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.
Norwegian Cruise Line reverses its drink package exclusion at Great Stirrup Cay after guest backlash, while investing $150 million in island upgrades. DOT data shows cruise ship sex crime reports rose to 131 in 2025 amid record passenger volumes. And Oriental Land forms a subsidiary for Disney-branded Japan cruises targeting 2028 service.