Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder cancelled a call to Kauai due to high winds.
The ship altered her itinerary and added an overnight in Honolulu.
The 10-night cruise sails to Vancouver before returning to San Diego.
Strong winds and poor weather conditions are impacting some areas of the Hawaiian Islands, including regions where Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder is sailing.
The 1,750-guest ship was due to depart Honolulu on February 16, 2026, operating a 10-night voyage to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Three port calls were originally scheduled, including an overnight in Nawiliwili, on the island of Kauai on February 17 and 18, followed by Kahului, Maui, on February 19, and finally Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, on February 20. After that, the ship will sail 5 at-sea days before arriving in Vancouver on February 26.
“We have been closely monitoring a weather system that has the potential to impact our planned stop in Nawiliwili, Hawaii. Given the anticipated strong winds and adverse sea conditions, we will not be able to visit Nawiliwili on Tuesday and Wednesday,” a notice from Disney said, which was posted online.
Disney Wonder Letter
But Mother Nature is intervening with rain and wind gusts up to 36 miles per hour during the planned call to Kauai. The overnight stay was cancelled and is being replaced with an overnight in Honolulu on February 16-17, followed by a sea day on February 18.
“We will instead overnight in Honolulu tonight with an 8:00 a.m. departure on Tuesday morning before spending a day at sea on Wednesday, where conditions are forecasted to be more favorable,” the cruise line added.
Additional Disney Wonder Itinerary Change
However, a later message from the line indicates that the ship will now call at Hilo twice — on February 18, rather than spending the day at sea, and again as originally planned on February 20.
The new itinerary, as it currently stands, is as follows: The ship overnighted in Honolulu on embarkation day, February 16; operates a sea day on February 17; calls at Hilo on February 18; Maui on February 19; and Hilo on February 20. After that, the ship is at sea until her arrival in Canada.
The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory, prompting the itinerary changes.
Disney Wonder Update
The revised itinerary was announced on departure day, and the line’s notice confirms that all excursions in Kauai booked through the cruise line are being automatically removed from guests’ onboard accounts.
New excursions are being made available via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and at the Port Adventures department onboard the ship.
Wrote one cruiser on Reddit: “I know it’s out of their control and I’m still looking forward to the rest of this cruise, but just wanted to vent a little. . . . EDIT: Disney came through – they added another stop at Hilo to make up for the cancellations. This is why I love traveling with Disney!!”
Weather Impacted Another Ship’s Operations in Kauai
The weather around Kauai has been problematic for several days. As Cruise Hive reported, rough seas played a role in an incident where a harbor pilot fell into the water as he was trying to board a Princess Cruises’ ship on February 10, 2026.
In that case, Emerald Princess was preparing to enter the port on Kauai as the harbor pilot was coming aboard. He was retrieved from the water quickly and was uninjured.
Even in Europe, high winds and storms are impacting some itineraries. MSC Cruises’ MSC Splendida was unable to dock in Marseille, France, on February 15, due to high winds.
Following the Honolulu to Vancouver cruise, Disney Wonder will depart the Canadian port on February 26 and return to her homeport of San Diego, where she will operate a series of voyages to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.
Disney Wonder is one of seven ships in the cruise line’s fleet; she entered service in 1999.
Marella Voyager remained in Las Palmas overnight unexpectedly due to rough weather.
The extended stay cancelled the ship’s visit to Arrecife the following day.
During her new overnight visit, the ship had to close gangways to transfer to a different berth.
Marella Voyager‘s current 7-night “Canarian Flavours” sailing has not been quite as flavorful as guests may have hoped, as poor weather has kept the ship in port unexpectedly overnight and forced the cancellation of another port visit.
Guests onboard were notified of the change via loudspeaker announcements as well as a letter delivered to their staterooms over the weekend regarding the adjustments.
“We can confirm that it is not possible for Marella Voyager to call to the port of Arrecife, Lanzarote, tomorrow the 15th February 2026 as a result of poor weather conditions,”the letter explained.
“The weather forecast tonight continues to deteriorate significantly which does not ensure the safety of maneuvers due to high winds. So, we will remain in the shelter of the port, here in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria overnight until 17.00 [5 p.m.] tomorrow.”
Marella Voyager is homeported in the Canary Islands, offering departure options from both Tenerife and Las Palmas.
The ship’s current weeklong sailing began on Friday, February 13, from Tenerife, and the visit to Las Palmas was the first port on the itinerary on February 14. Instead of moving on to Arrecife the next day, the ship remained in Las Palmas, giving guests the rare opportunity to enjoy the destination’s sparkling nightlife.
The weather in Arrecife on Sunday was indeed blustery. On the small island of Lanzarote, where the port of Arrecife is located, Weather Underground recorded that steady winds remained from 20-30 miles per hour throughout the day, only slowing slightly after 6 p.m.
Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands and a popular port for ships visiting the archipelago. Marella Voyager will return to Arrecife for her next visit on Sunday, February 22, weather permitting.
In the meantime, any excursions guests had booked through Marella Cruises for their time in Arrecife were cancelled automatically and refunded.
Marella Cruises Funnel (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
For the remainder of this cruise, no further changes are expected. Marella Voyager moved on to Puerto del Rosario on Monday, February 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a day at sea.
Wednesday, February 18 will be spent in Funchal from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while La Gomera is the final port visit on Thursday, February 19 from 1-7 p.m. The ship will return to Tenerife for debarkation on Friday, February 20.
The 77,300-gross-ton Marella Voyager is the newest ship for Marella Cruises, having just joined the line in 2023. She can welcome 1,912 guests aboard for each sailing.
Berth Shift Limits Gangway Access
While the ship did indeed remain in Las Palmas overnight, she did not remain in the exact same position.
