A cruise ship crew member has been arrested and deported after being accused of shoplifting during a port call at Port Canaveral in Florida.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on 24th March 2026 that the unnamed crew member was detained ashore after allegedly committing a retail theft offence.
Authorities have not released details about the individual or the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
While officials did not identify the vessel involved, MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia was the only ship scheduled to call at Port Canaveral that day, according to the port’s cruise schedule.
The ship, which can carry 4,488 passengers and up to around 1,600 crew, had departed New York on 22nd March for a 7-night Bahamas itinerary, with Port Canaveral as its first stop.
MSC Cruises has not publicly commented on the arrest.
Detained And Removed From The United States
Following the arrest, local deputies contacted US Customs and Border Protection at Cape Canaveral. Once processing by local law enforcement had been completed, the crew member was transferred into federal custody.
Authorities issued an immigration detainer, allowing CBP officials to assume responsibility for the individual. He was subsequently transported to Orlando International Airport and placed on a flight out of the United States.
In a statement shared on social media, the sheriff’s office said: “U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a detainer to retrieve custody after BCSO was finished with the subject. He was then processed for removal from the U.S. and escorted to Orlando International Airport for his flight home.”
Officials have not disclosed the crew member’s nationality or further details about the alleged offence.
Crew Demographics And Visa Rules
Cruise ship workers operating in US waters typically travel under a C1/D Seaman Visa, which permits temporary entry for maritime employment.
The global cruise workforce is largely made up of international employees, with a significant proportion coming from countries such as the Philippines, India, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
While incidents involving crew arrests are relatively uncommon, they do occur occasionally both on board and in port.
Recent Crew Arrest Cases Highlight Rare Incidents
The Port Canaveral case is one of several isolated incidents involving cruise ship employees in recent years.
In May 2024, a crew member aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore was arrested after allegedly attempting to deploy a lifeboat and subsequently assaulting both a security guard and a nurse in the ship’s medical centre.
More recently, in January 2026, another crew member was detained at the cruise terminal in Bremerhaven, Germany. Authorities discovered outstanding warrants for robbery and a probation violation during routine border checks.
Although such cases attract attention, they remain rare across an industry that employs tens of thousands of crew members worldwide.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest MSC Cruises offers…
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
Cruise passengers could soon face higher holiday costs as surging oil prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East begin to ripple through the industry, prompting some lines to…
MSC Cruises has unveiled further details of new outdoor attractions and pool areas set to debut on MSC World Asia, the cruise line’s next World Class vessel scheduled to enter…
Marella Cruises is expanding its upgraded Suite Service Max offering across its entire fleet from summer 2026, extending a package of premium perks to guests booked in its highest suite…
World Cup 2026 hotel prices are rising sharply on match days in some host cities, meaning fans may want to avoid longer stays during the most expensive periods. New research…
Cruise passengers could soon face higher holiday costs as surging oil prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East begin to ripple through the industry, prompting some lines to introduce new fuel surcharges.
Since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran on 28th February 2026, global oil markets have reacted sharply. Brent crude prices have climbed by close to 40%, pushing past $100 per barrel amid disruption concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route bordering Iran.
While cruise operators have invested in alternative energy and cleaner technologies in recent years, the vast majority of ships still depend on conventional marine fuels. As a result, the rapid rise in fuel costs is now being passed on to passengers.
Two Cruise Lines Introduce New Charges
Two brands under Resorts World Cruises, StarCruises and Dream Cruises, have already moved to offset rising costs by implementing fuel surcharges for guests.
Passengers with new bookings made from 20th March 2026 onwards are now subject to additional daily fees. The cruise lines informed customers of the changes in a letter issued on 17th March 2026.
“Due to recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East, oil prices have increased significantly, leading to higher fuel and related costs,” the companies said.
“As a result, a fuel surcharge will be introduced for new bookings made on or after 20 March 2026.”
Dream Cruises has applied a charge of SGD15 per person, per day (around £9/$12) on sailings aboard Genting Dream. The 3,352-passenger ship operates itineraries from Singapore and ports in Malaysia, including Port Klang and Malacca.
StarCruises passengers are facing steeper increases. Guests sailing on Star Voyager will pay HKD 200 per person, per night (around £19/$24). The 1,944-guest vessel is currently based in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, those travelling on Star Navigator from Keelung in Taiwan will be charged NTD 600 per person, per night for their cruise (around £14/$18).
The cruise group has indicated that it will continue to monitor fuel prices and may adjust the surcharges depending on market conditions.
More Cruise Lines Could Follow
Although fuel surcharges are not commonly applied, most cruise contracts include provisions allowing operators to introduce them if fuel prices exceed certain thresholds.
With oil prices already well above many of these trigger points, other major cruise lines could soon follow suit.
Carnival Corporation, for example, retains the right to charge up to $9 per person, per day if oil prices exceed $70 per barrel on the NYMEX. With current prices hovering around $91, that threshold has already been surpassed.
For a family of four on a seven-night cruise, such a charge could add $252 to the total cost.
Norwegian Cruise Line has a similar clause, allowing for up to $10 per passenger, per day when fuel exceeds $65 per barrel. That would equate to an additional $280 for a week-long sailing for a family of four.
MSC Cruises has one of the highest potential surcharges in the sector, with a cap of $12 per person, per day under similar conditions. This could add up to $336 over a seven-night voyage.
Royal Caribbean Group’s policy is less clearly defined, with no publicly stated trigger price or maximum daily fee, though it also reserves the right to introduce surcharges if necessary.
While widespread implementation has been rare in the past, the current spike in fuel costs raises the likelihood that more cruise lines will begin passing on these expenses, potentially increasing the cost of cruising in the months ahead.
Get the best price on your cruise…
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
MSC Cruises has unveiled further details of new outdoor attractions and pool areas set to debut on MSC World Asia, the cruise line’s next World Class vessel scheduled to enter…
Marella Cruises is expanding its upgraded Suite Service Max offering across its entire fleet from summer 2026, extending a package of premium perks to guests booked in its highest suite…
World Cup 2026 hotel prices are rising sharply on match days in some host cities, meaning fans may want to avoid longer stays during the most expensive periods. New research…
P&O Cruises has unveiled a new promotion giving guests up to £800 in onboard spending money on selected voyages departing from Southampton, as the line looks to boost value across…
Some cruise ship jobs are exactly what you’d expect. Waiters, cabin stewards, entertainers.
Others are wonderfully weird.
Here are some of the strangest cruise ship jobs you’ll find, and yes, they’re real roles in one form or another on different ships…
1. Skydiving Instructor
Royal Caribbean ships feature one of the most unusual attractions you’ll find at sea: a skydiving simulator.
Known as RipCord by iFLY, the experience lets passengers try indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel that simulates the feeling of freefall. Guests float on a powerful column of air while trained instructors guide them through the experience.
Because this activity involves specialised equipment and safety procedures, the ship employs professional skydiving instructors to run it. Their job includes training guests before they enter the wind tunnel, supervising each flight session and ensuring everyone follows proper safety techniques.
Most instructors come from real skydiving backgrounds and have experience working in indoor skydiving facilities on land.
2. Ice Skater
Imagine telling people your job is professional ice skater… on a cruise ship.
Several Royal Caribbean ships feature full-size ice rinks used for spectacular skating shows performed in the ship’s theatre. These productions combine figure skating with theatrical lighting, music and costumes.
The performers are elite athletes recruited from competitive skating backgrounds. They rehearse extensively to perform complex routines on a rink that is constantly moving with the ship.
