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Carnival Glory Debuts Non-Smoking Casino Just in Time for Summer

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Glory Debuts Non-Smoking Casino Just in Time for Summer

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Glory has added a non-smoking casino onboard and moved the Club O2 teen space to a different deck.
  • These refurbishments were made while the ship remained fully in service with guests onboard.
  • The newly announced “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest has not yet been added to the ship.

Not all cruise ship updates require dry dock and weeks out of service before new venues and features can be debuted to guests. Carnival Glory is proving just that with two popular new features now available just in time for the busy summer season.

A non-smoking casino has been added to the 2,980-passenger ship, a move Carnival Cruise Line has been focusing on in recent years in response to guest feedback about gambling options onboard.

The non-smoking casino is located on the Promenade Deck (Deck 5), conveniently adjacent to the JavaBlue Cafe. Both table games and slots are part of the smoke-free space.

Previously, the non-smoking casino was the Club O2 teen space, which has now been moved one deck lower to the Atlantic Deck (Deck 4), forward of the Ivory Club Bar. The dedicated club for teens to enjoy meeting friends remains in a central location that will be a great spot for teens to stay in the middle of all the onboard action but still enjoy their own space.

Seating, game tables, and a huge flatscreen are part of the exclusive Club O2 lounge, and it’s where teen activities and meetups will be planned on every sailing for guests ages 15-17. Movies, video games, karaoke, and other events are popular in the teen club.

Carnival Glory Non-Smoking Casino
Carnival Glory Non-Smoking Casino

Ship Never Left Service

What is most impressive about these latest updates to Carnival Glory is that the Conquest-class ship has been sailing the entire time the renovations have been underway.

When updates can be made without closing down major public spaces or impacting necessary onboard operations, it is possible for a cruise ship to keep welcoming guests even while some areas may be temporarily closed for construction work and refurbishment.

For Carnival Glory, that means continuing with her 3- and 4-night Bahamas itineraries from Port Canaveral. The 3-night cruises visit Carnival’s private destination Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island, while the 4-night sailings also go to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.

No sailings have been cancelled or adjusted due to the renovations. Both projects are now complete as the ship sets sail on her Friday, May 22, 2026 departure, a 3-night weekend getaway.

No New Bow Crest Yet

The updates to Carnival Glory debut just days after Carnival Cruise Line announced that a new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest will be added to every ship in the fleet.

Cruise Hive has already reported that the new crest has debuted first on Carnival Legend and will also be on Carnival Magic when she returns to service on May 26.

That crest can only be added to ships while they are in dry dock, however, because it requires access to the forward hull to ensure it is mounted and secured properly. This cannot be done while a ship is in service.

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Ships will get the new crest as they enter into scheduled dry docks and the emblem will also be featured on every new build joining the fleet in the coming years. Only Carnival Jubilee and the upcoming Carnival Tropicale will have a different crest design with the Star of Texas signifying their connection to Galveston.

Carnival Glory‘s most recent dry dock was in April 2024, and her next dry dock refreshment is currently planned for January 2027. Dry dock dates are occasionally adjusted, however, depending on shipyard operational schedules.

Carnival Just Adjusted Over 90 Cruises on This One Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Just Adjusted Over 90 Cruises on This One Ship

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has adjusted departure times, port visit times, and more for a total of 92 different sailings.
  • All the impacted cruises are aboard Carnival Panorama, homeported from Long Beach, California.
  • The changes on most sailings are minimal, but guests should be aware of them so they don’t miss the ship or have other problems.

Guests sailing aboard Carnival Panorama from Long Beach, California in 2026, 2027, and 2028 should recheck their pre- and post-cruise travel plans to be sure they won’t miss the ship or have trouble after debarkation.

Carnival Cruise Line has just notified guests on 92 different sailings of a variety of changes that include homeport departure time shifts, port visit time adjustments, and even sailings that will be returning to Southern California later than originally planned.

Seventy-eight of those cruises have the simplest change, with the ship now departing Long Beach 30 minutes earlier than initially scheduled. On these sailings, Carnival Panorama will now depart at 3:30 p.m. instead of 4 p.m.

