Norwegian Cancels Joy Cruise Due to Charter

Norwegian Cancels Joy Cruise Due to Charter

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the cruise that was set to take place onboard the Norwegian Joy on April 12, 2027.

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

Sailing roundtrip from PortMiami, the vessel was set to offer a five-night cruise to the Bahamas and Mexico.

In addition to Cozumel, the itinerary included a visit to the company’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay, as well as two days of cruising in the Caribbean.

Norwegian said that guests will receive a full monetary refund of the fare paid for the cruise, which will be automatically returned to the original form of payment. In addition they will be getting a future cruise credit (FCC).

“We recognize this change wasn’t part of your original travel arrangements, and as a token of our appreciation for your patience, we’re pleased to offer you a 10 percent discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit,” the company added.

The FCC can be used toward any of Norwegian’s published sailings through December 31, 2027, the statement added.

The company also said that its teams are available to book guests on alternative sailings, suggesting three similar cruises departing from Miami.

Highlighted cruises include two departures of the Norwegian Viva, sailing on April 13 and April 18, 2027.

The first sails to the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic over the course of five nights, while the second is a seven-night cruise to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Norwegian also suggested a four-night cruise to the Bahamas onboard the Norwegian Getaway on April 12, 2027. All of the options also include a visit to Great Stirrup Cay.

Following its new charter sailing, the Norwegian Joy is scheduled to reposition to the West Coast ahead of a summer season in Alaska.

Joining the Norwegian Bliss, the Norwegian Encore and the Norwegian Jade, the vessel offers a series of seven-night cruises departing from Seattle.

More Information

A full-ship charter for a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessel generally ranges from £1 million to over £12 million ($1.3 million to $15+ million USD) for a week, depending on the ship's size, age, and itinerary. Chartering requires covering the equivalent of all stateroom fares, food, entertainment, and a 10% or higher initial deposit. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Considerations for Full-Ship Charters:

• Costs: Rates often base on roughly $150–$200+ per passenger per day, plus taxes and gratuities, which on a 4,000-passenger ship can exceed several million dollars in total.
• Capacity & Timing: Costs vary based on the ship class and season; smaller or older ships (e.g., Norwegian Sky) cost less than larger, modern vessels (e.g., Norwegian Encore).
• Payments: A non-refundable deposit is required at signing, typically with the full balance due 90 days to several months in advance.
• All-Inclusive Nature: The charter fee covers food, entertainment, and standard amenities, but usually excludes alcohol, spa treatments, and special excursions.
• Process: Companies like NCL Corporate Incentives handle these, requiring advanced planning (often 12–18 months). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

For exact pricing, you must submit a request for proposal directly to Norwegian Cruise Line's charter department.

Royal Caribbean Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

Royal Caribbean Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

Royal Caribbean International has solidified its commitment to the Chinese market by renewing its partnership with the Shanghai Rolex Masters tennis tournament.

The cruise line will continue as the Official Cruise Line Partner for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the event, marking a strategic extension of its high-profile sports marketing initiative in the region.

The renewed multi-year deal sees Royal Caribbean retaining its title sponsorship of the “Royal Caribbean Masters Practice Court” at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena and maintaining its exclusive branded skybox, offering guests premium viewing and interactive experiences.

This collaboration aims to fuse the world of elite sports with the brand’s signature “Live. Love. Cruise.” vacation lifestyle.

Benjamin Bouldin, Vice President and Managing Director, Greater China at Royal Caribbean International, stated that the partnership aligns with the brand’s mission to create deep connections with consumers’ passions.

“As an international brand also rooted in Shanghai, we are honored to renew our partnership with this iconic tennis event,” Bouldin said. “We believe exceptional experiences are not just about ‘arriving,’ but about resonating deeply with what people love”.

Michael Luévano, Tournament Director of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, welcomed the continued alliance, noting Royal Caribbean’s success in integrating its vacation concept into the event last year and creating memorable fan interactions.

Azamara: Investing in Existing Fleet and More Markets

Azamara: Investing in Existing Fleet and More Markets

With a new refurbishment program underway, Azamara is focusing on hardware upgrades and operational agility to drive profitability, according to Chief Executive Officer Dondra Ritzenthaler.

The company last expanded its fleet in 2022, with the introduction of the Azamara Onward, which was acquired from Princess Cruises a year earlier.

According to Ritzenthaler, the company currently sees investment in its own fleet as the biggest opportunity for growth.

In 2026, Azamara announced the “Forward” refurbishment program, an $80-million project that will see the brand’s four ships undergoing major refits.

Ritzenthaler said that in addition to updates to existing areas of the vessels, the program includes major structural additions.