As the ice rinks are often open in the daytime for guests to use, the role may also involve acting as a safety steward and helping any guests who fall over on the ice.
3. Submarine Pilot
One of the most unusual, and also exciting, cruise ship jobs in the world is submarine pilot.
Some expedition cruise ships now carry small tourist submarines that allow passengers to explore deep underwater environments without needing diving experience. Luxury expedition ships such as Scenic Eclipse and Seabourn Venture offer submarine excursions that can take guests hundreds of metres below the ocean’s surface.
The submarine pilot is responsible for operating the vessel, navigating underwater terrain and ensuring the safety of everyone onboard. These pilots are highly trained professionals with specialist certifications in submersible operations. Their work also involves explaining marine life, geological formations and underwater ecosystems during the dive.
4. Helicopter Pilot
On most cruise ships, the helipad is used only for emergencies. But on some luxury expedition ships, helicopters are part of the adventure.
Ships like Scenic Eclipse carry onboard helicopters that take passengers on aerial sightseeing excursions over glaciers, remote islands and polar landscapes. These flights give guests a chance to see areas that would otherwise be impossible to reach by ship or on foot.
That means the ship employs professional helicopter pilots who live onboard and operate the aircraft throughout the voyage.
For aviation professionals, it’s a career unlike any other. Instead of flying between airports, they spend months travelling the world while launching helicopter flights from a luxury expedition ship. So cool.
5. Assistant to the Chief Dog Officer
Some Royal Caribbean ships have resident dogs whose official role is to boost guest happiness. These dogs, such as Rover and Sailor, hold the title of Chief Dog Officer (CDO) and have even been given three-stripe officer status on the ship.
Their human colleague is known as the Chief of Staff, and their job is essentially to care for the ship’s most popular crew member.
The Chief of Staff lives in the dedicated Chief Dog Officer cabin, which is shared with the dog. The stateroom has ocean views and plenty of comfortable spots where the CDO can relax with toys, treats and occasionally accessories for special occasions. Making sure the dog stays healthy, comfortable and happy is a big part of the role.
During the day, the Chief of Staff accompanies the dog around the ship for surprise guest appearances. These moments often delight passengers, who may suddenly encounter the ship’s canine officer in the corridor or public areas. Guests are encouraged to say hello and give plenty of pats if they’re lucky enough to meet the dog.
Beach days are also part of the job. When the ship visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, the CDO enjoys time running on the sand with their Chief of Staff close by.
You can usually spot the Chief of Staff by their official treat-filled fanny pack, used to reward positive interactions and keep the dog engaged during meet-and-greets.
6. Kennel Master
Another ideal job for dog lovers who also want a life at sea is a kennel master onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.
The ship is the only ocean liner in the world that offers a dedicated kennel service for dogs and cats travelling across the Atlantic. And those pets receive VIP treatment crew member who work in the kennels.
The kennel master’s job is to care for the animals during the voyage. This includes feeding them, cleaning the kennels and organising playtime.
The kennel area also includes a small lamppost and fire hydrant, because the designers wanted the space to feel a little like a New York park for the dogs travelling between the UK and the US.
It’s certainly not a typical cruise ship role. But for animal lovers, being paid to look after dogs while crossing the Atlantic might sound like a dream job.
Cruise lines like Virgin Voyages amd Margaritaville at Sea have partnered with professional tattoo artists to create fully licensed tattoo parlours at sea. Guests can get tattoos during their holiday as a unique souvenir of the trip.
That means cruise ships employ tattoo artists who live onboard and work in these studios throughout the voyage. They consult with guests, design custom artwork and carry out tattoos in a controlled studio environment.
The idea may sound surprising at first, but tattoo studios have become extremely popular on some ships. Many guests enjoy marking a special trip with a permanent piece of art.
For the tattoo artists themselves, it’s an unusual way to travel the world while practising their craft in a floating studio.
8. Gardener
It might surprise you to learn that some cruise ships employ professional gardeners.
Modern ships often feature large landscaped areas filled with real plants, flowers and even trees. On ships like those in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class, there is an entire outdoor neighbourhood called Central Park, which contains thousands of living plants and trees right in the middle of the ship.
These spaces require trained horticulturists whose job is to care for the plants throughout the voyage. Their work includes watering, pruning, replacing plants and ensuring everything stays healthy despite the challenging marine environment.
Some ships have even stranger gardening roles. Several vessels from Celebrity Cruises feature a real grass lawn on the top deck called the Lawn Club. Maintaining it requires a dedicated lawnkeeper, who mows, seeds and waters the grass while the ship sails around the world.
9. Bridge Instructor
On longer cruises, particularly world cruises, you may find a bridge instructor onboard.
Bridge is a traditional card game popular with many cruise passengers, especially older guests on longer sailings. Cruise lines sometimes hire specialists whose job is to organise games, teach beginners and run tournaments during the voyage.
Bridge instructors may not be paid by the cruise line. Instead, they may receive a free cruise in exchange for hosting bridge lessons and tournaments on sea days.
Most bridge instructors host bridge retreats on land as well, so they may use cruises as a way to find keen bridge players to invite along to their future experiences.
10. Surfing Instructor
11. Art Auctioneer
Many cruise ships host regular art exhibitions and live auctions where guests can bid on paintings, prints and sculptures. These events are often run by specialist companies such as Park West that partner with cruise lines and bring trained auctioneers onboard for entire sailings.
The auctioneer’s job is part salesperson, part entertainer. They organise gallery displays, host educational talks about artists and art collecting, and run the actual auction events, encouraging passengers to bid on pieces.
The job requires knowledge of art, confidence on stage and strong sales skills, because much of the income comes from commission on the artworks sold.
12. Dance Host
A job that feels straight out of another era is the dance host, sometimes called a gentleman host, as this is a role that’s only open to men.
These crew members are hired to dance with guests who want someone to partner them on the dance floor. These are usually older women who travel alone or whose husband is not able to dance.
Dance hosts are typically excellent ballroom dancers who can perform styles such as waltz, tango and foxtrot. Their role is not romantic but social. They help ensure everyone feels included in the evening’s entertainment.
13. Astronomer
On some cruise ships, especially expedition vessels and ships with observatories, you may find an astronomer onboard.
Their job is to help passengers explore the night sky while at sea. Away from city lights, the ocean can offer some of the darkest skies in the world, making it an incredible place for stargazing. Cruise ship astronomers host evening observation sessions using telescopes, explain constellations and planets visible that night, and give talks about space, cosmology and astronomical discoveries.
Some ships have dedicated facilities for this. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, for example, has the only planetarium at sea, where astronomers present immersive shows about the universe.
The Bottom Line
Cruise ships are like floating cities, so it’s no surprise that they need people with all kinds of unusual skills to keep everything running smoothly.
From submarine pilots exploring the ocean depths to canine assistants caring for four-legged passengers, many of the jobs that exist at sea are far from typical careers on land. Some involve specialist training, others are more about creating memorable experiences for guests.
And as cruise ships keep getting bigger and more ambitious, the list of unusual roles is only likely to grow.
So the next time you’re onboard, take a moment to look around. Somewhere behind the scenes, there might be a gardener tending a park in the middle of the ocean, an astronomer pointing out constellations, or even a skydiving instructor helping passengers experience freefall at sea.
It’s just another reminder that life on a cruise ship can be a lot stranger – and a lot more interesting – than most people realise.
Imagine your kids learning about ancient Rome while standing in Pompeii… practising Spanish in a Barcelona market… and studying marine life while watching dolphins from a cruise ship balcony.
It sounds like a dream version of school. But for a growing number of families, it’s becoming reality.
