Cruise News
Business & Finance
About
Cruise News brings you the latest headlines, ship updates, and insights from across the cruise industry. Each week, we cover what’s new in cruise travel, from ship launches and itinerary changes to environmental policy, innovation, and onboard trends. Whether you’re a frequent cruiser, travel professional, or just dreaming of your next voyage, Cruise News helps you stay informed without the fluff. Expect timely coverage of major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, and Disney Cruise Line, along with interviews and analysis that explain what the headlines really mean for travelers. Join us for clear, credible updates on the business, destinations, and experiences shaping the world of cruising. Learn more at https://www.cruisenews.io
Episodes
- Overboard, Hormuz, and the Future of Lifeboats
Cruise News discusses a passenger overboard incident on Carnival Splendor, Iran's reopening of the Strait of Hormuz affecting cruise ships, and the DNV qualification of Survitec's Seahaven lifeboat alternative.
- Oil Spill Detour, Acapulco Upgrades, Cruise Demand Hits Record
An oil spill caused a detour for Ambassador's Ambition, while Acapulco secured a 24-year cruise port concession. Global cruise passenger demand reached a record 37.2 million in 2025.
- Cancelled Cruises, Crowded Ports, Electric Ships
MSC has cancelled winter sailings in the Arabian Gulf due to regional tensions, while Carnival Miracle is changing itineraries to avoid overtourism. Meyer Werft has also introduced a concept for a new battery-electric cruise ship.
- Cruise Scams, Living at Sea, and Crystal's 2028 Bookings
Cruise News covers a $200,000 fake cruise booking scam targeting a Miami couple. It also discusses Avora's new Continuum membership for their Lumina world cruise ship and Crystal's opening of 2028 cruise bookings.
- Hidden Cameras at Sea, Brilliant Lady's LA Debut, Boston's 2026 Lineup
Cruise News reports on a passenger arrest due to a hidden camera on Celebrity Beyond, the debut of Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady in Los Angeles, and the 2026 cruise schedule for Boston, which includes 23 brands.
- Safety, Storm Diversions, and Charleston's Big-Ship Moment
A Celebrity Xcel crew member faces arrest for alleged sexual battery at Port Everglades. Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady diverted course due to a gale warning and later became the largest ship to dock in Charleston.
- Sunk, Refreshed, Rebranded: Three Ships, Three Futures
The SS United States artificial reef sinking is delayed to May 2026. Oceania Cruises will drydock the Marina in October 2026 for renovations. Cordelia Cruises plans to triple its fleet by 2027.
- Adults-Only Cruises, Sensory-Friendly Ports, and Tea at Sea
Cruise News reports on Carnival's expansion of adults-only cruises, Celebration Key's new sensory inclusion certification for accessibility, and Holland America's tea-themed enrichment week.
- Refits, Rewards, and a Cruise Cancellation Reality Check
Ovation of the Seas returns from drydock with new cabins and dining. A new cruise credit card is available, and Windstar has cancelled a transatlantic crossing due to expanded drydock work.
- Reroutes, Refurbs, and the Great Birthday Cake Debate
Cruise news discusses the rerouting of Nicko Cruises' Vasco da Gama world cruise due to Red Sea security concerns. Holland America's Koningsdam has been refurbished with new family cabins and updated entertainment. Norwegian Cruise Line ha…
- Cancellations, Burger Hours, and Auckland's New Cruise Terminal
Celestyal has canceled its April 2026 cruises as ships are stranded due to the Strait of Hormuz closure. John Heald clarified that Guy's Burger Joint's early closing is due to crew scheduling, not cost-cutting. Auckland is building a new c…
- Excursion Liability, Philly Embarkation, and Royal's Next Icon
This episode covers a lawsuit involving a Carnival shore excursion, the Norwegian Jewel's departure from Philadelphia, and the announcement of Royal Caribbean's upcoming Icon Class ship, Hero of the Seas.
- Alaska upgrades, bourbon at sea, and fly-cruise Antarctica
Cruise News covers MSC Poesia's dry dock for its Alaska season refit, Holland America's partnership with Jefferson's Bourbon for at-sea barrel aging, and Silversea's new hotel in Chile for Antarctica fly-cruise operations.
- Great Lakes Low Water, Teen Fun-terns, HAL Deals
The episode discusses Erie, Pennsylvania’s projection of $300 million in economic impact from Great Lakes cruise ship calls by 2026, while noting challenges from low water levels. It also covers Carnival's 2026 Fun-ternship for over 100 te…
- Reroutes, New Mega-Ship Thrills, and Ships Through 2037
Explora Journeys is rerouting Explora II to the Mediterranean over security concerns. MSC Cruises will debut The Harbour family park on MSC World Asia in December 2026. Fincantieri announced record profits, with a cruise ship order backlog…
- Antarctica On Sale, A Ship For Sale, New Shows
Princess Cruises has opened bookings for its 2027-28 South America season, including Antarctic scenic cruising. The former Viking Sun is listed for sale, and Margaritaville at Sea is holding auditions for its upcoming Beachcomber ship.
