MSC Marking PortMiami Four-Ship Milestone on Veterans Day

MSC Marking PortMiami Four-Ship Milestone on Veterans Day

MSC Cruises is celebrating four ships sailing from the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal this winter, marking a new record for the cruise line’s operations at PortMiami.

The ships are:

• MSC World America, offering seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings
• MSC Seaside, offering three- or four-night getaways to The Bahamas
• MSC Meraviglia, offering a range of four- to 14-night Caribbean itineraries
• MSC Poesia, offering longer, 10- and 11-night Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries

 

The cruise line will mark the milestone on Veterans Day, using the occasion to honour MSC Group team and community members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veteran team members will join elected officials, community stakeholders and PortMiami leaders for a commemorative ceremony aboard the MSC Meraviglia.

“Today marks a historic moment for MSC Cruises as we welcome a record four ships to the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, reinforcing our long-term commitment to South Florida and the region,” said Lynn Torrent, president, MSC Cruises North America.

“With more ships sailing from Miami than ever before, we’re proud to offer guests even more ways to explore the Caribbean, from weekend getaways to extended holidays. This milestone is especially meaningful as we celebrate it on Veterans Day, recognising the brave individuals who have served our country, including members of our own MSC Group family. We are proud to honour their service and dedication.”

Jonathan Daniels, PortMiami director and CEO, added that PortMiami is honoured to partner with MSC Cruises in celebrating the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans and is proud to welcome the four ships to the Cruise Capital of the World.

Earlier this year, MSC Group opened its new North American Cruise Division headquarters in downtown Miami.

MSC Opera Sets Sail for Caribbean After Cruise Cancellation

MSC Opera Sets Sail for The Caribbean After Cruise Cancellation

The MSC Opera is deadheading to the Caribbean after having its repositioning voyage from the Mediterranean cancelled.

Sailing from Italy to the Dominican Republic, the 18-night cruise was set to depart in late October but was cancelled due to a technical issue onboard the 2004-built vessel.

Now sailing with no guests onboard, the MSC Opera is heading straight to La Romana, where it is set to arrive as scheduled on November 16, 2026.

The ship will then kick off a series of seven-night cruises from the Dominican Republic, becoming the first MSC Cruises ship to sail year-round in the Southern Caribbean.

Sailing roundtrip from La Romana, the itineraries feature visits to a series of destinations, such as Bridgetown in Barbados, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Fort de France in Martinique and Philipsburg in St. Maarten.

The deployment is also highlighted by visits to the ABC Islands, with planned calls to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.

With no return to Europe currently scheduled, the MSC Opera will continue to operate in the region through at least November 2028.

Before heading to the Caribbean, the 2,160-passenger ship underwent a routine drydock at the Palumbo Shipyard in Malta in late October.

In addition to technical maintenance and class work, the project also included overall upkeep initiatives around the ship’s hotel areas.

MSC Opera’s cancelled trans-Atlantic cruise was scheduled to depart from the Italian port of Civitavecchia on October 29, 2026.

In a series of text messages sent to guests a few days before the departure, MSC said that the vessel was unable to operate the sailing due to technical issues.

Affected passengers reportedly received a full refund of the fare paid for the cruise, in addition to a 100 per cent Future Cruise Credit (FCC) and help with out-of-pocket travel expenses.

After departing from Italy, the trans-Atlantic crossing was scheduled to visit destinations in Spain, France, Morocco, St. Maarten, Antigua and St. Kitts, including Barcelona, Tangier, Philipsburg, St. John’s and more.

MSC Musica Sets Sail to Brazil With No Guests Onboard

MSC Musica Sets Sail to Brazil With No Guests Onboard

The MSC Musica recently started its repositioning voyage to Brazil, heading to Santos with no passengers on board.

Having paused its regular cruise operations in late September, the MSC Cruises vessel recently left the Palumbo Shipyard in Malta.

The 2006-built ship is now scheduled to welcome guests back in South America, kicking off its season in the region on November 16, 2026.

After leaving Valletta earlier this month, the Musica made a technical visit to Las Palmas for refuelling and provisioning.

