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Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals 10 Reasons To Start Planning Summer 2028 Now

by Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line has opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, offering more than 450 sailings across 20 ships. The newly released deployment offers travelers an early opportunity to plan cruises to a wide range of popular destinations worldwide.

From Alaska’s glaciers and the Caribbean’s turquoise waters to the Mediterranean and South Pacific, NCL’s Summer 2028 season features three- to 14-day voyages departing from 25 homeports, including Miami, Seattle, Rome (Civitavecchia) and London (Southampton), with calls to nearly 150 destinations across 51 countries. With itineraries designed for deeper exploration, ships will spend approximately 80% of each sailing in port, with an average call exceeding 10 hours. The season also features 175 overnight stays and late departures in 53 destinations, including Santorini, Greece; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy and Juneau, Alaska, providing more opportunities to experience the world’s most sought-after destinations beyond the typical cruise schedule. 

“It’s never too early to start planning your next vacation,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “With the Summer 2028 voyages now on sale, guests can take advantage of a greater selection of destination-rich itineraries with almost 80% of voyages spent in port, more choice of preferred staterooms and exceptional value. From Northern Europe and Alaska to the Bahamas and South Pacific, this season brings together some of our most exciting voyages yet, with more opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the destinations they visit.” 

To showcase the new season of sailings, NCL highlights 10 can’t-miss reasons to plan a Summer 2028 cruise now. 

1. Make a Splash at Great Stirrup Cay – A Destination for Every Generation 

In Summer 2028, more guests than ever will have the opportunity to experience Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island destination in the Bahamas. At the heart of the island experience is Great Tides Waterpark, featuring 19 waterslides, including the industry-first dueling Master Blaster slides, tube slides and splash-filled attractions designed for every age group. Families can spend the day exploring interactive water play areas and dedicated children’s experiences, while thrill seekers can chase adrenaline-fueled adventures and adults can relax at the exclusive Vibe Shore Club. Whether traveling with family, friends or as a couple, guests can enjoy their own version of the perfect island day without compromising on the experiences they truly want to enjoy. Norwegian Aqua® will spend her first full summer season offering three- and four-night roundtrip Bahamas cruises from Miami, perfectly complementing the Great Stirrup Cay experience with something for every type of traveler ashore and onboard with the Aqua Slidecoaster to world-class entertainment and rejuvenating treatments at the award-winning Mandara Spa®. Together, the ship and destination create a seamless getaway where every guest can choose their own blend of excitement, relaxation, and family fun. 

2. Explore the Caribbean aboard NCL’s Newest and Most Innovative Ships

From the Eastern to the Western Caribbean, NCL’s newest fleet offers travelers a wide array of itineraries to discover the region’s most sought-after destinations. Norwegian Aura™, one of NCL’s newest ships, will offer seven-day roundtrip Eastern Caribbean voyages from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands as well as Great Stirrup Cay. Designed with multi-generational vacations in mind, the ship will feature Ocean Heights™, NCL’s first-ever open-air activities complex. Dedicated spaces for children and teens will include Adventure Alley, Little Explorer’s Cove and the Teen Hangout, making her an ideal choice for families looking to make the most of the summer travel season. In the Western Caribbean, Norwegian Prima® will return to Galveston, Texas, sailing seven-day Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries that include calls to Harvest Caye, Belize, NCL’s resort-style destination known for its pristine beaches, nature adventures and easy access to the region’s tropical beauty. For travelers seeking a longer Caribbean escape, Norwegian Luna™ will sail a special 10-day repositioning voyage from Miami to New York City in May 2028, featuring inaugural visits to Aruba, Curaçao and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Additionally, Norwegian Escape® will offer alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip voyages with calls to Great Stirrup Cay from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Fla., giving guests the opportunity to combine sailings back-to-back and explore more of the Caribbean in a single vacation.

3. Sail Aboard Norwegian Jewel® as She Debuts in Morocco 

Norwegian Jewel will embark on one of her most diverse European seasons to date. During a 12-day Canary Islands roundtrip voyage from Barcelona, Spain, she will debut in Morocco with calls to Casablanca and Agadir, while also calling to Arrecife (Lanzarote) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, for the very first time. Expanding NCL’s offering in the Atlantic, the ship will also operate two dedicated voyages showcasing destinations along the coasts of Spain, France and Portugal – an 11-day repositioning sailing between Barcelona, Spain, and London (Southampton) in May 2028 and a new nine-day roundtrip voyage from London (Southampton) in September 2028. Together, these voyages highlight some of Atlantic Europe’s most scenic coastlines and cultural regions. In the Baltics, Norwegian Jewel will offer seven-, nine- and 10-day voyages between London (Southampton), England, Copenhagen, Denmark and Helsinki, as well as five roundtrip sailings from Copenhagen, with visits to celebrated capitals including Tallinn, Estonia; Riga, Latvia and Klaipeda, Lithuania.

4. Chase the Midnight Sun Aboard Norwegian Getaway®

Norwegian Getaway will sail 10- and 11-day Northern Europe itineraries between London (Southampton) and Reykjavik, Iceland, giving guests the chance to start and end their cruise in two distinct destinations. The itineraries will take place during the height of the midnight sun season, when extended daylight means more time to explore ashore. The ship will visit destinations across Norway, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands and France, while also making inaugural calls to Grundarfjörður, Iceland and Vik, Norway, the latter marking NCL’s first-ever visit to the destination. Later in the season, Norwegian Getaway will sail three Baltic Sea voyages of nine and 11 days where the ship will have its first turnaround in Helsinki, as well as a maiden call to Klaipeda, Lithuania.

