Aroya Announces Return to the Red Sea

Aroya Announces Return to the Red Sea

Aroya Cruises announced that it is returning to the Red Sea in September, with a new season of sailings departing from its homeport of Jeddah.

The company said that the new itineraries will take guests to some of the most captivating destinations in the region, including the private island of Jabal Al Sabaya and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.

After debuting in the region in late June, Aroya is currently completing a summer deployment in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Sailing from Galataport Istanbul, Aroya offered a series of weeklong cruises to destinations in Türkiye, Greece and Egypt.

“Our first Mediterranean season has been a significant milestone for Aroya Cruises, attracting guests from across the region and internationally,” said Aroya’s President, Joerg Rudolph.

“As we return to the Red Sea, we are building on this success with new itineraries that highlight the region’s culture, stunning landscapes, and renowned Arabian hospitality. With the new season, we continue our commitment to creating memorable journeys for both first-time cruisers and returning guests.”

Aroya’s summer season in the Mediterranean ends with an eight-night repositioning voyage that will sail from Istanbul to Jeddah on Sep. 12, 2025.

Ahead of launching its new season in the Red Sea, the Aroya is set to visit Kuşadası, Bodrum, the Suez Canal and Sharm El Sheikh.

Starting on September 20, 2025, the company offers three-, four-, and five-night cruises to the private island of Jabal Al Sabaya, as well as the Egyptian ports of Safaga (Hurghada) and Sharm El-Sheikh.

The Aroya is also set to make visits to Marsa Alam, which will be part of a newly launched itinerary. Other highlights of the season include a new interporting operation in Safaga, available on select departures.

According to the company, the new embarkation port provides added flexibility for travellers and creates new opportunities to experience Aroya’s Red Sea offering directly from Egypt’s coast.

Aroya added that its cruises in the region are designed for both regional guests seeking short escapes and international guests looking to discover the Red Sea.

“The itineraries showcase the diversity of the region’s coastlines and cultural landmarks, delivered with Saudi Arabia’s renowned Hafawa hospitality and the distinctive onboard experience that defines an Aroya journey,” the company stated.

Aroya also confirmed its return to Türkiye in 2026 and 2027 for extended seasons in the Eastern Mediterranean.

 

Virgin Voyages Cancels Scarlet Lady Cruise

Virgin Voyages recently cancelled a cruise on board the Scarlet Lady that was scheduled to sail from Miami on April 19, 2026.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailing will no longer go ahead due to a full-ship charter.

“It looks like your Scarlet Lady sailing on April 19, 2026, has been privately chartered. We’re truly sorry for the impact this has on your plans, and we’re here to make it right,” Virgin Voyages said in the letter.

As part of its 2025-26 season in the region, the Scarlet Lady was scheduled to offer a seven-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Sailing from Virgin’s Terminal V in Miami, the itinerary included visits to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Affected guests are being offered two options, including rebooking their cruise to the Resilient Lady’s April 18, 2026, cruise.

According to Virgin, the ship is set to offer the “San Juan & Dominican Dreams” itinerary, which also sails for seven nights and features visits to Puerto Plata and San Juan, as well as Bimini in the Bahamas.

Passengers will get the same cabin category on the new booking, with their original paid fares protected, the company added.

If the new voyage costs less than the original booking, Virgin said it will refund the difference to the original form of payment.

All promotions from the initial booking, including Bar Tab bonuses, will also carry over to the sailing onboard the Resilient Lady.

Some cabin categories are also set to receive the company’s Sailor Loot onboard credit as “a thank you for sticking with us.”

The company is also offering similar perks to guests who opt to change their booking for other seven-night cruises in the Caribbean.

Lastly, passengers will be able to cancel their bookings to receive a 100 per cent Future Voyage Credit or a full refund.

Carnival to Sell Freshly Baked Pastries Across Fleet

Carnival to Sell Freshly Baked Pastries Across Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a new offering of made-to-order pastries onboard its ships, according to Brand Ambassador John Heald.

