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.

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.

EU's new biometric border checks.

Some of Europe's most popular destinations have reportedly been given permission to further delay full implementation of the EU's new biometric border checks.

Passenger queue to clear border control at a European control point.

A number of countries appear to have tacitly been given permission not to fully implement EES

The Times reports France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Italy and Switzerland have all told they will not enforce the EU Entry-Exit System (EES) until the technology and systems that underpin it are working correctly.

It comes after a set of contingency measures, which have been available to Schengen nations over the summer to alleviate EES bottlenecks, were due to be withdrawn earlier this month – six months after the full EES rollout, which itself followed a soft launch in October 2025.

EES requires arrivals into EU nations from third-countries, like the UK after Brexit, to submit to biometric checks; these include a facial scan and having their fingerprints taken.

To date, the EU has been steadfast in its insistence there will be no grace period ahead of the coming winter season and in the months to follow.

However, The Times reports that on this occasion, the EU has quietly given the likes of France, Greece, Italy and Portugal permission to pause implementation in the interest of what Eurostar chief Gwendoline Cazenave described to the paper as "maintaining border fluidity".

Despite the European Commission's insistence EES has "broadly worked well" over the summer, a spokesperson said the commission was in "close and constructive contact" with certain member states, and conceded "some adjustments" may be needed at some border crossing points.

The industry has been pushing for respite for several months. As the 6 September deadline approached, Abta's Director of Public Affairs, Luke Petherbridge, said the association would continue to push for the emergency measures and "flexibilities" to be available beyond September.

Other have been more blunt; Ryanair said the EU's handling of EES had been "a shambles from start to finish" while Holiday Extras said the decision to let the emergency measures lapse was "the clearest sign yet" that the system "had failed".

Problems identified by Ryanair include malfunctioning EES kiosks, lengthy processing times and staff shortages. Holiday Extras chief Matthew Pack, meanwhile, said the challenges would make it difficult for the EU to rollout its Esta-style visa waiver in Q4, as planned, as it is reliant on EES working correct.

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.

GPH Launches Network-Wide Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

GPH Launches Network-Wide Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Global Ports Holding (GPH) has announced the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across its network of 35 global cruise ports.

According to a press release, the symbol helps people with non-visible disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses indicate that they may need additional time, understanding or support.

This follows the introduction of the Sunflower at Nassau Cruise Port last year, the first port within the GPH network to adopt the program.

Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, said: “At Global Ports Holding, we believe every guest should feel welcome at our ports. Accessibility and inclusion are an important part of the passenger experience we provide. Introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower across our entire global network is another meaningful step in making our ports more welcoming and accessible for everyone.”

As part of the program, teams across the network have received dedicated training to recognize the Sunflower symbol and better understand how to support guests with a wide range of non-visible disabilities and conditions.

The Sunflower is recognized in more than 95 countries and is used by organizations across the travel, tourism, transport, retail and public sectors worldwide.

Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, added: “Following a successful pilot of the Sunflower at Nassau Cruise Port, we are thrilled at the announcement of global launch across 35 ports.

“This is an outstanding achievement by GPH, who recognizes the benefits of inclusive travel and how the Sunflower supports that. They have committed to training teams, which is an essential part of the Sunflower’s success and ensures that every passenger feels seen, valued and heard.”

MSC Bellissima Back in Shanghai as Foreign Guest Share Grows

MSC Bellissima Back in Shanghai as Foreign Guest Share Grows

The MSC Bellissima arrived at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on August 1, entering its third consecutive year of homeport operations at the port and officially launching the company’s 2026 Shanghai summer season.

Marking MSC Cruises’ 20th anniversary in the Chinese market, the Bellissima returns with a series of upgraded offerings, including the MSC Smart Concierge, interactive experiences with Unitree robotics, K-POP-themed parties and Italian cultural heritage cuisine.

President of MSC Cruises China, Helen Huang, said that the 2026 summer season has seen “explosive sales, with some popular routes and cabin categories close to sold out.”

The Bellissima’s return comes as Shanghai’s cruise market continues its recovery. According to the Shanghai Municipal Cultural Tourism Bureau, the city’s ports handled 126 cruise calls and 744,000 passengers in the first half of 2026, representing 59.7 percent and 74.2 percent of the national totals, respectively.

Foreign cruise arrivals via Shanghai grew 37.8 percent year-on-year, with 81.2 percent of those visitors entering under various visa-waiver policies.

