Carnival Cruise Line has begun notifying booked guests and travel agents about upcoming price increases that will affect onboard gratuities and its popular Bottomless Bubbles unlimited soda package.
The changes will take effect from 2nd April 2026, but passengers who pre-pay before that date will be able to secure the current, lower pricing, regardless of when their cruise actually departs.
According to the email sent to guests and agents, Carnival is adjusting both daily gratuity guidelines and the adult price for its soda package next spring.
“We are writing to let you know that we will be changing the price for Bottomless Bubbles (for adults only – there is no price change for children) and adjusting the onboard gratuity guidelines, effective April 2, 2026,” the email notification confirmed.
“However, we will honor the existing price for both if purchased prior to the adjustment.”
Gratuity Rates Increasing Across All Stateroom Types
Under the current structure, Carnival Cruise Line charges daily gratuities of $16 per person, per day for standard staterooms and $18 per person, per day for suite accommodations when paid in advance.
From 2nd April 2026, both rates will rise by $1 per person, per day. This represents a 6.25% increase for standard staterooms and a 5.55% increase for suites. Once the change takes effect, guests will pay $17 per person, per day in standard cabins and $19 per person, per day in suites.
Guests who pre-pay gratuities before the April deadline will retain the existing rates, even if their sailing takes place well into the future. Carnival continues to allow guests to adjust gratuities onboard at their discretion, unlike some cruise lines that have moved to fully fixed service charges.
Bottomless Bubbles Soda Package Also Set For Price Rise
Alongside the gratuity adjustment, Carnival will also increase the adult price of its Bottomless Bubbles unlimited soda package.
Currently priced at $9.50 per adult per day, the package will rise to $11.99 per adult per day from 2nd April 2026. That is an increase of $2.49 per day, or approximately 26%. There is no change to the children’s price.
The Bottomless Bubbles package will still be subject to Carnival’s 20% service charge. While the percentage itself is unchanged, the higher base price means guests will pay around 50 cents more per day in service charges once the new rate applies.
As with gratuities, guests who purchase the soda package in advance before 2nd April will keep the lower price. Pre-payment can be completed through Carnival’s website for individual bookings or by contacting a travel agent.
Part Of A Wider Industry Trend
Carnival Cruise Line is not alone in increasing onboard charges in 2026. Margaritaville at Sea announced a gratuity increase effective 1st February, with mandatory daily gratuities now set at $22 per person, per day. Unlike Carnival, those charges cannot be adjusted or removed by guests.
Carnival’s move was widely expected, as the cruise line last raised gratuity rates on 1st April 2023. Going nearly three years without an adjustment is relatively uncommon within the cruise industry.
It is also worth noting that Carnival increased its mandatory service charge from 18% to 20% in late 2025. That charge applies to drink packages, individual beverage purchases, speciality dining and other onboard services, but it is separate from daily gratuities.
With Carnival now announcing its own increase, it is likely that other cruise lines will review their gratuity structures in the months ahead. At present, some major operators still have comparatively lower daily rates, but history suggests that gratuity prices tend to move in one direction only.
For guests, pre-paying remains the most reliable way to lock in the lowest possible cost, as while future increases are never guaranteed, reductions in gratuity rates are extremely rare.
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MSC Cruises has confirmed plans to extend its luxury Yacht Club concept to two additional ships, with both MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra set to receive the premium upgrade by 2027.
The announcement was made by MSC Cruises on 2nd February 2026, confirming that the work will be completed as part of scheduled refurbishment programmes for both vessels. Once finished, every ship in the Musica class will feature the ship-within-a-ship experience.
Yacht Club Coming To The Entire Musica Class
The 92,409-gross-ton MSC Musica will be the first to receive the Yacht Club, with installation planned for late 2026 ahead of the ship’s seasonal deployment to South America.
Sister ship MSC Orchestra, also 92,409 gross tons, will follow in the first quarter of 2027, timed to coincide with the start of its Mediterranean programme sailing from Bari.
With the additions, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra will join MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica in offering the Yacht Club. The move is notable as it brings one of the cruise line’s most popular premium products to smaller, more traditional ships, rather than limiting it to newer, larger vessels.
Once the two refits are complete, the MSC Yacht Club will be available across 19 ships in the fleet. The concept centres on spacious suites paired with 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, and exclusive areas including private dining venues and lounges.
“MSC Cruises is always looking for new ways to enhance the onboard experience, striving to create exceptional and elevated concepts to ensure that guests will remember their cruise as the ultimate vacation experience,” the company said in a statement.
“With the addition of MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, the MSC Yacht Club will now be available across 19 ships fleetwide, further expanding its appeal to guests seeking a premium and effortlessly luxurious way to travel,” MSC Cruises added.
While Musica-class ships are smaller than newer vessels such as MSC World America, which features the largest Yacht Club in the fleet, the cruise line has indicated it is aiming to deliver a consistent premium experience across ships of different sizes.
MSC Cruises has not yet confirmed how many Yacht Club suites will be added to each ship or whether other public spaces will be altered as part of the refurbishments. Further details are expected closer to the opening of Yacht Club bookings.