In a social media post, he said that the snacks are currently being sold during breakfast onboard 11 vessels, including the Carnival Jubilee and the Carnival Celebration.

For a small fee, guests can order freshly fried doughnuts, beignets and churros, along with a wide choice of flavours and toppings.

Options include a choice of two or five doughnuts for $4 and $8, respectively, as well as four New Orleans-inspired beignets for $3.50.

Passengers can choose from different fillings and toppings, including powdered sugar, Boston cream and chocolate sauce.

Other options include golden churros rolled in cinnamon sugar, with five pieces for $3 and ten pieces available for $5.

Carnival is also offering a breakfast combo that allows guests to choose from two doughnuts and four beignets for $7.

Heald noted that the new offering is being rolled out across the Carnival fleet and will be available on all of the company’s North American ships within the next couple of weeks.

Other ships currently offering the pastries include the Mardi Gras, the Carnival Vista, the Carnival Horizon, the Carnival Panorama, the Carnival Firenze, the Carnival Venezia, the Carnival Magic, the Carnival Dream and the Carnival Breeze.

Depending on the vessel, the pastries are served in different locations onboard, including Street Eats, Sweet Spot or Seafood Shack.

Heald said that guests onboard can find more information about the product on the HUB App or the Funtimes journal.

In related news, Carnival recently introduced a new choice of coffee-to-go, which can be ordered as part of a new functionality of the HUB App.

The pick-up service is available from the Java Blue Café during morning hours on board selected ships of the fleet.

 

Royal Caribbean Offers Incentives for Guests to Change Utopia Booking

Royal Caribbean Offers Incentives for Guests to Change Utopia Booking

Royal Caribbean International is offering incentives for guests willing to change their cabin categories for the August 25, 2025, cruise onboard the Utopia of the Seas.

According to a statement, passengers may receive perks when moving their bookings for ocean view or interior staterooms.

“Ahead of our Utopia of the Seas, August 25, 2025, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel arrangements,” Royal Caribbean said.

“If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email as 'Read,' and gear up for your upcoming adventure, although there are some pretty sweet options below,” the company continued.

Guests are being offered two options, including moving their bookings for an ocean view stateroom and receiving a 50 per cent refund of the cruise fare paid.

Passengers can also receive a 100 per cent refund of the fare paid for the booking when moving to an interior stateroom.

“We’ll move you to one of our cosy interior staterooms, and Royal Caribbean International will fully refund the cruise fare paid on your current booking, including non-refundable deposits,” the company explained.

Royal Caribbean said that the special offer, which was sent to select guests, is valid for a limited time and subject to availability.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, the Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to offer a short cruise to the Bahamas on Aug. 25, 2025.

The four-night itinerary features visits to Nassau, as well as Royal Caribbean’s private island destination of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the Utopia of the Seas entered service in 2024 as the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class.

The 5,714-guest vessel has operated a year-round schedule of short cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral since debuting.

Saint John Welcomes Unscheduled Visit from Norwegian Aqua

Saint John Welcomes Unscheduled Visit from Norwegian Aqua

Saint John in Canada welcomed the new Norwegian Aqua for an unscheduled visit earlier this week.

Initially set to visit Bermuda, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was diverted to the port due to the impact of Hurricane Erin.

“It was a beautiful sunny day, and guests were in good spirits despite not being at the port they signed up for,” Natalie Allaby, Port Saint John’s director of cruise, marketing and engagement, told Cruise Industry News.

“Days like yesterday remind us of how our cruise sector was born back in September of 1989: a hurricane diversion from an NYC cruise destined for Bermuda that came our way instead,” she continued.

The first cruise ship to visit Saint John was the Cunard Princess, which arrived at the port in Canada’s Bay of Fundy due to a diversion caused by Hurricane Gabrielle.

“We hope we can be of assistance should any additional diversions need to occur during the 2025 hurricane season,” Allaby added.

