Alaska cruises are more popular than ever. Over 1.7 million cruise passengers visit the 49th state every year, and 66% of all visitors to Alaska arrive by cruise ship.
With the region’s growing popularity, Disney Cruise Line just made a move to solidify their spot for one of the only privately owned cruise destination in Alaska. And it’s a very big deal.
Disney Cruise Line inks 15-year deal with Icy Strait Point
A True Raw Alaskan Wilderness
As major ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway get increasingly crowded with multiple cruise ships on any given day, finding a port that offers a genuine escape into raw Alaskan wilderness is becoming something cruise guests want even more.
That is what makes Icy Strait Point so special, and why Disney Cruise Line just made a huge long-term investment to keep it on their schedules.
Disney has officially signed a new 15-year berthing agreement with the Huna Totem Corporation. It basically means they just secured preferred weekly access to Icy Strait Point through the year 2041.
By locking in guaranteed access through 2041, the cruise line is ensuring its families can continue enjoying one of Alaska’s most authentic, uncrowded destinations for years to come.
Unlike some of the heavily commercialized cruise hubs, Icy Strait Point is 100% Alaska Native-owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation.
It’s located in Hoonah, Alaska, and the port limits the number of ships visiting at one time to make sure the region preserves that authentic experience.
After all, it’s a serene environment centered around Tlingit culture, forest trails, and all kinds of local wildlife. It is also very important for the economy of the Hoonah community.
Howard Sherman, President of Huna Totem Tourism Group, pointed out how meaningful Disney’s continued commitment is for the region:
“Disney Cruise Line has been an important part of the Icy Strait Point story for nearly a decade, and we’re grateful to build on that relationship through this agreement. Each Disney Cruise Line visit helps support local jobs, businesses and economic opportunity in Hoonah while creating meaningful connections between guests and the people who call this place home.”
What This 15-Year Deal Means for Cruisers
For anyone planning a future Disney cruise to Alaska, this agreement means a few things:
1. Long-Term Commitment to Alaska
In 2026, Disney doubled its presence in the region by deploying two ships: Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. Securing preferred access for the next 15 years sends a clear signal that Alaska will remain a huge part of the cruise line’s future plans.
Jose Fernandez, Vice President of Port Strategy, Development & Operations for Disney Cruise Line, stated:
“Icy Strait Point has been a valued part of our Alaska itineraries for nearly a decade, offering Disney Cruise Line guests an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, wildlife and rich cultural heritage of Hoonah and the broader Southeast Alaska region. This agreement will help ensure our guests can continue to enjoy the unique experiences that have made Icy Strait Point a fan-favorite destination.”
2. Hassle-Free Docking
With preferred docking rights locked in, Disney ships get primary positioning at either Wilderness Landing or Ocean Landing. Cruisers can walk straight off the ship without the stress of tendering. That’s a big deal.
Free transportation also links the two landing areas, making the entire destination easy to navigate.
3. Direct Access to Bucket-List Wildlife and Adventure
Icy Strait Point offers wilderness adventures starting right at the pier:
Point Adolphus Whale Watching: Located right near a famous feeding ground, making it one of Alaska’s best spots to see humpback whales.
Chichagof Island Bear Tours: Excursions into Spasski River Valley, home to one of the world’s densest brown bear populations.
The ZipRider: A 1,320-foot vertical drop on one of the world’s largest ziplines, reaching speeds over 60 mph.
Authentic Native Culture: Cultural performances, local artisan shops, and rich historical exhibits in a restored 1912 salmon cannery.
With Alaska only becoming more popular, securing a spot like this is great news for Disney Cruise Line fans. For at least the next 15 years, Disney’s passengers won’t miss out on one of Alaska’s most peaceful and wilderness-rich regions that is accessible by cruise ship.
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Viking River Cruises has extended an extraordinary compensation package to passengers booked on an oversold Romantic Danube sailing.
This offer includes a complete cruise fare refund plus a complimentary replacement voyage with upgrades – effectively giving guests two river cruises for the price of one.
Guests scheduled to embark on the 190-passenger Viking Tor on 24th July 2026 received notification on 21st July that their eight-day Romantic Danube cruise had been oversold.
The sailing was set to depart from Regensburg, Germany, calling at Passau, Krems, and Vienna before concluding in Budapest, Hungary on 31st July.
The email communication from Viking River Cruises informed passengers of the overbooking situation.
