Multiple cruise ships are now impacted by severe winter weather with delays and itinerary changes.
Norwegian Breakaway still managed to depart while two other ships remained in the New York area.
Star of the Seas is also impacted by rough weather heading into the Bahamas.
It’s been rough sailing for multiple cruise ships from different homeports and different cruise lines this weekend as stormy weather has caused departure delays and itinerary changes. According to the National Weather Service, the major storm is expected to bring 12-24 inches of snow to the region, with strong winds gusting from 40-70 miles per hour impacting visibility.
Numerous power outages and moderate coastal flooding are also expected with the storm, which is bringing significant impacts to multiple cruise homeports in New York and New Jersey, while a southern storm also impacts the Bahamas.
Impacted ships include Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas, along with MSC Meraviglia and Norwegian Breakaway.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on the impact different winter storms have had on multiple ships. All guests should stay in close contact with their respective cruise lines for updates on any itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations.
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Claudine Van Massenhove)
With a “bomb cyclone” storm impacting the New York and New Jersey area on Sunday and through Monday, Royal Caribbean made the decision the day before embarkation that it would not be possible for Odyssey of the Seas to depart Bayonne, New Jersey on Sunday, February 22, 2026 as originally scheduled.
Instead, the Quantum-Ultra Class ship and her up to 5,510 guests will remain in New Jersey until the weather clears enough for a safe departure. Odyssey of the Seas was to have called at Port Canaveral, Cococay, and Nassau during the 7-night cruise, but it is likely that one or more of the port visits may be adjusted or cancelled due to the late departure.
As the ship has not yet departed New Jersey, no itinerary changes have yet been finalized.
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia In New York (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz)
Just across the harbor from Odyssey of the Seas, MSC Meraviglia is impacted by the same blizzard warnings and is likewise remaining docked in Brooklyn, New York, and is delayed setting sail for her 7-night Bahamas sailing on Sunday, February 22.
The ship was to have set sail for Port Canaveral, MSC Ocean Cay, and Nassau. Guests onboard for the sailing have already noted updates in the app showing a different schedule, with MSC Meraviglia bumping her visits to Port Canaveral and MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve to later days in the itinerary.
It appears that the ship will skip her visit to Nassau altogether.
The 171,600-gross-ton ship can welcome up to a maximum of 5,642 guests onboard, and while they will not be getting the exact cruise they had hoped for, they can still have an enjoyable, if adjusted, vacation.
Norwegian Breakway
Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky
In an interesting twist, Norwegian Breakaway did brave the rough weather to set sail as planned from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on Sunday, February 22, for her 12-night Caribbean sailing.
The seas are rocking as Norwegian Breakaway heads into winds as high as 30-40 miles per hour on her southbound route, though it is possible the 145,655-gross-ton ship will adjust her route to stay out of the roughest weather.
It is possible there may be port adjustments for Norwegian Breakaway if the ship must divert closer to the coast or slow her speed to contend with the rough seas. The current schedule calls for visits to Puerto Plata, San Juan, Tortola, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas before the ship returns to the Big Apple on Friday, March 6.
At this time, there are no confirmed changes for Norwegian Breakaway, though her successful departure from New York while both Odyssey of the Seas and MSC Meraviglia wait out the storm has certainly been confusing to cruise guests onboard all three ships.
Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas Departing Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
While all eyes are on the blizzard conditions rolling across the northeast and impacting multiple cruise ships, poor weather can occur anywhere, at any time.
Guests departing Port Canaveral on Sunday aboard Star of the Seas for their weeklong Eastern Caribbean sailing have learned they won’t be able to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay after all.
“Due to a weather system expected to bring unfavorable conditions and rough seas to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Monday, February 23, we will be skipping our visit and enjoying a Sea Day instead,”the notification email confirmed.
To make up for the loss of a port, the time the ship will spend in St. Thomas on Wednesday, February 25, is being extended. Instead of arriving in Charlotte Amalie at 12:30 p.m., Star of the Seas will arrive at 8 a.m., giving guests plenty of extra time to explore that beautiful destination more thoroughly.
Meanwhile, all onboard activities and entertainment will proceed as planned on Star of the Seas, and as one of the world’s largest cruise ships, there is certainly plenty for guests to enjoy during their unexpected day at sea.
All pre-booked Royal Caribbean shore tours for CocoCay will be automatically cancelled and refunded to guests’ accounts.
Mexico’s Jalisco State, which includes the popular port of Puerto Vallarta, is under a “shelter in place” alert.
This is due to violent retaliation from cartel members following the death of their leader on February 22.
Holland America Line already cancelled a call to Puerto Vallarta for this weekend, and more itinerary changes could be coming.
It’s been a tense weekend in Mexico, making cruise destinations within the Jalisco State, such as Puerto Vallarta, dangerous to visiting passengers.
As such, the US Embassy & Consulate in Mexico has issued a “shelter in place” order for Americans in the area and Holland America Line has already cancelled Zuiderdam’s call to Puerto Vallarta on February 23.
“Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice,”the US government alert reads.
The notice is in effect for the Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), the Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of the Michoacan State, the Guerrero State, and the Nuevo Leon State.
While in effect, this advisory supersedes the existing Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory that the US government already had in place for the Jalisco State.
