All cruisers are aware that itineraries can and do change for a wide variety of reasons, but it can be frustrating when travelers book a sailing specifically for certain ports of call, only to find those ports of call cancelled well before setting sail.
This is different from last-minute, weather-related changes or other unexpected itinerary adjustments, which most cruisers are understanding about.
Unique sailings are particularly popular based on their ports of call and how infrequently such cruises may be offered. Such is the case with Norwegian Prima‘s spring 2025 transatlantic cruise from New York to Southampton as the ship repositions to spend the summer in Europe.
The 14-night, one-way cruise originally included seven ports of call, including an overnight visit to Reykjavik, Iceland – not a bad ratio of port days for such a long sailing that crosses roughly 3,700 miles of ocean.
Now, however, booked guests have been informed that the itinerary has been adjusted and two ports of call are now cancelled.
“The itinerary for your upcoming vacation on board Norwegian Prima on April 27, 2025 has changed,”the email notification read.“As we continue to optimize itineraries for fuel efficiency, as a part of our commitment to the environment and sustainability efforts, we have adjusted the itinerary.”
Now, the ship will no longer visit St. Pierre & Miquelon off the coast of Newfoundland on Wednesday, April 30, nor will the visit to St. John’s, Newfoundland take place on Thursday, May 1.
This means that of the ship’s first six full days of the cruise, five will now be spent at sea with just a single call to Halifax, Nova Scotia to break up the sea days on the second full day of the cruise.
To help compensate for the now-cancelled ports of call, Norwegian Prima has slightly extended her time both in Halifax as well as for her overnight visit in Reykjavik. Originally, the visit to Halifax on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 was to have been from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the ship will now remain in port until 6 p.m. to give guests more time to explore ashore.
Similarly, the ship will arrive earlier than scheduled in Reykjavik on Sunday, May 4. The original itinerary had the ship arriving in Iceland at 2 p.m., but she will now arrive at 8 a.m. that morning for an extra six hours in port.
At this time, the rest of the ship’s itinerary, including her calls to Belfast, Liverpool, and Le Havre (Paris), are not impacted.
The 143,500-gross-ton Norwegian Prima can welcome 3,099 travelers at double occupancy. Also onboard are approximately 1,500 international crew members to ensure all guests have a fantastic cruise vacation, whether at sea or in ports of call.
Why Are the Ports Cancelled?
Other than for “fuel efficiency” Norwegian Cruise Line has not offered any detailed explanation for why the two ports of call are now cancelled.
The cruise line does “recognize the importance that destinations play in our guests’ vacation decision-making process and assure you that these modifications were made with an optimal guest experience in mind.”
Norwegian Prima Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Studio Porto Sabbia)
Of course, what is an optimal experience to one traveler may be a disappointment to another. Different cruise travelers have different opinions on multiple sea days, with some cruisers loving that time to explore all the amenities a vessel has, while others preferring more extensive time in port to enjoy new destinations and cultures.
Norwegian Cruise Line in particular has a well-known habit of “tweaking” itineraries by adjusting port times and shifting or cancelling visits in the name of fuel efficiency and sustainability, but all cruise lines make similar changes occasionally.
Just recently, for example, Carnival Cruise Line has been changing a number of itineraries to accommodate pier construction at Half Moon Cay.
Do you prefer more sea days or more port days on a longer cruise? Share your best itineraries on the Cruise Hive boards!
If you’re thinking of taking a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, you certainly won’t be wanting for cruise ship options. At 20 ships strong until Norwegian Aqua arrives in 2025, NCL’s fleet offers some of the biggest, best, family-friendliest and overall fun ships at sea.
The line’s largest ships offer a big resort feel, while the smaller ships offer a more classic cruising experience, with fewer crowds. Not sure which is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of Norwegian cruise ships by size, biggest to smallest (by gross tons).
Norwegian Encore Cruise Ship in Miami (Photo Credit: YES Market Media)
Debuted in 2019, this Breakaway Plus-class ship was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, for approximately $1 billion. The ship features some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest, best features, like the Encore Speedway (where you can go go-karting at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour), The Waterfront promenade, laser tag rink and specialty dining options like Onda by Scarpetta.
NCL will give Norwegian Encore a quick revitalization at the end of 2024, adding the Spice H20 adults-only lounge, new Haven suites and a new Mediterranean restaurant to the ship.
The third Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Bliss was also built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Completed in 2018, the ship features special spaces like the 180-degree observation lounge perfect for scenic Alaskan cruises. The ship was recently refurbished, in 2021.
Gross Tonnage: 168,028 GT
Length: 1,094 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 4,004
Crew Capacity: 1,716
Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Joy Cruise Ship
Delivered in 2017 and built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, Norwegian Joy is also a member of the Breakaway Plus class. Like its sister ships, Norwegian Joy also boasts a two-level race track and NCL has been keeping the ship updated, with refurbishments taking place in 2020.
Built in 2015 at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and refurbished in 2022, Norwegian Escape was the very first of the Breakaway Plus class ships and was designed to be overall larger than prior Breakaway-class ships. At the time of its debut, Norwegian Escape boasted the largest water park in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet.
Gross Tonnage: 164,998 GT
Length: 1,069 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 4,218
Crew Capacity: 1,733
Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua Render (Image Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Aqua is the first evolution of the new Prima class design and is 10% larger than the original ships in the class. The ship, which is the first in the fleet with a female hull artist named Allison Hueman, is constructed at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Italy. The vessel features the first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, a new digital sports complex, the Aqua Slidecoaster, a Glow Court, and loads more improvements.
Built by the STX Europe Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, Norwegian Epic debuted in 2010 (refurbished in 2020).
The current sole member of the Epic class, Norwegian Epic was intended to be followed by several other Epic-class ships, but those never materialized. Still, Norwegian Epic was a success in that, when the ship was constructed, it was the third largest in the world. Of course, now it’s been surpassed not only by other NCL ships, but also other cruise ships from lines like Royal Caribbean.
Unique features on this ship include the only tube-and-bowl waterslide at sea, a rappelling wall, bowling alley and ice bar.
Built in 2014, at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and refurbished in 2020, Norwegian Getaway is a Breakaway class ship. Much like Norwegian Epic, when Norwegian Getaway debuted, it was one of the largest cruise ships in the world, in the top 10. However, it was quickly surpassed.
