Blog Page 7

Shipyard Provides Insider Update on Carnival Festivale Construction

Melissa Mayntz
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Shipyard Provides Insider Update on Carnival Festivale Construction

Key Aspects:

  • A unique behind-the-scenes update on Carnival Festivale‘s construction has been shared from the Meyer Werft shipyard.
  • The ship’s azimuth thruster pods are now installed, but there are no propellers in place yet.
  • Ongoing construction updates give cruise guests a look at the new ship and build excitement for her May 2027 debut.

The Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany has provided a unique insider’s look at the construction of Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming fourth Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale.

In a one-minute video released on Friday, August 7, 2026, the team shows the intricate process of installing one of the propulsion pods on the ship’s hull, a critical step in the ship’s construction.

The video opens with the pod being firmly attached to appropriate cranes and rigging so it can be lifted into place, with engineers and construction workers overseeing every step of the process.

Just before the pod is secured in place, purple Loctite 128068 is applied to the joint. This purple, acrylic-based anaerobic flange sealant “cures when confined in the absence of air between close-fitting metal surfaces.”

The video also shows that the first propulsion pod is already mounted and firmly in place. Carnival Festivale (and all her Excel-class sisters in the Carnival fleet) has two azimuth thrusters that will eventually propel her 182,800 gross tons.

While the installation process is fascinating and something that cruise guests don’t typically witness, background action in the video is equally intriguing.

Carnival Festivale Pod Propulsion
Carnival Festivale Pod Propulsion (Photo Credit: Meyer Werft)

At several points, welding can be seen underway, confirming that multiple steps are going on simultaneously on these huge construction projects.

The 20-to-24-second mark of the video shows the words “Carnival Festivale” on the ship’s aft hull in the background. The letters have not yet been painted, and scaffolding hangs above them, but there is no doubt which ship is featured.

It may be a surprise to cruise guests that the azimuth thrusters do not yet have propellers, but they will before the ship is complete.

“The final propellers will only be installed shortly before the launch,” the shipyard explained. “Once the facility is complete, the pods generate so much thrust that the Carnival Festivale reaches a top speed of 21.5 knots – almost 40 km/h [25 miles per hour].”

Carnival Festivale Pod Propulsion
Carnival Festivale Pod Propulsion (Photo Credit: Meyer Werft)

Construction Updates Share Ship Progress

Meyer Werft and Carnival Cruise Line have shared several key moments in Carnival Festivale‘s construction process. The steel was first cut for the ship on April 8, 2025, while the keel was laid less than a year ago, on August 14, 2025. This was the first step in the actual physical assembly of the vessel.

By mid-February 2026, all 949 crew cabins had been completed for the vessel and work was set to begin on guest staterooms. The cabins were manufactured off-site and would later be installed in the ship.

The ship’s massive engines were installed in March 2026 and in April 2026, a sneak peek inside the shipyard showed that most of the ship’s hull was complete and being pieced together.

Sharing such progress can help build excitement and anticipation for a new vessel as well as help guests feel connected to the ongoing construction process.

When Will Carnival Festivale Be Complete?

Still ahead in the ship’s construction are more internal and external details and installations, as well as hull painting and interior design. Carnival Festivale is scheduled to welcome her first guests on May 19, 2027 for a 4-night Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral.

Before that maiden voyage, the ship will undergo her final outfitting, pass her sea trials, be delivered to the cruise line, bring crew onboard, and make her first transatlantic voyage to her Florida homeport.

Schedules can change, however, and it is possible the vessel may debut sooner or later than expected. Shipyard schedules, labor disputes, supply chain issues, severe weather, and other factors all impact the exact timing of these complex operations.

Once in service and after her unique 4-night maiden voyage, Carnival Festivale will offer 6- and 8-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries visiting ports such as Amber Cove, St. Thomas, San Juan, and St. Maarten, depending on sailing date. Each cruise is also scheduled to visit Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s private destination in the Bahamas.

