Where it once took Port Canaveral a year to record 1 million cruise passengers, it now comes within striking distance of that figure in a single month.
The Central Florida port closest to Orlando reported a new monthly record of 925,994 passenger movements in March 2025, a 16 percent increase over the same month last year.
The milestone marks the busiest month in the port’s history and puts it on pace to reach a projected 8.4 million passenger movements in Fiscal Year 2025 – up from 7.6 million the year prior.
“It wasn’t long ago when we exceeded 500,000 guests in a single month. Now, with numbers like this approaching nearly a million, it’s not just remarkable, it demonstrates the strong demand for sailings from our port,” said Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.
“We’ve been predicting it, and we were ready for it,” he added.
The record-setting March comes just ahead of a wave of new ship deployments to Port Canaveral.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new 3,571-guest Norwegian Aqua is set to arrive on April 26, 2025, followed by Royal Caribbean’s soon-to-debut 5,610-passenger Star of the Season August 20, 2025.
“Port Canaveral has become the homeport of choice for new ships,”Murray said.
“More cruise lines [are] deploying newer and larger existing tonnage, which speaks volumes about our partners’ confidence in our ability to consistently deliver high-quality experience for their guests,” he added.
This winter, additional vessels from Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line will also join the lineup, joining 16 ships from seven cruise lines that already call the port home.
And the boom isn’t just benefiting cruise operators. According to the Space Coast Office of Tourism, 91 percent of cruise guests stay overnight in the area, and 27 percent extend their trips with pre- and post-cruise hotel stays.
On average, the office says cruisers spend $3,072 during their visits to the area, supporting restaurants, hotels, and local businesses.
That spending power is fueling new development. Roughly 2,000 new hotel rooms are expected to be added across Florida’s Space Coast by 2025, which is nearly a 20 percent increase from 2021.
Raising the Bar at Port Canaveral
Much of the Port Canaveral’s growth is attributed to the port’s appeal among drive-market passengers from Southeast US and its reputation for ease of access, with Murray taking pride in providing easy-in and easy-out services.
During a one-on-one interview with Cruise Hive during Seatrade Cruise Global in April 2025, Murray said the port intends to “raise the bar” and become the No. 1 US port.
“We are the first and last part of the cruise experience,” he said, as he discussed steps the port is taking to ensure passengers moves efficiently through the port.
(Photo Credit: Canaveral Port Authority)
This includes the use of facial recognition, pre-paid parking, vertical lifts for those with mobility issues, and the use of substitute gangways to ensure gangways are always functioning, even with the port operating regularly at least six days a week.
The port is also investing millions in upgrading and expanding its existing cruise facilities, with extensive renovations planned for Cruise Terminal 5 to increase the terminal’s capability to accommodate larger vessels.
The terminal will remain in service during renovations and, when completed, will be roughly 65 percent larger, encompassing 150,000 square feet.
It will expand its luggage areas, provide more passenger seating, upgrade crew and employee areas, add more elevators and escalators, and give its entrance and exterior a new look.
Meanwhile, Cruise Terminal 1 is also undergoing a refresh with new canopies and walkways, as Cruise Terminal 10 undergoes a feasibility study to explore potential upgrade enhancements.
Two more new cruise ships will debut at the port in 2027.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Festivale, carrying up to 5,270 guests and arriving in spring, and the 6,762-passenger MSC World Atlantic from MSC Cruises, scheduled to arrive in winter, will both homeport at Port Canaveral.
For the first time in 10 years, Holland America Line has launched a UK-based cruise season, sending its 99,500-gross-ton Nieuw Statendam on a roundtrip voyage from Dover, England.
The ship, which can carry 2,666 passengers, began its new season with much fanfare, setting sail on a sold-out two-week cruise to the Canary Islands, Morocco, and Portugal on April 19, 2025.
Guests boarded the ship at the base of the famous white cliffs and marked the first time since 2015 that the cruise line has offered back-to-back sailings from Dover, a historic port long associated with transatlantic and European cruising.
It’s not just a one-off, either. Nieuw Statendam will sail from Dover 10 times in 2025, through September.
Onboard Nieuw Statendam, guests enjoying the inaugural sailing were treated to a British-themed dinner – a nod to the ship’s homeport.
The cruise line also marked the occasion with a donation of 200 Lindt chocolate bunnies to the Dover SmART Project for Easter.
The donation to the local charity supporting disadvantaged youth in Dover is part of a broader partnership between Holland America and Lindt, whose branded chocolates are offered on dessert menus and in shops across the fleet.
“Returning to the famous white cliffs marks an exciting new chapter for us, and reflets the growing demand we’re seeing from guests from the UK,” said Karen Farndell, Holland America Line’s UK director of sales and marketing.
Itineraries will include destinations like the British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia, and the eastern Mediterranean.
The inaugural sailing, for example, is cruising to Rotterdam to visit Amsterdam; Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Arrecife and Tenerife in the Canary Islands; Funchal, Madeira; and Porto, Portugal, before returning to Dover on May 3, 2025.
“We’re thrilled to offer a rich variety of itineraries on our doorstep over both 2025 and 2026, as part of a wider, long-term investment in the local market,” said Farndell.