Unique ship features include a magic-focused Illusionarium, Grammy-themed entertainment venue and Geoffrey Zakarian-created restaurant concept.
Gross Tonnage: 145,655 GT
Length: 1,068 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,903
Crew Capacity: 1,646
Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)
The lead ship for the Breakaway-class, Norwegian Breakaway was built at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Delivered in 2013, the ship, much like many of the other NCL ships to debut during this time, was one of the largest in the world upon launch.
Even after Norwegian Breakaway fell out of the top 10 largest ships in the world, though, it still remained the largest cruise ship to be home-ported in New York City, full-time.
Like sister ship Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway also features a Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant, plus unique entertainment venues, like a Second City comedy club.
Gross Tonnage: 145,655 GT
Length: 1,068 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,903
Crew Capacity: 1,657
Norwegian Prima
Photo Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line
The lead for the new Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima debuted in 2022, and was the first NCL ship to ever be built by Fincantieri in Italy. The ship offers some of the most spacious accommodations in Norwegian’s fleet and standout features upon debut included the 360-degree Ocean Boulevard, new Indulge Food Hall, Galaxy Pavilion and one of the fastest dry slides at sea.
Gross Tonnage: 143,535 GT
Length: 965 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,099
Crew Capacity: 1,506
Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Robert McGillivray)
As it was built in 2023, Norwegian Viva is the newest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, as of late 2024. It’s also the second ship in the Prima class.
While, with this new ship, NCL didn’t try to go as big as possible, the cruise line did impress with special features, like the Haven area that boasts some of the line’s largest suites ever; a reimagined spa and fitness center; and the fastest internet at sea.
The entire Prima class is being built by Finacantieri in Italy. The third Prima-class ship will debut in 2025.
Built in 2006 and most recently refurbished in 2022, Norwegian Jade was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. With the recent refurbishments, guests can now enjoy the new Pit Stop poolside eatery, as well as cruise line favorites that were originally missing from this ship, like the Bliss Ultra Lounge.
The ship, now considered the second Jewel-class ship, was originally known as Pride of Hawaii, part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s handful of ships serving the Hawaiian market with week-long cruises.
When built, the ship was the most expensive and largest U.S.-flagged ship ever. After just two years in service, though, the ship was turned into Norwegian Jade (though the ship didn’t fully lose all of its Hawaiian theming until a dry dock in 2017).
Gross Tonnage: 93,558 GT
Length: 965 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,352
Crew Capacity: 1,037
Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Paul Wishart)
Built in 2007 by Meyer Werft in Germany, and refurbished most recently in 2022, Norwegian Gem was the fourth and final Jewel-class ship (if you’re not counting Norwegian Jade’s 2008 switch to the class).
Similarly to the rest of the Jewel-class ships, Norwegian Gem offers a very classic, mid-size cruise ship experience. While you won’t find flashy features here, you will find a nice range of restaurants, staterooms and entertainment.
Gross Tonnage: 93,530 GT
Length: 965 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,344
Crew Capacity: 1,070
Norwegian Pearl
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
Built in 2006 by Meyer Werft, and most recently refurbished in 2021, Norwegian Pearl is the third Jewel-class ship. The ship offers a fair number of themed specialty cruises, for fandoms, bands and more, and has also been used as a training ship for new crewmembers in the past.
Gross Tonnage: 93,530 GT
Length: 965 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,344
Crew Capacity: 1,072
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel Cruise Ship in Asia (Photo Credit: Morumotto)
The first Jewel-class ship, Norwegian Jewel debuted in 2005, after delivery from Meyer Werft in Germany. The ship received refurbishments in 2022. When the Jewel class debuted, the ships were the largest in Norwegian’s fleet — at least until Norwegian Epic came along.
Gross Tonnage: 93,502
Length: 965 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,330
Crew Capacity: 1,069
Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn Ship (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Completed in 2002 by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and refurbished in 2021, Norwegian Dawn was originally constructed for Star Cruises but was ultimately transferred to Norwegian Cruise Line.
Norwegian Dawn is one of two Dawn-class ships and carries the distinction of being the very first NCL ship to feature hull art (and now NCL’s ships are quite famous for their colorful hull art!).
Gross Tonnage: 92,250 GT
Length: 965 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,290
Crew Capacity: 1,032
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Lukassek / Shutterstock)
Norwegian Star is the second cruise ship in the Dawn class. Like Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star was originally intended for Star Cruises, but was transferred over to NCL after Meyer Werft completed construction in Papenburg, Germany. The ship debuted in 2001 and received its most recent refurbishments in 2021.
Gross Tonnage: 91,740 GT
Length: 965 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,298
Crew Capacity: 1,031
Pride of America
Photo Credit: A. Michael Brown / Shutterstock
The Pride of America cruise ship is an incredibly unique member of the NCL fleet, and doesn’t really fit into any particular class.
Originally intended to be part of a U.S.-flagged cruise ship project, the ship was purchased by NCL during construction, and thus built by two different builders: Litton-Ingalls in Mississippi and Lloyd Werft in Germany.
However, while the cruise line did depart from the original builders, Norwegian did keep to part of the ship’s original mission: serving the Hawaiian market as one of the first ships of its kind in decades. Today, the ship still serves routes to and from Honolulu.
Gross Tonnage: 80,439 GT
Length: 920 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,150
Crew Capacity: 927
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Karis48 / Shutterstock)
The third Sun-class ship for Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Sun was built by Lloyd Werft in Germany and took its maiden voyage in 2001.
The ship is definitely among some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s older, smaller ships, but if you’re looking for a low-key cruise, wherein the focus is really on the destination and not necessarily the on-board resort-style amenities, you may find that Norwegian Sun is your perfect fit.
Originally, the ship was supposed to be Costa Olympia, a Costa Cruises ship. That destiny never materialized, though, and the ship became Norwegian Sky before Lloyd Werft in Germany competed the ship in 1999.
However, for a four-year period during the early 2000s, the ship operated as Pride of Aloha. After that, it was expected the ship would be transferred to Star Cruises, and it was also rumored that NCL maybe would sell the ship to Pullmantur Cruises. Eventually, though, this Sun-class ship ended right back up with NCL.
Last, but certainly not least, there’s Norwegian Spirit, the oldest and smallest of them all.
