Carnival Cruise Line has just scrapped about a month’s worth of short West Coast sailings for late 2026.
Carnival Firenze is one of two Venice class ship from Carnival Cruise Line
The cruise line reached out to impacted guests to let them know about these changes. While it’s not uncommon for cruise lines to adjust itineraries or cancel cruises because of schedule changes, this notification caught some off guard as the cruises would have taken place in just seven months.
The Canceled Cruises
The cancelations impact future cruise passengers on Carnival Firenze and its 3- and 4-night Baja Mexico itineraries departing from Long Beach, California.
11 sailings scheduled between October 12 and November 16, 2026, have been removed from the schedule.
In an official advisory sent to guests, Colleen Oliverio, Vice President of Guest Services, stated:
“We have made some changes to the itinerary plans for Carnival Firenze and, unfortunately, your cruise has been cancelled.”
While the notice doesn’t provide a technical reason, some cruisers noticed that the timing is around the ship’s upcoming repositioning.
In early 2027, the Firenze is scheduled for a cruise around South America to begin new seasons in Miami and New York City. These cancelations might prove to provide a little window for maintenance or dry dock refurbishments before that move.
But then again, we don’t know for sure.
Impacted Dates
The canceled departures all fall on Mondays and Fridays:
October 2026: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
November 2026: 2, 6, 9, 13, 16
Your Options as a Passenger
If your booking is affected, you have until March 25, 2026, to choose between rebooking or receiving a refund.
Option 1: Rebooking with Some Perks
Carnival is encouraging travelers to sail on another ship in the fleet, saying in the letter that their “team is ready to discuss options and rebook you on another voyage right away.”
If you choose a comparable sailing on other Long Beach-based ships, like Carnival Radiance, Panorama, or Legend:
Price Protection: Your original cruise rate will be protected in similar accommodations.
Onboard Credit: Carnival is offering an incentive of “US$50.00, per person (maximum of US$100.00, per stateroom)“ as a credit to your Sail & Sign account.
Option 2: Full Refund
If you prefer not to reschedule, the letter clarifies that “no action is required on your part.”
A full refund of the cruise fare and any pre-purchased items (like drink packages or excursions) will be issued to your original form of payment after March 25, 2026.
This applies to fares with non-refundable deposits as well.
Bottom Line
If you do plan to rebook and take option 1, I highly recommend you grab that new sailing right away. There are thousands of impacted guests who will be doing the same thing so those “ideal” cabins might fill up pretty quickly.
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Royal Caribbean is bringing America’s Got Talent LIVE to their next new cruise ship that will debut this summer, Legend of the Seas.
America’s Got Talent LIVE is coming to sea for the first time ever and will be a reimagined extensions of the hit global variety show.
America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas will amplify what has made the Got Talent franchise a global cultural phenomenon. Legend’s Royal Theater will showcase a dynamic lineup of unique acts featuring performers from the Got Talent universe, from magicians and musicians to acrobats, aerialists and more.
This newest addition to Legend of the Seas will compliment an incredible entertainment lineup that will include Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, the AquaTheater, and Absolute Zero.
The AquaTheater will feature deck-defying high divers, aerialists, robots and dancers. Absolute Zero will be the largest ice arena at sea and feature show-stopping performances.
Christine Coachman, vice president of entertainment, Royal Caribbean, gave the following statement about this new addition:
“At Royal Caribbean, we are constantly redefining live entertainment at every turn—bringing jaw-dropping performances to life across stage, air, water, and ice—and America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas is the perfect expression of that vision.
“As one of the most acclaimed entertainment franchises on television, America’s Got Talent perfectly reflects our commitment to bold, world-class experiences that will truly wow our audiences on Legend.”
Erica Gadecki, Executive Vice President of Partnership Solutions, Fremantle, added:
“We’re thrilled to bring Got Talent to an all-new at sea experience as we set sail for the first time with Royal Caribbean. We can’t wait to showcase incredible acts from around the world on a brand-new stage onboard, creating an unforgettable experience for fans.”
