A few weeks ago, Princess Cruises announced that they were adding Arrival Groups, aka staggered embarkation, on two cruise ships that were sailing to Alaska from Seattle this summer.
Now, Princess is adding Arrival Groups for cruises out of Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. The cruise line said that guests will begin receiving communications regarding arrival groups if they are cruising from Florida.
Arrival Groups will be selected by guests or assigned by Princess Cruises and will determine what time guests should arrive for check in and embarkation.
Guests will receive an email approximately 30 days prior to their cruise with information about selecting their arrival time.
Guests with flight details (EZair or independent air) entered in the app or Manage Booking and guests with a Princess Cruise Plus hotel package will have an arrival time automatically assigned.
Guests who do not provide those details can manually select the arrival group of their choice. All guests will have an arrival group automatically assigned prior to the cruise if they do not complete the process.
If no selection is made, an Arrival Group will be automatically assigned 24 hours before embarkation.
Why is Princess Cruises switching to Arrival Groups? The cruise line said that staggered check-in windows create a smoother embarkation for guests.
This allows for shorter wait times at the cruise terminal and a faster, stress free experience.
Below is a list of ports that Princess sails out of and when Arrival Groups will begin.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
Hundreds of cruisers are thousands of dollars out of pocket and looking for answers after a major music cruise was canceled at the last minute.
The Capital Jazz SuperCruise, scheduled for late March 2026, never left the dock. Now, the state of Maryland is stepping in to find out where the money went.
According to news reports, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has filed formal charges against Capital Jazz and its owner, Clifford Hunte.
The state alleges the company took at least $642,240 from 103 identified passengers and failed to pay it back.
While some guests only found out the trip was off a few days before departure, investigators say the cruise was actually destined to never happen months ago.
The Four-Month Gap
The investigation found that the ship operator, MSC Cruises, had already canceled the contract with Capital Jazz in November 2025 because the promoter wasn’t paying the bills.
Despite losing the ship, the company reportedly kept taking money and holding onto deposits until the very last second. Many people had already paid for flights and hotels in Miami before they were told “not to show up” at the port.
A Pattern
This isn’t the first time the promoter has been in hot water. Capital Jazz was already under a 2025 legal settlement for failing to refund customers from previous years.
The Attorney General says the company didn’t just ignore the 2026 passengers. They also stopped paying the penalties they owed from that first case.
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown said that “Capital Jazz made a commitment to Maryland consumers and broke it, and then they brazenly did it again.”
Video of the 2025 SuperCruise:
A Judge to Decide
A hearing is set for July 21, 2026, where a judge will decide on penalties and how to get the $642,000 back to the people who paid it.
If you are still waiting on a refund for this cruise, the state is urging you to file a formal complaint with the Consumer Protection Division to make sure you’re on the list for potential repayment.
“I Truly Pray We Get Refunded”
After ABC 7 reported on this story, dozens of guests who were impacted reacted to the story.
“I am part of this cruise and am out of 7,376.00,” one comment stated, while another said they paid over $8,000 for the trip.
The frustration among guests often focused on a single theme. It was the feeling that the company knew the cruise was in trouble long before they told the public.
“I am part of this cruise as well. The amount is $7,836,” one passenger posted. “They took money knowing the cruise was cancelled based upon the information [the state] obtained.”
Another traveler noted that they had been trying to get answers for months. “I’ve known that the cruise was canceled back in December. My phone calls to SuperCruise started on Dec 18th… I was told in Mid-January that it was canceled and that I would receive an email with further info. Did you get an email? ME EITHER.”
For some, the cancelation felt like a betrayal of years of loyalty. One fan, who had supported the company for 15 years, noted that their group was out over $7,000.
“The lack of communication, the sudden removal of the website, the unanswered calls, are ALL completely UNSATISFACTORY!!!” they wrote. “I truly pray we get refunded.”
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
River cruise line AmaWaterways has announced its biggest expansion yet, revealing plans to grow its fleet to more than 50 ships by 2032 as demand for river cruising continues to rise.
The company currently operates 31 ships worldwide and says it will significantly increase capacity over the coming years with a series of new vessels across Europe, Africa and Asia.
In total, the expansion will include 15 additional ships in Europe and a major increase in capacity outside the region, with new ships planned for both Africa and Asia.
The growth programme builds on previously announced plans for three ships launching in 2027 on the Rhine, Danube and Mekong rivers, while several other vessels are scheduled to debut between 2026 and 2028.
