Princess Cruises has pulled all port visits to its private destination in The Bahamas, Princess Cays, starting later this fall. The port has also been removed from Carnival’s Paradise Collection, a group of private ports owned by Carnival Corporation.
Princess Cays is a private port owned by Carnival Corporation. Photo: Cruise Fever
Last week, Princess Cruises sent an email to travel agents informing them that the cruise line will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay for the first time starting in November.
Many cruisers who have a cruise booked that was scheduled to visit Princess Cays said that they received an email saying the port stop was being changed to Half Moon Cay.
After a search on Princess Cruises’ website, all port stops to Princess Cays for later this fall have been removed from itineraries. The cruise line still has several scheduled visits to the port in September and October.
Cruise Fever reached out to Princess Cruises, and a spokesperson for the cruise line said that the majority of published calls to Princess Cays have shifted to Half Moon Cay.
Carnival Corporation is in the middle of a multi-million-dollar renovation and upgrade to Half Moon Cay. They recently opened a new side of the island for Carnival Cruise Line that includes a pier capable of accommodating two cruise ships at a time.
Holland America Line’s side, the original Half Moon Cay, is receiving a renovation and new features that are scheduled to be completed this fall. Cruise Fever will have a first look at Holland America’s renovated side in December, so stay tuned for that.
Princess cruise ships require the use of tenders since the port does not have a pier. Photo: Cruise Fever
So, what are Carnival Corporation’s plans for Princess Cays? The company has not revealed future plans at this time.
Carnival has been investing heavily in private ports in The Bahamas. Last summer, Celebration Key opened on Grand Bahama Island and is visited, and will be visited, by the different cruise lines it owns, including Princess Cruises.
Cruise Fever will have all updates on Princess Cays when details are announced by Carnival Corporation and Princess Cruises.
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A cruise passenger sailing on Carnival Jubilee shared some images of minor damage sustained by Carnival Breeze. The post said the damage was done during the docking process as the ship was pulling into port.
Carnival Breeze
The 3,690-passenger Carnival ship is currently on a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise that departed Galveston, Texas, on August 29, 2026, and is scheduled to return on September 3.
Its itinerary includes a call at Cozumel today (August 31) followed by Progreso on September 1.
Photos shared on the r/Cruise subreddit show scuff marks and slight indentation on a section of the ship’s lower hull near the red stripe and waterline.
Below is the social media post with three pictures of the ship during and after the incident.
The poster stated the pictures were taken from the Carnival Jubilee, which was also in port. Both ships were scheduled in Cozumel on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Usually when this kind of thing happens, the wind is a major factor. But weather conditions at the time were calm, with light winds of about 5–6 mph.
Strong winds do not appear to have been a factor in the incident.
The marks appear to be surface-level paint scrapes that are consistent with light contact during docking. No injuries or operational impacts have been reported, and CarnivalBreeze is expected to continue its itinerary as planned.
Some passengers on board the ship said they didn’t even feel the contact, with one saying, “We are on the Breeze now we didn’t feel anything when it happened.”
As of Monday evening, no official statement from Carnival Cruise Line has been issued, and with such a minor scrape, there should be no impact on this sailing.
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Royal Caribbean, the world’s largest cruise line, is expanding its cruises in Asia with new two- to 15-day sailings on Voyager of the Seas that will depart from October 2027 through April 2028.
Cruises will leave from Brisbane, Sydney, Singapore, and Hong Kong and visit destinations in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and South Korea.
The new cruises are part of Royal Caribbean’s largest Asia Pacific season ever.
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas
Sailings on Voyager of the Seas
From October to December 2027, Voyager of the Seas will sail from Brisbane on cruises ranging from two to seven nights, including South Pacific sailings to Mystery Island, Port Vila; Luganville, Vanuatu; and Noumea, New Caledonia, before a two-night coastal repositioning down to Sydney.
Voyager of the Seas departures from Sydney include a brand-new 10-night Christmas sailing across the majestic fjords and iconic landscapes of New Zealand, visiting Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Milford Sound.
A five-night cruise will start in Singapore and visit Ho Chi Minh City (Phuoc An), Vietnam, before arriving in Hong Kong, pairing two of Asia’s most dynamic cities with time to discover Vietnam’s vibrant dining culture.