Currently, both MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra have a passenger capacity of 3,223 guests.
Yacht Club Launches Aligned With New Itineraries
The introduction of the Yacht Club on both ships has been closely aligned with upcoming deployments in key cruise regions.
MSC Musica will operate in South America from November 2026 until April 2027, offering itineraries focused on Brazilian ports. The programme will also include a series of eight- and nine-night sailings over the Christmas and New Year period, as well as visits to Buenos Aires and Uruguayan ports including Montevideo and Punta del Este.
The season will conclude with a 16-night transatlantic crossing departing Santos on 1st April 2027 and arriving in Genoa.
MSC Orchestra’s Yacht Club debut will follow shortly afterwards. From 13th March 2027 through to 24th April, the ship will sail Eastern Mediterranean itineraries from Bari. These cruises will include calls in Turkey, with stops in Izmir and Istanbul, alongside Greek destinations such as Piraeus and Corfu.
Onboard, Yacht Club guests will have access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck, all reserved exclusively for suite passengers.
In addition to larger accommodations, inclusions range from daily in-suite refreshments and premium bath amenities to unpacking services and personalised shore experiences. MSC Cruises has also indicated that the Yacht Club is expected to feature on future World-class ships scheduled to enter service through 2031.
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MSC Orchestra was prevented from calling at Marseille, France, on 2nd February 2026 after a protest by striking sailors blocked access to the cruise port, forcing the ship to abandon the stop entirely.
According to French outlet Ouest-France, demonstrators shut down the northern access to the port, leaving the 3,223-guest cruise ship unable to berth.
The Musica-class vessel waited for several hours offshore, but with negotiations failing to resolve the situation, the decision was eventually taken to sail on without docking.
The missed call caused significant disruption as Marseille is one of the embarkation and disembarkation ports used by MSC Orchestra for its seven-night Mediterranean itineraries. The ship operates the same sailing with multiple homeports, including Barcelona and Valencia in Spain, as well as Genoa, Livorno and Civitavecchia in Italy.
Passenger Plans Thrown Into Disarray
The inability to dock meant that passengers scheduled to end their cruise in Marseille were unable to disembark, while a new group of guests waiting to board were left behind at the port.
“I’m at the dock in Marseille and the boat left embarrassingly without us. We’ve been stranded since 11 am this morning,” one affected passenger wrote on social media.
Another guest confirmed how long the ship remained offshore before departing, saying: “The boat just left in the direction of Genoa. It was waiting for negotiations that did not come until 20h. We had the boat in view till 8pm.”
Tracking data later showed the 92,409-gross-ton ship sailing towards Genoa at around 18 knots on the evening of 2nd February. She spent all of 3rd February docked in Genoa as planned, departing in the early evening.
Passengers who were unable to board in Marseille have since reported that MSC Cruises arranged hotel accommodation overnight and organised ground transport to Genoa, approximately 244 miles away. The journey by road takes around two and a half hours.
“They transferred us to hotels and tomorrow we’re heading to Genoa by bus,” one guest confirmed.
At the time of writing, MSC Cruises has not confirmed whether guests will receive additional compensation for the missed day of their cruise or how passengers who were unable to disembark in Marseille will be assisted, although similar transfer arrangements are expected to be offered.
Strike Action Behind The Port Blockade
While Marseille has previously seen cruise ships disrupted by protests, this incident was not linked to environmental campaigners such as Extinction Rebellion or Stop Croisières, which have targeted cruise traffic in the past.
Instead, the disruption was caused by striking sailors represented by the Fédération Nationale des Syndicats Maritimes Union (FNSM-CGT). The union had filed a 48-hour renewable strike notice covering 2nd and 3rd February, directly overlapping with MSC Orchestra’s scheduled visit.
The strike is focused on demands for increased employment opportunities, improved wages and better working conditions for French seafarers.
No further cruise disruptions are currently expected unless the strike action is extended. MSC Orchestra was the only cruise ship scheduled in Marseille on 2nd February. The next planned call is on 6th February, when Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Vesta is due to arrive.
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Disney Cruise Line’s special offers this week now extend into mid-September 2026, a significant increase from June. With 83 different sail dates available, there is a variety of departure ports to choose from, including Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Honolulu, Port Canaveral, San Diego, and Vancouver. Additional special offers are also available across the fleet for these sailings.
The Disney Wish remains the fleet leader, adding 6 dates to 41 sailings. The Disney Dream is down 5 to 17, while the Fantasy is up 2 to 19. The Disney Magic added 1 to 17, followed closely by the Disney Treasure, which added 4 to 17 dates. The Disney Wonder added 2, bringing the total to 13 dates.
The Florida Resident rate is down 4 to 25 sail dates, the US Military Personnel offer dropped 8 to 37 cruises, and the Canadian Resident offer dropped 3 to 37 sail dates. The special bonus US Military offer for $250 onboard credit, announced in November, for select sailings in 2026 remains available.
