P&O Cruises is introducing five-berth cabins on Britannia, Iona, and Arvia starting July 2026.
Adult-focused ships Arcadia and Aurora will now welcome children on selected departures beginning December 2026.
Availability for both is limited and tied to specific itineraries and dates, with bookings now open.
Families will soon have more room to cruise together on P&O Cruises, as the cruise line introduces new cabin types and expands access for kids on two of its adults-focused ships.
Five-berth staterooms will be available on Britannia, Arvia, and Iona for selected sailings from Southampton, UK, in 2026, giving larger households the chance to stay in one cabin for the first time.
The cabins will roll out beginning July 2026 and are limited in number. Britannia will feature Superior Deluxe Balcony cabins configured for five, while Arvia and Iona will offer Conservatory Mini-Suites for five.
The move marks a shift for the cruise line, which says the change is intended to give families more flexibility.
P&O Cruises is encouraging guests to book early due to extremely limited availability. There are just 12 five-berth staterooms on Britannia, 15 on Arvia, and 23 on Iona.
Pricing for the fifth guest will not exceed the rate charged for third or fourth guests sharing a cabin, which will include either three or four beds. These will typically consist of a fixed double bed, a pull-down single bed, and a double sofa bed.
Arvia and Iona can also accommodate a cot as the fifth berth, though Britanna cannot add a cot when five guests are booked in the same room.
While the new berths are meant to support families, the rooms may also accommodate five adults, according to the cruise line.
Expanded Options for Families
The five-berth accommodations on P&O Cruises will appear on three July 2026 itineraries, the earliest of which will be on Britannia, departing Southampton on July 3, 2026, for a 14-night Iceland sailing.
The voyage will visit Cork, Ireland; Reykjavik, Isafjord, and Akureyri, Iceland; and Kirkwall and Invergordon, Scotland, before returning to Southampton on July 17.
Iona will follow with a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise leaving Southampton on July 4, 2026, returning July 11. This journey will call in Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt, and Haugesund, Norway.
Then Arvia will offer five-berth cabins on its 14-night Mediterranean sailing departing Southampton on July 5, 2026. The itinerary visits Spain, France, and Italy with stops in Barcelona, Toulon, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, and Alicante.
The family-friendly shift also extends to P&O Cruises’ Arcadia and Aurora, where kids will be welcomed for select departures on the predominantly adults-only ships.
Aurora will open its doors to families on several departures, including 4-night breaks to Rotterdam on December 11, 2026, April 21, 2027, June 21, 2027, and September 13, 2027, and 5-night Hamburg itineraries on December 29, 2026, July 16, 2027, and August 6, 2027.
Additionally, a 7-night Northern Europe and Scandinavia voyage on May 26, 2027, and a Southern cruise to Spain, France, and Portugal on July 9, 2027, will be available for families.
A 14-night Christmas Scandinavian sailing departing December 15, 2026, a 16-night Northern Europe and Scandinavia itinerary on July 21, 2027, and a 21-night Western Mediterranean sailing beginning August 11, 2027, are also featured.
Arcadia will make similar adjustments with family access on its 16-night Spain, Portugal, and Canary Islands cruise departing December 21, 2026, and several 2027 sailings, including short breaks to Zeebrugge on May 10 and August 27.
The vessel will also welcome children on a 14-night Northern Europe and Scandinavia sailing on May 13, 2027; a 7-night Spain voyage departing on May 27, 2027; and a 24-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary on August 3, 2027.
Two 14-night cruises will be offered, including a September 20, 2027, Norwegian Fjords option and a July 20, 2027, Norway and Iceland voyage.
Booking for these expanded berths and kid-friendly voyages opened on December 8, 2025.
For MSC Cruises guests, the new year will bring new and exciting entertainment options with visits to the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Beginning in January 2026, a variety of new activities will be rolled out in phases to give guests new chances for phenomenal vacations and memory-making.
While there is no confirmed schedule for exactly when different experiences will be available, the new entertainment includes wellness programming, a high-tech treasure hunt, and a LEGO pop-up activity.
With many cruise guests eager for better health and self-care, the wellness offerings will be especially popular. These will include sunrise yoga sessions, sound-healing meditation, and a “fire and ice” challenge with hot yoga paired with invigorating ice baths.
An immersive “Augmented Reality” treasure hunt for all ages will lead eager guests around the island via their mobile devices or tablets, bringing them through a unique conservation story showcasing MSC Cruises’ ecological efforts and the native fish, plants, and animals on the island.
