The weekend of January 31 and February 1, 2026, is looking like it’s going to be a rough one, with a bomb cyclone heading for the US East Coast and stormy weather bringing strong winds to the Bahamas.
In light of the inclement weather, several cruise ships have made itinerary changes to avoid the rough conditions.
These are all the weather-related itinerary changes so far, and Cruise Hive will continue to update this list as more changes come to light.
Bahamas Sailings
Several Bahamas sailings have been impacted by the rough weather, as intense winds make docking at popular cruise ports unsafe. According to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, strong gale force winds are expected at noon Saturday, to early Monday and that’s in addition to low temperatures already hitting the region.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s Bahamas-bound ships have been impacted by the weather. First, Oasis of the Seas has cancelled its call to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, on January 31.
This was meant to be the final port call on an 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing that embarked in Port Everglades, Florida, on January 24, 2026.
Utopia of the Seas has also had to cancel her call to the private destination on February 1 and had to shorten the planned visit to Nassau, Bahamas, on January 31.
Passengers on Wonder of the Seas have also reported an itinerary change. Royal Caribbean was forced to cancel its scheduled call to CocoCay on January 31 and the call to Nassau on February 1, both ports are in the Bahamas. This means the January 30 cruise out of Miami is a cruise to nowhere, with those two ports replaced with sea days instead.
Celebrity Cruises
At the moment, just the Celebrity Reflection is impacted by the weather conditions in the region. The ship’s January 30 sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has now become a cruise to nowhere due to the windy conditions. The scheduled call to Key West on January 31 and the scheduled call to Bimini on February 1 have both been cancelled.
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is shifting its itinerary to keep conditions as nice as possible onboard for its January 30 sailing, which is a 3-night getaway cruise.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Docked at Port of Palm Beach, Florida (Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky)
Instead of calling to Nassau on February 1, the ship will arrive in the capital of the Bahamas a day early on January 31 to avoid the worst of the wind.
Disney Wish is operating a 3-night sailing, which will now skip its visit to Castaway Cay on February 1 and will spend extra time in Nassau instead.
Potentially to make room for Disney Wish’s extended stay in Nassau, Disney Dream will skip her planned call to Nassau on February 1 and enjoy a sea day instead.
Sailings Based on the US East Coast
The bomb cyclone is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and high tides to the East Coast over the weekend, which can create navigational challenges for cruise ships.
Forecast confidence continues to grow that a significant snowstorm will impact a much of the Carolinas into Southeast Virginia this weekend, with greater uncertainty farther up the coast. pic.twitter.com/Xa2bMBV9Hl
Current guests of MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia have reported that the 5,700-guest ship is making an early return to New York from her current 7-night Bahamas sailing.
Per cruise tracking data, the ship is currently sailing in the direction of the Big Apple at top speeds of 23 knots in moderate swells of 1.2 meters (around 4 feet). Embarkation for the following Bahamas sailing on February 1, 2026, is still expected to go ahead as planned.
But in light of the snowy conditions and freezing temperatures, MSC Cruises has issued a warning to its next round of passengers to be careful as they make their way to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Similarly, Norwegian Breakaway is returning to New York from her 11-night Caribbean sailing early to try to beat the worst of the stormy weather. Because of the change in plans, the ship had to cancel its call to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, on January 30.
Instead of arriving on February 3 to disembark as planned, the 3,903-guest ship will return to Manhattan on February 1. The extra time will be treated like an overnight port call.
Carnival Cruise Line
In line with the other cruise brands, Carnival decided to bring Carnival Sunshine back to Norfolk, Virginia, one day early to beat the storm. The Sunshine-class flagship had to skip its visit to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, to ensure a safe and smooth arrival in Virginia.
Meanwhile, guests of Carnival Pride’s February 1, 2026, sailing have been put on alert that the weather could impact their embarkation in Baltimore, Maryland.
No changes have been made yet, but the cruise line is monitoring the situation and will convey information to guests as needed. Passengers are also encouraged to sign up for text alerts.
If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska for the 2026 season, you’ll have four ships to choose from: Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, or Voyager of the Seas.
Already thinking ahead to 2027? While ships may change from year to year, we do at least know at this point that Quantum of the Seas will replace Ovation of the Seas for the line’s 2027 Alaska cruises.
So, looking at all your options and not sure which ship to choose for your upcoming Alaska adventure? I’m going to explain everything you need to know about these five vessels so you can pick the best fit for your travel needs.
Royal Caribbean Ships Sailing Alaska
Ship
Homeport
Glacier Access
Best For
Year
Serenade of the Seas
Vancouver
Tracy Arm / Endicott Arm
Scenery lovers, adults, quiet ship fans
2026 & 2027
Voyager of the Seas
Seattle
Dawes Glacier
Budget, families, classic RCI experience
2026 & 2027
Anthem of the Seas
Vancouver & Seward
Hubbard Glacier
Families, indoor spaces, cruisetours
2026 & 2027
Ovation of the Seas
Vancouver & Seward
Hubbard Glacier
Adventure, land tours, modern ship
2026 only
Quantum of the Seas
Seattle
Dawes Glacier
Families, weather-proof activities
2027 only
Voyager of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s relatively older ships, but don’t let that deter you from considering it for your upcoming Alaskan cruise. Debuting in 1999, the ship holds about 3,600 people. That’s pretty small by today’s standards, but at that point in history, it was groundbreaking.
