A cruise line has announced 173 new itineraries that will set sail in 2026 and 2027 that includes new ports and immersive overnight port stays.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises, one of the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise lines, has announced their Voyage Collection cruises in 2026-2027.
The cruise line’s 173 new itineraries visit all parts of the globe including:
Africa & Arabia
Alaska
Asia
Australia & New Zealand
Canada & New England
Caribbean & Panama Canal
Mediterranean
Northern Europe
South America
South Pacific
A highlight of these new sailings is a 140 night world cruise scheduled for 2027 and four new Grand Voyages that vary from 60 to 82 nights in length.
Regent will also offer eight Immersive Overnight cruises where just about all of the port stops will feature an overnight stay. They are the only cruise line to offer this.
Regent will sail from new homeports that include Seattle, Galveston and Tampa.
There will be a total of 144 overnight stays that include Hong Kong, Bora Bora, and Mumbai.
Regent is adding 16 new ports of call that include Mombasa, Zanzibar and Melaka.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur. Photo: Cruise Fever
Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, gave the following statement about these new cruises:
“Our 2026-2027 Voyage Collection Debut is an incredible array of sailings that offers luxury travelers the opportunity to experience new cultures, gain new perspectives, and create unforgettable memories across thousands of nautical miles.”
“Whether spending 7 days or 7 weeks or more on board, our guests will see the world while enjoying the highest standards of personalized service, and the most comprehensive inclusion list of any ultra luxury cruise line from spacious suites to unlimited shore excursions, from exquisite specialty dining to premium beverages.”
These new cruises announced by Regent Seven Seas Cruises will open for bookings on July 24, 2024.
If a guest books two or more of these Voyage Collection sailings, they will receive 5% off if they book by August 7, 2024.
Regent offers The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience at sea and all cruises include:
Unlimited beverages
Unlimited shore excursions
All specialty dining
Valet laundry service
Gratuities
Spa facilities
WiFi
24-hour in-suite dining
Their Ultimate All-Inclusive Fare adds in roundtrip flights and private executive chauffeur service with Blacklane.
Royal Caribbean International and GRAMMY-winning singer and songwriterMeghan Trainor rang in the vacation of celebrations, Utopia of the Seas, with a blowout summer party in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Trainor, the godmother of the new vacation, marked the introduction of the ultimate short getaway in an official naming event on board with more than 4,000 partygoers, the legendary Rev Run and DJ Ruckus at the turntables, Royal Caribbean crew members and executives, and more.
Utopia of the Seas
The moment comes just days before the final milestone:Utopia debuts with the first of its 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday getaways onFriday, July 19.
Royal Caribbean International and GRAMMY-winning singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor threw the party of the summer for the new Utopia of the Seas in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
Celebrating the people and work bringing Utopia to life and the weekend energy coming to every day of the week, the “All That Bass” star took center stage on the ultimate short getaway’s iconic open-air AquaTheater to bestow safekeeping onto the ship, its dedicated crew and the millions who will celebrate on Utopia for years to come. The party hit a high note when Trainor performed live for the audience, which included more than 50 of the 20,000-plus Trainor fans who entered for a chance to join the party. The Monday event kicked off Utopia’s 3-night celebration and cruise that includes one party after the next, including a live concert on board hosted by Trainor while the new vacation is at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
God Mother Meghan Trainor
Royal Caribbean debuts its newest ship Utopia of the Seas. Naming Ceremony and party on the Boardwalk.
“Becoming Utopia’s godmother and being here for this incredible celebration with Royal Caribbean is a dream come true,” said Meghan Trainor, Utopia of the Seas godmother. “From performing on a breathtaking stage while we’re in the middle of the ocean to having my fans here to sing and dance with me and experiencing it all with my family – Utopia really is the ultimate short getaway. I’m so honored to be part of the memories so many will make here.”
The celebration will set the tone for vacations on Utopia, where everyone can make more memories on a short getaway than ever. Friends and families can celebrate any occasion or get away with a lineup of experiences that bring unmatched weekend energy. There’s everything from more than 40 ways to dine, drink, and party, including a lineup of parties only on Utopia, two casinos and Royal Railway – Utopia Station, a first-of-its-kind immersive train car dining experience, to more pools than the days to count, thrills; show-stopping entertainment across air, ice, water and stage; and more.
“We set out to create a utopian playground at sea that delivers the perfect short getaway and ultimate vacation,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “I’m immensely proud of our dream team that turned this vision into reality. Utopiaof the Seas embodies our commitment to push boundaries and deliver the best vacation experiences responsibly.”
The vibes extend beyond Utopia to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. The top-rated private island ups the ante with 14 waterslides, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, and the newly opened adults-only oasis Hideaway Beach, which features a private beach, pools, spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, a live DJ, and more.
“Every day on Utopia will feel like the weekend. The unmatched energy and ways to make memories – between the pools, thrills and more and our award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay – will bring friends and families together on a short getaway like never before,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “This epic party, the vacation of celebrations, is just getting started!”
