Diplomacy

Nate Bargatze is coming Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026.   In an event called Nateland at Sea, the rising stand-up comedian will be on board Norwegian Jewel on a 4-night sailing from February 5-9, 2026.

The cruise will sail from Tampa, Florida and visit Costa Maya, Mexico.

There will be three shows in total on the ship.  The entertainment lineup also includes live recordings of Bargatze’s podcast, “Nateland,” and other comedy podcasts, along with performances by additional comedians such as John Crist, Dusty Slay, and Derrick Stroup.

Adding a unique touch to the comedy on board, Nate Bargatze’s father, Stephen, a magician, will also be performing on the cruise, offering a different form of entertainment alongside the stand-up comedy.

A variety of other activities are planned, including a belly flop contest, and a spelling bee.

Cruise fares begin at $1,282 per person based on double occupancy. This price includes meals, select beverages, comedy shows, and other onboard amenities.

Presale Registration

Presale registration is currently open, with the first round closing on February 9th and the second on February 16th.

Presale booking windows are available for registered guests before public sales begin on February 19th at 2 p.m.

You can check out the details and get more information on Nateland at Sea here.

Guests booking within the first 500 cabins will receive a photo opportunity with Bargatze. Information regarding booking and availability can be found on the cruise website.

You might have seen Nate Bargatze on one of the three Netflix specials: “The Tennessee Kid” in 2019, “The Greatest Average American” in 2021, and “Your Friend, Nate Bargatze” which premiered on December 24, 2024.

Norwegian Bliss is fresh out of drydock and currently on a 13-day sailing from Europe to Miami.   After two weeks spent at the Damen shipyard in Brest, France getting upgrades and new features, the ship now offers new public areas and dining options.

The vessel underwent significant maintenance work, including a complete refresh of its staterooms and enhancements to its entertainment venues.

What’s New on Board?

One of the biggest changes on the cruise ship is the addition of Horizon Park. The outdoor space will offer lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga and a few relaxing spaces for lounging and sunbathing.

Guests will also be able enjoy ocean views, creating an inviting backdrop for socializing and relaxation.

As a space also meant for gathering, Horizon Park will offer live music and entertainment throughout the cruise.

Several dining upgrades were also added to the ship.

Dining Venues and Changes

Two popular Norwegian Cruise Line restaurants received upgrades on Norwegian Bliss. 

Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki were both expanded to offer more space in these dining venues.

A new restaurant, Palomar, described as an upscale seafood specialty dining venue, was added to the ship. This restaurant was first introduced to the cruise line on the Norwegian Prima in 2022.

Palomar offers a special menu of fresh seafood, meats, and unique dishes like Grilled Octopus, Mediterranean Sea Bass, and New York Strip Steak. A $60 cover charge (or a specialty dining credit) covers a multi-course meal including appetizers, an entrée, sides, and desserts, though some premium items like Whole Grilled Lobster incur an additional $25 charge.

Other Upgrades

Other notable changes include the addition of Premiere Owner’s Suites in The Haven, which now feature three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a separate dining room, and updated living areas, master bedrooms, and balcony furnishings.

Also, part of the Observation Lounge has been converted into 26 new balcony cabins, similar to the changes seen on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy.

Where Norwegian Bliss is Headed Next

Norwegian Bliss is the third Breakaway Plus cruise ship with the cruise line and was originally completed in 2018.   The vessel is scheduled to arrive in PortMiami on February 15, but it won’t stay in Florida long.

On February 22, the ship will sail from PortMiami to Los Angeles, California on a 15-day sailing.  After several 7-day cruises to the Mexican Riviera, the vessel will move to Seattle in April for the busy Alaska cruise season.

The first time I walked into Eden on Celebrity Edge during her inaugural voyage, I knew right away it would be a very unique experience that could not be found anywhere else.  And although some of the original concepts of Eden have been retired, the space has always been inviting and refreshing.

But Celebrity Xcel, due to arrive in November of this year, will be offering another brand-new venue instead of Eden.  The multi-deck space at the back of the ship will now occupy an all-new concept called “The Bazaar”.

The Ever-Changing Concept of “The Bazaar”

According to a press release from Celebrity Cruises, every day will offer a completely new feeling and environment in The Bazaar, so no two days are alike.

It will feature shopping, dining, activities, and entertainment that change according to the day’s “festival” or theme.  These themes will be inspired by the cultures of the ports in The Bahamas, Mexico, and Caribbean.

“Depending on the festival theme, guests can expand their palate with activities including rum and chocolate pairings and local hot sauce tastings, dive deep into the destination’s culture with experiences like live basket weaving demos, and find one-of-a-kind keepsakes from local vendors such as an authentic Caribbean mask shop, traditional Mexican leather hats, embroidery stations, and more,” a statemen from the cruise line read.