The return also reinforces the port’s position as China’s dominant cruise gateway with a second international ship alongside Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas.

The Bellissima’s 2026 summer deployment features sailings, with four- to nine-night itineraries calling at Jeju, Busan, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, Kagoshima and other Japanese and South Korean destinations. The opening voyage was a five-night roundtrip visiting Kitakyushu and Busan before returning to Shanghai.

The ship will return to Shanghai on January 20, 2027, with 28 voyages covering winter, spring, summer and fall travel seasons.

The vessel will continue operating from Shanghai through the summer and early fall, with potential repositioning in late October or early November.

According to MSC Cruises, its international passenger mix is expected to grow. On the August 1 sailing, international guests from Russia, Romania, the United States, Australia and other countries and regions accounted for over 10 percent of passengers.

MSC stated that for some September sailings, the international passenger share is projected to exceed 50 percent.

 

 

Madeira Receives Double Nomination for 2026 World Cruise Awards

Madeira Receives Double Nomination for 2026 World Cruise Awards

Madeira Ports has announced that it has received a double nomination for the World Cruise Awards, marking the fifth consecutive year that the international awards program has recognized the destination.

“These nominations are an important international recognition of the work that has been carried out in Madeira to develop an increasingly sustainable, high-quality and competitive cruise tourism sector,” said Jose Manuel Rodrigues, regional secretary for economy, who oversees the Madeira Ports Administration (APRAM, S.A.).

He added that the double nomination further strengthens Madeira’s reputation as one of the world’s leading cruise destinations.

For Paula Cabaco, president of APRAM, the nominations “reflect the commitment and dedication” of the company’s employees, as well as all the professionals who make up Madeira’s cruise tourism value chain.

“Being shortlisted for these awards also highlights APRAM’s commitment to environmental sustainability and to continuously enhance the experience offered to both passengers and crew,” added Cabaco.

“More than an institutional recognition, these nominations are an honor for Madeira and for the Madeiran people, whose hospitality makes every cruise call a truly memorable experience.”

The nominations follow the destination winning “Europe’s Best Cruise Destination” in 2022, 2023 and 2025, and being named “World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability” in 2024.

Madeira is among the finalists in both categories, the ports said in a press release.

In the category of “Europe’s Best Cruise Destination,” Madeira is competing alongside Athens, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Lisbon, Monte Carlo, Nice, Oslo, Rome and Southampton.

For the title of “World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability,” the Port of Funchal is shortlisted alongside the cruise terminals of Steinwerder, Flam, Kai Tak, Montreal, Copenhagen, Kiel, Valletta and Victoria.

Voting is free and open to the public and takes place online through the World Cruise Awards website until August 21.

The winners of the 2026 edition will be announced on October 14 during the annual gala, which this year will take place in Jamaica.

Madeira stated that it has already won the title of “Europe’s Leading Island Destination” on twelve occasions.

Santorini Old Port Pathway Reopens

Santorini Old Port Pathway Reopens

The stepped pathway that links the old port of Santorini with the town of Fira reopened in early August, according to Atlantea.

Serving as one of the main access points to the Greek island for cruise passengers, the Karavolades Stairs had been unavailable since late July.

As reported by Cruise Industry News at the time, local authorities closed the 558-step staircase due to the collapse of a wall of a private building.

Atlantea said that the incident caused a small landslide, which effectively blocked the passage of pedestrians and donkeys.

Santorini’s old port is the traditional gateway for cruise passengers visiting the island, serving as a starting point for most tours.

As the largest and most developed settlement on the island, Fira is located approximately 250 meters above the port and can be accessed via the Karavolades Stairs or a cable car system.

With the closure of the pathway, Santorini authorities suspended regulations that limit the number of cruise passengers arriving via Athinios Port.

Located on a different part of the island, the pier offers better infrastructure and can also be accessed via cars and buses.

Cruise lines were temporarily authorized to disembark more passengers in Athinios, facilitating organized shore excursions to other parts of Santorini.

With Karavolades reopening, the limitations were reinstated, capping the daily number of guests arriving at the new port at 30 percent.

The regulation entered into effect earlier this year due to what the Municipal Port Fund of Fira called civil protection measures.

Introduced after a seismic crisis that affected the island in early 2025, the measure is said to be aimed at keeping roads clear for potential emergencies.

