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Evolved Magic Show Venue With ‘Cardini’ to Debut Aboard Star Princess

Donna Tunney
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Evolved Magic Show Venue With ‘Cardini’ to Debut Aboard Star Princess

Key Aspects:

  • Spellbound by Magic Castle launched on Sun Princess in 2024 and will offer new experiences aboard Star Princess when she enters service in October 2025.
  • The 20th-century master magician known as Cardini will be featured in Star Princess’s reimagined ‘magical’ lounge space.
  • Princess Cruises has discontinued the Spellbound dinner package on Sun Princess, and it will not be offered on Star Princess either.

Spellbound by Magic Castle, the mystical and spirited entertainment venue that debuted aboard Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess in 2024, will be offered on the cruise line’s newest ship, Star Princess, but with a twist.

Created in a collaboration between Princess Cruises and the Hollywood-based experience called The Magic Castle, Spellbound entertains cruise guests in a dedicated lounge venue where magicians perform magic acts, bartenders whip up special cocktails, and technicians stage special illusionary effects.

After its successful launch aboard Sun Princess, the concept will roll out on Star Princess when she enters service in October 2025.

The Magic Castle has altered the experience on Star Princess, however, adding a special emphasis on one of the magical world’s most iconic performers — Richard Valentine Pitchford, better known as Cardini, a master magician who died in 1973.

It is his great-nephew, Randy Pitchford, who owns The Magic Castle and has added Cardini-inspired experiences to the venue aboard Star Princess. One new offering will be a special cocktail menu at the Cardini Bar, including a drink called the Cardini, described as a butter-washed rum Old Fashioned.

Spellbound by Magic Castle
Spellbound by Magic Castle

“Spellbound has quickly become one of the most talked-about experiences at sea, and we’re thrilled to take it to the next level aboard Star Princess,“ said Lorna Warren, Vice President of Hotel Operations and Guest Experiences at Princess Cruises.

“By bringing to life the spirit and setting of the original Magic Castle in Hollywood, our reimagined speakeasy will deliver a one-of-a-kind venue where every guest can feel like they’ve stepped into a world of true magic,” added Warren.

There is a $45 per person up-charge to enter Spellbound by Magic Castle, and the fee includes two cocktails. Several magic shows are scheduled nightly, and reservations can be made in advance or onboard the ships.

Spellbound No Longer Features Pre-Show Dinner Package

When Spellbound by Magic Castle opened on Sun Princess a higher admission price included dinner service before the show. That option no longer exists on Sun Princess and will not be offered on Star Princess. 

The cruise line has quietly discontinued its $149 per person Spellbound dinner-and-show package; the program is now described on the line’s web site as a lounge event on both ships, with the $45 admission charge.

Guests are advised to dine in the venue of their choice at least two hours before their intended showtime.

Sun Princess Spellbound Foyer
Sun Princess Spellbound Foyer

The 4,300-guest Star Princess, second in the cruise line’s new Sphere class, is slated to enter service on October 4, 2025, sailing an 11-night Inaugural Western Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Barcelona.

The ship is undergoing her final outfitting at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, after successfully completing sea trials from August 9 to 12, 2025. 

Star Princess will reposition to Fort Lauderdale on a transatlantic voyage departing Barcelona on October 22, 205. Once homeported in Florida, the ship will sail 7- and 14-night Caribbean cruises.

The longer itineraries combine visits to Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations, including Belize City, Belize, Roatan, Honduras, Cozumel, Mexico, the private island Princess Cays, Bahamas, Puerto Plata/Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos.

The ship features 30 dining venues and bars, 30-plus stateroom and suite categories, and multiple entertainment venues where mainstage productions are held, along with smaller venues featuring various musical performances.

Virgin Voyages Sailing Cancelled in Favor of Charter Opportunity

Catie Kovelman
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Virgin Voyages Sailing Cancelled in Favor of Charter Opportunity

Key Aspects: 

  • Scarlet Lady’s 7-night Caribbean sailing that would have embarked from Miami on April 19, 2026, has been cancelled in favor of a more lucrative charter. 
  • The ship has been chartered by Summit at Sea, which brings leaders from different industries together. 
  • Guests who were booked on the cancelled sailing can either switch to another voyage (with some added perks) or they may cancel their reservation entirely for a full refund or a 100% Future Voyage Credit. 