Built in 1998 by Meyer Werft, Norwegian Spirit — like Norwegian Sky — has also lived under several names and cruise lines. It actually didn’t even become Norwegian Spirit until 2004; before that, the Star Cruises ship was known as SuperStar Leo. As such, this is Norwegian’s lone “Leo-class” ship.
Norwegian Spirit received substantial renovations in 2020, getting more than a dozen new bars and restaurants, as well as revamped staterooms.
Gross Tonnage: 75,904
Length: 880 ft
Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 1,972
Crew Capacity: 904
What’s the Largest Norwegian Cruise Line Ship?
As of the latter half of 2024, the largest Norwegian cruise line ship is Norwegian Encore, measuring in at 169,166 gross tons, with a passenger capacity of 3,998 at double occupancy. However, while impressive, this ship is still not as large as some of the other biggest ships from cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line.
That said, you’ll likely not even notice that Norwegian Encore is smaller than some of the top biggest cruise ships in the world. It’s still packed with thousands of stateroom and suite options, dining and drinking venues, entertainment and fun activities like a go-karting track.
What’s the Smallest Norwegian Cruise Line Ship?
The smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is Norwegian Spirit, measuring in at 75,904 GT, with a passenger capacity of 1,972 people at double occupancy. As such, it’s less than half the size of Norwegian Encore (by gross tonnage) and holds about half as many people.
Additionally, Norwegian Spirit is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest ships. So, is still worth cruising on?
Yes — while it doesn’t offer all the fancy bells and whistles like the go-kart racetrack or laser tag arena that are on Norwegian Encore, it does still offer all the main amenities and activities you expect on a cruise ship, like multiple restaurant options, pools, theaters, a casino and spa. It also offers a more intimate cruising experience, in case you’re not crazy about crowds.
Are Any Larger NCL Cruise Ships Coming in the Future?
Yes — but you’ll have to wait quite a while for them. Norwegian Cruise Line has ordered a handful of new, bigger ships, but they’re only slated to begin sailing after 2030.
Once they launch, the ships are estimated to measure in at around 200,000 GT, which is quite a bit larger than Norwegian’s current ships, but still not as large as Royal Caribbean’s current biggest ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line does have a few other new ships expected to debut before 2030, but none of these will be any larger than the existing Norwegian Encore.
Popular family vloggers Matt and Abby Howard have responded to the uproar over what appears to be their unattended children, 2-year-old Griffin and 1-year-old August.
The now-deleted Instagram story appeared to show the parents leaving their young sons unattended in their stateroom while they themselves went to enjoy dinner during the last nights of the sailing, keeping a distant eye on their children via baby monitors.
This naturally caused backlash from cruisers and parents alike with claims of irresponsible parenting, child neglect, entitlement, and more. The couple has responded to these allegations in a new video, however, clarifying the reality of the situation.
“We just wanted to set the record straight, clear the air,”explained Matt.“We take our role as parents extremely seriously. We love our children more than anything in the entire world, and we’re very protective of our kids.”
He explained that the cruise was a vacation with Abby’s extended family, including multiple generations. This is not uncommon for family cruises, which are a great opportunity for many relatives to come together and make memories to last a lifetime.
A number of those relatives helped out with the young children, and in fact, the use of the baby monitors was just an extra step the couple takes to keep an eye on their sons and ensure they are safe.
“We had someone with our children at all times on this boat, period,”Matt said.
“We have not, would not, will not ever leave our children unattended,” agreed Abby.“We would never, ever want to put them in harm’s way in any way.”
The couple does acknowledge that their initial story could have been misconstrued and seemed misleading, which was why they chose to delete it – rather than spread further untrue speculation.
“I can see where my story did lead to misunderstanding,”admitted Abby.“Which is why I ended up deleting it several hours after posting it, because I could see it was causing concern and misunderstanding.”
The couple goes on to explain that they use “blackout tents” for their boys to sleep every night, even at home, and those tents include a convenient window for baby monitor placement. Even if the couple is sleeping in the same room, they use the monitors to be able to see inside the tent.
“We just love to have eyes on them, we’re always concerned about them,”Abby said.
During the family dinners on the cruise, the couple used that feature with FaceTime to be watching their sons even while another person was tag-teaming with babysitting in the stateroom.
Thanks All Around
Matt and Abby both thanked many people for their concern and help.
“We’re so thankful,”Matt explained.“We spent a lot of our time on this boat in our staterooms manning the baby monitors. If it wasn’t for Abby’s extended family, we really would have not gotten a chance to really get out of the room.”
The couple also thanked the many people who expressed concern about the misunderstanding, finding it comforting that so many people shared their parenting concerns.
Matt and Abby Respond
“Thank you so much to those of you who were concerned about the safety and well-being of our children,”Abby said.“To know that other people share those same concerns for our precious boys, it really means a lot.”
The misconceptions about the couple’s previous video did get heated, with hundreds of comments about their parenting choices, apparent thoughtlessness, entitlement, and more.
The new video already has more than 6.3 million views, with more than 500,000 “heart” reactions and over 800 comments. Other parents and babysitters have both commented that it isn’t unusual for parents to have monitors on their children even when they are being watched by someone physically nearby.
Have you taken baby monitors on a cruise vacation? Share your tips on the Cruise Hive boards!
The “fun” is scheduled to continue in 2026 and 2027 as Carnival Cruise Line rolls out its lineup of new sailings departing from both the East and West Coasts of the U.S.
The expanded 2026-27 itineraries, revealed on September 17, 2024, and available for bookings, will set off from major homeports like PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and, for the first time, San Francisco.
Guests traveling from Northern California will get to journey to Alaska directly aboard the 2,826-passenger, 92,720-gross-ton Carnival Luminosa for its inaugural season from San Francisco. The 10-day cruises will begin in April and run through September, with calls in ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert.
The announcement expands Carnival’s Carnival Journeys program, adding longer, destination-rich itineraries to Alaska, Japan, and the Caribbean.
Said Fred Stein, vice president of deployment for Carnival Cruise Line, “In addition to extending our successful deployment schedules in Miami, Canaveral, and Norfolk, Carnival Luminosa will bring a new experience to our seasonal homeport of San Francisco for the 2026 Alaska season.”
“These new sailings also introduce some truly stellar additions to our Carnival Journeys program of longer sailing,” he continued, highlighting transatlantic and transpacific cruises for Carnival Horizon and Carnival Luminosa.”
