When the award-winning Wonder of the Seas made its debut in March 2022, it was the largest cruise ship in the entire world. Now, though, the Royal Caribbean vessel has been surpassed by some of the cruise line’s other ships. Here’s everything you need to know about the impressive size of the massive mega-resort at sea! Just How
Key Aspects: Perfect Day at CocoCay was voted the Best Cruise Line Private Island/Destination of 2025 by Cruise Hive readers. Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island took 32.0% of the votes, well above the second-place destination. The island includes thrills, chills, and everything in between for the ultimate private destination. Looking for the best private island
Key Aspects: Perfect Day at CocoCay was voted the Best Cruise Line Private Island/Destination of 2025 by Cruise Hive readers. Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island took 32.0% of the votes, well above the second-place destination. The island includes thrills, chills, and everything in between for the ultimate private destination. Looking for the best private island
Key Aspects: Port Canaveral has opened a new debarkation ramp in Cruise Terminal 6. The ADA-compliant ramp offers smoother debarkation for all guests, particularly those with luggage or strollers. Other upgrades include emergency features, lighting, and HVAC modifications in the terminal. Debarkation has gotten a bit smoother for guests returning to Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal
Key Aspects: Port Canaveral has opened a new debarkation ramp in Cruise Terminal 6. The ADA-compliant ramp offers smoother debarkation for all guests, particularly those with luggage or strollers. Other upgrades include emergency features, lighting, and HVAC modifications in the terminal. Debarkation has gotten a bit smoother for guests returning to Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal
Key Aspects: Readers have chosen Port Canaveral as the Best US Cruise Homeport for the sixth consecutive year. The central Florida homeport dominated with 27.3% of the vote total. Florida homeports took all five top spots in this year’s Cruise Hive Awards. For the sixth year in a row, Port Canaveral has dominated the Cruise
Key Aspects: Carnival’s Bolt Roller Coaster has been voted the Best Cruise Ship Feature of 2025. The Ultimate Sea Coaster has won the top honor for five consecutive years. Bolt is found on all three of Carnival’s Excel-class ships but will not be built on future vessels. The votes are in and it’s official: Carnival
Key Aspects: There will be a slight delay to Carnival Jubilee‘s December 27 embarkation schedule. Refueling operations and USCG regulations require the delay, but the itinerary is not changed. Guests should heed their revised arrival times so they are not turned away at the terminal. Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on
Key Aspects: A federal judge has denied efforts to stop Hawaii’s new cruise tax from going into effect. The “green tax” will impose an 11% tax on cruise fares, in addition to a 3% TAT tax. Cruise Lines International Association and its fellow plaintiffs plan to appeal the decision. The cruise lines and local tourism
Key Aspects: The US Coast Guard evacuated a passenger sailing on Pacific World. The guest was suffering from septic shock, a life-threatening condition. The ship was sailing off the coast of Kauai at the time. Just nine days into a 107-day Global Voyage, a guest onboard Pacific World was evacuated from the ship as it
Key Aspects: As tensions rise between the US and Venezuela, cruisers are wondering how their sailings could be affected. So far, at least two voyages from Norwegian Cruise Line have been changed as a result of the conflict. Some also worry that more nearby cruise destinations, such as Trinidad and Aruba, could also be impacted.
Key Aspects: Carnival’s Amy Sweezey shared the holiday weather forecast that cruisers have been waiting for. Christmas Day should bring sunny and warm weather across the Bahamas and the Caribbean. No matter where cruisers are celebrating, it will surely be a wonderful holiday. Carnival cruisers who are dreaming of spending Christmas in paradise will be