Few among us would be happy to learn that their cruise booking had been cancelled to make way for a charter sailing. 

But when the cruise lines get an offer they simply can’t refuse, such as a charter opportunity where the organizers buy out every single cabin onboard, it’s just bad business to turn it down to operate a cruise that may not fully sell out. 

This is likely the reasoning behind why Virgin Voyages has opted to cancel one 7-night sailing for Scarlet Lady, that would have embarked from Miami, Florida, on April 19, 2026. 

The now scrapped itinerary featured calls on Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. 

So, who is responsible for the change? Summit at Sea, which hosts themed cruises that are meant to bring like-minded leaders together, is to blame. 

The organization fosters connections, networking, and inspiration among the best and the brightest across six different pillars: Talks, Culinary, Art, Performance, Wellness, and Impact. 

This also isn’t the first time a Lady ship has hosted Summit at Sea. The adults-only cruise line has hosted the group since at least 2023, and Virgin Voyages founder Sir Richard Branson was even a featured speaker in 2023. 

Even though the week-long cruise had to be cancelled, the charter event will only last for four days and will set sail from Miami on April 23, 2026. 

The first half of that window will be turned into a 3-night mini cruise that leaves Miami on April 19 and sails to The Beach Club at Bimini, which is an exclusive destination just for Virgin Voyages. 

What Options Do Booked Guests Have?

Receiving this news is likely disappointing for the up to 2,770 guests who may have been booked on the original sailing.

However, Virgin Voyages is doing its best to offer fair compensation packages and make things right.

“It looks like your Scarlet Lady sailing on April 19, 2026, has been privately chartered. We’re truly sorry for the impact this has on your plans, and we’re here to make it right,” Virgin Voyages wrote to impacted Sailors.

The first option that cruisers have is to switch to a comparable 7-night sailing onboard Resilient Lady, which sets sail from Miami one day sooner on April 18, 2026.

Scarlet Lady Docked in Miami, Florida
Scarlet Lady Docked in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: EQRoy)

Just like the original itinerary, guests will still get to explore San Juan and Puerto Plata. However, Virgin Voyage’s third Lady-ship will visit Bimini in the Bahamas instead of Tortola.

Guests will be re-booked into the same cruise cabin category, and the cruise fare, promotions, and applicable bonuses from the original reservation will carry over.

Additionally, guests may be given an onboard credit as an extra expression of gratitude – or Sailor Loot as the adults-only cruise line calls it – depending on their stateroom category.

For example, guests in Rockstar Suites and Mega Rockstar Suites will receive $300 to spend onboard.

Alternatively, cruise guests who need a bit more flexibility can switch to any other 7-night Caribbean cruise while remaining eligible for the onboard credits and keeping their original booking price locked in.

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In fact, if the replacement cruise ends up costing less than the originally booked sailing, Virgin Voyages has pledged to refund the difference.

If none of those options sound quite right, that’s okay, too. Passengers can opt to cancel their reservation in exchange for a full refund or a 100% Future Voyage Credit.

Carnival Festivale Reaches Major Construction Milestone

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Festivale Reaches Major Construction Milestone

Key Aspects:

  • The first block has been laid for Carnival Festivale with a traditional coin ceremony as the ship begins to take shape.
  • The momentous occasion was Thursday, August 14, 2025 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
  • The keel-laying comes just one day after Carnival Cruise Line announced the ship’s maiden voyage and initial itineraries, now open for booking.

Just one day after releasing her first itineraries for booking, Carnival Festivale has begun to take shape. Her keel has been laid at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany with great fanfare that befits the music-themed ship.

The ceremony on Thursday, August 14, 2025 included live music and attendance by various cruise line and shipyard executives, along with members of the team who will bring Carnival Festivale to life.

As is shipbuilding tradition, a commemorative good luck coin was placed under the first block of the ship. Specifically, this is Block 2A, which itself weighs a stunning 598 tons.

