; and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Read Also: Eastern vs. Western Caribbean Cruise: Which Will I Prefer?

Similarly, guests can join the ship in Barbados and begin their 14-night cruise from there, with port calls to La Romana and other Southern Caribbean islands. Like other European-based cruise lines, MSC Cruises offers multiple embarkation ports in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Excursions Promise a Mix of Natural Attractions

In its latest announcement, MSC Cruises also detailed some of the attractions that guests sailing on MSC Opera will be able to experience as she plies the Southern Caribbean.

In La Romana, for instance, guests can explore the 16th-century village of Altos de Chavon, and from Catalina Island, they can book an excursion to Saona Island, which is part of the Cotubanamá National Park and famous for its pristine coral reefs.

Guests visiting Virgin Gorda can hike Gorda Peak National Park and swim at the famous Baths, a natural attraction known for its caves, grottos, and giant granite boulders.

In Martinique, guests can visit rum distilleries, explore rainforests, or just relax at one of many beaches.

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The Dominican Republic is a lively cruise destination and has several ports, with the main one being La Romana, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata, home to Amber Cove.

MSC Cruises is not alone in expanding its presence in the destination. Competitor line Costa Cruises deployed its 3,800-guest Costa Fascinosa at Santo Domingo starting in December 2025, however, it is a seasonal homeporting.

More Spectrum of the Seas Sailings Changed Due to Regional Tensions

Melissa Mayntz
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More Spectrum of the Seas Sailings Changed Due to Regional Tensions

Key Aspects:

  • A new round of sailings for Spectrum of the Seas are being adjusted to remove port visits to Japan.
  • In some cases, sailings are being shortened, while other cruises simply have substitute ports.
  • Royal Caribbean is offering compensation only for the most dramatically changed cruises.

Guests sailing on Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai over the next few months, hoping to visit iconic ports in Japan, are now being notified that their itineraries have changed, in some cases just weeks before departure.

With the ongoing tensions between China and Japan, including the travel advisory from China’s Foreign Ministry urging travelers to avoid Japan, the new itineraries avoid the Land of the Rising Sun but offer alternative ports whenever possible.

Impacted sailings are Shanghai departures between May 2026 and April 2027. Royal Caribbean has completely redesigned itineraries and shortened a number of voyages to better meet the regional needs and travel preferences at this challenging time.

Guests are being notified of the changes for impacted sailings.

“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, we’ve modified our upcoming sailing,” the notification emails read. “We’re excited to bring you this refreshed experience and appreciate your understanding, as itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruises to have a certain level of flexibility.”

Some sailings are more drastically impacted than others, and guests are posting their letters online. For example, on shorter sailings, a simple port swap may be possible. On some longer, more immersive itineraries to Japan, however, the entire cruise is shifted and may even be cut into shorter sailings.

For alternative ports, the following destinations in Japan are some that are being removed from multiple itineraries:

  • Okinawa
  • Fukuoka
  • Nagasaki
  • Kagoshima
  • Kumamoto

Instead, Spectrum of the Seas will be visiting ports in South Korea such as Busan, Jeju, Seoul, and Yeosu, depending on the exact sailing date and cruise route.

This is similar to changes made to other itineraries that were adjusted in December 2025, which Cruise Hive reported. It is not uncommon for cruise lines to make such sweeping changes just for a few months at a time in the hopes that tensions ease and the original itineraries can be maintained.

To be clear, not all Japan itineraries are impacted, and some sailings are still keeping their original ports. Which cruises are adjusted likely depends on overall demand and how individual cruises have been booked, as well as what adjustments are possible. It is also possible that additional cruises will be shifted in the coming weeks as additional plans can be made.

The Quantum-ultra-class Spectrum of the Seas can welcome 4,246 guests at double occupancy or up to 4,905 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. She is based year-round in Asia, offering seasonal sailings from Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Not All Guests Are Happy

While Royal Caribbean, and in fact all cruise lines, has the right to alter itineraries at any time for any reason, not all guests are happy with such drastic changes.

One guest, for example, had planned a surprise cruise for their family, who lives in South Korea. The original itinerary included a visit to Okinawa, Japan, but their now-adjusted cruise is going to Busan, South Korea instead.

Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas (Photo Credit: vbertiany)

“My family lives near Busan. we’ve been there like 100+ times. I even went to university there,” the guest explained on Reddit. “We know the city very well, honestly, we could probably arrange my father’s car at the port and just go home on that day.”

The guest is not arguing about the change, it’s just a particularly ridiculous situation for their specific travel plans and demonstrates that the adjustments may not work for every traveler.

Read Also: Japan Popularity Spurs Cruise Line to Open 2027 Bookings

Many other guests are expressing disappointment and frustration at missing highly-anticipated ports of call, but safety is always the primary consideration.

Compensation Offered for Some Changes, But Not All

On some sailings where the changes are particularly drastic, such as shortened voyages, Royal Caribbean is offering alternatives for guests to consider. This can include prorated cruise fares, onboard credit, and reimbursement for change fees related to flights, trains, or rental cars.

In some cases, rebooking on sailings closer to the original itinerary is also possible, but such opportunities will fill up quickly.

More From Cruise Hive:

Most of the changes, however, have no compensation available other than the standard refunding of port fees and taxes, which is common for any port cancellation.

Any shore tours booked through Royal Caribbean for now-cancelled ports will be cancelled and automatically refunded. Guests can investigate new tour options at their new destinations through the Royal Caribbean app or website.

Suite Description Error on Norwegian Luna Prompts NCL to Issue Compensation

Melissa Mayntz
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Suite Description Error on Norwegian Luna Prompts NCL to Issue Compensation

Key Aspects:

  • Several suites in Norwegian Luna’s The Haven were mistakenly listed as having three bedrooms when they only have two.
  • The cruise line is offering a $500 onboard credit as compensation for the description error.
  • There is no change to the amenities and overall size of the staterooms, just the number of bedrooms.

With Norwegian Luna‘s inaugural sailings coming up in just two months, booked guests are eagerly anticipating being the first to try out the ship’s features and amenities, including sleeping in her ultra-luxe staterooms.

Some of those staterooms, however, will not be quite what guests may be expecting. Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to travelers booked in Norwegian Luna‘s The Haven suites to clarify an incorrect description and what the staterooms actually include.

“It has come to our attention that The Haven H8 suite description was incorrect on our website and reservation system,” the cruise line explains. “It is not a three-bedroom suite, and the correct designation is H8: The Haven 2-Bedroom Duplex Suite with Large Balcony.”

The notification goes on to confirm that while the suite only features two bedrooms, it can easily accommodate up to six guests with one king bed, one queen bed, and a double sofa bed.

These staterooms are all located on Deck 15 inside the exclusive The Haven complex, where guests have 24-hour access to concierge and butler services as well as a private lounge, courtyard, sundeck, and The Haven Restaurant with its exclusive menus.

The size of the H8 staterooms varies slightly from 900-904 square feet, and each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows for outstanding ocean views along with the balcony space.

Norwegian Luna will officially set sail on her transatlantic maiden voyage on March 10, 2026, sailing from Rome to Miami. The new ship will remain homeported in Miami through March 2027, welcoming roughly 3,600 guests aboard for each voyage.

Compensation Offered for Mix-Up

Despite the fact that the H8 suites can still accommodate the number of guests initially advertised, Norwegian Cruise Line understands that the mix-up may be disappointing to some guests who were planning on a third bedroom.

To compensate for the misleading description (which has now been corrected on the cruise line’s website), guests booked in the impacted staterooms will receive a $500 non-refundable onboard credit to use during their stateroom.

Norwegian Luna Haven Duplex
Norwegian Luna Haven Duplex

The credit will be split as $250 for both the first and second guests booked in the H8 two-bedroom suites.

Read Also: How to Sleep Well During Your Cruise

This is a generous offer indeed, particularly since the only mix-up is in how the suites were described with respect to the overall number of designated bedrooms. The square footage, amenities, and guest capacity of the staterooms is unchanged.

Other Cruise Lines Have Made Similar Errors Without Compensation

Similar mistakes have happened for several other cruise ships, either at construction or following renovations when online descriptions or deck plans may no longer match what a particular vessel offers.

During the fall 2025 dry dock for Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, for example, 100 staterooms were converted to be adjoining cabins and guests were not notified or offered any compensation for the change.

While the update was a move to better accommodate larger groups and families, many guests had already booked specific cabins based on the staterooms not being connected to one another.