Nieuw Statendam set off from Dover, England, with Lindt Easter bunnies for Project SmART. (Photo Credit: Holland America Line)
Cruising through 2026
The 2025 season includes 10 departures from Dover aboard the Pinnacle-class Nieuw Statendam. The shortest sailing is 14 days, and the longest is 42 days.
The cruise line is betting on strong interest from the UK market with its renewed Dover schedule after returning to the port for calls in 2024, but says many passengers are also arriving from the US.
Additional offerings will feature 14-night “Wild British Isles” sailings that call in Newcastle, England, and multiple ports in Scotland and Ireland, including an evening call in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Longer voyages extend the sailings to 28 nights and sail on to multiple ports in Norway within the Arctic Circle. The 42-night journey extends the adventure by sailing to four cities in Iceland and four in Greenland.
Passengers can expect to visit a variety of off-the-beaten-path destinations like Trondheim and Hammerfest, Norway; Husavik and Akureyri, Iceland; and the Shetland, Faroe Islands, along with the Isle of Man and Isle of Skye.
Nieuw Statendam’s last Dover day will be September 6, 2025, when she heads to the Mediterranean to visit Portugal, Spain, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and Egypt.
While she will only stay in the region until mid-November, before wintering in the Caribbean, Nieuw Statendam will return to Dover on April 17, 2026, for another summer season of fun around the UK and Scandinavia.
That lineup includes 7- and 14-night cruises to the Norwegian fjords, the Canary Islands, and Iceland and will extend through October 2026.
Holland America Line will be operating from a total of nine European ports in 2025, with a number of its fleet positioned in Alaska during the summer months.
A few thousand cruisers booked to sail aboard an MSC Cruises’ ship in 2026 received some unwelcome news: Their voyage is cancelled due to a newly scheduled dry dock, where routine maintenance on the ship will be completed.
The 4,500-guest MSC Seashore, a Seaside EVO-class ship that entered service in 2021, homeports year-round at Florida’s Port Canaveral. In a notice to booked guests, the cruise line apologized for the disruption to their vacation plans.
The ship’s April 5, 2026 cruise to the Bahamas has been nixed to accommodate a two-week-long dry dock.
The 170,412-gross-ton vessel will enter a shipyard for repairs following a 3-night Caribbean & Bahamas cruise, ending on March 29, 2026, and emerge in time to operate an 11-night voyage to the Bahamas and several Western Caribbean ports departing on April 19, 2026.
“Due to the scheduled maintenance, it is with deep regret that we inform you that your sailing has been cancelled,” MSC Cruises wrote in its notice to guests.
“We understand how disappointing this news is, especially since you were looking forward to your vacation with us. Please accept our sincere apology for this cancellation and the disruption to your travel plans,” the notice added.
Booked guests have two options: Receive a full refund of the cruise fare paid so far or choose another voyage and transfer their reservation. Guests can select any other MSC Cruises’ sailing to any destination and on any departure dates.
No change fees will be incurred, however, current cruise fares on a replacement sailing could be higher than the original fare.
Cruisers who wish to choose another voyage from Port Canaveral will have more choices, since a second MSC Cruises’ ship, the 4,800-guest MSC Grandiosa, will be based at the Central Florida port for the winter 2025-26 season.
MSC Seashore in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
In fact, the deployment to Port Canaveral will be the first time MSC Grandiosa will be based in North America. The ship will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, offering a wide choice of accommodations in her 2,400-plus staterooms and suites.
The deployment of MSC Seashore to Port Canaveral in 2023 marked the first time that one of MSC Cruises’ Seaside EVO-class ships was based at the destination, which is known as the gateway to Orlando, home to several major theme parks.
Some Dry Docks Leave Little Time to Make Changes
Since the cancelled voyage aboard MSC Seashore is nearly a year away, booked guests have plenty of time to reschedule a cruise, arrange air travel if needed, and make other plans. That is not always the case.
In fact, MSC Cruises recently gave booked guests just three weeks’ notice that their May 11, 2025 cruise from New York’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to the Bahamas was being cancelled.
Cruisers all set to board MSC Meraviglia were informed on April 16, 2025 that problems with the ship’s propulsion system required immediate attention, forcing the cancellation of their 7-night cruise.
In that disappointing case, guests could opt for a refund or choose another sailing, and those who do so by May 2, 2025 will receive an onboard credit of $100 per person, for a maximum $200 per stateroom.
Also, those who rebook will get a 50% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) based on the cruise fare they paid for the cancelled sailing.
When MSC Seashore emerges from dry dock, she will likely have had renovations to public areas and staterooms. Dining and lounge areas typically get refreshed during dry dock, and any structural fixes are made to the ship’s hull and other components.
A cruise vacation can be about many things – family time, beach getaways, exploring ports, and much more. For many guests, the food is a top attraction on any cruise ship, with delicious options available from morning to night, and even into the wee hours.
It is understandable that occasionally the food may not be to your liking, but shouldn’t there always be some top quality choices? Perhaps not.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has offered a startling insight into the cruise line’s dining. While diverse and always offering something to enjoy, Carnival’s food has never been intended to be the best for true cuisine connoisseurs.
“Apart from the fun, and the crew, I still believe that probably food is what’s on most people’s mind when they cruise,”he began.