The Musica spent 45 days in drydock as part of a fleet modernisation project that will see all Musica-class vessels undergoing significant updates.

Similar to refits onboard the MSC Magnifica and the MSC Poesia, the Musica introduced new features during the drydock, including MSC’s ship-within-a-ship complex, the Yacht Club.

In addition to larger staterooms, the suite enclave features private facilities, such as a dining room, a lounge and a solarium.

The ship also introduced new speciality restaurants, including the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar.

Offering cruises from Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Itajaí and Paranaguá, the MSC Musica will be part of MSC Cruises’ five-ship lineup in South America.

The vessel will initially offer three- and four-night itineraries to Búzios and Ilha Grande before embarking on a series of weeklong cruises to other destinations.

In addition to the 2,550-passenger ship, the company is also deploying the MSC Virtuosa, the MSC Seaview, the MSC Divina and the MSC Splendida for cruises to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay in 2026-27.

Three other vessels are also scheduled to sail in the region this winter, including Corazul Crucero’s new Buenavista, which is spending its inaugural season in Brazil.

Costa is deploying two ships in South America in 2026-27, including the Costa Serena and the Costa Diadema.

Refreshed Queen Victoria Emerges from Rotterdam Drydock

Refreshed Queen Victoria Emerges from Rotterdam Drydock

Cunard’s Queen Victoria has emerged from drydock after spending three weeks at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam.

According to a company statement, more than 50 travel agents were welcomed onboard for a ship visit in Southampton on November 11.

The 2,000-guest ship then set sail on a 16-night voyage to Portugal, Spain and Morocco.

“Queen Victoria has long been loved by our guests for her timeless elegance, distinctive character and uniquely warm atmosphere. This transformation has been carefully designed to celebrate those qualities while introducing thoughtful enhancements that reflect the expectations of today’s luxury traveller,” said Paul Ludlow, President of Cunard.

The company previously shared that the extensive transformation would include refreshed signature spaces.

At the heart of the refurbishment was a refreshed Grand Lobby embellished with regal details.

The Queens Room has also been reimagined, inspired by the floral borders of the Royal Palaces and Queen Victoria’s orange blossom jewellery.

Next, the Grill Suites experience has been enhanced, with Princess Grill and Queen's Grill Suites and their restaurants getting new furnishings and design upgrades, paired with a redesigned Grill Suites Lounge and lift lobby.

The Queen Victoria has also become the third ship in the Cunard fleet to feature The Pavilion Wellness Café.

Following introductions on the Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth, the venue offers breakfast, lunch and daytime dining.

The refurbishment has also introduced eight additional Britannia staterooms, including three in a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Queen Victoria will now continue offering winter cruises roundtrip from Southampton, visiting Northern Europe, the Canary Islands, the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco.

On January 10, 2027, it will depart on the company’s 109-night world cruise.

Visiting the Caribbean, North America, Hawaii, Australia, Asia and Africa, the itinerary will be the longest offered by Cunard during the 2026-27 winter season.

Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Makes U.S. Debut

Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Makes U.S. Debut

Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-class ship, The Legend of the Seas, arrived in the U.S. on November 7 ahead of its inaugural sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

After debuting in July, the Legend sailed its inaugural season in Europe, after which it embarked on a 13-day transatlantic crossing in late October.

Now that it’s in the U.S., it will be the first in the Icon class to homeport at Port Everglades, offering six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean itineraries.

“We’re proud to welcome Legend of the Seas to Fort Lauderdale today after an incredible inaugural season in Europe,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean.

“As the newest Icon Class ship to sail from Florida, alongside Icon and Star of the Seas, Legend gives guests even more ways to experience the unmatched combination of thrills, chill and family memory-making that defines the Icon Class.”

The Legend will kick off its Caribbean season with a three-night getaway to Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas, Royal Caribbean’s exclusive destination in The Bahamas, which will be featured on every itinerary from Fort Lauderdale.

This will be followed by an official naming ceremony on November 11, with Royal Caribbean executives, crew, loyalty guests, government officials and the ship’s godmother, Gen. Lori J. Robinson, attending the event.

“We are pleased to welcome Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas to Broward County,” said Mark D. Bogen, Mayor of Broward County.

