Carnival to Reveal More Details on Destiny in November

Carnival to Reveal More Details on Destiny in November

After revealing the name and initial details of the new Carnival Destiny, Carnival Cruise Line will announce more about the new ship later this year.

According to the company’s President Christine Duffy, a further announcement is scheduled for this November.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the first Ace-class vessel will carry the name previously used by the 1996-built Destiny.

“It’s back (to the future) but it’s looking forward because we are very excited to cut the steel on our beautiful Carnival Destiny,” Duffy said in an interview with Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald.

“The next big update will probably come in November and then we’ll be talking more about it and putting out a link for people to learn more as we go forward,” she continued.

Carnival announced the name and first details of the new ship during an event at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, on July 10, 2026.

In addition to introducing the first details of the first Ace-class ship, the gathering celebrated the partnership between the company and the shipbuilder.

According to John Heald, the event also marked the 30th anniversary of the delivery of the original Carnival Destiny.

Captain Giovanni Gallo, who brought the ship out of the shipyard for its inaugural season, was also present in Monfalcone.

“Thirty years ago, I was a young cruise director onboard… and a lot of the crew members and I will have memories of a pretty rough crossing across the Atlantic but mostly of the pride and the extraordinary pomp and circumstance that came with delivering the ship,” Heald said.

Then the world’s largest cruise ship, the 101,000-ton vessel, was the first built for Carnival by the Italian shipyard.

Fincantieri later built over 15 vessels for the U.S.-based brand, including the Carnival Panorama, which was the latest Carnival newbuild delivered by Fincantieri in 2019.

Carnival and the shipyard are now working together again for the three Ace-class vessels that are set to be delivered between 2029 and 2031.

Glass Dome Installed on Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas

Glass Dome Installed on Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas

Meyer Turku recently installed the signature Aquahome on Royal Caribbean’s next Icon-class ship, the Hero of the Seas.

Scheduled for delivery in mid-2027, the 250,800-ton vessel is currently being built at one of the shipyards' drydocks in Turku, Finland.

According to an update shared by Meyer Turku, the 25-meter-high piece was lifted into place on June 28, 2026.

The shipyard added that the 50-meter-wide dome is the largest single-piece glass and steel structure ever lifted onto a ship.

Part of Hero’s Aquadome complex, the space will house an aquatic theater, as well as a series of restaurants, bars and lounges.

“This was already the fourth Aquadome lift. The entire operation went exceptionally well in terms of both timing and schedule,” said Elvis Kulovac, foreman of Meyer Turku’s factory logistics division.

“The prep work had been carried out carefully, and the conditions were perfect. There was virtually no wind, which is crucial for a lift of this scale. The entire process took about 24 hours, while the actual lift was completed in just a few hours,” he added.

Following the Icon of the Seas, the Star of the Seas and the Legend of the Seas, the Hero of the Seas will debut as the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class.

With its maiden voyage scheduled for August 2027, the 5,610-passenger ship will offer cruises departing from PortMiami.

As part of its maiden season, the vessel will operate a series of seven-night voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

The itineraries include visits to a range of destinations, such as Cozumel in Mexico, Philipsburg in St. Maarten and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

As part of recently announced deals, Meyer Turku will build three additional Icon-class ships for Royal Caribbean through 2030.

The company is also taking delivery of three vessels from Chantiers de l’Atlantique during that timeframe, including an additional Oasis-class ship and two new Discovery-class vessels.

Turkey, Egypt Block LGBTQ Cruise Entry Over ‘Moral Values’

Jul 12, 2026 (Bloomberg) –Turkey and Egypt have blocked a cruise ship carrying more than 1,900 LGBTQ tourists from entering their ports, with the former citing a supposed threat to Turkish society.

Egyptian port authorities ordered the Scarlet Lady to turn back as it was approaching the Mediterranean city of Alexandria on Thursday, tour organizer Atlantis Events Inc’s Chief Executive Officer Rich Campbell told Bloomberg by phone.

Atlantis had added Alexandria to its itinerary after Turkey canceled scheduled stops in Istanbul and the Aegean beach town of Kusadasi.

“From a general travel perspective, I find this to be highly disturbing,” said Campbell. “The idea that a country can pick and choose who their travelers are based on any criteria – based on sexual orientation, religious beliefs or color of their skin or anything else.”