Legend of the Seas will debut on July 4, 2026 and start off by sailing seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean. In the fall, the cruise ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and offer six- and eight-night cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean.
Every cruise on the ship out of Florida will visit Royal Caribbean’s award winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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Princess Cruises has announced an extensive 115-night world cruise for 2028 aboard Coral Princess, offering travellers a near four-month journey across multiple continents with departures from both the east and west coasts of the United States.
The 2,000-guest vessel will set sail on 3rd January 2028, with roundtrip options available from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Los Angeles, California.
Over the course of the voyage, the ship will travel approximately 36,000 nautical miles while calling at 49 ports in 24 countries across five continents.
During the sailing, Coral Princess will cross both the Equator and the International Date Line, creating a sweeping global itinerary designed to highlight diverse cultures and destinations.
“Our 2028 World Cruise is an unparalleled voyage designed for travelers to see the world in a meaningful, immersive way – with more overnight stays, more time in port, deeper cultural connections and unforgettable moments at every turn,”
“Guests will embark on an exceptional and deeply rewarding journey with extraordinary exploration, effortlessly wrapped in Princess’ signature warmth,”
Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer.
Passengers can choose to sail the entire 115-night itinerary, although the cruise line will also offer a range of shorter segments ranging from 20 to 100 nights for travellers who prefer a shorter adventure.
Global Route Includes New Destinations
While Coral Princess is already a regular on long global voyages, the newly announced itinerary still includes new highlights.
The ship is currently sailing a 131-night Circle Pacific Voyage, a route designed to bypass regional tensions around the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Another Circle Pacific sailing lasting 129 nights is already scheduled for 2027, with plans to visit 61 destinations across three continents.
For the 2028 world cruise, Coral Princess will make a maiden call at Mossel Bay in South Africa. The coastal town is known for its dramatic scenery and historic significance, with nearby caves that contain some of the earliest known evidence of modern human culture dating back more than 160,000 years.
Throughout the voyage, the 91,627-gross ton ship will transit the Panama Canal before sailing to Hawaii and across the South Pacific, including calls in Samoa and Fiji. From there, the itinerary continues to Australia and New Zealand before heading into the Indian Ocean with visits to Mauritius and Réunion Island.
The cruise will also explore parts of Africa and Europe, including Casablanca in Morocco, as well as several Mediterranean and Adriatic ports such as Barcelona, Sicily and Dubrovnik. After its European calls, the ship will cross the Atlantic Ocean to complete the roundtrip voyage back in North America.
Overnight Stays And Extended Port Visits
Princess Cruises is also emphasising longer stays in several destinations, allowing passengers more time ashore.
The itinerary includes ten extended port calls along with overnight visits in Cape Town, South Africa, and Auckland, New Zealand. Late evening departures are also planned in destinations such as Barcelona, Casablanca, Honolulu, Sydney and Melbourne.
“These extended calls let guests experience each destination after dark. Highlights include world-class dining and wine in South Africa, Mediterranean cultural treasures, Hawaii’s vibrant island life, and the cosmopolitan energy of Australia and Europe,” Princess Cruises stated.
New shore excursions are also being introduced as part of the voyage. Among them are safari experiences visiting some of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves, including Aquila Game Reserve and Pumba Private Game Reserve, known for its rare white lions.
Guests enrolled in the Captain’s Circle loyalty programme may also qualify for onboard credit of up to $3,000, which can be used toward excursions and other onboard purchases.
Bookings for the 2028 World Cruise are now open through Princess Cruises and travel agents.
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A cruise line has announced visits to over 60 new ports in 2026, 2027 and 2028 thanks to their smaller ships that can visit almost anywhere in the world.
SeaDream Yacht Club will visit 60+ new ports over the next couple years on their two ships, SeaDream I and SeaDream II.
New for this year, SeaDream will visit Primosten, Croatia; Syvota, Greece; Galaxidi, Greece; Tinos, Greece; and Setúbal, Portugal. The cruise line will also return to Fajardo Bay, Puerto Rico for the first time in 10 years.