For Chinese New Year getaways from Hong Kong, four- and five-night cruises visit Ishigaki and Okinawa, Japan. Select holidays include an overnight stay in Okinawa, giving vacationers more time to take in the island’s turquoise waters, local flavours and distinct Ryukyu culture.
For China and Southeast Asia discoveries, departures from Hong Kong will visit Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, where cruisers can explore the lively city known for its night markets and food scene. Guests can also visit Hue/Danang (Chan May), Vietnam, a gateway to ancient imperial heritage, coastal landscapes and central Vietnamese cuisine.
Ben Bouldin, President of Greater China and Managing Director Asia, Royal Caribbean, gave the following statement:
“Asia is home to remarkable destinations, flavors and cultures the world over wants to experience. Even more vacationers can discover the region in the way that best suits them – whether that’s sharing a quick getaway with family and friends or setting out on a longer journey discovering new destinations.
“This season brings the best of Asia closer to adventurers everywhere. We are especially delighted to offer more holidays in the region than ever before on a ship already loved by guests in Asia.”
These new cruises on Voyager of the Seas opened for bookings on August 26, 2026.
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The best quiet cruise lines are the ones built for calm: Viking, Oceania and Azamara lead the way with mid-sized or small ships, no waterslides and a grown-up atmosphere, while Holland America, Princess, Celebrity and Cunard offer a relaxing cruise on bigger ships if you know where to look. If you want near-silence and are happy to pay more, small luxury lines such as Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar are quieter still.
Below we compare each line’s ship size, kids policy, casino and general vibe, then explain how to find peace and quiet on any ship, whichever line you book. This guide is about calm, unhurried cruising rather than strictly adults-only sailing, although a couple of these lines now do both.
Quiet cruise lines at a glance
Ship size is the single biggest predictor of how quiet a cruise feels. Fewer guests means shorter lines, emptier decks and less amplified music around the pool. Prices below are shown as a rough tier rather than exact fares, because they move constantly with season, itinerary and promotions.
Cruise line
Typical guests per ship
Kids
Casino
Vibe
Price tier
Viking (ocean)
About 930 to 998
18+ only
No
Scandinavian calm, lectures, spa
$$$
Oceania
About 670 to 1,250
18+ for new bookings since January 2026
Only on the smaller R-class ships
Food-focused, country-club feel
$$$
Azamara
About 700
Allowed, few aboard
Small
Destination-led, late port stays
$$ to $$$
Holland America
About 1,400 to 2,650
Allowed
Yes
Classic, live music, enrichment
$$
Princess
About 2,000 to 4,300
Allowed
Yes
Relaxed big-ship cruising
$ to $$
Celebrity
About 2,100 to 3,300
Allowed
Yes
Modern, stylish, adults-only Solarium
$$
Cunard
About 2,000 to 3,000
Allowed
Yes
Traditional, sea days, afternoon tea
$$
Small luxury lines
About 100 to 900
Varies, few aboard
Varies
Spacious, all-inclusive, hushed
$$$$
Guest counts are approximate and based on standard (double) occupancy. Always check the specific ship, because fleets can vary widely within one brand.
The best cruise lines for relaxation, line by line
1. Viking: the quietest mainstream-priced choice
Viking’s ocean ships carry just under 1,000 guests and are deliberately designed without the noisier features of big resort ships. The line says it has no casinos, no children under 18, no art auctions, no photo sales and no umbrella drinks. That combination removes most of the usual sources of noise and sales pressure in one go.
Calm spaces include the glass-roofed Wintergarden, the Explorers’ Lounge at the front of the ship and the Nordic spa with its thermal suite, which is included in the fare on ocean ships. Wi-Fi, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and the alternative restaurants are also included, so there is little reason to queue or sign for extras. Viking is a strong pick for travelers who want a quiet cruise with lots of port time and lectures rather than evening shows.
2. Oceania: fine dining at a gentle pace
Oceania’s ships range from around 670 guests on the R-class trio (Insignia, Nautica and Sirena) to roughly 1,200 to 1,250 on Marina, Riviera, Vista and Allura. Evenings center on long dinners rather than late-night parties, and only the three smaller ships have a casino. Oceania moved to an 18-and-over policy for new reservations from 7 January 2026, which further reduces daytime noise around the pools. Its first Sonata-class ship is due in August 2027.
The atmosphere suits couples who see the restaurants as the main entertainment and want a sophisticated but unstuffy setting. Our guide to all-inclusive adults-only cruise lines covers Oceania alongside other kid-free options if that is a priority.
