Key Aspects: The Port of Shanghai has been closed ahead of Typhoon Dolphin, and Spectrum of the Seas cannot return on schedule. The ship’s current sailing will be extended several days instead of returning on August 8 as originally planned. Likewise, the next sailing will be shortened to accommodate the delay, and the entire itinerary
Key Aspects: MSC Cruises has revealed the name of its new private destination near La Romana as Catalina Sugar Beach. The new destination will open to its first guests in November 2026, with calls from MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. MSC Opera will be homeported from La Romana beginning in November and will visit Catalina
Key Aspects: Captain Kate McCue is resigning from Four Seasons Yachts to prioritize family following dramatic changes in her own family. While McCue is not giving up her captain’s license, she is planning to take cruise vacations with her father. McCue will likely continue to share her life and adventures at sea and on land
Key Aspects: Disney Cruise Line will now debut the Japan-based Wish-class ship and two vessels in the new smaller class in 2029. This will be the first time the cruise line has ever debuted more than one ship in the same calendar year. Other than Disney Believe, the names of the new ships and class
Key Aspects: Several Platinum priority benefits have been dropped from Carnival Legend‘s August 9, 2026 departure from Dover, UK. This particular 11-night sailing is Carnival’s first-ever solar eclipse cruise for the astronomical event on August 12. It is not unusual for Platinum-level benefits to be removed on very popular sailings with many VIFP guests aboard.
Key Aspects: Princess Cruises is requiring earlier final payments and larger deposits for bookings made from September 2, 2026 and beyond. These changes apply only to new bookings that set sail from January 1, 2027 and later. The cruise line’s cancellation fee schedule has also been adjusted to better align with the new final payment
Key Aspects: An alleged Italian drug dealer was arrested at the Port of Naples while attempting to board a cruise ship. Vito “Viktor” Rizzo is believed by local authorities to lead a significant drug trafficking ring in Taranto. The exact ship was not identified but cruise lines generally cooperate with local authorities for such arrests.
Key Aspects: Norwegian Cruise Line has released a detailed first look at the new Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay. The nearly 6-acre waterpark will debut with Norwegian Luna‘s visit on Friday, September 4, 2026. 19 waterslides, an active river, cliff jumping, exclusive dining, private cabanas, and more are all part of the waterpark.
Key Aspects: Carnival Cruise Line will begin employing a new hull-cleaning vehicle, designed by Norwegian company Jotun. The vehicle, called the HullSkater, allows for remote monitoring and cleaning of a ship’s hull from below the water. Carnival Pride is the first ship to test the technology, with plans to expand to more of the fleet
Key Aspects: A fill project has begun in the land redevelopment that will become the fourth cruise terminal at Port Tampa Bay. The project is taking place at the old Banana Docks site and includes more than five acres of land. Foundation development should be complete by late 2026 and the new cruise terminal is
Key Aspects: The final sailing of Norwegian Sky has been cancelled due to ongoing Middle East tensions. Booked guests will receive complete refunds and expanded future cruise credits as compensation. Norwegian Sky will be transferred and eventually sold to Cordelia Cruises and will debut as Cordelia Sky in October 2026. As tensions in the Middle
Key Aspects: The US Department of State has updated the travel advisory for the Bahamas, noting crime and hurricane risks. The overall advisory level remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. No cruise lines are adjusting Bahamian itineraries at this time and visits to the port continue to grow. It is always a good idea
