Parking rates at the Port of Baltimore Cruise Maryland Terminal will increase starting September 1, 2025.
New nightly rates will range from $25 to $55, depending on vehicle type.
Parking is payable by credit card only, and no reservations are required.
Cruisers sailing from the Port of Baltimore will soon be paying more to leave their vehicles at the terminal.
Cruise Maryland announced that starting September 1, 2025, parking rates at the Cruise Maryland Terminal will increase for all vehicle types.
The newly nightly rates will be $25 for passenger vehicles and SUVs, $45 for recreational vehicles under 30 feet, and $55 for recreational vehicles over 30 feet.
All parking fees are payable by credit card upon arrival, and the port accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
“We make it easy for you,”advertised Cruise Maryland Terminalin its notice. “No advanced reservations are required to park in our secured, long-term lots, which are located within walking distance to the terminal.”
The lots are specifically designed for long-term passenger use, with special needs accessible parking available on site.
The price increase is just an additional $5 per night, but for a week-long cruise, this means a passenger car will pay $175 in parking fees and those who arrive in RVs will spend $385.
While some passengers shared concern over the increase on social media, with one saying, “There is no more saving money by driving vs flying.”
Yet another pointed out that airfare from Florida to Baltimore for a family of four hovered near $3,500.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Baltimore (Photo Credit: Cruise Maryland)
That said, most Florida families will most likely drive to its ports in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Port Canaveral.
Baltimore is traditionally considered a drive-to cruise destination in the Mid-Atlantic, with Cruise Maryland Terminal located just off I-95.
The port saw more than 444,000 cruise passengers in 2023 but suffered a setback when the nearby Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in March after being struck by a cargo ship.
Cruise ships were diverted from Baltimore until cleanup of the bridge was complete nearly two months later. Despite the setback, the port still welcomed 378,000 cruise passengers.
Popular Drive-to Port
The Port of Baltimore continues to thrive, with Carnival Cruise Line signing a 5-year contract with a 5-year renewal option at the end of 2024.
“The international cruise industry recognizes Baltimore as one of the top cruise markets in our nation,”said Governor Wes Moore during the signing.
“Carnival is a longtime partner and supporter of the Port of Baltimore and we are very happy to continue that relationship,” he continued.
The cruise line is one of the biggest operators, offering 5- to 14-day cruises, including 7-night Bermuda and Bahamas voyages on Carnival Pride, which accommodates up to 2,134 passengers at double capacity.
They are not the only cruise operator homeporting in Baltimore. Royal Caribbean’s 2,050-guest Vision of the Seas has also been sailing to Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean from the port.
However, the cruise line announced it will be relocating the 78,340-gross-ton ship to Fort Lauderdale in 2026, where she will stay until April 2027.
It’s easy to keep up with all the big cruise news stories of the week. Just check out Cruise Hive’s recap of the major developments.
Among our top stories in this week’s edition: MSC Cruises ditches winter voyages from New York in 2026-27, a power loss leaves a ship drifting in the Ionian Sea, and a big brawl breaks out at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Make sure you stay well-informed by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, so the big cruise stories are delivered right to your inbox.
A power outage aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation impacted hotel operations for about two hours on August 3, 2025, as the ship sailed from Kotor, Montenegro, to Messina, Sicily.
The power loss also affected the ship’s speed, which was reduced to practically nothing — maybe 2 knots, when she would normally travel at a rate of about 24 knots. The loss of propulsion caused the ship to temporarily drift in the Ionian Sea.
Celebrity Constellation, which launched in 2002, had departed Ravenna, Italy, on July 28, 2025 and was sailing an 11-night cruise to Rome. During the power loss, guests reported there was no air conditioning, no working toilets, and no hot foods for dinner that night.
The cruise line offered no reason for the outage on the 2,184-guest ship. Celebrity Constellation was due to conclude her sailing on August 8, 2025 in Rome, and cruise tracking showed the ship in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, on that date.
