Cruise News

Carnival Luminosa opens its first San Francisco homeport season from Pier 27, sailing four-night Baja getaways and 10-night Alaska itineraries — and exposing the limits of loyalty perks when a sailing packs in so many Platinum guests that priority benefits get suspended. And Cunard unveils a Queen Mary 2 voyage built around America's 250th anniversary: a seven-night July 4th sailing from New York...

TUI Cruises returns Mein Schiff ships to their regular itineraries after rerouting around the Strait of Hormuz disruption, a sign of how quickly lines adapt to geopolitical risk. New York commits to a 2028 opening for a new cruise terminal at Buffalo's Outer Harbor, betting on Great Lakes growth. And the Philippines projects cruise passengers will nearly triple to around 75,000 in 2026 as luxury a...

Carnival's Mardi Gras diverts to rescue nine people from a disabled boat off Florida, a reminder of cruise ships' role as first responders at sea. Despite headline-grabbing hantavirus and norovirus outbreaks, booking data shows cruise demand holding firm, with travelers and agents largely unfazed and 2026 sailings still filling. And Astoria, Oregon prepares for about 28,000 cruise passengers acros...

Workers in Ushuaia warn that Argentina's federal takeover of the port could jeopardize the 2026-27 Antarctic cruise season, with more than 140 locked-out staff and threats of indefinite protests that could push operators toward Punta Arenas, Chile. Victoria, BC — Canada's busiest cruise port — welcomes three first-time callers in two days: Princess's Star Princess, Virgin's Brilliant Lady, and Sil...

Dutch authorities wrap up the cross-border response to the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak as the ship reaches Rotterdam for decontamination, closing a months-long evacuation that spanned St. Helena, Ascension, and the Canary Islands. Health experts reassure New Orleans cruise travelers that hantavirus risk is 'very close to zero,' with no U.S. cases and broad spread deemed extremely unlikely. And...

A norovirus outbreak sickens 115 aboard Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess, forcing the ship to skip Nassau and ramp up sanitation on a 13-night Southern Caribbean voyage. An SEC filing reveals Royal Caribbean's new Discovery Class will carry about 4,300 guests at double occupancy, a notably smaller newbuild than its Icon and Oasis giants. And Ketchikan prepares to review a five-year agreement w...

Holland America unveils 'Evolution' — a $500 million-plus renovation of six classic ships, the largest investment in the line's 153-year history, beginning with Oosterdam's drydock and adding new suites, solo verandahs, and a Grand Dutch Café. And Explora Journeys launches the bow section of Explora V at Fincantieri's Palermo shipyard, the LNG-powered fifth ship in MSC's luxury fleet expansion bou...

A suspected Andes hantavirus outbreak aboard Oceanwide Expeditions' MV Hondius leaves three dead after a months-long polar voyage, a sobering reminder of the human stakes in expedition cruising. And Escanaba opens its Great Lakes cruise season as Victory I brings 150 visitors, part of a region forecasting more than 800 port calls and a $300 million economic impact this year.

The search is suspended for a passenger who went overboard from Carnival Splendor, a sober reminder of the human cost of cruise safety. Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, clearing the way for cruise ships stranded by the closure. And Survitec's Seahaven, a next-generation lifeboat alternative, earns DNV qualification, signaling where evacuation tech is headed.

Ambassador's Ambition returns to Antwerp after a Scheldt oil spill detour, showing how quickly an unexpected port disruption can rewrite an itinerary. Global Ports Holding wins a 24-year Acapulco cruise port concession, signaling long-term investment in Mexico's Pacific gateway. And CLIA confirms global cruise passengers hit a record 37.2 million in 2025 — the demand backdrop reshaping every move...

MSC cancels Euribia's Arabian Gulf winter sailings amid Middle East tensions, keeping the ship in Dubai. Carnival Miracle drops Santorini for Crete on October 2027 cruises as overtourism reshapes itineraries. And Meyer Werft unveils an 82,000-gross-ton battery-electric cruise ship concept, hinting at the next chapter of clean cruising.

A Miami couple is arrested in a $200,000 fake cruise booking scam, a cautionary tale for anyone shopping for deals. Avora launches its Continuum membership tier for the Lumina world cruise ship, advancing the live-aboard cruising concept. And Crystal opens 2028 cruise sales in 2026 ahead of Crystal Grace, betting on far-out luxury bookings.

