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NCL Names Final Prima Class Ship Norwegian Bella, Opens 2028 Sailings

Melissa Mayntz
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NCL Names Final Prima Class Ship Norwegian Bella, Opens 2028 Sailings

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line has announced Norwegian Bella as the name of the sixth and last Prima class ship, scheduled to debut in May 2028.
  • The ship will offer primarily 7-night Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain for her inaugural season.
  • Guest feedback has helped guide new features and fleet favorites in her design, including Ocean Boulevard, a larger pool deck, and The Haven.

Cruises will look more beautiful than ever for Norwegian Cruise Line fans as bookings have now been opened for the sixth and final Prima class ship, Norwegian Bella.

The cruise line announced the ship’s name and initial itineraries on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, confirming the 170,000-gross ton ship will homeport from Barcelona for her inaugural season of 7-night roundtrip Mediterranean voyages. Depending on departure date, these sailings will visit destinations such as Salerno, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Marseille, La Spezia, and Palma de Mallorca.

One 5-night itinerary from Malta to Barcelona is also available embarking on Tuesday, May 2, 2028 and remaining overnight in Malta before setting sail the next morning, then visiting Salerno and Civitavecchia on the way to Spain.

While the 5-night sailing may well be the first time Norwegian Bella will officially welcome guests aboard, the cruise line has not yet announced which individual sailing could be labeled as the ship’s maiden voyage. It is not uncommon for cruise lines to celebrate a ship’s inaugural season with extra events and mementos on a number of early sailings.

Norwegian Bella Main Pool
Norwegian Bella Main Pool

The 3,921-guest Norwegian Bella is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, along with her sister ship, Norwegian Aura, which is scheduled to join the fleet in May 2027. At 1,129 feet long, the two ships will be the largest in the NCL fleet when they debut, though the cruise line has already ordered a new, larger class with expected deliveries beginning in 2030.

As Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its outstanding hull art across the fleet, Norwegian Bella will not disappoint and certainly lives up to her name with original art designed by Australian contemporary artist George Rose. Vibrant color splashes across the ship’s hull in tropical hues, evoking an organic sense of movement and flow the length of the vessel.

Norwegian Bella Render

“Designing the hull art for Norwegian Bella was an opportunity to capture the sense of wonder that travel inspires. Through vibrant color, organic forms and a feeling of movement, I wanted to create a piece that reflects the excitement of exploration and discovery,” said Rose.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my artwork come to life on a ship that will visit some of Europe’s most remarkable destinations, and I hope it becomes part of the memories guests create throughout their journey.”

New Features for Norwegian Bella Incorporating Guest Feedback

Norwegian Bella will have new, exclusive features as well as fleet favorites onboard to help guests make those fantastic memories. Guest feedback has been instrumental in designing the new ship and ensuring the ultimate in flexibility for guests’ preferred vacation experiences.

“Norwegian Bella marks a milestone moment in our fleet as the culmination of our award-winning Prima Class. Drawing on the innovations and guest feedback that have shaped the class from the very beginning, Norwegian Bella brings together our most sought-after experiences in one extraordinary ship,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Bella Ocean Heights
Norwegian Bella Ocean Heights

“Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to give guests the freedom and flexibility to vacation exactly how they want to, without anyone having to compromise.”

Those details include the 4-deck Ocean Heights multi-use complex spanning decks 18 through 21, which will be an adrenaline-filled waterpark, ropes course, and playground by day but becomes a social gathering spot with LED projections and immersive lighting at night.

Norwegian Bella Ocean Heights Night
Norwegian Bella Ocean Heights Night

For a quieter connection to the ocean, guests can stroll along the signature Prima class promenade, Ocean Boulevard, wrapping around Deck 8. Hot tubs, an outdoor bar, and infinity pools make Ocean Boulevard a great gathering space with panoramic ocean views.

The youngest guests onboard Norwegian Bella will enjoy Little Explorers’ Cay for ages 2-6, Adventure Alley for ages 6-10, and Surf’s Bay for teens. Features of the youth spaces include a playhouse and slides for the littles, winding tunnels with an ocean theme for older children, and a surf photo wall for the best teen selfies.