Thankfully, the situation was remedied fairly quickly, never rising to the level of the so-called Poop Cruise aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Triumph in 2013, when a major power loss kept toilets out of order for several days.
Cruise Line Nixes Exemptions on Beverage Plan
Royal Caribbean Drinks Exception Change (Photo Credit: Sandra Foyt)
There will be no more exemptions from Royal Caribbean’s no-sharing policy when it comes to the line’s deluxe drink package.
The cruise line requires that if one person in a stateroom buys the drink package, everyone staying in the same cabin must do so as well. This is to avoid having guests share the package. However, exemptions were being made.
For instance, if one person bought the plan, another would make a special request, asking to be allowed to buy the non-alcoholic Royal Refreshment package, or just a soda package instead.
That arrangement would be a money saver for guests, since the deluxe beverage package can cost up to $115 per person, per day, while the Refreshment package tops out at $45 and the soda plan at $20.
The cruise line would often agree to the exemption, but no more. Starting on August 1, 2025, the line is no longer granting such requests, which had increased over time, Royal Caribbean said.
Guests Alerted to New Jet Ski Rule in Bahamas
Jet Skis At Perfect Day At Cococ Cay (Photo Credits: Darryl Brooks & Mary Baratto)
Teenagers under 18 years old can no longer drive the jet skis at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island destination in the Bahamas, thanks to a law newly enacted by the Bahamian government.
Previously, the minimum age to drive the Wave Jets at CocoCay was 16, but no more. The younger guests can ride as a passenger on jet skis, they just cannot be the driver under the new rule. The minimum age for riding on a jet ski is 10.
Jet ski excursions are a popular activity for guests whose ships call at the private destination.
The change in the law came to light recently, when guests booked on the cruise line’s “Wave Jet Driver and Passenger” excursion were notified of the new age rule.
Bahamian officials began reviewing their water sports regulations after several tourists were injured and one died as a result of a jet ski accident.
The new law applies to all cruise lines that operate private island retreats in the Bahamas.
Brand Ambassador Aims to Settle “Buttergate”
Carnival Cruise line Butter (Photo Credits: Just dance & senadesign)
Social media posts have created yet another controversy about cruise ship dining, this time about whether Carnival Cruise Line serves butter or margarine in its main dining rooms.
One perturbed guest put the question to Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald, who fields a lot of interesting questions and comments on his popular Facebook page.
Since the pats of butter (presumably) are wrapped in unlabeled foil, it’s hard to know what the substance actually is. Some guests commented that the cruise line is looking to save money and has downgraded from butter to margarine.
But Heald says no, that is not the case — it absolutely is real butter being served. Those who want margarine can request it, he noted.
Heald also asked that guests help spread the word, in an effort to dispel the margarine rumor. Butter has come up before on Heald’s social media page. One guest had complained that the butter he was served was too cold and firm, and should have been softened. It’s always something.
MSC Cruises Chooses Miami Over New York in 2026-27
MSC Meraviglia Cruise Ship in New York (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz)
MSC Cruises is bidding farewell to the Big Apple for the winter 2026-27 season with the deployment of MSC Meraviglia to PortMiami.
The 4,400-guest ship will sail 6- and 8-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, although itineraries have not yet been revealed. In fact, the cruise line hasn’t officially confirmed the repositioning, but booked guests have begun receiving notices with rebooking options.
The line detailed several choices. Guests can cancel and receive a full refund, or a future cruise credit in the amount paid for the original booking. The new booking would have to be made within one year.
For those who wish to rebook on an MSC Meraviglia cruise from PortMiami, they can choose a specific 6- or 8-night voyage in the same stateroom category and for the same month as their original cruise.
The 8-night option comes with one extra free night and a $50 per person onboard credit, while the 6-night cruise offers a $100 per person onboard credit.
Finally, guests can choose a 7-night voyage from Miami, Port Canaveral, or Galveston.
