Unlimited beverage packages will continue to be honored at Great Stirrup Cay through March 2026.
Norwegian Cruise Line had previously announced the packages would not be valid after February.
A new drink package for the private island is reportedly in development but has not yet been announced.
Norwegian Cruise Line guests will get to raise a glass (for free!) when they visit Great Stirrup Cay for the next few weeks, as the cruise line has temporarily extended drink packages to include onshore beverages for a little while longer.
At that time, a new drink package was said to be in development that would be “crafted exclusively for Great Stirrup Cay” and would be available for purchase from January 1. No new drink package is yet listed on the cruise line’s website, however.
Now, Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests on sailings to the private island to alert them that their beverage packages will still work during their visit to the beach day paradise.
“Guests who purchased one of our unlimited beverage packages, including More at Sea, Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus will now enjoy their favorite drinks from ship to shore,”the email notification read.“Beverages on Great Stirrup Cay will be included in the abovementioned packages through March.”
View of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Nancy Pauwels)
Guests were understandably frustrated when it was first announced that drink packages would no longer work on the island. That frustration has not been entirely eased now that the package use has been extended for another month.
In particular, guests who already purchased the upgrade from “More at Sea” or “Free at Sea” to the “Free at Sea Plus” package are wondering whether that cost can be refunded, now that drinks will be included.
At this time, there is no indication whether or not the beverage inclusion will be extended beyond March 31. This may be a decision Norwegian Cruise Line will make one month at a time as guest feedback and package planning continues.
What Would a New Package Involve?
There have been no details released about what a new Great Stirrup Cay drink package might include. It could be a full extension of onboard packages or there might even be something new and exclusive to the island, such as signature drinks, souvenir glasses, or a specialty bar.
In the meantime, Great Stirrup Cay is undergoing significant enhancements with the new 1.4-acre Great Life Lagoon, Vibe Shore Club, and Great Tides Waterpark all being added.
A new children’s play area and island-wide tram service are also being added, ensuring great accessibility and fun for guests of all ages.
It is possible that the new drink package may not be unveiled until the island’s new features are complete, which is expected to be in summer 2026.
The island’s new pier opened in late December 2025, which will eventually permit two ships to dock each day once construction is fully completed, rather than relying on tender boats to get to shore. Great Stirrup Cay has been notorious in the past for cancelled port visits due to wind and swells, even when it may seem like a perfect beach day.
MSC Euribia is docked in Dubai and will remain there until further notice amid the escalating violence in the region.
Guests remain safe on the ship, and all onboard operations appear to be proceeding as planned.
There is no notice yet about when the ship may resume sailing.
With the rapidly unfolding events in Iran and other areas in the Middle East, cruise ships in that region are on high alert for keeping their guests well and safe.
For MSC Euribia, that means remaining in Dubai for the time being rather than continuing on to other regional ports. The ship arrived in Dubai on the morning of Friday, February 27 and was scheduled to depart at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 28.
Guests onboard have been informed of the situation and advised of how best to enjoy their extended time in city.
“We regret to inform you that we need to change our itinerary due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East,”a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms explained.“In alignment with the national authorities, it has been decided to remain in the port of Dubai until further notice.”
Guests are permitted to go ashore but are nevertheless advised to stay at the cruise terminal area. Shore tours are cancelled, but they will be fully refunded to guests’ onboard accounts. There is no indication that any onboard activities are impacted at this time. All ship operations are proceeding normally.
MSC Euribia is currently docked at Cruise Terminal 3 at Port Rashid in Dubai, the closest dock to the historic city center and traditional souk markets. The port is about 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
The 184,000-gross-ton, Meraviglia-Plus Class ship has just finished a 7-night Middle East cruise roundtrip from Dubai, with visits to Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and a private island in the United Arab Emrites.
Itineraries in the Middle East vary and guests can board and debark the vessel at different points for different sailing lengths. During this 7-night cruise, for example, some travelers may have enjoyed just the 3-night segment from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
With the recent developments involving the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, however, and subsequent outbreaks of other violence and retaliatory action, MSC Euribia will remain in Dubai rather than setting sail.
Her next destination was to have been Doha, Qatar on March 1, but that port is currently closed. Local authorities expect other regional ports to likewise be closing and possibly remain closed for some time.
To be clear, there has been no attack or violence noted at the cruise port, though the city has heavy traffic congestion and the situation remains unpredictable. Dubai is less than 90 miles from the southern coast of Iran.
To help guests onboard MSC Euribia remain in contact with family and friends, the ship’s Wi-Fi has been opened without charge to everyone and guests will continue to be updated with any new developments.
“We are very sorry for this inconvenience, which is beyond our control,”the letter concludes.“In everything we do, the safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority.”
MSC Euribia can host up to 6,327 guests for each sailing. The ship is also home to approximately 1,700 international crew members.
Will Additional Cruises Be Impacted?
At this time, there is no confirmation about additional cruises being impacted, but that outcome seems inevitable given the tenuous nature of the situation.
Guests who are booked on MSC Euribia in the coming days should stay in close contact with MSC Cruises to be updated when adjustments are made.
Also docked at Port Rashid on Saturday, February 28, is Celestyal Discovery and Aroya Manara, the former World Dream cruise ship from now-defunct Genting Hong Kong. The ship now belongs to Aroya Cruises.
TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 and Celestyal Journey are also scheduled for Dubai in the coming days, but no official announcements have been made about whether or not their itineraries will be impacted.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts for peace and safety are with all travelers in tumultuous regions, no matter where they may be sailing in the world.