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)
And don’t worry — the ship was upgraded in 2019, so it’s been spiffed up. It houses a lot of the classic Royal Caribbean cruise ship features, such as a rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, surf simulator and the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides.
Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise
All things considered, when it comes to an Alaskan cruise, Voyager of the Seas is ideal for those who don’t want or need a mega-ship that’s going to be crowded, even if it does come with all the latest and greatest amenities. It’s also a good fit for those on a budget, as older ships are typically cheaper to sail on.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Voyager of the Seas
As this older ship wasn’t built with Alaskan cruising in mind (as some other Royal Caribbean ships might’ve been), you’re not going to find quite as many indoor spots to enjoy the views of wildlife and glaciers. Sure, you can see it all from the deck — try the outdoor deck 4 promenade — but it’s going to be chilly.
Book a balcony cabin for private outdoor space to take in the views, and opt for a midship balcony cabin if you can get it, for less noise and motion.
As for glacier access, the ship does not visit Glacier Bay, but does visit Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier instead, though not on all itineraries. Make sure to double-check before booking, if this itinerary stop is a must for you.
Voyager of the Seas Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Smaller ship for fewer crowds
Older ship not really outfitted for cold weather cruising
Budget-friendly
Smaller ship size means smaller cabins
Who Should Avoid This Ship?
Those wanting to cruise on a big, new ship should probably opt for one of Royal Caribbean’s other options. Additionally, those who are averse to taking in the views outdoors may also want to pick a ship that has more indoor viewing areas.
Anthem of the Seas
Comparatively, Anthem of the Seas is a much newer ship, built in 2015, and it’s also much larger, as a Quantum-class ship — meaning that even though you’ll easily find more than 4,000 other passengers sailing with you, you’ll hardly feel crowded.
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)
The ship is very family-friendly, with lots to do for all ages, though those sailing without any kids in tow will also find loads to love about this ship, with its adults-only spaces and ample dining and drinking venues.
During an Alaskan cruise, you’ll never feel like you’re cooped up indoors. With so much to do, there’s no chance of getting cabin fever.
From swimming in the indoor pool to heading to the Seaplex for roller skating, basketball, bumper cars and similar fun, you’ve got options. And did I mention that this ship is outfitted with the North Star observation capsule, for 360-degree views and all-out awesomeness?
So, if you want a family-friendly ship with no end to on-ship fun, pick Anthem of the Seas for your Alaska cruise.
2026-2027 Alaska Deployments
You’ll find no shortage of 2026-2027 Alaska cruises on Anthem of the Seas. Starting at $93 per night, all deployments are at least a 7-night cruise, with 10-night cruises available as well. Departure ports for this ship over the next two years will include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seattle, Seward and Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada. Stops range from Skagway to Ketchikan, Sitka to the Hubbard Glacier.
Anthem of the Seas Ship Stats
Gross Tonnage 167,800
Passenger Capacity: 4,168
Staterooms: 2,091
Decks: 16 total
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Anthem of the Seas
Which glaciers you’ll get to see will depend on your exact itinerary, but the Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier are both options — and you can even take in the views right from the pool deck or the North Star observation capsule.
Grab a balcony cabin for views without leaving your room and some past cruisers suggest particularly getting a cabin near the front of the ship, if your itinerary includes the Hubbard Glacier (though many also note that, regardless of your itinerary and cabin, you’re going to get some awesome scenery).
Pros & Cons for Anthem of the Seas in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Plenty of indoor things to do
Not the newest ship, and hasn’t received any large refurbishments
Lots of options for getting great scenic views
Who Should Avoid This Ship?
There are really few reasons why you might avoid a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska on this ship. It has lots of amenities and itinerary options to choose from. You may want to avoid the ship if you are a stickler about only sailing on the newest and largest ships, or conversely, if you prefer a smaller cruising experience with fewer than 4,000 other cruisers.
Serenade of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas was built in 2003, so it’s definitely not considered a new ship and it’s small, too (with the last big refurbishment occurring in 2012, and further refurbishments occurring in 2022). However, this ship is well-known as one of the best Royal Caribbean ships for an Alaskan cruise.
Serenade of the Seas in Alaska (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise
The ship only fits around 2,000 passengers, so you’re not fighting against any crowds. The ship feels far more intimate than the other Royal Caribbean vessels on these itineraries. Because the ship isn’t super amenity-heavy, with lots of flashy entertainment at every corner, that means it’s also calmer and less hectic, for some serious next-level chill.
Meanwhile, the views from the interior are top-notch. From the Solarium to the pool with its retractable glass roof to the dining options, you’re rarely without a view. As such, so long as you’re not really, really wanting a big ship with lots of on-ship activities, book Serenade of the Seas if you can.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Serenade of the Seas
As mentioned, Serenade of the Seas offers a wealth of great viewing spots across the ship, so you’ll definitely not be left wanting for scenery.
However, for private views, book a balcony cabin — though it’s worth noting that many cruisers find the balcony cabins on this ship to be rather small, so maybe upgrade to a suite with a balcony if you can swing it, like the Royal Suite. Glacier stops on 2026–2027 itineraries include Tracy Arm Fjords and Glacier (though not all itineraries include it!).