“Our expansion reflects strong demand across both our established and emerging markets,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “River cruising is on a clear growth trajectory, and we are investing with purpose, expanding our global footprint while continuing to elevate the experience for our guests and our travel partners.”
New Ships Planned For Europe, Africa And Asia
The expansion includes a number of confirmed ships that will begin sailing over the next few years across several major river cruise regions.
AmaNubia is scheduled to launch on the Nile in September 2026. The ship will feature 38 staterooms designed with Egyptian-inspired details and will join the line’s existing Nile vessels AmaDahlia and AmaLilia.
In 2027, AmaRudi will debut on the Danube. The vessel will be the line’s second double-width river ship, following AmaMagna, and will accommodate 196 guests across 98 staterooms.
AmaRudi
Another ship arriving in 2027 is AmaMaya, which will operate on the Mekong River with 60 staterooms and a design influenced by the region’s Indochine heritage.
Additional ships planned include AmaFiora on the Rhine in 2027, AmaClara on the Rhône in 2028, and AmaGaia on Portugal’s Douro River in 2028. AmaCleo is also expected to join the Nile fleet in 2028 as the line expands its presence in Egypt.
AmaWaterways is also exploring further growth in Africa, including plans for a second ship on the Chobe River alongside the Zambezi Queen.
What The Expansion Means For River Cruise Passengers
For cruise passengers, the expansion means a wider choice of itineraries and potentially greater availability on some of the world’s most popular river routes.
Europe remains the company’s largest market, but the addition of ships in Africa and Asia reflects growing interest in more adventurous river cruise destinations such as Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia and southern Africa.
Portugal’s Douro River is another area seeing strong demand, which has led to the planned introduction of AmaGaia alongside the line’s existing ships already operating there.
Douro River
With new vessels scheduled to arrive almost every year through to 2032, the cruise line expects the expansion to significantly increase global capacity while expanding its presence in both established and emerging river cruise markets.
Industry Demand Driving River Cruise Growth
The announcement highlights the continued growth of the river cruise sector, which has seen increasing demand in recent years from travellers looking for smaller ships and destination-focused itineraries.
AmaWaterways says strong repeat guest rates and growing interest from travellers in North America, Europe and newer markets have helped drive the decision to invest in a significantly larger fleet over the next decade.
Further details about future ships and itineraries are expected to be released in the coming months as the expansion programme continues.
Carnival Cruise Line is doubling down on its commitment to Texas. The cruise line has announced that its fifth Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale, will be homeporting in Galveston when it debuts in 2028.
Cruise Fever just reported last month that Galveston is expecting to be able to have seven ships at once in port by 2045. The port is already the busiest cruise port in the U.S. that is not based in Florida, and this move by Carnival shows that Galveston is not messing around.
Two Excel Ships
When Carnival Tropicale comes to Texas it will join another 183,000 gross ton ship in the class, Carnival Jubilee. Between the two ships, over 10,000 passengers will be able to sail out of Galveston on these two ships alone.
Carnival Jubilee has been sailing out of Texas since 2024 and is currently offering 7-day cruises to the Western Caribbean.
What’s New on Carnival Tropicale?
While the Excel-class is famous for the BOLT roller coaster and bold atriums, Carnival is introducing fresh ideas for this 2028 debut:
Sunsation Point: A brand-new themed zone that will serve as the heart of the ship’s outdoor recreation.
WaterWorks Ultra: This next-generation waterpark is expected to be the largest and most feature-rich version in the entire fleet.
Next-Gen Power: Like her sister ships, Tropicale will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), taking advantage of Galveston’s specialized clean-fuel set up.
Carnival and Texas
Carnival has been a fixture in Galveston for over 26 years, recently celebrating a milestone of 10 million guests hosted at the port. By placing two of its three newest ships in the Lone Star State, Carnival is telling Texans that they have more options on “Fun Ships” coming soon.
“Texas has been at the heart of Carnival’s growth,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “This new Excel-class ship ensures we continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests in and around the state.”
Reservation and itinerary details for Carnival Tropicale are expected to be released by late 2026.
Carnival Festivale, is the fourth Excel-class ship, set to debut in 2027. A homeport has not officially been announced for the ship just yet.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
Silversea cruises are often described as the ultimate luxury at sea. All-inclusive drinks. Butler service in every suite. Some of the most exclusive itineraries in cruising.
But here’s what many people don’t realise…
Not all Silversea ships feel the same.
Some are sleek, modern luxury ships. Others are smaller expedition vessels built for exploring places most cruise ships can’t reach. And the onboard experience can feel surprisingly different depending on which one you choose.