For Carnival Festivale, the coin is inscribed with musical notes, as well as a side-by-side comparison of the original 32,700-gross ton Festivale and her 182,800-gross ton successor.

“Music is a universal language that connects people from around the world, and this ship will bring that to life in true Carnival fashion,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president. “We’re grateful to work with the skilled team once again at Meyer Werft to bring Carnival Festivale into our fleet.”

It will take more than a year to construct the new ship, and many milestones await throughout the process. Her different blocks must be carefully assembled then fit together flawlessly, her decks must be laid, her interior outfitted, and more.

A few months before her May 2027 debut, the ship will be thoroughly tested through her sea trials, then her interior finishing will continue as crew members begin to arrive.

Carnival Festivale Keel Laying Ceremony at Meyer Werft
Carnival Festivale Keel Laying Ceremony at Meyer Werft

Just weeks before she welcomes guests for the first time, Carnival Festivale will be delivered to Carnival Cruise Line.

Then, finally, the new ship will embark on her maiden voyage, which coincidentally is also her first transatlantic cruise. That 15-night sailing is planned to depart Southampton on May 2, 2027 and arrive in Port Canaveral on May 16.

From her central Florida homeport, Carnival Festivale will be entertaining thousands of guests every week on 6- and 8-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean sailings.

What to Expect on the New Ship

Carnival’s Excel-class ships – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee – are immensely popular with cruisers. Each one offers a unique experience, and Carnival Festivale will be no exception.

“Carnival Festivale isn’t just joining our fleet, she’ll be setting the tone for how to have fun at sea by blending vibrant designs and guest experiences that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Duffy.

The ship will have an immersive music theme, with exclusive bars and more live music spaces than any other vessel. Guests will even have a chance to “remix” their own drinks with music-themed cocktails at the Mix bar.

Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale

Carnival Festivale will not have the Bolt rollercoaster, but in its place will be Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, the cruise line’s largest waterpark at sea.

Six different slides, including two family raft slides, will offer splash-tastic fun for all ages. Racing slides and children’s slides are also part of the space.

To give every family time to enjoy the water park, WaterWorks will be open late on select evenings during each sailing (weather permitting), a first for the cruise industry.

Giant Jenga, a miniature golf course, and the Treehouse adventure trail ropes course will all offer their own amazingly fun options for guests of all ages.

Carnival Festivale will also feature 1,000 interconnecting staterooms, providing more family-friendly accommodations than any other ship in the fleet. This will offer families of all sizes plenty of space for their cruise vacations.

Transatlantic Change for Norwegian Luna Months Before Her Debut

Melissa Mayntz
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Transatlantic Change for Norwegian Luna Months Before Her Debut

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Luna‘s maiden voyage has dropped Tangier but added Barcelona and Gibraltar as ports of call.
  • This inaugural sailing is a transatlantic cruise that will bring the new Prima-plus ship to Miami, Florida.
  • The change is due to fueling needs but will not impact the ship’s departure from Italy or her arrival in Florida.

A ship’s maiden voyage is always as special event and a much sought-after experience for cruise lovers. Certain types of voyages are even more outstanding, such as the planned first sailing for Norwegian Luna in March 2026.

Departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) on March 10, that sailing will not only be the new ship’s inaugural voyage, but also her first transatlantic cruise as she crosses from Italy to Miami.

It’s the stops in between, however, that have now been changed. Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests to alert them that the visit to Tangier, Morocco has now been cancelled.

“We’ve made a few adjustments to your itinerary due to necessary refueling operations in Barcelona and Gibraltar, ensuring a more seamless and immersive journey from port to port,” the notification read.

It is interesting that Tangier was the only planned port stop on the 13-night itinerary, but now guests will get to enjoy two iconic European destinations instead.

Norwegian Luna will visit Barcelona overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, March 11-12, then after one day at sea, will spend Saturday, March 14 in Gibraltar.

The next eight days will all be at sea. After all, the ship must make her way 4,400 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to her south Florida homeport in Miami.

To be clear, the ship’s overall departure and arrival dates have not changed, nor is there any shift from either Civitavecchia or Miami.

