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.”

 

 

Ambassador acquires Oceania ship to establish German cruise brand

Ambassador Cruise Line is entering the German market with the acquisition of Oceania Sirena from Oceania Cruises.

 

The 670-passenger ship, originally launched in 1999, will continue to operate under the Oceania Cruises brand until spring 2028 under a leaseback agreement.

 

The vessel will then join the Ambassador fleet and be renamed Ambella.

 

The ship previously operated for Princess Cruises as Ocean Princess before being sold to Oceania Cruises 10 years ago.

Ambella will become the first ship to operate for a new dedicated German cruise brand, Ambassador Kreuzfahrten, from summer 2028.

 

The aim is to deliver a differentiated, adult-only cruise experience designed specifically for the German market, according to the company.

 

Sailing from Bremerhaven and Kiel, Ambella will offer a fully German-speaking passenger experience.

 

Ambella is expected to operate two repositioning cruises and 11 itineraries between May and September 2028, visiting ports across northern Europe and the Baltics alongside selected sailings to southern Europe. Her smaller size will provide greater itinerary flexibility and access to ports that can be less suitable for larger cruise ships.

 

Ambience and Ambition continue to form the heart of Ambassador’s adult-only British no-fly cruise programme, while Renaissance serves the French market during the summer and operates Ambassador’s Caribbean fly-cruise programme for British, French and Dutch passengers during the winter.

 

Ambassador chief executive Christian Verhounig said: “The acquisition of Oceania Sirena, her future introduction as Ambella and the launch of Ambassador Kreuzfahrten mark a major milestone in our ambition to establish Ambassador as Europe’s leading cruise operator offering affordable quality experiences for the silver market.

 

“When we launched Ambassador in 2021, we identified a clear gap in the market for an affordable, quality cruise experience that was authentic, welcoming and accessible. We set out to combine the traditions of classic cruising with the standards and expectations of today’s guests, and that philosophy remains fundamental to our success.

 

“Our merger with [French cruise company] CFC gives us greater scale, financial resilience and a stronger European platform, while allowing us to retain the individual character of the markets we serve. 

 

“Entering Germany with Ambassador Kreuzfahrten is the next stage of that growth strategy."

 

He added: “Germany is Europe’s largest cruise market, but scale alone is not the reason we are entering it. We see a clear opportunity to offer German guests something distinctive: the intimacy and authenticity of a smaller ship, an exceptional adult-only experience and a product that combines tradition, service and destination discovery at an accessible price. 

 

"Our aim is to offer one of the strongest propositions in the market, combining a high-quality ship and on-board experience with compelling value.

 

“For us, growth is about building a resilient European cruise business that delivers sustainable, long-term growth while remaining true to what made Ambassador successful in the first place. Ambella is the right ship, Germany is the right market, and we believe this is the right time to take this exciting next step and introduce to a new generation of over-50s our famous warmest welcome at sea – because moments matter.”

Royal Caribbean Group Buys 50% of Sandals Resorts

Royal Caribbean Group Buys 50% of Sandals Resorts

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group.

The companies said the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travellers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honoured to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.  Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment.  The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

Explora and MSC to Enter River Cruise Market

Explora Journeys has signed a Letter of Intent with Den Breejen Shipyard for the construction of its first luxury river ships, marking the brand’s planned entry into river cruising for MSC Group.

The company said that since launching, Explora Journeys has sought to change the way people experience ocean travel through its Ocean State of Mind philosophy, “combining the freedom and discovery of travelling by sea with the elegance and refinement of European hospitality and design. The brand now intends to bring that same approach to Europe’s most iconic rivers.”

Further details regarding ship design, onboard experiences, delivery schedules and initial itineraries will be announced in due course, with sales planned to open in 2027.

The move follows Celebrity Cruises' entry into the river market, which will happen in 2027, as well as Lindblad Expeditions, which debuted its European river operation this year.

Solstice Kicks Off Celebrity’s First Grand Voyage

Solstice Kicks Off Celebrity’s First Grand Voyage

The Celebrity Solstice is currently offering Celebrity Cruises’ first Grand Voyage, a 110-night itinerary that will sail to 15 countries.

Sailing from Canada to Hong Kong, the cruise departed from the Port of Vancouver on September 13, 2026.

The complete voyage is scheduled to sail to 58 ports around the Pacific, including destinations in Alaska, Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia and the Far East.

After sailing from the Canada Place Cruise Terminal, the 2008-built ship sailed to destinations in Alaska, including Ketchikan, Juneau and Icy Strait Point.