In 2027, SeaDream will visit 27 new ports across Northern Europe, the British Isles and the Mediterranean. This expansion triples the number of voyages compared with 2026 and demonstrates the company’s ambition to explore new frontiers.
Port highlights of these cruises that visit everywhere from Portuguese fishing villages to the Fresh Riviera include:
Arendal & Brønnøysund, Norway
Caen‑Ouistreham, Franc
Capraia, Italy
Castellon & Ceuta, Spain
Fair Isle & Stromness, Scotland
Kinsale & Youghal, Ireland
Lagos, Portugal
Vágur, Faroe Islands
Other new ports include Dartmouth and Poole in England; Dundee, Montrose and Oban in Scotland; Skudeneshavn in Norway; Porto Montenegro; and Saint‑Raphaël on the French Riviera.
Many itineraries also incorporate new turnaround ports at Leith (Edinburgh) and Portsmouth, extending the cruise line’s reach into the British Isles. Guests can expect itineraries such as Oslo‑to‑Edinburgh, Glasgow‑to‑Dublin, and Valletta‑to‑Rome (for the 2027 solar eclipse).
For 2028, the cruise line will visit 28 maiden ports across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Caribbean. The season emphasizes intimate access to towns that larger cruise ships skip.
Signature new destinations include:
Portonovi, Montenegro
Visby & Fjällbacka, Sweden
Port St. Charles, Barbados & St. Pierre, Martinique
Bol (Brač), Croatia & Carloforte (Isola di San Pietro), Italy
These new ports are in addition to extended stays in Portofino, Dubrovnik, the Dalmatian Coast and Norway’s fjords. Together, they offer guests the chance to explore Europe and the Caribbean in a way that larger luxury cruise lines simply cannot.
Andreas Brynestad, President and CEO of SeaDream Yacht Club, said the following:
“Our guests crave authenticity and freedom—to discover places that are difficult to reach on their own, linger longer in small harbors, and truly feel at home on a private yacht. With our 2026 season now underway and the 2027–2028 itineraries adding dozens of maiden calls, we’re inviting travelers to explore more of the world with SeaDream.”
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A UK government investigation has criticised the handling of a major heavy-weather incident aboard Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery, concluding that failures in voyage planning, emergency response and onboard medical care contributed to a storm emergency that left 115 passengers injured and one guest dead.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch published its report on 11th March 2026 into the incident, which happened on 4th November 2023 as the 58,250 gross ton ship was crossing the Bay of Biscay during a 14-night Canary Islands sailing from Portsmouth.
Investigators said the vessel lost propulsion in heavy weather, was left hove to for almost 18 hours, and moved violently enough to cause one of the highest injury rates seen in comparable incidents.
Among those injured was 85-year-old Trevor Gilks, who later died after suffering a severe cervical spine injury. The report found that a delay in recognising the seriousness of his condition led to what investigators described as “suboptimal treatment”, and said that may have affected the severity of his injury.
“While cruising remains safe and accidents rare, Spirit of Discovery’s violent motion in heavy weather caused injury to over 100 passengers and, very sadly, one passenger lost their life as a result of injuries sustained,
“A complex sequence of events led to this accident and we have identified a number of clear lessons around vessel safety, crew decision-making and medical response.”
Rob Loder, chief inspector of marine accidents.
Storm Response And Medical Care Came Under Scrutiny
According to the MAIB report, Spirit of Discovery encountered very high seas and violent motion while returning north after itinerary changes caused by worsening weather. The ship had originally been due to call at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but that stop was dropped.
A subsequent plan to call at A Coruña also fell away after the Spanish port closed because of the weather, leading to a decision to sail directly back to Portsmouth.
Investigators said weather routing guidance had strongly advised against crossing the Bay of Biscay the following day, but that advice was not adequately acted on by the captain, crew and shore teams.
