Virgin Voyages has dropped Brilliant Lady’s October 5 call to Cabo San Lucas due to residual swell left behind by Hurricane Rachel.
The cruise line says conditions would make tendering in Cabo unsafe, even though the hurricane has moved away from the ship’s route.
Ensenada will replace Cabo on the 7-night October 3 sailing from Los Angeles, while the remainder of the Mexican Riviera itinerary remains unchanged.
Virgin Voyages has confirmed an itinerary change for Brilliant Lady’s October 3 departure from Los Angeles. A scheduled port call in Cabo San Lucas has been dropped due to lingering ocean conditions from Hurricane Rachel.
The 7-night Mexican Riviera itinerary from the California port was originally scheduled to visit Cabo San Lucas on October 5, Mazatlan on October 6, and Puerto Vallarta on October 7. The 2,770-guest ship is set to return to Los Angeles on October 10.
The port of Cabo San Lucas has been closed since September 30 due to rough sea conditions, with no reopening date specified. Virgin Voyages subsequently cancelled the scheduled call in the Mexican port, citing unsafe residual swell.
Unlike many cruise ports, Cabo San Lucas does not have a cruise terminal where ships can dock directly. Cruise ships instead anchor offshore and use smaller tender boats to transport guests between the vessel and shore, making rough sea conditions particularly important for safety.
The cruise line confirmed the cancellation in an email to guests and in an update on its website. After receiving the email, a booked guest shared it on Reddit.
“Hurricane Rachel has safely moved away from our route, but it’s left behind residual swell strong enough that tendering into Cabo San Lucas wouldn’t be safe or comfortable,”the email reads.
Brilliant Lady’s call in Cabo will be replaced by a sea day with a visit to Ensenada added on October 4, meaning guests will still get three days ashore in Mexico. The remainder of the itinerary remains unchanged.
Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Primestock Photography)
This is the second consecutive sailing aboard Brilliant Lady to be affected by a hurricane. The September 26 sailing from Los Angeles was substantially rerouted because of Hurricane Polo.
Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta were all cancelled, with Brilliant Lady instead visiting San Francisco, San Diego, and Ensenada. That cruise returns to Los Angeles on October 3, the same day this newly affected sailing departs.
Guests Were Warned of Potential Itinerary Changes
The reroute to Ensenada came as a disappointment to some guests, with one passenger commenting on Reddit that it is a “major downgrade from Cabo”. Nonetheless, the change did not come as a surprise.
Cruise Hive reported on September 30 that Virgin had already warned guests on this sailing that Rachel could force changes. At that point, Virgin said the planned path would bring Brilliant Lady near Baja California Sunday night into Monday morning and that an alternate itinerary was being prepared.
Virgin Voyages was considering alternatives such as Astoria, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, and San Francisco, depending on how the storm progressed. One guest commenting on Reddit was relieved to see how minimal the reroute ended up being.
“I was a bit disappointed to see this, but compared to the possibility of re-routing to San Francisco, I’ll take it!”the guest said.
With no clear reopening date for the port of Cabo San Lucas, it is not yet known whether the disruption could affect the next sailing as well. The October 10 departure of Brilliant Lady from Los Angeles is currently scheduled to visit the Mexican port on October 12.
Scarlet Lady broke free of her mooring lines while visiting Rhodes on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, briefly contacting three smaller boats.
The ship was in port later than anticipated due to poor weather that caused an itinerary adjustment for the 7-night sailing.
No guest or crew member injuries were reported and Scarlet Lady was able to move back into position under her own power.
It was a night for seeing red aboard Scarlet Lady on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, but not because of Virgin Voyages’ signature Scarlet Night. Wednesday evening, strong waves and heavy swells caused the 110,000-gross-ton ship to break free of her mooring lines at the Port of Rhodes.
According to Pontos News, several lines broke and Scarlet Lady moved away from the dock and toward the edge of the harbor. At that point, the cruise ship came into contact with a catamaran and two smaller boats.
The exact timing of the incident is unclear, as some local reports note the lines breaking just after 8:15 p.m. while others state 9:15 p.m.