“To facilitate this extended stay we are required to change berth within the port,”the letter explained.
This could have been due to previous scheduling conflicts, the facilities available to service the ship overnight, or ensuring the vessel was in as much of a protected position as possible for her longer stay.
To accommodate the move between berths, Marella Voyager pulled up her gangways from 10:30 p.m. until midnight during her overnight stay.
During those 90 minutes, the ship moved to her new location, where the gangways were again lowered for guests to come and go as they wished. This move was timed so that the disruption interfered with as few guests as possible and was accomplished without difficulty.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on similar occasions when cruise ship must remain sheltered in port, such as when Ambassador Group’s Ambitionremained overnight in Lisbon due to rough weather in mid-January.
When cruise ships have such last-minute changes with longer stays in port, every effort is made to keep the vessel at the same berth. If a change is necessary, it is done as quickly and efficiently as possible, and guests onboard Marella Voyager were not unduly inconvenienced.
Great things are coming for every brand under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) as the company has announced an agreement with Fincantieri for three new ships, one each for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The Italian shipbuilder will design and construct all three new ships, with delivery dates in 2036 and 2037.
The Norwegian Cruise Line ship will be the fourth in the upcoming as-yet-unnamed new class for the line, which Cruise Hive has previously reported.
The new class will be the largest ever built for Norwegian Cruise Line, with the first vessel slated to debut in 2030. At an expected 225,000 gross tons, the new class will rival Royal Caribbean’s famed Oasis class ships and each vessel should be able to welcome approximately 5,100 guests at double occupancy.
For Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas cruises, the new ships will both be sister ships to existing designs in new classes to debut in the next two years.
The Oceania Cruises’ new ship will be a sister ship to Oceania Sonata (debuting in 2027) first in the new Sonata class, while the new ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises will be a sister ship to Seven Seas Prestige, scheduled to debut in December 2026.
“Together with Fincantieri, a trusted partner for decades, we continue to advance a disciplined approach to fleet growth that builds on the strength of our brands, defines the future of cruising and elevates the guest experience for years to come,”said John W. Chidsey, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCLH.
Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
“This agreement secures access to valuable shipyard capacity through the end of 2037, supporting our long-term growth while maintaining financial discipline and driving sustainable shareholder value.”
By adding a new, upcoming ship to each of its brands, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is ensuring continued growth across the breadth of the cruise market, from the mass-market appeal of Norwegian Cruise Line’s megaships to the luxury experiences aboard the Oceania and Regent Seven Seas fleets.
17 New Ships Planned Across Three Cruise Lines
In total, Norwegian Cruise Line now has 17 newbuild ships on order with delivery dates as follows:
Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Luna (2026); Norwegian Aura (2027); Prima-plus (2028); New class (2030, 2032, 2034, 2036, 2037)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Prestige (2026); Prestige class (2030, 2033, 2036)
Adding new ships to each fleet is an important growth strategy for the company, ensuring appeal to all types of cruise guests. New ships offer new venues, features, and amenities that keep guests returning for future cruise vacations.
It should be noted that future cruise new build contracts are always subject to financing. This is a standard agreement but protects both the cruise line and the shipyard in case of financial conflicts or economic fluctuations.
In today’s competitive cruise market, however, it is imperative that cruise lines secure adequate shipyard space for the construction of future ships.
Shipyard logistics can be complicated, needing to accommodate not only new builds but also regularly scheduled dry dock operations as well as emergency repairs.
By placing these new build orders nearly a decade before construction would even begin on the three ships, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings continues to position itself for growth and innovation in the ever-expanding cruise industry.
Radiance of the Seas rescued six individuals west of Cuba on Sunday, February 15.
The individuals were in a small boat that was taking on water at the time of the rescue.
The cruise ship is currently on a 6-night cruise and no itinerary change is expected at this time.
While enjoying what was intended to be a quiet day at sea on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas sprang into action when a makeshift boat was spotted nearby taking on water.
Onboard were six individuals, all of whom were taken onto the cruise ship because their craft was not seaworthy.
Guests onboard Radiance of the Seasshared the tense scene on Reddit, noting that the stranded individuals appeared to be bailing water out of their craft as the cruise ship approached.
Satellite tracking confirms that the 90,090-gross-ton ship was just west of Cuba at the time of the encounter, and in fact, Radiance of the Seas backtracked slightly along her course in order to effect the rescue.
The incident happened at roughly 4:45 local time, when the cruise ship stopped briefly and sent a notification to authorities. The pilot boat from Radiance of the Seas was sent out to meet the smaller craft about an hour later and all six individuals were safely brought onboard the cruise ship.
It is not clear where the small craft originated from, though Cuba is the likely home country for these individuals. Cruise Hive has previously covered multiple similar rescues in the same general area from several cruise ships.
Radiance of the Seas Rescue (Photo Credit: Mike Hoglander)
This time of year is common for such incidents, as it is outside hurricane season and weather conditions, while never ideal for such small, makeshift boats, are smoother for desperate attempts.
What Happens to Rescued Individuals?
Once onboard, it is standard practice for rescued individuals to be given food, water, and any necessary medical care. The appropriate authorities are alerted to the situation and the individuals will be turned over to those authorities as soon as possible.
In some cases, this will mean dropping the individuals off at the next port of call, which for Radiance of the Seas will be Grand Cayman on Monday, February 16. This is what the ship’s captain has confirmed will be the case in this incident.
Another option would often be to rendezvous with the relevant authorities at sea for the individuals to be transferred into appropriate custody. This might be necessary if the cruise ship was not scheduled for another port visit before leaving the region or returning to the US.
Regardless of when and how refugees are submitted to authorities, the individuals are generally returned to their home country in accordance with local laws.