  • 2026 – All cruises from June 6 through and including the August 8 departure, plus the November 21 through and including the December 27 departure
  • 2027 – All sailings from January 2 through and including January 16; March 13 through and including May 2; May 16 through and including December 29
  • 2028 – All sailings from January 4 through and including April 30
Carnival Panorama Advisory Letter
Carnival Panorama Advisory Letter

This 30-minute adjustment may not seem significant, but guests must be onboard the 133,900-gross-ton Carnival Panorama by the final boarding time on their boarding pass or they will not be permitted to sail. Even just a delay of a few minutes might cause guests to be denied boarding, and there will be no refund for missing the ship’s departure.

Visits to Cabo San Lucas Adjusted

A further 13 cruises have departure time changes as well as port shifts in Cabo San Lucas.

For the rest of 2026, departures leaving at 3:30 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. include the ship’s August 9, 15, and 23 departures and the September 13 and 20 sailings. In 2027, the January 24 and 30 as well as the February 13 and 27 sailings will also be leaving a half hour earlier.

One more sailing, the September 6, 2026 departure, will also be leaving at 3:30 p.m. but this particular cruise had originally been planned to depart at 5 p.m. This is a more significant change that may impact the up to 5,146 guests who may be boarding Carnival Panorama that day.

Three additional sailings in 2027 are also changing departure times from Long Beach, but will be leaving later instead of earlier. The February 7 and 21 cruises, as well as the March 7 cruise, will now be setting sail at 5 p.m. instead of 4 p.m.

On all of these impacted sailings, port times for visits to Cabo San Lucas have been adjusted. The exact adjustments may vary from sailing to sailing and will be noted on the cruise line’s website or through the Carnival Hub app.

The ship’s November 15, 2026 cruise is also adjusting the port times for Cabo San Lucas, but without any change in departure time as Carnival Panorama leaves Long Beach.

When necessary, Carnival Cruise Line has reassured guests that any pre-booked excursions purchased through the cruise line for Cabo San Lucas will be adjusted to the port time changes as needed prior to sailing.

Carniva Panorama Itinerary Changes
Carniva Panorama Itinerary Changes

Why So Many Changes?

These types of changes may seem extensive, but they are not uncommon. Cruise Hive has frequently reported on similar changes impacting ships across the Carnival fleet as itineraries are tweaked to fit with port operational schedules.

Overall timing at the Port of Long Beach may be a factor in the ship’s departure time, and as the ship sets sail, that may impact when she will arrive in ports of call, depending on the sailing route and the berth schedules for other cruise ships.

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Carnival Panorama offers a year-round schedule of Mexican Riviera itineraries ranging from 3-8 nights, depending on departure date.

Fortunately for booked guests, the advance notice of these changes should make it easy to adjust pre- or post-cruise travel plans and everyone can look forward to an amazing cruise vacation.

Hefty Blow for Cruise Lines as US Supreme Court Decides Over $440M Cuba Case

Melissa Mayntz
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Hefty Blow for Cruise Lines as US Supreme Court Decides Over $440M Cuba Case

Key Aspects:

  • The US Supreme Court has overturned the appeals case that had dismissed $440 million in fines against major cruise lines.
  • The case involves the use of the Havana Docks property when cruise lines visited Cuba from 2016 to 2019.
  • Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and MSC Cruises are involved in the litigation.

Four major cruise lines may now be on the hook for a collective $440 million in fines as the US Supreme Court has overturned the appeal that initially threw out that significant fine related to years of sailings to Cuba involving seized property.

The Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision was handed down on Thursday, May 21, 2026 following more than a year of proceedings in the appeals case.

While the Supreme Court is not directly levying fines on the cruise lines, this decision does permit the lawsuit to move forward against Royal Caribbean, Carnival Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and MSC Cruises.

Those four cruise lines all operated sailings to Cuba from 2016 to 2019, using Havana Docks as the cruise terminal. It is that terminal and its ownership that is in dispute, owing to confiscation laws, who received compensation for the use, and whether the cruise lines were properly authorized for their visits.

“Havana Docks has shown that the cruise lines used confiscated property in which Havana Docks had a property interest and to which it owns a claim,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in the majority opinion.

That determination, that the American corporation Havana Docks owns a claim in the facility the cruise ships used, means the cruise lines may, in fact, be liable for the hefty fines. But how did this come about?