The trend is called worldschooling, and cruises are quickly becoming one of the easiest ways to try it.
But is it actually realistic for ordinary families… or just a social media fantasy?
Worldschooling Explained – A Unique Approach To Learning
Worldschooling is best understood as an approach to learning rather than a formal system or curriculum. At its heart is the idea that people – especially children – learn deeply by engaging directly with the world around them.
Some parents love the idea. Others think it sounds completely unrealistic.
In practice, this might involve exploring history by walking through ancient cities or museums, discovering science through nature and wildlife, or developing language skills by spending time in different cultures.
Social skills also play a big part, as children learn to communicate and connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Some families follow structured academic plans alongside their travels, while others take a more flexible, interest-led approach. Most fall somewhere in between. What they share is an intention to treat real-world experiences as a meaningful part of learning.
Importantly, worldschooling doesn’t require constant travel. A family taking one or two carefully planned trips a year – and using those experiences as learning opportunities – could reasonably describe themselves as worldschooling.
Worldschooling & Home Education – Overlap But Not Identical
There’s some overlap, but worldschooling and home education are not the same thing.
Home education (or homeschooling) refers to how education is delivered, specifically outside the traditional school system.
Worldschooling, on the other hand, describes where and how learning happens, typically through travel, culture, and lived experience.
Many worldschooling families are also home educators, but not all home educators worldschool. Likewise, families travelling during school holidays can still take a worldschooling-style approach without making any changes to their child’s schooling back home.
How Cruising Fits Into Worldschooling
Cruises actually make worldschooling surprisingly easy.
Instead of constantly packing, navigating airports, and moving between hotels, families can wake up in a new country every few days while the ship takes care of the logistics.
That simplicity is a big reason cruising appeals to families who want to travel more without the stress that usually comes with multi-destination trips.
It also creates natural learning opportunities.
A Mediterranean cruise might mean exploring ancient ruins in Greece, wandering through art museums in Italy, and learning about local food traditions in Spain. An Alaska sailing could involve glaciers, wildlife, and marine ecosystems.
Even the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Children often meet friends from different countries in kids’ clubs, hear new languages around the ship, and start asking questions about the places they’re visiting next.
And between ports, cruise ships offer something many other trips don’t – time to slow down.
Sea days can become moments for reading, journaling, creative projects, or simply talking about what everyone experienced in the previous port.
Why Cruises Work So Well For Worldschooling
Cruise ships naturally solve many of the challenges families face when travelling with children.
1. Multiple destinations in one trip Kids experience several cultures and countries without the disruption of constant travel days.
2. Simple logistics No airport transfers, hotel changes, or complicated transport plans.
3. Built-in social opportunities Children meet others from around the world through kids’ clubs and onboard activities.
4. Easy balance between learning and fun A morning exploring ruins or museums can easily be followed by an afternoon at the pool or waterslides.
5. Time to reflect Sea days provide space to talk about what you’ve seen and process the experience.
For many families, that balance of structure and freedom is exactly what makes cruises appealing.
You Don’t Have To Dedicate Your Life To Worldschooling…
One of the most appealing aspects of worldschooling cruises is that they don’t require a lifestyle change.
Some families treat them as a one-off experience, while others see them as a gentle introduction to learning through travel.
You might travel during school holidays, bring a small amount of schoolwork – or none at all – and focus mainly on cultural experiences ashore. The key difference isn’t what you pack, but how intentionally you engage with the places you visit.
Independent Worldschooling Cruises vs Organised Groups
Families interested in worldschooling cruises often take one of two approaches.
Some book a standard cruise independently and build their own educational experiences around it. This suits confident planners who enjoy researching destinations, organising excursions, and letting children make friends naturally onboard.
Others prefer organised worldschooling cruises. These follow normal cruise itineraries but include an added layer of coordination and community.
They aren’t private charters or separate sailings – they’re regular cruises where a group of like-minded families travel together.
Why Some Families Choose Organised Worldschooling Cruises
Community is often the biggest draw.
On an organised worldschooling cruise, children are more likely to meet others travelling with similar rhythms and interests.
Friendships tend to form quickly, both onboard and during shared shore experiences. For parents, there’s reassurance in knowing other families are navigating travel and learning in a similar way.
Organised cruises can also make logistics easier, particularly when it comes to family-friendly excursions, unfamiliar destinations, or travelling further afield. That said, they’re not for everyone. Families who value complete independence, or who enjoy planning every detail themselves, may prefer to travel without a group.
One example of a company working in this space is Worldschooling Journeys, which specialises in coordinating worldschooling-style group cruises.
@worldschoolingjourneys Ruthy found one of our last minute worldschooling cruise deals for homeschooled families on Tiktok and without a second thought joined us. A few months later her family was on our worldschooling trip trying to figure out a way to join the next sold out leg of the trip. Every family REALLY has to try one or two of our worldschooling trips to truly understand the beauty of connection and travel with like-minded families. New here?👇 We are on a mission to connect other homeschooling, unschooling and other alternative schooling families all over the world by organizing group worldschooling trips and cruises where kids can learn through traveling the world, make friends with a wide range of ages, backgrounds and nationalities and parents can finally get the co-parenting homeschooling “village” they deserve. If you want to learn more about our worldschooling cruises and trips for homeschoolers, or how to find a way to work remotely and travel, comment below👇 🚢To join our 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘴 and cruises, comment “**INFO**” 👩🏼💻To download a free list of 𝟩𝟢𝟢+ 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘣𝘴 so you can travel, comment “**REMOTEBUSINESS**” #w#worldschoolingw#worldschoolingfamilyw#worldschoolh#homeschoolersoftiktokh#homeschool♬ original sound – Worldschooling Journeys
Rather than offering formal classes or a set curriculum, their focus is on creating an environment where learning happens naturally. This includes bringing together families who value experiential learning, organising optional group excursions in ports, and providing practical support before and during the trip.
It’s worth noting that these sailings still operate exactly like any other cruise. They take place on mainstream cruise lines, with the usual onboard facilities such as kids’ clubs, entertainment, dining, and activities available to everyone onboard.
What a Typical Worldschooling Cruise Might Include
While every sailing is different, families on organised worldschooling cruises often experience a mix of informal onboard meetups, shared shore excursions, and plenty of unstructured time.
Children might read, create, or work on projects together in communal spaces, or simply enjoy the social side of ship life.
Formal schoolwork varies widely. Some families bring light academics such as maths or writing, while others choose to take a complete break and focus on hands-on learning through travel instead.
Is a Worldschooling Cruise Right for Your Family?
A worldschooling cruise may appeal if you enjoy travel with a sense of purpose, like the idea of learning through culture and experience, and value community without wanting a rigid schedule.
It can be an accessible way to visit multiple destinations while keeping travel relatively straightforward.
On the other hand, families looking for structured lessons, daily teaching sessions, or a fully guided educational programme may find the approach too informal.
Final Thoughts
Worldschooling cruises aren’t really about replacing school or turning holidays into formal lessons.
They’re about seeing travel differently.
A walk through a historic city suddenly becomes a history lesson. A wildlife sighting becomes science in real time. A conversation with another family from a different country becomes a cultural exchange.
And when you add the comfort, convenience, and social environment of a cruise ship, it’s easy to see why more families are becoming curious about the idea.
For cruise-loving families, worldschooling may simply be a new way of looking at something they already enjoy.
Because sometimes the most memorable learning experiences don’t happen in classrooms at all.
Royal Caribbean never seems to sit still for long, and 2026 is shaping up to be another busy year for the cruise line.
