Stornoway Port Set for Major 2026 Cruise Season

Stornoway Port Set for Major 2026 Cruise Season

Stornoway Port is preparing to welcome 89 cruise ship calls during the 2026 season, reinforcing its growing prominence as one of Scotland’s premier cruise destinations, according to a press release.

The season is expected to bring approximately 60,000 passengers to the Outer Hebrides, contributing an estimated £7.8 million to the local economy.

“The 2026 cruise season represents another major milestone for Stornoway Port, with 89 scheduled calls highlighting the continued growth in demand from international cruise operators,” said Kirsty Hutchison, cruise and marketing manager at Stornoway Port.

“The return of high-profile vessels such as Queen Anne, alongside visits from MSC Preziosa and Carnival Legend, demonstrates the strength of Stornoway’s reputation as a world-class destination.”

Among the headline arrivals in 2026 are globally recognized vessels. These include the MSC Preziosa, the Carnival Legend and Cunard’s newest flagship, the Queen Anne, which will return to Stornoway following its successful maiden visit in 2025.

The MSC Preziosa and the Carnival Legend will each bring substantial visitor numbers to the island.

Their inclusion in the schedule demonstrates sustained confidence in Stornoway’s facilities, particularly the £59 million Deep Water Terminal, which has significantly expanded the port’s ability to accommodate larger, modern cruise ships.

Hutchison said the Deep Water Terminal continues to transform what the port can offer, strengthening its ability to accommodate larger vessels and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The port is progressing plans for the next phase of development at the terminal, alongside the ongoing development of Arnish Road, to further build capacity and resilience across the estate, she said.

MSC Poesia Enters Drydock for Major Refurbishment

MSC Poesia Enters Drydock for Major Refurbishment

The MSC Poesia recently entered drydock at the Palumbo Shipyard in Malta to undergo a major refurbishment project.

Having completed its winter season in Northern Europe, the MSC Cruises vessel arrived at the facility on Feb. 19, 2026.

As part of a modernization effort that will see all of the Musica-class ships undergoing refits, the 2008-built vessel is now set to get new features and venues.

The project includes the addition of MSC Yacht Club, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept that will feature 62 new suites.

Guests staying in these new staterooms will take advantage of private areas including a sun deck, a restaurant and a lounge.

The MSC Poesia is also getting two new specialty restaurants: the American-style Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar.

Other areas undergoing significant changes include the MSC Aurea Spa, which will be redesigned and modernized.

The ship’s gym will be moved to a new area, where it will offer a fresh layout and state-of-the-art equipment.

Upon completing its drydock, the MSC Poesia is set to kick off a repositioning voyage to North America ahead of MSC’s first season in Alaska.

The two-part voyage starts with a trans-Atlantic crossing to PortMiami that is set to depart from the Italian port of Civitavecchia on April 6, 2026.

The 90,000-ton ship is then scheduled to offer an 18-night cruise to the Panama Canal that sails between Florida and Seattle.

Starting in early May, the MSC Poesia offers a series of seven-night cruises to destinations in Alaska and Canada.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the itineraries are highlighted by scenic cruising at Tracy Arm Fjord and Inside Passage. Ports of call set to be visited include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau.

Following MSC’s maiden season in the region, the vessel is scheduled to reposition to Miami for longer cruises to the Caribbean and Central America during the 2026-27 winter season.

Balmoral Back in Newcastle for Four-Month Sailing Program

Balmoral Back in Newcastle for Four-Month Sailing Program

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral has started a four-month sailing program from Newcastle’s Port of Tyne.

Between February and September 2026,17 cruises will be departing from the city, with durations ranging from one‑night sailings to 14‑night explorations.

The program includes Northern Lights voyages in Arctic Norway, cruising through Norway’ s fjords, and sailings to the Baltic, Scandinavia and Iceland.

“We’re delighted to welcome our guests from the North East back on board Balmoral as she begins her programme of sailings from Newcastle,” said Doug Glenwright, guest experience director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“This programme offers an inspiring collection of sailings – from the chance to seek out the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway to exploring Europe’s riverside cities.”

According to the company, the first cruise of the season departed Newcastle on February 21, taking guests on a 10-night “In Search of the Northern Lights” voyage.

The Balmoral has been updated and now eatures a new rotating Colors & Tastes menu and an exclusive Chef’s Table experience.

