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Viking Announces New 2026-2027 World Cruise Itineraries

Viking® (NYSE: VIK) has announced its new 2026-2027 World Cruise itineraries, including the Viking World Voyage III, which will journey around the world in 170 days, visiting 41 countries with 82 guided tours and overnight stays in 18 cities. Setting sail on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest ship, the Viking Sky®, from Fort Lauderdale on December 22, 2026, the itinerary will include ports of call across six continents before its final destination of Stockholm on June 10, 2027.

“Our approach in everything we do has always been to focus on the destination, from our thoughtfully curated itineraries to our elegant small ships, which are designed to bring guests closer and enable exploration,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Extended voyages like our World Cruises allow curious travelers to experience dozens of destinations, iconic landmarks and rich cultures in one seamless journey, making them truly the adventures of a lifetime.” 

World Cruise guests can explore ports of call in Hawaii and journey through the isles of the South Pacific, including French Polynesia; traverse New Zealand and Australia; sail to iconic destinations throughout Asia; and travel up the western coast of Africa to Europe before concluding in either London or Stockholm. A shorter, 153-day portion of the sailing, Viking World Voyage IV, departs from Los Angeles on January 8, 2027 and visits 37 countries with 18 overnight ports of call before ending in Stockholm. Guests may also choose the 142-day Viking World Cruise 2026-2027 itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to London visiting 31 countries, or the 125-day voyage, Viking World Discoveries, which departs from Los Angeles and visits 27 countries before ending in London. 

Highlights of 2026-2027 World Cruise Itineraries:

Viking’s newest World Cruise itineraries visit dozens of the world’s most iconic cities, alongside lesser-known destinations, in one continuous journey. Overnight stays in iconic ports such as Sydney, Zanzibar, Cape Town, Casablanca and many others allow guests to delve deeper. Viking will also visit Africa’s western coast, including Lagos in Nigeria, as well as Accra and Takoradi in Ghana. While on board, Viking offers cultural enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment – such as the Viking Resident Historian® program, which provides guests with a high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey. Guests can immerse themselves in the world’s rich cultures during included excursions that provide unmatched insight into daily life, as well as Privileged Access® visits to cultural institutions. Highlights of the new 2026-2027 Viking World Cruise itineraries include:

·         Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii – Nawiliwili is the gateway to the oldest and greenest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai. The lush vegetation and wildflowers of this tropical paradise have earned it the nickname “The Garden Island.” This is the unspoiled Hawaii of which travelers dream: green valleys glimmering under a Pacific sun and waterfalls plunging into the sea over soaring cliffs. To many, this is the most authentic of the islands; town ordinances forbid buildings taller than coconut trees and the culture of ancient Hawaiians lives on in respect for the mana, or spiritual essence, of their land.

·         Cairns, Australia – Queensland’s seaside resort town, Cairns is the gateway to a rich array of natural beauty onshore and off. Catamarans take marine enthusiasts to the Great Barrier Reef; stretching for 1,400 miles, it is the largest continuous coral reef system on Earth. Inland, the wet tropics have given rise to Daintree and Kuranda National Parks, vast rainforest systems of extraordinary biodiversity and a profusion of birdlife. For all its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, Cairns’ thriving culture is a pleasure to absorb from the outdoor cafés or along the scenic waterfront promenade. 

·         Mombasa, Kenya – Kenya’s chief port and a coastal gem, Mombasa is a melting pot of traditions. Located on a coralline island and linked by a causeway to the African mainland, it boasts a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and African cultures, having been a key Indian Ocean port since the 14th century. The narrow streets of Mombasa’s old town are lined with ornately styled architecture and home to mosques, cathedrals and Hindu temples, while lateen-rigged dhows and small vessels anchor in its ancient port between trips to trade with the Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf and India.

·         Agadir, Morocco – Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is the capital of Amazigh culture—the Indigenous peoples of North Africa. Historians believe the Amazigh migrated to Morocco from the Middle East and are descendants of the pre-Arab population. Today, there is a resurgence to promote greater recognition of the Amazigh ethnic identity, with images and music infused in modern culture. Visitors can enjoy a warm welcome in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and remote villages, and gain insight into their customs and traditions.