Carnival Sunshine was delayed several hours due to an early morning power loss.
Embarkation for the next cruise was delayed roughly five hours.
The cause of the power outage has not been disclosed, but Carnival Sunshine appears to be fully restored.
Guests boarding Carnival Sunshine on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia will have to wait a little longer to start their cruise vacation.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests to alert them to an embarkation delay following an early morning power outage as the ship was returning to her homeport at the end of an 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that left on February 21.
While the outage has been resolved and the ship is fully functional, Carnival Sunshine‘s arrival in Norfolk has been impacted.
“To comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements to enter Norfolk, the ship must be assisted by tugboats, and this will result in an unplanned delayed arrival, by early afternoon,”the cruise line explained.
Because guests must be able to debark the ship and leave the terminal and parking areas before arriving guests can be welcomed aboard, embarkation is now delayed.
Depending on when guests had chosen to arrive at the cruise terminal, those appointments are now bumped by 3-5 hours.
The earliest appointments will have the greatest delays. If guests had selected a 10-10:30 a.m. arrival appointment, for example, they are now asked to arrive from 3-3:30 p.m. For the latest original appointments, which would have been 2:30-3 p.m., the delay is less and guests should arrive from 6-6:30 p.m.
Carnival is informing all guests that they must arrive at the cruise terminal no later than 6:30 p.m., or they may be denied embarkation altogether. Cruise Hive has previously reported on instances when guests are not able to board the ship even if the vessel has not left yet, as USCG regulations require a final manifest to be delivered well ahead of the ship’s departure.
Carnival Sunshine Power Loss Delay Letter
Carnival Cruise Line is providing every guest arriving to Carnival Sunshine on Sunday with a $25 (USD) onboard credit to cover the cost of lunch as they wait for embarkation. The ship can welcome as many as 3,002 guests.
As for dinner, the late embarkation will disrupt the typical dining times. Instead, both main dining rooms – the midship Sunset Dining Room on Deck 3 and the aft Sunrise Dining Room on Decks 3 and 4 – will offer dinner with open seating. The Lido Marketplace buffet on Deck 9 will also be open.
The cruise line is already preparing guests for a possible itinerary change as well.
“Since [we] will be sailing later than originally scheduled, it is likely that our voyage plan will be impacted,”the email said.“Carnival Sunshine’s Captain, Antonio Gargiulo, and our Fleet Operations Center are reviewing the alternatives and will have an update for you later this evening.”
Carnival Sunshine is scheduled to depart on a 6-night Bahamas sailing with visits to Celebration Key, Nassau, and Bimini. It is possible a port may need to be dropped or port times may need adjusting due to the late departure.
What Happened to Carnival Sunshine?
Carnival Cruise Line has not disclosed the cause of the power outage. Guests onboard the ship have posted updates to Reddit, however, noting how the incident unfolded.
“We lost power, propulsion, and sanitation around 1:55AM today on March 1st,”the original poster described.“We got our first update from the captain and [cruise director] at 2:29AM, power went fully out a few times. Power was restored around 2:45.”
The ship was able to dock under her own power, but tugboats stood ready to assist if necessary.
Should any vessel the size of the 103,000-gross-ton cruise ship lose power when entering a port or docking facility, the risk of damage to port infrastructure or other vessels is too great to take chances. With tugboat assistance, the port is protected in case of any further unexpected power losses.
These extra precautions are especially vital following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the Port of Baltimore in March 2024. Cruise Hive reported extensively on the impact to cruise operations after that incident, which happened when a cargo ship lost power and collided with the bridge.
Carnival Jubilee encountered a capsized boat near the same location as another recent assistance operation.
While no one was found and it was not the same boat, the crew was immediately ready to assist if needed.
The ship’s itinerary is not impacted for her 7-night Western Caribbean cruise.
No matter where a cruise ship is sailing, what the weather conditions are, or what the situation may be, every crew member stands ready to offer assistance to those in distress and to safeguard all life at sea, even if it doesn’t turn out to be needed.
Carnival Jubilee did just that on the morning of Sunday, March 1, 2026. The Excel-class ship, flagship of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, had departed Galveston, Texas on Saturday, February 28 for a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing.
Sunday is a day at sea as the ship crosses the Gulf of Mexico [Gulf of America] on her way to her first port of call: Roatan, Honduras.
The morning began with some emergency excitement and swift reactions, however.
“At around 8:15am this morning, our team noticed a floating object on the ocean surface,”the ship’s cruise director, Kyndall Fire, posted on Facebook.“After investigating the floating object, we found a capsized boat floating in the open water.”
Crew members immediately sprang into action in case emergency help was necessary. No persons were found on or near the capsized boat, however, and Fire noted that debris and markings on the boat indicated it had been there for some time.
Sunken Boat Spotted by Carnival Jubilee (Photos Credit: Kyndall Fire)
Therefore, it was not necessary for Carnival Jubilee to initiate any further search operations or recovery efforts and the ship was able to continue on her way.
“We have alerted the appropriate authorities and now will continue towards our first port of call Mahogany Bay Roatan,”she said.“Our arrival has not been impacted due to this safety operation.”
“A big thank you to our Captain, Chief Engineer, and their teams for the quick response and maneuvering ensuring they were ready to take life saving actions if needed.”