“The arrival of such an awe-inspiring ship on her inaugural visit to the U.S. creates yet another means of strengthening economies, creating jobs, boosting tourism and showcasing our port and County to the world.”

As recently announced, the Legend will be one of the four Icon-class ships operating Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean and Mexico itineraries for 2028, sailing from Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Northeast, from April 2028 through October 2028.

SS United States Sinking Moved Up Over Weather Concerns

SS United States Sinking Moved Up Over Weather Concerns

Okaloosa County has announced Nov. 11, 2026, as the new date for the SS United States sinking, with deployment operations beginning at 1 p.m. CST.

The date has been moved up from November 12, when the ship was originally meant to be deployed as the world’s largest artificial reef, due to forecast heavy winds and unsafe weather conditions on that day.

Furthermore, the sendoff ceremony for the 1952-built ocean liner that was scheduled for Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. has been cancelled.

“Safety is always a top priority in Okaloosa County. There is simply no reason to take an unnecessary risk when adjusting the schedule will allow us to carry out this historic deployment safely and smoothly,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin.

“While the weather may have changed our plans, it has given this historic occasion an especially meaningful date. On Veterans Day, as we honour the men and women who served our nation, we will also honour the legacy of the SS United States, a magnificent ship that proudly bears the name of the country they so bravely defended.”

A live viewing party will still be held at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin starting at noon, where guests will be able to watch a live feed from the deployment site on the large outdoor screen.

The live viewing link will be available here before the deployment.

Queen Mary 2 Refit to Echo Original Ship’s Art Deco Design

Queen Mary 2 Refit to Echo Original Ship’s Art Deco Design

Cunard has unveiled more details about the design of new interiors the Queen Mary 2 will get during its 2027 refurbishment.

The ship, which is embarking on its 450th crossing on November 10, is scheduled to enter drydock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France on March 31, 2027, before returning to service on May 9, 2027.

As Cruise Industry News previously reported, the updates will include 31 new staterooms, 16 new Cunard Princess Grill Suites, updated interiors and finishes, a transformed Mareel Wellness & Beauty, and more.

The cruise line has now shared that the interiors will feature a style that it described as Cunard Deco, combining the cinematic glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the grandeur of Cunard’s regal lineage.

Cunard says the inspiration comes directly from its historic archive and the decorative arts of the original Queen Mary.

“Queen Mary 2 holds a unique position within our fleet and remains one of the most recognisable ships in the world,” said Cunard President Paul Ludlow.

“Our focus is on protecting and celebrating everything that makes her so special, while making considered enhancements that will further elevate the onboard experience. We are confident these improvements will ensure Queen Mary 2 continues to set the standard in luxury ocean travel for years to come.”

The ship will feature custom carpets, wall coverings, screens and artwork, many of them drawn from the original 1936 ship.

Each Grill Suites space will feature a different version of the scallop shell motif, a historic emblem of safe passage across the sea.

The bow of the Queen Mary 2 cutting through the Atlantic in the Queen's Grill Suites; a symmetrical design inspired by the Manhattan skyline in the Princess Grill Suites; and a peacock-fan-inspired design in the Grill Suites Lounge.

The latter draws on the social promenade aboard the original Queen Mary, known as “Peacock Alley,” where travellers would stroll, meet, see and be seen.

In the Princess Grill Suites, printed panels in the bathrooms reinterpret Leslie MacDonald Gill’s map of the Atlantic, which hung in the first-class dining room of the original Queen Mary.

Gill’s map included a working clock, and the hands in the new artwork are stopped at 4.33 p.m., the moment the Queen Mary first left Southampton in May 1936.

Explora Journeys Celebrates Milestones for Ships 5 and 6 at Fincantieri

Explora Journeys Celebrates Milestones for Ships 5 and 6 at Fincantieri

Explora Journeys marked milestones for the fifth and sixth ships in its fleet at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, on October 26.

The first was the float out of the Explora V and the second the coin ceremony of the Explora VI, set to enter service at the end of 2027 and summer 2028, respectively.

The ceremonies brought together representatives of national and local institutions, maritime authorities and the wider maritime industry.