Additionally, a refreshed entertainment program, delivered in partnership with RWS, will be rolled out from February, featuring updated daytime activities and new evening theater productions launching from mid-2026.

Sailings from Newcastle include:

In Search of the Northern Lights

This 10-night cruise departs from Newcastle on March 23, 2026, with prices starting from £1,599 per person.

Guests can experience the Arctic winter, seek out the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway, and discover Arctic culture and landscapes, from fjords to Sami traditions.

European Cities & Scenic Rivers

This 14-night cruise departs from Newcastle on April 2, 2026. Prices start from £2,099 per person.

Travelers can explore riverside cities and European waterways, including France and Portugal’s rivers and historic cities, such as Bordeaux and Lisbon, and enjoy local culture, fine wine regions and landscapes.

Exploring Iceland in Nine Nights

This nine-night cruise departs from Newcastle on May 5, 2026. Prices start from £1,699 per person.

Iceland’s mountains, geysers, and waterfalls can be discovered by going hiking and bathing in hot springs, paired with whale watching.

Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights

This five‑night cruise departs from Newcastle on August 28, 2026, with prices starting from £999 per person.

Guests can take in Norway’s landscapes from the ship, or go kayaking, or hiking in Briksdal National Park. They can also discover the geology and the Ice Age legacy at Kjenndalen glacier.

Depending on the sailing, guests who book before March 11, 2026, can get onboard spend in the amounts ranging from £25 to £150.

Okaloosa County Sets Tentative Date for SS United States Project

Okaloosa County Sets Tentative Date for SS United States Project

Okaloosa County officials are planning to sink the SS United States this April, according to a report by Fox10 News.

Set to become the world’s largest artificial reef, the former ocean liner will be sunk 22 miles west of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Acquired by Okaloosa in 2023, the 1952-built vessel is currently being prepared for the operation in Mobile.

The process included remediation and decontamination of all of the ship’s interior areas and outside decks.

Carried out by Coleen Marine, the project also saw the removal of the ship’s two funnels, as well as its main mast, which will be used in a future land-based museum.

According to Fox10 News, Okaloosa County has already removed all the oil and fuel that were still onboard the vessel.

“She had 200 tanks onboard, so all that fuel and oil had to be removed. What they do in that process is suck it out of there and take it to an environmentally safe area,” Nick Tomacek, Okaloosa County Public Information Officer, was quoted as saying.

Contractors removed other hazardous materials as well, including non-metal parts, ensuring the deployment is clean and not harmful to the environment it aims to benefit.

Other modifications were also made to ensure that the vessel will land upright underwater following the assisted sinking operation.

He added that final Coast Guard inspections are set to start soon, with the exact deployment date dependent on weather conditions.

“While some folks did not want to see her sink, this is the next phase of the SS United States’ life, and she’s going to be enjoyed by divers, anglers and enthusiasts for years to come,” Tomacek said.

Okaloosa County also plans to livestream the reefing event on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach YouTube channel.

Out of service since 1969, the SS United States spent most of the last three decades docked at a commercial dock in Philadelphia.

 

Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

P&O Cruises’ Ventura is currently undergoing a drydock at the Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The vessel wrapped up its regular operations in Southampton on February 7, 2026, before arriving at the facility one day later.

Following the drydock, the Ventura will then welcome guests back on February 27, 2026, to kick off a 35-night cruise to the Caribbean and the United States.

Ports of call set to be visited include Port Canaveral and Miami, as well as New Orleans, where the Ventura is expected to stay two days docked.

In the Caribbean, the Ventura will make visits to Cozumel, Freeport, Belize and Roatán, as well as Freeport in the Bahamas.

The 3,100-guest ship is also scheduled to sail to the port of La Coruña in Spain, as well as Praia da Vitória in the Azores.

In September 2025, P&O cancelled a short cruise that was set to depart soon after the drydock. As Cruise Industry News reported, the vessel was scheduled to offer a four-night cruise on February 23, 2026.

At the time, the company said that the sailing was no longer possible due to an extension to a necessary refit for the Ventura. Cruising to the Netherlands, the itinerary included an overnight call to the port of Amsterdam.

Upon returning to Southampton in early April, the Ventura offers a series of cruises in Northern Europe and the Canaries.