Two More Ships Will Offer Popular Vibe Beach Club
New Vibe Beach Club for Norwegian Jewel and Pearl
Vibe Beach Club, Norwegian Cruise Line’s exclusive adult-only retreat, is being added to two more ships, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl, when the ships enter dry-dock in fall 2025.
Just nine of the cruise line’s 20 ships have the club, so the addition of two more vessels is big news. The beach club offers an exclusive adult-only experience with hot tubs, lounge chairs, seven private cabanas, a pool, a full-service bar, and personalized services.
The venue will be located on a Deck 14 sundeck area on both ships. The vibe at the beach club is designed to be quiet and serene, and comes with luxury amenities such as chilled towels and fresh fruit on skewers.
The work will be completed during Norwegian Jewel’s dry-dock, from September 25 to October 15, 2025, while Norwegian Pearl’s is set for November 3 to 23, 2025.
The adult retreat is limited to guests age 18 and older, and those who wish to partake in the luxury treatment must buy a day pass, which varies depending on cruise length.
Bad Behavior Goes on Display at CocoCay
Passengers Brawl at CocoCay Lagoon (Credit: @salt.sky.travel)
What could there possibly be to fight about if you’re enjoying the Oasis Lagoon at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, perhaps sitting at the swim-up bar under sunny skies?
Some people apparently found a reason, and their actions led to a full-blown brawl in the freshwater pool. Two ships were calling at the private retreat that day, Utopia of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas. Both ships were sailing 3-night getaway cruises from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, respectively.
The altercations were, of course, filmed and posted on social media, and the video shows pushing, shoving, name-calling, and other angry exchanges between a large group of people.
The physical attacks appeared to leave hair and blood in the water, so the facility was immediately shut down to be cleaned.
Royal Caribbean has not commented on the incident, but could take action against those responsible since its Guest Conduct Policy states that verbally abusive or offensive language directed toward anyone is not permitted.
More Cruise Headlines
There’s no point stopping now! Read on for more important cruise news stories from us!
Also, there’s a glacial lake outburst expected to cause major flooding in Juneau, Alaska, and steel has been cut for a new Disney Cruise Line ship at a German shipyard.
Ovation of the Seas will no longer visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for an overnight call on August 8-9, 2025, due to heavy wind and rough seas from Tropical Storm Ivo.
Strong winds and big swells have made tendering operations unsafe at the cruise port, and safety always has to be the top priority.
Guests currently onboard were compensated with onboard credits based on their cabin type and the number of cruisers in their travel party.
Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas has been homeporting in Los Angeles for the summer season, but the famous West Coast sunshine is never a guarantee.
In fact, it’s this lack of sunshine due to Tropical Storm Ivo that has caused the captain onboard the Quantum-class cruise ship to cancel an overnight port call to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, that was scheduled for August 8-9, 2025.
The one other port call on the 6-night itinerary, which is on Ensenada, Mexico, on August 11, is so far unchanged.
Cabo is known to have a shallower depth, so larger cruise ships drop anchor just inside of the marina and ferry cruise guests between the ship and the shore using smaller tenders.
However, the weather conditions need to align to tender guests safely, and that just isn’t the case at the moment.
“As previously announced by our Captain, the port of Cabo San Lucas has closed until further notice as there have been high winds and swells in and around the area making it unsafe to tender for our call,”reads a letter sent to the up to the 4,905 guests onboard.
“Due to this unforeseen circumstance, we will enjoy two Sea Days instead,” the update continued.
Throughout the day on August 8, Cabo has been experiencing rain showers and winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour.
This is related to Tropical Storm Ivo, which has been bringing heavy rain and winds as it makes its way along Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Safety Must Come First
Contrary to what some of the reactions to this necessary itinerary change might suggest, Royal Caribbean does not control the weather.
While the brand certainly doesn’t want to disappoint passengers, it has a duty first and foremost to make sure that everyone returns home safe and sound at the end of their vacation.
