Just this week we learned that Galveston is planning a fifth cruise terminal at Pier 14. This brand-new facility is still in the early planning stages, but things are already moving fast.
Now, according to recent reports from a Galveston news outlet, Royal Caribbean is already calling dibs on that new terminal.
Galveston cruise port. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
Galveston is serious about cruising. I saw this firsthand during MSC Seascape’s first sailing out of newly opened Terminal 16. Norwegian Viva will be using that same terminal in late October of this year as well.
On top of that you have mega ships like Symphony of the Seas and Carnival Jubilee sailing from the Texas port, and Icon of the Seas is coming in August 2027.
The cruise port has become a major powerhouse, on track to reach a record-breaking 2 million cruise passengers this year.
With those kinds of numbers, it has quickly cemented its place as one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, right up there with the Florida ports.
Royal Caribbean Wants to Expand Its Footprint
The news broke when Port of Galveston Director Rodger Rees confirmed that the “word on the street” is absolutely true. Royal Caribbean is highly interested in operating the proposed fifth terminal.
“It is Royal Caribbean. I mean, obviously; Royal Caribbean owns a building right next to it. They’re interested in expansion,” Rees told The Daily News.
The move makes perfect geographic sense. Royal Caribbean already owns and operates Cruise Terminal 10, which sits directly next door to Pier 14.
Securing this new pier would allow the cruise line to expand its footprint and essentially carve out their own slice of real estate on the island.
While other major lines like Carnival, Disney, MSC, and Norwegian also homeport out of Galveston, Royal Caribbean’s physical proximity to the site makes the most sense.
So, Is Royal Caribbean Sending Another Ship to Galveston?
Keep in mind that this is still fairly speculative at this point. The cruise line has not confirmed these reports just yet.
Royal currently operates two ships from Galveston: Mariner of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.
But their push for Pier 14 strongly hints at a much bigger play: bringing a permanent third ship to the Lone Star State.
By locking down a second terminal (that’s right next door), Royal Caribbean would completely eliminate the logistical bottleneck of sharing a single berth for the two ships.
They could easily have two mega-ships at the port simultaneously on peak weekend turnaround days. With Icon of the Seas already locked in for 2027, this new terminal space heavily suggests that Royal Caribbean wants to keep an Oasis-class or a brand-new Discovery-class ship stationed in Texas year-round alongside their flagship giant.
But for now, we wait for official word.
Managing the Growth in Galveston
With a fifth terminal on the horizon, the port is focusing on making sure the island can handle the extra people and traffic. Some local residents are already somewhat wary of more ships coming into town, as traffic on certain days can be a nightmare.
A recently completed 107-page traffic study focused on the roads surrounding the cruise area and determined that a new terminal would have minimal impact on local traffic flow,
So, that’s a win. But it would also require some changes at certain intersections.
The port is now taking things a step further by launching a broader downtown mobility study to evaluate pedestrian safety and traffic in the surrounding historic districts.
According to Rees, a fifth terminal would provide a major boost to the Texas regional economy, bringing in an estimated 1,500 jobs and $278 million in direct business revenue.
When Could It Open?
Don’t pack your bags just yet. Because the port is still working through all of the logistics and red tape at Pier 14 , there would not be an opening date until around 2030.
If these reports are confirmed, once this port is built, we might see another Royal Caribbean mega ship for local cruisers to choose from when sailing out of Galveston.
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MSC Cruises has revealed that MSC World Asia will feature the largest Venchi chocolate experience at sea, giving guests even more ways to indulge in the premium Italian chocolatier’s creations. The new venue will serve a tempting selection of Venchi favorites alongside exclusive treats created especially for the ship, continuing the cruise line’s focus on enhancing the onboard experience through partnerships with renowned brands.
To celebrate the partnership, Venchi and MSC Cruises have come together to create an exclusive gelato flavor – “Crunchy Waves” – launching in select Venchi stores between August 1 and August 31, 2026. The flavor will also be available indefinitely on board existing MSC Cruises’ ships with Venchi gelaterias, along with MSC World Asia when the ship enters service in December 2026.
Crunchy Waves Gelato (Credit: MSC Cruises)
Combining three distinctive layers, “Crunchy Waves” creates a playful “sand and sea” effect that is as visually striking as it is delicious, bringing the two brands together in one cone. A creamy vanilla gelato base is topped with crunchy hazelnut biscuits and salted toffee pieces inspired by the traditional Italian Bacio di Dama biscuit, finished with a vibrant blue spirulina layer evoking the shimmering tones of the Mediterranean.
MSC World Asia
MSC World Asia, The Harbor (Credit: MSC Cruises)
When MSC World Asia begins sailing the Mediterranean this December, the new flagship will cater to every taste and temptation—offering more than 40 bars, lounges, cafés and restaurants with many concepts developed in collaboration with award-winning culinary partners, ensuring a diverse and authentic gastronomic journey.
The Venchi store aboard MSC World Asia will be the first to debut on a World Class ship and the largest in the fleet, offering seating for more than 60 guests. Designed as a multi-sensory destination, it will seamlessly blend retail, a café and a gelateria into one elegant space located in the ship’s Galleria district on Deck 6.
Guests can look forward to a range of new experiences, from creating their own bespoke chocolate bars to indulging in the brand’s signature selection of ready-to-buy chocolates, as well as artisanal Italian gelato and freshly crafted treats prepared daily.
