Diplomacy

Carnival Cruise Line revealed their first cruises for 2027-2028 that include more variety and a larger ship at a popular homeport.

While Carnival has 29 cruise ships in their fleet, this first installment of 2027-2028 cruises announces where two ships will sail from.

They are moving Carnival Dream back to New Orleans. The ship will join Carnival Liberty as Carnival will be the only cruise line to homeport two ships year-round at the port.

Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream will sail two final cruises from Galveston in May 2027. On May 16, 2027, the ship will return to New Orleans for the first time in 2019.  

Carnival Dream will offer four- and five-night cruises to Mexico from New Orleans.

Carnival Liberty

Carnival Liberty will continue sailing from New Orleans through at least May 2028. The ship will sail a variety of seven-night cruises to the Western Caribbean and The Bahamas.

Cruises to The Bahamas will visit Celebration Key, Nassau and Key West.

Seven-night sailings to the Western Caribbean will visit Cozumel, Belize, Grand Cayman and Isla Tropicale.

The ship will also offer an eight-night Thanksgiving cruise and a two-week sailings to the Panama Canal. The Thanksgiving sailing will visit both Celebration Key and Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay.

The 14-day Panama Canal Journeys cruise will depart on November 28, 2027 and visit Aruba, Cartagena, Colon, Curaçao, Cozumel, Limon, and Montego Bay.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement:

“More capacity with a larger ship means more tourism activity for Port NOLA and the region, where we’ve enjoyed a successful partnership for over three decades.

“As we roll out our deployment plans through the spring of 2028, we have great news to share with our homeport communities. Fun is on the move, and that means more options and more variety as guests book their future cruise vacations.”

Carnival Cruise Line said that they will release more cruises for 2027-2028 in the coming weeks. They also said that new homeports will be announced for several ships.

Cozumel, Mexico is one of the busiest ports of call in the world in terms of cruise passenger traffic.  With over 4.5 million cruise visitors every year, it’s not uncommon for tens of thousands of cruisers to disembark on the island in a single day.

With three cruise piers already in operation, plans for a fourth pier have been in the works for several years.  But according to a recent announcement from Cozumel’s mayor, there won’t be another pier under construction any time soon.

Cozumel’s Current Piers

As a major hub for cruise lines, Cozumel currently operates three main cruise ship piers:

1. Punta Langosta: This pier is located closest to downtown San Miguel, allowing cruise passengers easy walking access to local shops and restaurants.
2. SSA International Pier (also known as SSA Mexico): Situated south of downtown, this pier is a primary docking point for large cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC Cruises.
3. Puerta Maya: Located furthest south, this pier is a frequent stop for Carnival Cruise Line vessels.

The Pier Plans Rejected

While commonly referred to as the “fourth pier,” the recent proposal was actually an expansion of the existing SSA Mexico Pier (sometimes called International Cruise Terminal).

The goal was to allow it to accommodate even larger “deep-draft” cruise ships, which would have increased the port’s overall capacity.

The plan also included a private beach club, “Cabo Mantarraya,” raising concerns about restricting public access to the island’s coastline.

Environmental and Local Concerns

Not everyone was on board with the plans.  There was a concern among the local community that the new project would harm Cozumel’s coral reefs, among other issues.

Some local residents voiced concerns that increased ship traffic and larger pier infrastructure could lead to coral damage, increased pollution, infrastructure strain, and reduced public access to beaches.

The Mayor’s Stance

Mayor Chacón Méndez’s decision to reject both the pier expansion and the beach club project, reportedly reflected the decision of Cozumel’s community.

The mayor stated, “In Cozumel it’s the people who rule, who decide. Cozumel will first protect its environment and development.”

“I have already signed the no-vote on the Mantaraya issue and I have also already signed the no-vote on the SSA Mexico. That’s how we’re working together,” he continued.

The city council’s formal “no” to the SSA Mexico Pier expansion came after a technical review from Mexico’s environmental ministry (Semarnat). This review is a key part of how such projects are approved or rejected.

This decision will probably involve more negotiations in the future, with more legal challenges for both sides of the argument.

When it comes to cruise vacations, no one wants to hear the word “delay,” especially not right before a sailing.  On the other hand, I would almost always welcome a delay in getting back to homeport.