·         Phuket, Thailand – The Thai island of Phuket offers more than picturesque beaches and sweeping vistas of sparkling azure waters. The island was long a major stop on trade routes between India and China, often mentioned in ship logs of European sailors. Around 1545, one Portuguese explorer called the island Junk Ceylon, and the name stuck for decades. Later, the French, Dutch and English competed for the island’s tin trade; the French East India Company won and played a role in local politics until 1688. Today, old Sino-Portuguese shop-houses and monuments to Buddha dot the island.

·         Lisbon, Portugal – Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade, and today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fado spill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

·         London (Greenwich), England – Greenwich, a borough of London, is home to the Royal Observatory. From here, the world’s longitude is measured from the prime meridian, and Greenwich Mean Time sets the global time standard. At the port, the clipper ship Cutty Sark, one of Greenwich’s renowned historic landmarks, is preserved as a fascinating museum. Upriver, London is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. In addition, this major economic and cultural hub boasts a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation—from Shakespeare’s Globe Theater to West End musicals.

·         Stockholm, Sweden – Elegant Stockholm is nestled where Lake Mälaren’s cobalt waters meet the Baltic. This stunning cultural capital extends over 14 islands linked by 57 graceful bridges. Hailed as one of the world’s cleanest cities, it boasts numerous green parks. The well-preserved 13th-century Gamla Stan, or old town, boasts gabled merchant houses and an array of architectural styles, from the enormous baroque Stockholm Palace to the art nouveau Royal Dramatic Theater. Strandvägen is one of Europe’s loveliest waterfront esplanades and the ideal place to sample some traditional smoked salmon

Viking’s Award-Winning Fleet

Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. Viking was also named a “World’s Best” for oceans, rivers and expeditions in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors from both publications – something Viking has now achieved two years in a row. Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking’s ocean ships have also been rated and “Recommended” as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands. Additionally, Cruise Critic honored Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories in the 2024 Best in Cruise Awards.

Booking Details

From now through March 31, 2025, Viking is offering North American travelers special savings on 2026-2027 World Cruises with a total value of over $60,000 per couple, including free business class airfare and transfers, $4,000 per couple in shore excursion credit, $2,000 per couple in shipboard credit, complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package and more. Returning Viking guests also receive an additional $2,000 per couple in shipboard credit. Plus, guests can enjoy a limited-time reduced deposit of 10%. Call Viking toll-free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details.

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World’s Largest Cruise Terminal Opening in Miami Next Month

MSC Cruises will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony next month for the largest cruise terminal ever built. This new terminal will be able to process 36,000 cruise passengers every day.

World's largest cruise terminal is opening in Miami
The world’s largest cruise terminal is opening in Miami capable of handling 36,000 cruise passengers a day. Photo rendering courtesy of MSC Cruises.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for PortMiami’s Terminal AA/AAA will take place on March 6, 2025. MSC Cruises said that the new terminal will redefine the cruise experience and also solidifies the cruise line’s commitment to Miami and the U.S.

The terminal has been under construction for the past three years at a cost of around $300 million.

It will be the largest cruise terminal in the world and the opening coincides with the debut of cruise line’s newest ship, MSC World America.

The following four MSC cruise ships are offering sailings from Miami in 2025:

  • MSC Divina
  • MSC Seaside
  • MSC Seascape
  • MSC World America

MSC World America will sail her inaugural cruise on April 12, 2025. The 205,700 gross ton ship will the be the largest non-Royal Caribbean cruise ship sailing from the U.S.

The ship will sail seven-night cruises from Miami that will depart every Saturday. The week-long cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean can be combined into 14-night sailings.

Terminal AA/AAA at PortMiami
Terminal AA/AAA at PortMiami

All cruises will visit MSC’s private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

A few days before the ship’s debut, MSC Cruises will unveil its new Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay.  This facility will serve as a hub for critical coral restoration research and education, a key initiative of the MSC Foundation.

MSC Cruises is the third largest cruise line in the world and they will have 23 ships in service once MSC World America debuts in two months. Seven of those ships will be sailing from the U.S. by the end of 2025.