The 5,282-guest Carnival Jubilee is scheduled to arrive in Roatan at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3. The ship will then visit Costa Maya on Wednesday and Cozumel on Thursday, before another day at sea. She will return to Galveston on Saturday, March 7.
Same Area as Disney Magic Assistance
Interestingly, Carnival Jubilee‘s sighting of the capsized boat was in the same general area where Disney Magic stood ready to assist a drifting sailboat on Thursday, February 26.
Cruise Hive previously reported that Disney Magic’s assistance did not turn out to be necessary in that incident either, but the sailboat did retrieve a package of supplies that had been airdropped by a US Coast Guard plane.
Close examination of photos of both incidents confirms the capsized boat is not the same sailboat that was sighted several days earlier.
The hull shape and markings do not match. Even if the sailboat had encountered a tragedy, it could not have accumulated the debris and discoloration shown on the capsized boat in such a short time.
Regal Princess also rescued four individuals from a makeshift boat north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Monday, February 23. When such rescues are made, the vessels are generally left adrift and may later capsize and sink.
It is also unlikely Carnival Jubilee encountered that boat, however. Again, the shape of the boat does not match and the craft rescued by Regal Princess is just a makeshift affair, not the well-constructed hull Carnival Jubilee sighted.
Even though this incident did not end up requiring an emergency response, it is a testament to the dedication of cruise ship crews that they are always ready just in case.
The Star Princess is the newest ship in the Princess fleet, as well as one of the cruise line’s largest ships to date (along with sister ship Sun Princess, both of the Sphere Class). Both vessels were absolutely groundbreaking for Princess Cruises when they debuted, bringing never-before-seen features to the line and the cruising industry in general.
That said, these ships aren’t among the largest in the world — not even close. So just how big is Star Princess? I’m breaking down everything you need to know about this ship’s size, in numbers you can actually visualize, so you can gauge if it’s the perfect fit for your next cruise.
Constructed by Italian ship builder Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani, Star Princess boasts a gross tonnage of 177,800 and a passenger capacity of 4,300. There are 1,600 international crew members, and the massive princess ship has 21 decks and 2,157 total staterooms.
Star Princess Length
As for length, Star Princess measures 1,133 feet. That’s more than three football fields, and nearly a quarter of a mile. If you were to walk from the front of the ship to the end of the ship at a leisurely pace (because how else would you want to walk on a cruise ship?), it’d take you nearly 10 minutes.
Star Princess Width
At the waterline, the width of this second Sphere Class shipcomes in at 139 feet, though at its maximum width, the ship measures 158 feet.
Star Princess Height
There are 21 total decks on Star Princess, though not all of them are available to the public. The ship is 200 feet tall, though a large portion of the hull sits below the waterline.
If you’re having trouble imagining that height, consider that that’s about half the height of the Great Pyramid of Giza (which stands at 481 feet), or about the same height as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney.
Star Princess Weight
Cruise ship weight is measured in gross tonnage, or GT. Rather than calculating the number you’d get if you were to drop a cruise ship onto a very large scale, gross tonnage calculates a ship’s internal space. One gross ton equals 100 cubic feet of internal volume.
Star Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mary Baratto)
Not only does gross tonnage matter in terms of how big a ship is, though. Gross tonnage is also related to cruise ship safety. A certain GT has to be reached in order for a ship to carry a certain amount of weight and passengers and still ensure buoyancy and stability.
So just how much does Star Princess weigh in GT? She comes in at 177,800 GT.
While this does make Star Princess one of the largest ships for Princess Cruises, it doesn’t even allow the vessel to crack the top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world. Those are closer to 250,000 GT.
How Does Star Princess Measure Up to Other Ships?
Along these lines, let’s take a look at how Star Princess measures up against other ships, including some of its sister ships, as well as one of the largest cruise ships in the world: Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
Stat
Star Princess
Sun Princess
Discovery Princess
Icon of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
177,882 GT
177,882 GT
145,000 GT
248,663 GT
Length
1,133 ft
1,133 ft
1,083 ft
1,196 ft
Total Decks
21
21
19
20
Passenger Decks
17
17
17
18
Capacity (dbl occ.)
4,300
4,300
3,660
5,610
Max Capacity
5,189
5,189
4,610
7,600
Crew
1,600
1,600
1,346
2,350
Cabins
2,157
2,157
1,830
2,805
After the Sphere Class, the next-largest ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet is Discovery Princess, but it weighs more than 30,000 GT less than Star Princessand Sun Princess. Meanwhile, though, Icon of the Seas is 70,000 GT+ bigger than all of them!
Star Princess Guests Capacity – Passengers and Crew
Star Princess can accommodate 4,300 people at double occupancy, and just under 5,200 people at maximum capacity. But what’s the difference between double occupancy and maximum occupancy or capacity?
Double occupancy assumes that the average cabin will be filled with two people during every sailing. Double occupancy numbers can be useful for the cruise line when it comes to setting their cruise fare, reporting and planning for an upcoming cruise.
However, double occupancy isn’t really the reality on most sailings. While there are plenty of couples cruising, there are also tons of families, groups of friends, etc.
Open Deck on Star Princess (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
As such, if you’re trying to get a sense of the number of other people you’ll be cruising with, it’s best to estimate a number somewhere between the double occupancy and maximum capacity (which is the true number of guests a ship can hold across all its available beds).
Your estimated number should lean closer to max capacity, because, after all, the ship wants to make as much as possible, which means getting as many people on the cruise ship as possible.