They were joined by Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys; Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive officer and managing director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division.

Anna Nash and Camilla Ronco, PRS Workshop Manager at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard, served as godmothers for the coin ceremony of the Explora VI, placing commemorative coins inside the ship.

“Explora VI marks an important milestone in our journey and represents how far we have come in bringing a new category of ultra-elegant ocean travel to life. Having joined Explora Journeys at such a pivotal stage in its development, becoming godmother to the sixth ship in our fleet is an extraordinary honor and a deeply personal moment for me,” said Nash.

“I am immensely proud of what we have built together, and excited by what lies ahead as we continue to shape the future of ocean travel and create even more meaningful experiences for our guests. Explora VI may mark the completion of our first six ships, but it is by no means the final chapter.”

Consuelo Brunelli, production planner at Fincantieri, served as godmother for the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the float out of the Explora V.

Following the delivery of the fleet’s first LNG-powered ship, the Explora III, in July 2026, the company is set to welcome the Explora IV to its fleet in spring 2027.

The Explora V, which will sail in the Mediterranean Sea to 27 destinations in nine countries, and VI will also be powered by LNG and are designed to use renewable and next-generation fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic LNG and biofuels.

The Explora VI will also feature fuel cell technology to support more efficient energy generation, while the Explora V is being designed to accommodate this technology in the future, the company noted.

Carnival Spirit Delays Return to Seattle After Undergoing Repairs.

Carnival Spirit Delays Return to Seattle After Undergoing Repairs

The Carnival Spirit will return to Seattle later than scheduled after undergoing repairs earlier this month, Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement.

Wrapping up a 15-night cruise to Hawaii, the ship was scheduled to return to its homeport early on October 8, 2026. The arrival, however, was postponed by nearly 24 hours.

In a letter sent to guests boarding the vessel for its next cruise, Carnival said that the delay was caused by an issue that required additional time for repairs on October 3, 2026.

“As a result, the ship’s return to Seattle will be delayed until Friday, October 9, resulting in a shortening of your cruise by one day,” the company explained.

Upon returning to Washington, the Carnival Spirit is scheduled to kick off a repositioning voyage to Mobile, Alabama.

The 16-night cruise will feature a full transit of the Panama Canal, in addition to visits to destinations on the West Coast of Central America and the Caribbean.

Carnival said that due to the later departure from Seattle and to keep the ship’s time slot for crossing the Panama Canal, a planned visit to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, had to be cancelled.

The company said that planned visits to Puntarenas in Costa Rica and Cartagena de Indias in Colombia will still go ahead as scheduled.

“We know this is disappointing news and we apologise for these unexpected adjustments,” Carnival added, noting that guests will receive a pro-rated refund for their cruise fare and pre-purchased service packages, including Wi-Fi and beverage packages.

Shore excursions booked through Carnival for Cabo San Lucas will be automatically cancelled and refunded as well.

The company also said that it will offer a $250 onboard credit per stateroom as a gesture of appreciation for passengers’ understanding.

Guests who purchased air travel using Carnival’s FLY2FUN program will have their flights automatically adjusted to reflect the changes.

For those with independent travel plans, the company will also reimburse up to $200 per person for any expenses associated with non-refundable air change fees and other travel-related costs.

Carnival said that further details regarding new embarkation plans for October 9, 2026, will be released ahead of the cruise.

The Carnival Spirit is currently wrapping up a 15-night cruise to Hawaii and Canada that sailed from Seattle on September 23, 2026.

Part of the Carnival Journeys program, the itinerary originally included visits to Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo and Victoria.

Carnival Corp. Shuffles Ships Between Cunard, P&O, and Holland America

Cunard's Queen Anne, soon to be transferred to P&O Cruises. Photo credit Spacejunkie2.

Cruise ships will be moving among three of Carnival Corporation’s brands as the company continues efforts to maximise the financial strength of its operations. Holland America Line and P&O Cruises will be increasing capacity by receiving newer ships, while Cunard will be giving up one ship, with the changes taking place in 20029.

