Diplomacy

If you love to cruise and live in Australia, it seems like there are fewer and fewer options lately. And with this latest news, there’s going to be one less ship to choose from, at least on a seasonal basis.

North America’s gain is Australia’s loss, as Carnival Cruise Line confirms that a ship that was year-round in Australia will be moving across the Pacific to offer cruises in the Northern Hemisphere.

Carnival just confirmed that Carnival Adventure is sailing to North America in April 2028.

It’s a win for Carnival cruisers in the U.S. and Canada, but it’s another sign that the Australian cruise market is struggling to keep its ships.

Australian Cruise Market

While Carnival remains the only cruise line with a year-round commitment to the region, the “uncertain regulatory environment” in Australia and New Zealand is making it hard for them to stay.

According to some, the high fees and complicated rules are pushing companies to look elsewhere.

Country Manager Peter Little was straightforward, saying that Carnival is seeing more governmental support in other parts of the world.

“In this context, Carnival is adjusting its deployment to better capture greater opportunities elsewhere, while continuing to champion a more competitive and certain operating environment – matters we’ve long emphasized,” Little said.

But this doesn’t mean that Carnival is throwing in the towel.  The cruise line has a long history, even through its other brands, of offering cruises all around Australia.

According to Little, it’s still business as usual. He stated:

“We’re proud of our long-standing commitment to this market. It is business as usual with Carnival Cruise Line operating from more homeports across Australia and New Zealand in 2027/28 than ever before, so there are plenty of attractive itineraries for our guests.”

This news might bring mixed emotions though, as it was just a couple years ago that the announcement was made that P&O Cruises Australia (owned by the parent company Carnival Corp) would be shut down.  The cruise line’s two ships were moved over to Carnival Cruise Line, becoming Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

The reasons given were based on the “strategic reality” of the situation with higher costs, a small market, and the need for efficiency.

Carnival Adventure’s Move in 2028

Carnival Adventure will finish up its scheduled trips in the South Pacific before repositioning across the ocean. For North American travelers, this means a “new” ship to choose during the summer season.

For Australia, it means one less ship in the harbor during what used to be a busy time of year.

Despite the move, Carnival is trying to reassure Australian cruisers that they aren’t abandoning the region. Little pointed out that they’ll still be busy over the next couple of years:

“Over the next two years, we look forward to welcoming onboard about 1.2 million fun-loving guests across about 400 voyages as we continue to sail year-round to amazing destinations.”

Bottom Line

The cruise industry contributes billions to the Australian economy and supports 22,000 jobs, but as Little stated, the company has to go where the market conditions are “more favorable.”

Apparently, North America offers more favorable seas at the moment.  For now, North American cruisers are getting another ship, and Australia has to wonder if the market will continue to look like it’s shrinking.  At least the move is seasonal, and Australian’s will be able to enjoy Carnival Adventure when it returns for their own summer months.

Carnival Adventure (formerly Pacific Adventure) is a 109,000 gross ton ship that was built in 2000 as a Grand-class vessel. It can accommodate 2,600 passengers and has been rebranded into the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.

You can check out a video tour of the ship here:

Explora Journeys, an all-inclusive luxury cruise line from MSC Group, has launched a new campaign that challenges the notion of what a hotel can be.

The cruise line’s new campaign, ‘Explore the Ocean State of Mind’, entices a new generation of affluent travelers to rethink luxury travel.

The campaign shows Explora Journeys as not just a cruise, but as a five-star floating hotel that offers more than land-based accommodations.

By framing the ship as the ultimate destination, the campaign highlights the singular advantages of a luxury boutique resort that moves.

The finest of everything, everywhere, all at once

Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, said the following about this new campaign for the cruise line:

“We are suggesting that the most compelling hotel experiences may not be found on land at all. By embracing a more playful, cinematic narrative, we are inviting the most discerning guests to see ocean travel from a new perspective – one where the ocean is not simply a passage between destinations, but a place for enrichment, restoration and personal discovery.

“The campaign comes with a deliberate twist: it reframes the very idea of a hotel, proposing that the most compelling destination in hospitality may not sit on a street, but sail the sea – fluid, evolving, and endlessly inspiring. As we look ahead to having six ships on the water by 2028, we are excited to share this bold new campaign that really captures the essence of our ‘Ocean State of Mind.”

Julien Calot, Creative Chief Officer at McCann Paris, said the following:

“The campaign offers a radically new perspective on life at sea, driven by emotion, sensation and a subtle sense of wit. Fresh, punchy and unlike anything currently seen in the industry, it focuses on the feelings that stay with you long after a Journey ends: calm, space, pleasure, movement and quiet moments of joy.”