Add Star Princess‘s max capacity number to the number of crew members on the ship (1,600) and you could have a sailing with close to 6,800 people on board.
That can, admittedly, scare some cruisers off. It sounds like a ton of people!
While, yes, some cruisers do report crowds in busy areas, such as the buffet at peak meal times, keep in mind that Star Princesswas designed with this guest capacity in mind. The majority of the time, the ship can absorb large numbers of guests without those numbers feeling overwhelming.
Star Princess Cabins and Accommodations
Star Princess offers 2,157 guest staterooms, including 80 suites, 123 mini suites, more than a thousand balcony staterooms and a hundred connecting rooms. Accessible staterooms are also available.
All of the suite guests on both Sun and Star Princess enjoy exclusive access to the Sanctuary Club, which is the cruise line’s answer to the “ship within a ship” trend. Sanctuary collection staterooms guests get their own lounge, restaurant and outdoor spaces with loungers and a pool.
There are also numerous suites available, including the Sky Suite, which offers the cruise line’s largest, most luxurious stateroom experience yet. It fits up to five guests over two bedrooms, two bathrooms, relaxation areas and a balcony. All combined, the suite measures 1,262 square feet.
There are also new cabana mini-suites that feature indoor-outdoor cabanas, with Deck 9 cabana mini-suites enjoying access to an exclusive deck.
What’s Inside? Star Princess Features
Of course, there’s a lot more to be found inside Star Princessthan just its staterooms and suites, plus a whole lotta other cruisers.
There’s also so much to do, so much fun to be had and so many features that truly make this ship stand out among the others in the industry.
The Dome
The groundbreaking geodesic Dome first appeared on Sun Princess and it’s truly one-of-a-kind. Literally a dome-shaped glass-enclosed structure on the top of the ship, you can’t miss it. It gives these ships a very unique and eye-catching appearance. So what is it on the inside?
Star Princess Dome (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
The multi-level, indoor-outdoor glass-enclosed dome inspired by the terraces of Santorini offers a pool and loungers during the daytime, but then serves as an entertainment space by night, for music, acrobatics and light shows.
The Princess Arena
The Princess Arena is a large theater, and it’s the most technologically advanced Princess theater design yet. It features three configurations for improved sight lines, and offers a truly elevated entertainment experience for cruisers.
The Princess Casino
While a cruise ship casino might normally not be a thing of note (they all pretty much have them, after all), the one on Star Princess is worth pointing out because of its size.
Star Princess Casino (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
With some of the largest casinos in the fleet, the Sphere Class brought newly expanded non-smoking casino areas and additional slot machines to their casinos.
30 Restaurants and Bars
For some cruise guests, the best part of going on any vacation is the food and beverages, and you’ll not be left wanting for options on Star Princess. During your voyage, you’ll be treated to more than 30 beverage and culinary experiences, from casual dining to luxury world-class cuisine.
The Catch by Rudi (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Some of the notable highlights include those that were created in partnership with renowned, celebrity chefs and food icons, such as The Butcher’s Block by Dario (in partnership with Dario Cecchini, known as the world’s most famous butcher) and Makoto Ocean (in partnership with Makoto Okuwa). There’s also the Romero Britto eatery and unique venue, an artistic-inspired dining experience celebrating love: Love by Britto.
SkyDeck Sports Court & Track
This is a new sports court area for active guests, that offers engaging activities like pickleball and basketball, a jogging track and a splash pad play area.
Retail
Lastly, Princess Cruises really went all out on the Sphere Class ships’ retail options, with more than 4,500 square feet of retail space across two decks, representing more than 200 premium brands (think Chanel, Estee Lauder and Dior; fine jewelry retailers; a wellness boutique, etc.).
Retail Store on Star Princess (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Along your extraordinary retail journey, you’ll experience new offerings such as the first-at-sea Breitling Lounge concept — a fine timepieces boutique for a selection of signature timepieces — and the first boutique styled after Effy’s famed Fifth Avenue store.
As you consider which ship to book for your cruise, do remember that while Star Princess and Sun Princess are highly similar, there are some very small differences and enhancements were made. For example, that new expanded non-smoking area in the casino is exclusive to Star Princess, as are some expanded public spaces and restaurants (like O’Malley’s Irish Pub).
Star Princess — Big Ship, Green Credentials
The entire time you’re enjoying the Princess experience, you’ll also enjoy the knowledge that this ship is easier on the planet. This is an LNG cruise ship, which means that it uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power its propellers, versus traditional fuels.
Star Princess in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
LNG is a non-toxic liquid derived from extremely cold methane gas. It burns cleaner and results in fewer carbon emissions, cutting them by as much as 30%. Sun Princess also uses LNG.
Final Words
Star Princess is one of the largest ships Princess Cruises has ever built, and offers a wealth of new features and attractions. For passengers who want a resort feel but without the major, major crowds that can come with some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, Star Princess delivers.
While no next Sphere Class ship has been announced just yet, I’m sure that this class will continue to expand upon all the great things Princess Cruises has done with these two ships thus far.
Two Iranian missile-armed drones crashed in Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi on the afternoon of March 1, 2026.
This is where TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4 has been docked since the conflict in the Middle East escalated on February 28.
No cruise passengers were injured, but the panic is rising onboard amid the uncertain situation.
TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4, which is currently hunkering down in Abu Dhabi, UAE, due to the conflict in the Middle East, experienced a scare on the afternoon of March 1, 2026.