Campbell said Atlantis has organized multiple past tours to Turkey and Egypt without issue and had been given clearance to dock in Turkey in advance. Both countries are heavily dependent on tourism revenue.

The provincial government encompassing Kusadasi said in a statement that the visitors would be “at odds with the fabric of our society and moral values” and that the ship’s planned arrival “had caused significant distress.”

Campbell said Egyptian authorities did not offer the ship any reasoning. The Turkish and Egyptian tourism ministries didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Atlantis’s 11-day tour, organized with Virgin Voyages, is marketed to gay men. It touts onboard drag shows and opportunities to visit gay clubs in cities like Istanbul and Athens.

The ship set off from the Greek capital on July 5, and after turning back from Egypt moored on the island of Crete, according to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. It will add an unplanned stop in Montenegro before returning to the original itinerary in Croatia and Venice, Campbell said.

Turkish officials have put increasing pressure on LGBTQ communities in recent years, banning pride events and shutting down advocacy groups.

In Egypt, authorities “use vague, abusive penal code provisions” to imprison LGBTQ people, Human Rights Watch said in its latest annual report.

Campbell warned that the incident could have repercussions for Turkey’s tourism industry. “Large groups will avoid it — we will avoid it,” he said. “It’s a fantastic destination and it should be friendly to all.”

© 2026 Bloomberg L.P.

Star Voyager Returning to Hong Kong in Fall 2026

Star Voyager Returning to Hong Kong in Fall 2026

StarCruises has announced that the Star Voyager will return to Hong Kong for a fall season sailing from September 30 to November 13, 2026.

Coinciding with the region’s peak travel period, the cruise line will offer two-, three- and five-night cruises sailing from Ocean Terminal, located in central Hong Kong. 

To celebrate the occasion, StarCruises is offering 30 percent off on bookings made on or before August 31, 2026, with the third guest cruising free on selected sailings under its Autumn Sales Promotion. 

“Hong Kong has always been one of StarCruises’ key homeports, and we are delighted to return this autumn with Star Voyager during one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year,” said Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises. 

“From short getaways over weekends and public holidays to longer vacations, we have curated a variety of itineraries to suit different travel preferences. Combined with the convenience of sailing from the heart of Hong Kong, guests can simply step onboard and enjoy a memorable holiday filled with great dining, world-class entertainment and exciting destinations.” 

Some of the destinations guests can explore include Xiamen and Sanya, the port city of Kaohsiung and the Penghu islands, or Okinawa, with calls at Miyakojima, Ishigaki and Naha. 

Available sailings: 

• two-night Xiamen cruises (Sept. 30; Oct. 14 and 28; Nov. 11) 
• three-night Kaohsiung & Penghu Cruises (Oct. 11) 
• three-night Sanya cruises (Oct. 25 and Nov. 8) 
• five-night Okinawa cruise 
• Miyakojima & Naha (Oct. 4 and Nov. 1) 
• Ishigaki & Naha (Oct. 18) 

 

In addition is the convenient two-night High Seas Cruise on weekends, departing every Friday at 8:00 p.m. and returning on Sunday afternoon. 

Also offered will be a special five-night one-way voyage to Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh and finally Singapore as the Star Voyager repositions for her next homeport deployment on November 15.

Semester at Sea Opens Applications for Fall 2027 Voyage

Semester at Sea Opens Applications for Fall 2027 Voyage

Semester at Sea recently opened applications for its Fall 2027 World Voyage, which will take place onboard the World Odyssey.

According to an update shared by the company, the 104-day itinerary will sail to four continents and two oceans starting on September 9, 2027.

Departing from Ijmuiden in the Netherlands, the 140th voyage will be highlighted by visits to destinations in Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena and South Africa.

Before ending in Thailand in late December, the cruise is also scheduled to sail to additional ports in Southeast Asia and the Far East, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

Semester at Sea noted that the voyage will feature six days in most ports, allowing for deeper immersion in destinations.

The company said passengers will move “beyond tourism to engage with local community leaders, environmental experts and historic heritage sites.”

A seven-day visit to Cape Town is returning by popular demand, the brand continued, noting that the South African city has been consistently ranked as a favorite destination by its alumni and guests.

