blog - Page 565 of 604

Another Cruise Line Pulls Out of the Middle East as Situation Deteriorates

Cruise News

-

Mar 4, 2026

0

Another Cruise Line Pulls Out of the Middle East as Situation Deteriorates

Key Aspects:

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled the remainder of the Arabian season for Celestyal Journey.
Four departures are impacted and booked guests can choose full refunds or future cruise credits.
Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery must both make their way to Athens to begin their Mediterranean seasons soon.

Not unexpectedly, another cruise line has now cancelled the remainder of its scheduled season sailing Middle East cruises. The announcement comes from the luxury boutique line Celestyal Cruises concerning Celestyal Journey.

“Considering the current geopolitical situation in the region, we have taken the decision to cancel the following scheduled departures on Celestyal Journey,” the cruise line announced on Facebook.

The cancellation impacts the ship’s March 7 and 14 departures from Doha, Qatar, as well as the March 9 and 16 departures from Dubai, UAE.

The now-cancelled voyages were to have been 7-night “Desert Days” sailings visiting not only Doha and Dubai, but also Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain.

The four cancelled departures are the only remaining sailings for the ship’s 2025-2026 Arabian season, which began in November. The safety of guests and crew is always the cruise line’s focus and this adjustment is necessary to safeguard everyone’s wellbeing.

Cruise Hive has already reported on similar decisions with other cruise lines sailing in the Middle East, including TUI Cruises cancelling the rest of its Arabian season for both Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5.

Celestyal Journey Ship in Greece (Photo Credit: Michelangelo DeSantis)

Guests booked on the now-cancelled Celestyal Cruises sailings will have the option to receive a full refund or a future cruise credit that could be used on an alternate sailing.

The 55,800-gross-ton Celestyal Journey was formerly Ryndam with Holland America Line. The ship was sold in 2015 and passed through several smaller cruise lines before joining Celestyal Cruises in 2023. After an extensive $21 million (USD) renovation, the ship launched with luxury service in smaller, more exclusive markets.

Celestyal Journey can welcome 1,258 guests aboard and is staffed with roughly 600 international crew members.

Where Will Celestyal Journey Go?

Celestyal Journey currently spends winters in the Middle East offering intimate Arabian voyages, while she spends summers in the Mediterranean with Adriatic and Greek Island itineraries. With the cancellation of her remaining Middle East voyages this year, the ship will move on to the Mediterranean.

“Subject to operational conditions, Celestyal Journey and sister ship Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled programme in the Mediterranean,” the cruise line confirmed.

Celestyal Journey is scheduled for her first Greek cruise of the year with her April 4 departure from Athens. That 7-night “Heavenly Adriatic” voyage will visit different ports in Greece as well as Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Bari, Italy.

Meanwhile, Celestyal Discovery is currently in Abu Dhabi. Her last Middle East voyage of the season was to have departed on March 2, but the ship has remained docked and is currently unable to debark guests, considering the unpredictable situation in the region.

As yet, no announcement has been released about how any guests remaining onboard Celesytal Discovery will travel on to their post-cruise destination. The ship is scheduled to begin her Mediterranean season from Athens on March 20.

Both ships will need to pass through the narrow Strait of Hormuz to exit the Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf) in order to make their way to Athens. If the situation proves too dangerous, it is possible the vessels may be delayed.

Hopefully, tensions in the region will subside soon and both Celestyal Cruises ships will be able to begin their Mediterranean seasons on time and resume their seasonal Middle East deployments later this year.

MSC Cruises Works to Fly Stranded Cruise Guests Home From Middle East

MSC Cruises News

Lissa Poirot

-

Mar 4, 2026

0

MSC Cruises Works to Fly Stranded Cruise Guests Home From Middle East

Key Aspects:

MSC Cruises is working with Emirates, Etihad Airways, and other regional airlines to secure return flights for guests after cancelling its remaining Dubai sailings.
Airlines have told the cruise line that passengers will be prioritized based on their original flight departure dates as limited seats become available.
The cruise line is exploring charter flights to help stranded cruise passengers return home.