Έσπασαν οι κάβοι στο κρουαζιερόπλοιο και χτύπησε σκάφος στο λιμάνι της Ρόδου Δείτε βίντεο
Μεγάλη κινητοποίηση σημειώθηκε το βράδυ της 30ής Σεπτεμβρίου 2026 στο κεντρικό λιμάνι της Ρόδου, όταν έσπασαν οι κάβοι πρόσδεσης του πολυτελούς κρουαζιερόπλοιου «Scarlet Lady», με… pic.twitter.com/WEdxPugDUO
Local reports noted that no damage was immediately reported to either the smaller craft or the cruise ship. The port’s tugboats were put on immediate standby in case their assistance was needed, but Scarlet Lady was able to move back into her mooring position under her own power.
There were no reports of injuries to either guests or crew members related to the incident.
Itinerary Change Kept Ship in Port
Scarlet Lady had departed Piraeus (Athens) on Sunday, September 27, 2026 for a 7-night Greek Isles itinerary. The 2,770-guest ship was originally scheduled to visit Bodrum, Turkey on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Rhodes on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Mykonos for an overnight from 9 a.m. on Thursday, October 1 until 2 p.m. on Friday, October 2; and Santorini from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 3.
Guests were notified about a weather-related update, however, that required an itinerary change.
“Due to high winds, the Port of Mykonos has closed so we’ve had to adjust our itinerary,” the notification confirmed on Tuesday, September 29. “Instead of calling in Mykonos on Thursday and Friday, we’re extending our stay in Rhodes with an overnight.”
The updated schedule estimated that Scarlet Lady would arrive in Rhodes at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, and would remain until Thursday, October 1 at 5 p.m. A new visit to Chania was added to the ship’s itinerary for Friday, October 2.
The itinerary change explains why Scarlet Lady was still in Rhodes that evening. Under the original schedule, she would have departed at 6 p.m.
AIS tracking confirms that Scarlet Lady completed the impromptu visit to Chania on Friday and has already departed that port destination on her way to Santorini.
Broken Lines Not Rare in Rough Weather
While not a normal occurrence on every cruise, broken mooring lines are not entirely rare. Cruise Hive has reported on broken rope and drifting incidents from many different cruise lines, including when a sudden burst of strong winds broke the lines on Norwegian Prima in Port Canaveral on January 18, 2026.
Similarly, MSC Seaside broke free from the pier at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas on February 5, 2026.
While most such incidents do not cause significant damage, other occasions do have more severe consequences. On September 8, 2026, AIDAperla broke free in Le Havre, France due to strong winds, and the ship made contact with the nearby quay.
The incident caused a temporary closure of the port and a two-hour delay to another cruise ship in port as well as the cancellation of the next port (Zeebrugge) for AIDAperla while the ship was inspected. Fortunately, there were no guest or crew member injuries reported.
Royal Caribbean will debut the first at-sea production inspired by The SpongeBob Musical aboard Hero of the Seas in August 2027.
The reimagined production will headline entertainment in the Royal Theater and is inspired by the Broadway musical based on Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants.
The fourth Icon Class ship is scheduled to debut from Miami with Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises after recently floating out in Finland.
If nautical nonsense be something you wish, then there is exciting news coming to you from Royal Caribbean. Starting in August 2027, you can “drop on the deck and flop like a fish” aboard Hero of the Seas as The SpongeBob Musical makes its at-sea debut.
Royal Caribbean announced on October 2, 2026 that the production will headline the Royal Theater when the ship debuts from Miami. The show is inspired by the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.
The musical is based on the hit Nickelodeon cartoon series, SpongeBob SquarePants, created by Stephen Hillenburg. The show centers on SpongeBob and his friends trying to save Bikini Bottom from an imminent volcanic eruption.
The original musical features music written by a variety of popular artists. Contributors include the late David Bowie, Steven Tyler, Cyndi Lauper, Panic! at the Disco, and the voice of SpongeBob himself, Tom Kenny.
The SpongeBob Musical received 12 nominations, including Best Musical, at the 72nd Tony Awards in 2018. It took home one award for Best Scenic Design of a Musical.
Hero of the Seas SpongeBob Musical
“Our entertainment lineup on Hero of the Seas is designed with something for everyone,”said Christi Coachman, vice president, entertainment, Royal Caribbean.“‘The SpongeBob Musical’ delivers on that by bringing generations together through a story families know and love.”
