For the first time in several years, Royal Caribbean has brought back one of their most popular promotions that will run through the end of July 2026.
Royal Caribbean is offering double points when you book a cruise over the next 10 days.
From now through July 31, 2026, Royal Caribbean is offering double points to Crown & Anchor Society members on all cruises that depart from September 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. You can view the best prices on Royal Caribbean cruises here.
This limited time offer gives Crown & Anchor Society members across all loyalty tiers an opportunity to accelerate their status by automatically earning double the Cruise Points awarded on eligible sailings. Transatlantic and Transpacific cruise are not eligible for double points.
This Double Points offer is also combinable with BOGO60, Kids Sail Free, Free 3rd & 4th Guests, among other promotions.
To take advantage of this limited-time offer, members must provide their verified Crown & Anchor loyalty number at the time of booking. The promotion is applicable for up to two cruises during the sailing period.
Keep in mind that the double points offer is not combinable with complimentary cruises, employee cruises, casino offers, seminar rates, or travel agent reduced rates. It’s also not applicable for the Best Price Guarantee.
Promotional points earned through this offer are not eligible for Points Choice or transfer to another loyalty program.
Cruise points will be applied once the booking is paid in full and within 30 days after the end of the sailing.
Breakdown of Offer
Booking Window: Must book between July 21, 2026, and July 31, 2026.
Sailing Window: Only valid for cruises departing between September 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027.
Booking Cap: You can book up to two cruises within sailing period for the double points offer.
Exclusions: No Transatlantic and Transpacific sailing.
Cruises that earn double points can be booked directly through Royal Caribbean or your preferred travel professional.
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Cunard has announced that Queen Victoria will enter a three-week dry dock this fall for an extensive transformation that will not only see refreshed signature spaces, but also a new category of premium staterooms added to the ship.
Queen Victoria will enter dry dock in Rotterdam on October 17, 2026, and return to service on November 7, 2026. The ship will receive refreshed signature spaces, including Cunard Grills suites and the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.
Eight additional Britannia cabins will be added, including three in a brand-new premium category. The Britannia Deluxe Oceanview cabins will feature floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views. These new cabins opened for bookings today.
Two signature spaces on the ship, the Grand Lobby and Queens Room, will be reimagined and better than ever.
The remodeled Grand Lobby on Queen Victoria
The Grill Suite experience will be refreshed and elevated. Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will be enhanced with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing, and thoughtful design, delivering the ultimate in comfort and style at sea.
Queen Victoria will become the third ship in Cunard’s fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café. It first debuted on Queen Anne in 2024 and was added to Queen Elizabeth last year. This wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch, and daytime dining with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, gave the following statement:
“Queen Victoria has always held a special place in the hearts of our guests, celebrated for her distinctive character, intimate spaces and unmistakable sense of British elegance.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces she offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is. From the Grand Lobby to the Queens Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for. We can’t wait to welcome guests back on board to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves.”
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Carnival Cruise Line continues to expand their unserved meal donation program to ports they visit around the world.
The program is part of Carnival Corporation’s Less Left Over strategy that helps reduce food waste across their cruise lines and ships.
Carnival Corporation Expands Surplus Meal Donation Program to The Bahamas
Two Carnival cruise ships, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Conquest, were the first two vessels to donate unserved food in The Bahamas.
The cruise ships donated 318 pounds of prepared, unserved meals to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home. Some meals also went to the Urban Renewal Authority so they could be distributed to the local community.
The high-quality surplus meals were collected, rapidly chilled, stored, and transferred ashore using established food safety protocols and in compliance with local regulatory requirements.
This milestone establishes a framework for future donations from ships and deepens Carnival’s expanding network of partners across the region.
Carnival has local partnerships to ensure the meals can be distributed safely and effectively at each port.
The cruise line recently began donating unserved meals in Honduras and the Dominican Republic. At the end of 2025, Carnival stated that they had donated more than 320,000 meals to ports all around the world.
Marie McKenzie, senior vice president, government and destination affairs for Carnival, gave the following statement:
“This expansion in The Bahamas is really about the strength of the partnerships we’ve built across the Caribbean. Working alongside government leaders and community organizations, we’re able to connect what happens on board our ships with real needs on shore – creating a simple, reliable way to get high-quality surplus meals to people who can benefit from them. It’s a shared effort that reflects what we can accomplish together.”