It should be noted that at no time are rescued individuals permitted in guest areas or furnished with the extravagant amenities of the cruise ship. They remain restricted to crew areas and kept under secure watch at all times, though they are not considered prisoners and are not confined to the brig.
Radiance of the Seas is currently sailing a 6-night itinerary that departed Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, February 14. The ship will visit Grand Cayman on Monday, followed by another day at sea before a visit to Cozumel on Wednesday, February 18.
After a third day at sea, Radiance of the Seas will return to Fort Lauderdale on Friday, February 20.
There is no indication that the ship’s itinerary will be impacted by this encounter, but guests onboard will be notified if any schedule adjustment is necessary. Radiance of the Seas can host up to 2,501 guests (double occupancy) per sailing.
A small delay or diversion is certainly worthwhile to safeguard all life, and cruise ships from all lines will always stand ready to assist those in need, anywhere in the world.
The February 16 departure of Celebrity Infinity has been cancelled following a technical issue and power loss.
Impacted guests are being given full refunds, future cruise credits, and other compensation.
The nature of the technical issue has not been confirmed but is strikingly similar to a fire and power loss in July 2025.
The day before embarkation can be a stressful one as cruise guests finish (or in my case, start) packing, travel to the cruise port, and otherwise prepare for their getaway.
For guests hoping to board Celebrity Infinity on Monday, February 16, 2026, however, the day before embarkation has become much more disappointing than stressful, as they have now been informed their sailing has been cancelled.
The decision to cancel the cruise comes shortly after the 90,940-gross-ton, Millennium Class ship suffered a technical failure at the end of the previous sailing. Cruise Hive has already reported on the resulting power loss and early debarkation for previous guests.
Now, the next cruise is completely cancelled as the ship will require more time to repair.
“During our previous voyage, the ship experienced a technical issue and while our experts have been working diligently, we need additional time to complete necessary assessments and repairs,”the email notification explained.
“After carefully considering all options, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the February 16th, 2026, sailing.”
The now-cancelled voyage was to have been an 11-night “Best of Greece” exploration visiting a number of Greek Isles destinations, including Mycenae, Crete, and Rhodes, along with stops in Cyprus and Turkey, before returning to Piraeus (Athens) on Thursday, February 26, with debarkation the next day.
Celebrity Infinity Letter
Celebrity Cruises has not yet elaborated on the nature of the technical issue or the type of repairs necessary to bring Celebrity Infinity back to full service.
Because the full 11-night sailing is cancelled rather than being offered as a shortened voyage, the repairs may be quite extensive or there may be a need for specialty parts or technicians to fully repair the ship.
Guests onboard the ship reported on Reddit that the “bravo bravo bravo” emergency call was heard at the time of the power outage. This call would typically indicate a fire onboard, but has not been confirmed.
Cruise Hive has reached out to Celebrity Cruises for more information and will provide updates as they are confirmed.
In July 2025, Cruise Hive reported a similar incident on Celebrity Infinity, when small fire resulted in a power outage and a dramatically adjusted itinerary with multiple ports cancelled while the ship underwent repairs.
Celebrity Infinity can welcome 2,170 guests onboard at double occupancy, and is also home to approximately 1,000 international crew members. No injuries to either guests or crew have been reported with this incident.
Generous Compensation Offered for Last-Minute Cancellation
Due to the last-minute nature of the full cruise cancellation, Celebrity Cruises is offering generous compensation to impacted guests.
“While we can’t give you back the time you invested in your vacation, we are committed to ensuring you feel fully supported as you adjust your plans,”the email said.
All guests booked on the February 16 departure of Celebrity Infinity will receive a full cruise refund, including all non-refundable deposits and pre-paid amenities such as internet access, drink packages, spa treatments, or shore tours.
Those refunds will be returned to the original form of payment within 14 business days. The exact processing time for refunds may vary depending on guests’ individual financial institutions.
All guests will also receive a future cruise credit (FCC) valued at 100% of their cruise fare. This amount does not include taxes or pre-paid amenities, but only the cruise fare.
The FCC will be valid for any Celebrity Cruises sailing within the next year. It does not need to be used for a future sailing aboard Celebrity Infinity or for a cruise in the Greek Isles, but can be used for any future Celebrity Cruises voyage on any ship in the fleet.
Furthermore, if guests booked flights through the cruise line, they will be contacted with updated travel details. Celebrity Cruises will also reimburse up to $200 (USD) for flight change fees for domestic flights or up to $400 for international flights if guests booked their flights independently.
Reimbursement for up to two hotel nights (up to $300 USD per night) will also be available as guests sort out their travel plans.
Finally, Celebrity Cruises is also providing guests with a credit of $100 USD per guest for up to two days to cover “incidentals” such as meals and other transportation.
Guests must submit receipts for air changes, hotels, and any incidental charges to Celebrity Cruises for reimbursement consideration.
At this time, there is no information concerning the ship’s next departure on February 27, a 10-night sailing. If the repairs are able to be completed before then, the sailing will likely move ahead without impact, or additional cancellations might be necessary if repairs take longer than expected.
When you talk about Alaska cruises, there’s one name that comes up again and again: Princess Cruise Lines. The brand has decades of experience offering cruises to The Last Frontier, plus owns a bevy of land-based lodges to further extend and enhance your vacation.
Currently, Princess Cruises operates nine cruise ships on its Alaska deployments: Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess and Star Princess. Obviously, that gives you a lot of options and they can feel overwhelming.
I’m here to help, breaking down everything you need to know about these nine ships, specifically what kind of Alaska experience you can expect on each, so you can make the best choice for your upcoming 2026-2028 cruise.