5. Discover Mediterranean Treasures in Croatia and Sardinia

For the first time, Norwegian Dawn® will call to Zadar, Croatia and Cagliari, Sardinia, giving guests two additional reasons to explore the Mediterranean with this ship. Throughout the season, Norwegian Dawn will sail a series of 10- to 11-day voyages with distinct embarkation and disembarkation ports including Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice (Ravenna), Italy. With almost no days at sea, guests can experience destinations ranging from Marseille, France to Salerno, Italy; Koper, Slovenia and Kotor, Montenegro in a single vacation.  

6. Experience Europe with Fewer Sea Days and More Time Ashore

From the Mediterranean and Greek Isles and the British Isles, NCL gives guests more ways to explore the region with limited sea days and more time ashore. Norwegian Viva® will continue to offer 9-, 10-, and 12-day voyages between Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, and Venice (Venice), Italy; Barcelona, Spain, and Istanbul, Turkey. Itinerary highlights include overnight stays in Istanbul and late departures in Santorini and Mykonos, Greece, as well as Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy. Norwegian Pearl® returns with destination-rich seven-day Greek Isles voyages between Venice (Ravenna), Italy and Athens (Piraeus), Greece, allowing guests to experience some of the region’s most iconic destinations almost every day. For voyages to the Greek Isles, Norwegian Epic® will sail roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia) with nine- to 12-day itineraries. Norwegian Star® will once again sail across the British Isles and Northern Europe, with calls to Belfast, Northern Ireland; Newhaven (Edinburgh) and Invergordon, Scotland, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. 

7. Discover Alaska with Prime Weekend Departures

NCL’s award-winning Alaska program will take place between April and October 2028 with four ships offering guests multiple ways to experience the destination’s glaciers, wildlife and rugged natural beauty. Norwegian Encore®, Norwegian Bliss® and Norwegian Joy® will sail seven-day roundtrip voyages departing from Seattle’s Pier 66 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, giving guests prime embarkation days for planning a summer escape. Glacier sightings will be featured on every sailing, including Norwegian Joy’s longer nine- to 11-day itineraries. Norwegian Jade® will return with seven-day voyages embarking and disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska, featuring scenic cruising through either Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. Guests can further extend their adventure through NCL Cruisetours, which include iconic inland experiences such as Denali National Park and the historic Alaska Railroad.

8. Set Sail to Bermuda from New York, Boston and Philadelphia – Including Norwegian Gem’s Philadelphia Debut

NCL will sail for a fifth consecutive season from the City of Brotherly Love with the regional debut of Norwegian Gem in April 2028. She will offer a season of seven-day Bermuda sailings featuring overnight calls at Royal Naval Dockyard, giving guests more time to enjoy the island’s pink-sand beaches, waterfront dining and laid-back island culture, as well as visits to Norfolk, Va. Joining Norwegian Gem in Bermuda, Norwegian Luna will sail five- and seven-day voyages from New York City, and Norwegian Breakaway® will once again offer week-long sailings from Boston with additional calls to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where guests can explore maritime heritage, sample fresh seafood and take in Atlantic Canada’s picturesque coastal scenery.

9. Check Fiji, Australia, French Polynesia and Hawaii Off the Bucket List and Head to the South Pacific

Norwegian Spirit® will continue to offer immersive voyages across the Pacific, homeporting in Sydney; Lautoka, Fiji; Papeete, French Polynesia and Honolulu from April through October 2028. The ship’s 11- to 13-day itineraries connect some of the region’s most captivating destinations with distinct embarkation and disembarkation ports, including New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Hawaii. With calls to the islands of Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Apia and Hawaii, guests can experience a mix of vibrant cultures, volcanic landscapes, turquoise lagoons and relaxing days at sea.

10. Book Early for the Best Choice and Value

The best vacations rarely stay secret for too long. From first-time calls in Northern Europe and new Mediterranean discoveries to family-friendly escapes in the Bahamas and bucket-list adventures across Alaska and the South Pacific, Summer 2028 is packed with experiences guests will not want to miss. Travelers looking to secure their upcoming summer vacation at the best value can take advantage of NCL’s End of Summer Sale now through Aug. 18, 2026, offering 50% off all cruises, as well as $750 in onboard credit per stateroom on select sailings. The current promotion is also combinable with the guest-favorite Free at Sea™ package, which includes unlimited open bar, specialty dining, excursion credits, and Wi-Fi. 

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Cruise Line Cancels Around 40 Cruises Due To Ship Redeployment

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Royal Caribbean is cancelling a large number of previously scheduled cruises from Los Angeles as part of a major redeployment that will send more capacity to Asia and Australia for the 2027-2028 season.

Around 40 West Coast sailings are understood to be affected by the changes, representing potential capacity for more than 150,000 passengers across the cancelled departures.

Ovation of the Seas

The ships involved are Navigator of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, both of which had been scheduled to operate significantly more cruises from Los Angeles in 2027 and early 2028.

Navigator of the Seas will instead remain in Asia for longer than originally planned, while Ovation of the Seas is being moved to Brisbane, Australia from November 2027.

Thousands of passengers who had already booked affected cruises are now being contacted by Royal Caribbean with rebooking and refund options.

The changes form part of what Royal Caribbean has described as its biggest Asia-Pacific deployment to date, with four ships set to operate across Australia and Asia during the expanded season.

Navigator Of The Seas Staying In Asia For Longer

Navigator of the Seas had originally been expected to return to North America in May 2027, including a transpacific sailing from Japan to California on 12th May 2027.

That cruise has now been cancelled.

Navigator of the Seas

Royal Caribbean told affected passengers:

“As we continue planning our Summer 2027 sailings, some itinerary adjustments have been necessary due to scheduling, port agreements, and other operational considerations.”