It presented what industry observers are calling an exceptionally generous resolution.
Rather than simply denying boarding to excess passengers or offering modest compensation, the river cruise operator crafted a comprehensive package designed to turn an inconvenience into a windfall for affected guests.
Full Refund Plus Complimentary Replacement Cruise Offered
The compensation offer centres on two substantial benefits that effectively provide guests with two complete river cruises.
Passengers who agree to rebook their Romantic Danube journey to a later departure in 2026 or 2027 will receive a 100% refund of their original cruise fare whilst simultaneously receiving their replacement sailing at no additional cost.
“Your July 24 departure of Romantic Danube is currently oversold,” the email read.
“We would like to extend a special offer should you choose to sail on the same itinerary, departing later in 2026 or 2027, instead.”
This arrangement essentially means that guests who paid for their original cruise will receive their money back whilst still experiencing the identical itinerary on a different date without any financial outlay.
For passengers with flexible schedules, the proposition represents an unexpected opportunity to effectively double their value.
Veranda Suite Upgrade Sweetens Already Generous Deal
Beyond the dual-cruise benefit, Viking River Cruises added a stateroom upgrade to the compensation package that further enhances the value proposition.
Guests accepting the rebooking offer will be moved from their originally booked accommodation category to a Veranda Suite, the line’s premium stateroom offering measuring 275 square feet.
These suites represent a significant upgrade over standard staterooms and come with an array of exclusive perks.
Veranda Suite guests enjoy priority embarkation and stateroom access, allowing them to board the vessel and settle into their accommodation ahead of other passengers.
The package also includes complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the sailing and free laundry and shoe-shine service – amenities that typically carry additional charges or are reserved for premium accommodation categories.
The physical features of the Veranda Suites provide enhanced comfort and river-viewing opportunities.
Each suite includes a private veranda where guests can step outside to experience the Danube’s scenery and fresh air.
Inside, the accommodations feature a spacious sitting area separate from the sleeping quarters, providing room to relax between excursions.
French Balcony Adds Second Viewing Perspective
The Veranda Suites also incorporate a French balcony in the bedroom area.
This features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to provide unobstructed views and fresh air whilst maintaining a safety barrier.
This design element allows guests to enjoy the passing scenery from the comfort of their queen-size bed, creating an immersive river cruise experience without leaving their stateroom.
The combination of both a walk-out veranda and a French balcony provides two distinct vantage points for appreciating the Danube’s landscapes, historic towns, and riverside castles that define this popular European river cruise route.
For many river cruise enthusiasts, the opportunity to secure this enhanced accommodation represents substantial value in itself, making the overall compensation package even more compelling.
Complimentary Flight Rebooking Included For Air Passengers
Viking River Cruises extended the compensation package to include guests who purchased their flights through the company’s Viking Air programme.
These passengers are being offered complimentary flight rebooking to align with their newly scheduled cruise departure, removing any additional financial burden or logistical complexity from the date change.
This inclusion addresses what could otherwise be a significant obstacle for accepting the rebooking offer.
International flights represent a substantial portion of many guests’ total travel investment, and having to absorb the cost of changing flights could diminish the appeal of even a generous cruise compensation package.
By including complimentary flight changes, Viking has removed this potential barrier and made the offer accessible to virtually all affected passengers regardless of their booking method.
Industry Context Behind Overbooking Practices
Overbooking remains a standard practice across the travel industry, employed by cruise lines, airlines, and hotels alike to maximise revenue and operational efficiency.
Travel providers analyse historical booking patterns and cancellation rates to predict how many reservations will ultimately result in no-shows or last-minute cancellations.
By accepting slightly more bookings than available capacity, companies can counteract the revenue loss from these anticipated cancellations.
When the predictions prove accurate and cancellations occur as expected, the overbooking strategy successfully fills all available space.
The practice is particularly common during peak travel periods when demand exceeds supply and operators want to ensure maximum capacity utilisation.
However, the strategy carries inherent risk.
If fewer cancellations materialise than anticipated, travel providers face the uncomfortable situation of having sold more space than actually exists.
This forces companies to either deny boarding to confirmed passengers – a public relations nightmare that can result in regulatory penalties and lasting brand damage – or offer compensation packages attractive enough to persuade guests to voluntarily relinquish their spots.
Comparing Viking’s Offer To Industry Standards
The compensation package offered by Viking River Cruises stands out significantly when compared to typical industry practice.
