MSC Cruises Unveils Yacht Club Experience at Miami Grand Prix

MSC Cruises Unveils Yacht Club Experience at Miami Grand Prix

MSC Cruises will unveil a new MSC Yacht Club experience for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix from May 1 to 3, according to a press release.

The all-new hospitality centerpiece will deliver elevated luxury and immersive design for guests across five decks of a lifelike yacht and is set to become the highlight of the Marina on the inside of Turns 5 to 9.

“MSC Cruises’ partnership with Formula 1 continues to grow and evolve, and the MSC Yacht Club at the Miami Grand Prix is a perfect expression of who we are as a brand—combining innovation, luxury hospitality and world-class experiences in one extraordinary setting,” said Suzanne Salas, executive vice president of marketing, e-commerce and sales for MSC Cruises.

“Formula 1 represents the very best in performance, spectacle and international appeal, which makes this the perfect venue for MSC Cruises to offer fans the seamless blend of European style and American comfort guests enjoy onboard our ships.”

The MSC Yacht Club will become the highlight of the Marina presented by MSC Cruises at the Miami International Autodrome. The lifelike super yacht will measure 264 feet in length, have a width of 96 feet and will be 50 feet tall at its highest point.

Positioned at one of the circuit’s most dynamic sections, the MSC Yacht Club will place guests directly alongside one of the most exciting corners on the track’s layout, delivering dramatic views of up to five turns.

The MSC Yacht Club at the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is inspired by MSC Cruises’ luxury ship-within-a-ship onboard experience, also named the MSC Yacht Club.

The Miami Grand Prix version will feature five levels totaling 32,000 square feet, with each deck offering a different guest experience.

At the heart of the experience is a culinary program curated by Bagatelle, the hospitality brand. Bagatelle sets the tone for dining throughout the weekend.

“From the very beginning, the Marina presented by MSC Cruises has been one of the defining features of our race,” said Katharina Nowak, president of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.

“In creating the MSC Yacht Club, we wanted to elevate that iconic space by providing something even more immersive, refined and connected to racing.”

The structure is the event’s biggest new offering since 2023 when a new Paddock Club building was constructed.

The reimagined Marina presented by MSC Cruises will also feature a new general admission area with an elevated viewing platform inside Turn 7.

Royal Caribbean Remaining Quiet on Next Ship Class

Royal Caribbean Remaining Quiet on Next Ship Class

Royal Caribbean is remaining quiet on its next ship class of ships, which will be known as the Discovery class.

The company ordered two Discovery-class vessels for 2029 and 2032 deliveries from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France on Thursday, with an option for more.

“From the business perspective, we are really excited with the innovation, creativity, and the kind of product that we’ve now created with Discovery. It really is going to be a game changer,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

“Just as Icon was introduced, and kind of changed the game, Discovery is going to do exactly the same thing. We are really looking forward to sharing more details about Discovery with the marketplace, but we’re not planning on saying much about it today or in the next couple of months,” Bayley added.

He also refuted widespread social media coverage, most of which has rumored the new class of ships to be somewhat smaller.

“The many of the assumptions that are currently out there in social media, etcetera, in terms of size, capacity, etcetera, etcetera. Are probably, it’s fair to say, inaccurate.”

Liberty: Pricing Higher in Caribbean Despite Capacity Increase

Liberty: Pricing Higher in Caribbean Despite Capacity Increase

Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said that the company’s pricing for Caribbean voyages was up despite the industry’s significant capacity increase in the region.

He said this was for all three company brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.

“We’re seeing high demand wanting to go to the Caribbean. We’re not only seeing good volume, but our pricing is higher in the Caribbean than it was last year,” Liberty said.

Speaking on the company’s year-end and fourth quarter earnings call, Liberty made sure to mention the cruise line expected positive yield growth for key products, including the Caribbean, as its investments continued to differentiate it from its peers and strengthen its leadership position, despite elevated capacity in the Caribbean.

“And I know that may not feed into what maybe some groups want to hear, but that is a reality that we continue to see strong demand for the Caribbean, and we continue to see strong demand for our broader organization,” he added.

Liberty said company capacity was up 6.7 percent year-over-year, driven by the new Legend of the Seas launching this summer plus full-year service from the Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel.

A Look at the Maiden Season of the Norwegian Aura

A Look at the Maiden Season of the Norwegian Aura

Set to become the largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, the Norwegian Aura will offer cruises in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean starting in mid-2027.

Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at the inaugural deployment of the new vessel, which is currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

Inaugural Cruise in the Mediterranean
Dates: May 21, 2027
Length: 7 nights
Homeports: Trieste (Italy) to Barcelona (Spain)
Itinerary: Valletta (Malta); Salerno and Civitavecchia (Italy)

The Norwegian Aura will make its debut in the Mediterranean as part of a seven-night cruise departing from the Italian port of Trieste.

Sailing to Barcelona, the open-jaw itinerary features visits to destinations in Italy, Spain and Malta, such as Valletta, Salerno and Civitavecchia.

First Trans-Atlantic Crossing
Date: May 28, 2027
Length: 13 nights
Homeports: Barcelona (Spain) to Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Gibraltar (United Kingdom); Motril and Cádiz (Spain)

Following its inaugural cruise in the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Aura kicks off a trans-Atlantic cruise to Miami.

The 13-night cruise sails to three ports before crossing the Atlantic: Cádiz, Motril and Gibraltar. The itinerary also includes eight days of cruising.

U.S. Debut
Date: June 14, 2027
Length: 5 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic); and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas)

For its U.S. debut, the Prima Plus-class ship offers a short cruise to the Bahamas and the Caribbean sailing from PortMiami.

In addition to a day at sea, the five-night itinerary features visits to Puerto Plata and Norwegian’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay.

Eastern Caribbean
Date: Weekly departures starting on June 19, 2027
Length: 8 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic); St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands); Tortola (British Virgin Islands); Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas)

After its first short cruise, the Norwegian Aura kicks off a series of regular seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean for the summer of 2027.

Sailing from PortMiami every Saturday, the ship offers an itinerary that features visits to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay.

Western Caribbean
Date: Weekly departures starting on October 30, 2027
Length: 7 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Roatán (Honduras); Harvest Caye (Belize); Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico)

The new ship will move to the Western Caribbean for the 2027-28 season, offering weeklong cruises to the region starting in late October.

Also sailing from Miami, the itineraries include visits to Honduras, Belize and Mexico with planned stops at Roatán, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya and Cozumel.

Valletta Cruise Port Reports Record 2025 Passenger Numbers

Valletta Cruise Port Reports Record 2025 Passenger Numbers

MSC Opera departing Valletta Harbour, photo credit Spacejunkie2 https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt photostream

Valletta Cruise Port has reported continued growth in both passenger numbers and ship calls for the full 2025 season.

The port welcomed 385 calls in 2025, an increase of 8 percent compared to 357 calls in 2024.

A record 962,966 passengers passed through the port in 2025, surpassing the previous year’s 940,915 and representing an increase of 2.3 percent year-on-year.

“The sustained growth recorded in 2025 reflects Valletta’s strong positioning within the Mediterranean cruise market. Malta’s unique combination of rich cultural heritage and close proximity to other key destinations continues to make Valletta an attractive and highly sought-after cruise port,” said Stephen Xuereb, chief operating officer of Global Ports Holding and chief executive officer of Valletta Cruise Port.

“This performance is further supported by ongoing investment in port infrastructure and passenger services, as well as close collaboration with our industry partners, which together have strengthened Malta’s appeal to cruise operators and passengers.”

Of the total passenger movements, 772,664 were transit visitors enjoying daytime visits ashore, while 190,302 were turnaround passengers beginning or ending their cruise in Malta.

Valletta Cruise Port was named the most beautiful port in the world in a study conducted by All Clear Insurance.

The company examined how visually attractive different cruise ports are and Valletta Cruise Port ranked first, receiving a perfect score of 100 percent.

The 2025 results build on momentum from 2024, when the port recorded more than 940,000 cruise passengers, exceeding the previous pre-pandemic high from 2019.

 

Royal Caribbean Cancels Anthem’s Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean Cancels Anthem’s Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean International cancelled the upcoming cruise of the Anthem of the Seas, which was scheduled to depart from Sydney on January 27, 2026.

As part of its winter season sailing from Australia, the 2015-built vessel was set to offer a ten-night itinerary to New Zealand.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the cruise is no longer going ahead due to a technical issue.

The ship is now expected to arrive in Eden later this week, where it will dock for repairs.

“The Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning to begin required maintenance,” Royal Caribbean explained.

The company added that it won’t be able to complete these needed repairs before the January 27, 2026, cruise.

“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news,” Royal Caribbean continued.

The company stated that affected guests will be fully reimbursed, receiving a 100% refund of the cruise fare, as well as taxes, fees, pre-paid packages, gratuities, amenities, and shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean.