“We’re literally putting a deck on top of the ship that’s going to have 12 more suites,” she explained.

The first ship to undergo the project is the Azamara Quest, which will debut the new features ahead of its upcoming world cruise in early 2027. The Azamara Onward follows suit later next year.

Beyond hardware upgrades, the company is also planning to expand its global sourcing footprint, paying more attention to new markets around the world, Ritzenthaler said.

Azamara currently sources most of its guests in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, she explained.

Executing these growth strategies is made easier by the lack of corporate bureaucracy inherent in a smaller organization, Ritzenthaler noted.

“You can make changes; you can turn on the dime. And I think when you’re able to do that, then the economics of what you do become much easier to achieve,” she explained.

Ritzenthaler said that Azamara is currently performing extremely well financially from an EBITDA standpoint.

This so-called operational nimbleness is said to be transferred to the brand’s deployment strategy, allowing Azamara to secure premium berthing in highly regulated destinations.

“We simply can go in right into the city center. We literally go up the Seville River where the larger ships have to stay out and tender people in,” Ritzenthaler said.

As some ports push back against large tourist influxes, smaller vessels provide a vital economic lifeline for local communities without overwhelming local infrastructure, Ritzenthaler continued.

The ability to rapidly adjust deployments is also an important defense against external disruptions, including fluctuating fuel prices and regional conflicts.

“We look at this every single day,” Ritzenthaler said, noting that Azamara is in a better position to weather geopolitical issues due to being small and profitable.

She said that when itinerary changes occur, the company relies heavily on its travel advisor network to communicate with passengers, ensuring safety remains a non-competitive priority across the industry.

Speaking of demographics, Ritzenthaler said that the company caters to shifting audiences but tends to naturally attract a specific passenger demographic.

While maturing cruisers looking to step up from premium lines form a significant part of the company’s public, the core Azamara guest is defined by having ample time and resources.

“The average cruise length for us is 12 nights, but many of our customers do back-to-backs or take intensive cruises or even a world voyage,” she said.

“These customers are different customers who really want to get immersed,” noting that the company’s passengers ultimately “love cruising.”

This mindset fosters a strong onboard community, Ritzenthaler added, leading to repeat bookings among affinity groups.

However, despite having an affluent passenger base, the company sees a consistent demand for a clear upfront value.

“No matter how wealthy somebody is, people still love value for money,” she noted, pointing to the line’s inclusive pricing model.

Ritzenthaler said that while external challenges may arise, the company is in a good position to handle situations positively.

“In life, it’s only 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how you handle it, and we’re going to handle it in a positive, nimble, flexible and resilient way.”

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.

 

Norwegian Targets Marketing Overhaul with New Leadership, Leaner Spend

Norwegian Targets Marketing Overhaul with New Leadership, Leaner Spend

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is moving to rebuild its marketing function at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, bringing in new leadership and cutting overall spending, said Chairperson and CEO John Chidsey.

Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Chidsey acknowledged that marketing underperformance has been a significant part of the brand’s occupancy shortfall, and that correcting course will require both new personnel and a more disciplined approach to how dollars are allocated.

“We are looking to bring in new leadership in marketing at NCL and better align that function with revenue management, deployment, and sales,” Chidsey said. “This work is critical and will strengthen the business over time, but it may result in some near-term variability in top-line performance as we work through these initiatives.”

NCLH recently completed a search for a new chief people officer, and Chidsey said the company is continuing to build out its revenue management team, noting that new hires across both functions have not yet fully gelled, contributing to the wide guidance range the company issued for the full year.

On the spending side, NCLH expects to reduce marketing outlays as part of a broader spending cutback.

Chidsey said the company had lost its way on marketing efficiency, saying that spend had grown disproportionate to results over the past several years.

“Our spend increased dramatically, and we’re not nearly as efficient as our competitors,” Chidsey said.

CFO Mark Kempa offered a stark data point on the inefficiency, noting that NCLH had been spending approximately twice as much per berth as competitors.

“It’s about putting the dollars to work in the right places versus volume,” Kempa said.

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.

Three Guests Dead as Oceanwide Battles Suspected Virus Outbreak

Three Guests Dead as Oceanwide Battles Suspected Virus Outbreak

Oceanwide Expeditions has confirmed three guests have passed away onboard the Hondius which is currently located off the coast of Cape Verde.

Media reports said the 174-guest ship is battling a hantavirus outbreak. Information regarding the number of guests and crew aboard was not immediately available.

In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members onboard require urgent medical care.

The company said that as of May 3, no authorization from Cape Verdean authorities has been given to disembark guests requiring medical care or to support with medical screening.