Most overbooking resolutions involve modest onboard credit, slight stateroom upgrades, or future cruise discounts that still require substantial passenger payment.
Recent examples from the ocean cruise sector illustrate the difference in approach.
Royal Caribbean recently addressed an overbooking situation by offering affected guests a complimentary future sailing, but that offer came with a stateroom downgrade rather than an upgrade.
Whilst still providing value, the Royal Caribbean solution required passengers to accept lesser accommodation in exchange for the free cruise.
Viking’s approach of providing both a full refund and a free replacement cruise with upgraded accommodation represents a far more generous resolution.
Industry analysts suggest this reflects both Viking’s premium brand positioning and its commitment to maintaining customer satisfaction even when operational challenges arise.
River cruising attracts repeat customers who often book multiple voyages, making passenger goodwill particularly valuable in this segment.
Implications For Affected Passengers And Future Bookings
For guests on the affected 24th July 2026 sailing, the decision involves weighing schedule flexibility against substantial financial benefit.
Those with rigid vacation schedules or special occasions tied to the original dates may find the offer difficult to accept despite its value.
However, passengers with flexible timing stand to gain thousands of dollars in value by simply shifting their travel dates.
The Romantic Danube itinerary operates throughout the river cruise season, providing numerous alternative departure dates in both 2026 and 2027.
This gives affected passengers considerable flexibility in selecting a replacement sailing that fits their schedules whilst still capturing the full value of Viking’s compensation offer.
The situation also raises questions about Viking’s booking practices and capacity management.
Whilst overbooking is industry standard, the extent of this particular overselling situation – sufficient to prompt such an extraordinary compensation package – suggests either an unusual surge in last-minute non-cancellations or possible errors in the booking system.
Viking has not publicly commented on the underlying cause of the overbooking.
The generous resolution may set passenger expectations for future overbooking situations across the river cruise industry.
This potentially establishes a new benchmark for how premium cruise lines address capacity challenges.
Whether other operators will match Viking’s approach remains to be seen, but the extensive value provided in this instance demonstrates that some cruise lines are willing to absorb significant costs to maintain brand reputation and customer loyalty.
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A cruise ship sailing to Alaska continues to be plagued with passengers and crew members having gastrointestinal illnesses that have now spread on four separate sailings over the past two months.
The CDC has also reported that the ship has paused passenger operations due to the outbreaks.
National Geographic Sea Bird, which sails with Lindblad Expeditions, has continued to fight illness outbreaks over the past couple of months.
The cruise line has reported to the CDC four separate outbreaks, two of which were confirmed as norovirus.
On the following four cruises, here is the percentage of passengers and crew members that reported having diarrhea, vomiting, and/or abdominal cramps:
July 15 sailing: 14% of passengers, 19% of crew members
July 10 sailing: 29% of passengers, 4% of crew members
June 25 sailing: 28% of passengers, 7% of crew members
May 26 sailing: 14% of passengers, 13% of crew members
I would like to note that this is a small cruise ship with a total of 90 guests and crew members onboard for most cruises.
All cruise ships that sail to and from the U.S. are under the jurisdiction of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).
Cruise lines are required to report to the VSP anytime 2% or more of guests or crew members report being ill. If that threshold crosses 3%, it is officially labeled as an outbreak and posted on the CDC’s website.
In response to the outbreaks, the crew on board the ship has increased cleaning and disinfection procedures. Passengers and crew members who reported ill have been isolated, and the CDC said that the ship has paused passenger operations.
Cruise Fever has reached out to Lindblad Expeditions about this pause in service and will update this article when we hear back from the cruise line. Tomorrow’s sailing, the July 25 cruise, is currently open for bookings on the cruise line’s website with prices start at $6,826 per person.
There have been a total of nine gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships this year, and four of them were on Sea Bird.
Sea Bird is in its final year of offering expedition cruises. The small 31-cabin cruise ship is U.S. flagged and can visit many ports that larger ships can not visit.
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The delivery of EXPLORA III at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa today marks another significant milestone in the growth of Explora Journeys, the ultra-elegant ocean travel brand of the MSC Group. EXPLORA III also represents the next phase of MSC Group’s investment of more than €3.5 billion in its fleet, with all six ships designed and built by Fincantieri in Italy—a long-standingpartnership that showcases the very best of Italian shipbuilding, craftsmanship and innovation.