Mosaic, an open kitchen concept, will allow cruise passengers to sample various dishes also inspired by the ports visited by the ship.

Chef’s table

Alongside The Bazaar, Celebrity Xcel will introduce a Chef’s Table and a cooking school also offered at Mosaic.

According to the press release, “Chef’s Studio invites guests to discover their inner chef as they learn to prepare new dishes from each destination they visit. Throughout the sailing, the cooking school repertoire will change to reflect the destination-inspired festival themes, allowing guests to master local favorites and add to their recipe books alongside creating new memories.”

Quick bites will also be available at Spice, where a regular rotation of foods will be available for guests who want something on the go.  Spice will also offer floor-to-ceiling windows for great views while enjoying a mean between meals.

Celebrity Cruisers Have a Chance to Submit Ideas

Design on The Bazaar is not quite finalized, and Celebrity Cruises is giving its loyal fans a chance to have a say in the finishing touches. 

Through the “Xcel Dream Makers” program, Celebrity Cruises is allowing guests to have a say in the final design and offerings of the ship, including The Bazaar, via online polls and interactive events.

“For The Bazaar, Dream Makers will shape how the festivals come to life, choose entertainment and activities in Market at The Bazaar, select menu items at Mosaic, and more. Those interested in joining Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ can register at www.celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers,” the statement read.

Celebrity Xcel will be sailing out of Fort Lauderdale for her first season, offering week-long cruises that alternate between destinations in the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

In the summer of 2026, she will transition to her debut European season, sailing in the Mediterranean on voyages that are from 7- to 11-nights, departing from Barcelona and Athens. These voyages will include unique overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Worried about seasickness ruining your cruise vacation? You’re not alone! It’s a common concern, but the good news is that modern cruise ships are incredibly stable, and seasickness is far less common than many people imagine.

In fact, after taking over 50 cruises, I’ve still never experienced any kind of seasickness other than some slight discomfort in rough seas. I know everyone is different, though, and some are more prone to motion sickness. 

But where you sail and where you book your cabin can help make a big difference as well.

While there are no absolute guarantees, this article will cover everything you need to know to minimize the chances of seasickness and make the most of your time at sea.

Read more: 10 Things You Should Not Worry About on a Cruise

Why Seasickness Happens (and Why It’s Less of a Problem Today)

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. It happens when your inner ear, responsible for balance, senses motion that doesn’t match what you’re seeing. This sensory overload can lead to nausea and other unpleasant side effects.

Historically, smaller ships in rougher seas made seasickness a more significant concern. However, today’s massive cruise ships are built with advanced stabilizers that significantly reduce movement.

If you saw the ship underwater you would see what look like fins coming out from the sides of the ship, making it more like an airplane underwater.

In calm weather, you might not even feel the ship moving.  I’ve seen many ice skating performances on Royal Caribbean ships and this just wouldn’t be possible with constant motion.

Common Myths About Seasickness on a Cruise

• Myth: Everyone gets seasick on a cruise. Fact: Most people don’t. Modern cruise ships are large and equipped with stabilizers that significantly reduce motion.

• Myth: If you get motion sickness in cars or planes, you’ll definitely get seasick. Fact: Seasickness is different. Just because you’re prone to motion sickness on land or in the air doesn’t guarantee you’ll experience it on a ship.

• Myth: Seasickness is a constant problem throughout a cruise. Fact: Seasickness can fluctuate. It often depends on the weather, the ship’s location, and your own sensitivity.

• Myth: The higher decks of a cruise ship are always the worst for seasickness. Fact: While higher decks can experience more motion, it’s not always a significant difference. Cabins located mid-ship generally experience the least amount of motion.

• Myth: There’s nothing you can do to prevent or treat seasickness. Fact: There are many effective options, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, acupressure bands, ginger, and careful cabin selection.

Tips to Avoid Getting Seasick on a Cruise Ship

• Choose Your Cabin Wisely: For the smoothest ride, opt for a cabin located mid-ship and on a lower deck. These locations experience less motion than cabins at the front (bow) or back (stern) of the ship.
• Fresh Air is Your Friend: Spend time on the open decks breathing in the fresh sea air. This can help your body adjust to the ship’s motion.
• Focus on the Horizon: If you do feel a little queasy, fix your gaze on the horizon. This provides a visual reference point that can help your inner ear and eyes synchronize.
• Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water throughout your cruise. Dehydration can make motion sickness worse.
• Eat Regularly (But Wisely): Don’t skip meals! An empty stomach can make nausea worse. Opt for bland, easily digestible foods, and avoid overly spicy or greasy meals, especially in the first couple of days.
• Get Plenty of Rest: Being well-rested can help your body adapt to the motion of the ship.