He’s not wrong, given the extraordinary popularity of the embarkation day lunch at the Lido Marketplace buffet – don’t forget to grab a slice of Funfetti cheesecake, only offered at that very first lunch.
Heald goes on to note that he gets many, many questions and compliments about the food onboard Carnival’s 29 cruise ships. From delicious steakhouse dinners to the award-winning Guy’s Burger Joint to decadent desserts, most Carnival guests enjoy the food.
Most, but not all. There are always some travelers who are disappointed in the food selections, either in variety or quality.
“Let’s be honest, I also get comments that are not complimentary,”he acknowledged.“That’s understandable. Food is very much a personal choice and it’s something that is, and always will be, a very important part of the cruise experience.”
Heald goes on to note that he occasionally gets comments from apparently hungry guests who claim there was “nothing to eat onboard” or that they “left hungry” from meals.
“That’s nonsense,”he said.“You may not like everything, but there is always something to eat.”
What makes Heald most frustrated, however, is when guests reach out to him after a cruise and complain about various selections.
As an intermediary between guests and ships, he then contacts the ship and more often than not discovers the guest never made any comment onboard, never mentioned their dining concerns either to the wait staff in the dining room or at Guest Services.
Crew members cannot take any steps to correct a situation and make a guest happy if they don’t know what is making the traveler unhappy in the first place.
“I urge you, I implore you, please, please, please, if you’re not happy with something, tell your waiter, he or she will tell the dining room team or the chef directly, and they will do everything they can to do better for you,”Heald said.“The crew wants to help you.”
After a cruise, there’s no way for any changes to be made to help guests best enjoy their vacation.
I’ve been in this situation myself, with a less-than-firm chocolate melting cake. While I appreciate a molten middle, a cake that is nothing more than a puddle of syrup is not to my taste. After a disappointing dessert, I spoke to my server, and every evening thereafter I had a perfectly cooked melting cake – much to the dismay of my waistline.
A Surprising Admission
What is most surprising about Heald’s discussion of food is the idea that Carnival Cruise Line’s food has never been meant to be the best in the industry.
This follows a recent guest comment he received denigrating the food quality.
“Yesterday, and yes I’m looking at you, sir, you know who you are – you ripped into me saying that Carnival no longer has five-star cuisine,”Heald explained.“We’ve never had five-star cuisine, we’re not a five-star cruise line. We’re not. We’re America’s cruise line, we’re a family cruise line.”
Carnival Cruise Ship Dining Room (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
He notes that in the 40 years he’s worked with Carnival Cruise Line, he’s never heard of anyone claiming that Carnival is a line for five-star cuisine.
He does, however, suggest the Queen’s Grill onboard Cunard Line ships, or vessels in the Seabourn Cruises fleet – both Carnival-owned cruise lines – for superior cuisine.
Has Carnival Cruise Line’s food changed over the years? Absolutely, yes. On my very first cruise onboard the then Fascination (even before she was Carnival Fascination), I enjoyed the strawberry bisque chilled soup, served with a mint sprig atop a garnish of finely diced fresh strawberries.
Most recently aboard Carnival Celebration, I still got the strawberry bisque, but now it is served with a blob of strawberry Jell-O rather than the fresh berries. While I much prefer the former presentation, the soup is still delicious, and I simply don’t eat the bite of Jell-O.
This simply goes to highlight that everyone’s food preferences are different, and of course everyone has a different idea of what “five-star” cuisine may be.
For me, not having to cook, serve, or clean up after meals is well worth five stars!
Time may fly when you are having fun, but for cruise passengers paying attention to the time is extremely important!
Recently, TikToker Ali Smith (@alismithhhh) found herself trying to fit too many activities into her day during a stop in Vietnam, causing her and her friend Sam to almost miss their ship.
The beauty and travel influencer posted a two-minute video to her 413.4k followers on April 22, 2025, showing just how easy it was to lose track of time.
The video now has 141k views and starts with a clip of the duo running, with Ali clearly saying,“Oh, we might not make it back to the port!”
Then, the influencer decided to highlight how the day became so chaotic by backtracking to the beginning of the experience.
Ali was on Royal Caribbean’s 4,905-passenger Anthem of the Seas, which stopped in Ho Chi Minh City on April 15, 2025.
The ship was set to arrive at 7 a.m. and depart at 8 p.m., but passengers were expected to be back onboard at the latest between 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Assuming they had enough time, Ali and Sam took a one-and-a-half-hour car ride into the city and spent the day shopping and trying the local cuisine.
When it got to be 4:30 p.m., instead of choosing to head back to the ship, the pair went to more locations and did some additional shopping.
This is where the stress began to set in, as it became a reality that they may not make it back to the ship on time.
In the end, they made it with just enough time to spare, but Ali shared that all of the extra activities were not worth the stress of being late.
“In hindsight, this was a very bad decision,”Ali said, adding,“we will never cut it that close again.”
Viewers took to the comments with mixed opinions about the influencer’s decisions, as many suggested that they should stick to the cruise line’s excursions to avoid being late.
“Private car is your first problem. Cruise excursions only,”one person commented.