Officers Parade at the naming ceremony of Explora III (Credit: Explora Journeys)
The official delivery of EXPLORA III was celebrated at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa with the traditional handover ceremony, attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; Biagio Mazzotta, President of Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, together with Italian civic and government authorities including Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa, and Marco Bucci, President of the Liguria Region. Hosted by acclaimed Italian television presenter Lorella Cuccarini, the ceremony celebrated the continued expansion of Explora Journeys’ six-ship fleet.
The celebrations continued with a performance by Italian dance group, Urban Theory, before the traditional parade of EXPLORA III’s officers and the Fincantieri shipyard workforce, paying tribute to the craftsmanship behind the vessel. Joined on stage by Captain Serena Melani, Pierfrancesco Vago and Pierroberto Folgiero presided over the ceremonial change of flag, accompanied by the Italian and Maltese national anthems, marking the official transfer of the ship from builder to owner. Following the ship’s blessing, EXPLORA III’s Godmother, Maya Aponte, concluded the ceremony with the traditional ribbon-cutting and bottle-breaking, celebrating the newest addition to the Explora Journeys fleet.
“Today marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we officially welcome EXPLORA III into our growing fleet. With every new ship, we have the opportunity to listen, learn and refine, building on what our guests value most while remaining true to the vision that defines our brand. EXPLORA III represents the next step in our journey as we continue to redefine ocean travel through thoughtful innovation, exceptional design and the intuitive hospitality that sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience. As a privately owned, family-led business with deep maritime heritage, we remain committed to investing for the long term, always with our guests at the centre of every decision.” said, Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys.
The Next Evolution of Ocean Travel
Extended by 19.2 metres, EXPLORA III is the most spacious ship in the fleet, delivering an even greater sense of openness, privacy and comfort while welcoming a similar number of guests as her sister ships EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. The ship introduces an enhanced culinary offering with three distinctive new concepts—The Cellar, The Chef’s Table and Shore Club on 11—further enriching Explora Journeys’ celebrated approach to epicurean excellence. She also features a second Owner’s Residence, designed by renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, an expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, reimagined Ocean Wellness facilities that bring spa and fitness together in one harmonious space, and Chopard’s first boutique onboard. Together, these thoughtful innovations reflect Explora Journeys’ dedication to continuously evolving the guest experience while setting a new benchmark for ultra-elegant ocean travel.
An Exclusive, Behind-the-Scenes Prelude
Following today’s delivery, EXPLORA III presents a one-time five-night Mediterranean Prelude Journey departing Genoa on July 24, 2026 and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome) on July 29. Designed as an intimate, behind-the-scenes preview, this exclusive sailing traces the glittering coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras, calling at Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Livorno. Sailing alongside global sporting icon and brand ambassador Jannik Sinner on the first two days, this unique unveiling offers guests rare opportunities to meet the leadership, designers and officers who brought the ship to life, previewing the reimagined venues, suites and wellness spaces before the ship’s official Maiden Journey.
The Naming Ceremony, Maiden Journey and Inaugural Season
Following the Prelude Journey, EXPLORA III will sail to Barcelona for her official naming ceremony on August 1, 2026. On August 3, 2026, she will depart Barcelona on her seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon, launching an inaugural season spanning Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America. Tracing a continuous northern route with no repeated itineraries, this deployment has been designed for deeper destination immersion, with longer stays and more time to discover each destination at a relaxed pace. From the sheltered harbours of the Baltic capitals and the dramatic fjords of Norway to the remote landscapes of Iceland, the voyage culminates in a scenic transatlantic crossing via Greenland to the Canadian Maritimes and New England.
In 2027, EXPLORA III will continue her global journey with Explora Journeys’ debut Alaska season, inviting guests to discover one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural environments through immersive journeys showcasing dramatic glaciers, pristine wilderness and extraordinary wildlife. The brand’s global expansion will continue in 2028 with the debut of EXPLORA V in Asia, introducing a new collection of journeys across one of the world’s most culturally rich and diverse regions.
Advanced Environmental Technology
As the first LNG-capable vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III takes the next step in the brand’s environmental strategy. It’s LNG fuel capability supports future use of renewable alternatives, including bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, as availability develops. The ship is also equipped with shore power capability, enabling her to connect to onshore electricity and switch off her engines while alongside in ports where infrastructure is available, helping to reduce direct emissions in port and improve local air quality.