Finally, the extra savings for those with placeholder reservations where the standard 10% is applicable for some concierge levels on select sailings and a bump in the discount up to 25% off on select sailings remain active.
The special offers listed below are available to book today while inventory lasts.
Special Offers for U.S. Military Personnel
Special Rates for U.S. Military Personnel (MTO) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid for new bookings only.
Disney Dream
14-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise from Fort Lauderdale ending in Barcelona Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal • At Sea • At Sea • Cádiz, Spain • Málaga, Spain • Cartagena, Spain • At Sea
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea
Disney Fantasy
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea
Disney Magic
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • St. Thomas, USVI • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
Disney Wonder
10-Night Hawaiian Cruise from Honolulu ending in Vancouver Honolulu, Hawai’i • Nawiliwili, Hawai’i • Nawiliwili, Hawai’i • Kahului (Maui), Hawai’i • Hilo, Hawai’i • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver ending in San Diego Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
Special military rates are available to retired and active US military personnel (and their spouses), including US Coast Guard, US National Guard and US Military Reserves. Members of the US National Guard or the US Military Reserves (or their spouses) must show active-duty orders dated January 1st of the previous year to qualify. Third and fourth Guest prices valid with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Rates may vary by sail date and category. Other restrictions may apply. Other categories and sail dates may be available. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Active and retired members (or spouse) of the US military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. Valid for new bookings only.
Special Offers for Florida Residents
Special Rates for Florida Residents (FLR) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid on new and existing reservations.
Disney Dream
14-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise from Fort Lauderdale ending in Barcelona Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea • Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal • At Sea • At Sea • Cádiz, Spain • Málaga, Spain • Cartagena, Spain • At Sea
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea
Disney Fantasy
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • St. Thomas, USVI • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
To take advantage of Florida residency cruise rates, proof of Florida Residency for at least one adult in each stateroom must be presented at time of check-in. Guests unable to show proper proof of Florida residency at check-in will have their cruise re-priced and the balance must be paid before being allowed to sail.
Proof of residency must be valid at the time of sailing, and includes the following:
Florida Driver’s License
Florida Identification Card
If you do not have one of the IDs indicated above, then you must provide one of the following—dated within the past 2 months—verifying a Florida residential address and your name, along with a corresponding, valid government-issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, state identification card):
Monthly mortgage statement
Renter’s lease agreement
Current automobile registration, insurance policy or bill
Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
Current utility bill (power/phone/cable/water)
Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements
Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency
Note: property deeds and P.O. boxes are not considered acceptable proofs of residency.
Children’s rates are also available to Guests ages 3 through 12 that are traveling with 2 adults in the same stateroom.
Canadian Resident Rates
Special Rates for Canadian Residents with savings on prevailing rates as quoted on Disneycruise.com for non-concierge Verandah, Oceanview, and Inside Staterooms on select cruises. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Proof of residency is required an you must mention the special offer code CAN when booking. NOTE: Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested when calling in. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits.
Disney Dream
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea
Disney Fantasy
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Magic
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver ending in San Diego Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Galveston, Texas • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Progreso, Mexico • At Sea
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
Disney Wonder
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico
3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • Ensenada, Mexico • At Sea
4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego San Diego, California • At Sea • Catalina Island, California • Ensenada, Mexico
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
The Canadian Resident rate excludes suites and categories with restrictions (VGT, OGT, and IGT). Proof of Canada residency will be required at time of check-in. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses are not included. If booking through Disney Cruise Line’s Contact Center, you must mention code CAN. Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested by caller. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits. Offer valid for new and existing reservations.
Please note, the offers listed are not to be taken as official quotes. Prices and availability can change at any time without notice. More importantly, the deals listed above are a snapshot in time based on DCL’s online cruise search tool.
Last but certainly not least, I wanted to invite you to consider joining us on an upcoming DCL Blog Group Cruise! This summer, we are heading to Fort Lauderdale to sail to the Western Caribbean on the all new Disney Destiny. Click here to learn more out this group opportunity. We look forward to seeing you aboard.
An early start to Saturday began with a trip for coffee just after Cafe Promenade opened up for the morning. Like most cruises, the early mornings can be a great time to walk around a quiet ship. I still am not a fan of the mall vibe of the Royal Promenade, but I am getting used to it. The Icon of the Seas version was much better with more stairways to go up a deck and bypass crowds during busy times & having the Pearl view the sea.
Emily headed to the fitness center, where she found a treadmill with porthole view.
Coffee and book in hand, I found a spot on the upper deck to take in our arrival. However, once seated, I realized there was an opportunity to capture a timelapse of other ships arriving so I raced back to the stateroom and clumsily found the GoPro without waking up Isabelle and made it back to deck 16 aft in time for the next ship’s arrival.
From my vantage point, I had a great view of the progress on the nearly completed Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island which opened on December 23, 2025. We didn’t have much planned for today and would have booked this if it was open on this day. We’ve never ventured across the bridge to Paradise Island in all of our stops in Nassau. In reality, if we did go, we still wouldn’t cross the bridge as Royal Caribbean uses tender boats to move guests between the port and beach club.