At the heart of the experience is a live chocolate-making station, where guests can watch Venchi’s skilled chocolatiers at work before stepping into the “chocolate lab” to craft their own custom chocolate bars using premium ingredients, including Piedmont hazelnuts and Venchi’s iconic chocolate caviar. Digital personalization tools will allow guests to create custom designs, adding a fun and interactive element to the experience.
Blending Italian craftsmanship with contemporary design, the venue features striking floor-to-ceiling gelato-inspired sculptures and curated displays of Venchi’s signature creations.
Guests can enjoy authentic Italian espresso, specialty coffee drinks, freshly made croissants and crêpes, indulgent Gelatoshakes, and a selection of artisanal gelato, including classics like extra dark chocolate and gianduja hazelnut, as well as “Crunchy Waves.”
In the evening, the experience shifts with chocolate-infused cocktails that pair Venchi’s signature flavors with premium spirits.
MSC World Asia will enter service on December 4, 2026, and is available to book from embarkation ports including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Messina.
There are few destinations in the world as revered as Japan, and as a tourist hotspot, it attracts tens of millions of visitors each year. As someone who has been to Japan several times, I find that much of the tourism is concentrated in the country’s capital.
In all fairness, this applies to many major countries. When people travel to the UK, they focus their trip on London; the same goes for Paris. Tokyo is certainly the nucleus and the beating heart of Japan, but it is by no means the only place to visit.
For those who solely focus on what was, until recently, the world’s largest city and don’t venture out of Tokyo, then there are plenty of gems that they are often unknowingly missing out on.
We have seen how podcasts have become a new media version of this. Unlike a few decades ago when there would be a select number of radio shows, or a specialist TV show on every couple of weeks that focuses on a niche interest, you can go headfirst into an ocean of content online.
It has provided opportunities for those with a passion that spans across many niches. Broadcaster Selema Masekela has made a career of dipping his toe into many exciting industries, but as an X-Games host and captivating storyteller, he has found an international audience by leveraging bespoke, niche media that caters solely to listeners’ needs.
The way tourists use new media to plan their travel has played a significant role in Japan becoming a global hub for 21st-century travel. The music, style, aesthetic, and cultural history of Japan are easy to bottle up and sell on social media, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that is what reality will be like.
Tour and travel companies in the late 20th and early 21st centuries would handle the entire trip for you. You could find information in travel guides and books, but you had to set time and money aside to plan your trip. It was also far more expensive than it is today.
You couldn’t access translation apps, local tour guides, and, in the case of Japan, if you were going to rural areas, you would struggle a lot unless you had a bilingual tour guide. It discouraged many Western tourists from seeking out the rural gems that Japan has offered and still offers.
The hidden secrets of Japan are no longer a secret in the world of tourism. But having this free form of media can also saturate the market. It can be much harder to find tourist ideas that give a true, authentic, niche sense of what a place is like.
Rather than being dazzled by pictures of Fuji and centuries-old pagodas on Instagram, online engagement, fused with entertainment and viral content, is what drives much of tourism in the modern market, where niche appeal, excitement, and landscape form a trifecta, as you can see in the link below.
There are certainly pros and cons to a cruise, and it all depends on the type of traveler you are. For some people, the goal of visiting Japan, particularly rural Japan, is to flex their language skills, speak with locals, try the cuisine, and experience an undiluted and authentic version of the country.
A cruise gives you this in a controlled format. It is perfect for those who want to experience places around Japan without spending days or weeks in the countryside. It also gives you a condensed trip where you can tick off six or seven cities and go from the stimulating brightness of Tokyo to the serenity and reflection of Hiroshima.
My cruise itinerary consisted of Yokohama, Kochi, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kagoshima and Fukuoka. It would be a challenge to skip between these cities without incurring hotel, train and travel costs, and if you want to get back to a broader range of cuisine that you’re more familiar with, you can return to the ship.
While these lesser-known cities see less tourism, they lack the range, vibe, or electricity that Tokyo has. It’s important to get a balance. The Japanese countryside towns and smaller cities provide a fascinating window into a slower, conventionally Japanese lifestyle, but beyond a few days, they lack the depth of the major cities.
This is the same for any cruise; it is often the cities which act as a perfect base for a longer stay. However, if you have weeks to spend in Japan, then spending the entire time in Tokyo will not give you a collective idea of what Japan offers. In Hokkaido, the bleak winters and globally revered skiing resorts are a far cry from the culture and volcanic terrain of Kyushu.
Ultimately, though, you can use the internet to your advantage, and by ensuring you do the appropriate level of research and that you are venturing to Japan for reasons that captivate you, it’s very difficult to come away from the trip disappointed, regardless of whether you are going on a cruise or opting for a solo, bespoke itinerary that you compile yourself.
I still don’t really understand the mentality of someone who gets up at 6AM on a cruise just so they can clip a towel to a couple loungers near the pool and go enjoy the rest of the ship all day.
It’s not just a nuisance. It’s a bad experience for all the people who actually want to enjoy the ships refreshing but always-a-little-too-small pool. But now, more cruise lines are doing something about it.
Pool deck lounger saving remains one of the most frustrating parts of cruising for many travelers.