The cruise line will reimagine and adapt the show for the Royal Theater. However, Royal Caribbean has not revealed a runtime or performance schedule. As of the October 2 announcement, the show has not been confirmed for any other ships.
Latest Broadway Show to Head to Sea
Royal Caribbean has a long history of bringing Broadway productions to sea. Previous productions include shows like Mamma Mia! aboard Allure of the Seas and Hairspray aboard Symphony of the Seas.
Its newest Icon Class ships have leaned heavily into more family-friendly properties. The first in its class, Icon of the Seas, debuted the first at-sea production of The Wizard of Oz in 2024.
At approximately 250,800 gross tons, Hero of the Seas will be the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, following Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas. The new vessel is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
The ship floated out at Meyer Turku on September 4 and is currently undergoing outfitting ahead of its 2027 debut, as Cruise Hive previously reported. Construction will continue with slides, decking, interior venues and other finishing work before sea trials and eventual delivery.
The ship’s inaugural voyage is a 3-night cruise from Miami on August 11, 2027, visiting Perfect Day CocoCay. It will then offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from the Florida port.
Six different Carnival ships will have full, in-person safety briefings on departures from October 8-12, 2026.
The impacted ships are Spirit, Luminosa, Legend, Radiance, Firenze, and Miracle on itineraries from 7-16 nights.
All ships in the Carnival fleet hold full muster drills twice each year to comply with different safety regulations.
Carnival guests booked on six specific sailings on six different vessels in the fleet have now received notifications that they will have the full, in-person safety briefing as they begin their cruise vacations.
“The safety of everyone on board is always our priority, and we are dedicated to maintaining responsible and secure operations. As part of this commitment to this key Carnival value, a safety briefing will be conducted ahead of every sailing,”the email notification explains.
“Shortly before departure, a full safety drill will take place on your upcoming sailing. This is a mandatory procedure, and all guests will be required to participate in this brief but essential exercise.”
The impacted cruises are the following ships and departures:
Carnival Spirit: October 8, 16-night one-way cruise from Seattle to Mobile, transiting the Panama Canal and including visits to Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas, and Cartagena
Carnival Luminosa: October 9, 14-night one-way cruise from Tokyo to Singapore with ports of call in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam
Carnival Legend: October 11, 12-night Eastern Mediterranean sailing roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome) with port visits in Turkey, Greece, and Italy
Carnival Radiance: October 11, 14-night roundtrip Hawaii cruise from Long Beach visiting Kahului, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Hilo, and Ensenada
Carnival Firenze: October 12, 7-night Mexican Riviera adults-only SEA cruise from Long Beach visiting Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada
Carnival Miracle: October 12, 10-night roundtrip Western Caribbean sailing from Galveston with visits to Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel
On each impacted sailing, ship-wide public address announcements will alert guests about each step, from gathering at their assigned muster stations to the instructions for donning a life vest to the ship’s emergency alert signal of seven short blasts followed by one long blast.
Crew members will be on hand to check guests’ Sail and Sign cards to be sure everyone attends the safety briefing, as well as to demonstrate life vest use and distribute wristbands to young cruisers that identify their muster stations.
While the possibility of an emergency that would require these safety procedures to be implemented is slim, Carnival Cruise Line takes safety very seriously and all guests must participate in the in-person drill. Food and beverage service is temporarily closed during the safety briefing.
Self-Mustering Not Ending
While these six sailings will have full, in-person drills, the self-mustering or “e-muster” format is not going away and will still be the protocol on all but the listed sailings.
Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has been clear that the in-person drill is conducted on every vessel twice each year to comply with governmental and international safety regulations, regardless of where ships may be homeported at the time.
“This is something that every single ship needs to do twice a year as per US Coast Guard, Australian Coast Guard, and other government agencies, and SOLAS, Safety of Life at Sea,”Heald confirmed in October 2025.
Guests on impacted sailings receive the notification letters shortly before their embarkation dates. In very exceptional circumstances, however, the in-person drill might be cancelled.