The changes will begin in the spring of 2029 when Cunard’s Queen Anne will be transferred to P&O after completing her previously announced world cruise. The announcement says the ship will be “reimagined and renamed” before joining the UK-based operation in May 2029. 

P&O, however, will also be conducting a farewell season for its 20-plus-year-old cruise ship Arcadia, which will retire from the fleet on August 21, 2029. She will then transfer to Holland America Line as part of its ongoing fleet evolution. She will be refitted and renamed to join the US-based operation.

P&O Arcadia will be joining Holland America Line. Photo Credit SpaceJunkie2.

“These decisions reflect a careful, long-term view of our portfolio and where the individual strengths of each ship can best support guest demand and the future direction of our two cruise lines,” said Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises, and Cunard, announcing the changes. “This decision does not change our commitment to Cunard or its future.”

Queen Anne had been heralded with her launch in May 2024 as the first new ship added to Cunard since 2010, and the first time the venerated British brand would be operating four Queens. At 114,188 gross tons and 1,058 feet (323 meters) in length, the ship is based on the platform used for Holland America’s newest class of ships. She was a large addition for Cunard, with a 2,956-passenger capacity, but incorporated what the company calls “a bold and contemporary expression of Cunard,” which also drew criticism among the loyal clientele.

Ludlow said the changes would provide Cunard “a more closely unified fleet.” The ship will continue in service for the planned Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 and then her final world cruise. Carnival Corporation is also investing in an upgrade and modernisation of Queen Mary 2 in April 2027, which will add suites and redo the wellness area, shops, and some public spaces.

They said Queen Anne’s style would give her a “natural affinity with the modern P&O.” She will also increase capacity by nearly 1,000 berths for the British brand, which currently operates seven cruise ships. P&O had been using Arcadia for adult-only cruising but recently announced she would accept children and multi-generational travel on some cruises.

Built by Fincantieri, the 83,781 gross ton cruise ship was originally planned for Cunard but reassigned during construction to P&O, which launched her as Arcadia in April 2005. She is 952 feet (290 meters) in length with a capacity for 2,094 passengers.

Holland America highlights that the ship is built on the same platform as its Vista-class cruise ships Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam, and Westerdam. Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, said the ship will be a natural fit for the fleet and an extension of the evolution program.

Holland America Line Expands to 12 Ships with Addition of Arcadia

Holland America Line Expands to 12 Ships with Addition of Arcadia

Holland America Line announced today that it will expand its fleet to 12 ships with the addition of the Arcadia in 2029.

P&O Cruises will transfer the ship to Holland America Line, strengthening the premium cruise line’s capacity, supporting continued demand growth and providing another platform for the ongoing Holland America Evolution transformation program, according to a statement.

The addition of Arcadia will grow Holland America Line’s fleet by over 2,000 guests while providing additional flexibility.

“Holland America Line continues to see strong demand from guests seeking immersive travel experiences, genuine hospitality, and perfectly sized ships,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “Adding Arcadia allows us to welcome more guests while building on everything they already love about our brand. As a Vista Class ship, she is a natural fit and an exciting extension of Holland America Evolution, the largest guest experience transformation in our 153-year history.”

The addition of Arcadia builds on the success of Holland America Evolution, a multi-year investment designed to add new venues, restaurants and staterooms along with the best features of Pinnacle Class ships to more of the fleet while preserving the spacious, mid-sized ship experience guests love, the company said in a statement.

New features already revealed for Oosterdam and Zuiderdam include the popular Grand Dutch Café, a renovated Ocean Bar, expansive Bridgeview Suites and purpose-built Solo Verandah cabins.

The Oosterdam will debut its evolution in fall 2027, with Zuiderdam following in April 2028. Venues and features to be added to Arcadia will be determined in the next several months.

Holland America said that the addition of Arcadia brings more deployment flexibility to Holland America while providing a faster path to growth and complementing the company’s long-term fleet modernisation strategy.

“We create experiences for the curious, offering new perspectives and deeper connections to the world and each other,” said Bodensteiner. “Whether it’s strengthening our presence in favourite destinations or opening opportunities to sail in new ways, this additional capacity helps us offer even more choices to travellers who believe the journey should be as rewarding as the destination.

