It doesn’t look like much, does it? A little coin-sized gadget on a lanyard hardly screams “this will run half your holiday”.
But once you’re on a Princess cruise, the Medallion quickly turns into the thing you use for almost everything.
It’s your cabin key, your onboard spending tool, your way back onto the ship and, in some cases, your shortcut to finding the people you’ve somehow lost between the buffet and the pool deck. Handy is putting it mildly.
Some cruise gadgets feel like they’re there mostly to sound clever. The Princess Medallion is one of the few that genuinely makes life easier onboard. And once you’ve used it for a few days, going back to a standard cruise card can feel a bit old school…
1. Unlock Your Cabin Door Like Magic
This is the feature that usually wins people over within about five minutes.
Instead of fumbling around for a cruise card, your cabin door can unlock as you approach with your Medallion.
Honestly, this is so much better than it might sound. The amount of times I’ve been carrying drinks back to the cabins for the kids, then tried to do that awkward shuffle to get my cruise card out while balancing them…
It’s not quite a sci-fi moment – you still have to open the door yourself, which you can manage with your elbow – but it does feel impressively smooth when it works. After a few days, you stop thinking about it. Then the minute you sail on a ship without it, you suddenly miss it.
2. Board And Reboard Without the Usual Faff
Getting on and off the ship is one of those cruise routines you do over and over again, so anything that makes it quicker is a win.
Your Princess Medallion is part of the boarding and reboarding process, which means you’re not constantly digging around for a separate key card every time you head ashore or come back from port. It becomes second nature pretty quickly – grab your essentials, grab your Medallion, and off you go.
That might not sound thrilling, but on a busy port day when everyone’s queuing to get back onboard, anything that makes the process feel less clunky is worth having.
3. Pay For Drinks, Coffee and Shopping Onboard
Think of the Medallion as your onboard wallet.
Want a cocktail by the pool? Fancy a speciality coffee? Seen a souvenir in one of the shops that you know you’ll regret not buying? Your Medallion links to your onboard account, so purchases can be charged straight there instead of you carrying cash or reaching for a bank card every five minutes.
Again, yes, it’s a cruise card but in small, metal, round form. But it is so much easier than constantly digging it out of a bag or wallet.
It’s one of those features that quietly makes your cruise feel easier. You can travel lighter, keep your essentials to a minimum and stop worrying about where you last shoved your card. Dangerous for the holiday budget, maybe. Convenient, absolutely.
4. Order Food and Drinks to Wherever You’re Sitting
This is where the Princess Medallion starts to feel genuinely clever.
Using the Princess app, you can order food, drinks and other items and have them delivered to your location around the ship. So if you’ve claimed a sun lounger and have no intention of giving it up for the next two hours, you don’t necessarily have to.
It’s especially handy on sea days, when nobody wants to lose a good spot by the pool just because they fancy another drink or a snack. You order, and wait for it to come to you.
And you don’t even need to stay where you are. I’ve moved to the other end of the ship after ordering, and my food still found me!
Just don’t expect instant service during the busiest times. If half the ship has the exact same idea at sailaway, things can slow down a bit. Still, the fact that it works at all is really impressive.
5. Find Your Travel Companions Without Sending Back-and-Forth Messages
Every cruise group has one person who vanishes.
Sometimes it’s the partner who “just popped to get a drink” and somehow ended up in another bar on another deck. Sometimes it’s a teenager who said they’d be back in ten minutes and has not been seen since mini golf. Either way, the Medallion can help.
Princess lets guests in the same travel party locate each other through the app, which is genuinely useful on a big ship. It saves you from the usual stream of messages asking “Where are you?”, “Which pool?”, “What deck?”, and “No, the other side”.
For families and groups especially, this can be one of the best features of the whole system.
Bear in mind though, it’s not always 100% accurate. I once looked up my child’s location on the app, and the map showed his Medallion as being in the sea. Gladly, it wasn’t, and neither was he!
6. Get Directions Around the Ship
Cruise ships are brilliant. They’re also surprisingly good at making you feel like you’ve taken one wrong turn and accidentally entered another postcode.
If you’ve ever spent ten minutes trying to find the right dining room, theatre, lounge or spa entrance, you’ll appreciate this bit. The Princess system can help with wayfinding, showing you how to get from where you are to where you actually meant to be.
It’s particularly useful on the first day or two, when you’re still pretending you totally know the difference between forward, midship and aft. It also comes in handy when you’re racing to trivia, dinner or a show and do not have the patience for a scenic route through three wrong decks.
Now if only it worked like a sat nav and could give you directions that avoid the crowds… One day, maybe!
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Princess Cruises offers…
7. Check Plans Without Being Glued to Your Phone
Not everyone wants to spend their cruise staring at an app, and fair enough.
One of the better things about the Medallion setup is that you can use screens around the ship to pull up useful information without needing to do everything on your phone. Depending on where you are, that can include your plans, bookings, activities and other personalised details.
That makes it easier for people who aren’t especially techy, and it’s also just a nice break from (small) screen overload. You can stay organised without feeling like you’re spending the whole holiday tapping through menus.
The big screens have games you can play on them using the Medallion, too.
Sometimes cruise tech works best when it gets out of the way a bit, and this is one of those times.
8. Make The Whole Cruise Feel More Personal
This is one of the more subtle perks, but it can make a difference.
Because the Medallion links to your profile, it helps create a more personalised experience onboard. That might mean staff can identify you more quickly, certain preferences are easier to see, or little touches feel more tailored to you rather than totally generic.
Walking past a digital screen on your birthday? A little celebratory message might pop up…
No, it doesn’t mean every crew member suddenly knows your life story. But it can make interactions feel smoother, especially when it comes to things like onboard purchases, bookings and service.
It’s the kind of feature that you don’t always notice until you sail without it and realise how many little moments it had quietly simplified.
9. Use It in Some Ports Too!
The Medallion isn’t always just for onboard use.
In some destinations and participating shops, Princess guests can use MedallionPay ashore as well. That means you may be able to make purchases in selected ports without switching back into full wallet-and-bank-card mode the second you step off the ship.
That convenience will appeal to some cruisers more than others. If you like keeping things simple, it’s a nice option. If you’re the kind of traveller who prefers paying in local currency and hunting down the best deal, you might be less fussed.
Also it’s important to know that it doesn’t charge purchases to your account, but instead uses the card you’ve registered to your account to pay immediately. Don’t assume you can use onboard credit to pay for things ashore. There’s a reason it’s called “Onboard Credit”.
Either way, it’s a useful extra to know about – especially if you like the idea of keeping your day ashore as low-hassle as possible.
10. Wear It at the Pool, On the Beach or In the Rain
A lot of cruise essentials are annoying the minute water gets involved. The Princess Medallion isn’t really one of them.
Because it’s designed to be worn throughout the cruise, you don’t need to panic if you’re heading to the pool, relaxing on the beach or get caught in a sudden downpour. That all-day convenience is part of the appeal. You’re not constantly taking it on and off or wondering where to stash it.
That’s especially useful on sea days, when you might bounce between breakfast, the pool, lunch, a hot tub, another drink and then back to the cabin without ever wanting to think too hard about what’s in your pockets.
11. Turn It into Something a Bit More You
The standard lanyard does the job, but it’s not exactly glamorous.
Princess also offers different accessories for the Medallion, so you can wear it in a way that suits you a bit better – whether that’s clipped to clothing, worn on a wristband or turned into more of a necklace-style accessory. If you hate having things around your neck all day, that flexibility helps.
The wristbands are especially useful for a lot of the things on this list.
It’s not the most important feature, obviously, but it does make the Medallion easier to live with. And on a cruise, the best gadgets are the ones you forget you’re even wearing.