This resulted in the death of at least four members of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), including its leader: Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera. Cartel members have responded with violent retaliation. It’s unclear how long it will take to get the situation under control.
Pictures and videos taken of Puerto Vallarta show massive amounts of black smoke wafting into the city, with the sounds of sirens and gunfire echoing in the background of shared footage.
“In the state of Jalisco and in tourist towns, we inform the population of Puerto Vallarta that, as a preventive measure, it is recommended to stay at home and avoid any unnecessary travel,” Gobierno Municipal de Puerto Vallarta posted on social media.
“Trade and establishments in general are requested not to open operations until further notice, prioritizing the safety of collaborators and customers,” the advisory continued.
The municipal government echoed the US recommendation for citizens and visitors to stay home and minimize travel unless it is absolutely necessary. Non-essential businesses, such as tourist shops and tour operators, have been asked to close until further notice.
Zuiderdam Cancels Port Call
The 1,916-guest Zuiderdam is nearing the end of a 12-night sailing to Mexico and was supposed to call at Puerto Vallarta on February 23. Given the events of this weekend, this port call is no longer safe and has been cancelled.
Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
“Our security team has been closely monitoring the situation in Western Mexico. To prioritize the safety of our guests and team members, we have cancelled our planned visit to Puerto Vallarta February 23,”Holland America Line said in a statement to Cruise Hive.
It’s unclear if the 81,769-gross ton ship will replace the visit with something else or simply spend the day at sea.
Her final port call of the trip, which is scheduled at Ensenada, Mexico, is still expected to go ahead as planned on February 26. She will then return to her homeport of San Diego, California, for debarkation on February 27.
Will More Cruise Ships Be Affected?
Aside from Holland America Line, no other cruise lines have announced itinerary changes for Puerto Vallarta-bound sailings – though they are surely monitoring the situation closely.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss and Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess are also scheduled to visit the Western Mexico destination on February 25, 2026, and are set to be impacted.
Princess Cruises stated to Cruise Hive:
“Our security team has been closely monitoring the situation in Western Mexico. To prioritize the safety of our guests and crew, we have cancelled Royal Princess’ planned visit to Puerto Vallarta on February 25. We are working on reviewing our onward itinerary and will update guests on a potential replacement port.“
This is a developing situation, and Cruise Hive will share updates as they become available.
Virgin Voyages has cheekily noted it’s not banning certain articles of clothing from their restaurants.
The discussion comes after Norwegian Cruise Line recently tightened the dress code at certain specialty venues.
Clothing should be “considerate” of others for the adults-only cruise line, but there are a few strict guidelines.
Amid a flurry of criticism following Norwegian Cruise Line’s recent tightening of dress code for specialty restaurants, Virgin Voyages has confirmed it welcomes guests no matter how they may be dressed.
In a tongue-in-cheek email, Virgin Voyages notes how changing the dress code just isn’t part of their relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe.
“Despite extensive internal discussion, we have been unable to ban open-toed footwear from our restaurants. We have also failed on Hoodies – so they remain,”the cruise line explained.“Attempts to prohibit baseball caps have also failed.”
While there’s no actual confirmation that such “internal discussion” actually took place, the adults-only Virgin Voyages has never been afraid to distinguish itself as a carefree atmosphere.
Virgin Voyages’ official dress code certainly is relaxed and clearcut. The website describes it as:
“We always want all of our Sailors to feel comfortable. We encourage you to wear more than a bathing suit if you go to a restaurant, and to kindly wear footwear when you’re inside the ship. Your style is your style. Dress Up. Dress Down. Just Dress.”
Personal style is important for guests to express themselves, but the cruise line does not have a lengthy list of dos and don’ts for what to wear. The only request is that “attire remains considerate of those around you” and that, for specific themed events with more daring attire, “those bold looks stay within those specific spaces.”
For example, Virgin Voyages often hosts a PJ Party on its sailings, which can lead to more risque clothing selections. Those selections, while welcome at the party, may not be the best choice elsewhere on the ship.
Virgin Voyages Dress Code Notice
As for the infamous Scarlet Night party, that’s definitely a night when guests will be seeing red – lots of it. Just like other cruise lines’ White Night or similar parties, however, no one should feel pressured to wear red if they prefer not to.
During Scarlet Night, some guests will be decked out in formal wear in every shade of rouge, while others will don a simple red t-shirt or their favorite red socks and still fit right in.
“There are no dress code rules here!”the cruise line confirms.
For select specialty dining restaurants, Norwegian Cruise Line will no longer permit clothing such as hoodies, flip-flops, and shorts. These garments are very popular cruise wear, and many guests are upset at the change.
Norwegian Cruise Line has long considered itself the “freestyle” cruise line with fewer restraints on how guests enjoy their vacations. The addition of more restrictions is upsetting longtime guests who are accustomed to wearing what they wish.
Tighter dress codes can also be more of a problem for guests flying to cruise homeports, as adding specific dinner attire that may only be worn once can quickly fill up luggage when that space is already at a premium.
Add in swimwear, casual resort wear, proper clothing for certain shore tours, pajamas, outfits for theme nights, and shoes and accessories to match it all, and guests may find themselves packing far too many bags for the length of their cruise.