The call also marked the first visit of a Prima-class ship to Saint John, she added, noting that the port is happy to accommodate unscheduled calls.

After departing from New York City, the Norwegian Aqua made its inaugural visit to Saint John on Aug. 20, 2025.

The visit was part of a four-night cruise that also marked the ship’s debut in NYC and the Canada and New England region.

Initially set to include an overnight call at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda, the itinerary was adjusted due to Hurricane Erin.

In a statement sent to guests onboard, Norwegian said that the change was necessary to allow the ship to “steer clear” of the storm and forecasted rough weather.

While the Norwegian Aqua is not scheduled to make additional visits to Saint John, the port is set to welcome other vessels from the company, including the Norwegian Getaway and the Norwegian Gem.

Court Upholds Bar Harbour’s Limit on Cruise Guests

Court Upholds Bar Harbour’s Limit on Cruise Guests

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the U.S. District Court’s decision that confirmed that Bar Harbour, Maine, can limit the number of cruise guests arriving in the town daily.

According to local sources, the case has now been sent back to the lower court for further comments and additional review.

Three years ago, Bar Harbour residents voted to limit the number of cruise passengers who can disembark in the town to just 1,000 per day.

As reported by Cruise Industry News at the time, the measure was proposed at a referendum and was endorsed by 58 per cent of the voters.

Supporters said that the town felt “overrun” by cruise ship traffic during peak summer months, which caused congestion and excessive traffic.

According to the Portland Press Herald, Bar Harbour welcomed over 270,000 cruise guests before introducing the limit in 2022.

Citing court files, the local news source said that the town typically welcomed 150 cruise ship calls per year.

A group of local businesses subsequently filed a lawsuit alongside pier owners, touring companies and the local pilotage association.

The parties allege that the ordinance breaks federal laws, including those that regulate interstate commerce, while also interfering with requirements for entrance into the United States and denying seafarers access to shore.

In 2024, a federal judge in Bangor found in favour of the town, deciding that Bar Harbour has home rule authority granted by the state.

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals now wants the District Court to determine whether the ordinance is “clearly excessive” when it comes to regulating interstate commerce, the Portland Press Herald added.

The newspaper said that the lower court was also asked to explore whether the ordinance meaningfully advances Bar Harbour’s interest in reducing congestion and whether these results could not be achieved through less burdensome means.

Disney Adventure to Remain in Singapore For 2026-27

Disney Adventure to Remain in Singapore For 2026-27

The Disney Adventure will continue to offer short cruises from Singapore as part of Disney Cruise Line’s recently announced 2026-27 deployment.

According to the company’s website, the 6,000-guest vessel will operate a series of three- and four-night cruises during this timeframe.

With no ports of call, the itineraries feature two and three days at sea, respectively, before returning to Singapore.

Nearly 30 new sailings are currently scheduled to take place between October 2026 and January 2027.

Currently under construction at MV Werften in Germany, the Disney Adventure is scheduled to enter service later this year.

As the largest ship ever built for Disney Cruise Line, the 208,000-ton vessel was designed to serve the Asian market.

After departing Germany, the ship is scheduled to deadhead to Singapore ahead of welcoming its first paying guests on December 15, 2025.

During the 2025-26 season, the Disney Adventure will sail from its homeport in Southeast Asia for a series of three- and four-night cruises to nowhere.

The itineraries feature only days at sea and will continue to be offered during the summer of 2026 as well.

Originally ordered as Dream Cruises’ Global Dream, the vessel was acquired by Disney Cruise Line after its operator ceased operations in 2022.

In addition to the Disney Adventure in Singapore, Disney’s 2026-27 season will include itineraries in the Caribbean and on the West Coast.

The deployment is highlighted by capacity increases in Texas and California, with the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic offering more cruises from San Diego.