Finally, a new LEGO experience will be a fun pop-up experience for kids and families of all ages. This will happen at the island’s Welcome Pavilion with seven life-size LEGO characters making appearances alongside the MSC Cruises’ mascot, Doremi.
Scheduling for these different events will vary depending on cruise itineraries, weather, and availability. Guests should check the MSC Cruises app for exact details during their visit to Ocean Cay.
Popular Favorites Remaining
These new activities represent an expansion of offerings at the private island, not a replacement.
Visiting guests will still be able to enjoy all that Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has to offer, including the snorkeling, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and other aquatic options to hiking, sports, games, and even stargazing for select late-night or overnight visits.
Worth Reading: Cruise Line to Sail First-Ever Summer LEGO Theme Sailings
Guests can still enjoy the eight pristine beaches on the island, from shallow-water options to endless ocean views whether visitors prefer the ocean or the interior lagoon.
Beachside spa treatments and the iconic lighthouse LED show set to energetic music offer both relaxing and energizing fun everyone can enjoy.
For an even more elevated and exclusive experience, interested guests can rent private cabanas with comfortable seating, floating mats, and free refreshments throughout their visit.
MSC Yacht Club guests will have an even more elite experience with the Ocean House Beach reserved just for their visits. The serene space includes an exclusive restaurant for the best in Bahamian dining.
Visiting Ocean Cay
MSC Cruises offers departures from a variety of US homeports featuring itineraries to their private island. Whether guests are sailing from Miami, Port Canaveral, or even New York, they can find voyages that will take them to this private Bahamian paradise.
In January 2026, the first ships that may be able to enjoy the new island offerings include:
MSC World America – Offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami
MSC Seaside – Sailing shorter 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami
MSC Divina – Offering a variety of Caribbean cruise lengths from Miami
MSC Grandiosa – Now offering 3-, 4-, and 7-night sailings from Port Canaveral
MSC Meraviglia – Sailing from New York with 7-night Bahamas itineraries
Throughout 2026, as ships reposition for different deployment assignments, even more vessels will be visiting Ocean Cay and giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the new, refreshed entertainment.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced Ensenada Bay Village as a new destination being developed.
The $26 million project will include an adults-only beach, thrill park, and more.
No opening date has been confirmed and construction is expected to take about two years.
For many years, a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, has often been seen as a necessity for West Coast cruises rather than a great port to explore. Despite having great natural attractions and a vibrant culture, it has often been regarded as the lonely cousin of Mexican ports of call.
This is particularly true when compared to much more developed and popular ports of call like Cabo San Lucas and Cozumel.
No longer! Carnival Cruise Line, in partnership with Hutchison Ports ECV and ITM Group, has announced Ensenada Bay Village – Treasures of Baja.
The new destination in northern Mexico will offer “culture, adventure, and gastronomy together for cruise visitors” according to Facebook announcements.
The announcement was made on Friday, December 5, 2025 with a celebratory reveal in Ensenada with Carnival Panorama looking on, complete with local musicians, port authorities, and Carnival Cruise Line’s president, Christine Duffy on hand.
Artists’ conceptions of the project showcase authentic 18th-century Mexican and Californian architecture to preserve local cultural flair, much as the cruise line has done with Celebration Key and the Bahamian influences it offers.
Ensenada Bay Village Render (Credit: ITM Group)
According to Eje Central, the $26 million project will be styled as a resort and entertainment complex with something for everyone.
The “adventure park” part of the complex will include outstanding features such as zip lines, a “Dune Rally” attraction, a scenic boat ride, river tours, and more.
Cruise guests who love the flavors of Mexico won’t want to miss the chocolate and tequila tastings or the wine and cheese pairings, among other regional cuisine options.
Also planned for Ensenada Bay Village are hot springs, wellness areas, spaces for family activities and crafts, and an adults-only “Baby Beach” pool.
Ensenada Bay Village Render (Credit: ITM Group)
The focus on local flair and community connection will be strong as Carnival Cruise Line strives to strengthen its partnerships with different destinations.
“Today’s presentation reflects our shared vision of creating destinations that inspire pride and prosperity,”Duffy said.
Furthermore, the emphasis on both authenticity and sustainability is key for the experiences cruise guests want.
