Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced that its newest ocean ship, the Viking Mira®, was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Mira has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. The ship is scheduled to debut in spring 2026 and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Viking Mira Touches Water For First Time
“In our view, together with Fincantieri we have created the world’s most elegant fleet of small ocean ships—and the float out of the Viking Mira marks yet another important milestone as we continue to grow our fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “As we prepare to welcome her in 2026, we are proud to offer even more opportunities for curious travelers to explore the world in Viking comfort.”
The traditional float out ceremony took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of the Viking Mira began on July 31 at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time when the ceremonial cord was cut that signaled water to flow into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Mira afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.
With a clear focus on creating experiences For The Thinking Person™, Viking does not try to be all things to all people. This approach resonates with guests, and recently Travel + Leisure readers voted Viking a“World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. Viking is also rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. No other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.
Get To Know Viking
Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
Viking today announced that its newest ocean ship, the Viking Mira, has been “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in spring 2026, the Viking Mira (pictured here) will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. For more information, visit www.viking.com. Credit: Viking
Viking® today announced that its newest ocean ship, the Viking Mira®, was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Mira has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. The ship is scheduled to debut in spring 2026 and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. – Read Full Story
Celebrity Cruises sent out emails today to guests who are booked on upcoming cruises on Celebrity Beyond about adjustments made to their itineraries.
Celebrity Cruises canceled the July 20, 2025 sailing on Celebrity Beyond due to issue with the ship’s sailing speed. The cruise line sent the ship to a shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas for the week where repairs were made to the vessel.
Celebrity Beyond returned to Miami on July 27, 2025 and resumed cruises to the Caribbean.
However, the ship continues to have issues with the sailing speed and Celebrity Cruises has notified guests who are on future sailings that their itineraries are being modified.
The letter stated the following for the September 7, 2025 cruise:
“Dear Guest,
We’re delighted to welcome you aboard Celebrity Beyond for your upcoming cruise. Before we set sail, we want to share a few important updates to our itinerary.
Due to a reduced sailing speed, we’ve made a few adjustments to ensure our voyage remains smooth, comfortable, and above all, safe.
We’ll swap the days we visit Cozumel, Mexico, and Falmouth, Jamaica. As a result, we’ll now call on Falmouth on Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and visit Cozumel on Friday, from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Additionally, we’re adjusted our time in George Town Grand Cayman, with a new arrival at 7:00 AM and departure at 4:00 PM.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciate your understanding and flexibility, We’re confident these updates will enhance your time on board and ashore, allowing you to enjoy each destination to its fullest.”
Celebrity Beyond
The letter went on to say that any guests who have shore excursions purchased will automatically have them adjusted for the new port days and times.
Guests sailing in August, September and October on Celebrity Beyond have received the email on itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean with their new adjusted port days.
The next scheduled dry dock for Celebrity Beyond is in November 2026. There are currently no cruises offered on the ship from November 1-17, 2026. It will be the ship’s first full dry dock since the vessel debuted in the spring of 2022.
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The readiness and heroism of the U.S. Coast Guard was on full display during a chaotic Tuesday night. As a distant tsunami advisory put crews on high alert, a different, more personal emergency called them into action.
Top right clip from U.S. Coast Guard
According to a press release from the Coast Guard, a 71-year-old woman on the cruise ship Carnival Legend was experiencing a cardiac event. The ship was 120 miles off the Washington coast even as the Coast Guard was paying close attention to the ripple effect of the 8.8 earthquake that took place off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula
With one eye on the potential for issues from the pending tsunami, a Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria was launched.
The crew reached the cruise ship and hoisted the woman into the aircraft. She was then flown to Air Station Astoria and transferred to a local emergency room.
“While carrying out a critical long-range medical evacuation from a cruise ship, Coast Guard Northwest District units also stood ready to respond to the threat of a distant tsunami. Their ability to answer both calls at once is a powerful testament to the Service’s unwavering dedication to saving lives and protecting the maritime community,” said Cmdr. Neal Corbin, commanding officer of Air Station Astoria.
The successful medical evacuation, performed during a tsunami warning, highlights the Coast Guard’s incredibly difficult but important job. We tip our hats to the U.S. Coast Guard crew and pray for the swift recovery of the woman who was airlifted.
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The 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on 29th July 2025 had a swift and far-reaching impact on cruise operations across the Pacific Ocean, with ships in Hawaii and Alaska responding rapidly to the tsunami warnings that followed.
While the tsunami threat has since passed and warnings have been lifted or downgraded, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America was forced to depart Hilo, Hawaii, ahead of schedule, leaving more than 300 guests and crew ashore as the vessel moved to safer waters.
