Key Aspects: 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
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
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
Key Aspects: 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.
Key Aspects: 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
Key Aspects: 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
Key Aspects: 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
Key Aspects: The musical “Jersey Boys” is ending its run aboard Norwegian Bliss by the end of February 2026. No production show has yet been announced to replace the popular performance. Norwegian Cruise Line will be offering “a rotating collection of performers” onboard instead of the musical. Guests on upcoming sailings of Norwegian Bliss may
Key Aspects: Norwegian Breakaway is returning to New York early to get ahead of a bomb cyclone heading for the US East Coast. The ship will arrive in New York on February 1 instead of February 3, and the extra time will be treated like an overnight port call. Because of the change in plans,
Key Aspects: Carnival Sunshine is returning to Norfolk one day early to beat the next incoming winter storm. Guests will not be required to debark early, but can do so if they choose to head home right away. Embarkation for the next sailing on February 1 is not impacted, but further updates may be necessary.
Key Aspects: A local judge has suspended work on Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico development in Costa Maya. The project is not cancelled but further environmental assessments may be necessary before work can continue. Perfect Day Mexico is slated to open on 2027 with a massive water park, 10 pools, dining, and much more. A
Key Aspects: Royal Caribbean has signed agreements with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for the new Discovery Class of ships. No details have been yet been confirmed about the size or design of the new class. The first Discovery Class ship will set sail in 2029 and the second in 2032, with four more optioned for the