This is unlike Norwegian Aqua, which had to shift course during her first transatlantic sailing earlier this year. After departing Southampton, the ship was to have arrived in Boston as her first North American destination.

Unfortunately, poor weather necessitated a change and Norwegian Aqua sailed for New York instead. The change also added three days to her crossing, but the delay was necessary to ensure smooth sailing.

Norwegian Luna float out
Norwegian Luna float out (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

As with Norwegian Luna, that transatlantic cruise was Norwegian Aqua‘s maiden voyage. She had, however, sailed some short media and travel agent previews while in Europe.

Norwegian Luna is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and was floated out in March, just two days after Norwegian Aqua was delivered.

What to Look Forward to on Norwegian Luna

The second of the Prima-plus class vessels and sister ship to Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna is sure to bring spectacular sailings to eager cruisers.

With a design that intimately connects guests to both the stars and the sea, the ship is beautifully colored in blues, teals, and purple tones, with a bright and airy interior and custom lunar-themed hull art.

Onboard, guests will be able to enjoy the second slidecoaster, a hybrid waterslide and roller coaster that first debuted on Norwegian Aqua. Other iconic features, including the Glow Court and the 10-story free-fall slide The Drop, will also be onboard.

Guests won’t want to miss the 46,000-square-foot Ocean Boulevard outdoor showcase with sculptures and stunning ocean views. Don’t miss the Oceanwalk, a glass walkway bridge right over the water along either side of the ship.

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The Vibe Beach Club, multiple specialty restaurants, and high-energy shows will all be part of Norwegian Luna‘s offerings, with more details to be released in the months leading up to her debut.

Once she’s home in Miami, Norwegian Luna will be offering 7-night Caribbean sailings at least through March 2027.

Oscar Alert Sounded on Star of the Seas After Passenger Falls Off Pier

Emrys Thakkar
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Oscar Alert Sounded on Star of the Seas After Passenger Falls Off Pier

Key Aspects:

  • A passenger fell off the pier at Royal Caribbean’s private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas on August 14, 2025.
  • The new Star of the Seas cruise ship, which was docked there with Symphony of the Seas, sounded its Oscar, Oscar, Oscar man overboard alarm.
  • The guest was rescued after crew members threw a ring buoy into the water, which the guest was able to grab hold of.

Guests enjoying their preview cruise on Royal Caribbean’s massive new Star of the Seas were shocked on August 14 when the ship sounded an Oscar, Oscar, Oscar emergency alert.

The second 5,610-passenger Icon-class vessel was docked at the cruise line’s private island of Perfect Day at Cococay in the Bahamas at the time.

According to passengers onboard Star of the Seas, a guest had fallen from the pier between Star of the Seas and the 5,518-passenger Symphony of the Seas not long after 8:00 AM.

In a photo posted online, a man can be seen in the water holding onto a rescue life buoy at the end of the pier, after crew members had thrown it in. The good news is that the man was rescued. However, it’s unknown at this time if he got any injuries.

One post on Reddit said, “They rescued him with a jet ski. Update: “Oscar” fell off the pier while texting.“

Passenger Off Pier at CocoCay
Passenger Off Pier at CocoCay (Credit: SailingSewist)

Royal Caribbean confirmed that the guest was actually getting footage of the giant new ship on his phone, which caused him to fall off the pier.

A spokesperson from the cruise line stated to Cruise Hive: “A guest fell off the dock while capturing footage of the ship on his smart phone. Our team immediately picked him up via jet ski and returned him to shore.”

Star of the Seas was docked at the private island as part of a preview cruise that departed Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 14. The 248,663 gross ton vessel has already departed from CocoCay and is heading back to Florida. The ship is scheduled to depart on another cruise from its homeport on August 16.

Also docked at Cocoay was the Oasis-class Symphony of the Seas, sailing a 7-night Bahamas itinerary which departed Cape Liberty in New Jersey on August 10. This was the final port of call before the vessel heads straight home.

Not the First Time a Passenger Has Fallen from the Pier at CocoCay

It’s not the first time a passenger has fallen off the pier. One of the most recent cases at CocoCay was particularly serious, involving a child who fell between a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and the pier.