“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority,”the cruise line expressed.
“Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of inclement weather.“
Though Royal Caribbean is not responsible for the circumstances, guests were still provided with compensation in the form of onboard credits as a good faith gesture.
Interior and oceanview credits were given a $100 credit per stateroom, balcony cabins got a $150 credit, and suites received a $200 credit.
Passengers also received an additional $25 credit for each guest after the first two in a cabin. So, a third guest would warrant an extra $25, and a fourth guest would bring the total up to an extra $50, and so fourth.
These onboard credits are non-refundable and have to be used before this voyage concludes on August 12.
Shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean will also be automatically refunded as onboard credits, which will be subsequently refunded to the original form of payment if any funds are left over after guests disembark.
With Tropical Storm Ivo expected to become a hurricane at some point on August 8 before it weakens over the weekend, it’s also possible that other cruise ships sailing in Mexico could be impacted.
Cruise tracking data shows that Carnival Panorama alsoskipped its planned one-day call on Cabo San Lucas on August 8.
At this time, it’s unclear if Carnival Firenze’s planned visit on August 9 will also be impacted by the weather.
Carnival Adventure called on Port Vila in Vanuatu, making it the first ship to return to the cruise port since a severe earthquake left behind a wake of destruction last December.
The cruise ship’s arrival was celebrated with a special ceremony and commemorative plaque exchange.
Carnival Adventure will continue to sail to Port Vila, with Carnival Encounter and Carnival Splendor also coming soon.
Believe it or not, it’s been eight long months since a massive 7.3 earthquake rocked Vanuatu on December 17, 2024.
The shaking didn’t last long, but it didn’t take long to decimate infrastructure and put a halt to cruise tourism in the South Pacific destination. The epicenter was just about 19 miles away from the cruise port, which is much too close for comfort.
“The first cruise ship has arrived in Port Vila, 8 months after the devastating earthquake in December last year,”Carnival Ambassador John Heald shared on his Facebook page.
“Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Adventure arrived with 2,846 guests, spending the day in Port Vila on Friday,” Heald posted.
To mark the momentous occasion, local officials hosted a special celebration for the guests and the 1,100 crew members onboard.
Pictures show the locals smiling ear to ear holding balloons and in traditional dress for performances.
Captain Francesco Bencivenga also took part in a commemorative plaque exchange.
“The Vanuatu Government organised a welcome ceremony for the guests and crew, who will bring a much-needed economic boost to Port Vila,”Head confirmed.
The extra special port was included as part of a 10-night sailing that embarked from Sydney, Australia, on August 3, 2025.
The other destinations on the itinerary included Mystery Island, Vanuatu; Lifou Island, New Caledonia; and Noumea (Grande Terre Island), New Caledonia.
Cruising Picks Up Speed
Port Vila welcomes an estimated 260,000 cruise guests every year, with cruise ship calls now even more important to the economy in the wake of December’s destructive earthquake.
The local infrastructure still isn’t completely perfect, but it’s good enough to allow cruising operations to resume.
For example, Heald shared that the cruise port is still closed due to damage, so the destination has temporarily become a tender port for the foreseeable future.
“The road between the CBD and the cruise port remains closed due to a landslide during the earthquake, so a temporary tender berthing arrangement was in place,”Heald clarified.
Landslide in Port Vila following 7.3-magnitude earthquake. (Photo Credit: Dan McGarry)
Later this month, Carnival Adventure will make a second appearance in Port Vila on August 18.
Additionally, Carnival Encounter will visit the port twice and Carnival Splendor will call once before August is through.
While other mainstream cruise lines do visit the port, no non-Carnival ships will call until Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seasarrives on November 24, 2025.
All that said, it is rather fitting that Carnival is the first brand to return, as the cruise line was heavily involved in aiding the island nation in its recovery efforts.
Carnival generously donated $60,000 to ProMedical Vanuatu, which is a team of first responders that worked around the clock for the first 48 hours after the quake to search for survivors in the rubble.