What Can You Do with Your Princess Medallion after The Cruise?
This is where things get a little less exciting, but it’s still worth knowing because loads of people ask.
Once your cruise is over, your Princess Medallion isn’t really something you keep using for future sailings in the way some people hope. It’s not a permanent cruise pass you keep reactivating again and again. For most people, its useful life ends with that sailing.
The good news is that Princess says the Medallion itself doesn’t store your personal information, so you don’t need to treat it like a mini hard drive full of your card details. That’s a relief if you’ve ever looked at it after the cruise and thought, “Right, what exactly am I meant to do with this now?”
In reality, most passengers do one of three things.
They keep it as a souvenir, especially since it’s quite a fun little memento from the trip.
They turn it into a magnet or keepsake, which honestly suits it quite well.
Or they recycle it responsibly rather than throwing it in general rubbish, since it’s still a small electronic item.
So no, it’s not going to unlock your front door, buy you a coffee on land or magically shave money off your next Princess cruise. But it can still make a decent little reminder of a holiday you loved.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Princess Cruises offers…
Final Thoughts
For something so small, the Princess Medallion does quite a lot of heavy lifting.
Some of its features are practical – unlocking your cabin, paying for drinks, getting back on the ship. Others are more about making the whole cruise feel smoother, easier and a bit more modern. And that’s really where it works best. It takes everyday cruise admin and makes it less noticeable.
You probably won’t step onboard thinking the Medallion will be the highlight of your holiday. But by the end of the cruise, there’s a good chance it’ll be one of those little things you realise you’d hate to do without.
From small cruise ports with one ship to bustling port cities where an 8-ship day is commonplace, I’ve sailed from all kinds of homeports around the world.
And while some might think of a port city as just a starting point for their journey, the general vibe on board the ship is very much influenced by that departure port itself.
Holland America’s Eurodam docked in Vancouver (Cruise Fever)
I’ve seen it firsthand. The contrast between sailing out of Seattle on an Alaskan voyage and a quick 3-day from PortMiami couldn’t be more different in terms of the crowd and experience on the ship.
Likewise, a past sailing out of Charleston, SC (no longer in service for Carnival) had a very different crowd and demographic as opposed to a sailing I did out of Port Everglades.
A recent Reddit thread asked about crowd differences from port cities and highlighted what I think is a very interesting point when booking a cruise. The social media post asked if the crowd on a cruise varied by cruise port.
The answer from the cruise community was a resounding yes, with examples of how different a cruise can feel based on the point of departure.
Smaller Regional Ports Have that Local Vibe
For ports in places like Mobile, Jacksonville, Norfolk, and even Philadelphia (now that NCL is sailing from there again), most cruisers will drive to the port. This means more “locals” on board.
After all, most of these smaller ports are very convenient for the local population and they are used as an alternative to having to book a flight to the busier ports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
But even larger ports can have that local vibe.
One cruiser’s comment in the thread stated that a recent cruise out of Galveston had a very local feel to it, saying that they “never saw so many people drinking Dr. Pepper before.”
A cruise out of New York City can be full of locals just wanting to get a break from the snow without having to book a flight to Florida.
One cruiser put it this way: “I cruised from Miami at the beginning of the year and we met a number of New Yorkers on board (NYC is my home port) all trying to escape the cold. NYC gets people from all over the world because NYC itself is a major destination, as are Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral). People fit in land & cruise vacations in one visit.”
Another regular cruiser said they often sail from Jacksonville and find people from surrounding states on board.
“Lots of people who drove in from GA, Ala, SC, NC, and Tenn. Lots of working people and people with public service jobs: plumbers, teachers, cops, EMTs, etc,” the cruiser stated.
Larger Ports Are More Diverse
Ports like PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades get visitors from all over the country and all over the world. But they also offer everything from short 3-day sailings to much longer durations.
In my experience, the duration of a cruise has a bigger impact on the crowd on board than the port itself in these cases.
But these ports also get more out-of-state travelers as they have so many offerings and options. And if you want a nice cruise to The Bahamas or Caribbean, starting in Florida is your best bet.
Not everyone was thrilled with the cruise crowd out of Miami though. One traveler commented that crowds on PortMiami sailings were “raucous” and “rude”. That has not been my experience, but again, shorter 3- and 4-day sailings can definitely have more of a party atmosphere.
The California Factor
While California doesn’t have the monstrous and super busy cruise ports of Florida, the state does offer a few options for those on the Western half of the state that don’t want to cross the entire nation just to take a cruise.
And for this reason, many who sail from LA or Long Beach are California residents themselves.
One commenter said “LA seems to have mostly local California’s. The demographic is younger. The food tends to be healthier, less fried, more fruit/salad.”
Takeaway
Departure ports are often chosen simply based on convenience and cost to get there. And while the length of the cruise and destinations involved play a much bigger role in the exact cruise crowd on board, the departing city definitely plays a role. If you’ve only sailed out of major ports in Florida and Texas, I encourage you to try a regional port like New Orleans or Baltimore.
You won’t have as many options and you won’t be sailing on the world’s largest or newest ship, but it might save you the cost of a flight and give you more time to enjoy the local population both on and off the ship.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
A guarantee cabin can look like a bit of a steal when you’re pricing up a cruise. Same ship, same itinerary, same holiday. Just cheaper if you let the cruise line pick your room.
Sounds great, right? Well…
The catch is simple enough. You’ve got to be fine with whatever you’re given – not the cabin you’re picturing, not the one someone says you might get, but the one you’d end up with if luck isn’t on your side.
That’s where it falls apart for some people. Here’s what tends to trip people up.
Guarantee Cabins Explained
Just in case you’re new to cruising, let’s quickly go over what we mean by a guarantee cabin. Essentially, they’re exactly what they sound like – you’re guaranteed a cabin in a certain category, but not a specific room.
So instead of choosing your exact cabin number, you’ll book something like an inside, ocean view or balcony guarantee. The cruise line then assigns your cabin for you, sometimes weeks before sailing, sometimes just days before – and occasionally even at the port.
The only thing you’re promised is the category, or better. That means you won’t be downgraded, but you also won’t have any control over where your cabin is located on the ship.
That’s why guarantee cabins are cheaper – you’re trading control for a lower price, and leaving the final decision in the cruise line’s hands.
And here’s why that might be a bad thing…
1. You Can’t Choose Your Cabin Location
You’re picking a category, not a cabin.
So yes, you can choose inside, ocean view or balcony. But where that cabin actually is? That’s completely out of your hands.
Cruise lines don’t admit this, but it’s hardly a secret: not every location on a ship is equal, and there are some that can sometimes be downright problematic.
You could land somewhere great. Or you could be at the very front, the very back, stuck on a low deck, or miles from anything useful.
If you’ve never really cared about location before, it might not bother you. But if you’ve ever looked at a deck plan and thought “I’d rather not be there”, it probably will. And yet by choosing a guarantee cabin,
2. You Could End Up Somewhere Noisy
Some cabins get booked last for a reason.
Under the pool deck is a classic one. Early morning scraping of loungers, people dragging chairs around. So much for that lie-in. Cabins near theatres or night venues can have the opposite problem – noise when you’re trying to sleep at night.
Then there are the less obvious ones. Crew doors opening and closing, service areas, or that heavy, echoing thud when the ship docks if you’re too far forward.
You can’t avoid every bit of noise on a ship, but choosing your own cabin at least gives you a chance to dodge the obvious hotspots.
3. Not Ideal If You Get Seasick
If you already know you get motion sickness, this is where a guarantee can feel like a gamble in the worst way.
Most people find midship, lower down, to be the most stable part of the ship. Head too far forward or aft and you’ll feel more movement, especially if the weather turns.