Off in the distance, the Disney Wish appeared on the horizon and eventually docked.
Below is a quick timelapse of the arrivals of the Symphony of the Seas and Disney Wish.
When we left the room this morning I noticed we had some mail, more specifically a telegram and tickets for the Royal Railway, which I left in place to investigate later.
We made our way ashore to do some Bahamian Christmas present shopping for friends and family (and ourselves) back home. Today, the port was bustling with nearly all of the shops open compared to other visits with less ships in port and a lot less foot traffic in the port marketplace area. It was awesome to see.
For those interested, I’m currently working on a walking tour video of the port, similar to the video I created from Falmouth, Jamaica last year. Nassau’s port area was also decorated for the holidays and even had a spot set up to meet Santa, but I did not see a sign for times and guests were simply using it as a photo op.
On our way back to the ship, I detoured to take some photos of the Disney Wish.
Back onboard, we read the correspondence from The Caribbean Union Telegram Company which is such a cool nod to the old ways setting the scene for the experience to come.
In the envelope, were three non-transferable tickets for the Royal Railway Wild West Train Trip with our scheduled departure time and seating assignments. Be sure to read the fine print on the back of the ticket.
On our way to grab lunch, we stopped by the Schooner Bar for some holiday activities.
Lunch consisted of Sorrento’s Pizza and salads from Café Promenade. I have been harsh on Sorrento’s pizza in the last two Royal trip reports and we were prepared with some hot honey to spice things up, but I was pleasantly surprised by the pizza served on this voyage. It was lightyears better than what was served during our previous cruises on Wonder/Icon of the Seas. Still, the pizza on the Carnival Mardi Gras maintains the #1 ranking on my cruise ship quick service pizza list.
While I maintain the stance that I want more sea views and nautical motif while on a cruise ship, that is not what the industry seems to be offering on new builds (although I do feel like they improved upon this on the Icon and presumably the Star of the Seas). Rather than be that old man complaining, I will find ways to enjoy the experience and Royal’s Central Park which is the area we overlook from our balcony and s a lovely spot to sit out and relax. I can picture myself in the Disney Imagination Garden, as a similar area on the Disney Adventure. Given our experiences on these Royal Caribbean cruises, there are a lot of similar aspects onboard the Disney Adventure that leave me disappointed the ship will be sailing on the other side of the world because, I am starting to have a gut feeling that I will really like that ship aside from it’s distinctive exterior physical design.
Holiday movie trivia was well attended and I am glad we arrived early to secure a seat as it ended up being standing room only. We discovered that the topic of Die Hard being a Christmas movie was such a polarizing debate. I’m not sorry… John McClane flies to California for Christmas, arrives during an office Christmas Eve party, the film ends on Christmas Day, and features Christmas music and themes in the score and soundtrack. The film is also included in the Christmas collection section on streaming services in November and December. It is a Christmas movie and I will not be entertaining a discussion on this topic.
We spent the majority of the afternoon hanging out in the Solarium and spending time in the hot tubs (one which had TVs showing college basketball) and reading. At one point, I made a trek to Windjammer (my one and only visit!!) to create a fruit and cheese charcuterie plate for the family to enjoy. The Solarium is a great spot as it is protected covered area that stays a bit warmer on what was not a very warm day. This adult-only area is a nice retreat that offers protection from weather.
We stopped at The Mason Jar, which is kinda like a Homecomin’ at sea. We had brunch there previously, but this weekend cruise, we just stopped in for cocktails to-go from the bar.
On deck, they offer free soft serve in a well maintained line with a crew member serving guests. Oh, and sprinkles!
The plan was to head down to Playmakers for a little bit to watch America’s Game: Army vs. Navy, but the game was not one of the games available.
We decided to head back to the stateroom and streamed the game while we prepared to board a train for dinner.
Royal Railway – Utopia Station – The Wild West Train Trip Dinner Experience
I teased the train trip earlier when the deliver of a telegram and tickets to our stateroom above, I want to to start by sharing the summary overview of this unique experience from Royal Caribbean’s website.
ROYAL RAILWAY – UTOPIA STATION A DINNER TIME MACHINE Step onto the platform for a welcome drink — and step back in time. Royal Railway — Utopia Station is the most immersive dining experience at sea. Settle in for a five-course journey of American favorites with an upscale twist as the sights, sounds and flavors of the Wild West unfold all around you. Savor delights like melt-in-your-mouth short ribs and chocolate decadent gold bars that redefine richly sweet on a cross-country trek through the American Frontier, without even leaving the ship. But beware — it’s so good, bandits just may want a taste.
Upon arrival at the train station, you check in with the host and wait to be called in based on the split-flap departure board that makes the satisfying sound each time it updates.
When your table is called, you are welcomed into the train station between two Royal Railway cars.
While fellow passengers arrive, you are offered a Welcome Drink – Ole Smokey Apple Pie Moonshine, Cherry Syrup, Lemon Juice, and Black Iced Tea, or a zero-proof, Cherry Lemonade, is available for those preferring a non-alcoholic welcome beverage or are underage. Photos are also taken for purchase along with your other cruise photos.