Beginning Friday, vacationers everywhere can explore Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas, on one of Utopia’s3-night weekend and 4-night weekday escapes. The ultimate short getaway will welcome guests to make more memories than ever before with a roster of experiences that bring big weekend energy to every day of the week. There’s everything from more than 40 ways to dine, drink and party, including a lineup of parties only on Utopia, two casinos and Royal Railway – Utopia Station, a first-of-its-kind immersive train car dining experience; to more pools than the days to count;thrills, like the longest dry slide at sea; show-stopping entertainment across air, ice, water and stage; and more.
For more details about Utopia, vacationers can visit Royal Caribbean’s website to learn more and begin planning their ultimate weekend getaway.
Celebrity Cruises will host their next President’s Cruise in May 2025. This eight night sailing on Celebrity Apex will visit the Norwegian fjords.
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Celebrity Cruises’ President’s Cruise to the Norwegian fjords will depart on May 17, 2025. It will allow Celebrity’s president and executive team members to spend time with the cruise line’s Captain’s Club members.
The cruise will visit several ports in Norway including Oslo, Alesund and Bergen.
The President’s Cruise also features special events and unique experiences only offered on a President’s Cruise.
Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, gave the following statement:
“The President’s Cruise is a massive celebration of our Captain’s Club members, and the sailing is an incredible opportunity for me and my executive team to spend time with our guests.”
“It is incredibly rewarding to hear guests’ stories and experience Celebrity through their eyes. The feedback and ideas we receive while onboard are instrumental in shaping the future of Celebrity Cruises, allowing us to innovate and enhance our offerings in ways that truly resonate with our guests.”
This year’s President’s Cruise was a six night sailing on Celebrity Beyond to the Caribbean. It also visited Perfect Day at CocoCay that had surprises like jet ski and flyboard stunt performers.
Two unforgettable sea days were filled with one-of-a-kind activities. A pool party like no other featured performances from members of the Team USA Artistic Swimming team, entertainment from Guinness World Record holding hula hoopers, and crowd-favorite games like the Officers vs Guests pool volleyball game, umpired by Hodges Bethge.
“A Conversation with Celebrity” provided the opportunity to ask unfiltered questions to Celebrity executives and guests were also treated to unique performances from West End star Marisha Wallace and Celebrity Reflection captain, Captain Kyriakos Matragkas, who put on a rock show like none other.
When you take a Carnival cruise, you may find yourself with some onboard credit to spend. And you’ll want to know what you can spend this money on.
Onboard credit may seem like free money, and in a way it is, but it still makes sense to spend it wisely to get the most value from it.
In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about onboard credit (also known as OBC). I’ll then list all of the ways you can spend it on your Carnival cruise. I’m starting with the best-value options but we’ll discuss all of them, including the ways that you’ll want to avoid.
What does Onboard Credit mean?
Onboard credit is money that is credited to your account for use during your cruise. On a Carnival cruise, your onboard account is called ‘Sail & Sign’. When you make purchases on the ship, these will be charged to your account. At the end of your cruise, you can settle your account with cash, a credit card or onboard credit.
How to get Carnival Onboard Credit
Booking deals – If you book your cruise during a promotional period, you can get between $25 and $1000 of OBC per stateroom
Price drops – If the price of your cruise drops after booking, you may receive the difference in OBC
Cancelled cruises – If your cruise is cancelled and you rebook for a later date, you may be given extra OBC on top of Future Cruise Credit (FCC)
Compensation – If something goes wrong on your cruise, such as if the ship has a technical problem, you may be given OBC by way of an apology
Shareholders – If you own at least 100 Carnival shares (AKA CCL stock), you will receive $50 OBC on cruises of 6 days or less, $100 on cruises of 7-13 days and $250 on longer cruises
Carnival Mastercard – When you use a Carnival credit card you’ll get Fun Points that can be converted into Carnival on board credit.
Military – Members of the US and Canadian armed forces may get $50 OBC per stateroom when booking certain cruises
The best ways to use Carnival Onboard Credit
When it comes to spending your onboard credit, some of the things that you can spend it on are better value than others. In fact, there are some things that will cost you more to purchase if you do so using onboard credit.
So, here’s a list of things you can spend your Carnival onboard credit on, from best to worst…
1. Gratuities
You can usually use your Carnival onboard credit to pay for gratuities (tips), so long as you haven’t prepaid them before you board the ship. However, onboard credit that comes from being a Carnival shareholder can’t be applied to gratuities.
Carnival cruise gratuities are $16 per person per day for those staying in staterooms and $18 per person per day for those staying in suites.
I believe that paying gratuities is the best use of your onboard credit, as these tips are something that we all should be paying, and you don’t get any benefit from pre-paying or using another payment method aside from onboard credit.
At the end of your cruise, if you have leftover onboard credit, it will automatically be offset against any gratuities that you owe.
Here’s how much Carnival gratuities cost, per day, for each passenger aged two and over:
You can use your Carnival onboard credit to book dining in speciality restaurants, but only if you make the reservation once you’re on board the ship. If you book dining using onboard credit, there’s a chance that your chosen restaurant might be full, so it’s best to do it as soon as you board.
Specialty dining on Carnival cruise ships costs from $6 per person for the Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, up to $150 per person for dinner at The Chef’s Table.