It doesn’t ruin every trip, but it can make a difference day to day. And if you’ve had a rough crossing before, you’ll know exactly what that feels like.
4. An ‘Upgrade’ Might Not Feel Like One
Yes, upgrades do happen on occasion when you book a guarantee cabin. Just not always in the way people imagine.
You might move up a category without it actually improving your experience. A higher grade cabin on paper could still have an obstructed view, an awkward layout, or be in a spot you wouldn’t have chosen.
Connecting cabins are another one. Handy for families, less so if you weren’t planning on hearing your neighbours.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of getting something “better”, but better doesn’t always mean better for you.
5. You Might Not Know Your Cabin Until Late
Sometimes you’ll get your cabin assignment fairly early. Other times it drags on until a few days before sailing. Occasionally, people don’t find out until they arrive at the port.
That uncertainty doesn’t bother everyone. Some people quite like it.
But if you’re the kind of person who checks deck plans, looks up what’s above and below, or just likes having everything sorted in advance, it can feel a bit unfinished.
Royal Caribbean have introduced a new Early Assign option on some cruises – with a $30 fee. So you can get around the issue of finding out your cabin too late, but it’ll cost you.
6. It’s Trickier When You’re Travelling With Others
Once other people are involved, and you’re booking more than one cabin, location starts to matter a lot more.
You might want cabins next to each other, opposite each other, or at least on the same deck. With a guarantee, you’re leaving that completely open. Even within the same booking!
It can work out fine. It can also leave you spread across the ship. For families with younger kids, that’s often enough to rule it out straight away.
I once booked three guarantee cabins on a Royal Caribbean cruise. I could see that the room type we wanted only existed on Deck 3, so I thought that’s fine, as at least the cabins will all be on the same deck. What I didn’t consider was that deck 3 also had the ice rink and we had cabins on either side of it.
The only way to get to each other’s rooms was to go up to deck 4, along and back down!
7. The Savings Aren’t Always That Big
The price difference is where this either makes sense or doesn’t. If you’re saving a decent chunk, it’s easier to accept the trade-off. If the gap is small, it’s a totally different story!
That’s usually when people start second-guessing it. Especially if they end up in a cabin they wouldn’t have picked for themselves.
A quick gut check helps here. If you’d be annoyed getting the worst cabin in that category, the saving probably isn’t enough.
In some cases, I have even seen the guarantee cabin cost more than the ‘pick your room’ option. I’ve no idea why!
TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Don’t miss these offers…
8. The Fare Can Be More Restrictive
A lot of the time, when you’re considering a guarantee cabin, it’s not just the cabin itself that you’re giving up control over.
Guarantee fares often come with tighter terms – less flexibility if you need to change anything, sometimes fewer perks, sometimes stricter deposit conditions.
It doesn’t always jump out when you’re booking, but it can matter later.
Make sure you take your time with the booking and you fully understand what the rules are with the fare you choose, or you could leave yourself in bother if you want to make changes later.
9. You’re Often Getting Leftover Cabins
Here’s the thing that you need to realise with guarantee cabins – most of the time, these are the cabins that weren’t snapped up earlier. The ‘unwanted’ cabins by those people who wanted to pay more to choose their location.
That doesn’t automatically mean they’re bad. Some are absolutely fine. Occasionally you’ll get a really good one through a late cancellation, which is a nice little win!
But generally, if a cabin sat un-booked for longer, there’s usually a reason. Location, layout, view – something about it wasn’t as appealing to the people who didn’t mind spending a bit more.
10. First-Time Cruisers Are Usually Better Off Choosing
On a first cruise, there’s already a lot that feels new. The ship layout, how everything works, what you actually use during the day.
So adding uncertainty about your cabin into that mix doesn’t always help.
Once you’ve done a cruise or two, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what matters to you. At that point, taking a punt on a guarantee feels a lot more informed.
But I would definitely say that choosing your specific cabin is a good idea for your first one.
When A Guarantee Cabin Does Make Sense
For all that, there are plenty of situations where booking a guarantee cabin is the smart move.
Short cruises are probably the easiest example. If you’re only onboard for a few nights, you’re not exactly settling in. You’re out, you’re exploring, you’re making the most of the ship. The cabin becomes somewhere to sleep and get changed, and not much more than that.
It also starts to make a lot more sense when the price gap is properly noticeable. Not £50 or £100 – the kind of saving that actually changes the feel of the booking. Maybe it means upgrading your drinks package, booking more excursions, or just making the overall cost feel more comfortable.
There’s also a type of cruiser it naturally suits.
If you’ve cruised before and already know you’re not that bothered about location, you’re in a much better position to take the gamble. Some people realise pretty quickly that they don’t spend enough time in the cabin for it to matter. Once you know that about yourself, a guarantee fare becomes a lot easier to justify.
Last-minute bookings are another good fit. When there are fewer cabins left overall, the gap between “guarantee” and “choose your exact cabin” tends to shrink anyway. At that point, you’re often just taking whatever’s available, so letting the cruise line assign it doesn’t feel like much of a sacrifice.
It can also work well if you’re booking a lower cabin category on purpose. For example, if you’re happy with an inside cabin and not emotionally invested in where it is, there’s less to lose. You’re not worrying about balcony views or specific positions – it’s already a more functional choice.
And then there are people who just enjoy the unknown a bit.
For them, the assignment isn’t a source of stress, it’s part of the experience. Checking the app, waiting for the cabin number to appear, seeing where they’ve ended up – it adds a bit of anticipation rather than taking anything away.
Guarantee cabins work best when you’re flexible, when the saving actually matters, and when the cabin itself isn’t a big part of how you measure the trip. If those boxes are ticked, it can feel less like a gamble and more like an easy win.
Final Word
Guarantee cabins aren’t a bad idea, they’re just not as straightforward as they look.
For some people, they work out perfectly. For others, they’re one of those decisions that feels clever at the time and slightly annoying later.
If you’d be content with the worst cabin in the category, it’s a reasonable gamble. If you wouldn’t, you’re probably better off choosing your cabin and not thinking about it again.
The ships everyone’s searching for right now might not be the ones you’d expect. Sure, there are shiny new launches in the mix – but some familiar favourites are still pulling serious attention. And that says a lot about what cruisers actually want.
This list originally comes from Cruise Critic – one of the biggest cruise review platforms out there, packed with expert write-ups and thousands of real passenger reviews.
Rather than ranking ships by opinion, they’ve looked at pure data: which ships people have been searching for the most between April 2025 and March 2026.
In other words, this isn’t about hype alone – it’s about genuine interest. These are the ships people are actively considering booking, researching, and comparing. But there’s a catch… popularity doesn’t always equal perfection.
What Makes A Cruise Ship “Popular”
It’s easy to assume the newest, biggest, or most expensive ships would dominate a list like this. But search data tells a slightly different story.
People tend to search for ships that hit a sweet spot – strong reputation, good value, and enough features to keep everyone happy without feeling overwhelming. That’s why you’ll see a mix here: newer ships making waves, alongside older ones that have quietly built loyal followings.
There’s also a practical side. Ships sailing from easy-to-reach homeports or doing popular itineraries naturally get more attention. Caribbean mainstays, for example, are always going to rack up searches.
So while this list is a brilliant snapshot of what’s trending, it’s also a reflection of what cruisers trust.
1. Celebrity Reflection
It’s genuinely impressive that Celebrity Reflection is still holding onto the top spot. This isn’t a brand-new ship trying to make headlines – it launched back in 2012.
What keeps it there is how well it’s aged. The updates in recent years have kept things fresh, but more importantly, it already had a winning formula. The Lawn Club is still one of those features people remember long after their cruise – real grass at sea sounds gimmicky until you’re actually up there with a drink.