Passengers whose cruise vacations were disrupted by escalating tensions in the Middle East are now waiting for flights home as MSC Cruises works with airlines and governments to organize their return.

The cruise line said it is coordinating with major regional carriers, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, to secure seats for guests whose sailings were cancelled after the company suspended remaining cruises from Dubai.

“MSC Cruises is working continuously with airline partners in the region, particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for our guests,” MSC Cruises said in a statement.

The cruise line is asking airline partners to prioritize cruise passengers, but flights are currently being assigned based on travelers’ original departure dates.

“We are requesting priority for our guests from our partners. At present, airlines operating flights have indicated that they will follow an order of priority based on the original flight date,” the company said.

Because of limited airline capacity, MSC Cruises is also exploring charter flights from several airports in the region to speed up the process. It says it is currently reviewing options from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Muscat in order to get stranded passengers home.

The cruise line added that it is also coordinating with diplomatic officials to assist travelers, including local authorities, embassies and foreign offices.

MSC Euribia in the Middle East (Photo Credit: Creativity lover)

In the meantime, MSC Cruises said passengers currently onboard remain safe and are being kept informed while plans are finalized.

“The situation on board remains calm. We are providing guests with regular updates on the situation,” it said. “They have full access to all onboard services and facilities, and we continue to provide a high standard of care, comfort, and support.”

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Cruises

The flight arrangements come after MSC Cruises cancelled the remainder of its winter cruise program from Dubai as conflicts in the Middle East intensified following the US attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026.

The cruise line had been operating sailings in the region aboard MSC Euribia, a 183,500-gross-ton Meraviglia-Plus-class ship capable of carrying 6,327 passengers.

The vessel was based in Dubai for 7-night Arabian Gulf cruises that typically included stops in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar, and Sir Bani Yas Island in the Arabian Gulf.

MSC Euribia arrived in Dubai on February 27, 2026, after completing a 7-night sailing, but was instructed to remain in port rather than departing on February 28 for its next call in Doha, which had been scheduled for March 1. Local authorities had already closed the port, forcing the ship to suspend its itinerary.

Soon afterward, the cruise line began cancelling departures one by one, as reported first by Cruise Hive. MSC Cruises then cancelled the remainder of the winter program entirely.

That decision eliminated three additional 7-night sailings scheduled to depart March 14, March 21, and March 28, 2026, including all shorter segments that would have allowed passengers to embark in Doha or Abu Dhabi.

Guests booked on those sailings are being offered full refunds for the cruise fare, while passengers currently in the region must wait for flights or other transportation home.

MSC Cruises is not the only cruise operator affected. Other ships from multiple cruise lines have also been forced to remain in ports such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, with thousands of passengers unable to continue their itineraries while regional airspace closures complicate travel arrangements.

For now, MSC Cruises says its priority is helping guests return home safely while monitoring the evolving situation in the region.

Royal Caribbean Unveils Major Plan to Protect Costa Maya’s Fragile Coastline

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Mar 4, 2026

0

Royal Caribbean Unveils Major Plan to Protect Costa Maya’s Fragile Coastline

Key Aspects:

Royal Caribbean has committed to a multi-year program to protect southern Quintana Roo from sargassum.
Sargassum seaweed blooms can have a devastating impact on the local environment as well as tourism.
The program will clean up far beyond just Perfect Day Mexico and can have a great impact on local communities.

A perfect beach day isn’t so perfect when the sand and water are clogged with sargassum, a type of brown algae that can bloom out of control and result in fish kills, noxious smells, and fouled water. Tangles of sargassum can ensnare sea turtles and other marine life, damage boat propellers, and cause other problems along coastlines and for coastal communities.

Royal Caribbean has now pledged to a multi-year sargassum protection and removal plan along the coast of Mahahual, Quintana Roo, the location of their upcoming private destination, Perfect Day Mexico.