“At the same time, this is one chapter in a larger story. It supports our near-term growth while fitting alongside the company’s broader approach to modernisation and future fleet expansion, including the thoughtful consideration of newbuilds. There’s more to come as we continue investing in our fleet and guest experience.”

 

 

Norwegian Escape Sets Sail for Europe Ahead of Drydock

Norwegian Escape Sets Sail for Europe Ahead of Drydock

Norwegian Bliss Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 

The Norwegian Escape paused its regular operations in North America in late September to embark on a repositioning voyage to Europe.

Scheduled to undergo a routine drydock in mid-October, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship is currently offering a 16-night trans-Atlantic crossing.

Sailing from New York City, the original cruise itinerary included visits to nine destinations across Canada, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Spain.

A planned visit to Sydney, however, had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions in North America.

As a result, the Norwegian Escape visited Halifax before heading to the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic.

The vessel is scheduled to visit Ponta Delgada in early October before continuing to Gibraltar, Melilla, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca.

The trans-Atlantic crossing will conclude in Barcelona, from where the 2015-built ship is expected to sail to a European shipyard with no guests onboard.

Before embarking on a repositioning voyage back to North America, the Escape will spend 16 days out of service undergoing maintenance and updates.

The vessel is then scheduled to offer a new trans-Atlantic crossing in late October, sailing from Barcelona to Port Canaveral.

The 16-night cruise will visit destinations in Spain, France, and Morocco, including Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, Motril, Cádiz, Tangier, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

In mid-November, the Norwegian Escape arrives in Port Canaveral to kick off a winter season of Caribbean sailings from Central Florida.

The deployment features a series of seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, visiting St. Thomas, the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.

In addition to Puerto Plata, Tortola and Charlotte Amalie, the weeklong cruises sail to Norwegian’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay.

Scheduled to reposition to Galveston in 2027-28, the vessel will continue to sail from Port Canaveral through November 2027.

Carnival Festivale Floats at Meyer Werft

Carnival Festivale Floats at Meyer Werft

The Carnival Festivale floated for the first time at Meyer Werft, the yard announced in a social media update.

According to the shipbuilder, the new Excel-class ship touched the water in late September after its building dock was flooded.

The operation allowed the new Carnival Cruise Line ship to move inside Meyer Werft’s building hall, creating space for the construction of another vessel.

In its post, Meyer Werft noted that its enclosed building dock in Papenburg allows two large ships to be built at the same time.

With delivery scheduled for 2027, the Carnival Festivale will kick off its maiden season in Port Canaveral in May 2027.

Joining its sister ship Mardi Gras at the homeport, the 5,200-passenger ship will offer weeklong cruises to the Caribbean.

The six- to eight-night itineraries sail to a range of destinations in the region and are highlighted by visits to Carnival’s private destination of Celebration Key in Grand Bahama.

Meyer Werft recently celebrated another milestone with Carnival, as construction began for the Carnival Tropicale in early September.

To mark the occasion, the German shipyard held a Texas-themed steel-cutting ceremony along with the company.

The Tropicale is scheduled to enter service from Galveston in April 2028, offering weeklong cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

The Festivale and the Tropicale will be the final ships in Carnival’s Excel series, which started with the Mardi Gras in 2021.

The LNG-powered vessels will introduce an updated design with new features, including the Sunsation Point, a family adventure zone that will house the company’s largest waterpark.

Carnival Waterworks Ultra will feature six water slides designed for different age groups and adventure levels, in addition to splash pads and shaded play areas for all ages.

The ships will also include different themed areas, with music-related spaces onboard the Festivale and lounges inspired by the golden age of show business on the Tropicale.

Strictly Stars to Debut New Show on Saga’s Canaries Cruise in December

Strictly Stars to Debut New Show on Saga’s Canaries Cruise in December

Stars of the BBC TV show Strictly Come Dancing are set to debut a new show onboard during Saga Cruises’ “Best of the Canaries” voyage in December.

Vincent Simone and Michelle Tsiakkas and their respective partners, Victoria Martin and Simone Arena, will premiere a new show at the Spirit of Discovery’s Playhouse Theatre, called Eras.