The cruise line will also add its new private destination, Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island, to multiple itineraries. Scheduled to debut in July 2025, the exclusive resort will become a staple on Caribbean sailings.
Carnival’s New Voyages from U.S. Ports
Of the new deployment highlights is Carnival Luminosa’s first-ever season homeporting in San Francisco in 2026. The voyages will begin with a 22-day transpacific voyage from Brisbane, Australia, to San Francisco in April 2026, featuring destinations like Fiji, Tahiti, Moorea, and Honolulu before arriving in California.
Following that, the ship will offer a series of 10-day Alaska sailings from April through September 2026. Between April and August 2026, the ship will also offer ten 4-day weekend cruises to Baja, Mexico, visiting Ensenada.
In late September 2026, Carnival Luminosa will embark on an 18-day transpacific cruise from San Francisco to Japan. The cruise will include stops in Alaska and Japan, including ports such as Otaru and Kobe, before concluding in Yokohama (Tokyo).
Meanwhile, Carnival Horizon, a 133-500-gross-ton ship with a capacity of 3,960 passengers, will return to its homeport in Miami in June 2026 after a special 13-day transatlantic journey.
The vessel will sail from Barcelona, Spain, to Miami with calls in Alicante and Malaga in Spain, as well as Gibraltar. Once back in Miami, the ship will run 6- and 8-day itineraries to the Caribbean through 2027.
Its 6-day Western Caribbean voyages will include stops at Celebration Key, Grand Cayman, and either Montego Bay or Ocho Rios in Jamaica. The longer 8-day Southern Caribbean itineraries will feature stops in Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, and the private island resort Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
The 133,500-gross-ton Carnival Vista, which can accommodate nearly 4,000 passengers, will be based in Port Canaveral and will also offer a mix of 6- and 8-day sailings.
The 6-day voyages will include one or more stops at a Carnival Corporation private destination, Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key or Amber Cove, as well as Grand Turks, Turks and Caicos.
The 8-day itineraries will take passengers further with stops in St. Maarten, Aruba, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, for an extended exploration of the Caribbean.
From Norfolk, Virginia, Carnival Sunshine, a 102,853-gross-ton ship, will sail a variety of 4- to 7-day itineraries to Bermuda and the Bahamas. These shorter cruises on the 3,002-guest ship will include ports like Bimini, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay.
Additionally, longer 8-day sailings from Norfolk will feature routes to the Eastern Caribbean and Canada, with calls at Halifax and Saint John. A special 9-day Carnival Journeys cruise will take passengers to Amber Cove, San Juan, and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Future passengers of Villa Vie Odyssey have been waiting a long time for their lives at sea to finally begin. But for one prospective guest, the voyage will never take place.
Jenny Phenix, a 68-year-old resident of Florida, was excited to join the continuous world cruise offered by Via Vie Residences, which is meant to circumnavigate the globe every three and a half years.
She even sold her possessions, liquidated her businesses, and gave up her home in order to prepare to live on the high seas.
However, Phenix has been removed from the ship’s roster due to her negativity in the WhatsApp texting app concerning the delayed voyage, which the cruise line claims has poorly impacted morale.
“We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents regarding your continuous complaints and negativity. This behavior has significantly impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers,”Chief operating officer Kathy Villalba told Phenix.
“Given the overwhelming feedback, we must cancel your contract permanently to uphold the well-being and satisfaction of our community,”continued Villalba.
But considering the voyage has been delayed since May of 2024, stranding many passengers in Belfast, Ireland, where the ship is based, some frustration is understandable.
While Phenix admits to being one of the more outspoken members of the various WhatsApp groups, she insists she was always respectful and that other passengers appreciated that she was willing to ask the tough questions – especially as the delays kept coming.
The actual messages sent by Phenix have not been released to the public, so it’s unclear what was really said.
“I was never rude or disrespectful and I never participated in personal attacks.These were private conversations – I posted nothing on social media platforms,”Phenix told The Telegraph.
“The frustration among the residents grew after every delay. I tended to be one of the more outspoken in asking important questions. Many of the residents thanked me privately for speaking up for the entire group,” continued the ousted passenger.
The “emotionally devastated” woman has now been forced to move in with her daughter to figure out her next steps.
This blow comes after the mother of two invested in Life at Sea’s residential program, which was cancelled after the company filed for bankruptcy at the end of 2023, leading her to turn her sights to Villa Via Residences in the first place.
Phenix is still owed $30,000 (USD) from Life at Sea Cruises – which will make her comeback even more difficult this time around.
More Bad News From Villa Vie Residences
While many might suggest that Phenix could appeal the cruise line’s decision, another statement obtained by The Telegraph proves that the residential cruise line will not be budging.
“Ms Phenix broke multiple terms and conditions and signed a non-disclosure agreement. The founding residents voted and agreed to uphold her suspension and we plan on respecting that decision,”said Villa Vie’s CEO, Mike Petterson.
That said, things aren’t exactly going swimmingly for the remaining residents either. The 929-passenger vessel, which was formerly known as Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s MS Braemar, has been plagued by delays and technical difficulties since its transformation from cruise ship to residential ship began.
One of the key issues was related to problems with the ship’s outdated rudder stocks, an essential piece of navigation equipment, that were showing signs of wear and tear after 30 years of service.
Odyssey (Credit: Villa Vie Residences)
Another delay came from an issue with the steelwork in the grey water tanks onboard, which are essential for processing waste correctly and hold water from kitchen uses, showers, laundry facilities, and hand washing stations.
As recently as September 10, 2024, more bad news came from the cruise line after the 25,000-gross ton vessel didn’t pass her sea trials with flying colors – likely leading to more delays as the cruise line works to obtain the necessary certification.
The sea trials are a series of evaluations that test the ship’s major components, such as propulsion, speed, and navigation, that must be successfully passed before a new (or revamped) vessel can enter service.
This blow comes shortly after Villa Via Residences said it would stop paying for guest accommodations in Belfast while they wait to set sail, meaning guests will now have to pay out of pocket.
The cruise line explained that the company has already spent around $500,000 in hotel costs and couldn’t feasibly spend any more.
As of the time of publication, Villa Via Odyssey still does not have an official date in place to embark on her continuous world voyage, and it’s unclear when one will be set.