Minister for Grand Bahama, The Honourable Ginger Moxey M.P, added:
“The Bahamas has long benefited from strong partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for our people and communities. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to addressing real needs in a practical way, ensuring that quality meals can reach those who need them most. We welcome this expansion and appreciate Carnival Corporation’s efforts to support communities throughout The Bahamas.”
In addition to the meal donations, Carnival Cruise Line has donated furniture, clothing, bicycles and other household goods from Carnival ships to local families, schools, community centers and charitable organizations.
Since late 2025, 20 ship donations have taken place in Nassau, Grand Bahama, and Eleuthera.
The meal donation expansion into The Bahamas marks another step in Carnival’s ongoing efforts to redirect surplus food through partnerships that create meaningful community impact around the world.
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Cruise lines have very strict rules about how far along pregnancies can be when passengers step on board. Anything past 23 weeks with a Royal Caribbean sailing and you aren’t booking a cruise, never mind stepping onto the ship.
But one woman was just hours away from enjoying sailaway on Radiance of the Seas out of Tampa, even though she was 33 weeks pregnant.
The thing is, Lauren Siwinski had no idea she was pregnant at all.
She and her fiancé, Gary “David” Glenn, arrived in Tampa the day before the cruise, which is something we at Cruise Fever always advise in order to be ready on time for a vacation at sea.
They both fully expected to get a good night’s sleep and head to the port the next day.
But instead of boarding the ship and being a couple of cruisers for five days, a late-night urgent care visit for weird stomach cramps led to them becoming parents instead.
A Shocking Diagnosis at Urgent Care
As detailed by WTSP, the couple went looking for answers regarding some sudden abdominal pain, only for a doctor to drop the news they weren’t expecting at all.
Or maybe I should say the unexpected news that they were expecting?
The doctor told them, “You guys are pregnant“.
An ultrasound revealed that Lauren was actually 33 weeks along and already experiencing contractions.
Any dreams of stepping foot on the cruise ship were instantly replaced with all the emotions expecting parents feel when a child is about to be born.
Looking back on the total lack of warning signs, Lauren shared:
“I had no symptoms at all. Nothing whatsoever. I had no idea there was a human inside of me.”
Even when she felt movement beforehand, she completely misread the signals:
“I felt some flutters. But I didn’t think anything of it. I thought it was just my stomach settling from something I ate. Didn’t think it was a human.”
“I Had No Idea”
Gary was equally stunned by how business-as-usual everything had felt leading up to the trip, especially given her daily physical routine.
He joked about her pre-trip workouts, saying:
“I had her working out and stuff in the gym with me, and she’s sitting there pregnant. I had no idea. She’s like bouncing this bar off her chest. I’m surprised the baby didn’t shoot out right there, you know what I mean?”
Just twelve hours after walking into that clinic, baby boy Sebastian made his debut on July 13.
Lauren, who works at a daycare in Rhode Island, said that her coworkers and family members had donated all kinds of baby supplies and clothing after hearing the news.
The couple just got engaged in May and will be driving back home to greet loved ones with a new member of their family.
The Baby’s Timing
Royal Caribbean’s pregnancy policy strictly bars anyone past 23 weeks from sailing, and a lot of it is due to a lack of specialized neonatal care at sea.
The cruise line’s website states, “There is no Obstetrician/Gynecologist available on the ship, and.. pregnancies, when unstable and poorly controlled, are potentially life-threatening.”
So, it was really good timing on the part of the baby, although the little guy sure did cut it close.
If those cramps had held off for just one more day, Lauren could have easily cleared port security, boarded the Radiance of the Seas, and gone into active labor hundreds of miles out in the middle of the ocean, or even while in a foreign port of call in Mexico.
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Royal Caribbean has quietly expanded its private island destination in The Bahamas with the opening of a secluded new venue designed for guests looking to escape the busier areas of Perfect Day At CocoCay.
The new Secret Garden Bar opened over the weekend without a formal announcement, introducing a tranquil hideaway featuring shaded seating, tropical landscaping, a small bar and even a selection of books for guests to enjoy during their visit.
Unlike some of the island’s more energetic attractions, the latest addition is aimed at cruisers seeking a quieter experience away from the pools, music and crowds that can be found elsewhere across the destination.
The Secret Garden Bar is located on the northern side of Perfect Day At CocoCay, a private island that features on many Royal Caribbean itineraries throughout the Caribbean and The Bahamas.
