Holland America Line is enhancing their solar eclipse cruises in 2026 with the addition of astronomy experts.
A total solar eclipse will take place on August 12, 2026 and Holland America Line will have three ships (Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam) in the path of totality.
Boston University Professor Meers Oppenheim will be aboard Zuiderdam’s 18-day “Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse” cruise; University of California San Diego Professor Adam Burgasser will join guests on Oosterdam for the 13-day “Mediterranean Solar Eclipse” cruise; and Tom Vassos, former professor at University of Toronto, will be aboard Nieuw Statendam’s 28-day “Legendary Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland” cruise.
These astronomy experts will provide guests with exclusive insight into one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, offering lectures, a special Q&A session and real-time commentary as the three ships position in the path of totality during the solar eclipse.
With their varied backgrounds and expertise, each expert may host additional Q&A sessions and activities about astronomy topics beyond the solar eclipse during their time on board.
Additional activities during the three cruises include themed activities and culinary offerings throughout the day of the solar eclipse. The cruise line will also provide safety glasses so guests can safely view the total eclipse.
Joe Chantry, vice president of entertainment and enrichment for Holland America Line, said:
“At Holland America Line we are consistently striving to curate extraordinary moments for our guests, and the upcoming solar eclipse cruises are no exception.
“By welcoming three distinguished astronomy experts aboard, we’re offering our guests not only front-row views to a rare phenomenon, but also the opportunity to deepen their understanding in an enriching setting.”
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Even on cruise lines that are marketed as being all-inclusive, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to be separated from your money while you’re sailing.
Some of the things you can buy on a cruise ship are absolutely worth it. And hey, it’s your money – you do what you want with it even if something doesn’t represent good value.
But there are plenty of things that aren’t good value, and that I’d never buy onboard a cruise…
1. Art From the Auctions
Cruise ship art auctions often present themselves as glamorous affairs, complete with Champagne and persuasive auctioneers encouraging quick decisions.
However, the art pieces themselves are frequently overpriced, and valuations might be less trustworthy than they appear. Art bought onboard can also be tricky to authenticate or resell later.
If you’re keen on purchasing art, take some notes and research the artists once you’re back home – you’re likely to find better deals and more reliable information through reputable galleries or online.
If you want to splurge because you’ve seen something you love, and there’s a competitive bid for it, then by all means go for it.
I did once get a great deal on a gorgeous piece of art on a ship. It only cost $30! However, when I went to pay for it, I was offered framing and shipping which would have cost around $500 on top!
I delclined the framing and took it to a local framing ship where it cost around £40 for a lovely frame. However, I did still have to pay $60 for postage. All in all, I still feel I got a good deal, even though it cost a lot more overall than the initial price.
2. Designer Jewellery and Watches
It can be tempting to splurge on designer jewellery and watches during a cruise, especially when you’re relaxed and enjoying your holiday.
But beware: onboard boutiques often have significant markups despite promises of duty-free prices.
Also, if you buy an item worth more than £390 and bring it into the UK, you’ll have to declare it at customs and pay 20% VAT on the value over £390. If you live in the USA, the allowance is 3% on anything over $800, so less, but still worth considering.
While a watch or necklace might seem like the perfect souvenir, you’ll usually find more competitive pricing – and better guarantees – through established jewellers back home or reputable online retailers. If you have a problem with an item you bought, it can be really tricky to return.
Enjoy browsing, but consider buying later. A souvenir that’s inspired by your cruise, even if you didn’t buy it onboard, is still worth having. And if you aren’t that fussed about genuine designer items, you’ll often find cheaper options in port anyway.
3. Drinks Packages
If you enjoy wine, cocktails, or other drinks regularly, buying individual beverages onboard can quickly become a budget-buster. However, onboard drinks packages themselves are often more expensive if bought during your trip.
Cruise lines almost always offer discounted rates if you pre-book online, saving you potentially hundreds of pounds.
Plan ahead, think realistically about your drinking habits, and snap up those early-bird deals to ensure your bar tab stays manageable. If you’re buying your package onboard, you’re almost certainly overpaying.
