Royal Caribbean is seeking volunteers willing to change plans for Utopia of the Seas’ September 4, 2026 sailing from Port Canaveral.
One confirmed option offers a full cruise fare refund, complimentary transfer to a later Utopia of the Seas sailing, and an upgrade to an Ocean View Balcony stateroom.
The reason for the offer has not been confirmed, though Royal Caribbean has made similar offers when previous sailings were overbooked.
As guests prepared for a Bahamas getaway aboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, some guests became even more excited by the prospect of not taking the cruise at all. Ahead of the departure, the cruise line sent an email to guests offering incentives for changing their travel plans.
The email concerned the 3-night Bahamas sailing aboard the 5,668-passenger ship, scheduled to embark from Port Canaveral on September 4, 2026. The cruise features planned stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day CocoCay before returning to Port Canaveral September 7.
“Ahead of our Utopia of the Seas September 4, 2026, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel arrangements,”the email said.
Guests have the option to switch to one of three alternate sailings in exchange for a full refund of cruise fare paid and a free upgrade to an Ocean View Balcony stateroom. Unlike some similar offers, all three replacement cruises depart from the same port, aboard the same ship, and within a month of the original sailing.
These alternate sailings depart September 11, 2026, September 18, 2026, and October 2, 2026, all aboard Utopia of the Seas and departing from Port Canaveral. This means guests who accept this offer won’t have to delay their vacation too long to get what essentially amounts to a free upgraded cruise.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
All three cruises are 3-night Bahamas itineraries, visiting Nassau and Perfect Day CocoCay. The full email was not shared publicly, so it is unclear what other alternatives Royal Caribbean may have offered passengers.
Cruise Hive has reported on similar offers in the past, such as a recent offer for a Voyager of the Seas Alaska sailing, also departing September 4, 2026. In that case, the cruise line also gave guests the option to cancel their booking for a full refund and future cruise credit.
Cruisers Were Eager to Take the Deal
One guest expressed their eagerness to accept the offer in the unofficial Royal Caribbean forum on Reddit. The guest said they had not yet received confirmation that Royal Caribbean would accept the request, despite responding quickly.
“Did anyone else get this offer for Utopia this weekend? We are booked in an inside room and submitted our ‘yes’ to this about an hour after getting the email,” the guest said. “Haven’t heard back yet and don’t think we will at this point.”
Some cruisers booked on the same sailing said that they did not receive the offer, but saw that others in the sailing’s Facebook group had. Others, meanwhile, commented on what a good offer it is, wishing that they, too, had received it.
Another cruiser who was booked on a 2-night sailing aboard Harmony of the Seas departing September 3, 2026, also from Port Canaveral, received a similar offer. They said, however, that they were offered the option to switch to the same September 4 sailing aboard Utopia of the Seas.
“I got one for Harmony for tomorrow’s sailing. Interestingly it was pushing me to this September 4th sailing,”said the cruiser.“Why do they send these? Is the ship overbooked or something?”
Offers like this can happen due to a number of factors, with overbooking being a prominent reason. While Royal Caribbean did not provide an explanation for this offer, the reported offer to move a Harmony of the Seas guest onto the same Utopia of the Seas sailing suggests other factors may have been involved.
Royal Caribbean is cancelling guests’ reservations for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau on January 23, 2027.
The cancellations are due to a chartered sailing reserving the entire club for that day, with no additional capacity available.
Allure of the Seas will be sailing the chartered 4-night Groove Cruise to Nassau that weekend, departing Miami on Thursday, January 21.
Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island has become a favorite with cruise guests visiting the capital of the Bahamas, but for some cruise guests on one specific day, the club is closed.
The cruise line has reached out to guests booked on sailings that will visit Nassau on Saturday, January 23, 2027 to alert them to the closure and how that impacts their cruise plans for pre-booked shore excursions to the private club.
“Recently, one of our chartered sailings has reserved the entirety of our Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, during our January 23, 2027, visit,”the notification, posted on Facebook, confirms.“As a result, we’ll need to cancel your ‘Royal Beach Club – Open Bar Day Pass.'”
Guests who had already booked visits to the club now have those visits cancelled, with full refunds being sent back to the original form of payment.
Royal Caribbean also notes that “there is no additional capacity available” at the club that day, therefore any other types of passes are also no longer available.
Royal Beach Club Charter Letter
Other shore tours in Nassau remain available, including options such as snorkeling, beach days, historic tours, and the destination’s iconic “swimming with the pigs” excursions. Exact availability will depend on individual tour capacity, and the most popular tours do fill up quickly.
No other tours are impacted other than Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and guests can book different excursions through the cruise line’s website, the Royal Caribbean app, or while onboard their ship. Guests are also free to explore Nassau on their own.
Which Ships Are Impacted?
Three different Royal Caribbean ships are scheduled to visit Nassau on January 23: Allure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.
Allure of the Seas is homeported from Miami and will be sailing a 4-night “Groove Cruise” to the Bahamas departing Florida on Thursday, January 21, 2027. Nassau is the only port of call planned for that themed cruise on the 5,718-guest ship.