With EXPLORA III now delivered, Explora Journeys reaches the halfway point in the development of its six-ship fleet, with three vessels now in service. Construction continues at Fincantieri on EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI, scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028. These next-generation vessels will continue to elevate the brand’s vision while introducing progressively enhanced environmental technologies, supporting MSC Group’s Cruise Division’s wider commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its marine operations and work towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Explora Journeys, an all-inclusive luxury cruise line, took delivery of the third cruise ship to enter their fleet, EXPLORA III. The ceremony was held at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy.
Bottle breaking against EXPLORA III
The ceremony was attended by attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; Biagio Mazzotta, President of Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, together with Italian civic and government authorities including Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa, and Marco Bucci, President of the Liguria Region.
EXPLORA III is a sister ship to EXPLORA I & II, and the first in the fleet to be powered by LNG.
The cruise ship will sail a five-night preview cruise, and then sail to Barcelona for the official naming ceremony that will take place on August 1, 2026.
On August 3, 2026, EXPLORA III will depart Barcelona on her seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon, launching an inaugural season spanning Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America.
In 2027, the cruise ship will offer cruises to Alaska when the cruise line sails to the 49th state for the first time.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, gave the following statement:
“Today marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we officially welcome EXPLORA III into our growing fleet. With every new ship, we have the opportunity to listen, learn and refine, building on what our guests value most while remaining true to the vision that defines our brand.
“EXPLORA III represents the next step in our journey as we continue to redefine ocean travel through thoughtful innovation, exceptional design and the intuitive hospitality that sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience. As a privately owned, family-led business with deep maritime heritage, we remain committed to investing for the long term, always with our guests at the center of every decision.”
EXPLORA V under construction in Genoa, Italy. Photo Credit: Cruise News Today
Explora Journeys has more cruise cruise ships, EXPLORA IV, V, and VI, under construction. IV will debut in 2027 and V and VI in 2028.
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Some upcoming guests on Carnival Cruise Line’s 5,374-passenger Carnival Jubilee are receiving notifications about some “operational changes” in late 2027.
Basically, nine cruises are being canceled, but not entirely.
Here’s the interesting part. Now that we have the wording of the messages received from impacted guests, it’s looking more and more like these canceled cruises have made room for adults-only SEA cruises (SEA stands for Sailing Exclusively for Adults).
Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Breeze in Port of Galveston. Photo credit: Cruise Fever
Ever since Carnival quietly introduced adults-only sailings as invitation-only casino charters on smaller or repositioning ships, rumors have been kicked around about whether they would ramp up the program.
We’ve wondered if they would include their newest ships. After all, it is still very much a family-oriented cruise line, and kids are a big part of that (obviously).
Also, keep in mind that word of these Jubilee sailings being turned into SEA voyages has not been officially confirmed by the cruise line. Not yet anyway.
But the wording of the letters sent to impacted guests sure make it look that way.
What the Official Notice Says
According to an official letter issued to booked cruisers on July 22, 2026, Carnival explicitly confirmed the age-restriction change for some September 2027 sailings:
“We have made operational changes to your voyage – the sailing will now be exclusively for guests 21 years and older. We recognize this cruise may no longer meet your vacation needs, particularly if you were planning to travel with guests under the age of 21 years, and we sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause.”
While Carnival has not yet issued an official public confirmation that these specific Jubilee sailings will be part of the SEA program, the age-restriction language matches exactly how the line has communicated prior adult-only conversions.
So, there’s that.
A quick check of the Carnival Jubilee schedule on Cruise Mapper shows a gap on the calendar between August 7, 2027, and October 2, 2027 as well.
Carnival’s website also has September 2027 greyed out for Carnival Jubilee, and the sailings are not listed on their travel agent site, GoCCL.com.
Passengers Discuss the Change Online
In a Facebook group dedicated to a September 4, 2027, sailing, a group admin posted asking if fellow cruisers had received notice that Carnival “changed this cruise to a 21 and up cruise.”
A few booked passengers chimed in under the post to confirm they received the exact same notice. While travelers without kids didn’t mind the shift, it did create a dilemma for families traveling with younger guests.
One passenger noted that while their own cabin was over 21, the family they booked alongside had four travelers under the age limit who can no longer attend.
Options for Impacted Passengers
For cruise travelers holding reservations on the impacted sailings, Carnival gave guests a few options:
Remaining on the Cruise: Guests who meet the 21-and-older requirement can stay on the sailing with no action required. However, Carnival warned that “reservations containing name placeholders (i.e., ‘TBA – To Be Added’), or missing dates of birth must be updated by August 5, 2026, to avoid cancellation.”