Pride of America Evacuates Hilo, Leaving Guests Behind
The emergency unfolded in the late afternoon, local time, when Hawaiian officials issued an urgent tsunami warning advising residents and visitors to evacuate coastal areas.
The first wave was expected to arrive at 7:10 pm HST.
In response, Pride of America, which was docked in Hilo, received clearance from Hawaii’s Department of Transportation to immediately depart the harbour.
As cruise ships are safest in deep water, the vessel had to set sail quickly – well before the scheduled all-aboard time of 6 p.m.
Unfortunately, the abrupt departure meant that over 300 individuals, including guests and some crew members, were unable to return in time.
In some cases, families were separated, with part of a group onboard and others ashore.
“Before departure, all guests were notified via SMS and advised to seek higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities if they were unable to return to the ship,” NCL said in a statement.
Those participating in official NCL shore excursions were transported to Waiakea High School, a designated evacuation site located over 100 feet above sea level and just over three miles from the port. The site was equipped to offer shelter and refreshments to stranded guests.
Satellite tracking showed Pride of America remained just offshore throughout the night, awaiting clearance to return.
Following safety inspections of Hilo Harbor on the morning of 30th July, guests were successfully reunited with the ship, and the sailing continued – albeit with an adjusted itinerary.
The planned call to Kona on the same day was cancelled, but Pride of America arrived on time in Nawiliwili, Kauai on 31st July, the final port of its 7-night inter-island Hawaiian cruise.
Alaska Cruise Ships on High Alert
While Pride of America was managing the emergency in Hawaii, cruise ships sailing along Alaska’s rugged coastlines – during the height of the state’s summer cruise season – also responded to tsunami warnings.
Ships in areas such as the Aleutian Islands, Inside Passage, and coastal ports like Seward and Sitka were placed under tsunami advisories or watches, with estimated wave arrival times between 8:30–9 pm local time on 29th July.
One of the closest ships to the earthquake’s epicentre was Villa Vie Odyssey, currently on a three-year world cruise.
Fortunately, she was sailing in deep Bering Sea waters, where tsunami effects are typically minimal.
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, en route to Alaska with hundreds of guests aboard, also entered a heightened state of alert.
Passengers described a tense but orderly response as updates were shared via ship-wide announcements, pools and open decks were temporarily closed, and safety protocols were reviewed.
“People were just kind of frantic in panic mode, not knowing what was gonna happen,” said Erin Dietrich, a guest aboard Quantum of the Seas, who spoke to PEOPLE.
Dietrich said the ship’s captain reassured guests over the loudspeaker, confirming that the cruise line was working with local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard to monitor the situation.
While conditions aboard remained stable, many passengers – especially families – reported feeling anxious until the threat passed.
Warning Downgraded, No Reported Damage
By the early morning of 30th July, the tsunami warnings had been lifted for most areas, including Hawaii and southeast Alaska. Advisories remained briefly in place for Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, but no major damage was reported at cruise ports or terminals.
The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that deep ocean cruising remained the safest course of action, advising vessels to avoid shallow waters, harbours, and bays due to the potential for strong currents and floating debris.
Despite fears of port damage or itinerary cancellations, cruise lines reported minimal disruption outside of Pride of America’s temporary disembarkation delay and port skip.
A Reminder of Cruise Preparedness
This incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of cruising in geologically active regions, and the robust safety protocols cruise lines have in place.
From deep-sea relocation to coordinated evacuation shelters and shipboard communications, vessels and their teams were well prepared.
As the Pacific region returns to normal operations, cruise passengers and industry watchers alike can take reassurance from how effectively ships like Pride of America and Quantum of the Seas responded under pressure.
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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.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, known for delivering ultra-luxury cruising experiences, is introducing a significant update to its evening dress code policy across its fleet. Beginning 1st August 2025, the line…
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises, known for delivering ultra-luxury cruising experiences, is introducing a significant update to its evening dress code policy across its fleet.
Beginning 1st August 2025, the line will allow guests to wear refined denim and dress sneakers in all public areas, including restaurants, after 6 pm – a departure from the previously stricter interpretation of “Elegant Casual.”
This policy shift is intended to reflect modern guest preferences while retaining the sophisticated tone that defines Regent’s onboard atmosphere.
“This adjustment reflects evolving guest preferences while maintaining the elevated atmosphere aboard our ships,” the cruise line explained in an official statement.