If you don’t normally go for speciality dining, then perhaps you should take advantage of your free onboard credit to treat yourself to a delicious meal.
If you never usually go to the spa on a cruise, then this could be the ideal way to treat yourself by spending any onboard credit that you have.
On Carnival cruises, you can use your onboard credit to buy a day pass to the Cloud 9 Spa for just $22, giving you access to the relaxation room, thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, hot tubs, experience showers, steam rooms, saunas and hammam.
The spa facilities will differ depending on the ship, but each Carnival ship has a range of spa facilities for you to enjoy. You cannot book a Cloud 9 Spa pass before your cruise, only on board the ship.
The more days you book spa passes for, the cheaper it will be per day:
Cruise Duration
Per guest from
Per couple from
Day Pass
$22
$44
2 Day Pass
$30
$50
3 Day Pass
$49
$79
4 Day Pass
$69
$109
5 Day Pass
$89
$139
6 Day Pass
$109
$169
7 Day Pass
$129
$199
8 Day Pass
$149
$229
9 Day Pass
$169
$259
10 Day Pass
$189
$289
11 Day Pass
$209
$319
12 Day Pass
$229
$349
13 Day Pass
$249
$379
14+ Day Pass
$269
$409
Prices are based on North American cruises and may change.
You can also use your onboard credit to book spa treatments like massages, body scrubs, facials, acupuncture, botox, fillers, teeth whitening, hairdressing, waxing, manicures, pedicures and eyelash treatments.
Carnival spa treatment prices:
Massage – $103 to $209
Acupuncture – $169 to $699
Facial – $100 to $139
Hairdressing – $34 to $159
Nails – $41 to $111
On your daily planner, you’ll probably see special offers for discounted spa treatments at certain times. While cruise spa treatments can be expensive, if you book onboard at the right time, they can actually be very good value for money. Plus, Carnival’s spa treatments are cheaper than most other cruise lines.
4. Shore excursions
If you purchase Carnival shore excursions on board your cruise ship, you can use onboard credit to pay for them. However, you must arrange these at the shore excursions desk on the ship, not online before you board.
Carnival shore excursions range in price from $14.99 per adult for a trip to the Pirates Treasure & Shipwreck Museum in St. Thomas to $799.99 per adult for a helicopter tour in Iceland.
5. Photos
On Carnival cruises, there are photographers ready to take your photo throughout the cruise – when boarding, in the dining rooms and on the deck. There’s no obligation to purchase any photos, but if you wish to, you can use your onboard credit to buy photos.
Photos are pretty reasonably priced on Carnival cruises, with prices starting at $11.99 for a small print and up to $299.99 for a package that includes a bundle of prints, a large wall canvas, digital copies and a calendar.
So, if you want to capture the memories of your special cruise forever, perhaps using some of your onboard credit on photography services would be a smart move.
6. Gift cards
Some cruisers have reported that they have been able to buy Carnival gift cards at the Cherry On Top candy store onboard Carnival cruise ships using onboard credit. This can be a way to extend your onboard credit so that you can use it towards another cruise.
Each Carnival gift card can be loaded with between $100 and $1000 and you can buy five per transaction. They have no expiration date, so you could save them for as long as you like before using them to pay for your next cruise.
People who have asked Carnival to clarify whether this is okay or not appear to have been given mixed answers about whether this onboard credit hack works. Some people have been told that onboard credit that was earned from rebooking a cancelled cruise cannot be used to buy gift cards, but other types of onboard credit such as from a price reduction or shareholders credit can.
As far as I have seen, nobody has reported being turned away from the candy shop for attempting to buy gift cards with onboard credit. So, if you want to use your onboard credit towards your next cruise, it’s probably worth a try.
You can find more info about Carnival gift cards here.
On each Carnival cruise ship, you’ll find several shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, watches, clothes, accessories and liquor. You can use your onboard credit in any of these shops.
Purchases made at sea are tax-free, but that’s not to say that onboard shopping is any cheaper than it is ashore. Many items may still cost more because you’re essentially a captive audience so the prices of some items are inflated.
However, if you want to buy Carnival cruise souvenirs like Carnival-branded beach towels, bathrobes, t-shirts and toys, then onboard your cruise ship is the best place to do it, particularly if you have some onboard credit to spend.
Some popular souvenirs that you may be interested in include a Carnival-themed Monopoly game at $49.95, a Carnival windbreaker jacket at $39.95 or a Carnival mug at $14.95.
8. Drinks
You can use your Carnival onboard credit to pay for a Cheers drinks package or to pay for individual drinks that you charge to your onboard account. To use onboard credit for a drink package, you must wait until you’re on the ship to buy the package – you can’t use onboard credit if you buy the package before your cruise.
The downside to this is that the Cheers package is cheaper if you buy it before you board the ship. So, if you pay for it with onboard credit, it will cost you more.
Buy on website
Buy on ship
6 days or more
$70.74
$76.64
5 days or less
$82.54
$88.44
So, on a seven-day cruise for two people, you would pay around $84 more if you buy your drink package on the ship with onboard credit than if you bought it in advance.