It isn’t just Norwegian Cruise Line that has trouble with dress codes. Cruise Hive has frequently reported on Carnival Cruise Line guests questioning attire for the main dining restaurants, particularly on elegant evenings.
While every cruise line has its own guidelines for what is and isn’t acceptable to wear onboard and in different restaurants, it is clear that onboard Virgin Voyages’ fleet of ladyships, guests really can come as they are and they will be welcomed with the same spectacular service and casual vibe the line prides itself on.
Holland America Line is broadly regarded as one of the best lines for Alaska cruises. Serving travelers who want a more upscale, mature experience, and frequently offering itineraries that visit Glacier Bay, Holland America has established a fanbase of avid cruisers who choose the line again and again for their trips to The Last Frontier.
Currently, you can book Holland America Alaska cruises on six different ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zanndam.
To help you pick the best ship for your dream vacation to Alaska, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about the experience and what to expect on each.
Ship Overview
Ship
Homeport(s)
Glacier Access
Best For
Eurodam
Seattle
Glacier Bay
Travelers wanting simple, low‑key cruising with strong itineraries
Koningsdam
Anchorage, Vancouver
Glacier Bay
Modern‑ship fans, food lovers, couples
Nieuw Amsterdam
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay
Value seekers, small‑ship feel, easy navigation
Noordam
Seattle
Glacier Bay
Long‑itinerary cruisers, refurbished‑ship fans
Westerdam
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier, Tokyo, Yokohama
Eurodam debuted in 2008 and was most recently updated in 2023. The ship is on the smaller side, with a capacity for 2,104 passengers at double occupancy. It offers nine dining venues, two pools, multiple bars and lounges, and pickleball courts.
Holland America Line Cruise Ship
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Eurodam
This ship isn’t exactly new by cruise industry standards, and despite recent refurbishments, the ship does show wear and tear, and it doesn’t feel like a necessarily modern cruise ship. There’s nothing flashy or impressive.
That said, that might not be that bad of a thing if you’re going on an Alaskan cruise for Alaska itself, rather than the on-ship experience. Expect to purchase shore excursions and spend most of your time in port.
Guests love Holland America’s Alaska itineraries and excursions, and if you’re not looking for big excitement on the ship, you should have no trouble enjoying each and every day of your cruise. If your itinerary includes sea days, use them to relax by the pool or in the spa.
Eurodam Alaska Itineraries
Holland America offers a handful of Alaska deployments on Eurodam, with fares starting at under $120 per night. Cruises are all seven nights and all depart from Seattle, with stops in popular destinations such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka.
Eurodam Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Small ship with few crowds
Ship is relatively outdated
Fan-favorite itineraries that leave from the U.S.
No flashy or exciting amenities
Koningsdam
Koningsdam is a little bit newer and bigger than Eurodam, and the lead ship in Holland America’s Pinnacle class. The ship debuted in 2016 and was refurbished in 2023.
Holland America Koningsdam in Alaska (Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe)
It can hold nearly 2,700 passengers at double occupancy, though over 3,000 passengers at max capacity. As the ship is bigger, it offers more dining options, and it still feels relatively new.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Koningsdam
As is the case with all Holland America ships, the reason you sail on Koningsdam is because of the great Alaskan itineraries, which often take visitors to Glacier Bay National Park(something that not all cruise lines or ships can do, due to the National Park Service’s strict regulations).
However, during sea days or when you’re otherwise not in port or enjoying the passing views of glaciers and wildlife from one of the balconies or upper decks, you’ll still find reasons to enjoy this ship.
Dining, guest services, and spaces like the pools and pickleball courts are well-reviewed (even if the entertainment options, like the live music, receive mixed reactions).
Koningsdam Alaska Itineraries
Holland America offers a nice range of Alaska itineraries on Koningsdam, with itineraries ranging from seven to 14 nights, and fares starting at around $120 per night. You have two departure port options, Anchorage and Vancouver.
Koningsdam Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Somewhat newer ship that stills feels modern
Entertainment receives mixed reviews
Highly rated dining
Somewhat newer ship that still feels modern
Nieuw Amsterdam
Nieuw Amsterdam is more similar to Eurodam. It was built in 2010 and holds just over 2,100 passengers at double occupancy, across the ship’s 11 decks.
Photo Credit: Paul Brady Photography
The ship’s 2023 refurbishments, though, did bring some changes that cruisers have appreciated — for example, the line added the specialty restaurant Morimoto by Sea.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam
A smaller ship with fewer crowds, Nieuw Amsterdam is easy to navigate, and it’s easy to find good scenic views, too. Cruisers say you’ll get some of the best inside views if you head to the Tamarind Bar.
While the ship doesn’t offer much in the way of big, first-at-sea attractions, like rollercoasters on the top deck or jaw-dropping dry slides, it does offer a lot of daily programming and activities to choose from. You’ll be able to keep yourself busy during sea days and when you’re not in port.
Many cruisers also find that this ship offers competitive fares (even without any exclusive cruise deals or special offers) and a good value for your money.
Nieuw Amsterdam Alaska Itineraries
Nieuw Amsterdam offers fares to Alaska starting at $105 per night, with itineraries ranging from seven to 14 nights in length. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
As such, keep in mind that, if you’re traveling to your port from the contiguous United States, choosing a Nieuw Amsterdam cruise will likely require some extra travel time (as well as some potential extra costs).