Royal Caribbean’s Nassau Beach Club
The 2,142-guest Brilliance of the Seas is also sailing from Miami and her Friday, January 22, 2027 departure is a 3-night itinerary that includes both Nassau and Perfect Day CocoCay.
Sailing from Port Canaveral, the 5,668-guest Utopia of the Seas is also sailing a 3-night cruise that leaves Florida on Friday, January 22, 2027, with visits to Nassau and Perfect Day CocoCay.
The Groove Cruise, sailing aboard Allure of the Seas in 2027, is an event billed as “the world’s longest-running and most successful electronic dance music cruise festival,” which first began sailing in 2004. The sailing is sold out and offers not only a “floating festival” experience with more than 10 stages but also meetups, competitions, mental health workshops, and more.
Of the three Royal Caribbean ships scheduled for Nassau on the impacted day, Allure of the Seas is the only vessel chartered. Chartered sailings are not uncommon, and in fact, Cruise Hive has already reported that Allure of the Seas is also chartered for her March 7, 2027 sailing.
Music festivals, lifestyle cruises, large corporate groups, or other organizations frequently arrange chartered sailings for special events or recognition.
Norwegian Cruise Line boasts 21 ships in its ever-growing fleet, spread across seven major classes: Sun, Dawn, Jewel, Breakaway, Breakaway Plus, Prima and Prima Plus class. (Technically, Norwegian Epic, Pride of America and Norwegian Spirit stand apart in their own, independent classes.)
Each class is unique in its own way, with ships that may cater best to different kinds of cruisers. Here’s everything cruisers need to know about the different Norwegian Cruise Line ship classes, before they book.
While Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships may not be as large as those owned by Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line still holds its own when it comes to big, fun-filled ships. Over the line’s various classes, though, the individual 21 ships really do run the gamut.
You have smaller size, older ships that offer more low-key cruising experiences, and that can visit smaller destinations. Then, you have big, resort-style ships that offer the latest and greatest amenities.
Norwegian Prima and Viva Docked in St. Thomas (Photo Credit: Primestock Photography)
Typically, these ships are grouped together in various classes, or families, of ships, with three or four ships that all share similar characteristics (if you’re not up on your cruising lingo and are wondering what all this talk of ship classes is about).
Today, Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships and classes stretch back to the 1990s, with the oldest ship in the fleet being Norwegian Spirit and then the newest ship being 2026’s Norwegian Luna in the Prima Plus Class — and there are still more ships to come in the next few years, inlcuding the Norwegian Aura in 2027.
This wide variation allows for lots of flexibility when booking your cruise. Whether you want to sail on world class vessels packed with amenities, or you’re content with standard amenities like an onboard spa and sports courts, there’s a Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you.
Prima Plus Class
Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
The Prima Plus class is Norwegian’s newest cruise ship class, home to its most modern and flashy cruise ships yet.
However, whereas some cruise lines like to continually introduce cruise ships that are bigger than all the rest it’s ever produced (I’m looking at you, Royal Caribbean), the Prima Plus class, while by no means filled with small ships, doesn’t boast the largest-ever ships for the cruise line — at least not for now.
The one currently sailing ship in the class, Norwegian Aqua, and the next-to-launch ship in the class, Norwegian Luna, are both 156,300 GT — smaller than ships in the line’s prior Breakaway Plus class.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Year Entered Service
Norwegian Aqua
156,300
3,550
2025
Norwegian Luna
156,300
3,550
2026
Norwegian Aura
172,000
3,650
2027
TBA
172,000
3,650
2028
However, future Prima Plus class ships are planned that should exceed 172,000 GT. These yet-to-be-named ships, when they launch in a few years, will officially become Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships ever.
It’s worth noting that the Prima Plus class is an off-shoot of the original Prima class (Norwegian Cruise Line has done this before, with its Breakaway and Breakaway Plus classes, creating a solid parent class and then enhancing and sizing up later class ships into a new “plus” class).
As such, while the Prima Plus class ships are somewhat similar to those ships in the Prima class, they also offer more to do, over a larger footprint (about 10% larger), with brand-new features.
For example, Norwegian Aqua claims to be both the most spacious new cruise ship at sea, with expanded outdoor deck space, and the new cruise ship at sea with the highest staff levels.
The ship counts a first-of-its-kind Aqua Slidecoaster among its brand-new features, which is a hybrid waterslide and rollercoaster. The ship’s VIP Haven area features new suite styles, too, and the ship overall offers more accommodation options than ever before.
The Norwegian Luna will be a twin ship to Norwegian Aqua, for all of the same to love and enjoy.
Prima Class
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
As explained, the Prima class is the predecessor of the Prima Plus class and includes Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. The two NCL ships are 10% smaller than those in the Prima Plus class, as well smaller than the ships in the older Breakaway Plus class.
That said, they still offer lots to enjoy, with notable features including the largest go-kart tracks at sea, as well as a 10-story dry slide.
