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Holland America Line Spending $70 Million on Enhancements to Denali Lodge

by Diplomacy

A few months ago, Holland America Line announced a $500 million plan to upgrade six of their cruise ships. Now, the cruise line is spending $70 million to add major enhancements to their Denali Lodge in Alaska.

Holland America Line's Denali Lodge
Holland America Line’s Denali Lodge in Alaska

While some of the enhancements are already completed, they will all be done in time for the opening of the 2027 Cruisetour season.

The enhancements not only include new dining options but also new guest buildings that will replace older structures. Here is a look at the new upgrades coming to Holland America Line’s Denali Lodge.

Several projects have already been completed that include an enhanced riverside interpretive trail with new scenic viewpoints and improved on-site wayfinding throughout the property.

Both the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge received public space renovations and upgrades.

A new coffee shop, Outpost Coffee + Provisions, is a convenience concept for guests on the go.

Denali Square
Denali Square

Karstens Public House, the largest dining venue on the property, received expanded seating. In addition, the food and beverage menus at different dining venues were revamped under the guidance of Culinary Ambassador Ethan Stowell. There is now a greater emphasis on locally inspired cuisine from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

New Culinary Offerings

  • Outpost Coffee + Provisions: Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwiches, Bison Chili, Reindeer Sausage with Beecher’s Cheddar, Smoked Salmon Dip and the Spritz Hour serving three different Spritz cocktails
  • Karstens Public House: Alaskan Halibut Fish & Chips, Smoked Salmon and Spinach Omelet, Grilled Sockeye Salmon BLT, Fried Cod Fish Tacos, and Fresh Alaskan Salmon and Halibut
  • Canyon Ridge Grill’s: Dungeness Crab Cakes, Alder Smoked Salmon Chowder, Seared Weathervane Scallops, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, King Crab Legs, Fresh Alaskan Salmon and Halibut

Projects to be Completed

There are still three major projects that will be completed in time for the 2027 season. Construction on two new guest buildings will not only replace older structures, but also add an additional 72 rooms.

The exterior and interior of the Main Lodge will receive a refresh and redesign.

Grizzly Grind, the main coffee shop at the lodge, will receive a full renovation.

In 2027, Holland America Line will offer a series of 19 Cruisetour options from May to September, ranging from nine to 17 nights.

The itineraries combine three- to seven-night Alaska cruises with an overland journey to Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon Territory. Every Cruisetour visits the park and includes a one- to three-night stay at Holland America Denali Lodge.

Next year also marks Holland America Line’s 80th anniversary of exploring Alaska.

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Royal Caribbean Overbooks Cruise From Miami Over July 4th

by Diplomacy

Royal Caribbean sent out emails to some guests who are booked on an upcoming cruise from Miami asking for volunteers to move to a different sailing.

Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas.

While airlines are well known to overbook flights due to no shows, cruise lines from time to time also find themselves in a situation where they need to have guests move to a different sailing.

Some guests who are booked on the July 2, 2026 sailing on Freedom of the Seas out of Miami were notified about compensation offers if they had flexible travel plans. The cruise line gave them the option of keeping their cruise or choosing from two generous offers.

So what were the offers that they were given?

Offer 1

The first offer was to move to a different departure date in a few weeks on the same ship and itinerary. In exchange, Royal Caribbean would give them a full refund of their cruise fare, excluding taxes and amenities.

They can sail in a similar stateroom category or choose a lower category booking for a $300 non-refundable onboard credit per stateroom.

Royal Caribbean would also reimburse for any non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses.

If a guest used a Future Cruise Credit to book their cruise, they will refund any new funds paid above the certificate amount and issue a new certificate.

freedom of the seas miami
Freedom of the Seas departing from Miami

Offer 2

The second offer was to cancel the booking and not only receive a full refund but also a Future Cruise Credit equal to 100% of what they paid. The refund would be returned to the original form of payment within two weeks.

Royal Caribbean would also reimburse guests for any non-refundable travel expenses such as flights and hotels.

The Future Cruise Credit will be good for one year on any Royal Caribbean sailing.

If a guest used a Future Cruise Credit to book their cruise, they will refund any new funds paid above the certificate amount and issue a new certificate.

The two offers are first come, first served and were subject to availability. Royal Caribbean said that if a guest put in for one of the two offers, they would hear back by July 1, 2026. If not, then they would take the sailing in their original cabin on July 2.

The four-day sailing that departs on July 2, 2026, on Freedom of the Seas from Miami has port stops in CocoCay and then in Nassau on July 4, 2026.

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Special Offers on Disney Cruise Line Sailings as of June 29, 2026 • The Disney Cruise Line Blog

by Cruise NewsCruise Special OffersDisney Cruises

Disney Cruise Line is offering an unprecedented level of special deals this week, with sail dates extending into May 2027. There are 183 different sail dates available from various departure ports, including Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Port Canaveral, San Diego, Southampton, and Vancouver. Additionally, there are special offers available across the domestic fleet for these sailings.

The Disney Treasure continues to lead the fleet with 56 sailings (up 1 from last week), followed by the Disney Magic and Disney Wish, both at 50 sailings (Magic down 1, Wish unchanged). The Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy are tied at 39 sailings (Wonder down 3, Fantasy unchanged), the Disney Destiny rose 4 to 33 sailings, and the Disney Dream held steady at 30 sailings.