A recent email went out to impacted guests of Edge-class Celebrity Beyond, letting them know that their cruise will start at least a day later than originally planned.  But the cruise line is going above and beyond to compensate these passengers.

Celebrity Beyond is experiencing a technical issue that has directly impacted its upcoming sailing from PortMiami. This means a delay in embarkation, a shorter cruise, and an altered itinerary for those hoping to set sail from South Florida.

Cruise tracking data shows the ship is traveling at about 17 knots off the coast of Cuba currently.  The ship usually travels closer to 22 knots when at full cruising speed.

Some guests onboard have claimed on social media that the ship is traveling on one engine, but we have not had those reports verified by the cruise line at this time.

The Celebrity Cruises ship was originally scheduled to embark guests for a 4:00 PM departure from PortMiami on Sunday, July 20th. However, due to this technical issue that has reduced the ship’s cruising speed, its arrival into Port Miami has been pushed back to Monday, July 21st, docking at Terminal C.

Repairs for the Ship

Celebrity Cruises has been quick to reassure guests that while the problem affects the ship’s speed, it absolutely does not compromise the safety or seaworthiness of the vessel.

As the letter sent to guests states, “Beyond is currently experiencing a technical issue and we are working to address it. While this does not impact the safety or seaworthiness of the ship, we are sailing at reduced speed which will delay our arrival into Miami tomorrow.”

Compensation for Passengers

For the 3,200+ passengers currently on board who were expecting to disembark on Sunday, this delay means an extra day at sea on their cruise.   While a change in flights back home can be a nuisance, many cruisers would have a hard time feeling too bad for them.

Celebrity Cruises is offering compensation for this added time at sea. Guests will receive a full day’s cruise fare back, delivered as onboard credit.

This could mean a free spa treatment, specialty dining experience, or whatever else the passengers want to use this new-found money for.

On top of that, a one-day refund will be issued for any pre-purchased packages, such as internet plans, drink packages, or specialty dining reservations.

Compensated Hotel Arrangements

Adding an extra night at a hotel in Miami on top of original travel plans can offer its own logistical issues. To help make up for this, the cruise line is also providing up to $250 per stateroom to assist with Sunday evening’s hotel accommodations for those passengers who must wait another day for their vacation at sea to begin.

Itinerary Changes

Their embarkation, originally planned for a Sunday, July 20th departure from PortMiami, will now begin on Monday, July 21st, also from Terminal C.

This means a slight change from the original 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, which included calls at Nassau (July 21st), St. Thomas (July 23rd), and Philipsburg, St. Maarten (July 24th), before returning to Miami on July 27th.

With embarkation delayed by a full day, the upcoming cruise will now be a shorter 6-night sailing, assuming, of course, that the technical issue is resolved smoothly and quickly.

The delayed start means that at least one of those planned port calls from the original itinerary will likely be dropped. Celebrity Cruises has promised to send out further updates on the revised itinerary and exact check-in times, urging future guests to keep a close eye on their inboxes.

For anyone impacted by these changes, keep a close watch on your emails and Celebrity Cruises’ official communications for the very latest information.

And, if nothing else, this incident serves as yet another gentle nudge for all travelers to seriously consider cruise travel insurance – because when unexpected cruise hiccups happen, it can make all the difference.

HX Announces Extensive Expansion of Camping and Kayaking in Antarctica  

This Antarctic season, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the world’s oldest expedition cruise company, is launching an extensive expansion of its camping and kayaking activities in Antarctica, significantly increasing capacity across the fleet. Starting in October 2025, HX will offer more guests the opportunity to kayak and camp in Antarctica than ever before, with a 188% increase in kayaking capacity and double the camping spots. All of this is achieved while upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and operating fully within IAATO guidelines, of which HX is a founding member. 

“We’re not just adding more spots, we’re reimagining how guests experience Antarctica,” said Karin Strand, VP of Expeditions Development, who has completed more than 150 expeditions to Antarctica and designed the new offering programme. With over 20 years of experience in Antarctic travel, HX continues to lead the category in both scale and innovation.  