Iran has already begun to violently retaliate against the joint military strikes from the US and Israel on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
The 2,506-guest ship got a bit closer to the action than it wanted when two Iranian drones, which are designed to carry and fire missiles, crashed near the cruise ship.
🇮🇱🇺🇸🇮🇷🇩🇪 Irańska rakieta spadła w porcie Abu Dhabi w sąsiedztwie statku wycieczkowego Mein Schiff 4 należącego do niemieckiego koncernu turystycznego TUI. pic.twitter.com/YsytQTR0EK
They hit a shipping warehouse at the Al Salam naval base near the Zayed Port, which caused two containers to burst into flames. Guests onboard heard a loud explosion at the time of the crash, and thick, black plumes of smoke could be seen from the ship.
Emergency Protocols Followed on Mein Schiff 4
As panic spread onboard, the approximately 1,000 crew members did their best to keep everyone calm and safe. In accordance with emergency safety protocols, guests were told to assemble in the ship’s theater and told to avoid windows and the vessel’s outer decks.
“We received an emergency alert on our cell phones around 4:30 p.m. and were told to assemble immediately in the ship’s theater,”a passenger told BILD, a German paper.
For context, TUI cruises is jointly owned by TUI AG, a German travel company, and Royal Caribbean Group.
Another passenger told the outlet:“There was a loud bang very close by…The crew instructed us to go inside, avoid windows, and remain calm.”
Thankfully, there were no injuries reported onboard, nor has the 99,526-gross ton vessel suffered any damage due to the incident.
Panic Rises Onboard
The crew has been praised for how well they handled the incident and for the quality of care provided to the guests who remain onboard, though panic is still rising among the guests due to the uncertainty of the tense situation.
“Many passengers, including numerous families with children, are slowly losing their nerve: panic, crying, fear of further impacts. And nobody knows how or when we’ll get out of here,” a current guest shared.
Due to ongoing airport closures and attacks on airports, it is not safe for current passengers to attempt to fly home at this time.
“Due to the ongoing dynamic situation in the region and limited flight connections, we are in close contact with the airlines to ensure reliable planning for their return journeys,”TUI Cruises said in a March 1 update, which was acquired by Cruise Hive.
“As soon as we have reliable information, we will inform the affected guests immediately,” the cruise line continued.
Sailing to another cruise port where passengers can disembark safely is also not an option, as the TUI cruise ship would have to sail through the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is situated directly off Iran’s southern coast and is currently closed to all shipping and civilian vessels.
TUI Reassures Passengers
For the cruise line’s part, it has done its best to monitor the evolving situation while also caring for its passengers and providing timely updates.
The cruise line has continued to reaffirm that the safety of all onboard is the biggest priority.
TUI cruises also confirmed that guests are still “receiving comprehensive care and support. Onboard operations are proceeding normally within the given circumstances.”
Some guests have reported that crew members were asking passengers about their medication needs and families with young children what they needed as far as baby care so that a supply for a full week could be brought onboard.
Knowing that families are surely very worried about their relatives onboard, TUI has also established a Family Hotline where loved ones can check on their family members and receive real-time updates.
Next Cruise Embarkations Cancelled
Mein Schiff 4 is one of six cruise ships that are currently stuck in ports in the Middle East and the future remains uncertain.
For now, the cruise line has officially cancelled the March 1 and March 2 embarkations that would have taken place in Dubai, and more changes may be coming.
These should have been 7-night sailings to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Khasab, Muscat, and Doha.
Cruise Hive is thinking of everyone affected and hoping passengers can safely return home as soon as possible.
A norovirus outbreak has been confirmed aboard Westerdam midway through a 28-night Asia itinerary.
A total of 76 cases have been reported so far, including 65 guests and 11 crew members.
There has been no change to the ship’s itinerary and enhanced cleaning and sanitation measures are being used.
Holland America Line’s Westerdam is in the middle of an amazing 28-night itinerary that departed from Tokyo, Japan on February 15, 2026, but the sailing has been far from idyllic for dozens of passengers.
As the ship briefly visited Hong Kong on March 1, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) from Hong Kong’s Department of Health was called to investigate what is believed to be a norovirus outbreak. Thus far, 76 individual cases have been reported, including 65 guests and 11 crew members.
Of those infected, ages ranged between 24 and 92, with cases split evenly between 38 men and 38 women.
The Vista-class Westerdam can welcome up to 1,964 guests at double occupancy and nearly 2,600 when fully booked, plus her approximately 800 crew members. CHP reports that approximately 2,000 guests are currently onboard, which means that just about 3% of guests and 1% of crew members are infected.
The primary symptoms have been vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, which is consistent with the suspicion of norovirus. No individuals have required any significant medical intervention or hospitalization.
Preliminary testing did confirm norovirus as the cause of the illness. Further testing is still ongoing.
When Westerdam arrived in Hong Kong at roughly 4 a.m., local health authorities and medical staff inspected the vessel, including food hygiene practices. A temporary medical station was set up in the cruise terminal for passenger health assessments.
While guests were off the vessel, thorough cleaning and disinfecting took place to help minimize any further spread or contamination.
“After inspecting the cruise ship, the CHP personnel briefed the affected individuals and the operator on health advice and necessary infection control measures, including thorough disinfection, proper handling of vomit, and attention to personal and environmental hygiene,”said Dr. Edwin Tsui.
“Additionally, the CHP personnel provided detailed information about norovirus to arriving passengers and crew, advising them to seek medical attention promptly if they develop related symptoms.”