Who Owns and Owes What and When?

The case is a complex one, involving ownership rights, legal administration, lease expirations, and more. To break it down…

  • 1905 – Havana Docks Corporation signs a 99-year lease on the cruise terminal property and builds the docks.
  • 1959 – Fidel Castro’s communist regime seizes control of the property after the Cuban Revolution.
  • 1996 – The Helms-Burton Act is passed, permitting Americans to sue companies that profited from seized property.
  • 2004 – The lease between Havana Docks Corporation and Cuba expired, still under Castro’s communist regime.
  • 2016 – Then-President Obama reopened cruise travel to Cuba under limited agreements.
  • 2019 – President Trump, in his first term, reinstituted the travel ban, and cruise visits to Cuba ceased.
  • 2022 – Initial federal court rulings determined that the cruise lines had engaged in trafficking by using seized property.
  • 2024 – Appeals court overthrew the initial ruling and determined the cruise lines were not liable for the fines.
  • 2026 – US Supreme Court overturns the appeal ruling, and cruise lines may again have to pay the applicable fines.

Initially, the logic for overturning the federal ruling in 2022 was because the Havana Docks lease on the Cuban property would have expired in 2004, more than a decade before cruise ships returned to Havana. Because that lease was not renewed, it appeared the company had no legal support for their trafficking claims.

Cruise Ships Visiting Cuba
Cruise Ships Visiting Cuba (Photo Credit: Arodel)

Did Cruise Lines Visit Cuba Illegally?

During the time when cruise visits to Cuba were permitted, the four lines brought nearly one million passengers to the island nation. This was done as “people-to-people” travel and was completely legal at the time.

Now, however, the US Supreme Court is permitting the initial litigation to move forward. This does not yet mean the cruise lines must pay the fines, but only that legal arguments will continue until all appeals options are exhausted.

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This type of convoluted lawsuit may continue for years as different subtle legal arguments are explored and defined for the case. At the moment, cruise lines are not permitted to return to Cuba and tensions between the US and the nearby communist nation are high.

The US Department of State lists Cuba as a Level 2 advisory, “Exercise Increased Caution” due to extremely unreliable electrical power and increases in both violent and petty crime. Furthermore, US law completely prohibits tourist travel to Cuba at this time.

Why a Carnival Guest Was Banned for Life Over a Ship He’d Never Boarded

Catie Kovelman
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Why a Carnival Guest Was Banned for Life Over a Ship He’d Never Boarded

Key Aspects:

  • A family member was removed from a Carnival reservation due to a case of mistaken identity.
  • They were somehow banned by P&O Cruises, a sister brand to Carnival, without ever sailing with P&O Cruises.
  • It took several days and no shortage of stress to get the impacted spouse cleared and re-booked.

One family experienced an unusual situation that took away from the excitement for their upcoming Carnival cruise after one spouse was temporarily booted from an upcoming reservation due to a case of mistaken identity.

The cruisers stated that one spouse had been banned due to an incident that occurred on a P&O Cruises’ ship, which is a sister brand to Carnival Cruise Line.

While this would be understandable if the guests-to-be had acted out on a previous sailing, they had never actually set foot aboard a P&O ship and could not have done what they were accused of doing.

“I was scheduled to go on a Carnival cruise in a couple of weeks with my spouse and children. My spouse got an email today from Carnival that our cruise had been updated, and the update was I was removed as a guest from our cruise,” one partner shared on Reddit on May 19, 2026.

“My spouse contacted Carnival and Carnival stated I was removed by Carnival security. An email was exchanged with Carnival security and Carnival security stated that I was on the no sail list because of an incident that occurred on a P&O cruise. The problem is I have never been on a P&O cruise,” the post continued.

It’s unclear which specific sailing the family is booked on, but it’s officially the summer peak season and prime time for families to take to the high seas on the Fun Ships.

Situation Takes Days to Resolve

Typically, once a guest winds up on Carnival’s “no sail” list, they are banned for life from all ships that operate under the Carnival Corporation. Appeals are sometimes possible, but they are rarely successful.

“The email from Carnival security also states that there is no appeal and their decision is final,” the cruisers-to-be went on to explain.