With more than a dozen suite categories, these ships also offer more suite options than any other large ocean liner, and some of the largest suites and cabins not just for the brand, but for the industry as a whole.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Year Entered Service
Norwegian Prima
142,500
3,100
2022
Norwegian Viva
142,500
3,100
2023
When the ships debuted, they likewise offered the largest Haven area yet to appear on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, and more outdoor deck space than any other new cruise ship at the time.
In other words, the Prima class pushed the boundaries of both Norwegian Cruise Line and the cruising industry, and the following Prima Plus class will do the same.
Currently, the Breakaway Plus class is home to Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships. The Breakaway Plus class features four ships, debuting between 2015 and 2019, so they’re all still pretty new.
The largest of them all is Norwegian Encore, though this ship isn’t the largest in the class in terms of guest capacity. That honor belongs to Norwegian Escape.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Year Entered Service
Norwegian Escape
165,157
4,266
2015
Norwegian Joy
167,725
3,804
2017
Norwegian Bliss
168,028
4,004
2018
Norwegian Encore
169,116
3,998
2019
All of the ships in this class offer the big resort feel that you’ll find on many of the largest, newest cruise ships out there today.
There’s plenty of entertainment, everywhere you look, and in huge entertainment venues, too, that go way beyond your standard cruise ship theater. There are tons of restaurants, lounges and bars.
If you’re deciding between cruise ships in this class, though, it’s worth noting that Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Joy, being the two older ships in the class, are closer to the original Breakaway class in terms of style and amenities than Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. For example, Norwegian Escape doesn’t have go-karts or laser tag, while the other ships do.
All in all, this class is an excellent option for those who want the big, mega-ship feel with lots and lots to do, every day of your cruise, with no need to ever set foot off the ship — but who also don’t necessarily need to sail on the newest ships in the industry.
Breakaway Class
Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)
The Breakaway class features just two ships, which are both quite similar to the Breakaway Plus class ships in many ways, but without the massive size and wealth of attractions. These ships have just barely passed their 10th birthdays, so they have received some refurbishments since launch, in 2018 and 2019.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Norwegian Breakaway
145,655
3,963
2013
Norwegian Getaway
145,655
3,963
2014
Neither ship has a go-kart track or laser tag, but both ships do still have waterparks and pool areas, plenty of restaurants and bars. They also still feature the Haven VIP ship-within-a-ship area. Additionally, these ships were the first in the industry to offer full-size ropes courses on their top decks.
Epic Class
Norwegian Epic in Europe (Photo Credit: meunierd)
The Epic class is one of a handful of Norwegian Cruise Line’s different classes that are home to just a single ship — typically because the ship in question was acquired separately from a planned, carefully mapped out class of ships.
In Norwegian Epic’s case, it was actually intended to be a part of a new class of ships, but the other planned ships never came to fruition and so the cruise line left the ship on its own, turning attention to future endeavors.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Year Entered Service
Norwegian Epic
155,873
4,100
2010
Norwegian Epic offers a few fun features, like the only tube-and-bowl waterslide on a cruise ship, as well as a bowling alley and ice bar.
As it’s still on the larger side (at least for Norwegian Cruise Line), Norwegian Epic is a good fit for those who are also fans of the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus classes.
If you’re worried about the ship’s age, don’t be — she was refurbished in 2015, keeping her comparable with the other Norwegian Cruise Line ships that debuted around the same time.
Jewel Class
Norwegian Jewel Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Bill Wilcox)
When you drop into the Jewel class, you really start to see a noticeable size difference between this class, with its mid-2000s ships, and the newer ships in the fleet. While they’re not quite half the size of some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships, they’re definitely significantly smaller.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Year Entered Service
Norwegian Jewel
93,502
2,376
2005
Norwegian Jade
93,558
2,402
2006
Norwegian Pearl
93,530
2,394
2006
Norwegian Gem
93,530
2,394
2007
Still, for those who like to cruise on a firmly mid-size ship, they’ll find plenty to enjoy on the Jewel class ships.
While there aren’t 20-plus food outlets on these ships, you’ll still have 10-plus eateries to dine at during a vacation, and entertainment like pools and theaters. Just don’t expect anything super-flashy or any big thrills for the adventurers out there.
Pride of America Class
Pride of America in Hawaii (Photo Credit: Eric Broder Van Dyke)
Pride of America is, like Norwegian Epic, a cruise ship all on its lonesome, in a class of its own creation.
Debuted in 2005 and refurbished in 2016, Pride of America was originally intended to lead a class that would be dedicated to U.S.-flagged cruise ships. At its very beginning, it wasn’t evenowned by Norwegian Cruise Line.
However, the original parent company, American Classic Voyages, which wanted to boost the American shipyard business, declared bankruptcy when the ship was still under construction, and Norwegian Cruise Line swooped in to acquire the half-built ship.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Year Entered Service
Pride of America
80,439
2,186
2005
Norwegian Cruise Line did still honor some of the original plans for the ship. The ship is still US-flagged and has a mostly American crew.