The Florida Resident rate added 2 sailings to 68, the US Military Personnel offer dropped 1 to 98 sailings while the Canadian Resident offer dropped 1 to 111 sailings. The special offer for Southern California residents held at 17 sail dates. The special bonus US Military offer for $250 onboard credit, announced in November, for select sailings in 2026 remains available.

Moving over to Disney Cruise Line’s other promos, the new IGT, OGT, and VGT offers valid on new bookings for select sailings with savings up to 25% off the prevailing rate remains available 115 voyages with a lot of overlap with the specific offers listed below.

Finally, the extra savings for those with placeholder reservations where the standard 10% is applicable for some concierge levels on select sailings and a bump in the discount up to 25% off on select sailings remain active.

The special offers listed below are available to book today while inventory lasts.

Special Offers for U.S. Military Personnel

Special Rates for U.S. Military Personnel (MTO) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid for new bookings only.

Disney Destiny

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Falmouth, Jamaica • Grand Cayman • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea

Disney Dream

13-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton ending in Fort Lauderdale
Southampton • At Sea • Vigo, Spain • Lisbon, Portugal • At Sea • Funchal, Portugal • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea

7-Night British Isles Cruise from Southampton
Southampton • At Sea • Liverpool, England • Greenock, Scotland • At Sea • Cobh (Cork), Ireland • Portland, England

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic • At Sea • Castaway Cay

Disney Fantasy

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Castaway Cay

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral with 2 Stops at Castaway Cay
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea

Disney Magic

3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea

5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

Disney Treasure

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • San Juan, Puerto Rico • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • St. Thomas, USVI • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay

Disney Wish

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea

Disney Wonder

5-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver to San Diego
Vancouver, Canada • Victoria, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea

7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea

7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea

7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

Special military rates are available to retired and active US military personnel (and their spouses), including US Coast Guard, US National Guard and US Military Reserves. Members of the US National Guard or the US Military Reserves (or their spouses) must show active-duty orders dated January 1st of the previous year to qualify. Third and fourth Guest prices valid with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Rates may vary by sail date and category. Other restrictions may apply. Other categories and sail dates may be available. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Active and retired members (or spouse) of the US military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. Valid for new bookings only.

Special Offers for Florida Residents

Special Rates for Florida Residents (FLR) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid on new and existing reservations.

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale with 2 stops at Castaway Cay 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Falmouth, Jamaica • Grand Cayman • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea

Disney Dream

13-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton ending in Fort Lauderdale
Southampton • At Sea • Vigo, Spain • Lisbon, Portugal • At Sea • Funchal, Portugal • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic • At Sea • Castaway Cay

Disney Fantasy

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Castaway Cay

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral with 2 Stops at Castaway Cay
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea

Disney Treasure

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • San Juan, Puerto Rico • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • St. Thomas, USVI • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay

Disney Wish

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea

To take advantage of Florida residency cruise rates, proof of Florida Residency for at least one adult in each stateroom must be presented at time of check-in. Guests unable to show proper proof of Florida residency at check-in will have their cruise re-priced and the balance must be paid before being allowed to sail.

Proof of residency must be valid at the time of sailing, and includes the following:

  • Florida Driver’s License
  • Florida Identification Card

If you do not have one of the IDs indicated above, then you must provide one of the following—dated within the past 2 months—verifying a Florida residential address and your name, along with a corresponding, valid government-issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, state identification card):

  • Monthly mortgage statement
  • Renter’s lease agreement
  • Current automobile registration, insurance policy or bill
  • Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
  • Current utility bill (power/phone/cable/water)
  • Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements
  • Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency
  • Note: property deeds and P.O. boxes are not considered acceptable proofs of residency.
  • Children’s rates are also available to Guests ages 3 through 12 that are traveling with 2 adults in the same stateroom.

Special Offers for Southern California Residents

Special Rates for Southern California Residents are limited to 50 staterooms per sailing. The offer is available to those living in a qualifying zip code—90000 to 93599—at time of check-in. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. To take advantage of Southern California resident rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide proof of residency. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts, but is valid on new and existing reservations.

Disney Magic

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico

5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

Disney Wonder

3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea

3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico

5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea

5-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea

7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Mazatlan, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego
San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea

7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

To take advantage of this offer, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide valid proof of residency in a qualifying zip code—90000 to 93599—at time of check-in. If valid proof of residency is not provided at check-in, the non-discounted, prevailing rate for the cruise will be charged and must be paid by Guests before sailing; failure to pay the full balance due will result in cancellation of the reservation with applicable fees.

Proof of residency must be valid at the time of sailing, and includes the following:

  • California Driver’s License
  • California Identification Card

If you do not have one of the IDs indicated above, then you must provide one of the following documents—dated within the past 2 months—verifying your California residential address in a qualifying zip code (90000 to 93599) and your name, along with a corresponding, valid government-issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, state identification card):

  • Monthly mortgage statement
  • Renter’s lease agreement
  • Current automobile registration, insurance policy or bill
  • Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
  • Current utility bill (power/phone/cable/water)
  • Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements
  • Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency
  • Note: Property deeds and P.O. boxes are not considered acceptable proofs of residency.
  • Children’s rates may also be available to Guests ages 3 to 12 that are traveling with 2 adults in the same stateroom.