However, exceptions have to be made for cases like this, where the guests in question didn’t actually do anything wrong.

In an early update on May 19, the cruiser noted that they had reached a customer service agent at Carnival who instructed the family to contact P&O Cruises. Despite being sister companies, the agent claimed that they were unable to review P&O records.

The bad news is that P&O Cruises does not have an American phone number listed on its website. This means the guest would either have to shell out the funds to make an international call or wait for an email response.

“Update: I spoke with a customer service representative with Carnival who was great. He escalated to another team, and my final response from Carnival was I have to get P&O to clear my name from the no sail list,” the Redditor posted in the comments.

“Carnival claims that they are unable to review P&O records to review the incident, and they only have access to the P&O no sail list,” they added.

P&O Cruises Ship
P&O Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

In a second update posted hours later, the guest stated that the situation wasn’t resolved but that Carnival security had asked for a picture of their photo ID. This at least indicated that things were moving in the right direction.

It wasn’t until the morning of May 21, 2026, that the family finally learned the spouse had been cleared and their booking was reinstated.

“Update: I received an email from Carnival security this morning. I have been cleared for sailing, and my booking has been reinstated. I’m relieved, but this whole situation was ridiculous,” they said in a final update on May 21.

The family will get to enjoy their vacation together, but the joy and anticipation certainly isn’t what it once was. It’s unclear if Carnival apologized or gave any compensation for the mix-up.

What Caused the Mistaken Identity?

No explanation was given publicly as to what led to the mistake and how it could be prevented in the future. The guest likely had the same or a similar name and/or birthday to the actually banned passenger.

This also isn’t the first case of mistaken identity to occur on a Carnival ship this year. In January, Cruise Hive reported that ICE agents burst into a guest stateroom onboard a Carnival ship in Miami due to confusion over a passenger’s name.

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Of course, safety is the top priority for Carnival and an argument can also be made that it’s better to err on the side of caution rather than let potential offenders slip through the cracks.

But given other recent controversies with the new Rewards Program and mass-cancelling unusually cheap bookings that were made during a website glitch, this is likely more bad press that the cruise line does not need right now.

The Surprising Way Brilliant Lady Is Reinventing Alaska Cruises

Lissa Poirot
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The Surprising Way Brilliant Lady Is Reinventing Alaska Cruises

Key Aspects:

  • Virgin Voyages has officially launched its first Alaska cruise season on May 21, 2026.
  • The new season extends into September 2026 aboard Brilliant Lady from Seattle.
  • The cruise line has introduced Alaska-focused programming, dining, and retail.

Virgin Voyages is officially heading north.

The adults-only cruise line launched its first Alaska season on May 21, 2026, aboard Brilliant Lady, marking the company’s long-awaited entry into one of cruising’s fastest-growing destinations.

Sailing from Seattle, the deployment also gives the cruise line its strongest West Coast presence yet after years of building its brand primarily around Caribbean itineraries.

The cruise line is leaning hard into destination-focused programming rather than simply treating Alaska as another itinerary. Onboard experiences this season include wildlife talks, Alaskan Native cultural workshops, regionally inspired cocktails, and Alaska seafood dishes spread across several onboard restaurants.

Virgin Voyages is also introducing several new onboard roles specifically for these sailings, including a Naturalist focused on glaciers and marine life, along with a “Lumberjack” performer and storyteller tied to Alaska history and culture.

Select cruises will additionally feature a Cultural Heritage Guide from Alaska Native Voices leading conversations and workshops centered on Indigenous perspectives and contemporary life in Alaska.

“Alaska has always held a special place for me personally,” said Michelle Bentubo, COO of Virgin Voyages. “The sheer scale of its landscapes, the richness of its culture, the biodiversity – it’s humbling. We felt a real responsibility to honor that.”

Part of that responsibility includes partnering with sustainable tour companies certified by organizations including Adventure Green Alaska and Travelife on more than half of its Alaska shore excursions.

The company also said its marine team partnered with ORCA on whale protection and collision-avoidance training ahead of the season.

Departing from Seattle at 5:00 p.m. local time, up to 2,700 passengers will sail Alaska’s Inner Passage and enjoy calls in Ketchikan and Sitka, as well as a scenic glacier-viewing day in Endicott Arm.