Ship Overview
Ship
Homeport(s)
Glacier Access
Best For
Coral Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Small‑ship fans, retirees, balcony lovers
Crown Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Mid‑size traditional cruising, value seekers
Discovery Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
New‑ship fans, couples, modern amenities
Emerald Princess
Los Angeles
Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point
Scenery lovers, sea‑day fans
Grand Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Budget cruisers, port‑intensive itineraries
Island Princess
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, Whittier
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Small‑ship, low‑stress cruising
Royal Princess
Seattle
Glacier Bay (select itineraries)
Amenity‑focused travelers, Seattle departures
Ruby Princess
San Francisco
Glacier Bay
West Coast/SF cruisers, promenade‑view fans
Star Princess
Seattle & Vancouver
Glacier Bay
Newest‑ship experience, activity seekers
Coral Princess
Coral Princess debuted in 2003 and was originally built specifically for cruises that pass through the Panama Canal. While the ship is up there in age, it was refurbished in 2019 and then again in 2024, and cruisers report that she feels fresh.
The ship is on the smaller side, with a capacity of just 2,000 guests. There are 1,545 staterooms, and 700 of those come with balconies (great for taking in the Alaskan scenery).
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Coral Princess
Cruisers love that this is a smaller ship, and rave about the high level of service that Princess Cruises is known for. Crowds are very minimal, and the average age is more in the retiree range.
Princess Cruises really goes all in on the land-based excursions during its Alaska sailings, and that remains the case on Coral Princess, so be sure to book a few.
Alaska Deployments
Starting at just around $100 USD per night, Princess Cruises offers Alaska deployments on Coral Princess that range in length from six to 17 nights, and leave from four departure ports: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier. Both one-way and round-trip cruises are available, visiting popular stops such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and more.
Coral Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Small ship with minimal crowds
Overall older ship
Plenty of balcony staterooms available
Smaller ships do ultimately feature fewer amenities/options
Crown Princess
Crown Princess is a little bit newer and bigger than Coral Princess. Originally launched in 2006, the ship holds just under 3,100 guests. The ship also recently received extensive renovations via a dry dock in December of 2025.
Crown Princess in Vancouver (Photo Credit: Lenic)
The renovations included the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub to the ship’s dining options and the EFFY Lounge and High-End Vault for shopping. The casino was also given an overhaul.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Crown Princess
Prior to the 2025 dry dock, guests on Crown Princess’s Alaska cruises complained heavily regarding the ship’s age and basic wear and tear throughout. However, the cruise line’s official statement on the dry dock notes that the ship underwent “general refurbishments,” so those issues should now be resolved.
As is to be expected, cruisers still rave about the ship’s crew on Crown Princess, and find the staterooms to be spacious. Balconies and suites are a favorite pick for Alaskan itineraries.
Alaska Deployments
Starting at around $144 per night, Crown Princess sails Alaska itineraries ranging in length from four to 17 nights. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Itineraries stop at popular ports like Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as Princess Cruises’ lodges in national parks near Denali and Mt McKinley.
Crown Princess Pros & Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Small ship with few crowds
Older ship despite recent refurbishments
Spacious staterooms
Few entertainment and dining options
Discovery Princess
Just like Crown Princess,Discovery Princess also underwent some refurbishments in late 2025 — but it’s not like the ship was in dire need of them. Its maiden voyage occurred in 2022. Still, the cruise line gave the ship new carpets, upholstery, and furnishings. The ship can hold 3,660 people and weighs in at 145,000 GT.
Discovery Princess in Ketchikan, Alaska (Photo Credit: Kenneth Sponsler)
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Discovery Princess
Expect scenic views aplenty and a newer ship that still feels fresh and luxurious when you sail to Alaska on Discovery Princess.
Even though it might be pricier, balcony rooms or mini-suites are a must, both for the extra space, as well as the wildlife watching opportunities.
A lot of Alaska itineraries have sea days, and while Princess Cruises ships don’t, by nature, have a lot of flashy, big features like a roller coaster or go-kart track on the top deck, they do offer enough for adults looking to relax to fill their time.
Kids and teens on the other hand… well, they might get bored while the adults spend their days at the Lotus spa or casino.
New Princess guests need to know that you should book your excursions for your next cruise on this vessel asap. While there aren’t a ton of people on this ship (at least not when you compare it to mega ships that can hold more than double the number of cruisers), travelers say the excursions book up fast.
Alaska Deployments
Discovery Princess travels to Alaska on seven to 17-night itineraries, starting at $112 per night. Departure ports for upcoming cruises include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Discovery Princess Pros & Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Newer ship that feels more luxurious than some of Princess Cruises’ older vessels
Many cruisers complain about long boarding processes
Highly rated service and staff
This cruise ship isn’t the most family-friendly
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess was launched in 2007 and can fit 3,090 people across its 1,546 staterooms. The ship received a large refurbishment in 2019, and then was dry docked in 2025 for some basic maintenance.
Emerald Princess (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock)
As of 2025, cruisers reported that Emerald Princess, while not exactly new, is still well-maintained. Some compared the experience that you’ll find on Emerald Princess to what you might get on a Celebrity Cruises Solstice-class ship.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Emerald Princess
This ship straddles the line between new and truly old, so expect a clean, overall beautiful ship, but without anything flashy.
You’ll experience glaciers via the panoramic views available on the ship’s upper decks, and while many say that they love the views from their balcony cabins, others note that you may not want to spend all that much time on them if the Alaska weather isn’t quite balmy enough.
Many cruiser reviews also mention small bathrooms and cramped cabins, which is fairly expected given the ship’s age, and if you book an interior cabin specifically. Plenty of shore excursions are available, and the on-staff naturalist earns high praise.
Emerald Princess Alaska Itineraries
There are relatively few Alaska itineraries on Emerald Princess. You have a dozen options, starting at $104 per night, with cruises ranging from seven to 16 nights. Uniquely, this ship offers cruises that depart from Los Angeles.