Child Falls Between Pier and Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
Child Falls Between Pier and Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Henry Yeany)

This occurred on April 14, when Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas were the two ships docked there on that day. Thankfully, the crew was able to swiftly rescue the child, and there was no impact to the itinerary.

There have been other kinds of pier incidents, including guests who have been intoxicated, or those who have crossed the “Stay behind the line” for that perfect selfie.

And some have even jumped in on purpose to retrieve a sentimental item, as was the case with one guest when the Carnival Valor made a call to Progreso, Mexico, in February 2025.

Virgin Reveals Headliner on 2026 Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage

Donna Tunney
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Virgin Reveals Headliner on 2026 Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage

Key Aspect

  • Nile Rodgers & CHIC will take the stage during the cruise line’s special musical cruise in March 2026.
  • The 9-night Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage sails roundtrip from PortMiami onboard Brilliant Lady.
  • Cruise line executives will join the sailing and interact with guests.

Virgin Voyages has pulled back the curtain to reveal the top entertainer who will join its 2026 Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage. It’s the legendary singer/songwriter Nile Rodgers, who has sold more than 500 million albums worldwide.

Rodgers is a master songwriter responsible for a slew of musical works recognized around the world. He wrote major hits for major stars, such as “Like a Virgin” for Madonna, “We Are Family” for Sister Sledge, and “Let’s Dance” for David Bowie.

His current band, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, will perform on the cruise line’s newest ship Brilliant Lady, which is scheduled to sail her MerMaiden cruise from New York on September 5, 2025.

The 2026 Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage sails roundtrip from PortMiami on March 12, 2026. The 9-night cruise will call at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, St. John’s, Antigua, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, and The Beach Club at Bimini.

The special music voyages launched in 2023 under the name Celebration Voyages. The name change to Red Hot Sailing Club was announced in May 2025. 

The voyages always feature performances by A-list celebrities and often are joined by Virgin Voyages’ top executives, including founder Sir Richard Branson, although it is not clear whether he will be on the 2026 cruise.

Past headliners on the former Celebration Voyages were Nicky Jam, Melanie C, Boy George, and Kathy Sledge.

Like other musicians who early in their careers recorded on the Virgin Records label, Rodgers is coming full circle by performing aboard a Virgin ship.

“Nile Rodgers is the perfect artist to kick off this new chapter of our Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage. He’s spent decades breaking boundaries and bringing people together through music, which is exactly what we’re all about,” said Jamie Douglas, Director of Design, Innovation & Immersive Experience at Virgin Voyages. 

“This evolution of our Celebration Voyages reflects our commitment to creating deeper connections with our Sailors,” added Douglas.

Onboard the 2,770-guest Brilliant Lady, guests will enjoy a “sunset mixer” to get the cruise started, followed by “fireside chats” with the cruise line’s executives. There will be surprise pop-ups and a special line of merchandise to commemorate the voyage.

Entertainment Abounds Onboard Virgin Voyages Ships

Besides Nile Rodgers & CHIC, other entertainment aboard Brilliant Lady will feature the line’s popular Scarlet Night pool party, Studio 72, a disco nightclub, and Ships in the Night, a choreographed dance performance.

Brilliant Lady was constructed at a Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Italy, and recently underwent final outfitting. She completed a call to Lisbon on August 13 and is currently headed to the UK, where preview events will be held.

Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship
Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship

Like her sister ships, Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, and Valiant Lady, the new ship has multiple themed dining venues, all included in the cruise fare, and no main dining room or buffet.

Restaurants include The Wake, a steakhouse, Razzle Dazzle, offering burgers, fish and chips, and pasta, and Pink Agave, serving Mexican specialties.

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Other services and amenities that Virgin Voyages covers in the fare include WiFi access, crew gratuities, and all soft drinks and water. The line does not offer an alcoholic drinks package but does feature its Bar Tab program.

Under Bar Tab, cruisers pre-pay an amount toward their alcoholic beverage bill in the form of an onboard credit and the cruise line embellishes the amount. For example, guests can pre-pay $300 and the line will increase the credit to $350.