Nieuw Amsterdam Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Smaller ship that’s very easy to navigate
Ship is still on the older side
Fares are a good value
Entertainment can be somewhat limited
Noordam
Noordam is even smaller than the previously detailed Holland America ships, at 82,318 gross tons and holding just under 2,000 passengers.
The ship was built in 2006 and received its most recent facelift in 2024. This refurbishment was rather substantial, replacing a lot of the furnishings and décor, as well as completely overhauling some of the cabin bathrooms.
Holland America Noordam Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: twabian)
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Noordam
The refurbishments have really done this cruise ship a lot of good, so don’t let the age necessarily scare you away from booking an Alaskan cruise.
The views can be great from your stateroom or suite (so long as you book the correct ocean view stateroom category) and The Crow’s Nest Lounge is a favorite public space for taking in the scenery. As always on Holland America, the excursions and days in port are the highlight here.
Compared to some of the cruise line’s other ships, the dining and entertainment aren’t as top-tier on this small ship — but there’s only so much space to work with, so fewer options.
Noordam Alaska Itineraries
Holland America offers a handful of Alaska Deployments on Noordam. Fares start at $104 per night and itineraries range from seven to a whopping 28 nights — so if it’s a longer experience you’re after, Noordam may just be the Holland America ship for you.
The 28-night itinerary departs from Seattle and includes several days of scenic cruising before stops in ports like Ketchikan, Sitka, Valdez, Nome, Kodiak, Anchorage, and more.
Noordam Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Ship was recently updated
Ship is quite small, which makes for fewer on-ship options
Longer itineraries are available
Cruisers report dining and entertainment could be better
Westerdam
Built in 2004 and carrying under 2,000 passengers at double occupancy, Westerdam is similarly small. However, Westerdam was very, very recently updated, with a dry dock in January 2026.
Public spaces like The Crow’s Nest have been reimagined and reinvigorated for a more modern aesthetic and easier navigation. New ocean-view cabins were added (be sure to book one for the freshest experience possible; they’re on decks one and seven). Other cabins received new furnishings, flooring, décor, and bathrooms.
Holland America Line’s Westerdam (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Those who book a 2026 Alaska cruise on Westerdam will have the pleasure of being some of the first cruisers to experience these changes for themselves.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Westerdam
Even before the 2026 refurbishments, you could expect a nice, if outdated, time on Westerdam while cruising to Alaska. If you can’t get one of those brand-new cabins that were added during the refurbishment, make sure to get a cabin with a veranda and the horizon views that come with it.
Dining is limited, given the ship’s size. Along those lines, you won’t find a ton of ways to fill your nights or sea days — but, if you’re a relatively low-key, relaxed traveler, you will find enough. Plus, the highlights are the glaciers and Alaska’s ports of call anyway.
Westerdam Alaska Itineraries
Westerdam deployments start at $102 per night, with itineraries ranging from seven to 29 nights. There are tons of different itineraries to choose from, too.
Departure ports likewise really range, and include not just Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver and Whittier, which are all to be expected, but also Tokyo and Yokohama!
Yes, that’s right, you can take a transpacific cruise on Westerdam, from Asia to Alaska. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that really may persuade some cruisers to book this ship,regardless of its size or age.
Westerdam Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Affordable cruise fares
Smaller, older ship
Very recent renovations (2026)
Few dining and entertainment options
Zaandam
Lastly, Zaandam is the smallest and oldest of the ships that Holland America sends to Alaska, launched in 2000 and holding fewer than 1,500 passengers at double capacity. If you prefer a small, intimate cruise ship and will always pick one over the megaships of the modern era, Zaandam will likely appeal to you.
Holland America Zaandam Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Wayleebird)
The ship received refurbishments in 2025, which upgraded a lot of the public spaces, such as the spa and fitness center, as well as added an art studio for arts-related daily programming.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Zaandam
The ship is small, but that also means that it feels less crowded and more intimate than a lot of other cruise ships. Plus, the small size means easier access to off-the-beaten-path ports and scenery that big ships can’t visit.
Expect lots of great outdoor viewing areas, a quieter, older crowd, and stops at top Alaskan sites. Food, drinks, and entertainment may be more “meh” than what you’ll get on some of Holland America’s newer, bigger ships.
Zaandam Alaska Itineraries
Seven to 18-night itineraries are available on Zaandam, with fares starting at around $115 per night. Departure ports include Anchorage and Vancouver only.
Zaandam Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Small ship that’s easy to navigate
Mixed reviews for dining and drinks
Fewer crowds and a more intimate feel
Keeping busy will most often require leaving the ship
Which Ship is Cheapest?
Holland America isn’t really known as a budget cruise line, and it’s true that you can find cheaper cruises if you sail with another line to Alaska, such as Royal Caribbean. However, that doesn’t mean you have to spend big money to sail on Holland America.
Here are the lowest and highest per-night costs for each Holland America ship offering Alaska itineraries:
Eurodam: $118.43–$677
Koningsdam: $120.57–$482.71
Nieuw Amsterdam: $105.14–$552.23
Noordam: $104.14–$454.25
Westerdam: $102–$525.90
Zaandam: $115.57–$453.55
So, based on the above, you’re more likely to find the most affordable deals when booking on Noordam.