Switching Sailings: Passengers choosing to rebook will have their rates protected on a comparable sailing within similar accommodations. Carnival is also adding a perk, stating that “a $100.00 per stateroom) onboard credit will be applied to your Sail & Sign account for the new sailing.”
Canceling or Removing Underage Travelers: Families traveling with anyone under 21 must contact Carnival or their travel advisor by August 5, 2026, to alter or cancel their booking. The letter notes: “Cancellations made by August 5, 2026, will receive a full refund of the cruise fare, including any pre-purchased items, even for reservations made with non-refundable deposits.”
Nine More Jubilee Sailings Canceled
The guest advisory comes right on the heels of coverage from Cruise Spotlight, which reported that Carnival canceled nine other 2027 Carnival Jubilee sailings completely.
In an email sent to impacted guests by Colleen Oliverio, Carnival’s Vice President of Guest Services, the following Jubilee departure dates were removed from the booking engine:
August 15, 2027
August 21, 2027
August 29, 2027
September 12, 2027
September 18, 2027
September 26, 2027
November 27, 2027
December 5, 2027
December 11, 2027
While Carnival hasn’t publicly detailed why those specific nine dates were canceled, it could be tied to a need to change the ship’s route or duration.
Standard Jubilee sailings out of Galveston are typically 6- and 8-day Western Caribbean runs. SEA sailings often feature unique or longer itineraries that require wiping existing bookings off the schedule rather than transferring them automatically.
What Is a SEA Cruise?
Carnival’s SEA program stands for Sailings Exclusively for Adults.
It started as invite-only casino charters. SEA sailings feature specialized entertainment, higher-stakes casino play, and themed parties. And of course, all with no kids on the ship.
Other Adult-Only Sailings with Carnival
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald recently took to Facebook to announce that the cruise line is expanding access to these adult-only sailings.
He announced that the cruise line is opening up several 2026 SEA sailings aboard Carnival Firenze out of Long Beach for general booking made available up until July 31st.
These are the sailings Heald announced are now SEA cruises:
10/12/2026 – 7 day cruise to Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada,
10/19/2026 – 14 day cruise -Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Acapulco, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Ensenada,
11/02/2026 – 11 day cruise – Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada,
11/13/2026 – 7 day cruise – La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Long Beach
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Using facial recognition, photo IDs, and RFID-encoded boarding passes, cruise passengers at the Cruise Center Hamburg-Steinwerder were able to test out a new pilot program using digital self check-in for the first time.
Photo Credit: AIDA Cruises
A 3,300-passenger ship just got back to Germany from an 11-day sailing to Norway, and the next group of passengers is getting to test out the new pilot program.
Guests sailing on AIDAprima were able to use 20 digital terminals to try out the new process today (July 23), although a check-in counter was still accessible.
How It All Works
Airports have already been doing this for a while now, so most travelers are somewhat familiar with the concept of using a digital display to check in.
But for cruise ships, there’s a little more involved.
The check-in terminals scanned the guests’ photo IDs and used facial recognition tech to make sure a live photo of the guests and their ID photos matched. The photo taken at the digital terminals will then be used for the duration of the sailing.
Boarding passes were equipped with RFID technology and were used for payment onboard in addition to access to cabins. During this check-in process, that payment functionality was also set up.
AIDA Cruises said in a press release that they developed this system together with Lufthansa Industry Solutions, and it took two years to get it the way they wanted. A few tweaks had to be made in adapting the made-for-airport solution to do everything a cruise terminal needed it to do.
Photo Credit: AIDA Cruises
What’s the Benefit?
Mainly, shorter lines. It also means that you don’t need as many staff working at the terminal to check everyone in. With 20 digital terminals being used at the same time, it speeds up the entire process and gets cruisers onto the ship faster.
And of course, for those who still want to deal with a person at the counter, that option isn’t going away. Some guests have questions and would rather deal with a person, and AIDA Cruises said that optionality is important.
As this is still a pilot program, we expect to see some adjustments before entire fleets are relying on this kind of check-in process, and the cruise line is sure to be watching passenger feedback closely.
AIDAprima is scheduled to depart the Hamburg cruise port today on a 10-night roundtrip sailing to Norway.
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From a cruise destination perspective, you can’t get much more diverse than the Amazon rainforest and the icy landscape of Antarctica.
