Luxury Cruising Editorial

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to impacted guests about a September 9, 2026 sailing on Carnival Splendor.  The Australian-based cruise ship will not be able to make its scheduled stop in Cairns due to “current channel depths”.

Carnival Splendor is currently running regular cruises out of Sydney, Australia and will remain in the South Pacific well into 2028.

Visits to ports like Airlie Beach, Willis Island, Moreton Island, and even occasional stops in New Zealand are all offered by the 3,000-passenger ship. Cairns, Australia is a big part of that schedule as well, with Carnival visiting the Queensland port a few times a month.

But a recent notification from the cruise line shows some safety issues with the port that make docking there off limits for now.

In a letter sent to affected passengers, Carnival stated:

“We have made an adjustment to the itinerary for your Carnival Splendor cruise, departing 9 September 2026. The Port of Cairns has advised that current channel depths have reduced and are now too shallow to allow for the safe passage of our ship to Cairns Cruise Terminal, and the issue will not be fixed before our planned visit.”

Because of the shallow depths in the channel at Cairns, the ship is going to anchor at Yorkeys Knob instead, which is about 9 miles away.

From there, a water shuttle will take passengers on shore so they can still visit the originally planned port.

So, the biggest change will just be some extra time in getting to local excursions and tours.

This September 9, 2026 sailing is a 9-day cruise that is also scheduled to visit Airlie Beach and Willis Island. Because of the extra time at Yorkeys Knob, these two port days will be swapped.

The letter stated that “pre-purchased shore excursions will be adjusted based on these changes.”

The channel at the Port of Cairns has always been somewhat narrow and shallow, too shallow for larger cruise ships. So, why can’t Splendor dock at Cairns now when it has before?

It’s most likely due to the simple fact that sea floors shift, and some sediment build-up could have raised the sea floor too much for safe passage. Heavy rains can also impact this, in addition to pauses in dredging.

Splendor has a draft of about 27 feet. This is the distance from the surface of the water to the bottom of the keel. But to safely navigate a channel or body of water, the ship needs more like 32 feet.  Apparently for now, there just isn’t enough space for the ship to operate safely

Margaritaville at Sea has added more benefits for guests who play in the casino on its cruise ships. Margaritaville at Sea Casino Players Club will offer guests more than ever before starting on October 1, 2026.

The cruise line is building on the four-tier Casino Players Club that was introduced last year. They offer four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Margaritaville at Sea also offers status matching through its Casino Offer Match Program. This makes it easier for established casino players to get perks right from the start.

Qualified players can submit an existing casino offer from another cruise line or land-based casino for consideration, allowing Margaritaville at Sea to recognize their established casino value from the start rather than requiring them to begin from scratch.

The new benefits for casino players on Margaritaville at Sea include:

• Personalized Stateroom Welcome Gift: Gold and Platinum members receive a special welcome amenity upon arrival.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Gold members receive a Basic Wi-Fi package, while Platinum members receive a Premium Wi-Fi package.
• Personal VIP Host Service: Platinum members receive dedicated host service for a more personalized onboard experience.
• Annual Platinum Players Dinner and Event: An exclusive annual experience created specifically for Platinum members.
• Sail with Friends: Platinum members can receive an additional oceanview stateroom for two guests, extending the getaway to friends or family.
• Complimentary Laundry Service: Platinum members receive complimentary laundry service during their sailing.
• Complimentary Room Service: Platinum members receive complimentary room service during their sailing.

Members begin at Bronze upon joining, with Silver achieved at 1,000 cumulative tier points, Gold at 7,500 and Platinum at 15,000.

As players progress, benefits expand beyond casino perks to include onboard credits, complimentary packages, and special experiences.

Among the existing benefits, Silver, Gold, and Platinum members can receive up to $100 per sailing in spa, shore excursion, or arcade credits to experience onboard activities or simple relaxation.

In addition, complimentary fares are available for the player and up to three guests. As guests move up the tier rankings, they can receive free beverage packages, dining packages, VIP perks, and more.

David Gromak, Vice President and Head of Gaming at Margaritaville at Sea, gave the following statement:

“Whether someone has been playing with us for years or is considering Margaritaville at Sea for the first time, we want them to feel recognized and rewarded. Our Casino Offer Match program gives established players an easy way to experience Margaritaville at Sea for the first time, while these new benefits give our most loyal players even more value throughout their vacation, both inside and outside the casino.”