For this reason, it’s not a good idea to use your onboard credit to buy a drink package. But, if you don’t plan on getting a package and want to just pay for the drinks you have, then using your onboard credit for these would make sense.
When you receive your bill at the end of the cruise, any onboard credit you have will be automatically be offset against your bar bill.
You can use onboard credit to buy WiFi on a Carnival cruise, but only if you wait until you board the ship to buy it. You will save 15% if you buy the WiFi package online before you cruise, so buying internet access isn’t the best use of your onboard credit.
WiFi Package
Online price
Onboard price
Saving
Social
$12.75 per day
$15 per day
15%
Value
$17.00 per day
$20 per day
15%
Premium
$18.70 per day
$22 per day
15%
On a seven-day cruise, if two people wish to purchase the Premium WiFi package, you can save $46.20 by purchasing the package online ahead of time rather than waiting until you board the ship.
If you want WiFi, you should buy it before your cruise, rather than with onboard credit for the best price. The exception to this is if you only want to use WiFi for a few days, rather than the whole cruise. This is because single-day plans are only available to purchase on the ship.
10. Casino
You can use your Carnival onboard credit in the casino. There is a 3% fee to withdraw your funds at a table game, but no fee to withdraw at the slot machines.
Some people wonder if they load $500 from their onboard credit into the casino, spin the slots a few times and then cash out, thereby converting their onboard credit into cash…
The official policy is that no, you can’t do this. Only the amount that you win can be cashed out, the rest would go back onto your account as onboard credit.
But in reality, it can be possible. Just play a few spins and ask to cash out and you likely won’t have any problems. Make sure you transfer it to the slot games, and not the table games, to avoid that 3% fee.
11. Bingo
Playing Bingo on a Carnival cruise can be fun, but cruise ship bingo is generally a bit of a rip-off and there are better ways to spend your onboard credit than by buying bingo tickets.
On Carnival cruises, Bingo cards start at $10 each, although most people actually spend more than this as they get multiple cards. While in theory, you could win up to $5,000, this is very unlikely as it requires not only winning, but winning within a specified number of balls being called. The odds of this happening are tiny.
Many of the prizes at Carnival bingo aren’t cash, they’re things from the onboard shops like jewellery, spa services, free bingo cards and more onboard credit.
So, if you love bingo, sure, you can use your Carnival onboard credit to play and you’ll probably have fun. But for most people, there are better ways to spend your money on the ship.
12. Art
Most people only visit the art auctions on cruise ships for a free glass of sparkling wine. And you can bet that serious art enthusiasts and art investors wouldn’t purchase the art on a cruise ship either.
So who does buy art at cruise ship art auctions? Usually, it’s people who have no idea what they’re doing, who get caught up in the excitement after a few too many glasses of free fizz!
You see, if you do your research, you may find that many of the pieces can be purchased for a fraction of the onboard price elsewhere. Also, you won’t actually take home the art you see on the ship – you’ll be shipped an identical copy from a warehouse on land.
So, if you want to spend your Carnival onboard credit in the art auction you can, but make sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for. The price of each piece can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars and it’s probably not a great investment.
Things to know about Carnival’s Onboard Credit
1. There are some limitations
Carnival onboard credit can be used to purchase almost anything onboard the ship. The only things that you can’t use it for are medical expenses, additions like taxes and port fees and anything that you purchase before you board the ship.
2. You can check your balance
To access information about your onboard credit, you can refer to Carnival’s online portal or mobile app. Log into your personal account and you’ll find a dedicated section where you can view details about your remaining credit.
You may also inquire about their onboard credit at the Guest Services desk on the ship. The friendly staff members are always ready to assist and provide any necessary information regarding onboard credit balances.
3. Don’t use it? You’ll lose it!
If you don’t use your onboard credit during your cruise you will lose it. So you must spend it all before the end of the last night of your cruise to avoid wasting it.
“Onboard credit is non-refundable, non-transferable and has no cash value. Any unused portion of the onboard credit will be forfeited.”
My recommendation
If you have onboard credit to spend on your Carnival cruise, then the wisest thing to do is first to put it towards gratuities, provided that you haven’t already pre-paid those. Work out how much you expect to pay in gratuities based on the number of guests in your room, your stateroom type and the duration of your cruise. Then subtract this amount from the amount of onboard credit you have.
This will leave you with an amount of onboard credit to spend on treating yourself. The best uses for any leftover onboard credit are speciality dining, access to the spa, shore excursions and photos.
You’ll also want to bring some cash as you’ll need this for things ashore. Take a look at my next guide to work out the best amount to bring: How Much Cash To Bring On A Carnival Cruise.
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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.
Norwegian Jewel to Homeport in Port of Philadelphia
On April 16, 2026, Norwegian Jewel® will commence seven-to-nine-day cruises to Bermuda, launching the city as a new cruise destination. Departing from the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex, where plans are currently underway with the local government to develop a facility to welcome cruisers in 2026, Norwegian Jewel’s Bermuda itineraries will feature overnight calls to Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, providing guests more time to enjoy and discover the island’s turquoise blue waters and pink-sand beaches. This new homeport for NCL will provide residents in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region more access to cruising, as it will be the only cruise line sailing from Philadelphia through Oct. 17, 2026.