• Enjoy the View. Try to get a room with at least a window as well, as not seeing the water is usually worse than seeing it.

Remedies for Avoiding Cruise Motion Sickness

You should always consult with your doctor before trying any medications or special homemade remedies just to make sure that you will not see any adverse reactions.

• Dramamine.  This is probably the most popular over the counter drug for preventing sea sickness, but it can also make you drowsy.  There is a non-drowsy Dramamine but many people find that it still makes you feel weird.  Still, it’s better than being sea sick.  And after a few days you may find you no longer need it.
• The Scopolamine Patch.  Some people rave about this patch and it’s supposed to work really well.  You need a prescription for it, and the only side effect most people see is a dry mouth.  But there is plenty to drink on the ship so no worries there.
• Bonine.  This is another drug a little like Dramamine and should be taken 8 hours before you sail.  Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Home Remedies for Avoiding Motion Sickness

• Ginger.  If you are drinking Ginger Ale, make sure there is actually ginger in it.  Some of the new soft drinks just use ginger flavors.  Some people take ginger pills and others eat ginger snaps.  Either way, it should help.
• Peppermint candy or tea.  This helps to relieve the nausea so it’s really a remedy for the symptoms of seasickness and not really the cause.
• Saltine crackers.  Some people swear by them, so hey, it’s worth a shot.
• Wrist bands.  There are certain wristbands that are supposed to push down on your pressure points to stop you from getting motion sickness.  While not scientifically proven, they are non-invasive and worth a try.
• Eating green apples will also help keep seasickness at bay.

Remember that if you do get really sick on a cruise, there is always a nurse and medical staff on board to assist you. This is where having cruise or travel insurance can really pay off.

Certain Destinations Are Better for People Who Get Motion Sickness

If you go on a transatlantic or transpacific cruise, chances are you are going to experience a lot more movement in the water due to the cold fronts and weather changes in the ocean.  There are also a lot more sea days on these voyages.  So, if you’re worried about motion sickness being an issue, pick a destination heavy itinerary.

First time cruisers worried about getting seasick can try out a cruise to the Caribbean or The Bahamas where the waters are usually calm.  Of course, hurricane season can change that a little as well.

Bottom Line

Most of the time you can’t even feel the ships moving, especially when the weather is nice.  On the rare occasion that you have some weather the wave might make the ship move a little, but captains usually try to avoid any kind of weather and find you a nice sunny part of the ocean to enjoy your getaway.

Think about it, these ships could not have ice skating rinks on them with live performances if the ships were rocking back and forth.  On my first cruise I was shocked at how still everything seemed.  Once in a while you might feel some movement, but the technology is getting better all the time, and the bigger the ship the more stable it will be.

Last updated on 1/31/2025

Holland American Line has announced five new Legendary Voyages that will offer in-depth visits to Bora Bora, Alaska, Hawaii and the Mediterranean.

These new cruises range from 27 to 45 days in length and offer extended visits to some of the most desirable vacation spots in the world.

Here is a look at the five incredible new cruises offered by Holland America Line.

Alaska, Hawaii and Bora Bora

Holland America Line will sail two epic 35-day cruises from San Diego. On February 13, 2027, Koningsdam will sail an 11 port cruise to the South Pacific that spends 120 hours in the French Polynesia. 

On October 15, 2026, Zaandam will depart on a cruise that visits 14 ports in Hawaii, the South Pacific, and a rare late-night stop in Bora Bora.

In September 2026, the cruise line will offer a Legendary Glaciers & Volcanoes cruise that visits both Alaska and Hawaii on a four week cruise.

Mediterranean

One of Holland America’s most popular cruises is returning, a roundtrip voyage from New York that visits the Mediterranean.  This 45-day cruise will visit 21 ports in 12 countries. It will have an overnight visit in Alexandria, Egypt and an extended stay in Istanbul.

This voyage is a recreation of a cruise from the 1920s.

Great Bear Rainforest

This 28-day cruise on Noordam from Seattle on June 7, 2026 will cross the Arctic Circle for summer solstice. This extended cruise features 13 port visits in Canada and Alaska. Remote ports includes Nome and Dutch Harbor and the ship will overnight in Anchorage.

Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment, gave the following statement about these new cruises:

“Interest in longer cruises continues to grow and these newest Legendary Voyages deliver with unique itineraries that delve deep into popular and harder-to-reach parts of the world. These five voyages, all sailing from North American homeports, build on our commitment to offer cruises that let our guests linger longer and connect with the destination in a more intimate way.”