So which Silversea ships are the newest, the biggest… and the ones that offer something completely different?
Size of the Silversea Fleet
Silversea currently has 12 cruise ships in its fleet. Of the current fleet, four are Expedition ships and eight are ultra-luxury cruise ships.
There are two main types of Silversea ships – the standard ships that offer a classic ultra-luxury experience, and Expedition class ships.
Expedition class vessels are smaller than regular cruise ships as they are specifically designed to be able to access ports of call that larger ships can’t.
They still provide a luxury cruise experience, but being smaller they don’t have the same range of facilities – you’ll have fewer choices for dining venues, and there won’t be as many public areas to relax. They’re an adventure ship, rather than one designed around sumptuous pool decks and classy bars.
With Silversea expeditions, the focus is very much on the destinations, with the chance to visit some of the world’s most beautiful and untouched locations including the north and south polar regions, the Galapagos Islands and more.
Silversea’s larger cruise ships won’t even offer tenders to these locations due to logistical issues, but the smaller expedition ships are able to anchor much closer. They’re also better equipped to deal with icy polar weather conditions.
Many Silversea expedition cruise ships have Zodiac boats, which are much smaller than a typical tender and allow guests to get onto land at destinations like the Antarctic where a regular tender can’t get close.
If you’ve ever wanted to see penguins in their natural habitats, rather than zoos, then a Silversea Expedition ship can get you there.
They’re ideal if you like the idea of cruising with a much smaller number of passengers too – the largest Silversea expedition ship accommodates just 274 passengers, while the smallest has just 100. You could almost learn every passenger’s name by the end of your voyage!
Silversea cruise ships are all relatively small compared to many other cruise lines, with a maximum guest capacity of 728 on the largest ships (and many accommodating fewer).
A cruise with Silversea is not one where you’re going to be overwhelmed with crowds. It’s a more intimate and relaxed experience, where the crew are able to give a more personalised service.
It wouldn’t be possible for a ship with 6,000 passengers to be able to give each guest the same luxury that Silversea offers.
The table below compares all of the Silversea ships by size from largest to smallest…
Ship
Type
Volume (gross tons)
Length (feet)
Number of decks
Passenger capacity
Crew capacity
Silver Ray
Ultra-luxury
54,700
801
11
728
556
Silver Nova
Ultra-luxury
54,700
801
11
728
556
Silver Muse
Ultra-luxury
40,700
698
11
596
411
Silver Moon
Ultra-luxury
40,700
698
11
596
411
Silver Dawn
Ultra-luxury
40,700
698
11
596
411
Silver Spirit
Ultra-luxury
39,519
691
11
608
411
Silver Shadow
Ultra-luxury
28,258
610
10
392
302
Silver Whisper
Ultra-luxury
28,258
610
10
392
302
Silver Endeavor
Expedition
20,449
538
10
200
209
Silver Cloud
Expedition
17,400
514
9
254
212
Silver Wind
Expedition
17,400
514
9
274
239
Silver Origin
Expedition
5,800
331
8
100
90
Planning a Silversea Cruise?
Get expert help choosing the right Silversea ship, suite, and itinerary for your trip.
Silversea Ships by Age
The current newest ship in the Silversea fleet is the Silver Ray, the second of the Evolution-class of ships. The first of this class was the Silver Nova.
Silversea maintains the highest standards in its ships, and so they go through regular refurbishments to ensure that they offer the luxury that the cruise line demands.
Here’s a look at each ship in the fleet, when it was launched, and when it was last refurbished:
Ship
Type
Year built
Year joined the fleet
Last refurbished
Silver Cloud
Expedition
1994
1994
2017
Silver Wind
Expedition
1995
1995
2021
Silver Shadow
Ultra-luxury
2000
2000
2019
Silver Whisper
Ultra-luxury
2001
2001
2018
Silver Spirit
Ultra-luxury
2009
2009
2026
Silver Muse
Ultra-luxury
2017
2017
2025
Silver Moon
Ultra-luxury
2020
2020
N/A
Silver Origin
Expedition
2020
2020
N/A
Silver Dawn
Ultra-luxury
2021
2021
N/A
Silver Endeavor
Expedition
2021
2022
2022
Silver Nova
Ultra-luxury
2023
2023
N/A
Silver Ray
Ultra-luxury
2024
2024
N/A
Life Onboard a Silversea Ship
Silversea is considered to be an ultra-luxury cruise line. With smaller ships, a crew-to-guest ratio that’s often close to 1:1, and butler service for all guests, everyone enjoys a personalised VIP experience, with fine dining restaurants, beautiful suites and public areas to enjoy.