Holland America Line’s Westerdam (Photo Credit: DLeng)
Hong Kong CHP officials also notified health authorities in the Philippines of the incident and the measures that have already been taken to minimize the outbreak.
This will help ensure the ship’s next destination, Palawan Island in the Philippines on Wednesday, March 4, can make further assessments if needed. Westerdam will also call at Boracay Island on March 5, followed by Manila on March 6.
Further destinations on the itinerary include ports in Taiwan and Japan before the ship returns to Tokyo on Sunday, March 15 for debarkation. At this time, there are no anticipated changes to the schedule or port visits.
Not Everyone Is Sick at Once
To be clear, while having 76 people ill with gastroenteritis symptoms can be concerning, not all cases have been reported simultaneously.
The first two cases were actually reported the day Westerdam set sail on the current cruise, with other cases reported throughout the past two weeks. At the time the ship arrived in Hong Kong, just three individuals were experiencing minor symptoms.
Norovirus is transmitted very easily, primarily through contaminated surfaces or food. Most people who experience symptoms recover without significant intervention within 1-3 days.
Heavy morning fog delayed Carnival Elation‘s return to Jacksonville, Florida for several hours on Monday, March 2.
Embarking guests were notified to push back their terminal arrival appointments by three hours.
There are no technical problems with the ship and she will depart on her 5-night Bahamas itinerary this evening.
Early morning fog in north Florida slowed Carnival Elation‘s return to her Jacksonville homeport on Monday, March 2, 2026. Because of this, guests boarding the ship today have been notified of the delay and their embarkation windows are now pushed back by three hours.
The ship is returning from a 4-night Bahamas getaway that departed from Florida on Thursday, February 26.
Carnival Cruise Line emailed booked guests with the update for their embarkation, alerting them to the change and noting that early arrivals cannot be accommodated.
“Due to fog, Carnival Elation will be docking in Jacksonville later than scheduled this morning and your embarkation has been revised,”the email explained.“We must allow docking guests to leave the cruise terminal and parking facility before we can accommodate your arrival.”
The earliest cruise terminal arrival appointment was originally from 10-10:30 a.m., but is now revised to 1-1:30 p.m. Likewise, the latest appointment was to have been 1:30-2 p.m., but that will now be from 4:30-5 p.m.
The email notes that all guests must be at the cruise terminal no later than 5 p.m. Carnival Elation was scheduled to leave Jacksonville at 3:30 p.m., though, of course, her departure will now be delayed.
No matter when guests board the Fantasy Class ship or when they pull away from the dock, all the fun of their cruise will still be waiting.
“Have a wonderful time and I promise the crew will be waiting to give you the most fabulous cruise,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador.
Carnival Elation Cruise Ship in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Guests are generally magnanimous about the update and happy there aren’t any more significant delays.
“We had already been on the road 2 hours when I got a voicemail, text and an email,”one guest shared on Facebook.“I guess we will stop somewhere for lunch. We will be boarding at 2:00 now. Still excited to be cruising soon!”
The morning fog, common in Jacksonville in the winter months, began clearing around 9 a.m. and Carnival Elation was able to dock with no extension of the initial delay.
Cruise Hive has frequently reported on fog delays for both Jacksonville and Tampa. Cruise ships sailing from Mobile, New Orleans, and Galveston also occasionally have fog-related delays, particularly in winter when cool northern air may collide with warm air and water, creating dense fog that can last for several hours.
Will the Itinerary Be Adjusted?
Carnival Elation is setting off on a 5-night Bahamas itinerary with visits planned for Celebration Key and Nassau on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
Because the first day of the sailing is a full fun day at sea, it is likely the ship may adjust her course slightly or adjust her speed to compensate for the slight departure delay. If this is not possible, an itinerary change may be necessary.
To be clear, there are no propulsion problems with the ship, despite the fact that she is one of the oldest in Carnival’s fleet. Carnival Elation debuted in March 1998, almost exactly 28 years ago.
Her last refurbishment was just in late January 2026, when she underwent general maintenance and updates at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.
The 70,367-gross-ton Carnival Elation can welcome up to 2,190 guests and is also home to approximately 900 international crew members. She is homeported year-round from Jacksonville, offering 4- and 5-night Bahamas sailings at least through April 2028.
Family-friendly cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises are all strong contenders, but the best cruise line for your family depends on the ages of your kids, the type of activities you enjoy, and how structured you want your days at sea to be.
$0 to $130 (premium dining) Approximately 10 to 20 total restaurants on each ship, with at least seven included in the dining package price.
Kids Club
Yes
Teen Activities
Yes
Water Park
Several per ship, plus the Thrill Waterpark at Cococay (not on board ship)
Childcare Available
Yes, for a fee. Some childcare services are included in the cost of your cruise.
Royal Caribbean may be the best option for families seeking a kid-friendly cruise that isn’t overtly geared toward children. It’s a great option for families with children who want to pack plenty of adventure and variety into their days at sea while still enjoying the cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean is my pick for family-friendly cruising that isn’t over-the-top or overtly designed for kids. Your kids will have plenty to enjoy, but you won’t feel as if you’re on a kiddie cruise.
My favorite thing about Royal Caribbean is the selection of onboard recreational activities for both kids and adults, including rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, zip lines, and the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea.
Family-Friendly Features
All Royal Caribbean ships offer family-friendly dining options, incredible entertainment, and memorable onboard activities, all of which are part of your all-inclusive price.