There’s a brand new ship arriving, new destinations opening, loyalty changes rolling out and a few tweaks to onboard policies that regular cruisers will definitely notice.
On top of that, several existing ships are getting major upgrades as the line continues investing heavily in its fleet.
If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise in the next year or two, here are some of the biggest changes happening in 2026.
1. A Brand-New Icon Class Ship Is Launching
The biggest headline for Royal Caribbean in 2026 is the launch of another brand-new ship.
Legend of the Seas will join the fleet as the third ship in the hugely successful Icon Class. Her maiden sailing is scheduled for 4th July 2026, when she’ll begin a series of Mediterranean cruises for the summer season.
After that, she’ll reposition across the Atlantic and start sailing from Fort Lauderdale in November, offering Caribbean cruises for the winter.
Whenever Royal Caribbean launches a new ship, it’s a big deal. Not only does it give cruisers another option to book, but these ships usually debut new shows, restaurants and entertainment concepts.
Legend of the Seas is expected to introduce several new experiences, including a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory stage musical, a new Royal Railway dining concept called Legend Station, and a Hollywood-themed supper club.
But this one’s a little different. Rather than being a standalone beach day like CocoCay, it’s part of a broader experience called the “Ultimate Santorini Day”. That combines time exploring the island’s famous towns – including Oia and Fira – with access to a more relaxed beach club setting.
The idea is to blend Royal Caribbean’s usual service and organisation with something that feels much more rooted in the destination itself. Think less waterpark, more scenic views, local touches and a slower pace.
Details are still fairly limited for now, but early indications suggest this will be a more curated, premium-style experience rather than a high-energy private island.
Santorini is already one of the most sought-after cruise ports in the world, so having a dedicated Royal Caribbean space there could be a big draw.
3. Another New Royal Beach Club Is Opening in Mexico
Royal Caribbean is continuing to build out its Royal Beach Club concept, with another location set to open in the Caribbean.
The Royal Beach Club Cozumel is scheduled to debut in December 2026, following the launch of the Royal Beach Club in Nassau in late 2025.
Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is included with many itineraries, the Royal Beach Club concept works more like a shore excursion. Guests can purchase a day pass to access the private beach area.
The Cozumel location will feature two heated pools, a swim-up bar and a stretch of beachfront with plenty of loungers and shaded areas. There will also be a food hall serving local dishes and drinks inspired by Mexican flavours.
The club is expected to be about 10 minutes from where cruise ships dock, with transportation provided by shuttle buses, taxis and water transport.
Royal Caribbean says the goal is to create the “perfect beach day”, combining great food, music, pools and beach time all in one place.
4. Loyalty Points Can Now Be Used Across Multiple Brands
Royal Caribbean Group has also introduced a new loyalty feature that connects its three cruise brands.
The programme, called Points Choice, launched in early 2026 and allows guests to earn loyalty points across Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.
Cruisers still earn points based on how many nights they sail, but they now have the option to decide which loyalty programme receives those points.
For example, if you take a Royal Caribbean cruise, you could choose to credit those points to Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society or apply them toward Celebrity’s Captain’s Club instead.
Guests have 14 days after each cruise to decide where their points go. If they don’t choose, the points automatically go to the brand they sailed with.
Royal Caribbean isn’t just focusing on new ships in 2026 – it’s also spending money on some older ones.
Three ships are due to get the Royal Amplified treatment this year: Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.
These refurbishments are designed to bring older ships closer to the look and feel of Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels, with updated venues, extra cabins and more of the restaurants and bars guests now expect.
Liberty of the Seas is probably getting the most noticeable set of changes. She’s due into dry dock in late April and May 2026, and the refresh is fairly extensive.
Sabor is being replaced by Izumi Teppanyaki, Boleros is making way for a full-service Starbucks, and the pool deck is being reworked with The Lime & Coconut, El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca. There’ll also be a new Royal Escape Room, a larger casino, fresh cabanas on deck and quite a few extra cabins added by converting underused public spaces.
Ovation of the Seas is also getting a big update. Plans already shared include a larger casino, the removal of Music Hall, and the addition of Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Teppanyaki and the Pesky Parrot tiki bar – which will be a first for a Quantum Class ship. She’s also set to get a new Sound Cellar venue, plus an Ultimate Family Suite and a Panoramic Suite.
Harmony of the Seas is next in line too. Her upgrade is expected to include a refreshed pool deck and Solarium, The Lime & Coconut, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, a much bigger Casino Royale and an Ultimate Family Suite.
Taken together, these aren’t just little touch-ups. Royal Caribbean is clearly trying to keep some of its older ships feeling fresh, modern and much more competitive with the newer ships grabbing all the attention.
Liberty of the Seas will be sailing from the UK just after she’s refurbished, so UK guests can look forward to a host of new features. Very exciting!
Royal Caribbean is also expanding its presence on the US West Coast.
Starting in October 2026, the cruise line will begin sailing from San Diego for the first time. Serenade of the Seas will be based there and offer cruises to Ensenada and the Mexican Riviera.
The ship will also visit La Paz, which is a new destination for Royal Caribbean itineraries.
Until now, Royal Caribbean has mainly used the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro for its California sailings. Adding San Diego as a homeport gives travellers in Southern California another convenient option.
7. Changes to Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines
Royal Caribbean has also made a small but noticeable change to its drink packages – and this is one of the few negative changes for 2026.
Without that cup, guests can’t use the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines onboard, which normally allow you to mix and match dozens of soda flavours.
The cup hasn’t disappeared completely though. Guests can still buy one onboard for a one-off fee of $4.99 if they want access to the machines.
Soft drinks themselves are still included in the relevant drink packages – you’ll just need to order them from a bar or server instead of using the self-service dispensers.
The Classic Soda Package still includes the Freestyle cup as standard.
8. An Adjusted Cruise for a Solar Eclipse
One interesting change happening in 2026 involves a very specific sailing.
The solar eclipse is a big deal this year, and there are many cruise lines offering dedicated sailings. But it’s rare that a cruise line plans a sailing, listens to feedback, and then adjusts things to remove a port altogether. But that’s what’s happened here.
The nine-night sailing departs Southampton on 7th August and was originally scheduled to visit Lisbon. That stop has now been removed so the ship can reposition itself directly in the path of totality.
Instead of Lisbon, the ship will visit ports including Bilbao, Gijón, Vigo, La Coruña and Le Havre.
Total solar eclipses are incredibly location-dependent, so positioning a cruise ship in the right place at the right time takes careful planning. Royal Caribbean clearly decided it was worth adjusting the itinerary to give guests the best chance of seeing the full eclipse.
9. New Ship Classes Have Been Announced
Royal Caribbean is also looking further into the future.
In 2026 the company confirmed plans for a brand-new Discovery Class of ships, with the first expected to debut in 2029.
Details are still fairly limited, but early indications suggest these ships could be smaller than many of the cruise line’s newest vessels.
If that’s the case, it could allow Royal Caribbean to visit ports that its biggest ships can’t access. That could open the door to more unique itineraries and destinations in the future.
It’s still early days, but the announcement gives a glimpse of where the cruise line might be heading next. And yes, this isn’t much of a change in 2026, but the new class has long been rumoured – some official confirmation finally arriving in 2026 was refreshing!
Finally, there’s one situation many Royal Caribbean cruisers are keeping an eye on.
The cruise line suspended visits to Labadee, its private destination in Haiti, in 2025 due to ongoing unrest in the country. Sailings that originally included Labadee have since been rerouted to other Caribbean ports.
For now, those changes are expected to remain in place until at least mid-2026, although Royal Caribbean has said it hopes to resume visits once it’s safe to do so – and has broadly removed the port from schedules.