Pros & Cons for Sereande of the Seas in Alaska
Pros
Cons
More intimate feel and fewer crowds
Smaller ships mean fewer amenities
Views aplenty
Cruisers complain that cabins are small and outdated
Who Should Avoid This Ship?
If you really love staying on a brand-new, big ship, with all the jaw-dropping thrills you can handle, and you want lots of activities to keep your cruising crew entertained, this might not be the ship for you.
Ovation of the Seas
As mentioned, Ovation of the Seas will be replaced on Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itineraries by Quantum of the Seas in 2027, but you can still enjoy this ship throughout 2026.
Ovation of the Seas North Star
Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise
Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship that launched in 2016, making it the newest out of Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise ships. However, even though that’s the case, the cruise line still decided to give the ship some pretty substantial updates in early 2026.
While the ship is already outfitted with tons of fun spaces and amenities for your vacation, like the Seaplex and North Star observation capsule, these new renovations will also add extra cabins, bars, and lounges, and even a bigger pool and pool deck. As such, this is the best Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise ship to sail on in 2026 if you want new, new, new.
2026-2027 Alaska Deployments
Ovation of the Seas is offering 2026–2027 Alaska cruises that range from 7 to 13 nights, with departure ports including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward and Vancouver, with prices starting at around $90 per night. One-way sailings are particularly popular.
Ovation of the Seas Ship Stats
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Passenger Capacity: 4,182
Staterooms: 2,091
Decks: 16 total
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas offers plenty of vista views throughout its public spaces, so you won’t necessarily need to huddle out in the cold if you want to take in the scenery. Itineraries include visits to the Hubbard Glacier (the largest tidewater glacier in North America) and Dawes Glacier.
You will, though, want to keep one important thing in mind as you book your cabin: On one-way itineraries, as are popular on this ship, you’ll spend your entire itinerary either with a sea or land view. On one side, you could see bears and bald eagles, on the other, whales and sea lions.
Neither option is necessarily better than the other — it’s just personal preference — but give it a think before you book and then reserve port or starboard accordingly.
Who Should Avoid This Ship?
Avoid this ship for your Alaska cruise if you really would prefer a smaller, calmer ship, as well as if you don’t want the hassle of a one-way cruise rather than a round-trip itinerary.
Pros & Cons for Ovation of the Seas in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Ship was recently refurbished
Big ships come with big crowds
Tons of amenities and activities
One-way sailings come with added travel costs
Quantum of the Seas
Remember — Quantum of the Seas won’t be sailing in Alaska until 2027, when it takes over for Ovation of the Seas — but if you’re planning ahead and booking for next year, here’s what you need to know.
Quantum of the Seas in Alaska (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
Quantum of the Seas was the very first Quantum-class ship, debuting in 2014 and refurbished in 2019, with minor updates made in 2024. It features all the classic Quantum attractions and amenities, like the North Star observation pod, the Ripcord skydiving simulator, SeaPlex and more.
Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise
Really, if you’re already thinking about sailing on one of the other Quantum-class ships that go to Alaska, but you can’t make it work for whatever reason, you’re going to find a very, very similar experience on Quantum of the Seas.
2026-2027 Alaska Deployments
Currently, only two itineraries are available for 2027 cruises on Quantum of the Seas. Both are 7-night cruises leaving from Seattle, Washington, starting at $120 per night.
Quantum of the Seas Ship Stats
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Passenger Capacity: 4,180
Staterooms: 2,094
Decks: 16 total
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Quantum of the Seas
Upcoming 2027 cruises will visit Dawes Glacier, though it’s worth keeping in mind that large Quantum-class ships like this don’t enjoy as much glacier access as smaller ships. However, you’ll not be left wanting for views from the North Star capsule, indoor pool or Solarium. Choose a mid-ship balcony cabin for the best views overall.
Pros & Cons for Quantum of the Seas in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Tons of amenities, activities, and stateroom options
Larger ships come with crowds
Excellent views both indoors and out
Larger ships may not get to visit destinations only accessible to smaller vessels
Who Should Avoid This Ship?
If you want a more intimate cruising experience and don’t care so much for having a wealth of entertainment options and amenities, a smaller ship might be better suited to your needs.
Which Ship Has the Best Deals?
You can find cruises on all of these ships starting at under $100 per night. However, the average price can really range, so don’t expect that you’ll just be able to find a $100-per-night cruise that works for your travel dates and itinerary preferences.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships in Alaska (Photo Credit: steve estvanik)
Here are the lowest and highest per-night costs for each ship:
Based on the above, you’re more likely to find a more affordable deal when booking on Serenade of the Seas. The reasons that some ships cost more than others include ship age, ship size, ship amenities and demand for that particular ship.
Harmony of the Seas will be several hours late returning to Galveston due to a medical evacuation on the current sailing.
Strong headwinds have made it challenging for the Oasis Class ship to make up for the evacuation delay.
The next sailing will depart Texas three hours later than scheduled, but no port changes are anticipated.
Just as multiple ships are changing itineraries and even returning early to their homeports due to the impact of different storm systems, Harmony of the Seas is now delayed returning to Galveston, Texas, but not entirely because of weather.