Once she does enter service, the transformed vessel will operate back-to-back world cruises that are supposed to call on 425 destinations in 147 countries, including more than 100 tropical islands.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked aboard Mardi Gras for a great number of sailings in the months to come with an alert about an itinerary change. In total, more than 60 published sailings are impacted.
The change, however, is a minor one that most guests won’t notice. Still, it is wise of the cruise line to alert travelers in case their onward travel plans may be impacted by the adjustment.
“We have slightly revised the itinerary for your cruise and now plan to conclude the voyage at 8:00 AM (instead of 7:00 AM) in Port Canaveral,”the email notification read.“Although this is some time away, the Mardi Gras is already looking forward to welcoming you aboard for a fun and memorable cruise.”
The impacted sailings are every Mardi Gras cruise from the ship’s January 4, 2025 departure through and including the September 7, 2025 departure, plus the October 16, 2025 sailing through and including the December 27, 2025 voyage. Furthermore, all published sailings in 2026 are also included in the itinerary change.
This makes a total of 63 sailings of the Excel-class ship that will have this later ending time as she returns to Port Canaveral. The only cruise not included with the change is Mardi Gras’ 14-night one-way transatlantic crossing to Barcelona that departs on September 13, 2025.
To be clear, only the ship’s return to Port Canaveral is impacted, and at this time, there are no changes to any ports of call on the various voyages.
That crossing is ahead of the ship’s roughly two-week dry dock refit, a planned out-of-service window for general maintenance, refreshment, and upgrades. This will be Mardi Gras‘ first dry dock update since she debuted in July 2021.
It is common for ships to undergo dry dock refreshments every 4-5 years, which will include general updates, technical enhancements, minor repairs. This type of work will keep the ship looking her very best and operating at peak efficiency.
The exact updates planned for Mardi Gras have not been announced and will not likely be revealed until much closer to the dry dock dates, or even after the upgrades are complete.
The impacted cruises are mostly 7-night sailings from Port Canaveral, including both Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Also affected are the occasional Southern Caribbean cruises the ship offers, as well as her return transatlantic crossing from Barcelona, which will depart Spain on October 16, 2025 and arrive in Port Canaveral on October 30.
The 181,808-gross-ton ship, the largest ever built for Carnival Cruise Line when she debuted, can welcome 5,282 travelers at double occupancy or up to 6,500 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are roughly 2,000 international crew members to make sure every passenger has a memorable Mardi Gras vacation.
Why the Change?
A one-hour change may not seem significant to most travelers, but it could impact anyone who had hoped to make a quick exit from the ship to reach an early flight or perhaps even get back to work that same day, if they live locally to Port Canaveral.
For most cruisers, however, the one hour delay will be a welcome chance to sleep in a bit, enjoy one last leisurely breakfast, or grab an extra cup of coffee before the general chaos of debarkation.
Carnival Cruise Line has not explained the nature of the minor delay, but it is likely due to expected port operations.
As Port Canaveral continues to grow with new ships from Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and other cruise lines all beginning to homeport from the Space Coast over the next year, it will be necessary to carefully plan when individual vessels move in and out of the channel as well as turning basins.
Some ships will undoubtedly come in earlier than planned, while others, like Mardi Gras, are very slightly delayed.
While the first of the impacted sailings is more than three months away, if any guests are troubled by the changes, they should reach out to their travel agent, airline, or other travel arrangements to make adjustments if need be. With such a small change, most guests will not even realize there has been any adjustment at all.
Will it or won’t it be saved? The fate of the historic SS United States hangs in the balance as the ship’s owners scramble to fight eviction from its Philadelphia dock.
In a last-ditch effort, the SS United States Conservancy filed an urgent motion against Penn Warehousing & Distribution just hours before the ship was expected to be evicted from Pier 82 in Philadelphia.
The motion accuses the company of using various tactics to force its possible demise, including demanding $3 million from both the Conservancy and potential buyer Okaloosa County, Florida, to block the ship’s relocation.
This latest motion, filed on September 12, 2024, came just hours before the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania’s deadline to remove the derelict ship from the dock. The court has now placed the deadline on hold as mediation efforts get underway.
According to court filings, Penn Warehousing has double the ship’s rent, demanded $3 million from the Conservancy and potential buyers, falsely accused the ship of causing damage to the pier, and attempted to sell the vessel without authorization.
“We’ve been dealing with the impacts of Penn Warehousing’s underhanded tactics for some time, but the revelation that they attempted to negotiate the sale of the ship without our knowledge or authorization is upsetting,”the Conservancy said in a statement.
It continued, “It is more proof that Penn Warehousing has engaged in a deliberate pattern of behavior intended to force the Conservancy’s default and seize the SS United States so that they can sell the historic ship for their own financial gain.”
The Conservancy has been battling for years to find a new home for the ship but claims that Penn Warehousing is actively obstructing its efforts. With the court ordering mediation, it remains hopeful that it can resolve the dispute and secure the ship’s future.
The Struggle to Save the SS United States
The SS United States, built in 1952 and designed by naval architect William Francis Gibbs, was once a crowning achievement of American engineering. At 990 feet long and capable of speeds over 38 knots, the liner was the fastest and largest passenger ship ever built in the U.S.
SS United States Ocean Liner (Photo Credit: PTS Aerial Services)
Known as America’s Flagship, it set a transatlantic speed record when it crossed the Atlantic from New York to England in just three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes. The record still stands today for the fastest passenger liner to cross the Atlantic in either direction.
The liner has been docked at Pier 82 in Philadelphia since 1996, with the SS United States Conservancy acquiring it in 2011. Over the past decade, the Conservancy has worked to preserve the ship and find it a new home due to the high costs of maintaining the vessel and the deteriorating condition of the pier.
In 2021, Penn Warehousing doubled the docking fees at Pier 82 to $1,700 per day – $620,500 annually. The Conservancy, which relies on donations and fundraising efforts, could not pay the increased rent and received a lease termination in March 2022.
Despite the Conservancy’s pleas to the judicial system, a judge ruled the ship must be moved. It is reported the Conservancy owes Penn Warehousing more than $731,000 in outstanding fees.
The Conservancy’s latest plan involves selling the ship to Okaloosa County, Florida, where it would become the world’s largest artificial reef. This would preserve the vessel’s legacy and boost tourism to the Florida Panhandle.
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, a $62 million investment by Carnival Corporation, spans 20 acres in Dixon Cove of Roatan, Honduras. Capable of handling over 8,000 passengers at a time, it heavily contributes to the over 1.9 million cruise passengers that visit Roatan each year.
