Carnival Cruise Line is offering a special sale over the next few days where you can book a balcony cabin for the price of an ocean view stateroom.
Carnival Horizon at the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami. Photo: Cruise Fever
From now until September 21, 2026, Carnival Cruise Line is offering a “Sun, Fun & Views: Buy an Ocean View, Get a Balcony” promotion.
It’s a great time to get the extra space that a balcony cabin offers without paying the surcharge that normally comes with balcony cabins.
A total of 48 itineraries and 98 Carnival cruises are included in this sale that range from four to eight days in length and visit The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Mexican Riviera. The cruises leave from Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Mobile, Baltimore, Galveston, and Long Beach, California.
The following is included in this sale from Carnival:
A Carnival cruise ship in The Bahamas. Photo: Cruise Fever
It’s important to note that this offer is applicable in guarantee categories OV/BL only. Guests who select the ocean view (OV) or balcony (BL) stateroom types may be assigned partially to fully obstructed views.
The 50% deposit is also non-refundable and non-transferable.
This offer is good on new bookings only. For complete terms and details of this sale from Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com or contact your preferred travel agent.
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Royal Caribbean has announced that retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson will serve as the official godmother of Legend of the Seas.
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Legend of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest and 3rd Icon class ship. The vessel will be officially christened and named during a ceremony on November 11, 2026, at Port Everglades.
Gen. Lori J. Robinson has spent her career breaking barriers as the nation’s first female combatant commander and former leader of NORAD and NORTHCOM, inspiring generations through her example.
As godmother, she will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping upon the ship, its crew, and the millions of passengers who will make memories on the cruise ship for years to come.
Gen. Lori J. Robinson, godmother of Legend of the Seas, gave the following statement:
“I am deeply honored to be named godmother of Legend of the Seas and take part in such a special tradition for Royal Caribbean alongside my family. Throughout my career, I have seen the importance of bringing people together in pursuit of a shared purpose, and Legend creates those same connections for families and loved ones. Having the ship’s naming ceremony on Veterans Day makes this especially meaningful to me, and I look forward to recognizing the generations of men and women who have served.”
Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean, added:
“Gen. Lori J. Robinson embodies courage, determination, and a spirit of service that make her a legend in her own right and a remarkable godmother for Legend of the Seas. We are honored to celebrate her incredible legacy as a 37-year Air Force commander who has defied all limits, along with the countless stories of military service across our Royal Caribbean family, from the crew who create unforgettable vacations to the guests who sail with us from around the world.”
Legend of the Seas made its debut in July and has been offering cruises in Europe. In early November, the ship will cross the Atlantic and head to Port Everglades for the winter Caribbean season.
Once the ship is in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, it will sail six- and eight-night cruises to the Western and Southern Caribbean. Every single sailing will also visit Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day CocoCay.
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A letter sent to guests on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas explained that due to two passengers needing “urgent medical attention,” the ship would be delayed in its return to Cape Liberty.
The vessel returned to a port it had just left in Nassau, Bahamas, to bring the critically ill guests onto shore and is now heading back to its homeport, about eight hours behind schedule.
The health and welfare of a sick passenger will always take precedence, but due to the delays, the first port of call for Oasis of the Seas’s next sailing has been canceled.
A 2:00 AM U-turn
Just after 2:00 AM on September 18, 2026, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas began making a U-turn in the Bahamas due to a medical emergency on board.
The cruise ship was only 120 miles from Nassau when the medical team determined that heading to the hospital back in Nassau was the best option for the guest, who according to reports on Facebook, was an elderly woman.
But on the way, another guest (reportedly a 7-year-old child) also became critically ill, making a double medical evacuation necessary.
Facebook page creator, Cruise with 5L, is currently on Oasis of the Seas and recorded a video about the announcement and events of the ship:
A screenshot from ship-tracking platform CruiseGlobe shows the vessel making a sharp turn off the coast of Great Abaco.
Online discussions among cruise fans questioned why a Coast Guard or military helicopter airlift wasn’t utilized instead.
But there are a lot of extra complications thrown into the equation with open-water medevacs. Whatever the specific reasons, the team on Oasis of the Seas determined that making a direct port detour to Nassau the safest and most effective solution for both patients.
Arrival in Bayonne Delayed
After completing the emergency debarkations, Oasis of the Seas departed Nassau shortly before 1:00 PM on Friday, September 18, with the captain running all available engines at full power (around 21 knots) toward New Jersey.
Originally scheduled to dock early Sunday morning, the ship is now expected to arrive at Cape Liberty around 2:00 PM. The letter sent to guests stated that debarkation would begin around 2:30 PM, if everything goes according to plan.
Royal Caribbean has asked departing guests to strictly adhere to their assigned departure groups to make sure the customs process runs smoothly.