MoonshineCherry Lemonade (Zero-Proof)
Tables were seated and our tickets were checked. Thankfully, they just partially tear the tickets ensuring you have a unique souvenir to take home. No expense was spared, these are quality tickets with a perforated line to rip off the end tab and even included a wavy line watermark that did not show up completely in the scans presented below.
For comparison, this is a photo taken in the stateroom where the wavy lines are visible. A small but unique detail to further establish the scene.
The dining cars on the Royal Railway feature booths for two or four. Please do not ask me what happens if you have 5 or 7 people; this is the Disney Cruise Line Blog & I am not getting that detailed in my coverage.
Each passenger is presented with a guidebook and menu. The menu is a single two-sided insert while the guidebook is a detailed tri-fold on heavy cardstock.
While there is a dinner show component, I am going to focus on the dinner first. The dinner is prix fixe and included in the upfront cost of the experience, but there is an additional fee for cocktails, soda, beer, and wine. You can use your onboard beverage packages for applicable drinks.
After we made our dinner selection, each table was presented with an amuse-bouche, a barbecue chicken meatball in a phyllo dough cowboy hat. These were incredibly delicious.
To start the dinner service, each table was given an Outlaw Bread Cart with a select of wild rice & cranberry bread, spicy cowboy crackers, fruit and nut bread, a blue cheese pretzel with a cheesy pimento dip and caramelized onion butter. The blue cheese pretzel was special and the pimento dip was a lovely indulgence to start the trip.
To accompany our dinner, we ordered the Gold Rush and Pisco Sour from cocktail menu. The Gold Rush consists of Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whiskey, Aquafaba (leftover liquid from garbanzo beans), honey syrup, and lemon served in a BenShot Rocks Glass. The Pisco Sour is made with La Madrina Quebranta Pisco (a Peruvian brandy), Aquafaba, and lime served in an etched vintage martini glass.
For our appetizer course, there was clearly one and only entree that is blog-able. The Fart & dart baked beans with pulled pork – the baked beans were smokey with pickled onions and crispy pancetta served alongside cajun rye large pieces for dipping in a fun bean can that I now wish I kept just for the laughs. We also selected the flavorful Soapy smith’s corn chowder – blended sweet corn and corn topped with salsa verde and spiced chili oil, served with crispy cayenne dusted crackers. An order of Golden Nuggets was also ordered and they were exactly as the description states: crunchy coated tender wings with gold dust served with bourbon bbq sauce. Outside of the gold dust, these were just chicken fingers. While the beans were flavorful, I regret not ordering the empanada trio.
For entrees, we had the lobster, chicken, and trout. The 1st class lobster salad is a poached cold water lobster tail with mixed salad composed of citrus supremes, pickled root vegetables, candied cashews, heirloom tomatoes, and a creamy avocado puree that Emily enjoyed. I went with the Roasted Poussin, a spring chicken served roasted with pancetta and herbs, buttered baby vegetables, crisped skillet potatoes, with fragrant au jus. The chicken was well prepared and really flavorful. Isabelle opted for the Baked River Trout which was a spiced silver plume trout with crispy fried skin served with tender cider butter braised potatoes and fennel and a baby root vegetable medley. The flavors were ok, but if I were to return, I’d consider one of the two rib offerings, which both sound intriguing.
At this point, we were stuffed, so we opted to just order one of each dessert and share them. The Denver Gold Bar is a vanilla cake, coconut and sweet raspberry jam topped with gold flakes and moscato rhubarb sauce. The Royal Railway Cigar is a hand-rolled milk chocolate cigar stuffed with sweet cream served with house-made dulce de leche ice cream. The gold bar had potential, but it was served on the cold side so the various flavors were not as impactful if they would have been resting at room temperature a little longer because I enjoy rhubarb dating back to a pie my mom would make when I was a kid.
Overall, the dinner was enjoyable and service was timed really well with the dinner show which worked because it was a small venue dining experience.
Resetting the scene back to boarding the railcar at Utopia Station. Inside the station, there were signs promoting the experience and a wanted poster for the Yates Triplets.
Once at our seats in the railcar, we were presented with a Royal Railway Wild West Train Trip the following guidebook and map.
Welcome
All aboard… The royal railway, where every trip is a wild ride through luxury, decadence, and a daring adventure! As the proud owner of this inventive train, i promise you an unforgettable journey that’s as thrilling as it is delicious.
Hold on to your hats folks, because this train has more twists than a sidewinder’s tail! I urge you to sit back, relax and indulge in a dining experience that will leave you longing to return again and again.
Whether you’re hungry for a journey to the past or the future of entertainment, our train is the perfect ride for anyone ooking to dine in loco-motion.
Welcome aboard! Michael Bayley – Royal Railway President
The map on the reverse was packed with more information than you can really read over while still being an engaging table mate, eat, and enjoying the show. Thankfully, they let us take one as a keepsake which I’ve scanned in the highest resolution possible on my scanner then proceeded to shrink it back down to upload below. If you are interested in the full scans, they are available here.