For the first time in recent years, the voyage will feature a visit to Singapore, which Semester at Sea said offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most sophisticated green cities.

The company also highlighted days at sea, noting that the World Odyssey is transformed into a “floating campus” for its voyages.

“Students will take comparative coursework that brings the world outside their cabin window into the classroom, led by a world-class faculty dedicated to global perspectives,” it added.

Applications for the Fall 2027 Voyage for both students and Lifelong Learners opened on July 1, 2026.

Operating for Semester at Sea as part of a charter deal, the World Odyssey usually spends summer seasons sailing for Phoenix Reisen as the Deutschland.

With Phoenix Reisen deciding not to renew its contract beyond 2026, plans for the ship’s 2027 summer season are unclear.

Originally built for Peter Deilmann in Germany, the World Odyssey entered service in 1998 before making its debut for Semester at Sea in late 2015

Aurora Expeditions’ Biggest Year Yet: New Ship, New Markets

Aurora Expeditions’ Biggest Year Yet: New Ship, New Markets

Photo Credit Spacejunkie2-Flickr https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

Aurora Expeditions closed out 2025 as its biggest year ever and is building on that momentum as the company recently expanded to three ships with the new Douglas Mawson, according to an interview with Chief Marketing Officer Katie Malone featured in the 2026 Expedition Report by Cruise Industry News.

There is also a charter deal with Lindblad for Alaska and a Mediterranean deployment that puts the newest vessel somewhere most polar operators don’t go.

Aurora operates the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle, and the Douglas Mawson. All three ships are part of the SunStone Infinity-class series on long-term charter deals.

The Douglas Mawson maxes out at 130 passengers for expedition cruises; however, the ship can accommodate more guests on small-ship cruises in the Mediterranean and British Isles.

The Mediterranean deployment kicks off this year with itineraries focused on storytelling.

Each sailing features a “Master Storyteller” with historians, genealogists, art experts or cultural specialists, alongside Aurora’s expedition team. Guests also receive all-inclusive “Your Choice” excursions at each port.

It’s a test of whether Aurora’s expedition DNA translates to warm-water cruising.

The company bills it as “Vantage Explorations,” distinct from traditional expedition cruising but using the same ships and operational philosophy. Aurora acquired some assets from bankrupt Vantage in 2024.

Meanwhile, the company made headlines in December 2025 when Lindblad Expeditions announced it would charter the Greg Mortimer for Alaska cruises starting in 2027.

The deal will run for three years and covers the Northern Hemisphere summer season.

That’s one-third of Aurora’s fleet capacity gone for six months a year, but Malone said not to worry.

“The Greg Mortimer will be chartered for six months during the Northern Hemisphere summer in 2027 and 2028, with an option for 2029,” Malone said. “This forms part of our long-term fleet and growth strategy, designed to optimize seasonal deployment and align all our capacity with the demand that is out there.”

With the Greg Mortimer in Alaska with Lindblad, Aurora will operate Europe, Arctic and expedition programs using the Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson.

The Greg Mortimer continues operating in Antarctica and other geographies outside the charter window.

The Lindblad deal solves a deployment problem, too, as it maximizes utilization without Aurora needing to build its own Alaska sales infrastructure.

Holland America Line Expands Fjord Access on 2027 Rotterdam Cruises

Holland America Line Expands Fjord Access on 2027 Rotterdam Cruises

Holland America Line has updated itineraries of five cruises aboard the Rotterdam in 2027 to give guests more chances to experience fjords.

They will include calls to Flåm and Hellesylt and access to popular fjord destinations, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord and Storfjorden.

The itineraries are now open for booking and available on five seven-day cruises aboard the Rotterdam, the cruise line said in a press release.

“Northern Europe continues to be one of the most sought-after regions we sail, with fjord cruising ranking among the most desired experiences for our guests,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line.

“By adding Flåm and Hellesylt to these itineraries, we’re giving guests even more opportunities to experience the incredible scenery, rich history and unforgettable landscapes that make this part of the world so special.”

Three departures (May 30, June 27 and Aug. 1, 2027) call at Oslo, Kristiansand, Sandnes (Stavanger) and Flåm, with the addition of scenic cruising through the Sognefjord and Oslofjord.

The departures on July 25 and Aug. 8, 2027, enable guests to visit Eidfjord, Hellesylt, Ålesund and Bergen, alongside cruising in the Hardangerfjord and Storfjorden.