According to a company statement, the show celebrates the highlights and histories of Latin and ballroom dance throughout the ages, featuring exclusive insights into the duo’s time on Strictly Come Dancing.

Guests will also have the opportunity to learn salsa with Tsiakkas or join a festive foxtrot workshop with Simone.

Other star guests and speakers include Chartered Horticulturalist and TV presenter David Domoney (Love Your Garden, ITV’s This Morning), an author on the health benefits of gardening and enjoying nature.

The 14-night voyage sailing from Portsmouth on December 6, 2026, is available from £2,999 per person thanks to a limited-time promo.

Almaco Completes Modernisation Project on Harmony of the Seas

Almaco Completes Modernisation Project on Harmony of the Seas

Almaco Group has completed a modernisation project onboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas during the ship’s scheduled drydock at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain.

The project was completed in May 2026 and included adding new stateroom areas in the forward part of the ship, as well as converting existing public spaces into accommodation.

In a press release, the group said the scope covered constructing a new forward accommodation block of seven panoramic suites and 21 staterooms.

In addition, the group converted areas of the two-deck-level Wonderland restaurant into accommodation, adding 29 new staterooms. The team also installed a noise-reduction ceiling in the Music Hall below the new cabin area.

According to the press release, the project’s preparation lasted approximately seven months and included design and engineering, procurement, planning and coordination with the owner and other contractors.

The Harmony of the Seas arrived in Cadiz in April for a 44-day drydock period. During execution, Almaco deployed up to 240 personnel on site and managed the delivery of approximately 86 TEUs of material to Cadiz.

The project was completed through collaboration including Almaco, the shipyard, the owner and other project partners.

The group has wished the Harmony of the Seas and its guests happy sailing and looks forward to continued collaboration with Royal Caribbean.

MSC Breaks Ground on Sandy Cay Private Island in The Bahamas

MSC Breaks Ground on Sandy Cay Private Island in The Bahamas

MSC held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 28 for Sandy Cay, its new private island destination in The Bahamas adjacent to Ocean Cay, with construction and site work already well underway ahead of a scheduled 2028 opening.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, and Philip Davis, prime minister of The Bahamas, attended the ceremony, along with other government officials and project stakeholders.

First announced in April 2026, Sandy Cay sits adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and is being developed exclusively for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.

The company said the new island is designed to complement Ocean Cay with a more intimate, upscale experience centred on wellness and relaxation. Plans call for beaches, dining venues, relaxation spaces, private retreats and curated experiences.

MSC also announced upgrades at Ocean Cay, which has been a fixture on the brand’s Caribbean itineraries.

New additions will include more dining venues, new beach concepts for families and for adults, expanded relaxation areas and new experiences tied to the island’s marine conservation work.

According to the company, the two islands will operate as distinct destinations with their own character, giving MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests two private island options in The Bahamas.

Carnival UK expects a single-digit percentage headcount cut amid restructuring

Carnival UK has said it expects to reduce its headcount by “a single-digit percentage” following a company-wide restructure.

 

The parent company of P&O Cruises and Cunard launched a consultation process in June to “help determine new roles and responsibilities” and “create cross-company teams” to work across both brands.

 

A spokesperson said: “In June, Carnival UK announced organisational changes to support operational efficiency and future growth across P&O Cruises and Cunard.

 

“Exact numbers are still being finalised, but it is anticipated that there will be a reduction in headcount of a single-digit percentage.”

 

The organisational changes also saw a shift in senior leadership, with Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow taking on the additional role of Cunard president, and Katie McAlister moving from that role into the newly created position of chief commerce officer for Carnival UK.

 

Carnival UK responded to agents’ concerns about its restructure plan in July, insisting partners would see no decline in support.

 

Ruth Venn, associate vice-president of sales and distribution at P&O Cruises, said at the time: “Our partnerships with agents are key, as they always have been, and this will not change.

 

“There are still separate teams for P&O Cruises and Cunard, with separate leadership to retain relationships, individuality and distinction for the brands.

 

“Agents will continue to receive the same support and the same level of communication and collaboration.”