The report found the ship lost propulsion shortly after 12.30pm on 4th November when violent motion caused the propellers to overspeed and the propulsion pods to shut down automatically.
Investigators also said the loss of control worsened when both pods were unexpectedly parked at 90 degrees to the ship’s heading, increasing the vessel’s motion.
That motion triggered a mass casualty event on board. MAIB said 115 passengers were treated for injuries, with eight requiring hospital treatment after the ship arrived back in Portsmouth. Injuries included fractured hips and ribs, head trauma, a shoulder injury and spinal injuries.
Passenger surveys cited in the report showed that 49% of respondents needed further medical treatment after disembarkation, while 87% said they took four days or more to recover fully.
Gilks was injured when the ship rolled by about 10 to 13 degrees and the high-backed chair he was sitting in toppled backwards, with the main impact to his neck.
Investigators said he was initially helped back into the chair and remained upright for more than four hours rather than being kept flat on a spinal board, a decision the report said might have caused additional neurological damage.
Once he reached the medical centre, a neck X-ray was taken and reviewed by a shore-based radiologist, but no lateral X-rays had been taken and no further neck X-rays were sent for review. The MAIB said the full extent of his quadriplegia remained undiagnosed for more than 36 hours.
It also found that specialist advice from the Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service was not sought immediately, and that earlier intervention might have improved immobilisation, imaging and the assessment of a possible evacuation.
Gilks was taken ashore only after the ship berthed in Portsmouth on 6th November, and he died in hospital on 8th November 2023.
Investigators were also critical of the failure to activate the vessel’s mass casualty incident plan, saying that omission left the medical team working largely unsupported for more than 18 hours and increased the burden on an already overstretched team.
The report further said the lack of advanced trauma training among the ship’s nurses might have contributed to the spinal injury not being identified earlier.
The MAIB issued recommendations to several organisations, including Cruise Lines International Association.
Those recommendations call for more medical personnel with Advanced Trauma Life Support qualifications on passenger ships and updated heavy-weather policies covering the identification and securing of furniture. The report also stresses that safety recommendations do not create any presumption of blame or liability.
Saga and its operating partners have already taken a series of steps outlined in the report, including updated heavy-weather risk assessments, new meteorological operating limits for Spirit-class ships, improved emergency checklists, regular mass casualty drills and enhanced shore-based radiological and orthopaedic support for doctors at sea.
Spirit of Discovery entered service in 2019, and Saga says the ship now sails from both Portsmouth and Dover.
Cruise Injury Claims Remain In Focus
The MAIB report is likely to add to wider scrutiny of passenger injury cases across the sector, even though the agency makes clear its findings are not intended for use in assigning legal liability.
That comes at a time when other cruise-related claims are also drawing attention. In one recent US case, three Carnival Sunrise passengers filed a negligence lawsuit after a tender boat incident near Princess Cays in March 2025 allegedly left them injured during turbulent conditions.
In another case in the UK , compensation claims were filed on behalf of 115 passengers following illness outbreaks aboard P&O Cruises’ Ventura in 2024.
For Saga, the Spirit of Discovery findings represent one of the most serious official critiques of a modern UK cruise incident in recent years, with investigators pointing not to a single mistake but to a chain of decisions and shortcomings that turned severe weather into a deadly casualty event.
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Viking continues to grow their fleet of more than 100 cruise ships as they took delivery of another river ship that will sail in Europe.
Viking Eldir is the newest Longship to enter Viking’s fleet. The 190-passenger ship was built at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany.
Viking Eldir is a sister ship to the cruise line’s award winning Longship and will offer cruises on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Itineraries offered on the ship include the Rhine Getaway, Grand European Tour, Passage to Eastern Europe, European Sojourn and Christmas on the Rhine.