This follows the brand’s announced opening of its 2027-28 Caribbean season, sailing October 2027 through March 2028.

HX Marks 130 Years Since First Polar Expedition

HX is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its first expedition voyage on July 8, 2026.

On that date in 1896, steamship DS Lofoten sailed from Hammerfest to Svalbard. It was a time when the Arctic North was barely mapped and guests landed on the icefields of Bjørnøya.

To mark the occasion, CEO Gebhard Rainer thanked the cruise line’s guests in an anniversary video message, wishing the company another 130 years of successful exploration.

“From those beginnings to today’s purpose-built expedition ships, one thing has remained constant: a passion for real exploration, led by those who know these places best,” the company said in a statement.

“This anniversary celebrates 130 years of changing the way people see the world. And while we’re proud of where we’ve been, our greatest discoveries still lie ahead.”

130 years later, the company is still sailing polar waters, bringing guests to the same glaciers that captivated the first explorers in a more sustainable manner – using Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered expedition ship.

In celebration of the anniversary, guests can select one of two offers: up to 25 percent off all-inclusive expeditions, with discounts varying by destination, or a free suite upgrade.

Four Seasons Orders Third Ship for 2031 Delivery

Four Seasons Orders Third Ship for 2031 Delivery

Fincantieri announced today that it has signed a contract with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, which is the joint owner/operator of Four Seasons Yacht, for the construction of a third ultra-luxury cruise ship.

Delivery of the new vessel is scheduled for 2031. It is the third ship in a new class of ultra-luxury cruise ships designed and built by Fincantieri at its Ancona shipyard. The Four Seasons I debuted earlier this year and will be followed by a sister ship in early 2028, according to the Italian shipbuilder.

The new ship will retain the same residential-style, “all-suite” concept that characterizes the first vessel in the class, the companies said.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and general manager of Fincantieri, stated: “This new order represents another significant step in the development of our partnership with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, which has become a benchmark for innovation in luxury hospitality at sea. 

The decision to expand the fleet with a third vessel reflects the strength of a long-term industrial vision and confirms market appreciation for a concept that has successfully created a new segment combining luxury hospitality with advanced shipbuilding. 

Designed and built at our Ancona shipyard, the vessel further reinforces the site’s role as a Fincantieri center of excellence for the construction of ultra-luxury ships, where innovation, craftsmanship, and industrial expertise come together to deliver the highest standards of quality and refinement.”

Chief Dog Officer Boards Royal’s Legend for Maiden Season

Chief Dog Officer Boards Royal’s Legend for Maiden Season

Royal Caribbean’s next Chief Dog Officer is already onboard the new Legend of the Seas for its maiden season in the Western Mediterranean.

According to a social media update, Skipper joined the ship earlier this month ahead of the vessel’s maiden voyage.

The new Icon-class vessel is scheduled to welcome its first paying guests on July 4, 2026.

Joining Rover on the Icon of the Seas and Sailor on the Star of the Seas, the Golden Retriever will live onboard.

Described by Royal Caribbean as a “family dog” for guests and crew, Skipper was born in early February 2026 and underwent training at the company’s headquarters in Miami.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Royal Caribbean’s Chief Dog Officer program is conducted in partnership with the American Humane Society.

The partnership is said to ensure top-tier care and training for the pets, which have their own tutors onboard.

According to Royal Caribbean, the initiative aims to bring joy to guests and crew through playtime with the dogs.

Skipper will be onboard the Legend of the Seas for its first commercial cruise, which will sail to destinations in Italy, Spain and France.

The seven-night inaugural voyage is scheduled to start at the Italian port of Civitavecchia, near Rome, on Saturday.

Highlights of the itinerary include visits to La Spezia, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Marseille, as well as two days at sea in the Mediterranean.

Spending its first summer season in Europe, the Legend of the Seas will continue to offer similar itineraries through late October.

The 250,800-ton vessel will then offer a trans-Atlantic crossing ahead of debuting in Fort Lauderdale for a series of cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Queen Mary 2 Takes Center Stage in NYC for July 4

Queen Mary 2 Takes Center Stage in NYC for July 4

Cunard marked a landmark moment today as the Queen Mary 2, took center stage in New York Harbor for Sail4th 250, which is said to be the center piece of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.