The program is being established with local residents, businesses, environmentalists, and the Mexican Navy to follow sustainable mitigation strategies to control and clean up sargassum.

“Clean and thriving shorelines are essential to the people of Mahahual,” said Ari Adler, President of Royal Caribbean Mexico.

“The community told us protecting this coastline is a top priority, and we’re acting on that commitment—deploying new equipment, strengthening barriers, and working hand-in-hand with local partners and the state of Quintana Roo to keep these beaches clean.”

Naturally, this will make the destination all the more attractive to cruise travelers as well. Beach days, snorkeling, and other watersports are top activities for many cruisers visiting Mexico.

Sargassum in Play del Carmen, Mexico (Photo Credit: H Sauchuk)

Furthermore, a clean and healthy beach and coastline ecosystem is essential to the local community for fishing tours, beachside retailers, snorkel guides, and more, as well as local quality of life.

“The protection of coastal ecosystems is a priority for the State Government. We appreciate any collaborative efforts that benefit our territory and its population,” said Óscar Rébora, Secretary of Ecology and Environment of Quintana Roo.

While the exact details of the sargassum management plan are still being refined, it will include a number of different short- and long-term strategies such as:

New anchors for nets to control seaweed spread
Seaweed skimming equipment to prevent blooms from reaching shore
Beach cleanup events to keep top beaches clear

A long-term mitigation effort will focus on an automated collection process that should collect the seaweed with a low-noise, low-impact system that minimizes any disturbances to sand, coral, and marine life. The sargassum could then be composted, turning it into a more valuable resource.

These various efforts will be put into place not only near Perfect Day Mexico, but all along the southern coast of Quintana Roo. The Mexican state stretches from the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula south to Belize.

Mahahual is located in the southern part of the state, approximately 120 miles south of the popular island of Cozumel.

Environmental Measures Not New

This is not the first time Royal Caribbean has engaged in significant environmental efforts. Parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s SEA the Future initiative focuses on sustainability in cruise vacations, with connections to local communities and promoting innovation and unique solutions.

Multiple design initiatives onboard Royal Caribbean Group vessels include more efficient energy usage, innovative hull design and special paint that improves efficiency, extensive recycling operations, connections to shore power where available, and more.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on some less-than-enthusiastic local responses to Perfect Day Mexico, including an extensive petition urging greater caution and environmental awareness of the project. In January 2026, a local judge suspended work on the development pending further environmental assessments of its potential impact.

Hopefully, this new commitment to ensuring clean beaches and coastal waters not just near Perfect Day Mexico but throughout the local region will help ease some reservations about the project and it will be able to continue on schedule.

Royal Caribbean Revises Caribbean Sailings for New Icon-Class Ship

Royal Caribbean News

Catie Kovelman

-

Mar 4, 2026

0

Royal Caribbean Revises Caribbean Sailings for New Icon-Class Ship

Key Aspects:

Royal Caribbean has modified multiple 6-night Western Caribbean itineraries for the upcoming Legend of the Seas.
Instead of calling at Falmouth, Jamaica, the newest Icon-class vessel will visit Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico.
The November 22 and December 6 voyages have definitely been changed.

Royal Caribbean has been making final tweaks ahead of Legend of the Seas’ debut in July 2026, which means altering some itineraries.

During its inaugural season in the Caribbean, the next Icon-class ship will be operating 6-night Western Caribbean sailings that were supposed to call at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Bahamas, and Falmouth in Jamaica. However, Falmouth, Jamaica, has been removed from several of these itineraries and replaced with Cozumel, Mexico.

“As we plan our upcoming adventure together, we have an update to our itinerary,” Royal Caribbean notified booked passengers.

“To make your time with us as enjoyable as possible, we’ll now be visiting Cozumel, Mexico, instead of Falmouth, Jamaica. We’ll arrive at 7:00 AM and depart at 5:00 PM,” the update continued.

Legend of the Seas will arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 7, 2026, and will embark on the first of these 6-night sailings on November 22, 2026.