The Royal Railway Wild West Train trip dinner show offers an immersive 90-minute experience. Once seated in a dining car, the journey begins as you gaze out at the captivating Wild West scenery. Motion technology within the rail car enhances the experience, making it feel like you’re truly riding the rails.
The show employs a multi-rolling ensemble to portray various characters, including the Yates Triplets, a trio of bandits who are attempting to steal the royal bling. The story unfolds within the narrow aisle of the dining car, with fellow passengers also being part of the narrative. The actors frequently interact with the guests, adding an element of engagement to the experience. For instance, we closely observed the handcuffs for a while.
This was a really enjoyable experience, but it is not really repeatable from a show perspective. From what I gather, pricing is dynamic by sailing, ranging from $75-120-ish. For our sailing, we snagged it at 15% off and paid $318.54 total for 3 ($269.97 + $48.57 in gratuities), which was worth it for the immersive and well-choreographed show and dinner. We were also presented with a folio at the end, where we left additional gratuity for the server (while not required).
After dinner, we retired to the stateroom where we watched as Fernando Mendoza was awarded the Heisman Trophy.
Tomorrow, we are headed ashore for a relaxing Perfect beach day!
Severe winter weather is forcing widespread itinerary changes across the cruise industry, with a powerful bomb cyclone forecast to impact the US East Coast and strong gale-force winds sweeping through the Bahamas over the weekend of 31st January and 1st February 2026.
Cruise lines have been adjusting sailings to avoid unsafe docking conditions, heavy seas and potential port closures, affecting ships currently in the Caribbean as well as vessels homeporting along the US East Coast.
Bahamas Itineraries Disrupted By Strong Winds
According to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, strong to gale-force winds are expected from midday Saturday through early Monday, combined with unusually cool temperatures for the region.
As a result, several popular ports have become unsafe for cruise operations, particularly private islands and exposed harbours.
Royal Caribbean has confirmed itinerary changes for two of its largest ships. Oasis of the Seas has cancelled its scheduled visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay on 31st January.
The private island was due to be the final port call on the ship’s eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise, which departed from Port Everglades on 24th January 2026.
Utopia of the Seas has also cancelled its planned call to Perfect Day at CocoCay on 1st February. In addition, the ship has reduced its time in Nassau on 31st January as the weather system moves through the northern Bahamas.
Margaritaville at Sea has opted to adjust port timing rather than cancel a destination outright. Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, sailing on a three-night getaway cruise from 30th January, will now visit Nassau on 31st January instead of 1st February, allowing the ship to avoid the worst of the forecast winds.
Disney Cruise Line has also revised itineraries across two ships sailing on 30th January. Disney Wish, operating a three-night cruise, will no longer call at Castaway Cay on 1st February and will instead remain in Nassau for an extended stay.
To accommodate port congestion, Disney Dream will skip its planned Nassau call on the same day and spend the time at sea.
East Coast Returns Brought Forward Ahead Of Storm
The approaching bomb cyclone is expected to bring heavy snowfall, high tides and strong winds to large sections of the US East Coast, creating challenging conditions for ships returning to homeports in the north-east.
MSC Cruises guests onboard MSC Meraviglia have reported that the ship is returning to New York earlier than scheduled from its seven-night Bahamas sailing.
Despite the early return, embarkation for the next sailing on 1st February is still expected to proceed as planned. Passengers have been advised to take extra care when travelling to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal due to icy and snowy conditions.
Norwegian Cruise Line has made similar adjustments. Norwegian Breakaway is cutting short its 11-night Caribbean itinerary and will return to Manhattan on 1st February instead of 3rd February. As part of the change, the ship cancelled its scheduled call to St. Thomas on 30th January. The additional time in New York will be treated as an overnight port stay.
Carnival Cruise Line has also taken precautionary action. Carnival Sunshine is returning to Norfolk, Virginia, one day earlier than planned, resulting in the cancellation of its visit to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The decision was made to ensure a safe arrival ahead of deteriorating weather conditions.
Meanwhile, guests booked on Carnival Pride’s 1st February sailing from Baltimore have been notified that embarkation could be affected by the storm. While no changes have been confirmed, the cruise line is monitoring conditions closely and has encouraged passengers to register for text alerts for the latest updates.
With the storm system still developing, further itinerary changes remain possible, particularly for ships scheduled to dock in the Bahamas or return to northern US ports over the coming days. Cruise lines are continuing to prioritise safety while working to minimise disruption for guests.
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A stomach bug outbreak has affected hundreds of passengers aboard a Fred Olsen cruise ship, with health measures introduced and the vessel’s next sailing delayed to allow for a deep clean.
Guests travelling on Balmoral reported widespread cases of gastroenteritis, a highly contagious illness that typically causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Around 200 people are believed to have fallen ill during the voyage, according to reports from the Shetland Times. The ship has capacity for more than 1,200 passengers.
Passengers said daily announcements were made warning that the ship was “experiencing increasing cases of people presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis”.