It also primarily operates Hawaiian islands itineraries and, as such, it has no casino on-board (gambling is illegal in the state, so ship casinos have to close up when the ships are in Hawaiian waters — since the ship primarily sails to and from Hawaii, it just makes sense to have no casino at all).
This ship has undergone multiple dry docks throughout its life, including in 2013 and 2016, updating the ship to modern standards and adding extra staterooms and suites, as well as dining and entertainment venues.
Dawn Class
Norwegian Dawn Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis)
Both ships in the Dawn class were originally ordered by Star Cruises. However, before the ships could be delivered to the cruise line, the ships were redirected to Norwegian Cruise Line, which was, at the time, a Star Cruises subsidiary.
Norwegian Dawn is notable as the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to feature hull art, a highlight that’s become synonymous with the brand.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Year Entered Service
Norwegian Star
91,740
2,348
2001
Norwegian Dawn
92,250
2,340
2002
Both of these ships are pretty comparable to the ships in the Jewel class. They’re on the small side and don’t have a ton of amenities. Of those amenities it does have, none are over the top. Still, the ships have been refurbished in recent years (2016 for Norwegian Dawn and 2018 for Norwegian Star).
As such, if you don’t mind a smaller, older ship, and don’t need any fancy bells or whistles during your cruise, you’ll likely have a fine time sailing on either of these ships.
Sun Class
Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Karis48)
The Sun class is the oldest “traditional” class in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. I say “traditional,” because, while there is one ship older than the two ships in the Sun class, it’s another one of those outliers that has a class to itself.
The Sun class features the smallest ships in the fleet by guest capacity, with each of the two ships carrying only around 2,000 passengers.
Norwegian Sky was originally Costa Cruises’ Costa Olympia, but, before the ship could be delivered, Costa Cruises suspended the ship’s construction, citing financial woes. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the ship, finished her up and debuted her as Norwegian Sky.
After sailing as Norwegian Sky for four years, though, Norwegian Cruise Line decided to shift the ship to the same class as Pride of America, renaming her Pride of Aloha. Pride of Aloha sailed for another four years, before becoming Norwegian Sky once again.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Year Entered Service
Norwegian Sky
77,104
2,004
1999
Norwegian Sun
78,309
1,935
2001
Norwegian Sun, meanwhile, does not have quite the dramatic backstory. Still, you won’t notice much difference between the two ships. Both have been renovated in recent years to keep them in as fine a working order as possible given their age.
It’s also important to know that NCL actually announced in early April 2025 that both vessels are being offloaded to the Indian-based cruise line Cordelia Cruises. The good news is that they aren’t being scrapped and will continue to sail.
These ships are best for those who really enjoy a more laid-back mood of cruising, who’re on board for relaxation, to lie by the pool, and get off for a full day in each port.
The dining, drinking and entertainment options are few and far between, and the staterooms are nothing to write home about. Still, for those who aren’t looking for a luxury cruise, or a resort experience, the ships more than deliver an enjoyable, intimate setting.
If you didn’t already know, both of these ships will be leaving the fleet for Indian-based Cordelia Cruises. Norwegian Sky will be the first to depart with its final voyage for NCL departing originally scheduled on September 9, 2026. However that cruise was scrapped due to the Middle East tensions, the final one voyage with passengers is August 31, 2026. Norwegian Sun will depart in 2027.
Last, but certainly not least, there’s Norwegian Spirit, the one and only ship of the Spirit class. Originally entering service in 1998 (don’t worry — there was a refurbishment that took place as recently as 2020), the ship is the smallest in the fleet in terms of gross tonnage.
Like some of the other oldest vessels in the fleet, Norwegian Spirit was originally a different ship by a different name, sailing for a different cruise line. It was a Star Cruises ship, where it operated under the name SuperStar Leo.
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage
Capacity
Year Entered Service
Norwegian Spirit
75,904
2,018
1998
However, in 2004, Star Cruises turned the ship over to Norwegian Cruise Line, in order to meet Norwegian Cruise Line’s greater demand (due, in part, to delays launching Pride of America) at which point the ship was rebranded.
The 2020 refurbishment was extensive, costing more than $100 million and encompassing the addition of multiple new restaurants, new bars, new staterooms and more.
Future Ships
Norwegian Luna Float Out
Beyond the upcoming Prima Plus-class ships that are set to debut in the latter half of this decade, Norwegian Cruise Line has even bigger and better ships on order, for 2030 and beyond.
These ships will be part of an unnamed class that will include four ships, all debuting between 2030 and 2036, and that will be 225,000 gross tons and capable of accommodating 5,100 passengers each.
The ships are currently just on order from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, but it’s expected that they’ll be not just the biggest cruise ships in the company’s history, but also the most energy efficient and the most overall innovative.
Carnival Cruise Line is alerting guests to traffic rerouting and congestion at the Port of Galveston for Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Emails were sent to guests boarding Carnival Dream that day to notify them of a cruise terminal change for embarkation.
Ongoing road construction at the Port of Galveston has caused increased congestion for sailings for nearly a year.