Anchored in a prime position, the Queen Mary 2 gave guests front-row views of one of the most significant Fourth of July celebrations ever staged, featuring the largest gathering of tall ships and naval vessels ever seen in New York City.

The celebration drew national attention as NBC’s TODAY broadcast live from Queen Mary 2, with Jenna Bush Hager reporting from the ship during the historic festivities.

The day featured the International Parade of Sail, with more than 100 vessels parading through the harbor, including 47 tall ships from 20 nations, sailing from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge.

Guests also witnessed an International Naval Review, during which a Navy vessel formally acknowledged the anchored fleet of 37 U.S. and allied naval ships. The celebrations continued with a military flypast led by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels featuring more than 150 aircraft, including the Red Arrows, and a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the iconic Manhattan skyline.

Carnival Cancels Splendor Cruise Scheduled for 2027

Carnival Cancels Splendor Cruise Scheduled for 2027

Carnival Cruise Line cancelled a cruise scheduled to take place onboard the Carnival Splendor in 2027 due to a change in the ship’s drydock schedule.

According to a statement sent to affected passengers, the September 1, 2027, itinerary will no longer go ahead.

Sailing from Singapore to Sydney, the repositioning voyage included visits to destinations in Indonesia and Australia, such as Lombok and Darwin.

In addition to crossing the Equator, the Carnival Splendor was also scheduled to sail to Benoa, Cairns, Airlie Beach and Moreton Island before returning to its Australian homeport.

Carnival said the cancellation was necessary due to a change in the ship’s drydock, which is scheduled for August 2027.

“We apologize for this disappointing news, but we have a variety of alternatives and are confident you will find another Carnival cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun,” the company said.

According to the statement, passengers’ cruise rates will be protected on a comparable sailing, in similar accommodations.

For those rescheduling their sailings, the company will also offer a $50 per person onboard credit to a maximum of $100 per stateroom.

The company said the amount will be posted to passengers’ onboard accounts during their new cruise.

Guests are requested to contact the company by July 3, 2026, to discuss alternative departures, Carnival added in its statement.

Those who do not wish to reschedule their cruise will receive a full refund of their cruise fare and any pre-purchased items.

The amounts will be returned to guests’ original forms of payment after July 3, 2026, the company explained.

Sailing from Sydney on a year-round basis, the Carnival Splendor offers a series of two- to 12-night cruises to destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

MSC, Meyer Werft Expect to Seal 4+2 Ship Deal in Coming Weeks

MSC, Meyer Werft Expect to Seal 4+2 Ship Deal in Coming Weeks

MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft have issued a joint statement on the status of talks concerning the construction of four next-generation cruise vessels and two additional options.

The deal introducing a new class of vessels, called the “New Frontier,” was announced at the end of last year. 

The contract would ensure the shipyard’s capacity well into the next decade.

“In December 2025, Meyer Werft and MSC Cruises announced a letter of intent for the construction of four innovative cruise ships, plus two options, at Meyer Werft. In the meantime, concrete planning for the ships’ design and negotiations for the conclusion of the relevant contracts have reached an advanced stage,” the statement reads.

“This involves an extensive and complex set of contracts, for which at least six months is typically required. Meyer Werft and MSC Cruises are confident that they will successfully conclude the negotiations in the coming weeks. The partners will then inform the public accordingly.”

With a maximum passenger capacity of 5,400 at 180,000 tons, the vessels are due to be delivered annually starting in 2030.

Carnival Magic: 15 Years of Service for Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Magic: 15 Years of Service for Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Magic recently celebrated 15 years of service for Carnival Cruise Line after being delivered on April 27, 2011.

As a sister to the 2009-built Carnival Dream, the 3,650-passenger ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

At the time of its delivery, the Carnival Magic became the 100th ship across Carnival Corporation’s then 10 cruise brands.

Following a traditional handover ceremony, the vessel sailed for Venice to kick off its maiden voyage, which departed on May 1, 2011.

Sailing to Barcelona, the open-jaw itinerary included visits to destinations in Croatia, Italy, Spain and Monaco, such as Dubrovnik, Messina, Livorno and Monte Carlo.

The ship continued to offer itineraries in the Mediterranean through most of its inaugural season, operating itineraries to additional destinations in the region.