The email continued:

“As a result, Navigator of the Seas will be redeployed, and your May 12, 2027, sailing will no longer be available… To help with finding the new perfect getaway, we’ve outlined several alternative options that we hope will work for you and those in your party.”

Rather than returning to North America in spring 2027, Navigator of the Seas will remain based in Singapore through October 2027.

The ship is expected to operate predominantly two- to five-night cruises from Singapore, visiting destinations including Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

That will give Navigator of the Seas an approximately year-long deployment from Singapore beginning in October 2026.

The Voyager Class ship is still scheduled to return to Los Angeles later in 2027, with Mexican Riviera cruises planned between November 2027 and April 2028.

Passengers affected by the cancelled Navigator sailings are being offered several alternatives.

Royal Caribbean is allowing guests to move to selected voyages aboard Voyager of the Seas or Serenade of the Seas, with non-refundable deposit change fees waived and passengers moved to a comparable cabin at the prevailing fare.

Guests will still be responsible for any difference in cruise fare, taxes, fees and gratuities.

Some passengers are also being offered onboard credit depending on the length of their cruise and cabin category.

For cruises of six nights or longer, guests booked in suites or balcony cabins can receive $100 in onboard credit, while those booked in interior or ocean-view cabins can receive $50.

For sailings of five nights or fewer, the amounts are $50 for suites and balconies and $25 for interior and ocean-view accommodation.

Royal Caribbean is also offering reimbursement of up to $400 per person for qualifying non-refundable, pre-purchased transport change fees, which could include flights, railway tickets or rental cars.

Passengers can alternatively move to another Royal Caribbean cruise elsewhere in the fleet, with deposit change fees waived, although onboard credit is not included with that option.

Those who do not want to rebook can request a full refund, including any non-refundable deposit already paid.

Ovation Of The Seas Moving From Los Angeles To Brisbane

Ovation of the Seas is also being removed from a substantial portion of Royal Caribbean’s West Coast programme.

The Quantum Class ship began operating cruises from Los Angeles in June 2025 and had previously been scheduled to remain on the West Coast through April 2028.

Ovation of the Seas

Instead, Ovation of the Seas will move to Brisbane from November 2027 as Royal Caribbean expands its Australian operation.

The ship will operate cruises of between three and eight nights, including itineraries visiting Queensland and the South Pacific.

Among the new departures are four-night cruises from Brisbane to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays.

The Australian deployment will also place Ovation of the Seas in the region as Royal Caribbean prepares to open Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu, the cruise company’s first Royal Beach Club destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

Passengers booked on affected Ovation cruises from Los Angeles have started receiving cancellation notices.

One email sent to guests booked on a 22nd November 2027 sailing said:

“As we continue planning our Winter 2027-2028 sailings, some itinerary adjustments have been necessary due to scheduling, port agreements, and other operational considerations.”

It continued:

“As a result, Ovation of the Seas will be redeployed, and your November 22, 2027 sailing will no longer be available… To help with finding your new perfect getaway, we’ve outlined several alternative options that we hope will work for you and those in your party.”

For some affected passengers, Royal Caribbean is offering an alternative sailing aboard Navigator of the Seas departing Los Angeles on 29th November 2027.

Guests choosing the replacement cruise can move to a like-for-like cabin at the prevailing rate without paying a non-refundable deposit change fee, although they remain responsible for any difference in fares, taxes, fees, gratuities and other charges.

Passengers can also move to another Royal Caribbean sailing elsewhere in the fleet, although a comparable cabin at the same rate is not guaranteed under that option.

A full refund, including non-refundable deposits, is available to customers who decide not to rebook.

Royal Caribbean has advised affected guests that refunds will be sent back to the original method of payment.

“Any refunds due will be credited to your original form of payment within 14 business days after your decision, and refund times may vary depending on your financial institution,” the cruise line said in its email.

The redeployments leave Royal Caribbean with a considerably larger presence across Asia and Australia during the 2027-2028 season.

Ovation of the Seas will operate from Brisbane, while Anthem of the Seas is due to sail from Sydney.

Voyager of the Seas will operate a wider programme involving Brisbane, Sydney and ports in Asia, while Navigator of the Seas will spend much of its extended deployment based in Singapore.

Los Angeles will not disappear from Royal Caribbean’s schedule entirely. Navigator of the Seas is still expected to resume cruises from California from November 2027, but the removal of Ovation and the extended Asian deployment of Navigator will leave considerably fewer Royal Caribbean departures available to West Coast passengers than originally planned.

The disruption also highlights one of the risks of booking cruises particularly far in advance. Cruise lines regularly publish itineraries more than a year ahead, but ships can still be redeployed when companies alter capacity, respond to demand or make operational changes.

For passengers who had already secured flights, hotels or other travel arrangements around the cancelled departures, the scale of the changes could still create considerable disruption despite the rebooking and refund options being offered.

For Royal Caribbean, however, the redeployments represent a significant shift in capacity towards a region where the cruise line is preparing its largest Asia-Pacific programme yet.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals 10 Reasons To Start Planning Summer 2028 Now

by Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line has opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, offering more than 450 sailings across 20 ships. The newly released deployment offers travelers an early opportunity to plan cruises to a wide range of popular destinations worldwide.

From Alaska’s glaciers and the Caribbean’s turquoise waters to the Mediterranean and South Pacific, NCL’s Summer 2028 season features three- to 14-day voyages departing from 25 homeports, including Miami, Seattle, Rome (Civitavecchia) and London (Southampton), with calls to nearly 150 destinations across 51 countries. With itineraries designed for deeper exploration, ships will spend approximately 80% of each sailing in port, with an average call exceeding 10 hours. The season also features 175 overnight stays and late departures in 53 destinations, including Santorini, Greece; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy and Juneau, Alaska, providing more opportunities to experience the world’s most sought-after destinations beyond the typical cruise schedule. 