3. Azamara: small ships and long port days
Azamara’s four ships (Journey, Quest, Pursuit and Onward) each carry about 700 guests. Children can sail, but the line has few kid-focused facilities, so families are uncommon outside school holidays. Itineraries are the draw: overnight stays and late departures let you explore ports in the evening rather than rushing back for a 5 p.m. all-aboard. A fleetwide renovation program begins with Azamara Quest in December 2026, followed by Azamara Onward in 2027, so check whether your sailing falls before or after the refit.
4. Holland America: classic cruising with live music
Holland America operates 11 ships, from about 1,400 guests on Volendam and Zaandam to around 2,650 on the Pinnacle-class Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam. There are no waterslides or big production-show spectacles. Instead you get the Crow’s Nest observation lounge, a library, lectures and live music at venues such as Billboard Onboard and the Lincoln Center Stage classical performances on newer ships. Kids do sail, especially in Alaska and over the holidays, so choose a sailing outside school breaks if you want the calmest experience.
5. Princess: a relaxing cruise on a big ship
Princess ships are larger, but the line has a long-standing reputation for an easygoing atmosphere without the high-energy party feel of some rivals. Look for quieter aft pools on many ships, the Movies Under the Stars screen on calm evenings and plenty of deck space. The Sanctuary, an adults-only sun deck retreat, has historically been available for a fee on many ships, but Princess is folding it into its Sanctuary Collection package on newer and recently upgraded ships, so check access rules for your specific vessel before you sail.
A peaceful upper deck is often easiest to find early in the morning. Photo: Muhammed Gündüz on Pexels
More quiet cruise lines worth considering
6. Celebrity: modern design with an adults-only Solarium
Celebrity’s ships carry roughly 2,100 to 3,300 guests, so they are not small, but the design leans toward lounges and bars rather than thrill rides. The key quiet space is the Solarium, a covered adults-only pool area (with limited kids’ hours on a few itineraries such as Alaska). Suite guests on Edge Series and revolutionized ships also get The Retreat sundeck, which is reliably calm.
7. Cunard: sea days and old-school calm
Cunard’s ships are large, yet the daily rhythm is traditional: afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, lectures, classical concerts and a well-stocked library. A transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2 gives you roughly a week of sea days with no ports, which is about as relaxing as cruising gets if you enjoy reading and long walks around the deck. Cunard does carry children and has a casino, but both are a small part of the overall atmosphere.
8. Small luxury lines: the quietest cruise lines of all
If budget allows, the quietest cruise lines are the small luxury brands. Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas offer spacious all-suite ships with high space per guest and mostly inclusive fares, so there is little queuing or signing for drinks. Windstar’s small ships and Sea Cloud’s tall ships trade big-ship facilities for a hushed, yacht-like feel, and SeaDream’s two yachts carry about 112 guests each. Explora Journeys is larger but all-suite, with an adults-only pool. Regent still welcomes children, so the occasional family is possible over holidays.
How to choose a quiet ship, itinerary and cabin
Even on the calmest line, a badly placed cabin or a school-holiday sailing can spoil the peace. These are the factors most guides skip, and they apply to any cruise line.
Pick the ship, not just the brand
Check guest numbers and passenger space. A 700-guest ship will almost always feel quieter than a 4,000-guest ship from the same price bracket.
Look at the deck plan for noisy venues. Nightclubs, theaters, the main pool deck and the buffet create the most noise and foot traffic.
Consider older, smaller ships. They often lack the loud attractions of newer ones, and they may sail quieter, port-focused itineraries.
Choose a calmer itinerary and season
Avoid school holidays. Summer, spring break and the festive season bring the most children onboard, even on traditionally adult lines.
Go longer. Cruises of 10 nights or more attract fewer party groups than three or four night getaways.
Try a repositioning or transatlantic crossing. Back-to-back sea days and a mature passenger mix make these some of the most relaxing sailings available.
Skip party-port routes. Short Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from Florida tend to be livelier than Alaska, Northern Europe or the Mediterranean in shoulder season.
A balcony gives you a quiet space that no one else can claim. Photo: Jean-Paul Wettstein on Pexels
Where to book a quiet cabin
Cabin location matters as much as the cruise line. Aim for a cabin sandwiched between two other cabin decks, so there are no public rooms above or below you. Midship cabins on lower and middle decks move least in rough weather. Be wary of:
Cabins directly below the pool deck or buffet, where chairs scrape early in the morning.