While most cruise lines officially ban reserving chairs with towels and personal items, how these companies enforce the behavior is slightly different.
Here’s a clear comparison of how major cruise lines handle the issue, based on their official policies and real-world practices.
Official Policies at a Glance
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival has one of the most detailed and proactive policies:
“Carnival has a system designed to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy equal access to sun loungers by preventing seat saving in outdoor deck areas. Shipboard team members, the ‘ChairShare Team’ monitor sun lounger usage and if they observe a seat that contains a towel or personal belongings… a sticker is placed on the chair… If the chair remains unoccupied for 40 minutes, the contents are removed and held for the guest’s safekeeping.”
“Pool deck chairs are only available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved. … If a pool chair is left unattended for more than 30 minutes with no signs of any guests returning, our crew will remove any belongings and place them in the lost and found.”
“Pool, deck and theatre chairs may not be reserved.”
NCL formally classifies chair hogging as discourteous and disruptive behavior. They rely on crew patrols and stickers, with removal typically after 45–60 minutes on many sailings.
“If you leave any items unattended on chairs or loungers for more than 40 minutes, we will remove it and safely store it in lost property located at Sailor Services.”
“Pool, deck, buffet and theater chairs may not be reserved. … Guests are kindly requested not to occupy deckchairs and sunbeds by leaving their personal items for more than 30 minutes.”
Princess does not publish a strict fleet-wide time limit on its website, but daily programs regularly remind guests not to save chairs. Enforcement is handled at the crew’s discretion, often around 30 minutes in practice.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity officially discourages the practice, stating the following on a blog post:
“Celebrity discourages this practice and signs around the Resort Deck say that possessions will be removed if a person does not use their chair within a certain period—usually if a lounge chair is left unattended for one hour or more.”
How Cruise Lines Without Strict Website Policies Handle It
For cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Disney Cruise Line, you won’t always find a detailed public policy page, but they still address the issue.
Princess regularly includes reminders in the daily program, and crew will often step in after 30 minutes or so.
Holland America passengers report a general 30-minute guideline with crew removing items.
Disney asks guests not to save chairs with towels and encourages the crew to remove unattended items.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
The Standard for Cruisers
Most cruise ships now take chair saving seriously, especially on sea days when demand peaks. The 30–40 minute window has become the industry standard. It’s enough time for a quick meal or swim, but not all-day reservations.
Cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin stand out for transparent rules and visible enforcement. Others rely more on general courtesy and crew judgment.
But you know how it is. If rules continue to be broken, eventually policies change or enforcement ramps up. Cruise lines want happy passengers, so when enough people complain, things change.
If lounger access matters to you, consider booking a ship with more deck space, arriving early, exploring higher decks, or treating yourself to a cabana on lines that offer them. The battle continues, but the cruise lines are slowly taking back the lido deck.
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It’s not looking good for Labadee. More port visits from Royal Caribbean cruise ships are being axed as thousands of emails go out to announce the news to booked guests.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas in Labadee, Haiti
While the cruise line officially removed the port from its schedules through December 2026 earlier this year, the cancellations are now quietly rolling deep into 2027.
Yes, you read that right. If you have a cruise booked for early or mid-2027 that originally featured a stop at Labadee, Haiti, there is a very good chance your beach day at Royal Caribbean’s private destination will be swapped for another port of call as port visits through June 2027 have been scrapped from itineraries.
What Royal Caribbean is Officially Saying
According to Royal Caribbean’s travel updates page, the cruise line has suspended all visits to Labadee.
“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit is our top priority. We have been monitoring the situation in Haiti and, out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily pausing our visits to Labadee.”
Following up on this, on July 14, 2026, Royal Caribbean officially extended the suspension through June 2027. In a statement obtained by Royal Caribbean Blog, a spokesperson clarified the new extension of the pause:
“As we continue to evaluate conditions in Haiti and our ability to deliver the best vacations responsibly, we have decided to extend the suspension of ship calls to Labadee through June 2027. This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew members in mind.”
Along with this official extension, Royal Caribbean confirmed that any pre-booked shore excursions (including cabanas or the Dragon’s Breath flight line) will be automatically canceled and fully refunded back to the guests’ original form of payment. Guests do not need to take any action, as these refunds are being processed automatically.
The reports of more Labadee itinerary changes are coming through emails and updates directly to booked guests as well.
So far, Royal guests are receiving official cancellation notices for sailings extending all the way through June 2027, while those booked for the summer and fall of 2027 are left waiting to see if their stops will also be cut.
An email sent to passengers booked on a March 14, 2027 sailing on Independence of the Seas (shared in this r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread) shows the following message:
“Dear Guest, We’re looking forward to welcoming you onboard Independence of the Seas! As you prepare for your vacation, we wanted to share an update to your March 14, 2027, itinerary. We’ve reviewed our sailing plans and made an adjustment to the ports of call we will visit. Instead of visiting Labadee, we’ll now enjoy a day in Nassau, Bahamas.”
Guests booked on other Royal Caribbean ships that were supposed to stop in Labadee are receiving similar communications about their itinerary changes as well.
In all, 12 ships will be impacted by the pushback of Labadee’s closure. The following ships will be affected:
Icon of the Seas
Star of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas
Independence of the Seas
Adventure of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas
Legend of the Seas
Beach on Labadee
The Reality of Labadee’s Situation
The reality is that Haiti continues to deal with severe gang violence and political instability, keeping the country under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the U.S. State Department.