These itineraries leave Los Angeles before spending four days at sea, arriving in Juneau and then heading to Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, the Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan, before spending another day at sea, arriving in Victoria, Canada, and then spending another three days at sea before ending up back in LA. It’s a great option for those who love sea days!
Emerald Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Well-maintained ship
A bit lackluster, even if it is in good condition
Alaska-specific programming and excursions receive high praise
Cruisers report small cabin sizes
Grand Princess
Grand Princess is Princess Cruises’ oldest ship in operation, launched in 1998. It holds 2,610 guests and offers just over 1,300 staterooms. There are 17 decks, a handful of dining options and bars, and relatively minimal entertainment options.
Grand Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Macklin Holloway)
In 2019, Grand Princess underwent a significant refurbishment, which added several new dining venues and refreshed public spaces. In 2025, another dry dock took place, touching up the ship where needed without making any major overhauls.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Grand Princess
While the ship is a bit dated, it’s still managed to keep pace with most mid-size traditional cruise ships of a similar class. Many cruisers find that the on-board experience on Grand Princess, though, is a bit “meh.”
All the fun here is really in getting off the ship and into port — so this might be a good ship for you if you prefer seeing and doing as much as possible in the destinations on your itinerary, and you’re not really keen on sea days.
Though if you do end up with an itinerary with a sea day, check out the One5 lounge at the ship’s aft for the views. Don’t miss the wrap-around promenade on Decks 7 and 8 for good views, too. You’ll enjoy unobstructed scenery and be protected from the elements if it happens to be raining.
Grand Princess Alaska Itineraries
Starting at just $92 per night, you can book cruises to Alaska on Grand Princessthat last anywhere from seven to 15 nights, inclusive of on-land experiences at Princess Cruises’ various lodges. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Grand Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
As this is the oldest ship in the fleet, its cruises are often more affordable
For its age, the ship has been well-maintained
For its age, the ship has been well maintained
Décor and furnishings are dated
Island Princess
Still not exactly new, Island Princess launched in 2003, with room for just 2,210 guests — so if you prefer a truly small cruise ship, this may just be the best option for you. There are 16 decks and approximately 1,100 staterooms, with more than half of those staterooms offering balconies.
Island Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Brian Logan Photography)
Given the ship’s age and size, there’s not much in the way of dining and entertainment, and there are only three pools to some of the other Princess Cruises’ ships’ four. However, when you have so few guests to keep occupied, it isn’t too much of an issue.
The ship was last majorly refurbished in 2015, an effort that added extra staterooms. More recently, minor enhancements were made in 2024.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Island Princess
The ship’s small capacity, as well as its updated layout, make for an uncrowded, stress-free experience. It’s easy to get around and doesn’t feel overwhelming. If you can snag one, grab one of the cabins that were added in 2015, for a newer feel.
Then, as far as those iconic Alaskan views go, if you opt for an oceanview cabin versus a balcony, also consider getting one at the ship’s aft, where the window isn’t positioned directly over the bed (because how are you supposed to enjoy the view that way?). Ocean views aplenty can also be found throughout the public spaces.
Island Princess Alaska Itineraries
Starting at just around $90, you can book an Alaskan cruise on Island Princess that lasts between seven and 14 nights, inclusive of on-land experiences. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Island Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Small ship that’s easy to get around
Not a ton of bars or entertainment options
Plenty of spaces to enjoy the scenery
Princess Cruises is not the best cruise line for children or others looking for lots to do
Royal Princess
This 2013 cruise ship holds over 3,500 guests and is the lead ship for Princess Cruises’ Royal Class. It offers 1,780 staterooms over 19 decks and a decent number of restaurants, entertainment venues, bars and other public spaces, at least compared to many of the cruise line’s other ships.
Photo Credit: Just dance
If you’re sailing on Royal Princess during the 2026 Alaska season, you’ll experience the ship as it has been for the last several years (the last major refurbishment occurred in 2018). However, those potentially booking a 2027 Alaskan cruise will be delighted to learn that this ship is slated for a late 2026 dry dock.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Royal Princess
Expect lots of great views, especially if you have a balcony cabin. Want to enjoy the views with a drink in hand? Visit the Horizon Terrace and Outriggers Bar, says one cruiser, explaining that this is where you can find outdoor dining steps from the buffet, couches, overhead cover and full bar service. It’s a true hidden gem spot on the Lido deck.
Then, when the ship stops in Glacier Bay, go to the open deck behind the buffet, at the far aft, for the best views possible.
The ship departs mostly from Seattle, which makes it a bit of an outlier. If you’ve been holding off on booking a Princess Cruises Alaska cruise because it seems like all the ships depart out of either Canada or even Alaska itself, then this is the ship for you.
Royal Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Larger than some of Princess Cruises’ other ships that go to Alaska, so more amenities and options
Larger ships mean more crowds, which some say are particularly bad in the bars
Plenty of departure options out of Seattle
Not the newest ship available, and won’t be refreshed until late 2026
Ruby Princess
This 2008 cruise ship holds just over 3,000 guests and offers over 1,500 staterooms across 19 decks.
Photo Credit: Macklin Holloway
In 2023, the cruise ship received a refurbishment that affected many public spaces, the casino and basic furnishings and décor to a degree. However, in 2024, cruisers were still saying it needed more work.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Ruby Princess
Regardless of the ship’s age, some say that age comes with a benefit: The ship has a better promenade deck and better views compared to some of Princess Cruises’ newer ships, particularly those in the Royal class — ideal for viewing the scenery during an Alaskan cruise.
Still, this might not matter all that much if you have a balcony stateroom, and especially if you’re most excited to enjoy the views of Glacier Bay. This is when the ship will be completely turned around, 180 degrees, so that guests on all sides of the ship can see the sights.