Cabins above or below theaters, nightclubs and late-night bars.
Forward cabins on low decks, which can hear the anchor, and far-aft cabins, which may feel more vibration.
Cabins next to crew doors, elevators, laundry rooms or service areas.
A balcony is the easiest private retreat on a busy ship, though an inside cabin can be wonderfully dark and still for sleeping. Our guide to whether a balcony is worth it over an inside cabin breaks down the trade-offs.
Quiet times and hidden spaces on any ship
You can carve out a relaxing cruise on almost any line by doing the opposite of the crowd:
Go out early. Decks and pools are near empty at sunrise, and breakfast in the main dining room is calmer than the buffet.
Use port days at sea. When most guests go ashore, the ship becomes peaceful. Staying aboard in a port you have already visited is an underrated treat.
Head to the front or top of the ship. Observation lounges, libraries and card rooms are often quiet during the day.
Book spa thermal access. A thermal suite pass, where offered, is one of the most reliable quiet spaces onboard.
Move during the show. When the evening production starts, bars and decks empty out for an hour or so.
When you are ready to book, our guide to cruise deals for 2027 explains when the best offers usually appear.
If a quiet ship matters most, our guide on how to avoid kids on a cruise covers dates, ships and adults-only spaces.
If you are still deciding whether a cruise suits you at all, our look at the benefits of cruising weighs up the pros and the honest downsides.
FAQs
Which cruise lines are the quietest?
Among widely available lines, Viking, Oceania and Azamara are generally the quietest thanks to smaller ships and few or no children. Small luxury lines such as Seabourn, Silversea, Windstar and SeaDream are quieter still but cost more.
Which cruise line feels the least crowded?
Lines with small ships and generous space per guest feel least crowded, such as Seabourn, Silversea, Explora Journeys and Viking. On big ships, Celebrity’s Solarium and Princess’s Sanctuary-style retreats help, but public areas will still be busy at peak times.
What are the best cruises for quiet people?
Longer itineraries, transatlantic crossings and destination-led routes in Alaska, Northern Europe or the Mediterranean outside school holidays suit quiet travelers best. Pair one with a line like Viking, Oceania or Holland America and a cabin away from public venues.
Is Holland America or Princess quieter?
Holland America is usually the quieter of the two, with smaller ships on average, more enrichment and live music and fewer family-oriented activities. Princess is relaxed for a big-ship line, but its newest ships carry over 4,000 guests.
Are quiet cruise lines adults-only?
Not necessarily. Viking and now Oceania (for new bookings) are 18-plus, but Azamara, Holland America, Celebrity, Cunard and most luxury lines accept children. They simply attract fewer of them because they have few kid-focused facilities.
Holland America Line has opened its 2028 Alaska season for bookings, and the cruise line will have six ships sailing to the 49th state. This includes rare cruises that will visit somewhere Holland America has never before visited.
Holland America Line’s Koningsdam visiting Glacier Bay in Alaska. Photo: Cruise Fever
The 2028 Alaska season from Holland America Line will have sailings ranging from seven to 18 days in length. Ships will sail roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, and one-way from Vancouver and Whittier.
The cruise line will also offer a new 11-day cruise from San Diego to Vancouver.
The following six Holland America ships will sail to Alaska in 2028:
Oosterdam
Noordam
Eurodam
Koningsdam
Westerdam
Zaandam
For the first time, Holland America will offer scenic cruising through Nootka Sound on select Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest itineraries.
Oosterdam will also serve as the primary cruise ship for Holland America Line’s Alaska Cruisetours, allowing guests to seamlessly pair their cruise with overland exploration into Denali and the Yukon. The ship will be the first to receive a massive transformation that’s part of Holland America Evolution.
A Holland America Line ship visiting Alaska.
Details and availability for 2028 Cruisetours will be announced at a later date, while 2027 Alaska Cruisetours are available for booking now.
Itinerary highlights for this 2028 Alaska season from Holland America Line include:
NEW: 11-Day California to Alaska: Shores, Fjords & Glaciers
14-Day Great Alaska Explorer
18-Day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer
NEW: 16-Day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer
7-Day Glacier Discovery
7-Day Alaska Inside Passage
7-Day Alaska Explorer
Holland America Line has been sailing to Alaska for over 80 years and offers more than 200 shore excursions, iconic glacier visits, Destination Dining, and destination expertise with onboard experts and National Park Service Rangers.