Everyone in the family will enjoy the pool deck, which is more than 15% larger than the pool decks onboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The Kids’ Aqua Park has a reimagined splash pad and interactive water features, while families will enjoy the Party Slide and the Infinity Loop figure-eight waterslide.

For fun while staying dry, Norwegian Bella has the iconic 10-deck “The Drop” dry slide, plus lawn games, miniature golf, and more.

The Vibe Beach Club continues to offer an elevated adults-only atmosphere with its own oceanfront bar, infinity hot tubs, and day beds, while the Mandara Spa & Salon has a meditation room, spa reflection pool, thermal suite, and other features designed for the ultimate in relaxation and pampering.

Norwegian Bella Staterooms and Suites

Norwegian Bella will have nearly 2,000 staterooms with accommodations ranging from inside staterooms and solo cabins to balconies and the 159 luxury suites of The Haven.

Read Also: The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line – Worth It or Not?

Located aft, The Haven is accessed through private elevators and includes separate family-friendly and adults-only areas. A private sundeck with an infinity pool, two hot tubs, and an exclusive outdoor sauna and cold room are all features available exclusively to guests in The Haven, along with a private restaurant, lounge space, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and other perks.

Further details on the ship’s dining venues, entertainment, and more are sure to be released in the coming months, building even more excitement for what is sure to be a beautiful ship.

Seattle Wraps Record 2026 Cruise Season With 330 Ship Calls

Calvin Musquez
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Seattle Wraps Record 2026 Cruise Season With 330 Ship Calls

Key Aspects:

  • The Port of Seattle ended its 2026 cruise season on October 18, 2026 with a record number of ship calls, revenue passengers, and homeported ships.
  • Cruise activity generated an estimated $1.2 billion in regional economic benefits, while shore power was utilized by a record 66% of ships.
  • Newcomers to the port helped fuel growth, with MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages homeporting ships in Seattle for the first time.

The Port of Seattle officially wrapped up its 2026 cruise season on October 18 and has reported record-breaking figures. The Washington port recorded 330 total ship calls and nearly 2 million revenue passengers throughout the season.

Additionally, 16 ships across 10 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) affiliated brands utilized Seattle as a homeport for Alaska itineraries. Cruise lines that homeported in Seattle in 2026 included Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, among others.

These figures represent new records for the port, surpassing the previous record figures from last year. Cruise Hive previously covered Seattle’s 2025 cruise season, during which the port saw 298 ship calls, 1.9 million revenue passengers, and 14 homeported ships across 8 brands.

Cruising also contributed heavily to the local economy. The Port of Seattle reported that cruise activity brought an estimated $1.2 billion in economic benefit for the region and supported more than 5,120 local jobs, holding steady from the same figures in 2025.

Despite setting new records, Seattle’s passenger traffic fell short of the port’s initial forecast. When the season began in April 2026, the port expected approximately 2.1 million revenue passengers, compared with the nearly 2 million ultimately reported.

Shore Power Usage Reaches New High

The Port of Seattle has invested heavily in shore power in recent years. In 2024, it became the first port in the U.S. to independently mandate that all homeported ships utilize shore power by 2027.

An uptick in shore power usage was reported at the port in 2026, with a record 66% of ships utilizing the technology at berth, compared to 65% in 2025. This usage avoided an estimated 6,189 metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions and 1.52 metric tons of diesel particulate matter.

Queen Elizabeth Ship in Seattle
Queen Elizabeth Ship in Seattle

All three cruise berths in Seattle are already shore power equipped and the port is continuing to invest in shore power infrastructure to support even more future utilization. Work will continue this fall on dredging and electrification projects to expand shore power at Pier 91.

This season, Princess Cruises also marked a first in further environmental improvements at the port. The 177,800-gross-ton Star Princess completed the first LNG bunkering operation in Elliott Bay, with 3% of the LNG supplied from renewable sources.

New Cruise Lines Help to Drive Seattle’s Growth

As cruising to Alaska grows in popularity, more cruise lines are looking to Seattle as a strategic homeport. In 2026, two cruise lines homeported from Seattle for the first time ever. 

Sailing from Pier 91, MSC Cruises made its debut in the Emerald City with MSC Poesia. The 2,550-passenger ship sailed 7-night Alaska itineraries, departing from the port on Mondays throughout the season.