Cruise lines offer different prices for inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins.  But upgrades to the next tier cost a lot more on some ships than others.  The percentage difference between cabin types by cruise line is even more pronounced.

This week I put together a spreadsheet with over 2,000 cruise sailings with their prices on a per day basis.  This included every 2026 cruise out of a U.S. cruise port that was anywhere from 7 days long to 14 days in duration.

Nine major cruise lines were analyzed for their pricing across 365 days.  I could have added more and even included shorter 3- and 4-day cruises, but the spreadsheet was lengthy enough already.

The data was quite extensive, with 6,952 rows in the spreadsheet (one line each for the three main cabin categories Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony).

Suites, solo cabins, and other types of cabins are not included in this article.

About the Cruise Price Data

The prices listed are based on two passengers in a cabin and are on a per day basis.  Since some cruises were 7 days in duration and some were 10, 12, and 14, it made more sense to compare based on the daily rate rather then the entire cruise cost.

The price listed includes gratuities as well.  These prices are always in flux and may differ from other sources by the time you read this.

Also, remember these are averages, and some prices will be higher or lower depending on the time of year and age of the cruise ship.

After compiling the data, here are the average prices for three cabin categories over the course of 2026, separated by cruise line.

Daily Average Cost of 2026 Cruises for Two Passengers

Average Price Across All 9 Cruise Lines

Here are the average prices for each cabin category across every cruise line (on a per day basis for two passengers):

• Inside: $405.67
• Oceanview: $445.33
• Balcony: $508.67

The price between inside and oceanview versus oceanview and balcony is pretty similar.  But this isn’t always the case within specific cruise lines, which we will look at in the next section.

The higher price of Disney Cruise Line cabins skewed these numbers a bit more to the high side. 

But I found one surprising thing in this data.  I expected MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line to have among the lowest prices for various cabin categories. 

What I didn’t expect was for Princess Cruises to have a lower average than Carnival.  A closer look showed some really low rates on Regal Princess in 2026 with cruises that sail out of Galveston and Port Everglades.

Biggest Price Difference Between Cabin Categories

Next, I wanted to see what kind of premium different cruise lines put on those upgraded cabins.  The information below shows the difference in average price between the three main cabin types. 

The cruise lines below are listed from smallest total increase to largest total increase of price.

Celebrity Cruises

• • Inside to Oceanview: 8.83%
  • Oceanview to Balcony: 13.61%
  • Total Increase: 22.44%

Disney Cruise Line

• • Inside to Oceanview: 8.52%
  • Oceanview to Balcony: 14.56%
  • Total Increase: 23.08%

MSC Cruises

• • Inside to Oceanview: 15.44%
  • Oceanview to Balcony: 12.42%
  • Total Increase: 27.86%

Royal Caribbean

• • Inside to Oceanview: 13.64%
  • Oceanview to Balcony: 17.25%
  • Total Increase: 30.89%

Princess Cruises

• • Inside to Oceanview: 17.44%
  • Oceanview to Balcony: 16.97%
  • Total Increase: 34.41%

Virgin Voyages

• • Inside to Oceanview: 17.65%
  • Oceanview to Balcony: 17.00%
  • Total Increase: 34.65%

Carnival Cruise Line

• • Inside to Oceanview: 17.77%
  • Oceanview to Balcony: 17.16%
  • Total Increase: 34.93%

Norwegian Cruise Line

• • Inside to Oceanview: 19.44%
  • Oceanview to Balcony: 18.84%
  • Total Increase: 38.28%

Holland America Line

• • Inside to Oceanview: 10.89%
  • Oceanview to Balcony: 32.30%
  • Total Increase: 43.19%

Lowest Price Per Day on All 55 Ships

These are all the ships used in this data. There are 55 in total that offer one week to two week sailings that depart from U.S. ports in 2026. 

I have listed below the lowest price for an interior cabin for two people on each ship based on a per-day cost.