Guests boarding Carnival Dream at the Port of Galveston on Saturday, September 5, 2026 will need to plan carefully to reach the correct cruise terminal during their arrival appointment due to ongoing road construction and a cruise terminal switch.
Carnival Cruise Line has emailed booked guests to alert them to the change and advise how they can best plan their arrival to the cruise port.
“Ahead of your embarkation, we have an update regarding a change in the terminal you will be embarking and roadwork at the Port of Galveston,”the email notification explained.
Carnival Dream will be embarking for the 8-night cruise at Cruise Terminal 28 on the port’s west end, rather than Cruise Terminal 25. While the two terminals are next to one another, there is no vehicle access between them and guests need to be mindful of traffic patterns to be sure they arrive at the correct terminal.
When Carnival Dream returns on Sunday, September 13, the Port of Galveston’s schedule shows the ship will be at Cruise Terminal 25, which guests should be aware of as they plan their parking at embarkation.
Roadway detours and closures will also impact guests’ arrival to the cruise terminal, potentially causing delays.
“Construction is underway along sections of Harborside Drive (the main road by the cruise terminal),”the cruise line explained.“Consequently, there will be lane closures.”
There will be signage and personnel at the port to direct traffic and help guests arrive at the correct terminal. If guests are being dropped off by ride share services or family members or friends but not parking a vehicle, they should enter and exit the terminal from 33rd Street west of the cruise terminals.
Cruise Ships Docked at Port of Galveston (Photo Credit: Jonathan C Wear)
Carnival does advise guests that if they are parking at the port, they should go directly to their parking location with their luggage and not drop anyone or any bags at the terminal first. This will help ease congestion and keep traffic flowing more smoothly.
A complimentary shuttle will then be available to take guests and their bags to the cruise terminal. This does not apply to the Express Lot or the SMP Garage, both of which are closer to the terminal and designed for guests to walk.
No Delays for Departure or Itinerary
Guests boarding the 3,646-guest Carnival Dream are also reminded to stick to their pre-selected terminal arrival appointment on Saturday morning. While the road construction may cause congestion and delays, all guests must be onboard the ship by the final boarding time printed on the boarding pass.
The cruise line has made it clear in the past that there are no exceptions when guests are late to the embarkation port, even for situations such as traffic jams that are out of the guests’ control (and also out of the cruise line’s control!). Guests should check traffic conditions and local reports as they head to the cruise terminal for the latest updates.
Carnival Dream currently offers sailings from the Lone Star State ranging from 6-14 nights. The September 5 cruise is an 8-night voyage to the Bahamas, with port visits scheduled for Key West, Celebration Key, RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, and Nassau. In May 2027, the ship will be repositioning to New Orleans.
At this time there are no changes to the ship’s September 5 itinerary, including her departure from Galveston at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
This is not the first time road construction has impacted Carnival ships in Galveston. Cruise Hive previously reported similar difficulties for Carnival Jubilee on May 16, 2026 and Carnival Breeze two days later on May 18.
An earlier phase of the road construction project also impacted sailings in fall 2025, when both Cruise Terminal 25 and Cruise Terminal 28 were affected with traffic re-routings for several weeks.
Norwegian Cruise Line has officially unveiled Great Tides Waterpark with a ribbon-cutting event and exclusive preview at Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas.
Great Tides Waterpark will officially open to cruise guests on September 4, 2026, when Norwegian Luna visits.
The nearly 6-acre waterpark features 19 waterslides, an over 800-foot Wandering River, cliff jumps, children’s attractions, dining, and other amenities.
Norwegian Cruise Line is making waves at its brand-new Great Tides Waterpark days ahead of its official opening. The cruise line hosted an exclusive preview event at its private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, marking the completion of the nearly 6-acre park.
Norwegian Getaway brought cruise line officials and guests, including travel partners, media personnel, and influencers, to Great Stirrup Cay for the unveiling. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting kicked off the event, followed by speeches from Norwegian Cruise Line leadership and Bahamian government officials.
After the ceremony, guests were allowed to enter and explore the completed park. The cruise line also curated special experiences for attendees, including photo opportunities, special cocktails, food and beverage tastings, and a Junkanoo performance showcasing the culture of the Bahamas.
“Great Tides Waterpark represents an exciting new chapter for Great Stirrup Cay and a defining moment for Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
As Cruise Hive previously reported, the new water park will officially open to cruise guests on September 4, 2026. Those planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay should note, however, that a separately purchased day pass is required for entry. Prices will vary by sailing depending on date, popularity, and other factors.
Great Tides Waterpark
Norwegian Luna, which debuted earlier this year, will bring the first regular guests to Great Tides Waterpark when it opens. The 3,565-passenger vessel departed Miami on August 29, 2026 for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyage and is scheduled to dock at Great Stirrup Cay on September 4 at 10:00 a.m.
What’s Inside Great Tides Waterpark?
The park features 19 waterslides across several distinct areas. Its centerpiece is the 170-foot Tidal Tower, home to eight different slides. Also featured are Cliffside Cove, offering 10- and 15-foot jumps, the over 800-foot-long Wandering River, and the kid-friendly Splash Cay.