“Additionally, to make up for this, you’ll also receive a 25 per cent Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to be used towards a future sailing departing within one year,” Royal Caribbean added.

The company also said it will reimburse non-refundable, pre-purchased travel fees incurred, such as flight, hotel, train ticket, or rental car expenses.

Guests will be able to claim refunds for up to $200 per person for domestic flight changes or up to $400 per person for international flight changes.

Royal Caribbean is also reimbursing up to $250 per stateroom for up to two nights of hotel accommodation and up to $100 per person, per day for incidentals.

Anthem’s cancelled cruise was set to visit five ports of call in New Zealand, including Picton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

The 4,202-passenger ship was also set to offer scenic cruising at Fjordland National Park before returning to Sydney.

Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey to Return to Cape Liberty One Day Later

Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey to Return to Cape Liberty One Day Later

Royal Caribbean International warned guests set to embark on the upcoming cruise of the Odyssey of the Seas that their sailing will be delayed by one day.

According to a statement, the ship is scheduled to dock at its homeport in Cape Liberty on January 27, 2026, instead of January 26, 2026.

“Due to the major winter storm affecting much of the East and Northeast U.S., and the impacts on land-based travel and port operations, we are delaying our arrival into Bayonne,” Royal Caribbean said.

The company added that the decision will “allow for weather to improve and shore-based operations to recover.”

“For many guests experiencing difficulties getting to Bayonne, we hope this relieves some worry as you’ll have an extra day to make it there safely,” Royal Caribbean continued.

Originally set to offer an 11-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean, the Odyssey of the Seas is now set to offer a shortened voyage with a revised itinerary.

“Due to this change, our calls to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, will be cancelled and instead, we’ll enjoy some extra time onboard,” the company added.

Previously scheduled visits to St. John’s in Antigua, Bridgetown in Barbados, Castries in St. Lucia, and Philipsburg in St. Maarten will go ahead as planned.

As compensation for the last-minute change, Royal Caribbean is offering guests a pro-rated one-day refund of the paid cruise fare in the form of onboard cruise credit. Any refundable unused credit at the end of the cruise will be refunded to guests.

In related news, Royal Caribbean also shortened a cruise on board the Harmony of the Seas due to a winter storm in Texas.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the Oasis-class vessel returned to its homeport in Galveston one day earlier to avoid the weather system.

Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic First Transit Through the Panama Canal

Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic First Transit Through the Panama Canal

The Queen Mary 2 completed its historic first transit through the Panama Canal this weekend, marking a major milestone in her 2026 World Voyage, according to a press release from Cunard.

Guests traveling on board the 108-night voyage were treated to a rare moment as Queen Mary 2 began her passage through the canal’s new set of locks on Saturday, January 24. Following an overnight stay at the Cocoli Mooring Station, the ship continued her transit and passed under the Bridge of Americas on Sunday, January 25.

“As the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2’s maiden transit through the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard,” says President, Katie McAlister. “Our world-famous voyages truly deliver enriching, meaningful and unique experiences for our guests, and the transit through the Panama Canal forms an iconic element of this magnificent Queen’s 108-night World Voyage, where guests will also visit memorable destinations like Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Singapore, before returning to Southampton.”

Following the transit, the Queen Mary 2 will visit Fuerte Amador, Panama for an overnight stay and Manzanillo, Mexico, before arriving to Los Angeles on February 2.

The Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Southern California will mark a long-anticipated return after 17 years as she completes this remarkable leg of her world voyage. The Queen Mary 2 will also celebrate a reunion with her legendary namesake, The Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years. The ship will return to Southampton on April 30.

MSC Warns of Potential Delays in New York City

MSC Warns of Potential Delays in New York City

MSC Cruises informed guests that the upcoming cruise of the MSC Meraviglia may suffer from potential delays due to the weather in New York City.

As part of the company’s farewell season from the homeport, the vessel is set to depart from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

“The National Weather Service has forecast heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures for New York City,” the company said in a statement.

“While this weather event is not expected to impact the arrival or departure of the MSC Meraviglia in New York, there may be delays impacting guests’ arrival to the port,” MSC continued.

“To ensure a smooth embarkation process, please plan ahead and allow extra travel time. We also recommend monitoring local news and official traffic advisories for the most up-to-date information before your departure.”

MSC also warned guests that, despite the potential delays, the cruise terminals' doors “will close promptly at 2:30 p.m.”