Santorini is one of the main destinations for cruise ships in Greece, welcoming vessels from a wide range of cruise lines.

Norwegian Sky Farewell Cruise Cancelled

Norwegian Sky Farewell Cruise Cancelled

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the farewell cruise of the Norwegian Sky, which was scheduled to depart from Greece on September 9, 2026.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the decision is related to security concerns in the Middle East region.

The 19-night voyage was scheduled to transit the Suez Canal and the Red Sea before arriving in Muscat, Oman.

“After careful review, and with the safety and security of our guests and crew as our guiding priority, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this sailing,” the company added.

“Given the ongoing uncertainty in the region, we no longer have the level of confidence needed to deliver the experience you expect and deserve.”

Norwegian stated that the decision to cancel the cruise, though difficult, was guided by the safety and well-being of its guests and crew.

After departing from the port of Piraeus in Athens, the Norwegian Sky was scheduled to sail to Greece, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia before arriving in Oman.

The itinerary included visits to Rhodes, Alexandria, Port Sokhna, Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh, Jeddah and Aqaba, as well as transits of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

Acquired by Cordelia Cruises in 2025, the Norwegian Sky is scheduled to be delivered to the India-based cruise line this October.

“We know this is not the news anyone was hoping to receive. Throughout this process, many of you have shown remarkable patience, flexibility, and understanding, and we are truly sorry that this voyage can no longer move forward as planned,” Norwegian added.

The company said that guests will receive a full monetary refund of the cruise fare paid to the original form of payment used at the time of booking.

Norwegian will also offer passengers a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at 50 percent of the current voyage fare, which will be added to a 15 percent FCC issued earlier due to itinerary changes.

The company said that the new credit may be used toward any published Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through December 31, 2027.

Guests who purchased airfare through the company will have flights automatically cancelled and refunded.

For passengers with independent travel arrangements, Norwegian is offering up to $300 per person to cover airline change or cancellation fees that are not reimbursed by either the airlines or travel insurance providers.

Norwegian had already adjusted the itinerary of the cruise in July, cancelling visits to destinations in the Arabian Gulf.

Initially scheduled to end in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the cruise was also cut short from its original 21-night length.

Global Deployment Pattern Set to Continue

Global Deployment Pattern Set to Continue

The cruise industry’s 2026 global deployment pattern is forecast to continue based on port infrastructure and destination attractions.

For 2026, the Caribbean attracted nearly 41 percent of the global cruise passenger capacity, up from 39 percent in 2019, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

This year, the Caribbean will see an estimated total of about 17 million passengers, compared to 11 million in 2019.

The Caribbean capacity has been on a linear expansion curve over the past several decades.

The Mediterranean is the second largest sailing region with 15 percent of the industry capacity in 2026 and 6 million passengers up from 4 million passengers and the same market share in 2019.

The third largest deployment is found in the Asia-Pacific region with more than 4.4 million passengers sailing there for a market share just north of 11.4 percent, compared to 3.4 million passengers and a 12 percent market share in 2019.

Only the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific command double digit market shares.

Next is Northern Europe with 9 percent, the West Coast (of the United States) 5 percent, Alaska 4.7 percent, Australia 2.6 percent, the Canary Islands 2 percent, down to world cruises at 0.1 percent.

The deployment pattern is driven by demand combined with infrastructure development.

The total estimated passenger number for 2026 is 40 million.

 

 

Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean International is adding an extra port to the July 4, 2026, sailing onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the itinerary will now feature an additional visit to La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

Part of a seven-night cruise to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean from Puerto Rico, the new call replaces a day at sea.

“While planning our upcoming adventure, we want to make sure you are aware of a slight change to your itinerary,” Royal Caribbean told passengers.

The company said that the visit to La Romana was added as part of its routine review of upcoming cruise itineraries.

“From time to time, updates are necessary as we finalize scheduling port arrangements and operational details,” the company added.

Royal Caribbean added that the new call will enhance guests’ experience, giving them a full day to explore an additional port.

A selection of shore excursions for the new destination will be available for guests soon, the company noted.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to setting sail with you,” Royal Caribbean added.

In addition to the newly added visit to La Romana, Rhapsody’s July 4, 2026, itinerary sails to other destinations in the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sailing roundtrip from San Juan, the Vision-class ship is scheduled to visit Tortola, Philipsburg, St. John’s, Basseterre and St. Croix.