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NCL Confirms Contract For Four Huge New Cruise Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has officially finalised its contract with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of four enormous cruise ships for the Norwegian Cruise Line brand.

NCL cruise ships

The agreement was initially announced in April 2024 when NCLH signed a letter of intent for the construction of four ships, each with a gross tonnage of 226,000.

Although financing arrangements remain in progress, the deal is now effectively sealed and these ships will be built, the biggest that have ever sailed for the cruise line.

Fincantieri confirmed in a statement on 5th February 2025 that the order is categorised as “very important,” meaning its total value surpasses €2 billion (approximately $2.1 billion USD).

The four ships will be built at the company’s Monfalcone shipyard, located near Trieste, Italy.

These new vessels will be the largest ever built for Norwegian Cruise Line. Each will accommodate around 5,100 guests, bringing the total capacity, including crew, to approximately 8,300 passengers.

For comparison, the cruise line’s current largest ships belong to the Breakaway-Plus class, which includes Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Bliss.

These vessels have gross tonnages ranging from 164,998 to 168,028 and can carry between 4,000 and 4,300 passengers.

Fincantieri has already constructed Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima and Prima-Plus class ships, with the latest, Norwegian Aqua, scheduled to launch in April 2025.

The shipbuilder has been responsible for six ships in the Prima class to date, with three more scheduled to enter service by 2028.

The four newly commissioned ships are set for delivery in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.

However, Norwegian Cruise Line has not yet disclosed whether these will form a new ship class or whether they will include signature features such as go-kart tracks, high-adrenaline attractions, or multi-level theatres.

Sister brands also expanding fleets

Alongside Norwegian Cruise Line’s expansion, NCLH’s initial letter of intent also included plans for new ships for its other brands – Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

While the contract finalised in February 2025 only applies to Norwegian Cruise Line, further agreements for Oceania and Regent are expected to be confirmed soon.

Under this expansion strategy, Oceania Cruises will receive two ships, each with a gross tonnage of 86,000 and capable of carrying 1,450 passengers.

These ships are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2029. The premium cruise line currently operates seven ships, with its newest vessel, Allura, set to enter service in July 2025.

Allura is now in the final outfitting and interior design stages.

For Regent Seven Seas Cruises, NCLH has also signed letters of intent for two additional ships, due for delivery in 2027 and 2029. Regent operates smaller luxury vessels compared to its sister brands.

The most recent addition to the Regent fleet is Seven Seas Grandeur, a 55,500-gross ton ship launched in 2023.

Another vessel, Seven Seas Prestige, is currently being built at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard and is expected to debut in 2026. Prestige will be a larger vessel, with a gross tonnage of around 77,000.

Once all these new ships are delivered across the three brands, they will add approximately 25,000 berths to NCLH’s total capacity.

Investment in private island infrastructure

Beyond fleet expansion, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is also making a significant investment in its private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

The company has begun construction on a new multi-ship pier, which will be able to accommodate two of its largest vessels simultaneously. Work commenced in January 2025, with completion expected by late 2025.

With these ambitious expansion plans, NCLH is setting the stage for a new era of cruising, bringing larger and more advanced ships to its global fleet while enhancing its private island experience for passengers.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Disney Will Offer More Cruises in 2026 Than Ever Before

Disney Cruise Line has announced that they will sail more itineraries in 2026 than ever before as their fleet grows to eight cruise ships.

Disney Adventure cruise ship

Disney’s summer cruises in 2026 will open for bookings for the cruise line’s Castaway Club members on February 10, 2025. A week later on February 17, they will open for bookings to the general public.

Disney will sail cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and Asia in 2026. Here is a look at these new cruises that were just announced by Disney Cruise Line.

From Florida

Disney will homeport three ships in Port Canaveral and one in Port Everglades. 

From Port Everglades, Disney Destiny will offer seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Disney Destiny will make her debut later this year.

From Port Canaveral, Disney Fantasy will sail four- and five-night cruises. Disney Wish will offer shorter three- and four-night sailings to The Bahamas with Disney Treasure offering week-long cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Disney Fantasy will sail one longer 10-day cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

To Alaska

Disney is adding a second cruise ship in Alaska when their two oldest and smallest ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, sail to the 49th State.