Carnival Cruise Line has officially launched their new rewards program and credit card that drastically changes how Carnival cruisers earn and maintain status.

Carnival Cruise Line has switched away from a traditional cruise rewards system that awards days at sea and moved to a program that is similar to what airlines and hotels offer. The Carnival credit card now plays a major role in earning status, along with onboard spending and points earned in the casino.

Carnival Rewards

The new program introduces both Carnival Reward Points and Status Qualifying Stars for the first time. The new Carnival Rewards Mastercard includes 50,000 bonus points for new cardmembers when they make their first purchase.

For the first time, Carnival cruisers can accelerate their status when using the credit card every single day of the year.

Here is a breakdown of Carnival Rewards and everything you need to know about this new program.

Points

Carnival cruisers will earn points that they can use towards future Carnival cruises, shore excursions, specialty dining, and spa treatments.

• 3 points for every $1 spent on all eligible Carnival purchases; this includes gratuities
• 1 point for every point earned in the casino
• Points for using Carnival Rewards Mastercard (more on that down below)

Points will be added to accounts approximately 14 days after a cruise. Carnival cruisers can redeem points at any time, once they are posted to their accounts.

Points won’t be redeemed at a flat rate, but on a dynamic scale and vary from cruise to cruise.

Stars

Status Qualifying Stars will be how Carnival cruisers earn status as they cruise on Fun Ships. They will earn three Stars for every $1 spent on Carnival purchases, including daily gratuities. One Star will also be earned for every casino point, even if they have been redeemed for Funplay.

Carnival will have the following four status levels:

• Red: Upon enrollment
• Gold: 10,000 Stars
• Platinum: 50,000 Stars
• Diamond: 100,000 Stars

Status is now earned over a two-year Status Qualifying Window, with the first running from September 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. If a Carnival cruiser earns Platinum status in July 2027, it will be good for the rest of the year and the following two years.

Milestones

The new Milestone Recognition Program will celebrate enrolled Carnival Rewards members’ lifetime relationship with Carnival Cruise Line based on days sailed, enabling cruisers to achieve Milestones faster.

Credit Card

Carnival Cruise Line and Barclays have launched a new Carnival Rewards Mastercard that offers more perks than ever before. Those who had the previous Carnival credit card will be transitioned to the new card during their next billing cycle.

All existing Fun Points balances will convert 1:1 into new Carnival Rewards Points, and the credit card will continue to have no annual fee.

Carnival cruisers can earn the following points by using the new Carnival Rewards Mastercard:

• Up to 6x points on eligible Carnival purchases; this includes 3x points from the card and 3x points through Carnival)
• 2x points on eligible restaurant and grocery stores
• 50,000 bonus points for new cardmembers after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
• 1x points on everything else
• 2,500 bonus points each year if you spend at least $2,000 on the card

You will also earn up to 4 Status Qualifying Stars on Carnival purchases when combined with the Stars earned through Carnival Rewards and 1 Status Qualifying Star on all other purchases.

In addition, the card will offer 0% APR for six months on all Carnival bookings.

Cruisers will also be able to redeem points for cruise upgrades.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the following about the new rewards program:

“Cruise loyalty has traditionally been built around how often guests sail, and Carnival Rewards was designed to go beyond that. The new program recognizes the many ways our guests engage with Carnival, and with both rewards and status, we’re giving guests more flexibility and more value to enjoy the experiences that matter most to them. Simply put: Your cruise, Your rewards. Your way.”

Doug Villone, Head of US Cards and Partnerships at Barclays US Consumer Bank, added:

“More and more, today’s travelers are looking for rewards programs that deliver true value as they venture away from home. Our partnership with Carnival is rooted in a shared commitment to meeting those evolving needs. With the new Carnival Rewards Mastercard, we’re giving cardmembers more ways to earn on everyday purchases and making it easier to turn everyday spending into rewards for their next cruise.”

Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the opening of Great Tides Waterpark on its private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.

NCL hosted an exclusive event for various members of the media to get a first look at Great Tides Waterpark before the official grand opening on September 4, 2026.

The nearly six-acre waterpark offers one-of-a-kind experiences in four main areas.

