Diplomacy

Viking, the world’s leading ocean and river cruise line, has extended their ‘Explorer Sale’ through the end of the month.

Viking’s ‘Explorer Sale’ includes cruises to all seven continents on some of their most popular itineraries. The sale has been extended through February 28, 2025 and offers discounted fares and additional perks.

Viking’s ‘Explorer Sale’ includes the following:

• Cruise fares starting at $1,999 per person*
• Up to free international airfare on select itineraries
• $25 cruise deposits on any voyage
• Additional savings for new and returning guests

*Included in all Viking fares are taxes/port fees, WiFi, one shore excursion in every port, drinks during meals, and all dining options.

Viking’s cruises visit more than 500 ports around the world in 85 countries. Here’s a look at some of their most popular itineraries.

Pharaohs & Pyramids – This 12-day trip through Egypt includes several days in Cairo and a river cruise on the Nile River. You can read about Cruise Fever’s experience on this sailing here.

Viking Homelands – This 15-day ocean cruise starts in Stockholm and ends in Bergin, Norway. The sailing visits the Baltic, Scandinavia and fjords in Norway.

Ancient Mediterranean Treasures – An eight day cruise in the Mediterranean where you start in Istanbul, Turkey and end in Athens, Greece. You will visit the ancient city of Ephesus as well as the Greek Isles.

Danube Walz – This is an eight-day cruise from Budapest to Passau on the Danube River that includes a stop in Vienna.

Antarctic Explorer –  This is a 13-day expedition trip that takes you to the Antarctic Peninsula where you can see icebergs, glaciers and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing.

Cities of Lights – A 12-day cruise that takes you from Paris to Prague, this voyage sails on some of the most iconic rivers in Europe.

America’s Great River – You don’t have to leave the country to take a cruise on Viking. The cruise line offers a 15-day sailing on the Mississippi River that starts in St. Paul and ends in New Orleans.

Many of the ocean and river cruises offered by Viking can also be done in reverse order from the embarkation/debarkation cities listed.

To see the complete terms and conditions of this sale from Viking, visit Viking.com or contact your preferred travel professional.

An 8-day round trip cruise out of Norfolk, Virginia on Carnival Sunshine has been delayed due to weather. Originally scheduled to depart on Sunday, February 16, the sailing is now scheduled to depart from the port on Monday around 6:00 a.m.

Strong, gusty winds up to 55 mph and high waves were forecast for Sunday, leading to the announcement of the delay on Saturday.

Carnival Cruise Line sent out an email about the delay, letting passengers know that they would still be able to board the ship on Sunday, even though the vessel would stay overnight in Norfolk.

“We were looking forward to delivering the itinerary we had planned and share your disappointment for this weather-related change but trust you will understand that your safety is a priority. While we are docked in Norfolk, all activities and events will continue as planned, but the casino and shops must remain closed,” the email said.

In addition to a later than expected departure, one port visit has also been cancelled.  Princess Cays will no longer be on the itinerary.  The 8-day voyage visits two other ports on the schedule: Grand Turk and Amber Cove. 

But because of the cancellation of Princess Cays, Carnival decided to let passengers spend some extra time in the two ports remaining on the itinerary.

After Carnival Sunshine’s move from Charleston to Norfolk, this is only the second sailing for the ship out of the Virginia port.

The ship is scheduled to arrive back in Norfolk on February 24 when a 6-day sailing to The Bahamas will begin.

Passengers are encouraged to check the Carnival Cruise Line website or app for the most up-to-date information regarding their sailing.

Carnival Sunshine, at 102,853 gross tons, can accommodate about 3,000 passengers and has a crew of around 1,150.

An epic new cruise was announced this week and a cruise ship will sail completely around the globe in 2026-2027.

Costa Cruises, one of nine cruise lines from Carnival Corporation, has announced a new 139-day cruise on Costa Deliziosa that departs from Italy on November 25, 2026.

Over the 139 days, the cruise ship will circumnavigate the globe westward, visiting 29 countries and 47 ports before returning to Italy.

The cruise line is also offering a slightly shorter version of the cruise that will allow guests to board the ship in San Francisco on January 3, 2027 for a 100-day journey that ends in Italy.

Port stops on this 2027 World Cruise include Half Moon Cay, one of Carnival Corporation’s private islands in The Bahamas. The ship will also visit the following destinations:

• East and west coasts of the United States
• Hawaii
• Tahiti
• Fiji
• Australia
• Maldives
• Japan
• Singapore
• Other ports in Southeast Asia and Africa

The cruise ship will spend New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles, and overland helicopter tours will be available to discover Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Multi-day tours will also be available so guests can make the most of their time at each destination.

