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.

Carnival Corp. Shuffles Ships Between Cunard, P&O, and Holland America

Cunard's Queen Anne, soon to be transferred to P&O Cruises. Photo credit Spacejunkie2.

Cruise ships will be moving among three of Carnival Corporation’s brands as the company continues efforts to maximise the financial strength of its operations. Holland America Line and P&O Cruises will be increasing capacity by receiving newer ships, while Cunard will be giving up one ship, with the changes taking place in 20029.

The changes will begin in the spring of 2029 when Cunard’s Queen Anne will be transferred to P&O after completing her previously announced world cruise. The announcement says the ship will be “reimagined and renamed” before joining the UK-based operation in May 2029. 

P&O, however, will also be conducting a farewell season for its 20-plus-year-old cruise ship Arcadia, which will retire from the fleet on August 21, 2029. She will then transfer to Holland America Line as part of its ongoing fleet evolution. She will be refitted and renamed to join the US-based operation.

P&O Arcadia will be joining Holland America Line. Photo Credit SpaceJunkie2.

“These decisions reflect a careful, long-term view of our portfolio and where the individual strengths of each ship can best support guest demand and the future direction of our two cruise lines,” said Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises, and Cunard, announcing the changes. “This decision does not change our commitment to Cunard or its future.”

Queen Anne had been heralded with her launch in May 2024 as the first new ship added to Cunard since 2010, and the first time the venerated British brand would be operating four Queens. At 114,188 gross tons and 1,058 feet (323 meters) in length, the ship is based on the platform used for Holland America’s newest class of ships. She was a large addition for Cunard, with a 2,956-passenger capacity, but incorporated what the company calls “a bold and contemporary expression of Cunard,” which also drew criticism among the loyal clientele.

Ludlow said the changes would provide Cunard “a more closely unified fleet.” The ship will continue in service for the planned Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 and then her final world cruise. Carnival Corporation is also investing in an upgrade and modernisation of Queen Mary 2 in April 2027, which will add suites and redo the wellness area, shops, and some public spaces.

They said Queen Anne’s style would give her a “natural affinity with the modern P&O.” She will also increase capacity by nearly 1,000 berths for the British brand, which currently operates seven cruise ships. P&O had been using Arcadia for adult-only cruising but recently announced she would accept children and multi-generational travel on some cruises.

Built by Fincantieri, the 83,781 gross ton cruise ship was originally planned for Cunard but reassigned during construction to P&O, which launched her as Arcadia in April 2005. She is 952 feet (290 meters) in length with a capacity for 2,094 passengers.

Holland America highlights that the ship is built on the same platform as its Vista-class cruise ships Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam, and Westerdam. Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, said the ship will be a natural fit for the fleet and an extension of the evolution program.

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.

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.

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.

Explora and MSC to Enter River Cruise Market

Explora Journeys has signed a Letter of Intent with Den Breejen Shipyard for the construction of its first luxury river ships, marking the brand’s planned entry into river cruising for MSC Group.

The company said that since launching, Explora Journeys has sought to change the way people experience ocean travel through its Ocean State of Mind philosophy, “combining the freedom and discovery of travelling by sea with the elegance and refinement of European hospitality and design. The brand now intends to bring that same approach to Europe’s most iconic rivers.”

Further details regarding ship design, onboard experiences, delivery schedules and initial itineraries will be announced in due course, with sales planned to open in 2027.

The move follows Celebrity Cruises' entry into the river market, which will happen in 2027, as well as Lindblad Expeditions, which debuted its European river operation this 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.

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.

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.

Explora III Arrives in Northern Europe During Maiden Season

Explora III Arrives in Northern Europe During Maiden Season

Explora Journeys’ newest ship, the Explora III, recently arrived in Northern Europe during its maiden season.

The vessel is now offering a series of cruises to the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and the British Isles, having welcomed its first guests in early August.

The Explora III kicked off its schedule in the region a few weeks later, following a repositioning voyage that started in Lisbon, Portugal.

The 15-night itinerary included visits to destinations in Spain, England, France and Norway before ending in Copenhagen, Denmark.

For its debut in the region, the ship is now offering a Baltic cruise that sails to Estonia, Sweden and Latvia.

The eight-night itinerary includes stops in Tallinn, Riga, Visby and Ronne, plus an overnight call in Stockholm.

The ship will offer additional itineraries to Scandinavia, the British Isles and Iceland before repositioning to North America.

In late September, the Explora III will cross the Atlantic for the first time ahead of a fall season in Canada and New England.

The vessel will then reposition to the Caribbean in late October, offering itineraries departing from Miami, Puerto Rico and Barbados.

Built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy, the Explora III was delivered to Explora Journeys in late July.

As the third ship in a series that began with the Explora I in 2023, the 922-passenger vessel is the first in the company’s fleet to be powered by LNG.

The 70,000-ton vessel is also slightly larger than its predecessors, offering additional public areas and more suites.

Before arriving in Northern Europe, the ship offered itineraries in the Mediterranean, Iberia and the Atlantic.

Explora is now preparing to welcome the Explora IV and the Explora V to its fleet in 2027, with the Explora VI following suit in 2028.

Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady gets a refresh: 7 upgrades travel agents need to know

Stepping onboard Valiant Lady following its May dry dock, returning passengers would be forgiven for overlooking the ship’s spring revamp.

Virgin Voyages’ second vessel is back after undergoing a number of tweaks, all of which aim to maximise previously underused areas and improve dining and entertainment offerings.

From renovated communal spaces to brand new restaurants, here’s everything agents need to know about Valiant Lady’s refreshed look.

The Roundabout

The Roundabout on Valiant Lady has been given a soft makeover in the hope that it will attract more guests during the day and early evening. 

Loud colours have been swapped for plummy tones, and furniture has been reorganised to encourage groups to gather and solos to unwind. Expect clusters of cushy seating, discreet nooks and laptop-friendly tables.

In the space, Roots Reggaeton can be heard and lots of plants add to the relaxed aesthetic. 

On The Rocks 

On The Rocks, Virgin Voyage’s glitzy cocktail lounge, has also had a few tweaks.

The layout has been updated to improve the quality of its live entertainment, with the removal of a partition wall making it easier to view the bandstand while also creating space for extra seating. 

The Grounds Club 

Espresso martini lovers rejoice – The Grounds Club is officially open for nightcaps.

Virgin Voyages’ Chicago-inspired cafe is now a day-to-night venue, transforming every afternoon into a full-service cocktail bar.

Warm lounge seating, woven pillars and wooden stools complete the nocturnal makeover. 

Ariya by Razzle Dazzle 

Taking over Razzle Dazzle every evening, Ariya marks Virgin Voyages’ first ever restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine. 

The menu features dishes like Eggplant Saag Napoleon and Lamb Shank Biryani, as well as spice-infused cocktails and cheesecake filled with gulab jamun. 

Razzle Dazzle, which is best known for its plant-based fare, will continue to operate a breakfast and brunch service. 

The Red Room

Though the Red Room’s architecture remains the same, its programming has undergone a major shake-up.

The ship’s scarlet-hued theatre will host a number of new experiences, including Sink ‘Oar’ Swim, an energetic game show and an interactive unboxing contest called Nice Box!

The Manor

Virgin Voyages was widely praised when it launched in 2021 for its electric nightlife – and it looks like that energy isn’t going anywhere. 

The line has made significant structural changes to its nightclub, The Manor, removing the raised seating area and rear wall to create an expanded dance floor.

The result is a single level venue with improved sight lines along with additional capacity, giving guests even more room to show off their best moves. 

Virgin Voyages

The Manor

Fitness and wellness

The Athletic Club has been refreshed with shaded daybed clusters, upgraded lounge seating and enhanced pool access. Walkways have also been widened via the removal of certain gym equipment, allowing for easier transitions between circuits. 

Other improvements include The Runway Racetrack, which has been given new customer signage and high visibility vinyls to prevent joggers and walkers from colliding along the 255-metre-long route. 

As for new classes, VHS Volume 2: The Great British Burn Off serves as the successor to the fleet’s 1980s aerobic sessions. Expect 90s Britpop, upbeat choreography and accessible routines.

Disney Cruise Line to return to New York in 2027-28 programme

Disney Treasure in New York

Disney Cruise Line will return to New York for the first time in four years as part of its autumn 2027 and spring 2028 programme.

 

Disney Wish will sail seven four to seven-night cruises from the city from September 2027, featuring New England and Canada’s Atlantic Coast, with ports of call including Boston, Saint John and Halifax.

 

Five of the sailings will also call at Bermuda, with three offering an extra day in port.

 

The season features expanded sailings to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic including the port on selected itineraries.

 

Three Wish Class ships will homeport from Port Canaveral from November 2027, including newest vessel Disney Destiny, alongside Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.

 

Disney Destiny will initially sail three to five-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale in autumn 2027, before homeporting from Port Canaveral for the first time to offer three to seven-night sailings to the Bahamas and western Caribbean.

 

Disney Wish will offer three and four-night voyages to the Bahamas following its New York season, while Disney Treasure will operate seven-night sailings to the eastern and western Caribbean.

 

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also join the Port Canaveral line-up from November 2027.

 

On the US West Coast, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will sail from San Diego through to early November 2027, offering three to seven-night Baja and Mexican Riviera itineraries.

 

Disney Magic will complete two Panama Canal repositioning cruises: a 14-night eastbound sailing to Galveston in November 2027 – featuring a maiden call at Fuerte Amador for Panama City – and a westbound voyage from San Diego in March 2028 with a maiden call at Colon, Panama.

 

The ship will also operate a series of seven-night cruises from Galveston.

 

In Asia, Disney Adventure will continue operating three and four-night itineraries from Singapore, including a maiden port call at Langkawi, Malaysia.

 

Early bookings for Castaway Club members open on August 31, ahead of general sale on September 8.

 

Tracy Wilson, senior vice-president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line operations, said: “Disney Cruise Line is proud to be a leader in family cruising, helping our guests create lasting memories in even more destinations.

 

“We are delighted to return to a guest-favourite port in New York, introduce maiden calls in Panama and continue visiting destinations throughout the Caribbean and beyond with our growing fleet.”