The Rhapsody of the Seas is currently offering a series of seven-night cruises from Puerto Rico that sail to destinations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Extending through 2026 and early 2027, the deployment will be followed by the ship’s return to Europe, with a summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Four Seasons II Revealed with New Yacht Residential Suites

Four Seasons II Revealed with New Yacht Residential Suites

Four Seasons Yachts has introduced the Four Seasons II, which showcases a new caliber of accommodation through its Yacht Residential Suites. The ship will start sailing in 2028, debuting in April in the Eastern Mediterranean following its delivery from Fincantieri.

“Following an exceptional launch for this new venture, we are thoughtfully expanding our fleet in a way that continues to elevate the experience,” said Ben Trodd, CEO, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd., joint owner/operator of Four Seasons Yachts.

“The Four Seasons II builds on this foundation, introducing new offerings on the water while deepening personalization and expanding access through the introduction of residential-scale suites,” added Trodd.

“Every detail has been considered to ensure guests feel an effortless sense of home, wherever they are sailing.”

The new yacht will feature 79 expansive suites, including a new collection of Yacht Residential Suites alongside a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.

“Four Seasons has always been defined by the quality of experience we create and the genuine care with which we deliver it,” said Alejandro Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons.

“Our first vessel has shown how naturally this extends to sea. With the Four Seasons II, we will continue to build on that foundation, creating experiences that feel deeply personal, thoughtfully designed, and unmistakably Four Seasons,” added Reynal.

Debuting in 2028, the Four Seasons II will mirror the intimate scale and design-forward philosophy of the first vessel, while introducing the new and expansive Yacht Residential Suites.

Designed for those seeking the ultimate in space, privacy and flexibility, the suites offer a residential-scale experience at sea, complete with open-concept living, private terraces and bespoke service tailored to each guest.

Ranging from two- to four-bedroom suites and positioned across the upper decks, the Yacht Residential Suites are ideal for extended stays, group travel and multi-generational journeys.

Features include integrated lifestyle kitchens and dining spaces, dedicated entertainment areas, and, in select suites, private splash pools, outdoor showers and wellness-focused amenities.

A dedicated concierge ensures every detail, from personalized dining to curated Shore and Sea Experiences, is arranged.

Voyages for the inaugural season are now open for booking.

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

The AIDAmar is scheduled to enter drydock with passengers onboard as part of a special itinerary in Northern Europe.

According to the company’s website, the new 10-night itinerary allows guests to live a “shipyard experience,” with a visit to a facility in the Netherlands.

The unique cruise departs from the German port of Warnemünde on June 28, 2026, and visits destinations in the Baltic and the North Sea.

But the highlight is a 24-hour call to a shipyard in Rotterdam.

“This very special journey takes you not to the typical tourist terminals but directly into the vibrant, industrial heart of Europe’s largest seaport,” AIDA stated.

The company added that the visit to the historical shipyard in Rotterdam offers AIDA fans and seafaring enthusiasts a rare opportunity to accompany the AIDAmar during its drydock.

AIDA noted that passengers will enjoy a unique atmosphere onboard as the ship undergoes scheduled maintenance at the facility.

The Carnival brand also described the cruise as an “authentic maritime experience, far from the usual holiday routes.”

AIDA said it is currently studying the possibility of allowing guests to disembark the vessel during its drydock.

“As this is an active industrial site subject to strict security regulations, disembarking on foot across the shipyard grounds is strictly prohibited for safety reasons,” the company explained.

“Any possibilities for leaving the ship depend on the operational procedures on site and, if feasible, will only be carried out in an organized manner.”

In addition to the visit to the shipyard in Rotterdam, the cruise will also sail to Visby, Stockholm and Karlskrona.

The theme cruise will cater to soccer fans as well, with a series of activities designed to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Part of AIDA’s Sphinx class, the AIDAmar was built at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany and entered service in 2012.

The 71,000-ton vessel is scheduled to undergo a major refurbishment in November 2026 as part of the AIDA Evolution refit program.

Cunard To Add 30 New Cabins to Queen Mary 2

Cunard To Add 30 New Cabins to Queen Mary 2

Deck plans published on Cunard’s website show that the company is planning to add 30 new staterooms to the Queen Mary 2.

Set to undergo a major refurbishment program in 2027, the 2004-built vessel will see the introduction of new suites and inside cabins.