Another newcomer to the port was Virgin Voyages. The cruise line offered 7- to 12-night Alaska voyages aboard the 2,770-guest Brilliant Lady from Seattle beginning on May 21.

With the 2026 season behind it, the Port of Seattle is now looking ahead. In 2027, the port anticipates 326 calls and approximately 2 million revenue passengers.

Royal Caribbean Guest Airlifted From Odyssey of the Seas Amid Strong Winds

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Guest Airlifted From Odyssey of the Seas Amid Strong Winds

Key Aspects:

  • The Italian Coast Guard posted a video of a medical airlift from Odyssey of the Seas conducted on Friday, October 16, 2026.
  • An ill guest was lifted in a litter to the hovering helicopter during 25 mph winds and waves over six feet.
  • The guest was successfully evacuated to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania for treatment, but no details about their condition have been released.

The Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera) recently conducted a precise medical evacuation airlift under tense conditions in the Ionian Sea from Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas. The crew of Nemo 10 at the Catania Coast Guard Air Base conducted the operation.

Video of the emergency airlift was posted on Sunday, October 18, 2026, though that does not necessarily indicate the actual date of the evacuation.

A Facebook group for the ship’s October 11 sailing, however, confirmed the airlift took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at approximately 2 p.m. local time. At that time, Odyssey of the Seas was having a full day at sea, having visited Mykonos on Thursday, October 15, and heading for Naples as the final port visit on Saturday, October 17. The ship was sailing a 7-night Greece and Italy itinerary roundtrip from Civitavecchia.

The brief video is just 30 seconds long, but first shows the rescue helicopter approaching Odyssey of the Seas while the 4,198-guest cruise ship is clearly underway. One of the rescue personnel dropped to the deck of the ship with a passenger litter, and was then brought back up safely with the guest firmly secured to the litter.

Cruise ship crew members on the deck are seen providing tension to a tagline as the litter is guided upward, ensuring stability and helping keep the litter from spinning as the operation is completed.

“Emergency intervention in the Ionian Sea for the crew of Nemo 10 at the Catania Coast Guard Air Base,” the video is captioned. “The AW139 helicopter carried out a complex medical evacuation 120 miles east of the coast, rescuing a 64-year-old passenger who had suffered a serious illness on board a cruise ship.”

The video also notes that the evacuation was conducted during “adverse weather conditions” with waves more than two meters (6.5 feet) high and wind from the north at 22 knots (25 miles per hour).

These conditions would have created excessive motion for both the ship and the helicopter, and it was critical that both be kept synchronized as much as possible so the airlift could be safe and as smooth as possible.

No further details have been released about the passenger or their medical condition. The video caption did confirm the guest was successfully airlifted to Catania, Sicily, and handed over to the care of the medical staff at Cannizzaro Hospital.

It is standard practice not to reveal medical details or updates on evacuated guests in order to safeguard the individual’s privacy, as well as the privacy of their family members, friends, and traveling companions.

Odyssey of the Seas has been at the center of media attention for another emergency recently, when a woman went overboard on Friday, October 9, 2026 and was rescued roughly 20 hours later by the Hellenic Coast Guard.

Could a Helicopter Land?

Many commenters have asked on the Coast Guard’s Facebook post why the rescue helicopter couldn’t land onboard the cruise ship to facilitate the evacuation, an interesting question considering larger ships do appear to have helipads.

The 167,704-gross ton Odyssey of the Seas does indeed have a landing pad on her bow, but not for emergency landings in that way. When a cruise ship is underway, even in calm seas, small swells or wind shifts near the water’s surface could make any landing onto a moving vessel far riskier than a winch transfer.

More From Cruise Hive

With highly trained emergency crews, using a winch for a litter evacuation is actually a much safer operation. Furthermore, it can be faster to evacuate a guest via a litter with the helicopter already in the air, able to bring them to advanced medical care more quickly.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the ill guest and their family members and friends, and we are ever grateful for those emergency personnel who are available to assist whenever those at sea need emergency help.

