cruise news

Norwegian Gem passengers face unexpected changes as Koper, Slovenia is removed from summer 2026 Mediterranean sailings. Trieste and Zadar replace the Slovenian port on multiple itineraries beginning June.

Ovation of the Seas has cancelled its highly anticipated Hubbard Glacier visit on the May 15 sailing due to scheduling adjustments required for an early debarkation in Whittier. Royal Caribbean is offering onboard credits to compensate guests for missing this iconic Alaskan experience.

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled major upgrades to its Roatan destination, now known as Isla Tropicale, featuring a brand new 48,000-square-foot Mangrove Bay pool area. The new recreational space includes a splash pad for children, swim-up bar, premium cabanas, and day beds, debuting with Carnival Jubilee on May 20, 2026.

Carnival Cruise Line launches Isla Tropicale's first-ever pool complex in Roatan with 48,000 square feet of amenities. The Mangrove Bay pool, splash pad, and premium cabanas opened May 20, 2026, transforming the Caribbean private destination.

Hurtigruten deploys the newly refurbished MS Midnatsol to Norwegian coastal and Svalbard expeditions in 2026, responding to record demand from Australian travellers seeking luxury slow-travel experiences and cultural immersion along Nordic coastlines.

A Carnival cruiser has petitioned the cruise line to install digital clocks in all ship cabins, citing challenges with timekeeping in inside staterooms. In 2026, Carnival shows no plans to implement the amenity despite passenger demand and growing debate.

Royal Caribbean dominates the cruise ships largest rankings in 2026, with Icon of the Seas commanding 248,663 gross tons. Nine of the industry's top 10 mega-ships fly the Royal Caribbean flag.

Carnival Cruise Line enforces strict camouflage dress code rules across Caribbean ports in 2026. A 12-year-old passenger was escorted back to Carnival Horizon in Jamaica after violating local clothing restrictions.

A Virgin Voyages passenger's viral $5,000 tip to housekeeping crew member Jinky has reignited cruise industry conversations about worker compensation and tipping culture in 2026.

A cruise Disney guest aboard Disney Wonder transformed 11 sea days into a Guinness World Record attempt in 2026, snapping 84 toothpicks during a transpacific voyage to Hawaii.

Princess Cruises is removing Istanbul from multiple 2027 Mediterranean sailings without compensation offers. Enchanted Princess and Sun Princess passengers face significant itinerary changes and rebooking challenges.

Barcelona's mayor accelerates cruise passenger tax from €4 to €8 daily in 2026, aiming to eliminate day-visit tourism within months. Major cruise lines face significant cost increases on port calls.