The cruise line also kept in touch with the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office and other aid agencies to try to assist in other ways, even offering the use of its local cruise ships at one point.
Carnival Cruise Line is beginning to release specialty dining reservations for sailings in 2026.
Openings may continue to be released through August across the Carnival fleet.
Specialty dining venues vary by ship, with different options for all tastes and food preferences.
Dining is a key part of any cruise vacation, and ships offer a range of delicious options from carefully curated Main Dining Room menus to the exclusive tastes of specialty restaurants.
It is those specialty restaurants that are now available for reservations aboard Carnival cruise ships. This is now possible for sailings in 2026, ending the anxiety of many eager (and hungry!) guests.
Many booked guests have reached out to John Heald, Carnival’s brand ambassador, in recent weeks, fearing that they would not be able to dine at their favorite restaurants.
With the bookings closed, the cruise line’s website showed only “sold out” for the specialty dining venues.
They weren’t truly sold out, however, just not yet available. Now, Heald has confirmed that the restaurants are being released for reservations.
“For 2026 we have started to open the following specialty restaurants and events for you to reserve,”he confirmed, sharing the list of outstanding dining options.
The specialty venues now waiting for reservations include:
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse – The cruise line’s signature steakhouse available on 25 ships.
Rudi’s Sea Grill – Fresh, outstanding seafood on the three Excel-class ships.
Bonsai Teppanyaki – Fun, interactive dinner-and-a-show on seven vessels.
Il Viaggio – Comforting Italian fare on Carnival Firenze and Carnival Venezia.
Ji Ji’s Asian Restaurant – Authentic Asian cuisine on four Carnival ships.
Cucina Del Capitano – Family-style Italian dishes on 11 different vessels.
Chef’s Table – An elite and very limited dining experience available fleetwide.
Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast – A fun character event soon to be fleetwide.
Carnival Kitchen Cooking Classes – Cupcakes, pasta, pizza, sushi and other classes vary by ship.
Heald notes that while reservations are currently being opened, some ships may not have each venue available until the end of August.
“Over the coming days please keep checking and if it says ‘sold out’ it just means they haven’t opened yet,”he explained.
Reservations can fill up quickly, however. Guests interested in specific dining experiences will want to book right away to be sure they aren’t left out on their cruise vacation.
Why Aren’t Bookings Always Open?
Some guests have undoubtedly wondered why reservations for these specialty venues aren’t simply available all the time until fully booked.
After all, if you can book your cruise and even select your exact stateroom, why can’t you already choose where you’d like to dine?
Limiting how early specialty dining reservations can be booked is a way cruise lines try to give everyone an equal chance of enjoying their favorite venues. This way, the reservations don’t fill up more than a year before a ship sets sail.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Steakhouse (Photo Credit: Jonathan C Wear)
Operational changes and dry dock updates might also impact how much seating is available at different restaurants. Rather than cancel reservations due to such changes, cruise lines might wait to permit reservations until details are more clear.
If guests aren’t able to book their preferred specialty dining restaurants, they can continue to check back to see if more reservations are released.
Already booked guests might also change sailings or cancel their dining reservations as their plans change, creating more space for other cruisers to take advantage of.
Fortunately, guests can now book their favorites for 2026 sailings, putting final touches on their cruise vacation plans and ensuring terrific tastiness for every meal!
A brawl broke out just outside the Long Beach cruise terminal on Thursday, August 7, as Carnival Firenze was in port.
Security officials responded to the incident in less than a minute, but it is unknown if any charges have been filed.
Carnival Cruise Line has not yet released a statement about the altercation or confirmed if any consequences have been meted out.
Cruise lines are fighting for their reputations as more and more fights are being recorded on ships and in cruise terminals among unruly and out-of-control guests.
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, a large brawl with at least a dozen participants broke out just outside the terminal doors in Long Beach, California.