4. Individual Cocktails
If you’re someone who loves sipping cocktails or enjoying several glasses of wine daily, paying individually can rack up a hefty bill.
Drinks onboard are notoriously expensive when purchased separately. Instead, spend a few minutes doing the maths before your cruise.
If you’re likely to indulge regularly, a pre-booked drinks package is almost certainly the smarter move financially.
For some people it will be, especially for cocktails and glasses of wine. But if you stick to beer, or if you don’t plan on drinking a lot while you sail, then you’re probably overpaying.
My drinks package calculator can help you work out what the best tactic is for you.
5. WiFi Packages
Onboard WiFi can be surprisingly costly and frustratingly slow. Things are getting better in terms of speed, thanks to Starlink satellite WiFi being added across fleets, but it’s still often nothing close to what you’ll get at home.
And yet, cruise ships often charge premium rates when you buy internet access, especially if you’re paying after setting sail. To dodge this, book your WiFi package before you leave home to get significantly better prices, if you absolutely need the WiFi onboard.
Alternatively, if your itinerary has plenty of ports, you’ll find numerous cafes and restaurants onshore offering free, reliable WiFi – perfect for uploading holiday snaps or catching up on emails without draining your wallet.
Or consider an alternative such as an eSIM, which could save you a lot compared to the cruise line’s own WiFi prices.
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6. Spa Treatments at Regular Price
The onboard spa is a luxurious temptation, promising relaxation and indulgence – but it often comes at eye-watering prices, especially on sea days.
We’re talking treatments that can cost well past the $200 mark, so if you wanted several? Expect a hefty bill.
Instead, wait for port-day specials, when spa treatments can see good discounts. Or at least keep an eye out for promotions onboard to bring the cost down. A lot of spas will offer discounts based on the number of treatments you book – bulk booking means cheaper.
Even better, why not book a spa day ashore at a local resort, which often offers far better value and a memorable local experience? Your wallet (and your holiday selfies) will thank you.
And if you do visit the spa on a ship, beware of the upsells. That moisturiser they want to sell you after your facial? You can probably get the exact same thing for a fraction of the price at home.
Cruise ship photographers are everywhere, snapping photos that you might be tempted to buy later. However, these pictures often come with surprisingly high price tags, making them a poor value for money.
Instead, take your own photos with your phone or camera – ask fellow passengers or friendly crew members to snap a few shots for you.
All you’re going to miss out on is the fancy green-screen backdrops, and are they really necessary?
Opt for the DIY photos and you’ll capture the same great memories without breaking your holiday budget.
However, some cruise lines will include photos depending on your fare – Princess Premier guests get three prints included plus unlimited digital pics! So then it can be worth it.
Onboard shops sell basic toiletries and medicines at a premium, capitalising on the desperation factor if you’ve forgotten essentials like toothpaste, sunscreen or painkillers.
Avoid these inflated prices by double-checking your packing list before sailing. Easier said than done though, right?
If something slips your mind, and you aren’t utterly desperate, wait until you dock at the next port, where supermarkets and pharmacies offer far better prices and more variety.
You usually don’t have to wander too far into port to find a good option.
9. Casino Games
Cruise ship casinos promise excitement, glitz, and glamour, but the house advantage can be even steeper than usual.
Unless you’re genuinely keen on gambling as entertainment and have set a strict budget, it’s wise to steer clear, especially if you’ve been making the most of that drinks package you shouldn’t have bought onboard.
Consider it a bit of fun if you choose to participate, but don’t expect to strike it rich onboard – you’re often better off saving your cash for enjoyable activities ashore.
Cruise lines will always have plenty of options for keeping fit onboard. There’s usually a running track and a gym that you can make use of, but they’ll also offer fitness classes at premium prices, leveraging your desire to stay active during your holiday.
While a sunrise yoga session or high-energy spin class might sound appealing, remember there are plenty of free alternatives onboard.
While the offer of unlimited classes for $99 might sound good on day one, after getting up at 6 am for the first couple, you might get bored of them.
Enjoy the gym facilities, join free group activities offered by cruise staff, or simply walk and jog the outdoor decks for equally good exercise and lovely sea views – without the extra charge.