There’s also a strong focus on space and comfort. A high percentage of balcony cabins makes a big difference, especially on Caribbean itineraries where you’ll want your own outdoor spot.
And then there’s The Retreat. If you’re considering a suite, this ship arguably delivers one of the most complete “ship-within-a-ship” experiences without tipping into ultra-luxury pricing. It’s probably no surprise this one keeps topping search charts – it appeals to a wide range of cruisers without trying too hard.
Norwegian Aqua is the newest name on this list, and it shows. There’s a clear sense that Norwegian Cruise Line is trying to push things forward here – not just bigger, but different.
The headline attraction is the Aqua Slidecoaster, which sounds like a marketing gimmick until you realise it’s actually a proper hybrid ride. It’s the kind of feature that gets shared all over social media, and that alone drives curiosity.
But what’s interesting is what’s missing. By ditching the go-kart track seen on other ships, Aqua frees up space for a larger pool area – something many cruisers will quietly appreciate more than they expected.
This feels like a ship designed with feedback in mind. Less about headline-grabbing extras you’ll try once, more about improving the day-to-day experience onboard. That balance is probably why so many people are looking it up right now.
There’s something reassuring about seeing Independence of the Seas so high on this list. It proves newer doesn’t always mean better.
“Indy” has been around for a while, but Royal Caribbean’s amplification programme gave it a serious boost. The additions – water slides, laser tag, upgraded dining – weren’t just cosmetic. They’ve helped the ship stay competitive with much newer vessels.
What really stands out, though, is how versatile it is. Families, couples, first-time cruisers – it works for all of them. The layout is easy to get your head around, and there’s a familiarity to it that keeps people coming back.
Its homeport rotation helps too. Sailing from both Miami and New York opens it up to a huge audience, which naturally feeds into those search numbers. It’s a classic case of a ship that just keeps delivering.
Enchanted Princess leans into a very different kind of appeal. It’s less about big thrills and more about getting the fundamentals absolutely right.
Princess ships have always been good at creating a relaxed, slightly more refined atmosphere, and this one builds on that nicely. The Piazza acts as a real hub – somewhere you’ll pass through constantly, whether you’re heading for a drink, a show, or just people-watching.
The Medallion technology is another big draw. It sounds like a small thing, but being able to open your cabin door, order drinks, or find your travel companions without thinking about it makes the whole experience feel smoother.
What probably drives its popularity, though, is flexibility. Caribbean in the winter, Europe in the summer – it’s the kind of ship that keeps popping up when people are planning very different types of trips.
Celebrity Xcel hasn’t even had time to settle in yet, and it’s already climbing search rankings. That tells you everything about the hype around Celebrity’s Edge-class ships.
If you’ve seen any of its sister ships, you’ll know the vibe – modern, design-led, and just a bit different from the traditional cruise experience. The Magic Carpet still grabs attention, but it’s more than just a novelty. It genuinely adds something, shifting between a bar, restaurant, and practical tender platform.
What’s new here is where things get interesting. Replacing Eden with The Bazaar suggests Celebrity is experimenting more with how onboard spaces feel throughout the day. It’s less about one fixed concept and more about variety.
There’s also a continued push towards blurring indoor and outdoor living, especially with those Infinite Veranda cabins. Not everyone loves them, but they’re definitely a talking point – and that alone keeps people searching.
MSC Seashore feels like a ship designed to impress at first glance. It’s bold, busy, and packed with things to do.
The New York-inspired styling gives it a slightly different personality compared to other MSC ships, and the public spaces are designed to feel big and open. That extra-wide promenade is a good example – it’s somewhere you’ll actually want to spend time, rather than just pass through.
There’s no shortage of entertainment either. From water parks to virtual racing, it leans heavily into that “something for everyone” approach. Families in particular tend to notice this one.
But it’s the Yacht Club that often seals the deal. MSC’s take on the ship-within-a-ship concept offers a quieter, more premium experience without needing to switch to a luxury line entirely. That mix of value and upgrade potential makes it stand out in search results.
Celebrity Silhouette is having a bit of a moment again, thanks to its recent refurbishment. And it’s not just a light refresh – there’s been a genuine effort to modernise the experience.
New dining venues and reworked social spaces bring it closer in line with newer Celebrity ships, but without losing what made it popular in the first place. The Solstice-class design still works really well – it’s easy to navigate and doesn’t feel overcrowded.
The new additions like Boulevard Lounge and The Parlor also hint at a shift towards more interactive, flexible entertainment. It’s less about sitting and watching, more about getting involved.
For many cruisers, this is exactly the kind of update they want. Familiar, but improved. That balance is probably why it’s climbing the search rankings again.
Majestic Princess is a great example of how a well-timed refurbishment can completely change a ship’s appeal.
Originally built with the Asian market in mind, it always had a slightly different layout and feel. But the recent updates have brought it more in line with what Princess regulars expect.
New dining venues like O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Sabatini’s give it more personality, while tweaks to existing spaces make the flow onboard feel more natural.
What’s interesting is how it blends old and new. You’ve still got that classic Princess atmosphere – relaxed, elegant, familiar – but with just enough updates to keep things interesting.
And with itineraries spanning North America, the Caribbean, and Europe, it’s another ship that keeps appearing in searches simply because it fits so many different types of trip.
These ships are popular because they’re being searched for, not because they’re objectively the “best”.
Also, this is data from one website. Yes, Cruise Critic is one of the biggest cruise websites out there, but it doesn’t mean that everyone in the world is searching for these same ships.
But that does tell you something valuable. It shows where interest is building, which ships are getting attention, and what cruisers are curious about right now.
Some are here because they’re new. Others because they’ve stood the test of time. A few have had just the right updates at just the right moment.
If you’re planning a cruise, this list is a great starting point. But it’s worth digging a bit deeper – and that’s where Cruise Critic comes in. Their detailed reviews and real passenger feedback can help you figure out whether one of these popular picks is actually right for you.
Because the most searched ship isn’t always the one you’ll enjoy the most… but it’s usually a good place to start looking.
Princess will offer its most expansive season to Alaska in 2028. Many of the cruises can be combined with land cruisetours that visit Princess Wilderness Lodge near Alaska’s most celebrated national parks.
The lodges include Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, and Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Highlights of Princess’ 2028 Alaska Season
185 cruises across 14 unique itineraries
Cruises range from four to 16 days long
Eight ships sailing in the region
16 different ports visited
Scenic cruising at Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
86 visits to Glacier Bay National Park
More Ashore late-evening calls
The eight Princess cruise ships that will sail to Alaska in 2028 are Star Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Royal Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Island Princess, and Ruby Princess.
Voyage of the Glaciers is one of the standout itineraries Princess will offer. These one-way cruises between Vancouver and Whittier can be combined with land-based cruisetours and showcase some of the state’s most spectacular scenery, including visits to iconic ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
Several of the itineraries also feature two glacier-viewing experiences, while others allow guests to visit up to four national parks on one trip.
Princess will sail cruises to Alaska in 2028 from the following ports: Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Lodges
The cruise line’s signature Wilderness Lodges, including Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, provide exceptional accommodations in the heart of Alaska. They give guests unparalleled access to wildlife, the coveted opportunity to catch a glimpse of snowcapped Denali (North America’s tallest mountain), and breathtaking landscapes.
Another one of Princess’ lodges is the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, situated on the banks of the turquoise Kenai River. This lodge offers a secluded wilderness retreat surrounded by Alaska’s dramatic mountain landscapes and forested valleys.
Authentic Alaska
The Alaska experience on Princess Cruises extends well beyond the destination itself. Through the North to Alaska onboard program, guests enjoy authentic culinary experiences, engaging cultural presentations and destination-inspired entertainment that celebrate Alaska’s rich history, traditions and natural beauty.