“By working together, we are creating opportunities that strengthen local communities and enhance Baja’s appeal to visitors from around the world,”said Mauricio Hamui, CEO of ITM Group.
When Will the New Port Be Complete?
While ground has not yet been broken on Ensenada Bay Village, construction is expected to take approximately two years. This means it may be open as early as late 2027 or early 2028, provided there are no delays.
If that schedule holds, ships like Carnival Panorama and Carnival Legend, both homeported from Long Beach, may be among the first to visit.
Ensenada Bay Village Render (Credit: ITM Group)
It is possible that ships from other cruise lines owned by parent company Carnival Corporation & plc, such as Princess Cruises or Holland America Line, might also pay visits to Ensenada Bay Village.
No itinerary options have yet been confirmed. Typically, cruise line deployments are set at least 18-24 months or more in advance, but adjustments are always possible.
When completed, Ensenada Bay Village will be able to welcome up to 9,000 cruise guests every day, and will provide more then 1,100 direct and indirect jobs to the local economy.
Growing Popularity of Private Destinations
The announcement of Ensenada Bay Village – Treasures of Baja comes as cruise guests are ever-more interested in private destinations.
While multiple Bahamian private islands are popular with cruise guests on a wide range of itineraries, there are not yet any private destinations in Mexico.
Royal Caribbean announced “Perfect Day Mexico” in October 2024, with plans to open the new destination in Costa Maya in 2027 with a spectacular water park, the longest lazy river in the world, three swim-up bars, and much more.
Ensenada Bay Village, however, would be the first private destination on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and will undoubtedly help thousands of guests be eager to visit Ensenada once again.
P&O Cruises’ Iona was delayed after 16 shipping containers containing produce fell into the water in Southampton.
The ship finally set sail on its 14-night voyage one day late.
His Majesty’s Coastguard is still working on recovering all the missing cargo.
There are many reasons why a cruise ship might be delayed when setting sail on a new voyage, ranging from weather to technical difficulties. Bananas in the sea is a rather atypical situation.
However, that is exactly was happened to P&O Cruises’ Iona, which was supposed to embark on a 14-night sailing from Southampton, UK,on December 6, 2025.
Sixteen containers of produce went overboard from a cargo ship called Baltic Klipper on the evening of December 6 near the Nab Tower Lighthouse off Bembridge, Isle of Wight.
Eight of the containers contained bananas, two carried plantains, one had avocados, and the remaining five were simply empty.
“HM Coastguard is continuing to work with the relevant authorities after 16 containers went overboard from the cargo ship BALTIC KLIPPER in the Solent on 6 December,”His Majesty’s Coastguard stated.
“Eight of the containers were reported as carrying bananas, two as carrying plantain, one as carrying avocados, and the remaining five as empty,”the Coastguard confirmed.
For safety reasons, the 5,200-guest Iona was forced to remain docked in Southampton overnight, delaying the start of its voyage.
The 184,089-gross ton ship could have potentially been damaged if it had collided with a shipping container, or created a dangerous situation for first responders trying to collect the spilled goods.
Impact on the Itinerary
As of the evening on Sunday, December 7, 2025, Iona received clearance to set sail and is shown on cruise tracking data sailing away from Southampton at speeds of 17 knots.
But despite the delayed start, there is no expected impact to the port calls on the 14-night itinerary.
Luckily, the first few days of the cruise are meant to be sea days, which allows the 2021-launched ship to make up some time.
P&O Iona Docked in Southampton (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss)
The first port call is scheduled at Funchal, Portugal, on December 10, 2025, which is about 1,289 nautical miles from Southampton.
The P&O ship is also supposed to call on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Arrecife in the Canary Islands, Cadiz, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal; before returning to Southampton on December 20.
Status of the Clean-Up
As of 8 p.m. local time on December 7, search operations are still underway to locate and retrieve all of the missing shipping containers.
So far, five of the sixteen boxes have washed ashore in West Sussex, which response teams will begin cleaning up on the morning of Monday, December 8.
“Currently, five containers lost from the cargo ship BALTIC KLIPPER have washed ashore around Selsey, West Sussex. HM Coastguard alongside West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police have put cordons in place and are asking people not to go near the containers,”the Coastguard said in an update.
“West Sussex County Council has contracted response teams, who will arrive in the morning to start clearing cargo that has come ashore,” they continued.
More containers have been spotted drifting along the shoreline by Coastguard-operated helicopters and aircrafts.