Read this guide for essential information about the port, the surrounding area, and more.
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port is located on the southwestern section of the island of Roatan in the beautiful waters of Dixon Cove. The island is roughly 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras and is the largest of the country’s Bay Islands.
While it is its own distinct cruise port, Mahogany Bay is only 3 miles from the multi-purpose Port of Roatan, which services cruise ships from various cruise lines and other vessels.
The Port of Roatan also has convenient access to the island’s largest town, but this only adds to the remote tropical paradise atmosphere visitors experience when they visit Mahogany Bay.
The fact that it is located so close to the Central American mainland but still has easy access to the Caribbean Sea ensures that it is a simple destination for cruise ships to visit.
What is the Address?
Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, Dixon Cove, Roatan, Islas de la Bahía, Honduras
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port Piers and Terminal
The entire port complex spans just over 20 acres and was designed to accommodate up to two full-sized cruise ships at the same time. Its location within Dixon Cove not only protects docked cruise ships but also makes for a perfect backdrop for visiting cruise passengers.
Aside from the two cruise ship berths, the port features a newly built welcome center, Mahogany Beach, which is owned by the port, and much more. When Carnival Corporation built the port, they wanted to ensure their passengers would have a comfortable and memorable experience, so all of the port infrastructure and services are oriented around this aim.
When departing passengers arrive at the Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, they will see a seemingly small cruise port. However, that was an intentional decision from Carnival Corporation, as they wanted Dixon Bay to retain its tropical paradise look and feel.
Piers
Carnival Cruise Ships Docked at Mahogany Bay (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
As mentioned, Mahogany Bay Cruise Port has two cruise ship piers capable of accommodating large cruise ships. The South Pier measures just over 475 feet long, while the North Pier is a bit longer at 538 feet.
Since the Carnival Corporation owns the entire facility, vessels are not given specific berthing assignments, meaning which one a ship docks at will vary depending on the date. With that said, Carnival-operated vessels are always given priority.
Since the port allows two cruise ships to dock simultaneously, it can accommodate over 8,000 passengers at any time.
Cruise ships dock along one of two piers extending parallel from the island. Since the waters off the coast of Roatan are very deep, the two piers are incredibly close to the land, making the walk to the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center a short one. Again, Carnival designed the port with passenger comfort in mind.
These two piers meet at a central point, which leads to the Dufry Duty-Free Shop and a passenger processing terminal facility.
Terminal Building
Terminal and Duty Free Building at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Martin Haas)
The terminal building is called the Mahogany Bay Welcome Center, just a short walk from where the South Pier and North Pier converge. After walking through the Dufry Duty-Free Shop, passengers walk along an elevated, purpose-built walkway leading to the Mahogany Bay Welcome Center and the rest of the entertainment facilities, restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
The terminal building is rather small, but it features information booths, public telephones, restrooms, excursion booking services, a comfortable seating area, cruise line-specific help desks, and everything else passengers need for a seamless visit.
The entire port is fully accessible, with ramps, wheelchair-friendly restrooms, and smooth walkways, making it easy for those using wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices to navigate.
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port Amenities and Services
Aside from the picture-perfect tropical setting, the real attraction of visiting Mahogany Bay Cruise Port is the wide range of attractions and amenities you will discover throughout the 20-acre port grounds. These include the following and more:
Cruise Terminal at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Cruise Planner)
WiFi
Unfortunately, Mahogany Bay Cruise Port is not yet outfitted with complimentary WiFi. If you want to connect to the internet, you will need to pay for this service. Rates are fairly reasonable if you stay in the port area.
For a single hour of access, the rate is $5, but full-day access is only $10. Coverage is actually really good, with Wi-Fi extending to the entire beach area.
If you want to save some cash, Fat Tuesday near the beach provides complimentary Wi-Fi for paying customers.
Dining
The port also features a variety of food and beverage establishments, including Crazy Ice Gelato, two Fat Tuesday restaurants, Espresso Americano Coffee Ship, and Koko Loko, which serves cold drinks in coconut shells.
In-port dining is somewhat limited compared to the larger cruise ports in the western Caribbean, but you can get a meal or a cold drink without going far.
Chair Lift and Beach
Chair Lift at Mahogany Bay Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
A chair lift system called the Magical Flying Beach Chair is unique to Mahogany Bay. This chair lift transports visiting cruise guests from the main area to the port’s own semi-private beach area.
This 825-long white sand beach is one of the true highlights of the entire port. With various beachside amenities, like a restaurant, restrooms, volleyball courts, and a wide range of watersports, you won’t want to miss it.
While you can walk to the beach, taking the chair lift costs $14 for adults and $8 for children. If you do choose to walk, you can take a nature trail and the elevated Mahogany Beach Walkway, which help enhance the port’s tropical feel.
Shopping
Store at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
The port is home to 22 unique shops, including the large Dufry Duty-Free Shop visitors must walk through to access the rest of the port’s facilities and amenities.
While most of the shops are unique to the port, they carry internationally known brands. There are also a couple of tourist favorites that you will find in ports across the Caribbean, like Sharkeez, Pirana Joe, Harley Davidson, and Flip Flops & What Nots.
At the western edge of the port area, near the car rental and information booth, there is also a pharmacy and convenience store. These are really useful if you need an ATM or some last-minute necessities before boarding your ship again. They’re also useful if you want to pick up some snacks and sunscreen before heading over to the beach.
Cruise Lines that Visit Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
Since the entire port is owned and operated by the Carnival Corporation, it is primarily used by cruise lines that are part of the ownership group’s brands. This includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Costa Cruises.
Since they all belong to the Carnival Corporation, these cruise lines always have priority docking at Mahogany Bay. While they have hosted other cruise lines, mostly due to port congestion on the island of Roatan, they do not do so often. Those cruise lines need to pay a significant fee to Carnival Corporation and are always given limited time in port.
For these reasons, other cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, tend to dock at the nearby Port of Roatán.
Traveling to Mahogany Bay from a Nearby Airport
Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas)
Since the island of Roatan is so small, it is only home to a single airport, Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport, also known as Roatan International Airport. The airport is located just 3.6 miles away from Mahogany Bay in the town of Coxen Hole.