Guest favorites from the past include Puppies in the Piazza, Cook My Catch, Tales from the Deadliest Catch, Native Alaska cultural presentations, the Glacier Bay National Park Junior Ranger program and educational experiences at Princess Wilderness Lodges.
Guests can also discover Alaska through immersive Local Connections shore excursions, including whale watching in Juneau, historic White Pass Railway adventures in Skagway, exclusive lumberjack experiences in Ketchikan, helicopter glacier landings near Denali and wildlife cruises through Kenai Fjords National Park.
Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, gave the following statement:
“Alaska is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations, and Princess has spent nearly 60 years helping guests experience it in a way few others can. Our 2028 season brings together glacier-filled voyages, unforgettable wildlife and cultural experiences, Princess Wilderness Lodges and Rail, along with seamless cruisetours that take guests deeper into the Great Land – creating a complete Alaska vacation.”
These newly announced cruises to Alaska in 2028 are now open for bookings.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
Almost 8,000 passengers on a single cruise ship. For some cruisers, that’s an exciting glimpse of the future. For others, it’s enough to make them start searching for the nearest small ship.
Either way, Carnival Cruise Line has everyone’s attention.
The cruise line has started turning Project Ace from an exciting concept into a real ship. Construction is now officially underway on the first vessel, Carnival Destiny, and more details are gradually beginning to emerge.
While there’s still plenty we don’t know, the early information suggests these ships will be bigger, busier and more ambitious than anything the line has built before.
And with the first ship arriving in 2029, the debate has already begun.
Project Ace Marks A New Era For Carnival
Project Ace isn’t just another new ship class. It’s Carnival’s biggest step forward since the launch of the Excel Class.
Three ships have already been ordered from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, with deliveries planned for 2029, 2031 and 2033. Construction has now officially begun after the steel cutting ceremony for Carnival Destiny, marking the moment Project Ace moved from drawings to reality.
Carnival is describing the ships as the next generation of Fun Ships, suggesting they’ll offer far more than simply additional cabins and larger public spaces. The line is promising new venues, new entertainment and entirely new ways for guests to experience a Carnival holiday.
Exactly what those experiences will look like remains one of the biggest unanswered questions.
These Ships Will Be Bigger Than Anything Carnival Has Built Before
Carnival’s current flagship vessels – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee – already rank among the largest cruise ships sailing today.
Project Ace will take things much further.
The new ships are expected to measure at least 230,000 gross tons, making them around 25% larger than the Excel-class vessels. That means Carnival will finally break through the 200,000 gross ton barrier for the first time.
To put that into perspective, Carnival Jubilee measures around 183,500 gross tons. Even Carnival’s upcoming Excel-class ships, Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, will remain significantly smaller.
Project Ace represents a major leap in size rather than a gradual evolution.
The 8,000-Guest Figure Is What Everyone’s Talking About
The statistic that has generated the most discussion isn’t the size of the ships. It’s how many people they’ll carry.
Carnival has confirmed that each vessel will feature more than 3,000 staterooms and accommodate almost 8,000 guests at full capacity.
That’s an extraordinary number, even by modern cruise standards.
For comparison, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas can carry around 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy. Project Ace could potentially host even more guests despite being smaller in overall tonnage.
Of course, maximum capacity doesn’t necessarily reflect the experience most passengers will have onboard. Cruise lines rarely sail completely full in every berth category. Still, whenever numbers get this large, questions about crowding become impossible to ignore.
Carnival Is Keeping Most Of The Secrets For Now
For all the headlines around Project Ace, Carnival is still keeping plenty under wraps.
But we do now know a little more.
Around 70% of the public venues will be completely new concepts, rather than updated versions of spaces we’ve already seen on previous Carnival ships. That’s an unusually high number for a new ship class and suggests these vessels will feel very different from anything Carnival has launched before.
Carnival has also revealed that the ships are being designed with more ocean-facing spaces than any previous Carnival ship, giving guests more opportunities to enjoy sea views throughout the vessel rather than focusing everything around inward-facing public areas.
Beyond that, Carnival has confirmed there will be:
New dining venues
New entertainment options
Re-imagined outer deck spaces
New experiences created specifically for the class
That leaves plenty of room for speculation.
When Carnival launched Mardi Gras, BOLT quickly became the headline attraction. It seems likely that Project Ace will feature its own signature attractions designed to create a similar wow factor.
At this stage, though, Carnival’s New Build team is keeping its cards close to its chest.
The First Ship May Already Have An Obvious Homeport
Carnival hasn’t announced where the first Project Ace ship will sail from, but there are some clues.
Florida feels like the natural choice. The state remains the centre of Caribbean cruising and already handles many of the world’s largest cruise ships.
One particularly interesting detail came from Ben Clement, Carnival’s Executive Vice President of Maritime & New Builds, who confirmed that PortMiami’s Terminal F will be capable of accommodating Project Ace vessels.
That doesn’t guarantee Miami will be the ship’s homeport, but it certainly puts it firmly in the conversation.
We also now know the first ship will be called Carnival Destiny, bringing back a name that longtime Carnival fans may remember from the cruise line’s earlier fleet.
Given the scale of these ships and Carnival’s investment in the Caribbean market, it’s difficult to imagine the first vessel launching from anywhere else.
Carnival’s Private Destinations Were Built With Ships Like These In Mind
Project Ace doesn’t exist in isolation.
Carnival is simultaneously investing heavily in its private destinations, and the timing feels significant.
The new ships will be able to visit Celebration Key, Carnival’s upcoming destination in The Bahamas that is expected to become a centrepiece of many future itineraries.
Meanwhile, upgrades at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay include a new pier capable of handling Project Ace-sized vessels.
Taken together, these developments suggest Carnival is planning for much more than bigger ships. It’s creating an entire holiday ecosystem built around them.
The strategy mirrors a wider industry trend where private destinations become just as important as the ships themselves.
This Isn’t Carnival’s Attempt To Beat Icon Of The Seas
Whenever a cruise line announces a giant new ship, comparisons are inevitable.
However, Carnival has made it clear that Project Ace isn’t about taking the title of the world’s largest cruise ship.
Christine Duffy has downplayed the importance of size rankings, saying the focus is on what the ships offer rather than where they sit on a leaderboard.
Based on current estimates, Project Ace will still be smaller than Icon of the Seas. But Carnival may not care.
The line has always positioned itself differently from Royal Caribbean, focusing on fun, energy and accessibility. Project Ace looks more like an attempt to create the ultimate Carnival holiday rather than a direct challenge to its rivals.
Long before the first ship enters service, the arguments have already begun.
Some cruisers have questioned how nearly 8,000 passengers will fit comfortably onboard. Others have pointed out that ships of similar size often carry significantly fewer guests.
Space-to-passenger ratios are a particular concern for some experienced cruisers, who worry that larger passenger numbers could lead to busier pool decks, longer queues and more crowded public areas.
It’s a valid concern.
But it’s also worth remembering that many people said similar things when Mardi Gras was announced. In practice, many guests found the ship handled crowds surprisingly well thanks to multiple dining venues and better distribution of entertainment across the vessel.
Project Ace will ultimately be judged by how it feels rather than how many people it carries on paper.
Some Cruisers Can’t Wait To Book
For fans of mega ships, Project Ace – and Carnival Destiny in particular – sounds incredibly promising.
More restaurants, more bars, more entertainment and more outdoor attractions usually mean more choice throughout a cruise. Larger ships can also support bigger production shows, more varied accommodation and entirely new experiences that smaller vessels simply don’t have space for.