Additionally, the cruise line offers a range of programs for young children and lounges designed specifically for older children. Teenagers have access to a wide variety of activities on board, with younger and older groups able to participate in ice skating, table tennis, rock climbing, and more.
The ships also offer opportunities for parents to enjoy some time alone dancing, dining, or visiting the onboard casino, while younger kids are supervised in the Adventure Ocean kids’ care program. The program’s Late Night Party Zone provides after-dark supervision for children ages 3 to 11 from 10 pm to 2 am, allowing parents to enjoy a kid-free evening.
Kids Pool on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
The most popular excursion for cruisers is a Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island located in The Bahamas. Guests enjoy free entry to five stretches of beaches and unlimited dining at five island food spots.
A favorite feature of the island for the whole family is the Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. Upgraded amenities are also available for an extra fee.
If you prefer to swim onboard your ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas‘ 40,000-gallon Royal Bay Pool is the largest freshwater pool you’ll find on a cruise, perfect for a refreshing plunge, relaxing, or playing games on the pool deck. And the line’s Star of the Seas invites cruisers to visit the biggest waterpark at sea, Category 6.
Dining
Dining on Royal Caribbean cruises is flexible and family-friendly, with options that work for different schedules and picky eaters. Programs like My Family Time Dining help younger kids finish their meals without frustration, so parents can relax and enjoy their vacation.
View of the Boardwalk From Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Families can choose from casual buffets, main dining rooms, and specialty restaurants, making it easy to find something everyone enjoys. Whether your children want familiar favorites or want to try something new, the Royal Caribbean dining plans have you covered.
Most meals are covered in the cost of your cruise, but some specialty restaurants and premium dining experiences cost extra, and certain drinks or menu items may also have additional charges.
Best Ships for Families
Royal Caribbean’s most kid-friendly cruise ships include Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Star of the Seas. Other Royal Caribbean ships considered great for families include Oasis of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas.
Disney Cruise Line
Feature
Availability
Best Family-Friendly Feature
Disney Live Shows
Price
$$$ – $$$$
Dining
$0 to $145 (specialty/premium dining)Approximately 10 to 20+ total restaurants on each ship, with three main dining rooms included in the dining package price.
As you might expect, Disney Cruise Line is one of the best when it comes to family-friendly cruises. It’s obviously the best option for Disney fans of all ages, but it’s also great for family cruisers, whether they’re dedicated fans of the brand or not.
In a nutshell: Families will have plenty to do on a Disney cruise, even if indifferent to princesses and woodland creatures. However, it might not be worth the extra cost if you and your kids aren’t Disney enthusiasts.
Family-Friendly Features
Disney cruise ships offer a range of age-based kids’ clubs, along with character experiences and family entertainment. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like if the Disney theme parks were on water, that’s exactly what you’ll get with a Disney cruise.
My favorite feature on Disney cruises is the shows. You can see a live performance of Beauty and the Beast on Disney Treasure and Disney Dream, or a live performance of Frozen on Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, or Disney Destiny.
Open Deck of the Disney Treasure Ship (Photo Credit: Carolyne Parent)
In addition to Disney-themed entertainment and endless ways to enjoy the brand, cruisers find staterooms that are typically more spacious and comfortable than on most cruise ships. The rooms are well-suited for traveling with children, featuring privacy curtains, storage space, and divided bathrooms with separate sinks.
There are also plenty of features you’ll find on Disney cruises that are similar to what you’d find on other cruises.
For example, Disney Cruise Line has a private island called Castaway Cay, similar to Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line’s newest private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera, opened in 2024 and features Bahamian-inspired design and cultural elements.
Disney Cruise Line also makes it easy for parents to have some alone time while at sea. For an added fee, they can enjoy a romantic dining experience at one of the ship’s fine dining restaurants while kids of all ages are safe and supervised at one of the ship’s kid or teen clubs.
Dining
Meals are included in the cost of most Disney cruises. Your cruise fare covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, plus snacks, soft drinks at beverage stations, and ice cream. Dining on Disney Cruise Line’s private island is also included.
Arendelle Dining Room, Disney Wish (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
As you might expect, Disney Cruise Line offers plenty of kid-focused dining touches, from familiar favorites and flexible menus to themed restaurant experiences designed to keep the littles cruisers engaged and entertained at mealtime.
Keep in mind that Disney Cruise Line’s dinner-and-a-show experiences can extend dining times. There are some specialty dining experiences, as well as alcohol and certain extras that cost more.
Best Ships for Families
Disney Cruise Line offers Caribbean, Bahamian, and European cruises. There are currently eight ships in the Disney fleet, including Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, and every one is designed for family travel.
While Disney Cruise Line is a great option for “Disney families,” it may not be the best choice for those who aren’t brand enthusiasts. These cruises are geared toward children and may lack some traditional cruise features that adults value.
Carnival Cruise Line
Feature
Availability
Best Family-Friendly Feature
BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster
Price
$ – $$$
Dining
$0 to $150 (specialty dining)Approximately 8 to 15+ total restaurants on each ship.
Kids Club
Yes
Teen Activities
Yes
Water Park
Yes
Childcare Available
Yes, with a fee for the Night Owls program.
Veteran cruisers consider Carnival Cruise Line as the fun party cruise line, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they offer plenty of features for people of all ages. I consider Carnival Cruise Line the best option for families looking for onboard fun at an affordable price.