All the finer details are taken care of, so you can expect the staff to greet you by name, remember your favourite drink, and even offer you a cool towel while you sunbathe by the pool!
What Makes Silversea Different
What sets Silversea apart – as well as the all-inclusive luxury – is the choice of itineraries available. Across their entire fleet, they sail to over 900 ports of call on all 7 continents, meaning guests can explore more of the world from the comfort of a luxury vessel.
They Aren’t Stuffy Though!
Silversea’s ships are luxurious, but it’s more understated and chic. Guests are treated as if they are VIPs and everything is about giving the guest the best cruise. There aren’t a lot of formal expectations placed on guests to behave in a certain manner.
You Do Still Get Formal Nights
There is at least one formal night on every Silversea cruise. They’re optional, with some restaurants on board allowing guests to still dress casually. If you do wish to attend a formal night, men should wear a dark suit or tuxedo and women are asked to wear an evening gown.
Surprisingly, Families are Welcomed
Despite their ultra-luxury atmosphere, Silversea ships are not for adults only. Children as young as six months are permitted to travel. Guests under the age of 18 must be travelling with an adult, either in the same or an adjoining suite.
That said, you’ll rarely find any children on board Silversea cruises. As there are no facilities for children, families often choose more family-friendly cruise lines with activities for children.
Drinks Are Included In Your Fare
All drinks are included on a Silversea cruise, even Champagne. Whether at a bar, a restaurant or in your own suite, all drinks on board are complimentary, and your butler will make sure that your own mini-bar is constantly stocked with your favourites, though you can also make special requests.
Some Fares Include Airfare Too!
Guests can choose a Door-to-Door cruise fare if they want airfare included in their cruise, along with chauffeur transfers from their home to the airport. A Port-to-Port fare lets guests book just the cruise element if they want, and there’s also a newer Essential fare on some sailings that removes the shore excursions from the package.
What’s Not Included
Some of the things not included in a Silversea cruise fare include selected shore excursions and on-board dining experiences, any on-shore dining, fuel surcharges, laundry and valet services, casino gaming and purchases from the on-board shops.
Personal care services, including spa treatments and medication, are also not included.
Which Silversea Ship is Best
There’s no single answer on which is the best Silversea ship, because they all offer different types of experience.
If you’re more concerned with the quality of the onboard experience, then you will likely find one of the classic ultra-luxury ships to be more to your tastes. They offer a wider range of dining venues and more deck space where you can unwind.
But even within these ships, you have the choice of one of the ‘larger’ ships in the fleet that can accommodate up to 728 passengers or a smaller one that has a capacity of around 400 guests. Those smaller ships still have plenty of spaces to unwind in luxury, and they have a better crew-to-guest ratio that’s close to 1:1 for even more attentive service.
Or, you could choose an Expedition ship. These are smaller again, and while they don’t have the same range of restaurants or public areas where you can unwind, they still offer Silversea’s ultra-luxury experience.
Plus, you get the chance to explore a much broader range of destinations, including some incredibly exciting ports in parts of the world that most other cruise ships simply can’t reach due to their size.
That’s why it’s impossible to say which is the best. It all comes down to whether you want a ship with more places to relax, or a smaller ship where the destination matters more.
Whichever of the Silversea Cruises ships you choose though, you will be made to feel very comfortable and very special, thanks to their outstanding service across the entire fleet.
Book Your Silversea Cruise
I recommend Panache Cruises as the ideal expert to help you book your perfect Silversea Cruise.
Panache Cruises are specialists in luxury ocean cruises
Their expert Cruise Connoisseurs will tailor your trip to your exact requirements
I love their motto – “Nothing is too much trouble”
To Conclude
Silversea’s fleet isn’t the largest (both in terms of ship size and the number of ships), but they have a very specific target market in mind. These aren’t cheap cruises – these are the pinnacle of ultra-luxury holidays, offering you the equivalent of the finest hotels whilst also taking you to some of the most exotic and fascinating places in the world.
Expedition cruises are more suited to the adventurous types, but each ship is something special, and definitely worth checking out if you want the cruise holiday of a lifetime.
P&O Cruises has confirmed that comedian Jason Manford will bring his touring Manford’s Comedy Club concept on board two of its newest ships for a limited run of sailings in 2026.
