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.

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.”

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Carnival Freedom Gets New Funnel in Drydock

Carnival Freedom Gets New Funnel in Drydock

The Carnival Freedom is getting a new funnel during its routine drydock in France, according to an update published by Carnival Cruise Line.

In a social media post, the company shared a behind-the-scenes look at the new structure being added to the ship at the Chantier Naval de Marseille shipyard.

The pictures show a shorter funnel replacing the ship’s original, which was damaged by a lightning strike in March 2024.

With Carnival’s traditional whale-tail top removed after the incident, the ship had been sailing with a straight funnel.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the lightning strike marked the second time that the vessel’s funnel suffered significant damage.

Previously in May 2022 the structure was partially destroyed by a fire incident during a visit to Grand Turk.

The funnel had later been rebuilt to its signature form and size during a drydock at the Navantia shipyard in October 2023.

After completing a trans-Atlantic crossing from Port Canaveral, the Carnival Freedom arrived at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in early September.

The 2007-built vessel will spend over 30 days at the shipyard before resuming service on October 9, 2026 as the ship is scheduled to kick off an eight-night cruise to the Western Mediterranean that sails roundtrip from Barcelona.

Visiting destinations in Italy, Malta and France, the sailing will be followed by a repositioning voyage back to Port Canaveral.

The 13-night cruise will sail to Spain, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas before arriving in Central Florida in early November.

The Carnival Freedom is then scheduled to resume its regular schedule of four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas.

In addition to Nassau, the itineraries sail to the company’s private island destinations in the island country, including Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

In 2027, the 2,974-passenger ship will be redeployed to Virginia for year-round cruising out of the Port of Norfolk.

CFC Rebrands as Ambassador Croisières, Announces Expanded 2028 Program

CFC Rebrands as Ambassador Croisières, Announces Expanded 2028 Program

CFC (Compagnie Française de Croisières) has been renamed Ambassador Croisières, continuing its integration with Ambassador.

In a press release, the cruise line announced a renewed identity, while continuing to offer a distinctly French experience, departures from French ports and a 2028 program with what it described as exciting new developments.

“This evolution is fully in keeping with CFC’s continuity, both at sea and on land, with the same ambition and the same teams driving it forward,” said Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt, president of Ambassador Croisières.

“The change of name to Ambassador Croisières does not call into question our presence in France: our French office remains at the heart of our development, and our teams will continue to support our passengers, partners and travel agencies daily. We are therefore retaining what defines our identity and our uniqueness, while benefiting from Ambassador’s strength to continue our growth and open up new opportunities. This is a new chapter in our history — an evolution that allows us to look to the future with confidence.”

Christian Verhounig, chief executive officer of Ambassador Cruise Line, said that the transition represents a natural evolution of the integration, noting that the ambition is to make Ambassador one of Europe’s leading cruise companies for travellers aged 50 and over.

“Bringing our activities together under a single brand identity gives us greater visibility and a stronger foundation from which to continue our development. This is not about changing what makes the French business unique. The experience, expertise and distinctly French identity developed by CFC will remain at the heart of our offering, while benefiting from the scale, investment and opportunities that come with being part of Ambassador,” continued Verhounig.

“Driven by a shared ambition for the future, we will continue to offer our passengers no-fly cruises, regional departures, a warm welcome and an authentic, relaxed experience at sea, while remaining true to the distinctive character of each of the markets we serve. France is, and will remain, at the heart of this ambition, with Ambassador Croisières set to play a major role in Ambassador’s future success.”

Ambassador Croisières will continue to offer cruises in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean exclusively departing from the French ports of Dunkirk and Marseille.

The winter cruises in the Caribbean, operated aboard the Renaissance from Pointe-à-Pitre since 2025, will also remain part of the program for the coming seasons.

2028: An Expanded Program and New Destinations

Another major development is the launch of the new 2028 itineraries, which will soon go on sale.

The new program will see the cruise line return to Norway, Iceland and the Baltic, as well as Greece, the Adriatic, Spain and the Caribbean, while also introducing several new destinations.

Among the highlights, Egypt will make its debut in the program with a 14-night cruise from May 28 to June 11, 2028, including a two-day call in Alexandria, providing passengers with the opportunity to visit the Pyramids of Giza.

Ireland will make a major return to the program with an itinerary from July 16 to 24, 2028, combining the British and Irish coasts and allowing passengers to visit Cork, Dublin, Liverpool and the Isles of Scilly.

Finally, from September 28 to October 4, 2028, passengers can explore southern Norway, including its capital, Oslo, as well as northern Denmark, on a six-night cruise.

Carnival to Hold Conference Call on Third Quarter Earnings

Carnival to Hold Conference Call on Third Quarter Earnings

Carnival Pride photo credit: Spacejunkie2 (Dave Jones) https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt Flickr Account.