The schedule is highlighted by visits to a wide range of destinations, including Santander, Vigo, Zeebrugge, Funchal and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Ventura features a design based on Princess’ Grand-class series and entered service in 2008.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Orders Three More Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Orders Three More Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holding today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Fincantieri for the design and construction of three new cruise ships.

The order includes one ship for each of the company’s brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, with one vessel to be built as a sister ship to Oceania Sonata, one as a sister ship to Seven Seas Prestige, and one as a sister ship to the previously announced Norwegian Cruise Line newbuilds order.

All three ships will be built at Fincantieri’s shipyards in Italy and delivered between 2036 and 2037.

“Together with Fincantieri, a trusted partner for decades, we continue to advance a disciplined approach to fleet growth that builds on the strength of our brands, defines the future of cruising and elevates the guest experience for years to come,” said John W. Chidsey, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCLH. “This agreement secures access to valuable shipyard capacity through the end of 2037, supporting our long-term growth while maintaining financial discipline and driving sustainable shareholder value.”

The company said this new ship order supports the Company’s long-term growth pipeline and competitive position with modest initial capital outlays, allowing it to remain focused on strengthening the balance sheet and reducing leverage.

Following this agreement, NCLH now has a total of 17 newbuilds on order; with Norwegian Cruise Line totaling eight newbuilds through 2037, five newbuilds for Oceania Cruises to be delivered through 2037 and four newbuilds to be delivered through 2036 for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This newbuild pipeline supports an expected 4 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2026 through 2037, consistent with the company’s measured approach to expanding its fleet while investing in next-generation ships.

Year	Brand	Detail	Tons	Berths
Q1 2026	Norwegian Cruise Line	Norwegian Luna	~156,000	~3,565
Q4 2026	Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Prestige	~77,000	~822
2027	Norwegian Cruise Line	Norwegian Aura	~170,000	~3,880
2027	Oceania Cruises	Oceania Sonata	~86,000	~1,390
2028	Norwegian Cruise Line	Next Generation “Methanol-Ready” Norwegian Prima Class	~170,000	~3,880
2029	Oceania Cruises	Oceania Arietta	~86,000	~1,390
2030	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 1	~227,000	~5,000
2030	Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Prestige Class 2	~77,000	~822
2032	Oceania Cruises	Sonata Class 3	~86,000	~1,390
2032	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 2	~227,000	~5,000
2033	Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Prestige Class 3	~77,000	~822
2034	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 3	~227,000	~5,000
2035	Oceania Cruises	Sonata Class 4	~86,000	~1,390
2036	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 4	~227,000	~5,000
2036	Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Prestige Class 4	~77,000	~822
2037	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 5	~227,000	~5,000
2037	Oceania Cruises	Sonata Class 5	~86,000	~1,390

Fincantieri and Generative Bionics Partner on Humanoid Welding Robot

Fincantieri and Generative Bionics Partner on Humanoid Welding Robot

Fincantieri and Generative Bionics, an Italian company focused on autonomous humanoid robots, announced an industrial partnership to develop a humanoid welding robot designed to operate alongside humans in the shipbuilder’s shipyards.

The collaboration integrates Fincantieri’s industrial expertise with the robotic platform developed by Generative Bionics, with the goal of increasing safety and operational efficiency, improving production quality and enhancing sustainability, according to the companies.

“Advanced robotics and artificial intelligence applied to industrial processes represent a strategic lever for the evolution of shipbuilding and for the competitiveness of the European industrial system,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive officer and general manager of Fincantieri.

“The collaboration with Generative Bionics is part of the transformation journey we are undertaking to strengthen our operational excellence, enhance the work of our people and address in a structured way the challenges related to growing production complexity and the availability of specialized skills.”

The humanoid robot will support specific welding activities in naval manufacturing.

The robot will be equipped with artificial intelligence, advanced manipulation, perception and vision capabilities for monitoring the welding seam, and optimized locomotion to operate in complex environments.

The collaboration program is expected to span four years.

Initial on-site tests are scheduled by the end of 2026, with operational functionalities available within the first two years.

Development and testing will take place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard.

The collaboration is part of Fincantieri’s strategy in advanced robotics and innovation.

The adoption of Physical AI systems supports production continuity and assists workers in repetitive, physically demanding or ergonomically challenging tasks.