Brilliant Lady Alaska
Brilliant Lady Alaska (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)

The 110,000-gross-ton vessel will also visit Prince Rupert in British Columbia, Canada, before returning to Seattle on May 28.

Brilliant Lady will remain in Alaska until September 11, 2026, when the vessel will return to Los Angeles through October to provide more West Coast cruises. She will then reposition to the Caribbean for the winter season in mid-November.

New Alaska Programming

Virgin Voyages is using Brilliant Lady to introduce one of the company’s largest collections of destination-specific programming since the brand launched in 2021. Much of the focus centers on Alaska itself rather than traditional cruise entertainment.

New onboard events include “Primetime Ports,” described as an alternative to standard destination lectures that prepares guests for upcoming ports through visual presentations and storytelling.

Another new activity, “Drawn to the Wild,” invites passengers to sketch Alaska scenery on birch canvases while onboard.

Read Also: I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise

The ship is also debuting several Alaska-inspired food and beverage experiences. “Northern Nightcaps” introduces Alaska-themed cocktail workshops featuring drinks such as Glacial Toddies and Forest Negronis, while “Baking Alaska” focuses on desserts paired with wine tastings.

Another event, “Crack the Crab,” turns Alaska trivia into an oversized game involving foam crab claws and fast-paced competitions.

Retail spaces aboard Brilliant Lady are also leaning into the regional theme with 10 onboard retail brands featuring Pacific Northwest artisans or products during the Alaska season. Expanded cold-weather merchandise will include knitwear, beanies, and layered outerwear.

Virgin Voyages isn’t the only cruise line debuting in Alaska this season. MSC Cruises is also entering the region for the first time with MSC Poesia, while luxury operator, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, is also launching new itineraries in the region.

Crystal Cruises and Azamara Cruises are additionally returning to Alaska after years away, and nearly 60 ships in total will be sailing around the Inside Passage, representing Alaska’s growing popularity.

Carnival’s Roatan Destination Gets Major Upgrade With New Pool Area

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival’s Roatan Destination Gets Major Upgrade With New Pool Area

Key Aspects:

  • The Mangrove Bay pool, splash pad, and private cabanas and day beds are now open at Isla Tropicale in Honduras.
  • Carnival Jubilee was the first ship to enjoy the new features on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
  • A swim-up bar is also part of the 48,000-square-feet of new recreational space at the private destination.

New upgrades are now open in Roatan, Honduras, as Carnival Cruise Line transforms the exclusive destination, formerly known as Mahogany Bay, into Isla Tropicale. On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the new Mangrove Bay pool area debuted along with specialized options to appeal to all sorts of cruisers.

One of the new features is a dedicated splash pad for young cruisers, giving them a fun space adjacent to the main pool so families can share splashtastic memories together.

On the other side of the pool, a swim-up bar offers refreshing beverages, with even more bar service nearby to ensure no one has to wait too long for their libations.

In total, the Mangrove Bay pool area includes 48,000 square feet of recreational space. Its most unique feature is a premium peninsula space in the middle of the pool with cabanas and day beds available to rent.

“New features, including the destination’s first pool area, will elevate the guest experience at Isla Tropicale,” Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said.

The shaded cabanas are wheelchair-accessible and feature a ceiling fan and water loungers, plus four chairlift passes for guests to enjoy. The daybeds are also shaded and include loungers and four chairlift passes. Prices for both rentals vary depending on sailing date.

Other features of Isla Tropicale include 52 shops and local artisan kiosks, three restaurants, and four bars. Oceanview cabanas are also available to rent, and guests can enjoy a scenic chairlift.

The Mangrove Bay pool is the first pool for guests to enjoy at the port, which is located on an island just off the coast of Honduras. It is a popular Carnival destination on Western Caribbean itineraries.

Two ships can dock at once at Isla Tropicale, and the dock is large enough to welcome the line’s biggest ships, the Excel-class vessels.

Carnival Jubilee was in port on Wednesday, bringing up to 6,631 guests to be the first to enjoy the new pool. As part of the opening festivities, guests onboard received commemorative pins in their staterooms to celebrate the occasion.