Carnival Reveals When Christmas Decorations Go Up on All 29 Ships

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Reveals When Christmas Decorations Go Up on All 29 Ships

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed the 2026 holiday decorating schedule for seasonal sailings across the fleet.
  • Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa, both based in Brisbane, will be the first and last ships decorated for the season, respectively.
  • Holiday decorations will remain in place for New Year’s Eve sailings but typically come down quickly after January 1.

Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has shared the decorating schedule for the 2026 holiday sailings for every ship in the Carnival fleet in a post to his more than 688,000 Facebook followers, giving eager travelers some holiday spirit to anticipate for their upcoming sailings.

The first Carnival ship to set sail in seasonal style will be Carnival Encounter on her Sunday, November 22 departure from Brisbane, a 6-night sailing to Airlie Beach, Cairns, and Willis Island.

Another Australia-based ship, Carnival Luminosa, will be the last ship to add holiday decorations onboard, as the ship won’t be decorated until her Monday, December 14, 2026 departure from Brisbane. That 4-night sailing to Airlie Beach is the ship’s first sailing from her Australia homeport following a dry dock refurbishment in Singapore from October 23 to late November.

The full fleet 2026 holiday decorating schedule is as follows, with each date being the first departure that will feature the onboard decorations:

  • Sunday, November 22: Encounter (Australia)
  • Friday, November 27: Conquest, Glory, Firenze
  • Saturday, November 28: Magic, Mardi Gras, Paradise, Radiance, Jubilee, Sunshine, Splendor (Australia)
  • Sunday, November 29: Celebration, Venezia, Legend, Panorama, Liberty, Pride
  • Monday, November 30: Freedom, Spirit, Breeze, Adventure (Australia)
  • Thursday, December 3: Sunrise, Miracle, Valor, Elation
  • Saturday, December 5: Horizon, Dream, Vista
  • Monday, December 14: Luminosa (Australia)

Heald noted that it isn’t the ship’s crew that does the decorating onboard, but rather a different team that comes onboard at each ship’s homeport to add the festive touches to the vessel.

Christmas on a Carnival Cruise
Christmas on a Carnival Cruise (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)

“The fleet’s decorations will not be done by the crew but by ‘Professional Christmas Decorators’ who have sandals and love green things and who make a living by decorating other people’s Christmas trees,” he quipped.

“And the moment those decorations go up, the ship’s music system will start blending in Christmas music and the elevators will be filled with the sound of Mariah Carey singing ‘All I Want for Christmas is me.’ When we all know that like most ladies, she definitely does not want me.”

Are There Special Decorations for New Year’s Eve?

Heald also confirmed that the ships will remain decorated for the holidays through New Year’s sailings in response to several guests asking about when the decorations are removed.

“The decorations will stay up for the [New Year’s Eve] cruises,” he said.

The holiday decorations are not changed specifically for New Year’s, but most ships will offer countdowns and balloon drop events to ring in 2027. These can be very memorable moments at sea, especially when the ship blows its horn at midnight and the pool deck is full of guests and crew members celebrating.

More From Cruise Hive

On or after January 1, some decorations may start to be removed and packed away by crew members in preparation for the holiday materials to be offloaded on the next turnaround day.

If guests embark anytime between the posted decorating dates and December 31, they will be able to enjoy the seasonal touches for their holiday at sea.

AIDAnova Rescues Four Fishermen From Burning Boat in Skagerrak

Calvin Musquez
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AIDAnova Rescues Four Fishermen From Burning Boat in Skagerrak

Key Aspects:

  • AIDAnova diverted from its scheduled course on October 18, 2026, to assist a burning fishing vessel in the Skagerrak.
  • Four fishermen escaped into a liferaft and were safely rescued by a smaller boat launched from the cruise ship, with no reported injuries.
  • A Norwegian rescue helicopter as well as another passenger vessel responded, while AIDAnova continued toward Bergen following the operation.

A cruise ship played a crucial role in a maritime rescue Sunday afternoon in the Skagerrak. After their fishing vessel caught on fire on October 18, 2026, four fishermen were safely rescued and brought aboard AIDA Cruises’ AIDAnova.

The 183,000-gross-ton cruise ship was sailing from Kiel, Germany, toward Bergen, Norway, in the waters between Norway and Denmark on the first sea day of a 7-night Norwegian World Heritage Sights cruise. The crew received a call to assist and the ship diverted from its course.