Paul Grigsby, vice president of revenue planning and deployment for Holland America Line, gave the following statement:
“What has always set Holland America Line apart in Alaska is our ability to combine the iconic experiences guests dream about with opportunities to see the destination in ways they haven’t before. Our 2028 season reflects that approach, pairing the Alaska highlights guests expect with a collection of distinctive experiences, from rare itineraries and lesser-traveled waterways to new ways of enjoying the journey on board. It’s a season designed to give guests an even deeper connection to Alaska.”
“Alaska’s scenery is already unforgettable, and Oosterdam will give guests even more ways to experience it. From taking in the mountains and glaciers from a new Bridgeview Suite to pairing a cruise with an unforgettable journey into Denali and the Yukon, Oosterdam will offer guests new ways to connect with Alaska both on board and ashore.”
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A couple of familiar cruise ships to the Los Angeles market are sticking around for a lot longer than expected as Carnival Cruise Line announces new sailing dates out of Long Beach.
Carnival Radiance in Long Beach
Carnival has officially opened its 2028/29 West Coast schedule. The new cruise dates run from May 2028 through April 2029.
Two Ships, Different Itineraries
Carnival Radiance: Focuses on shorter sailings. It will continue running 3-day weekend trips to Ensenada and 4-day midweek cruises combining Catalina Island and Ensenada. A rare 5-day holiday departure on Dec. 21, 2028, will add Cabo San Lucas to the mix as well.
Carnival Panorama: Offers longer sailings to the Mexican Riviera. Passengers can choose between 6-day itineraries (featuring two full days in Cabo San Lucas plus Ensenada) or 8-day extended voyages stopping at Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.
Carnival Radiance and Carnival Panorama are already cruising out of the Long Beach cruise terminal right now.
The port, which is about 7 miles from San Pedro’s port near Los Angeles, is also home to Carnival Firenze. Carnival Legend will be coming to Long Beach in October 2027.
Current Pricing and Availability
Bookings are currently open on these vessels well into 2029. These are the current starting prices on Carnival’s website:
3-Day Baja Mexico (Radiance): Starts at $321 per person
4-Day Baja Mexico (Radiance): Starts between $336 and $356 per person
6-Day Mexican Riviera (Panorama): Starts at $439 per person
8-Day Mexican Riviera (Panorama): Starts at $628 per person
5-Day Holiday Special (Radiance, Dec. 2028): Starts at $722 per person
Long Beach Remains a Priority
It’s such a unique experience to cruise out of Long Beach, with its iconic geodesic dome right next to The Queen Mary. I’ve spent a night on the historic ship before a Carnival cruise before and can’t recommend it enough. Prices start around $160 or so.
Carnival is maintaining year-round deployments for both Radiance and Panorama, giving cruisers continued sailings to beautiful Mexican ports through spring 2029.
The interesting thing about this announcement is that it comes just shortly after Royal Caribbean announced the cancellation of about 40 West Coast sailings across Navigator of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas. The cruise line is moving these ships to Asia (Navigator) and Australia (Ovation) in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
Carnival is doubling down on Southern California offerings as cruise lines jockey for positioning two and three years ahead.
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Princess Cruises has updated select itineraries to the Caribbean that now include a visit to the private island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, beginning in November 2026.
Select Princess sailings will begin stopping at Half Moon Cay starting in November 2026.
Half Moon Cay is currently visited by sister cruise lines Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival recently opened a pier on their side of the island that allows two ships to visit each day.
Starting in November, select Princess sailings to the Caribbean will now stop at the island. Some of the Princess ships that visit will use the pier, while others will anchor offshore and use tenders to bring guests to the island.
Six Princess cruise ships are currently scheduled to visit Half Moon Cay. They are:
Enchanted Princess
Caribbean Princess
Sun Princess
Coral Princess
Regal Princess
Sky Princess
Princess guests will be able to use their Princess Plus and Premier packages while visiting Half Moon Cay. However, beverage packages will be honored only on the same side of the island that the ship visits.
For instance, if the ship docks on Carnival’s side with the pier, only that side of the island will honor the drink packages. And if a ship has to anchor and use tenders, the drink packages will only be honored on Holland America’s side of the island.