So far, Cruise Hive has been able to confirm that the November 22 and December 6 voyages have been impacted, but more itinerary changes may also be coming.

This itinerary will be offered routinely until April of 2027, which is when the 5,610-guest ship will reposition to Europe to spend the summer and fall in the Mediterranean.

At this time, there are also no known changes to the 8-night Southern Caribbean sailings that the 250,800-gross ton ship will operate in between the 6-night voyages.

Costa Maya Added to the Itinerary

Originally, the soon-to-debut ship was only supposed to visit CocoCay and Falmouth, Jamaica, with the latter being followed by multiple sea days. But under the revised itinerary, the day after Cozumel, Mexico, will now be spent in Costa Maya, Mexico.

“Additionally, the next day, instead of a Sea Day we’ll enjoy a full day in Costa Maya, Mexico from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM,” Royal Caribbean confirmed.

Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas

The cruise line did not provide a reason behind the port swaps – or the newly added destination – but it is worth acknowledging that Royal Caribbean became the official owner of the Port of Mahahual (Costa Maya) in July of 2025.

Costa Maya will also be home to the future 200+ acre Perfect Day Mexico, which is expected to open in late 2027.

Especially as Perfect Day construction has been delayed due to hiccups related to environmental concerns and a potential negative impact on local businesses, some have theorized that Royal Caribbean is trying to bring more revenue to the destination to help its cause.

Cruise Guests Welcome the Change

While port swaps and cancellations are usually met with disappointment, many cruisers are actually happy about this change of plans.

On social media, future guests felt that Cozumel and Costa Maya were more desirable destinations than Falmouth and didn’t mind dropping a sea day.

“Another island instead of a sea day – sounds like a win to me,” one guest reacted on Reddit.

“I have always heard of Falmouth, Jamaica, as being the worst port in the Caribbean, so this seems like a win,” another chimed in.

Admittedly, Falmouth, Jamaica, is also still undergoing long-term repairs and infrastructure enhancements following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in late 2025. However, the cruise port is open and operating normally.

If guests are deeply upset by this change, they still have time to cancel their sailing. Royal Caribbean’s 5-14 night sailings can be cancelled with no charge (aside from non-refundable deposits) up to 90 days ahead of embarkation.

Additionally, guests have the option to switch to a different Royal Caribbean sailing as long as they do so at least 90 days before their scheduled departure. However, a change fee (usually $100 per person) may be required.

Carnival Demands an Abrupt End to Beds on Balconies Trend

Carnival Cruise News

Catie Kovelman

-

Mar 5, 2026

0

Carnival Demands an Abrupt End to Beds on Balconies Trend

Key Aspects:

Carnival Ambassador John Heald reminded guests that they are not allowed to move their beds to their balconies.
Doing so creates safety hazards and can damage furniture and bedding.
As an alternative, guests are allowed to sleep with their balcony doors open for fresh air and ocean ambiance.

Just because you saw something on the internet doesn’t mean that you should try it at home – or on your next Carnival cruise.

A TikTok of a cruise guest dragging their bedding onto their cabin’s private balcony is making the rounds on social media. While the passenger was not sailing with Carnival, the cruise line is still nipping this trend in the bud before it can take hold.

“Can I once again cover the absolutely bonkers act of moving, dragging your mattress onto the balcony,” Heald began a Facebook post on March 3, 2026.

“I see that someone has done this again and it’s all over TiT Tock.. It was NOT on one of our ships and I hope that nobody ever tries to do this when they cruise with us,” Head said.

This action is definitely not allowed, and Heald joked that any guests caught moving their bedding to their balcony would be forced to “work the rest of the cruise as a state room assistant making beds and cleaning cabins.”

More realistically, guests would receive a warning or consequences in line with violating Carnival’s Code of Conduct, which can include a fine of up to $500 for bad behavior.