The ship’s current 7-night Western Caribbean sailing departed on Sunday, January 25, 2026 to head for Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. The Oasis Class ship will not be able to return on schedule on Sunday, February 1, however.
Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests booked on the next sailing to alert them to the delay.
“Due to a medical debarkation during the previous sailing, Harmony of the Seas will be arriving later than we initially planned. As a result, we are experiencing some delays at the terminal causing us to push our departure back,”the email notification explained.
Guest arrival times have been delayed by 3.5-4 hours, depending on the original arrival time guests selected when checking in for the cruise.
For example, guests who originally opted to arrive at Cruise Terminal 10 at 10:30 a.m. should now arrive at 2:30 p.m. The latest arrival time is now 5 p.m., and the ship will set sail at 6 p.m. instead of at 3 p.m. as previously scheduled.
Royal Caribbean is also reminding guests that the cruise terminal will not be open for embarkation until the new arrival windows, and travelers arriving earlier may be asked to leave and return at their new arrival time.
Delayed Harmony of the Seas Letter
It will be necessary for debarking guests to have sufficient time to process through customs and leave the cruise terminal and parking areas before arriving guests can be accommodated.
Because Harmony of the Seas can welcome as many as 6,780 travelers when fully booked, it is necessary to ensure everyone debarks the ship before new guests can arrive.
At this time, there is no confirmation of any changes to the February 1 sailing despite the later departure. The ship is still scheduled to visit Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel as planned for the weeklong sailing. Any necessary updates will be communicated to guests as they are confirmed.
Unfortunately, the current sailing hasn’t gone smoothly for everyone, and the medical evacuation required the ship to backtrack significantly to meet another boat near Cancun to transfer the individual who required urgent care.
Royal Caribbean has not released a statement on that evacuation, and it is not clear whether it is a guest or a crew member or what the medical emergency may have been.
Following the evacuation as Harmony of the Seas turned back north to continue toward Galveston, significant headwinds have impeded the ship’s progress.
Guests onboard have noted headwinds as high as 55 knots (63 miles per hour), and satellite tracking shows the ship moving at 19 knots against that wind in rough seas with waves as high as 11-12 feet. Such conditions make it difficult for the ship to reach her top cruising speed of 22 knots.
Announcements from the ship’s captain have informed guests that the ship will be arriving in Galveston at approximately 10 a.m., with debarkation expected to begin at 11 a.m.
These times are estimates only, but generally the cruise line does a fair job of predicting arrivals under these circumstances. Should any further delays be necessary, guests onboard Harmony of the Seas as well as those expecting to board the ship on Sunday will be notified.
Approximately 200 guests fell ill during Balmoral’s previous 10-night sailing to Norway and Scotland.
Guests endured gastrointestinal symptoms that were likely the work of norovirus, although the causative agent hasn’t been confirmed.
The cruise line implemented enhanced sanitation and cleaning procedures to prevent further spread.
Balmoral’s recent sailing to the Norwegian Fjords was plagued with stomach upset, as approximately 200 guests fell ill with a stomach bug. The ship can accommodate up to 1,250 guests and 537 crew members, meaning around 11% of the population onboard was impacted.
Normally, outbreaks are reported to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program when 3% or more of the people onboard become ill. But as this sailing did not include any US ports, it falls outside the jurisdiction of the CDC.
It’s not clear which causative agent was behind the outbreak, but the highly contagious norovirus is the prime suspect.
The Fred Olsen ship concluded its 10-night sailing from Southampton, UK, on January 30, 2026, but the experience remains fresh for passengers affected.
Preventive Measures Taken
As is the standard protocol, the crew members immediately took action to mitigate further spread of illness on the 43,537-gross ton ship.
“We have immediately implemented measures to help reduce transmission, and our medical team is on hand to provide support to anyone who should feel unwell during the cruise,” Dr. Kate Bunyan, Director of Health Services, told The Shetland Times.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew is our highest priority, and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has robust health, hygiene, and safety protocols in place at all times,” Dr. Bunyan continued.
Fred Olsen Balmoral Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Wayleebird)
These measures included implementing enhanced cleaning protocols onboard and isolating symptomatic guests in their cruise cabins.The cruise line also kept passengers informed of the situation with overhead announcements.
One passenger, who remained anonymous, told The Shetland Times that there were daily updates saying the ship was “experiencing increasing cases of people presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis.”
Embarkation for Next Sailing Delayed
Out of an abundance of caution, embarkation for the January 30 sailing was briefly delayed to allow for an extra deep cleaning of the ship before new, healthy guests were welcomed onboard.
“Balmoral will be returning to Southampton tomorrow, where she will set sail a little later than planned to allow for a deep clean of the ship and cruise terminal,” Dr. Bunyan said on January 29.
Per cruise tracking data, Balmoral left Southampton on the evening of January 30 as planned. She is now on her way to Alesund, Norway, where she is due to make her first port call of the journey on February 2.
During the rest of the 15-night Northern Lights-themed voyage, passengers will get to visit Norway’s Narvik, Alta, Tromso, Sortland (Langoya Island), and Molde.
Was Everyone Really Sick?
As the cruise ship encountered rough seas, some passengers were speculating whether all the afflicted guests shared the same virus or if some were simply seasick.