“Other containers have been sighted adrift off the shoreline and an HM Coastguard helicopter and fixed wing aircraft have been carrying out searches,”the Coastguard noted.
Members of the public who might stumble upon wreckage or the missing containers are asked to not touch the cargo and to immediately report their findings to the Coastguard and the Receiver of Wreck.
Anyone who fails to report their discovery within 28 days is breaking the law and action could be taken against them.
The Coastguard has indicated that it will continue to share updates on the recovery efforts as more information becomes available.
MSC Cruises may not currently have the clout that Royal Caribbean carries, when it comes to unrolling huge ship after huge ship, with something new just about every single year. However, this cruise line from Europe is becoming pretty impressive and is one to keep your eye on if you’ve yet to cruise with them.
Check out the line’s newest ships, as well as what’s on order, and maybe begin planning your next vacay on one of these flashy, family-friendly vessels filled with attractions.
Since 2020, MSC Cruises has launched an impressive six new ships, from the smaller MSC Seascape and MSC Seashore to the much-anticipated MSC World America, one of the cruise line’s largest ships to date.
Ship Name
Entered Service
Gross Tonnage
Passenger Capacity
Length
MSC World America
April 2025
215,863
6,762
1,092 ft.
MSC Euribia
June 2023
183,500
6,327
1,087 ft.
MSC World Europa
December 2022
215,863
6,762
1,093 ft.
MSC Seascape
November 2022
169,400
5,877
1,112 ft.
MSC Seashore
August 2021
169,400
5,877
1,112 ft.
MSC Virtuosa
May 2021
181,541
6,334
1,087 ft.
MSC World America
While still a ways off from Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships, the new MSC Cruises ship, MSC World America, is pretty impressive in its size, including when I got to the ship while it was still under construction. One of the largest ships in the fleet, it weighs in at nearly 216,000 gross tons, and can hold nearly 7,000 passengers.
The second World-class ship, it offers 22 decks and more than 2,600 cabins, and was built in part to cater to the American market, with sailings from Miami, Florida.
MSC World America is split into seven districts: Family Aventura, the Zen Area, the Aqua Deck, the Promenade, the Terraces, the Galleria and the MSC Yacht Club.
MSC World America in Miami
Most of these areas are pretty self-explanatory, with the Aqua Deck being where the pool is located and the Zen Area being an adults-only space, for instance.
The ship includes nearly 20 restaurants and, uniquely, these include the only Eataly at sea. There are also seven pools, 13 hot tubs and a waterpark.
In short, if you’re looking to sail on a mega ship that has all the bells and whistles, something for the whole family, and you always think newer is better, then MSC World America is going to be a good fit for you.
MSC Euribia
A member of the Meraviglia Plus-class, MSC Euribia, while debuting just two years before MSC World America, is actually quite a bit smaller. This ship is only 183,500 GT. Despite that, though, the ship can hold a comparable number of passengers.
MSC Euribia in Norway (Photo Credit: Janet Worg)
When the ship made its first appearance, in June 2023, it boasted that it featured the longest LED dome at sea, found in the ship’s Galleria, as well as five pools that, at capacity, can fit a thousand cruisers total.
MSC World Europa
At the time of MSC World Europa’s launch in 2022, as the first World-class ship, it was an absolute showstopper. Many felt that this ship was one of the first to really be able to compete with Royal Caribbean on some level.
The ship was huge and introduced so many new features both to MSC Cruises and the cruising industry at large.
MSC World Europa in Malta (Photo Credit: meunierd)
It was the first LNG-powered ship for the line. It offered the largest waterpark, as well as the largest children’s area, in the fleet. It also had the longest dry slide at sea, the Venom Drop, which swoops down 11 decks.
Of the more than a dozen dining venues, the ship brought in seven new bar and café concepts; the Chef’s Garden Kitchen restaurant that’s a collaboration with a Michelin-starred chef and includes the first hydroponic garden at sea; and MSC Cruises’ first onboard microbrewery.
MSC Seascape
Of the six ships that MSC Cruises has produced since 2020, MSC Seascape and sister ship MSC Seashore are the smallest. These ships are considered extensions of the Seaside class, and are in their own sub-class, Seaside EVO.
Still, while MSC Seascape can’t really compete in terms of size, it still has plenty to love. There are nearly a dozen dining options, plus more than a dozen bars and lounges. There are just over 2,200 staterooms and over a hundred MSC Yacht Club suites.