Finding The Hidden Retreat
The entrance to the Secret Garden Bar is intentionally understated, with guests entering through an archway before following a sandy pathway into the garden area.
Inside, visitors will find a compact but thoughtfully designed space centred around a wooden boardwalk lined with seating and umbrellas. A reflecting pool runs through the middle of the area, creating a calm atmosphere that contrasts with many of CocoCay’s larger attractions.
At the heart of the garden is a small tiki-inspired bar serving drinks to guests. Seating is limited, with only a handful of bar stools and additional nearby chairs, reinforcing the venue’s intimate feel.
Another distinctive feature is a cosy reading corner complete with a sofa and shelves stocked with books. Guests can relax with something to read, whether they have brought their own book or choose one from the collection available on site.
Signage leading to the Secret Garden Bar can be found along the route towards South Beach, making it accessible while still feeling tucked away from the island’s main pathways.
Included Access For Guests
There is no charge to enter the Secret Garden Bar, although drinks purchased at the venue are charged in the usual way. Guests who have purchased Royal Caribbean’s unlimited beverage package can use it at the bar, as the cruise line’s drink packages are valid throughout Perfect Day At CocoCay.
For visitors looking for an equally peaceful stretch of sand, Cove Beach remains one of the quietest areas on the island. Located beyond South Beach, the beach offers loungers and ocean views without organised entertainment, music or a dedicated bar.
The opening of the Secret Garden Bar further expands the range of experiences available at Perfect Day At CocoCay, which has become one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular destinations thanks to its wide variety of attractions.
The private island combines complimentary beaches, pools and relaxation areas with optional premium experiences including overwater cabanas, the adults-only Hideaway Beach and Thrill Waterpark. Entry to CocoCay itself is included in the cruise fare, with the majority of the island’s attractions also available at no additional cost.
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Cunard has unveiled plans for an extensive transformation of Queen Victoria, with the elegant ship set to emerge from dry dock this fall featuring refreshed signature spaces, enhanced Cunard Grills suites and the debut of The Pavilion Wellness Café.
The luxurious 2,000-guest ship will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from October 17-November 5, 2026, returning to service ready to welcome guests on board for the remainder of her 2026 voyages and 2027 program.
Queen Victoria’s Transformation
Queen Victoria’s signature spaces will each be thoughtfully revitalized, with a refreshed Grand Lobby to enhance the sense of arrival and reinforce the timeless elegance she is renowned for. The iconic Queens Room will also be reimagined, ensuring it continues to set the perfect scene for Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea, live music and glamorous Gala Evenings.
Cunard’s Grill Suites experience – a hallmark of Cunard’s luxury offering – will be refreshed and elevated. Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will be enhanced with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing, and thoughtful design, delivering the ultimate in comfort and style at sea.
Eight additional Britannia staterooms will also be introduced, including three from a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views. The new staterooms will go on sale starting July 20, for voyages sailing from November 11, 2026.
Introducing The Pavilion Wellness Café
Reflecting the growing importance of wellness to today’s luxury traveler, Queen Victoria will become the third Queen in the Cunard fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café, following its highly successful launch on Queen Anne in 2024 and introduction on Queen Elizabeth in 2025. This wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.
“Queen Victoria has always held a special place in the hearts of our guests, celebrated for her distinctive character, intimate spaces and unmistakable sense of British elegance,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces she offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is. From the Grand Lobby to the Queens Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for. We can’t wait to welcome guests back on board to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves.”
Queen Victoria will return to service on November 7, 2026, beautifully prepared to welcome guests for a 2027 program of voyages spanning the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Fjords, the Canary Islands and beyond.
For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, guests can contact their travel advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
After checking out some cruise ship tracking data this morning, I noticed there are only two cruise ships in Hawaii today, and both are Norwegian Cruise Line vessels.
While one of the NCL ships sails Hawaii year-round, another 2,000-passenger ship has been sailing guests around America’s 50th state for the last four days as part of a longer itinerary.
NCL’s Hawaii cruise ship, Pride of America. ID 107062911 @ Dirkr | Dreamstime
I often get asked about Hawaii cruises and what is the best way to sail the islands. In reality, Norwegian Cruise Line offers the most unique and Hawaii-intensive cruises, and it’s not even close. Sure, there are other cruise lines that visit Hawaii, but in the middle of this summer, the schedule is decisively owned by NCL.