Carnival Corporation has scheduled a conference call with analysts for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 10 AM (EDT) to discuss the company’s third-quarter financial results, which are expected to be released that morning.

A simulcast of the call will be available via the company’s website at www.carnivalcorp.com.

MSC Adjusts Last Alaska Itinerary of the Season

MSC Adjusts Last Alaska Itinerary of the Season

MSC Cruises informed guests that it’s adjusting the itinerary of one of its upcoming cruises to Alaska and British Columbia onboard the MSC Poesia.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the September 21, 2026, voyage will no longer include scenic cruising through Endicott Arm.

“We understand this is an experience many guests look forward to, and we sincerely regret that this portion of the itinerary will not be possible,” the company said, noting that the change was caused by seasonal operational considerations.

“However, we are pleased to inform you that this adjustment will allow the MSC Poesia to arrive in Juneau at 8:00 AM instead of 2:00 PM, allowing you six additional hours to experience this remarkable destination,” MSC continued.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the MSC Poesia is scheduled to offer a seven-night cruise to Alaska and British Columbia on September 21, 2026. In addition to Juneau, the itinerary features visits to Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria.

According to guest reports, MSC will offer a $50 onboard credit per person as compensation for the change.

The credits are reportedly being applied directly to guests’ accounts, with a limit of up to $100 per stateroom.

The adjusted sailing will close out MSC’s inaugural summer season in Alaska, which started in May and included a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.

Following the cruise, the MSC Poesia kicks off a repositioning voyage to PortMiami via the Panama Canal ahead of a winter season in the Caribbean.

After departing from Seattle, the 19-night cruise includes visits to destinations in California, Mexico and Central America.

Before returning to Alaska for a second season in 2027, the MSC Poesia offers five- and 11-night cruises to the Caribbean during the 2026-27 winter.

The itineraries sail from PortMiami and include visits to destinations in the Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

Hydrogen-Powered Viking Astrea Launched at Fincantieri

Hydrogen-Powered Viking Astrea Launched at Fincantieri

Viking’s latest ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, was launched at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard.

With a propulsion system partially powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, the vessel is said to represent a further step in the development of innovative technological solutions for an increasingly sustainable cruise industry.

With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, a length of 239 meters and accommodating up to 998 passengers in 499 cabins, it is scheduled to sail its maiden cruise in June 2027.

The Astrea’s godmother is Francesca Baldinelli, who works in the production control department at the Ancona shipyard.

Other than her, the launch ceremony was attended by Gilberto Tobaldi, director of Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard and Ghislain Lemarie, Viking’s vice president of ship development and construction.

Another hydrogen-powered vessel, which the cruise line said was the world’s first, was floated out at the same shipyard in March – the Viking Libra.

The Libra is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

Celebrity Eclipse Repositions to the Mediterranean for the Fall Season

Celebrity Eclipse Repositions to the Mediterranean for the Fall Season

The Celebrity Eclipse arrived in Barcelona earlier this month to kick off its fall season in the Mediterranean.

The ship was one of Celebrity Cruises’ vessels in the region for the summer, having spent the past few months offering itineraries in Northern Europe.

In late August, the Solstice-class vessel embarked on a repositioning voyage that sailed from the Netherlands to Spain.

The 12-night cruise departed from Amsterdam and included visits to destinations in France, Spain and Portugal before arriving in Barcelona.

Highlights of the itinerary included visits to Le Havre, Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca, as well as a transit of the Strait of Gibraltar.

The Celebrity Eclipse is now scheduled to offer ten- to 11-night cruises that sail to destinations in both the Western and the Eastern Mediterranean.

In addition to Barcelona, the itineraries depart from ports in Italy and Greece, including Ravenna and Piraeus.

Sailing to the Adriatic and the Aegean, the cruises are highlighted by visits to the Greek Islands, Croatia, Turkey and Italy.

Among the destinations set to be visited are Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Santorini, Split, Naples and La Spezia.

The season runs through early November, when the Eclipse is scheduled to embark on a repositioning voyage to Florida.

Sailing from the Port of Barcelona, the 2,850-passenger ship offers a trans-Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.

The 14-night cruise will feature stops in destinations in Spain, the United Kingdom and Bermuda, such as Málaga, Gibraltar and King’s Wharf.

The vessel is then scheduled to offer cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from Port Everglades before returning to Northern Europe in May 2027.

In related news, the Celebrity Eclipse underwent a refurbishment project during a drydock in early 2025.

As Cruise Industry News reported at the time, the 2010-built ship introduced an enhanced suite enclave following the refit, as well as a slight increase in its guest capacity.