Other categories and sail dates with other rates may be available.

Canadian Resident Rates

Special Rates for Canadian Residents with savings on prevailing rates as quoted on Disneycruise.com for non-concierge Verandah, Oceanview, and Inside Staterooms on select cruises. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold.  Proof of residency is required an you must mention the special offer code CAN when booking. NOTE: Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested when calling in. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits.

Disney Destiny

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Falmouth, Jamaica • Grand Cayman • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea

Disney Dream

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea

6-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • At Sea • At Sea

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic • At Sea • Castaway Cay

Disney Fantasy

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Castaway Cay

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea

Disney Magic

3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea

4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea

4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver ending in San Diego
Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea

4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea

5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
Galveston, Texas • At Sea • At Sea • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea

6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea

7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston
Galveston, Texas • At Sea • At Sea • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea • At Sea

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

Disney Treasure

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • San Juan, Puerto Rico • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay

Disney Wish

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • At Sea

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay

Disney Wonder

3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico

3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea

4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea

5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea

5-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

6-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego
San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea

7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea

7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego
San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea

7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

7-Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego
San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • Mazatlan, Mexico • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • At Sea • Ensenada, Mexico

The Canadian Resident rate excludes suites and categories with restrictions (VGT, OGT, and IGT). Proof of Canada residency will be required at time of check-in. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses are not included. If booking through Disney Cruise Line’s Contact Center, you must mention code CAN. Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested by caller. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits. Offer valid for new and existing reservations.

Please note, the offers listed are not to be taken as official quotes. Prices and availability can change at any time without notice. More importantly, the deals listed above are a snapshot in time based on DCL’s online cruise search tool.

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Live EVENT Preview: What Happened To Hannah Smith? What Every Cruise Passenger Should Know

by Cruise Tips

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Live EVENT Preview: What Happened to Hannah Smith? What Every Cruise Passenger Should Know | 29
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video preview​
Cruise Addicts John Shallo is joined by cruise attorneys Tom Scolaro and Keith Bray to take an in-depth look at the Hannah Smith case and the important questions it raises for every cruise traveler.

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The discussion explores who Hannah is beyond the headlines, what happened during her excursion on Pearl Island, and the events that led to her life-changing injuries. The panel examines the legal responsibilities of cruise lines when passengers book shore excursions directly through the cruise line, addresses the often-cited independent contractor defense, and discusses why that argument may not end the legal debate.

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The conversation also covers years of prior warning signs and red flags from this excursion that allegedly existed before the incident and what a responsible cruise line should have done about them, the current status of the lawsuit, recent travel advisories for the Bahamas, and what changes could improve passenger safety across the cruise industry.

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Finally, the attorneys share practical advice for travelers on choosing shore excursions, understanding their rights, and what to do if an accident occurs, before providing an update on Hannah’s recovery and the road ahead.
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Please join us live and check in with us. Set your clocks and tune in Tomorrow at 11 am ET. – Watch Live Stream​

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Live EVENT Preview: What Happened to Hannah Smith? What Every Cruise Passenger Should Know | 29
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America’s Cruise Line Hosts Patriotic Celebration for the USA’s 250th Anniversary

by Diplomacy

Carnival Cruise Line, also known as America’s cruise line since they sail from more ports in the U.S. than any other line, hosted a celebration today in Baltimore for America’s 250th anniversary.

Carnival

The celebration on Carnival Pride in Baltimore kicked off a series of America250 homeport celebrations for Carnival Cruise Line. The celebrations will also take place in Long Beach, Tampa and Jacksonville.

The cruise line welcomed local community partners, veterans, business leaders and government officials to commemorate the historic milestone and reinforce Carnival Cruise Line’s deep connection to the Baltimore community.

carnival

Guests were greeted with a 40-foot-tall inflatable patriotic Uncle Sam’s hat, prominently displayed on the top deck of Carnival Pride during the embarkation process.

Grounded in Carnival’s long-standing tradition of honoring military personnel, the celebration included a dedicated military tribute recognizing active-duty service members, local veterans and first responders in attendance. Each military member and veteran was presented with a specially designed, limited-edition America250 challenge coin.

Adding to the fun, Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat made a special appearance, donning a patriotic outfit to celebrate the anniversary.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement:

“As America’s cruise line, we’re proud to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in our homeport cities. We’re bringing people together to honor our nation, celebrate the local community and thank those who protect our freedom.”

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Royal Caribbean’s Newest Mega-Ship Debuts This Week, But It’s Not Coming to Florida Until November

by Diplomacy

Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship is not debuting in a U.S. cruise port. This time, Europe will get first dibs at the latest 7,600 max passenger vessel.

Legend of the Seas cruise ship Royal Caribbean

The very first sailing for the cruise line’s third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, will enjoy her first official cruise on July 4, 2026.

This is a slight departure from Icon of the Seas, and Star of the Seas, which launched their cruising careers from Port Miami and Port Canaveral respectively.