Military Exercise Prompts Early Embarkation for Royal Caribbean Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Military Exercise Prompts Early Embarkation for Royal Caribbean Ship

Key Aspects:

  • Embarkation has been moved up for Symphony of the Seas on Sunday, August 17, due to a military exercise.
  • Guests are advised to arrive at the Cape Liberty terminal no later than 1 p.m. or they may be left behind as the ship leaves early.
  • The ship’s 7-night itinerary has not changed other than the earlier homeport departure.

Guests boarding Symphony of the Seas may need to rush to Cape Liberty a bit earlier than planned this weekend for the ship’s Sunday, August 17, sailing, as embarkation times have changed.

Royal Caribbean has reached out to booked guests to alert them to the shift. The ship will now be setting sail one hour earlier.

“Due to a planned military exercise in the port area, we will need to depart earlier than originally scheduled,” the notification reads. “We will now set sail at 2:00 PM.”

This means guests with later terminal arrival times need to shift up when they will reach the cruise terminal so they aren’t left behind when Symphony of the Seas departs.

The entire boarding process has been shifted 30 minutes earlier and will now conclude at 1 p.m. All guests must be checked in and onboard no later than 1:30 p.m. for the ship’s departure.

Royal Caribbean is warning guests that sticking to later appointment times will mean being left behind.

“If your scheduled arrival time is between 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM, we kindly ask that you please arrive at the new times listed below,” the email explained. “Arriving at your original time will result in missing the ship’s scheduled departure.”

To be clear, guests who arrive at 1 p.m. will still have time to check in, process through security, and board Symphony of the Seas. Any later, however, and the ship will be setting sail without them.

All morning and early afternoon arrival times are also moved 30 minutes earlier for a more efficient embarkation.

If guests were originally scheduled to arrive at 10:30 a.m., for example, they should now plan to arrive at 10 a.m. Guests arriving at noon should now arrive at 11:30 a.m. and so forth.

The nature of the military exercise has not been disclosed. It is not unusual, however, for ports to participate in emergency response drills, training simulations, or other exercises.

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas Docked at Cape Liberty
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas Docked at Cape Liberty (Photo Credit: Brian Logan Photography)

These events can disrupt traffic into the port, close a harbor, or otherwise temporarily disrupt normal operations. Rather than delay a cruise ship and potentially worry or panic arriving guests unaware of the exercise, it is easier to move up a ship’s departure.

Symphony of the Seas is not having any itinerary changes for the 7-night Bahamas and Perfect Day sailing.

The ship is still planned to visit Port Canaveral on August 19, Nassau on August 20, and Perfect Day at CocoCay on August 21, before returning to New Jersey on August 24.

Symphony of the Seas Making Headlines

This isn’t the first time in recent weeks that Symphony of the Seas has been in the news headlines. While a departure change is relatively innocuous, there have been some troubling stories about the ship lately.

On three separate occasions, glass panels installed on the Oasis-class ship have shattered unexpectedly.

The first incident was on June 8, when a glass window in the Coastal Kitchen restaurant shattered and fell onto lounge chairs below, narrowly missing guests. The fast action of a crew member averted serious injuries from that mishap.

Just three weeks later, another glass panel broke, this time in the canopy of the ship’s Solarium. Fortunately, that panel did not collapse.

Another panel broke this week on Deck 16, near the ship’s miniature golf course and right where the zip line goes by the glass barriers.

While these individual incidents do not appear related, it is certainly concerning. Royal Caribbean is sure to be investigating carefully to ensure all glass aboard Symphony of the Seas remains safe and secure.

Eye-Tracking Study Unveils the World’s Most Stunning Cruise Ports

Donna Tunney
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Eye-Tracking Study Unveils the World’s Most Stunning Cruise Ports

Key Aspects:

  • Eye-tracking technology was used to determine which cruise port views held guests’ attention the longest.
  • Valletta, Malta, ranked in the No. 1 spot globally.
  • Small and large ports, such as Nassau, Bahamas, were placed in the Top 20 list.