Cruise Ship Overboard Alert Ends in Relief for Guests and Crew

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Ship Overboard Alert Ends in Relief for Guests and Crew

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Grandiosa had a false overboard alarm early Thursday night, August 6, 2026 on her way to Palma de Mallorca.
  • The ship immediately began search operations and a full headcount of all guests and crew members.
  • It was ultimately determined to be a false alarm and the ship resumed sailing with no itinerary disruption expected.

Guests and crew members onboard MSC Grandiosa went into high alert early Thursday night with a man overboard alarm. The ship is currently nearing the end of a 7-night Western Mediterranean sailing that departed Palma de Mallorca, Spain on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Port visits have included Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, La Spezia, and Civitavecchia (Rome), but Thursday, August 6 was a full day at sea as the ship makes her way back to Palma de Mallorca for debarkation on Friday, August 7.

The overboard alert was issued just before 11 p.m. and crew members immediately implemented emergency procedures. According to posts on Reddit from guests onboard the ship, guests were asked to return to (or remain in) their staterooms while a full headcount was conducted by stateroom stewards.

Crew members were also required to scan their identification cards. Multiple announcements in different languages were made to locate crew members who did not scan in right away. This would not be unusual, as crew members work different shifts and some individuals may not have heard the initial announcements.

The closest authorities were alerted to the situation, and a rescue helicopter was dispatched to help with the search.

MSC Grandiosa Track
MSC Grandiosa Track

At the time, MSC Grandiosa was roughly 110 miles east of Palma de Mallorca, heading southwest on her return route to her homeport. Satellite tracking confirms that the ship slowed and doubled back on her course briefly as she began search operations.

The 181,541-gross-ton Meraviglia Plus-class cruise ship can welcome 4,842 guests at double occupancy or up to 6,334 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are approximately 1,700 international crew members.

False Alarm Confirmed

After about two hours of counting and emergency searching, the ship’s captain announced that all guests and crew were accounted for and the overboard was a false alarm.

While no one enjoys a late-night emergency, this resolution is the best possible outcome for everyone on the ship and there was undoubtedly relief and happiness from both guests and crew members that there was no one overboard.

MSC Grandiosa Cruise Ship
MSC Grandiosa Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Gabriel S Fernandes)

MSC Grandiosa has resumed course for Palma de Mallorca at 19 knots (roughly 22 miles per hour) with an estimated time of arrival of 6 a.m. Friday morning. That time may be updated as the ship’s speed varies in her approach to the port, but there appears to be no delay that will impact debarkation.

Read Also: What Happens When Someone Goes Overboard on a Cruise Ship?

Likewise, there is no impact to the next sailing that will depart on Friday afternoon. That cruise is another 7-night sailing to the same port destinations.

False Alarms Uncommon But a Good Outcome

It is always troubling when there is an overboard alert, but false alarm situations do happen occasionally. Situations vary, but such instances may be caused by debris in the water that might look like a person or if a person briefly seems to be missing and is reported as possibly overboard.

In March 2026, Cruise Hive reported on a false alarm overboard that turned out to be a teen prank on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Fortunately, the situation was quickly noted as false and the ship’s itinerary was not impacted.

This incident with MSC Grandiosa is not the first false alarm for an MSC Cruises ship in 2026. In March, MSC Seashore initiated search operations after a report of a possible man overboard that turned out to be false. That emergency response was similar to MSC Grandiosa‘s reaction with a headcount for all guests and crew members.

Time is always critical when an overboard situation occurs. Even if an incident turns out to be a false alarm, it is vital that search operations, including slowing the ship and headcounts, begin immediately to have the best possible chance of locating and rescuing anyone who may be overboard.

Legend of the Seas Skips Naples Twice in Two Weeks

Catie Kovelman
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Legend of the Seas Skips Naples Twice in Two Weeks

Key Aspects:

  • Legend of the Seas has cancelled its visit to Naples, Italy, for the second time across two back-to-back sailings.
  • The Icon-class ship is reportedly unable to dock due to damage to port infrastructure.
  • Instead, the Royal Caribbean ship is swapping in Marseille, France, as a replacement port.