Today, Norwegian Spirit is docked in Nawiliwili, Kauai. She is currently on a 16-day Hawaii from Honolulu to Vancouver voyage that departed Honolulu on July 15.
This is a classic repositioning style sailing that lets guests enjoy several days in the islands before the ship heads north.
Looking ahead, Norwegian Spirit has a busy schedule through 2027 that sees her cycling between Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand, consistently using Hawaii as a key transition point.
At the same time, the Pride of America is operating her regular 7-day round trip inter island route. She departed Honolulu on July 18 and will return on July 25.
Right now, she is giving passengers that signature no-sea-day experience with plenty of time across multiple islands.
This overlap of Norwegian Cruise Line’s two ships is a perfect snapshot of how the company has come to pretty much own the Hawaii cruise market.
Norwegian Spirit and Pride of America in Hawaii on July 20, 2026 (CruiseMapper)
Pride of America: The ONLY Year-Round Hawaii Vessel
What makes Pride of America so special is her U.S. flagged status and primarily American crew. That allows her to sail closed loop itineraries entirely within Hawaii without needing a foreign port call.
No other large cruise ship can do this on a consistent basis. And with Hawaii so far from other ports of call, sailing a Hawaiian cruise with any other cruise line means a whole lot of sea days.
As we have experienced here at Cruise Fever, a Hawaii sailing is all about the time you spend on the islands. These cruises offer an unprecedented 100 hours in port during the 7-night sailing, including overnights on Maui and Kauai.
This is exactly why you go to Hawaii. You can enjoy the ports without having to worry about rushing back in time for sailaway. You can grab dinner on land, catch a luau, or explore after dark without watching the clock.
On board, the experience is tailored to the destination. The cruise director and port guide are local, and you will find hula and lei making classes right on the ship.
The Freestyle vibe is also the perfect complement to the laid-back nature of the islands.
Plus, because the ship sails only in American waters, disembarkation is a breeze. You go from ship to curb in about five minutes, which is as easy as it gets.
Norwegian Spirit: The Seasonal Complement
Norwegian Spirit plays a different role. As a foreign flagged ship, she must include foreign ports on itineraries that move between U.S. locations under the Passenger Vessel Services Act.
That is why her current 16-day sailing works so well. It gives passengers a deeper Hawaii experience as part of a bigger journey that eventually ends in Vancouver.
These Spirit voyages often connect Hawaii with Alaska or South Pacific routes. They appeal to cruisers who want more variety and are happy to spend extra days at sea between regions.
Why NCL Stands Out in Hawaii
NCL’s approach is smart and hard to beat. Pride of America delivers reliable, intensive inter island cruising all year long. Spirit and occasional similar deployments add flexible capacity for longer trips between ports.
There are no signs of other NCL ships (or ships from any other cruise line) moving into full-time Hawaii service soon, so this combination looks like the blueprint going forward through 2026 and 2027.
For anyone wondering about the best way to cruise Hawaii, it usually comes down to what you want. But if you are looking for maximum time on the islands with minimal time at sea, Pride of America is tough to beat.
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Cunard has announced an extensive transformation programme for Queen Victoria. The vessel is scheduled to emerge from drydock this autumn featuring refreshed signature spaces, enhanced suite accommodation and new wellness dining options.
The refurbishment will see the ship enter Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from 17th October to 5th November 2026. This marks one of the most significant updates to the vessel since her debut in 2007.
The announcement comes as Cunard continues its fleet-wide enhancement strategy. This strategy builds on the successful introduction of Queen Anne in 2024 and ongoing upgrades across the fleet.
The transformation will focus on Queen Victoria’s most iconic public spaces. It will begin with a complete refresh of the Grand Lobby.
This central atrium serves as the heart of the ship and the first impression for embarking guests. Cunard promises enhancements that will elevate the sense of arrival whilst respecting the vessel’s classic design heritage.
The Queens Room, arguably the most celebrated venue aboard any Cunard vessel, will undergo a complete reimagining. This grand ballroom has long been the centrepiece of the Cunard experience.
It hosts the line’s signature Afternoon Tea service, live orchestral performances and the formal Gala Evenings that define traditional ocean liner travel.
The refreshed Queens Room will maintain its status as the social heart of Queen Victoria. Updates are designed to enhance both daytime and evening programming.
Cunard has indicated that every detail has been carefully considered to preserve the room’s elegant character whilst introducing contemporary refinements that meet modern passenger expectations.