Designed as the world’s first modern ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2 currently carries 2,620 passengers in double occupancy, and that will now increase by approximately 2.5 percent..

Most of the extra staterooms will be added to a section of Deck 13 that is being turned into a new accommodation area.

Currently housing a sun deck, the space will offer 18 Princess Grill Suites, as well as five inside staterooms.

On Deck 9, the current Concierge Lounge is being converted into four additional inside cabins, while a new Penthouse Suite is being added to Deck 8.

The premium accommodation takes over an area adjacent to the ship’s library, which is currently occupied by a book store.

Cunard is also replacing part of the Queen Mary 2’s Teens and Kids Zone on Deck 6 with four new inside staterooms.

Other changes to the vessel’s deck plan include the addition of a new sun deck on Deck 14, as well as the removal of the Boardwalk Café from Deck 12.

While no details of the refurbishment have officially been confirmed at press time, Cunard’s website confirms that the Queen Mary 2 will undergo enhancements ahead of next year’s summer season.

The 151,400-ton ship is expected to enter drydock in late March 2027 before welcoming guests back on May 9, 2027.

The cabin additions follow a recent trend in the cruise industry, which has seen  cruise lines adding significant numbers of new staterooms to their older ships.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Norwegian, Holland America and Celestyal are among the brands that added capacity to vessels in drydock recently.

Deutschland Starts Farewell Season for Phoenix Reisen

Deutschland Starts Farewell Season for Phoenix Reisen

The Deutschland recently sailed from Bremerhaven to kick off its farewell season for German cruise operator Phoenix Reisen.

After undergoing a drydock at the same port in April, the 1998-built vessel started the deployment on May 12, 2026.

The final season includes a series of eight cruises departing from three homeports: Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven and Kiel.

Visiting destinations in Northern Europe, Iceland, the Baltic, and the British Isles, the 520-passenger ship will operate eight- to 22-night cruises.

For the first cruise of the season, the Deutschland offers a 16-night voyage to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The itinerary is highlighted by visits to 13 destinations, including Belfast, Edinburgh, Douglas, Dover and Portland.

Before ending its summer season for the German brand in early September, the ship also offers a three-week cruise to the Portuguese archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira.

The voyage features calls to Ponta Delgada and Funchal, as well as stops in lesser-visited destinations such as Praia da Vitória and Velas.

Sailing round trip from Cuxhaven, the cruise is also set to visit other destinations in Northern Europe, including Glengariff and Honfleur.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Phoenix Reisen decided not to renew the charter contract of the Deutschland.

Sailing seasonally for the brand since 2015, the vessel will not return to the company’s fleet for the 2027 summer season.

In addition to the ship, the German brand operates the Artania, the Amera and the Amadea on a year-round basis.

After completing its farewell deployment for Phoenix Reisen, the Deutschland is set to be renamed World Odyssey before embarking on another season for Semester at Sea.

As part of the company’s educational cruising platform, the vessel offers two world cruises during the 2026-27 winter season. Further plans for the future of the 22,400-ton ship are still to be announced.

Hantavirus-Hit Hondius Passengers Repatriated to Home Countries

Hantavirus-Hit Hondius Passengers Repatriated to Home Countries

Twenty British nationals evacuated from the Hondius are beginning 45 days of self-isolation in the UK after their chartered flight from Tenerife landed at Manchester Airport on May 10, according to the BBC.

The evacuees are isolating at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside for 72 hours before being asked to self-isolate for a further 42 days at home.

Seventeen American passengers from the vessel returned to the United States on May 11, landing in Nebraska, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

One American passenger tested mildly PCR positive for the virus, the department said, according to the New York Times.

The American passengers were transported to the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, the country’s only federally funded quarantine center.

Two of the American passengers traveled in specialized biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution.

One passenger had mild symptoms and the other was the passenger who had tested mildly positive for the Andes virus, the department said.

International passengers from 23 nationalities were repatriated to their home countries following the vessel’s arrival at Granadilla port in Tenerife on May 10 at 06:24 local time, according to Oceanwide Expeditions.

Spanish nationals were given priority during the evacuation process, the Spanish health ministry said.

Passengers were ferried to shore in small launch boats and underwent medical screening before boarding evacuation flights arranged by their respective countries. Luggage stayed on the ship and will be dealt with separately.

The disembarkation was coordinated by local authorities, the WHO and international governments, with the sequence timed to the arrival of repatriation flights.