Half Moon Cay
Shore excursions and experiences will open for Princess sailings that visit Half Moon Cay in the near future.
Complimentary lunch will be offered on the island. Each beach grill at Half Moon Cay has gluten-free, vegetarian, and nut-free offerings for those with allergies or dietary preferences.
Guests with an active onboard internet plan can enjoy seamless complimentary Wi-Fi access at Half Moon Cay, just as they do onboard the ship.
For those without a plan, 24-hour internet packages are available for purchase onboard the ship, not on the island. Even without an internet plan, the Princess app will remain accessible.
Princess Cruises gave the following description of Half Moon Cay:
“Consistently ranked among the Caribbean’s most beloved private island destinations, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay offers guests an idyllic beach escape featuring powder-soft white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, exciting shore experiences, and opportunities to relax in a truly breathtaking setting. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, from horseback riding along the beach and water sports to private cabanas and beachside dining, creating unforgettable vacation memories in the Bahamas.”
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Galveston, Texas is already home to cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. And soon, another cruise line will be added to that list: Margaritaville at Sea.
It’s been full steam ahead for Galveston lately. The cruise port recently announced a fifth cruise terminal and has been attracting the latest and largest cruise ships. With yet another cruise line for local residents to choose from, the Texas port is going head-to-head with some of the Florida powerhouses.
In a recent news report from the Port of Galveston, the board of trustees voted unanimously to approve a brand-new operating agreement with Margaritaville at Sea.
Starting in October 2027, the cruise line will begin operating year-round, weekly Friday departures out of Cruise Terminal 28.
This makes Margaritaville at Sea the seventh major cruise line to homeport in Galveston.
Carnival cruise ships in Galveston, Texas (Cruise Fever)
Galveston Is on the Move
It’s no secret that Galveston has been growing at an incredible pace. I saw this firsthand at the last terminal grand opening and for the debut of MSC Seascape back in November 2025. This marked MSC Cruises first time calling Galveston home to one of their ships.
Here are a few accolades the port has racked up lately:
#4 Busiest US Cruise Port: Galveston ranks as the fourth-largest cruise homeport in the entire United States.
3.9 Million Passenger Movements: The port expects a record 3.9 million passenger movements and 446 sailings this year alone.
7 Major Cruise Brands: Margaritaville joins Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian, Disney, Princess, and MSC.
Which Ship is Coming?
Of course, the big question is “Which ship is coming”? Right now, those details are still under wraps.
While Margaritaville at Sea and Port Galveston officials are holding back the exact ship name until a joint announcement event in September, we can take a look at the existing ships in the fleet.
If you’ve followed the line’s history, you know that Margaritaville at Sea hasn’t built brand-new ships from scratch. Instead, their fleet is comprised of classic, beautifully updated former Costa Cruises cruise ships that undergo multi-million-dollar transformations.
Here is how the fleet breaks down by size and scale:
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise (formerly Costa Classica, 1991):
Whichever ship is sent to Galveston in October 2027, Texas cruisers are in for a unique experience compared to the other cruise lines.
Margaritaville at Sea brings a totally different vibe to the other ships that call Galveston home.
Rodger Rees, Port Director and CEO of Port Galveston, put it this way when speaking about the news:
“This agreement represents a fantastic win for the Port of Galveston and our community. Margaritaville at Sea offers a distinct, fun-filled, laid-back brand of cruising that will resonate hugely with vacationers across Texas and the surrounding region.”
Cruise Fever has sailed with the cruise line several times, and we’ve always been impressed at the incredible value Margaritaville offers. We also grabbed one of the best steaks we’ve had at sea on one of their ships.
The 7-day Friday-to-Friday schedules out of Galveston will offer Western Caribbean and Central America itineraries, and again, it’s another option for local residents to choose from.
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A cruise line has given a sneak peek at a new 195-day cruise from California in 2029 that will visit 126 ports in 40 countries/territories on five continents.
Azamara Cruises just announced one of the most epic cruises ever.
This new cruise from Azamara Cruises will depart from San Diego, California, in early 2029 on Azamara Quest. The epic sailing will end in Copenhagen 195 days later.
The cruise will also be offered in two shorter options: one that ends in London after 179 days, and a 139-day option that starts in Sydney and ends in Copenhagen.