What’s Now Permitted Under “Elegant Casual”
Previously, Regent’s evening dress code prohibited jeans and any form of athletic footwear. But now, refined denim and dress sneakers will be allowed under the following conditions:
Refined denim must be free of rips, fraying, or distressing and styled in a polished, dressy manner
Dress sneakers must be clean, polished, and in neutral or classic tones
This brings Regent’s policies more in line with modern interpretations of smart casual attire seen in luxury hospitality spaces on land.
Where the Dress Code Applies – and Where It Doesn’t
The new guidelines apply to all public venues, including main dining rooms and lounges. As before, Pool Grill and Pool Bar areas remain casual throughout the day and evening.
Formal optional nights – which are offered on voyages of 16 nights or longer – will remain unchanged.
These nights encourage cocktail attire or black-tie ensembles, including floor-length gowns and tuxedos.
Mixed Reaction From Loyal Guests
While some long-time Regent cruisers have welcomed the added flexibility, others have voiced concern that the change could diminish the refined onboard ambience.
A common theme among critics is the fear that their personal effort to dress elegantly may now stand out in contrast to more relaxed interpretations of the dress code.
However, Regent sought to reassure passengers that dressing up remains entirely welcome:
“Guests who enjoy dressing up for dinner are always welcome to do so – formal wear remains a welcomed choice onboard,” the cruise line said.
Some also acknowledged that the move is likely aimed at attracting younger travellers who may value luxury experiences but seek a more relaxed approach to evening attire.
On the other hand, many applauded the change, noting that once seated at dinner, most guests aren’t fixated on what others are wearing.
A Shift Seen Across the Cruise Industry
Regent Seven Seas is not the first luxury line to soften its dress code policies.
In recent years, many upscale cruise brands – including Oceania Cruises and Viking – have gradually moved away from rigid attire rules, aligning more with luxury hotel standards than traditional cruise formalities.
The change reflects a broader shift in the luxury travel market, where experience and comfort are being increasingly prioritised alongside traditional elegance.
Whether you opt for evening gowns and dinner jackets, or polished denim and sleek sneakers, Regent Seven Seas maintains its promise of unparalleled service and sophisticated cruising – no matter your outfit.
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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.
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Just over a year after announcing a long-awaited pier for Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line has now unveiled even more transformative plans for its Bahamian private island.
Set to debut in summer 2026, the all-new Great Tides Waterpark will bring nearly six acres of exhilarating attractions, positioning Great Stirrup Cay to rival the region’s most talked-about private destinations, including Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay and Carnival’s Celebration Key.
“Great Stirrup Cay has always been an amazing part of the Norwegian Cruise Line guest experience and continues to be one of our highest rated destinations,
“At 270 acres our private island provides us with an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience when they escape to ‘The Great Life’ with us.”
David Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line.
A Bold Vision: Great Tides Waterpark
The centrepiece of the expansion is the Great Tides Waterpark, a sprawling playground packed with family-friendly and thrill-seeking attractions:
Tidal Tower, a 170-foot structure with 19 unique waterslides, including racing slides, tube slides, and steep drops
Cliffside Cove, featuring the cruise industry’s first cliff jumps at 10 and 15 feet high
A 9,000-square-foot splash zone for younger guests, complete with tipping buckets, mini slides, and fountains
The only family raft slide in the Caribbean, accommodating four riders
An 800-foot “dynamic river”, offering a more adrenaline-charged version of a lazy river with faster currents and an immersive, bioluminescent grotto tunnel
And in a truly Norwegian twist, the island will debut “jet karts” – a water-based racing experience blending go-karts and jet skis for an innovative and exclusive shore excursion.
Island Enhancements Begin in Late 2025
While the waterpark won’t open until summer 2026, significant enhancements will begin to roll out by late 2025:
New Pier
Perhaps the most practical upgrade, the new pier facility will eliminate the need for tendering – a common cause of weather-related cancellations. This will greatly increase reliability and accessibility for visiting ships.
Great Life Lagoon
A serene retreat featuring a heated lagoon pool, cabana and villa rentals, and two swim-up bars – the Reef Bar and Waves Bar – serving adult and child-friendly beverages alike.
Splash Harbor and Horizon Park
The 3,400-square-foot Splash Harbor will entertain little ones with interactive water features, while Horizon Park offers dryland activities such as:
Pickleball
Mini-golf (9 holes)
Sports court
Lawn games like ring toss and cornhole
Vibe Shore Club and Hammock Bay
Adults seeking tranquillity can escape to Vibe Shore Club, a refined, adults-only area echoing the popular Vibe Beach Club aboard Norwegian ships.
It will offer premium loungers, umbrellas, and villa rentals (day pass required).