Both ships will sail from Vancouver on seven-night itineraries. Port stops include Ketchikan, Dawes Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Juneau.

Europe

Disney Cruise Line will visit Cagliari, Italy for the first time when Disney Dream visits the city. The ship will offer cruises from Barcelona, Civitavecchia and Southampton on sailings that range from three- to seven-nights in length.

Disney Dream will sail to the following countries in Europe in 2026:

  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Croatia
  • Malta
  • France
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Belgium
  • United Kingdom

Asia

Disney Cruise Line’s new largest cruise ship, Disney Adventure, will offer three- and four-night cruises from Singapore. The ship will have three brand-new Marvel themed attractions as well as experiences from Pixar and Disney.

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Holland America Line Adding The HISTORY Channel Shore Excursions

Holland America Line and The HISTORY Channel have announced a new partnership that will offer historically focused itineraries and immersive shore excursions.

Photo: Holland America Line

These new shore excursions will be available on several itineraries. They include a seven-day Marvels of Pompei, seven day Norwegian Fjords, and a 14-day Arctic and Northern Lights sailings.

Several Eastern Mediterranean cruises will offer themed departures. Holland America Line said that the sailings will be announced at a later date and will be specifically marked on their website.

Some of the new shore excursions include with the partnership with The HISTORY Channel include:

  • Gold Panning & Underground Mine Exploration
  • Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & the Pyramid of Sakkara
  • Stavanger Old & New

Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer for Holland America Line, gave the following statement:

“With us, history isn’t just told, it is experienced. As two iconic brands rooted in storytelling, we are uniquely positioned to bring history to life through custom itineraries and shore excursions. This partnership further differentiates our brand and allows us to deliver to our guests experiences that are too good to hurry through.”

David DeSocio, executive vice president, ad sales partnerships, A+E/The HISTORY Channel, added:

“We are thrilled to join with Holland America Line on this groundbreaking, long-term partnership, to have the opportunity to bring the power of The HISTORY Channel brand as a whole new dimension to the cruising experience.

“Through our unique storytelling and new curated itineraries, The HISTORY Channel is excited to help enable Holland America Line customers to further explore and understand the past, present and future significance of these beautiful and historic destinations.”

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Nate Bargatze Announces 2026 Comedy Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line

Nate Bargatze is coming Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026.   In an event called Nateland at Sea, the rising stand-up comedian will be on board Norwegian Jewel on a 4-night sailing from February 5-9, 2026.

Norwegian Jewel cruise ship

The cruise will sail from Tampa, Florida and visit Costa Maya, Mexico.

There will be three shows in total on the ship.  The entertainment lineup also includes live recordings of Bargatze’s podcast, “Nateland,” and other comedy podcasts, along with performances by additional comedians such as John Crist, Dusty Slay, and Derrick Stroup.

Adding a unique touch to the comedy on board, Nate Bargatze’s father, Stephen, a magician, will also be performing on the cruise, offering a different form of entertainment alongside the stand-up comedy.

A variety of other activities are planned, including a belly flop contest, and a spelling bee.

Cruise fares begin at $1,282 per person based on double occupancy. This price includes meals, select beverages, comedy shows, and other onboard amenities.

Presale Registration

Presale registration is currently open, with the first round closing on February 9th and the second on February 16th.

Presale booking windows are available for registered guests before public sales begin on February 19th at 2 p.m.

You can check out the details and get more information on Nateland at Sea here.

Guests booking within the first 500 cabins will receive a photo opportunity with Bargatze. Information regarding booking and availability can be found on the cruise website.

You might have seen Nate Bargatze on one of the three Netflix specials: “The Tennessee Kid” in 2019, “The Greatest Average American” in 2021, and “Your Friend, Nate Bargatze” which premiered on December 24, 2024.

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Why Are Gaming-themed Cruises Becoming Popular?

It’s actually no surprise at all to see cruise lines now tapping into the gaming industry to stay ahead. But, well, this is not an entirely new idea. After all, who will not want to take advantage of an industry like gaming that, according to GlobeNewswire, has a market size of more than $221.24? And that’s not all. The institution believes the sector will continue to grow at a CAGR of about 6.5% in the next few years, which is partly because of the rise of engaging games like Aviator.