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Carnival Cruise Line did acknowledge that the online deck plans needed to be updated, but offered no compensation to travelers in the impacted rooms.

Other types of changes that might impact cruise staterooms could be conversion to accessible staterooms, changes in balcony size, adjustments that obstruct views, or updates that might remove some berths.

MSC World Europa Blocked From Port Calls by Mediterranean Cyclone

Catie Kovelman
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MSC World Europa Blocked From Port Calls by Mediterranean Cyclone

Key Aspects:

  • Cyclone Harry is stirring up trouble in the Mediterranean, bringing heavy winds, intense rains, and high swells.
  • This dangerous weather has forced MSC World Europa to skip its calls to Messina, Italy, and Valletta, Malta.
  • Not only does this impact current passengers, but also ruins the embarkation and disembarkation planned for Messina.

Due to bad weather in the Mediterranean caused by Cyclone Harry, MSC World Europa has had to cancel not one, but two, port calls.

The planned stops to Messina (Sicily), Italy, on January 20, 2026, and to Valletta, Malta, on January 21 were cancelled to ensure the safety and comfort of all onboard.

This has not only impacted the current 7-night sailings, which are being operated simultaneously, but also thrown a wrench into the scheduled embarkation and debarkation in Messina on January 20.

The up to 6,762 guests onboard were warned that a change was likely coming on January 16, so the itinerary change didn’t come as a surprise.

“Current forecasts indicate the development of a strong weather system bringing very rough seas, heavy swells, and strong to gale-force winds.” the cruise line wrote in a letter to current guests.

“These conditions may be encountered during our approach to the Messina Strait and are expected to intensify further during the subsequent navigation toward La Valletta,” the update explained.

Read Also: What You Should Know About Cruise Port Cancellations

The itinerary change was officially confirmed the following day, January 17, 2026, with the scrapped destinations replaced with other Italian destinations.

The 215,863-gross ton vessel called at Naples, Italy, on January 20, which is approximately 305 miles away from the intended destination.

On January 21, the MSC ship will proceed to Palermo, Italy, which is another gateway into Sicily (like Messina).

Impact to MSC World Europa Embarkation and Debarkation

Embarkations and debarkations for MSC World Europa routinely take place in Barcelona, Marseille, Rome, Genoa, and Messina, which was also supposed to take place on January 20 during the scrapped call to Messina.

“We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please rest assured that we will continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves,” MSC Cruises Emphasized.

MSC World Europa in Italy
MSC World Europa in Italy (Photo Credit: Artem Stepanov)

Guests who were meant to embark on their sailing in Messina on the 20th were offered a free shuttle transfer service to Naples to join the ship there, as well as a €25 euro (around $29 USD) per-person credit to cover lunch on land.

Alternatively, guests were given the option to join the MSC ship in Palermo on January 21. In return, they would receive a pro-rated refund for the missed night onboard.

Assistance would have also been provided to guests who would have had to adjust their travel plans after disembarking in Naples instead of Messina, although it’s not clear what form that aid came in at this time.

How Bad is the Storm?

Cyclone Harry formed and began causing intense rain and flooding in the Central Mediterranean on January 19, 2026.

Wind speeds have exceeded 74 miles per hour, with stronger gales reaching hurricane-level strengths. Swells of up to nine meters (around 29 feet) have also been reported.

The weather was so extreme that Italy’s Civil Protection Department issued a red alert for severe weather across Sardinia, Sicily, and Calabria and evacuated hundreds due to the deluge of rain and coastal flooding.

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For context, red alerts are the most severe weather advisory, which means the expected weather is very dangerous and meteorological phenomena have been forecast.

As of the early morning on January 21, Italy has downgraded these alerts to orange advisories, which are the second most severe. Though MSC World Europa was built to withstand rough seas, this is definitely a storm that nobody needs or wants to be caught in.

Petition Grows Against Proposed New Cruise Port in Tampa Bay

Melissa Mayntz
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Petition Grows Against Proposed New Cruise Port in Tampa Bay

Key Aspects:

  • A Change.com petition has been started against the new cruise port proposal on Florida’s west coast.
  • In just four days, more than 6,000 signatures have been added to the rapidly growing petition.
  • The new port is just a proposed idea at this point and no development has yet been confirmed.