Why the huge price ranges? Fare really all depends on the individual itinerary, how long the cruise is, how new and in-demand the ship is, and the stateroom that you pick. As such, it’s worth shopping around a bit in order to find the best deals, given that there are so many factors at play.
An approaching winter storm will delay Odyssey of the Seas‘ departure from New Jersey on Sunday, February 22.
There’s nothing like feeling your cruise ship head out to sea to start your vacation and you feel those first waves beneath your feet. For guests boarding Odyssey of the Seas on Sunday, February 22, 2026, however, that feeling will come later than anticipated.
Odyssey of the Seas is homeported from Bayonne, New Jersey (Cape Liberty), and an impending winter storm will hold the ship at her homeport overnight, rather than setting sail on her 7-night Bahamas cruise.
Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests boarding the Quantum-Ultra Class ship to alert them to the situation and what to expect for their Sunday embarkation.
“Due to the winter storm approaching the Bayonne area, we are expecting high winds and rough seas,”the notification explained.“For this reason, we will remain alongside overnight until conditions are safe.”
The past month has been particularly challenging for any cruise ships homeported along the Atlantic coast from Charleston to New York. Cruise Hive has reported on numerous ships delayed by different winter storms.
The Sunday forecast for Bayonne includes morning rain changing to snow and strengthening to blizzard conditions by evening, with winds that may be as high as 25 miles per hour in the evening hours. Gusts may reach 50 miles per hour.
🚨 Beginning Tomorrow 🚨
Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are forecast to impact much of the Northeast and parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Snowfall amounts of 1 to 2 feet are forecast and wind gusts up to 40-70 mph are possible along immediate coastal regions. pic.twitter.com/4hfyUTfij5
The National Weather Service has a blizzard warning in effect from Sunday at 1 p.m. until Monday at 6 p.m. A total accumulation of 12-18 inches of snow is anticipated, with the strongest winds Sunday evening into Monday afternoon.
At this time, there is no change to the ship’s embarkation timing or process, and guests are still expected to arrive during their arrival time appointments and be onboard before the final boarding time.
Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas (Photo Credit: Lykourgos06)
“We will be closing the gangways to align with our planned departure time,”the cruise line confirmed.
This means that even though the cruise ship will remain docked overnight, guests who arrive late will not be permitted to board. Odyssey of the Seas can welcome as many as 5,510 guests when fully booked, and all travelers must arrive on time.
The evening’s onboard experience will, by necessity, be adjusted somewhat. Local laws and regulations require that the onboard retail shops and the Royal Casino remain closed until the ship departs.
Will the Itinerary Be Changed?
Guests booked on the cruise are naturally concerned about whether or not their planned itinerary can continue or if there will be any port cancellations or adjustments.
Odyssey of the Seas was expected to visit Port Canaveral on Tuesday, February 24, followed by Perfect Day at CocoCay on Wednesday and Nassau on Thursday before the ship heads back to New Jersey for debarkation on Sunday, March 1.
While there have been no confirmed itinerary changes as yet, the final decision will not be made until the ship’s departure time from New Jersey is confirmed.
“We will share an updated itinerary with you as soon as our departure time from Cape Liberty is finalized,”the cruise line said.
Guests who have had previous sailings delayed by storms in the same way have shared typical changes on Reddit, noting that it’s unlikely the ship will keep all her original port visits.
“We had this in October on Symphony. Ended up leaving Bayonne/Cape Liberty Tuesday around 5 am instead of Sunday,”one guest described.“We ended up skipping Port Canaveral and Nassau but had extra time at CocoCay.”
Royal Caribbean will attempt to preserve as much of the original itinerary as possible, but the safety of the ship, her guests, and her crew are always the first priority.
Guests should travel carefully to the cruise port on Sunday and stay patient with the crew onboard as the final sailing plan is worked out for the best possible cruise vacation in these challenging weather conditions.
A former guest of Ruby Princess has filed a lawsuit against Princess Cruises due to alleged negligence.
The passenger tripped on ribbons in one of the main dining rooms, which resulted in a nasty fall.
The guest feels that Princess Cruises is to blame because the ribbons should have been cleaned up.
What should have been a lovely dinner onboard Ruby Princess turned into a life-changing injury, and the impacted guest thinks that Princess Cruises is to blame.
Lucy Gero filed a lawsuit against the Carnival-owned brand in federal court on February 19, 2026, in which her legal team accuses the brand of three counts of negligence.
Per the claim, Gero was walking in the Michelangelo Dining Room on Deck 5 of the Grand-class ship on March 4, 2025.
This is where she tripped and fell due to ribbons that were left on the floor by crew members. For context, Cruise Hive has previously seen the crew break out ribbons for holiday sailings or to commemorate special occasions.
“On or about March 4, 2025, GERO was carefully walking in the dining room on Deck 5, when [she] tripped and fell on ribbons left on the floor by PRINCESS’s crew members,”the lawsuit alleges.
The Pennsylvania resident says that she sustained significant injuries in the fall, including a torn meniscus in her right knee. Her injury required surgery and has resulted in chronic pain and mobility loss.