Some guests disputed the severity of the situation, suggesting that a number of those feeling unwell were suffering from seasickness following a rough crossing from Norway rather than a viral illness.
Cancelled Shetland Call And Health Measures Onboard
Balmoral had been scheduled to dock in Lerwick on 27th January, but the call was cancelled after stormy weather battered the islands. By that point, reports of illness onboard were already circulating among passengers.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines confirmed that a number of guests had reported gastrointestinal symptoms.
“We have immediately implemented measures to help reduce transmission, and our medical team is on hand to provide support to anyone who should feel unwell during the cruise.
“Balmoral will be returning to Southampton tomorrow, where she will set sail a little later than planned to allow for a deep clean of the ship and cruise terminal.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew is our highest priority, and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has robust health, hygiene, and safety protocols in place at all times.”
Kate Bunyan, the cruise line’s director of health services
The ship departed on its next cruise to Norway slightly later than originally planned on 30th January, following enhanced cleaning procedures both onboard and at the cruise terminal.
Gastrointestinal outbreaks are not uncommon in the cruise industry, particularly during winter sailings when rough seas and close-contact environments can increase the spread of illness.
Cruise lines typically respond with isolation protocols, increased sanitation and adjusted itineraries where necessary to protect passengers and crew.
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A Mexican court has ordered a temporary halt to construction work on Royal Caribbean’s proposed Perfect Day Mexico destination in Costa Maya, pending further environmental and land-use assessments.
According to Mexican newspaper La Jornada, the decision was issued by a Quintana Roo district court after an injunction request from environmental organisation Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS).
The ruling pauses development activity while authorities examine whether all legal and environmental requirements have been fully met.
The injunction does not cancel the project, but instead seeks to prevent any potentially irreversible environmental damage while outstanding concerns are reviewed. A court hearing scheduled in the coming days will determine whether the suspension remains in place for the duration of the environmental studies.
Environmental And Infrastructure Concerns Raised
DMAS has stressed that it is not opposed to the cruise line’s plans in principle, acknowledging that the project could deliver significant economic benefits to the region. However, the group argues that possible land-use irregularities must be addressed before construction continues.
“We are in favor of respecting the law, urban planning and the community’s right to a healthy environment,” the organisation said.
A key concern is the protection of mangrove ecosystems in the area, which play a crucial role in water filtration and coastal erosion prevention. Environmental advocates have warned that damage to these habitats could have long-term consequences for both the local environment and nearby communities.
The group has also raised questions about the capacity of the region’s sanitation infrastructure, which is already under strain. An influx of visitors on the scale proposed for Perfect Day Mexico could further burden wastewater and sewage systems, with potential impacts on surrounding towns.
Royal Caribbean has previously stated that there are no plans to build within designated mangrove conservation zones and has said the project would include restoration initiatives designed to enhance mangrove habitats rather than harm them.
Local Opposition Has Emerged Before
The court injunction is not the first obstacle faced by the Perfect Day Mexico project.
In August 2025, a Change.org petition was launched calling for greater protections for the nearby fishing village of Mahahual. That campaign cited similar environmental concerns, including mangrove preservation, pollution risks and pressure on local water supplies.
The petition has since attracted more than 357,000 signatures. Like the current legal challenge, it does not seek to block the development outright, but instead calls for stronger safeguards for local communities and greater public involvement in decision-making.
Royal Caribbean owns the land earmarked for the destination but must comply with Mexican environmental and planning laws before proceeding. The project, once approved, is set to become one of the cruise industry’s largest private destinations.
Plans include a sprawling waterpark capable of welcoming up to 20,000 guests per day, allowing multiple cruise ships to call at the site simultaneously.
The development would feature more than 30 waterslides, including the tallest waterslides in North and South America, alongside what is planned to be the world’s longest lazy river, complete with a high-energy “crazy” section.
“Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean. “This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide.”
Additional plans include three swim-up bars, 10 swimming pools, the Splashaway Bay water play area for children, an adults-only retreat, multiple dining venues and a range of cabana options spread across more than 200 acres.
The destination represents an investment of more than $600 million, with completion currently projected for late 2027.
However, if the suspension is extended or further changes are required following environmental reviews, that timeline could be pushed back.
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Royal Caribbean Group has formally confirmed plans for a brand new ship class for Royal Caribbean International while simultaneously committing to a significant expansion of Celebrity Cruises’ growing river operation.
The company has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to build two Discovery Class ships, with options in place for up to four further vessels.
The first ship in the new class is scheduled to enter service in 2029, followed by a sister ship in 2032, subject to standard conditions including financing.
While detailed specifications have not been disclosed, the group has previously indicated that they were exploring a slightly smaller next-generation ship, suggesting a shift from the ever-larger ships that have defined the brand since the introduction of the Oasis Class.
“These ships will be a showcase of what’s possible when design meets purpose, ultimately bringing the world closer to our guests,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Through our partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, we are leveraging France’s world-class shipbuilding ecosystem and new technology to, once again, reimagine the industry for decades to come.”