Only Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Firenze was in port on Thursday, so it’s fair to suspect that those involved were all prospective Carnival guests.
Video footage of the incident was posted online to X by user @Rororowyaboatz, a self-proclaimed “world traveler” who recorded the altercation.
The 39-second video (which does include some strong language) clearly shows up to three different individual fights between both men and women, with punches, slaps, hair pulls, clothing flying, and more.
One of the fights was right at the doors of the cruise terminal dome where passengers enter to check-in for their sailings.
Given the proximity of the fights and how they all happened simultaneously, this is likely a larger group conflict and not three completely separate incidents.
As security approached the brawlers, several individuals who appeared to have been involved were seen running away from the terminal.
Cruise Hive has reached out to Carnival Cruise Line but has not yet received a statement on the incident. It is unknown if there were any injuries as a result of the obviously ferocious activity.
It is possible that the involved guests could have been detained by authorities, and they may face different charges depending on the circumstances.
Passengers Fight at Long Beach Cruise Terminal Entrance (Credit: @Rororowyaboatz)
The cruise line could also impose its own penalties, such as not permitting the guests to set sail or even banning them from future cruises.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Code of Conduct specifically notes that such behavior is not tolerated.
“Consistent with our commitment to safety, disruptive behavior is not tolerated and any guest whose conduct affects the comfort, enjoyment, safety or well-being of other guests or crew will be disembarked at their own expense and banned from sailing on Carnival in the future,”the policy states.
Because the guests have not technically boarded the ship yet, it is unclear whether or not the cruise line can implement its own disciplinary action, including a $500 fine and removal from the ship.
Carnival Firenze in Long Beach, California
Carnival Firenze was not delayed in her departure for the 5-night getaway. The ship is spending Friday at sea before a visit to Cabo San Lucas on Saturday and Ensenada on Monday, before returning to Long Beach on Tuesday morning.
The vessel joined the Carnival fleet in April 2024 and can welcome 4,208 guests aboard – but only if they behave.
Not the First Cruise Terminal Fight
This week’s incident isn’t the first fight in a cruise terminal rather than on a vessel.
In recent months, brawls have also been recorded on both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean ships. Onboard, security teams respond to such incidents and guests may be confined to their staterooms, taken to the ship’s brig, or even debarked at the next opportunity.
The Japan-inspired specialty dining venue Makoto Ocean will soon expand to Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess.
Both ships are slated to sail a long season in the Tokyo region in 2027.
The line’s new-build, Star Princess, due to launch in October 2025, also will feature the restaurant.
Truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare are just a few of the Edomae-style sushi dishes Princess Cruises’ guests can look forward to enjoying on two more of the line’s ships, Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess.
The acclaimed sushi venue Makoto Ocean debuted onboard the line’s new-build Sun Princess in 2024 and will be a venue aboard Star Princess, entering service in October 2025.
On August 8, 2025, Princess Cruises revealed the dining option will soon expand to the additional two ships — both of which are destined to sail East Asia in 2027, marking the line’s biggest-ever Japan deployment.
The venue is a partnership between Princess Cruises and celebrity Chef Makoto Okuwa, who is famous for his Edomae-style sushi and owns six restaurants in the US, Brazil, Spain, and Panama.
“It’s a true honor to bring Makoto Ocean to Diamond and Sapphire Princess as they sail through the waters of my homeland and beyond,” said Chef Makoto Okuwa.
“Sharing the spirit, tradition, and flavors of Japan with Princess guests is a deeply personal and meaningful opportunity for me,” Okuwa added.
Edomae-style sushi dates back to 1820s Tokyo, and blends various fish with vinegared rice. Makoto Ocean has emerged as a guest favorite on Sun Princess, which began sailing in April 2024 following her christening in Barcelona.
Makoto Ocean will open on Diamond Princess, replacing the Kai Sushi venue, and Sapphire Princess in fall 2025.