But a new, one-of-a-kind 87-day cruise just dropped, and it’s offering passengers the opportunity to experience both regions in a roundtrip sailing from the UK.
From jungle to ice: Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s 87-day voyage sails the Amazon River and explores the Antarctic region all in one sailing.
UK-based Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled the 87-night “Amazon & Antarctica Adventure” Grand Voyage for early 2028, and it’s already available for booking, as of July 22.
Sailing round-trip out of Southampton, England on the 1,350-passenger ship, Borealis, this epic voyage spans 28 ports across 17 countries and five continents.
While Fred. Olsen might not be a household name to every American cruiser, the family-owned British cruise line is well-known for its focus on destination-centric itineraries aboard intimate, mid-sized ships.
For cruisers looking for a mega-voyage that skips the massive crowd, here is everything you need to know about this unique sailing.
Unlike the mega-ships carrying 5,000 to 7,000 passengers out of Florida ports, Fred. Olsen operates a small fleet of just three ships: Borealis, Bolette, and Balmoral.
Stateside cruisers might actually recognize Borealis. The ship originally debuted in 1997 as Holland America Line’s flagship MS Rotterdam before joining the Fred.Olsen fleet in 2020.
At roughly 61,849 gross tons and totaling about 702 cabins, she is a nimble, classic ocean vessel. It really is a great sized ship for a unique voyage like this.
Her smaller footprint is a major advantage for an itinerary like this too. Borealis is compact enough to navigate hundreds of miles inland up the shallow Amazon River while remaining sturdy enough to handle the ocean swells down in Antarctica’s Drake Passage.
I guess you could call it a Goldilocks ship for this kind of cruise.
Borealis’ 87-night ‘Amazon & Antarctica Adventure’ Grand Voyage itinerary
The Epic Itinerary: From Tropics to Ice
The 87-night itinerary features two major bucket-list destinations that rarely appear on the same booking:
The Amazon River: Marking the cruise line’s first return to the Amazon in nine years, Borealis will spend several days scenic cruising along the world’s largest river by volume, including stops in Manaus and Santarém. Guests will have chances to spot pink river dolphins and exotic wildlife directly from the ship decks.
Antarctica & Cape Horn: Sailing south along the South American coast and rounding Cape Horn, the ship will spend three days scenic cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula, surrounded by glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and penguin colonies.
To round out the epic itinerary, the ship will also dock for overnight stays in iconic cities like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, along with warm-weather stops across the Caribbean in spots like Dominica and Samaná Bay.
Left: Salvador, Brazil. Right: The Antarctic Peninsula
Booking and Itinerary Fast Facts
Departure Date: January 5, 2028
Homeport: Round-trip Southampton, UK
Duration: 87 nights
Ports of Call: 28 ports in 17 countries (including Tenerife, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Antarctica, and the Falkland Islands)
Starting Price: Lead-in fares begin at £10,999 per person (approx. $14,200 USD depending on exchange rates).
According to Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s website, the fare also includes everything below:
Full board dining, from five-course à la carte dinners to afternoon tea
Selected drinks with lunch and dinner
Gratuities
Evening shows, live music, dance classes and enrichment talks
Swimming pools, jacuzzis and fitness centre
A free shuttle service in ports over one mile from the ship
If you want to learn a little more about this cruise line, Gary Bembridge does a great job in this video. It’s a great intro for American cruisers who aren’t as familiar with the cruise line, even if the video is a few years old now:
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Royal Caribbean, the world’s largest cruise line, announced plans to advance the development of the new Mahahual K’iin Community Center in Mahahual, Mexico, not far from the cruise port in Costa Maya.
The Mahahual K’iin Community Center will introduce modern, flexible spaces for workshops, education and community-led events, plus outdoor areas for activities and programs.
This new plan will create a larger home for programs and activities that enrich the lives of families, children and residents across Mahahual.
This Mahahual K’iin Community Center will build on the community space that was built in 2014, and will have expanded capacity for education, recreation, cultural programming and local gatherings. The location will also be easier for local residents to access.
The project is part of Royal Caribbean’s commitment to support the area near the cruise port that they own, the Port of Costa Maya.
Mahahual K’iin Community Center
Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, gave the following statement about this new community center:
“Mahahual is an important community for Royal Caribbean, and the Mahahual K’iin Community Center reflects the long-term partnership we want to continue building here. This next phase is about turning commitment into action by creating a welcoming place where children can learn, families can gather and neighbors can connect.”