If you have a cruise booked that lists Labadee on the itinerary, it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential changes in case it comes back onto schedules.
All in all, 2026 looks like another big year for Royal Caribbean.
The arrival of a brand-new Icon Class ship will grab most of the headlines, but there’s plenty more happening behind the scenes too. New private destinations, major ship upgrades, loyalty changes and new homeports all point to a cruise line that’s continuing to expand in multiple directions.
For cruisers, that mostly means more ships to choose from, new places to visit and a few policy tweaks to keep in mind when planning your next sailing.
Carnival might not be launching a brand-new ship in 2026, but there’s still quite a lot changing.
From a controversial loyalty shake-up to upgraded private destinations, higher WiFi speeds (and prices) and a huge number of ships heading into dry dock, this is one of those years where the changes are definitely ones you’ll notice once you’re onboard.
If you’ve cruised with Carnival before, 2026 might feel just a little different. Here’s what to expect…
1. Carnival Rewards Is Replacing VIFP – And It’s a Big Deal
This is easily the biggest change Carnival is making in 2026, and it hasn’t exactly gone down quietly.
From 1 September 2026 (delayed from the original launch date of June), the long-running VIFP Club is being replaced with a brand-new loyalty programme called Carnival Rewards. The big shift is how status is earned.
Instead of building status mainly through nights sailed, the new system is based on how much you spend.
Guests will earn three stars for every $1 spent, and casino play also counts, with one casino point earning one star. There’s even a Carnival co-branded Mastercard that lets you earn stars through everyday spending.
The new tiers are:
Red
Gold – 10,000 stars
Platinum – 50,000 stars
Diamond – 100,000 stars
The part that’s caused the most pushback is that status now expires every two years if you don’t requalify. That’s a huge change compared to the old system, where many cruisers built status slowly over time and then kept it.
Carnival has softened things slightly by confirming that anyone who reaches Diamond status by 31 August 2026 will keep it for life. But for a lot of regular cruisers, this still feels like a major shift.
Carnival’s private island in the Bahamas is getting one of the biggest glow-ups we’ve seen from the line in a while.
Half Moon Cay is being transformed into RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and it’s more than just a rebrand. The biggest addition is a new pier, which means ships will finally be able to dock instead of relying on tenders.
That alone is a big improvement, but it also allows Carnival’s larger Excel-class ships to visit for the first time.
Beyond that, Carnival is expanding the beachfront areas, upgrading lunch venues, adding better bars and improving shore excursion facilities.
The first phase of upgrades should be ready by summer 2026, with more changes continuing through the rest of the year. So depending on when you sail, you might catch it mid-upgrade or fully refreshed.
Carnival has increased its WiFi prices again for 2026, and it’s something a lot of cruisers have already noticed.
The Social plan now starts at $20.40 per day, with the Value plan at $23.80 and the Premium plan at $25.50 when booked in advance.
That’s a noticeable jump from 2025 pricing, especially if you’re cruising for a week or longer.
The upside is that the internet itself has improved quite a bit. Carnival has rolled out Starlink across the fleet and upgraded its wider tech systems, which means faster speeds, fewer dropouts and a much more usable connection overall.
So while it costs more, it should actually work properly – which hasn’t always been the case in the past.
This is one of the biggest behind-the-scenes changes, and it affects a large part of the fleet.
A total of 10 Carnival ships are scheduled for refurbishment in 2026, which is a pretty massive number.
Not every one of these is a big overhaul, to be clear. They all cover the usual maintenance work, but Carnival has also been using them to improve the onboard experience on some ships. That can mean refreshed cabins, updated public areas, better retail spaces and upgraded youth clubs.
So while there’s no new ship launching this year, a lot of the existing fleet is getting a bit of a refresh. If you’re sailing on one of these ships later in the year, it could feel noticeably updated compared to before.
5. Isla Tropicale Is Getting Upgrades Too
It’s not just Half Moon Cay getting attention.
Carnival’s destination in Roatán, now branded as Isla Tropicale, is also being upgraded. Plans include a large pool with a swim-up bar, luxury cabanas, more loungers and expanded beach space.
There’s also talk of a beach club being added in the future.
There isn’t a fixed completion date yet, so this feels more like an ongoing rollout than a single big launch. But if you’re sailing Western Caribbean itineraries, it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
6. Celebration Key Is Already Expanding
Carnival’s newest private destination hasn’t been open long, but it’s already growing.
One of the big developments is a second pier, which will allow up to four Excel-class ships to dock at the same time. That’s a huge increase in capacity and shows how important Celebration Key is becoming to Carnival’s overall plans.
There’s no exact completion date yet, but 2026 is expected to be a key year for this expansion – so look out for more news on that later in the year.
7. The Zero-Proof Drinks Package Should Expand
Carnival introduced its first proper non-alcoholic drinks package in 2025, and it was a really popular addition.
The CHEERS! Zero Proof package includes things like speciality coffees, mocktails, bottled water, juices and other alcohol-free options, going well beyond the standard soda package that existed previously.
It’s being rolled out in stages though, so don’t panic if you can’t see it for your sailing immediately. It’s not something that has been switched on across the board, but it’s expected to be widely available.
And just because it’s only being rolled out bit-by-bit, it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere. It’s more a case of Carnival not confirming the details yet, so this is one to keep an eye on.
Carnival is also making a bigger push towards greener operations.
The cruise line is aiming to significantly reduce emissions, and it’s doing that through a mix of changes including more efficient hull coatings, LED lighting, shore power in port and smarter route planning.
LNG-powered ships are a big part of that plan too, with several already in service and more on the way.
For guests, this doesn’t massively change the day-to-day cruise experience, but it does mean newer ships are cleaner, quieter in port and better aligned with future environmental regulations.
9. New Itineraries Are Adding More Variety
Finally, there are some interesting itinerary changes in 2026 as well.
Carnival is continuing to expand its Carnival Journeys sailings, which are longer cruises with more varied ports and a bit more of a destination-focused feel.
One standout is a 13-day sailing on Carnival Horizon from Barcelona to Miami, calling at Alicante, Málaga, Gibraltar and Celebration Key.
There’s also the special Solar Eclipse cruise on 9th August 2026 on Carnival Legend, sailing roundtrip from Dover. That one’s sold out, but keep an eye in case of cancellations. It’s a fabulous way to see the eclipse.
There’s also a nice change for US West Coast cruisers, with Carnival Luminosa set to homeport in San Francisco for the first time. From there, she’ll offer 10-day Alaska cruises and Baja Mexico itineraries.
It’s a good sign that Carnival is trying to offer more than just the standard short cruise options.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Carnival cruise offers…
Final Thoughts
2026 might not be the year of a big new Carnival ship, but it’s definitely not a quiet one.
The biggest headline is the new loyalty programme, which is a major shift and one that will affect regular cruisers the most. Alongside that, there are plenty of smaller changes – from upgraded destinations and refreshed ships to better (but pricier) Wi-Fi.
Put it all together, and 2026 feels like a bit of a transition year for Carnival. Not flashy, but important, and probably setting things up for some bigger moves just around the corner.
Princess Cruises has quite a lot going on in 2026! From bigger cruise programmes and new destinations to changes in pricing and onboard tech, there are plenty of updates worth knowing about if you’re planning a Princess cruise soon.
Some of these changes are already in place, while others will roll out throughout the year. Either way, it’s clear Princess is tweaking quite a few things behind the scenes while still trying to keep that familiar, relaxed style the line is known for.