“Oh gosh I was expecting worse!!! Thank god you guys made it and weren’t last!”added another.
While Ali and Sam may not have been the last guests to return to the ship, they learned just how important it is to be on time instead of being late.
As mentioned above, Ali is currently on the 168,666 gross ton Anthem of the Seas — which is now on its final cruise around Asia before it heads to the Pacific Northwest in the United States for the springtime.
The current cruise the vessel is doing is a 12-night itinerary that departed from Singapore on April 13, 2025. The first stop was the one in Ali’s video, being Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on April 15.
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas in Asia (Photo Credit: CeltStudio)
Following that, the ship also stopped in Hong Kong and Keelung in China, Jeju Island in Korea, and will be disembarking on April 25 in Tokyo, Japan.
Later that same day, the vessel will depart on a repositioning cruise, making three stops in Japan before heading to Seattle, Washington, on May 9.
Anthem of the Seas will be sailing out of Seattle until late September of 2025, after which it will be heading to Australia for rest of 2025 and will remain there until the start of the spring 2026 cruising season.
Whether she knew it or not, Ali went on this Royal Caribbean ship’s last cruise in this region for quite some time — making it that much more special, even if it was a little stressful.
No cruise guest wants their vacation to end on a sour note, particularly if that note includes a pair of handcuffs and a jail cell.
That is exactly how one recent Royal Caribbean guest’s cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas ended, however. When the ship returned to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, April 18, 2025, Broward County deputies were waiting for Michael White.
According to court documents from Broward County, the 18-year-old man from Siler City, North Carolina was arrested on second degree felony charges of aggravated battery following the incident onboard the cruise ship.
The booking report, filed just hours after guests debarked Liberty of the Seas on Good Friday, notes that the confrontation occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. on Friday morning.
The documents also do say the ship was “at sea” at the time, however, so it is possible the incident actually occurred on Thursday, the only sea day of the 4-night Bahamas voyage.
The victim, whose name was redacted in the report for privacy protection, boarded one of the ship’s elevators on Deck 11, proceeding to Deck 13. At that point, “many kids” got on the elevator and began jumping up and down, causing swaying and shaking.
The victim and their traveling companion told the kids to stop jumping, only to be yelled at and subjected to profanity from the seemingly unruly kids, whose ages were not listed.
The elevator then stopped at Deck 8 and the victim attempted to leave, but was blocked by the kids onboard the elevator. He attempted to push through the crowd, but was struck “in the face area” – though the exact assailant is not identified other than being an individual outside the elevator.
The victim blacked out and when he awakened, had several injuries, including “a minor laceration on his left ear, redness and bruising on both sides of his head, swelling to the back of the head, and possibly a fractured nose.”
Multiple witness statements corroborated this account. It is not clear whether or not the “kids” on the elevator were at all involved in the physical aspects of the incident, but it seems as though they were only making the elevator an unpleasant ride.
Nevertheless, White was arrested and has now been released on a $5,000 bond, along with a judge order not to have contact with the victim.
The case will undoubtedly proceed, and it is likely that statements and reports will be requested from Royal Caribbean and any crew members who witnessed the incident or who responded to it.
Will the Cruise Line Respond?
At this time, Royal Caribbean has not issued any official statement on this incident. This is not unusual, as the case is still an active one and the investigation is surely ongoing.
Different cruise lines respond to such incidents according to their own rules and guidelines, which may include banning White and anyone else he was traveling with for life.
Royal Caribbean’s Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy specifically notes that “abusive behavior is not permitted. This includes: uninvited physical contact.”
Liberty of the Seas Cruise Ship Docked in Bermuda (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
Certainly, a violent alternation would qualify as “uninvited physical contact.” Furthermore, unsafe behavior and abusive language are also prohibited.
Consequences for violating the policy include security intervention, reporting to law enforcement, and even “denial of boarding on any future Royal Caribbean Group cruise vacation.”
This could mean that White and his traveling party may be banned not only from Royal Caribbean ships, but also from sister lines Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.
This incident is not the only one reported aboard Royal Caribbean ships in recent months. In December 2024, an intoxicated guest aboard Navigator of the Seas threatened both guests and crew members and attempted to break down a door to reach a crew member.
In a disheartening and certainly unsettling twist, that guest later passed away while still onboard and in confinement aboard the cruise ship.
Two new lengthy sailings are officially on the calendar for 2027 as Holland America Line announced its latest Grand Voyages.
The cruise line revealed plans for its 2027 Grand World Voyage and Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage during a special announcement made by Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner aboard the current 2025 Grand World Voyage.
“When you sail on one of our Grand Voyages, we know you’re looking for experiences you can’t have anywhere else, and part of that is the carefully crafted itineraries featuring unique ports of call,”said Bodensteiner.
She shared her excitement for the new lineup with guests sailing on Zuiderdam’s 124-night Grand World Voyage, which departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 4, 2025.
During a sea day as the current voyage comes to a close on May 9, 2025, Bodensteiner shared a new Mariners’ Collection that will be a special series of ports only featured on the Grand Voyages.
“These are bucket-list and often hard-to-reach destinations you might not visit otherwise,” Bodensteiner added.
There are 26 unique ports offered in the Mariners’ Collection, with 19 found on the Grand World Voyage and seven available on the South America cruise.