“Local health authorities have visited the vessel to assess the condition of the two symptomatic individuals. They are yet to make a decision regarding the transfer of these individuals into medical care in Cape Verde,” the company said.

The company said in a statement that its priority is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals onboard receive adequate and expedited medical care.

“Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort in organizing the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals onboard the Hondius from Cape Verde to the Netherlands.”

The body of the deceased individual is also planned to be included in this repatriation, along with a guest closely associated with the deceased, who is not symptomatic, the company said.

“This repatriation depends on many factors, including the authorization and support of local Cape Verdean health authorities for the transfer of individuals requiring medical attention from Hondius,” the company stated.

Oceanwide stressed it is working closely with local and international authorities, including WHO, RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

Norwegian Reports 2026 Q1 Results

Norwegian Reports 2026 Q1 Results

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 and provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2026.

Highlights

• First quarter total revenue grew 10% to $2.3 billion. GAAP net income was $105 million, with EPS of $0.23.
• Delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $533 million in first quarter 2026, exceeding guidance, and representing an increase of 18% compared to 2025. Adjusted Net Income more than doubled to $108 million. Adjusted EPS increased $0.13 to $0.23.
• Company lowered full year 2026 guidance with Adjusted EPS expected to be $1.45 to $1.79.
• Company took delivery of Norwegian Luna, featuring an exceptional collection of venues and experiences, including its latest in house production ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John™.
• Announced Board refreshment with the appointment of five new independent directors effective March 31, 2026, further strengthening the Company’s governance and shareholder value focus.
• Executed targeted initiatives to enhance its SG&A profile, generating approximately $125 million of expected annualized run-rate savings.

“

We delivered strong first quarter results, and more importantly we have already begun taking decisive actions to strengthen execution and accountability across the company, which will enhance results over the longer term,” said John W. Chidsey, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“During the quarter, we acted with urgency to simplify, optimize, and streamline the organization, including executing SG&A savings initiatives totaling $125 million in expected run rate savings. These are long-term structural actions that we believe will help offset near-term pressures and position the business for stronger performance over time. As we move through the year, we will continue to manage costs and focus on revenue growth to align resources with the high-growth, high value areas of the business. I remain confident and encouraged that we are building a leaner, more effective and nimble organization that positions NCLH for sustainable long-term value creation.”

First Quarter 2026 Highlights

• Generated total revenue of $2.3 billion, a 10% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025, driven by increased Capacity Days. GAAP net income was $104.7 million compared to $(40.3) million in the prior year, with EPS of $0.23.
• Gross margin per Capacity Day increased 4.0% versus 2025 on an as reported basis and increased 2.6% on a Constant Currency basis. Net Yield decreased approximately 0.3% on an as reported basis and 1.0% on a Constant Currency basis, above our guidance of a decline of 1.6%.
• Gross Cruise Costs per Capacity Day was approximately $287, compared to $297 in the prior year. Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day was approximately $169 on an as reported basis and $168 on a Constant Currency basis, and was down 0.2% on an as reported basis and 1.0% on a Constant Currency basis compared to $169 in 2025, better than guidance.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 18% to $533 million, compared to $453 million in 2025, exceeding guidance of ~$515 million. Adjusted EPS increased 121% to $0.23, exceeding guidance of ~$0.16.

2026 Full Year Outlook

The Company is experiencing headwinds related to disruptions in the Middle East, including higher fuel expense and signs of softer demand as consumers reevaluate travel plans, particularly to Europe. As previously noted, the Company entered 2026 behind its targeted booking curve, and these headwinds have hindered the Company’s ability to accelerate bookings and close that gap. These external pressures come as the Company continues to enhance its revenue management system and improve execution, resulting in additional pressure on the business and a reduction in its full year guidance. A summary of the updated full year guidance is provided below:

• 2026 full year Net Yield on a Constant Currency basis is expected to be down approximately 3% to 5% versus 2025.
• 2026 Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day is expected to be approximately flat on a Constant Currency basis versus 2025, reflecting better-than-previously-guided performance driven by workforce optimization and other SG&A savings.
• 2026 full year Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $2.48 billion to $2.64 billion.
• Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin for the full year 2026 is expected to be 32.9% to 34.3%.
• Full year Adjusted Net Income is expected to be approximately $679 million to $838 million. Adjusted EPS is expected to be $1.45 to $1.79.

Q2 2026 Outlook

• Q2 2026 Net Yield on a Constant Currency basis is expected to decline approximately 3.6% versus 2025.
• Q2 2026 Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day is expected to grow approximately 1.0% on a Constant Currency basis versus 2025.
• Q2 2026 Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $632 million and Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin for the quarter is expected to be approximately 32.5%.