Ruby Princess Alaska Itineraries
Ruby Princess’s Alaska deployments are all fairly long, with your options starting at 10-night cruises and going up to a 20-night cruise option. Fares start at under $100 per night.
Meanwhile, all the ship’s itineraries leave from San Francisco. As such, this ship is really only going to be your best option if it’s easiest for you to get to San Fran versus the Pacific Northwest.
Ship Name Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Offers great views from a range of public spaces
Only departs from San Francisco
Cruisers love the offered on-ship experiences and excursion options
Some feel the ship is slightly outdated
Star Princess
Star Princessis the newest ship that Princess Cruises is deploying to Alaska at this time. The ship took its inaugural voyage in late 2025.
As the second Sphere-class ship, if you care about a certain level of newness and luxury on your cruises, this is hands-down the ship you’re going to want to pick for your upcoming Alaska cruise.
Star Princess Cruise in Alaska
The ship is also the largest Princess ship sailing to Alaska. It can hold 4,300 passengers with its more than 2,150 staterooms. Star Princess offers a multitude of dining and entertainment options, so even if you end up on an itinerary with a ton of sea days, you’ll never get bored.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Star Princess
Honestly, an Alaska cruise on this ship might be a little overwhelming due to all the options. You want to see all the ship’s amazing features, but you also want to be out in port, exploring what you actually came to see: Alaska!
However, if this sounds like a perk to you, rather than a downside, you’ll be right at home. Those who prefer a more relaxed experience may want to chill on a smaller ship.
Star Princess Alaska Itineraries
There are only four currentStar Princess itineraries to Alaska. There are several seven-night cruises leaving from Seattle and one nine-night cruise departing from Vancouver. Cruises start at $129 per night.
Star Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:
Cons:
Ship is brand-new
Because the ship is brand-new, fares can be higher
Celebrity Infinity suffers from a technical failure just off Piraeus, Greece.
The cruise ship was helped by tugs to port in the early hours of February 15.
The February 3 cruise ended a day early, with guests having to disembark.
Celebrity Infinity guests did not get the ending they expected during their 13-night Mediterranean sailing that departed Barcelona in Spain on February 3, 2026.
According to passengers on board at the time, the ship lost power at approximately 3:00 AM on February 15 and required assistance from local tugboats. In footage shared on social media, the tugs can actually be seen towing the Celebrity Cruises ship into port. Fortunately, the ship was just off its turnaround port at Piraeus, Greece.
One guest posted online, “No electric in the rooms, air con off, toilets off, WiFi off. Bravo Bravo Bravo announcement over the ship wide speaker system.“
The Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line confirmed that the 1,950-passenger vessel experienced a technical issue, resulting in an unexpected end to the cruise just off the Greek coast. No further details about the issue have been provided, but guests reported a Bravo Bravo announcement over the PA system, which could indicate a fire-related incident (not confirmed).
Celebrity Cruises said in a letter to passengers, “As the captain announced, while approaching Piraeus-Athens, the ship experienced a technical issue and our team has been working to address this, as quickly as possible.“
Celebrity Infinity Technical Issue Letter
The 91,000-gross-ton Celebrity Infinity was already heading to the Port of Piraeus, with an originally scheduled arrival of 7:00 AM on February 15. However, guests were not scheduled to disembark until the following day, on February 16.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience caused. And thank you for your patience, understanding, and flexibility as we work through this. Your safety and well-being are our highest priority, and every decision we make is guided by that commitment,” The cruise line added in the letter.
Cruise Hive has reached out to Celebrity Cruises for further details and will keep readers informed on any new developments.
What Is the Impact on Celebrity Infinity Guests?
With the unexpected end to the cruise, what has been the impact on those passengers who were on the February 3 sailing?
So, with Celebrity Infinity originally set to commence disembarkation procedures on Monday morning, February 16, that has now changed. Passengers are disembarking a day early on Sunday.
One impacted guest posted, “Now in port, everybody being removed from the boat. 180 Back to back cruisers are being moved to hotels and told not to leave any items on board. Still no electric in the rooms, but cold water back on, no A/C.“
Celebrity Infinity in the Mediterranean (Photo Credit: Zeuslight by Alexander)
The cruise line said, “We hope you are able to enjoy your day in Athens, and we’re here to assist you with your onward journey. We are encouraging guests to debark today and make hotel arrangements. We will provide you with a $300 USD reimbursement per stateroom.“
In addition to the $300 per-stateroom compensation, Celebrity Cruises has informed guests that free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal as needed. There’s also a $200 USD cover for any air change fee for domestic flights, and $400 for international flights, per person.
With the cruise ending a day early, Celebrity Cruises is ensuring guests receive a refund for that day, including an onboard credit equal to one day, depending on the amount paid for the cruise fare.
Any onboard packages that were purchased will also have 1 day refunded, along with a $100 per person credit to help guests with things such as lunch and a taxi ride.
Celebrity Infinity is scheduled for another sailing to depart from Piraeus, Greece on February 16. This cruise is set to be an 11-night itinerary including calls at Mykonos, Katakolon, Iraklion, Rhodes, Limassol, Antalya, Kusadasi, and returning to Piraeus on February 26, with disembarkation on February 27.
Strong winds prevented MSC World Europa from visiting Marseille, France, on February 14.
Instead, the MSC ship pivoted to spend Valentine’s Day in Toulon, France.
It was previously announced that intense winds will also block MSC Splendida from the French port on the following day.
It’s a blustery weekend in Marseille, France, and unfortunately, guests of MSC Cruises won’t get to enjoy it.
Cruise Hive previously reported that MSC Splendida was forced to cancel her call to the French Riviera destination on January 15, 2026, due to dangerous weather conditions.