While relocating your bed or bedding may seem cute or aesthetic for your social media reel, it actually poses significant safety concerns, such as blocking exit routes, creating a fall hazard, and violating hygiene standards.

It also inevitably leads to more work for crew members when guests fail to put their room back how they found it. Bedding or furniture that is put outside when it is not meant to be may also need a deeper clean or to be replaced entirely.

How Common is This Trend?

Heald did not specify which specific TikTok he was referencing, but there are plenty of viral videos out there of guests relocating their beds and bedding.

For example, Cruise Hive shared a viral video of a passenger who moved their bedding to their balcony during a frigid Antarctica sailing in 2024.

The guest received a lot of criticism from the cruise community because the stunt was a life threatening risk given the below freezing temperatures.

Passenger With Bed on Balcony (Credit: @cartelmarcel)

More recently, Cruise Hive reported on a passenger who moved their entire bed onto the balcony of a Royal Caribbean ship in 2025. Unlike the Antarctica-bound guest, this woman moved her entire mattress and base onto her balcony.

Carnival guests haven’t been caught in the act of relocating their bedroom in the recent past, but one guest did get caught trying to sneak lounge chairs from the Lido deck to their stateroom in October of 2025.

Heald Offers Permitted Alternative

If guests want to fall asleep amidst the fresh air and ocean sounds, they are allowed to snooze with their balcony door open. They just can’t move their beds onto their balconies.

“If you want to sleep in the night air then you can sleep with your balcony door open, that is absolutely fine to do,” Heald confirmed.

However, the trade-off is that sleeping with the cabin door open will shut off the air conditioning in that stateroom – though guests wouldn’t have air conditioning anyway if they were choosing to sleep outside.

It’s also important to be aware that you might wake up in the morning side-by-side with another ship or visible from land.

Carnival guests have complained in the past about being caught in various states of undress because they didn’t think about how they may be visible to others when their ship docked at a port the next morning.

Alternatively, consider booking an interior cabin where the temptation to relocate your bedding won’t exist and there is no chance of accidental indecent exposures.

Royal Caribbean Confuses Guests With Occupancy Error Alert

Royal Caribbean News

Catie Kovelman

-

Mar 5, 2026

0

Royal Caribbean Confuses Guests With Occupancy Error Alert

Key Aspects:

Royal Caribbean has notified some guests that they would temporarily lose access to their booking due to a stateroom occupancy error.
Guests booked on Independence of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas have all received similar updates.
Confused passengers can rest assured that their accommodations will not change, and Royal Caribbean is just updating its system.

Many guests strategically select their cruise cabins based on their specific needs and desires. Therefore, getting an email stating that something may be wrong with your reserved cabin can be alarming.

One future guest of Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas received a letter informing them that their stateroom occupancy was incorrect and would be fixed by the cruise line, leading to concern.

While changes are being made, they would also lose access to their booking on Royal Caribbean’s app and website.

“After an accommodations review, we’ve found that the occupancy for your stateroom is showing incorrectly,” the letter, which was obtained by Cruise Hive, briefly explained.

The guest took to Reddit to ask if anyone else had received a similar notice and to inquire about what it might mean. Many worried that their stateroom assignment or category would change to something they didn’t want.

Multiple Sailings Impacted

The Redditor received the letter for Independence of the Seas’ November 8, 2026, sailing, which is a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise. The 3,858-guest ship will visit Falmouth, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, during this voyage.

Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)

However, this future guest was not the only one to receive a notification like this. Guests booked to sail on Allure of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas said that they had gotten similar messages, although they didn’t share specific dates.

One future passenger even said they had received the same notice for another one of Independence of the Seas’ Caribbean sailings in December 2026.

No Cause for Concern

Despite plenty of confusion and worry, guests can rest assured that their selected cabins are not actually changing.

Some guests were worried that this was a similar situation to more significant changes recently issued by the upcoming Legend of the Seas, in which guests were assigned to new staterooms due to a categorization issue.