In Galveston, the Disney Magic is set to offer an extended season that includes itineraries to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Three ships are scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral during the season: the Disney Treasure, the Disney Wish and the Disney Fantasy.

The Disney Destiny and the Disney Dream will offer cruises from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.

New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

The Carnival Festivale will feature the biggest waterpark in Carnival Cruise Line’s history, the company announced in a press release.

Set to debut in 2027, the Excel-class ship will introduce Carnival Waterworks Ultra as part of the new Sunsation Point family adventure zone.

According to Carnival, the waterpark will feature six water slides designed for different age groups and adventure levels.

The lineup includes two family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides and duelling Racing Currents slides, as well as the Mini Racers double-slide and Mini Twister.

Other features of Waterworks Ultra include splash pads and shaded play areas for all ages, the company said.

Carnival also stated that the new venue will introduce the first nighttime Waterworks operation of its fleet, which will include a live DJ and other special features.

Taking over the area occupied by BOLT! on previous Excel-class ships, the waterpark will be located at Carnival Festivale’s Deck 18.

In addition to Carnival Waterworks Ultra, Sunsation Point will also offer a hub of family-friendly activities and dining options on Deck 16, as well as a pool, a splash pad and a bar.

Deck 17 is a place to rewind with nostalgic elements, Carnival said, including the Vault Retrocade, which combines a retro theme with modern arcade games.

The deck also features the Scenic Overlook, a sports bar that offers outdoor games like pool and giant Jenga, as well as a new mini-golf course and Treehouse, which is described by Carnival as an all-new concept with netted bridges high above the deck.

As the fourth ship in Carnival’s Excel class, the Carnival Festivale is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, the ship is scheduled to offer seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas starting in May 2027.

Norwegian Escape to Extend Call in NYC to Avoid Hurricane Erin

The Norwegian Escape is extending its visit to New York City due to the impact of Hurricane Erin on the East Coast.

After repositioning from Miami, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was scheduled to sail from its new homeport on Wednesday.

Initially set to offer a ten-night cruise to the Caribbean and Bermuda, the Escape is now set to remain in New York City for three days before operating a revised itinerary to the Bahamas and Bermuda.

“Due to the impact of Hurricane Erin and the severe weather it’s bringing to the East Coast, we’ve made the difficult decision to change the itinerary for Norwegian Escape’s August 20, 2025, sailing,” the company said in a statement sent to guests.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, the change prioritises the safety and comfort of everyone onboard the ship.

“As a result, the Norwegian Escape will remain docked in New York until 5:00 PM on August 21, then anchor in the port before officially sailing at 11:59 PM on August 22, 2025,” the company added.

While the cruise’s original itinerary included visits to Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Maarten, Tortola and King’s Wharf, the Norwegian Escape is now set to head to Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay and King’s Wharf after departing from New York City.

“We understand how disappointing it can be when a long-anticipated vacation is disrupted,” Norwegian added.

“We thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we navigate this situation with your safety and experience in mind.”

According to the statement, shore excursions booked through Norwegian will be automatically cancelled, with full refunds credited to onboard accounts.

Earlier this week, Norwegian Cruise Line also changed the itineraries of the Norwegian Jewel and the Norwegian Aqua due to the impacts of Hurricane Erin.

 

Disney Adding More Cruise Capacity to San Diego and Galveston

Disney Adding More Cruise Capacity to San Diego and Galveston

Disney Magic in Liverpool, UK, photo credit Spacejunkie2, Flickr

Disney Cruise Line has released its full fall 2026 and spring 2027 itineraries, offering West Coast and Texas families more sailings from San Diego and Galveston, as the Disney Wonder will leave Australia in favour of a winter program in North America.

Early bookings open Aug. 25, 2025, for select Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members, and general bookings open Sept. 2, 2025. For additional information, visit disneycruise.com.

For the first time, San Diego will welcome two Disney Cruise Line ships.