A large casino provides entertainment and one of the ship’s highlights is the only three-seat Robotron thrill ride in the cruise industry.
MSC Seashore
MSC Seashore is very similar to MSC Seascape, though it did enter service a little over a year before, as the first of the two Seaside EVO ships.
Fun fact? Though the ship is only 169,400 GT, when it debuted, it was the longest ship in the fleet. Both MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape are 1,112 feet long. Additionally, MSC Seashore was the largest cruise vessel ever built in Italy at the time.
MSC Virtuosa
Launched in May 2021, MSC Virtuosa was also impressive for its time. At 181,541 GT, it was the largest MSC Cruises ship to date. Today, while MSC Virtuosa is not as large as its newer, Meraviglia Plus-class sister ship, MSC Euribia, it actually can fit just a few more passengers.
MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship in Southampton, UK (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)
Unique highlights on this ship include the first robotic humanoid bartender at sea and, at the time, the largest shopping area at sea. The ship features nearly a dozen art boutiques and cruisers can shop for items from more than 250 brands.
What MSC Cruise Ships Are on Order?
MSC Cruises has big plans moving forward. The cruise line anticipates launching a brand-new, World-class mega ship every year, through 2031.
If that happens (and, remember, cruise ship launch dates are often moved and sizes go up or down beyond what’s projected), then MSC Cruises will be well on its way to becoming one of the most impressive cruise lines in the world.
Ship Name
Anticipated Debut Year
Size
MSC World Asia
2026
215,863
MSC World Atlantic
2027
215,863
Future World-Class Ship
2028
215,863
Future World-Class Ship
2029
215,863
Future World-Class Ship
2030
215,863
Future World-Class Ship
2031
215,863
MSC World Asia
First up is MSC World Asia, which will debut in December 2026. The ship will come with a bevy of new, never-before-seen highlights, as it sails itineraries around the Mediterranean and to destinations such as France, Italy and Spain.
In the Promenade, guests will see a massive stainless-steel dragon suspended from the ceiling. The 39-by-29-feet sculpture will feature 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights for a stunning display of art.
MSC World Asia Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises)
MSC Cruises continues to add even longer and longer dry slides to its ships. On MSC World Asia, The Spiral slide will be the new longest dry slide at sea, at nearly 267 feet long, passing through 12 ship decks.
A new dining experience will include a Pan-Asian street food venue. A new Clubhouse space will offer fun for the family via bumper cars, roller skating and more.
Plus, the ship will feature the largest number of MSC Yacht Club staterooms and suites to date, including the brand-new Royal Duplex Suite, which offers two bedrooms and plenty of space.
MSC World Atlantic
MSC World Atlantic is, comparatively, largely still under wraps. The ship’s name was announced at a steel-cutting ceremony in March 2025. It will set sail in 2027.
MSC World Atlantic steel cutting (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
However, I expect that this ship will continue the World-class tradition of upping the ante with bigger and better, newer and more eye-catching features.
The final World-class ships, due to launch in 2030 and 2031, were announced in November 2025. Construction is expected to begin at Chantiers de L’Atlantique in 2029, but not much else is known about these final ships just yet.
Additionally, while no firm, public announcement from MSC Cruises itself has been made just yet, rumors have been swirling regarding the possibility of a future new class, dubbed the Constellation Class, which will include the largest ships in the world.
If these ships come to fruition, they will weigh in at approximately 265,000 GT, or about 15,000 GT more than Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships.
MSC Grandiosa has arrived at Port Canaveral to begin homeporting from Florida for the winter.
The ship will offer Caribbean itineraries from 3-8 nights visiting top destinations in the region.
She is the first Meraviglia-plus class ship to homeport from a US port.
MSC Cruises has doubled its presence at Port Canaveral with the arrival of MSC Grandiosa for her winter season of Caribbean sailings. The ship arrived on Saturday, December 6, 2025, following her transatlantic sailing that departed Genoa, Italy on November 19.
She joins MSC Seashore, which will be offering a variety of shorter cruises through the winter months.
Both ships are welcome additions to Port Canaveral’s homeport fleet at a time when cruising is on the rise and the central Florida port has taken the title as the World’s Busiest Cruise Port.
“MSC is a valued partner, and we’re thrilled to have this beautiful new ship call Port Canaveral her home,”said Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.“The addition of MSC Grandiosa doubles their sailing options from our Port and speaks volumes to theconfidence in our ability to consistently deliver a world-class guest experience.”