By far, the most popular way to get from the airport to the cruise port is to take a taxi, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. For some of the larger Carnival vessels that list Mahogany Bay as the original point of departure, a complimentary shuttle service is provided between the two.
Since there are rental car services at the airport and Mahogany Bay, some people will also choose to drive themselves. We would only really recommend this if you were planning to spend some extra time on the island of Roatan, as the relatively short ride is not expensive by taxi.
If you do choose to drive yourself, you can take the following directions:
Exit the airport and head northeast on Airport Road towards Carretera Principal
Turn right onto Carretera Principal and continue for 3 miles
Watch for signs for Mahogany Bay, then turn right onto Mahogany Bay Way
It’s a simple drive that roughly follows the coast and curves around Dixon Cove. As you arrive, you should see docked cruise ships.
How to Get to Mahogany Bay
Mahogany Bay Entrance (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Due to its relatively small physical size and the limited number of roads, getting around the island of Roatan is fairly simple. No matter where you are coming from on the island, the following are the most convenient ways to make your way to Mahogany Bay:
By Taxi
Taxis are, by far, the most common and convenient way to travel to Mahogany Bay Cruise Port from other parts of the island. You will find well-marked taxi pickup and drop-off points throughout the island, including at the airport, all the major hotels and resorts, and other popular tourist destinations.
The taxis on the island are not metered, so you should ask for flat rate costs before you depart. Fortunately, they’re fairly inexpensive, with most journeys costing less than $20.
If you’re taking a taxi from Mahogany Bay to other parts of the island, it will be part of the fully regulated Mahogany Bay Taxi Association, which makes their rates available to the public. There’s also a designated and sheltered taxi stand near the pharmacy in the port.
By Rental Car
While shuttle services are available, they’re fairly expensive and tend to be used by large groups and excursion companies. If you do not feel comfortable taking a taxi, the best alternative is to rent a vehicle. Rental cars are available in the island’s towns, the airport, and the cruise port itself.
If you’re departing from Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, the main car rental company is Autos Corporativos, which offers day rates of just $44 per day for a basic vehicle. There’s also an Avis pickup and drop-off point, which is a better option if you plan to drive a rental vehicle from another part of the island and leave it in the port when you board your cruise ship.
Beaches Near Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
If you want to hit the beach during your visit to Mahogany Bay, you won’t be disappointed. Not only does the port have its own private beach, but the entire island is dotted with tropical beaches. Here are the most popular options for those visiting Mahogany Bay Cruise Port:
Mahogany Beach
Mahogany Beach (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Unsurprisingly, Mahogany Beach is a huge hit with visiting cruise passengers. Accessible by walking path or scenic chairlift, this man-made beach offers stunning views of the bay, white sands, and a backdrop of palm trees. There’s also an enclosed swimming area patrolled by lifeguards, making it an ideal spot for splashing in the waves.
You can even rent an air-conditioned cabana along the beach with waiter service and lounge chairs. You’ll also get a complimentary chairlift and Wi-Fi access for four guests if you book one of these cabanas.
If you don’t want to pay for a cabana, you can use a free hammock or beach chair. Water sports equipment and floats can also be rented for reasonable fees so visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You really can’t
West Bay Beach
West Bay Beach (Photo Credit: Cesar Aroche)
If you’re willing to travel, you can make your way to one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. West Bay Beach, also known as Tabyana Beach, is almost 12 miles away on the far west end of the island, but it is hugely popular.
While the white sands and myriad beach amenities are part of the reason why it is so popular, it’s the coral reef that sits just 70 feet from the beach that really draws the crowds.
Not only is it close to shore, but it’s also one of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the beach is an amazing spot to see marine life up close and in its natural habitat.
What to Do at Mahogany Bay
Water Sports at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Mahogany Bay itself offers plenty of fun activities and attractions, while the rest of the island is fairly accessible for those looking for more adventure and exploration:
On-Site Activities
We already discussed the beach, shopping outlets, and riding the Magical Flying Beach Chair, but you can also enjoy traditional cultural performances at the Roatan Heritage Exhibit and Pavilion, located within the port complex.
Pirates of the Caribbean Canopy Zipline
If you want to explore beyond the cruise port, this themed zipline park is just a 6-mile cab ride east of Mahogany Bay.
With nine ziplines totaling up to 2 miles in length, it’s a family-friendly destination that provides thrills and stunning views of both the north and south sides of the island. You can also arrange packages that include round-trip transportation, a full meal, and a rest stop at a private beach!
Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Arch’s Iguana Park. It’s less than six miles away on the outskirts of the town of French Cay.
Visitors can wander through the park’s tropical jungle trails to view wild black iguanas, cross a suspension bridge, wander the gardens, spot waterfalls, and cool off in the air-conditioned insectarium. The park even has its own zipline course.
If you want to continue the nature theme, AJ’s Monkeys and Sloths is just a short walk away. This interactive petting zoo lets you learn about some other amazing creatures native to the island.
Visit Little French Key
Little French Keyis a pair of small islands off the coast of French Cay. These stunning islands are fairly easy to visit. You can either take a cab to French Cay, then take a short ferry across, or book an excursion package that includes direct transportation there and back.
The islands are home to white sand beaches, several restaurants, and even a pool with a swim-up bar. You can also take a horseback tour of the island. The islands are well worth visiting and offer some of the best views you’ll find anywhere.
Dining Options In and Around Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
Bar & Restaurant at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
There are plenty of dining options for those looking to enjoy a meal while visiting Mahogany Bay. Here are just a few of our top picks for dining inside the port and nearby:
Fat Tuesday
Located at the top of Monkey Hill within the port area, this restaurant and bar offers amazing views of Mahogany Beach and its tropical coastline.
With a menu that features international dishes and a few local favorites, it has something for everyone. You’ll pass it as you approach the chair lift, so it’s difficult to miss and only a short walk from the piers.
Playa Tortugas Chill ‘n Grill
Located at the top of Mahogany Beach, this fun bar and grill offers fresh seafood and amazing pub favorites. The view can’t be beat, and it is less than a 10-minute walk from the cruise piers. Don’t forget to order a frozen cocktail to cool down!
Fiyahside Roatan Kitchen at Macaw Market
If you want to leave the port, you can try some truly amazing Jamaican cuisine at Fiyahside Roatan Kitchen. From curried vegetables, oxtail stew, and jerk chicken, it’s the perfect island-style restaurant.