“We kindly ask you to adhere strictly to the check-in window indicated in your most recent e-ticket,” the company continued.

Offering a seven-night cruise to the Bahamas and Florida, the MSC Meraviglia is scheduled to depart from New York City at 3 p.m.

The ship’s itinerary includes visits to Port Canaveral and Nassau, in addition to MSC’s private island destination of Ocean Cay.

In related news, Carnival Cruise Line issued a similar statement for guests set to embark on the Carnival Pride on Jan. 25, 2026.

Sailing from its homeport in Baltimore, the 2001-built ship is set to offer a weeklong cruise to the Bahamas.

Bad weather is also causing the Harmony of the Seas to shorten its current cruise to the Western Caribbean.

After sailing from Galveston, the Royal Caribbean ship will return to Texas one day earlier due to a major winter storm.

 

Norwegian Makes First Overnight Visit to Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Makes First Overnight Visit to Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line recently made its first overnight visit to Great Stirrup Cay as part of a last-minute itinerary change.

According to a statement sent to guests, the Norwegian Encore became the first ship to spend the night docked at the private island destination on Jan. 22, 2026.

The two-day visit replaced a previously scheduled call to Costa Maya, Mexico, which had to be cancelled due to port availability.

“We’re thrilled to introduce an extraordinary, first-of-a-kind experience: an overnight stay at our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay,” Norwegian said in its statement.

“This will mark the first overnight visit offered to Norwegian Cruise Line guests. This moment gives you a rare opportunity to be among the first guests to experience Great Stirrup Cay after dark, truly making cruise history,” the company added.

Initially scheduled to arrive at the island at 4:00 p.m., the Norwegian Encore docked at the destination’s new pier at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, due to a medical emergency.

The 4,200-passenger ship remained at the port through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, when it departed for Miami.

Norwegian said that guests were able to enjoy the island until midnight, which served as an all-onboard time.

The company said bars onshore opened shortly after arrival at the island, while light bites and convenient grab-and-go favorites were served at Abaco Taco.

“As the sun sets, the energy shifts to an unforgettable evening celebration, with all nighttime activities focused on the vibrant Great Life Lagoon, the all-new pool area,” Norwegian continued.

While the beach was closed at sundown for guests’ safety, the company also offered a “Glow Party under the Stars” from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

In addition to an overnight visit to Great Stirrup Cay, the seven-night cruise onboard the Norwegian Encore also included visits to Roatán in Honduras and Harvest Caye in Belize.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Resumes Service with New Features

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Resumes Service with New Features

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise resumed service with new and enhanced features after undergoing a drydock in Grand Bahama.

In a social media video update, Margaritaville at Sea shared a behind-the-scenes look at the work carried out onboard the 1991-built vessel.

According to Taylor Karr, the company’s senior director for strategy and operations, significant work was carried out in areas such as the Euphoria Lounge.

The space was refreshed with new carpets, new upholstery, new wall coverings, and new light fixtures, he explained.

“We removed the flooring all the way down to the bare steel, laid some incredible-quality underlay and added a really incredible woolen carpet that looks good and feels really nice to walk on,” Karr added.

The ship’s Margaritaville Casino was also updated with a new look and updated features, he continued.

“In the casino, we’ve done a tremendous amount of work. All of our tables have been freshly refinished including new upholstery and new felts,” Karr said.

Other changes to the casino included a black-painted ceiling, as well as a new tropical-themed vinyl wrap across the lights.

“(We also added) new carpets throughout the whole venue and tons of new games for our guests to enjoy,” Karr continued.

One of the highlights of the drydock was the addition of the new High Tide Market, which replaces Paradise’s traditional self-service buffet.

Karr described the venue as Margaritaville at Sea’s new food hall concept, noting that the restaurant offers a range of stations serving different kinds of cuisine.

“We painted the entire thing in the most beautiful shade of blue, we took all of the floors down to nothing and we laid brand new carpet,” he said. The venue was also equipped with new lighting and a new ceiling.

The ship’s main pool deck now offers new cabanas with what Karr described as “high-quality furniture.”

Paradise’s 12-Volt Pool underwent a major update with a new synthetic flooring replacing the original deck floor, as well as new pool loungers and new paint.

“We took the tiles around the pool, we took it all out, and replaced it with a material called Life Floor,” Karr said.

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise also got a Permanent Reminder Tattoo Studio as part of its refurbishment.

After first debuting onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the space was added to Paradise’s Deck 8.