Complimentary lounge chairs and shade umbrellas are available, as well as private cabanas for rental. There are a variety of food and drink options around the park, including the Floataway swim-up bar and three food trucks.
Great Tides Waterpark, Great Stirrup Cay
The completed park is the culmination of a project first announced more than a year before its opening. Norwegian Cruise Line first announced Great Tides Waterpark in July 2025 as part of a broader transformation of Great Stirrup Cay.
Cruise Hive later visited the private island during this overhaul in March 2026. Then, in May 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line officially confirmed the September opening date. This was followed by a detailed first look at all the attractions in August 2026.
Great Tides isn’t the only change Norwegian has made to Great Stirrup Cay. The cruise line has also built a new dual-berth pier, allowing guests to walk directly ashore rather than relying on tenders. Together, the new pier and Great Tides Waterpark mark two of the most significant additions to Great Stirrup Cay.
MSC Poesia will not visit Endicott Arm for her last three cruises of the Alaska season due to “seasonal operational considerations.”
Instead of the scenic cruising, the ship will arrive in Juneau six hours ahead of schedule for an extended visit.
No other port visits on MSC Poesia’s September 14 Alaska sailing is impacted by this change.
Scenic cruising along glacial fjords can be one of the most memorable and awe-inspiring experiences of an Alaskan cruise, but for guests onboard the September 14, 2026 sailing of MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia, their sailing will be a little less awe-inspiring than they may have hoped.
MSC Cruises has reached out to booked guests to alert them to an itinerary change that now removes the visit through Endicott Arm from their schedule.
“Due to seasonal operational considerations, we will not be able to proceed with the scheduled scenic cruising through Endicott Arm,”the email, sent September 1 and shared on Facebook, explains.“We understand this is an experience many guests look forward to, and we sincerely regret that this portion of the itinerary will not be possible.”
On the September 14 sailing, the ship was scheduled to be cruising Endicott Arm on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 7-8:30 a.m. before heading to Juneau for an afternoon arrival.
Because of the change, the 3,223-guest ship will be arriving in Juneau much earlier than originally planned. Now, MSC Poesia will arrive at 8 a.m. instead of 2 p.m., giving guests six extra hours to enjoy Alaska’s capital city.
The ship’s departure from Juneau at 10 p.m. is not changed, and there are no changes to the other ports on the weeklong itinerary: Ketchikan (Wednesday, September 16 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Icy Strait Point (Thursday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), or Victoria, British Columbia (Sunday, September 20 from 8 p.m. to midnight).
Why the Change?
While the email from MSC Cruises does not explain the nature of the “seasonal operational considerations” causing MSC Poesia‘s itinerary change, guests onboard the ship have shared further details.
“We are on board at the moment and attended a presentation this morning where they told us we were the last cruise to do it and the last 3 cruises in the season after us wouldn’t have time due to daylight hours,”one guest commented.
Endicott Arm Fjord (Photo Credit: Martina Birnbaum)
According to Sunrise Sunset, on September 18, sunrise in Endicott Arm will be at 6:28 a.m. while sunset will be at 7:05 p.m. While this may seem to be a long enough period for scenic cruising as planned, it is important to note that heavy fog can be present in the fjord during the morning.
It may take several hours for that fog to clear enough for ships to safely navigate the narrow passage. Furthermore, full Endicott Arm passage typically does require several hours in and out of the passage, including the scenic viewing time.
Because MSC Poesia is scheduled to visit Juneau on the same day after the scenic cruising, it is important that the ship be able to enter Endicott Arm early enough for a full experience.
Multiple Itineraries Impacted
Cruise Hive has learned that the September 14 sailing of MSC Poesia is not the only cruise impacted by these changes. According to Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska, the ship will also be arriving in Juneau six hours early for her visits on September 10 (September 7 Seattle departure) and September 25 (September 21 Seattle departure).
The September 7, 14, and 21 departures from Seattle are the last three sailings MSC Poesia will have in Alaska in 2026 before she leaves on September 28 for a 24-night Grand Voyage to reposition to Miami for winter in the Caribbean.
MSC Poesia is not the only vessel to have her time in Juneau adjusted recently, however.
On August 29, 2026, Oceania Riviera arrived an hour early, at 10 a.m. instead of 11 a.m., while on Wednesday, September 2, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth will depart the city at 7:30 p.m., an hour later than originally scheduled.
Different cruise lines frequently tweak itineraries for a variety of reasons, including port operations, berth availability, and environmental restrictions.
Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley has chosen Dolly as the name for the Chief Dog Officer on the upcoming Hero of the Seas.
Dolly was not originally one of the finalist names but was added to the selection following the singer’s passing.
Hero of the Seas is scheduled to debut in August 2027 and will homeport from Miami with 7-night Caribbean itineraries.
Dolly Parton may be gone, but the country music superstar will never be forgotten aboard one Royal Caribbean ship: Hero of the Seas. Following intense voting on finalist names, the cruise line has confirmed that the next Chief Dog Officer will be named Dolly.