Carnival Sunshine, for example, was scheduled to have a full safety briefing at the beginning of the ship’s September 27, 2026 departure from Norfolk. When the ship was delayed back to Virginia and the next departure was moved to September 28 due to the nor’easter, however, the in-person drill was cancelled and guests used the self-mustering procedure instead.
This ensured the drill could be completed more quickly and the ship could get underway as soon as possible on her shortened sailing. To comply with international safety regulations, the in-person drill will likely be rescheduled for a different sailing in the near future.
Holland America Line has opened bookings for its May-October 2028 Canada and New England season aboard Volendam and Zuiderdam.
The cruise line says it will offer more calls to Montréal than any other cruise line, with voyages ranging from 7 to 14 days.
The season will mark the regional debut of the reimagined Zuiderdam following its upcoming Evolution transformation, Holland America’s largest-ever fleet investment.
Holland America Line is expanding its presence in Montréal as the cruise line opens bookings for its 2028 Canada and New England season. The cruise line says this season will feature more calls to the Canadian city than any other cruise line.
The season will run from May through October 2028 aboard the 61,214-gross-ton Volendam and the 82,305-gross-ton Zuiderdam. In total, 27 sailings are currently available for booking from 7 to 14 days with departures from Montréal, Québec City, Boston, New York and Fort Lauderdale.
“From the French influence of Montréal and Québec City to the maritime traditions of Atlantic Canada, the region offers an extraordinary mix of culture, history and natural beauty,”said Paul Grigsby, vice president of revenue planning and deployment for Holland America Line.
On 7-day itineraries, both ships will sail round-trip from Boston or between Boston and either Montréal or Québec City. They will call at destinations like Prince Edward Island, Sydney (Nova Scotia), Halifax, Portland, and Saint John.
Volendam will sail the majority of the longer 9-, 10-, 11-, and 14-day itineraries, such as 11-day round-trip voyages from Montréal. These itineraries include calls to Québec City, Saguenay, Cap-aux-Meules, Prince Edward Island, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, and St. John’s.
A 14-day sailing kicks off the season on May 13, 2028 aboard Volendam. This voyage repositions the ship from Fort Lauderdale to Norfolk, Boston, Portland, Halifax, Sydney (Nova Scotia), Prince Edward Island, Québec City, and Saguenay.
Cruise Ships Docked in Montreal (Photo Credit: Port of Montreal)
Zuiderdam ends the season with another 14-day voyage from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale on October 14, 2028. This voyage visits Sept-Îles, Saguenay, Halifax, Sydney (Nova Scotia), Prince Edward Island, Boston, and Norfolk.
Across the season, Holland America says its itineraries will provide access to five national parks and seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. Select sailings also include late-night stays in Charlottetown and Saint John, along with overnight calls in Québec City.
Reimagined Zuiderdam to Make Regional Debut
The 1,988-passenger Zuiderdam will be the first ship to sail in the Canada and New England region following its Holland America Evolution transformation. Described by the cruise line as the largest fleet investment in its history, Cruise Hive first reported on this $500-million overhaul project in April 2026.
Zuiderdam will be the second of six ships upgraded as a part of this program in spring 2028. Its sister ship, Oosterdam, will be the first to debut the upgrades in fall 2027.
The renovation will bring several new additions to the vessel. Highlights include new and refreshed staterooms and suites, such as purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms and new Bridgeview Suites with forward-facing views.
Following in the footsteps of Oosterdam, the ship will add the popular Grand Dutch Café. This counter-service venue offering Dutch snacks, breakfast items, and coffee was previously only available on Pinnacle-class ships.
Both Oosterdam and Zuiderdam will also receive updated public spaces. These include the addition of new bandstands by the Lido pools for live music and events.
Carnival Cruise Line opened bookings on Thursday, October 1, 2026 for three ships sailing Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico in 2028 and 2029.
Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Adventure will all be offering West Coast departures of various lengths.
Diverse schedules give interested guests plenty of options, including longer Carnival Journeys cruises and a Panama Canal transit.
Guests with adventurous spirits who are looking for legendary getaways in 2028 and 2029 need look no further, as Carnival Cruise Line has opened West Coast bookings for Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Adventure with destinations from Hawaii and Mexico to Alaska.
Guests can make reservations for these new cruises beginning Thursday, October 1, 2026, with departures available from Seattle, San Francisco, and Long Beach, as well as one unique Carnival Journeys sailing through the Panama Canal.