Royal Caribbean hasn’t sent a ship to its private destination since April 2025. Even though the port has its own security, the whole situation was just too much of a risk.
The topic even came up on a recent earnings call with Royal Caribbean’s parent company.
During the Royal Caribbean Group Q3 2025 earnings call, CEO Jason Liberty noted that the company’s fourth-quarter outlook was slightly impacted by the “unplanned extension of the temporary closure of Labadee“.
Chief Financial Officer Naftali Holtz said that the combination of bad weather and the extended Labadee closure dragged down earnings per share (EPS) by about $0.05.
Wonder of the Seas in Labadee, Haiti. Photo: Cruise Fever
Cruisers React to Labadee Replacements
Because some of Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships can’t just dock anywhere at the last minute, the cruise line is playing a big game of musical chairs with port schedules.
With the official extension through June 2027, many cruisers are finding they have to search their ship’s website or check their cruise planner to see where they are being redirected. Depending on the route, guests are being routed to:
Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas
Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico
Puerto Plata and Samana, Dominican Republic
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
The community over on the Reddit thread is having a lively debate about the replacements.
For some, getting swapped to classic spots like Mexico is a win. One user shared:
“My Allure cruise just swapped out Labadee and Falmouth with Cozumel and Costa Maya… I’m happier with my itinerary change.”
Another passenger agreed:
“I got Labadee and Falmouth switched out for Costa Maya and Cozumel. Not complaining.”
And still another was very positive about the Labadee replacement:
“Adventure of the Seas on Feb 21st swapped out Labadee for Grand Cayman. Not the worst reschedule!”
But for others, losing a private beach experience for a busy port like Nassau feels like a step backward. A Diamond member commented on someone else who had Labadee changed for Nassau:
“Nassau is a downgrade, IMO. We’ve been lucky that Labadee has been substituted with Grand Turk and Puerto Plata for our 2025 and 2026 cruises.”
Other cruisers were negative on the possibility of getting Nassau on their new itinerary, but it’s important to note that Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is now available in the Bahamian port. That huge new pool and 17 acres of prime real estate might be the perfect replacement for Labadee, even if it does mean some extra cost.
Is Labadee Gone for Good?
Some certainly think so, with one person on Reddit even saying, “pretty sure it’s indefinite at this point”.
While the cruise line has rights to the leased private resort through 2050, some loyal guests are starting to wonder if the company is moving on.
But the company has not made any official statement about the finality of these port cancellations, and there is still a glimmer of hope that things will calm down in the region eventually.
The thing is, if Royal Caribbean’s strategy was to simply pivot their investments to other private destinations, some of those plans just got a bit more complicated.
The cruise line’s $600+ million “Perfect Day Mexico” project, that was scheduled to open next to the Costa Maya cruise port in Mahahual, was officially rejected and blocked by Mexican environmental authorities in May 2026 as reported by Cruise Fever. This block may be temporary though and the cruise line still hopes to work out a plan to continue the project in Mexico.
So, with their Mexican expansion at least in limbo right now and Labadee sitting empty for the foreseeable future, Royal Caribbean is finding ways to be creative with their private destination options.
What to Do If You’re Booked
If you have a Royal Caribbean cruise booked through June 2027 that was scheduled to visit Labadee, you don’t need to do anything.
Royal Caribbean is automatically updating itineraries and will notify you of any changes to your port stops or sea days. You can also keep an eye on your Cruise Planner on the Royal Caribbean website or app, where itinerary updates and any excursion refunds will be reflected.
Not everyone has been told what their Labadee replacements will be just yet, so the cruise line is still juggling some of these changes. There are a lot of logistics involved, but know that you can always find amazing things to do and see and just about any replacement the cruise line works out for you. As always, a cruise is what you make of it!
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A journalist who joined one of the world’s most talked-about adults-only cruises has shared an inside look at the experience, revealing how a week-long voyage costing up to $47,000 per cabin combines luxury cruising with an open-minded lifestyle community.
Sophia Money-Coutts sailed on the inaugural Killing Kittens cruise, organised by the lifestyle events company founded by Emma Sayle in 2005. The sold-out voyage travelled from Barcelona to Monaco before returning to Spain, welcoming 630 passengers for a week of themed entertainment and social events.
Killing Kittens describes itself as “the ultimate female empowerment brand”, although it is best known for hosting lifestyle parties across Europe. Speaking previously to The Times, founder Emma Sayle said she launched the business after realising “there was nowhere for women to go to feel empowered to explore their sexuality without being judged.”
With its expansion into cruising, the company has brought that concept to sea.
An Open-Minded Atmosphere At Sea
Money-Coutts said it quickly became apparent this was unlike any conventional cruise holiday.
Within an hour of leaving port, many guests had embraced the clothing-optional environment, with topless sunbathers and naked passengers becoming a common sight around the ship.
She wrote that conversations during the welcome drinks frequently turned to relationships and lifestyle preferences, with fellow passengers openly discussing subjects that would rarely come up on a mainstream cruise. She was also asked whether she intended to “play”, a term used by guests to describe participating in the cruise’s lifestyle activities.