“With expanded kayaking and camping capacity, plus greater flexibility and access, we’re giving more guests the chance to experience the polar regions in a truly personal and meaningful way. It’s about making these once-in-a-lifetime moments available to everyone on board, while delivering them in small, intimate and responsibly managed groups. Whether you’re gliding past icebergs on your kayak or sleeping under the stars, we’re here to help you write your own Antarctic story. And importantly, all experiences are designed in harmony with nature and in strict adherence to the environmental regulations that govern human activity in Antarctica.” 

What’s New for the 2025/26 Antarctica Season? 

• 188% increase in kayaking capacity across the fleet – up to 92 guests 
• Camping capacity doubled – up to 60 guests  
• Solo travellers welcome – no partner needed for kayaking or camping 
• New: Discovery Kayaks – solo, inflatable, self-guided paddling with no language requirement 
      • An industry first, custom-designed with NRS (US) and Escape Watersports (UK) 
      • Combines innovative design and top-tier performance 
• New: Bivvy Bag Camping – lightweight, low-impact overnight under the stars 
      • Closest experience to true polar expedition camping 
      • Custom-built Scandinavian gear, HX-tested 
• New expanded activity options – includes: 
      • Two kayaking styles 
      • Two camping formats 
      • Snowshoeing 
      • Polar plunges 
      • Extended hikes* 

HX’s enhanced offering isn’t just about quantity – it’s about smarter, more inclusive, and more diverse adventures. From calm solo paddles to more deep dive guided excursions, HX is now offering seven distinct activity options across its fleet, including two kayaking styles, two camping styles, polar plunges, extended hikes, and snowshoeing. 

Two Ways to Camp in Antarctica: 

• Bivvy Bag Camping (New!): Sleep out in the open under the Antarctic sky in new lightweight, weather-ready bivvy bags, the closest experience to true polar expedition camping. With custom-built gear fit for polar conditions (HX-tested in Scandinavia for the harshest conditions), this raw and rugged adventure lets guests connect directly with the ice, the silence, and the stars. Capacity: up to 60 guests. Price: EUR 350 pp  

• 2-Person Tent Camping: Traditional low-impact polar camping in high-performance expedition tents. A great option for those who want to share the experience with a companion, while staying sheltered from the elements. Capacity: 30 guests (2 per tent). Price: EUR 429 pp 

All necessary gear is provided for both camping options, including either a bivvy bag or tent kit, insulated sleeping mats, a sleeping bag with liner, and a head torch. Guests are advised to bring their own warm, layered clothing, thermal socks (plus spares), gloves, a hat, neck covering, water bottle, and a camera to capture the experience. Camping is typically offered once per five-day voyage. On longer itineraries, a second night on the ice may be possible, subject to weather and conditions. 

Two Ways to Kayak in Antarctica: 

• Discovery Kayaks (Inflatable – New!): Inflatable, self-guided kayaks featuring a lightweight, durable, and modern design that offers a close-to-the-water experience. They are ideal for calm conditions and intimate exploration. Guests paddle independently at their own pace within a dedicated area, with safety boats monitoring throughout. Solo travellers are welcome to paddle alone, and no English is required.Capacity: 60 guests. Price: EUR 129 pp  

• Sea Explorer Kayaks (Hard Shell – Expanded Capacity): Hard-shell sea kayaks, guided by two expedition experts, designed for longer-range paddling and enhanced control in dynamic Antarctic conditions. Engineered for range, stability, and the ability to slice through Antarctic silence, these sleek, expedition-grade kayaks are ideal for more technical outings. Each kayak is paired for the ultimate shared experience with a friend or companion. Capacity: 32 guests. Price: EUR 199 pp 

For the 2025/2026 Antarctica season, all kayaking and camping bookings will be managed onboard by the Expedition Team, allowing real-time flexibility based on weather, itinerary, and guest preferences. The previous lottery system will be removed, with a first-come, first-served system used on most sailings. A pre-booking system is in development for future seasons. All activities are weather and itinerary dependent. In the event of a cancellation, HX will make every effort to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be provided. 