“We remain committed to delivering more experiences for our guests to create unforgettable memories so they can vacation better with us,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are particularly proud to partner with PhilaPort to launch cruising in the area, making it even more accessible to the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region.”
“The Port of Philadelphia is extremely excited to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the world’s premier cruise lines,” said Jeff Theobald, executive director and CEO of PhilaPort. “Philadelphia has so much to offer, as the birthplace of freedom and the home to much of our nation’s history, we look forward to connecting cruisers with our world class city. This new service rounds out the portfolio of services offered at PhilaPort, and we look forward to this next growth phase.”
The Company’s new 2026 spring/summer season includes nearly 250 itineraries for nine of its soon-to-be 20 ships. Embarking from U.S. and Canadian ports between April and November 2026, these voyages will call to 30 unique destinations across the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Canada, and New England, as well as Alaska. With an average of 10 hours in port, guests can choose to enjoy the picture-perfect beaches, colorful cities, and vibrant culture of the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda; enjoy the rustic fall foliage of Canada and New England; or dive deep into the pristine nature and abundant wilderness found in Alaska.
Herrera continued, “Our new 2026 spring/summer deployment further meets the vacation demands of our guests with more shorter cruise offerings to fun-in-the-sun destinations, such as the Bahamas and the Caribbean, as well as a variety of longer itineraries to bucket-list destinations, such as Alaska.”
Itinerary highlights from NCL’s spring/summer 2026 deployment include:
New Bermuda, Canada, and New England Homeport and Itineraries
Following Norwegian Jewel’s first-ever season of Bermuda voyages from Philadelphia from April 16, 2026 to Aug. 27, 2026, it will sail immersive 10- and 11-day Canada and New England itineraries, alternating embarkation ports between Philadelphia and Québec City. Guests will enjoy quainter ports in the region, like Saguenay, Charlottetown, and Halifax, Canada, as well as well-known ports, such as Bar Harbor, Maine, and Boston.
On April 19, 2026, Norwegian Breakaway® will become the largest NCL vessel to offer regular turnarounds in Boston with seven-day Bermuda voyages through November. Throughout the peak summer season, voyages will feature an overnight stay at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, and a day in Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of the highest-rated ports in Northeast Canada. From late August through mid-October 2026, the ship will embark on seven-day Canada and New England itineraries calling the most picturesque ports, including Bar Harbor, Maine, Saint John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Moreover, Norwegian Aqua will return to New York City for its second Bermuda season, sailing a selection of five—and seven-day itineraries with overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda.
A Longer Continuous Bahmas Season
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line)
Due to popular guest demand, NCL is expanding its short-cruise offering with nearly 40 voyages to the Bahamas from Miami in spring/summer 2026 aboard Norwegian Getaway® for a continuous season of cruises to the island chain nation. The three—to four-night cruises will visit Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, the cruise line’s private island and best guest-rated port in the region. As of late 2025, it will feature a newly constructed multi-ship pier, enhancing the overall guest experience of this exclusive destination.
Caribbean Cruises Aboard NCL’s Newest Vessel
Norwegian Prima in Miami
Norwegian Prima’s sprawling outdoor space allows for some of the best island-hopping itineraries in the Caribbean. The ship will extend its season in Port Canaveral, Fla. and sail seven-day sailings to Eastern and Western Caribbean, visiting the most sought-after ports in the region, including Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Cayman Islands and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. For an extended vacation in the tropics, guests can book back-to-back sailings to create a 14-day voyage to maximize their fun-in-the-sun experience.
The Youngest Fleet In Alaska
Alaska remains a bucket-list destination for travelers and explorers worldwide, with its rugged coastal landscapes, majestic glaciers, and local marine wildlife on display. The 2026 season will commence in late April and deliver breathtaking voyages through October from Seattle, Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences with some of the newest ships in the region, Norwegian Encore®, Norwegian Bliss®, and Norwegian Joy®, all of which feature unmatched onboard activities, including the industry’s only racetracks at sea. Custom-built for the Alaska experience, these ships feature expansive outdoor and indoor spaces to marvel at the iconic beauty of the destination. Embarking from Seattle’s Pier 66, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will sail seven-day voyages, while Norwegian Joy will offer longer and more immersive nine- to 10-day itineraries.
Norwegian Jade® will cruise a series of seven-day open-jaw sailings between Vancouver, British Columbia, and the new-to-NCL homeport Whittier, Alaska, with no days at sea.Guests aiming to immerse themselves even more in “The Last Frontier” can add an NCL Cruisetour to their reservation and explore the interior of Alaska, take a ride on the narrow tracks of the Alaska Railroad, or fish halibut and salmon in the cold waters, of Kachemak Bay.
Norwegian Cruise Line has some of the youngest ships in Alaska for the 2026 season, including Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy.
In addition to the newly opened spring/summer 2026 deployment, NCL cruises to more than 450 destinations worldwide giving guests the chance to plan and book their upcoming cruise vacation well in advance. For B-roll of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, please click here.