No quarantine of non-Spanish nationals took place in Spain, Oceanwide Expeditions said.

The Hondius docked in the Canary Islands on May 10 after Spain granted permission for the vessel to sail from Cape Verde.

 

Holland America Reveals Post-Evolution Deployment for Oosterdam

Holland America Reveals Post-Evolution Deployment for Oosterdam

Holland America Line is now accepting bookings for the first post-refit season onboard the Oosterdam, the company said in a press release.

The Vista-class ship will be the first to undergo a major refurbishment as part of the Holland America Evolution, which is considered the largest fleet investment in the brand’s 153-year history.

After undergoing its drydock, the Oosterdam is set to offer eight itineraries and 15 departure dates across Europe, the Caribbean and North America starting in late 2027.

Holland America said that the sailings “give guests the earliest opportunity to experience Oosterdam’s onboard enhancements, paired with destination-rich itineraries.”

The company highlighted the multi-year refurbishment program, which was designed to modernize its fleet by bringing features from the newer Pinnacle Class to more ships.

Following the project, the Oosterdam will introduce new stateroom and suite categories, in addition to expanded access to signature venues.

“We’re excited about what Holland America Evolution represents for our fleet and for our guests,” said Michael Stendebach, senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard the elevated Oosterdam through these new voyages, where they’ll be among the first to experience what this transformation brings. From the first step on board, guests will feel a more refined and thoughtfully designed experience, with new spaces like the Grand Dutch Café providing a sense of comfort and welcome as their vacation begins,” he added.

Among the new features coming to the Oosterdam are Solo Verandah staterooms, which offer solo travelers a private balcony and dedicated workspace.

Guests seeking premium accommodations can also choose from newly introduced Bridgeview Suites that feature panoramic windows and living space, as well as Vista Suites, debuting on Oosterdam for the first time.

As part of its Evolution enhancements, the ship will also introduce the Grand Dutch Café, a European-inspired coffee shop that first debuted on Pinnacle class ships and builds on the company’s Dutch heritage.

Following its refurbishment, the Oosterdam will return to service in Europe in early December 2027, kicking off a seven-day itinerary in the Western Mediterranean.

The cruise features visits to destinations in Spain, Portugal and Morocco and will be followed by a 13-night trans-Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.

The 2003-built vessel is then set to spend the 2027-28 season sailing from Port Everglades to the Caribbean, with 11- and 12-night itineraries that highlight destinations in the Southern Caribbean and the ABC Islands.

In spring 2028, the Oosterdam will transit the Panama Canal while repositioning north to the Pacific Coast.

Holland America said that the journey includes ports throughout Central America and Mexico, followed by scenic sailings along the U.S. West Coast before concluding in the Pacific Northwest.

Stornoway Port Set for Major 2026 Cruise Season

Stornoway Port Set for Major 2026 Cruise Season

Stornoway Port is preparing to welcome 89 cruise ship calls during the 2026 season, reinforcing its growing prominence as one of Scotland’s premier cruise destinations, according to a press release.

The season is expected to bring approximately 60,000 passengers to the Outer Hebrides, contributing an estimated £7.8 million to the local economy.

“The 2026 cruise season represents another major milestone for Stornoway Port, with 89 scheduled calls highlighting the continued growth in demand from international cruise operators,” said Kirsty Hutchison, cruise and marketing manager at Stornoway Port.

“The return of high-profile vessels such as Queen Anne, alongside visits from MSC Preziosa and Carnival Legend, demonstrates the strength of Stornoway’s reputation as a world-class destination.”

Among the headline arrivals in 2026 are globally recognized vessels. These include the MSC Preziosa, the Carnival Legend and Cunard’s newest flagship, the Queen Anne, which will return to Stornoway following its successful maiden visit in 2025.

The MSC Preziosa and the Carnival Legend will each bring substantial visitor numbers to the island.

Their inclusion in the schedule demonstrates sustained confidence in Stornoway’s facilities, particularly the £59 million Deep Water Terminal, which has significantly expanded the port’s ability to accommodate larger, modern cruise ships.

Hutchison said the Deep Water Terminal continues to transform what the port can offer, strengthening its ability to accommodate larger vessels and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The port is progressing plans for the next phase of development at the terminal, alongside the ongoing development of Arnish Road, to further build capacity and resilience across the estate, she said.