The new 2027 sailings will each depart from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale in January, beginning with the Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage enjoying her sailaway on January 3.
Taking place on the 1,432-passenger Zaandam and lasting 70 days, it will explore 31 ports across 13 countries in South America and includes a 4-day scenic cruise through Antarctica’s waters, with stops at less-accessible destinations like Isla Robinson Crusoe in Chile.
The Grand World Voyage on the also-1,432-guest Volendam will set off on January 5, 2027, for its 129-circumnavigational voyage and will call on 53 ports across 28 countries.
It includes seven overnight stays with one-of-a-kind stops in Ascension Island, St. Helena, Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, and other ports in Indonesia, Africa and Spain (La Coruña) and Ireland (Waterford).
Unique Calls and UNESCO Visits
Holland America Line calls its 2027 Grand World Voyage on the 61,396-gross-ton Volendam one of its most ambitious cruises yet. It will cross six continents and offer detailed sailings through South America, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
Sailing westbound, the itinerary begins with calls along South America’s west coast before heading to Easter Island and island-hopping through French Polynesia.
Guests will also spend time in Australia, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and Southern Africa before crossing to the South Atlantic.
Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock.com
The voyage also includes overnight calls in Copenhagen, Denmark; Cape Town, South Africa; Sydney, Australia; Papette, French Polynesia, and Bali, Indonesia, among others.
During the journey, passengers will have a chance to explore 81 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, Westminster Abbey, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Meanwhile, the 61,396-gross-ton Zaandam will feature overnight calls in Panama City, Panama; Lima, Peru; Montevideo, Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Its seven Mariner Collection ports include Robinson Crusoe Island, Puerto Chacabuco, and Coquimbo (La Serene), Chile; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Pisco (General San Martin), Peru; and Ilhabela and Santos, Brazil.
The voyage also includes visits to 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, featuring destinations like Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.
Although bookings are not yet open for either cruise, interested guests can make a Future Cruise Request deposit to receive priority booking once they do open to the public.
Guests booked to sail on Holland America Line’s Oosterdam as she plies the Mediterranean in summer 2025 will find staterooms and public spaces spiffed up and refreshed following a two-week dry dock at a Bahamas shipyard.
The 1,964-guest Vista-class ship is on her way to Barcelona after departing from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades on April 19, 2025.
Among the ship’s most notable enhancements are new experiences in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, including a couple’s massage room and a co-ed sauna.
The spa’s Thermal Suite was redone with a new steam room and rain shower, while its Relaxation Lounge received a beverage service area and new seating arrangements.
As wellness treatments continue to be a big revenue source for cruise ships, Oosterdam’s guests will be even more tempted to use the spa’s salon, where new manicure and pedicure stations were added.
Relaxation areas outside of the spa were also renovated, and new luxury hot tubs with teak wood decks were added to the Sea View aft pool.
Reimagined and refreshed areas span the whole ship, which entered service in 2002. Guests who enjoy games of chance will appreciate the expanded casino aboard Oosterdam, where 34 more slot machines were installed after the former Gallery Bar was transformed into casino space.
Entertainment spaces and dining venues also were targeted in the dry dock refresh. The lively Rolling Stone Lounge, the ship’s premier spot for live music, was enhanced with new furnishings, lighting, and carpeting. In fact, huge areas of the ship received new carpet — some 215,000 square feet all together.
The Lido Market, the ship’s always busy buffet area, has new tiles, upholstery, and counters. A major indoor recreation space, the Crow’s Nest, had numerous redesigns to its Art Studio and Game Room, where new furnishings liven up the spaces.
Some lucky guests will benefit from stateroom upgrades that included bathroom renovations and new deck furniture on certain balconies, although the cruise line has not detailed how many cabins received improvements.
Another public space that was spruced up is the ship’s Neptune Lounge, which is open exclusively to guests booking a Pinnacle Suite or Neptune Suite.
Available on all ships in the Holland America Line fleet, the private lounge serves as a kind of living room, with TV, sofas and chairs, a library, and free refreshments all day.
Oosterdam in Mexico (Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock)
The Oosterdam upgrade added new carpeting and lights, plus new furnishings and a redesigned food area. It also sports a new desk where concierge services are offered.
Cruisers can indulge in high-end jewelry shopping in a new retail space that will offer an Effy Lounge, where they can experience luxury treatment and meet with a jewelry associate who offers personalized service.
Oosterdam to Sail South America Voyages in Winter 2025-26
Oosterdam will spend the summer season in the Mediterranean, sailing a range of itineraries that feature both short and long voyages.
Currently on her way to Barcelona, the ship will sail her first Mediterranean cruise on May 3, 2025. The 21-night “Western Medley: Andalusia, Cote D’azur & Malta” journey calls at several top destinations such as Rome, Salerno, and Florence (Livorno), Italy, and Nice (Villefranche) and Marseille, France; but also features some lesser-known ports.
These include Giardini-Naxos, Sicily; Almeria, Spain; and Cagliari, Sardinia, for instance.
In November 2025 the ship will cross the Atlantic and begin a series of South America voyages between Argentina and Chile for the winter 2025-26 season.