Anyone who has ever cruised knows the thrill that comes with arriving in each new port of call. Guests typically fill the outer decks to watch as the next exciting destination comes into view, all the while snapping photos to post on social media or send to friends.

So, where are the most beautiful cruise ports? According to a just-released study based on eye-tracking technology, the top 20 most beautiful ports represent a surprising mix of small and large ports.

The research was based on the cutting-edge technology that measures which cruise port views caught people’s attention first and held it the longest. The study was commissioned by a UK-based travel insurance company called All Clear.

“Around the world there are cruise ports and harbours that are set in some spectacular destinations, and those who love to sail around the world will understand how exciting that feeling really is,” said Letitia Smith, head of communications at AllClear.

Onward to the results, which, by the way, contain no US-based ports.

Valletta Cruise Port, in Malta, ranks No. 1 on the list. The rocky island nation just off Sicily’s south coast is a growing cruise destination. 

In 2024, it welcomed about 940,000 cruise passenger transits, a 4 percent increase from its pre-pandemic record. Its scenic Grand Harbour hosted 357 cruise ship calls last year.

The spotlight shone on Malta in May 2023, when Oceania Cruises held a gala christening ceremony there for Vista, the first of the line’s new Allura class. The whole city of Valletta is, after all, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Malta
Valletta, Malta (Photo Credit: Rob Wilson)

The Port of Ushuaia, Argentina, holds the No. 2 spot. Best known as the jumping off point for Antarctica voyages, the so-called End of the World port offers dramatic views of the Martial Mountains, located just north of the port city on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. 

Roughly half of the top 20 ports are in Europe, and Palermo, Sicily, comes in at No. 3. With three cruise berths, the destination is a common stop on Western Mediterranean voyages.

For No. 4, we head to Stockholm, Sweden, and its Stadsgarden Cruise Terminal. One of three in the city, Stadsgarden is located within the city center and accommodates large ships.

Rounding out the top five is a true giant: Nassau, Bahamas. With its eight cruise terminals that can welcome the industry’s mega-ships, the port is situated in downtown Nassau.

The Port of Nassau welcomes more than 5 million cruise arrivals each year, according to its management firm Global Ports Holdings.

Following Nassau, Aruba Cruise Terminal came in at No. 6.

RankCruise PortLocationCountryScore/100
1Valletta Cruise PortVallettaMalta100
2Port of Ushuaia UshuaiaArgentina86
3Port of PalermoPalermoItaly83
4Stadsgården Cruise TerminalStockholmSweden82
5Nassau Cruise PortNassauBahamas81
6Aruba Cruise TerminalOranjestadAruba79
7Lisbon Cruise PortLisbonPortugal 76
7Overseas Passenger TerminalSydneyAustralia 76
9Port Sultan QaboosMuscatOman74
9Ege PortKușadasıTurkey74
11Port of GružDubrovnikCroatia71
12Cape Town Cruise TerminalCape TownSouth Africa70
12Port of KotorKotorMontenegro70
12Geiranger Cruise PortGeirangerNorway70
12Funchal Cruise TerminalFunchalPortugal70
16Port of QuébecQuébec CityCanada67
16Skolten Cruise PierFlåmNorway67
16Cozumel Cruise PortCozumel Mexico67
19Port HerculesMonacoMonaco66
20Port St. MaartenPhilipsburgSaint Maarten65
Data: AllClear

Ports in Canada, Norway, Mexico Rank No. 7

Some ports received the same ranking. For instance, Lisbon Cruise Port, Portugal, and the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney, Australia, both rank at No. 7, while Port Sultan Qaboos, Oman, and Ege Port, Turkey, are No. 9.

There is no No. 8 ranking, nor is there a No. 10. The Port of Gruz, Croatia, is No. 11. 

Moving farther down the list, the No. 12 spot goes to four ports — Cape Town Cruise Terminal, South Africa, Port of Kotor, Montenegro, Geiranger Cruise Port, Norway, and Funchal Cruise Terminal, Portugal.

All of the ports are visually appealing, but Geiranger, Norway’s second-largest cruise port, is particularly known for its spectacular views of the Geirangerfjord.