“It’s never too early to start planning your next vacation,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “With the Summer 2028 voyages now on sale, guests can take advantage of a greater selection of destination-rich itineraries with almost 80% of voyages spent in port, more choice of preferred staterooms and exceptional value. From Northern Europe and Alaska to the Bahamas and South Pacific, this season brings together some of our most exciting voyages yet, with more opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the destinations they visit.” 

To showcase the new season of sailings, NCL highlights 10 can’t-miss reasons to plan a Summer 2028 cruise now. 

1. Make a Splash at Great Stirrup Cay – A Destination for Every Generation 

In Summer 2028, more guests than ever will have the opportunity to experience Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island destination in the Bahamas. At the heart of the island experience is Great Tides Waterpark, featuring 19 waterslides, including the industry-first dueling Master Blaster slides, tube slides and splash-filled attractions designed for every age group. Families can spend the day exploring interactive water play areas and dedicated children’s experiences, while thrill seekers can chase adrenaline-fueled adventures and adults can relax at the exclusive Vibe Shore Club. Whether traveling with family, friends or as a couple, guests can enjoy their own version of the perfect island day without compromising on the experiences they truly want to enjoy. Norwegian Aqua® will spend her first full summer season offering three- and four-night roundtrip Bahamas cruises from Miami, perfectly complementing the Great Stirrup Cay experience with something for every type of traveler ashore and onboard with the Aqua Slidecoaster to world-class entertainment and rejuvenating treatments at the award-winning Mandara Spa®. Together, the ship and destination create a seamless getaway where every guest can choose their own blend of excitement, relaxation, and family fun. 

2. Explore the Caribbean aboard NCL’s Newest and Most Innovative Ships

From the Eastern to the Western Caribbean, NCL’s newest fleet offers travelers a wide array of itineraries to discover the region’s most sought-after destinations. Norwegian Aura™, one of NCL’s newest ships, will offer seven-day roundtrip Eastern Caribbean voyages from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands as well as Great Stirrup Cay. Designed with multi-generational vacations in mind, the ship will feature Ocean Heights™, NCL’s first-ever open-air activities complex. Dedicated spaces for children and teens will include Adventure Alley, Little Explorer’s Cove and the Teen Hangout, making her an ideal choice for families looking to make the most of the summer travel season. In the Western Caribbean, Norwegian Prima® will return to Galveston, Texas, sailing seven-day Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries that include calls to Harvest Caye, Belize, NCL’s resort-style destination known for its pristine beaches, nature adventures and easy access to the region’s tropical beauty. For travelers seeking a longer Caribbean escape, Norwegian Luna™ will sail a special 10-day repositioning voyage from Miami to New York City in May 2028, featuring inaugural visits to Aruba, Curaçao and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Additionally, Norwegian Escape® will offer alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip voyages with calls to Great Stirrup Cay from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Fla., giving guests the opportunity to combine sailings back-to-back and explore more of the Caribbean in a single vacation.

3. Sail Aboard Norwegian Jewel® as She Debuts in Morocco 

Norwegian Jewel will embark on one of her most diverse European seasons to date. During a 12-day Canary Islands roundtrip voyage from Barcelona, Spain, she will debut in Morocco with calls to Casablanca and Agadir, while also calling to Arrecife (Lanzarote) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, for the very first time. Expanding NCL’s offering in the Atlantic, the ship will also operate two dedicated voyages showcasing destinations along the coasts of Spain, France and Portugal – an 11-day repositioning sailing between Barcelona, Spain, and London (Southampton) in May 2028 and a new nine-day roundtrip voyage from London (Southampton) in September 2028. Together, these voyages highlight some of Atlantic Europe’s most scenic coastlines and cultural regions. In the Baltics, Norwegian Jewel will offer seven-, nine- and 10-day voyages between London (Southampton), England, Copenhagen, Denmark and Helsinki, as well as five roundtrip sailings from Copenhagen, with visits to celebrated capitals including Tallinn, Estonia; Riga, Latvia and Klaipeda, Lithuania.

4. Chase the Midnight Sun Aboard Norwegian Getaway®

Norwegian Getaway will sail 10- and 11-day Northern Europe itineraries between London (Southampton) and Reykjavik, Iceland, giving guests the chance to start and end their cruise in two distinct destinations. The itineraries will take place during the height of the midnight sun season, when extended daylight means more time to explore ashore. The ship will visit destinations across Norway, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands and France, while also making inaugural calls to Grundarfjörður, Iceland and Vik, Norway, the latter marking NCL’s first-ever visit to the destination. Later in the season, Norwegian Getaway will sail three Baltic Sea voyages of nine and 11 days where the ship will have its first turnaround in Helsinki, as well as a maiden call to Klaipeda, Lithuania.

5. Discover Mediterranean Treasures in Croatia and Sardinia

For the first time, Norwegian Dawn® will call to Zadar, Croatia and Cagliari, Sardinia, giving guests two additional reasons to explore the Mediterranean with this ship. Throughout the season, Norwegian Dawn will sail a series of 10- to 11-day voyages with distinct embarkation and disembarkation ports including Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice (Ravenna), Italy. With almost no days at sea, guests can experience destinations ranging from Marseille, France to Salerno, Italy; Koper, Slovenia and Kotor, Montenegro in a single vacation.  