The announcement was made alongside the company’s fourth quarter results, which showed adjusted net income of $2.80 per share, in line with market expectations, on total revenues of $4.3 billion.
Discovery Class To Signal Next Phase For Royal Caribbean
Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said the Discovery Class would focus on delivering “extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences – from cutting-edge design to immersive moments – every detail crafted to surprise and delight guests in ways they’ve never imagined.”
Royal Caribbean Group’s relationship with Chantiers de l’Atlantique dates back to 1985, when the French shipbuilder delivered the then-revolutionary Sovereign Class.
Since then, the yard has built 21 ships for the group, including multiple Oasis Class vessels and Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class ships. It is currently constructing Oasis 7 as well as Celebrity Xcite.
While the name and early commentary around the Discovery Class have fuelled speculation that the ships could be more destination-focused, Royal Caribbean has not yet confirmed how the new platform will differ operationally from existing classes.
Celebrity River Cruises Fleet Set To Double By 2031
Alongside the ocean ship announcement, Royal Caribbean Group also revealed that it has ordered 10 additional river cruise ships for Celebrity Cruises, taking the planned Celebrity River Cruises fleet to 20 vessels by 2031.
Construction has now begun on the first ship, Celebrity Compass, at TeamCo in the Netherlands. River cruising for the brand will begin in 2027 with Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, followed in 2028 by Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer and Celebrity Boundless.
The 2028 European river season is already open for booking, featuring an 80 percent increase in destinations compared with Celebrity’s inaugural 2027 deployment. More than 160 sailings are planned across the Rhine and the lower and upper Danube, including popular tulip time and Christmas markets itineraries.
“Guest demand for Celebrity River Cruises has exceeded our expectations, and expanding the fleet allows us to bring this highly anticipated experience to even more travelers,” Liberty said.
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, added: “Our inaugural 2027 Celebrity River Cruises season sold out in under six minutes – a testament to how much guests value the unmatched hospitality and service Celebrity delivers.”
Together, the Discovery Class order and the river cruise expansion underline Royal Caribbean Group’s strategy of investing across multiple segments, balancing innovation in large-scale ocean cruising with a rapid move into the premium river market.
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MSC Cruises has unveiled plans for a substantial expansion of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, confirming a wide range of new guest experiences alongside an extended pier that will allow two ships to dock at the private island at the same time.
Announced on 28th January 2026, the project will see new facilities introduced across the island, with completion targeted for late 2027. The developments are designed to enhance the guest experience while supporting the cruise line’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship in The Bahamas.
Ocean Cay, which first welcomed guests in late 2019, has become a cornerstone of MSC Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries. The island was transformed from a former industrial sand excavation site into a marine reserve featuring crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches and a growing marine ecosystem.
What’s Changing At Ocean Cay
Guests visiting Ocean Cay from late 2027 can expect a noticeably expanded offering, with several new areas and attractions planned across the island.
Four new dining venues will be introduced, bringing the total number of places to eat on the island to seven. These will include a signature specialty restaurant, along with additional buffet and food market-style options, building on existing favourites such as Seakers Food Court and the island’s food trucks.
Families will see major enhancements at Seakers Cove, which is being redeveloped into a dedicated family beach area. Planned additions include a children’s playground, splashpad and a ropes course featuring water elements.
Table games such as ping-pong and foosball will also be available, alongside organised activities, tournaments and interactive games aimed at creating a multi-generational beach experience.
For adults seeking a quieter escape, a brand-new adults-only area called Paradise Sands will be added. This space is designed to offer a tranquil beach environment during the day, before transitioning into a sunset-focused venue for cocktails and relaxation in the evening.
The number and variety of cabanas available for rent will also increase, giving guests more choice when it comes to private beachside relaxation.
A new Marine Conservation Experience will be launched as part of the MSC Foundation’s Shifting Perspective initiative.
This hands-on experience will allow guests to engage directly with marine conservation efforts, including coral restoration, scientific research and interactive exploration of ocean ecosystems.
Pier Extension And Future Island Plans
Alongside the guest-facing upgrades, construction has already begun on extending Ocean Cay’s pier. Once completed in late 2027, the extended pier will be able to accommodate two ships at the same time.
As ships dock directly at the island, this will allow more guests to come ashore easily without the need for tender boats.
MSC Cruises also confirmed that work continues on a second private island located next to Ocean Cay. Known internally as Little Cay, the island has not yet been formally named.
According to the cruise line, the destination will follow the same ethos as Ocean Cay, focusing on natural beauty, pristine beaches and ocean-focused experiences, complemented by luxury facilities and water features.
Ocean Cay is already home to more than two miles of beachfront spread across eight beaches and has gained international recognition for both tourism and environmental initiatives.
The island was designated a Hope Spot by Mission Blue in 2023 and is supported by the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Programme, which focuses on restoring resilient coral species.
The Marine Conservation Center on the island, which opened in April 2025, continues to serve as a base for scientists, students and visitors, featuring laboratories, interactive pavilions and coral nurseries both on land and underwater.
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