Is Princess Cruises to Blame?
According to Gero, the cruise line should be held responsible for her injuries because the ribbons should not have been left on the floor.
Gero also alleges that the ribbons were not easily visible because of inadequate lighting and because they got lost in the busy pattern on the carpet.
“The ribbons were not adequately visible to passengers, including GERO, walking in the area, and it lacked adequate warning and/or color contrast to bring the tripping hazard to the attention of passengers,”the claim states.
Additionally, crew members in the near vicinity allegedly failed to warn Gero of the hazard.
“There were PRINCESS crew members in the subject area within 10-15 feet…the crew members failed to warn GERO of the ribbons and failed to repair the same or block off the area prior to GERO tripping on it,”the claim continued.
The exact location of the crew members, who most likely had their attention occupied by running a busy dinner service, has not been confirmed by the cruise line.
Finally, the plaintiff claims that Princess has its own internal policy requiring staff to inspect areas for cleanliness and safety hazards at regular intervals (such as every 15 minutes), and did not follow proper protocol in this case.
The existence of this policy and what it specifically entails has not been confirmed by the cruise line.
Princess Stays Silent…At Least So Far
At this time, Princess Cruises has not commented publicly on the lawsuit. However, it’s important to remember that there are always two sides to every story.
Additionally, security footage of the Michelangelo Dining Room, which should have had cameras rolling during the incident, has not been publicly released. This footage could very well confirm or debunk Gero’s claim.
It’s also worth noting that the 3,080-guest ship has continued to operate normally since the incident, and no similar issues have been reported.
Ruby Princess is currently operating sailings to Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and up the West Coast from San Francisco, California.
This also isn’t Princess Cruises’ first rodeo with lawsuits. As recently as December 2025, Cruise Hive reported on a lawsuit that was filed after a passenger was injured when a chair broke in one of the main theaters.
In November 2025, another injury lawsuit was filed after a guest slipped on a greasy substance while using the stairs onboard Enchanted Princess.
Unfortunately, lawsuits are simply an inevitable part of operating a customer-facing business. Princess is prepared for this and has access to its own team of legal resources, as well as Carnival Corporation’s legal team.
Cruise Hive’s weekly news roundup is the best way to stay informed about the major developments across the cruise industry. Top stories in this edition include coverage of new ship orders for all three Norwegian brands; the rescue of six people in a makeshift boat off Cuba; and the growing opposition to a new cruise port in Tampa, Florida.
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Technical Failure Prompts Cruise Cancellation
With just one day’s notice before departure, guests booked to sail aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Infinity learned their vacation at sea was cancelled.
The February 16, 2026, voyage, an 11-night Greek Islands cruise, was nixed due to a technical problem that emerged as the ship’s previous sailing ended. The cruise line has not revealed the nature of the technical failure, but guests on the earlier sailing posted on social media about a major power outage.
Celebrity Infinity is a Millennium-class ship that launched in 2001. The cruise line told booked guests that the cruise was cancelled because more time is needed to complete repairs.
The Greek Islands voyage was to operate roundtrip from Athens and call at Mycenae, Crete, and Rhodes, plus destinations in Cyprus and Turkey.
All guests are receiving a full refund of their cruise fare and all pre-paid packages or amenities. Also, they will enjoy a 100% Future Cruise Credit of the cruise fare. The credit is valid for any Celebrity Cruises’ voyage on any ship within the next year.
Cruise Ship Rescues Six in Boat Off Cuba
Six people seen bailing water out of their makeshift boat off Cuba were rescued by Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas on February 15, 2026.
It was around 4:45 p.m. when the emergency unfolded. Seeing what appeared to be the inhabitants of the boat struggling, Radiance of the Seasdispatched its pilot boat and brought the sailors back to the cruise ship.
Radiance of the Seas Rescue (Photo Credits: Junior-Front-5544 & Eric Glenn)
Radiance of the Seas was operating a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, and was enjoying a day at sea when the boat was spotted. The six individuals were scheduled to be disembarked at the next port of call, Grand Cayman, on February 16.
In cases of rescues, those brought onboard cruise ships are typically provided with food and water, and any needed medical care before they are released to proper authorities on land.
Radiance of the Seas’ itinerary was not affected by the rescue. It is unknown whether the sailors were Cuban refugees, but it is likely that they were.
New Ships Ordered For All Norwegian Brands
Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises each will receive a new ship thanks to an order their parent company placed with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings ordered the vessels for delivery in 2036 and 2037. The ship for Norwegian Cruise Line will be the fourth in a planned new class, still unnamed. For Oceania, the new order will be a sister ship to Oceania Sonata, the line’s first in the Sonata class, debuting in 2027.
Norwegian Cruise Line Logo on Ship (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)
At ultra-luxury line Regent, the new order will be a sister ship to Seven Seas Prestige, set to launch in late 2026.
The latest orders add to a massive ship order previously made by the parent company. All told, there are currently 17 ships ordered across the three brands through 2037.
The continuing growth of the brands means that cruisers will have more choices in three distinct levels — the mass market Norwegian Cruise Line, the upmarket Oceania Cruises, and the ultra-luxe Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Investor Issues Rebuke of Cruise Giant Norwegian
One of the biggest investors in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings told the cruise giant’s board of directors that the company has fallen behind competitors and needs substantial leadership and strategy changes.