Now, MSC World Europa has been forced to do the same for her planned visit on February 14, 2026. This means that all calls to Marseille from MSC cruise ships have been cancelled for the entirety of Valentine’s Day weekend.
“Forecasts indicate bad weather in the Marseille area tomorrow morning, with wind gusts that could exceed 40 knots, which would affect our ability to enter the port,” guests were notified on February 13.
Wind speeds of 40 knots equate to around 46 miles per hour, with the Met Office reporting gusts reaching up to 53 miles per hour on February 14.
“Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, so we have made the difficult decision to cancel the scheduled port call,”the cruise line continued.
“This situation is due to causes beyond our control. As always, we are committed to ensuring your comfort and enjoyment for the rest of your cruise.”
Conditions are supposed to worsen overnight, with winds reaching closer to 50 knots (around 57 miles per hour) when MSC Splendida would have arrived the following day.
Thankfully, the Met Office predicts that winds will begin dying down by Monday, February 16, when MSC Orchestra and Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Saturn are expected to call.
Toulon Replaces Marseille
On the morning of February 14, the up to 6,782 guests onboard woke up in Toulon, France, instead of Marseille.
The World-class ship remained docked from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. local time to allow guests to enjoy the destination’s natural beauty and attractions, such as colorful markets in the old town and the famous Mont Faron cable car.
“We are pleased to confirm that, instead, we will visit Toulon, which offers more favorable conditions and is sheltered from the approaching weather system,” MSC told guests on February 13.
MSC World Europa in Italy (Photo Credit: Artem Stepanov)
As Toulon is only around 40 miles away from Marseille, it’s also possible that guests could have still enjoyed their original shore excursions. Driving between the ports takes less than an hour.
Indeed, MSC guests were told they would receive updates on their booked excursions rather than the standard note that their tours were automatically cancelled and refunded, as is what usually happens with port cancellations.
“All guests who have purchased an MSC shore excursion will receive an additional letter delivered directly to their cabin with more information about their tour,” the cruise line advised.
Specific tours were then handled on a case-by-case basis.
Embarkation and Debarkation
Similar to MSC Splendida, MSC World Europa is also operating several 7-night Mediterranean sailings simultaneously. Embarkation and debarkation occur every time the 215,863-gross ton ship calls at Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina, Barcelona, and, of course, Marseille.
Valentine’s Day was meant to be one of those passenger turnover days where a chunk of guests disembark and a new round of guests take their place.
But given the proximity between Marseille and Toulon, it likely wouldn’t have been too hard for guests to travel the extra distance between the two ports.
And typically in these situations, Cruise Hive usually sees that MSC Cruises will offer a free shuttle service to help guests complete their journeys to and from the port.
For example, this is how the Switzerland-based brand aided stranded guests when protesting sailors blockedMSC Orchestra’s call to Marseille on February 2.
Embarking guests who were left behind in Marseille were shuttled 244 miles to meet the ship in Genoa, Italy, as quickly as possible.
It’s that time again, so let’s dive right into Cruise Hive’s exciting weekly news roundup. Highlights in this installment include coverage of Disney Cruise Line deploying Disney Wish to Europe for summer 2027, Carnival Cruise Line solving technology issues that impacted multiple ships, and Royal Caribbean adding smart glasses to its list of prohibited items.
Get your daily cruise news fix by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, delivered to your inbox each morning.
Tech Glitches Resolved Aboard Carnival Ships
The troublesome technology glitches that impacted multiple Carnival Cruise Line ships have been resolved, and the line’s president, Christine Duffy, has issued a letter of apology to affected guests.
The disruptions happened on February 8 and 9, 2026, when tech problems caused embarkation and debarkation delays for Carnival Liberty, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Glory, and Carnival Freedom. Other impacts from the systemwide failure then spread to more vessels in the fleet.
Some of the issues included the lack of WiFi and the inability of guests to use their onboard accounts to buy amenities and services. It meant, for instance, that guests had to pay cash at the casino rather than use their Sail and Sign accounts.
Duffy said passengers who had purchased internet packages and were unable to use them would be refunded. She confirmed that all technology issues have been resolved and all ships’ operations are back to normal.
The February 9 boarding delays for Carnival Breeze, sailing from Galveston, and Carnival Glory and Carnival Freedom, both departing from Port Canaveral, stemmed from crew members having to manually collect and record guests’ ship IDs rather than quickly scanning them at the gangway.
This resulted in a two-hour embarkation delay for passengers eager to begin their vacations at sea. A similar scenario had played out aboard Carnival Liberty on February 8, as the ship was due to depart New Orleans.
Onboard Auction Left These Cruise Guests Frustrated
Buying a piece of high-end sports memorabilia on a cruise ship turned out to be a frustrating experience for one couple sailing with Royal Caribbean.
A couple from Brisbane, Australia, bid on and won a signed Muhammad Ali glove that was being auctioned by Park West Gallery, the art vendor the cruise line uses to hold art and memorabilia sales and auctions.
They paid $5,000 AUD (around $3,500 USD) with the understanding that the item would be shipped to them. It is not known which ship the couple was sailing on.
Cruise Ship Art Auction Item (Credit: A Current Affair)
Ten weeks later, the glove arrived, but it looked different from the one they had seen on the ship. Checking the item’s serial number confirmed it was not the same glove they had bought.
Disappointed, the guests complained and were told that the items shown onboard cruise ships are display pieces, and that the Park West Gallery contract stipulates that it may substitute items.
In this case, the gallery vendor, which operates auctions onboard many major cruise lines, agreed to provide the guests with the exact item they saw on their ship. It is unclear whether the couple agreed to the solution, as the entire episode was a major disappointment.