Cruising to Hawaii, the Solstice is now scheduled to visit Hilo, Kailua-Kona and Honolulu before visiting French Polynesia and Fiji.

The segment is highlighted by a 17-hour visit to Tahiti, as well as stops in Lautoka, Moorea and Raiatea.

From the South Pacific Islands, the 2,850-passenger ship sails to New Zealand and Australia, visiting nearly 20 destinations in the region.

The journey continues in Southeast Asia, with the vessel visiting Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Guests will also celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong before concluding the Grand Voyage on Jan. 2, 2027.

The ship is then scheduled to kick off a winter season in Asia, including a series of 11- to 13-night cruises between Hong Kong and Singapore.

Before embarking on the Grand Voyage, the Celebrity Solstice underwent a major refurbishment that introduced a series of new features onboard.

In addition to increased capacity, the refit updated a series of public areas and dining venues, such as Trattoria Rossa.

The new speciality restaurant made its fleetwide debut onboard the Solstice, introducing a new upscale venue serving Roman and Southern Italian cuisine.

Boulevard Lounge was also added, creating a new entertainment venue that offers all-day programming, from piano bar shows to karaoke nights.

Vancouver Cruise Calls Hit Record 141 Visits Through June

Vancouver Cruise Calls Hit Record 141 Visits Through June

Royal Caribbean leaving Vancouver Cruise Terminal, photo credit Spacejunkie2, Flickr Photos

The Port of Vancouver’s Canada Place is on pace for its busiest cruise season ever, with a record 141 cruise ship calls, up 8 per cent, and 560,000 passenger visits, up 11 per cent, between February and the end of June, according to the port’s 2026 mid-year cargo report.

“We are thrilled to see Vancouver’s cruise sector continue to thrive, as more and more passengers choose to make our vibrant city a core part of their Alaskan adventure,” said Peter Xotta, president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

“I want to thank the countless cruise and destination partners we work with to make Canada Place cruise operations a success.”

Canada Place is a premier homeport for the Alaska market, so passengers both start and end their trip locally, and cruise lines also use the stop to restock and refuel between sailings, the port said.

Xotta added that every cruise ship visit to Vancouver injects roughly $3 million into the local economy, supporting jobs along with Canadian suppliers, hotels and restaurants.

The cruise numbers came as part of a broader mid-year report showing overall cargo volumes at the port reached a record 88.1 million metric tonnes for the first half of 2026, up 3 per cent from the same period last year, driven largely by record grain and crude oil exports to Indo-Pacific markets. Vehicle imports also set a half-year record, up 10 per cent to 264,000 units.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest and most diversified port, moving more cargo each year than the country’s next five largest ports combined.

MSC Said in Talks to Buy German State-Held Meyer Werft Stake

 MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. is in talks to acquire the roughly 80% stake in German cruise-ship builder Meyer Werft GmbH held by the federal government and the state of Lower Saxony, according to people familiar with the matter.

The discussions are ongoing, and other suitors could still emerge, said the people, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are private. No final decision has been made, and the talks could still fall apart, they said. A potential sale would comprise the company’s shipyards in Papenburg near the Dutch border and the port of Rostock on the Baltic Sea, the people said.

Government officials don’t wish to sell at a loss to their combined investment of €400 million ($459 million), two of the people said. Spokespeople for Lower Saxony and the German government declined to comment. MSC didn’t respond to a request for comment while Meyer Werft declined to comment.

A sale would return control of the more than 230-year-old shipyard to private hands after the two governments stepped in to rescue it, injecting €400 million and granting credit of €2.6 billion in 2024. The shipbuilder ran into financial trouble during the Covid-19 pandemic, when banks started questioning its creditworthiness.

But the tides have turned for the volatile industry, with cruise-ship construction capacity in high demand and control lying in a handful of European yards. 

MSC Cruises is Meyer Werft’s largest customer. It signed a preliminary agreement last year for four next-generation cruise ships and options for another two, a package potentially worth as much as €10 billion. The vessels are due to be delivered annually from 2030 and are expected to keep Meyer Werft’s Papenburg yard occupied through 2035.

It also counts Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. as long-standing customers.

Meyer Werft is a major employer in Lower Saxony, making its future ownership particularly important for the regional economy. Meyer Werft employs some 5,000 people directly, while more than 20,000 additional jobs in the region are linked to the company and its supplier network, according to the shipbuilder.

NCL opens second ship berth at Great Stirrup Cay

For the first time last weekend, the pier at Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, accommodated two ships simultaneously, NCL said on its Facebook account.  