For more information about the Company’s award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
Oceania Cruises® is offering an extensive collection of voyages across East Asia in the first half of 2025, boasting destination-rich adventures for even the most seasoned world travelers.Â
Within the new collection of sailings, Oceania Cruises invites guests to explore the wildly diverse landscapes of Asia, from the vibrant city of Hong Kong to the lush coves of Bali, the ancient temples of Kyoto, and the stunning turquoise coastlines of Phuket. Oceania Cruisesâ small, luxurious ships carry no more than 1,250 guests and are more than an elegant means of travel with exceptional guest-to-staff ratios. They are perfectly sized to access some of the most remote ports, immersing guests completely in untouched ancient cultures.
East Asia Sailings
âAsia is one of the most striking regions in the world to explore by sea; the powerful contrasts between its ultra-modern and historic influences are breathtaking,â remarks Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. âThrough our thoughtful itineraries and our incredible array of immersive small group tours, guests can enjoy the regionâs timeless heritage and impressive futuristic strides in one trip â making guests feel like theyâre traveling through time. These destinations are truly not to be missed.â
With Oceania Cruisesâ wide range of small-group shore excursions, guests can experience the region’s vibrant cultures, cuisines, and natural beauty the way they want: Food-focused tours that range from cooking classes in Thailand to market visits in Vietnam. Wellness Discovery Tours that nourish the mind, body, and spirit; Go Local Tours that invite guests to discover authentic local life; Go Green excursions that focus on sustainability practices in local communities; and more. For guests looking for even further adventure, there are endless opportunities to fulfill even the most ambitious bucket list items through Oceania Cruisesâ overland experiences. Guests can trek through jungle hills and mountains to discover the wet caves in the Tu Lan system in China, relax on the banks of the Red River in Hanoi, and tour Asia’s most spectacular attractions, including Angkor Wat and the Terracotta Warriors Museum.Â
With itineraries ranging from six-day jaunts to 24-day journeys aboard a variety of Oceania Cruisesâ ultra-premium ships, these sailings are the perfect way to absorb the wonders of East Asia in world-class comfort. With the lineâs simply MORE⢠value promise, guests will enjoy more value and greater convenience with 2-for-1 cruise fares, free shore excursions, complimentary Champagne, wine, and beer, and free WiFi as they discover the wonders of East Asia.
Highlighted Voyages
6 Days from Singapore to Singapore aboard Regatta: This unique shorter voyage exploring the charismatic Malay Peninsula and surrounding islands combines culture-rich cities with some of the best beaches in the world, offering a varied and unforgettable journey.
14 Days from Taipei to Kyoto aboard Regatta: Rejoice in springâs arrival amid the grandeur of Asiaâs ancient empires, from the tiered fortresses of exquisite Japan to the sprawling palaces of dynastic China. Enjoy extra time for discovery with overnight stays in Shanghai, Beijing, and Kyoto.
15 Days from Singapore to Taipei aboard Regatta: Delve into mystical Eastern lands dotted with magnificent temples, thriving marketplaces, and serene tropical retreats. Youâll enjoy lavish overnight stays in bustling Bangkok, poignant Ho Chi Minh City, and glittering Hong Kong.
24 Days from Tokyo to Singapore aboard Riviera: Range throughout the Far East, exploring a striking array of destinations such as dazzling Boracay Island, the enigmatic Sultanate of Brunei, and unspoiled Borneo, with indulgent overnight stays in bustling Tokyo and Jakarta as well as exquisite Bali.
For additional information on Oceania Cruisesâ small-ship luxury products, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.
Ilma, the second ultra-luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has officially joined the fleet. Company officials took delivery of its newest yacht at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, on July 12, 2024. After two years of construction, the delivery ceremony marked the final build milestone, celebrated with several maritime traditions, including the changing of flags on board the yacht and a celebratory toast on top of Ilma’s expansive pool deck.
The delivery ceremony was attended by company leadership from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, including Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO, and Ernesto Fara, President and CFO, along with representatives from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, including Laurent Castaing, General Manager, and Arnaud Le Joncour, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Project Director. Also in attendance was Captain Steve MacBeath and over 350 of the yacht’s Ladies and Gentlemen, who will participate in a series of preparation voyages before welcoming guests for Ilma’s maiden voyage from Monte Carlo on September 2, 2024.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Takes Delivery of Superyacht, Ilma 7Captain Steve MacBeathJim Murren
“Today marks the culmination of a shared vision and the relentless pursuit of excellence, a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of all those involved,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We are deeply grateful to the exceptional teams here at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, whose hard work and passion have brought this vision to life.”
“Ilma represents a collaboration of two like-minded organizations committed to excellence, offering the best in both hospitality and shipbuilding. The design and construction of Ilma has been a distinctive project for Chantiers de l’Atlantique that has elevated the highest luxury standards in terms of guest experience, technical innovation, and craftsmanship,” said Arnaud Le Joncour, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of
Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Program Director. “We are incredibly proud to deliver an ultra-luxury cruise product that achieves elegance and performance.”
Ilma, named after the Maltese word for “water,” will measure 790 feet (241 meters) and accommodate up to 448 guests across its 224 elegantly appointed suites. Each airy suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace with sweeping sea views, connecting travelers with the shores they are sailing. With one of the highest space ratios at sea, Ilma includes two new, spacious upper-category suites offering ample outdoor space to lounge and soak in the enchanting scenery.
