Posts in category: Diplomacy

Royal Caribbean has announced new sailings across Asia, with a record 22 destinations in China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

On April 16, 2026, the cruise line revealed the 2027-28 season for Spectrum of the Seas, and the new sailings offer a ton of variety for all kinds of durations.

Whether you are looking for a quick three-night escape or an 11-night deep dive into Asian culture, the new lineup has a little bit of everything.

Historic Firsts and New Records

Royal Caribbean was never one to shy away from a challenge, and this new announcement shows a renewed commitment to Asia with a whole lot of firsts for the upcoming season on the Quantum-class ship.

• A Record-Breaking Reach: The cruise line is visiting a record 22 destinations, the most expansive lineup for the region yet.
• New One-Way Journeys: In a first for this lineup, guests can now sail one way between major hubs like Shanghai, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. This allows you to start in one country and end in another, offering much more flexibility if you want to extend your vacation on land.
• Extended Stays: To allow for more time in port, several itineraries now feature overnight stays in iconic cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Beijing. This gives you two full days to explore historical sites or enjoy the local nightlife without rushing back to the ship.

On one cruise in May of 2027, Spectrum of the Seas will depart from Tokyo, Japan on a one-way 9-day sailing that will visit Kagoshima, Nagasaki, and Beijing before ending in Shanghai, offering a very unique experience with the cruise line.

But besides visiting major cities and capitals, Royal Caribbean is offering other destinations as well.

The new itineraries offer visits to Mount Fuji (Shimizu) for iconic Japanese views, the world-renowned seafood markets of Busan, South Korea, and the volcanic beauty of Jeju Island. The expansion also reaches deep into Vietnam, offering easy access to the historic sites of Da Nang and Hue.

Seasonal Highlights

In May 2027, the Spring Blossom Journey is timed perfectly to catch the peonies in Beijing and the wisteria in Japan. If you prefer the crisp air of fall, the Autumn Foliage Escape in October 2027 heads to Sapporo and Seoul to enjoy the colors of the changing leaves.

Holiday Celebrations at Sea

Royal Caribbean is also offering special festive sailings out of Hong Kong:

• Thanksgiving: An 11-night adventure through South Korea and Japan.
• Christmas: A 9-night journey to Fukuoka and Nagasaki.
• New Year’s: A 5-night trip to Okinawa that includes an overnight stay to ring in 2028.

Benjamin Bouldin, President, Royal Caribbean, Greater China, said that the “more immersive itineraries are designed to meet the evolving preferences of Chinese vacationers,” adding, “This new lineup reflects our continued commitment to the China market and our ambition to deliver more diverse and immersive vacations.”

Bookings for the 2027-28 Asia season are now available on the Royal Caribbean website here.

Princess Cruises just announced its largest-ever expansion into Asia with plans to send two ships to Tokyo for the 2027/2028 season.

For the first time, the company will homeport two ships in Tokyo for a full season that will feature 85 departures, 52 itineraries, and 41 destinations across three countries: Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The two ships being sent over are Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess. The interesting thing about these ships is that they were both built right in Japan at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki. 

While Diamond Princess is a veteran of cruises in Japan, and has been a fan-favorite in Japan for years, this 2028 season marks the first time the Sapphire Princess will join her to homeport in Tokyo for a full season.

Cherry Blossom Season

Princess has mapped out these cruises to literally “chase the bloom” of the cherry blossoms.   And taking a cruise around Japan to see these gorgeous blooms is probably the easiest way to do it.

Since the flowers peak at different times as you move from the southern islands toward the north, these itineraries are timed to put you in the right spot at the right moment.

It’s basically a front-row seat to Japan’s most famous natural show.

Summer Festivals and Late-Nights

The summer months in Japan are all about the festivals, and Princess is leaning in with late-night stays in six different ports, including Aomori, Kochi, and Osaka.

This is a game-changer because you aren’t rushing back to the ship by 5:00 PM, a major complaint for some cruisers on short times in port.

You can actually stay out to see the massive glowing floats at the Aomori Nebuta Festival or see the street dancing at the newly added Osaka Bon Odori.

It’s Not Just Japan

While Japan is the headliner on this news, these ships have other more extensive itineraries as well across Southeast Asia, too. We’re talking about a massive nine-country run that includes Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

These itineraries are designed for “slow travel,” with many voyages lasting up to 28 days.

You could be exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam one week and taking a tuk-tuk tour through Bangkok the next. They’ve even scheduled an overnight stay in Laem Chabang so you can experience Bangkok’s legendary nightlife without a curfew.