Compensation
To help passengers impacted by the delay, Royal Caribbean is stepping in with several accommodations so guests can make further transportation arrangements:
Complimentary Internet: Staterooms without an active Wi-Fi package are receiving a free 60-minute internet voucher via the Royal Caribbean app.
Free Phone Access: Guests can dial 0 from their cabin phones to reach the ship’s Operator for outgoing calls to airlines, hotels, or family members.
Automatic Flight Handling: Travelers who booked airfare through the “Flights by Royal” program will have their schedules adjusted automatically, with updates sent via email.
Flight Change Fee Reimbursements: For independently booked travel, Royal Caribbean recommends rescheduling flights for no earlier than 6:00 PM. The cruise line is covering air change fees up to $200 USD per person for domestic travel and $400 USD for international travel.
Next Sailing: Port Canceled
The late arrival at Cape Liberty has created a trickle down effect for guests boarding the next 7-night Bahamas sailing.
Royal Caribbean sent notices to incoming passengers informing them that terminal check-in times have been pushed back by seven to eight hours, with boarding windows now running into the evening.
All guests must be onboard by 9:30 PM. Early arrivals are being turned away to prevent gridlock issues at the port terminal.
Because of the late departure out of Bayonne, Royal Caribbean was forced to alter the upcoming itinerary.
The scheduled port call at Port Canaveral on Tuesday, September 22, has been officially canceled.
That day will now be spent at sea, with the ship sailing directly to Perfect Day CocoCay.
To make up for the canceled port call, shore excursions booked through the cruise line are being automatically refunded, and affected cabins on the upcoming sailing are receiving onboard credits ranging from $100 to $200 depending on stateroom category.
The current health status of the two ill passengers has not been revealed, but we at Cruise Fever hope and pray for a speedy recovery. And we’re thankful that Royal Caribbean took swift action to get these two guests the medical attention they needed.
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The conflict with Iran this year changed a lot of cruise plans in the Middle East. Almost every major cruise line pulled out of the region and has no scheduled date for coming back.
But one 3,362-passenger ship from a new cruise line just sailed through the Suez Canal on Thursday (September 17) and has no plans of giving up on these waters.
Map: VesselFinder | Ship Photo: Aroya Cruises
Cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line canceled sailings or moved ships so they could skip the Red Sea and Suez Canal completely. Letters sent to impacted guests cited safety concerns and uncertainty made them decide it just wasn’t worth the risk.
In fact, many ships opted to go the long way, sailing around the southern tip of Africa via the Cape of Good Hope.
Despite a flood of cancellations from every other major cruise line, one is still sailing those waters with guests onboard: Aroya Cruises.
Aroya is Saudi Arabia’s first major cruise line. It was launched by Cruise Saudi as part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan to grow tourism.
The cruise line focuses on Arabian hospitality and is aimed mainly at Saudi and Gulf travelers, though it does welcome international guests as well.
Its only ship is the Aroya, a 150,000-gross-ton vessel that can carry almost 5,000 people with both crew (1,600) and passengers combined.
It was built in 2017 as the World Dream for Dream Cruises, bought by the Saudis, and fully refurbished with an Arabian theme before entering service in late 2024. Jeddah is now its main homeport.
Cruise Cancellations from Other Cruise Lines
We’ve covered a bunch of the cancellations as they happened this year. Celestyal had to cancel sailings while its ships were stuck. Explora Journeys canceled its whole Middle East winter season for 2026/27 and sent the ship to Europe instead.
Norwegian canceled the final farewell cruise on Norwegian Sky that was supposed to go through the Suez and Red Sea. AIDA and Costa dropped their full Middle East seasons. MSC Cruises and TUI made big changes and canceled sailings too.
A lot of this goes back to what happened earlier this year. In late February things got worse and the Strait of Hormuz basically closed for many ships. Six cruise ships got stuck inside the Persian Gulf for almost 50 days: MSC Euribia, Celestyal Discovery, Celestyal Journey, Mein Schiff 4, Mein Schiff 5, and Aroya.
Passengers eventually got home. The ships and a small crew just waited.
One by one they made it through the strait. Most headed to Europe and the Mediterranean and stayed clear of the Red Sea after that.
Why Aroya is Staying
Aroya is still sailing the Red Sea for a simple reason: that is what the cruise line was built to do. This is home.
And with most sailings traveling right along their own country’s shoreline there is a measure of security there.
After it was the last of the six ships to clear the Strait of Hormuz, Aroya went straight to Jeddah and started short Red Sea cruises with passengers again in mid-May.
Those are mostly 3- to 5-night cruises calling at places like Sharm El Sheikh, Aqaba, and Yanbu. Later it ran a full Mediterranean season from Istanbul that included Suez Canal trips with guests.