The ship was specifically built to navigate the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Viking Eldir features Viking’s elegant Scandinavian design and industry-leading innovations for which Viking is known, including a space-saving square bow, three full decks, indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, asymmetric corridor and true two-room suites.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, gave the following statement:
“We are pleased to welcome the Viking Eldir to our growing river fleet. With our exclusive docking locations, we proudly bring our guests closer to destinations along the great rivers of the world. Now, with the addition of our newest Viking Longship, we look forward to inviting even more curious travelers to explore Europe in Viking comfort.”
With the delivery of Viking Eldir, Viking still has another 34 new ships that will enter service by 2031. They include 22 river ships, 10 ocean ships and two expedition ships.
The cruise line expects to have 112 river ships in service by 2028 and 25 ocean and expedition ships by 2031.
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Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a block of Carnival Firenze departures scheduled between 12th October 2026 and 16th November 2026, removing more than a month of short Baja itineraries from sale for the 4,126-guest ship.
The affected voyages were due to operate from Long Beach, California, on 3-night and 4-night round trips to Ensenada, with the longer sailings also calling at Catalina Island.
In a notice sent to booked guests, Carnival said: “We have made some changes to the itinerary plans for Carnival Firenze and, unfortunately, your cruise has been cancelled.” The line added: “We sincerely apologize for this change and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to having you sail with us.”
Carnival has not publicly explained what prompted the cancellations, and the withdrawn departures had already been removed from the line’s booking system when the changes came to light.
At present, there is no official confirmation on whether the gap will be used for technical work, deployment changes or another operational need.
Carnival Firenze joined Carnival Cruise Line in 2024 and began year-round service from Long Beach on 25th April 2024, with a mix of short Baja sailings and longer Mexican Riviera cruises.
Rescheduling Or Refunds Available
Guests booked on the cancelled sailings have been given two main options. Those who want to keep their holiday plans intact can move to a comparable cruise, provided they contact Carnival by 25th March 2026. Passengers choosing that route will have their original cruise fare protected and will also receive a US$50 onboard credit per person, capped at US$100 per stateroom.
Travellers who prefer to cancel do not need to take any action before the deadline. After 25th March, reservations will be automatically cancelled and a full refund will be issued, including pre-purchased packages, Carnival shore excursions and even deposits that would normally be non-refundable.
Carnival has said refunds are expected to take around three weeks to process, although the final timing will depend on individual banks.
For now, the disruption appears limited to departures within that mid-October to mid-November window.
The 3-night sailing departing 9th October 2026 and the 3-night cruise departing 20th November 2026 were still expected to operate as scheduled when the cancellations were reported, suggesting the pause is currently confined to a specific stretch of the autumn programme rather than a broader deployment change across the rest of the year.
Recent Carnival Cancellation Pattern
While Carnival has not linked the Firenze cancellations to dry dock work, the line has made several schedule changes involving other ships over the past year.
Carnival Conquest had multiple 2026 voyages cancelled after dry dock plans were reshuffled, including a later round of February 2026 sailings removed because the maintenance window shifted again.
Carnival Liberty also saw disruption in 2025 after labour issues during dry dock work in Cádiz affected the ship’s return to service. In that case, the vessel later resumed operations after the delay.
That recent backdrop may fuel speculation about whether Carnival Firenze’s autumn gap could also be tied to technical or yard-related work, but Carnival has not said that, and any such explanation remains unconfirmed.
What is clear is that guests booked during the affected period now face a choice between rebooking at protected pricing or stepping away with a full refund.
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Royal Caribbean has announced that its upcoming cruise ship Legend of the Seas will introduce a brand new entertainment concept at sea with the debut of America’s Got Talent LIVE.
The production, inspired by the long-running television franchise, will bring a variety-style stage show to the ship when it enters service. Guests can expect a rotating lineup of performers, including magicians, musicians, aerialists, acrobats and other speciality acts.
The cruise line says the show will serve as a reimagined version of the well-known television format, presenting a dynamic mix of performers rather than a fixed cast. That approach could mean different acts appearing throughout a sailing, offering guests a fresh experience with each performance.