But not all of these are changes you’ll welcome…
1. Caribbean Cruises Are Now Sailing in the Summer
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the expansion of Princess’s Caribbean programme.
Traditionally, Princess has focused its Caribbean cruises during the winter months. But in 2026 the cruise line is running Caribbean sailings throughout the summer as well, giving travellers far more flexibility when it comes to planning a warm-weather cruise.
Ships including Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess will operate more than 90 departures between them, sailing from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. These itineraries cover the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean, with a mix of week-long cruises and shorter getaways.
Many of the seven-night itineraries can also be combined into longer 14-night cruises, which is a nice option if you want to see more islands without changing ships.
2. Princess Is Having Its Biggest Alaska Season Ever
Alaska has always been one of Princess Cruises’ headline destinations, but in 2026 the cruise line is going bigger than it ever has before.
This year marks Princess’s largest Alaska deployment to date, with eight ships sailing the region and more than 180 departures scheduled throughout the season. The itineraries visit some of Alaska’s best-known ports including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, alongside scenic cruising through places like Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord and the Inside Passage.
One of the most exciting additions this year is the cruise line’s newest ship Star Princess, which is making her Alaska debut. She’ll be sailing seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle starting in May, bringing one of the line’s newest ships to the region for the first time.
Princess is also continuing its popular cruisetours in Alaska. These combine a cruise with a land journey into the interior, often including visits to Denali National Park and stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges. It’s a great way to see more of Alaska beyond the coastline.
And because the United States will soon be celebrating its 250th anniversary, guests on some sailings will also find special commemorative souvenirs onboard, including limited-edition pins and themed blankets inspired by Alaska.
3. A New (For Princess) Bahamas Destination Is Coming
Later in 2026, Princess cruisers will get a brand-new stop in the Bahamas.
The destination is Celebration Key, a purpose-built private resort area on Grand Bahama Island created for cruise guests from Carnival Corporation brands. It’s designed to be a beachy, laid-back stop with big lagoon-style pools, wide white-sand beaches and plenty of food and drink spots dotted around the island.
While the island was opened in 2025 for visitors from Carnival ships, Princess ships are expected to start visiting Celebration Key towards the end of the year, with Star Princess scheduled for the first call in November 2026.
Guests will be able to spend the day swimming, relaxing on the beach, booking water activities or reserving private cabanas. From the early plans that have been shared, it looks like a mix between a beach club and a tropical resort.
4. Princess Plus and Premier Packages Have Been Updated
Princess has also made some changes to its bundled cruise packages.
The Princess Plus and Princess Premier options have both been updated ahead of the 2026 season. Prices have gone up slightly, but the packages now include a bit more value as well.
Depending on which package you choose, benefits can include things like additional casual dining meals, upgraded WiFi access and shore excursion credits. For example, guests with the Premier package on a seven-night cruise can now receive up to $100 per person in excursion credit.
Princess has also simplified how extras are bundled together, which should make it easier to understand what’s included rather than piecing together lots of separate add-ons.
Alongside the package updates, Princess has also made some changes to the booking process itself.
Most fares now come with non-refundable deposits as the default option. Refundable deposits are still available, but they usually come with slightly higher prices or stricter conditions.
Princess has also moved final payment deadlines earlier for many cruises, particularly longer voyages. So if you’re booking a big itinerary, you’ll likely need to pay the balance sooner than you might have done in previous years.
In short, the cruise line is clearly encouraging guests to commit earlier in the booking process.
The automatic service charge added to drinks, specialty dining and certain onboard purchases has increased from 18% to 20%. This fee is applied to optional purchases like cocktails, specialty restaurants and some dining room orders.
At the same time, the daily crew appreciation gratuities have gone up by $1 per person, per day across all cabin categories.
The new daily rates are:
• $20 per person for suites • $19 per person for mini suites and Club Class cabins • $18 per person for standard staterooms
These charges can still be adjusted onboard through guest services if needed. And for guests who book Princess Plus or Premier packages, these costs are already included.
While this is probably the main negative change for 2026 for the cruise line, it is inevitable – all cruise lines raise their prices over time.
7. Faster WiFi Across the Fleet
Princess has also finished rolling out its fastest internet service yet across the fleet.
The upgraded system, called MedallionNet Max, uses multiple satellite networks including Starlink to deliver faster and more reliable internet speeds at sea. That means things like video calls, streaming and uploading photos should work much better than they used to.
It’s especially useful in remote destinations like Alaska where connectivity has traditionally been patchy.
The cruise line’s MedallionClass system is also still expanding. Guests receive a small wearable device called the OceanMedallion which acts as a cabin key and allows for contactless boarding, onboard purchases and even food and drink delivery to wherever you’re sitting on the ship.
But, on the downside, the cost for getting the Medallion shipped to your home in advance of your cruise has increase. This service is only available to guests in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, and it now costs between $20 and $25 USD depending on where you live. It’s completely optional though – guests can collect their Medallion for free at the cruise port on the date their cruise begins.
The Princess app has also improved, making it easier to book dining, reserve activities and check what’s happening around the ship each day.
8. Dining Options Are Expanding Across the Fleet
Princess continues to expand its dining choices as ships receive updates and refurbishments.
One of the newer venues rolling out to more ships is Makoto Ocean, a sushi restaurant created in partnership with chef Makoto Okuwa. The venue debuted on the newest ships and has since been added to vessels like Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess.
The menu includes dishes such as yellowtail sashimi, miso sea bass and truffle salmon, along with a range of cocktails inspired by Japanese flavours.
At the same time, long-time favourites like Crown Grill are continuing to appear on more ships as the fleet evolves.
9. A Huge World Cruise Was Just Announced
While it doesn’t depart until 2028, Princess also made headlines this year with the announcement of a massive world cruise.
The 115-night sailing aboard Coral Princess will depart in January 2028 and travel around 36,000 nautical miles across five continents. Along the way the ship will visit 49 ports in 24 countries, including destinations across the South Pacific, Australia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean.
The itinerary includes overnight stays in places like Cape Town and Auckland, as well as late departures in cities such as Barcelona and Sydney so guests can experience destinations after dark.
Guests can book the full voyage or shorter segments ranging from around three weeks to several months.
Bookings for the sailing opened in 2026, giving long-term planners plenty of time to secure their spot.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Princess Cruises offers…
Final Thoughts
Overall, 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for Princess Cruises.
Between the biggest Alaska season the line has ever had, Caribbean cruises expanding into the summer, a new private island destination and improvements to onboard technology, there’s quite a lot changing across the fleet.
There are a couple of small price increases to be aware of as well, but many of the updates also add extra perks or improved experiences.
For cruisers, it mostly means more options, better connectivity at sea and a few new places to explore along the way.
World Cup 2026 hotel prices are rising sharply on match days in some host cities, meaning fans may want to avoid longer stays during the most expensive periods.
New research shows that eight host cities are within around an hour of a major cruise port, creating options for travellers to book just one or two hotel nights for the match itself and use a cruise before or after to make the rest of the trip better value.
That gives fans a practical way to plan around peak pricing rather than relying on hotels for the full trip.
Fans can use the table below to look up their host city and identify cruise options that could fit before or after their match.