Right now, it’s sailing through the Suez again with passengers on its way back to the Red Sea for more Jeddah cruises. The next sailing through the Suez Canal is currently scheduled for June 2027, when the ship will offer 7-night cruises out of Istanbul again.
As a Saudi-backed line, the Red Sea and Jeddah are central to its whole purpose. International cruise lines can easily move their ships to the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Aroya’s mission is tied to the Red Sea, so they aren’t going anywhere.
One of Costa Cruises’ ships is being used as a floating hotel for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. Costa Serena will host 4,000 athletes and officials at the Kinjo Pier, Port of Nagoya.
Costa Serena will host 4,000 athletes and officials for the 20th Asian Games.
The cruise ship arrived in Nagoya, Japan on September 15, 2026, and is being transformed from a vacation ship to a vessel to help athletes as they compete over the next couple of weeks. The ship will remain docked at the port through October 6, 2026.
Dining hours on the ship will revolve around training and competition schedules. Menus are also being changed to meet the nutritional requirements of athletes. This includes dietary needs and athletes having access to meals at the right time.
The ship’s fitness areas were expanded and re-equipped specifically for the games, with additional dedicated training zones created on board so that delegations can maintain their preparation routines without leaving the vessel.
Pools, thermal areas and quiet zones were repurposed as recovery space, and cabins were configured to protect rest between sessions.
Dedicated shuttles will take athletes from the ship to competition venues to help cut travel time and allow for more training and rest.
Cabins on the cruise ship are allocated by sport and not national delegation. A total of 18 disciplines, including judo and gymnastics, will be together on board.
A multilingual guest service desk will be available on Costa Serena 24 hours a day.
Costa Serena Aichi Nagoya 2026 Asian Games
Francesco Muglia, chief commercial officer and senior vice president of Costa Cruises, gave the following statement:
“Costa knows how to do this. Across our fleet we look after thousands of people every single day of the year. The difference here is who we are looking after. An athlete competing tomorrow morning needs the right meal at the right hour, a place to train, a way to recover and a quiet cabin. That is what we built, and we would be delighted to show it to anyone who wants to come and see it.”
Francesco Raffa, Asia region director for Costa Cruises, added,
“Costa Serena is the first cruise ship used as a floating hotel for a major event in Japan, and this project demonstrates the flexibility and value a cruise ship can bring to large-scale events. By combining accommodation, dining, training, recovery and social spaces in one integrated facility, a cruise ship provides substantial temporary capacity without the need for new permanent construction, while creating a distinctive experience for thousands of participants. We are proud to contribute to this model and to be part of an event that can inspire new approaches to hosting major international events.”
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Azamara Cruises, the global leader in Destination Immersion®, has announced the relaunch of its Experience More (ExMo) Packages, introducing refreshed inclusions and a new three-tier structure designed to give guests greater value and flexibility across Wi-Fi, Beverage, Shore Excursions and more. The three tiers – Essentials, Enjoyment and Indulgence – are available at consistent pricing across cruise lengths, with packages now priced per person, per day. The new pricing applies to sailings embarking on or after September 24, 2026.
All three tiers also offer travel advisors a flat 10% commission when ExMo packages are booked pre-cruise. The three tiers are as follows:
Essentials: $59 per person, per day (savings of more than 37%)
o Unlimited Starlink Plus Wi-Fi for one device per person
o Premium Beverage Package
o $25 per person, per day in Shore Excursion Credit
Enjoyment: $79 per person, per day (savings of more than 38%)
o Unlimited Starlink Plus Wi-Fi for one device per person
o Ultimate Beverage Package
o Specialty dining every four nights
o $30 per person, per day in Shore Excursion Credit
o One Laundry bag every 7 Nights
Indulgence: $99 per person, per day (savings of more than 51%)
o Unlimited Starlink Plus Wi-Fi for two devices per person
o Ultimate Beverage Package
o Unlimited specialty dining
o $35 per person, per day in Shore Excursion Credit
o $20 per person, per day in Spa Credit
o Two Laundry bags every 7 Nights
“We’re excited to bring a completely refreshed approach to our Experience More Packages, making it easier for guests to choose the experience that’s right for them,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. “Using feedback from more than 1,700 guests, we learned that Wi-Fi, beverages and dining are among the amenities our guests value most. The new tiers focus on these priorities while offering greater simplicity and value. We also listened to our travel advisor partners and are pleased to now offer a flat 10% commission on all ExMo packages booked pre-cruise.”
Guests sharing a stateroom must purchase the same package tier, while solo travelers purchase one package. Packages can be purchased up to seven days before sailing or within 48 hours after embarkation. ExMo is not available on charter sailings, World Cruises or Grand Voyages. Suite guests, who already receive unlimited specialty dining at Prime C and Aqualina, will instead receive two Chef’s Table experiences, or three on cruises of 13 nights or more.