Cabins on the sailing ranged from around £5,000 ($6,700) to £35,000 ($47,000), with the voyage selling out despite the premium pricing.
The cruise welcomed guests aged between 24 and 74, with passengers travelling from the UK, the United States and across Europe, as well as Canada, Ghana, Japan and Turkey.
Unlike many holidays, Killing Kittens only allows single women or couples to attend its events, with single men excluded under the company’s long-standing admission policy.
Guests also had access to a private social app called Wax, where they could chat before and during the sailing. Members could choose to upload recent STI test results to their profiles.
Despite the nature of the cruise, Money-Coutts said the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed and body-positive, with passengers appearing comfortable in their own skin regardless of age or body shape.
Consent And Safety Were A Major Focus
According to Money-Coutts, organisers repeatedly stressed that consent was central to every aspect of the cruise.
A team of 78 Killing Kittens staff members were on board throughout the week, with guests encouraged to speak to them if they ever felt uncomfortable. The company’s rules also state that women must make the first move, reflecting its female-led approach to interactions.
Dedicated playrooms and a dungeon were available for those who wished to take part in lifestyle activities, although participation was entirely optional. Around 2,000 condoms are reportedly used during a typical week-long sailing, with complimentary condoms and lubricant available in those areas.
Alongside more traditional cruise activities such as yoga and Zumba, the programme featured classes including beginners’ lap dancing, spanking fundamentals, boudoir photography and workshops exploring dominance and submission. Private sessions were also available for an additional fee.
Curious to see what happened inside, Money-Coutts visited the adults-only areas, where she observed demonstrations involving BDSM practices as well as couples engaging in intimate activities. She joked that watching events unfold made her feel like “David Attenborough standing in the jungle, surveying a bunch of horny gorillas.”
She also attended an introductory BDSM taster session with an experienced couple, where she learned about safe words, communication and agreed boundaries before trying a beginner demonstration herself.
Money-Coutts described the experience as “amusing and interesting”, but admitted she was equally happy to return to her cabin afterwards and spend the rest of the evening reading her book.
While she concluded the cruise would not appeal to everyone, she said it offered a fascinating insight into a community built around openness, consent and personal choice, making it one of the most unusual themed cruises currently available.
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Port Canaveral has announced major upgrades to its cruise infrastructure with a reimagined Cruise Terminal 5 expansion that will double the facility to 170,000 square feet. This expansion is alongside a new 13-storey parking garage at Terminal 6 adding 3,700 spaces.
The projects represent a combined investment of nearly $175 million by the Canaveral Port Authority to accommodate growing cruise demand from Central Florida.
The capital improvement initiative underscores Port Canaveral’s commitment to maintaining its position as one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral’s CEO, emphasised that every investment focuses on supporting the guest experience and operational efficiency that cruise partners expect whilst preparing for future business commitments.
The projects intentionally align with a broader business strategy that positions the port as an economic driver for the local community. By supporting growth and creating new business opportunities at both local and regional levels, Port Canaveral continues to strengthen its role as a cornerstone of Central Florida’s tourism economy.
Part Of Ambitious Billion-Dollar Infrastructure Programme
The Terminal 5 renovation and Terminal 6 East garage construction form part of the Port Canaveral Advantage, an ambitious nearly $1 billion capital improvement programme. This comprehensive initiative focuses on expanding infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting growth across all port areas over the next five years.
The magnitude of this investment reflects the port’s confidence in the cruise industry’s continued expansion and Central Florida’s appeal as a premier cruise departure point. Port Canaveral has consistently ranked amongst the world’s busiest cruise ports, handling millions of passengers annually across multiple cruise lines operating from its terminals.
The strategic timing of these improvements positions the port to capture additional market share as cruise lines deploy larger vessels and expand their Caribbean and Bahamas programmes. With major cruise operators maintaining significant presence at Port Canaveral, the enhanced infrastructure will enable the port to accommodate increased passenger volumes and larger ship deployments.
Terminal 5 Transformation Delivers Modern Passenger Experience
Construction of the terminal renovation is currently underway whilst the facility remains fully operational, demonstrating the port’s commitment to maintaining service continuity. The reimagined terminal will feature a modern entrance, refreshed interiors, and a completely new aesthetic designed to enhance the pre-cruise experience for passengers.
Key improvements include substantially expanded luggage laydown areas, which will streamline the check-in process and reduce congestion during peak embarkation periods. Additional passenger seating areas will provide greater comfort for guests during processing, whilst expanded security screening zones will improve throughput and reduce wait times.
Designed by BEA architects of Miami, the project carries a total construction cost of $78 million with targeted completion scheduled for December 2026. The architectural firm brings extensive experience in cruise terminal design, ensuring the finished facility meets both operational requirements and passenger expectations.
The doubling of Terminal 5’s footprint to 170,000 square feet represents a significant capacity enhancement that will enable the port to handle larger vessels and increased passenger volumes. This expansion aligns with industry trends towards mega-ships that carry thousands of passengers and require substantial shore-side infrastructure to support efficient operations.
The new parking garage at Terminal 6 East represents the largest and most complex parking project in Port Canaveral’s history. The $93 million facility will add approximately 3,700 parking spaces, bringing the total number of available parking spaces across the port to nearly 17,500 distributed amongst eight garages and surface lots.