While cruise travelers may be thrilled with the prospect of a new cruise port near Rattlesnake Key in Tampa Bay that would permit larger ships to sail from Florida’s west coast, not everyone is in favor of the idea.

Just days after the new cruise port was proposed, a Change.org petition has rapidly gathered more than 6,075 signatures against the development, hoping to stop the idea before it gains traction.

The petition has been started by a local resident of Manatee County, Corey McKeever, who has many fond memories of the region without industrial development.

“This beautiful natural sanctuary is more than just a place to swim, fish, and camp — it’s home,” McKeever said when describing the petition’s issue. “Building a cruise ship port here threatens not only our cherished personal experiences but also the fragile ecosystems supporting countless wildlife species.”

That fragile, unique ecosystem may be at great risk if the new port is developed. Issues related to water quality, marine habitats, coral reefs, nesting birds, and shoreline ecosystems are all of concern.

Furthermore, many local businesses rely on those ecosystems, including fisheries, fishermen, boating, campgrounds, and wildlife tours. McKeever is not against development overall, but advocates for more sustainable options.

Local infrastructure is also cited as a strong concern should a new port be developed, including what traffic that may bring to the region on already congested roads.

“As a Manatee County resident, I ask that you do not build this mega cruise port. It’s going to destroy our fragile ecosystems and stress our infrastructure beyond what it can handle,” one commenter described.

Knott Cowen tract
The Knott Cowen tract of land is the site of a proposed cruise port near Tampa.

Read Also: Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships in the World

It isn’t just the development of the port itself that is of concern, but also other supportive infrastructure such as parking, access roads, hotels, and retail establishments that would be drawn to the region with increased cruise traffic.

“This proposal conflicts with the character and vision of our community. Residents consistently express a desire to protect natural resources, support sustainable growth, and preserve the unique identity of our coastal region,” another commenter explained.

“A cruise port would introduce heavy industrial traffic, congestion, noise, and infrastructure strain that undermine those goals.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson have both been tagged in the petition but have not yet responded.

Port Proposal Still Conceptual

It should be noted that the new cruise port is just still a conceptual idea and no formal plans have yet been filed. The development would be on 328 acres of land known as the Knott-Cowen tract adjacent to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The bridge is what limits many cruise ships from utilizing Port Tampa Bay due to the height limit it imposes on ships entering the waterway to head to the cruise terminal.

A new cruise port would be able to welcome larger, more modern ships that have lower emissions and more sustainable operation. This could include Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class, Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class, and MSC Cruises’ World-class ships.

According to the informational website for the Knott-Cowen Cruise Port, the actual land of Rattlesnake Key would not be developed and no construction would be on the island itself to help protect the wetlands and wildlife.

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“Environmental protection is a core component of the project,” the website clarifies. “The combination of the conservation of Rattlesnake Key and implementing modern infrastructure standards represents a model that balances economic growth with long-term environmental stewardship.”

Many different studies and comment periods will be necessary before the project might move forward. Once construction would begin, it would take at least 3-5 years before the port could welcome its first cruise ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line Goes Big With FIFA World Cup 26 Programming

Donna Tunney
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Norwegian Cruise Line Goes Big With FIFA World Cup 26 Programming

Key Aspects:

  • All ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet will offer live broadcasts of the FIFA matches.
  • Two channels will enable guests to watch more than one match at a time.
  • The games will be held between June 11 and July 19, 2026.

Add another cruise line to the growing list of brands that will broadcast the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 26, which gets underway at the height of the 2026 summer season.

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that guests sailing on any of the ships in its fleet will enjoy live broadcasts of the games, which will be played between June 11 and July 19, 2026.

“This is a unique moment that unites nations like no other event,” said Gary Anslow, Vice President and Head of UK & Ireland at Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Whether guests are cheering for their home team or simply soaking up the exciting spirit of the tournament, we want to make sure no one misses out on these historic moments while exploring the world with us,” Anslow added.

NCL passengers will be able to watch the matches during their at-sea vacation in their staterooms as well as in certain public areas.

In fact, the cruise line is taking a three-pronged approach to the big event. First, since some of the matches will be held simultaneously, each ship will offer two channels that will broadcast all of the live games, giving guests access to more than one match.