The four fishermen escaped onto a liferaft after the fire broke out. It remains unconfirmed how the fire started aboard the Danish-flagged fishing vessel.

AIDAnova arrived on the scene, along with a Norwegian rescue helicopter and another passenger vessel, Color Line’s ferry SuperSpeed 1. Although the other vessel and aircraft responded to the incident, it was AIDAnova’s crew that ultimately brought the fishermen to safety.

The cruise ship’s crew deployed a rescue boat and retrieved them from the liferaft while the fishing vessel continued to burn nearby. A passenger aboard AIDAnova shared photos and video of the incident on Facebook, showing guests watching from the deck as the rescue took place.

By 3:35 p.m., all four fishermen were safely aboard AIDAnova and reportedly taken to AIDAnova’s onboard medical facility. SuperSpeed 1 was then released and resumed its crossing.

AIDAnova
AIDAnova (Photo Credit: Repina Valeriya)

The identities and nationalities of the four fishermen have not been publicly confirmed. Rescue coordinator Per Ivar Austnaberg of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of Southern Norway confirmed to Norwegian outlet VG that none of them were injured.

When a distress call happens at sea, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires that any nearby and able vessels respond. As Cruise Hive covered in August, passengers aboard Carnival Conquest also witnessed an at-sea rescue when the ship diverted to assist a stranded sailor.

No Change to AIDAnova’s Itinerary

AIDAnova left the scene at approximately 4:00 p.m., resuming its route toward Bergen. Despite the diversion, the ship reportedly made up the lost time and arrived in Bergen at its scheduled time of 9:00 a.m. on October 19.

From there, the ship will call at Geiranger, Alesund, and Stavanger before returning to Kiel on October 24. While some guests will disembark, others are booked on a longer 14-night combined voyage.

Those passengers will remain aboard as new guests embark for the subsequent 7-night cruise. AIDAnova will then call in Oslo, Kristiansand, Skagen, Copenhagen, and Aarhus before returning to Kiel on October 31.

Royal Caribbean Extends Oasis of the Seas Halifax Stay After Weather Reroute

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Extends Oasis of the Seas Halifax Stay After Weather Reroute

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean has been able to extend Oasis of the Seas‘ unanticipated visit to Halifax to a full 24-hour overnight stay.
  • The Nova Scotia port is the only destination now on the ship’s rerouted 7-night itinerary instead of the original Florida and Bahamas visits.
  • No changes have been made to the compensation offered to guests and the ship will return to New Jersey on Sunday, October 25 as planned.

Following a last-minute itinerary alteration now sending Oasis of the Seas to Canada instead of Florida and the Bahamas for the ship’s Sunday, October 18, 2026 departure from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, Royal Caribbean has informed guests that their single port of call will be able to be longer than planned.

Cruise Hive already reported on the dramatic itinerary shift for the 5,602-guest ship. Oasis of the Seas was to have spent the 7-night sailing visiting Port Canaveral, Perfect Day CocoCay, and Nassau but was rerouted to Halifax, Nova Scotia to avoid severe weather off the eastern seaboard, including high winds and strong swells.

Guests were notified of the change the evening before departure, which caused some disappointment for travelers who were hoping for a tropical getaway instead of chilly autumn weather.

What was even more disappointing for guests, even those who understood the need for the weather-related itinerary change, was the fact that the single port visit on the revised itinerary was just 14 hours overnight. The ship was to have been docked in Halifax from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20 until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21.

Now, Royal Caribbean has further notified guests onboard that the visit has been extended.

“By continuing to work through our amended schedule, we’ve been able to secure additional flexibility for guests during our overnight stay,” the letter delivered to guests’ staterooms read. “We will now be able to extend our stay until 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 21, offering a full day to explore Halifax.”

The ship’s captain also announced the port visit extension onboard, and the Royal Caribbean app has been updated with confirmed details.

The cruise line notes that the arrival time of Tuesday at 6 p.m. is unchanged. This gives guests an extra 10 hours to explore the maritime port and home of Canada’s Atlantic Fleet, with opportunities for shore excursions, dining ashore, and other activities.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
Photo Credit: Port of Halifax

Guests can book tours through the Royal Caribbean app or by visiting the Shore Excursions Desk on the starboard side midship, across from the Schooner Bar.