Even if you just skip the elevator and use the stairs, you’ll probably burn off that dessert you’re half-regretting.
Buying bottled water onboard quickly becomes an expensive habit, not to mention environmentally unfriendly.
Instead, bring your own refillable water bottle and top it up at the ship’s numerous water stations, which provide clean, safe drinking water.
Most ships have several places where you can refill your water bottle. You’ll always find one in the gym.
Refilling your bottle from the water dispensers in the buffet isn’t allowed for hygiene reasons as these machines are designed to fill glasses. To get around that, all you’ll need to do is fill a clean glass with water and decant it into your bottle.
The tap water in your cabin is typically perfectly safe to drink, too. It might not be the freshest water but it’s fine for a midnight sip if the air-con has given you a dry throat.
Doing this helps your budget, keeps you hydrated, and reduces plastic waste – an easy win all around.
12. Health supplements
On your cruise programme you’ll often see free heath seminars advertised. These have names like ‘Eat More to Weigh Less’ or ‘How To Remove Your Aches And Pains’.
While these seminars may give you some useful information, you should be aware that the main point of them is to sell you extras. The ‘secret cure’ is often several hundreds dollars worth of supplements that you just don’t need.
The same goes for the ‘footprint analysis’. If you genuinely do need insoles for your shoes, you can get them from the NHS for free, or online for about £20.
Controversial One – Shore Excursions
I’ve not put this in the numbered list because I know how much it splits opinion. However, I’m pretty confident that I would never buy a shore excursion onboard a cruise anymore.
A lot of people prefer to book via the cruise line for security reasons. They want to be absolutely sure that they won’t miss the ship, because they know that with an unofficial excursion provider, they’d be left behind.
But I recommend using third-party excursion providers like Shore Excursion Group because they can save you so much money.
And that fear about missing the ship? They guarantee that won’t happen. And if it does, they’ll pay for your transport to meet the ship at the next port, and they’ll compensate you with $1,000 for the inconvenience.
Almost makes me want it to happen!
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Final Word
Like I said at the start, your money is your money. You spend it however you want to. If you want to pay for premium fitness classes, or expensive souvenirs, then you do you.
But I know that a lot of people can’t afford to be completely frivolous when cruising, and would rather scrimp and save just a little bit – even if that’s only to put more money towards another cruise.
Hopefully these tips help those people out – but don’t stress if you open up the purse strings a little. Have fun, but don’t be getting that post-cruise regret once you settle your bill.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Viking has announced its new World Cruise itineraries for 2027-2028, with a flagship 142-day sailing scheduled to take place on Viking Vesta. The vessel, which was delivered in 2025 as the newest ship in Viking’s fleet, will offer extended overnight stays in several iconic ports.
“Our approach has always been different. At Viking, we always focus on the destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “These epic voyages are truly the ultimate in exploration.”
The new cruises are designed to be destination-focused, with extra time for learning more about each port of call both on and off the ship.
2027-2028 World Cruise Itineraries
Viking is offering travelers a choice of three comprehensive world cruise options:
Viking World Cruise: This is the primary 142-day journey, departing from Fort Lauderdale on December 28, 2027, and finishing in London on May 18, 2028. The itinerary will visit 31 countries and include 62 guided tours, with overnight stays in 16 cities.
Viking World Discoveries: A 125-day cruise that travels from Los Angeles to London, visiting 27 countries.
Viking World Voyage III: The longest option at 170 days, this voyage continues beyond the Viking World Cruise route. It begins in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Stockholm, adding 21 more ports of call across Northern Europe and Scandinavia.
The Route and Excursions
The main route will include ports across six continents, beginning in Central America, transiting the Panama Canal, and traveling up the West Coast of North America.
It will then cross the Pacific, with stops in Hawaii and French Polynesia, followed by New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, before arriving in Europe. Among the destinations with overnight stays are Sydney, Singapore, Zanzibar, Cape Town, and Casablanca.
Travelers will be able to learn along the way with the Viking Resident Historian program, which provides lectures on the history and culture of the regions visited. Optional multi-day overland excursions are also available, including:
A six-day trip to Australia’s Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef.
A five-day safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
A six-day excursion to India’s Golden Triangle to see landmarks like the Taj Mahal.