Carnival Adventure in Alaska (and Hawaii!)
Carnival Adventure will relocate from Australia to Seattle to offer 7-night sailings in the Last Frontier from May through September 2028. Her first Alaska sailing will depart Seattle on May 9, while her last weeklong sailing will depart on September 5. A final itinerary departing on September 12 is a 9-night cruise, giving guests a little bit longer to say goodbye to Alaska for the year.
Depending on sailing date, Carnival Adventure will be visiting top destinations such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria, as well as featuring scenic cruising through Endicott Arm Fjord.
Following her time in Alaska, the 2,636-guest Carnival Adventure will offer one 16-night Carnival Journeys departure roundtrip from Seattle to Hawaii, with visits to Nawiliwili, Honolulu, Kahului, and Hilo in the Aloha State plus a stop in Victoria, British Columbia.
Carnival Legend Sailing Alaska and Mexico from San Francisco
Carnival Legend is offering summer 2028 sailings to both Alaska and Mexico departing from San Francisco from April through September, offering guests unique opportunities for back-to-back cruises covering more than 2,100 miles from Skagway to Ensenada.
The 2,124-guest ship’s Mexico itineraries are a total of ten 4-night Baja sailings to Ensenada, while in Alaska, Carnival Legend is offering nine 10-night voyages beginning with the May 15 departure and ending with the September 4 departure. These cruises will visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert, along with scenic cruising through Endicott Arm Fjord.
Carnival Legend Cruise Ship
On either end of her Alaska/Mexico season, Carnival Legend is offering longer sailings. On April 28, 2028, the ship will begin her Alaska season with a 13-night itinerary that will visit Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert, plus Endicott Arm cruising.
After finishing her time in Alaska, the ship will sail a 15-night Hawaii itinerary departing on September 14 to Kahului, Nawiliwili, Honolulu, and Hilo as well as Ensenada, before returning to San Francisco.
Carnival Spirit in Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico
The 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit will have the most diverse West Coast season of all as the ship begins with a one-way, 16-night Carnival Journeys Panama Canal sailing departing Tampa, Florida on April 16, 2028. The ship will visit Grand Cayman, Cartagena, Puntarenas, and Cabo San Lucas before arriving in Seattle.
From May 11 through September 7, the ship will offer eighteen 7-night Alaska cruises to Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, plus scenic cruising through Endicott Arm Fjord and a visit to Victoria, British Columbia.
For guests interested in longer Alaska cruises, Carnival Spirit also has select 9-night voyages that include Sitka and Icy Strait Point, depending on departure date. Those sailings are departing Seattle on May 2, September 14, and September 23.
After finishing her time in Alaska, Carnival Spirit will remain on the West Coast but will reposition to Long Beach with Mexico itineraries ranging from 3-8 nights in length, as well as a total of 11 roundtrip Hawaii itineraries with various departure dates through spring 2029.
Royal Caribbean is reassigning select guests to different staterooms onboard Ovation of the Seas due to occupancy requirements.
While cabin assignments are finalized, booked guests are being given guarantee (GTY) status, despite having paid for exact staterooms.
This raises concerns for guests who paid higher prices to choose their exact staterooms but have lost those cabins without guaranteed compensation.
Royal Caribbean has reached out to select guests booked on Ovation of the Seas to alert them to a stateroom reassignment, even though the guests booked specific staterooms for their respective sailings.
One guest has shared the notification on Facebook for help to better understand the situation and what is happening with their chosen stateroom for the ship’s October 12, 2026 sailing, a 4-night sailing to Catalina and Ensenada, as well as to share their frustration.
“During a recent review of your reservation, we identified that your stateroom’s assigned occupancy needs to be adjusted,”the email explained.“To ensure your accommodations are just right, we’re in the process of reassigning your party to a stateroom that comfortably accommodates your entire group – either within the same category or in an upgraded category.”
“While we finalize these arrangements, your reservation may temporarily reflect a GTY (guarantee) status, and your stateroom number will be assigned soon. Rest assured that this is part of the reassignment process, and our team is actively working to confirm the best available accommodations for your group.”