The cruise line revealed that the shows will feature exclusively on selected itineraries aboard Iona and Arvia between May and October 2026, offering passengers access to a curated line-up of emerging UK comedy talent.
Handpicked Line-Up Across 35 Sailings
Across the season, 70 comedians personally selected by Manford are set to deliver a total of 140 performances. The shows will take place in the ships’ Limelight Club venues, which combine a cabaret-style setting with a premium dining experience.
Each performance will be ticketed and reserved for adults, with a double-bill format promising an evening of live comedy designed to complement time spent ashore or on board.
The cruises themselves will span a range of European itineraries, including voyages to France, Spain, Italy and the Norwegian fjords.
Paul Ludlow said the partnership enhances the line’s entertainment offering, stating the company was “delighted” to collaborate with one of the UK’s most recognisable comedians.
Manford added that the move represents a new chapter for his long-running comedy brand, describing the project as taking the club “to sea” across 35 cruises.
Example sailings featuring the comedy events include a seven-night Norwegian fjords itinerary departing Southampton on 4th July 2026 aboard Iona, with lead-in fares from £849 per person.
A longer 14-night Spain and France sailing on Arvia departs 16th August 2026, with prices starting from £1,229 per person based on two people sharing an inside cabin.
Onboard Entertainment And Added Value
The Limelight Club venues on both ships are designed to offer a more intimate setting than traditional theatre spaces, positioning the comedy nights as a premium, small-capacity experience within the broader entertainment programme.
Cruises with P&O Cruises already include accommodation, meals, entertainment such as theatre productions and live music, as well as access to pools and children’s clubs. The addition of Manford’s Comedy Club builds on the line’s focus on varied onboard experiences.
The announcement also comes alongside a promotional push for Southampton departures, with selected cruises offering up to £800 in onboard spending credit. The offer applies to new Select Price bookings made between 24th March 2026 and 1st June 2026, covering sailings departing between 1st June 2026 and 29th November 2027.
Guests can also opt for the cruise line’s all-inclusive packages, which bundle drinks, WiFi and speciality dining. The Classic Package is priced at £49 per person per day, with P&O Cruises stating it can offer savings compared with purchasing each element individually on board.
Growing Trend For Specialist Entertainment At Sea
The introduction of a branded comedy club at sea reflects a wider trend among cruise operators to partner with well-known personalities and entertainment brands to create unique onboard experiences.
Manford’s Comedy Club, which has been running for more than a decade on land, has hosted hundreds of comedians across venues ranging from theatres to holiday parks. Its move into the cruise sector signals continued demand for curated, live entertainment that goes beyond traditional cruise offerings.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest P&O Cruises offers…
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
A travel agent named Iona is preparing to marry on P&O Cruises’ ship Iona after a recent visit on board convinced her it was the perfect venue for her wedding….
Oceania Cruises has announced plans to relaunch Oceania Nautica as Oceania Aurelia in late 2027, with the 25-year-old ship to be extensively reworked under the line’s OceaniaNEXT programme and positioned…
A two-year-old child was taken to hospital after falling aboard the cruise ship Mein Schiff 7 while it was docked in Funchal on 22nd April 2026, prompting an emergency response…
Passengers booking guarantee staterooms with Royal Caribbean can now pay to secure earlier clarity on their cabin location, as the cruise line rolls out a new pilot programme called “Early…
Yesterday at Google Cloud Next in Las Vegas, Virgin Voyages – the award-winning, kid-free cruise line – introduced Rovey, the brand’s first AI Crew assistant and AI-powered travel assistant. Rovey will soon arrive on VirginVoyages.com to help Sailors navigate the complexity of cruise planning with personalized recommendations tailored to their travel style, pace, and interests.
Rovey is the first expression of Project Ruby, Virgin Voyages’ AI platform co-developed with Google Cloud and designed to guide Sailors through the pre-voyage journey from inspiration to booking. It is a named Crew member with a specific job: to make the planning feel less like research and more like the beginning of something epic, which has always been the Virgin Voyages way.
Nathan Rosenberg, Chief Brand Experience, Marketing and Momentum Officer at Virgin Voyages said, “Richard always said, ‘be the reason someone smiles today’ and that comes to life in the quiet moments onboard. That means the shore excursion that caught a Sailor off guard, the ah-ha moment that happens in a morning meditation at dawn, the Crew member who remembered exactly how you take your coffee. Rovey brings that same energy to the part of the trip that happens before Sailors cross the gangway.”