Elliott Investment Management, which holds about a 10% stake in the company, also suggested it would take its appeal directly to other shareholders at their annual meeting in March. The holding company owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)
In a letter to the board, Elliott was highly critical of the company’s financial performance, saying that its share value should be at least $56 — it is hovering this week at around $24.
As for leadership, Elliott took issue with the board’s appointment of one of its members, John W. Chidsey, as chief executive officer. Leadership, said Elliott, should reflect direct cruise industry experience; Chidsey is a former CEO of Subway and Burger King.
In its rebuke of current management, the investor also pointed to an inconsistent strategy as one of the key issues the board must address.
New Findings in Elevator Death Aboard Arvia
The investigation continues into the grisly death of a crew member, an electrical technician, aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia in 2025, but new findings have emerged.
The technician was conducting a maintenance check on an elevator when he was crushed between the elevator and the shaft. The crew member was inspecting the top of the elevator when, apparently, the elevator suddenly began moving upward.
With 5,000 guests onboard, Arvia was sailing from Southampton, England, to the Canary Islands when the accident happened at about 6 a.m. on October 26, 2025.
P&O Arvia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Wayleebird)
The ship’s medical officials pronounced the technician dead, and the ship detoured to La Coruna, Spain, where the crew member was removed from the ship.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is leading the investigation; the ship is registered in Bermuda.
While the cause of death is still pending and the investigation continues, officials say they believe that the tragedy was caused by a combination of equipment defects and safety procedures.
A Heartbreaking Experience on Norwegian Jewel
A sad event unfolded on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel, when a pregnant guest went into labor early and, unfortunately, her premature twins both died.
The guest, Paris Singleton-Ajaero, sailed from Tampa with her mother on February 1, 2026, on what was meant to be a fun 4-night getaway. The woman was 21 weeks pregnant; cruise line policy allows guests to sail if they are up to 24 weeks along.
Her husband, John Ajaero, was not onboard. Shortly after embarking, Singleton-Ajaero went into labor. Her son, John Jr., was born on the ship but did not survive.
Norwegian Jewel and Paris Ajaero (Photo Credit: indie_enchantress & GoFundMe)
The guest was quickly evacuated with her mother to a hospital in Cancun, where the second twin, Journey Rose, was born. She also died.
The couple, who live in Maryland, soon encountered a series of regulations surrounding the return of human remains, and learned the twins could not accompany their mother home.
The family is attempting to deal with international rules regarding repatriation, and hopes to have the twins transported to Maryland as soon as possible. A GoFundMe campaign has been activated.
Opposition to New Cruise Port in Tampa Grows
The local population in Tampa Bay, Florida, is putting up quite a fight in a bid to stop construction of a new cruise port.
The proposed cruise port would be located on the oceanside of Tampa’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge, enabling mega-ships to call or be based at the port. Currently, only smaller ships can fit under the bridge, keeping the destination’s cruise-tourism business limited.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa (Photo Credit: Mbowe)
Residents opposed to the project say it would impact the marine ecosystem, including fish nurseries, nesting birds, coral reefs, and marine habitats. One state senator agrees, and has filed legislation to block the plan.
But proponents say the new port would result in 31,000 construction jobs and 13,000 permanent jobs once the facility is open. Also, it would bring an estimated $40 million in tax revenue each year. The project is still in preliminary stages, and no decisions have been made.
More Cruise Headlines
Let’s not stop now! Cruise Hive has many more stories you will want to read, such as P&O Cruises revealing the air carriers for its 2026-27 fly-cruise program; a storm near Hawaii forcing a Disney Cruise Line ship to revise her itinerary; and Princess Cruises announcing special sailings to mark the 250th birthday of the US.
Also, a former Royal Caribbean executive eyes a position with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Conquest emerges from dry dock with several enhancements.
Royal Caribbean has announced plans to improve the roads in Nuevo Mahahual on Costa Maya.
Rehabilitation road work will begin soon and continue for around a month.
This speaks to Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the local community as it builds Perfect Day Mexico.
Royal Caribbean is reaffirming its commitment to the environment and the local community surrounding Perfect Day Mexico, its upcoming private destination on Costa Maya.
Royal Caribbean announced that it would be making a significant investment to upgrade the roads in Nuevo Mahahual, which will surround the massive 200+ acre resort. The road rehabilitation will begin in the next few days and will take around one month to complete.
“Royal Caribbean is proud to support the well-being and development of Nuevo Mahahual,” said Ari Adler, President, Royal Caribbean Mexico.
“We consider ourselves a neighbor in this community, independent of any tourism project. Our commitment remains rooted in listening, engaging and building long-term solutions together,” Adler continued.
Of course, Royal Caribbean is also making an investment in its own business. Improved infrastructure will make the destination more desirable, as better roads make it easier to navigate the future resort and the surrounding area.
The cruise line shelled out $292 million USD to purchase the Port of Mahahual and 34 surrounding properties, and it’s an investment the brand will want to make the most of.