The original poster noted they booked their cruise directly through Royal Caribbean months earlier and chose an exact stateroom, not a guarantee category. Their assignment, however, has been showing “GTY” since June 30, 2026.
Part of the frustration is the cost for the sailing. The original poster claims to have paid $300 more to select their exact stateroom but is now facing a guarantee situation without any recourse for directing their stateroom assignment.
“Now we are in the same position as someone who booked GTY and didn’t pay extra to book a room. They won’t offer a reimbursement. So it’s not just about the actual room we wanted it’s also the value for the service we have paid for,”they said.
Other guests have chimed in that they had similar stateroom reassignments for the 4,234-guest Ovation of the Seas, but did receive nice upgrades once their final stateroom numbers were confirmed.
Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas (Photo Credit: Keitma)
Some guests also claim they were offered onboard credit for the inconvenience, but that does not appear to be a universal response to the change. The original poster has said that several Royal Caribbean representatives have denied any compensation.
Cruise Hive previously reported on similar stateroom reassignments for the ship’s August 14, 2026 sailing, with guests on that cruise also reporting waiting for new stateroom numbers until just before embarkation.
Why Would Royal Caribbean Reassign Exact Staterooms?
Ovation of the Seas was recently amplified during her April 2026 dry dock. Renovations included the addition of 40 new staterooms onboard, including 10 replacing the photo gallery area on Deck 5 and seven added near the fitness center on Deck 16, plus others on Decks 9, 12, and 13.
While Royal Caribbean has not made any public disclosure that existing Ovation of the Seas stateroom capacities may have been redefined during the recent amplification, it is possible that the guest’s original room has been reclassified and cannot now accommodate all the people in their party.
This could happen due to muster station and lifeboat assignments related to the newly added staterooms, ensuring that all guests could be accommodated in an emergency situation. In rare cases, this might mean some staterooms can no longer accommodate as many guests as previously planned.
The original poster has not shared the exact stateroom number that they chose or its location on the ship, which would be a factor for muster station assignments.
Royal Caribbean is positioning four ships in Alaska for the 2028 season: Ovation, Voyager, Serenade, and Anthem.
Homeport departures begin as early as April 28 and end on September 22, with departures from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward.
Select voyages can be paired with land-based Cruisetour extensions ranging from 2-6 nights in hotels before or after sailing.
For Royal Caribbean guests, the time is now to book for the summer 2028 Alaska season, as the cruise line has revealed its 2028 ships and itineraries, with bookings now open to Crown & Anchor Society members and opening to the public on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Four Royal Caribbean ships will be offering weeklong sailings in the Last Frontier in 2028 from three different homeports: Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward.
Alaska Cruises From Seattle
Two ships, Ovation of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas, will be homeported from Seattle offering Monday and Friday departures, respectively.
The 4,234-guest, Quantum-class Ovation of the Seas is offering her first Alaska sailing of the 2028 season beginning May 8, while her final 7-night sailing of the season will depart on September 11. On September 18, Ovation of the Seas will offer a special one-way, 10-night Alaska cruise from Seattle to Vancouver.
Following her Royal Amplification upgrades in April 2026, Ovation of the Seas now offers the exclusive adults-only Sound Cellar lounge with music and dancing, and guests can also enjoy tropical cocktails at the new Pesky Parrot, which replaced the Bionic Bar on Deck 5 during the dry dock update.
The 3,602-guest Voyager of the Seas will begin her 2028 Alaska season earlier than Ovation of the Seas, with the first departure on April 28. Voyager of the Seas‘ final Alaska departure of the season is on September 22.
Both ships will visit top Alaskan ports including Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Scenic cruising of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier ensures spectacular vistas of Alaskan landscapes on select departures and when weather conditions permit.
Alaska Cruises From Vancouver
Both Serenade of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas will be offering Vancouver departures in 2028, with Serenade of the Seas offering roundtrip voyages and Anthem of the Seas offering both roundtrip and one-way options.
Serenade of the Seas will begin her season of Sunday departures from May 14 and her final Alaska cruise of the season will depart on September 17. Her ports of call include Icy Strait Point plus Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, as well as scenic cruising of Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage. The ship can welcome 2,143 guests aboard at double occupancy for each sailing.