The Disney Magic will set sail in California for two months with three-, four-, five-, six- and seven-night voyages in October and November 2026, before transitioning to Texas on a 14-night voyage from San Diego to Galveston featuring stops in Puerto Vallarta, Cartagena and Grand Cayman.

Joining the Disney Magic for seven months in San Diego, the Disney Wonder will offer three- and seven-night cruises between October 2026 and April 2027, stopping at Catalina Island in California, as well as Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Late 2026 and early 2027 will welcome an extended season of Disney cruising from Texas. The Disney Magic will set sail from the Lone Star State with four-, five- and seven-night voyages from November 2026 to April 2027. Several itineraries also include a Bahamian vacation with time at Disney Castaway Cay and Nassau.

Royal Caribbean Informs Guests of New Greek Cruise Taxes

Royal Caribbean Informs Guests of New Greek Cruise Taxes

Royal Caribbean International recently issued a statement informing guests about a new cruise tax that recently took effect in Greece.

The new seasonal fees were introduced in July and, according to the local government, are aimed at combating overtourism as well as improving the country’s tourism infrastructure.

“Beginning with sailings that depart on August 1, 2025, a seasonal cruise tax will be implemented across various ports in Greece, including iconic destinations like Mykonos and Santorini,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement.

“This initiative supports sustainable tourism and helps preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these beloved destinations,” the company continued.

According to Royal Caribbean, guests who booked their sailings on or after September 20, 2024, have already paid for the fees, which were included within the taxes and fees section of their invoice.

The new taxes vary by destination being visited, as well as the time of the year.

For visits to Santorini and Mykonos taking place between June 1 and September 30, guests will pay 20 euros per person. During the same timeframe, each passenger will pay 5 euros when visiting other Greek ports.

Shoulder seasons will see passengers paying 12 euros for visits to Mykonos and Santorini that take place in October 2025, as well as between April 1 and May 31.

For other calls in Greece during the same timeframe, passengers will be required to pay 3 euros.

From November 1 to March 31, the fees decrease to 4 euros per person for visits to Mykonos and Santorini and to 1 euro per person for all other Greek destinations.

For guests who have already paid for the taxes along with their booking, Royal Caribbean will exchange the amounts at a monthly forecasted rate.

The company also said that for guests who choose to remain onboard and not go ashore in the Greek ports, the fee amounts will be automatically refunded to their onboard accounts at the end of the cruise.

Passengers who booked their cruises before September 20, 2024, will be required to pay the new taxes before disembarking in Greece.

Disney to Leave Australia and New Zealand Market After 2025-26 Season

Disney to Leave Australia and New Zealand Market After 2025-26 Season

Disney Cruise Line is leaving the Australia and New Zealand market after the 2025-26 season, the company confirmed in a statement.

“The Disney Adventure’s maiden sailings from Singapore in December 2025 will launch a magical expansion into the Asia-Pacific region,” the company said.

“As part of this growth, we will be repositioning the Disney Wonder to another part of the world following its 2025-26 season in Australia and New Zealand,” Disney continued.

The company did not reveal alternative deployment plans for the vessel, which is scheduled to spend the summer of 2026 sailing in Alaska.

“While the Disney Wonder will not return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2026-27 season, we want to reassure you that sailings from this region remain a strong consideration for future itineraries,” Disney noted.

“The response from guests during our local seasons has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are looking forward to a fantastic upcoming season starting on Oct. 19, 2025.”

Disney Cruise Line debuted in the Australia and New Zealand market in the 2023-24 season with the Disney Wonder. The 1999-built vessel later returned to the region for a second season in 2024-25.

As part of its farewell deployment in the South Pacific, the Disney Wonder is set to offer short cruises departing from Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland.

After starting in late October, the season runs through early February and includes three- to five-night itineraries to Eden, Hobart, Wellington and Christchurch.

In December, the 1,750-guest ship is also scheduled to offer a special ten-night cruise that sails from Sydney to Auckland.

The longer itinerary features visits to Fjordland National Park, Napier, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch.