Viking’s Accolades
Aft pool and wake of Viking Sky on Midnight Sun sailing. Photo credit: Cruise Fever
Viking has received many awards for its fleet and service. The company was rated #1 for Oceans, #1 for Rivers, and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in its 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. It was also named a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure and recognized as the Best Luxury Line by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth consecutive year.
Booking Details
Booking offers are available for North American travelers through August 31, 2025. These include free business-class airfare, a $4,000 per couple shore excursion credit, a $2,000 per couple shipboard credit, and a complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package.
Returning Viking guests also receive an additional $2,000 per couple in shipboard credit, and a limited-time reduced deposit of 10% is being offered.
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With Tropical Storm Erin expected to gain strength into a hurricane this weekend, Royal Caribbean has made the first cruise change due to the storm.
Tropical Storm Erin currently has maximum sustained wind of 50 mph. It is expected to become a hurricane on Friday when the wind tops 74 mph.
As the storm turns north, it is expected to bypass the Caribbean and The Bahamas and possibly threaten Bermuda.
You can see the latest projected path of the storm below (at the time of press).
Out of abundance of caution, Royal Caribbean has changed the itinerary for one of their cruise ships that was scheduled to visit Bermuda this weekend.
Vision of the Seas will depart today on a nine-night cruise from Baltimore. The ship was scheduled for a two-day stop in Bermuda but will now skip the island.
The port stop in Bermuda has been replaced with a visit to Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship will also visit Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Both of these ports were on the original schedule.
Cruise lines have made very few changes to itineraries so far in 2025. Erin is the fifth named storm of the 2025 hurricane season and the first three tropical storms were very short lived.
It is rare that a cruise will get canceled due to a tropical storm or hurricane. Cruise lines due everything in their power to keep cruises sailing and their guests safe.
This may mean a changed itinerary like today’s departure on Vision of the Seas.
It’s not something you see every day, but service dogs do sometimes join their owners on cruise ships.
Which leads to the obvious question – when you’re miles out at sea, where does the dog go to the bathroom?
Let’s clear it up…
On most cruise ships, service dogs are welcome if they meet the specific needs of a disabled guest – for example, guide dogs for the blind or alert dogs for the deaf. Emotional support dogs are generally not accepted, and pets are only allowed on certain Cunard sailings.
Service Animals on Cruise Ships – What’s Allowed and Where
You won’t often spot dogs on a cruise ship, but guests who require a medical service dog are welcome to bring them on board with all major cruise lines. These dogs can usually access most areas of the ship, with the exception of swimming pools or other wet zones.
To bring a service dog, you’ll need official documentation confirming both your disability and the dog’s certification. Cruise lines are happy to accommodate genuine service animals, but they won’t permit dogs that aren’t medically required.
One exception is on certain Cunard transatlantic crossings, where pets – both cats and dogs – are welcome. Even then, you might not see them unless you’re a pet owner yourself.
Cats and dogs travel in dedicated kennels on the ship, with a nearby exercise area for daily walks and bathroom breaks. Owners can visit at set times each day, but pets aren’t allowed in cabins or other public areas.
Where Service Dogs Do Their Business
Cruise ships will typically have a special relief station for service dogs to go to the bathroom. It is usually in a private space away from busy public areas and may be in a staff-only part of the ship.
Some cruise lines use a pen with mulch, while others use a typical grass area with a dog-poop bin. on the Disney Wish, there’s a fire hydrant and some fake grass.
Here’s a look at a visually-impaired cruise passenger on a Celebrity Cruise, and the bathroom for her service dog:
Obviously, cruise ship guests who don’t travel with a dog don’t want to be relaxing and have the smell of dog poop wafting around nearby, so cruise lines will hide away the bathroom area for dogs to make sure all guests stay comfortable.
It won’t always be in a staff-only area, though, and instead may be somewhere near the walking/running track or another quieter part of the open deck of the ship.
When guests with a service dog board the ship, the crew will show them where the doggy bathroom is, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Service dogs are highly trained animals and are known to only go to the bathroom in suitable places, so other guests don’t have to worry about dogs accidentally going to the toilet on a random deck. They’re so smart!