Anthem of the Seas is offering the most diverse Alaska season of 2028 with both roundtrip and one-way cruises from Vancouver. Her roundtrip itineraries include a unique 4-night “Alaska Experience” that will visit Ketchikan, departing on May 7, 2028. This is the ship’s first Alaska sailing of the season.
Royal Caribbean Ships in Alaska (Photo Credit: CreativeStudio79)
At the end of the season, the 4,180-guest ship has another unique voyage, a 9-night roundtrip itinerary departing on September 15. Ports of call include Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, and the ship will also cruise past Hubbard Glacier for amazing scenic views.
Anthem of the Seas is also offering one-way northbound voyages that will leave Vancouver and visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Skagway, as well as Hubbard Glacier, before arriving in Seward, Alaska. May 26 is the ship’s first 7-night northbound departure of the 2028 season, while September 1 is the last departure that will head north.
Of special note is one earlier sailing, the May 11, 2028 departure. This is also a northbound sailing on Anthem of the Seas, but is an 8-night itinerary that also includes Juneau as a port visit.
Alaska Cruises From Seward
Anthem of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship offering southbound voyages from Seward to Vancouver during the 2028 season. Her first southbound departure is May 19, while her final southbound sailing of the year departs Seward on September 8.
Also part of many of Anthem of the Seas‘ itinerary options are 2- to 6-night Cruisetours that pair the 7-night cruise with extra nights in hotels, complete with daytime adventures that delve deeper into Alaskan history, culture, scenery, and wildlife.
I was fortunate to be invited by Norwegian Cruise Line to sail on Norwegian Getaway with my wife and son to the media event for the new Great Tides Waterpark on August 2nd. These are all my own opinions and thoughts.
It’s the largest enhancement Norwegian Cruise Line has ever added to Great Stirrup Cay, which is the cruise line’s own private island in the Bahamas. After 15 months of planning and construction, which was confirmed by the park’s engineers, it completely changes what a day on the island feels like.
Anyone who wishes to use the waterpark entry must purchase a paid day pass, starting at $99.99 per person, or a child age 4+, added on top of your cruise fare. In my opinion, it’s worth the entrance fee for a day of fun and memories.
Arriving at Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay Sign (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett / Cruise Hive)
A major upgrade is the new concrete pier, built alongside the park, which lets ships dock directly instead of relying on tender boats. This alone makes the arrival experience smoother, quicker, and far more accessible.
Once off the ship, five-car carriage trains run every 5 minutes from the island entrance and take about 10 minutes to reach the waterpark. The journey is easy and gives you time to enjoy the island’s beautiful plantation‑style greenery as you pass through newly landscaped areas.
Entering the Park
Great Tides Park (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett)
Once inside, the party atmosphere continues throughout the park. We had music, laughter, vibes, and the sound of rushing water filling every corner.
I admit that the slide towers looked impressive from the very moment we walked in. It felt modern, was much larger than I expected, and was thoughtfully designed.
Tidal Tower, standing at roughly 170 feet, is absolutely impossible to miss. It rises high above the whole park and gives it that proper waterpark feel.
Tidal Tower (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett / Cruise Hive)
Alongside Breakwater Blasters, these inner tube water coasters don’t just drop you; they blast you uphill again.
From my point of view, this is where the serious thrill-seekers head first, and one that I stayed away from but watched from afar. I’m not a fan of heights or fast rides, so I happily stepped aside and became a spectator on that front.
Cliffside Cove
Cliffside Cove (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett / Cruise Hive)
Cliffside Cove was one of the most surprising parts of the whole park. It’s actually built into the rock, and watching people leap off the 10- and 15-foot platforms into the water added a real sense of excitement to the proceedings.
My son had a great time making his way back and forth to the 10-foot platform and leaping into the beautiful warm water beneath. However, the 15-foot was a bridge too far.
The Great Slide alongside Cliffside Cove is a four-person slide, and it’s perfect for families and groups who want to ride together. We did use this on more than a few occasions, and it was not only a great slide; it was also great fun.
The path leading up to the slide was hot under the midday sun, so caution is advised here. My son loved the idea of racing me down the Great Slide to see who would hit the water first. In his own words, “I love to see us go underwater together.”