6. Experience Europe with Fewer Sea Days and More Time Ashore

From the Mediterranean and Greek Isles and the British Isles, NCL gives guests more ways to explore the region with limited sea days and more time ashore. Norwegian Viva® will continue to offer 9-, 10-, and 12-day voyages between Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, and Venice (Venice), Italy; Barcelona, Spain, and Istanbul, Turkey. Itinerary highlights include overnight stays in Istanbul and late departures in Santorini and Mykonos, Greece, as well as Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy. Norwegian Pearl® returns with destination-rich seven-day Greek Isles voyages between Venice (Ravenna), Italy and Athens (Piraeus), Greece, allowing guests to experience some of the region’s most iconic destinations almost every day. For voyages to the Greek Isles, Norwegian Epic® will sail roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia) with nine- to 12-day itineraries. Norwegian Star® will once again sail across the British Isles and Northern Europe, with calls to Belfast, Northern Ireland; Newhaven (Edinburgh) and Invergordon, Scotland, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. 

7. Discover Alaska with Prime Weekend Departures

NCL’s award-winning Alaska program will take place between April and October 2028 with four ships offering guests multiple ways to experience the destination’s glaciers, wildlife and rugged natural beauty. Norwegian Encore®, Norwegian Bliss® and Norwegian Joy® will sail seven-day roundtrip voyages departing from Seattle’s Pier 66 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, giving guests prime embarkation days for planning a summer escape. Glacier sightings will be featured on every sailing, including Norwegian Joy’s longer nine- to 11-day itineraries. Norwegian Jade® will return with seven-day voyages embarking and disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska, featuring scenic cruising through either Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. Guests can further extend their adventure through NCL Cruisetours, which include iconic inland experiences such as Denali National Park and the historic Alaska Railroad.

8. Set Sail to Bermuda from New York, Boston and Philadelphia – Including Norwegian Gem’s Philadelphia Debut

NCL will sail for a fifth consecutive season from the City of Brotherly Love with the regional debut of Norwegian Gem in April 2028. She will offer a season of seven-day Bermuda sailings featuring overnight calls at Royal Naval Dockyard, giving guests more time to enjoy the island’s pink-sand beaches, waterfront dining and laid-back island culture, as well as visits to Norfolk, Va. Joining Norwegian Gem in Bermuda, Norwegian Luna will sail five- and seven-day voyages from New York City, and Norwegian Breakaway® will once again offer week-long sailings from Boston with additional calls to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where guests can explore maritime heritage, sample fresh seafood and take in Atlantic Canada’s picturesque coastal scenery.

9. Check Fiji, Australia, French Polynesia and Hawaii Off the Bucket List and Head to the South Pacific

Norwegian Spirit® will continue to offer immersive voyages across the Pacific, homeporting in Sydney; Lautoka, Fiji; Papeete, French Polynesia and Honolulu from April through October 2028. The ship’s 11- to 13-day itineraries connect some of the region’s most captivating destinations with distinct embarkation and disembarkation ports, including New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Hawaii. With calls to the islands of Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Apia and Hawaii, guests can experience a mix of vibrant cultures, volcanic landscapes, turquoise lagoons and relaxing days at sea.

10. Book Early for the Best Choice and Value

The best vacations rarely stay secret for too long. From first-time calls in Northern Europe and new Mediterranean discoveries to family-friendly escapes in the Bahamas and bucket-list adventures across Alaska and the South Pacific, Summer 2028 is packed with experiences guests will not want to miss. Travelers looking to secure their upcoming summer vacation at the best value can take advantage of NCL’s End of Summer Sale now through Aug. 18, 2026, offering 50% off all cruises, as well as $750 in onboard credit per stateroom on select sailings. The current promotion is also combinable with the guest-favorite Free at Sea™ package, which includes unlimited open bar, specialty dining, excursion credits, and Wi-Fi. 

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Royal Caribbean Sued After Bathroom Panel Allegedly Injures Harmony Of The Seas Passenger

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Royal Caribbean is facing a negligence lawsuit from a Texas passenger who claims she suffered a traumatic brain injury and spinal injuries after an access panel allegedly fell from behind a toilet and struck her on the head aboard Harmony of the Seas.

Aerial shot of the world's largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

LeAnn Carpenter filed the lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11th August 2026, seeking more than $75,000 in damages and requesting a jury trial.

The case relates to an incident during a seven-night Harmony of the Seas cruise from Port Canaveral in May 2025.

According to the complaint, Carpenter stopped to use a passenger restroom before attending a performance in the Royal Theater. While she was using the toilet, an access panel positioned behind it allegedly became dislodged without warning.

The panel is said to have struck Carpenter in the head with enough force to cause her to fall to the floor.

Her legal representatives, Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, allege that the panel should have been properly closed and secured to the wall.

The panel provided crew access to plumbing and other utilities located behind the toilet, meaning it could be opened for inspections, servicing, repairs and maintenance.

Carpenter’s lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to ensure the panel was safely secured before passengers were allowed to use the restroom.

Royal Caribbean had not publicly commented on the allegations at the time of writing.

Passenger Sent Ashore For Medical Tests

Carpenter was given medical attention aboard Harmony of the Seas shortly after the incident.

According to the lawsuit, she experienced an altered state of awareness and memory loss following the impact. She was taken by wheelchair to the ship’s medical centre, where she was examined by a shipboard doctor, monitored by medical staff and given intravenous therapy.

She was subsequently sent ashore in Cozumel, Mexico, where further testing, including CT imaging of her head and skull, was carried out at Cozumel International Hospital.

It is not clear from the available information whether Carpenter was formally medically evacuated from the vessel or whether Cozumel was already a scheduled port of call.

Carpenter claims she has required continuing medical care since returning home, including diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, evaluations and further testing.

She says she was ultimately diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury accompanied by cognitive and psychological symptoms.

The symptoms alleged in the lawsuit include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and a fear of driving.