And for those who might be otherwise engaged during a scheduled match — on a shore excursion, for instance, or enjoying a wellness treatment in the spa — each game can be recorded and then replayed at the guest’s convenience during the 24 hours immediately following a match.

Cruise Ships to Show World Cup
Cruise Ships to Show World Cup

Finally, since it’s likely that not every passenger will be interested in watching the FIFA matches, each ship will provide what the line calls “peaceful places to unwind” without the exuberant presence of sports-minded fellow guests.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s January 20, 2026, announcement of its FIFA plans does not indicate which specific venues or public spaces will be designated as gathering places to watch the matches.

Guests Can Choose From Many Norwegian Itineraries

Norwegian Cruise Line ships offer a slew of itineraries that will operate during the FIFA matches. The 4,000-guest Norwegian Bliss, for example, will sail a 7-night Alaska cruise roundtrip from Seattle from June 13 to 20, 2026, calling at Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Read Also: The Different Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Classes

Norwegian Bliss in the UK
Norwegian Bliss in the UK (Photo Credit: Wayleebird)

Guests looking for a tropical vibe can choose the 2,180-guest Pride of America as she sails a 7-night Inter-Island Hawaii cruise roundtrip from Honolulu. Passengers can watch the matches as the ship sails to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai from June 20 to 27, 2026.

In Europe, the 4,070-guest Norwegian Epic will broadcast the games as the ship cruises from Rome to Barcelona from July 5 to 12, 2026 on a 7-night itinerary calling at Salerno, Catania, and Livorno, Italy, and Nice and Marseille, France.

Other Cruise Lines Offer Similar FIFA Opportunities

While the tournament is still months away, other cruise lines across the globe are preparing for the popular matches, too.

In December 2025, several Carnival Corporation brands revealed that their ships would broadcast all of the live games in staterooms and in designated public spaces.

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Princess Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and P&O Cruises will offer live programming via the Sport 24 Special Event Channels.

On Cunard ships, for instance, the Golden Lion pub and The Pavilion will be the gathering places to watch the live matches, P&O Cruises will show the matches in its ships’ Brodie’s and SkyDome venues, and Holland America Line ships will broadcast some games in the World Stage theater and on the Lido Deck screens.

Meyer Turku Begins Building Royal Caribbean’s Fifth Icon Class Ship

Lissa Poirot
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Meyer Turku Begins Building Royal Caribbean’s Fifth Icon Class Ship

Key Aspects:

  • Meyer Turku shipbuilders officially began construction on Royal Caribbean’s fifth Icon Class ship.
  • The steel-cutting ceremony took place on January 19, 2026, with representatives from Royal Caribbean Group on hand.
  • The initial steel cutting signals the first production phase of the vessel, scheduled for delivery in summer 2028.

Royal Caribbean’s fifth Icon ship is officially underway! On January 19, 2026, workers at Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, began construction on the cruise line’s vessel, cutting the first pieces of steel that will be used as the building blocks of the ship’s hull and framework.

The traditional steel-cutting ceremony was held in the shipyard’s steel hall and was attended by representatives from Royal Caribbean Group, the Meyer Turku organization, and the classification society responsible for certifying the vessel’s construction standards.

Worth Reading: Royal Caribbean Shares How Modern Cruise Ships are Really Built

The event marks the formal start of more than two years of construction and outfitting work that will involve thousands of professions that culminate in a beautiful new ship.

“The initial cut of steel kicks off the official start of production and the multiyear journey ahead, where thousands of experts across design, naval engineering, architecture, and more will come together to make the world’s best family vacation a reality,” said Royal Caribbean in its announcement.

Added Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, “Icon 5 is further proof of Meyer Turku’s unique ability to design and build ships of the future.”

Icon 5 steel cutting
Workers at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland at the steel cutting for Royal Caribbean’s fifth Icon Class ship. (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)

Once completed, the vessel will become the fifth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class. While the cruise line has not yet released the ship’s name, passenger capacity, or onboard features, it will share more details as Meyer Turku continues construction phases.

Read Also: What Are Royal Caribbean’s Icon-Class Cruise Ships?

The next major milestone will be Icon 5’s keel laying, which typically follows 6 to 12 months from steel cutting. The ship, which will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), is scheduled to be delivered to Royal Caribbean in summer 2028.