Eight World Cup host cities are within an hour of a cruise port
Host Venue
Port
Distance From Port
Ships
Example
Gillette Stadium, Boston
Flynn Cruiseport, Boston
28 miles – approx. 40 minutes
8 including Holland America’s ms Zuiderdam & NCL’s Norwegian Breakaway
Scotland vs Morocco on Friday 19th June, followed by a 14-night Canada cruise from Boston on ms Zuiderdam on Saturday 20th June
NRG Stadium, Houston
Port of Galveston
52 miles – approx. 55 minutes
6 including Carnival Breeze, MSC Seascape, and Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas
Round of 16 Match on Saturday 4th July, followed by a 6-night Caribbean cruise on Carnival Dream on Sunday 5th July
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (Los Angeles)
Port of Los Angeles
23 miles – approx. 35 minutes
5 including Carnival Firenze and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas
A 4-night Mexican Riviera cruise on Carnival Radiance disembarking on Thursday 9th July, followed by a Quarter Final on Friday 10th July
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale
16 miles – approx. 20 minutes
5 including Disney Destiny, Regal Princess and Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas
Scotland vs Brazil on Wednesday 24th June, followed by a 3-night Bahamas cruise on Jewel of the Seas on Friday 25th June
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
PortMiami, Miami
16 miles – approx. 20 minutes
17 including MSC World America, Norwegian Luna, Icon of the Seas, and Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
A 4-night Caribbean cruise on Wonder of the Seas disembarking on Friday 17th July, followed by the Third Place Match on Saturday 18th July
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (New Jersey)
Manhattan Cruise Terminal
9 miles – approx. 20 minutes
7 including Queen Mary 2, Norwegian Aqua, and luxury ships Oceania Vista, Seven Seas Mariner, and Viking Neptune
A 7-night cruise to Bermuda on Norwegian Aqua disembarking on Saturday 18th July, followed by the World Cup Final on Sunday 19th July
Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco
San Francisco Port
45 miles – approx. 60 minutes
2 – Carnival Luminosa and Ruby Princess
Round of 32 Match on Wednesday 1st July, followed by a 4-night cruise to Baja, Mexico on Carnival Luminosa on Thursday 2nd July
Lumen Field, Seattle
Seattle Cruise Terminal
5 miles – approx. 20 minutes
17 including Queen Elizabeth, Celebrity Edge, Star Princess and Brilliant Lady
A 7-night cruise to Alaska on Carnival Miracle disembarking Thursday 18th June, followed by USA vs Australia on Friday 19th June
BC Place Vancouver
Port of Vancouver
1.5 miles – approx. 9 minutes
27 including Azamara Pursuit, Disney Wonder, ms Koningsdam, Ovation of the Seas and Silver Moon
Canada vs Qatar on Thursday 18th June followed by a 14-night Alaska cruise on Discovery Princess on Saturday 20th June
In several cases, sailings line up closely with match dates, making it possible to plan a short hotel stay around the fixture and travel by sea either before or after.
The key takeaway is that fans do not need to base an entire North America trip around expensive hotel stays in host cities. In several cases, it may be possible to stay briefly for the match itself, then start or finish the wider holiday from a nearby cruise port.
Together these ports will see around 90 cruise ships from 20 different cruise lines sailing during June and July 2026, the same period as the World Cup.
For travelling fans, this means it may be possible to watch a match and then continue their trip with a cruise to destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, the Bahamas or the Mexican Riviera.
England fans heading to Boston on 23 June could pair the trip with a cruise returning on 19 or 20 June, leaving time for a short hotel stay before the match.
Fans attending Scotland vs Brazil in Miami could limit hotel nights around the fixture, then sail from nearby PortMiami or Port Everglades afterwards.
Travellers heading to the World Cup Final in New York could combine it with a Bermuda cruise from Manhattan Cruise Terminal, just 20 minutes from MetLife Stadium.
These are just some examples of what fans can do.
Why cruises could appeal to World Cup travellers
For many fans travelling from overseas, the World Cup is already a once in a lifetime trip. Adding a cruise can turn it into a broader holiday experience.
Cruising offers several advantages:
The chance to visit multiple destinations during the same trip
Accommodation, dining and entertainment included in one booking
The ability to explore North American coastlines such as Alaska, New England or the Caribbean
A relaxing way to extend a football trip before returning home
Rather than replacing hotels in host cities, cruises can act as a pre- or post-tournament extension for travellers already planning to visit North America.
How I found the data
The research looked at cruise itineraries sailing in June and July 2026 from North American ports located within roughly one hour of FIFA World Cup host cities. These sailings were then compared with the match calendar to identify examples where fans could attend a game with a short hotel stay and use a cruise before or after the fixture.
The dataset includes:
90 cruise ships
20 major cruise lines
Sailings departing or arriving during the tournament window
Cruises were mapped against the World Cup match calendar to identify potential combinations where travellers could attend matches and sail before or after the event.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the most ambitious tournament football has ever seen, spread across three countries and 16 cities. For many fans travelling from overseas, it will already be a once in a lifetime trip.
But with so many host cities located close to major cruise ports, there is a unique opportunity to turn that football journey into an even bigger adventure.
For fans planning a World Cup trip, the opportunity may be less about swapping hotels for cruises entirely and more about using a cruise to avoid long stays during peak-priced dates. With eight host cities close to major cruise ports, the research suggests there may be a smarter way to plan the trip.
Get the best price on your cruise…
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
Marella Cruises is expanding its upgraded Suite Service Max offering across its entire fleet from summer 2026, extending a package of premium perks to guests booked in its highest suite…
P&O Cruises has unveiled a new promotion giving guests up to £800 in onboard spending money on selected voyages departing from Southampton, as the line looks to boost value across…
Carnival Cruise Line is facing a new personal injury lawsuit after a former Carnival Elation guest alleged she was hurt while travelling to a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, and…
Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a scheduled October 2027 sailing of Carnival Splendor from Sydney after the vessel was fully chartered by a private organisation. Guests booked on the 10-night…
Marella Cruises is expanding its upgraded Suite Service Max offering across its entire fleet from summer 2026, extending a package of premium perks to guests booked in its highest suite categories after a trial on Marella Explorer last year.
The programme will apply to Royal Suites, Voyager Suites and Executive Suites on all five ships, giving suite guests a broader mix of in-room amenities, dining extras and priority services.
The line said the refreshed package will include daily in-suite breakfast with continental and hot options, once-weekly Afternoon Tea delivered to the suite, a welcome gift with chilled Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne and handmade truffles, full-size Elemis toiletries, GHD hairdryers, replenished water carafes and extra Lavazza coffee pods.
Additional benefits will include priority embarkation through a dedicated check-in queue, reserved breakfast seating in a designated area of the main dining room, two complimentary bags of laundry per week, 3,000MB of internet per guest per week, a gold-coloured cruise card and a 9 am late check-out on disembarkation day.
The rollout covers Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2 and Marella Voyager.
Marella said more than 40 suites across the fleet fall into the new Top Suites category included in the scheme. Executive Suites for summer 2026 sailings are being advertised from £1,697 per person.
Perks Expanded Across All Five Ships
The move gives Marella a more consistent premium offering across the fleet at a time when cruise lines are putting greater focus on higher-value accommodation and extra inclusions.
For Marella, which is part of TUI Group and describes itself as the UK’s third-largest cruise line, the enhanced suite package also adds another layer to its all-inclusive positioning, with tips and service charges already included as standard.
“This fleetwide rollout marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to delivering exceptional service. After a successful trial, the “Suite Service Max” guests will now enjoy a consistently premium experience across all ships, with new touches that make their holiday feel even more special subsequently expanding our product offering to new and returning customers.”
Chris Hackney, CEO at Marella Cruises
The decision to take the concept fleetwide follows the earlier test on Marella Explorer, which appears to have given the line confidence to formalise the benefits across its top-end accommodation.
In practical terms, the package now brings together service touches both onboard and in-suite, rather than focusing only on cabin amenities.