 

Booking Environment Update

The Company remains below its optimal booking range following certain execution missteps, exacerbated by softer demand related to heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Recent events related to the conflict in the Middle East have impacted bookings across all three brands, especially in Europe during the summer season. While the near-term environment remains challenging, the Company is taking targeted actions to better align commercial strategy, including marketing, with deployment and revenue management, with the benefits of these actions expected to materialize gradually over time.

Liquidity and Financial Position

The Company is committed to optimizing its balance sheet and reducing Net Leverage. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had total debt of $15.2 billion and Net Debt of $15.0 billion. Net Leverage ended the quarter at 5.3x.

As of March 31, 2026, liquidity was $1.6 billion including approximately $185.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $1.4 billion of availability under our Revolving Loan Facility.

“During the quarter we delivered better-than-expected cost performance across the business,” said Mark A. Kempa, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As we navigate a more uncertain macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, we are acting diligently to offset those pressures through targeted SG&A savings and broader efficiency initiatives. Based on the actions taken during the quarter, we now expect full year Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel to be approximately flat to last year, which should help support margins as we continue to strengthen execution across the business.”

Outlook and Guidance

In addition to announcing the results for the first quarter of 2026, the Company also provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2026, along with accompanying sensitivities, subject to changes in the broad macroeconomic environment. The Company does not provide certain estimated future results on a GAAP basis because the Company is unable to predict, with reasonable certainty, the future movement of foreign exchange rates or the future impact of certain gains and charges. These items are uncertain and will depend on several factors, including industry conditions, and could be material to the Company’s results computed in accordance with GAAP. The Company has not provided reconciliations between the Company’s 2026 guidance and the most directly comparable GAAP measures because it would be too difficult to prepare a reliable U.S. GAAP quantitative reconciliation without unreasonable effort.

Royal Caribbean Wants to Own Texas Market

Royal Caribbean Wants to Own Texas Market

Royal Caribbean Group has set its sights on the Texas cruise market.

“We’re expecting to own the Texas market as it relates to cruising into the Caribbean,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, speaking on the company’s first quarter earnings call April 30.

A new terminal that opened in 2022 in Galveston will now be supported by Perfect Day Mexico, Royal Caribbean’s destination development in the Gulf, which is expected to soft-open in the fourth quarter of 2027 before fully ramping through 2028.

The project had encountered a temporary pause due to environmental permitting issues, but Bayley confirmed on the call that those issues have been resolved and construction has resumed.

“All of that is now behind us,” he said.

When complete, Perfect Day Mexico will anchor what Royal Caribbean sees as a transformational combination of assets serving the Gulf and Texas markets: Perfect Day Mexico paired with Royal Beach Club Cozumel, expected to open in early 2028.

“The combination of the hardware, the brand and the destination, we believe, is going to be a massive accelerator for overall financial performance for the business,” Bayley said.

“(Texas) is a market which is much larger than Florida and its penetration rate is much lower than Florida,” Bayley said.

CEO Jason Liberty elaborated on the geographic reach the Galveston hub has.

“It’s also going to unlock, more potential in the West, really kind of west of the Mississippi,  as the cost to get to Houston and so forth is less than other parts of the country,” he said.

Adora to Take Delivery of New Ship Sooner than Planned

Adora to Take Delivery of New Ship Sooner than Planned

Adora Cruises will take delivery of its new cruise ship, the Adora Flora City, ahead of schedule.

Based on an agreement with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard, the vessel will be delivered on November 6, 2026, the company said in a press release.

The ship will then launch international routes from Guangzhou, the capital of South China’s Guangdong Province.

Adora’s CEO, Roger Chen, said: “We are now fully focused on the early delivery of Adora Flora City and on preparations for her launch.  We will continue to optimise the deployment, deepen our ‘Cruise + Culture’ strategy and refine the guest experiences, bringing fabulous cruise vacations to more travellers at home and abroad.”

After being floated out on March 20, 2026, the vessel has now fully entered the commissioning phase.

According to Adora, the overall construction progress has reached 96 per cent, with interior outfitting 87 per cent complete and commissioning work 76 per cent complete. At the same time, sea trials are set to follow in mid-May.

Chen added that the ship’s maiden voyage plan would be announced soon.

Norwegian Aura Floated Out at Fincantieri

Norwegian Aura Floated Out at Fincantieri

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) floated out the Norwegian Aura during a ceremony held on April 16 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

Now that the external hull construction is complete and the ship has touched water for the first time, work will continue on the ship’s interior development, according to a statement.