 Liam Fearn, Executive Creative Director at McCann Paris, added:

“At the heart of the campaign’s hero film and numerous striking visuals is a simple but powerful idea,” comments. “An Explora Journeys ship is more than a ship. It’s a place that moves with you, adapts to you and opens new perspectives every day.”

Explora Journeys is a luxury cruise line with two ships, Explora I and Explora II, in service. The cruise line has four more ships debuting over the next three years.

The ships have 11 different culinary experiences at six restaurants. There are 12 bars and lounges and 24-hour in-suite dining.

Each private yacht serves as a floating luxury hotel, whose address is the ocean. Every suite has a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Holland America Line has added longer, more immersive cruises to South America and Antarctica for the 2027-2028 season. This includes a new Legendary Voyage that will sail to the Amazon from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

These new cruises from Holland America Line will take place on Zuiderdam and Nieuw Amsterdam as she makes her debut in South America. The cruises will range from 14 to 41 days in length and are designed to showcase iconic landmarks and remote destinations at a relaxed, rewarding pace.

Guests will be able to take in Antarctica’s icy landscapes, the Amazon River, the Chilean Fjords and many of South America’s most celebrated ports.

A highlight of these new cruises is the 28-Day Legendary Amazon Explorer that will sail roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and cruise up the Amazon and have several stops in the Caribbean.

The ship will depart from Port Everglades on January 6, 2028 and return to Florida on February 3, 2028.

A map of this unique itinerary can be seen below:

Holland America Line’s South America and Antarctica voyages offer nine dedicated scenic cruising experiences that put guests front and center to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

Highlights include a four-day Antarctic Experience, along with sailing past the immense Pío XI Glacier, through Glacier Alley, the Beagle Channel and the winding Chilean Fjords.

For those seeking natural wonders, the Galápagos Islands Overland Adventure offers rare access to one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.

Other incredible cruises announced by Holland America are:

• 14–15 Day South America Pathways: Chilean Fjords & Glaciers
• 17-Day Inca & Panama Canal Discovery: Lima Overnight
• 22-Day South America & Antarctica
• South America and Antarctica Collectors’ Voyages

For a limited time, the cruise line is offering a Have It All premium package that includes the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi.

This includes the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. You can view the best prices on cruises on Holland America here.

Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management for Holland America Line, gave the following statement about these new sailings:

“By adding more sailings, including a new Legendary itinerary, we’re giving guests more opportunities to experience South America and Antarctica.

“These voyages are designed to help travelers really connect with the region, from the energy of South America to the history of the Inca Coast and the awe of Antarctica. And that sense of place continues on board, with destination‑inspired dishes like Argentinian empanadas and enrichment such as Spanish or tango classes that bring the region to life throughout the journey.”

Cruise lines have canceled all port visits to Puerto Vallarta this week after violence rocked the popular port this past weekend.

Three cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line all had ships scheduled to visit Puerto Vallarta this week. All of those stops have been canceled.

Cruise Fever reached out to all three cruise lines and here is the statement that we’ve received from all three.

Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian Bliss):

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests, crew and the communities we visit are always a top priority. Due to ongoing security operations and the recent U.S. travel warning issued for select areas in Mexico, Norwegian Bliss’ scheduled call to Puerto Vallarta on Feb. 25, 2026 has been canceled. We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation and any additional itinerary updates for ships scheduled to call to Mexico in the near future will be communicated directly with impacted guests.”

Princess Cruises (Royal Princess):

“Our security team has been closely monitoring the situation in Western Mexico. To prioritize the safety of our guests and crew, we have cancelled Royal Princess’ planned visit to Puerto Vallarta on February 23rd. We are working on reviewing our onward itinerary and will update guests on a potential replacement port.

“Royal Princess departed its 7-day cruise on February 21st, sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles.”

Holland America Line (Zuiderdam):

“Our security team has been closely monitoring the situation in Western Mexico. To prioritize the safety of our guests and team members, we have cancelled our planned visit to Puerto Vallarta February 23.”

Cruise Fever also reached out to Carnival Cruise Line since they have one ship, Carnival Panorama, scheduled to visit Puerto Vallarta next Tuesday, March 3, 2026. At this time they have not made any changes.

No other major cruise lines have a ship scheduled to visit the port in the next two-and-a-half weeks. After that, Royal Caribbean has Navigator of the Seas scheduled for March 13.

Cruise lines will continue to monitor the situation in Puerto Vallarta and will only stop at the port when it is safe to do so.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest and biggest cruise ship is getting an equally big name as its godparent.

Today, the cruise line announced that Robert Downey Jr. will serve as the official godparent for Disney Adventure, the 6,700-passenger ship set to begin sailing out of Singapore next month.