Icon Class Momentum Continues

Construction on Icon 5 comes as Royal Caribbean continues to move forward with multiple ships in the Icon Class pipeline. The class debuted with Icon of the Seas in 2024 and has since become the cruise line’s flagship platform, with new ships entering service on an almost annual schedule.

Icon Class vessels are built exclusively at Meyer Turku and rank among the largest cruise ships ever constructed. So far, each completed ship comes in at 248,663 gross tons and have the capacity to hold 5,610 guests at double capacity.

Three Icon-Class Cruise Ships
Three Icon-Class Cruise Ships

While Royal Caribbean has not confirmed whether Icon 5 will introduce new design changes, the company has previously indicated that each ship in the class may incorporate refinements based on experience from earlier vessels.

The fourth Icon Class ship also recently entered a significant new phase of its build at the Finnish shipyard. On January 9, interior work launched, with the installation of modular cabins that will create 2,800 staterooms.

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Icon 4 is expected to enter service in 2027, one year ahead of Icon 5. When delivered, the new ships will join Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas.

Although no official order is in place, Royal Caribbean has an option with Meyer Turku to reserve build space for a sixth and seventh Icon Class ship in a deal that extends the partnership into 2036, indicating big things are on the horizon for the fleet.

Cruise Travelers Warned as Mexico Implements Strict Vape Crackdown

Catie Kovelman
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Cruise Travelers Warned as Mexico Implements Strict Vape Crackdown

Key Aspects:

  • Mexico has officially banned the marketing, importation, and sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes.
  • Cruisers who bring these devices ashore may be seen as illegally importing these products.
  • Penalties for violations could include confiscation, detainment, hefty fines, and even jail time.

If you’re cruising to Mexico, you may want to leave your vaping device at home. As of January 17, 2026, a new law banning the importation, sale, and distribution of vapes and e-cigarettes has gone into effect.

This comes after legal reforms regarding this matter were passed by Mexico’s Senate in December 2025.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo published a constitutional reform to the General Health law in the Official Gazette of the Federation on January 16, 2026, noting that the decree would be effective the following day.

“The law will penalize all activities related to electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and other analogous electronic systems or devices specified by law, as well as the production, distribution, and sale of toxic substances, chemical precursors, the illicit use of fentanyl, and other unauthorized synthetic drugs,” the amendment states.

This builds upon a smoking ban that was implemented in 2023, which prohibits smoking and vaping in all enclosed public places, as well as beaches, parks, and public transportation.

What This Means for Cruisers

If a cruise guest were to bring a vape or e-cigarette ashore during a port call, even for personal use, they could still be in violation of Mexico’s new law.

The issue is that when cruisers go through the Mexican customs process to enter the country with their vapes, they have technically just illegally imported the product.

Cruise Pier in Cozumel, Mexico
Cruise Pier in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

“As of January 16, 2026, Mexico is enforcing a nationwide ban on the importation and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes,” Margaritaville at Sea has advised guests booked on Mexico-bound sailings.

“While private possession within the country may still be legal, the key issue for travelers is entering Mexico through customs—including airports and cruise ports,” the cruise line continued.

The ban also applies to all types of vapes, including disposables, refillable models, pods, and even non-nicotine devices.

Possible Penalties For Lawbreakers

If guests are caught, they could see their devices confiscated, face hefty fines of up to $12,500, and/or detainment. The crime is also punishable by up to eight years in prison.

Some cruise fans have already reported that their vapes were confiscated when they attempted to bring them into the country.

“I was stopped at the airport and lost my vape. Was worth a try but did not work out for me. Not gonna try it on my December Panorama cruise with 4 Mexican ports,” one Carnival cruiser shared on social media.

Others did say that they have managed to sneak their vapes into Mexican ports, but doing so is a big risk.

Can Guests Still Vape on Cruise Ships?

For the most part, passengers should still be able to have their vapes onboard cruises to Mexico as long as they don’t bring the devices ashore.

More From Cruise Hive

While every cruise line has slightly different policies, guests generally are allowed to smoke and vape in designated areas during their sailings.

Usually, only regular tobacco-based vapes are permitted and guests must still be of legal age (21 in the US) in order to use them onboard. However, it’s always important to confirm the policies for your specific sailing with the cruise line directly.

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