Azamara has also completed a fleet-wide upgrade to Starlink satellite connectivity. Powered by this enhanced technology, Starlink is available onboard in two tiers (Essential and Plus), with unlimited Starlink Plus Wi-Fi also included with every ExMo package. Standalone internet packages are also available à la carte under a simplified, functionality-based format, with options supporting everything from everyday browsing to streaming, video calls, cloud services and VPN access.
ExMo prices are displayed and charged in the guest’s local booking-market currency, while Shore Excursion and Spa Credits are issued in USD. Promotional, non-restricted onboard credit may be applied toward the package cost, while onboard credit generated by the package is restricted to shore excursion and spa purchases.
Ask me what the best cruise I’ve ever taken was, and I’d have to say a Mediterranean cruise on Explorer II.
So when Explora Journeys launched its third ship, I was very keen to see whether it had actually improved on something I already loved – or whether Explora III would simply feel like more of the same.
At first glance, the ships are certainly similar. But Explora III isn’t just Explora II with a few new cushions and a different carpet.
She’s around 20 metres longer, there are several completely new restaurants and venues, the wellness area has been significantly expanded and some of the ship’s most important public spaces have been completely redesigned.
I spent a day onboard exploring Explora III from top to bottom, and there are some changes that I think could make this the best Explora Journeys ship yet.
Explora III is bigger – but not simply to squeeze in more passengers
One of the things I’ve always loved about Explora Journeys is how spacious the ships feel.
Explora III is 19.2 metres longer than Explora I and II, but thankfully, that extra space hasn’t simply been filled with as many additional cabins as possible. In fact they’ve only added one extra suite!
There are 461 oceanfront suites onboard, and Explora says the ship has 19.5 square metres of public space per guest, which is an impressive amount.
There’s also almost one crew member – or ‘host’, as Explora calls them – for every guest.
And you really notice the space when you’re walking around!
There are huge outdoor areas, plenty of loungers and lots of little places where you can sit without feeling as though you’re sharing the ship with hundreds of other people.
The new lobby makes a much bigger impression
One of the most immediately obvious changes is the Lobby, since it’s the first thing you’ll see when you board. On Explora III, it’s now a dramatic double-height space with a sweeping staircase, enormous chandeliers and a circular bar in the centre.
It definitely has more of a ‘wow’ factor than the lobby on Explora II.
But what I like is that it still doesn’t feel stuffy. That’s something Explora Journeys gets very right. Everything looks incredibly expensive, but you don’t get the feeling that you need to put on your very best clothes and sit up straight just because you’ve walked into a luxury hotel.
Around the Lobby you’ll also find Guest Services, Destination Experiences and the onboard shops, which are very much at the luxury end of the scale with jewellery, watches, clothing, skincare and accessories.
The pool decks feel more like a luxury resort
Explora III has several very different pool areas, which means you shouldn’t have everyone trying to occupy the same space on a sunny sea day.
The largest is the Conservatory Pool, which sits underneath a retractable glass roof.
The pool itself is almost 15 metres long, and having the retractable roof means the space can work whether you’re sailing around the Mediterranean in glorious sunshine or somewhere where the weather isn’t quite cooperating.
Then there’s the adults-only Helios Pool at the front of the ship. This was one of my favourite areas on Explora II because it was often a little quieter, and you get fantastic uninterrupted views straight over the front of the ship.
When I say it’s adults-only and it’s quieter, please don’t get the wrong idea. I’ll touch on this more later, but it’s not like you’ll find tons of kids splashing around in every pool onboard. It’s quieter more just because it’s a little more tucked away.
At the opposite end, there’s the Atoll Pool and Bar, while down on Deck 5 you’ll find the shallow Astern infinity pool looking straight out over the wake.
There are also whirlpools dotted around the ship and lots of padded loungers and cabanas. And, importantly, the cabanas don’t cost extra.
I’ve been on plenty of cruise ships where something like this would be turned into a premium sunbathing area with a fairly painful daily charge, so I’m very glad Explora hasn’t gone down that route.
There’s now somewhere to eat right beside the main pool
One of my favourite practical additions to Explora III is Shore Club on 11. This is a new Mediterranean-style restaurant beside the Conservatory Pool.
And while it might not sound as exciting as some of the more elaborate new venues onboard, I think this could end up being one of the most useful.
Because sometimes, when you’re having a very nice afternoon beside the pool, you really don’t want to go back to your suite, get changed and head into a restaurant. Here, you don’t need to. You can stay by the pool and have a proper lunch right there.
It’s one of those relatively simple changes where you wonder why it wasn’t there before.