Luigi Stefanelli, vice president of worldwide sales at Costa Cruises, gave the following statement about this new cruise:

“With the World Cruise 2027 we want to offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience, combining the exploration of iconic places with the proposal of exclusive destinations, some of which have never been touched before by our itineraries.

“With this edition, we want to redefine and innovate the concept of travel around the world, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who dream of an extraordinary adventure and the opportunity to discover the world with the quality and hospitality that distinguish Costa Cruises.”

This 139-day world cruise from Costa Cruises is now open for bookings.

Costa Deliziosa is a Luminosa-class ship (Spirit) that can accommodate up to 2,800 passengers. The 92,000 gross ton ship has been in service since 2010.

Cruise prices are always changing.  And if you want to get the most cruise for your money, knowing the when of a sailing is just as important as the where.  In this article we show the average cost of a cruise for each week of next year in 2026.

Our data shows that most people like to book a cruise anywhere from 6 months to a year out in advance, and that means 2026 cruises are well in focus.

With that in mind, we looked at over 2,000 cruise sailings scheduled for next year and broke down the average cost per day for each week on every sailing that was at least 7 days in duration.

(We’ll have to break down the pricing of those 3- and 4-day sailings another time.)

By the way, with this same data we looked at which U.S. cruise ports are the cheapest to sail out of and which cruise lines charge the most for cabin upgrades if you’re interested.

These prices are for inside cabins for two people and include gratuities.  So, yes, the price could be higher or lower depending on your ship, cabin type, cruise port, and a load of other variables.

But let’s keep it simple.  The point here is to show the fluctuations in pricing throughout the year.  And instead of using old data, this is for actual cruises taking place in 2026.

Chart Showing Cruise Prices in 2026

The reason some prices in the above chart are higher or lower than the below data is that the chart was based on daily average pricing.  So, weekly averages brought those figures back to a mean a bit.

Weekly Average Prices for Cruises in 2026

January 2026:

• Week 1 (1/4 – 1/10): $243.50
• Week 2 (1/11 – 1/17): $290.86
• Week 3 (1/18 – 1/24): $276.80
• Week 4 (1/25 – 1/31): $265.40
• Monthly Average: $269.14 

February 2026:

• Week 5 (2/1 – 2/7): $272.57
• Week 6 (2/8 – 2/14): $292.17
• Week 7 (2/15 – 2/21): $283.00
• Week 8 (2/22 – 2/28): $293.80
• Monthly Average: $285.44

March 2026:

• Week 9 (3/1 – 3/7): $294.33
• Week 10 (3/8 – 3/14): $285.00
• Week 11 (3/15 – 3/21): $304.67
• Week 12 (3/22 – 3/28): $325.00
• Week 13 (3/29 – 4/4): $285.00 (Note: This week overlaps into April)
• Monthly Average (March only): $298.75

April 2026:

• Week 13 (3/29 – 4/4): $285.00 (Included in March and April calculations)
• Week 14 (4/5 – 4/11): $267.43
• Week 15 (4/12 – 4/18): $293.00
• Week 16 (4/19 – 4/25): $390.75
• Week 17 (4/26 – 5/2): $297.71 (Note: This week overlaps into May)
• Monthly Average (April only): $306.98

May 2026:

• Week 17 (4/26 – 5/2): $297.71 (Included in April and May calculations)
• Week 18 (5/3 – 5/9): $338.40
• Week 19 (5/10 – 5/16): $323.71
• Week 20 (5/17 – 5/23): $356.50
• Week 21 (5/24 – 5/31): $357.14
• Monthly Average: $334.69

June 2026:

• Week 22 (6/1 – 6/7): $366.50
• Week 23 (6/8 – 6/14): $363.14
• Week 24 (6/15 – 6/21): $378.00
• Week 25 (6/22 – 6/28): $372.17
• Week 26 (6/29 – 7/5): $381.86 (Note: This week overlaps into July)
• Monthly Average (June only): $372.33

July 2026:

• Week 26 (6/29 – 7/5): $381.86 (Included in June and July calculations)
• Week 27 (7/6 – 7/12): $395.71
• Week 28 (7/13 – 7/19): $399.17
• Week 29 (7/20 – 7/26): $377.14
• Week 30 (7/27 – 8/2): $387.83 (Note: This week overlaps into August)
• Monthly Average (July only): $388.34

August 2026:

• Week 30 (7/27 – 8/2): $387.83 (Included in July and August calculations)
• Week 31 (8/3 – 8/9): $365.29
• Week 32 (8/10 – 8/16): $355.29
• Week 33 (8/17 – 8/23): $352.00
• Week 34 (8/24 – 8/31): $319.43
• Monthly Average (August only): $355.97

September 2026:

• Week 35 (9/1 – 9/7): $315.43
• Week 36 (9/8 – 9/14): $307.29
• Week 37 (9/15 – 9/21): $303.86
• Week 38 (9/22 – 9/28): $294.20
• Week 39 (9/29 – 10/5): $285.75 (Note: This week overlaps into October)
• Monthly Average (September only): $301.31

October 2026:

• Week 39 (9/29 – 10/5): $285.75 (Included in September and October calculations)
• Week 40 (10/6 – 10/12): $262.80
• Week 41 (10/13 – 10/19): $269.00
• Week 42 (10/20 – 10/26): $268.00
• Week 43 (10/27 – 11/2): $250.75 (Note: This week overlaps into November)
• Monthly Average (October only): $267.26

November 2026:

• Week 43 (10/27 – 11/2): $250.75 (Included in October and November calculations)
• Week 44 (11/3 – 11/9): $244.20
• Week 45 (11/10 – 11/16): $263.17
• Week 46 (11/17 – 11/23): $318.17
• Week 47 (11/24 – 11/30): $317.80
• Monthly Average (November only): $278.82

December 2026:

• Week 48 (12/1 – 12/7): $282.86
• Week 49 (12/8 – 12/14): $284.14
• Week 50 (12/15 – 12/21): $315.14
• Week 51 (12/22 – 12/28): $424.40
• Week 52 (12/29 – 1/4): $393.75 (Note: This week overlaps into January of the next year)
• Monthly Average (December only): $340.06

Winter (Jan-Mar): Post-Holiday Slump & Spring Break Bounce

January is your budget-friendly month. Post-holiday lull means lower fares, especially early on. But take note: Spring break in March sends prices climbing, peaking towards month’s end as families seek warmer climates.

Spring (Apr-May): Price Peaks & Valleys

April presents a mixed picture. Some weeks offer attractive deals, others less so. Mid-month sees a price jump, possibly due to specific events or school breaks. May continues upward in pricing as summer approaches, so book early if you’re eyeing a spring getaway.

Summer (Jun-Aug): Prepare to Pay

Summer is peak cruise season, and prices reflect that. Expect the highest fares, with a consistent climb through June and July. August offers slightly lower prices toward the end, but it’s still prime time.

Fall (Sep-Nov): Shoulder Season Steals

September and October are ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Kids back in school means less demand and lower fares. This “shoulder season” is your chance to cruise comfortably without the peak-season cost. November, however, sees prices rise again, especially around Thanksgiving.

Holiday Season (Dec): Festive Fare Frenzy

December has two distinct price periods. The first half is generally manageable. The second? Be prepared to spend more. Christmas and New Year’s cruises command the highest prices of the year.

The Bottom Line

• Shoulder Seasons: September, October, and parts of April offer the best value for your money.
• Holiday Rush: Be prepared to pay a premium for cruises during holiday periods.
• January’s: January often sees a dip in cruise prices after the holiday rush, making it attractive for budget-minded travelers.
• Flexibility is Key: If your travel dates are flexible, you can often find better deals by shifting your trip by a week or two.

Alaska’s cruise industry is preparing for a wave of new offerings in 2026 as six ships that have never been to Alaska before are marked on the schedule.  Some of these ships are brand new and some have been sailing for over a decade.

Even as the 2025 season gets underway, 2026 is already showing a significant increase in sailings, with 85 more cruises planned.

The current cruise calendar lists 728 Alaskan cruises for 2026, compared to 643 in 2025.

Attributing to this surge of cruise activity in America’s Last Frontier, six cruise ships that have never been to the region before will be making their debut.

MSC Poesia (MSC Cruises)

Launched in 2007, the 2,550-passenger MSC Poesia will be repositioned from Barcelona to Miami in April, 2026.  After this sailing, the ship will offer an 18-night Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Seattle. 

The 92,627 gross ton vessel will be offering Alaskan sailings from Seattle for the first time in its history. 

From May to September of 2026, MSC Poesia will offer a series of 7-night Alaskan cruises that begin and end in Seattle, Washington.

Luminara (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection)

For cruisers wanting a more luxurious experience, the 3-ship luxury cruise line from Ritz-Carlton has you covered.  The brand-new super-yacht Luminara, 456-guest vessel, launching in 2025, will embark on 13 Alaskan voyages between May and September.