This substantial parking expansion addresses a critical need as cruise passenger volumes continue to grow. Adequate parking capacity directly impacts the passenger experience, with convenient, accessible parking ranking amongst travellers’ top priorities when selecting a cruise departure port.
The 13-storey structure incorporates innovative design elements specifically tailored to cruise passengers’ needs. Eight extra-large lifts, each capable of accommodating multiple passengers and their luggage simultaneously, will expedite movement between parking levels and terminal access points.
Advanced Design Features Enhance Passenger Convenience
The garage’s design includes twin two-lane vehicle ramps that will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion during peak arrival and departure periods. This feature addresses one of the most common passenger pain points – navigating crowded parking facilities whilst managing luggage and coordinating with travel companions.
A dedicated pedestrian bridge will connect the garage directly to the entrance of Cruise Terminal 5, providing protected access regardless of weather conditions. This covered walkway ensures passengers can move between their vehicles and the terminal without exposure to rain or intense Florida sun, enhancing comfort during the crucial first and last moments of their cruise journey.
The proximity of the new garage to Terminal 5 creates a highly efficient passenger flow system. Travellers will benefit from minimal walking distances between parking and check-in, particularly valuable for families with young children, elderly passengers, or those with mobility considerations.
Local Construction Partnership Supports Regional Economy
Construction for both projects is being led by Ivey’s Construction, a Merritt Island, Florida-based company. This partnership with a local contractor ensures economic benefits remain within the region whilst leveraging expertise familiar with Central Florida’s unique construction environment and requirements.
Rocky Johnson, Vice President of Ivey’s Construction, expressed pride in partnering with the Canaveral Port Authority and other stakeholders on these state-of-the-art improvement projects. The company’s involvement represents significant employment opportunities for local workers and subcontractors throughout the multi-year construction timeline.
The decision to engage local construction expertise also streamlines project management and communication, potentially reducing delays and ensuring accountability. Ivey’s Construction’s familiarity with Port Canaveral’s operational requirements and Florida’s building codes and hurricane standards provides additional project assurance.
Port Canaveral’s Strategic Position In Global Cruise Industry
Port Canaveral’s continued investment in infrastructure reflects its established position as a premier cruise port serving the Caribbean, Bahamas, and beyond. The port’s geographic location on Florida’s Space Coast provides convenient access for travellers throughout the southeastern United States whilst offering cruise lines efficient routing to popular destinations.
Multiple major cruise operators maintain year-round presence at Port Canaveral, with several lines designating it as a homeport for their largest and newest vessels. This concentration of cruise activity generates substantial economic impact throughout Brevard County and the broader Central Florida region through employment, tourism spending, and related business activity.
The port’s proximity to Orlando and its world-renowned theme parks creates unique value for cruise lines and passengers alike. Many cruisers combine their voyages with pre- or post-cruise stays at nearby attractions, whilst the Orlando International Airport provides convenient air access for passengers travelling from distant markets.
Future-Focused Improvements Support Industry Growth Trajectory
The nearly $175 million investment in Terminal 5 and the new parking garage represents just a portion of Port Canaveral’s broader capital improvement programme. As cruise lines continue deploying larger vessels with greater passenger capacity, ports must continually upgrade facilities to maintain competitive advantage and operational efficiency.
Industry analysts project continued growth in the cruise sector following the industry’s recovery from pandemic-related disruptions. North American cruise ports, particularly those in Florida, stand to benefit significantly from this expansion as cruise lines deploy additional tonnage and introduce new vessels to their fleets.
Port Canaveral’s proactive infrastructure investment positions it to capture a significant share of this growth. By expanding capacity before demand necessitates it, the port ensures it can accommodate additional business without service degradation or operational constraints that might otherwise limit opportunities.
The December 2026 completion timeline for Terminal 5 aligns with anticipated delivery schedules for several new cruise vessels currently under construction. This synchronisation ensures the port can welcome these ships with facilities specifically designed to handle their operational requirements and passenger volumes, creating competitive advantage in attracting new deployment commitments from cruise lines.
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Princess Cruises has confirmed that a crew member has died after going overboard from Regal Princess during a western Caribbean cruise, bringing an end to an extensive search and rescue operation off the coast of Cancun, Mexico.
The incident took place on 13th July while the 3,560-guest ship was sailing from Fort Lauderdale towards its scheduled call at Cozumel.
Cruise tracking data showed Regal Princess abruptly turning around before reaching the Mexican island as the crew launched an immediate search alongside local maritime authorities.
In a statement, Princess Cruises said: “Princess Cruises is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a Princess crew member who has gone overboard today from Regal Princess.“
The cruise line added: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the crew’s family and friends during this difficult time. Grief support services are being offered to guests and crew members affected by this event.“
Princess Cruises had initially confirmed that the crew member was unaccounted for and that an active search and rescue operation was underway, with the vessel working alongside the relevant maritime authorities in an effort to locate the individual.
Search Effort Involved Multiple Cruise Ships
The search operation took place in waters off the coast of Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and resulted in Regal Princess suspending its planned arrival in Cozumel.
Carnival Jubilee, which was sailing a seven-night itinerary from Galveston, Texas, also joined the search while en route to Honduras. Following the conclusion of the operation, both vessels resumed their scheduled cruises.