Best of all, it’s just one of several establishments in the Macaw Container Market, home to a wide variety of eateries, cafés, bars, and even a cigar and whiskey bar. The market is a 3-mile drive from Mahogany Bay, so a taxi shouldn’t cost more than $25.
Fort Consolation Restaurant
If you’re looking for more formal dining, the Fort Consolation Restaurant is about 5 miles away from the port on the west end of Coxen Hole.
The restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and a delicious menu packed with fresh seafood dishes and authentic local cuisine. The views of the water from the outdoor patio also help to enhance the experience.
Shopping Near Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
Central Shopping Area of Mahogany Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Given the relatively small size of the cruise port and the island where it is located, shopping is somewhat limited compared to some of the other major Caribbean cruise destinations. With that said, you still have some great options:
Just within the cruise port itself, you can find the following and more:
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Santa’s Caribbean Workshop and Cool Tees
Dufry Duty-Free Shop
Diamonds International Watch & Designer Store
The Mahogany Bay Craft Market (variety of souvenir stalls)
If you want more souvenir options, consider taking a cab to Coxen Hole. Here, you’ll find a much larger craft market where you can purchase locally made Honduran crafts and art.
The Best Time to Visit Mahogany Bay
View of Mahogany Bay Port (Photo Credit: CathyRL)
The entire island of Roatan, including Mahogany Bay, is considered a year-round destination. Thanks to the tropical weather, which ranges between 75° and 85°F throughout the year, you’ll find cruises visiting the island’s cruise ports at any point during the year.
With that said, the rainy season usually runs between August and November, so most tourists try to avoid this. We recommend visiting between January and May if you want to avoid heavy rainfall and high humidity levels.
This period also aligns with Mahogany Bay’s peak tourist season. The late fall, winter, and early spring are also when many cruise ships relocate from Europe to the Caribbean, increasing the number of ships under the Carnival group visiting Mahogany Bay. Just remember, peak season also means you may run into some larger crowds.
If you want to align your visit with some of the island’s events and festivals, you can time your cruise to line up with either the Roatán International Fishing Tournament or the Garifuna Festival.
The tournament starts on September 14th and runs for almost a full week, while the Garifuna Festival is in mid-April and celebrates the island’s unique culture and history.
From production shows to musical tributes to live bands to comedy acts, entertainment is a tremendous part of the cruise vacation experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line is well known for its tribute shows, and has announced the first-ever outstanding tribute to a well-known global icon with “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” coming to Norwegian Aqua in April 2025.
The immersive Prince tribute show is only one of the exclusive entertainment options that will be found only aboard the new Prima-plus class vessel when she debuts.
Also onboard Norwegian Aqua will be “Elements: The World Expanded” – a new, enhanced version of the most highly guest-rated show for the cruise line.
“For decades, NCL has set the standard in entertainment at sea, with worldclass productions and talent that rivals those found in major cities like Las Vegas, New York City and London,”said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“For Norwegian Aqua, we are thrilled to build on our legacy of excellence in entertainment to offer our guests more options across the ship, including exclusive original productions that cannot be seen anywhere else on land or at sea.”
“Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” is an hour-long tribute to the music icon, covering his rise to popularity and the extensive and diverse musical career he created that wowed the world.
“I’ve always been inspired by Prince and the idea came to me, nearly seven years ago, to create a theatrical concert that would joyfully celebrate his music and exceptional artistry,”said Patricia Wilcox, the show’s conceiver, director, and choreographer.“I’m honored to bring this show to life alongside the NCL team, Prince Legacy, LLC and Primary Wave Music.”
The show will be featured in the ship’s three-story Aqua Theater & Club, offering a more intimate and flexible entertainment experience. Guests can opt for traditional theater seating if preferred, or choose to be part of the show and interact with the cast on the dance floor.
Meanwhile, “Elements: The World Expanded” will be even more immersive and distinctive from one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most popular shows, “Elements” which is currently featured aboard four ships in the fleet.
The new show will be exclusive to Norwegian Aqua, offering an energizing and thrilling blend of magic, aerial acrobatics, music, dance, special effects, and more while exploring earth, air, water, and fire in new and dramatic ways.
More Top Entertainment Favorites Onboard
In addition to these two highly-anticipated production shows, the 156,000-gross-ton Norwegian Aqua will also offer fan favorites to provide a diverse lineup of entertainment for all guests to enjoy.
“From vibrant production shows to parties, musical performances, game shows, comedy and more, we have struck just the right balance of offering something for everyone to enjoy on board Norwegian Aqua,”said NCL’s Vice President of Entertainment Production, Bryan Anthony White.
“Our talented performers and the staff behind-the-scenes who bring our original productions to life are one-of-a-kind, and their dedication, passion and effort truly shines through when watching these exceptional shows. Our team is already working to bring these new entertainment offerings to life on board Norwegian Aqua and we look forward to wowing our guests when it sets sail.”
Norwegian Aqua Nightclub
A “90s Party” will be held in the Aqua Theater & Club as it transforms into a nightclub experience with top hits from the decade (appropriate outfits are encouraged!), or passengers can enjoy the “Livin’ La Vida Loca” party with Latin jams to rock the night away. A third themed party, “Pop Life,” builds off the Prince-themed show with his top hits and music influenced by his inimitable style.
A brand new “Welcome Aboard Show” will feature vocalists, dancers, and other entertainers in a teaser-style review of onboard entertainment options, followed by the immersive concert experience “Ocean Music Fest” for a vibrant jam session at sea.
Also onboard will be the popular game show “The Price is Right LIVE on NCL” offering guests the opportunity to play their favorite games from the beloved show, along with a range of rock-and-roll tribute performances in the intimate Syd Norman’s Pour House venue.
For travelers who want to laugh it up, the Improv at Sea comedy club onboard has been expanded with more seating, offering even more opportunities for everyone to enjoy stand-up comedy and laugh-a-minute shows.
Norwegian Aqua, which can welcome 3,571 passengers per sailing, is scheduled to debut in spring 2025, homeporting from Port Canaveral to offer 7-night Caribbean cruises. Sailings will visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private Bahamian destination, as well as St. Thomas, Tortola, and Puerto Plata.
In August 2025, the ship will move to New York to offer a short series of Bermuda getaways, after which she will return to Florida to homeport from Miami through the winter before returning to New York in spring 2026.