Princess Cruises just days ago announced that it would double its capacity in East Asia in 2027 with the deployment of Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess to the Tokyo region.
Makoto Ocean
Diamond Princess has been a fixture in the Japan market for years, and now the two ships will offer a combined 78 cruise departures between March and December 2027.
Itineraries will attract passengers from Japan and other East Asia countries, along with guests from farther afield. The ships each accommodate 2,670 guests and together will sail 50 unique itineraries, some of which will feature Japan’s summer festivals.
Also, several “Cherry Blossom Voyages” that follow the blooming season will visit Japan’s four largest islands.
Guests can dine at Makoto Ocean while experiencing explorations of several UNESCO World Heritage sites on the 2027 cruises, including Mount Fuji, the Itsukushima Shrine & Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Ancient Kyoto Monuments, and the Jomon Prehistoric Sites.
Makoto Ocean Is a Featured Specialty Venue on Star Princess
It isn’t just guests sailing in East Asia who will be able to enjoy the new Japanese venue.
Star Princess, the line’s second Sphere-class ship due to launch in October 2025, will also feature Makoto Ocean. She is slated to operate a short series of Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona before deploying to Fort Lauderdale in November 2025 and beginning a winter series of Caribbean voyages.
“The expansion of Makoto Ocean is exceptionally meaningful as we bring a guest favorite to those sailing to other regions around the world,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises.
Along with Makoto’s special brand of Edomae-style sushi, the venue will serve Japan-inspired cocktails such as Genmai Negroni, made from Japanese ingredients, and Kodai No Hana, featuring a traditional sake.
The Makoto Ocean venue is a specialty restaurant and carries an up-charge of $60 per person. The venue will accommodate 80 guests. Passengers who purchase the Princess Cruises’ Premier Package receive complimentary admission to all specialty venues.
Disney Cruise Line has added new Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas for rental on Castaway Cay.
Reservations for the new cabanas are available for sailings visiting from December 5, 2025 and beyond.
Cabana rentals include a variety of exclusive perks such as snorkel gear, fresh fruit, and more.
There’s nothing quite like casting one’s cares away to truly relax on a cruise, whether that might mean lounging on the beach, sipping a cool beverage, or floating away on calm ocean waves.
Now, guests to Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay will be able to do all three at the new Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas. The just-revealed rentals are available for booking for all Castaway Cay port visits beginning December 5, 2025.
As with all private villa and family cabana rentals, the numbers of these new attractions are limited. In fact, there are only 30 of the new cabanas opening, but they include such prime features that they’re sure to sell out quickly.
Each cabana includes comfortable seating: chaise loungers, a hammock, and other cozy seating. To stay cool, a sailcloth shade provides expansive cover, while a ceiling fan ensures a balmy breeze.
More active guests can enjoy some exclusive features with these new cabanas. Snorkel equipment, float and tube rentals, and an hour-long bike rental for each person is included with the rental, ensuring great family fun when visiting the private island.
Furthermore, no need to worry about valuables while cycling around the island or exploring beneath the waves. Each cabana has a small private safe for guests’ exclusive use.
After so much fun, it will be nice to rejuvenate with chilled face cloths, fresh fruit and snacks, complimentary bottled water, and soft drinks. To really cool off, the freshwater shower will get rid of gritty sand or seawater.
For guests who want to raise a toast to their private piece of island paradise, alcoholic drinks can be purchased at an additional cost. Dedicated beverage service is part of the cabana experience, so no need to head to a bar!
Guests will be able to book the new cabanas during their individual Castaway Club booking windows, which depend on sailing date.
Prices have not yet been revealed but are likely to vary depending on sailing date and the exact date of a Castaway Cay visit. The size of the ship will also impact the cabana cost, as well as just how quickly they are sure to sell out.
Why Spend So Much on Cabanas?
Every private island in the Bahamas features some sort of villa or cabana rental, whether it is on Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, or Carnival Cruise Line’s new Celebration Key.