Princess Cruises thanked everyone involved in the response, stating: “Princess Cruises thanks the local maritime authorities and our colleagues from Carnival Jubilee who assisted in search and rescue efforts.”
Itinerary Adjusted Following Search
The search operation forced Regal Princess to cancel its scheduled call to Cozumel on 13th July while the vessel remained in the search area.
Although the original port visit was missed, Princess Cruises revised the itinerary to return to Cozumel on 16th July instead. The ship’s scheduled call to Belize went ahead, while its visit to Roatán, Honduras, remained unchanged.
The vessel is still expected to complete its seven-night western Caribbean itinerary and return to its homeport in Fort Lauderdale on 18th July.
Princess Cruises has not released any further details surrounding the circumstances of the incident.
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Royal Caribbean has confirmed it will continue to suspend calls to its private destination at Labadee, Haiti, until at least the end of June 2027, extending a decision that had already removed the port from itineraries throughout 2026.
The cruise line said the move has been made as it continues to assess conditions in Haiti, with guest and crew safety remaining the priority. The extension affects all scheduled visits to Labadee during the first six months of 2027, with passengers already being informed of changes to their sailings.
“As we continue to evaluate conditions in Haiti and our ability to deliver the best vacations responsibly, we have decided to extend the suspension of ship calls to Labadee through June 2027. This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew members in mind. We have communicated these changes directly with guests.”
Royal Caribbean statement
The cruise line had previously announced in January that all Labadee calls for the remainder of 2026 would be cancelled. With this latest extension, the destination has now been removed from all published itineraries until at least July 2027.
Originally, Royal Caribbean had scheduled 62 visits to Labadee during the first half of 2027.
Those calls included voyages by several of the fleet’s largest and newest ships, including Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, alongside Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.
Replacement Ports Added To Itineraries
Guests booked on affected cruises began receiving revised itineraries from 14th July 2026, with replacement ports varying depending on the sailing and berth availability.
Alternative destinations being introduced include Nassau in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Puerto Plata and Samana in the Dominican Republic, Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, and Ponce in Puerto Rico.
Passengers booked aboard Star of the Seas’ 2nd May 2027 sailing were informed:
“As you prepare for your vacation, we wanted to share an update to your May 2, 2027, itinerary. We’ve reviewed our sailing plans and made an adjustment to the ports of call we will visit. Instead of visiting Labadee, we’ll now enjoy a day in Perfect Day at CocoCay.”
Some sailings are seeing additional itinerary adjustments beyond the removal of Labadee.
For example, guests booked on Legend of the Seas’ 28th March 2027 voyage were advised that Falmouth, Jamaica, had also been removed from the itinerary. In its place, the ship will now call at Ponce, Puerto Rico, while Labadee has been replaced by Samana in the Dominican Republic.
Royal Caribbean told guests:
“Instead of visiting Labadee, we’ll now enjoy a day in Samana Port, Dominican Republic…Additionally, we’ll now visit Ponce, Puerto Rico from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM instead of Falmouth, Jamaica.”
The ship’s 14th February 2027 sailing has also been revised, with both Labadee and Falmouth replaced by calls to Costa Maya and Cozumel.
Any shore excursions booked for Labadee, along with Falmouth where applicable, will be automatically cancelled and refunded. Guests do not need to take any action to receive their refunds.
Why Royal Caribbean Continues To Avoid Labadee
Royal Caribbean first suspended visits to Labadee after Haiti experienced severe political instability and escalating gang violence during 2024. While the country’s crisis intensified dramatically that year, political and economic unrest has been building since 2018.
Labadee itself is located on Haiti’s northern coast, around 134 miles from the capital, Port-au-Prince, where much of the country’s violence has been concentrated. The resort is separated from surrounding areas by security fencing and is protected by a dedicated private security presence across its 260-acre site.
Despite those security measures, Royal Caribbean has continued to take a cautious approach as conditions across Haiti remain unstable.
The US Department of State continues to advise against all travel to Haiti, maintaining a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory because of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and limited access to healthcare.
While Labadee has historically remained isolated from much of the violence affecting the rest of the country, Royal Caribbean’s latest decision signals the company does not yet believe conditions are suitable for resuming regular calls to the private destination.
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Holland America Line has revealed extensive details of the suite and accommodation upgrades planned for Zuiderdam, the second ship to undergo transformation under the cruise line’s $500 million Evolution programme.
The vessel will emerge from drydock in spring 2028 with a completely reimagined suite collection and new solo traveller cabins.
The centrepiece of Zuiderdam’s transformation will be the addition of Holland America’s most exclusive accommodation offerings.
The ship will receive one new Pinnacle Suite spanning an impressive 1,550 square feet, making it the largest living space aboard the vessel.
This flagship suite will feature panoramic ocean views through expansive windows, a separate living room for entertaining, a dedicated powder room, and a walk-in wardrobe.
Guests will enjoy a private balcony offering sweeping vistas of the ocean and destinations visited throughout the voyage.
Complementing the Pinnacle Suite will be two new Bridgeview Suites, each measuring 900 square feet.
These premium accommodations will be positioned directly above the navigation bridge, providing guests with commanding forward-facing views that have proven immensely popular on other Holland America vessels.
Vista Suite Enhancements Expand Premium Options
Beyond the top-tier suites, Zuiderdam will see significant improvements to its existing Vista Suite category.