It’s a fitting choice for a ship that is full of Marvel-inspired rides and venues. Downey, who starred as Iron Man/Tony Stark, will now “bless” the ship as it gets ready for its March 10 maiden voyage.

Marvel Cinematic Universe is the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. And according to a press release from the cruise line,

“[Downey’s] unparalleled decade-plus cinematic journey as the iconic character culminated in Avengers: Endgame, which amassed more than $2.79 billion at the global box office. Downey was named an official Disney Legend in 2019 and will now star as Doctor Doom in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, in theaters Dec. 18.”

A “Gargantuan Blessing”

Maritime tradition usually involves a godmother breaking a bottle of champagne over the bow for good luck.  But Disney is putting its own spin on things.

Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s incoming CEO, said that Downey has “guided audiences through unforgettable Marvel stories,” making him the perfect person for the role, especially considering this new ship that has an entire deck dedicated to the Avengers.

Downey himself joked about the scale of the job and also called it an honor. “As the largest ship in the Disney fleet, a gargantuan blessing must be bestowed,” he said. “I’ll do my darndest.”

Why Disney Adventure is Different

If you’re used to the classic Disney cruise experience, Disney Adventure is a whole new kind of ship. At 208,000 gross tons, it is bout 44% larger than Wish-class ships in the fleet.

Because of its size, it’s packed with features that haven’t been seen on a Disney ship before:

• Ironcycle Test Run: Another reason Downey is the perfect fit as godparent for this ship, this ride a full-scale roller coaster and the first ever on a Disney ship.  Riders “test drive” a Tony Stark prototype on an 820-foot track. 
• Seven Themed Zones: The ship is divided into distinct areas like “Marvel Landing,” “Disney Imagination Garden,” and “San Fransokyo Street” (inspired by Big Hero 6).
• Asian Influence: Since the ship is calling Singapore home, the dining reflects this region with more than 20 venues with international and Asian-inspired menus.

The Countdown

Disney Adventure has had quite the journey to get here. Originally started by another cruise line, the ship was purchased by Disney and transformed into what only Disney could create.

With Downey as the ship’s godparent, Disney Adventure is ready to take Marvel (and Mickey) fans all over Southeast Asia.

Disney is betting big on the idea that even at sea, everyone wants to feel like a superhero, and this choice as a godparent makes that clearer than ever.

“That’s not how the ships are supposed to look,” said one Facebook comment after photos of MSC Meraviglia were posted on the platform.

Normally a cruise ship’s lido deck is full of sun and excited passengers on embarkation day.  But after a powerful winter storm blew through the Northeast, at least two cruise ships look more like winter wonderlands. 

Passengers are bunkered down, waiting for their ship to depart for warmer climates.  Some have posted photos on social media which look completely surreal.

A powerful nor’easter, named Winter Storm Hernando, has caused a major headache and caused delays.  

Two cruise ships, Odyssey of the Seas and MSC Meraviglia, remain docked in New Jersey and New York as of Monday afternoon due to record-breaking snowfall and high winds.

MSC Meraviglia covered in snow:

See photos on Facebook of Odyssey of the Seas blanketed in snow here.

Current Status of the Ships

The storm, which brought 15 inches of snow to Central Park and caused a citywide travel ban in New York, has made it unsafe for large vessels to navigate the harbor. 

So basically, these vessels are stuck for now.

• Odyssey of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): Currently docked at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. The ship was scheduled to depart Sunday, February 22, for a 7-night Bahamas cruise. The departure is now delayed until at least late Monday or early Tuesday as crews wait for winds to subside.
• MSC Meraviglia (MSC Cruises): Currently docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Originally set to sail Sunday afternoon, a passenger on MSC Meraviglia, Sean Johannessen, told Cruise Fever that the captain announced that the port will open back up at 4:00PM. While Nassau has been taken off the schedule, Port Canaveral and Ocean Cay are still on.

As a sidenote, passengers at least have something to do indoors while they wait for their ship to leave port.  All onboard services, including dining, entertainment, and staterooms, are fully operational for the passengers on board.

Itinerary Changes and Delays

As would be expected in a storm like this, delays have changed the itineraries for both ships.

Reports have stated that MSC Meraviglia will skip its stop in Nassau, Bahamas, so it can reach Ocean Cay later in the week.  Odyssey of the Seas will also face itinerary changes which should be announced soon.

More than 8,000 flights have been canceled across the Northeast since Sunday. This has prevented hundreds of “fly-to-cruise” passengers from reaching the terminals, even though the ships have not even left port yet.

Neither cruise line can move these ships yet until the U.S. Coast Guard and Port Authority lift the restriction on vessel movement in the shipping channels.

What Now?