Environmental Concerns
Despite making efforts to protect the environment and enhance local infrastructure, Cruise Hive learned that a local judge halted the development of Perfect Day Mexico due to environmental concerns at the end of January.
The injunction request came from an organization called Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS), which is concerned that there are land-use irregularities that need to be resolved before the development moves forward.
The group wasn’t outright opposed to the project, but wanted to ensure that plans are made to protect the environment and public health before construction goes too far.
As of the time of publication, construction remains halted by the provisional suspension. Depending on how long the delay lasts, it could jeopardize the planned opening in Fall of 2027.
Royal Caribbean Cares About the Environment
From the very beginning, the environment and sustainability has been at the forefront of Royal Caribbean’s planning.
The family-friendly cruise line has set goals that speak to this, including conserving 45 hectares (around 111 acres) of mangroves, restoring degraded coastal areas, and powering operations with 100% renewable energy by 2040.
View of Perfect Day Mexico
Mangroves, which are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs, are vital to preserving Costa Maya’s biodiversity-rich habitats and for coastal protection.
There are also plans to demolish and replace an existing waterpark, which is polluted and damaged, with a modern, environmentally conscious waterpark.
The new waterpark will feature more than 30 waterslides, including the tallest waterslides anywhere in North and South America, and the longest lazy river in the world.
More Pushback Against Perfect Day Mexico
Beyond environmental concerns, some cruise fans and locals alike have concerns that the new private destination will hurt local businesses, as passengers may be more likely to stay within the cruise line-owned resort.
However, only Royal Caribbean guests will be permitted within Perfect Day Mexico, and several other cruise lines do call at Costa Maya, which should help prevent significant losses for local business owners.
And especially among guests who don’t cruise with Royal Caribbean, there are concerns about limiting access to public beaches, which could make their beach day experience more crowded than pleasant.
More immediately, there has also been upset as several cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, have skipped Costa Maya due to construction concerns and related port availability changes.
Hopefully, everyone will start to feel more excited about Perfect Day Mexico as it gets closer to completion.
Savannah Ward is suing Carnival Cruise Line after being injured on a waterslide aboard Carnival Sunshine.
The incident occurred in March 2025 and Ward broke her foot and sprained her ankle.
Lawsuits regarding onboard waterslide incidents are not uncommon and can happen against any cruise line.
No one wants to get injured on their cruise vacation, but just how much fault do cruise lines have for injuries sustained onboard their ships, on equipment they’ve installed, when monitored by cruise line employees?
One woman is alleging the Carnival Cruise Line bears responsibility for injuries she received while riding a waterslide on Carnival Sunshine due to the slide not operating properly and the crew members continuing to send guests down the slide.
The woman, Savannah Ward of Virginia, has filed suit against Carnival, according to documents filed on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in the US District Court, Southern District of Florida.
The incident happened on March 20, 2025, while Ward was enjoying a Carnival Sunshine cruise. The 104,000-gross-ton ship was (and still is) homeported from Norfolk, Virginia, and at the time was on the next-to-last full day of a 6-night Bahamas itinerary that had originally set sail on March 16.
According to the lawsuit, Ward“rode on a water slide aboard the vessel that was open to passengers for their enjoyment, and she was injured when she reached the bottom and her feet collided with a wall at the bottom of the slide.”
Ward’s injury happened in the final runout area of the slide. That section of the slide generally has a few inches of water to provide enough friction and water pressure to cushion guests’ plunge and bring them to a safe stop.
Carnival Sunshine in the Caribbean
The lawsuit alleges that the minimum amount of water was not maintained at the bottom of the slide, yet two Carnival crew members continued to operate the slide and permit guests to ride.
As a result of her collision with the wall at the end of the slide, Ward broke her right foot and sprained her left ankle. This has led to permanent loss of mobility, range of motion, and strength, along with chronic pain.
Was the Cruise Line at Fault?
Any cruise guest who has enjoyed waterslides knows that the finale splashes easily drain water from these runout areas, and water is pulled out of the runouts as guests exit the slide after their splashdown.
Just how much water is removed from the runout area depends on how quickly guests are dispatched down the slide, how big a splash individual guests may make, and how much water is flowing down the slide to keep the area refilled.
It is not known which slide Ward was injured on. Carnival Sunshine has three slides in its WaterWorks park, located aft on Deck 10. The yellow “Twister” slide is an individual ride, while the green and blue “Speedway Splash” slides are designed for guests to race one another on separate but similar slides.
All three are curved style slides rather than vertical drops, but nevertheless, guests can get significant speed while enjoying the slides. All three also have similar runout brake sections at the end.
Carnival Cruise Line’s website notes that height and weight restrictions do apply to WaterWorks, but exact specifications are not listed and may vary on different ships or with different slide styles.
Signage on individual ships would further clarify those restrictions if necessary. It is possible that certain restrictions for the slides may not have been properly enforced, or that conditions in the runout brake were not maintained properly.
Ward’s lawsuit does note that there have been several previous lawsuits against Carnival Cruise Line for similar waterslide injuries. These types of lawsuits are not uncommon and Cruise Hive has previously reported on several, including the incident aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas when waterslide broke dramatically in midair, injuring a guest.
Ward is demanding a jury trial for the incident and is seeking both costs and damages already incurred, as well as future losses and suffering.