Tidal Tower, the iconic centerpiece standing at 170 feet tall, features eight exhilarating slides, including the Tropic Spiral – the first Nautilus slide in the world with large spirals that spin guests into thrilling different directions; the Breakwater Blasters, the industry-first dueling Master Blaster slides in the Caribbean, which propel inner-tubes uphill and through steep drops and twists with high-pressure water jets; and many more.

Cliffside Cove, featuring Cliffside Leap, the industry’s first-ever and the Caribbean’s tallest cliff jumps, at 10 and 15 feet high; The Great Slide, the Caribbean’s only family slide where four guests can slide down together for an adrenaline rush; and The Fearless Falls slides dropping riders down from five feet above the water.

Wandering River, a dynamic river over 800 feet long, features the industry’s first immersive tunnel and swim-up bar, Floataway Bar, alongside the river.

Splash Cay offers over 9,000 square feet of family fun with an oversized tipping bucket holding 300 gallons of water, eight mini-slides, and interactive water features.

Guests who have a cruise booked that visits Great Stirrup Cay can purchase a pass by logging into their my NCL account.

Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, gave the following statement:

“Great Tides Waterpark represents an exciting new chapter for Great Stirrup Cay and a defining moment for Norwegian Cruise Line. “With our official grand opening just days away on September 4, this event offered a preview of the adventure, flexibility and family fun that awaits our guests.

“From the 170-foot Tidal Tower and first-of-its-kind slides to the immersive Wandering River, industry-first cliff jumps and interactive splash zones, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable island day for guests of all ages. Combined with the incredible experiences across Great Stirrup Cay, the destination offers families the freedom to enjoy the ultimate vacation day, where no one has to compromise and everyone gets the adventure or relaxation they want.”

Celestyal Cruises announced new winter 2027-2028 sailings that include an amended return of their popular “Three Continents” cruise.

These seven new cruises from Celestyal opened for bookings today and range from seven to 14 days in length. The cruises include four seven-night “Mediterranean Mosaics” sailings between Athens, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey.

Consecutive departures can also be combined to create three 14-night “Three Continents Explorer” voyages, sailing round trip from either Athens or Istanbul. The “Mediterranean Mosaics” cruises will include an overnight visit in Alexandria, Egypt.

Three 14-night “Three Continents Explorer” cruises will comprise of two round-trip Athens sailings and one round-trip Istanbul sailing.

Combining both “Mediterranean Mosaics” itineraries, the sailing will visit Athens (Piraeus), Alexandria, Limassol, Rhodes, Istanbul, Thessaloniki, Volos, Kusadasi and Heraklion, taking guests across Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt.

The cruises depart December 4, 11, and 18, 2027, and prices start at $1,469 per person.

All cruise fares include the following:

• Meals
• Soft drinks with meals
• Essential WiFi
• Gratuities
• Port Fees

John Diorio, Vice President & Managing Director, North America at Celestyal, gave the following statement:

“Our recently unveiled winter Western Mediterranean itineraries on Celestyal Discovery marked an exciting new chapter for the brand, and this new winter season on Celestyal Journey continues that momentum by offering even more choice across the wider Mediterranean.

“We also know how fondly many guests remember our Three Continents sailings, so we’re delighted to bring them back in a refreshed format. The opportunity to experience Europe, Asia and Africa in a single cruise is incredibly special, while the choice of seven- or 14-night voyages gives guests the flexibility to explore in a way that suits them.

“Combining celebrated cities with a diverse mix of culture, history and cuisine, these destination-rich itineraries are exactly the kind of immersive journeys Celestyal does best.

“Over the winter, visitors to Europe can travel at a slower pace and experience fewer crowds, longer stays – including overnights – and great access to the region’s incredible sites.”

If you have 138 days and about $77,000 to spare, a cruise line just opened an epic world cruise out of PortMiami for 2029.

Seabourn just revealed a new iconic world cruise, and it’s very different from most global sailings out of Southern Florida.

Only about 450 passengers will be able to book the 138-day sailing aboard Seabourn Quest that begins on January 7, 2029.

32,000 Mile Cruise to Lisbon

You would think that a cruise from Miami to Lisbon would simply sail across the Atlantic. But not in this case.

The sailing goes from PortMiami and then straight through the Panama Canal to visit the West Coast of South America before crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Officially named the “2029 World Cruise: Iconic Islands & Remote Horizons,” this 32,000-nautical-mile journey finishes up in Lisbon on May 26, 2029. Seabourn built this route around rare island stops and remote destinations across five continents.