“At Royal Caribbean, we are constantly redefining live entertainment at every turn – bringing jaw-dropping performances to life across stage, air, water, and ice – and America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas is the perfect expression of that vision,
“As one of the most acclaimed entertainment franchises on television, America’s Got Talent perfectly reflects our commitment to bold, world-class experiences that will truly wow our audiences on Legend.”
Christine Coachman, vice president of entertainment, Royal Caribbean.
While the cruise line has confirmed the partnership, further details about the format of the show onboard remain limited. One element commonly associated with the television series may not feature in the cruise version.
At present, there is no indication that audience voting or other interactive judging elements will be included as part of the onboard production. It remains possible that additional features could be revealed closer to the ship’s debut.
Even without those elements, the format is expected to deliver a wide range of performances, with different artists appearing during various shows to highlight talent from around the world.
“We’re thrilled to bring Got Talent to an all-new at sea experience as we set sail for the first time with Royal Caribbean,” said Erica Gadecki, Executive Vice President of Partnership Solutions, Fremantle. “We can’t wait to showcase incredible acts from around the world on a brand-new stage onboard, creating an unforgettable experience for fans.”
The announcement marks what Royal Caribbean describes as an industry first, bringing a globally recognised entertainment franchise directly to a cruise ship stage.
More Entertainment Planned For Legend Of The Seas
America’s Got Talent LIVE will be just one of several entertainment options available aboard Legend of the Seas, the third vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class.
The ship will also feature a stage production based on Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, offering a family-friendly headline show designed to appeal to guests of all ages.
Royal Caribbean’s signature high-production spectacles will also return across multiple venues. Performances combining diving, aerial stunts, dance and special effects are planned for the AquaDome theatre, while ice-skating productions will take place in the Absolute Zero arena.
Additional onboard entertainment will include comedy shows, live music venues and two themed dining experiences that combine food with immersive performances: the Hollywoodland Supper Club and Silk Routes at the Royal Railway – Legend Station.
Beyond theatre productions, the 250,800-gross-ton ship will feature a wide range of attractions and activities for guests. These include the Ultimate Abyss slide, the Thrill Island waterpark, miniature golf, the Royal Casino and a variety of games and contests throughout the ship.
The entertainment announcement comes shortly after Norwegian Cruise Line revealed changes to its own onboard entertainment strategy. The cruise line recently confirmed the long-running musical Jersey Boys will end its run aboard Norwegian Bliss and will be replaced by a rotating selection of performers rather than another large-scale theatre production.
That move drew mixed reactions from passengers, though Royal Caribbean appears to be taking a different approach by pairing the rotating act concept with a globally recognised entertainment brand.
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Viking® (NYSE: VIK) today announced it has taken delivery of the Viking Eldir, the company’s newest Viking Longship®. The Viking Eldir was built at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany. The 190-guest Viking Eldir joins the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art sister ships and will sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.
“We are pleased to welcome the Viking Eldir to our growing river fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “With our exclusive docking locations, we proudly bring our guests closer to destinations along the great rivers of the world. Now, with the addition of our newest Viking Longship, we look forward to inviting even more curious travelers to explore Europe in Viking comfort.”
The Viking Eldir
Hosting 190 guests in 95 staterooms, the Viking Eldir is the company’s newest Viking Longship. Built specifically to navigate the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, the Viking Eldir features Viking’s elegant Scandinavian design and industry-leading innovations for which Viking is known, including a space-saving square bow, three full decks, an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, an asymmetric corridor , and true two-room suites. The Viking Eldir will sail popular itineraries that include Rhine Getaway, Grand European Tour, Passage to Eastern Europe, European Sojourn and Christmas on the Rhine.
Viking’s Growing Fleet
Viking remains focused on well-defined, long-term growth plans as part of a strategy to maintain its leadership position in experiential travel. Based on Viking’s committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 22 additional river ships by 2028, 10 additional ocean ships by 2031, and two additional expedition ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 112 river ships in 2028 and 25 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.
Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL) revealed the first official architectural images and videos of Norwegian Luna, offering a first look at the ship’s striking next-generation design as she begins her inaugural transatlantic voyage. NCL’s newest ship welcomed her first guests in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, on March 10, 2026, and will make her U.S. debut in Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, on March 23, 2026.
The new visuals showcase Norwegian Luna’s bold and modern design, highlighting thoughtfully curated spaces and experiences that allow guests to create a vacation that feels flexible, seamless, and easy to enjoy.
“Norwegian Luna is an absolutely beautiful ship and the true definition of what it means to cruise with NCL,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “After getting a first look at the ship, I am so excited for guests to enjoy the wide-open, outdoor spaces bringing them closer to the sea, the intimate yet thoughtful areas to retreat to and the electrifying entertainment and mouthwatering cuisine. Norwegian Luna gives guests the freedom to vacation their way and the opportunity to reconnect with those who matter most while making memorable moments along the way. I look forward to welcoming her to Miami and kicking off her inaugural Caribbean season where she will visit our resort-style private island destinations, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize.
Building on the innovative foundation of Norwegian Aqua®, Norwegian Luna features a collection of standout attractions designed to deliver unforgettable moments at sea. Highlights include the Aqua Slidecoaster, NCL’s exclusive hybrid between a waterslide and rollercoaster, which was recently named the “Best Water Park Ride/Attraction” by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
Additionally, the ship introduces new experiences designed with multigenerational family travel in mind, including Luna Midway, an amusement park-style outdoor area featuring carnival-inspired games; Moon Climber, a multi-level obstacle course designed for kids and adults alike; and Horizon Park, a complimentary recreational area featuring lawn-style games, all located across the ship’s top decks.
For a more relaxing atmosphere, guests can unwind at the two-story Mandara Spa featuring a multitude of saunas, treatment rooms and an expansive Thermal Suite with 180-degree views of the ocean. For a retreat in the sun, travelers can escape to the adults-only Vibe Beach Club equipped with ample loungers, cabanas and a bar for delicious cocktails and drinks. Moreover, guests can choose from a variety of studio, inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms, or suites in The Haven by Norwegian®, NCL’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, offering a private restaurant, lounge, bar and sundeck as well as a personalized butler and concierge service.
Energizing, high-value productions developed in-house at NCL’s Creative Studios for guests to enjoy include “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John™,” a concert-style experience honoring the legendary music of Sir Elton John, and “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder™,” a multimedia production blending innovative design, cirque-style acrobatics, and contemporary dance. Additionally, guests can delight in a wide range of complimentary dining options including Hudson’s, Commodore Room as well as Indulge Food Hall, a globally inspired eatery offering an array of international flavors. Norwegian Luna also features specialty restaurants such as Sukhothai for vibrant Thai cuisine; Onda by Scarpetta for authentic Italian dishes; the elegant Le Bistro for French fare, and Cagney’s, a signature American steakhouse.
Following her Miami debut and Christening ceremony on March 27, 2026, Norwegian Luna will sail a series of three- and four-day Bahamas voyages, as well as seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries to some of the region’s most celebrated beach destinations. From April through November 2026, itineraries will include calls to ports such as Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island paradise in the Bahamas. The island has recently debuted several enhancements, including a pier and tram service for more accessibility to the island; the Great Life Lagoon, a sprawling pool with swim-up bars, ample loungers and cabanas; and Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only retreat with private beach access and bar. The Great Tides Waterpark, scheduled to open in summer 2026, will feature a total of 19 waterslides, the nearly 800-foot Wandering River and the 9,000-square-foot Splash Cay for the whole family.
Beginning November 2026, Norwegian Luna will transition to Western Caribbean itineraries, calling to Roatán (Islas de la Bahía), Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, NCL’s private resort-style destination off the coast of Belize.
On April 6, 2027, Norwegian Luna will debut in New York City, becoming the newest ship in the contemporary segment to sail from this iconic port. The ship will offer four- to seven-day Bermuda voyages, featuring overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line’s award-winning 21-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.