Guests were upset because they were switched to rooms they felt were less preferable and/or separated from their travel party, which is not the case here. This was simply just a complicated way for Royal Caribbean to say that it needed to make some internal updates.

“Rest assured, no changes are being made to your stateroom location, and all your amenities will remain the same,” Royal Caribbean confirmed in the letter.

As the updates are being made, guests may lose access to their reservations for one week, but this does not mean that their booking has been changed or cancelled.

“While we conduct this update in our system, your booking will be unavailable to access on the app and website for about one (1) week from today,” Royal Caribbean advised.

Passengers will be notified once the update is complete, and everything should be set and ready long before embarkation day.

Princess Cruises Adds New Caribbean Homeport for Winter 2027–28

Princess Cruises News

Donna Tunney

-

Mar 5, 2026

0

Princess Cruises Adds New Caribbean Homeport for Winter 2027–28

Key Aspects:

Princess Cruises will add Barbados as a seasonal homeport in 2027-28.
The cruises are geared to the UK market and can include an airfare component.
Crown Princess and Emerald Princess will sail 6- to 9-night voyages.

Cruisers hailing from the UK will have more choices for Southern Caribbean voyages in 2027 and 2028, thanks to Princess Cruises’ decision to add Barbados as a homeport for two ships.

Princess Cruises announced on March 3, 2026, that two ships already slated for seasonal service from San Juan, Puerto Rico, also will embark guests in Barbados for 6- to 9-night sailings.

Crown Princess will offer roundtrip Barbados cruises from January through March 2027, while Emerald Princess will feature the option from November 2027 through March 2028. All sailings from Barbados will call at San Juan.

Direct flights from major UK hubs can be booked through Princess Cruises’ Plane Sailing program, or independently by guests. Together, the two ships will sail 30-plus voyages to 15 destinations; most cruises will be 7 nights and can be combined into 14-night vacations.

“This expansion to include Barbados departures adds even greater variety in the highly sought‑after Southern Caribbean and provides greater convenience to our guests travelling from the UK,” said Eithne Williamson, UK, Ireland and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) vice president at Princess Cruises.

“Our Southern Caribbean itineraries include a mix of standout islands and hidden gems, from the lush scenery of St. Lucia to the calm beauty of Tortola, all paired with the exceptional service that Princess is renowned for,” Williamson added.

Here’s What Cruisers Can Expect to Pay

Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, both Crown-class ships that entered service in 2006 and 2007, respectively, each accommodate 3,080 guests and 1,200 crew members. The sister ships, both at 113,561 gross tons, offer different port calls on most cruises.

Crown Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: eyematter)

Crown Princess’ sailing on January 15, 2027, for instance, calls at San Juan, St. Maarten, Martinique, Grenada, and St. Lucia. Emerald Princess’ departure on November 26, 2027, will visit San Juan, Tortola, St. Kitts, Dominica, and Grenada.

A sample cruise fare, without airfare, on Crown Princess is £699 ($933 USD) per person for an inside cabin on a 7-night voyage. Holiday week voyages are higher.

For example, a 7-night Christmas and New Year cruise aboard Emerald Princess begins at £759 ($1,013 USD) per person for an inside cabin. The voyages opened for bookings on March 5, 2026.

Multiple Flight Options Offered to Barbados From Britain

Barbados is growing in popularity as a seasonal homeport for UK and European cruise lines. For UK residents headed to the Caribbean, direct flights to Barbados are offered from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham airports.

While Princess Cruises does not offer fly-cruise packages from the UK, guests can book their airfare through its Plane Sailing plan (called EZair outside the UK). One major advantage to doing so is the plan’s late-arrival protection.

It provides 24/7 assistance in the event of flight cancellations or delays. The protection policy covers flight changes to the destination or the next available port of call.

P&O Cruises, a Carnival Corporation brand that caters to the UK market, operates fly-cruise packages from major UK cities to Barbados in partnership with three airlines. In fall and winter 2026-27, the line will base the 3,647-guest Britannia and 5,200-guest Arvia on the island, offering embarkation there and in Antigua.