Grills Suite Accommodation Receives Luxury Enhancements
Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites will undergo significant enhancements. Cunard promises sumptuous new furnishings and sophisticated design detailing throughout.
Queens Grill
The Grills concept represents Cunard’s highest tier of accommodation. It offers guests exclusive access to private restaurants, dedicated lounges and enhanced onboard amenities.
The suite refurbishment will introduce updated soft furnishings, refined colour palettes and improved design elements. These will reflect contemporary luxury standards whilst maintaining the classic ocean liner aesthetic that distinguishes Cunard from competitors.
These enhancements come as ultra-luxury and premium cruise lines continue to raise the bar for suite-level accommodation across the industry.
Grills guests represent a significant proportion of Cunard’s most loyal passengers. Many return year after year for world voyages and extended itineraries.
The investment in these accommodations signals Cunard’s commitment to maintaining its position in the competitive luxury cruise market. Suite experiences have become increasingly important to guest satisfaction and revenue generation.
New Britannia Stateroom Category Expands Accommodation Options
Perhaps most significantly for passengers booking standard accommodation, Queen Victoria will introduce eight additional Britannia staterooms as part of the transformation.
These new cabins will include three from a completely new category – Britannia Deluxe Oceanview. They will feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive panoramic ocean views.
This represents a notable shift in cabin design philosophy for Queen Victoria. The ship originally launched with more traditional porthole and picture window configurations typical of vessels designed in the mid-2000s.
The floor-to-ceiling window trend has become increasingly popular across the cruise industry. Passengers demonstrate a strong preference for maximum natural light and unobstructed sea views.
The new Britannia staterooms will become available for booking from 20th July 2025. This is for voyages sailing from 11th November 2026 onwards.
This early release date provides passengers with several months to secure preferred accommodation categories before the ship returns to service with her enhanced configuration.
The addition of new staterooms, whilst modest in number, suggests some reconfiguration of public or technical spaces.
Modern cruise ship refurbishments often identify opportunities to convert previously underutilised areas into revenue-generating accommodation. This is particularly true for premium categories that command higher per-passenger yields.
Queen Victoria will become the third and final Queen in the Cunard fleet to receive The Pavilion Wellness Café. This completes the rollout of this wellness-focused dining concept across the line’s flagship vessels.
The venue first launched aboard Queen Anne in 2024 and was subsequently introduced on Queen Elizabeth during her 2025 refurbishment.
The Pavilion represents Cunard’s response to evolving passenger preferences around health-conscious dining and sustainable food sourcing.
The venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu emphasising plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy options.
This wellness-oriented approach reflects broader trends across the cruise industry. Passengers increasingly expect healthy, sustainable and dietary-inclusive options beyond traditional cruise buffet fare.
The Pavilion’s menu design acknowledges the growing proportion of cruisers who follow plant-based diets. This could be for health, environmental or ethical reasons, whilst maintaining options for passengers who prefer traditional protein sources.
The café concept also aligns with Cunard’s broader sustainability initiatives. The emphasis on sustainably sourced ingredients supports the line’s environmental commitments.
As cruise lines face increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact, food sourcing and waste reduction have emerged as key areas.
These areas can demonstrate tangible progress in passenger-facing changes.
President Emphasises Heritage Preservation In Transformation Approach
Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, emphasised the careful balance between enhancement and heritage preservation in announcing the transformation programme.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces the Queen Victoria offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is,” McAlister stated.
She continued: “From the Grand Lobby to the Queen’s Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure the Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for.
We can’t wait to welcome guests back onboard to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves.”
This messaging reflects Cunard’s awareness of its passenger base. This base includes many traditional cruisers who value the line’s adherence to ocean liner heritage and classic cruise experiences.
Unlike contemporary resort-style cruise ships, Cunard vessels maintain formal nights, traditional afternoon tea, ballroom dancing and other elements that hark back to the golden age of transatlantic travel.
The challenge for any heritage brand undergoing refurbishment lies in modernising facilities and amenities to meet contemporary expectations.
This is while preserving the distinctive character that attracts loyal passengers. McAlister’s comments suggest Cunard has approached this transformation with particular sensitivity to maintaining Queen Victoria’s essential identity.
Queen Victoria’s Service History And Fleet Position
Queen Victoria entered service in December 2007. She is Cunard’s second ship following the introduction of Queen Elizabeth 2’s successor, Queen Mary 2, in 2004.