Fourteen of these accommodations will receive comprehensive enhancements as part of the Evolution programme.
The upgraded Vista Suites will showcase floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the spaces with natural light whilst providing expansive ocean views.
Each suite will include a comfortable sitting area for relaxation and a private verandah where guests can enjoy their morning coffee or evening cocktails in the fresh sea air.
These mid-tier suite options represent Holland America’s commitment to offering premium experiences across multiple price points.
The enhancements reflect changing passenger expectations and the cruise line’s recognition that travellers increasingly seek spacious, well-appointed accommodations even in categories below the most exclusive suites.
Solo Traveller Accommodations Address Growing Market Segment
In a significant nod to the expanding solo cruise market, Zuiderdam will debut 32 Solo Verandah staterooms following its refurbishment.
Each of these purpose-built cabins will measure 200 square feet, offering single travellers genuine value without the punitive supplements traditionally associated with solo cruising.
The Solo Verandah rooms will feature private balconies, allowing solo guests to enjoy outdoor space typically reserved for larger accommodations.
Inside, a contemporary glass-walled shower will add a modern touch, whilst a dedicated workspace acknowledges the growing number of digital nomads and remote workers who blend business with leisure travel.
Holland America’s investment in solo cabins reflects broader industry trends.
Cruise lines have increasingly recognised that solo travellers represent a substantial and growing market segment, one that has historically been underserved by ship designs focused primarily on couples and families.
Strong Demand Drives Expansion Of Signature Offerings
Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, expressed enthusiasm about extending successful innovations from earlier refurbishments to Zuiderdam.
“We’ve seen strong interest in our Bridgeview Suites and Solo Verandahs on Oosterdam, and we’re excited to make these new accommodations available on Zuiderdam,” she stated in a press release announcing the upgrades.
The company’s decision to replicate these accommodation types stems from demonstrated passenger demand.
Oosterdam, which will undergo its Evolution transformation in autumn 2027 as the programme’s inaugural vessel, will serve as the prototype for subsequent ships in the series.
Bodensteiner added that Holland America is “building on that momentum and look forward to sharing more details, including itineraries, very soon.”
This suggests the cruise line will announce Zuiderdam’s deployment strategy in the coming months, likely timed to coincide with the opening of bookings for post-refurbishment sailings.
Grand Dutch Café Brings Social Hub To Vessel
Beyond accommodations, Zuiderdam will receive the new Grand Dutch Café, a multipurpose venue that will serve as a central gathering space throughout the ship.
This dining and social venue represents Holland America’s effort to create informal, welcoming spaces where passengers can congregate throughout the day.
The Grand Dutch Café will offer speciality coffees, light bites, and casual dining options from morning through evening.
The concept draws inspiration from traditional Dutch café culture, aligning with Holland America’s heritage whilst providing a contemporary interpretation suited to modern cruise passengers.
This venue debuted on Oosterdam’s refurbishment plans and proved popular enough to warrant inclusion on Zuiderdam and subsequent ships in the Evolution programme.
The café addresses passenger feedback requesting more casual, grab-and-go dining options as alternatives to formal restaurant settings.
Evolution Programme Transforms Vista-Class Fleet
The $500 million Evolution programme represents Holland America’s largest investment in its existing fleet in recent years.
The initiative will eventually touch six Vista-class vessels, bringing them in line with newer ships whilst preserving the classic elegance that defines the brand.
Zuiderdam, delivered in 2002, was the first Vista-class ship built for Holland America and introduced numerous innovations when it entered service more than two decades ago.
The vessel carries 1,964 passengers at double occupancy and has primarily served Alaska, Caribbean, and Panama Canal itineraries throughout its career.
The Evolution programme goes beyond accommodations to encompass dining venues, public spaces, technology upgrades, and accessibility improvements.
By standardising premium offerings across the Vista-class fleet, Holland America ensures consistent guest experiences regardless of which ship passengers choose.
Following Zuiderdam’s spring 2028 completion, the programme will continue with Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, Noordam, and finally Eurodam.
This phased approach allows Holland America to incorporate lessons learnt from each successive refurbishment whilst minimising disruption to its deployment schedule.
Industry Context And Competitive Positioning
Holland America’s substantial investment in fleet modernisation comes as the cruise industry experiences robust demand following the pandemic recovery period.
Premium and luxury cruise lines in particular have reported strong booking trends, with passengers demonstrating willingness to pay for enhanced accommodations and exclusive experiences.
The Evolution programme positions Holland America to compete more effectively in the premium cruise segment, where rivals including Oceania Cruises, Azamara, and Viking Ocean Cruises have invested heavily in suite-level accommodations and personalised service.
By expanding its suite inventory and adding solo cabins, Holland America addresses two key growth demographics.
The cruise line, owned by Carnival Corporation since 1989, has traditionally appealed to older, more experienced cruisers who appreciate its refined atmosphere and destination-focused itineraries.
The Evolution upgrades aim to attract younger affluent travellers whilst retaining the brand’s loyal customer base.
Sister ships within the Carnival Corporation portfolio, including Princess Cruises and Cunard Line, have undertaken similar refurbishment programmes in recent years.
These initiatives reflect parent company Carnival Corporation’s strategy of maintaining competitiveness across its nine cruise brands through targeted capital investments rather than relying solely on new ship orders.
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