The ship was supposed to visit Lerwick, Scotland, on January 27 so that guests could partake in Up-Helly-Aa, which is Europe’s largest fire festival. But due to stormy weather, which brought strong winds and large swells, the visit was cancelled.
“While we understand the disappointment of missing the much-anticipated Up-Helly-Aa festival, the safety of our guests and crew must always remain our highest priority,”the cruise line stated.
Regardless of the reason behind the illness, new guests can rest assured that the crew members followed the strictest and most robust protocols to clean the ship and make sure everyone stays safe going forward.
Here we go with this week’s recap of the big news stories in the cruise industry. Highlights of Cruise Hive’s coverage include Royal Caribbean officially ordering construction of a new class of ship, Norwegian Cruise Line adding an important new rule for its airline booking program, and a Princess Cruises’ ship unveiling two new specialty dining venues.
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Technical Issue Cancels Anthem of the Seas Cruise
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas ran into some technical trouble while sailing an 8-night South Pacific voyage roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, apparently impacting the ship’s speed.
The Quantum-class ship, with capacity for 4,180 guests in double occupancy, arrived late at her homeport on January 27, 2026, and also cancelled her next cruise, a 10-night New Zealand cruise due to depart that same day.
Anthem of the Seas in Sydney, Australia (Photo Credit: Slow Walker)
The ship was tracked returning to port at 14 knots, rather than her traditional 22 knots. The cruise line has not specified the nature of the technical problem, but it appears to be propulsion-related.
Originally set to arrive in Sydney at 6:30 a.m. on January 27, Anthem of the Seas did not dock there until about 4 p.m.
The cruise line assisted guests with airline change fees and other travel plans, including up to $200 per person for domestic flight change fees and up to $400 per person for international flight change fees.
Guests booked on the January 27 departure are receiving a full refund of their cruise fare and all pre-paid services, such as dining packages, shore excursions, and crew gratuities.
NCL Air Program Reveals Major Booking Change
Many Norwegian Cruise Line guests book their airfare through the brand rather than independently, but under a new policy, those who book via the NCL Air program must schedule their arrival at the departure port at least one day ahead of embarkation.
The new rule took effect on new air bookings made on and after January 26, 2026. The requirement means that guests must spend at least one night in a hotel, and that expense is the guests’ responsibility.
Norwegian Cruise Line in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
The cruise line added the requirement in an effort to lower the number of guests who book their air arrival for the same day as embarkation and miss their cruise due to flight delays or cancellations.
Bad weather often is the culprit in these cases. On January 26, 2026, for instance, Winter Storm Fern upended the Northeast with heavy snow, and more than 5,100 flights were cancelled as a result.
Guests can book their pre-cruise hotel stay through the line’s NCL’s Hotel and Hotel Plus program, but they will pay the accommodation cost.
Diamond Princess Gets Two New Dining Venues
Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess, which sails East Asia year-round, has expanded its specialty dining venues by two — Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill.
Diamond Princess becomes the fourth ship to offer Makoto Ocean, which is already offered on Sun Princess, Star Princess, and Sapphire Princess. The eatery, a partnership with celebrity Chef Makoto Okuwa, features Japanese favorites like Miso Sea Bass, Truffle Salmon, and Yellowtail Sashimi.
Diamond Princess Cruise Ship in Japan (Photo Credit: Aeypix)
The venue replaced the Kai Sushi venue and also features specialty cocktails such as Makoto Gin & Tonic and Nagoya Negroni.
Crown Grill, a longtime favorite among Princess guests, is a steakhouse serving sirloin and strip steaks, rib-eye stakes, and filet mignon, along with some chicken and seafood dishes.
Each venue comes with a $55 per person charge, although it is included for guests who purchase the Princess Premier package.
Diamond Princess currently sails roundtrip from Singapore, and in late February 2026 will reposition to Yokohama, Japan, offering 9- to 21-night voyages.
Legend of the Seas Now Plans July 4 Debut
It isn’t unusual for new-builds to debut later than scheduled, but in the case of Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, the opposite is happening.
The Icon-class ship, under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, will enter service one week ahead of her planned launch.
The 5,610-guest Legend of the Seas will sail her inaugural cruise on July 4, 2026, rather than on July 11. Guests already booked on the later date have the option to switch their departure date to the earlier launch if they wish. (Transfers are on a first-come, first-served basis.)
Legend of the Seas Under Construction at Meyer Turku (Photo Credit: Meyer Turku)
The new voyage will operate roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia) and call at Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Florence.
This is not the first change in the ship’s maiden voyage. Originally, Legend of the Seas was to debut in August 2026, but the line added three sailings in July, on the 11th, 18th, and 25th.
Following the completion of her construction and outfitting, the ship will undergo sea trials before being delivered to Royal Caribbean.
Carnival Expands Sale of New Non-Alcoholic Package
Carnival Cruise Line guests have been eagerly awaiting the launch of the brand’s new Cheers! Zero Proof Drink Package, and now it is finally on sale for all voyages in North America and Australia.