MSC Grandiosa adds an even more exciting option for eager cruisers, as this is the first time a Meraviglia-plus class ship has homeported from the US.
Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, MSC Grandiosa joined the fleet in late 2019. At 181,541-gross-tons and with the ability to welcome more than 6,300 guests when fully booked, she is one of MSC Cruises’ largest ships outside the dominating World class of vessels.
“MSC Grandiosa’s arrival marks a major milestone for us. This is the first time we’ve had two ships sailing from Port Canaveral,”said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America.
“I want to thank our partners at Port Canaveral for supporting our continued investment in the region, which is making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy MSC Cruises’ mix of European style and American comfort.”
Second Inaugural Visit in Two Days
To commemorate the ship’s first-ever visit to Port Canaveral, port officials and the ship’s master, Captain Danilo Cha, held a traditional maritime plaque exchange onboard.
These ceremonies are customary whenever a ship visits a port for the first time, whether as a homeport arrival or a port of call visit. These gestures demonstrate the goodwill between the cruise line, local officials, and port authorities.
MSC Grandiosa Docked in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)
Interestingly, this is the second plaque exchange for MSC Grandiosa in just two days. On Friday, December 5, the ship arrived in the US at PortMiami and enjoyed a great welcome and plaque exchange with that South Florida port during a day visit.
In April 2026, Miami will be the first port the ship visits as she departs the US to return to the Mediterranean for the summer, though she will be back to Port Canaveral (also via a day visit to Miami) in November 2026.
MSC Cruises From Port Canaveral
Slightly larger than MSC Seashore, her sister ship, already sailing from central Florida, MSC Grandiosa has a diverse schedule for the months ahead. Her sailings range from 3-8 nights, as well as a longer transatlantic voyage when she departs for Europe in April.
Offering both Eastern and Western Caribbean options, the ship will visit such top destinations as Nassau, Puerto Plata, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, and San Juan.
Select sailings will also visit MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
On April 18, 2026, MSC Grandiosa will bid a fond farewell to Port Canaveral (at least for a few months) with a 14-night transatlantic itinerary that will stop in Miami first, then St. Maarten before heading across the Atlantic to Madeira and on to Barcelona to begin her Mediterranean summer.
Carnival Miracle guests have been notified about a possible fog-related delay on Sunday, December 7.
The cruise line will issue further updates to incoming guests on Sunday morning.
This alert is on the same day three Royal Caribbean ships were delayed 8 hours returning to Tampa.
The dreaded season of fog has hit Port Tampa Bay once again, as cruise lines are forced to devise alternative plans and adjust for delayed arrivals. One of those ships just may be Carnival Miracle.
On the same day when three Royal Caribbean cruises were delayed by 8 hours due to dense fog, Carnival also sent an advisory to guests booked on Carnival Miracle‘s December 7 sailing out of Tampa that their embarkation could be delayed.
“Fog may impact the Tampa area overnight, and this could affect the arrival of the ship and your embarkation. We will continue to monitor the weather and provide another update by 9:00 AM (ET), Sunday, December 7,” the email explained.
“Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you have received our final update.”
The cruise line has not confirmed when that final update may be issued, as there is no way to know whether or not Carnival Miracle will have any significant delays until the morning’s fog is evaluated.
Carnival Spirit Fog (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
If the port is closed, the ship might be delayed just a couple of hours, or nearly a full day.
The 85,942-gross-ton, Spirit-classCarnival Miracle is currently sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary that departed the Sunshine State on Sunday, November 30.
Her next sailing is likewise a 7-night cruise, with visits planned for Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, and Costa Maya.
Carnival Miracle is still new to her Tampa homeport, having just arrived following her transatlantic cruise on November 22. The next sailing is just her third Tampa departure.
How Likely Is Fog on Sunday Morning?
The National Weather Service is forecasting fog south of Interstate 4 in western Florida on Sunday morning, December 7.
While much of Tampa Bay is expected to be in the “limited” fog area with only isolated areas of low visibility, the mouth of the bay is in the “elevated” forecast with dense fog expected.
Because ships must pass through that dense fog just where the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is located, it is critical that visibility be sufficient for safe navigation.
It’s important for cruise guests to note that even if the port is open, fog might cause traffic congestion and delays for anyone driving to the port. In that case, it’s important to schedule extra time for driving and to be patient with potential delays.