There are plenty of places to eat – and most are included
One of the biggest differences between Explora Journeys and some other luxury cruise lines is the sheer amount of choice when it comes to dining. Almost all of the restaurants are included in the cruise fare too.
Sakura serves sushi and Pan-Asian dishes and was my favourite restaurant when I sailed on Explora II. There are some very good plant-based choices here as well, which is always a big plus for me.
Marble & Co. Grill is the steakhouse, although despite the name there are alternatives if steak isn’t your thing.
Then there’s French-inspired Fil Rouge and Med Yacht Club, which serves Mediterranean food. These sit opposite each other on Deck 4.
Emporium Marketplace is technically the buffet, although calling it a buffet really doesn’t do it justice. Instead of lots of trays of food that guests help themselves to, everything is served to you from behind the counters.
Once you sit down, somebody will usually be over pretty quickly to bring water and take your drinks order too. It feels much more like a restaurant than a traditional cruise ship buffet.
There’s a huge choice of food though, including pizza, pasta, Asian dishes, seafood and salads, and there’s plenty of seating outside at the back of the ship too which is really nice when you’re on a warm-weather cruise.
Anthology is the main fine-dining experience and one of the relatively few restaurants onboard where there is an additional charge.
Explora III has some completely new dining experiences too
Alongside Shore Club, two of the most interesting additions are The Cellar and The Chef’s Table. These are additional-charge experiences, so not part of the inclusive dining.
The Cellar is a small wine venue where guests can discover rarer wines and unusual grape varieties with help from the onboard wine experts.
Nearby, The Chef’s Table is a much more intimate dining experience. Rather than simply having your meal brought to the table, you can watch the chefs preparing the food in front of you while they explain the dishes and ingredients.
There’s also the existing Chef’s Kitchen, but that’s a different experience again, with small-group cooking classes where guests get more hands-on.
These aren’t huge venues designed to cater for hundreds of people at once. And I think that’s the point. They’re the kind of small experiences that fit particularly well with the style of Explora Journeys.
The wellness area is one of the biggest improvements
For me, one of the most significant changes on Explora III is Ocean Wellness.
On Explora II, the spa was on Deck 5 while the fitness centre was several decks away on Deck 10. On the new ship, everything has been brought together into one much larger wellness area on Deck 5.
There’s a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, salt cave, experience showers, an ice area, heated marble loungers and various spaces where you can just relax.
And better still, you don’t need to buy a separate thermal suite pass to use the thermal facilities!
Spa treatments such as massages cost extra, of course, but I really like that you can enjoy the main thermal area without immediately reaching for your cruise card.
The gym has moved here too and features Technogym equipment, Pilates equipment and a private training studio. And if you’d rather exercise outside, there’s plenty more up on deck 14 right at the top of the ship.
The sports court has been expanded and now includes a full-size padel court alongside pickleball and basketball, while the running track is longer too.
Personally, though, if I’m choosing between the gym equipment and the nearby whirlpool, I know which one is probably going to win.
Then there’s the rather unusual Sound Pod…
Explora III has also gained something I’ve never seen on a cruise ship before – the Sava Sound Pod.
You lie down inside it and it uses low-frequency sounds and vibrations that are designed to help you relax.
It looks a little futuristic and is certainly one of the more unusual additions to the ship. Whether it would turn me into an incredibly relaxed and serene person remains to be seen, but I’d definitely give it a go.
Every suite faces the ocean
There are no inside cabins on Explora III. In fact, Explora Journeys doesn’t even call the accommodation cabins.
The ship has 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Penthouses and 39 Ocean Residences, and every one faces the ocean. You also get your own private terrace.
The standard of the accommodation was already one of the big selling points of Explora I and II, so there hasn’t been any need to completely reinvent things here.
There are, however, more options further up the accommodation categories.
Explora III has two Owner’s Residences rather than one, with one of them designed by architect and designer Patricia Urquiola.
At 315 square metres, it’s considerably bigger than my house, with a private steam room, marble bathroom, outdoor whirlpool and its own dining and lounging areas.
There are also 104 connecting suites, which brings me to something that people sometimes misunderstand about Explora Journeys…
Yes, you can bring children!
Explora Journeys isn’t adults-only. Explora III actually has two separate Nautilus Club spaces for younger guests.
However, you shouldn’t expect giant waterslides, rollercoasters, cartoon characters or enormous children’s play areas. That’s simply not what Explora is trying to be.
Families are welcome, but the number of younger guests is limited on each sailing, which helps the ship retain the quiet atmosphere that people book Explora Journeys for in the first place.
One very minor issue that I have with Explora Journeys is that the most of the suites only accommodate a maximum of three guests. So families of four would need to upgrade to either a ‘residence’ or book two rooms.