Family-Friendly Features
Family-friendly features on Carnival ships include trampoline parks, ropes courses, and water parks. Carnival Cruise Line ships offer kids’ clubs for younger cruisers, separated by age group: Turtles for children under two, Penguins for ages two to five, Stingrays for ages six to eight, and Sharks for ages nine to eleven.
One thing I love on Carnival ships is the Family Feud Live game show. Groups of five or more must audition for a chance to be contestants, but everyone is invited to join the audience during the games. Family Feud is available on non-European, non-Australian, and non-South Pacific seven-day-plus cruises.
Carnival Cruise Line Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
If you’re sailing on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, or Mardi Gras, make sure you set aside time for you and the kids to ride the Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster. As if it wasn’t thrilling enough to ride a roller coaster while sailing, this coaster is special. Riders control their speed while enjoying a 360-degree view of the ocean.
There’s also the Carnival SkyRide. It’s a suspended, pedal-powered bike ride located high above the top deck on select ships like the Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon. The cost of this attraction is included in your cruise fare.
Dining
Dining Carnival is designed to be flexible and family-friendly, with many meals included in the cruise fare, except for Steakhouse Selections, Bonsai Sushi Ship, and certain drinks.
Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and dinner in the main dining rooms, along with changing menus, kid-friendly options, and casual buffet choices. Ships also offer Sea Day Brunch on days the ships are at sea.
In addition to the standard menus in the main dining rooms, children’s menus are also available.
Best Ships for Families
Some of Carnival Cruise Line’s ships, like Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon, and the larger ship Carnival Vista, are more kid-friendly, while the SEA line of ships is designed for cruisers 21 and older.
Norwegian Cruise Line might not be the first one that comes to mind when you think “family friendly,” but they’re a great option for families who want affordable cruising.
They often run deals that allow second, third, and fourth cruises to sail for free, and their Free at Sea program lets you customize your experience with specialty dining, excursion credits, and more.
Norwegian Aqua Slidecoaster (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett)
Additionally, ships offer a variety of “thrills at sea.” This includes activity zones with various attractions like go-kart racetracks, waterslides, laser tag, ropes courses, and more. Two of the best-loved experiences are the Ocean Loops in the Aqua Park and the Galaxy Pavilion virtual gaming wonderland.
The Norwegian Aqua features the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea.
Dining
In addition to basic dining options, the Free at Sea program allows cruisers to include one or more specialty dining experiences depending on the length of their cruise.
Le Bistro on Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett)
Upgrading to Free at Sea Plus means you get the usual program inclusions, as well as 50% off the cover charges of additional specialty dining nights. Cruisers 13 and under dine for free when they order from the kids’ menu.
Family-Friendly Features
Of course, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers a variety of family-friendly activities you’ll find on other ships, including ropes courses, kids’ clubs, and kid-friendly entertainment.
Splash Academy offers supervised activities, such as scavenger hunts or arts and crafts, for younger children ages 3 to 12. Entourage is the perfect solution for older kids ages 13 to 17, as they can hang out, play video games, or have fun at the teens-only nightclub. Kids can also enjoy theme nights, including Glow, White Hot Party, and College Night.
Norwegian Aqua Deck at Night (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett / Cruise Hive)
Parents can also have some evening time alone while their kids are supervised at the Late Night Fun Zone, available from 10 pm to 12 am.
Best Ships for Families
NCL’s most family-friendly ships include Norwegian Breakaway, as well as Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, and Norwegian Bliss. Norwegian Spirit does not offer youth programs.
MSC Cruises
Feature
Availability
Best Family-Friendly Feature
Themed play zones and kid-friendly excursions
Price
$ – $$$
Dining
$0 to $80 (specialty/premium dining). Approximately 10 to 20 total restaurants on each ship, depending on ship size.
Kids Club
Yes
Teen Activities
Yes
Water Park
Yes, but with limited features
Childcare Available
Yes, for an extra fee
MSC Cruises blends affordability and onboard entertainment for a family vacation that offers fun, memorable activities.
As Europe’s largest cruise line, MSC Cruises takes parents and kids to more than 200 destinations throughout the world. Trips often include a visit to the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line’s private island located in The Bahamas.
Family-Friendly Features
MSC Cruises’ ships offer exclusive family decks, as well as splash parks and themed areas for kids. Some ships also have virtual reality and simulator games. The company has also partnered with LEGO and Chicco to create play zones and spaces designed for children as young as toddlers.
LEGO Parade on MSC World America (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Accommodations are also family-friendly, featuring interconnecting cabins or family suites for larger families and multiple families traveling together.
In addition to the onboard family-friendly amenities, MSC Cruises offers kid-friendly excursions. Excursions are led by professional guides and include visits to historical monuments and natural attractions designed to be engaging, educational, and accessible for all ages.
MSC Cruises ensures excursions are affordable for families by offering discounted rates for children ages 3 to 13 and free admission for children ages 2 and younger.
Dining
Dining on MSC Cruises offers a wide range of options. Main dining rooms and buffet restaurants serve international and Mediterranean cuisine and are typically included in your cruise fare, with meals offered daily across multiple venues.
Butcher’s Cut on MSC World America
Families will also find kid-friendly menu choices and flexible dining settings that make mealtimes easy and enjoyable for younger guests. For an additional cost, specialty restaurants and dining packages offer upgraded culinary experiences with diverse global menus.
The cruise line’s most family-friendly ships include MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, and MSC Bellissima. All three ships offer dining, activities, and amenities suitable for people of all ages.