Originally designed as a Vista-class vessel for Holland America Line, the ship was transferred to Cunard during construction. She was modified to incorporate classic ocean liner design elements.
At approximately 90,000 gross tonnes with capacity for around 2,000 passengers. Queen Victoria occupies the middle position in Cunard’s three-ship fleet.
She is larger than the 90,900-tonne Queen Elizabeth but smaller than the 151,400-tonne Queen Mary 2. The latter remains the only true ocean liner in service and continues to operate regular transatlantic crossings.
The ship has undergone previous refurbishments during scheduled drydock periods. However, the 2026 transformation represents the most extensive update to her public spaces and accommodation.
This investment demonstrates Cunard’s long-term commitment to the vessel. She is expected to remain in service for at least another decade.
Queen Victoria primarily operates Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries during summer months. This includes Caribbean, Canaries and world voyage deployments during winter seasons.
Her size and classic styling make her particularly well-suited to European ports. Her elegant profile and traditional design resonate with the continent’s maritime heritage.
Industry Context For Mid-Life Cruise Ship Transformations
The Queen Victoria transformation fits within a broader industry pattern. These mid-life refurbishments are designed to extend vessel lifecycles and maintain competitiveness.
As newbuilds have become increasingly expensive, large cruise ships now cost upwards of one billion dollars. Cruise lines have intensified efforts to refresh and update existing tonnage.
These transformation programmes typically occur when vessels reach 15 to 20 years of age. This is a point at which original furnishings, décor and systems require replacement regardless of operational condition.
Strategic refurbishments allow lines to introduce contemporary amenities and design trends.
This can be done without the massive capital expenditure of newbuild projects. For premium and luxury lines like Cunard, maintaining product quality through regular investment is particularly critical.
Passengers paying premium fares expect facilities that reflect current luxury standards. This is even aboard vessels that may be decades old.
The introduction of trending amenities like wellness dining and floor-to-ceiling windows helps ensure Queen Victoria remains competitive with newer vessels in the premium cruise market.
The timing of Queen Victoria’s transformation also allows Cunard to apply lessons learned from Queen Anne’s introduction. Design refinements were implemented aboard that vessel.
Fleet-wide standardisation of signature venues like The Pavilion creates operational efficiencies. This ensures consistent guest experiences across all three Queens.
Implications For Passengers And Future Bookings
For passengers with existing Queen Victoria bookings during the drydock period, Cunard will likely offer alternative arrangements. This could include transfers to sister ships or future cruise credits.
The relatively brief three-week drydock window from 17th October to 5th November 2026 minimises disruption to the autumn schedule.
Passengers sailing aboard Queen Victoria from 11th November 2026 onwards will experience the transformed vessel. The ship is expected to return to service shortly after completing her Rotterdam drydock.
The timing positions the refreshed Queen Victoria to showcase her new features during the crucial Caribbean season and subsequent world voyage deployment.
The introduction of the new Britannia Deluxe Oceanview category may prompt some passengers with existing bookings in standard Oceanview staterooms to consider upgrading.
Cunard has not yet announced pricing for the new category. However, the floor-to-ceiling windows are likely to command a premium over traditional Oceanview staterooms.
For loyal Cunard passengers who have sailed Queen Victoria previously, the transformation offers an opportunity to experience familiar venues in refreshed form.
They will also discover new additions like The Pavilion. The enhancements may also attract passengers who typically sail aboard Queen Mary 2 or Queen Elizabeth to try Queen Victoria.
This is particularly true for those interested in the new wellness dining options.
The transformation represents a significant moment for Queen Victoria as she approaches her twentieth anniversary. It ensures this elegant vessel remains a cherished member of the Cunard fleet for years to come.
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Cruise itineraries often allow only six to ten hours ashore. That might cover the headline attractions, but local markets, quieter neighborhoods, and smaller museums are usually foregone for the sake of time. By the time the crowds begin thinning out, it’s often time to head back to the ship. For some destinations, that’s all the time they really need. The five places below aren’t to be counted in that category.
Staying a little longer changes what the trip looks like. Morning markets are open before the excursion buses arrive, residential streets become just as interesting as the main squares, and there’s finally time for places that don’t usually fit into a port call. Whether it’s an extra weekend or a full week, these destinations are far easier to appreciate once the sailing schedule is no longer determining the day.