Think of a scenario where you’re lounging on a sun-drenched deck, a gentle sea breeze brushing against your face as you engage in some aviation-themes games like Aviator. Or better still, imagine participating in competitive esports tournaments with other players as you experience endless ocean stretches through the ship’s window. This is definitely something many gamers would like, and thankfully, it’s already happening.

Where have we come from?

Well, as we have already mentioned, themed cruises are not a thing of yesterday. For those who’re so much into hard rock music and partying, you must have heard about Kriss Kruise. At times, this ship would sail around the Caribbean for about seven days, with up to 2,300 fans enjoying this music genre on board. It hasn’t been different for the gaming industry.

In fact, with the continued popularity of online platforms, cruise lines now have new ways of engaging travellers. For example, we may see several adopting popular online games like Aviator to make the sailing experience even more immersive. By the way, are you actually aware that this game alone has over 12 million monthly players? This is such a huge number to ignore.

Of course, we can’t ignore the contributions of companies like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that have dabbled in gaming events in the past. Actually, just recently, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed a partnership with Light & Wonder that would see progressive table games come to its fleet.

According to the company’s vice president, Ian Donald, this collaboration would help them link gaming experiences across their vessels and help them provide guests with more excitement and entertainment. These sentiments agreed with Niaz Nejad, the gaming company’s managing director, who confirmed that they prioritized offering engaging gaming experiences both on land and at sea.

Another partnership of this kind happened towards the end of last year (2024) when Aristocrat Gaming collaborated with Princess Cruises. Now, for those who love thematic slot games, this is something worth your consideration. The partnership brings themed slot gaming zones, popularly known as Buffalo Zones, to the sea.

Why are gaming cruises a hit?

We have already hinted at how gaming has become popular, with titles like Aviator drawing the attention of millions of fans. In fact, this is no longer a niche hobby – it’s become a mainstream passion, and cruise lines seem to understand this quite well. Have we mentioned that Exploding Topics approximates the number of gamers worldwide to be more than 3.32 billion?

This already gives cruise lines a significant opportunity to attract new audiences to their fleet. Actually, by integrating games, they are able to cater to a demographic that’s often overlooked by traditional vacation offerings. But you can actually be sure that it’s not just about the games.

A recent Statista survey revealed that up to 82% of respondents had made new friends through gaming. Now, these cruises offer a unique opportunity to connect with new communities. Well, as much as you may be used to online interactions, these cruises offer a very rare opportunity for game interactions. Think of it this way: You are discussing a popular aviation-themed game like Aviator or teaming up for a League of Legends match over the waters. The experience must just be one of a kind.

To make matters even better, some of these cruise lines can allow you to meet your favorite streamers through their lineup of special guests. It’s like playing Call of Duty alongside Symfuhny, who’s been playing Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 since they were released. Such rare opportunities can feature exclusive content like sneak peeks at upcoming releases – a level of access that’s hard to find anywhere else.

What can we expect in the future?

Seeing many industries tapping into the growing popularity of gaming should not surprise you at all. With almost 40% of the world’s population in this industry, you’d definitely want to provide experiences that align with its fans. Plus, don’t forget that more people may actually join the sector, given its continued innovation. For instance, who ever thought that integrating aviation themes through games like Aviator would ever be possible? However, that is already happening and could encourage the sector’s growth even further.

Therefore, it follows that as the gaming industry evolves, cruise lines will also follow suit by adopting high-speed internet and advanced gaming setups to offer more engaging experiences. And, of course, we can’t fail to mention the aspect of inclusiveness, where cruises will be able to cater to diverse audiences, from families to solo cruises.

As you can actually see, gaming-themed cruises offer an unprecedented level of immersion.  After all, where else can you enjoy a sunset over the ocean while your team secures a victory in Apex Legends? By bringing gamers together in such a unique setting, these cruises create memories that last long after the ship docks.

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Norwegian Bliss Returns to Service with New Features and Upgrades

Norwegian Bliss is fresh out of drydock and currently on a 13-day sailing from Europe to Miami.   After two weeks spent at the Damen shipyard in Brest, France getting upgrades and new features, the ship now offers new public areas and dining options.