In addition to Carnival Miracle, Margaritaville Islander, Norwegian Dawn, and Celebrity Constellation are also due for docking in Tampa on Sunday morning.
While the Carnival, Margaritaville, and Norwegian ships remain well outside Tampa Bay en route to their homeports, satellite tracking shows that Celebrity Constellation has accelerated her sailing and should be docking late Saturday night, ensuring she is not delayed for Sunday morning’s debarkation.
If Carnival Miracle Is Delayed
At this time, there is no confirmed delay for Carnival Miracle. The fact that Carnival Cruise Line has already sent out a fog advisory alerting guests to the possibility, however, is a good indication that such a delay is likely.
This would mean that 2,124 guests onboard the ship would be delayed in returning to Tampa, perhaps until the late afternoon or early evening.
Guests waiting to embark on the ship on Sunday would then have to push their embarkation back not only until the ship can safely dock, but even later to permit for customs clearance and debarkation of previous guests.
This would also mean that parking facilities are not able to accommodate incoming guests earlier in the day, nor would the cruise terminal be open for check-ins at the previously planned arrival appointment times.
Carnival Cruise Line will email or text guests with updates as they are confirmed. It is possible that several updates may be necessary throughout the day as conditions in Tampa Bay change.
All guests, whether currently onboard Carnival Miracle or hoping to board on Sunday, should be patient with the situation and understand that weather-related delays are well outside the cruise line’s control.
Rhapsody, Enchantment, and Grandeur of the Seas are all delayed due to fog in Tampa Bay.
The delays are at least 8 hours long for the fog to clear and the ships to reach their terminals.
Guests will be notified if there is any need for itinerary changes due to the delays.
Cruising from Port Tampa Bay can be a challenge in the winter months when cold northern air meets the warm waters of the bay and dense fog forms overnight.
Guests aboard three Royal Caribbean ships have gotten the full force of that winter fog on Saturday morning, December 6. Their vessels were unable to enter Tampa Bay until the afternoon, hours after they should already have arrived at the cruise terminals.
Rhapsody of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas have all been impacted by the dense fog and instead of docking in the early morning hours as planned, will not be docking until late afternoon.
“All Cruise Ships are delayed from entering port today due to fog in the bay,”Port Tampa Bay confirmed with a fog delay alert.
Guests were advised to reach out to Royal Caribbean directly for updates on arrival times, including the pushed back embarkation for the next sailings.
The cruise line did notify guests throughout Saturday morning to keep them apprised of the situation and advise them of changes to embarkation.
“Due to dense fog earlier today, our ship was delayed returning to Port Tampa Bay. As a result, the terminal will not be open for embarkation, and we will need to push back our boarding,”the final update sent to Rhapsody of the Seas’ guests explained.
All cruise terminal arrival times for Rhapsody of the Seas have been delayed by eight hours. This means guests who originally selected to arrive at the terminal at 11 a.m. must now arrive at 7 p.m. The last arrival time will now be 9:30 p.m.
Rhapsody of the Seas was the first of the cruise ships to enter Tampa Bay once the port was reopened, but guests for Enchantment of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas also received similar notifications with adjusted arrival times.
Will the Next Cruises Be Impacted?
There is no confirmation of whether or not the next sailings for the trio of ships may be impacted by the significant delay.
Rhapsody of the Seas is returning from a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise and is due to start another 7-night itinerary with calls to Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Belize.
Enchantment of the Seas is finishing a 5-night sailing that visited two ports in Mexico, and will be starting another 5-night cruise, also visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel.
Grandeur of the Seas is at the end of a 7-night cruise and will be starting another weeklong sailing, with calls to Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, and Costa Maya.
Enchantment of the Seas in Tampa, Florida (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Fortunately, all three ships have a full day at sea planned for Sunday, December 7, during which it should be possible for them to make up for the delay. If there needs to be any changes to any of the three itineraries, guests will be notified as soon as the alterations are confirmed.
At 73,800 (Grandeur), 78,900 (Rhapsody), and 82,900 (Enchantment) gross tons each, the three vessels are among the smallest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
Likewise, having entered service in 1996 (Grandeur) and 1997 (Rhapsody and Enchantment), they are also the three oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Including both debarking and embarking cruise guests, as many as 15,000 cruise guests may now be scrambling with the changes for this one busy turnaround day.
Why So Long a Delay?