This significantly increases the price. So yes, you can bring the kids, but it will cost you. Again, though, this isn’t aiming to be a family-first cruise line.
What about entertainment?
Explora III also isn’t trying to compete with the enormous entertainment venues you’ll find on some of the newest mainstream cruise ships.
There isn’t a huge theatre seating a thousand people. Instead, the Journeys Lounge is a much more intimate entertainment space with live music, cabaret-style entertainment and other performances.
There’s also the Astern Lounge, which is one of the more sociable spots onboard. You might find live music, talks, quizzes, karaoke or a silent disco happening here, and there’s a pool table too.
The Explora Lounge is another lovely space, with enormous panoramic windows, plenty of comfortable seating and live music in the evenings.
So there is entertainment. It’s just not the type of ship where you’re rushing from an ice show to a Broadway musical and then onto a late-night comedy club. It’s a lot more relaxed, without ever being boring.
Explora III is the first LNG-powered ship in the fleet
There’s also a major difference hidden below the surface.
Explora III is the first ship in the Explora Journeys fleet to be powered by LNG. Explora Journeys says this forms part of its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its marine operations.
LNG isn’t a zero-emission fuel, so I wouldn’t describe the ship as environmentally friendly simply because it uses it. But it is a significant technical change from Explora I and II and part of the company’s wider plans for its newer ships.
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So… has Explora III replaced Explora II as my favourite cruise ship?
That’s the big question.
And after spending just one day onboard, I don’t think I can quite answer it yet. There’s a big difference between touring a ship and actually living onboard for a week.
What I can say is that Explora III feels like more than simply another sister ship. Explora Journeys hasn’t tried to completely reinvent everything that worked so well on Explora I and II.
And I’m very glad about that.
Instead, it feels as though they’ve looked at the original ships and asked where a little more space or an extra venue could genuinely improve the experience.
The enormous new wellness area is a big upgrade. Shore Club makes perfect sense beside the pool. The Cellar and Chef’s Table add experiences without making the ship feel busier. And the redesigned Lobby gives Explora III much more impact when you first step onboard.
Most importantly, it seems to have kept the thing I liked most about Explora II. It feels luxurious without feeling pretentious.
So I’m not quite ready to hand Explora III the title of my favourite cruise ship in the world, not after one day.
But there’s one thing I’m fairly certain about…
Now I really want to come back and cruise on her properly.
Planning an Explora Journeys cruise?
My preferred cruise specialist can help you find the best sailing for your budget and travel style.
Norwegian Cruise Line is cooperating with federal wildlife authorities after Norwegian Joy arrived in Sitka, Alaska on Thursday, 17th September 2026 with a deceased fin whale lodged on its bulbous bow. This caused delays to the vessel’s port call and prompted an official investigation into the marine mammal death.
The 167,725-gross-ton Norwegian Joy was approaching its scheduled 8:00 a.m. arrival in Sitka when crew members discovered the deceased cetacean on the ship’s bow. The vessel’s docking was delayed by approximately two hours as authorities assessed the situation and coordinated removal of the whale carcass.
Passengers aboard the 3,802-guest vessel did not begin disembarking until roughly 10:00 a.m., significantly later than the published itinerary indicated. To partially compensate guests for the lost time ashore, Norwegian Cruise Line extended the ship’s departure by one hour, with Norwegian Joy now scheduled to remain alongside until 4:30 p.m. instead of the originally planned 3:30 p.m. departure time.
Federal Wildlife Officials Launch Investigation Into Marine Mammal Death
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has deployed its Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network team to assess the deceased fin whale and determine appropriate next steps. The federal agency maintains responsibility for investigating marine mammal deaths and enforcing protections under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.
According to reports from My Northwest and KIRO Newsradio, the whale was successfully removed from Norwegian Joy’s bulbous bow. This rounded protrusion below the waterline is designed to improve a vessel’s hydrodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. The carcass was then towed away from the cruise terminal for further examination.
Photographic evidence shared by passengers on social media platforms shows the whale being transported away from the vessel in an inverted position. The images captured visible injuries near the tail area. Standard protocol in such incidents requires authorities to conduct a comprehensive necropsy to determine the precise cause of death and whether the vessel strike occurred ante-mortem or post-mortem.
Norwegian Cruise Line Issues Statement On Tragic Incident
In an official statement addressing the situation, Norwegian Cruise Line expressed sorrow over the whale’s death whilst committing to full cooperation with relevant authorities. The cruise line emphasised its dedication to responsible maritime operations and marine conservation efforts.
“We are deeply saddened by this situation, and we are cooperating with the appropriate authorities and any relevant scientific and wildlife experts as part of the assessment process,” the company stated. “This is a sobering reminder of the importance of ongoing collaboration among the maritime, scientific and conservation communities.”