Though Royal Caribbean has not formally confirmed the name is a tribute, Dolly was suggested by many guests following the singer’s death.
Decisions for the dog’s name first began on August 6, 2026 when Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley, requested name suggestions, noting that the dog would be female.
“All names will be considered and our professional panel of Dog lovers (me) will evaluate all suggestions,”he said.
On August 28, Cruise Hive reported that the name suggestions had been narrowed to seven finalists: Hero, Scout, Marina, Pearl, Coco, Coral, and Sandy, and guests were invited to vote for their favorite.
Shortly thereafter, Bayley edited his name finalist post to add one more contender to the list.
“News Flash #2 so many have proposed Dolly that we have added Dolly to the finalists,”he said, noting the new addition was certainly a “hot favorite” among guests.
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026 after a brief battle with cancer. The singer’s work spanned seven decades and she was undoubtedly one of the most famous country singers in history.
This makes the name “Dolly” a clear favorite for the fourth Icon-class ship, as Dolly Parton was certainly iconic, an indisputable star, a legend for many reasons, and absolutely a hero to many through her vibrant personality, popular music, and well known charitable programs.
On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Bayley announced the results and officially confirmed the dog’s name.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the final results are in ! The esteemed panel ratified the popular vote for the name most voted for!”he confirmed. “The Hero of the Seas new Chief Dog Officer’s name will be ‘Dolly.'”
Bayley did not reveal the final vote totals, but Dolly was an overwhelming favorite for guests commenting on the names and the choice has been enthusiastically received.
“It makes too much sense!!! A fluffy blonde who wants nothing more than to bring happiness and love to people,”one commenter noted, comparing a golden retriever’s friendly, giving personality to the singer. All the cruise line’s Chief Dog Officers have been purebred golden retrievers.
Dolly Chief Dog Officer
Others note that the new dog deserves rhinestone bling, a characteristic feature of Parton’s performance attire and her sparkling personality.
Royal Caribbean has not yet stated if the new puppy has already been born or when she will arrive for training.
Dolly will join the growing pack of Chief Dog Officers that Royal Caribbean introduced with Rover aboard Icon of the Seas and continued with Sailor (Star of the Seas) and Skipper (Legend of the Seas).
Should Hero of the Seas Have More Dolly Parton Connections?
Many guests are also suggesting that Dolly Parton be named godmother of Hero of the Seas as a posthumous honor, or else the singer’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, would be right for the ceremonial position that would still connect to Parton.
Other suggestions include adding a small children’s library to the ship since Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library, or perhaps planning for the signature onboard show to be “9 to 5” in her honor.
The Icon-class ships do not have a specific country music bar or lounge, but that could also make an interesting and appropriate addition to the lineup of entertainment options on the new vessel.
Hero of the Seas is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Her keel was first laid nearly one year ago, on September 8, 2025, and the hull was completed on July 17, 2026.
The ship is scheduled to debut on August 11, 2027 from Miami, Florida. Before that time, the ship will be floated out and her interior finishing completed, and she will have to pass rigorous sea trials to ensure operational standards and safety.
Once sailing, Hero of the Seas will be offering both Eastern and Western Caribbean 7-night sailings from the Sunshine State, with each cruise visiting Perfect Day CocoCay along with other destinations.
Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for further updates on Hero of the Seas and Dolly the Chief Dog Officer as both make their way to stardom!
Captain Gennaro Arma has announced he is leaving Princess Cruises after 28 years with the cruise line.
He has not announced a final departure date or what comes next, though he did not characterize his departure as a full retirement.
Arma became widely known as captain of Diamond Princess during its COVID-19 quarantine in Japan in 2020, and later helped bring Star Princess into service in 2025.
After nearly three decades of service, Captain Gennaro Arma is leaving Princess Cruises. The longtime captain announced his departure from the cruise line in an emotional LinkedIn post shared on August 31, 2026.
“After 28 years with Princess Cruises, I have decided that it is time to close one of the most important chapters of my professional life,” Captain Arma said.
The Italian captain first joined Princess Cruises in 1998 as a cadet. He rose through the ranks before receiving his first command as captain in 2015 aboard Sea Princess, which left the Princess fleet in 2020.
He later took command of Diamond Princess in 2018, followed by Discovery Princess in 2022. Most recently, he has served as captain aboard Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Star Princess, rotating the role with Commodore Nick Nash.
In his post, the captain reflected on his time with the cruise line. He highlighted his achievements, the challenges he faced, and the people he met throughout his career.
“Life is made of chapters, and sometimes you know when it is time to turn the page,” said Arma. “I leave with gratitude for the past, affection for the many people I have met along the way, and an open heart for whatever comes next.”
Gennaro Arma
While he didn’t provide details of what may be coming next for him, nor his final departure date, Captain Arma did not describe this move as a full retirement. He has also served as President of Istruttori Associati Marittimi (IAM) since 2021 and has not announced his intention to leave that role.
It is unclear whether he will serve as captain aboard any additional cruises before his departure. Princess Cruises has also not announced whether another captain will be appointed to serve aboard Star Princess.