Some of those sailings will include scenic cruising near Antarctica. The 22-night “South America & Antarctica” cruise, for example, departs San Antonio, Chile, and sails to Ushuaia, Argentina, before rounding Cape Horn and visiting Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.
Other calls include Punta Del Este and Montevideo, Uruguay.
Nestled on the sunny shores of the island of Hawaii, the Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is a welcoming gateway for travelers looking to explore the magic of this tropical paradise.
Some smaller cruise ships dock directly at the port, while most use tender boats to bring passengers ashore. No matter how you get to the port, visiting offers a unique blend of cultural charm and natural beauty.
Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is situated on the western coast of the island of Hawaii, also known as Hawai’i Island or the “Big Island.” This particular region of the island is known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant local culture.
Geographically, it lies in the heart of Kailua Kona, an area celebrated for its mild weather, breathtaking views of the volcanoes, and proximity to the rugged landscapes and hikes available on the Big Island. If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you know that all the islands are stunning, so to stand out is really saying something!
The port’s idyllic location isn’t just convenient; it offers a direct route to some of the most beautiful and historically significant areas of Hawaiian culture.
Its proximity to natural wonders like Mauna Loa and Hualalai Volcano makes it an excellent starting point for those looking to hike, explore ancient petroglyphs, or simply take in the scenic beauty of the coastline.
Plus, the port sits right at the edge of the historic Kailua Village, where modern amenities and traditional Hawaiian charm greet passengers.
The port couldn’t be better for visiting cruise passengers, but its location doesn’t just work well for them; it is also a practical destination for the cruise ships they travel on.
Unlike much of the coastline surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, the area is known for its relatively calm waters, and the shoreline sits almost at sea level, improving accessibility and boarding for passengers.
Plus, the island’s western side is also known for dryer weather, as a range of volcanic mountains in the interior, including Hualalai, help shield the area from storms.
While it is an amazing place to visit, Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is relatively small, centering around the Kona Cruise Port Pier. As mentioned, only the smallest cruise ships can actually dock alongside the pier, as it only offers a 16-foot-wide berth.
For the most part, cruise ships will anchor offshore in Kailua Bay, then use tender boats to ferry passengers to Kona Cruise Port Pier.
While the Big Island’s much larger Hilo Cruise Port has a long pier to enable cruise ships to dock directly in the port, the Kona Cruise Pier is just too small.
Facilities and Amenities
Pride of America Calling at Kailua-Kona (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators)
Since the port is almost exclusively used for tendering, it has fairly limited terminal facilities. Once you reach the Kona Pier by tender boat, you will notice that it is surrounded by shops, restaurants, car rental offices, and the Courtyard Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, so you won’t struggle to find what you need.
In terms of what is available at the port itself, you have a low-fee ATM, a tourist information booth, public restroom facilities, and a covered waiting area that is outfitted with numerous benches.
Aside from a few temporary booths set up by shore excursion providers and local vendors, that’s about it for amenities at the port itself.
One thing that is worth noting is that the entire pier and surrounding area are fully accessible. With wheelchair-friendly ramps and designated parking spaces at the nearby parking lot, all visitors can easily get from their tender boat to the end of the pier.
While your ship is anchored, there will also be a representative from your cruise line available at the pier, so you can easily have any questions or concerns addressed.
Cruise Lines that Visit Kona Cruise Port
Princess Cruises Ship Visiting Kona, Hawaii (Photo Credit: Nate Hovee)
Despite its small size, Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is a popular destination for some of the most well-known cruise lines in the world. While it is usually just listed as a port of call that must be tendered to, the following cruise lines visit Kailua Kona:
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Holland America Line
Celebrity Cruises
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean International
Ponant Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Getting Around Kona Village
Welcome to Kona Sign (Photo Credit: MaruokaJoe)
One of the best things I found about visiting Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is that it sits in the heart of Kailua Village. This historic village is stunning and filled with exciting things to do and see, and it is wonderfully compact and easy to navigate.
It almost seems like Kailua Village’s layout was intentionally designed for the convenience of visitors. All major attractions, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions are within a short distance from the port.
If you want to make sure you get to see everything this former retreat for the Hawaiian royal family has to offer, here’s just a quick rundown of the main ways to explore:
Walking and Exploring Kona Village on Foot
Aerial View of Kona (Photo Credit: MGambill)
Personally, I think the best way to explore Kailua Village is simply by walking. The charming streets are lined with shops, art galleries, and cafes, and the weather is nearly always perfect.
Not only is walking a way to burn some calories, it’s a great way to make sure you see the sights. It isn’t easy to describe, but I found that the town had a real Hawaiian atmosphere, which only makes sense when you consider that it has functioned as a fishing village and a luxury retreat for Hawaii’s royalty at different points in its history.
To get the most out of the experience, just walk directly straight from the edge of the pier, which will take you down the main road of Ali’I Drive.
It’s lined with shops offering handmade goods and restaurants serving local favorites. Plus, walking this strip means you’ll also come across Hulihe’e Palace, which was once home to King Kamehameha I.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
Vehicles in Kona (Photo Credit: Nate Hovee)
If you prefer a quicker mode of transport or you plan on traveling outside of the village, taxis are also readily available near the edge of Kona Cruise Pier. You’ll notice a large parking lot west of the pier, where you’ll find a taxi pickup and drop-off area.