You may also consider whether dogs go to the bathroom while on a visit to a port of call. This is definitely possible, but it’s important to note that some countries may not accept service dogs, and they (and their owners) may need to stay on the ship.
Typically, though, service dogs will take care of all their bathroom needs on the ship.
Cunard Cruises Pet Toilet Facilities
On a Cunard cruise, dogs are able to go to the bathroom in a relief area near the kennels. This includes a British lamppost and an American fire hydrant for dogs to pee on, so that both British and American dogs feel at home!
The lamppost was even taken from the Cunard building in Liverpool, and the fire hydrant is modelled on a New York City one, so there’s a lot of heritage in those pee stations!
A New Cruise Just for Dogs (and Their Humans)
From 2026, pet owners in the US will have the chance to set sail with their furry friends thanks to a new partnership between Margaritaville at Sea and Cruise Tails. Their ship, Islander, will welcome up to 250 dogs for a special pet-friendly cruise, complete with private doggy bathrooms on balconies, leash-friendly deck strolls, and a packed schedule of canine activities.
Dogs won’t be allowed in dining rooms or pool areas, but they’ll have designated exercise spaces, splash sessions, and even costume contests. Space is extremely limited, and hopeful guests will need to apply for a spot rather than simply booking.
Final Word
Whether you’re a passenger with a service dog or you’re someone who is worried about cruising with dogs and smelling/seeing their mess, don’t worry – there is always a suitable bathroom area provided for service dogs to use.
Guests who have a service dog travelling with them will be looked after by the crew and guided to the spot on the first day, so you can rest easy knowing they’ll have somewhere suitable.
So no, I’m afraid the answer to where dogs go to the bathroom on a cruise ship is not “The Poop Deck”.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The RMS Titanic is one of the most famous ships in history – remembered for striking an iceberg and sinking on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York, USA.
On 15 April 1912, more than 1,500 people lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters ever recorded.
Over a century later, the story still captivates the world, with explorers even travelling deep beneath the ocean to visit the wreck.
But where exactly does the Titanic rest today? This article reveals its precise location…
Where the Titanic Sank
The Titanic sank when it hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 370 miles (600 kilometres) south-southeast off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.
The exact coordinates where the Titanic struck the iceberg and sank are 41.726931° N, 49.948253° W.
You can see where the Titanic sank on the map below. (You may need to zoom out.)
While several hundred people have ventured down in submarines to examine the wreck of the Titanic, doing so is notoriously difficult.
As well as the remote location, other challenges include the large area that the debris is scattered over, the extreme depth from the surface, the water temperature and the pressure.
We’ll explore each of these in more detail…
The Current Location of the Titanic Wreck
After the Titanic hit the iceberg, it continued to sail for about 10 to 12 miles (16 to 19 kilometres).
The Titanic hit the iceberg at approximately 11:40 pm on April 14, 1912, but it did not sink until around 2:20 pm on April 15, 1912, during which time the ship was slowly filling with water and sinking while still moving forward.
The ship broke apart as it sank, and lighter debris was spread over a wide area by the currents.
The ship itself broke into two main pieces, which rest about a third of a mile (600 meters) apart from each other. But it’s estimated that smaller pieces of debris are distributed over an area of approximately 15 square miles.
The debris includes pieces of the hull, personal items from passengers, furniture, dishes, and other artefacts.
Depth of the Titantic Wreck
The wreck of the Titanic lies approximately 12,500 feet, or about 2.37 miles (3.81 kilometres), below the surface of the ocean.
This is roughly average in terms of how deep the world’s oceans are. However, some parts of the ocean are three times deeper than this.
This extreme depth, combined with the cold water temperatures and strong ocean currents, makes the site of the Titanic wreck particularly challenging to explore.
The Water Temperature Around the Titanic
The water around the Titanic’s final resting place is just above freezing, typically between -1 and 1 degrees Celsius (30 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit).
Because of the extreme depth, the water remains this cold all year round.
The water around the Titanic’s final resting place is consistently around or just above freezing, typically between -1 to 1 degrees Celsius (30 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit). This is due to the depth and location of the wreck in the North Atlantic Ocean.