The roll-out of the new plan has been gradual. It was introduced in September 2025, and guests booked on cruises through 2025 could buy it. In November 2025, guests could purchase the plan if they were sailing during the first quarter of 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line Atrium Bar (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
But now, the plan is for sale on all voyages departing from North America and Australia. There is a big difference, however, between those departure destinations — the North America package includes premium teas and coffees, but the Australia package does not.
Items included in both plans are premium non-alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine, and zero-proof cocktails, plus soda, juices, water, and even milkshakes, among others.
Guests who book the package before departure pay a fee starting at $29.99 per person per day, while those who buy the plan after embarkation will pay $34.99 per person per day.
Guests can buy the plan on Carnival’s website, via its HUB app, or through the line’s customer service department.
MSC Unveils Big Plans For Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
A slew of new enhancements and activities are coming to MSC Cruises’ MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.
Expected to be completed in late 2027, upgrades to the private destination in the Bahamas will feature an expanded pier that can accommodate two cruise ships at a time, four new dining options, a family oriented beach area, and an adult-only retreat.
Seakers Cove Family Beach, Ocean Cay
The new eateries have not been detailed yet, but are expected to include buffets, a food market, and a specialty restaurant. The Seakers Cove Family Beach will offer a splash pad and playground, plus a ropes course with water experiences.
Paradise Sands, the new adult-only space, will be a serene oceanfront area with lounge chairs. Across the reserve, more private cabanas will be added as well.
The private destination will also offer conservation experiences called “Shifted Perspective.” Described as an interactive program, it will enable guests to explore conservation efforts and learn about environmental topics such as coral restoration and oceanic ecosystems.
Cruise Line Orders Two Discovery-Class Ships
Royal Caribbean will soon add an eighth ship class to its roster: the Discovery class.
The cruise line revealed it has signed an agreement with France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard to construct two Discovery-class ships, debuting in 2029 and 2032, and has options for four additional vessels.
Industry watchers had been expecting the order, as rumors have been persistent on social media and elsewhere.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique Shipyard (Photo Credit: olrat / Shutterstock)
The cruise line has not indicated the size of the planned ships; some cruise insiders believe the Discovery ships will be smaller than recent new-builds, like the massive Icon- and Oasis-class vessels of recent years.
Cruise line executives did indicate, however, that the Discover class ships would offer a bold new concept with cutting-edge designs.
Royal Caribbean’s most recent class is Icon. It debuted in 2024 with Icon of the Seas. Star of the Seas followed in 2025 and Legend of the Seas is due to launch in July 2026. These ships have a capacity for a whopping 7,600 guests with all berths occupied.
More Cruise Headlines
Those were some of the week’s top cruise headlines, but Cruise Hive has coverage of many other developments, too, including MSC Cruises planning a new cruise terminal on Grand Bahama Island, a legendary cruise ship captain who transited the Northwest Passage announcing his retirement, and a Royal Caribbean ship skipping a port call due to a medical emergency.
Also, one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most popular musicals is ending its run on Norwegian Bliss, and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Venezia is altering two port calls on a Caribbean itinerary in February 2026.
High winds expected in the Bahamas this weekend have changed Utopia of the Seas‘ January 30 cruise itinerary.
The ship will depart Nassau an hour earlier on Saturday and the Sunday visit to CocoCay is now cancelled.
Guests can still enjoy plenty of onboard activities, entertainment, and fun on the Oasis Class ship.
With rough weather expected in the Bahamas over the weekend, Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas has adjusted her itinerary for her Friday, January 30, 2026 departure from Port Canaveral. This includes cancelling the planned visit to the cruise line’s private island and shortening the stop in Nassau.
“We unfortunately have to cancel our visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas on Sunday due to strong winds,”the letter confirmed.“Additionally, we’ll now depart Nassau, Bahamas at 5:00 PM instead of 6:00 PM.”
Utopia of the Seas is setting sail from the Space Coast for an “Ultimate Weekend” sailing, but of course, safety is always the top priority.
The Oasis class ship is still scheduled to arrive in Nassau on Saturday at 9 a.m. By leaving one hour earlier than originally planned, however, Utopia of the Seas will be able to safely maneuver out of the harbor that afternoon and out to sea before the strong winds start to rise, which could cause problems.
Letter for Utopia of the Seas Itinerary Change
Furthermore, skipping CocoCay is the best option as the Weather Channel predicts winds in the region are expected to be 20-30 miles per hour on Sunday, February 1. This could cause too much tension on the mooring lines for the docked ship, potentially causing ropes to snap and the vessel to drift dangerously.
Because the pier at CocoCay is relatively exposed, high winds will create crashing waves that could be very dangerous for guests or crew members on the pier as well.
Tours to Be Automatically Cancelled or Adjusted
Because of these changes, Royal Caribbean said that any pre-paid shore tours booked for CocoCay will be automatically cancelled and refunded as onboard credit to guests’ SeaPass accounts.
Likewise, any tours for Nassau that must be adjusted due to the time change will be rescheduled automatically or cancelled and refunded if they cannot be changed.
Utopia of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
While some guests are naturally disappointed to be missing CocoCay, which has been voted a reader favorite for five years in the Cruise Hive Awards, Utopia of the Seas was deliberately designed as the ultimate weekend destination and features a ton for everyone to enjoy.
“What a great ship to have a sea day on!”one guest commented after learning of the change.