For the second sailing in a row, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship is skipping its planned call to Naples, Italy.

Cruise Hive reported that the recently-launched Legend of the Seas cancelled its visit to Naples that was scheduled for July 28, 2026, during the ship’s previous 8-night sailing.

Once again, current guests sailing onboard the 5,610-passenger ship have received the same news. The newest Icon-class ship was forced to cancel its planned visit on August 7, 2026, due to issues with the pier.

“Unfortunately, due to complications with the main pier, it seems that the ship will not be docking in Naples this time around,” a tour provider in Naples posted on Facebook.

“I was on board the July 25th cruise and reported that the ship was turned away from Naples…Well, here we go again. Naples cannot accommodate the ship. Major failure,” a cruiser also shared on Reddit.

According to current guests, there is damage to pier infrastructure that prevents the port from accommodating a ship as massive as Legend of the Seas, which is tied with its sisters for the title of biggest cruise ship in the world.

“It will be pier damage. Ability to moor and secure a ship the size of Legend,” one current passenger stated while discussing the cause.

Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas (Photo Credit: Jouni Niskakoski)

At this time, the extent of the damage and when repairs will be completed is unknown.

The port schedule shows that the 248,663-gross ton ship is supposed to return to Naples two more times in August,  four times in September, and four times in October, which suggests more cancellations are coming if the issue isn’t corrected.

Ship Size is a Barrier

The Port of Naples is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean Sea, welcoming millions of passengers each year. It’s a sizable port with seven docking piers spanning a total length of 1,100 meters at the main cruise terminal area.

But while there are multiple piers, only one is able to accommodate a ship as large as Legend of the Seas.

“Today, they were considering docking the ship at a secondary pier, but it is probably too large,” the tour operator wrote in the comments of their earlier post.

“Legend will only fit on one dock/berth in Naples and that dock is damaged and unsafe. Was on the ship last week when we were told at 11pm night before,” a recent guest echoed.

Adding another layer of difficulty, two other ships are scheduled to be in Naples on August 7, including Brilliance of the Seas and Viking Star. A busy day can make it harder to shuffle things around at the last minute.

Per cruise tracking data, Naples is still accepting smaller vessels. As of the time of this writing, MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina was docked at the Italian port.

Marseille Becomes Replacement Port

As with the previous cancellation, the Royal Caribbean ship will be replacing Naples with a day in Marseille, France.

“No stop at Naples again. Marseille instead,” another current passenger confirmed.

The rest of the 7-night sailing, which embarked in Barcelona on August 2, has not been changed.

Legend of the Seas already visited Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and La Spezia, Italy. Per cruise tracking data, the ship also made its planned call in Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy, on August 6.

The visit to Naples on August 7 was supposed to be the final stop of the voyage ahead of disembarkation in Barcelona on August 9.

Port Canaveral Begins $95 Million Cruise Terminal Expansion and Renovation

Melissa Mayntz
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Port Canaveral Begins $95 Million Cruise Terminal Expansion and Renovation

Key Aspects:

  • Port Canaveral’s expansion and renovation of Cruise Terminal 10 has begun and should be finished by November 2027.
  • The project will expand screening areas, update interiors and equipment, and enlarge the overall square footage by nearly 30%.
  • Multiple cruise lines use Cruise Terminal 10, including Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.

Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 10 will look very different for cruise guests in less than two years, following a $95 million renovation and expansion project now underway with expected completion by November 2027.

Construction has already begun on the updates that include more spacious interiors, colorful artwork, and a glass facade for enhanced natural light to welcome guests.

On the practical side, updates will expand security screening and luggage areas for faster processing and less crowding. New elevators and escalators, updated signage, and improved heating and air conditioning systems for more efficient climate control are also part of the updates.

Rendered videos and images released by the port show what appear to be dedicated bus lanes and drop off zones, covered walkways, very visible signage, check-in kiosks, arched glass ceilings, comfortable seating, and blue and brown tones throughout the spacious terminal.

“We’ve taken everything we’ve learned about cruise operations to create a terminal that is highly functional and visually beautiful,” said Captain John W. Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.