There’s also the excitement of trying something brand new.
Every major ship class brings fresh ideas, and Project Ace has the potential to become one of the most innovative launches Carnival has ever delivered.
For many cruisers, bigger ships mean bigger possibilities.
Others Think Carnival Has Gone Too Far
Not everyone shares that enthusiasm.
Many loyal Carnival guests actively prefer smaller vessels, particularly ships in the Spirit and Vista classes. For them, the appeal of cruising lies in a more manageable atmosphere and a stronger sense of connection to the sea.
The idea of sharing a holiday with nearly 8,000 other passengers isn’t especially appealing.
Concerns range from crowded elevators and busy buffet areas to embarkation day logistics and finding a quiet corner onboard.
The truth is that no ship appeals to every cruiser. The same features that excite one group often put off another.
That’s why Project Ace may become one of Carnival’s most polarising ship classes ever.
The Real Goal Isn’t Size – It’s Scale
Looking at everything Carnival is doing, the bigger picture starts to emerge.
The company isn’t just building larger ships. It’s expanding destinations, upgrading infrastructure and creating experiences that work across an entire holiday ecosystem.
Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay improvements and Project Ace all appear to be pieces of the same puzzle.
Rather than chasing records, Carnival seems focused on creating cruise holidays that feel larger, more immersive and more self-contained than ever before.
That’s a very different objective from simply building the biggest ship possible.
Final Word
Project Ace is still years away, but it’s already shaping up to be one of the most significant cruise developments of the next decade.
We know the ships will be huge. We know they’ll carry almost 8,000 guests. We know construction has officially begun on Carnival Destiny, and that Carnival is planning an onboard experience that’s largely built around brand-new venues and a stronger connection to the ocean.
What we don’t know is whether Carnival can make a ship of this scale feel exciting without feeling overwhelming.
That’s the challenge that will define Project Ace.
If Carnival gets it right, these ships could become the blueprint for the line’s future. If it gets it wrong, critics will point to those passenger numbers and argue that bigger isn’t always better.
For now, all we can do is wait for more details.
One thing is certain, though – nobody is going to ignore a Carnival ship carrying nearly 8,000 guests.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions today announces its highly anticipated 2028–29 deployment, unveiling a new season of voyages that will bring travelers deeper into the fjords, take them farther into the South Pacific, and provide them with more time to explore polar ice regions. Building on a 60-year heritage of expedition expertise, the new, expanded, and returning itineraries are meticulously developed and timed to align with peak moments in nature and delivered by experts in their craft.
The 2028–29 season introduces new and expanded itineraries across Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, Europe, and the South Pacific, including holiday departures in Antarctica, longer Arctic expeditions, river voyages through Europe, and a return to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea, the only uplifted atoll in French Polynesia with sea cliffs, limestone caves, and a stalactite grotto that visitors can swim into. Each voyage is led by veteran Expedition Leaders, captains, and naturalists, whose deep understanding and experience provide deeper context and meaning, bringing each destination to life.
“The future of expedition travel is no longer defined solely by where travelers go — but how they travel, when they travel, and who guides them there,” said Trey Byus, Chief Expedition Officer, Lindblad Expeditions. “Our upcoming deployment reflects that idea with longer voyages, expanded access, and deeper exploration across our guests’ favorite destinations, led by the people who know them best. From more time in Antarctica and the Arctic to sailing in the Makatea, where few operators go, these journeys are shaped by years of expertise in destinations where access and expertise change everything.”
Highlights of the 2028–29 season include:
French Polynesia
French Polynesia returns with new seven- and 14-day itineraries featuring the only continuous voyage connecting Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea, and the Tuamotus. Guests visit Makatea, the only uplifted coral atoll in French Polynesia and a destination very few other operators reach, as well as Pitcairn Island, home to descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers—one of the rarest cultural encounters in the Pacific. Select departures sail with Tua Pittman, one of fewer than ten living Pwo navigators, who guides traditional wayfinding across this remote island chain. Co-developed by Sven Lindblad and master navigator Tua Pittman, the itineraries combine founder-led expedition design with native wisdom
Southeast Alaska
Longer Southeast Alaska itineraries with a new round-trip voyage from Vancouver aboard Greg Mortimer, designed to maximize wildlife encounters and exploration opportunities. There are also longer voyages aboard National Geographic Quest and National GeographicVenture. Guests land on the Inian Islands, where most operators can only observe from offshore, and explore the Tongass by foot and kayak. Select voyages also include on-board Alaska Whale Foundation researchers, enabling guests to actively contribute and understand ongoing field science rather than simply observe it.
British and Irish Isles
Jacob Edgar, the expedition’s exclusive ethnomusicologist, connects Celtic musical traditions of the British and Irish Isles in real time as guests sail between regions. In Cobh, Ireland, guests explore the Titanic’s final port, the Lusitania rescue, and Great Famine emigration history through the heritage center.
Antarctica
New holiday departures allow guests to celebrate the season in Antarctica, with expanded Cruise/Fly options and the Southern Ocean Odyssey combining Patagonia, the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica in a single voyage. Longer itineraries regularly cross the Antarctic Circle, going deeper south – where few ships can go – creating opportunities for rare wildlife encounters.
Arctic
o Iceland/Greenland
The Arctic season introduces more departures and extended routes, including voyages that spend more than five days on Baffin Island – offering deeper exploration than standard itineraries – and a 10-night circumnavigation of Iceland, a new peak season voyage around the full island. Iceland and Greenland reveal two sides of a restless Earth: In Iceland, volcanic forces shape geysers, waterfalls and moss-carpeted canyons, while across the Denmark Strait, Greenland’s vast ice cap spills into fjords strewn with towering icebergs. Explore these worlds forged by fire and ice, tracing coastlines where Viking heritage and Inuit traditions endure. Here, nature sets the pace—from the midnight summer sun to the first shimmer of northern lights in early fall.
o Svalbard/Norway
Few places showcase the drama of their creation like Norway, where a maze of rock and water cuts the coastline from tip to tail. Sail the country’s iconic fjords, or set your sights on Svalbard, an archipelago framed by snowy peaks and ice-checkered waters. Their naturalists track a newly discovered, genetically unique polar bear population in King Frederick VI Land, Greenland, as one of the very few operators contributing to this field search.
o Canada
In the high reaches of the Canadian Arctic, near-mythic species like musk oxen and belugas rule a wild kingdom of ice and snow. Venture into their world on a journey through the fabled Northwest Passage and discover the cultures that have thrived on this wild frontier. Or trace the lineage of Arctic exploration to the Maritimes, where vestiges of the Vikings, Basque whalers, and French settlers intermingle in this once-popular landing spot for westward voyagers.
European River Voyages
European river voyages combine cultural immersion with exclusive access and after-hours experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Holocaust survivors and hear their stories in Amsterdam, enjoy private after-hours visits to Melk Abbey and Clam Castle, and experience holiday sailings through Danube Christmas markets.
This season builds on National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions’ legacy of more than 60 years of exploration supported by a fleet of mission-built vessels designed for access, agility and discovery. The experience onboard and ashore is built around access and expertise, with scientists, naturalists, photographers and National Geographic Expedition Experts helping bring each destination to life in real time. Whether exploring polar ice, remote archipelagos, quaint towns or coastal wilderness, each voyage is designed to create meaningful connections, a deeper understanding and a lasting sense of discovery that lingers long after the voyage ends.
To learn more about National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions’ 2028–29 deployment and explore available itineraries, visit www.expeditions.com.
Disney Cruise Line is offering an unprecedented number of special deals this week, with sail dates extending into early May 2027. There are 158 sail dates with special offers, departing from various ports such as Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Port Canaveral, San Diego, Southampton, and Vancouver.