There have been no further changes to the ship’s now single-port itinerary or to her return to Cape Liberty on Sunday, October 25 at approximately 6 a.m.

AIS tracking confirms the ship has departed New Jersey as planned and is currently en route to Halifax. Other than her now-longer stop in Nova Scotia, the remainder of the cruise will be sea days.

Compensation Unchanged

No changes have been made to the compensation already offered to guests onboard Oasis of the Seas. Guests are receiving $200 (USD) of onboard credit per guest for inside and outside staterooms, $300 per guest for balcony staterooms, and $600 per guest for suites, along with an extra $100 per person for third or higher guests booked in the same staterooms.

Travelers are also receiving a 50% future cruise credit per paid guest for another Royal Caribbean sailing, with a book by expiration date of October 18, 2027 as a gesture of goodwill from the cruise line. The future cruise credit will be issued by November 1, 2026.

MSC Cruises Ending Status Match in Multiple Countries

Melissa Mayntz
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MSC Cruises Ending Status Match in Multiple Countries

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Cruises is ending its status match application program in several countries, including Spain, France, and Italy.
  • Status matching is still available on the cruise line’s US, UK, and Canada sites, among others.
  • Already submitted applications will still be processed and there is no change to the benefits of the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program.

Cruise travelers in Spain, France, and Italy are no longer able to enjoy the benefit of status matching with MSC Cruises, as the program has been cancelled as of Thursday, October 15, 2026. While previously submitted applications will continue to be processed for suitable status matches, new applications will no longer be processed.

MSC Cruises, one of the largest cruise companies in the world, posted details of the cancellation on its MSC Voyagers Club page on the Spain website, answering a number of questions associated with the program’s conclusion.

Nearly identical details are also posted on the cruise line’s France and Italy websites, and other international sites may yet be updated if the change is being rolled out gradually.

Of biggest concern to many guests is whether their matched MSC Voyagers Club tier will stay in place or if that status will now be lost since the program has ended.

“The program’s termination only affects the ability to submit new Status Match applications. Any MSC Voyagers Club level already granted through Status Match will remain valid and continue to be subject to standard MSC Voyagers Club rules regarding maintenance, renewal, and level upgrades,” the cruise line confirmed (translated).

There is no indication that MSC Voyagers Club benefits will be adjusted or ended, only that new matches will no longer be granted. At this time, there is no change to the MSC Voyagers Club program, its tiers, or point-earning opportunities to increase one’s benefits.

The Status Match program has permitted cruise travelers with significant loyalty accumulation on other cruise lines, as well as select hotel, airline, and casino loyalty programs, to apply to have that loyalty recognized recognized by MSC Cruises, even if they’ve never sailed with the line before.

More than 75 other loyalty programs were eligible for the match, including Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and more.

This has been an attractive option for guests who may be interested in trying MSC Cruises for the first time, but who might be reluctant to do so if it would mean losing the loyalty they have gained with other lines or programs.

MSC Opera Cruise Ship
MSC Opera Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: CeltStudio)

Enrollment in the program is free but subject to approval. There is no confirmation that the program will be ending in other countries, and as of press time, the application for status matching is still available on the cruise line’s US, Canada, UK, Germany, Austria, and other sites.

Read Also: Which Cruise Lines Match Loyalty Programs?

With the program confirmed to be ending in multiple countries, however, further changes may still be forthcoming. Guests interested in applying for a status match should check their appropriate country site to determine if applications are still being accepted.

Why End Status Match?

MSC Cruises has not made any broad announcement about ending applications for status match.

The associated FAQs state that, in the translation from its Spain page, “This decision is part of the ongoing evolution of MSC Cruises’ commercial and customer loyalty strategy. MSC Cruises remains committed to rewarding and retaining its customers through the MSC Voyagers Club program and dedicated loyalty initiatives.”

Cruise lines update loyalty programs as necessary to adjust benefits, add tiers, or make more significant changes if existing programs prove to be untenable.

Carnival Cruise Line, for example, upset many guests when it replaced the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program with the spend-based Carnival Rewards program. While the switch was first announced in June 2025, Carnival Rewards did not officially begin until September 1, 2026.