Guests will visit 58 destinations across 31 countries and territories, stepping foot on 32 different islands along the way. The itinerary spans the Americas, South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa, and Europe.

Because Seabourn Quest is a smaller ship, it can visit harbors and shallow waterways where mega cruise ships simply can’t go.

Remote Stops

Some of the most remote stops on the schedule include Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, Praslin in the Seychelles, Antsiranana in Madagascar, Akaroa in New Zealand, and Burnie in Tasmania.

These are destinations you just can’t see on a larger vessel and are expensive to visit even by other transportation means.

More Time in Port and 8 Overnights

One of the best parts of this world cruise is how much time you actually get to spend off the ship. To give cruisers a chance to explore at a relaxed pace and experience local nightlife, the schedule packs in 20 extended stays and eight overnight port calls.

Overnight calls include:

• Lima, Peru
• Easter Island, Chile
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Bali, Indonesia
• Singapore
• Sydney, Australia
• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Cape Town, South Africa

You’ll also get extended stays in Cartagena, Auckland, Napier, Melbourne, Portland, Adelaide, Busselton, Fremantle, Colombo, Victoria, Walvis Bay, and Las Palmas.

World Heritage Sites and Overland Excursions

This itinerary stops near more than 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include the giant stone statues of Easter Island, New Zealand’s dramatic Fiordland National Park, Stone Town in Zanzibar, and the Sacred City of Kandy via Colombo.

For those who want to head further inland, Seabourn is also offering mid-cruise overland trips (Seabourn Journeys). These optional programs let you step off the ship for a few days to explore places like the Galápagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Uluru, the Taj Mahal, and African safari reserves.

What’s Included for Full World Cruisers

Cruisers who book the full 138-day voyage get a few special events included in their cruise fare.

In Bali, full-cruise guests get an included two-day, one-night land experience with private cultural events and local dining. In Cape Town, Seabourn is throwing an exclusive, after-hours evening at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), featuring local cuisine, live entertainment, and views of Table Mountain.

Onboard, guests will be sailing on a freshly updated ship too.

Seabourn Quest recently completed a dry dock update that updated the suites, refreshed public lounges, improved dining venues, and upgraded the spa.

The sailing will also feature destination enrichment lectures and the cruise line’s signature Seabourn Conversations speaker series.

Guests sailing the full 138 days also receive:

• Up to $4,000 in shipboard credit per Veranda Suite (up to $8,000 for Penthouse Suites and above)
• Round-trip Business Class airfare
• A one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Miami
• Upgraded Starlink-powered Wi-Fi package
• Unlimited laundry, wet cleaning, and pressing
• A reduced 50% deposit at booking

For a Shorter World Cruise

If four months at sea is a bit too long for your schedule, Seabourn will also offer shorter multi-week segments of the voyage down the road.

Bookings are officially open now, and guests who reserve the full trip by September 17, 2026, can take advantage of a 10% early booking discount.

SeaDream Yacht Club has announced that a new ship will be joining its fleet in 2029: SeaDream III. This will be the first time in the cruise line’s 25-year history that they have had a brand-new ship.

The cruise line opened reservations for SeaDream III today, a yacht that will visit six continents, 73 countries, and 364 ports in its first 24 months in service.

The ship will carry around 200 guests and have a nearly equal number of crew members. Guest accommodations will span five decks, including larger suites and staterooms.

It will also have a dedicated pool deck, multiple indoor and al fresco dining options, and three dedicated watersport marinas.

SeaDream III will also feature expanded spa, fitness and wellness offerings, reflecting the cruise line’s continued focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle at sea.

The ship will sail its maiden season in Asia with the first voyage departing from Hong Kong on July 10, 2029. 11 days later, SeaDream III will be christened in Tokyo.

Her inaugural season will continue with a collection of voyages exploring Japan and South Korea. Four 14-night round-trip voyages from Tokyo will combine northern and western Japan with South Korea, followed by a 15-night cruise from Tokyo to Hong Kong through Japan’s southern islands.

Following her first season in Japan, SeaDream III will continue to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. Voyages will feature Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Bali, Komodo, the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania, culminating in a New Year’s celebration in Sydney.

During her first 24 months, the cruise ship will sail to six continents, 73 countries, and 364 ports.