Part Of A Broader Push For 2026 Sailings
The rollout of Suite Service Max comes as Marella Cruises continues to build out its plans for 2026, with a strong focus on giving guests more choice both onboard and ashore.
Recent announcements have included new itineraries featuring destinations such as Tunisia, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, alongside a mix of adults-only sailings and varied cruise experiences across the fleet.
For travellers, the expanded suite offering is another sign of how Marella is adding more premium touches to its holidays, while still keeping its all-inclusive model at the core. Guests booking top-tier suites for 2026 can now expect a more consistent and elevated experience regardless of which ship they sail on.
With five ships now operating, including Marella Voyager which joined the fleet in 2023, the cruise line is continuing to refine its onboard experience while giving customers more flexibility when planning their holidays.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Marella Cruises offers…
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
World Cup 2026 hotel prices are rising sharply on match days in some host cities, meaning fans may want to avoid longer stays during the most expensive periods. New research…
P&O Cruises has unveiled a new promotion giving guests up to £800 in onboard spending money on selected voyages departing from Southampton, as the line looks to boost value across…
Carnival Cruise Line is facing a new personal injury lawsuit after a former Carnival Elation guest alleged she was hurt while travelling to a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, and…
Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a scheduled October 2027 sailing of Carnival Splendor from Sydney after the vessel was fully chartered by a private organisation. Guests booked on the 10-night…
A cruise cabin is more than just a place to sleep. It can completely change how you experience the trip.
Some cruisers happily book the cheapest inside room. Others insist on an ocean view for the light. But after dozens of cruises in every type of cabin, one option stands out every time.
A balcony cabin doesn’t just give you a nicer room. It changes the way you see the ocean, the ports, and even the quiet moments in between.
And once you notice the small detail that makes balcony cabins so special, it’s surprisingly hard to go back.
TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Don’t miss these offers…
The real difference is simple: you can enjoy the ocean whenever you want, without sharing it with anyone else.
On a cruise ship, the best views are usually on busy decks packed with people. With a balcony, the view comes to you. No crowds, no rushing for a sun lounger, no fighting for space at the rail.
Why Balcony Cabins Are Worth the Upgrade
Many people see balcony cabins as a splurge. But once you try one, it’s easy to see why so many cruisers refuse to go back.
Natural Light and Fresh Air
Waking up to daylight streaming through the curtains is one of life’s simple joys. A balcony cabin gives you the fresh air and open views that make mornings at sea feel special.
Your Own Private Retreat
Cruise ships are busy places, but a balcony gives you space to retreat whenever you need it. Whether it’s five minutes with a coffee or a whole afternoon with a book, it’s your little sanctuary.
Sunrises, Sunsets and Everything In Between
From watching your ship glide into port to sipping wine as the sun sets, a balcony lets you enjoy the best views without leaving your room or battling the crowds on deck.
Those quiet moments often become the memories you treasure most.
The Best Destinations Where a Balcony Cabin Is Essential
While a balcony is always nice to have, there are some cruises where it really does make all the difference.
Norwegian Fjords
When the scenery is the star of the show, as it is in the Norwegian Fjords, a balcony is unbeatable.
You’ll have waterfalls and fjords right outside your door – what more could you ask for?
The Mediterranean
Imagine having breakfast on your balcony while watching the ship dock in Santorini, or enjoying a late-night glass of wine as the lights of Barcelona twinkle in the distance. Bliss!
Caribbean Cruises
The heat can make busy decks feel overwhelming.
A balcony gives you a shady, breezy space to relax whenever you need a break.
Transatlantic and Repositioning Cruises
With so many sea days, you’ll get maximum use from your balcony. It becomes your own private deck, just for you.
Alaska
From glaciers calving into the sea to whales breaching in the distance, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime cruise where a balcony is priceless.
You can enjoy the wildlife and scenery from the comfort of your own private space – ideal for getting photos of a passing whale without being crowded by others.
Northern Lights Voyages
If you’re sailing to see the aurora, a balcony is a huge advantage. You can dash outside the moment the lights appear, without having to bundle up and head to the top deck.
Different Balcony Cabin Options You Might Not Know About
Not all balconies are created equal. Depending on the ship and your budget, you might find some hidden gems worth snapping up.
Aft Balconies
These are the ones at the back of the ship, with views over the wake. They’re often larger and more peaceful, though they can sell out quickly because the views are often seen as being some of the best you can book.
Wraparound Corner Balconies
These give you more space and two angles of view.
They’re perfect if you want a balcony that feels extra special, but with that you do tend to pay an increased price.
Obstructed View Balconies
Often priced lower, these still give you outdoor space, even if there’s a lifeboat partially blocking the view.
They’re a smart way to upgrade without overspending, if you don’t mind having some of your view impacted.
Infinite Balcony
Celebrity Cruises has introduced Infinite Veranda staterooms with the Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony, these instead have a window that slides down at the push of a button, creating that outdoor feel.
They split opinion, but a lot of people love the flexibility they offer – a larger stateroom with the window closed, and a chilled ‘outdoor’ space once you open it.
Forward-Facing Balconies
For a dramatic, front-row view of the ship’s journey, forward-facing cabins are a great choice. Just be prepared for a little extra wind, and that some cabins might have solid metal barriers rather than see-through glass, which can impact your view when you’re sitting down.
Premium Balcony Suites
If you’re looking for indulgence, some suites come with oversized balconies, loungers and even dining tables.
It’s like having your own private terrace at sea, although again you can expect to pay a little more for the privilege.
Hidden Perks of Balcony Cabins
The benefits of a balcony aren’t just about scenery. There are lots of small advantages that can make your cruise even better.
A Natural Wake-Up Call
Inside cabins are pitch black, but with a balcony, you can let in the morning light to start your day gently.
Fresh Air for Seasickness
If anyone in your party feels queasy, being able to step outside for fresh air can make all the difference.
More Space to Spread Out
Balconies add another ‘room’ to your cabin. They’re particularly handy for families or when you just need a little breathing space.
Quiet Moments Together
Balconies are perfect for naps, reading, or simply enjoying each other’s company without the noise of the main decks.
Special Occasions
Birthdays, anniversaries or honeymoons feel that bit more magical when celebrated with champagne and ocean views on your own private balcony.
What to Do If You Can’t Stretch to a Balcony
If a balcony isn’t in the budget this time, don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to enjoy natural light and amazing views.
Oceanview Cabins
If a balcony is out of reach, an oceanview cabin is the next best thing. You’ll still get natural light and a view of the sea, without the higher price tag.
Virtual Balconies
Royal Caribbean’s innovative ‘virtual balconies’ use floor-to-ceiling HD screens to show real-time ocean views.
It’s surprisingly effective – and much cheaper than the real thing. All you’re really missing is the extra little bit of space and the fresh air.
Public Spaces with a View
Don’t forget that ships are designed for scenery. You aren’t just limited to your room.
From observation lounges to promenade decks, you’ll always find a spot to admire the ocean. If you don’t need that private space, then there are plenty of spots all over the ship where you can grab a drink, pull up a chair or lounger, and soak up that view.
Choose the Right Itinerary
If your cruise is port-heavy, you might not miss a balcony as much.
On those sailings, you’ll spend most of your time ashore or exploring the ship anyway. So bear that in mind – balconies are great, but only if you’re actually going to use it.
Final Word
Balcony cabins aren’t just a small luxury. They can completely change how you experience a cruise. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Norway, watching the sunset in the Caribbean, or enjoying a sea day on your own private deck, a balcony can transform your cruise.
So next time you’re planning a cruise, ask yourself: could a balcony be the upgrade that makes your holiday unforgettable?