Perfect Ships for the Job

Besides the fitting thought that two ships built in Japan are returning to the region, the selection of these vessels is also perfect because of their size.  They hit what you might call the “Goldilocks” size for this region:

• The Perfect Scale: Both ships sit at around 115,875 gross tons with a capacity of about 2,700 guests. This makes them large enough to feel like a floating resort but small enough to navigate the tighter coastal ports that “mega-ships” simply can’t reach.
• The “Onsen” Experience: Because the Diamond Princess was built specifically for this market, it features the Izumi Japanese Bath. It is the largest traditional bathhouse experience at sea and the perfect way to unwind after exploring UNESCO sites like the Sado Island Gold Mines.
• Authentic Dining: You can find Edomae-style sushi onboard at Makoto Ocean, created by Chef Makoto Okuwa, making the transition from the city to the ship feel seamless.

Bottom Line

With 96 total departures across the entire Asia program, Princess is showing the cruise line is ready to offer their guests more. Whether you are there for the history, the food, or the 19 different UNESCO World Heritage sites on the list, it’s a huge opportunity to see Asia in a whole new way.

After wanting to visit Japan for years myself, I’m already looking at dates that might fit my schedule.

Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, made this comment on the announcement:

“This is the most immersive Japan season we’ve ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today. With Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo for the first time, late‑night stays timed to Japan’s most celebrated summer festivals, and sailings that visit all four main islands during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, we’re delivering unprecedented access to the culture, cuisine and traditions that define Japan. Paired with longer, destination‑rich Southeast Asia voyages that connect multiple countries in a single journey, this program offers a depth, scale and authenticity that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the region.”

Silversea, an ultra-luxury cruise line from Royal Caribbean Group, has announced a new 125-day cruise that will visit 60 destinations in 19 countries when it sets sail in 2029.

Silver Whisper will depart from San Diego on January 5, 2029 and the cruise will end in Singapore 125 days later. The cruise, A Pacific Awakening, will feature six signature events as the ship sails to Hawaii, Tahiti, Micronesia, Bali, Australia, Asia, New Zealand and more.

The ship will also stop at many lesser known Pacific destinations including Kalanggaman Island in the Philippines and Motu Tapu in French Polynesia.

It will also have 17 overnight port stops, giving guests proper time to explore many of the world’s most iconic locations.

The following is included in all cruise fares:

• Business class airfare
• Silver Shore Baggage Valet
• Bon voyage reception
• Overnight accommodation pre-embarkation
• Shore excursion credit
• $500 in onboard spending per guest
• Exclusive World Events
• Laundry service
• Special commemorative gifts
• Unlimited premium WiFi (2 devices per person)
• Medical service

The cruise will be broken up into eight chapters that will provide a thoughtfully layered narrative of exploration for even the most well-traveled guests.

You can see a map of the epic entire journey below.

Signature Events offer rare access to extraordinary places and experiences. A few of the locations they will be offered are:

• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Tasmania
• Kalanggaman Island, a private island experience
• Tokyo, Japan
• Dinner at Pattaya’s iconic Sanctuary of Truth

Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea, said the following about this newest world cruise:

“The depth and variety of experiences around which we have designed our World Cruise 2029, A Pacific Awakening, is what makes it such a special journey.

“With 17 overnights, new ports of call, and dozens of immersive experiences across the Pacific, our guests will enjoy iconic destinations alongside smaller, rarely visited ports. From a private evening at the ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu to an exclusive island celebration in the Philippines – these experiences deliver true access and a deep connection to the destination that is unique to Silversea.”

Holland America Line has announced their biggest fleet update ever, a $500 million project that will update and add new features to six of their cruise ships.

Holland America Evolution is a multi-year bow-to-stern revitalization that will bring the best of Pinnacle class ships to the following six ships: Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam.

The renovations will begin in the fall of 2027, starting with Oosterdam, and see the following additions to Holland America cruise ships:

• Added restaurant and bar options
• New staterooms and suites (including solo cabins and Bridgeview suites)
• Grand Dutch Cafe added to more ships
• Refreshing key guest spaces

New Cabins/Suites

Holland America Line is adding and expanding stateroom and suites. The project will add 76 cabins to Oosterdam, including 30 Solo Verandahs that will be built specifically for solo cruisers. Each will feature a private balcony, dedicated workspace and full Holland America Line amenities.

Two new Bridgeview Suites will offer 180-degree ocean views and have 900 square feet of living space. Each suite, located at the front of the ship, will have a wraparound balcony.