“Our cruise business investments are highly focused on ensuring that guest arrivals and departures are comfortable, efficient, and above all, support the high quality experience we provide for our cruise partners and their guests.”

The planned updates will create a more streamlined and modernized facility that will enhance the guest experience, whether for embarkation or debarkation.

When finished, the renovated terminal will be more than 145,000 square feet. This is almost 30% larger than the existing space, which will permit the updated facility to accommodate some of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Cruise Terminal 10, Port Canaveral
Cruise Terminal 10, Port Canaveral

Cruise Hive has already reported on another expansion and update project at Port Canaveral as Cruise Terminal 5 is also being reimagined and expanded with more parking added as well.

The projects are part of the Port Canaveral Advantage, a nearly $1 billion capital improvement plan for facility upgrades, technology updates, and other projects for all aspects of the port’s maritime operations.

Experienced Architect Leading the Design

The Miami-based architectural firm Bermello Ajamil is leading the redesign for the terminal. The firm already has a proven reputation with Port Canaveral, having designed and delivered the 200,000-square-foot Cruise Terminal 3 to the port.

The firm has also worked on many of the world’s leading cruise terminals, including Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Terminal 10 in Galveston and Cruise Terminal A in Miami, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Cruise Terminal B in Miami, and Disney Cruise Line’s Cruise Terminal 4 in Fort Lauderdale.

Cruise Terminal 10, Port Canaveral
Cruise Terminal 10, Port Canaveral

Additional cruise terminal projects in Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, and Mauritius are all part of the firm’s extensive maritime portfolio and extensive expertise.

PCL Construction Services of Orlando, Florida is doing the actual construction work on the port. While the expansion and renovation is expected to be complete by November 2027, it is possible there may be weather-related delays or other schedule updates over the next 15 months.

Which Cruise Lines Use Cruise Terminal 10?

Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 10 is located at the west turning basin. It is the southernmost of the cruise terminals at that location, accessible from the north port entrance.

The terminal is not designated for just one cruise line but is used by different lines as needed. In the next few weeks, ships from Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean are all scheduled to berth at Cruise Terminal 10.

More From Cruise Hive

As construction continues, it is possible that parts of the terminal may close during the project or ships may be rescheduled to different terminals as necessary.

Fortunately, Port Canaveral has digital signage leading to the terminals to alert drivers about which ship is docked where, which should help ease any traffic congestion.

Carnival Cruise Line Appoints Its First-Ever Female Staff Captain

Calvin Musquez
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Carnival Cruise Line Appoints Its First-Ever Female Staff Captain

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has appointed its first-ever female Staff Captain.
  • Italian native Daniela Gargiulo will serve under Captain Francesco Bencivenga on Carnival Adventure.
  • Her appointment represents a growing shift towards more equitable gender diversity in the cruise industry.

Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating a historic maritime milestone. On August 5, 2026, the cruise line appointed its first-ever female Staff Captain in Sydney, Australia. Former First Officer Jr. Daniela Gargiulo was appointed to the role in a special ceremony aboard the 108,865 gross-ton Carnival Adventure.

Captain Francesco Bencivenga led the ceremony welcoming Gargiulo to her new role as his second-in-command. Gargiulo began her journey at age 14, when she enrolled at a nautical school in her home country of Italy. She first joined Carnival Cruise Line in 2013 as a Deck Cadet.

Over the next six years, she rose through the ranks before being promoted to First Officer Jr. in 2019, a position she held for seven years. She joined Carnival Adventure last year. The promotion marks the first time a woman has served as Staff Captain for Carnival Cruise Line. 

“This promotion is an incredible honor and I’m extremely proud to be the first woman in Carnival Cruise Line history to be a Staff Captain,” said Gargiulo. “Carnival’s career pathways allow men and women wonderful opportunities for a life at sea.”

As Staff Captain, Gargiulo will serve directly under the Captain. The role includes overseeing day-to-day marine operations and assuming command of the ship in the Captain’s absence.