Carnival's New Isla Tropicale Pool Area
Carnival’s New Isla Tropicale Pool Area

A new logo for the destination was also unveiled as a great photo spot, with a hummingbird and flower motif and a font with gentle curves to mimic ocean waves and evoke relaxation.

Cruise Hive previously reported on the renaming of the destination as well as the logo refresh for all of Carnival Cruise Line’s private destinations, which are now grouped together as the “Paradise Collection” which includes Isla Roatan, Celebration Key, and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.

Great Local Investments

Since the destination first opened, Carnival Cruise Line has invested $93 million in Roatan to create a fantastic experience for guests. To date, nearly nine million guests have visited the port.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Roatán and Honduras and expanding our positive economic impact in the region,” confirmed Duffy.

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The port has generated $750 million in economic impact for the region, including 1,300 local jobs. Sustainability has been a key focus of the ongoing project, and the beach has won multiple awards for its environmental management and water quality.

“Isla Tropicale reflects the continued importance of cruise tourism to Roatán and to Honduras,” said Andrés Ehrler, minister of tourism of Honduras.

“We value partnerships that support local jobs, create opportunities for businesses and help strengthen Roatán’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most welcoming destinations, and Carnival has done exactly that.”

The new pool and exclusive rental spaces are sure to appeal to guests who enjoy the relaxation and tropical vibes of the popular destination.

Why Ovation of the Seas Just Cancelled Its Hubbard Glacier Visit

Melissa Mayntz
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Why Ovation of the Seas Just Cancelled Its Hubbard Glacier Visit

Key Aspects:

  • Ovation of the Seas must skip scenic cruising to Hubbard Glacier on her May 15 sailing to reach Whittier for an early debarkation.
  • The one-way tunnel leading in and out of Whittier requires earlier debarkation so all guests can leave the port in time.
  • The ship was originally scheduled to debark in Seward, but port construction changed those plans at the last minute.

Alaska is one of the most gorgeous cruise destinations in the world and the opportunity to sail past stately glaciers in the Last Frontier is a key experience for many travelers. Unfortunately, guests onboard the May 15 sailing of Ovation of the Seas will not have the chance to visit and see Hubbard Glacier in all its glory due to scheduling issues and a homeport swap.

Guests onboard the 168,700-gross ton, Quantum Class ship have been notified of the change and their debarkation in Whittier will work. Originally, the ship was to debark in Seward, a change Cruise Hive has already reported.

“Due to schedule adjustments to ensure our timely arrival into Whittier, we will be adjusting our itinerary and will continue with a full day at sea instead of cruising Hubbard Glacier,” the letter delivered to guests’ staterooms confirmed.

This change will naturally be disappointing to many guests. While all of the Alaskan coastline has phenomenal scenery, glacier viewing is an iconic experience for Alaskan cruises.

Hubbard Glacier, in particular, offers spectacular views. Because the glacier is considered fairly active, the chances of calving (ice pieces breaking off in dramatic falls) are quite high and cruise guests may have that incomparable experience when visiting the tidewater glacier.

Guests onboard reported on Reddit that when the cancellation announcement was made, there was brief chanting of “We Want Hubbard!” in some public spaces, and the line at Guest Services got very crowded.

Royal Caribbean is offering a non-refundable onboard credit to all guests as compensation for losing this highly anticipated experience. Guests in inside and oceanview staterooms will receive $150 (USD) per stateroom, while balconies will receive $200 and suites will receive $400. If third, fourth, or fifth guests are booked in a stateroom, the credit will increase by $25 per extra guest.

Ovation of the Seas in Alaska
Ovation of the Seas in Alaska (Photo Credit: TODD17)

Any pre-paid tours booked through Royal Caribbean for Hubbard Glacier have likewise been cancelled and refunded to guests’ onboard accounts. Those fees are refundable for any amount left at the end of the sailing.

Read Also: What is the Best Time of Year to Cruise Alaska?

Ovation of the Seas departed Vancouver, Canada, on Friday, May 15, and has visited Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway during the 7-night, one-way itinerary. She will reach Whittier in the early hours of Friday, May 22.

A Very Early Debarkation in Whittier

The ship will arrive in Whittier at roughly 1 a.m. Friday morning to begin unloading guests’ luggage and clearing customs inspection for debarkation.