Even small changes, however, can be upsetting to loyal guests. Cruise Hive has reported that Disney Cruise Line is ending the prix-fixe menu at its Palo restaurants fleetwide from October 22, 2026, which changes the Platinum and Pearl benefit offered to guests in the Castaway Club. While some guests applaud the change for the greater variety it may offer, others are upset at the loss of a favorite perk.

Royal Caribbean Sends Oasis of the Seas to Canada as East Coast Storm Builds

Calvin Musquez
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0
Royal Caribbean Sends Oasis of the Seas to Canada as East Coast Storm Builds

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean has completely rerouted Oasis of the Seas’ October 18, 2026 sailing due to inclement weather developing off the East Coast.
  • Instead of Port Canaveral, Perfect Day CocoCay, and Nassau, the 7-night cruise will visit Halifax, Nova Scotia, for an overnight stay.
  • Guests are being offered refundable onboard credit based on stateroom category, plus a 50% future cruise credit for each paid guest.

Severe weather continues to wreak havoc on cruise itineraries. The latest subject of a weather reroute is the October 18, 2026 sailing of Oasis of the Seas, scheduled to depart from Cape Liberty, New Jersey and originally planned to call at Port Canaveral, Perfect Day CocoCay, and Nassau before returning on October 25.

However, inclement weather developing off the U.S. East Coast has caused Royal Caribbean to completely reroute the sailing, cancelling all scheduled ports. According to guests, they received a notice informing them of the change late on October 17, one day before departure.

“The weather’s impact makes it hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey to Florida and the Bahamas,” the notice said.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has identified a storm-force, non-tropical low expected to form off the southeastern United States within a day. NHC warns of high winds, coastal flooding, and dangerous surf along portions of the East Coast, with a 30% chance of subtropical development within the week.

Instead of Florida and the Bahamas, the cruise will visit a single port in Canada, calling at Halifax overnight from October 20 at 6:00 p.m. to October 21 at 8:00 a.m. The remainder of the 7-night sailing has been replaced with sea days and the Cape Liberty departure and return remain unchanged.

While many guests were understanding of the change as a safety necessity, others were less than thrilled. A guest shared the notice on Facebook, prompting some to express their disappointment in the cruise line’s handling of the situation.

“Arrive at 6pm then immediately leave next morning? That’s really the best they could do?” said one commenter.

“Tonight after 5 months of anticipation (and we all packed predominantly for warm weather) we all receive this email tonight. I am beyond disappointed,” another commented. “I live in New England. If I wanted to stay cold I could have just stayed home smh. Probably will be the last cruise I ever go on.”

Oasis of the Seas Weather Change Letter
Oasis of the Seas Weather Change Letter (Credit: Warren Ceaser)

Oasis of the Seas has faced other weather disruptions this year. As Cruise Hive covered in September, the 5,602-guest ship also faced itinerary changes during an earlier East Coast storm, when a nor’easter delayed the ship’s return to Cape Liberty, forcing the cancellation of another Port Canaveral visit on the following sailing.

Royal Caribbean Offers Compensation to Guests

As compensation for the heavily altered itinerary, Royal Caribbean is offering guests refundable onboard credit, per first and second passengers, based on their stateroom category. Guests in inside and oceanview staterooms will receive $200 per person, while balcony and neighborhood balcony staterooms will receive $300 per guest.

Meanwhile, guests staying in suites will receive $600 in onboard credit per first and second guest. Additional guests will receive $100 in onboard credit regardless of stateroom category.

The cruise line is also providing a 50% future cruise credit per paid guest. The credit will be issued by November 1, 2026, and guests must book their next sailing by October 18, 2027.

Shore excursions booked through the cruise line for the cancelled ports will be automatically refunded as onboard credit. Any unused balance will be refunded to the credit card linked to the guest’s onboard account following the cruise.

Weather and Travel Requirements

Due to the change, Royal Caribbean has advised guests to pack warmer clothing for the voyage. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-50s Fahrenheit in Halifax during the ship’s visit, compared to the high-70s and low-80s Fahrenheit forecast for Port Canaveral and Nassau.