- Onboard Incident, Florida Port Fight, Carnival Dream Refresh
An incident aboard Celebrity Eclipse leads to an arrest in Florida. Governor DeSantis blocks a proposed mega-ship terminal, and Carnival Dream receives upgrades following a dry dock.
- Drink Packages, Safety Data, and Disney Cruises in Japan
Norwegian Cruise Line reinstated drink packages at Great Stirrup Cay following guest complaints. The DOT reported a rise in sex crime incidents on cruise ships in 2025. Disney is planning to launch cruises in Japan by 2028.
- PortMiami Gridlock, Princess Alaska Boom, Hydrogen Cruise First
The episode covers record cruise traffic at PortMiami and potential rail links, Princess Cruises' record 2026 Alaska season with eight ships, and Viking's launch of the first hydrogen-powered cruise vessel, the Viking Libra.
- Weather Switches, Stowaway Owls, and Celebrity Wellness at Sea
Cruise News covers itinerary changes on Silversea's Silver Ray due to weather, the year-long rescue of two stowaway owls from a Royal Caribbean ship, and the introduction of a new wellness program by Explora Journeys featuring tennis star…
- Cancellations, Yacht Club Upgrades, and Disney Believe
TUI Cruises has cancelled sailings for Mein Schiff 4 and 5 through March 2026 due to Middle East conflict. MSC Cruises is launching refurbished ships with new Yacht Club suites in late 2026. Disney Cruise Line announced its fourth Wish-cla…
- New Beach Club, New Ship, Big Upgrades
Royal Caribbean announced its first Southern Hemisphere destination, Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu, opening October 2027. American Cruise Lines' new riverboat, American Encore, will debut on the Columbia River in May 2026. Victory Cru…
- Cancellations, China Entry Rules, and Cabo Timing Shifts
Celestyal Cruises has canceled spring 2026 sailings due to ships being stuck in the Gulf. Shanghai is now processing cruise passengers under China's 15-day visa-free transit policy. Carnival is adjusting timing for several 2026 Mexican Riv…
- Alaska Fjord Reroutes, $100 Oil, and Disney Midnight Magic
Cruise lines Holland America and Carnival are rerouting Alaska cruises in 2026 because of a landslide near the Tracy Arm Fjord. Rising oil prices present a challenge for Carnival Corporation, while Disney Cruise Line has launched a new adv…
- Fees Up, Gulf Cancelled, and a New Ship
This episode covers Princess Cruises' fee increases, the cancellation of Arabian Gulf sailings due to security concerns, and the sea trials of TUI Cruises' new ship, Mein Schiff Flow.
- Norovirus Watch, New Virgin Indian Dining, River Cruise Perks
The latest cruise news includes a norovirus outbreak investigation on the Star Princess, the upcoming debut of Virgin Voyages' Indian restaurant Ariya, and enhanced destination experiences for Celebrity River Cruises.
- Middle East Cancelled, Portland Fees Up, Ventura's Makeover
Costa Cruises has canceled its Middle East winter 2026-27 season, relocating the Costa Smeralda to the Canary Islands due to regional uncertainty. Portland, Maine will implement higher cruise passenger fees starting January 2027. P&O Cruis…
- Adults-Only Cruises, Fare Freezes, and AGT at Sea
This episode covers CFC's 2026-27 fare freezes, the growth of the adults-only cruise segment, and the launch of America's Got Talent LIVE on Royal Caribbean ships.
- Tampa Cruise Surge, Princess World Cruise, Bridge Suites
Cruise News reports on Port Tampa Bay's record 51 cruise calls in March 2026. Princess Cruises is now selling its 2028 115-day world cruise, and Margaritaville at Sea will feature new bridge wing suites on its 2027 ship.
- Fast Dinners, Port Fees, Earlier Final Payments
This episode covers Carnival's rollout of Express Dining, opposition to a proposed port fee hike in Newport, and P&O Cruises' change to its final payment deadline for new bookings.
- New Fees, New Parking, and a Chocolate Tea Meetup
Royal Caribbean is introducing a $4.99 surcharge for its Coca-Cola Freestyle feature on two drink packages from March 2026. Port Canaveral is constructing a new 3,732-space parking garage set to open in fall 2026. Holland America's Zaandam…
- Cruise Plans Shift: Cancellations, Terminal Changes, New Ships
Podcast episode covering shifts in cruise plans, including MSC's cancellation of its Brazil season, Virgin Voyages' relocation of New York sailings, and Uniworld's introduction of two new ships for European rivers in 2027.