Harmoniously blending contemporary craftsmanship with a relaxed ambiance, Ilma showcases refined interior finishes envisioned by renowned London-based architectural and design firm AD Associates and award-winning lighting designer DPA. The yacht’s exteriors reflect the vision of Helsinki-based design studio Aivan, drawing inspiration from the graceful aesthetics of private yacht design. Continuing to bring the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton to sea, the yacht boasts one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruising category, providing nearly one staff member for every guest.
In addition to unparalleled accommodations, Ilma features five restaurants, seven bars, a wine vault, and signature spaces such as an expanded Marina with a mezzanine feature and The Ritz-Carlton Spa® with 11 treatment rooms. The yacht’s amenities include three distinct fitness spaces and a dynamic pool and entertainment area on Deck 10. A reimagined onboard destination is the Beach House, a vibrant Pan-Latin restaurant and global beach-house-inspired lounge space conceptualized with Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design, which will transport guests to a waterfront haven with 180-degree views.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Reaffirming The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s commitment to implementing more sustainable practices, Ilma features four dual-fuel engines utilizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel source. Additionally, Ilma is equipped with the latest in energy efficiency measures and advanced water treatment systems, with the goal of minimizing environmental impact.
Ilma will build on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s vision of reimagining luxury cruising, offering travelers more opportunities to enjoy the highly tailored itineraries for which the company is recognized. Ilma will join the company’s inaugural yacht, Evima, in sailing to iconic yachting destinations and hidden gems throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. In the summer of 2025, Ilma will explore the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, allowing guests to discover dynamic cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and more.
MSC Cruises has shared its most popular cocktails, revealing what most cruisers will be sipping on all summer while introducing two brand-new drinks fleetwide—just in time for the peak vacation season.
Summer’s Most Popular Cocktails
MSC Cruises is known for creating authentic experiences for guests aboard its modern and glamorous ships. This is particularly true when it comes to food and drinks—an essential part of any vacation. The line aims to take guests on a journey with their taste buds by offering a mix of traditional favorites paired with new flavors, some in collaboration with world-class, award-winning partners.
Whether guests prefer a casual drink in the sun or an iconic pairing from the 1960s, MSC Cruises’ ships are brimming with a wide range of themed and specialty bars waiting to be discovered. The cruise line’s bartenders offer a fantastic selection of hand-crafted cocktails and alcohol-free mocktails for all guests.
Highlights of this summer’s most popular cocktails include:
Gin & Tonics – The Cocktail of The Moment
NEW! Jasmine & Rose G&T: This flavorsome choice features Bloom pink gin infused with real rose petals and jasmine flowers, creating a smooth and sophisticated taste with floral notes and a touch of sweetness, garnished with dehydrated grapefruit and fresh rosemary.
NEW! Skinny Lemongrass & Ginger G&T: This fresh cocktail is made with a refreshing blend of Whitley Neill lemongrass and ginger gin, Fever-Tree aromatic tonic, fresh lime juice and honey syrup, garnished with dehydrated lemon and fresh ginger.
Elderflower GT: This trending cocktail combines fruity and floral notes. It combines BUSS N°509 Elderflower Gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, dehydrated orange peel, a cinnamon stick, and cloves.
Passion Fruit 0.0 GT: For those preferring a tasty alcohol-free alternative, this cocktail combines BUSS N°509 passion fruit 0.0 gin, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, Fever-Tree light tonic, dehydrated lemon, passion fruit, and coriander seeds.
Timeless Classics Remain a Summer Staple
Aperol Spritz: This Italian classic remains a top choice. It consists of a mix of Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, garnished with an orange slice.
Margarita: Especially popular in the U.S., this refreshing cocktail is crafted with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
Piña Colada: This famous tropical cocktail combines light rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice, garnished with a slice of pineapple.
Strawberry Daiquiri: This classic cocktail is the ideal summer treat, featuring rum and strawberry puree.
Mojito: A favored staple, this cocktail combines rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, capturing the essence of summer in a glass.
Various variations on these classic summer cocktails can be found on board, including many more alcohol-free options to suit all guests’ preferences. All of MSC Cruises’ ships allow guests to enjoy whisky, gin, vodka, rum tastings, and cocktail demonstrations as part of the line’s routine cruise activities.
Guests can also treat themselves to a range of MSC Cruises’ innovative Food and beverage concepts, such as Helios Wine Bar on MSC Euribia, an immersive digital experience for the next generation of wine lovers.
The Gin Project on MSC World Europa is a must-stop shop for gin enthusiasts with more than 70 craft gins on offer, while MSC Starship Club featuring Rob, the first-ever humanoid robotic bartender at sea on MSC Virtuosa, provides guests with a unique and unforgettable experience. For beer enthusiasts, the Masters of the Sea microbrewery on MSC World Europa allows guests to have beer made on board from desalinated seawater.