MSC Cruises also embraces Barbados as a sought-after destination and offers fly-cruise packages from Europe. The 2,658-guest MSC Opera and the 5,079-guest MSC Seaview will embark guests at the destination in winter 2026-27.

Norwegian Luna Officially Delivered as NCL Expands Its Prima Plus Fleet

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Lissa Poirot

-

Mar 5, 2026

0

Norwegian Luna Officially Delivered as NCL Expands Its Prima Plus Fleet

Key Aspects:

Norwegian Cruise Line has taken delivery of Norwegian Luna, the second ship in its expanded Prima Plus Class.
The 156,000-gross-ton ship will debut in Miami on March 23, 2026, offering Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries.
The delivery continues a long partnership with Fincantieri.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially taken delivery of its newest cruise ship, marking the arrival of the cruise line’s latest vessel as it prepares to enter service in the Caribbean.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered Norwegian Luna to NCL during a ceremony at its Marghera shipyard near Venice. The ship becomes the 21st vessel in the cruise line’s fleet and the second ship in the Prima Plus Class, an expanded version of the Prima Class design first introduced earlier in the decade.

The ship measures 156,000 gross tons and stretches 1,053 feet long, accommodating 3,565 passengers at double occupancy in 1,809 staterooms, placing it among the largest ships in NCL’s fleet. The vessel is roughly 10 percent larger than the earlier Prima Class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

“We are proud to deliver Norwegian Luna, a ship that truly reflects our ability to interpret and anticipate the evolution of the global cruise industry,” said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager Merchant Ships division, Fincantieri.

“The Prima Plus Class sets a new benchmark for the industry, thanks to cutting-edge design solutions and a level of construction excellence showcased by our Marghera shipyard,” he added.

Norwegian Luna follows the delivery of Norwegian Aqua, which entered service in 2025 as the first ship in the expanded Prima Plus Class. According to Fincantieri, roughly 3,000 workers were involved in building and outfitting the new ship.

“We are thrilled to welcome Norwegian Luna to our fleet and to welcome our first guests aboard next week,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of NCL.

Kazlauskas added that the ship reflects the cruise line’s focus on offering more choice and flexibility for passengers.

“As our newest ship, Norwegian Luna is a powerful reflection of NCL’s ‘It’s Different Out Here’ brand ethos. She delivers freedom, flexibility, and thoughtfully curated experiences, allowing guests to enjoy their vacation exactly how they want, with ease.”

Norwegain Luna delivery — From left to right: Marco Lunardi, senior vice president of Marghera Shipyard of Fincantieri, and Robert Lundberg, Norwegian Luna’s captain (Photo Credit: Rocket Aerial LLC)

The delivery also continues a long partnership between NCL’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., and Fincantieri, which recently signed an agreement to build three additional next-generation cruise ships scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2037.

Several senior executives from both companies attended the ceremony marking the ship’s handover. Among them were Biagio Mazzotta, chairman of Fincantieri, Patrik Dahlgren, executive vice president and chief vessel operations and newbuild officer at NCLH, and Daniel S. Farkas, executive vice president and general counsel at NCLH.

Norwegian Luna’s Captain, Robert Lundberg, received the ship and takes the helm as she begins her departure from the shipyard.

Setting Sail for the Caribbean

Norwegian Luna will arrive in the United States following a transatlantic voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, departing on March 10. The ship is scheduled to reach its Miami homeport on March 23, 2026, ahead of its official christening ceremony at PortMiami on March 27, 2026.

During its first year of service, the vessel will operate a mix of 3- and 4-day Bahamas cruises as well as 7-day Caribbean itineraries.

Norwegian Luna float out (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Between April 11 and November 7, 2026, the ship will sail Eastern Caribbean voyages that include stops in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.

As reported by Cruise Hive, Great Stirrup Cay is undergoing upgrades that include a new pier, an oversized pool, and the Great Tides Waterpark, which is expected to open in summer 2026.