Arma’s Historic Quarantine Leadership
Gennaro Arma became widely known in 2020 as he commanded the 2,710-passenger Diamond Princess during a February COVID-19 outbreak in Yokohama. The ship became one of the earliest major outbreaks of the virus outside of China.
The outbreak resulted in a 14-day quarantine and more than 700 infections onboard, with the last people not leaving the ship until March 1. Arma’s calm and professional conduct during the crisis drew widespread praise.
Diamond Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Anton Balashov)
In recognition of his handling of the quarantine, he was named a Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic by President Sergio Mattarella. The Italian presidency cited Arma’s “exemplary conduct” (esemplare comportamento) during the emergency.
Captain Arma Helped Bring Star Princess to Life
Captain Arma’s role on Princess Cruises’ newest ship went far beyond serving as captain after her launch. In fact, he was directly involved in the construction of both Star Princess and her sister, Sun Princess.
Princess Cruises appointed the captain as the newbuild site lead for both Sphere-class ships during their construction. He was then aboard when Star Princess completed her sea trials from Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in August 2025.
That work culminated in September 2025 when Princess took delivery of Star Princess. Just over a week later, the vessel embarked on her maiden voyage on October 4 with Arma serving as captain.
Cruise Hive was present along with Captain Arma and Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha in November 2025 as Camila and Matthew McConaughey officially named the ship at Port Everglades. Arma remained at the helm as Star Princess continued her inaugural seasons.
This included the ship’s first arrival in Seattle in May 2026. The visit marked the beginning of the vessel’s first Alaska season, with Arma joining local officials for a plaque exchange commemorating the occasion.
Serenade of the Seas‘ August 30, 2026 departure is now completely cancelled and guests must debark the ship in Vancouver.
While guests did board the ship on August 30, the vessel remained in Vancouver for repairs with the hope of a shortened itinerary.
All guests will now receive a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit, plus reimbursement for flight change fees.
Guests already onboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas will no longer be setting sail on an abbreviated Alaskan cruise as they had hoped. Instead, the ship requires ongoing repairs and what was to have been the August 30, 2026 departure is now fully cancelled.
Cruise Hive previously reported on the ship’s delay and adjustment to a 5-night itinerary visiting Ketchikan and Prince Rupert instead of the originally planned 7-night sailing. Guests were informed of that change on August 22.
“Due to necessary maintenance requiring additional time in Vancouver, British Columbia, we will now depart on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 9:00 PM,”a letter explaining the initial delay stated.
Now, however, the entire sailing is cancelled and guests will need to debark the ship on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.
“As you may know, Serenade of the Seas has been experiencing a technical issue. Despite our teams’ around-the-clock efforts to complete the necessary repairs, we were unable to resolve the issue in time for the ship to safely depart. As a result, we must cancel this sailing,”the latest letter given to guests reads.
Guests onboard the ship are understandably frustrated by the abrupt cancellation, while those with upcoming sailings are concerned if the cancellation may extend to additional cruises.
“Frustrating to be on this cruise! Disappointed as they likely knew this would be the outcome, more time to figure out options would have been nice!”one guest commented on Facebook.
Royal Caribbean is providing full refunds for the now cancelled sailing, as well as a 100% future cruise credit equal to the original fare price. The cruise line has offered similar compensation in the past when cruises must be abruptly cancelled or are overbooked and guests lose their vacation at the last minute.
That credit may be used on any future Royal Caribbean sailing, on any ship and in any region, that departs within one year.
The cruise line is also offering reimbursement for flight change fees, up to $200 (USD) per guest for domestic flights and $400 for international flights. To help guests make flight changes or other arrangements as they prepare to leave the ship, complimentary WiFi access is available.
The 2,143-guest ship is homeported from Vancouver for the Alaska season, offering 7-night roundtrip sailings with visits to Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, and Prince Rupert, as well as scenic glacier cruising. Exact ports vary depending on the ship’s departure date.
Serenade of the Seas Repairs (Photo Credit: youhead)
Only the September 6, 13, and 20 departures remain of the ship’s Alaska season. It is unknown if those cruises may move forward as planned, which will depend on whether repairs can be completed in time for the next departure.
At this time there is no change to the ship’s September 6 departure, but booked guests should stay in close contact with Royal Caribbean for official updates as repairs progress.
What Is the Problem With Serenade of the Seas?
Royal Caribbean has not disclosed the exact issue now impacting Serenade of the Seas, only that it is a “technical” matter. Because the ship has been unable to leave Vancouver, it is likely the propulsion system that needs repairs.
This is not the first time Serenade of the Seas has been affected by technical problems while sailing in Alaska. During her 2025 season in the Last Frontier, multiple sailings adjusted or cancelled port visits in June and July due to the need for reduced speed and propulsion repairs.
Similar problems also impacted Radiance of the Seas during the end of her Alaska season in late August and early September 2023. Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas are both sister ships in the cruise line’s elderly Radiance class, having joined the fleet in 2001 and 2003, respectively.