Rovey is a named Crew member with a specific job: to be genuinely useful in the weeks and months before a voyage. It was built with Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, Gemini models and BigQuery to enable Sailors exploring itineraries to get recommendations shaped around their travel style, pace and interests. Those weighing Shore Things get curated suggestions — from cooking classes to adventurous hikes to catamaran sails — based on what they love doing on land. Travelers toying with cabin categories, dining options, or what to pack for an Alaska voyage in May get answers to all of it. Rovey remembers where they left off. It knows what they are still figuring out. It doesn’t make Sailors start from scratch with every interaction.
Billy Bohan Chinique, VP Global Brand Marketing and AI Transformation at Virgin Voyages said, “Virgin Voyages has always been a brand that knows what it means to make someone feel something. Planning a sailing with Rovey should feel the same way our Crew makes Sailors feel onboard. Not like research. Like being looked after by someone who genuinely gets it. It knows this ship, knows the brand, and we are already excited for them to experience it.”
As a result of Project Ruby, seven expressions are planned across the full Sailor journey from first discovery through the voyage itself. Rovey is the first.
“We are excited to collaborate with Virgin Voyages and leverage Google Cloud’s leading AI technology to enhance the cruise booking process,” said Sam Sebastian, VP, North America Regions, Google Cloud. “By powering Rovey with our AI tools, Virgin Voyages is able to mitigate booking friction, deliver personalized travel recommendations at scale, and build deeper, more valuable connections with Sailors.”
A travel agent named Iona is preparing to marry on P&O Cruises’ ship Iona after a recent visit on board convinced her it was the perfect venue for her wedding.
Iona Ginn, a 31-year-old Hays Travel consultant, will marry her fiancé Harley, 28, on 12th September 2027 during a seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise.
The couple, who have been together for five years, got engaged at Disneyworld in Florida in November 2024, when Harley proposed by the castle.
A Ship Visit Sealed The Decision
Iona said she had been looking into wedding options when P&O Cruises announced that couples could get married across its fleet.
She said: “When I was on the ship visit last month, I just wanted to get married right there and then. I was speechless – I just love the atrium with its floor to ceiling windows and all the light in that space.
“We were researching wedding options and then we saw that P&O Cruises announced couples could get married on all its ships. We both love cruising, so we thought: let’s go for it, this is us. It’s something we wanted to do so we took the plunge and we are so excited.”
The ceremony will take place at sea before the ship arrives in Stavanger, Norway. Iona said the itinerary was ideal because none of the couple’s family had visited the region before.
“It’s the perfect itinerary for us as it’s an area that no-one in our family has visited before. It’s going to be a dream come true,” said Iona.
A Namesake Wedding At Sea
P&O Cruises’ Iona entered service in summer 2021 with a British Isles sailing that visited the island of Iona in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. More than 2,000 guests joined the inaugural cruise, which included fireworks and a deck party.
The ship’s name also carries a personal connection for the bride-to-be, who was named after the same Scottish island.
“The fact we share a name is a winning point and it feels like it was meant to be. Getting married at sea will be so magical. It’s also amazing value – the cake, flowers, hair and make-up is all included – not something you normally see. We’ll also get to make a week out of it and have our loved ones close by, which will be incredible.”
Iona said her experience as a travel agent has also helped her explain the cruise to family and friends, many of whom have not sailed before.
“It’s nice that I’ve been able to explain what their experience will be like and that knowledge has flowed through to all our guests.
“As a travel agent, having first-hand knowledge of the product is so important, especially for people who haven’t sailed before. I share photos and it adds that layer of credibility and puts people at ease. You then know exactly what you’re selling people.”
P&O Cruises associate vice president of sales and distribution, Ruth Venn, said: “We’re delighted that Iona has chosen her namesake ship for an unforgettable wedding in the fjords. Our travel agent partners have been instrumental in the huge popularity of P&O Cruises Ceremonies Sea and Shore, accounting for 45% of the bookings since we launched the new proposition in 2025.”
P&O Cruises offers commitment ceremonies, engagements and renewal of vows across all seven ships in its fleet. The first shore ceremony in Barbados is due to take place in early 2027.
Iona’s advice to other couples considering a cruise wedding is: “Do the research and go for it.
“Everything that we wanted we are getting – for an amazing price and a holiday included in it. It’s been such a seamless experience, we feel so well looked after. I’m normally a control freak, but I’m as cool as a cucumber with no stress right now.”