Meanwhile, Hammock Bay delivers pure relaxation with over 50 hammocks, a dedicated bar, and a nearby BBQ buffet.
Redefining the Private Island Experience
These developments signal a major investment in Norwegian Cruise Line’s private destination strategy, elevating Great Stirrup Cay well beyond its current offerings and placing it in direct competition with nearby private ports – especially Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, located less than a mile away.
The additions come in line with Norwegian’s broader focus on next-generation cruise experiences, as seen with go-karts on Norwegian Prima and now jet karts at sea-level.
While full details regarding pricing, food and beverage options, and booking access for the new attractions are still to come, guests are encouraged to book late 2026 sailings now to be among the first to experience the reinvented Great Stirrup Cay.
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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.
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Carnival Cruise Line is returning to a port for the first time this year after an earthquake struck near the port in late 2024.
On August 8, 2025, Carnival Adventure will stop at Vila, Vanuatu marking the cruise line’s return to the port. The visit will take place during a 10-night roundtrip cruise that departs from Sydney, Australia on August 3, 2025.
On December 17, 2024, a 7.3 earthquake struck near Port Vila causing serious damage to the area. Eight months later, most of the businesses, restaurants and shops are back up and running so Carnival will now resume port stops.
The pier is still damaged and since the cruise ship will be unable to dock, Carnival will use tender service to ferry guests from the ship to the shore.
The tender service will start approximately 30 minutes after the ship arrives at the port.
Carnival Adventure, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa all have scheduled port visits to Vila through the end of the year.
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Royal Caribbean sent out a letter to travel advisors stating that they have canceled all port stops at their private destination Labadee through the end of October 2025.
Wonder of the Seas in Labadee, Haiti. Photo: Cruise Fever
Five Royal Caribbean cruise ships were scheduled to spend a day in Labadee, Haiti over the next three months but will now visit other ports.
The email from the cruise line gave the following reason for the cancelations:
“We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, we’re canceling our visits to Labadee through October 31st.”
Itinerary Changes
Freedom of the Seas will now stop in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos in place of Labadee.
On Oasis of the Seas, the new stop will vary based on each specific cruise with the port order changed on some sailings. The new port stops include Nassau, St. Kitts and Costa Maya.
On three of the cruises on Oasis of the Seas, the ship will also switch out Falmouth for a stop in either Cozumel or Roatan.
Cruises on Adventures of the Seas will see the scheduled stop in Labadee swapped out with Nassau, Grand Cayman or Grand Turk.
These are just a few of the changes to itineraries made by Royal Caribbean. If you had a scheduled port visit to Labadee through the end of October, your travel agent should be notifying you of changes.
Labadee, Haiti is one of two private destinations from Royal Caribbean. However, that is about to change as the cruise line is building new private ports for their passengers in the Caribbean and The Bahamas.
They include Perfect Day Mexico, Lelepa and two Royal Beach Clubs. The Royal Beach Clubs will be located in Nassau and Cozumel.
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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to introduce a Mediterranean-Inspired Open-Air Dining Venue Aboard Borealis
Later this year, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is set to unveil Fresco – a new open-air dining venue aboard Borealis, alongside exciting culinary enhancements for 2026 onwards.
Opening in November on Deck 8 aft, Fresco will bring a relaxed atmosphere and light bites inspired by the sun-soaked flavours of the Mediterranean, offering a charming new way to experience cuisine at sea following Borealis’ October dry dock.
Meanwhile, across the fleet from 2026 onwards, speciality restaurant Colours and Tastes, will be evolving to feature an enhanced range of cuisine, including Gourmet Grill and Traditional Italian, alongside the much-loved Asian-fusion cuisine.
Additionally, a brand new Chef’s Table experience will be on offer from £100pp, giving culinary enthusiasts the chance to savour an exclusive multicourse menu crafted by our expert chefs, paired with premium wines selected by our sommeliers.
Doug Glenwright, Director of Guest Experience at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said:
“We’re thrilled to be sharing some fresh new flavours and experiences with our guests when Fresco opens on Borealis this November. Followed by exciting culinary enhancements in 2026 to Colours and Tastes and for those who love to make a night of it, our new Chef’s Table will be something truly special – a one-of-a-kind multi-course experience, designed to make our guests’ time on board with us even more memorable.”
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer a fleet of three smaller ships Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral, each never sailing with more than 1,400 guests and offers award winning cruising and excursions, along with a variety of restaurants, bars, leisure facilities and a range cabins, from dedicated cabins for solo travellers to cosy interior cabins and balcony suites.