Ahead of its first sailing, the Carnival Magic was also officially named during a ceremony at the Venice Cruise Terminal.

Lindsey Wilkerson, a former St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patient who served as ambassador for the organization, was chosen as the ship’s godmother.

Soon after its first season in Europe, the Carnival Magic repositioned to Galveston for seven-night cruises to the Western Caribbean.

According to Carnival, the 130,000-ton vessel was the largest cruise ship sailing year-round from the Texas homeport at the time.

The Carnival Magic later sailed from other U.S. homeports, including Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Norfolk and New York City.

In 2023, the ship returned to Miami to kick off a year-round schedule of six- to eight-night cruises to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

Still being offered in 2026, the deployment features itineraries that visit destinations like Grand Turk, Curaçao, Puerto Plata and Celebration Key.

The Carnival Magic also became the second ship in the company’s fleet to introduce the new “From Sea to Shining Sea” crest.

Created in homage to the United States’ 250th anniversary, the patriotic feature was revealed in May and will be added to all of the company’s U.S.-based vessels.

 

AIDA to Host Charity Concert in Hamburg

AIDA to Host Charity Concert in Hamburg

AIDA Cruises is hosting an exclusive concert at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg on October 28, 2026, called “AIDA & Friends.”

“Our concert is a thank you to our guests and partners,” said Alexander Ewig, senior vice president of marketing and sales at AIDA Cruises.

“We thank our loyal fans and friends for their support on our 30-year journey and are hosting a concert that will be remembered for a long time and is the perfect end to our celebrations,” added Ewig.

The event will feature live acts and social engagement, with performances by Mark Forster, LEA and Revolverheld.

AIDA said in a press release that the proceeds and potential donations will be used to finance three new schools. For every ticket sold, 30 euros go directly into new educational projects.

“‘AIDA & Friends’ combines what is important to us: exceptional experiences and social engagement,” the company said.

“Together with guests and artists, we are committed to the educational opportunities of children,” said Felix Eichhorn, president of AIDA Cruises.

According to the press release, AIDA Cruise & Help has funded 100 schools worldwide and has focused on educational projects since its inception in 2019.

The goal is to open up long-term perspectives for children through education.

Tickets for the concert are now open for booking.

In addition, AIDA Cruises is giving away four pairs of tickets to the charity concert. Applicants can enter here.

Video- Norwegian Sky cruises into Liverpool

Norwegian Sky arrives into the Historic Port of Liverpool, on a misty morning. Sky is on her farewell tour before she leaves the fleet in 2027.

 

The Norwegian Sky is a 77,104-ton Sun-class cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Launched in 1999, she is a more intimate ship compared to modern mega-ships, carrying just under 2,000 guests.

Ship Overview & Highlights

The Norwegian Sky is designed for a laid-back, traditional cruising experience. Despite its age, it underwent comprehensive refurbishments to keep up with modern amenities, including the addition of high-speed Starlink internet. 

• Guest Capacity: ~1,944 guests (double occupancy).
• Crew: 899 crew members.
• Length: 258 meters (846 feet).
• Decks: 9 passenger-accessible decks.

Onboard Dining

NCL's signature "Freestyle Cruising" means there are no assigned seating times or rigid schedules, letting you dine whenever and wherever you choose. The ship features a mix of complimentary and specialty dining options: 

• Complimentary Venues: The Palace and Crossings (Main Dining Rooms), the Garden Cafe (Buffet), and The Local Bar & Grill (casual pub fare).
• Specialty Venues: Le Bistro (French), La Cucina (Italian), and Cagney's Steakhouse. 

Bars, Entertainment & Activities

With numerous bars and lounges, there are plenty of spots to unwind or keep the party going.

• Nightlife: Champs Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and the Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar. The Bliss Lounge serves as a venue for trivia and games during the day, transforming into a lively nightclub late at night. 
• Relaxation: The ship boasts an award-winning Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, as well as a central pool deck featuring jacuzzis and a stage for live music. 
• Family Features: The Splash Academy, a kids' pool/jacuzzi, a video game room, and teen hangout areas.

I have sailed on her sistership Norwegian Star and they are wonderful, friendly, and with a great crew, we wish Sky and the crew all the best in the Indian cruise market for Cordelia Cruise.