In 2030, the yacht will sail west from Asia to India, the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean before arriving in London. From there, she will explore the British Isles, the Baltic, coastal Norway, Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland.

SeaDream III will then sail the North Atlantic to Canada, continuing through the St. Lawrence and into the Great Lakes. Voyages will include Montreal, Chicago, Toronto and Detroit, with calls throughout Georgian Bay, Lake Superior, the Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County and the St. Lawrence.

The yacht will continue along the American East Coast before arriving in West Palm Beach, near SeaDream Yacht Club’s U.S. headquarters in Palm Beach. From there, she will begin a series of voyages exploring the Caribbean, Central America, Colombia’s Caribbean coast and Panama.

On January 5, 2031, SeaDream III will depart on an epic 180-night world cruise from West Palm Beach to London.

The six-month cruise will transit the Panama Canal before following the Pacific coast of South America through Ecuador, Peru and Chile. SeaDream III will then journey through the South Pacific, visiting Easter Island, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu before continuing to Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

From there, the epic journey will continue to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India and the Arabian Peninsula before visiting Egypt and Jordan and transiting the Suez Canal. The final part of the cruise will visit the Mediterranean and along Europe’s Atlantic coast, concluding in London on July 5, 2031.

Atle Brynestad, founder and owner of SeaDream Yacht Club, gave the following statement:

“SeaDream III represents the next chapter for SeaDream. She will carry forward the same DNA as SeaDream I and SeaDream II: personalized service, exceptional cuisine, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the genuine feeling of being on your own yacht. With SeaDream III, the whole world becomes our destination.

“SeaDream has never been about size for its own sake. Our focus is creating fantastic days and unforgettable experiences for every guest. SeaDream III gives us the opportunity to bring that experience to more places around the world.”

Royal Caribbean has canceled this week’s cruise to Alaska on Serenade of the Seas, a sailing that was originally scheduled to depart from Vancouver on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Guests were told that the ship would depart two days late so repairs could be made to the vessel. Royal Caribbean was planning for the ship to visit one port in Alaska (Ketchikan) and one in Canada on a shortened cruise.

The cruise director on the ship told guests that the team is working diligently to fix the technical issue affecting the ship.

A passenger on the ship said that some passengers were still boarding Serenade of the Seas today in hopes of departing at 7:30 pm.

This evening, guests were told the cruise was canceled and that they needed to be off the ship by midnight on September 2. The ship has to leave the cruise terminal at that time, so guests will need to be off the vessel.

In a letter to guests, Royal Caribbean said the following:

“As you may know, Serenade of the Seas has been experiencing a technical issue. Despite our teams’ around-the-clock efforts to complete the necessary repairs, we were unable to resolve the issue in time for the ship to safely depart. As a result, we must cancel this sailing.

“We understand how disappointing and upsetting this news is. We know how much our guests look forward to their vacations. That’s why we made every effort to deliver the cruise experience planned. We sincerely apologize for the frustration, disruption, and inconvenience this cancellation has caused.”

Compensation Offered to Guests

Guests who were booked on this cruise will receive a full refund, including taxes and fees, amenities, and shore excursions. If a guest used a Future Cruise Certificate, they will receive a refund of new funds paid above the certificate amount and will have their original certificate reinstated.

The cruise line is also offering a pro-rated refund for daily packages (beverage, dining, VOOM) and pre-paid gratuities.

Royal Caribbean said that refunds will be returned to the original form of payment within 14 days.

In addition, the cruise line is offering a 100% Future Cruise Credit of whatever guests paid for their cruise that will be good for one year. Royal Caribbean said that this is a token of their appreciation for understanding why the cruise was canceled.

Royal Caribbean will also offer each guest up to $200 for domestic flights and up to $400 for international flight changes.

Complimentary WiFi is being offered on the ship for guests as they make arrangements to fly home early.

Royal Caribbean ended the letter by thanking guests for their patience, understanding, and cooperation as they work through the next steps together. Their team will remain available to assist guests throughout this process.

They also said that they were truly sorry for the disappointment and disruption this cancellation caused, and they regret that they were unable to deliver the experience that they planned for.

Serenade of the Seas was originally scheduled to sail a seven-night roundtrip cruise to Alaska from Vancouver with stops in Sitka, Tracy Arm/Edicott Arm, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert.

The next scheduled cruise for the ship is on Sunday, September 6, 2026.