“Experiencing Antarctica must come with responsibility,” Strand concludes. “Every step we take is guided by the principles of sustainable tourism. We work within the framework of IAATO guidelines to ensure our presence leaves no trace – minimising impact, respecting wildlife, and preserving the pristine beauty of the polar environment for generations to come.” 

HX is proud to now offer its largest and most diverse kayaking and camping programme in Antarctica. With new gear, upgraded programmes, and smarter operations, the brand continues to lead the category not just in scale, but in ambition and innovation. 

Just days after Mayor Christian Estrosi made headlines with an attempt to turn away a cruise ship, a local court has overturned his order to limit cruise arrivals in the Port of Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The ruling, handed down on Sunday, July 13, stated that Estrosi’s move was illegal and beyond his authority and power as mayor.

The administrative court said that only the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes department has the power to regulate ship traffic, stating the following: “It is up to the prefect to organize the entry, exit, and movement of ships.”

It was Prefect Laurent Hottiaux himself who filed the court challenge against the mayor’s decree to remove these large vessels from his city’s shores.

Estrosi’s controversial order, issued on July 9, was being sold to the public as an important step in the fight against climate change and to preserve marine life around the port.

But this wasn’t the first time the mayor was critical of cruise ships.  He previously stated that cruise ships are “three times worse than airplanes” in terms of pollution.

He also stated earlier this year that “cruises that pollute and dump their low-cost clientele who consume nothing but leave their waste behind have no place with us.”

The mayor’s stance took a dramatic turn on July 11 when Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, carrying over 3,100 passengers (well above Estrosi’s self-imposed 2,500-passenger limit), dropped anchor off Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Estrosi, aboard a port police boat, attempted to deliver his new rules directly to the ship’s captain.

Christian Estrosi The mayor of Nice 🇫🇷came today with a municipal police boat with a document informing the Voyager of the Seas that it had to leave the harbor of Villefranche-sur-Mer 🇫🇷

The captain denied him access on board, the passengers were forbidden to leave the ship pic.twitter.com/5aAmGAYWYo

— MaritimeNews (@MaritimeNews_) July 3, 2025

However, maritime protocol prevented him from boarding, leading to a viral video showing the mayor shouting, “You are not allowed to be here, you are nothing!” while waving his letter from the small vessel beside the vessel.

The mayor of Nice isn’t giving up, threatening to sue the State if they don’t act on large cruise ships.

Many see his actions as more of a political show than a real environmental effort. For now, his fight against cruise ship pollution faces big legal issues, but the attempt here appears to be more headline-driven than anything else.

The wait is nearly over, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand new port in The Bahamas opens this week.

10 years ago, Carnival Cruise Line sent a proposal to the Bahamian government to build a private port a few miles east of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island.

A decade later, this new port named Celebration Key will welcome its first cruise ship when Carnival Vista arrives on Saturday, July 19.

Celebration Key has a pier that can accommodate two cruise ships at the same time. An extension to the pier is planned to allow up to four Carnival cruise ships to visit simultaneously.

The port will have two lagoons including the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean/Bahamas.

The port is divided up into the following five portals:

1. Paradise Plaza
2. Calypso Lagoon – Adult-friendly lagoon
3. Starfish Lagoon – Family-friendly lagoon
4. Pearl Cove Beach Club – Adults-only beach club
5. Lokono Cove – Artisan retail village

There will be more than 30 food and beverage options on Celebration Key including 14 complimentary food trucks.

For guests who don’t want to stay at the port, excursions will be offered around Grand Bahama Island.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the following this past week about this new port:

“Celebration Key is a beautiful destination that I know will be extremely popular with our guests, but it’s also a beautiful representation of the great partnership between Carnival and the people of Grand Bahama.

This is the first major project to be completed on the island of Grand Bahama in 20 years or more, and we’re proud to be the cruise line to bring it to fruition.

We wouldn’t be here today, now just a week from our first official visit with Carnival Vista, without the dedication of hundreds of Bahamians who helped to build Celebration Key.

“We’re proud as well of the hundreds of long-term jobs created by the destination’s daily operations – providing substantial economic benefits to the island while also celebrating Bahamian culture.”

Cruise Fever will be on Celebration Key on Saturday when the first cruise ship visits the port. Stay tuned as we bring you everything you need to know about Celebration Key.