Now Europe gets a first look at the new reigning champ of the title “Largest cruise ship in the world” (just technically by a few inches) as Legend of the Seas kicks off her first revenue cruise out of Civitavecchia, Italy.

Initial Itineraries and European Debut

Starting Saturday, the ship will spend its maiden summer season offering weeklong 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises.

These itineraries will consist of rotating departures out of two primary homeports: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, and Barcelona, Spain.

Passengers will be able to visit European ports of call like Marseille, France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and La Spezia, Italy.

First itinerary on Legend of the Seas for July 4, 2026. Image credit: CruiseMapper

What Makes Legend of the Seas Different?

For the most part, the ship is a carbon copy of her sister ships in terms of structure.  It features the same massive size, the eight signature neighborhoods, and the giant glass AquaDome structure sitting on the front of the ship.

It’s still missing that front-of-the-ship solarium that Oasis-class ships have made so popular, but the amazing shows in the AquaDome can help make up for that.

However, Royal Caribbean added some really cool, unique twists to this third sister to give it its own personality.

Entertainment Lineup

The headlining shows onboard are custom-made for this new ship. The main theater features a brand-new show of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, while the arena will be presenting America’s Got Talent LIVE with magicians, acrobats, musicians and more.

Over in the AquaDome, the high-energy, diving and water venue debuts a high-energy production titled Shockwave, and the Absolute Zero ice rink features a new show called Fusion.

Another major highlight is the Royal Railway Legend Station, making it the first time this high-tech, virtual train experience is appearing on an Icon-class ship. Using digital screens for windows and realistic motion effects, the venue simulates a luxury 13th-century rail car. While onboard, you are treated to a five-course dinner that traces Marco Polo’s historic journey along the Silk Route with a live conductor guiding the story.

The Hollywoodland Supper Club

Every Icon-class ship has a unique high-end specialty dining concept that combines with a distinct era of live music.

Following the jazz style vibes of the Empire Supper Club on Icon and the classic Chicago style of the Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star, Legend of the Seas introduces the Hollywoodland Supper Club.

This multi-course dining venue promises to offer a sophisticated dinner menu alongside live entertainment themed entirely around the glamour of classic cinema.

A New Record Holder

While it shares an identical 248,663 gross ton interior volume and maximum passenger capacity with its sister ships (on paper), minor changes from construction at the shipyard make Legend of the Seas technically the longest ship in the fleet by a matter of inches.

Measuring 364.84 meters (1,197 feet), it officially beats out Star and Icon to hold the mathematical crown of the largest cruise ship ever built.

When to Expect the Ship in Fort Lauderdale

American cruisers hoping to experience the new mega-ship closer to home will not have to wait until next year. Once the European summer season wraps up in late October, Legend of the Seas will embark on a 13-night transatlantic crossing from Barcelona directly to Florida.

The ship is scheduled to arrive at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale by mid-November 2026.

From there, it will begin its regular winter deployment, operating a mix of 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries, with every single sailing featuring a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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Cruise Ship Illness Outbreaks Drop 70% and Perfect Health Scores Double in 2026

by Diplomacy

During the first half of 2026, cruise ship illness outbreaks have dropped 70% compared to 2025, and ships scoring perfect 100 health scores have nearly doubled.

cruise ships in port, costa maya mexico

Illness Outbreaks

During the first half of 2026, there have been five outbreaks of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on cruise ships; three were from norovirus and two from E. coli.

This is down from 17 outbreaks that occurred during the first half of 2025, 12 of which were from norovirus. 

All cruise ships that sail from or visit a U.S. cruise port are under the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program’s jurisdiction. Every one of these ships must report to the VSP if 2% or more of passengers or crew members have symptoms of a GI illness. If the number crosses 3%, it is officially labeled as an outbreak and listed on the CDC’s website.

Since it is based on a percentage, small ships will report an outbreak even if only a handful of passengers report being ill. In the last outbreak, 9 passengers and three crewmembers on National Geographic Sea Bird reported being ill. It was labeled an outbreak since there were only 66 guests on the ship and 24 crewmembers onboard.

If an outbreak occurs, the ship will report its cleaning and disinfection procedures to the CDC. Those who are ill are isolated, and stool specimens are collected for testing.

The VSP will conduct a field response for an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to assist the ship in controlling the outbreak.

Perfect 100 Health Scores

During the first half of 2025, a total of 15 cruise ships received a perfect 100 health score during surprise inspections. So far in 2026, there have been a total of 29 ships acing their inspections.

What makes this year even more impressive is that most inspections from May and June have yet to be listed on the CDC’s website. It can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks after an inspection for the results to be listed.

hot tub
Eight areas of ships are inspected including swimming pools and hot tubs.

12 cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises have all had ships score a perfect 100 this year. Royal Caribbean and Carnival, the two largest cruise lines, each have had five ships receive a 100.

All cruise ships that sail out of or visit a U.S. cruise port are subject to two unannounced health inspections that are carried out by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.