“Daniela is my second in charge, overseeing marine operations, safety and crew leadership among many other roles,” said Captain Bencivenga.

Carnival Adventure Female Staff Captain
Carnival Adventure Female Staff Captain

Gargiulo will serve in her new role as Staff Captain as Carnival Adventure sails year-round regional cruises from Sydney, Australia. The 2,636-guest ship offers 3- to 10-night itineraries across the South Pacific, including Vanuatu and New Caledonia, as well as the Great Barrier Reef. 

A Growing Shift For Women In The Cruise Industry

This promotion leaves Gargiulo one step away from becoming a Captain herself. Carnival Cruise Line has yet to appoint a female Captain, but Gargiulo’s promotion represents a major move towards greater diversity in cruising.

As Gargiulo stepped into her new role with Carnival, Captain Francesco Bencivenga reflected on this gender shift.

“I am incredibly proud to witness this vital step forward for gender diversification in the maritime industry, opening doors for future generations of female leaders,” said Bencivenga.

While the cruise industry has historically been male-dominated, that dynamic has been changing in recent years. Several women have made waves in the industry, being appointed to major leadership roles.

Carnival’s own Christine Duffy made history in 2015 when she became the cruise line’s first female President. Her appointment marked a major shift in cruise leadership. Other women followed, including Cunard President Katie McAlister and MSC Cruises North America President Lynn Torrent.

Captain Kate McCue quickly became a fan favorite when she was appointed the first American female cruise Captain in 2015. Cruise Hive recently reported on her surprise retirement announcement, ending her 30-year career at sea.

In another major step forward for women in cruising, Disney Cruise Line recently appointed Maria Gotor as its first female captain ever. Gotor now helms the 144,000 gross-ton Disney Wish.

Staff Captain Gargiulo’s promotion is the latest example of the industry’s continued progress toward greater gender diversity. In light of these recent advances, the future of women in cruising looks bright.

Typhoon Delays Royal Caribbean Ship for Days, Next Sailing Shortened

Melissa Mayntz
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Typhoon Delays Royal Caribbean Ship for Days, Next Sailing Shortened

Key Aspects:

  • The Port of Shanghai has been closed ahead of Typhoon Dolphin, and Spectrum of the Seas cannot return on schedule.
  • The ship’s current sailing will be extended several days instead of returning on August 8 as originally planned.
  • Likewise, the next sailing will be shortened to accommodate the delay, and the entire itinerary has been changed.

The strength and track of Typhoon Dolphin as it moves toward China have now affected two sailings of Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas.

The ship is homeported in Shanghai but will be unable to return from her current voyage as scheduled on Saturday, August 8. That sailing has now been extended, while the following cruise is delayed as a result.

Ship’s Return to Shanghai Now Delayed

Spectrum of the Seas departed on her current 5-night sailing on Monday, August 3, with visits to Busan and Yeosu in South Korea. Rather than returning to Shanghai as planned on Saturday, however, the ship must divert and remain at sea to stay safely away from the storm.

Ahead of the storm, the Port of Shanghai has been closed, which is a standard precaution whenever typhoons or hurricanes threaten ports. Satellite tracking now shows the ship already at sea after leaving Yeosu.

Typhoon Dolphin is expected to make landfall south of Shanghai, likely on Sunday, August 9. Rough waters and strong winds extending far out from the storm, however, as well as uncertainty in the exact path, make it unsafe for the ship to attempt to reach Shanghai on her planned schedule.

Next Sailing Delayed

Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests booked on Spectrum of the Seas‘ August 8 departure from Shanghai with adjustments to their now-delayed itinerary.

“Due to the development of the storm, its impact, and the government closure of the Port of Shanghai (Baoshan), the previous Spectrum of the Seas sailing has been extended, and as a result, our 8 August 2026, sailing has unfortunately been delayed,” the cruise line explained. “Our sailing will now begin on 11 August 2026.”

The 8-night itinerary was to have visited three destinations in Japan: Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo. On the shortened now 5-night cruise, however, those ports are no longer possible.