The 195-day journey will visit 126 ports, including 16 overnight stops and 60 late-night departures. The cruise will offer more time in port than any other world cruise in 2029. The cruise ship will be in port for 65% of the sailing. 12 of the ports visited on the cruise will be maiden calls for Azamara.
It will also be the longest and most geographically expansive world cruise available in 2029.
The epic cruise will take place on Azamara Quest.
The 179-night cruise from San Diego to London will span five continents and feature 52 late nights, 16 overnight stays and 12 maiden ports, while the 139-night cruise from Sydney to Copenhagen will also span five continents, with 43 late nights, 11 overnight stays and four maiden ports.
Michael Pawlus, Head of Itinerary Planning at Azamara Cruises, gave the following statement:
“We’re incredibly proud of the 2029 World Cruise Collection and the time we’ve built into each leg of the journey for guests to truly connect with the places they visit. We believe our guests are really going to love what we’ve created, and we’re excited to give them a closer look at the itineraries and reveal all the details in the weeks ahead.”
This newly announced sailing from Azamara Cruises will open for bookings on September 23, 2026, when the cruise line will also share more details about this incredible journey. This includes the full itinerary, cruise inclusions, exclusive events, and AzAmazing Evenings.
The two shorter segments will open for bookings on October 14, 2026.
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The government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut) recently issued new guidelines asking cruise lines to limit, and in some cases totally avoid, sailing through specific fjords.
Nuuk, Greenland (Luis Leamus )
Why Is Greenland Asking Cruise Ships to Back Off?
The issue isn’t that Greenland doesn’t want cruise passengers. Cruise tourism brings a good deal of revenue to local communities.
But local communities have raised concerns about underwater ship noise disturbing marine wildlife and heavy vessel traffic crowding narrow fjords. Concerns have also been raised in regard to hunting, fishing, and recreational boating.
So, Greenland’s governmental authority has issued an official statement asking cruise lines to voluntarily limit their footprint in certain vulnerable areas.
For now, it’s a request, but a legal framework is being worked on under the Tourism Act.
What Do the Numbers Show?
Cruising to Greenland has grown in popularity, with American cruisers making up for most of the cruise visits to the region:
Annual Cruise Visitors: Greenland welcomed about 94,000 unique cruise passengers, accounting for more than 213,000 total port visits nationwide (The Independent).
The American Connection: Over 50% of all cruise visitors to Greenland come from the United States (more than 47,000 passengers).
Schedule Insights: Across 225 scheduled sailings in the region, popular ports like Qaqortoq, Nuuk, Paamiut, Nanortalik, and Sisimiut are getting seasonal cruise traffic.
Which Ships and Lines Are Scheduled in Greenland?
According to schedule data, Cruise Fever found at least 27 different cruise ships from major cruise lines with planned itineraries calling on Greenland.
Luxury and expedition cruise lines make up the majority of overall sailings, as smaller ships also frequently visit Greenland’s more remote ports of call:
Seabourn: Leading the way in expedition sailings, Seabourn accounts for nearly 40% of all scheduled sailings in the dataset we looked at, led by Seabourn Venture (72 sailings), Seabourn Pursuit (12 sailings), and Seabourn Quest (8 sailings).
Viking Ocean Cruises: Operating 58 total sailings across multiple vessels, including expedition ships Viking Octantis (19 sailings) and Viking Polaris (10 sailings), along with ocean ships like Viking Astrea, Viking Mars, and Viking Mira.
Silversea Cruises: Operating 22 total sailings, led by Silver Wind (14 sailings), Silver Endeavour (6 sailings), and Silver Spirit (2 sailings).
Atlas Ocean Voyages & Expedition Operators: Ships like World Navigator (12 sailings) and World Voyager (4 sailings) sail to Greenland.
Explora Journeys: Luxury line Explora has 12 total scheduled sailings across Explora IV (7 sailings) and Explora V (5 sailings).
Mainstream & Premium Brands: Major cruise lines bringing passengers include Holland America Line (Zuiderdam and Volendam), Princess Cruises (Caribbean Princess), Oceania Cruises (Oceania Vista, Oceania Aurelia, and Oceania Marina), and Virgin Voyages (Valiant Lady).
If you are booked on an upcoming sailing to Greenland, your cruise likely won’t be canceled or see major changes. But cruise ships may adjust scenic cruising routes through narrow fjords to stay compliant with some of these new guidelines. More specifics will come once the requests are made into a more formal legal framework.
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