At the depth of the Titanic, the pressure is approximately 380 atmospheres, or about 5,500 pounds per square inch (psi).
But what does that actually mean?
Well, water pressure is the force that the weight of water puts on things in it. The deeper you go, the more water there is above you, and the heavier that water is.
For every 33 feet (about the height of a three-story building) you go down in the ocean, the pressure increases by one atmosphere. One atmosphere is the amount of pressure we feel from the air at sea level.
So, let’s imagine stacking three-story buildings on top of each other. By the time you’ve stacked around 380 of these buildings (which is about how deep the Titanic is), the pressure is 380 times greater than what we feel at sea level.
That’s like having 50 elephants standing on top of a postage stamp!
This experiment demonstrates…
I recently visited The Titanic Exhibition in Bristol, and there they had a styrofoam cup that was taken to the Titanic wreck site. As you can see from the photo below, it shrunk to much smaller than its original size due to the pressure of the water…
This is a tremendous amount of pressure, and it makes exploration and recovery operations at the Titanic wreck site so challenging and hazardous.
Only specially designed submersibles and equipment can withstand these extreme conditions and transferring from one submarine to another is not an option.
To Conclude
The Titanic tragically sank in the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, sinking to a depth of approximately 12,500 feet (2.37 miles or 3.81 kilometres).
The Titanic’s journey post-collision, the spreading debris field, and the resting place of the wreck itself provide a haunting testament to the magnitude of the disaster.
The challenges posed by extreme water pressure, freezing temperatures, and the vast depth underline the difficulties in exploring and preserving this historically significant site. As well as the obvious ethical considerations, these conditions mean that the Titanic will never be raised.
As we continue to learn from this catastrophic event, the Titanic’s final resting place serves as a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the importance of maritime safety.
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Star Princess, the next new ship from Princess Cruises, successfully completed sea trials this week ahead of the vessel’s debut.
Star Princess is the second Sphere class ship from Princess and will sail its maiden voyage on October 4, 2025. In early November, the ship will head to Port Everglades where she will be christened on November 6, 2025.
Star Princess will spend the winter season sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to the Caribbean before heading to the West Coast for cruises to Alaska in the summer of 2026.
But first, the finishing touches will be put on the ship now that sea trials have been completed.
Sea trials took place between August 9-12 when the ship departed from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Star Princess underwent a comprehensive series of tests, including steering, navigation systems and propulsion.
As the second ship in the Princess fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Star Princess represents a significant step forward in reducing emissions.
To optimize both power efficiency and maneuverability, the vessel is fitted with two Azipod propulsion units, providing 360 degree thrust for both forward and reverse movement, along with four large controllable pitch bow thrusters, enabling precise lateral maneuvering.
Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma gave the following statement about sea trials:
“We confidently led Star Princess through sea trials. As the proud leader of our newest vessel, I’m extremely impressed with the ship’s navigation capabilities and maneuverability. With the final countdown underway, my incredible teammates and I can’t wait to welcome guests aboard for unforgettable adventures this fall.”
The 177,800 gross ton ships can carry 4,300 guests. It features 30 distinct dining and drink venues and elevated entertainment.
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Norwegian Cruise Line is spending millions of dollars upgrading their private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
Pier under construction at Great Stirrup Cay. Photo: Cruise Fever
One of the most important part of the upgrades is a pier so Norwegian cruise ships will be able to dock right at the island.
This will be a huge improvement over using tenders and will cause less ships to skip the port due to weather. It also provides a better experience for cruisers as they can walk off the ship and be right on the island.
I recently had the opportunity to sail by Great Stirrup Cay on a rainy day and get take some photos of the pier that’s under construction.
The cruise pier will be able to accommodate multiple ships on the same day allowing more NCL guests to visit the island.
A spokesman for Norwegian told me that the pier is expected to be completed before the end of 2025.
The first day where two NCL ships are scheduled to visit the port is on November 18, 2025 with Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Getaway.
The map of Great Stirrup Cay below shows where the pier is being built on the island.
Map of Great Stirrup Cay
To see details on the new waterpark Norwegian Cruise Line is currently building on Great Stirrup Cay, you can see that here.