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest P&O Cruises offers…
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
Oceania Cruises has announced plans to relaunch Oceania Nautica as Oceania Aurelia in late 2027, with the 25-year-old ship to be extensively reworked under the line’s OceaniaNEXT programme and positioned…
A two-year-old child was taken to hospital after falling aboard the cruise ship Mein Schiff 7 while it was docked in Funchal on 22nd April 2026, prompting an emergency response…
Passengers booking guarantee staterooms with Royal Caribbean can now pay to secure earlier clarity on their cabin location, as the cruise line rolls out a new pilot programme called “Early…
Ambassador Cruise Line has changed the rules around spirits and drinks packages, cutting its standard spirit measure to 25ml while also removing the previous 15-alcoholic-drinks-per-day cap from package terms. Current…
Cruise lines want faster internet, and scientists want accurate hurricane data. At the center of a 6 GHz debate is a frequency that both sides claim they can’t live without.
Remember the days when “cruise ship internet” was just a nice way of saying you’d spend $30 a day to watch a loading circle and relive the glory days of dial-up?
Those days are officially over.
With Starlink now active across almost every major line from Royal Caribbean to Carnival Cruise Line we’ve entered a new era of connectivity. You can now sit on your balcony in the middle of the Caribbean and FaceTime Aunt Suzie to check on the dog back home without a single stutter.
But the cruise industry has concerns that we have reached the limitations of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and the bottleneck for today’s high speed needs has to be dealt with before it becomes a bigger problem.
But Starlink…
But doesn’t Starlink solve all of this? Not exactly. You see, even though Starlink makes the internet more accessible and faster, a Wi-Fi router still has to broadcast that signal to your phone or device.
Think of Starlink as a huge, high-speed pipe bringing water to the ship. The Wi-Fi bands are the smaller faucets in your cabin.
Right now, those faucets are clogging. With thousands of passengers trying to stream 4K video and upload TikToks simultaneously (and to all the other social platforms), the traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz airwaves are simply too crowded to keep up.
To fix this, the industry wants to move into the 6 GHz band, the home of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.
Why Some Don’t Want 6 GHz on Cruise Ships
But not everyone in the scientific community is happy about this.
The claim is that 6 GHz Wi-Fi would create “hot spots” that would not allow them to see the data they need in regards to ocean temperatures and studying hurricane activity.
Scientists use that exact 6 GHz frequency to “listen” to the ocean. Satellites pick up faint microwave signals naturally emitted by the sea surface to measure Sea Surface Temperature (SST).
Because this frequency can “see” through thick clouds, it is the main way we track a hurricane’s strength before it hits land.
Scientists fear that thousands of ships broadcasting Wi-Fi at 6 GHz will create “digital noise,” blinding these satellites and making storm forecasts less accurate.
The “Steel Box” Defense
In the FCC 6 GHz Maritime Proposal (2026), the cruise industry argument, led by Cisco and CLIA, offered a solution and an argument as to why the new Wi-Fi should not be a problem.
This isn’t light reading, but if you go to the PDF and search for “CLIA” in the document you can find the relevant info I’m referring to here.
The cruise industry’s argument is that because modern ships are made of thick steel, they act as a Faraday cage, more or less containing the signal.
In the document the FCC acknowledges the industry claim that these “thick metal walls” should trap Wi-Fi signals inside, preventing them from leaking out and interfering with satellites.
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
The $35 Million Benefit
The FCC is currently in the middle of this whole thing. In the same 2026 document, they estimate that opening these airwaves could provide $35.6 million in annual benefits.
How did they arrived at that exact number? I had to try to figure it out myself but it’s basically the FCC’s way of doing a time-to-value calculation.
Since 19 million passengers spend an average of 7.1 days at sea, the FCC determined that cruising accounts for 0.11% of all American man-hours in a year. By applying that 0.11% slice to the national $32.4 billion Wi-Fi pie, they hit $35.6 million.
But don’t @ me. I’m no mathematician.
Geofencing Compromise
To try to satisfy the scientists, they are proposing geofencing. This would require a ship’s Wi-Fi to automatically “dim” its power or switch frequencies the moment it enters a sensitive scientific zone or a region where a major storm is brewing.
How this would impact cruise passengers trying to upload that ever-important YouTube video is another matter, but that’s the compromise in question.
Bottom Line
Personally, I sometimes miss the days of being on a cruise and knowing it was a complete disconnect from the “real world”. After all, if your boss can still call or email you, knowing you have internet access, are you really on vacation?
The reality is that more and more cruisers want to stay connected at sea. While a healthy balance of internet use and “ocean time” are important, the need for speed isn’t going away.