Luminara will be in Asia prior to sailing across the Pacific to Whittier, Alaska in May 2026.   The vessel will transition embarkation points between Whittier and Vancouver, offering 7- to 11-night sailings to Alaska that will visit at least 11 ports of call.

Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages)

Virgin Voyages has not previously offered sailings to Alaska, so this one is a first for the entire cruise line.

Brilliant Lady will be the fourth cruise ship with adult-only Virgin Voyages, and it’s scheduled to enter into service in September of this year.   The 2,700-passenger vessel will reposition from Los Angeles to Vancouver in May, 2026 before homeporting in Seattle for the season.

The ship will offer 7-, 9-, and 12-night roundtrip sailings out of Seattle and will offer these Alaskan sailings through September 2026.

Star Princess (Princess Cruises)

Another brand-new ship on the list is Star Princess, which is scheduled to be delivered in September 2025.  A Royal-class vessel, the sixth in its class, this 4,300-passenger ship will offer passengers a modern and comfortable way to explore the beautiful landscape of Alaska.

In April of 2026 Star Princess will reposition from Port Everglades to Seattle on a 20-day Panama Canal cruise. 

From Seattle, Star Princess will offer a series of 7-night round-trip cruises from the home port and will offer Alaska sailings until mid-September.

Star Seeker (Windstar Cruises)

This new vessel, launching in late 2025 and debuting in early 2026, will make its Alaskan debut, focusing on smaller ports and unique itineraries. 

The small luxury ship can accommodate up to 224 passengers across 112 suites.  This will be he seventh vessel with Windstar and will offer 7- and 14-night cruises out of San Juan, Puerto Rico before offering a Panama Canal cruise on its way to Juneau Alaska on a 49-night sailing.    Seven ports of call around Alaska will make up the end of this 7-week sailing.

Disney Magic (Disney Cruise Line)

Disney Cruise line will have two cruise ships sailing in Alaska in 2026.  The 2,700-passenger Disney Magic will be making its Alaskan debut while joining Disney Wonder in the region. 

Both of these Magic-class Disney cruise ships will offer 7-night sailings from May until September 2026.

The debut of these six new ships to Alaska give cruisers even more options for experiencing the incredible atmosphere of an Alaskan cruise.  2026 will be a busy sailing season for the area, and while the 2025 season is right around the corner, it’s not a bad time to start planning for a 2026 getaway.

Princess Cruises has announced an expansion for their Cruisetours in Alaska that now allow you to visit up to five national parks.

Princess Cruises’ cruisetours combine seven night cruises to Alaska (Voyage of the Glaciers) with a land tour to different national parks. After the cruise line saw good demand for their new 15-night National Parks Expedition cruisetour last year, they are adding more options for this year and next.

Princess is now offering six different cruisetours that range from nine to 15 days in length.  They are:

• National Parks Expedition – Five parks in 15 days (2025)
• National Parks Explorer – Four parks in 14 days (2025)
• Katmai National Park – Two parks in nine days (2025)
• National Parks Expedition – Five parks in 15 days (2026)
• National Parks Explorer – Four parks in 14 days (2026)
• National Parks Adventurer – Three parks in 14 days (2026)

Princess Cruises has four wilderness lodges (Kenai, Copper River, Mt. McKinley and Denali) and they also offer a stay in Fairbanks.

The cruise line will have seven cruise ships sailing to Alaska this year an eight in 2026. The cruises depart from five different homeports. They are Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Princess Cruises will make 88 visits to Glacier Bay, more than any other cruise line.

The cruise line also offers a unique onboard experience on cruises to Alaska with local lumberjacks, Iditarod champions, and storytellers sharing their passions for the 49th State.

Other offerings include fresh Alaska seafood menus, a variety of shore excursions, and authentic commentary by Glacier Bay Park Rangers and Naturalists.

Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, gave the following statement about the cruise line’s expanded cruisetours:

“There’s no better way to experience the breathtaking expanse of Alaska than by combining the luxury of a cruise with an immersive journey on land. Our expanded National Parks 2025 and 2026 cruisetours offer guests an array of exciting options that elevate their vacation experience.

“Alaska is a land of towering glaciers, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and stunning beauty that stretches as far as the eye can see. With our seamlessly crafted cruisetours, guests are brought directly to the doorsteps of some of the world’s most iconic national parks, allowing them to explore and soak in the awe-inspiring natural splendor that makes this destination truly unique.”