The Miami-based cruise operator further reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship. “We remain committed to operating responsibly, complying with applicable laws and regulations and supporting efforts that contribute to the long-term health of marine life.”
Timeline Of Norwegian Joy’s Ten-Night Alaska Sailing
Norwegian Joy departed Seattle, Washington on Friday, 11th September 2026 for a 10-night roundtrip Alaska voyage. This is the vessel’s penultimate cruise of the 2026 Alaska season. The ship’s itinerary includes multiple ports throughout Southeast Alaska and British Columbia.
Sitka represented the fourth port of call on this sailing, following previous stops in Ketchikan on Sunday, 13th September; Juneau on Tuesday, 15th September; and Icy Strait Point on Wednesday, 16th September. The ship also navigated through Glacier Bay National Park for scenic cruising on Monday, 14th September.
Following the Sitka call, Norwegian Joy remains scheduled to visit Skagway on Friday, 18th September, and Victoria, British Columbia on Sunday, 20th September before returning to Seattle for disembarkation on Monday, 21st September. At present, no additional itinerary modifications have been confirmed beyond the extended Sitka port time.
Uncertainty Surrounds Location And Circumstances Of Whale Impact
Critical questions remain unanswered regarding precisely where and when Norwegian Joy may have struck the fin whale. The vessel traversed hundreds of nautical miles of Alaska waters between multiple port calls and scenic cruising areas before the whale was discovered on approach to Sitka.
It remains unknown whether the whale was alive when it came into contact with the ship or if the carcass was already deceased and floating in the vessel’s path. Bulbous bows protrude below the waterline and can strike marine mammals without crew members on the bridge detecting any impact. This is particularly true in rough seas or when whales are submerged.
Fin whales are the second-largest whale species on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 85 feet and weighing as much as 80 tonnes. These baleen whales are classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This makes any human-caused mortality a matter of serious concern for federal wildlife regulators.
Passenger Reactions And Social Media Documentation
Guests aboard Norwegian Joy shared their experiences and photographic evidence through social media platforms, particularly on Reddit. Multiple passengers contributed to discussion threads about the incident, including user Alternative-Hat-9627, who provided detailed timeline information about the delayed arrival and extended departure.
The unexpected discovery created a sombre atmosphere aboard the vessel as passengers witnessed the whale removal operations. Many cruise enthusiasts expressed sadness over the marine mammal’s death. They acknowledged that such incidents, though tragic, occur across the maritime industry.
Passengers who had booked shore excursions or made independent touring arrangements in Sitka faced disruption due to the two-hour delay. Despite this, the extended port time provided some additional opportunity for guests to explore Alaska’s former Russian colonial capital and its surrounding natural attractions.
Growing Pattern Of Cruise Ship Whale Strikes In Alaska Waters
This incident with Norwegian Joy represents the second confirmed whale strike involving a major cruise ship in Alaska waters during the 2026 season. On Friday, 19th June 2026, Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas arrived in Seward with a deceased fin whale on its bulbous bow.
In that earlier incident, Ovation of the Seas docked with the whale carcass still attached to the vessel. Authorities covered it with a tarp until removal could be coordinated. The whale was subsequently towed to a protected nearby lagoon for examination. Investigators made the heartbreaking discovery that the animal had been pregnant at the time of death.
Following the Ovation of the Seas incident, the Center for Biological Diversity submitted formal correspondence to Royal Caribbean Group executives. They urged the implementation of reduced vessel speeds when transiting known whale habitat areas. The cruise company has not issued any public response to that request.
The unfortunate pattern extends beyond 2026, with documented whale strikes involving multiple cruise lines over recent years. In May 2024, MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia arrived in New York Harbor with a deceased whale on its bow. In 2016, Holland America Line’s Zaandam struck a young male fin whale near Seward, Alaska.
Maritime Industry Faces Ongoing Whale Strike Challenge
Whale strikes represent a persistent challenge for the maritime industry. This affects not only cruise vessels but also cargo ships, ferries, and other commercial vessels transiting waters inhabited by large cetaceans. Alaska’s Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska waters provide critical feeding habitat for humpback whales, fin whales, and other marine mammals during summer months.
Ships travelling at higher speeds have less time to detect and avoid whales. Whales have a reduced ability to hear approaching vessels and take evasive action. The bulbous bow design, whilst improving fuel efficiency, creates a particular hazard as it protrudes below the waterline where whales commonly swim and feed.
Conservation organisations have advocated for vessel speed restrictions in designated whale habitat areas. They argue that reduced speeds would provide more time for detection and avoidance. This would also reduce the severity of impacts when strikes do occur. However, such restrictions also affect cruise line operations, port schedules, and the broader maritime logistics network.