Carpenter also claims she suffered spinal injuries resulting in continuing pain and other symptoms that have required further assessment and treatment.

The lawsuit contains three negligence counts against Royal Caribbean, covering alleged failures to remedy the hazardous condition, warn Carpenter about it and liability for the actions of employees or representatives responsible for the access panel.

Harmony of the Seas

Her lawyers argue there are several possible explanations for how the alleged hazard arose.

The complaint claims that a crew member may have previously opened the panel for maintenance and failed to secure it correctly, or that the panel itself could have been defective or damaged and should have been identified and repaired.

It further argues that because the alleged problem was concealed behind the panel, Carpenter had no reasonable way of knowing that it was not secured before using the restroom.

The lawsuit also claims Royal Caribbean is vicariously liable under general maritime law for any negligence by employees or representatives who inspected, serviced, repaired or otherwise handled the panel.

Royal Caribbean’s current US cruise contract requires written notice of personal injury claims within six months and generally requires any lawsuit to be filed within one year of the injury. It also specifies the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida for applicable disputes involving US cruises.

In Carpenter’s case, the contractual filing deadline was reportedly extended to 12th August 2026, with the lawsuit filed one day earlier.

No trial date has yet been set.

Royal Caribbean Facing Other Passenger Injury Claims

Carpenter’s case is not the only recent passenger injury lawsuit involving Royal Caribbean.

In another case filed in 2026, Florida passenger Colleen Parson accused the cruise line of negligence after she allegedly tripped over a mobility scooter while walking through a crowded casino aboard Jewel of the Seas in June 2025.

Parson claimed another passenger bumped into her, causing her to fall over the scooter and suffer a serious wrist fracture that required surgery. She sought more than $75,000 in damages.

Royal Caribbean denied responsibility in that case and argued that the scooter was an open and obvious condition that Parson should have seen.

The company has also faced a separate wrongful death lawsuit over the death of Michael Virgil aboard Navigator of the Seas in December 2024. His fiancée alleged that Virgil had been served at least 33 alcoholic drinks before becoming agitated and later being restrained by security personnel.

That lawsuit alleges negligence by Royal Caribbean in the service of alcohol and the way the incident was handled. Royal Caribbean did not immediately comment publicly on the lawsuit when it was filed.

The allegations in each case are separate, and the filing of a lawsuit does not establish that Royal Caribbean was negligent.

Harmony of the Seas, a 226,963-gross-ton cruise ship, continues to operate from Port Canaveral on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, with no indication that the lawsuit has affected normal passenger operations.

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Critically Endangered Elkhorn Corals Outplanted At Browns Cay Ahead Of Marine Heatwave

by Cruise Lines

The MSC Foundation has completed a further phase of coral restoration in The Bahamas, outplanting 32 nursery-grown fragments of critically endangered elkhorn coral on a reef near Browns Cay, bringing the total number of corals planted to 285, through its Super Coral Reefs Program.

With marine scientists forecasting high ocean temperatures later this summer, the Foundation has also taken the precautionary decision to retain additional coral fragments in underwater nurseries until conditions are more favorable.

Elkhorn coral (“Acropora palmata”) is endemic to the Caribbean but is critically endangered, with reports indicating a 97% loss across the Caribbean since the 1980s and eradication at many locations following the 2023-2024 marine heat wave. For The Bahamas, elkhorn coral remains a vital reef-building species, supporting both marine ecosystems and the economy by providing coastal protection and critical nursery and feeding habitat for fish and invertebrates that underpin the country’s fisheries and tourism industries.

“Exceptionally warm ocean conditions are forecast this year, which could place corals under significant stress.” Emeline Bouchet, Marine Program Manager at the Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center, said. “The NOAA Coral Reef Watch’s July outlook predicts level 2 bleaching conditions for The Northern Bahamas into September. We therefore kept more fragments in our underwater nurseries, where the team can monitor and manage them closely. Restoration is not simply about planting more corals – it’s also about putting them in the best position to thrive.”

As part of the program, coral fragments are grown in underwater nurseries before being “outplanted,” a process in which they are carefully returned to natural reefs to support reef recovery and generate data to inform future restoration decisions.

The Browns Cay site was selected following reef surveys and biodiversity assessments that identified suitable conditions for outplanting. Forecasts indicate an increased risk of marine heat stress in the northern Caribbean during the late summer. Heat stress disrupts the relationship between corals and the microscopic algae that live within them, which give them their color and provide much of their food. This causes corals to expel the algae and turn white—a process known as coral bleaching. Without their primary food source, corals essentially starve and become more vulnerable to disease and death.

The corals being harvested, grown, and outplanted at Ocean Cay were carefully sourced from colonies that demonstrated natural tolerance to heat stress and 100% survival through the 2023-2024 heat wave. As temperatures forecast for the upcoming marine heat wave are expected to reach even higher levels, marine scientists will monitor the coral reefs around Ocean Cay monthly to track the health and resilience of both outplanted and natural corals. A photogrammetry technique allows them to create 3D models that track the growth and health of the coral over time.  The next steps will be to resume outplanting once the marine heat wave has passed and replenish the nursery with new coral fragments to ensure a continuous cycle of growth and restoration.

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Two Cruise Passengers Arrested At Port Canaveral After Alleged Onboard Fight Involving Child

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Two cruise passengers were taken into custody after arriving at Port Canaveral following an alleged violent altercation onboard their ship that involved a nine-year-old child.

Gannon Jacox, 29, and Brooklyn Hicks, 28, were arrested on Saturday, 15th August 2026 and booked into the Brevard County Jail on a series of charges following the incident.

Port Canaveral Cruise Port

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey publicised the arrests on social media, saying the confrontation began after Jacox and Hicks were allegedly arguing loudly onboard an unidentified cruise ship.