MSC Cruises’ new ‘World’s Greatest Bars’ program serves up something special for guests by bringing some of the most acclaimed and award-winning bars ashore to MSC Cruises’ ships as pop-ups for a six-month extravaganza. This offers a truly unique and immersive experience like never before at sea. The program started in April 2024 and will be available this summer with the Paradiso pop-up on MSC World Europa and Sips on board MSC Euribia, allowing guests to savor the finest mixology at sea.
To learn more about MSC Cruises or to book your cruise, click here.
Princess Cruises has announced that three of the new features that are on the top deck of their newest cruise ship, Sun Princess, will not be opening.
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Sun Princess debuted several months ago but areas of Park19 never opened. The cruise line said at the time that they were waiting on safety certifications for several of the features before they could open.
When I sailed on the ship in March, they were running safety checks on the RollGlider and Ropes Course.
Three of the features of Park19 on Sun Princess that will not be opening are:
RollGlider
Coastal Climb
Ropes Course
The Ropes Course on Sun Princess will not be opening.
Sea Breeze RollGlider was going to the first ever hang-gliding inspired experience on a cruise ship. It would allow guests to glide around an overhead track at speeds up to 11 mph. The 60–90 second ride would also have been ADA accessible as well.
Why are areas of Park19 not opening? Princess Cruises sent the following statement to Cruise Fever:
“We regret to announce that Princess is unable to accept delivery of the RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and Ropes Course features within Park19 aboard Sun Princess and those experiences will not be opening. We are actively evaluating these areas for future recreational opportunities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests.”
There are five areas of Park19 that are open for guests to enjoy. They are:
Infinite Horizon: Leaning tilt walls that cantilever over the side of the ship, allowing guests to peer out from deck 19 and look down to deck nine and beyond.
Hammock Area: Relaxing hammocks that offer a great way to hang out with family and friends.
Splash Zone: A whimsical splash area with pop jets and a beautiful water sculpture offering a refreshing and relaxing area to chill.
Recreational Court: This multifunctional sports court offers a number of options, including cornhole, ping pong, shuffleboard, and more.
Jogging Track: A refreshing open-air track where guests can walk, jog, or run at their own leisure and pace.
It will be interesting to see what Princess Cruises does with this space on Sun Princess.
Traveling the world is always at the top of our to-do list. Seeing all the sights, experiencing the wonders of the world, and experiencing new things are the best ways to spend those all-important holiday days. There’s nothing like exploring a new country to invoke a new lust for life.
However, seeing everything you want to see could take a bit of time. Flights and other forms of travel can be time-consuming, but there is a great way to see everything you want to see all at once.
Best activities to do on a cruise
Cruises can be a great way to explore a particular country or part of the world. Most of the traveling happens at night so you can wake up in a new place.
Check out the pool
Although the ocean might surround you for much of your time on a cruise, you rarely get to enjoy it. This might be a shame for most, but it’s more than made up for by the sheer number of pools most cruise ships have.
Of course, the pools will differ depending on the ship you’re traveling on, but they’re all going to give you the taste of relaxation that you’re after. There is usually a kid’s pool with slides and water features. And then the more grown up pool for adults to swim in or hang out whilst enjoying the water.
See what games there are in the arcade
When gaming at home, you might be on sites like BonusFinder Canada to get the best gaming deals. But there’s no need to game online on a cruise, as you’ll typically find a casino on board.
If you’re looking to while away a few hours before dinner or fancy a quick game before bed, you can always hop along to the casino. There are always many games to choose from, so you know you’ll be able to find something you enjoy.
There could also be a kid’s arcade that you can check out. Arcades aren’t just for kids; anyone can enjoy a game of air hockey or Mario Kart on a cruise! It’s a great way to get your favorite entertainment while on board a cruise ship.
Enjoy the entertainment
One of the best things about cruise ships is all the entertainment opportunities. There are shows on every night to keep you entertained in the evening. There are also opportunities to get involved with activities on a cruise ship during the day.
You could take a dancing lesson on deck or try out a water polo activity in the water. There are always numerous forms of entertainment to get involved with and keep you occupied at sea.
Many cruise ships will have shopping malls and cinema rooms that you can enjoy yourself in, too. If you get an overcast day or you’ve had your fill of the sun deck, you can cozy up and check out the newest releases.
Relax and unwind in the spa
While this might not apply to all cruise ships, most do have access to a spa. Nothing could be more relaxing than getting a mani-pedi or a massage while sailing out in the open ocean.
You don’t need to worry about your manicure chipping or your haircut not looking its best. Simply make an appointment at the spa and feel like yourself again.
And it’s not just for beauty treatments. A sauna or steam room has many health benefits – especially if you’ve had a glass of wine or two the previous evening!
Try out some water sports activities
Being out at sea and having access to pools means lots of room for water-based activities. Whether it’s something as small as a diving lesson or as big as learning to surf on the wave machine in the pool, there’s plenty of time to learn a new skill, so you might as well use it!
Another great way to pass the time on a cruise is to plan your adventures once you get to the next destination. You don’t always get a lot of time at each stop, so it’s imperative to ensure you have a game plan to fit everything in.
Even small things like where the best restaurants are can be helpful when you’re making a plan. You might also want to know whether they shut for a siesta hour!
There are so many activities to try out on a cruise, but what’s at the top of your list?