The cruise line is reimaging their Pinnacle Suite, the most expansive suite on Vista class ships at 1,550 square feet. These suites have panoramic views, a private balcony, separate living room, powder room, bedroom, ensuite bath and walk-in closet.

Holland America is adding 24 Vista Suites on Oosterdam for the first time. They offer spacious, light-filled premium accommodations with a comfortable sitting area, oversized windows and a private verandah.

Grand Dutch Café

The insanely popular Grand Dutch Café is currently only offered on Pinnacle class vessels but will now be added to more Holland America ships. It is inspired by European café culture and rooted in the cruise line’s Dutch heritage.

Behind the Scenes

Included in the renovations on Oosterdam are improvements to sustainability to help improve efficiency and reducing overall environmental impact.

Holland America Line is refreshing and replacing interiors with a strong focus on waste reduction and circular design, prioritizing upcycling and material reuse while bringing greater lightness and an elevated, timeless look and feel.

The cruise line is enhancing system performance to reduce energy demand and lower operational carbon intensity over time.

Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line, gave the following statement about the new ship upgrades:

“Our guests have been very clear about what they love about our ships and what they want to see more of, and Holland America Evolution is our answer to that.

“This investment allows us to introduce experiences and venues that are new to the fleet, add Pinnacle-class favorites like Grand Dutch Café, and create new stateroom categories designed for the way people travel today, all while preserving the perfectly sized ship experience that defines Holland America.”

Holland America Line told Cruise Fever that additional renovations, including new cruises on Oosterdam, will be announced in the coming weeks. You can keep up on details about Holland America Evolution at www.hollandamerica.com/evolution.

Every Royal Caribbean cruise ship sails under the flag of The Bahamas, but there are now two exceptions. In a major move for the company, a second ship, Navigator of the Seas, was just reflagged to fly under the Cyprus flag as of April 14, 2026.

It joins Spectrum of the Seas (which made the switch in 2023) as the only ships in the fleet to call the Mediterranean country of Cyprus their official “home” on paper.

But why would the cruise line bother making a change like this and what does it actually mean?

What Exactly is a “Flag State”?

Think of a ship’s flag like a car’s registration. Every ship in the world has to be officially registered in one country.  It’s called its flag state.

Even though Royal Caribbean is based in Miami, they (like many other cruise lines) use “flags of convenience.”

This means they register ships in countries like The Bahamas or Cyprus because those nations have favorable shipping laws, lower costs, and simpler paperwork. 

It might sound like a loophole, but it’s just good business that helps keep the cruise lines afloat.

Why the Switch to Cyprus?

While no official press release was put out by Royal Caribbean on this news just yet, Cyprus’s government announced the strategic cooperation today, mentioning “further strengthening of the cooperation”.

But if The Bahamas has worked for decades, why change now? It more than likely comes down to location and reputation.

• The EU Advantage: Cyprus is a member of the European Union. By flagging the Navigator there, Royal Caribbean essentially gets an “EU Passport” for the ship. This makes it much easier to navigate European taxes and regulations, especially as the company does more business in the Mediterranean.
• The “White List”: Not all flags are equal. Cyprus is considered a high-quality, reputable “white list” flag. It has top-tier safety standards, meaning it’s respected by port authorities worldwide.
• A Permanent Home: This isn’t just a paper move. Royal Caribbean actually opened a permanent headquarters in Limassol, Cyprus back in 2023. By flagging their ships there, they are doubling down on their commitment to the island as their new European hub.

What Does This Mean for You?

For passengers on Navigator of the Seas, it doesn’t mean a whole lot.  The 4,000-max capacity ship is currently sailing out of Los Angeles, California and will do so through October of this year.

In late 2026, the ship is scheduled to move to Singapore to offer shorter sailings around Asian ports in Phuket and Malaysia, before returning to California in May 2027.  So no, there are no plans to move the ship to the Mediterranean.

It’s just now flagged in Cyprus, and that’s all the information we currently have.

The Big Picture

For Royal Caribbean, this is a strategic move, even if we don’t have all the details behind it.  By moving ships to the Cyprus register, they are gaining a stronger foothold in Europe and a more diversified “portfolio” of flags.

According to Cyprus Mail,

“Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis thanked Royal Caribbean Group chairman and chief executive Jason Liberty, along with president Michael Bayley, for the group’s continued trust.”

The Shipping Minister also said the move was a clear sign of the cruise line’s confidence in the country’s policies and it would help boost competition.