Weather conditions are expected to improve late Monday evening. Once the Port of New York and New Jersey reopen and the Coast Guard clears the channels of ice and debris, both ships will be able to start their cruises.

Cruisers should monitor their cruise line’s mobile apps for real-time updates on departure times and itinerary changes, and we at Cruise Fever hope those ships can leave soon for warmer waters so all that snow (and anxiety) can melt away.

Just one cruise ship was scheduled to make a stop in the popular Mexican resort town of Puerto Vallarta tomorrow.  But that planned visit by Holland America has been canceled due to the unrest the region is currently facing.

Parts of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico look more like a warzone right now as a Mexican cartel clashes with law enforcement.  So it’s no wonder that at least one cruise line has canceled a visit to the area.

Passengers currently sailing on a 12-night cruise on Holland America’s Zuiderdam have reported that their stop at Puerto Vallarta was changed to a sea day.

The ship is scheduled to arrive in Ensenada on February 26, and there is no word on that stop seeing any changes at this point.

The Holland America ship, which left San Diego on February 15, is set to arrive back at the California cruise port on February 27.

A Facebook post by a passenger on the ship stated,

“Our stop at Puerto Vallarta is cancelled tomorrow due to civil unrest. Looking forward to an extra day at sea as we’ve had six ports in a row! Puerto Vallarta seems so tame normally but the pictures coming out of there today says it’s a good call on Holland’s part.”

A reply to the social media post from someone currently in Puerto Vallarta stated why it’s a good idea the cruise line is not risking stopping at the port.

“We are here now and it’s real, glad the cruise ship is not stopping here today. We all are under a shelter in place. Lots of car bombs going off and apparently they have placed tire spikes everywhere,” the comment remarked.

Canada has already urged its citizens to avoid travel to the resort town and there is a shelter in place order, encouraging people in the area to stay indoors and keep a low profile while roadblocks and violence grip the city.

Initial reports state that coordinated attacks have been taking place all over the state of Jalisco, as social media posts show fires and explosions in images and videos. 

The violence follows some unconfirmed reports that leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as “El Mencho”, has been killed during a possible military operation.

Even the local airport was a scene of chaos as reports came out about gunmen involved in an active shooting, as bystanders hide behind counters for cover and ran out of the building.

🚨‼️‼️🇲🇽 BREAKING – Chaos has erupted at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco, Mexico, as the CJNG cartel reportedly launched attacks outside — and possibly inside — the airport.

The violence is said to be retaliation for today’s reported elimination of CJNG leader “El… pic.twitter.com/PWpQbrIXXl

— The Battlefield (@TTheBattlefield) February 22, 2026

Another passenger on Zuiderdam stated they were looking forward to the extra sea day as it was a port heavy itinerary.

“Our stop at Puerto Vallarta is cancelled tomorrow due to civil unrest. Looking forward to an extra day at sea as we’ve had six ports in a row! Puerto Vallarta seems so tame normally but the pictures coming out of there today says it’s a good call on Holland’s part,” the comment read.

Norwegian Bliss and Royal Princess are both scheduled to arrive in Puerto Vallarta on February 25.  So far there is no word on whether or not those itineraries will be changed but keep an eye on your inbox and messages if you’re on either of those cruises.

Princess Cruises will offer their largest Alaska season ever in 2026 that includes 180 departures and sailings on their newest ship, Star Princess.

Princess Cruises will visit 19 different destinations in Alaska in 2026 and this year will be the first time that a Sphere class ship has visited the 49th State.

In addition to cruises, Princess also offers cruisetours that combine an immersive land visit to Denali National Park with a sailing to Alaska.

The 2026 season includes more than 20 cruisetour options, highlighted by the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour.

This journey visits five iconic parks – Glacier Bay National Park, Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (Skagway).

The 15 nights include a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and eight nights ashore, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

Since 2026 is America’s 250th anniversary, Princess Cruises will offer special onboard retail offerings on their cruises to Alaska. They include a limited-edition exclusive Pendleton blanket inspired by the iconic landscape of Glacier Bay National Park and a “Celebrating America 250 by Princess” collector pin.

The cruise line recently rolled out their “Princess Signature Sale” that offers extra savings on select cruises to Alaska. It includes the following:

• Up to $600 in instant savings
• $99 cruise deposits
• 3rd and 4th guests in a cabin cruise for free
• Sale ends on March 17, 2026
• View Best Prices on Princess

Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises, gave the following statement:

“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it feels especially meaningful to celebrate by sailing alongside the landscapes and visiting landmarks that helped shape our nation.

“From Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness to the tropical beauty of Hawaii and the historic charm of New England’s coastal towns, our 2026 sailings invite longtime Princess guests and first-time cruisers alike to experience the places that tell America’s story – along with the signature Princess experience we’re known for.”