According to Ivey, another passenger asked the couple to keep the noise down, but the request allegedly escalated the situation rather than calming it.

Hicks is accused of confronting the other guests while Jacox recorded what was happening on his mobile phone. The sheriff said Jacox also verbally encouraged Hicks during the confrontation.

The situation then allegedly moved inside the other passengers’ accommodation.

“The suspects then pushed their way into the victim’s room, which included a 9-year-old child that was inside the room,” Ivey described. “As a fight ensued Jacox ends up hitting all 3 people (including the child) and Hicks was just swinging, hoping one would land.”

Gannon Jacox and Brooklyn Hicks Arrested Passengers

No injuries were reported among the three alleged victims, according to Ivey. Jacox, however, sustained an injury to his right eye.

The sheriff also indicated that alcohol appeared to have played a part in events. Exactly where the original argument began onboard has not been disclosed, nor has the cruise line or ship involved been publicly identified.

Pair Face Multiple Charges Following Arrest

Hicks was booked into the Brevard County Jail at 1.41pm on 15th August, while Jacox was booked later that day at 7.55pm.

Hicks was booked on two counts, including felony burglary with battery and a misdemeanour battery touch/strike charge. Her total bond was listed at $6,000.

Jacox, meanwhile, was booked on four counts. They included two felony burglary with assault charges, a felony charge of child abuse without great bodily harm and a misdemeanour battery touch/strike charge. His combined bonds totalled $31,000.

Both remained listed in custody following their arrests.

Ivey, who frequently uses humour when discussing arrests on the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office’s social media channels, described their detention as “a very expensive shore excursion to Ivey’s Iron Bar Lodge.”

“Hopefully they enjoy their extended stay at their unplanned destination with close quarter sleeping arrangements, communal showers, no drink packages and of course no excursions!” he quipped.

The sheriff’s public account of the incident identified Jacox and Hicks as the suspects, although the allegations against them will ultimately have to be determined through the legal process.

Cruise Ship Involved Has Not Been Identified

Authorities have not named the cruise ship where the alleged confrontation occurred, making it impossible to determine which cruise line the pair had been travelling with based solely on the information released by the sheriff.

Aerial view of a Carnival cruise ship docked at Port Canaveral, Florida, with the vast expanse of the port infrastructure visible in the background, illustrating the scale and operation of a major cruise ship port.

However, Port Canaveral’s official schedule shows four cruise ships were at the Florida homeport on Saturday, 15th August 2026: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure, Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras and Carnival Freedom.

Adventure of the Seas was scheduled to arrive at 5.15am and depart at 4pm, while Disney Treasure was scheduled in port between 5.45am and 4.45pm. Mardi Gras was listed from 6am until 3.30pm, and Carnival Freedom was due alongside from 6.45am until 3.30pm. All four were operating as homeport vessels rather than making ordinary ports of call.

That does not establish that the alleged incident occurred on any particular one of the four ships. Neither Ivey nor the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office identified the vessel or cruise operator involved.

The arrests are another reminder that incidents occurring at sea can continue to have consequences after a passenger steps ashore. Cruise lines can cooperate with law enforcement when authorities are waiting at a homeport, while passengers involved in serious incidents may also face separate action from the operator, potentially including removal from a sailing or restrictions on future cruises.

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Hawaii’s Cruise Ports Are Open Again — But Some Sailings Are Still Recovering

by Cruise Lines

Hawaii’s commercial ports are open again after Tropical Storm Lala disrupted cruise schedules across the islands, giving cruise lines and passengers their clearest sign yet that operations are moving back toward normal.

The U.S. Coast Guard said all commercial ports across the state had reopened as of 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, following the storm’s passage. The reopening includes the commercial harbors that cruise ships rely on throughout Hawaii and marks a significant change from the port restrictions that forced ships to adjust arrival, departure, and turnaround plans in recent days.

For cruise travelers, however, reopening the ports does not necessarily mean every itinerary immediately returns to its original schedule.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Spirit had already been delayed returning to Honolulu after the storm, with berth availability becoming an issue as ships and other commercial traffic worked through the disruption. Pride of America also experienced schedule changes during the storm period, including an altered Honolulu turnaround.

That makes the next stage of the recovery largely an operational one. Cruise lines must reposition ships, coordinate berth assignments and accommodate passengers whose embarkation or disembarkation plans were changed while ports were under heavy-weather restrictions.

The Coast Guard had progressively raised port conditions across Hawaii as Lala approached, restricting vessel movements as forecasters warned of damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding and dangerous marine conditions. Those restrictions are designed to protect ships, port infrastructure and personnel before tropical weather arrives.

With all commercial ports now reopened, ships can resume normal movements subject to berth availability and individual cruise-line operating decisions.

The reopening is particularly important for Norwegian Cruise Line, which operates Pride of America year-round in Hawaii and also had Norwegian Spirit sailing in the region when Lala affected the islands.

Passengers booked on upcoming Hawaii cruises should continue checking directly with their cruise line before traveling to the pier. Even after a storm has passed and ports reopen, embarkation times, port calls and transportation arrangements can remain fluid while schedules are restored.

Cruise Addicts will continue to monitor Norwegian Spirit, Pride of America, and Hawaii port operations for any further itinerary changes or confirmation that normal cruise schedules have fully resumed.

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What Happens To Shoes Left Behind On A Carnival Cruise? Now They Get A Second Life

by Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line has become the first cruise line to partner with Sneaker Impact, a Miami-based organization dedicated to keeping footwear out of landfills, to launch a new shoe recycling initiative across its U.S. fleet. The program gives guests and crew an opportunity to give unwanted shoes a second life while supporting its ongoing efforts to reduce waste and advance circular economy practices.