The vessel underwent significant maintenance work, including a complete refresh of its staterooms and enhancements to its entertainment venues.

Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Cruise Line's ship with a go kart track

What’s New on Board?

One of the biggest changes on the cruise ship is the addition of Horizon Park. The outdoor space will offer lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga and a few relaxing spaces for lounging and sunbathing.

Guests will also be able enjoy ocean views, creating an inviting backdrop for socializing and relaxation.

As a space also meant for gathering, Horizon Park will offer live music and entertainment throughout the cruise.

Several dining upgrades were also added to the ship.

Dining Venues and Changes

Two popular Norwegian Cruise Line restaurants received upgrades on Norwegian Bliss. 

Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki were both expanded to offer more space in these dining venues.

A new restaurant, Palomar, described as an upscale seafood specialty dining venue, was added to the ship. This restaurant was first introduced to the cruise line on the Norwegian Prima in 2022.

Palomar offers a special menu of fresh seafood, meats, and unique dishes like Grilled Octopus, Mediterranean Sea Bass, and New York Strip Steak. A $60 cover charge (or a specialty dining credit) covers a multi-course meal including appetizers, an entrée, sides, and desserts, though some premium items like Whole Grilled Lobster incur an additional $25 charge.

Other Upgrades

Other notable changes include the addition of Premiere Owner’s Suites in The Haven, which now feature three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a separate dining room, and updated living areas, master bedrooms, and balcony furnishings.

Also, part of the Observation Lounge has been converted into 26 new balcony cabins, similar to the changes seen on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy.

Where Norwegian Bliss is Headed Next

Norwegian Bliss is the third Breakaway Plus cruise ship with the cruise line and was originally completed in 2018.   The vessel is scheduled to arrive in PortMiami on February 15, but it won’t stay in Florida long.

On February 22, the ship will sail from PortMiami to Los Angeles, California on a 15-day sailing.  After several 7-day cruises to the Mexican Riviera, the vessel will move to Seattle in April for the busy Alaska cruise season.

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Celebrity Cruises Unveils ‘The Bazaar’ on Celebrity Xcel, Blurring the Line Between Ship and Shore

Celebrity Cruises has announced an exciting new concept for its upcoming ship, Celebrity Xcel, with the introduction of ‘The Bazaar’.

Celebrity Xcel The Bazaar

This will be a multi-level, ever-evolving space designed to immerse guests in the cultures of their destinations through food, entertainment, and unique onboard experiences.

This one-of-a-kind venue will be the heart of the ship, transforming daily to reflect the regions guests are visiting.

Inspired by iconic festivals, The Bazaar will blend authentic cultural experiences with modern cruising, offering guests the opportunity to explore destinations in an entirely new way.

“The Bazaar is a truly one-of-a-kind space designed to seamlessly blend ship and shore and transform the way guests experience destinations. Celebrity Xcel intentionally extends the destination experience onboard through a continued authentic offering between ports of call, allowing guests to take the destination with them.”

Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge,

Four unique Caribbean-inspired festivals will be featured in The Bazaar, each celebrating a different port of call with locally influenced food, music, and activities.

From pop-up entertainment and live performances by local artists to craft workshops and culinary experiences, the venue will create a vibrant atmosphere that brings destinations to life.

When Celebrity Xcel transitions to Europe in 2026, The Bazaar will adapt to feature Mediterranean-themed festivals and marketplaces.

On sea days, Market at The Bazaar will allow guests to take home a piece of their travels, showcasing handcrafted goods and artisan experiences.

Passengers can interact with local craftspeople, learn traditional skills such as basket weaving, and purchase unique souvenirs, from embroidered textiles to handcrafted leather goods.

The rotating selection ensures that each visit to the market offers something fresh and reflective of the sailing’s itinerary.

For food lovers, the ship will introduce Mosaic, an open kitchen concept serving up regional delicacies inspired by the destinations visited during each voyage.

This dining experience will go beyond simply offering local flavours – it will provide an immersive cultural journey through food.

Additionally, an exclusive Chef’s Table experience will showcase dishes created by Celebrity’s global culinary team, each inspired by their native cuisine and paired with award-winning wines.