Port Tampa Bay is unique in that the cruise terminals are located at the north end of the bay. This is approximately 30 miles from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and a total of nearly 40 miles from the mouth of Tampa Bay.
Even on a clear, unobstructed day, it takes cruise ships 2.5-3 hours to fully transit Tampa Bay. This must be done carefully due to extensive marine traffic, proper bridge clearance, and other safety factors.
It is not uncommon for the port to be completely closed when dense fog blankets the area. This would apply to all marine traffic, not just cruise ships.
Furthermore, when multiple vessels are impacted, delays can be even more severe as an extra precaution for each ship’s maneuverability and pilot availability to guide ships to the dock.
Savvy cruise guests know how uncertain it can be to schedule post-cruise travel too early in the day in case one’s ship is delayed returning to the homeport, or if there is traffic congestion or other problems that prevent a smooth, on-time debarkation.
For winter sailings out of Tampa, however, the wisest guests plan flights for the following day, just in case there might be an extensive delay.
Norwegian Cruise Line has adjusted more than two dozen Pride of America Hawaii cruises.
Port visits are all preserved, but in a different order and with different visit times.
These adjustments impact sailings from October 2026 through March 2027.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s 80,439-gross-ton Pride of America is well known as the only major cruise ship to offer 7-night inter-island Hawaii cruises, roundtrip from Honolulu.
The iconic itinerary hits all the high points among the major islands, including Kona, Hilo, Maui, and Kauai, giving guests amazing opportunities to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the Aloha State.
More than two dozen itineraries through the winter months of 2026 and 2027, however, have been dramatically adjusted. Guests need to be aware of the changes to plan their time in port accordingly.
Norwegian Cruise Line reached out to travel agents and booked guests to alert them to the changes, which will begin with Pride of America‘s October 3, 2026 sailing and continue through the March 27, 2027 departure.
“While we’re always working to bring your dream vacation to life, sometimes a small course correction helps us deliver an even better experience,”the email explains.
The good news is that no ports of call are cancelled on the Hawaiian itineraries, they’re just rearranged. This is being done to offer a “more seamless, immersive journey from port to port.”
“You’ll still enjoy each of the amazing destinations you’ve been looking forward to on your itinerary, just in a refreshed sequence,”the email confirmed.
The itinerary changes are as follows:
Saturday – Depart Honolulu at 5 p.m.
Sunday – Arrive in Kahului (Maui) at 8 a.m. for an overnight visit (previously Kona)
Monday – Depart Kahului at 6 p.m. (previously Hilo)
Tuesday – Hilo from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (previously Maui arrival)
Wednesday – Kona from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (previously Maui Departure)
Thursday – Arrive in Nawiliwili (Kauai) at 8 a.m. for an overnight visit (previously arriving at 9 a.m.)
Friday – Depart Nawiliwili at 2 p.m.
Saturday – Arrive in Honolulu at 7 a.m. for debarkation
The refreshed itinerary does give guests an extra hour in Maui, an extra 30 minutes in Kona, and an extra hour in Kauai to enjoy.
The time in Hilo remains the same, but is shifted an hour later to be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. instead of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. as previously planned.
Similarly, the departure and arrival times to Honolulu are unchanged, so no embarkation or debarkation times will be impacted.
Guests Should Check Tours
If guests have already pre-booked any tours through Norwegian Cruise Line for their Hawaii cruise, those tours will be adjusted accordingly to suit the new itinerary.
Pride of America Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jose Gil)
Guests who have arranged independent tours, including rental cars or shuttle drivers, will need to contact their tour operators to confirm rescheduling and availability.
Fortunately, because these changes do not take effect for ten months, guests have plenty of time to make such adjustments without difficulty.
Cruising to Hawaii
Pride of America offers the most immersive itineraries around the Hawaiian islands. While other cruise lines do offer Hawaii cruises, those sailings typically depart from West Coast homeports and include 4-5 days at sea just to reach Hawaii.
After visiting the islands, the ships then need to return to their homeports, meaning another 4-5 days at sea, along with a port visit in either Canada or Mexico to satisfy US regulations.
This means a much longer (and potentially more expensive) cruise, which may not be possible or desirable for all cruise travelers.
Pride of America, however, has special licensing to homeport from Hawaii and enjoy her sailings without a visit to a foreign port.
Another option for very exotic Hawaii sailings is transpacific sailings as ships reposition to and from Asia or Australia in spring and fall. These one-way cruises can last as much as a month and are truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime journeys.