Beginning in November 2026, Norwegian Luna will shift to Western Caribbean itineraries with visits to Roatan in Honduras, Cozumel in Mexico, and Harvest Caye, NCL’s private resort destination off the coast of Belize.

More From Cruise Hive

In April 2027, the ship will begin sailing from New York City, offering 4- to 7-day cruises to Bermuda with overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard.

The ship also includes a large lineup of onboard venues and entertainment. Norwegian Luna features 17 dining venues and 18 bars and lounges, along with attractions such as the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid-coaster-style waterslide.

The ship will also feature theater productions, including “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John” and “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” along with a new “Tribute to Eagles” show at Syd Norman’s Pour House.

14 Million Carnival Guests in 20 Years Mark a Defining Moment for Grand Turk

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

-

Mar 5, 2026

0

14 Million Carnival Guests in 20 Years Mark a Defining Moment for Grand Turk

Key Aspects:

Grand Turk Cruise Center and Carnival Corporation are celebrating 20 years of cruises to the beautiful island.
A special event on Wednesday, March 4, included speeches and gift presentations.
April 18 will now officially be “Grand Turk Cruise Center Community Day” to celebrate the ongoing partnership.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, was a special occasion for both Carnival Corporation and the Grand Turk Cruise Center as they jointly celebrated two decades of amazing vacation experiences.

Carnival Cruise Line first visited the popular destination in 2006. Over the years, Carnival ships and other cruise lines in the Carnival family have brought more than 14 million guests to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Grand Turk holds a special place in our history and in our future,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our guests love visiting this beautiful destination and we’re grateful for this partnership which has brought so many benefits to this community for the last 20 years.”

The occasion was marked with a special anniversary event at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, while the Excel Class Carnival Celebration enjoyed a visit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on her current 7-night sailing. The ship made a gorgeous backdrop for the event on a stunning spring day, the exact type of day cruise guests dream about to visit a Caribbean island.

In attendance were various cruise line executives and local authorities, community leaders, and business partners. The gathering represented the strong partnership built between the cruise line and Grand Turk, which brings great benefits to everyone involved.

The ceremony included the presentation of crystal ship models in commemoration of the milestone anniversary, along with speeches and a special announcement that April 18 will officially be declared “Grand Turk Cruise Center Community Day.” A lineup of special events that day will celebrate 20 years of cruise visitors.

Cruise Ships Docked in Grand Turk (Photo Credit: Mateus Andre)

“To Carnival, thank you for two decades of partnership and investment, and for working with us not only in the celebrating years, but in the planning years when wise decisions secure long-term success,” said Premier Charles Washington Misick.

“And to the people of Grand Turk, thank you for your hospitality, your resilience, and your pride. This anniversary belongs to you as well, because you have lived the transformation, you have contributed to the success, and you will help shape what comes next.”

Grand Turk is a Popular Cruise Port of Call

Grand Turk is a popular destination on Eastern Caribbean itineraries. The island is located 465 miles east-southeast of Nassau, Bahamas, and 390 miles west-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, making it a perfect port visit for a variety of sailings.

The port only features a single pier, but it is large enough to welcome some of the world’s biggest cruise ships with two vessels berthed at once.

In the coming weeks, ships from various lines have calls planned to Grand Turk, including not only Carnival Cruise Line but also Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, and MSC Cruises.

Depending on the sailing date and cruise homeport, itineraries from 4-14 days may include Grand Turk on the schedule, and it is also part of many much longer world cruise itineraries and their Caribbean segments.

On the island, which is the largest of the Turks Islands, guests can enjoy pristine beaches, a variety of shopping, one of the largest swimming pools in the Caribbean (for free!), different restaurants and bars, and even historic attractions.

Just to the south of the pier, a moment’s walk away, is the “Splashdown Grand Turk” monument, a free exhibit celebrating John Glenn’s famous splashdown in the Friendship 7 space capsule in 1962, which happened just a few miles from the island.