Taking over Disney’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region, the Disney Adventure is set to offer short cruises to nowhere in Southeast Asia.

Currently in the final stages of construction in Germany, the 208,000-ton ship will sail from Singapore on a year-round basis.

Cunard Starts Charging for Select Shows Onboard

Cunard Starts Charging for Select Shows Onboard

Queen Anne on her Maiden visit to Historic Liverpool, Photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr

Cunard is now charging fees for specific live performances onboard its newest ship, the Queen Anne.

According to the company’s website, an entry fee is essentially charged for three shows presented at the Bright Lights Society bar.

In its frequently asked questions section, the company explains that the fees also include additional perks, including beverages.

“Select shows such as Fizz and Noir now carry an entry charge of $20 per person, which includes a glass of champagne, a souvenir program, and the service charge,” Cunard states.

Guests attending a third show, Bitter Sweet Symphony, will be charged $46 per person. According to the company, the fare includes service charges and three cocktails.

Bright Lights Society is described by Cunard as the ship’s “most intimate and immersive entertainment venue,” offering exclusive live performances in a cabaret-style theatre with a premium cocktail lounge atmosphere.

Guests can make a reservation via the company’s My Voyage app or by visiting the Purser’s Office once onboard.

“Shows are popular and space is limited, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment,” Cunard’s website adds.

Guest reports on social media indicate that the charges were introduced in late May 2025 and were received with mixed reactions.

“It’s worth every penny; the cast are very talented and entertaining,” a former passenger stated in a Facebook post.

“Disappointing that Cunard is going the same way as other cruise lines with ‘nickel and diming,’” a guest replied.

As the newest ship in Cunard’s fleet, the Queen Anne was built by the Fincantieri shipyard and entered service in May 2024.

At the time, the company said that the vessel was designed to reflect the evolution of its brand, introducing a new look, as well as new features and dining venues.

In addition to itineraries to Northern Europe, the Atlantic Islands and the Mediterranean, the 3,000-guest ship offers annual world cruises departing from Southampton.

Luxury Cruise Fleet Average Age: 12-Year-Old Ships

Luxury Cruise Fleet Average Age: 12-Year-Old Ships

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr Account 

Data from the latest edition of the Luxury Market Report by Cruise Industry News shows that a luxury cruise ship has an average age of roughly 12 years in 2025.

After undergoing significant expansion in the past ten years, the luxury market saw newbuild after newbuild enter service over the last decade, led by aggressive growth from Viking, Ponant and others.

Ritz-Carlton, Swan Hellenic, Emerald and Explora are among the brands with the youngest fleets in 2025.

They also represent the newest brands, having all launched service with new vessels after 2020.

Brands such as Ponant, Silversea, Regent, Viking and Hapag-Lloyd have average fleet ages falling between ten and 15 years.

Among the brands owned by major public cruise corporations, Seabourn has the youngest fleet, with ships that are nine years old on average in 2025.

Silversea comes in second with an 11-year average fleet age, followed by Hapag-Lloyd with a 13-year average and Regent Seven Seas with a 14-year average.

Brands including SeaDream, Crystal, Paul Gauguin and Windstar have some of the oldest fleets in the market.

While extensively refurbished over the years, SeaDream’s yachts are among the oldest ships in the market, with a median age of 40 years in 2025.

Fresh from a major drydock in Singapore, Paul Gauguin’s sole ship, the Paul Gauguin, is another industry veteran with a nearly 30-year sailing career.

Amidst a rejuvenation project that includes the debut of two newer ships through 2026, as well as major refurbishment projects, the Windstar fleet had an average age of 28 years in 2025.

With a series of newbuilds scheduled to arrive starting in 2028, Crystal’s fleet currently has an average age of 26 years.

The Cruise Industry News’ report also shows that, with eight newbuilds scheduled to enter service for luxury brands, the market’s fleet median age is set to grow by nearly six months next year.