More From Cruise Hive

The cruise line also emphasized that some guests, depending on their nationality, may be unable to join the sailing due to Canadian visa requirements. The country requires a visa for citizens of over 100 countries, including China, El Salvador, and Mexico.

For others, the cruise line recommends traveling with a passport book or card valid for at least six months after the voyage. However, eligible guests may also board with a U.S. birth certificate and valid government-issued ID.

Royal Caribbean’s Former Majesty of the Seas Listed for $40 Million

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean’s Former Majesty of the Seas Listed for $40 Million

Key Aspects:

  • The former Royal Caribbean ship Majesty of the Seas is being offered for sale at an asking price of $40 million.
  • Adjusted for inflation, the price is a nearly 95% discount from the vessel’s original construction price of $300 million.
  • If not sold, it is likely the ship will be scrapped, as the other two Sovereign-class ships were in 2020.

Ever want to set sail on a cruise without crowds, without lines, and without getting kicked off on debarkation day? For the right price, an eager cruise fan can own their very own cruise ship, the former Majesty of the Seas.

The ship is now being offered for sale through Yachtworld, a Miami-based boat sales platform and multiple listing service, listed as a “1992 Custom 880′ Cruise Ship” for $40 million USD.

While the listing does not specifically say the ship’s name as Majesty of the Seas, the ship for sale could be no other vessel. While she was renamed Majesty in December 2020 when she was sold to the Greek ferry company Seajets, which renamed her a second time in 2021 to Majesty of the Oceans, the ship’s identity is clear.

Described as built in 1992, measuring 880 feet in length, having 73,941 gross tons, most recently refurbished in 2016, with a passenger capacity of up to 2,767 guests, and hosting 912 crew members, all the stats on the ship add up to Majesty of the Seas.

The ship is also listed as Sovereign class and built by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, both of which also correspond to Majesty of the Seas.

Majesty of the Seas Cruise Ship Open Deck
Majesty of the Seas Cruise Ship Open Deck (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

Furthermore, despite there being no mention of Royal Caribbean in the listing, photos in the listing show the iconic crown and anchor logo at the bottom of the pool. Key structural features on the ship also confirm she was once a Royal Caribbean vessel, including the aft-facing rock wall and the circular Viking Crown Lounge that was characteristic of the line’s early new builds.

The only variation of “Majesty” that appears in the listing is in the phrase, “Thanks to a dazzling, top to bottom renovation, this popular 880’ cruise ship is more majestic than ever,” though the most recent renovation was a decade ago.

Nevertheless, the description notes that, “The ship is well priced making it an excellent value and unique opportunity.”

Is $40 Million an Excellent Value?

When she was built 34 years ago, Majesty of the Seas cost $300 million. According to US Inflation Calculator, when adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars, this would have been an original price tag of roughly $720,470,000.

With her price tag now a mere $40 million, that represents a discount of nearly 95%.

In comparison, Icon of the Seas is one of the most expensive cruise ships ever constructed with a whopping price tag of roughly $2 billion.

We can’t, however, compare the two ships by price tag alone. While the former Majesty of the Seas still boasts a casino, show theater, fitness center, outdoor theater, two pools, four hot tubs, retail space, 11 elevators, six dining venues, and other features, a more apt comparison would be her price per gross ton. This would make it comparable to home prices related to square footage.

At the current sales price and using the stats provided in her current sale listing, Majesty of the Seas now costs roughly $541 per gross ton, while the 248,663-gross ton Icon of the Seas cost $8,043 per gross ton.

This makes the now-for-sale ship a bargain in comparison, though admittedly there is no way to calculate the resale cost depreciation on a cruise ship.

End of an Era

While the sales listing for the ship is currently active, there is no indication of a potential buyer and such information is generally kept confidential.

It is possible that a new cruise line might invest in the ship and return her to service, or if the vessel is not sold, she may instead be scrapped.

The two other Sovereign-class ships, Sovereign of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas, were both scrapped at the Aliaga shipyard in Turkey in 2020. Should the former Majesty of the Seas face the same fate, it would be the end of an era that many cruise guests remember fondly.

If anyone is interested, the Powerball estimated jackpot is $600 million for the Saturday, October 17, 2026 drawing. What’s $40 million of that prize if not just a small investment to own your own cruise ship?

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