 

Mediterranean Cruise Capacity Nears 6 Million for 2026

Mediterranean Cruise Capacity Nears 6 Million for 2026

The Mediterranean will see close to 6 million cruise passengers this year, according to the upcoming 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

CIN data shows that over 180 ships will sail in the region across 57 cruise lines, with capacity up 3.7 percent on a year-over-year basis.

MSC and Costa will together account for nearly 40 percent of the capacity in the Mediterranean this year.

Among North American brands, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity round out the top five, collectively accounting for approximately 18 percent of the market.

In addition, AIDA, Princess, Marella and TUI each bring significant capacity, while Viking Ocean has expanded its presence as it continues to expand.

New entrants and niche operators are adding further diversity. Aroya Cruises is positioning a ship in the region for a second straight year, while Orient Express is set to debut its much-anticipated Corinthian.

The capacity increase is being driven primarily by larger vessels.

The full market breakdown, including detailed capacity data for all 57 cruise lines, is available in the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

 

Meyer Turku Unveils Net Zero Cruise Ship Concept

Meyer Turku Unveils Net Zero Cruise Ship Concept

Meyer Turku has completed a net zero cruise ship concept developed under its AVATAR project, achieving more than 90 percent reduction in lifecycle carbon footprint compared to the baseline defined by the International Maritime Organization.

The concept was developed as part of NEcOLEAP, Meyer Turku’s four-year research and development program co-funded by Business Finland, according to the company.

“AVATAR has provided a solid foundation for our development work,” said Anu Ahola, chief strategy and transformation officer at Meyer Turku.

“We now have a substantial portfolio of new ideas, tools and next-generation ship technologies.”

The concept vessel incorporates technologies and solutions expected to be technologically viable and available by 2030.

More experimental or early-stage technologies were deliberately excluded.

“No single solution is enough, for example, simply switching fuels will not achieve the desired impact,” said Liina Vahala, head of product development at Meyer Turku. “A net zero vessel concept is the sum of many complementary measures.”

The design emphasizes a more streamlined and lightweight structure, as well as improved energy efficiency of onboard spaces.

More energy efficient air-handling units reduce heating and cooling power demand on cabin decks by approximately 50 percent.

The chosen fuel is bio-methanol.

The concept vessel also utilizes wind-assisted propulsion technology and solar panels.

Sustainable materials and optimized use of space further contribute to reducing the vessel’s total lifecycle emissions.

A dynamic energy simulation model, a digital twin, was used to evaluate the impact of different design choices across the entire energy system.

 

Secondhand Update: Here Are the Latest Ship Moves and Transactions

Secondhand Update: Here Are the Latest Ship Moves and Transactions

The new year began with news for numerous secondhand cruise ship transactions.

Cruise Industry News highlights some of the key transactions and developments that occurred in the first weeks of 2026.

For a complete overview of the market, see the Secondhand Market Report from Cruise Industry News.

Blue Zephyr (former Caledonian Sky)
Company: Kalama Shipping
Capacity: 114 guests
Tonnage: 4,200
Year built: 1991
Move: To be operated by Blue Zephyr Cruises
Date: January 2026

The former Caledonian Sky will sail for Blue Zephyr Cruises after being sold to Greece-based Kalama Shipping in late 2025.

According to a recent announcement, the 114-guest ship will be renamed Blue Zephyr for boutique cruising in the Greek Isles starting in late April 2026.

Exploris One
Company: Exploris
Capacity: 132 guests
Tonnage: 6,130
Year built: 1989
Move: Sold at auction for 4.5 million euros
Date: January 2026

The Exploris One was sold at auction in late January as part of Exploris Expeditions & Cruises’ liquidation process.

As Cruise Industry News informed, while further details of the operation were not disclosed, the ship was reportedly acquired by a new operator for 4.5 million euros.

German media reported Nordic Hamburg Group as the buyer. Requests for comment went unreturned. The company has involved with both Polar Latitudes Expeditions as well as Heritage Expeditions.

Alaskan Dream Fleet
Ships: Alaskan Dream, Baranof Dream, Chichagof Dream and Admiralty Dream
Company: Alaskan Dream Cruises
Capacity: 223 guests including all vessels
Tonnage: 40 to 76
Year built: 1979 to 1986
Move: Laid up in Alaska after the company’s shutdown
Date: February 2026

The Alaskan Dream Cruises fleet is facing an uncertain future after the company’s sudden shutdown, which was announced earlier this month.