Guests seeking a more hands-on approach can join Chef’s Studio at Mosaic, Celebrity’s first-ever destination-inspired cooking school, where they can learn to prepare signature regional dishes.

For a more casual dining experience, Spice will offer a rotating menu of small bites inspired by the ship’s ports of call.

Located along the water’s edge with floor-to-ceiling windows, this inviting café provides the perfect setting to enjoy spectacular views while sampling local flavours.

In an innovative move, Celebrity Cruises is inviting guests to play an active role in shaping the onboard experience through its Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ programme.

Travellers will have the opportunity to vote on key elements of The Bazaar, from festival themes to menu items, making this a truly guest-driven space. Those interested can register to participate at the Dream Makers website.

Celebrity Xcel will embark on its maiden season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries that explore destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

In summer 2026, the ship will reposition to Europe for Mediterranean voyages ranging from seven to eleven nights, including overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

With The Bazaar at the heart of its offerings, Celebrity Xcel promises to redefine what it means to explore the world by sea.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

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Will This Next Cruise Ship Energy Innovation Spoil A Key Feature Of Your Stateroom?

As the cruise industry continues its push toward sustainability and energy efficiency, a team of engineers has introduced a new solar energy system that could help cruise lines reduce their carbon footprint.

However, it could raise concerns for guests who prefer a certain stateroom feature.

Solar panels on cruise balconies - simulated study

A recent simulation study tested the feasibility of installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on the balcony glass of staterooms aboard two Helios-class vessels, such as AIDAnova.

Each balcony would be equipped with two solar panels, featuring 48 cells and generating up to 250 watts of power at peak sunlight levels.

According to the study, the panels were designed not to obstruct passengers’ views – a key factor in ensuring guest satisfaction. However, the imagery provided with the study shows that they could still have an impact on your view down to the waters directly below.

The study simulated the performance of the PV system on two ships:

  • A Caribbean-based vessel operating in March 2016, with abundant daily sunlight
  • A Norwegian-based vessel sailing in August and September 2016, with more variable daylight conditions

Results showed that the panels could generate an average of 3.2 megawatts in the Caribbean and 3.8 megawatts in Norway – enough to power all the staterooms on a cruise ship.

“The transition to direct current (DC) onboard grids and the increased integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage can improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption,”

Patrick Schwager, lead researcher at DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Urban and Residential Technologies in Germany.

The full analysis was released in January 2025 in Science Direct and will be published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems in March 2025.

Cruise industry’s race to cut emissions

This solar energy study aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious goals to cut emissions by 30% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels) and then by 80% by 2040, with the aim to reach net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050.

Cruise lines are actively developing new technologies to meet these sustainability targets.

For example, Norwegian-based Hurtigruten is working on Sea Zero, an initiative to develop the world’s first zero-emission cruise ship powered by a 60-megawatt-hour battery system.

Additionally, Hurtigruten is experimenting with retractable sails fitted with solar panels, which could provide an additional 10% energy savings, along with air lubrication technology and advanced hull coatings that could reduce energy use by another 5-10%.

Cruise lines have been under increasing scrutiny from environmental advocacy groups, such as Extinction Rebellion, leading them to explore alternative energy solutions, including:

  • Shore power – Ships plug into port electrical grids, allowing them to shut down their engines while docked. By 2030, all European Union ports will be required to offer shore power under the EU’s Fit for 55 program.
  • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – LNG-powered ships produce 20-25% fewer emissions than traditional fuels. AIDAnova was the first LNG-powered cruise ship, debuting in 2018.
  • Hydrogen and hybrid technologies – Some new ships are experimenting with hydrogen fuel cells and hybrid propulsion for cleaner cruising.

The future of solar-powered cruising

While solar panels alone won’t fully power a cruise ship, this new study suggests they could significantly supplement energy usage, particularly for staterooms.

With continued technological advancements and increasing pressure to reduce emissions, solar energy could play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable cruising.

But it will be hugely important that solar panels aren’t a detriment to the views offered by balcony cabins.

Or, would you be happy to have a partially-obstructed view in exchange for a more eco-friendly cruise ship?

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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