Sicily Is a Port Stop That Deserves Weeks, Not Hours
Whether a cruise docks in Palermo, Messina, or Catania, a port call only scratches the surface. Sicily is simply too large, and every corner of the island has its own unique character. Even a short drive between towns changes scenery quickly, passing olive groves, citrus orchards, old hill villages, and roadside bakeries where locals stop for breakfast pastries.
Palermo alone deserves several days. Ballarò Market is busiest early, when fish counters, vegetable stalls, and street food vendors spill into narrow lanes. Via Maqueda gradually fills through the morning, while Quattro Canti leads into older streets where washing still hangs overhead and small workshops continue trading behind heavy wooden doors. The Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel easily take half a day, especially if queues build later in the morning.
WishSicily.com is a useful starting point for anyone planning a longer stay in Sicily after arriving on a cruise. Choosing a private rental over traditional hotel accommodation provides a far more relaxed transition from ship to shore, allowing you to establish a temporary home in a quiet coastal village or countryside estate. A few extra days make it much easier to visit smaller towns, local festivals, coastal villages, and inland landscapes that rarely feature on shore excursions. Regional trains pass vineyards, citrus groves, and volcanic countryside before stopping at small stations that many visitors would otherwise never see.
Why Dubrovnik Rewards Those Who Stay After the Ship Sails
Dubrovnik changes noticeably during the last couple of hours of the afternoon. Once cruise passengers head back toward the port, walking along the City Walls becomes much easier, especially during the warmer months when the midday sun has eased slightly.
Stradun is where almost everybody begins, but the smaller lanes branching uphill are often quieter. Stone staircases connect residential streets where neighbors sit outside chatting during the evening and laundry hangs between old buildings. Gundulić Square hosts its daily market in the morning, with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, honey, and locally made souvenirs before the square gradually empties.
A longer visit also makes room for places that don’t fit comfortably into a port stop. Fort Lovrijenac is worth more than a quick photograph, and the cable car ride to Mount Srđ is more enjoyable when there’s no need to keep checking the time. Walking back down the hill is also a realistic option for anyone comfortable with steep paths and uneven stone underfoot.
What Lisbon Opens Up When You Decide to Stay On
Cruise passengers can walk into Lisbon’s historic center within minutes of leaving the terminal, which partly explains why Alfama becomes busy on ship days. Even so, the district feels completely different early in the morning when delivery vans squeeze through narrow streets and local bakeries begin serving breakfast.
Walking from Praça do Comércio along Rua Augusta towards Rossio covers many of Lisbon’s best-known streets, though there are plenty of reasons to stray from the main pedestrian route. Small squares appear unexpectedly between apartment buildings, while older staircases climb towards viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River. Miradouro de Santa Luzia is usually quieter before tour groups begin arriving.
Mercado da Ribeira still functions as a working market alongside its food hall, and nearby streets remain busy throughout the day with ordinary shopping. Belém easily fills another day between the monastery, riverside promenade, gardens, and the tower. Tram 15 reaches the area directly, although many people simply stay on board longer than necessary because it gets crowded close to lunchtime.
Greek Islands That Make More Sense Explored From the Shore
A cruise can flit between several Greek islands in one week, though staying on a single island changes the experience completely. Early mornings belong to fishermen returning with the day’s catch, while village bakeries usually sell out of popular breads well before mid-morning. Those are parts of island life that cruise schedules rarely overlap with.
Rhodes is at its quietest early in the morning, before excursion groups begin arriving in the medieval old town. The Street of the Knights stays relatively quiet at opening time, and the Palace of the Grand Master is much easier to appreciate before larger guided groups move through. Smaller side streets still contain family workshops producing ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.
Santorini has much more than the famous caldera viewpoints. Local buses reach inland villages where everyday life continues away from the busiest walking routes. Small museums, wineries, village squares, and walking paths linking older settlements reveal another side of the island. Comfortable shoes matter here because many streets are paved with polished stone that becomes slippery after light rain.
Japan’s Port Cities and the Country That Opens Up Beyond Them
Japan’s cruise ports often leave people wanting to return. Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki each make a strong first impression, though they only reveal a small part of the country.
Yokohama’s waterfront is easy to cover on foot, but Motomachi’s shopping street and the historic Red Brick Warehouse area deserve extra time. Local commuters mix with visitors throughout the day, and convenience stores are useful stops for drinks, snacks, or umbrellas during sudden showers.