The cruise industry has made significant investments in environmental monitoring technology and crew training programmes designed to reduce wildlife interactions. Many cruise lines employ dedicated environmental officers and have established protocols for whale watching and marine mammal avoidance. The effectiveness of these measures remains subject to ongoing debate among scientists and conservationists.
As Norwegian Joy continues its Alaska voyage and federal investigators examine the deceased fin whale, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex relationship between commercial maritime operations and marine ecosystem protection in one of the world’s most spectacular cruising destinations.
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the entertainment lineup for Norwegian Aura, their next new ship that is scheduled to debut in May 2027.
Rendering of Norwegian Aura
Norwegian Aura will feature a collection of original entertainment that will be highlighted by “Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston”. This new production will celebrate the six-time Grammy Award winner with her music coming to life through a contemporary concert experience created exclusively for NCL.
The 45-minute show will take place in the three-story Aura Theatre & Club and will include live vocals, a live band, stunning visuals, and performances.
Norwegian Aura’s Vegas residency-style show, “Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston,” pays tribute to the music icon with a vibrant concert experience.
The cruise ship’s entertainment will also feature a mix of immersive theater, live music, and late-night entertainment.
“ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed” will combine grand-scale illusions, acrobatics, original music, and visual effects in a fast-paced theatrical production.
Music comes alive aboard Norwegian Aura with “The Vinyl Republic,” the cruise line’s newest live music collective inspired by the legacy of vinyl records.
“The Vinyl Republic” will also add live music throughout the cruise ship, from the atrium to Improv at Sea.
A returning favorite will also be featured on Norwegian Aura. “LunaTique: Pop Circus” will expand its adults-only blend of cabaret, circus artistry, and immersive nightlife in the Aura Theatre & Club. The show originally debuted on sister ship, Norwegian Luna.
LunaTique: Pop Circus will also be featured on Norwegian Aura
Each cruise on the ship will kick off with “Aura FIRST NIGHT”, a welcome show that introduces all of the entertainment that will be featured on the voyage.
Bryan White, vice president of entertainment production at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., gave the following statement:
“Every new ship is an opportunity for Norwegian Cruise Line to push the boundaries of what entertainment at sea can be, and with ‘Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston,’ we’re building on the incredible momentum we’ve seen from our Vegas residency-inspired productions celebrating some of music’s most iconic artists.
“Following the success of our Prince and Elton John productions on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, respectively, this new show reimagines Whitney’s legendary catalog through contemporary arrangements, dynamic storytelling, stunning visuals and powerful live performances. Together with original experiences like ‘ILLUMINOX’ and ‘The Vinyl Republic,’ we’ve created a collection of entertainment that transforms every venue into a destination and every evening into something unforgettable.”
Pat Houston, executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, added:
“We are thrilled to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line to present ‘Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston’ for the debut of the Norwegian Aura in May 2027. Whitney enjoyed cruises. Her fans and supporters will have a nostalgic experience enjoying the extraordinary artistry and live music of Whitney Houston, performed by worldclass musicians while sailing on the high seas.”
Norwegian Aura will debut in May 2027. After a brief season in the Mediterranean, the cruise ship will head to the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami.
Once the ship is in Miami, it will sail seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. All sailings to the Eastern Caribbean will visit NCL’s private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. Sailings to the Western Caribbean will stop at the cruise line’s private port in Belize, Harvest Caye.
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For the first time ever, Carnival Cruise Line has opened bookings on short cruises on an Excel-class cruise ship from Galveston, Texas.
Carnival Jubilee will sail short cruises for the first time starting in April 2028.
Carnival has never offered anything less than week-long cruises from Galveston on Excel-class cruise ships. Starting today, bookings have opened on new four-, five-, and six-night sailings on Carnival Jubilee from the Texas port.
The cruises will sail between April 2028 and April 2028 and visit the Western Caribbean.
The new four-day cruises will depart on select Thursdays and have a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, to go along with two sea days.
The new five-day cruises will leave on select Saturdays and Mondays and add a second port stop in Progreso.
A six-day cruise on October 29, 2028 will visit Cozumel and Isla Tropicale, Roatán, one of Carnival’s Paradise Collection ports.
Carnival Jubilee will also offer an eight-day cruise to The Bahamas on April 1, 2028, that will visit two Carnival Paradise Collection ports along with a stop in Nassau. The two Paradise ports will be Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
A second eight-day cruise will follow on April 9, 2028, but will visit the Western Caribbean. The three port stops on the cruise are Cozumel, Isla Tropicale, and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Prices start at $432 per person for these newly announced cruises that are now open for bookings.
Carnival Jubilee is the third Excel-class ship from Carnival and has sailed from Galveston, Texas, since the vessel debuted in December 2023.
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