Cruise passengers departing on the upcoming Norwegian Cruise Line inaugural sailing from PhilaPort are receiving emails telling them that their vacation starts in a hotel ballroom rather than at the cruise port itself.

NCL is telling guests booked on Norwegian Jewel that check-in will actually take place at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport.  The change was due to ongoing construction delays at the permanent terminal.

One passenger on Reddit who received the cruise line’s email said, “you can only check in at the hotel-do not attempt to go to the port, you will be turned away,” adding that parking starts at $16/day.

While the hotel is about 6 miles from the cruise port, passengers will be shuttled to their ship after the check-in process is complete.

The Temporary Check-In Process

“For our first sailings, the check-in process will be facilitated at a nearby facility supported by thoughtful operational plans designed to keep your day flowing from arrival to boarding,” an email from the cruise line stated.

For these initial sailings, the Clarion Hotel in Essington (76 Industrial Hwy) is acting as the official cruise hub. If you have airport transfers booked through NCL, they’ll take you straight there.

If you’re driving yourself, staff will be on-site to guide you.

Once you arrive, you’ll drop your bags outside the entrance before heading into the designated ballroom to handle the paperwork. It’s important to keep your essentials like passports, meds, and boarding docs, in a carry-on bag, as you won’t see your checked luggage again until it shows up at your stateroom later that night.

Since Norwegian is the only cruise line currently sailing out of Philly, this shuttle is the only way into the port area. NCL has made it clear that you should not try to go to the port independently, as security will only allow official NCL buses through the gates.

At the Pier

Norwegian Jewel is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 AM this Thursday after its 10-day trip up from PortMiami.

You’ll probably see construction crews and equipment still working on the permanent terminal building nearby. Because of this “work-in-progress” setup, NCL is advising everyone to dress for the weather, as some of the walk to the ship is outdoors.

Upcoming Sailing Itinerary

For the passengers checking in this Thursday, the unique hotel check-in process is just the first step toward a week-long getaway. Norwegian Jewel is scheduled to embark from Philadelphia at 4:00 PM on April 16.

The 8-day itinerary includes:

Day 1: Philadelphia, PA (Embark at 4:00 PM)

Day 2: At Sea

Day 3: Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda (Arrive 10:00 AM, Overnight)

Day 4: Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda (Depart 3:00 PM)

Day 5: At Sea

Day 6: Charleston, South Carolina (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Day 7: At Sea

Day 8: Philadelphia, PA (Debark at 8:00 AM on April 23)

Disembarkation Plans

Guests who purchased airport transfers will be taken directly from the ship to the airport. All other passengers will be shuttled back to the Clarion Hotel, where they can retrieve their vehicles or arrange transportation.

Ride-share services and taxis will not be available at the port itself, meaning cruisers must plan pickups from the hotel location instead.

Norwegian is asking everyone to stick to their selected check-in timeslots to keep the hotel ballroom from getting too crowded. While it’s not the grand terminal opening everyone expected, the goal is to keep things moving until the permanent facility is finally ready.

After almost 27 years of sailing the globe for Norwegian Cruise Line, the 2,000-passenger Norwegian Sky is saying goodbye in September this year.

I can still remember shooing away pesky seagulls near the aft buffet on Norwegian Sky while we were docked in Nassau.  Even in 2010, the ship had been around for over a decade but still offered an amazing value and incredibly fun experience, even with all the quirks of a 77,000 gross ton ship.

For some Cruiser Fever writers, this ship was the introduction to cruising, and it’s partly responsible for giving us the undeniable urge to take to the sea.

For me, it was only my second cruise, and it led to a conversation with my brother that eventually led to the birth of Cruise Fever.

But in mid-2025, Norwegian announced that this fan-favorite would be moving on.

Fans are already calling the remaining sailings a “farewell tour,” and it’s easy to see why:  Sky helped pioneer Freestyle Cruising and other industry firsts back in the day.

In my estimation, over 2.5 million cruise passengers have sailed on the ship since its maiden voyage from Dover, England.  That’s a lot of memories.

The Short Stint in Hawaii

From 2004 to 2008, the ship (built in 1999) was renamed Pride of Aloha.  Originally, the newbuild Pride of America was supposed to launch NCL America’s Hawaii service, but a severe storm caused some damage at the shipyard, causing major delays.

That led to a last-minute change, and Norwegian Sky was rushed into dry dock, reflagged under the U.S. flag, became Pride of Aloha before being sent over to Hawaii to save the day. This ensured Norwegian’s strong-hold as the go-to service for Hawaiian cruises. 