Cruise lines pay for the inspections based on the size of the ship, and any score that’s 85 or below is considered a failing score. If a ship fails its inspection, it will be reinspected soon after to make sure corrective actions have been taken.

vsp

During the inspections, the following eight areas of ships are inspected:

  • Medical Centers – Medical documents are reviewed, and staff and crew members are interviewed
  • Drinking Water – Water samples are collected to ensure drinking water is safe
  • Galleys and Dining Rooms – Food is checked to make sure it is stored properly with equipment being checked to make sure they are well maintained and in good working order
  • Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs – Water samples are collected to ensure halogen and pH levels are correct
  • Housekeeping – The housekeeping manager is interviewed about prevention and management procedures
  • Pest and Insect Management – Ensure the staff is well informed on how to manage pests on a ship
  • Child Activity Centers – Make sure toys are clean and staff are informed on what to do if a child is sick
  • HVAC – Air conditioning/heating units are inspected to make sure they are clean and water is not collecting inside them

The inspectors also go through logs to ensure the ship is following VSP standards.

All numbers and stats in this article came directly from the CDC’s website.

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15 Things Scenic Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines

by Cruise NewsScenic

Scenic Eclipse II isn’t just another luxury cruise ship.

In fact, Scenic doesn’t even call it a cruise ship. It’s an ultra-luxury discovery yacht, designed to combine the comfort of a six-star hotel with the kind of adventures you’d normally only expect from an expedition cruise.

After spending five nights on board (thanks to Scenic for the invite), I found plenty of things that it does differently. Some were immediately obvious, while others only became apparent after a few days.

These are the things I think Scenic does better than almost any other cruise line.

1. Every Suite Is Huge

Most cruise ships have a mix of cabins – from small inside rooms right through to lavish suites.

Scenic takes a completely different approach. Every single accommodation option on Scenic Eclipse II (and her sister Scenic Eclipse) is a suite.

Even the entry-level Verandah Suite that I stayed in is far larger than the standard balcony cabins you’ll find on most luxury cruise ships.

Scenic Eclipse II suite

My suite was the cheapest available on board, yet it still had a separate seating area, a spacious bathroom and a large private veranda.

The extra space makes a huge difference. There’s room to properly unpack, relax and spend time in your suite without feeling cramped. Many cruise lines reserve this level of comfort for their highest-paying guests. On Scenic Eclipse, everyone gets it.

You can take a closer look at my room in this video…

2. The Beds Have Remote Controls

This is a relatively simple thing, but something that we enjoyed a lot!

The bed in our suite had a remote control on each side that allowed us to adjust the position with the touch of a button. You can raise your head to read, watch television in comfort or simply relax with your feet up high.

Scenic bed

I’ve never heard of any other cruise line having remote-controlled adjustable beds. It’s one of those small touches that demonstrates just how much thought has gone into creating a luxury hotel experience rather than simply a cruise cabin.

3. Everyone Gets A Butler

Many luxury cruise lines offer butler service. The difference is that Scenic provides one for every suite. Whether you’re staying in the most affordable Verandah Suite or the most expensive penthouse, you’ll have your own butler throughout your cruise.

Your butler can arrange room service, organise laundry, make dining reservations and help with almost anything you need during your trip.

Scenic room service

What impressed me most wasn’t the service itself but how relaxed it felt. There was nothing stuffy or intimidating about it.

My butler, George, delivered room service, stocked our minibar with exactly what we’d requested and was always available if we needed anything. It never felt formal or uncomfortable, just genuinely helpful.

4. The Food Is Incredible

I’ve eaten on a lot of cruise ships, but Scenic Eclipse II served up some of the best food I’ve ever had at sea.

The ship has multiple dining venues serving everything from sushi and Asian cuisine to French fine dining and Italian favourites. All of them are included in the fare.

What really stood out wasn’t just the variety. It was the quality. Even simple dishes were exceptional. A tomato salad tasted like the best tomato salad I’d ever eaten. Plain pasta somehow tasted extraordinary.

tomato salad

The ingredients are excellent, the presentation is beautiful and every meal feels carefully considered.

One evening we enjoyed a tasting menu that seemed to go on forever, with course after course of beautifully prepared food appearing throughout the evening.

Special diets are well catered-for too, with separate vegan menus available and allergens clearly marked.

For food lovers, Scenic Eclipse is hard to beat.

5. The Wine Never Stops Flowing

Many cruise lines include drinks. Few do it quite like Scenic.

Champagne seems to appear everywhere. Guests are welcomed aboard with a glass, it’s available throughout the ship and staff seem to have a sixth sense for topping up your glass before it becomes empty.

Cruise Mummy on Scenic cruise with wine

Wine service in the restaurants is equally impressive. Rather than handing you a long wine list and leaving you to decide, the sommeliers recommend wines chosen specifically to complement each course.

The result feels much more like dining in a luxury restaurant than eating on a cruise ship.

And because the wines included in the fare are already excellent, most guests never feel the need to pay extra.

6. The Spa Is A Real Part Of The Experience

On many cruise ships, the spa feels like an extra splurge. On Scenic cruises, popping in for a sauna or a nap on a heated bed is just part of your day.

Access to the Senses Spa thermal area is included, allowing guests to enjoy steam rooms, saunas, heated loungers, experience showers and relaxation spaces whenever they wish.

Because the ship carries relatively few guests, the spa rarely feels crowded. I often found myself relaxing there after excursions, and it became one of my favourite places on board.