Through the initiative, unclaimed shoes left behind on board, as well as those donated by guests and crew, are collected and sent to Sneaker Impact’s Miami facility for evaluation and processing, helping divert footwear that might otherwise end up in landfills. Using its proprietary sorting system, Sneaker Impact determines the most sustainable path for each pair.

Sneaker Impact then offers shoes in good condition to small business owners in developing countries who can sell the footwear to generate income while helping provide affordable shoes in areas where access may be limited.

For shoes that can no longer be worn, the journey doesn’t end there. Sneaker Impact recycles them by separating and recovering materials that can be repurposed into products such as athletic surfaces, yoga mats, footwear components and more.

“We’re always looking for new ways to reduce waste and strengthen our sustainability efforts,” said Benton Lobo, vice president of compliance and environmental operations. “In July, with just five of our ships offloading shoes, we kept more than 500 pairs out of landfills in a single month. Scaled across our full fleet, we see the potential to give new life to about 50,000 pairs of shoes. It’s proof that a small idea can add up to a real impact, both on board and in communities around the world.”

“Sneaker Impact is honored to partner with Carnival Cruise Line, as they share our commitment to sustainability and making a positive impact. Together, we’re making it easy for guests to give their unwanted footwear a second life through reuse and responsible recycling. We’re excited to see how many pairs of shoes, and lives, we can impact together,” said Moe Hachem, CEO of Sneaker Impact.

With this first-of-its-kind partnership, Carnival Cruise Line is continuing to advance momentum on Carnival Corporation’s sustainability strategy, which stretches across all its eight brands. More updates on this strategy can be found in the 2025 Sustainability Report.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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Carnival Schedules Eight-Hour Booking System Maintenance For Sunday

by Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line has scheduled an eight-hour maintenance window for key reservation and payment systems on Sunday, August 16, 2026, creating a temporary interruption that could matter to travelers and travel advisors handling last-minute cruise arrangements.

Carnival’s official GoCCL travel-advisor website currently displays a notice stating that the GoCCL Navigator Booking Engine and payment applications will be unavailable for scheduled maintenance from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 16.

For guests sailing soon, the practical takeaway is simple: if a payment, reservation change or other time-sensitive booking task needs to be handled this weekend, completing it before the maintenance window begins may prevent an unnecessary delay.

Cruise Hive, which surfaced the advisory, reports that the maintenance will affect a broader range of Carnival reservation functions. However, the portion Cruise Addicts was able to independently verify directly from Carnival specifically names the GoCCL Navigator Booking Engine and payment applications. Carnival’s public consumer website did not display an equivalent level of detail in the maintenance notice during our verification check.

That distinction matters. Cruise Addicts is therefore not assuming that every Carnival.com feature, the HUB app, online check-in or every pre-cruise purchase tool will necessarily be unavailable unless Carnival confirms those details directly.

Travelers with an approaching final-payment obligation, booking question or reservation issue should avoid waiting until Sunday morning if the task can reasonably be completed beforehand. Guests whose travel plans are unaffected by the maintenance window likely will not need to take any action.

Carnival describes the interruption as scheduled maintenance, not an unexpected outage or security incident. There is currently no indication from the official notice.

The maintenance is scheduled to conclude at 12:00 p.m. EDT on August 16. Cruise Addicts will monitor for any extension or additional passenger guidance.

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Tropical Storm Lala Disrupts Pride Of America Turnaround In Honolulu

by Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America has returned to Honolulu ahead of Tropical Storm Lala, but the weather disruption is now affecting more than the ship’s itinerary.

The vessel’s normal Saturday turnaround has been altered, with reports indicating that official disembarkation for the current sailing has been moved from Saturday, August 15, to Sunday, August 16, as the cruise line adjusts operations in response to the storm.

Pride of America returned to Honolulu earlier than originally planned after leaving Nawiliwili, Kauai, ahead of expected weather and port restrictions associated with Lala. The ship normally operates seven-night inter-island Hawaii cruises round-trip from Honolulu, visiting Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

According to Cruise Hive and Cruise Mummy, passengers aboard the current sailing were given flexibility following the early return. Guests who wished to leave the ship after it reached Honolulu could reportedly do so, while others were permitted to remain onboard until the revised formal disembarkation process.

The change is especially significant for travelers with flights, hotels and other post-cruise arrangements tied to the original August 15 arrival schedule.

The disruption also appears to be affecting the next Pride of America voyage. Cruise Critic’s itinerary listing for the August 15 departure now states that the sailing is no longer available, although Norwegian Cruise Line has not yet published a detailed public statement outlining the complete revised departure plan.

Pride of America is uniquely exposed to major Hawaii weather disruptions because the U.S.-flagged ship sails the islands year-round and operates a port-intensive itinerary with no regular sea days. Norwegian describes the ship as the only cruise vessel offering year-round seven-day Hawaii voyages from Honolulu.

Lala continues to move toward the Hawaiian Islands, with the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency warning that the system is expected to pass near the southern portion of the state before moving west-northwest. Weather conditions, marine restrictions and port operations could continue to affect cruise schedules through the weekend.

Norwegian Spirit has also already experienced Hawaii itinerary changes related to the storm, making this a broader cruise disruption rather than an isolated change aboard Pride of America.

For cruise passengers, the most important issue now is the status of Saturday’s Pride of America departure and whether additional changes will be required as weather conditions evolve.

Cruise Addicts recommends that affected passengers rely on direct communications from Norwegian Cruise Line, monitor airline reservations closely, and avoid making nonrefundable changes until the cruise line confirms the final embarkation schedule.

This remains a developing story and should be updated as Norwegian Cruise Line or Hawaii officials release additional information.

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