The Disney Magic now leads the fleet with 41 sailings (unchanged from last week), followed by the Disney Treasure and Disney Wish, both at 40 sailings (each down 6). The Disney Wonder eased 1 to 37 sailings, while the Disney Dream fell 2 to 34 sailings. The Disney Fantasy dipped 2 to 31 sailings, and the Disney Destiny dropped 5 to 29 sailings.
The Florida Resident rate dropped 8 sailings to 55, the US Military Personnel offer dropped 9 dates to 75 sailings while the Canadian Resident offer dropped 2 to 103 sailings. The special offer for Southern California residents remains added 1 date for a total of 19 sail dates. The special bonus US Military offer for $250 onboard credit on select Disney Wish and Disney Dream remains for sailings throughout 2026.
Moving over to Disney Cruise Line’s other promos, the new IGT, OGT, and VGT offers valid on new bookings for select sailings with savings up to 25% off the prevailing rate remains available on well over voyages with a lot of overlap with the specific offers listed below.
Finally, the extra savings for those with placeholder reservations where the standard 10% is applicable for some concierge levels on select sailings and a bump in the discount up to 25% off on select sailings remain active.
The special offers listed below are available to book today while inventory lasts.
Special Offers for U.S. Military Personnel
Special Rates for U.S. Military Personnel (MTO) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid for new bookings only.
Disney Destiny
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Nassau, Bahamas
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic • At Sea
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Falmouth, Jamaica • Grand Cayman • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea
Disney Dream
13-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton ending in Fort Lauderdale Southampton • At Sea • Vigo, Spain • Lisbon, Portugal • At Sea • Funchal, Portugal • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Fantasy
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea
Disney Magic
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea
5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • At Sea • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • San Juan, Puerto Rico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • St. Thomas, USVI • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
Disney Wonder
5-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
5-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver to San Diego Vancouver, Canada • Victoria, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
Special military rates are available to retired and active US military personnel (and their spouses), including US Coast Guard, US National Guard and US Military Reserves. Members of the US National Guard or the US Military Reserves (or their spouses) must show active-duty orders dated January 1st of the previous year to qualify. Third and fourth Guest prices valid with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Rates may vary by sail date and category. Other restrictions may apply. Other categories and sail dates may be available. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Active and retired members (or spouse) of the US military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. Valid for new bookings only.
Special Offers for Florida Residents
Special Rates for Florida Residents (FLR) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid on new and existing reservations.
Disney Destiny
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale with 2 stops at Castaway Cay Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Philipsburg, St. Maarten • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Falmouth, Jamaica • Grand Cayman • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea
Disney Dream
13-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton ending in Fort Lauderdale Southampton • At Sea • Vigo, Spain • Lisbon, Portugal • At Sea • Funchal, Portugal • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Fantasy
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • San Juan, Puerto Rico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • St. Thomas, USVI • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
To take advantage of Florida residency cruise rates, proof of Florida Residency for at least one adult in each stateroom must be presented at time of check-in. Guests unable to show proper proof of Florida residency at check-in will have their cruise re-priced and the balance must be paid before being allowed to sail.
Proof of residency must be valid at the time of sailing, and includes the following:
Florida Driver’s License
Florida Identification Card
If you do not have one of the IDs indicated above, then you must provide one of the following—dated within the past 2 months—verifying a Florida residential address and your name, along with a corresponding, valid government-issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, state identification card):
Monthly mortgage statement
Renter’s lease agreement
Current automobile registration, insurance policy or bill
Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
Current utility bill (power/phone/cable/water)
Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements
Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency
Note: property deeds and P.O. boxes are not considered acceptable proofs of residency.
Children’s rates are also available to Guests ages 3 through 12 that are traveling with 2 adults in the same stateroom.
Special Offers for Southern California Residents
Special Rates for Southern California Residents are limited to 50 staterooms per sailing. The offer is available to those living in a qualifying zip code—90000 to 93599—at time of check-in. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. To take advantage of Southern California resident rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide proof of residency. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts, but is valid on new and existing reservations.
Disney Magic
14-Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego ending in Galveston San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • Panama Canal • Cartagena, Colombia • At Sea • Grand Cayman • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
Disney Wonder
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico
5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea
5-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Mazatlan, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
Proof of residency must be valid at the time of sailing, and includes the following:
California Driver’s License
California Identification Card
If you do not have one of the IDs indicated above, then you must provide one of the following documents—dated within the past 2 months—verifying your California residential address in a qualifying zip code (90000 to 93599) and your name, along with a corresponding, valid government-issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, state identification card):
Monthly mortgage statement
Renter’s lease agreement
Current automobile registration, insurance policy or bill
Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
Current utility bill (power/phone/cable/water)
Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements
Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency
Note: Property deeds and P.O. boxes are not considered acceptable proofs of residency.
Children’s rates may also be available to Guests ages 3 to 12 that are traveling with 2 adults in the same stateroom.
Other categories and sail dates with other rates may be available.
Canadian Resident Rates
Special Rates for Canadian Residents with savings on prevailing rates as quoted on Disneycruise.com for non-concierge Verandah, Oceanview, and Inside Staterooms on select cruises. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Proof of residency is required an you must mention the special offer code CAN when booking. NOTE: Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested when calling in. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits.
Disney Destiny
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Falmouth, Jamaica • Grand Cayman • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea
Disney Dream
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
6-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • At Sea • At Sea
Disney Fantasy
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea
Disney Magic
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver ending in San Diego Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea
5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • At Sea • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea
6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • At Sea • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • San Juan, Puerto Rico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
Disney Wonder
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea
5-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Mazatlan, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico
7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea
The Canadian Resident rate excludes suites and categories with restrictions (VGT, OGT, and IGT). Proof of Canada residency will be required at time of check-in. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses are not included. If booking through Disney Cruise Line’s Contact Center, you must mention code CAN. Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested by caller. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits. Offer valid for new and existing reservations.
Please note, the offers listed are not to be taken as official quotes. Prices and availability can change at any time without notice. More importantly, the deals listed above are a snapshot in time based on DCL’s online cruise search tool.
Celebrity Cruises today unveiled its 2028 and 2029 deployment, featuring an expansive Europe season and extraordinary journeys across all seven continents. The lineup brings new ports of call, extended seasons in sought-after destinations, and more opportunities to discover every corner of the world. For the first time, four Edge Series ships — including a renewed Celebrity Beyond — will sail Europe, while immersive itineraries span Alaska, Asia, Australia, New England, and South America.
“We’re delighted to give our guests more ways than ever to experience the world’s most extraordinary destinations in 2028 and 2029,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “From the breathtaking fjords of Norway to the untouched beauty of Antarctica, these itineraries offer endless opportunities to explore, pairing immersive destinations with the elevated hospitality and unforgettable moments that define The Celebrity Way.”
Highlights of the 2028-2029 Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia, New England, and South America season include:
The most Edge Series ships in Europe — Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Apex — and Celebrity Cruises’ most extensive Northern Europe program to date.
Overnight visits to Egypt on Celebrity Infinity.
Celebrity Cruises’ first-ever visit to Galway, Ireland, on Celebrity Apex’s new British Isles itineraries,plus a return to Bari, Italy, for the first time in more than a decade on Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Infinity.
Round-trip Hawaii sailings from Los Angeles, and Celebrity Equinox’s first Alaska season.
The first full Japan season for the Solstice Series with 2028 sailings on the renewed Celebrity Solstice.
An extended South America season and a return to Antarctica on Celebrity Equinox.
Celebrity’s most extensive European season yet.