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A recent update to the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico has caught the attention of many cruise travelers. On August 12, 2025, the advisory was updated to a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” for the country as a whole.
But what does this mean for the ports on your cruise itinerary?
Understanding the New Advisory
The main takeaway is that not all of Mexico falls into the same category. The advisory provides a different risk level for each state, and this is what matters most to a cruiser.
The overall warning is for “terrorism, crime, and kidnapping,” with the advisory stating, “The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas.”
This means U.S. citizens are advised to follow the same rules as government employees.
It’s important to remember that cruise lines are lazer-focused on safety and will not bring passengers to destinations they believe are unsafe. In fact, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are even expanding their presence in Mexico, with projects like Perfect Day Mexico and Royal Beach Club Cozumel.
This kind of major investment suggests that cruise lines have confidence in the security of these key destinations.
Cruise ships in Costa Maya, Mexico
Detailed Look at Cruise Ports and Their Advisories
The good news is that most major cruise ports are in states with lower risk levels than some of the country’s inland areas.
Over 9 million cruisers visited Mexico in 2024, according to recent data. Upwards of 10 million guests are expected in 2025.
Here is a more detailed look at the advisories for some of the most popular cruise stops.
Updated advisory map of Mexico from the U.S. State Department
Cozumel & Costa Maya (Quintana Roo)
These popular Caribbean ports are in the state of Quintana Roo, which has a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory.
The advisory mentions a risk of violent crime, including shootings between rival gangs that have injured and killed innocent bystanders. However, the advisory also states that the tourism industry is well-regulated in these areas, and local authorities work to protect visitors. When visiting Cozumel or Costa Maya, it is recommended to stick to well-known tourist areas and exercise more caution in downtown areas, especially after dark.
Progreso (Yucatan)
This port is a great example of the difference in risk levels across Mexico. Progreso is in the state of Yucatan, which has the lowest possible advisory of Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This means travelers should take the same basic safety steps they would anywhere else in the world. So, no problem here.
Cabo San Lucas (Baja California Sur)
This favorite Pacific coast destination is in the state of Baja California Sur, which is also at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The advisory is similar to that for Quintana Roo, focusing on general crime concerns.
Local officials in the Cabo area have been trying to increase security, including adding more security personnel and surveillance, to protect the tourism industry. After all, a loss of tourism means less revenue for the state.
Ensenada (Baja California)
This port is in the state of Baja California, which has a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory. The advisory mentions violent crime, terrorism and kidnapping, especially in non-tourist areas.
The advisory states that “travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations.” The good news is that there are no additional travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in the following areas: Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito.
Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco)
This port is in the state of Jalisco, which is also at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel. The advisory for Jalisco is more serious, warning of violent crime and a potential risk from gangs. For this reason, cruise lines and travel experts often suggest that cruisers in Puerto Vallarta participate in organized shore excursions, as they offer a more structured and secure way to explore the area.
Manzanillo, Mazatlán, and Acapulco (Various States)
These ports are in states with the highest risk level, Level 4: Do Not Travel. Manzanillo is in the state of Colima, Mazatlán is in Sinaloa, and Acapulco is in Guerrero. The advisory for these areas is very serious, with Acapulco’s state of Guerrero specifically noting a risk of violence from “terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.”
This is the most severe warning, and it means the U.S. government has very little ability to help its citizens in an emergency there. Due to this high risk level, cruise lines may modify their itineraries or advise passengers to exercise extreme caution if they visit these ports. In regards to Manzanillo the advisory states, “Travel only to the central tourist and port areas of Manzanillo. Primary tourist areas include the historic city center and Malecon, the hotel zone, the Peninsula Santiago or Las Hadas area, and the Club Santiago Peninsula area.”
Bottom Line
Pay attention to any updates from your cruise line as your cruise date gets closer. Sticking with shore excursions through the cruise line will help ensure your safety in addition to helping the cruise line keep in touch with tour operators. A recurring theme in this report focuses on those “off the beaten path” areas. In most cases the bustling touristy areas are still safe as local authorities work hard to keep that tourism money coming in.
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