Three ports are listed at No. 16: Port of Quebec, Canada, Skolten Cruise Pier, Norway, and Cozumel Cruise Port, Mexico. Cozumel is another huge port in terms of annual cruise arrivals, which topped 4 million in 2024.

Port Hercules, Monaco, comes in at No. 19. The small, picturesque harbor is normally filled with luxury yachts, and the views of Monte Carlo are stunning.

Finally, at No. 20 is Port St. Maarten, a Caribbean island located in the Lesser Antilles. The port has two cruise ship piers and is a popular call on Eastern Caribbean voyages.

Norwegian Cruise Ship Skips Port Due to Weather, But Not Tropical Storm Erin

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Ship Skips Port Due to Weather, But Not Tropical Storm Erin

Key Aspects:

  • Rough weather has forced Norwegian Star to skip her visit to Nuuk, Greenland and remain at sea instead.
  • Wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour have been recorded, conditions far too risky for the cruise ship’s visit.
  • It is not unusual (though always disappointing) for ships to skip Greenland ports due to poor weather.

Despite Tropical Storm Erin causing concern among cruise passengers, another ship has adjusted course and skipped a port for entirely different weather-related reasons.

Norwegian Star has been unable to call on Nuuk, Greenland as planned due to rough weather thousands of miles away from the Caribbean.

The ship is currently sailing a 14-night one-way voyage from New York to Reykjavik, Iceland. The ship left the Big Apple on Thursday, August 7, 2025 and Nuuk was to have been her first of two planned stops in Greenland.

Unfortunately, as the vessel approached the capital of Greenland on the southwest coast, the weather was too challenging for a safe visit. The ship was to have been visiting from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 14.

As the ship was nearing the port, however, the winds were steady from 35-40 miles per hour. Winds were expected to increase through the morning, and by 9 a.m. gusts were as high as 80 mph.

Combined with rain expected to last for several hours, it was determined to be too unsafe for the ship to visit.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s website lists Nuuk as either a tender port or one with docking capabilities, but this varies based on ship and arrival date. Undoubtedly, the rough weather would have made either option unsafe for Norwegian Star.

Guests were notified of the cancellation with an announcement from the ship’s captain at approximately 7:30 a.m. as the ship was pulling away from the coast.

Satellite tracking data confirms that Norwegian Star attempted an approach and waited briefly nearby while assessing the conditions before departing.

The skipped port was not related in any way to the overboard incident earlier in the voyage, while the ship was sailing in Canadian waters.

Instead, the ship will spend Thursday at sea with extra activities and entertainment, in the hopes that she will successfully visit Paamiut on Friday, August 15 as planned.

Following Greenland, Norwegian Star will continue on to Iceland to visit Isafjordur, Akureyri, and Grundarfjordur on August 18, 19, and 20. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik on Thursday, August 21.

Greenland Port Visits Are Always Challenging

While every guest is hopeful that their cruise itinerary moves forward as planned, it’s well known among experienced cruisers that Greenland is always an unpredictable destination.

Several times, Carnival cruise ships on special Greenland journeys have missed every port in the remote destination due to foul weather.

Because of the stunning fjords, cruising Greenland can be gorgeous. Those same fjords, however, make navigation extra challenging, particularly with strong winds and rough waves.

Norwegian Star Cruise Ship
Norwegian Star Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Lukassek / Shutterstock)

Furthermore, many Greenland ports are small communities with narrow harbors that do not have strong dock facilities to accommodate large cruise ships.

For example, Nuuk is Greenland’s capital and largest city, but only has a population of just over 20,000. For comparison, Norwegian Star is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s smallest ships but can still welcome 2,348 guests – more than 10% of the city’s population.

Larger ships often use tenders in Greenland, but rough waves can make it too risky to use those smaller boats either for passengers or risk damage to the boats, as they may be tossed about.

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Safety is the highest priority for any cruise line. Skipping a port is a far better alternative than risking guests, crew members, and the vessel itself in uncertain weather.

Hopefully, Norwegian Star will find smoother waters and have an enjoyable day at sea while she continues her amazing voyage.

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