If you decide to take a taxi, you’ll find that the local taxi drivers are really friendly and are usually willing to provide their own recommendations for things to do and see during your visit.
Tourism is very important for the local economy, so it’s no surprise that cab drivers are eager to share their insights. Taxi drivers also accept all major credit cards and cash in USD, making transactions really easy.
Recently, Uber became available in Kailua-Kona, so you should be able to hail a ride through the Uber app. If you have the time and would prefer to drive yourself, there are plenty of car rental offices near the port, including Hawaii Adventure Rentals, just steps away from the pier.
Here you can rent Jeeps and other off-road vehicles capable of taking you to all of the sites that Big Island has to offer.
Bicycles and Alternative Transportation
Cycling in Kona (Photo Credit: Nate Hovee)
One of the best things about visiting any of the Hawaiian Islands is having the opportunity to really lean into the “aloha spirit,” which isn’t just about being friendly and living in harmony with the environment, it’s about being outside and enjoying yourself.
I find renting a bicycle or a scooter and exploring the village and its surroundings in a more open-air way is a great way to feel like you’re making the most out of your visit. Luckily, several rental companies in the area rent bikes, scooters, and even ATVs at competitive rates.
Bike Works Kona is located just half a mile from the pier and they offer multi-hour road and mountain bike rentals and all kinds of other gear.
When I rented a bike during my visit, I found it really allowed me to explore the village at my own pace.
Since my rental came with a bike lock, I could easily make stops to admire the ancient petroglyphs in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, stop in the shops for souvenirs, like hand painted ornaments and jewelry, and so much more. Not only was it affordable, it was a really fun activity that allowed me to blend exercise with sightseeing!
Public Transportation
Kailua is a small village, but it is still served by Hele-On Bus, part of the Hawaii Mass Transit Agency’s public transportation network covering the Big Island. Bus stops are well-marked and follow routes throughout the village and beyond.
To take the bus, you’ll need to purchase coupons, which are available at the County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency building downtown, or bybuying coupons online.
While you are probably better off going with a taxi if you aren’t traveling far, taking the bus can be a great way to see more of the island on a budget. With routes that cover the entire island, including some of its most iconic sites, it’s the cheapest way to travel long distances.
What You Can Do Near the Port
Hulihe’e Palace, Kona (Photo Credit: Justin Olney)
The Kailua Kona Village is a hub of activity and is only steps away from the port, so all you really have to do is walk around to your visit, there are also a few highlights you shouldn’t miss.
Walking less than half a mile from the port along Ali’i Drive will lead you to Hulihe’e Palace. Originally built from lava rocks in 1838, it was once the vacation home for Hawaiian royalty.
Today, it serves as a museum that showcases numerous artifacts and exhibits explaining the history of the village, the royal family, and Hawaiian culture more generally. General admission is $16, but I recommend paying the full $22 for a guided tour.
If you walk a little further, you can find Ahu’ena Heiau, the ruins of a beachside temple where King Kamehameha the Great died in 1819. It is a sacred spot in Hawaiian culture, and traditional structures have now been built to showcase what it looked like during its heyday.
If you’re willing to travel a little, plenty of local tour operators offer guided shore excursions directly from the Kona Pier.
These can take you to other significant historical sites, including Puuhonua o Honaunau, which, in Hawaiian culture, is a spiritual sanctuary and a place of refuge. During conflicts, the Hawaiian people could head here for safety, making it a fascinating place to visit.
Whether you just want to stroll the streets of the village, check out the nearby beaches, or have a few hours to spare and want to explore the cultural sites within and surrounding Kailua-Kona, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy your visit to the port.
Beaches Near Kailua-Kona Cruise Port
One of the best things about visiting Kailua-Kona is the opportunity to explore some of the stunning beaches Hawaii is known for. Here are just some of the highlights:
Honl’s Beach
Honl’s Beach, Kona (Photo Credit: Susanne Pommer)
As the closest public beach to the port, Honl’s Beach is one of the most popular options for visiting cruise passengers. Only one mile from the pier and located within downtown Kona, you can walk there in less than half an hour by strolling along Ali’i Drive.
It’s a small beach, but shady palm trees and crashing waves along the volcanic shores that border the beach make it the perfect spot for an afternoon nap.
Keep in mind that the beach is a bit rocky towards the waterline, so you may want water shoes. If you’re going to try out surfing or even just boogie boarding, Miller’s Surf and Kona Boys are both visible from the beach and offer rentals and lessons.
Keiki Beach Queen’s Bath
Keiki Beach, Kailua-Kona (Photo Credit: Billy McDonald)
About a mile from the port, Keiki Beach is famous for its gentle waves and crystal clear waters. With public restrooms, outdoor showers, and plenty of parking, it’s a beach perfect for relaxing under the sun.
The gentle and clear waters of this natural lagoon are also perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Not only can you view the reef, but you may even spot dolphins splashing in the distance. It’s also near the airport, so you can watch airplanes landing from the beach.