Disney Wish Is Bound For Europe in Summer 2027
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish is headed to Europe for summer 2027, offering 3- to 10-night itineraries from multiple home ports.
The repositioning from Port Canaveral begins with a 13-night transatlantic cruise on April 25, 2027, calling at Barcelona, Madeira, Gibraltar, and Cartagena. The ship will then sail unique itineraries from Southampton, Barcelona, and Civitavecchia (Rome).
Port calls will bring guests to diverse destinations, from Belfast, Ireland, to Santorini, Greece, and many hot spots in between, including Lisbon, Liverpool, Naples, and Dubrovnik, to name a few.
Disney Wish Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Disney Cruise Line’s announcement about Disney Wish was part of a larger fleet repositioning planned for 2027.
Two ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, will deploy to Vancouver, British Columbia, for Alaska voyages, sailing 7-night cruises to popular ports such as Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Juneau.
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are currently based at Galveston and San Diego, respectively.
Disney Destiny, meanwhile, will remain at Port Everglades, sailing 3- to 5-night Caribbean cruises, while Disney Adventure continues her deployment in Singapore.
No Fault Found After Inspection of Carnival Encounter
Carnival Cruise Line received some good news after a series of crew complaints was filed against one of its ships.
It turns out that a surprise inspection of Carnival Encounter by Australian authorities has found no negative issues related to the crew’s standard of living.
The unusual story unfolded on February 9, 2026, when officials from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority boarded the ship during a port call in Darwin, Australia. Their inspection was prompted by a whistleblower complaint that included charges by many crew members who cited long work hours, low hourly pay, cramped living spaces, and the lack of free drinking water.
Carnival Cruise Ship in Australia (Photo Credit: Elias Bitar)
However, later that day, local media reported the findings of the inspection, which revealed no deficiencies regarding the crew’s standard of living and accommodation areas.
Carnival Encounter is the former Pacific Encounter, which had been operated by P&O Cruises Australia before the brand was absorbed by Carnival Cruise Line in 2025. The ship sails Australia and Southeast Asia itineraries.
Carnival Cruise Line from the outset welcomed the onboard review, saying the maritime authority routinely inspects cruise ships.
Guest Injured on FlowRider Sues Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is facing a lawsuit from a former guest who was injured on the FlowRider Surf Simulator aboard Adventure of the Seas.
The incident happened on February 3, 2025, when guest Jason Keller fell, fractured his neck, and sustained other injuries.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed on February 9, 2026, Keller had multiple strokes as a result of the fall and experienced weakness on his left side as a result. The lawsuit charges that the onboard medical staff misdiagnosed his injury and, as a result, it worsened. Keller is seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost income.
Royal Caribbean FlowRider (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
The line’s surf simulator is a 40-foot-long water ride in which 30,000 gallons of water are unleashed for the purpose of surfing or boogie boarding.
Royal Caribbean’s website cautions that the FlowRider is an extreme sport and a high-risk activity. It warns that using the simulator may result in serious injury to the body.
The popular attraction is offered on many Royal Caribbean ships. Some ships have two FlowRiders to accommodate guest demand.
No More Smart Glasses on Royal Caribbean Ships
Smart glasses, trendy wearable device that can record video and audio, among other tasks, are now banned by Royal Caribbean. Those who attempt to bring a pair aboard one of the line’s ships will have it confiscated.
One other cruise line, MSC Cruises, also prohibits the item on its ships. No formal announcement has been made by Royal Caribbean, but smart glasses have been added to its prohibited items list.
Also, the app contains a notification to guests confirming that any ship’s chief security officer and captain are authorized to confiscate smart glasses.
Royal Caribbean and Smart Glasses (Credits: Habanero Pixel & Melissa Mayntz)
The objections to smart glasses include the ability of wearers to record or videotape others without them knowing. They could be used, for instance, in ship spas, medical centers, or locker rooms, or in public areas where children congregate.
Smart glasses are internet-connected, or AI-enabled eyewear that have cameras and speakers. While most users enjoy the high-tech gadget in innocent ways, smart glasses can also be used for nefarious purposes.
Royal Caribbean suggested that anyone attempting to bring prescription smart glasses onboard one of its ships should have a spare pair of regular glasses on hand, in the event the smart glasses are confiscated.
Guest Jumps From Ship While Docked at Italian Port
A man jumped to his death from a Costa Cruises’ ship while it was docked at the Port of Civitavecchia, near Rome, on February 6, 2026.
In what Italian authorities described as a deliberate act, the passenger, an unidentified German national, leaped from Costa Smeralda as the ship was calling at the port and embarking and disembarking guests.
The 20-deck ship accommodates 5,224 guests; it is unknown which deck the man was on when he jumped, but he fell onto the port’s concrete pier. First responders, who were already at the pier assisting with a separate medical emergency, saw the guest plummet from the ship.
Costa Smeralda Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
They attempted to render aid, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, having fallen an estimated 98 feet.
Costa Cruises issued a statement in which it said support was being offered to the man’s family. The line confirmed that the guest had voluntarily jumped onto the quayside.
The ship remained in port until about 8:30 p.m., while officials conducted their investigation, then continued on her itinerary to Savona and Palermo, Italy; Marseille, France; Barcelona; and La Goulette, Tunisia.
More Cruise Headlines
Let’s keep going with even more cruise news! Cruise Hive has many more important stories from this week, including a harbor pilot falling into the water as he was trying to board a Princess Cruises’ ship; Carnival Cruise Line delaying embarkation of Carnival Pride due to weather; and MSC Cruises touting its spring break and Easter holiday voyages.
Also, MSC Cruises will broadcast all 2026 FIFA World Cup matches this summer, and Royal Caribbean names its Chief Dog Officer for new-build Legend of the Seas.