7. It Blends Expedition Adventure With Serious Comfort

Most cruise lines specialise in either luxury or adventure. Scenic manages to combine both.

The same ship that serves caviar and Champagne while visiting destinations like St Tropez and Portofino can also take guests to Antarctica, the Arctic and some of the world’s most remote places.

Its expedition credentials are genuine, with advanced technology, specialist equipment and a design capable of operating in polar regions. Yet at the end of an adventurous day, you’re still returning to a luxurious suite, gourmet dining and exceptional service.

Very few cruise lines deliver both experiences so successfully.

8. Included Excursions Make Exploration Effortless

One of the biggest differences I noticed on Scenic Eclipse II was how much easier port days felt.

On many cruises, you have to plan out each day. Should you book an excursion? Which one? Is it better to book with the cruise line or a third party? Is it worth the cost? Should you just explore independently instead?

With Scenic, most of those decisions disappear because a wide range of excursions are already included.

scenic excursion

Each port usually offers several options, from active hikes and bike rides to food and wine experiences, guided walking tours and panoramic sightseeing trips.

There are meetings about the excursions to help you decide which is the best for you.

I found that I actually explored more than I normally would because the excursions were already included. Instead of wandering around aimlessly, I was experiencing destinations with knowledgeable local guides and returning to the ship feeling like I’d made the most of each port.

9. Electric Bikes Are Available To Borrow

Most cruise lines don’t offer guests bicycles. You would need to go ashore and find a bicycle hire centre.

But, on selected itineraries, Scenic ships have a fleet of electric bikes available onboard for you. It’s a fantastic option for guests who want tol explore a little further than they could do on foot.

And, the electric assistance means hills become much less intimidating, allowing you to cover far greater distances than you could comfortably manage on a standard bicycle.

For active travellers, it’s another way Scenic encourages guests to experience destinations rather than simply visit them.

10. The Theatre Is Incredibly Comfortable

You won’t find Broadway-style productions or huge theatrical spectacles on Scenic cruises. That’s not really the point.

Instead, the theatre is designed for destination lectures, enrichment talks, expedition briefings and intimate entertainment performances.

Scenic Eclipse II theatre

What stood out to me was how comfortable it is. The stage is in the centre, with seats around, meaning that the performers are just a few feet away. The screen extends right around the room too. Plus, each seat reclines for ultimate comfort.

11. The Ship Feels Spacious And Calm

Wherever I went on the ship, I was constantly asking myself ‘where is everybody?’

When I first went to the pool area and saw only a handful of loungers, I was worried. That’s not many at all. Yet somehow, there were always some free.

The ship has large open spaces, that look as though they should be filled with something – yet there was no need to.

Scenic Eclipse outdoor area

And as for music? It was usually silent. No blasting party hits or loud music quizzes by the pool. Just peace and quiet.

That sense of calm creates a completely different atmosphere from a mainstream cruise ship. It’s one of the reasons the cruise felt so relaxing from the moment I stepped on board.

12. Its Super Easy To Make Friends

I wasn’t expecting this.

Luxury cruises sometimes have a reputation for being a little formal or reserved. Scenic Eclipse wasn’t like that at all.

Because the ship is relatively small, you naturally start recognising people after a day or two. You see the same faces at breakfast, on excursions and around the lounges.

Scenic Eclipse restaurant with shared table

Many of the dining venues encourage shared tables, making it easy to strike up conversations with fellow guests. And in the lounge, the seating is cleverly arranged so that it’s easy to interact.

We shared tables with people we’d never met before and ended up having some of the most enjoyable evenings of the cruise. The atmosphere felt warm, welcoming and refreshingly unpretentious.

13. The Marina Adds A Whole Extra Side To The Cruise

Most cruise ships are designed to keep you away from the water. Scenic encourages you to get into it!

The marina platform opens directly onto the sea, creating an entire watersports centre at the back of the ship.

Scenic Eclipse Marina platform

Depending on conditions and the itinerary, guests can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming directly from the yacht.

One of my favourite moments of the cruise was climbing out of the sea after paddleboarding and being handed a glass of Champagne. What an experience!

14. The Crew-To-Guest Ratio Makes A Big Difference

Scenic Eclipse carries around 200 guests on many itineraries but has almost as many crew members. The result is a crew-to-guest ratio that’s close to one-to-one.

Numbers alone don’t guarantee great service, but you certainly notice the difference.

Cocktails

Crew members quickly learn your name, remember your favourite drinks and genuinely seem to know who you are. By the second day, waiters were already asking whether I wanted the same drinks I’d ordered previously.

That level of personal service is difficult to achieve on larger ships carrying thousands of guests.

15. It Offers Experiences Most Cruise Ships Simply Can’t

This is where Scenic truly separates itself from almost every other cruise line.

The yacht carries not one but two helicopters. And on expedition voyages, it also offers rides in a custom-built submarine.

Scenic helicopter

Very few cruise ships can offer guests the chance to see remote landscapes from the air or explore beneath the ocean’s surface.

Even beyond the helicopters and submarine, Scenic Eclipse II was built for destinations that many luxury ships simply can’t reach.

It can sail in Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote regions while still providing the kind of luxury experience most travellers would associate with a high-end hotel.

Check out the best itineraries from Scenic

Sail the world in unrivalled luxury!