They all have different features and amenities, but one thing they all have in common are extraordinary price tags.
Think hundreds of dollars, even $1,000 or higher, for a one-day rental. Who would ever pay such extraordinary prices when they can visit the beach for free?
Walking Around Castaway Cay (Photo Credit: Anthony Giarrusso)
First of all, the guarantee of a cabana rental can be priceless. With cruise ships such as Disney Wish and Disney Treasure welcoming as many as 4,000 guests, the individual hammocks and beach chairs provided free on Castaway Cay can fill up quickly.
Even if there is seating available, it may be in less desirable locations. Sitting in the beating sun, too far from activities, or in some of the noisiest spots, is never ideal for island relaxation.
The included extras in a cabana rental, such as the tubes, floats, snorkel gear, and bikes, are nice bonuses without adding on even more fees.
Finally, many families enjoy using their private cabana as a home base. This ensures they have a dedicated spot to meet and relax despite different activities throughout the day.
After all, you’re on vacation – isn’t splurging for those once-in-a-lifetime memories worthwhile?
Steel was cut for the fourth Wish-class ship at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on Friday, August 8, 2025.
The as-yet-unnamed ship is set to debut in 2027, but an exact date has not been confirmed.
Disney Cruise Line has orders in for seven new ships from Disney Destiny in November 2025 through a brand new class that will debut in 2029, 2030, and 2031.
Disney cruise fans awaiting their destiny who are wishing for a new treasure of a ship to enjoy will be thrilled that steel has now been cut for the cruise line’s next Wish-class vessel.
The momentous event, marking the beginning of the actual physical construction of the ship, took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on Friday, August 8, 2025.
While the ship does not yet have a name, as it is only identified as hull number s723 for shipyard purposes, this will be the fourth Wish-class ship to join Disney Cruise Line.
“Today we celebrate the launch of the fourth Wish-class ship – a significant moment that marks the official start of construction,”the shipyard posted on social media.“We are very happy to start directly with the next project for the Disney Cruise Line.”
Of course, it takes many months to build a 144,000-gross ton cruise ship with 15 decks and the capacity to welcome 4,000 guests.
The keel must be laid, at which time the very special coin ceremony will be held as a good luck tradition as the ship begins to take shape.
Throughout the vessel’s construction, different milestones will be met as the hull is completed, the ship is floated out, the funnels raised, the characters mounted on the stern, and more. With each step, the new ship will look more and more like her fleetmates with her signature Disney Cruise Line colors and profile.
“Delivery is scheduled for 2027 – we’re motivated and ready for the next milestones!”Meyer Werft said.
Of course, the vessel’s name must still be revealed, as well as any theme she may have, what characters will guide her way, where she will homeport, what itineraries she will sail, and more.
A Busy Time for Expansion for Disney Cruise Line
While the new ship will be the fourth Wish-class ship, the third vessel in the class is still under construction. Disney Destiny will debut in November 2025 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Disney Cruise Line has a new ship coming nearly every year for at least the next six years. In addition to Disney Destiny in just a few months, Disney Adventure, the largest ship ever built for the cruise line, will join the fleet in December from the Port of Singapore.
No new ship is scheduled to debut in 2026, but this fourth Wish-class ship will set sail in 2027. Likewise, there is no new ship scheduled for 2028, but two vessels will join the fleet in 2029.
The fifth Wish-class ship will be homeported from Tokyo, Japan, beginning in 2029. Three additional new ships in a whole new class are planned for 2029, 2030, and 2031 respectively, but little is known about that project at this time.
With so many new ships planned for Disney Cruise Line, it’s an exciting time to be a Castaway Club member or even to plan a first Disney cruise with so much to look forward to!
How about the new summer 2026 lineup with both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailing in Alaska or Disney Dream in Europe?
Each voyage is sure to be a phenomenal getaway with all of Disney’s magic and spectacular service, regardless of which ship, itinerary, or sailing region guests choose.