An unforgettable vacation in Europe awaits, as four Edge Series ships will sail the region for the first time. Guests can look forward to breathtaking scenery, ancient history, and a rich culture of Northern Europe with Celebrity Cruises’ most extensive offering yet. Celebrity Beyond returns to Europe for the first time since 2023, with new spaces: Mediterranean restaurant Bora and the Celebrity Pool Club, an elevated poolside experience with two new food and drink offerings — Orange Peel Bar & Grille and Tacos del Sol (debuting on Celebrity Beyond in November 2026). Guests can enjoy seven- to 14-night sailings from Southampton to Norway, Iceland, and throughout Scandinavia.
Highlights of Celebrity Beyond’s Europe itineraries include unforgettable 14-night adventures that take guests first to the Icelandic destinations of Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, and Seydisfjordur before sailing through Norway’s iconic fjords in Geiranger, Alesund, Flam, Nordfjordeid, and Bergen. Guests can explore Iceland further on Celebrity Summit’s round-trip sailings from Reykjavik.
On Celebrity Apex, guests can discover Scandinavia on 12-night sailings to Oslo, Norway; Skagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; Helsinki, Finland; and Copenhagen, Denmark. Plus, new 12-night British Isles sailings on Celebrity Apex to Scotland, Ireland, and England include Celebrity Cruises’ first-ever visit to Galway, Ireland.
For sunny Mediterranean escapes, Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Eclipse offer seven- to 11-night sailings to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. On Celebrity Constellation, guests can enjoy the best of Italy and Croatia on 10- and 11-night sailings, including Celebrity Cruises’ first visit to Bari, Italy, since 2014.
Celebrity Infinity will again offer year-round sailings in Europe, including Celebrity Cruises’ first Egypt sailings since 2023, with overnight visits to Alexandria. Shoulder-season sailings from Athens visit Santorini, Kavala, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Ephesus, offering a chance to beat the crowds at must-see sites, while off-season sailings from Barcelona chase winter sun in the Canary Islands, Portugal, and Morocco.
More ways to explore Alaska and Hawaii.
Guests can immerse themselves in Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife aboard one of three Celebrity ships sailing the region in 2028. Celebrity Edge returns for a fifth season, bringing guests closer to nature with its innovative, outward-facing design. Celebrity Equinox will sail Alaska for the first time with seven-night open-jaw sailings between Vancouver and Seward, while Celebrity Millennium will offer round-trip sailings from Vancouver, giving guests access to local cultures, snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and coastal towns.
Guests on Celebrity Equinox can extend their trip with a land-based Cruisetour led by guides with local ties to the region, with stays at lodges and travel along remote roads and railways, stopping in Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali.
For a warmer getaway, guests can explore rainforests, tropical blooms, and sandy beaches on new round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles on Celebrity Equinox.
Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice return to Australia and New Zealand.
With 23 sailings departing from Sydney and Auckland,guests can choose from Australia and New Zealand itineraries ranging from four-night escapes to 14-night journeys on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice. From Australia’s wine region to New Zealand’s majestic fjords, the season blends natural wonders with vibrant cities.
South Pacific sailings on Celebrity Solstice take guests to destinations like Tauranga, New Zealand; Lifou, Loyalty Islands; and Mystery Island, Vanuatu.
Discover Japan on the renewed Celebrity Solstice and more of Asia.
Explore Japan from the renewed Celebrity Solstice, sailing a full season in the region for the first time from April to October 2028. Guests can experience the energy of Tokyo, view Mt. Fuji, enjoy overnight stays in Kyoto and Aomori, and join festivals such as Golden Week and Gion Matsuri. Celebrity Millennium’sspring and fall sailings offer Cherry Blossom and Hibiscus season experiences, as well as chances to see koyo — vibrant autumn leaves. Guests on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium will have more opportunities to explore Okinawa with 17 visits to the tropical destination.
Winter sailings through Southeast Asia on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium bring guests to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. Overnight visits in Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand; Benoa, Bali, Indonesia; Hanoi, Vietnam; Hong Kong, China; and Penang, Malaysia offer even more time to explore these culturally rich destinations.
In Thailand, guests can browse bustling night markets or take in the cities’ famous nightlife. In Hanoi, they can watch the sunset over limestone cliffs. On Celebrity Millennium, an overnight stay in Hong Kong on New Year’s Eve lets guests watch the city’s famous fireworks as they ring in 2029.
Antarctica returns on an extended South America season.
Bucket-list experiences await in South America and Antarctica. Twelve- to 16-night itineraries spanning five countries on Celebrity Equinox offer breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Destinations span from the cliffs of the Chilean Fjords to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Iguazu Falls and the wild Antarctic. In Patagonia, guests can visit penguin colonies, hike through forests, or go whale watching.
Guests can explore charming towns as they sample South American cuisine, including Patagonian barbecue, Chilean seafood and ceviche, and Uruguayan dulce de leche, with overnights in Valparaiso, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. At Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific meet, sailings pass the glaciers and wildlife of Tierra del Fuego National Park, at the southern tip of the South American mainland. Plus, ring in the new year with a 16-night holiday sailing in Antarctica.
Explore Bermuda’s coastlines and fall colors in Canada and New England.
In May 2028, seven-night sailings on Celebrity Summit departing Cape Liberty, New Jersey, bring guests to Bermuda, with two overnight stays for scuba diving, golf, art galleries, and the island’s pink-sand beaches.
In September and October 2028, 12-night sailings from Boston invite guests to explore Canada and New England’s lighthouses, fishing villages, and coastal fall foliage. An overnight stop in Quebec City offers the magic of Old Quebec after dark, as the cobblestone streets light up.
On Sale Dates:
On sale now — Summer 2028 Japan
August 25, 2026 — Europe, Bermuda, Canada, and New England
September 1, 2026 — Alaska, Hawaii, and South America
September 29, 2026 — Australia and Winter 2028/29 Asia
Coming soon — Caribbean and 2029 Galapagos
For more information and to book a sailing, please visit www.celebritycruises.com, call Celebrity Cruises at 1-888-751-7804, or contact a trusted travel advisor.
Viking, the world’s largest river cruise line, continues to expand its presence in Egypt as it took delivery of another new ship for the Nile River.
Viking Hathor is one of Viking’s custom-built river ships for the Nile River. Photo: Cruise Fever
A delivery ceremony for the ship took place at Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt.
This newest ship, Viking Ptah, is a sister ship to several others that are currently sailing on the Nile River in Egypt. You can take a look at these custom-built Nile River ships here.
These small ships carry just 82 guests in 41 staterooms, and every cabin/suite has either a balcony or French balcony.
Viking Ptah will sail Viking’s extremely popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. Cruise Fever had the opportunity to sample this cruise, and it turned out to be our favorite cruise we’ve ever taken.
The Great Pyramids in Egypt.
The trip starts off with a few days at a hotel in Cairo so guests can visit the pyramids, museums, and other historical sites in and around the city.
A charter flight takes guests to Luxor, where they will board their ship for a seven-night cruise on the Nile River. A charter flight back a week later will give guests additional time in Cairo before they fly home.
Leah Talactac, President and CEO of Viking, gave the following statement:
“We are delighted to welcome the Viking Ptah to our growing fleet on the Nile River. Egypt continues to inspire curious travelers from around the world, and with the addition of the Viking Ptah, we are pleased to offer even more guests the opportunity to explore this extraordinary destination in the comfort of a Viking vessel. Purpose-built for the Nile, our elegant sister ships provide an unmatched way to experience Egypt’s rich history and cultural treasures.”
Viking expects to take delivery of 20 more river ships over the next three years. In addition, they will also add nine ocean ships and two expedition ships to its fleet by 2031.
This will give the cruise line 114 river ships by 2028 and 26 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