Kobe stretches from the harbor towards the mountains, so the city changes quickly within a short distance. Historic neighborhoods sit on forested hillsides, and local trains make moving around easy. In Nagasaki, Dejima, Glover Garden, and Peace Park each tell a different part of the city’s history, making it difficult to fit everything into one afternoon.
Several extra days also make it possible to leave the port cities behind. Kyoto’s quieter temple districts are busiest around cherry blossom season, while Nara fills early with school groups before becoming calmer later in the afternoon. Even regional railway stations often have lockers, making day trips much easier for anyone traveling with luggage.
Where have you disembarked and wished you could have stayed longer?
Some cruise ports leave passengers feeling satisfied after only a few hours. Others create a list of places to come back and see properly. Sicily, Dubrovnik, Lisbon, the Greek islands, and Japan all fall into that second category because so much happens beyond the streets closest to the harbor.
Staying longer means markets can be visited before they become crowded, museums don’t need to be rushed, and ordinary neighborhoods begin to feel just as interesting as the famous landmarks. Public transport also becomes part of the experience, whether it’s a local train across Sicily, a tram through Lisbon, a ferry between Greek islands, or Japan’s regional rail network.
Cruises are excellent introductions, but they rarely tell the whole story. Sometimes the best souvenir from a port stop is simply realizing it’s worth booking another trip with no sailing schedule waiting at the end of the day.
Just days after the world’s largest cruise ship pulled into port, Barcelona has revealed plans to nearly triple its total cruise tax from €11 to €30 ($34 USD). The popular city in Spain is moving forward with a proposal to increase its municipal surcharge to €24 (on top of a €6 regional tax).
As I recently wrote regarding the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas in Barcelona, it is ironic to see such massive ships arriving at a port city that has been working so hard to curb cruise traffic. But even as these mega-ships continue to bring thousands of travelers to the city, the local government is now taking a more aggressive stance on how those visits are charged.
The New €30 Per Person Tax
Currently, when a cruise ship docks in Barcelona, passengers pay a total maximum port tax of €11. This is split between a €6 regional levy and a €5 municipal surcharge.
The new proposal would increase the city’s municipal portion to €24. When you add that to the existing €6 regional levy (which remains unchanged), the total tax per passenger jumps to €30. At the current exchange rate, that is approximately $34 USD.
What’s this look like in real life? Let’s use the example of Legend of the Seas with about 6,500 guests.
At current rates (€11/person): A single visit to Barcelona generates €71,500 in total passenger taxes.
At proposed rates (€30/person): That same stopover would generate €195,000.
That is an increase of €123,500 per ship visit (about $140,790 USD), all paid by cruise passengers. When you consider that a ship like Legend of the Seas might visit a port dozens of times in a season, those numbers start to add up very quickly.
According to local news reports, the agreement between the city’s political parties will allow the Barcelona City Council to increase its surcharge to a new maximum of €24. By setting this as the new municipal fee, the city effectively triples the total tax burden for short-stay passengers.
MSC Bellissima in Barcelona, Spain (Cruise Fever)
Why Is This Happening?
The city is framing this as a “dissuasive” measure rather than a simple money grab. Barcelona officials have been upfront about managing “overtourism.” They argue that passengers on cruise ships put a heavy strain on public services and city infrastructure while contributing less to the local economy than tourists who stay in hotels.
The goal is to “put obstacles in the wheels” of this type of tourism and help define a more sustainable future for the city. As one local spokesperson famously put it, “Barcelona is not a souvenir.”
Who Does This Affect?
The tax hike plan targets cruise ships in port for less than 12 hours. If you are starting or ending your cruise in Barcelona (homeporting), you would be exempt from this higher rate, as the city recognizes that these passengers tend to spend more on hotels, transportation, and local dining.
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
What is the Status?
It is important to remember that this is still a proposal. While it has the backing of key parties in the Barcelona City Council, it still requires final approval from the Parliament of Catalonia.
If it clears that final legislative hurdle, the new tax is expected to take effect in late 2026 or early 2027. If you have a cruise booked for this summer, you shouldn’t see any changes to your bill.
While this tripling of the tax sounds dramatic, it’s not as big a surprise as you might think if you’ve been paying attention to Barcelona’s goals. Cruise Fever will be keeping a close watch on the vote in the coming weeks and will update you as soon as there is more news on whether this tax becomes a reality.
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