Slide Count & Layout
Great Stirrup Cay Tides Waterpark
Overall, the whole layout of the park was easy to navigate. Great Tides features 19 slides in total. Tidal Tower alone has eight slides, ranging from drop slides to mat racers and tube slides.
Cliffside Cove adds three more, including the Great Slide. Splash Cay, the kids’ zone, has eight mini slides designed specifically for younger guests.
One thing that really stood out is how much water pressure the slides use. A huge amount of water pumps through them, making every ride feel faster, zippier, and far more thrilling than you’d expect from a cruise line waterpark.
What I really liked was how easy it was to move between slides and zones. The park has been purposely segregated by plant life, giving each area a sense of privacy and making every zone feel like its own little adventure.
The pathways are wide, clearly marked, and shaded in places, so even moving from the biggest slides to the quieter areas feels effortless.
Kids’ Zone: Splash Cay
Great Tides Splash Cay (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett / Cruise Hive)
My 12-year-old son was in his absolute element. Watching him enjoy every part of the park made the whole experience even better. He would move from the bigger slides to the smaller ones at every opportunity he had.
And what stood out to me was how well-designed the kids’ attractions were. Despite being designed for children, every age group used this zone, from toddlers to adults alike, including me and other parents.
Splash Cay is the dedicated kids’ zone, and as a parent, I think it’s one of the park’s strongest features.
The smaller slides weren’t just an afterthought; they were fun, fast, and varied enough to keep him, me, and my wife entertained for hours.
It’s rare for a waterpark to get the kids’ zone this right, but they absolutely did. There were hardly any queues, so you could go back on the same slide again and again if you wished.
Another bonus of this fantastic zone is the giant tipping bucket at the top of the structure, which gradually fills with water and tips over, dumping a large amount onto the play structure and the guests below. My son spent most of his time at this point, waiting for the downpour.
Wandering River
Wandering River (Credit: NCL)
My personal favorite ride and my son’s in the whole park was the Wandering River. It wasn’t your typical lazy river you would enjoy in other venues.
It moved faster than I expected, with a higher‑energy current, and the immersive multimedia tunnel was the highlight, with glowing lights, color shifts, and a cool change in atmosphere as you floated by.
Trying Wandering River (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett / Cruise Hive)
The river itself is around 800 feet long, making it a proper attraction rather than just a place to drift.
The swim‑up bar was a great surprise too, meaning you could take a break without even leaving the water. The packages were included in the cost, meaning you could relax and not worry about how much you spent on drinks. What more could you possibly ask for? It’s a relaxing spot, but still lively enough to feel like you’re part of the adventure.
How Long You Need in the Park
Great Tides Waterpark (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett / Cruise Hive)
If you want to experience everything, such as the major slides, cliff jumps, Wandering River, and Splash Cay, then you realistically need around 3.5 to 4.5 hours. This is just my personal opinion and observation, not borrowed figures.
If you’re selective and just want the headline attractions, then I believe you can comfortably enjoy the park in 2 to 3 hours.
The layout, the plant‑life separation, and the clear zoning make it easy to move quickly between rides without feeling like you’re constantly backtracking.
Food Options
Grotto Bar (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett / Cruise Hive)
The food options were better than I expected for a private island. My son loved the ice cream from one of its kiosks. The Low Tide Smoke, serving proper BBQ ribs, wings, and nachos, was included in the cost, while Catch of the Cay offers seafood baskets and rolls, giving that summer energy all in one place.
There’s also a complimentary buffet plus food trucks and drink stations scattered around for whatever your fancy takes you.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the whole day felt like a celebration of something genuinely new and exciting on Great Stirrup Cay. With the new pier, frequent land trains, 19 slides, cliff jumps, and one of the best kids’ zones I’ve seen, the waterpark adds a full-day experience to the island, and from my point of view, it delivered exactly what a waterpark should be.
It’s full of energy, organization, and a clear sense of what cruise passengers can look forward to. We spent a good 4 hours at the park, which went by fast.
Despite originally being reluctant to leave, and after a last few goes on the slides and another tipping from the giant bucket, we all left to return to the ship, with my son spending the next few hours reliving the day with us; he clearly had the best day he’s ever had.