Onboard activities and excitement range from the thrills of the Ultimate Abyss, the zipline over the Boardwalk, and the FlowRider surf simulator to the relaxation of the spa, multiple bars and lounges, and much more.
Theater shows with spectacular drone effects, comedy performances, trivia contests, deck parties, miniature golf, ice skating, waterslides, pools, more than 20 dining options, live music, and more makes Utopia of the Seas a great getaway for three jam-packed days. With a sea day now on the itinerary, guests will have just that much more time to do it all this weekend.
Disney Wish and Disney Dream are both changing their January 30 sailings due to rough weather.
Disney Wish will now stay in Nassau but skip Castaway Cay, while Disney Dream will skip Nassau for a day at sea.
High winds expected through the Bahamas on Saturday and Sunday make these changes necessary.
In anticipation of strong winds and rough seas in the Bahamas over the next few days, both Disney Wish and Disney Dream have adjusted their weekend itineraries to provide the smoothest, safest cruises for everyone aboard.
Both ships are departing their respective homeports on Friday, January 30, 2026. Disney Wish is sailing from Port Canaveral, while Disney Dream is sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
Disney Wish
The 144,000-gross-ton Disney Wish is sailing a 3-night itinerary that had calls scheduled for Nassau on Saturday, January 31 and Castaway Cay on Sunday, February 1, before returning to Port Canaveral on Monday, February 2.
“Given the anticipated strong winds and adverse sea conditions predicted in The Bahamas overnight on Saturday and during the day on Sunday, we will not be able to visit Disney Castaway Cay on Sunday,”a letter delivered to guests onboard read.“We will instead spend extra time in Nassau, on Saturday night and throughout the morning on Sunday.”
The letter isn’t quite clear about whether Disney Wish will remain docked in Nassau overnight or if she will leave for several hours before returning on Sunday morning for extra time.
Disney Wish Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Artha sant)
Nevertheless, the change is sure to be disappointing to guests who had been looking forward to their time at the popular private island.
Safety, however, is always the highest priority, and the strong winds and direction of the winds could make it impossible for the large ship to dock at Castaway Cay or for guests to safely use the pier to access the island.
All pre-paid Port Adventures for Castaway Cay will be automatically cancelled and refunded to guests. Tours for Nassau as well as exclusive onboard experiences will be available to book at the Port Adventures Desk portside on Deck 4 next to the Grand Atrium or through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once guests are onboard.
Disney Dream
Interestingly, it appears that Disney Dream may be making way for Disney Wish‘s extended visit to Nassau. Disney Dream is also sailing a 3-night Bahamas itinerary this weekend.
The original itinerary was to have visited Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Saturday, followed by Nassau on Sunday. As guests were embarking on the ship on Friday afternoon, however, they were informed that the visit to Nassau was not possible.
“We will instead spend the day at sea, where conditions are forecasted to be more favorable,”the letter explained.
Six ships are scheduled for Nassau on Sunday, February 1. This includes Wonder of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, MSC Grandiosa, Celebrity Constellation, and Margaritaville Paradise, in addition to Disney Wish on her now-adjusted itinerary.
Disney Dream cruise ship docked in Port Canaveral. (Photo Credit: AwayWithYourFairies)
This may mean there simply isn’t room to accommodate Disney Dream. The 129,700-gross-ton ship is slightly smaller than Disney Wish, which may make it easier to handle the expected conditions at sea.
Furthermore, since Disney Dream is homeported from Fort Lauderdale, she can move further away from the rough weather while at sea than Disney Wish could manage without delays for either vessel returning to their respective homeports.
For context, Nassau is just 185 miles from Port Everglades, but is 320 miles from Port Canaveral.
What Will the Weather Be?
While it may seem like these itinerary changes are premature, the weather in Nassau is expected to be extremely windy through the weekend.
According to the Weather Channel, Nassau has steady winds near 20 miles per hour from Saturday afternoon, with overnight winds increasing to near 30 mph into Sunday morning and early afternoon.
Higher gusts can make for very dangerous conditions indeed, including rough swells and even situations that might snap mooring lines, but extensive precipitation is not expected with the passing weather system.
Fortunately, cast members on both Disney Wish and Disney Dream will undoubtedly put together fantastic onboard activities and entertainment for guests, ensuring a fun and memorable weekend cruise even if the itinerary may not be what was originally planned.
Another winter storm could impact a Carnival Cruise Line ship’s departure from Baltimore on February 1, 2026.
Brand Ambassador John Heald advised guests to sign up for the line’s text alert service.
It is possible that the storm could impact embarkation or departure times.
The potential for severe weather to again impact cruise itineraries sailing from US East Coast ports threatens to impact departure times for some ships, including Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Pride.
The 2,124-guest Spirit-class ship homeports in Baltimore, Maryland, a destination currently in the crosshairs of a winter nor’easter predicted to affect the region the weekend of January 31-February 1, 2026.
The ship is sailing a 7-night Bahamas cruise that is set to conclude in Baltimore on February 1. Carnival Pride is scheduled to depart that same day on another 7-night Bahamas itinerary, but will that embarkation go off as planned if this latest storm hits?
That’s the question John Heald, brand ambassador for Carnival Cruise Line, addressed on his Facebook page, where he strongly suggested that booked guests stay alert to information the cruise line might be sending out.