Then, after Norwegian decided they didn’t need two ships in Hawaii, the ship was reflagged once again and she returned to her original name, Norwegian Sky.

That Hawaiian stint still holds a special place for many cruisers.

Where She’s Sailing Now and Next

Right now, in April 2026, Norwegian Sky is on a 13-night transatlantic repositioning cruise from La Romana (Dominican Republic) to Le Havre (Paris), currently heading toward Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

Her next few months feature a busy schedule of 7-night Europe cruises bouncing between ports like Le Havre (Paris), Copenhagen, Hamburg, Amsterdam (IJmuiden), Dover (London), and Zeebrugge (Bruges).

Later in the summer she’ll head to the British Isles and Mediterranean before wrapping up with NCL.

The Ship’s Very Last Sailing

If you go to NCL’s website and look up sailings for Norwegian Sky, you will notice that September 9, 2026, is the last date available for booking.

This final 21-day sailing with Norwegian is scheduled to depart from Athens, Greece and sail through the Suez Canal before heading into the Persian Gulf with a final destination in Dubai.

While that cruise is still almost 5 months away, geopolitical tensions surrounding the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz are making would-be passengers uneasy about the cruise actually happening as scheduled, but hopefully there will be more clarity by then.

What Happens Next?

After she docks in Dubai, Norwegian Sky will transfer to Cordelia Cruises, an India-based line. She’ll get a new name and start sailing itineraries out of ports like Mumbai and Goa in late September/October 2026.

The classic ship may be leaving NCL, but she’s not ready for retirement just yet.

Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz are making would-be passengers uneasy about the cruise actually happening as scheduled, but hopefully there will be more clarity by then.

What Fans Are Saying

Cruisers on social media are sharing a mix of memories and sadness as the Sky’s time with NCL winds down.

One passenger mentioned a 2012 Bahamas trip from Miami: “Good, compact ship. Easy to get around and manage. Not the fanciest or the flashiest… but very affordable and made for a nice quick getaway.” They added that she “served the fleet well and will be missed.”

Another shared, “Beautiful memories from Sky… We even met a couple from another state and are the best of friends now. I loved the size of this one, it never felt crowded and the Great Outdoors was our favorite hangout.”

Many talked about how the ship got them hooked on cruising (like us). One wrote that the Sky was their “very first cruise for my 25th Wedding Anniversary” in 2008 and called it “one I will never forget.”

A former crew member simply said, “That’s where I start my career as a crew member. I love the ship so sad… but I always remember that ship.”

One comment summed it up well, saying, “You never forget your first. So long Sky.”

The 2026 Alaskan cruise season has officially begun and the popular cruise port in Victoria, Canada has rolled out the red carpet for the first passengers of the year.

On Friday, April 10, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam became the first cruise ship to dock at Ogden Point.   And yes, actual red carpet was ready to receive about 2,100 disembarking passengers, along with Lekwungen dancers in their ceremonial attire.

Friday was the kickoff of what the port is calling a record-breaking year.

Port officials expect 335 cruise ship visits between now and mid-October, along with more than 1 million cruise passengers. 

This would be a new record for Victoria and a significant jump from the nearly 990,000 visitors who arrived in 2025 on 311 calls.

“As the 2026 cruise season begins, we’re thrilled to welcome the Nieuw Amsterdam,” said Don Krusel, interim CEO of the GVHA.

“Victoria is famous for its hospitality, and we look forward to providing a warm welcome to all the passengers and crew that will visit the city this year.”

While May is when calls to the port get much more frequent, April’s schedule is lined up with ships like Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jade, Ruby Princess, Noordam, and National Geographic Venture.

In addition to returning favorites from Holland America, Norwegian, and Princess, 2026 brings six inaugural calls and two entirely new cruise lines to Victoria: Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises.

Many of the vessels are closer to mega ship size, with some carrying nearly 5,000 passengers each.  This should bring a steady flow of visitors to the port and make last year’s record easy to beat.

Victoria has long served as a popular stop on Alaska-bound itineraries, especially cruises beginning in Seattle, since a foreign port is a required stop along the way.

Cruise visitors support local businesses, restaurants, tours, and attractions, and inject millions into the economy each season.

Last year’s total of almost one million passengers already proved that the port can handle the traffic and is ready for more.

Of course, the season is still young. Weather, scheduling adjustments, and other variables mean that the record is not exactly “in the bag” just yet.