Spectrum of the Seas will now depart Shanghai on Tuesday, August 11 at 4 p.m. and spend Wednesday at sea. Thursday will be a visit to Jeju, South Korea followed by Friday in Nagasaki, Japan. Both port visits are 12 hours long, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Another full day at sea will bring the 4,246-guest ship back to Shanghai for debarkation on Sunday, August 16 with an expected arrival at 6:30 a.m.

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

The notification letter Royal Caribbean has sent to booked guests discusses compensation for these changes. Those who still want to set sail despite the changes will receive a refundable onboard credit, and any amount left at the end of the cruise will be returned to the card on file after final debarkation.

The credit amount varies based on the type of stateroom. Inside staterooms will receive $400 (USD), while outside staterooms will receive $550, balconies will receive $600, and deluxe staterooms will receive $1,100. Those amounts are the total for the stateroom with two guests, but if there are third or fourth guests in the stateroom, the amount will be increased by $150 for each extra guest.

In addition, guests will also receive a future cruise credit for the same amount per stateroom. The letter notes that these credits can be used for any future Royal Caribbean sailing booked no later than August 16, 2027. Those future cruises do not have to be aboard Spectrum of the Seas, but can be on any Royal Caribbean cruise.

Because the cruise has been shortened, Royal Caribbean is also prorating refunds of onboard gratuities and pre-paid packages such as drink packages, dining packages, and internet access. Those refunds will also go to guests’ onboard accounts as refundable onboard credit.

As is standard with any port cancellation, shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for the now-cancelled visits to Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo will be automatically cancelled and refunded to guests’ accounts.

If guests prefer not to set sail on what is now a dramatically different cruise than they had originally booked, they will receive a full 100% refund of their cruise fare as a future cruise credit.

“Please note, if you choose this option, we will not provide additional compensation,” the cruise line stated.

Which option guests select may well depend on where they are located before setting sail and if they are already in Shanghai. Guests who have already traveled to China may enjoy some extra (albeit rainy) days in Shanghai ahead of their sailing, while those who may be local to the homeport or who have not yet traveled to China could prefer to cancel.

Typhoon Dolphin Update

As of the most recent update at 8 a.m. (EDT), Weather Underground shows Typhoon Dolphin located approximately 635 miles southeast of Shanghai, moving west at 10 miles per hour. Current top winds are roughly 90 miles per hour, equivalent to a strong Category 1 hurricane. Gusts have been recorded at 100 mph.

The storm’s track is expected to curve slightly north, bringing it closer to Shanghai as it approaches the coast of China over the next couple of days.

MSC Cruises Details Catalina Sugar Beach, Opening in Just Three Months

Melissa Mayntz
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MSC Cruises Details Catalina Sugar Beach, Opening in Just Three Months

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Cruises has revealed the name of its new private destination near La Romana as Catalina Sugar Beach.
  • The new destination will open to its first guests in November 2026, with calls from MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
  • MSC Opera will be homeported from La Romana beginning in November and will visit Catalina Sugar Beach on every sailing.

Private islands are popular ports of call for many cruise guests, with exclusive experiences, lower crowds, and pristine beaches to enjoy. For MSC Cruises’ guests, a brand new destination is coming in just three months: Catalina Sugar Beach.

Located on Catalina Island near La Romana on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, 60 miles east of Santo Domingo, Catalina Sugar Beach is a development in partnership with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.

Cruise Hive first shared news of the project in April 2026, and the ambitious timeline has the new destination poised to welcome its first guests in November 2026, much faster than even the most eager guests may have expected.

Because the destination is a protected natural monument in the Dominican Republic, great care has been taken to preserve its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. Elevated amenities will be added to ensure the ultimate luxury beach escape for all visitors.

An open-air beach pavilion buffet is the destination’s dining hub. Rather than the typical beach barbecue, however, the menu will offer both international dishes and local specialties for fresh, delicious fare while guests can enjoy panoramic sea views.

Two bars will be nearby with palapa roofs shading open-air seating for tropical vibes without restricting ocean views.