Said to be the largest vessel in company’s history, the ship is set to debut in May 2027.

“Norwegian Aura’s float out is a proud and meaningful moment for our entire team. She builds on the legacy of our award-winning Prima Class while taking our commitment to thoughtfully designed guest‑first experiences even further,” said NCL President Marc Kazlauskas.

“Created in close partnership with Fincantieri, the ship is purposefully constructed to deliver an elevated, multi‑generational vacation experience, with expansive outdoor spaces like Ocean Heights, that bring families and friends together for fun-filled days.”

Nearly 1,130 feet long and weighing approximately 170,000 tons, the ship will feature over 1,970 staterooms accommodating around 3,880 guests at double occupancy.

“Norwegian Aura’s float out marks a highly symbolic and operationally significant milestone in our shared journey with Norwegian Cruise Line,” noted Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division.

“This vessel reflects the strength of a long-standing partnership and our ability to turn design vision and innovation into tangible solutions, helping to redefine onboard experience for future generations of guests.”

The Norwegian Aura will set sail on her maiden voyage on May 21, 2027, with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage departing from Trieste, Italy and calling to ports in Italy and Malta.

After that, she will embark on a 14-day transatlantic crossing to the United States.

Starting June 10, 2027, she will homeport in Miami and offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean during her inaugural season.

Norwegian Sky Repositions to Europe for Farewell Season

Norwegian Sky Repositions to Europe for Farewell Season

The Norwegian Sky recently kicked off a repositioning voyage ahead of its farewell season for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Having completed its winter season in the Southern Caribbean, the 1999-built vessel departed from the Dominican Republic on April 6, 2026.

The 13-night trans-Atlantic crossing sails to Le Havre and includes visits to destinations in the British Virgin Islands, Portugal, Spain and France.

Ports of call set to welcome the Norwegian Sky include Tortola, Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Vigo and La Coruña.

Once in France, the 2,000-passenger ship offers seven-night cruises to Northern and Western Europe between April and May.

Sailing between Le Havre and Copenhagen, the itineraries feature visits to ports in France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and more.

In mid-May, the Norwegian Sky sails to the British Isles with a series of ten- and 11-night cruises departing from Southampton.

The itineraries will be offered through late August, when the ship repositions to the Mediterranean for a short season.

In addition to a repositioning voyage, the deployment includes a nine-night cruise between Barcelona and Piraeus in late August.

Sailing to destinations in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, the itinerary is highlighted by visits to ports in France, Italy and Greece, such as Villefranche, Salerno and Santorini.

In early September, the Norwegian Sky is set to offer a final cruise before being handed over to Cordelia Cruises.

The 21-night cruise sails from Piraeus to Dubai and features a transit of the Suez Canal, in addition to visits to a range of destinations in the Middle East and the Red Sea.

As part of a deal announced in April 2025, the ship will be leased to Cordelia Cruises, launching cruises from Mumbai in September 2026.

In late 2027, the Norwegian Sun is also scheduled to join the fleet of the India-based cruise line, which currently operates the Empress.

MSC Removes Visits to Tracy Arm Fjord in 2026

MSC Removes Visits to Tracy Arm Fjord in 2026

MSC Cruises is removing Tracy Arm Fjord from the itineraries of its inaugural season in Alaska, which is scheduled to start in May.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the MSC Poesia will now visit a different glacier in the region.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to proceed with the planned navigation around the Tracy Arm Fjord, as current ice conditions and geological instability prevent safe navigation in the area,” the company explained.

“Since your safety and comfort are our top priority … we are pleased to offer you an alternative and equally enriching experience: you will navigate around Endicott Arm, a beautiful nearby fjord renowned for its spectacular scenery,” MSC added.

According to the company’s revised itinerary, the MSC Poesia is also set to offer scenic cruising at Dawes Glacier.

“Although this change is due to reasons beyond our control, we sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause,” MSC added.

As part of MSC Cruises’ maiden season in the region, the MSC Poesia is scheduled to arrive in Seattle on May 11, 2026.

Sailing from its new summer homeport, the 2008-built vessel is poised to offer a series of seven-night cruises to destinations that include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Victoria.

The season runs through late September, when the ship is scheduled to embark on a repositioning cruise to Florida.

Joining MSC’s lineup in Miami, the MSC Poesia offers a series of ten- and 11-night cruises to the Southern, Western and Eastern Caribbean during the 2026-27 winter season.

In related news, Carnival Cruise Line also announced plans to remove visits to Tracy Arm Fjord from its itineraries for the upcoming summer.

With three ships sailing in the region, the company replaced the visits to the glacier with scenic cruising at Endicott Arm Fjord.