Final Thoughts

Scenic won’t be the right cruise line for everyone.

If you want water slides, casinos, quizzes and Broadway shows, you’ll find more suitable options elsewhere.

But if you love exceptional food, personalised service, included experiences and a calm, luxurious atmosphere, then Scenic does an extraordinary job.

What impressed me most wasn’t any single feature. It was how all of these elements come together to create an experience that feels genuinely different from every other cruise line I’ve sailed with.

Check out my YouTube video for a close look at this remarkable ship…

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Marella Cruises Transforms Discovery 2 Into Permanent Adults-Only Ship From Winter 2027

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Marella Cruises has confirmed that Marella Discovery 2 will become a permanent adults-only cruise ship from November 2027, with the vessel undergoing a significant onboard transformation that will see its children’s facilities replaced by four new venues designed exclusively for adults.

One of Marella's Cruise ships

The announcement forms part of the cruise line’s newly unveiled winter 2027-28 programme, which also introduces new itineraries, repositioning and transatlantic cruises, expanded Cruise & Stay options and homeport operations across six ports in Europe and the Caribbean.

Marella Discovery 2 is already scheduled to operate adults-only sailings during the 2026-27 winter season on a trial basis. Following that programme, the ship will officially join Marella Explorer 2 as the line’s second dedicated adults-only vessel.

As part of the refurbishment, the ship’s existing kids’ spaces will be transformed into four new venues: a speakeasy, an escape room, a karaoke room and a dedicated arts and crafts area.

“Our winter 2027 programme will focus on the regeneration of Marella Discovery 2 returning as an adults-only ship for a second consecutive winter season. With demand for adults-only cruising continuing to grow, we’re investing in four new onboard concepts to enhance the experience even further.

“With brand-new itineraries, festive overnight stays, repositioning cruises, transatlantic cruises and an expansion of 39 hotels for our cruise and stay offering, we’re continuing to evolve our holidays to give customers more ways to cruise with Marella Cruises.”

Chris Hackney, chief executive of Marella Cruises

New Itineraries And Winter Deployment

The entire five-ship Marella Cruises fleet will operate from six homeports throughout the winter 2027-28 season, offering a combination of Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings alongside repositioning and transatlantic voyages.

Marella Discovery 2 will spend November 2027 through to March 2028 sailing Canary Islands itineraries from both Tenerife and Gran Canaria before repositioning to Malaga for cruises from March until April 2028.

Jenni with Marella ship in background

One of the highlights of the season will be the debut of a new seven-night Atlantic Fusion itinerary. Sailing roundtrip from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, the cruise will call at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura, Arrecife in Lanzarote, Agadir in Morocco, followed by a day at sea, Santa Cruz de La Palma and back to Gran Canaria. The itinerary also marks Marella’s return to Agadir.

Elsewhere in the fleet, Marella Discovery will spend the first part of the season sailing from La Romana in the Dominican Republic before moving to Palma, Majorca, for spring departures.

Marella Explorer will alternate departures between Tenerife and Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, operating a range of Canary Islands cruises. The ship will also feature a festive overnight stay in Funchal, Madeira, as part of its A Canarian Christmas itinerary departing on 23rd December 2027.

Meanwhile, Marella Voyager and the adults-only Marella Explorer 2 will both operate Caribbean itineraries throughout the season, homeporting in Barbados.

The programme also includes a selection of five to eight-night repositioning cruises, including Canarian Collection 2 sailing from Malaga to Gibraltar, alongside several longer voyages.

Jenni relaxing on a Marella cruise

Among the transatlantic options is Voyage to the Tropics aboard Marella Discovery. Sailing from Malaga, the itinerary calls at Gibraltar before eight consecutive days at sea, followed by visits to St John’s in Antigua, Basseterre in St Kitts, Philipsburg in St Maarten and Road Town in the British Virgin Islands before arriving in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

All winter 2027-28 cruises go on sale on 2nd July 2026.

Expanded Cruise & Stay Programme

Alongside the new itineraries, Marella Cruises is also expanding its Cruise & Stay programme with the addition of 39 new hotels across Malaga, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Romana, Barbados and Palma.

The additions increase the number of hotels available through the programme to 236, giving guests more options to combine a cruise with a land-based holiday before or after their sailing.

The announcement reflects Marella Cruises’ continued focus on expanding its adults-only offering while also broadening its range of itineraries and holiday packages across both Europe and the Caribbean for the winter 2027-28 season.

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Propulsion Problems Force Three Port Cancellations During NCL Cruise

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Norwegian Cruise Line has been forced to cancel three scheduled port calls and offer passenger compensation after the 25-year-old Norwegian Sun experienced propulsion issues that have severely restricted the ship’s speed during a nine-day Northern Europe sailing.

The 1,976-passenger vessel departed Helsinki on 21st June for a scheduled voyage to Copenhagen, but technical problems have prevented the ship from reaching several key destinations on the advertised itinerary.

Norwegian Sun NCL

Norwegian Sun is currently operating at significantly reduced speed due to a technical malfunction affecting its propulsion system. Tracking data shows the vessel struggling to exceed 14 knots, well below normal cruising speeds.