Guests who crave excitement can rent water sports equipment, while those who prefer more luxurious relaxation can rent plush daybeds or cabanas.

MSC Cruises Catalina Destination
MSC Cruises Catalina Destination

A picturesque pathway will wind through the natural landscape and give guests an easy way to discover the tropical paradise at their own pace, with scenic view overlooks and interpretive signage along the way.

Catalina Sugar Beach will be MSC Group’s second private cruise destination in the Caribbean, joining Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Both destinations have a focus on preserving natural beauty, and Ocean Cay has become a favorite for the cruise line’s guests.

Who Will Visit Catalina Sugar Beach?

All guests sailing with ships in the MSC Group will have the opportunity to visit Catalina Sugar Beach, including those aboard MSC Cruises ships as well as vessels from Explora Journeys. The property will also be accessible to guests staying at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.

The 2,150-guest MSC Opera will be the first ship to visit Catalina Sugar Beach. Beginning in November, the Lirica-class ship will be homeported from La Romana, offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Every sailing is scheduled to visit the new private destination.

More From Cruise Hive

MSC Opera‘s first visit will be on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving guests a full day to enjoy all the amenities and beauty of the destination.

The visit will also be the first stop on the itinerary for the ship’s November 16 departure, with additional calls to Barbados, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and the British Virgin Islands on the itinerary.

Explora III will be the first Explora Journeys ship to arrive at the new destination with a visit on Thursday, November 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Famous Cruise Ship Captain Suddenly Resigns in Favor of Family

Melissa Mayntz
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Famous Cruise Ship Captain Suddenly Resigns in Favor of Family

Key Aspects:

  • Captain Kate McCue is resigning from Four Seasons Yachts to prioritize family following dramatic changes in her own family.
  • While McCue is not giving up her captain’s license, she is planning to take cruise vacations with her father.
  • McCue will likely continue to share her life and adventures at sea and on land with her large social media following.

Captain Kate McCue is one of the most famous cruise ship captains in the world, but she’s stepping away from the helm for a bit. She made the surprise announcement of her resignation from Four Seasons Yachts through her popular social media channels on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, explaining why she felt this was the appropriate decision for her life at this time.

“Sometimes life changes the course,” she captioned her announcement video. “After 30 years at sea, I’m making more room for family, joy and new adventures, including experiencing cruising from the other side for a change.”

McCue explains that when she started her vacation in April 2026, she already expected to be her father’s caregiver following his major back surgery. In June, however, her mother unexpectedly passed away.

“That’s honestly when I realized that I’d spent the majority of the last year away from home because I was working,” she explained.

Her career has been cruising full speed ahead from her time with Celebrity Cruises to Four Seasons Yachts. During the past 30 years, the last 11 of which she has served as Captain, she has delivered two new ships and collaborated on a prototype vessel.

Cruise Hive reported on McCue’s resignation from Celebrity Cruises in February 2025, at which time she also noted she would continue to sail.

“I’ve got too much salt in my veins to leave the sea behind,” she said at the time.

McCue is confident in the path her career has taken and feels her parents are proud of her as well, but it is time for her to spend more time prioritizing family and pursuing her passions in life.

On Instagram, the brief video has garnered more than 32,000 “likes” in just a few hours, as well as more than 2,400 comments wishing her well and fondly remembering sailing with her.

Will McCue Still Be Cruising?

While the high-profile maritime master doesn’t reveal what passions she wants to enjoy during this next chapter of her life, she does want to help her father follow his bucket list, which includes cruising. This time, however, she’ll be a guest rather than the captain.

She has not confirmed any plans but does note they’ll be trying different types of vessels. There was no mention of any particular cruise line or destinations, however.

Furthermore, McCue confirmed that she is not giving up her license or completely ending her maritime career.

“If you’re wondering, I am keeping my captain’s license active,” she explained. “Sailing again is absolutely not off the table but for now there are so many new adventures ahead.”

Read Also: Who Is Captain Kate McCue? Everyone’s Favorite Captain!

It’s indisputable that McCue has already had many fine adventures, both at sea and on land, often sharing them with her more than one million social media followers.