For now, the future of your 4K vacation streaming remains tied to the very satellites that keep us safe from the world’s biggest storms.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
Oceania Cruises has announced plans to relaunch Oceania Nautica as Oceania Aurelia in late 2027, with the 25-year-old ship to be extensively reworked under the line’s OceaniaNEXT programme and positioned for long, immersive itineraries including its 2028 and 2029 Around the World sailings.
The refit will turn the current Regatta-class vessel into a more intimate ship centred on suite accommodation, destination-rich dining and enrichment tailored to extended voyages.
The reimagined ship is expected to carry fewer than 500 guests, with official material describing a crew of 400 officers and staff. Trade reports put double-occupancy capacity at 476, a sharp reduction from Nautica’s current layout of around 670, as Oceania moves to create a more residential feel on board for passengers spending weeks or months at sea.
“Oceania Aurelia is our ultimate world explorer. She is designed specifically for guests who desire greater space, more suites and a deeper level of personalized care, particularly for extended journeys,
“Oceania Aurelia will be a smaller, more club-like ship that truly feels like a home at sea, providing travelers a deeper connection to the ports they visit.”
Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises.
The ship was originally built in 2000 and measures 30,277 gross tons, with a length of 593.7 feet. Oceania is now recasting her as a vessel for slower-paced global exploration, with inaugural 2027-2028 sailings set to lead into two 180-day world cruises and a wider programme of Grand Voyages.
More Suites And A New Onboard Mix
Accommodation is set to be one of the biggest areas of change. Oceania said Aurelia will have 238 accommodation units, of which 179 will be suites.
Most are expected to exceed 300 square feet, while some will reach as much as 1,000 square feet. Many will include separate living and dining areas, reflecting the line’s push to make the ship feel more like a private residence for guests on longer sailings.
The suite line-up will include refreshed Owner’s, Vista and Penthouse Suites, alongside newly introduced Oceania Suites and Horizon Suites, plus a selection of Oceanview and Inside Suites.
Reports from trade outlets also indicate butler service will be part of the offering across the accommodation mix created for the new ship.
Dining venues named for the ship include The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, Toscana, Terrace Café, Waves Grill and the Pizzeria in the evenings.
Oceania said menus will reflect the destinations being visited, reinforcing the vessel’s role as a ship built around long-haul, destination-focused itineraries rather than shorter cruise programmes.
The line’s Baristas coffee venue will move to Horizons, where it will be joined by two new additions: Bakery and Crêperie.
Guests will also find a new Founders Bar, which is set to host mixology-led experiences as part of the refreshed public spaces.
Oceania is also adding several enrichment features aimed at travellers spending long periods on board, including the new Chef’s Studio for culinary workshops, Artist Loft for hands-on creative sessions, the LYNC Digital Center for interactive classes and a guest speaker programme. For the first time, unlimited access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace will also be available to all guests.
Part Of A Wider OceaniaNEXT Push
Aurelia’s overhaul forms part of OceaniaNEXT, the cruise line’s broader upgrade strategy covering ship design, cuisine, service and enrichment.
Earlier this month, Oceania also confirmed an extensive refurbishment for Marina, describing that project as the first in a series of enhancements under the programme. That suggests Aurelia is not a one-off revamp, but part of a wider effort to refresh the fleet while sharpening the line’s luxury positioning.
The Nautica conversion also marks a notable shift in how Oceania is using its smaller ships. Rather than keeping the vessel in its existing higher-capacity format, the line is betting on lower guest numbers, larger suites and more personalised service to appeal to travellers booking major itineraries such as world cruises and other extended journeys.
In effect, Aurelia is being positioned less as a traditional small cruise ship and more as a boutique home at sea for global travel.
Thinking About Oceania Cruises?
Get expert help choosing the right ship, suite, and itinerary for your Oceania cruise.
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
A two-year-old child was taken to hospital after falling aboard the cruise ship Mein Schiff 7 while it was docked in Funchal on 22nd April 2026, prompting an emergency response…
Passengers booking guarantee staterooms with Royal Caribbean can now pay to secure earlier clarity on their cabin location, as the cruise line rolls out a new pilot programme called “Early…
Ambassador Cruise Line has changed the rules around spirits and drinks packages, cutting its standard spirit measure to 25ml while also removing the previous 15-alcoholic-drinks-per-day cap from package terms. Current…
Cunard has confirmed plans for a landmark maritime event in 2028, with all four of its iconic ships set to gather in Liverpool for the first time in the company’s…