Because of the unique geography of Whitter, with one-way traffic only permitted through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, it is essential that debarkation be earlier than typical, especially for such a large ship as Ovation of the Seas.

The up to 4,905 guests onboard (maximum occupancy) should be able to begin debarking the ship at 6 a.m.

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For those who have post-cruise plans to travel to Anchorage, it can take an hour and twenty minutes to reach the biggest city in Alaska. While this is shorter than the two hours from Seward, depending on traffic flow through the tunnel, the travel time could be even longer.

Royal Caribbean previously notified guests of the homeport switch due to ongoing port construction in Seward.

Embarkation for the next sailing, the ship’s southbound sailing, will also be in Whittier rather than Seward, but no further changes are confirmed to the May 22 itinerary at this time.

Norwegian Gem Abruptly Drops Port From Several Mediterranean Itineraries

Catie Kovelman
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Norwegian Gem Abruptly Drops Port From Several Mediterranean Itineraries

Key Aspects:

  • For at least three sailings, and likely more, Norwegian Gem will no longer be visiting Koper, Slovenia.
  • The port, which was featured on summer sailings from Rome to Ravenna, has been replaced by Trieste, Italy, or Zadar, Croatia.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line did not directly confirm the cause of the switch, but port availability issues seem likely.

Norwegian Gem’s summer season in the Mediterranean is going to look a little different than what cruisers were expecting.

As of May 20, 2026, the port of Koper, Slovenia, has been removed and replaced from several of the 93,530-gross ton vessel’s Mediterranean sailings. Depending on availability, Trieste (Venice), Italy, or Zadar, Croatia, have been substituted in Koper’s place.

So far, Cruise Hive has confirmed that the port was removed from the June 14 and June 28 departures, both of which are 7-night, one-way sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, to Ravenna, Italy. Koper is not featured on the reverse 7-night itineraries from Ravenna back to Rome.

“It looks like it’s being changed on every Gem itinerary …. my 6/14 sailing changed to Zadar, Croatia and my 6/28 sailing changed to Trieste, Italy,” one future guest, who will be onboard for back-to-back cruises, shared on Facebook.

Additionally, guests sailing in September 2026 have reported receiving the same update, although they did not specify which specific sailing they are booked on. In their case, the visit to Koper was replaced with a day in Trieste, Italy.

The same one-way sailings from Rome to Ravenna are being offered on September 6 and September 20.

“Just received this port change on the GEM on Sept, anyone else have this port change,” another impacted guest inquired on Facebook.

Norwegian Gem is also scheduled to operate these Rome-based itineraries throughout July, August, and the first half of October, and it’s quite possible that more itineraries will get the same adjustment if they haven’t already.

On November 1, the 2,394-guest ship will begin her transatlantic crossing to her next homeport in Tampa, Florida.

Why Did NCL Make the Itinerary Change?

Cruise lines are well within their rights to make itinerary changes for a variety of reasons, such as changes in port availability, safety concerns, and/or shifting courses.

In this case, Norwegian Cruise Line did not directly confirm the reason. However, the way in which the change was communicated to guests suggests port availability may be to blame.

Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship
Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Just dance)

“While we coordinate closely with port authorities to confirm every detail well in advance, operational conditions can change, and at times we’re informed that space is no longer available,” Norwegian Cruise Line wrote in letters to impacted guests.

“As a result, our planned call to Koper, Slovenia will no longer be part of this voyage,” the cruise line continued.

Koper is Slovenia’s largest and only major commercial seaport. It has one dedicated cruise ship berth, but can accommodate up to four ships simultaneously by utilizing multi-use quays.

However, availability could shift based on factors like maintenance needs within the port and/or issues with reserving the additional quays.

Shore Excursions Refunded

As is standard with port cancellations and adjustments, NCL is automatically cancelling all shore excursions for Koper that were booked directly through the cruise line. A full refund will be provided to the original form of payment.

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Guests who booked independent tours will need to cancel those on their own and as soon as possible to avoid potential last-minute cancellation penalties.

“If you booked a shore excursion for Koper, Slovenia, through NCL, no worries, we’ve got it taken care of. Those tours will be automatically canceled, and a full monetary refund will be credited,” NCL confirmed.