Currently laid up in Sitka, the four coastal ships were built between the late 1970s and the mid-1980s and were scheduled to offer summer cruises in Alaska.

Ocean Endeavour
Company: SunStone Maritime Group
Capacity: 199 guests
Tonnage: 13,000
Year built: 1981
Move: Chartered to the Danish Defense
Date: January 2026

SunStone Maritime Group has chartered the Ocean Endeavour to Danish Defense in January 2026.

Last operated by Adventure Canada in the Arctic, the 1981-built vessel will accommodate Danish and international soldiers participating in a military exercise in Nuuk, Greenland.

Blue Dream Melody
Company: Blue Dream Cruises
Capacity: 1,218 guests
Tonnage: 42,200
Year built: 2002
Move: Laid up in China
Date: January 2026

The Blue Dream Melody was placed in lay up in the Chinese port of Beihai earlier this year after completing a final cruise for Blue Dream Cruises.

The Chinese cruise line announced the ship would be withdrawn from service for updates and maintenance, but operations are suspended indefinitely.

 

TUI Cruises Launches Special Monopoly Edition

TUI Cruises Launches Special Monopoly Edition

TUI Cruises has launched an exclusive Mein Schiff Monopoly edition, the company said in a statement.

The game allows players to discover bars and restaurants, experience a range of leisure activities and immerse themselves in the world of Mein Schiff cruises in a playful way.

Players can look forward to buying their favorite spots aboard the TUI ships, such as the TUI Bar or the pool deck.

Furthermore, the cards players draw feature onboard activities and daily programs, guaranteeing exciting rounds lots of fun, and what the company said was areal vacation atmosphere with family or friends.

The special edition is available for  €49.90 in TUI’s online store.

Ambassador’s Ambience Kicks Off 40-Day Cruise to the Caribbean

Ambassador’s Ambience Kicks Off 40-Day Cruise to the Caribbean

Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience recently kicked off one of the company’s longest cruises this year, a 40-day voyage to the Caribbean.

Sailing roundtrip from Tilbury, the “Jewels of the Caribbean Sea” itinerary is highlighted by visits to a wide range of destinations in the region.

As part of the voyage, the Ambience will become the only mainstream cruise ship to sail to Cuba in 2026, with a 13-hour visit to Havana scheduled for Feb. 16, 2026.

The cruise started with a visit to Ponta Delgada in the Azores after departing from the United Kingdom on Jan. 30, 2026.

The Ambience then crossed the Atlantic for destinations in Antigua and the British Virgin Islands, such as Antigua and Tortola.

Following its visit to Cuba, the ship is also scheduled to sail to George Town in the Cayman Islands, Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and Fort-de-France in Martinique.

Other ports of call include Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Jamaica, as well as Bridgetown in Barbados and Castries in St. Lucia.

Before arriving back in Tilbury in early March, the Ambience also sails to Basseterre in St. Kitts and St. Vincent.

Upon returning to the United Kingdom, the Ambience embarks on a series of spring cruises to Northern Europe, visiting Scandinavia, the Baltic, the British Isles and more.

For the summer, the 1,578-passenger ship adds visits to more destinations, including Portugal, Spain, Madeira, the Canaries and Iceland.

The vessel’s deployment is also highlighted by a 31-night cruise to the Mediterranean scheduled for early November, which sails roundtrip from Tilbury and features ports of call across North Africa, the Adriatic, Sicily and more.

In related news, Ambassador’s Ambience recently underwent a three-week drydock refurbishment in the United Kingdom.

The multi-million-dollar refurbishment included technical work, as well as improvements to public areas and staterooms.

Caribbean Cruise Capacity Up Over 10% for 2026

Caribbean Cruise Capacity Up Over 10% for 2026

The Caribbean will have over 40 percent of cruise market share worldwide in 2026, according to the upcoming 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

CIN data shows that more than 200 ships will sail in the region, with capacity up over 10 percent on a year-over-year basis.

Larger brands, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC and Norwegian, will account for 75 percent of the capacity in the Caribbean this year.

Pushing up the numbers are large new ships, which are set to enter service for some of these brands over the course of 2026.