On 25th June, passengers received official notification from Norwegian Cruise Line explaining that the technical issue required the ship to operate at lower speeds. The cruise line emphasised that whilst the problem impacts scheduling, it poses no safety risk to passengers or crew.

The reduced speed has made it impossible for the ship to reach all scheduled ports within the planned timeframes, forcing Norwegian Cruise Line to make substantial alterations to the published itinerary.

Swedish, Lithuanian and Polish Ports Eliminated From Schedule

The propulsion failure has resulted in the cancellation of three planned port calls, with replacement sea days and alternative stops substituted where possible.

Nynäshamn, Sweden – serving as the gateway to Stockholm – has been completely cancelled and replaced with a day at sea. Klaipėda, Lithuania, has similarly been eliminated from the itinerary and substituted with an unscheduled sea day.

Gdynia, Poland, was also removed from the schedule, though Norwegian Cruise Line arranged an alternative call at Rønne, Denmark, to partially compensate for the lost port experience.

Revised Itinerary Shows Adjusted Timings Throughout Voyage

The current sailing, which departed Helsinki on 21st June at 4pm, successfully called at Tallinn, Estonia, on 22nd June as scheduled, with passengers enjoying the port from 8 am to 5 pm.

The first casualty was Nynäshamn on 23rd June, which became an unplanned sea day. Riga, Latvia, was reached on 24th June and visited from 9:30 am to 6 pm as originally intended.

Klaipėda became the second cancelled port on 25th June, replaced with another sea day. On 26th June, the substitute stop at Rønne, Denmark, operated from 8 am to 6 pm in place of the planned Gdynia call.

Warnemünde, Germany, remained on the itinerary but with an extended port stay from 7:30 am to 11 pm on 27th June. Kiel, Germany, saw shortened hours on 28th June, with the ship arriving and departing on a compressed schedule from 8 am to 5 pm.

The final destination of Copenhagen faces a delayed morning arrival at 10:30 AM on 29th June, though the overnight stay remains intact. Disembarkation is scheduled to proceed as planned at 6 am on 30th June.

Previous Sailing Also Affected by Similar Technical Problems

Passengers aboard the preceding week’s voyage reported experiencing similar propulsion difficulties that forced Norwegian Sun to bypass Stockholm during that sailing as well.

Cruise ship engine room

This pattern suggests the technical issues may have been ongoing or recurring, raising questions about the ship’s mechanical condition and whether repairs conducted between sailings have adequately addressed the underlying problems.

The recurrence of propulsion difficulties across consecutive voyages has amplified passenger concerns about the reliability of Norwegian Sun’s machinery and the cruise line’s ability to maintain consistent itineraries.

Passengers Express Frustration Over Lost Destinations and Communication

Affected passengers have taken to social media platforms including Reddit and Facebook to voice their disappointment with the situation and its handling by Norwegian Cruise Line.

One frustrated traveller questioned why the cruise was permitted to depart at all, stating, “They knew there was a problem, and they still put 1,900 passengers on the ship. Just very disappointing to spend all this time and money just to sit in a floating hotel without being told NCL had changed the itinerary.”

Other cruisers offered more pragmatic perspectives on the situation. One commented, “Failures happen on ships, especially ones that have almost no downtime. Disappointing sure, but that is cruising sometimes and ports can and will get cancelled.”

Several experienced passengers noted that Norwegian Sun’s age and propulsion design may contribute to such problems. Unlike modern vessels equipped with azipod systems that can swivel 360 degrees, the 25-year-old ship relies on traditional propellers and rudders, which provide ample redundancy for safety but cannot compensate for power loss from malfunctioning engines.

Norwegian Cruise Line Provides Compensation Package to Affected Guests

In response to the significant itinerary changes, Norwegian Cruise Line has offered a multi-faceted compensation package to passengers on the affected sailing.

Each stateroom receives $100 in non-refundable onboard credit, distributed as $50 for each of the first two guests in the cabin. This credit can be used for various purchases and services throughout the remainder of the voyage.

The Norwegian Sun cruise ship docked at a port, showcasing its multi-deck structure with a distinctive black funnel and the name 'Norwegian Sun' visible on the stern, set against a city skyline and cloudy sky.

Every passenger has also been granted a 25 per cent future cruise credit, valid for bookings made within the next year. This discount applies to future Norwegian Cruise Line sailings and represents an incentive for passengers to sail again despite the disrupted experience.

All shore excursions purchased directly through Norwegian Cruise Line for the cancelled ports are being automatically refunded to passengers’ onboard accounts, ensuring travellers are not charged for experiences they were unable to enjoy.

Future Sailings May Face Uncertainty Until Propulsion Issues Resolved

Passengers booked on upcoming Norwegian Sun voyages later this summer should monitor their email communications closely for potential schedule changes or updates.

If Norwegian Cruise Line cannot successfully repair the propulsion system during the ship’s brief turnaround periods between sailings, additional itinerary modifications may become necessary on future departures.

The cruise line faces pressure to resolve the mechanical issues quickly to prevent further disruption and maintain passenger confidence in the vessel’s reliability for the remainder of the Northern Europe season.

Travellers with travel insurance policies that include port cancellation coverage may be eligible for additional compensation beyond what Norwegian Cruise Line has offered, making it worthwhile for affected passengers to review their policy terms and file claims where applicable.

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