A Celebrity Beyond passenger is arrested after a hidden camera is found in a public restroom, raising onboard privacy concerns. Virgin Voyages launches a new Los Angeles homeport with Brilliant Lady, opening fresh West Coast itineraries. And Boston Cruiseport sets its 2026 season with 23 brands, led by Norwegian Breakaway, signaling a strong New England year ahead.

A Celebrity Xcel crewman is arrested at Port Everglades on sexual battery allegations, putting a spotlight on shipboard accountability. Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady diverts to Saint John, New Brunswick after a gale warning near Bermuda. And the same ship makes history as the largest vessel to dock at Charleston's Union Pier, signaling a new big-ship moment for the South Carolina port.

Okaloosa County pushes the SS United States artificial reef sinking to May 2026 as prep work continues on the former ocean liner. Oceania Cruises sets a major October 2026 drydock for Marina, an overhaul that touches staterooms, restaurants, and public spaces. And Cordelia Cruises plans to triple its fleet by 2027, adding two ships as it scales up in India's fast-growing cruise market.

Carnival expands its invite-only adults-only SEA cruises to 22 sailings for 2026. Celebration Key becomes the first cruise port with sensory inclusion certification, supporting guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. And Holland America adds a tea-themed enrichment week to Volendam's 133-night world voyage.

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas emerges from a Singapore drydock with 40 new cabins and fresh dining venues ahead of Alaska season. Royal Caribbean and Bank of America launch the first tri-branded cruise credit cards with points across three cruise lines. And Windstar cancels a Wind Surf transatlantic crossing as drydock work expands.

Nicko Cruises reroutes its Vasco da Gama world cruise around Africa, dropping Dubai for Mauritius over Red Sea security concerns. Holland America's Koningsdam returns from drydock with new family cabins and refreshed entertainment spaces ahead of Alaska season. And Norwegian Cruise Line drops the birthday cake from its Happy Birthday package, replacing it with a photo keepsake.

Celestyal cancels all April 2026 cruises as its ships remain stranded in the Gulf with the Strait of Hormuz shut. Carnival's John Heald explains why Guy's Burger Joint closes early — it's crew scheduling rules, not cost cuts. And Auckland unveils plans for Te Waharoa, a NZ$200 million cruise terminal opening in 2027.

A Carnival passenger sues after a spinal injury on a Nassau shore excursion, testing cruise line liability for third-party tours. Norwegian Jewel departs Philadelphia with a hotel check-in workaround as the new cruise terminal isn't ready. And Royal Caribbean unveils Hero of the Seas, its fourth Icon Class ship debuting from Miami in August 2027.

MSC Poesia enters dry dock in Malta for a Yacht Club refit ahead of its debut Alaska season from Seattle in May 2026. Holland America partners with Jefferson's Bourbon to age barrels at sea fleetwide, with exclusive bottles available to guests in 2027. And Silversea opens a 150-room luxury hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile to support its Antarctica fly-cruise operations.

Erie, Pennsylvania eyes Great Lakes cruise ship calls as the region projects $300 million in economic impact for 2026, though low water levels pose challenges. Carnival opens its 2026 Fun-ternship for 100+ teens across six U.S. homeports. And Holland America launches its 153rd Anniversary Sale with up to 30% off fares and $400 in onboard credit.

Explora Journeys redirects Explora II from the Middle East to the Mediterranean for winter 2026-27 over security concerns. MSC Cruises unveils The Harbour outdoor family park on MSC World Asia debuting December 2026. And Fincantieri posts record profits with a backlog of 79 cruise ships extending to 2037.

Princess Cruises opens bookings for its 2027-28 South America season with Antarctic scenic cruising aboard Majestic Princess. China Merchants lists the former Viking Sun for sale at $420 million, signaling a retreat from luxury cruising. And Margaritaville at Sea holds Nashville auditions for live music aboard its upcoming Beachcomber ship.

A Florida man is arrested for alleged indecent exposure aboard Celebrity Eclipse after an eight-night Caribbean cruise. Governor DeSantis signs SB 302 restricting dredging in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, blocking a proposed mega-ship terminal near Tampa. And Carnival Dream returns to Galveston after a 16-day Marseille dry dock with new guest-facing upgrades.