Many of her messages include inspirational insights to empower women in maritime careers, and in May 2026, she was honored by California State University Maritime Academy with an honorary Doctorate of Science degree recognizing her leadership and maritime industry innovation.

Yet she also finds moments of fun, awe, and sometimes silliness. Many of her fans remember those moments with Bug Naked, her elf-eared sphynx cat that accompanied her during her tenure on Celebrity Cruises. Bug Naked passed away suddenly in December 2024 from health complications following a dental procedure.

In April 2026 she was united with Willie, another elf-eared sphynx cat. Willie is a littermate to Bug Naked and was rehomed to McCue from another owner who wanted to be sure the cat received the very best life when her own life circumstances changed.

Undoubtedly Willie will accompany McCue on some of those new family adventures on the seas and wherever her path takes her.

Disney Cruise Line Is About to Do Something It Has Never Done in 2029

Melissa Mayntz
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Disney Cruise Line Is About to Do Something It Has Never Done in 2029

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Cruise Line will now debut the Japan-based Wish-class ship and two vessels in the new smaller class in 2029.
  • This will be the first time the cruise line has ever debuted more than one ship in the same calendar year.
  • Other than Disney Believe, the names of the new ships and class details have not yet been announced.

Disney Cruise Line’s fairy godmother has worked some magic and two upcoming new ships are now expected to launch earlier than originally anticipated.

In August 2024, Cruise Hive reported the cruise line’s intention to expand the fleet to a total of 13 vessels by 2031. At the time, just five vessels were sailing, and three more have since debuted: Disney Treasure (December 2024), Disney Destiny (November 2025), and Disney Adventure (March 2026).

The future ships are already on order but Disney Cruise Line has revealed an updated timeline for their expected completions in a shareholder letter released on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Financially, the cruise line is performing well and contributing to overall company profits and 4% global guest growth (including the theme parks and other experiences) in the third fiscal quarter of the year.

“Fiscal Q3 was the first full quarter with our two newest cruise ships, the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. Together, these ships increased stateroom capacity by approximately 50% compared to the prior-year quarter and we remain encouraged by current occupancy and forward bookings,” the letter explained.

“We are looking forward to bringing additional cruise capacity online in the years ahead.”

Disney Believe, currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, is still slated to debut in late 2027. No bookings or itinerary announcements have yet been made for the fourth Wish-class ship, but the cruise line has teased that more information will be forthcoming in October 2026.

Disney Believe Render
Disney Believe Render

The fifth Wish-class ship, which has not yet been named, will be operated by the Oriental Land Company, the owners and operators of Tokyo Disney Resort. This vessel will sail out of Japan beginning in 2029, though no further details of its debut time have been confirmed.

New Ships to Debut Sooner Than Expected

Originally, the next three ships on order were expected to launch in 2029, 2030, and 2031. Now, Disney Cruise Line expects to bring those ships forward with two in 2029 (one late in the calendar) and the third in late 2030. A graphic in the shareholder report confirms the updated timeline.

This means that three new ships will debut in 2029, an unprecedented schedule for the cruise line and rare for any cruise line.

Historically, Disney Cruise Line has never debuted more than one ship at a time. When Disney Wish first set sail in June 2022, she was the first ship to join the fleet in over a decade.

The three upcoming smaller ships are part of an as-yet-undisclosed new class for the cruise line. Other than the expected launch dates, few details on the new class are yet available but the capacity is estimated to be roughly 3,000 guests at maximum occupancy.

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

This puts the new ships smaller than the popular Wish class and just a shade higher than the capacity of Disney Cruise Line’s oldest vessels, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. Both of those Magic-class ships can welcome 2,700 guests.

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are the oldest ships in the DCL fleet, having debuted in 1998 and 1999, respectively. While no announcement has been made about the fate of the two ships when new vessels enter the fleet, it is possible they may be retired, sold, or chartered to other lines.

Another possibility is that the older ships may be moved to new sailing regions as Disney Cruise Line tests the waters for further global expansion.

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