Norwegian will add a new ship to its Caribbean lineup in the second quarter, with the debut of the new Norwegian Luna.

Currently under construction in Italy, the 3,571-passenger vessel is set to offer weeklong cruises departing from PortMiami.

In November, Royal Caribbean is also introducing the next largest ship in the world, the Legend of the Seas.

As the third vessel in the company’s Icon-class series, the 5,610-guest ship will offer a seasonal deployment out of Fort Lauderdale.

The Caribbean is also welcoming new ships from a series of upscale and niche brands, such as Explora Journeys.

After an inaugural season in Northern Europe, the 922-guest ship will spend the 2026-27 season offering a series of cruises between San Juan and Miami.

Other luxury ships arriving in the region this year include the Seven Seas Prestige, the Four Seasons I, and Orient Express’ Corinthian.

2026 will also mark the first full year of service for megaships that entered service in 2025.

The lineup includes MSC’s World America, which debuted last April, Norwegian’s Aqua, which also debuted in April, and Royal Caribbean’s Star, which entered service in August.

After kicking off its maiden season in November 2025, the Disney Destiny will also offer its first year-round schedule in Port Everglades

Cruise Lines Leverage Drydocks to Add Capacity to Existing Ships

Cruise Lines Leverage Drydocks to Add Capacity to Existing Ships

Cruise lines continue to add a significant number of staterooms to existing ships during routine drydocks, as highlighted in the new 2026 Drydock Report from Cruise Industry News.

The additional capacity generally fills in under utilized public areas, with revenue that flows right to the bottom line.

Among upcoming programs, the 2016-built Ovation of the Seas will see the addition of 40 new staterooms, which will take over space currently occupied by various public areas.

Also included in the company’s modernization effort, the Harmony of the Seas is set to enter drydock in April for a refit that will include the creation of 91 additional staterooms.

A third ship is also getting a significant capacity increase with 68 new staterooms: the Liberty of the Seas.

Silversea’s Silver Muse saw a seven percent increase in 2025.

After entering drydock in November, the 2017-built vessel returned to service with 18 smaller staterooms replacing its original larger suites.

Norwegian Cruise Line continued to expand its ships’ capacities in 2025 by adding 26 additional staterooms to the Norwegian Bliss. The increase followed similar projects carried out onboard the Norwegian Joy and the Norwegian Encore in 2024.

A second ship, the Pride of America, saw the addition of 26 new staterooms during a drydock on the West Coast in May.

Other key capacity addition projects:

• Celestyal Discovery – 47 new staterooms
• Carnival Miracle – 5 new staterooms
• Holland America’s Zuiderdam – 11 new staterooms
• Norwegian Epic – 8 new staterooms

Carnival Extends Zero Proof Package to All 2026 Sailings

Carnival Extends Zero Proof Package to All 2026 Sailings

Carnival Cruise Line is extending its Cheers! Zero Proof package to all sailings set to depart in 2026, according to Brand Ambassador John Heald.

In a social media update, he said that the option is now available for booking online via the company’s website and app.

“We did open the Cheers! Zero Proof program for 2026,” Heald said, noting that the package is a “fabulous” option for guests.

“It is worth every penny. For a seven-day cruise, it costs, with gratuities and everything included, just over $200,” he added.

Heald explained that the package includes unlimited milkshakes, sodas and non-alcoholic beverages, such as non-alcoholic beers and spirits, frozen virgin cocktails and special coffee drinks.

“From the hundreds of comments I received overnight, I can say that a lot of guests are going to take immediate advantage of that,” he added.

“I don’t drink, so I can understand why it is so popular,” he continued, noting that Cheers! Zero Proof offers non-drinking guests an opportunity to have a package similar to Carnival’s traditional Cheers! and enjoy a wide array of non-alcoholic beverages.

Heald also noted that while the package is available for cruises sailing from Australia, it does not include special coffees for sailings in the region.

While passengers can take advantage of an unlimited number of beverages per cruise, drinks must be ordered with a ten-minute interval.

“This is one of the ways that we control the program; it’s the fair way for us to control it,” Heald explained.

Described as a bundle that offers a variety of premium, alcohol-free refreshment options, Cheers! Zero Proof was introduced by Carnival in September 2025.

The package was first available for sailings departing through last December. Heald later said that Carnival was expected to extend the offering for more cruises in 2026.