Magic Sands Beach (White Sands Beach)
Magic Sands Beach (Photo Credit: MGambill)
If you’re willing to travel a little further, Magic Sands Beach Park is located roughly 4 miles south of the port. Often referred to as White Sands Beach by the locals, it offers a picturesque setting with, you guessed it, white sands.
Easily accessible via a quick short taxi ride, this beach is popular among visitors looking for a refreshing dip or a leisurely afternoon hike along the shoreline.
Since it is surrounded by hotels, condos, and resorts, there are also plenty of beach side bars and restaurants just a short walk from the beach.
It’s also a very popular spot for surfing, so even if you don’t feel like giving it a shot, you can still watch the surfers riding the waves from the comfort of your beach lounger.
Kahaluu Beach Park
Kahaluu Beach Park (Photo Credit: mhgstan)
Situated roughly 5 miles from the port, Kahaluu Beach Park is another popular spot. This family-friendly beach is great for beachside picnics. With a backdrop of green hills and numerous palm trees lining Kahaluu Beach Park, it’s an ideal spot to unwind.
With that said, the main highlight of the beach is the brilliant blue waters, which enable some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island.
With vibrant marine life, including sea turtles, brightly colored tropical fish, and plenty of coral, the calm waters are perfect for those new to snorkeling and diving.
Dining in Kailua-Kona
Like pretty much anywhere else you can go in Hawaii, Kailua-Kona offers many amazing dining options. From traditional Hawaiian dishes to international cuisines, you’ll be able to find something that appeals to your preferences within a short distance of the port. Here are just a few highlights:
Big Kahuna Beach Grill
Big Kahuna Beach Grill
Located just steps from the pier, Big Kahuna is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the views. You can see the tender boats coming and going from Big Kahuna’s outdoor seating area, but the food steals the show.
With a wide variety of traditional Hawaiian dishes and American classics, like burgers, pizzas, tacos, and more, it’s a spot with something for all preferences.
Spinners Kailua Cantina
Just steps from the pier, Spinners Cantina is a fun and casual spot for delicious tacos, tropical cocktails, and poke bowls. Like any good cantina, it’s a great spot to relax and indulge.
With frozen cocktails served in tiki cups and friendly bartenders who are more than happy to chat, it’s a great spot to cool off. Do yourself a favor and try the popsicle shots!
Journey Café on the Big Island
Journey Café
Located about half a mile east of the pier, Journey Café is a plant-based restaurant that completely surprised me. Even if you’re not a vegetarian or vegan, the fresh and locally sourced ingredients ensure every single dish is amazing.
I had the falafel salad and it alone would be reason to go back to Kailua-Kona. Make sure you also try a glass of the Hawaiian-style kombucha.
Ikkyu Ramen
Hawaii is home to a huge Japanese population, so it’s no surprise you’ll find plenty of Japanese restaurants down nearly every street. As you’d expect, Ikkyu Ramen offers delicious bowls of ramen, but they also have plenty of other traditional Japanese dishes and dishes from California.
If you’re looking for a tasty and filling lunch, walk directly straight from the pier on Palani Road for about half a mile, and you’ll find this popular spot.
Shopping in Kailua-Kona
Kona Farmers Market (Photo Credit: Chris Allan)
The huge variety of shopping options is another highlight of Kailua-Kona. Despite its relatively small size, there are plenty of stores and boutiques that are perfect for souvenir shopping.
Kona Farmers Market is a must-visit spot, and it is only located a short 10-minute walk from the pier. Here, you’ll discover a vibrant selection of locally grown produce, coffee, handcrafted jewelry, and handmade souvenirs that reflect the spirit of Hawaii.
Walking to the market, you’ll also pass Kona Inn Shopping Village, which is perfect if you’re looking for more conventional goods.
With art galleries, clothing stores, and restaurants, it’s the ideal place to shop for gifts, or even just pick up something you forget to bring on your trip, like a pair of sunglasses or swim shorts.
You can also stroll the streets and come across plenty of other stores. If you’re shopping for clothing, Pueo Boutique is a great spot to purchase locally designed and made clothing, including Hawaiian-style skirts and jewelry.
Ohana Casual Wear is another popular clothing store carrying skirts, swimwear, and, of course, classic Hawaiian shirts with colorful patterns. These stores and plenty of others are difficult to miss when you walk the streets of the town.
Every store accepts cash in USD, but some of the smaller vendors in the market do not accept credit card payments, so it can be a good idea to pull out some cash from an ATM. Keep in mind that you will have to pay sales tax, which is rarely displayed.
Best Time to Visit Kailua-Kona
View of Kailua-Kona Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma)
Kailua-Kona is a year-round destination, but most people find that the best time to visit is spring and early summer. This is when the weather is warm and dry, making walking around the village and checking out the sites beyond comfortable.
Keep in mind that it can be a bit busy during these months, as the town is a popular spot for all types of tourists, not just those who arrive by cruise ship.
If you’re hoping to avoid large crowds, planning your visit on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday should provide a quieter experience, as crowds tend to ramp up between Thursday and Saturday.
If you’re a beer drinker, the Kona Brewers Festival is in mid-March; while the Monarch Festival and its hula competitions follow the week after Easter Sunday.
No matter when you visit, Kailua-Kona is a beautiful destination that you don’t want to miss!