“For those of you excited (and so you should be) to cruise on Carnival Pride on Sunday I ask you to please check your emails for an important message. Adverse weather conditions are expected for Baltimore and in the region, and this could impact operation plans on embarkation day,” posted John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador.
“For now, there are no changes, but we will continue to monitor the situation and keep guests updated if adjustments become necessary,” Heald added.
Heald’s January 30 message recommended that guests sign up for the line’s text alert service. In the case of a delayed embarkation, guests’ boarding times could be changed, the ship’s departure could be postponed, or other revisions might be made.
Carnival Pride Docked in Baltimore (Photo Credit: Port of Baltimore)
In fact, guests currently onboard Carnival Pride lost one day of their sailing due to the massive snowstorm that hit the East Coast on January 25, 2026. Winter Storm Fern caused the ship to return to Baltimore a day late, on January 26 rather than on January 25.
Guests on the January 25 departure could not embark until the 26th. As a result, one port call, to Bimini, Bahamas, was cancelled.
There is no indication yet that Carnival Pride will arrive back in Baltimore later than scheduled, so the February 1 cruise could be unaffected by the weather. However, the National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory, a Gale Warning, and a Heavy Freezing Spray warning for January 30-31, 2026.
The itinerary promises to take guests away from the Arctic temperatures of the mid-Atlantic region and bring them to the balmy shores of the Bahamas, with port calls at Nassau, Princess Cays, and Celebration Key.
Other Ships Rush Back to Port as Storm Nears
Other cruise ships are impacted by the incoming storm. The 3,002-guest Carnival Sunshine, based in Norfolk, Virginia, also is smack in the middle of the storm’s projected path.
The ship is sailing an 8-night itinerary that departed on January 24, 2026 and was scheduled to return to Norfolk on February 1, 2026. But due to the forecast, the ship cancelled a call to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, and instead is returning to her homeport a day early, on January 31, 2026.
Guests will not be required to disembark that day, although the option will be open to them. Arriving back at port a day in advance will hopefully enable the ship’s February 1 departure to leave as scheduled.
Other cruise lines are also dealing with storm-related changes. Norwegian Cruise Line’s 3,903-guest Norwegian Breakaway, for instance, is cutting short her 11-night Caribbean cruise to return early to her homeport in New York.
Under the revised itinerary, the ship will arrive at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on February 1 rather than the scheduled February 3. As a result, a port call to St. Thomas on January 30 was nixed.
Royal Caribbean has made some itinerary changes to Enchantment of the Seas’ October 24, 2026 sailing.
The visits to Belize City and Roatan have been cancelled, and a day in CocoCay in the Bahamas has been added in.
Additionally, the timing for the call to Cozumel, Mexico, on October 29 has shifted.
Some future Royal Caribbean guests just received a spooky update for their upcoming Halloween-time sailing.
Enchantment of the Seas’ October 24, 2026, departure, which is a 7-night Holiday sailing to the Caribbean, has just received some itinerary changes.
The original itinerary called for stops in Belize City, Belize, and in Roatan, Honduras; which have been removed and replaced with a single day in Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
“As we plan our upcoming adventure together, we wanted to inform you that our itinerary just got more perfect,” Royal Caribbean wrote to impacted guests.
“We know it’s not the original itinerary we planned; however, we’re excited to thrill or chill with you, or both,” the cruise line continued.
The cruise line did not elaborate why these changes were made. These decisions can be the result of many different factors, such as port availability, maintenance plans, and safety.
First Port Call Goes Unchanged
The 7-night sailing will begin as planned once the Vision-class ship embarks in Tampa, Florida, on October 24.
The first port call will be to Costa Maya, Mexico, on October 26, which is where Royal Caribbean is currently building Perfect Day Mexico.
However, the private destination will not be open until 2027, and could potentially be delayed by a temporary suspension due to a need for more environmental assessments.
The New Itinerary
The changes to the itinerary begin after the call to Costa Maya. First, the call to Belize City on October 27 has been replaced by a day in Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
The following day, October 28, was supposed to be spent in Roatan, Honduras. However, this call has been cancelled and replaced with a sea day.
Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
“Instead of visiting Belize City, Belize, we’ll now enjoy a full day at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM,”Royal Caribbean stated.
“Additionally, instead of visiting Roatan, Honduras, we’ll now enjoy a relaxing Sea Day and we’ll visit Cozumel, Mexico, on Day 4,” the cruise line added.
Cozumel was always the planned destination for October 29, but the time in port is changing from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Is Compensation Available?
Any pre-paid Royal Caribbean shore excursions that have already been booked for Belize City and Roatan will be automatically cancelled and refunded. However, there is no indication that additional compensation will be provided, nor is the cruise line required to offer this.
When guests book their sailings, they agree to a cruise contract that allows Royal Caribbean to make itinerary changes for a myriad of reasons with no penalties.
If guests are unhappy about the new itinerary, they can consider cancelling their sailing and booking a more satisfactory voyage.
Per Royal Caribbean’s policy, cruises between 5 to 14 nights long can be cancelled up to 90 days before embarkation day and only the non-refundable deposit would be forfeited.
This means guests have some time to decide if they will embrace the changes or make other plans.