- Puerto Vallarta Returns, New Fare Types, Ritz Alaska Plans
Cruise News covers Norwegian Bliss's return to Puerto Vallarta, the introduction of four new fare types by Scenic and Emerald Cruises, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's 2027 summer voyages featuring Alaska and Asia.
- Barbados Homeport and the Next Wave of New Ships
Princess Cruises will establish a new seasonal homeport in Bridgetown, Barbados, beginning in 2027. Meanwhile, the Orient Express Corinthian successfully completed sea trials using wind power, and R Yacht's Sefu superyacht will feature sma…
- Itinerary Changes: Gulf Cancellations, Mexico Swaps, Mobile Growth
Celestyal Cruises canceled Middle East sailings due to regional instability, while Royal Caribbean rerouted a ship from Jamaica to Mexico. The Port of Mobile experienced a milestone event with two cruise ships docking simultaneously, highl…
- Refits, Health Scores, and a Queen Mary Reunion
Celebrity Solstice underwent a major refit in Singapore, enhancing its offerings. Margaritaville at Sea achieved perfect health inspection scores. The Queen Mary 2 had a historic meeting with its namesake ship.
- 2026 Cruise Outlook: Prices, Ports, and Sellouts
The 2026 cruise outlook includes Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' stock drop due to a weak forecast and execution issues. Costa Smeralda is changing its route due to safety concerns, while Viking has already sold 86% of its 2026 cruise capa…
- Cruise Disruptions and a Ship You Can Live On
This episode discusses cruise disruptions, including TUI Cruises' cancellations in the Arabian Gulf due to airspace closures and a drone strike. It also covers a fog delay for Carnival Elation in Jacksonville and Norwegian Cruise Line Hold…
- When Cruises Go Sideways: Virus, Outage, Alaska Dreams
This episode of Cruise News discusses a norovirus outbreak on the Holland America's Westerdam, a power outage affecting Carnival Sunshine, and the announcement of new HX Expeditions Alaska cruises for 2026.
- Cancellations, Drink Packages, and a Ship Under Arrest
MSC Cruises canceled winter sailings for the Euribia in the Arabian Gulf due to regional instability. Norwegian Cruise Line is extending drink package access to Great Stirrup Cay until March 2026. The Blue Dream Melody cruise ship was deta…
- New Cruise Rules, New Ships, New Routes
Cruise News reports on Royal Caribbean's new policy restricting smart glasses in certain areas, Norwegian Cruise Line's acquisition of the new Norwegian Luna, and StarCruises' addition of new Asian routes.
- Gulf Cancellations, Alaska Boom, and Ports Push Back
Cruise News covers Aroya Cruises' cancellation of 2026 Arabian Gulf sailings due to regional conflict. It also reports on Vancouver's record cruise season forecast and Liverpool Cruise Port's community program with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
- Rescue at Sea, Disney Asia, Alaska Upgrades
A Regal Princess crew rescued four people from a sinking rowboat. The Disney Adventure, the world's largest cruise ship, was christened in Singapore. Seabourn Encore will debut in Alaska with expedition team excursions.
- Storm Delays, Flight Disruptions, and a New UK Homeport
Cruise departures from New York and New Jersey are delayed due to Winter Storm Hernando. Flight disruptions in Maine affect fly-cruise connections, while Ambassador Cruise Line prepares for its first sailings from Portsmouth, UK.
- Reroutes, Port Gridlock, and a Margarita World Record
Cruise lines are rerouting from Puerto Vallarta due to violence. Miami's PortMiami is preparing for gridlock with up to eight ships docked. Princess Cruises set a Guinness World Record for serving margaritas.
- What's Ending, What's Next, What's Rare at Sea
City Cruises will cease Baltimore operations in April 2026, moving to Washington D.C. Holland America's ships Noordam and Volendam are noted for celebrating anniversaries, returning to Alaska, and making rare calls at Pitcairn Island.
- Fire, Rescue, and a Refreshed Carnival Conquest
A fire on the World Legacy resulted in a crew member's death and passenger evacuation. Carnival Celebration diverted to rescue five individuals. Carnival Conquest has returned to Miami following a dry dock.
- Ports, Drydocks, and the Rise of Residential Cruising
Cruise News discusses a Florida amendment impacting dredging limits, Grand Bahama Shipyard's new drydock for large ships, and an alliance between Avora and Villa Vie Residences for residential cruisers.
- Power Outages, Fly-Cruises, and Steakhouse Upcharges
This episode discusses a power outage at the Port of Los Angeles impacting Royal Caribbean, Carnival's decision to replace a restaurant with a steakhouse and associated upcharge, and P&O Cruises' airline partnerships for its fly-cruise sea…
- Cruise Safety Probe, Alaska Plans, Med Comeback
A fatal accident on the Arvia has led to a UK safety investigation into cruise ship maintenance. Princess Cruises is increasing its Alaska presence, and Costa Cruises is redeploying the Serena to the Mediterranean.