Senaida Gómez, director of the Mahahual K’iin Community Center, added:
“The Mahahual K’iin Community Center is the result of the strength, participation and dreams of our community. This new phase will allow us to expand our impact, strengthen our programs and create safe spaces for children, young people and families. We will continue working to ensure this center is a place of gathering, growth and well-being for everyone.”
Mahahual K’iin Community Center
The cruise line will continue working with residents, community leaders and local authorities on investments that support community well-being, environmental care and local opportunity in Mahahual.
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Four new shows are taking center stage on Holland America Line‘s Oosterdam, expanding the cruise line’s award-winning entertainment lineup with fresh productions and iconic collaborations. The four original shows were created exclusively for Holland America Line in partnership with RWS Global, the world leader in live moments across entertainment and sports.
The most anticipated debut is a new rock show created by RWS Global in collaboration with Rolling Stone: “Holland America Line and Rolling Stone Present, All Access: The Songs That Shaped Us.” Celebrating music from rock legends, the production follows the success of the Rolling Stone Lounge venue found on most Holland America Line ships.
Decadence (Credit: Holland America Line)
“We listened to what our guests wanted—more visually impressive productions with incredible music and memorable performances—and these four new shows deliver that,” said Joe Chantry, vice president of entertainment & enrichment for Holland America Line. “Working with our creative partners at RWS Global and Rolling Stone, we’ve developed an entertainment lineup that is bold, immersive and uniquely Holland America Line, giving guests even more reasons to make World Stage part of every evening on board.”
Following its successful launch on Koningsdam, the acclaimed “Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway,” is now on Oosterdam. “Decadence” and “Disco Fever” complete the four new productions that are already playing on the ship’s World Stage.
“The new show with Rolling Stone leverages one of the world’s most iconic music brands to create an unforgettable live entertainment experience for Holland America Line’s guests,” said Craig Laurie, chief creative officer of RWS Global. “The extraordinary success of the Rolling Stone Lounge makes it clear that guests crave authentic, brand‑driven entertainment rooted in nostalgia. Building on a proven fan favorite, we’ve expanded the experience into a fully realized stage production featuring singers, dancers, and the band from Rolling Stone Lounge.”
“Rolling Stone has always celebrated the songs and artists that shape how people feel, connect and create memories, and this partnership with Holland America Line brings that spirit to audiences in a fresh, immersive way,” said Julian Holguin, chief executive officer of Rolling Stone. “We’re excited to build on the momentum of Rolling Stone Lounge with a new live experience that feels both unmistakably Rolling Stone and perfectly suited for guests looking to engage with music in a meaningful, memorable setting.”
Details about Oosterdam’s shows produced by Holland America Line and RWS Global:
“Holland America Line and Rolling Stone Present All Access: The Songs That Shaped Us”: The energetic show celebrates music from rock legends, including The Eagles, Janis Joplin, Van Halen and Fleetwood Mac. This adrenaline-fueled concert experience blends powerhouse live music with dynamic choreography in a celebration of rock’s most iconic hits.
“Decadence”: An electrifying fusion of music, movement, and spectacle—where Las Vegas pulse meets New York sophistication and old-world Hollywood glamour. Iconic songs ignite high-octane showstoppers amid dazzling visuals and precision showgirls.
“Disco Fever”: Guests step into a glittering, high-energy disco celebration. Featuring “Le Freak,” “It’s Raining Men” and “I Love the Nightlife.” Iconic hits return with modern flair—transforming the stage into a shimmering, feel-good dance party.
“Fosse and Verdon, the Duet That Changed Broadway”: Created in partnership with the Verdon Fosse Legacy®, the show is a dazzling sequence of iconic musical numbers inspired by Bob Fosse’s and Gwen Verdon’s original choreography, as well as never-before-seen archival audio and video content. The spectacle showcases the duo’s legendary contributions from Broadway classics to cinematic masterpieces, including “Damn Yankees,” “Sweet Charity,” “Cabaret,” “Chicago” and more. One critic called it “…hands down the best show I’ve ever seen on a ship.”
The four shows are already live on Oosterdam with bookings available this fall. Sample departures per person, double occupancy (with taxes and fees included in the fares) include:
Oosterdam is the first of six ships that will undergo a complete revitalization as part of Holland America Evolution, the most ambitious guest experience update in the company’s 153-year history. Oosterdam’s renovations debut in December 2027.