Disney Treasure: $671
Disney Magic: $594
Disney Wonder: $557
Star Of The Seas: $468
Icon Of The Seas: $454
Norwegian Luna: $429
Volendam: $385
Norwegian Aqua: $372
Norwegian Prima: $363
Norwegian Pearl: $356
Noordam: $345
Celebrity Xcel: $334
Scarlet Lady: $318
Norwegian Epic: $310
Norwegian Getaway: $307
Celebrity Beyond: $306
Norwegian Encore: $304
Celebrity Edge: $301
Valiant Lady: $298
Anthem Of The Seas: $297
Norwegian Viva: $295
Norwegian Sun: $294
Serenade Of The Seas: $291
Nieuw Amsterdam: $287
Norwegian Bliss: $286
Norwegian Joy: $284
Norwegian Jade: $282
Resilient Lady: $278
Koningsdam: $277
Oasis Of The Seas: $272
Allure Of The Seas: $272
Norwegian Breakaway: $268
Norwegian Jewel: $268
Zuiderdam: $262
Voyager Of The Seas: $261
Zaandam: $260
Carnival Luminosa: $260
Carnival Jubilee: $260
Nieuw Statendam: $259
Celebrity Ascent: $259
Island Princess: $259
Norwegian Dawn: $258
Brilliant Lady: $258
Celebrity Constellation: $257
Norwegian Escape: $257
Symphony Of The Seas: $257
Norwegian Sky: $257
Celebrity Reflection: $253
Carnival Pride: $247
Celebrity Apex: $245
Eurodam: $245
Carnival Spirit: $243
Mardi Gras: $243
Harmony Of The Seas: $243
Carnival Celebration: $242
Carnival Radiance: $238
Adventure Of The Seas: $237
Discovery Princess: $233
Odyssey Of The Seas: $231
Sun Princess: $230
Carnival Miracle: $230
Enchantment Of The Seas: $229
Star Princess: $228
Celebrity Summit: $227
Celebrity Silhouette: $226
Carnival Liberty: $226
Ruby Princess: $224
Carnival Sunshine: $222
Navigator Of The Seas: $222
Rotterdam: $221
Carnival Legend: $220
Carnival Vista: $219
Carnival Panorama: $219
Royal Princess: $219
MSC World America: $218
Norwegian Star: $216
Sapphire Princess: $215
Enchanted Princess: $215
Emerald Princess: $213
Sky Princess: $213
Carnival Magic: $212
Grand Princess: $212
Independence Of The Seas: $210
Carnival Dream: $207
Majestic Princess: $205
Coral Princess: $201
Caribbean Princess: $198
Regal Princess: $196
Grandeur Of The Seas: $194
Rhapsody Of The Seas: $192
Oosterdam: $190
Carnival Venezia: $190
MSC Grandiosa: $181
Carnival Horizon: $176
MSC Seascape: $174
MSC Poesia: $171
Vision Of The Seas: $170
MSC Divina: $168
Brilliance Of The Seas: $165
Carnival Freedom: $159
Celebrity Eclipse: $159
Carnival Glory: $153
MSC Meraviglia: $148

Bottom Line

While the average price difference between cabin types might seem consistent, the percentage increase from inside to oceanview, and then to balcony, varies significantly across cruise lines.

This means some lines are much more aggressive in their pricing of upgrades. Probably the most interesting finding to me, though, is the wide range in upgrade costs. Holland America, Norwegian, and Carnival showed the largest price jumps for balcony cabins, while Celebrity and Disney had the smallest increases.

I will be writing more articles about findings from cruise prices in 2026 in the future, so be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter if you’re interested.

MSC Cruises has opened for sale cruises on a new mega ship that will debut in 2026, MSC World Asia.

MSC World Asia will be a sister ship to MSC World Europa and MSC World America. They are they third largest class of cruise ships in the world at 205,000 gross tons in size. 

MSC World Asia will debut on December 11, 2026 and spend her inaugural season offering cruises in the Western Mediterranean. Port stops include Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta.

In the summer of 2027, the ship will sail a similar itinerary, except the port stop in Civitavecchia will be replaced with a visit to Naples.

MSC World Asia will be the third of four World class ships from MSC Cruises.  The vessels are powered by LNG and are the most innovative in the cruise line’s fleet.

The second one, MSC World America, will debut in Miami on April 12, 2025.

MSC World Asia will feature subtle design elements that reflect Asia’s rich culture, art and beautiful landscapes.

The cruise ship will retain the signature plumb bow rising vertically from the waterline and the iconic Y-shaped aft that opens onto the impressive outdoor promenade—hallmarks of MSC Cruises’ World Class ships.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, gave the following statement:

“MSC World Asia will further enhance our lineup in the region, giving guests even more choice of embarkation ports and itineraries for their winter escape or summer getaways.

“As with each of our new ships, we’ll introduce innovative new concepts, venues and services to deliver the ultimate cruise experience for our guests.”

Cruisers who are members of MSC’s loyalty program (Voyager Club) will receive an extra 1,000 points and an onboard credit of $50 if they book a cruise on MSC World Asia by February 13, 2025.

Since the cruise will be more than 12 months out, they will also receive a 5% plus 5% discount and double membership points.