New experiences will also be available to book for the replacement ports. For example, NCL offers 15 different tours to explore Zadar. There will also be no shortage of things to do around Trieste, which is the gateway to Venice for cruise guests.

Two Carnival Ships Share New Design Element After Dry Dock Upgrades

Melissa Mayntz
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Two Carnival Ships Share New Design Element After Dry Dock Upgrades

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Legend and Carnival Magic will both debut a new bow crest as they return from dry dock in the Bahamas.
  • The new “From Sea to Shining Sea” crest will gradually be added across most of the Carnival fleet.
  • Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Tropicale will still feature the Texas star showing their connection to Galveston.

Summer is a peak season for cruising, and two Carnival cruise ships will be refreshed, updated, and ready to bring the fun following their dry dock updates at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas.

Carnival Magic and Carnival Legend have been side-by-side at the shipyard as both vessels get regular refreshment and technical updates, plus one very special surprise.

The shipyard has shared photos that show both vessels with cranes and work crews pouring over every detail, including hull painting, offering a rare glimpse at shipyard operations that cruise guests don’t usually get to see.

“Sometime this week we’ll be welcoming back Carnival Legend from dry dock, and we have something really lovely to show you about that, so stay tuned,” the cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, confirmed in his daily video on Wednesday.

Later that day, that something was revealed as new branding that will now roll out across the Carnival fleet: a “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest, debuting just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend and America’s 250th birthday celebrations this summer.

“With the debut of this new crest, we’re reinforcing what guests have long known: Carnival is proud to be America’s Cruise Line,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“We sail coast to coast and connect with millions of guests every year, and this crest reflects the reach of our brand across the U.S. – from the communities we visit to the memories we help create at sea.”

The new crest features the famous Carnival whale tail, two stars, and the name Carnival.

Carnival Magic will likewise have the new bow crest, which will be added to all ships in the fleet with regularly scheduled dry dock updates and new builds.

Only two ships will not have the “From Sea to Shining Sea” crest. Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Tropicale will feature the Star of Texas, which Cruise Hive has previously reported on for the Galveston-based ships.

What Other Dry Dock Updates Are Onboard?

While Carnival Cruise Line has not yet announced full details of the updates each ship is undergoing, it is common for these regular dry docks to include updating flooring and lighting, repainting, fixing minor repairs, resurfacing waterslides, and similar maintenance.

Carnival Legend in Dry Dock
Carnival Legend in Dry Dock

It is also possible that venues may be updated or rebranded to better align with offerings across the fleet and to give guests new things to enjoy onboard. Occasionally, popular venues may be expanded to offer new seating, or less popular venues may be removed in favor of new options or even new staterooms.

Carnival Cruise Line typically announces such updates once the ship leaves dry dock and returns to service.

Sailing on the Refreshed Carnival Ships

Many cruise guests enjoy sailing on recently updated ships, as it gives them the first opportunity to enjoy new upgrades and amenities. Both the 2,124-guest Carnival Legend and the 3,690-guest Carnival Magic have radically different summer offerings for eager cruisers.

Heald notes that Carnival Legend is soon departing on a 14-day transatlantic cruise to bring her to Dover, UK. That repositioning cruise leaves Miami on Sunday, May 24 and will have a full week at sea before visiting Liverpool, Holyhead, and Dublin before arriving in Dover on Sunday, June 7.

Read Also: Carnival Ships by Size – Ranked Largest to Smallest

The 85,942-gross-ton ship has already returned to service with a quick 4-night Bahamas sailing to Nassau and Half Moon Cay departing Wednesday, May 20, her last Florida-based cruise before her summer in Europe.

Carnival Legend‘s European season will be split between departures from Dover through August, then she will spend the fall with some longer Mediterranean sailings from Rome before returning to Florida to homeport from Tampa for the winter. In April 2027, the ship will head for Alaska.

The larger 128,048-gross-ton Carnival Magic, on the other hand, will not return to service until May 26, also with a 4-day Bahamas cruise to Nassau and Half Moon Cay. She will remain homeported from Miami with 6- and 8-night Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean itineraries at least through March 2028.

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