Two ships docked at the pier at Great Stirrup Cay. Photo Credit: NCL

Like other features at Great Stirrup Cay (the Great Tides Waterpark, Great Life Lagoon resort pool and Vibe Shore Club), the pier is new. The pier temporarily opened in late 2025 with the capability of accommodating one ship, then closed April 1 to complete construction.

Before the pier opened, ships calling at Great Stirrup Cay tendered passengers ashore, making a day at the private island weather-dependent. If the sea was choppy, tender boats couldn't be used.

Also, NCL is able to further monetise the waterpark with two ships calling at the same time. The waterpark opened on Sept. 4.

The Mediterranean has become a year-round cruising destination

Explora Journeys hadn't intended to cruise the Mediterranean in winter, but the luxury line needed to redeploy a ship away from the Middle East due to the Iran war. 

And even though sales for the winter Med cruises launched just seven months before the first departure, bookings were brisk, said Chris Austin, Explora's president of North America. The line is "absolutely" considering keeping winter Med cruises in the rotation, he added.

Explora isn't alone in testing the Mediterranean's winter waters. A growing number of cruise lines, particularly in the luxury and small-ship space, are devoting hardware to the Med winter, meeting travellers' desire for an offseason experience in the region with fewer crowds.

Sister lines Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are both doing their first full winter seasons in the Med this year.

Celestyal Cruises will sail the Mediterranean this winter, too. Like Explora, it redeployed a ship away from the Middle East on short notice. Windstar has been sailing the Med in the winter since 2023.

"I think it's great that more travellers are discovering there isn't an off switch on the Mediterranean when summer ends," said Windstar chief commercial officer Janet Bava. 

The winter itineraries are particularly popular with travellers who have already been to Europe, cruise executives said. Those guests are craving a more relaxed and immersive travel experience on a return visit, which is what offseason travel offers, said Oceania senior vice president and chief sales officer, Nathan Hickman.

Lower prices are also a draw, said David Crooks, World Travel Holdings' chief product officer for cruise.

"I like to describe winter Mediterranean cruises as Europe's value season," he said. "Travellers are attracted by fewer crowds, attractive pricing and the opportunity to experience iconic destinations at a more relaxed pace. For many clients, it's a chance to see Europe in a different and often more authentic way."

The winter product is unique

Plus, there are experiences unique to the winter, like Christmas markets and Carnevale in Venice in February, Bava said. Windstar has found New Year's sailings in Europe to be particularly popular, she said.

Regent Seven Seas is offering new shore excursions and pre- and post-cruise land tours for the holidays to complement its Europe sailings. A complimentary shore excursion in Malaga, Spain, in December includes a visit to the Malaga Cathedral's Nativity scene and a private flamenco performance paired with traditional Christmas pastries.

The Explora II will visit Cartagena, Spain, this winter during its full season on the Mediterranean. Photo Credit: Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys has arranged a private Christmas concert for guests in St. Michael's Cave in Gibraltar.

In addition to seasonal experiences and the itineraries crafted around them, cruises often feature extended and overnight port stays.

Windstar is not merely "treating winter like summer with a different jacket," Bava said, because some tourist attractions and restaurants operate differently in the offseason. "We have to be thoughtful about where we go and how we build the experience," she said.

Explora was also intentional about making its winter season unique, "rather than simply taking our summer itineraries and extending them into another season," Austin said. It introduced new ports, including San Sebastian de La Gomera in Spain's Canary Islands and Palamos in Spain's Catalonia region.

It is also highlighting gastronomy and wellness programming. Explora's Shore-to-Table experiences will include a market visit with an Explora chef, followed by a cooking class onboard. One Explora itinerary includes a complimentary 12-day wellness program featuring yoga, journaling and electronic music meditation as well as expert-led workshops.

Winter allows for a different perspective on the Mediterranean, "not only through where we go, but through the entire experience we create around the season," Austin said.

And then, of course, there's the temperature. Europe was plagued with severe heat this summer, with June being Western Europe's hottest June on record, according to the World Meteorological Organisation. As summer travel in Europe is becoming increasingly associated with more frequent heat waves, winter visits offer a respite. 

"People do talk about how hot it is in the summer, particularly this year," said John Diorio, Celestyal's vice president and managing director for North America. "We are positioning the new sailings as a way to escape the crowds and the heat if you can travel over the winter."

Oceania and Regent Seven Seas have already committed to their second full winter on the Med before completing the first.

Celestyal has also announced that the Celestyal Discovery will sail two consecutive Western Mediterranean winters instead of its originally planned Arabian Gulf season.