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Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship has already climbed to the very top of the fleet rankings after just one year in service, with Star of the Seas becoming the line’s highest-rated ship based on customer review scores.

The result comes from my newly updated rankings, which analyses guest review data across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor to determine how the cruise line’s 29 ships compare.

For a ship that only launched in 2025, jumping straight into first place is an impressive result. But perhaps even more interesting is where her closest ship currently sits.

Star’s sister ship, Icon of the Seas, is now ranked 10th out of Royal Caribbean’s 29-ship fleet, despite the two vessels sharing almost identical layouts, attractions and overall concepts.

The contrast may seem surprising at first glance. After all, Icon of the Seas was one of the most anticipated cruise launches in years and introduced Royal Caribbean’s completely new Icon Class design when she entered service in January 2024.

When Icon first launched, she also held the number one position for several months before gradually settling lower in the rankings as more reviews arrived and the excitement around the new ship levelled out.

That could mean Star’s current position is not necessarily permanent.

As more passengers sail and review the vessel over time, her average score could shift in the same way Icon’s did.

Why Star May Have An Early Advantage

Although Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are roughly 95% the same ship, Royal Caribbean did make several adjustments based on guest feedback from Icon’s debut.

Rather than redesigning the concept completely, the cruise line focused on refining areas that passengers felt could work better.

Among the changes were updates to Surfside, expanding the family neighbourhood to appeal to older children rather than focusing primarily on younger families. Royal Caribbean also introduced tweaks intended to improve guest flow around the ship, while dining received some changes too.

Star also added new venues and experiences, including the Lincoln Park Supper Club replacing Empire Supper Club’s New York-inspired theme with a Chicago concept, refreshed food options in AquaDome Market, and changes to entertainment including Back to the Future: The Musical becoming the headline production.

There were smaller changes as well, including an additional hot tub and revised children’s spaces with more traditional play areas.

Individually, many of these adjustments may seem relatively minor, but together they could help explain why guests appear to be responding even more positively to Star than they initially did with Icon.

Price may also play a role.

While Icon of the Seas remains one of Royal Caribbean’s most expensive ships, reviewers have sometimes highlighted that the premium pricing raises expectations considerably. Star faces similar pricing pressures, but with refined features and lessons learned from the first ship in the class, passengers may feel they are getting a more polished experience.

Of course, one year of data still represents a relatively small sample compared with ships that have been sailing for decades.

Some of Royal Caribbean’s strongest performers have built reputations over many years and thousands of reviews, making Star’s early lead notable but still very much a developing story.

The Next Test Arrives This Summer

The next big test for Royal Caribbean’s newest class of ships is not far away.

Legend of the Seas, the third Icon Class vessel, is due to debut this summer and will become the latest evolution of the cruise line’s biggest and most feature-packed ship design.

If Star has shown anything, it is that Royal Caribbean appears willing to keep making adjustments rather than simply repeating the same ship design over and over.

That now raises an interesting question.

If Star refined what Icon started and immediately climbed to the top of the rankings, where will Legend sit after her first year at sea?

By this time next year, Royal Caribbean may have another new number one.

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A family preparing for an upcoming Carnival cruise saw their holiday plans thrown into uncertainty after one spouse was unexpectedly removed from their booking due to an apparent mistaken identity case linked to a no-sail ban from sister cruise brand P&O Cruises.

The issue emerged just weeks before the family was due to travel, replacing pre-cruise excitement with confusion and stress after the affected guest discovered they had allegedly been blacklisted over an incident they insist could not have involved them.

The traveller, who shared details of the situation online on 19th May 2026, said they had never sailed with P&O Cruises at all.

“I was scheduled to go on a Carnival cruise in a couple of weeks with my spouse and children. My spouse got an email today from Carnival that our cruise had been updated, and the update was I was removed as a guest from our cruise,”

After contacting Carnival, the family received an explanation that only raised more questions.

“My spouse contacted Carnival and Carnival stated I was removed by Carnival security. An email was exchanged with Carnival security and Carnival security stated that I was on the no sail list because of an incident that occurred on a P&O cruise. The problem is I have never been on a P&O cruise,” the post continued.

The family did not publicly reveal which sailing they were due to board, but the timing coincides with the start of the busy summer season, one of the most popular periods for families to sail aboard Carnival’s fleet.

Several Days Of Uncertainty Followed

Being placed on a no-sail list is a serious matter in the cruise industry. Guests who receive permanent bans from cruise operators are often blocked from sailing across multiple brands owned by the same parent company.

For Carnival Corporation brands, bans are frequently treated as long-term restrictions and overturning those decisions can be difficult.

The family said the initial communication from Carnival security suggested there was little room for discussion.

“The email from Carnival security also states that there is no appeal and their decision is final,” the traveller explained.

However, because the family maintained that no incident had ever taken place, they continued attempting to resolve the issue.

An early update revealed that a Carnival representative had escalated the matter but also instructed the guest to contact P&O Cruises directly. According to the family, Carnival stated it could only view the no-sail list itself and could not access incident records held by its sister cruise line.

“Update: I spoke with a customer service representative with Carnival who was great. He escalated to another team, and my final response from Carnival was I have to get P&O to clear my name from the no sail list,” the Reddit user later wrote.

“Carnival claims that they are unable to review P&O records to review the incident, and they only have access to the P&O no sail list.”

That created another complication, with the family noting difficulties contacting P&O Cruises quickly from the United States.

Later the same day, there was at least some progress after Carnival security requested photographic identification from the affected traveller, suggesting that further verification was taking place.

The situation was eventually resolved two days later.

“Update: I received an email from Carnival security this morning. I have been cleared for sailing, and my booking has been reinstated. I’m relieved, but this whole situation was ridiculous,” they wrote on 21st May 2026.

It remains unclear whether Carnival issued an apology or offered any form of compensation following the disruption.

Questions Remain Over How The Error Happened

No public explanation has been given about what triggered the apparent mix-up.

One possible explanation is that the affected traveller shared similar personal details, such as a name or date of birth, with someone who had previously been banned. Cruise operators often rely on identifying information to flag guests, although exact screening processes are not publicly detailed.

While the family ultimately had their booking restored, the incident raises questions about how cases of mistaken identity are identified and corrected.

Carnival and other major cruise operators place significant emphasis on safety and security measures, and screening procedures are designed to prevent banned individuals from boarding ships.

At the same time, incidents involving incorrect matches can create substantial disruption for passengers who have done nothing wrong.

Not The First Identity Mix-Up This Year

This is also not the first reported case involving mistaken identity affecting Carnival passengers in recent months.

Earlier this year, a passenger sailing from Miami reported that immigration officials entered their stateroom early in the morning after confusion surrounding a guest’s name allegedly resulted in the wrong person being targeted.

Although cruise lines face pressure to maintain strict security measures, incidents like these can create negative publicity, particularly when they affect guests who are already booked and preparing for travel.

The latest situation also arrives during a period in which Carnival has faced criticism over changes to its rewards programme and controversy surrounding the cancellation of heavily discounted bookings linked to a website pricing issue.

For one family at least, a cruise that should have been building anticipation instead became a stressful fight simply to stay on the passenger list.

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Carnival Cruise Line has officially opened the first major new attractions at its rebranded Isla Tropicale destination in Roatan, Honduras, with guests now enjoying a large new pool complex designed to enhance the private port experience.

The new Mangrove Bay pool area welcomed its first visitors on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, marking a significant step in Carnival’s transformation of the destination formerly known as Mahogany Bay. The debut coincided with a visit from Carnival Jubilee, which brought thousands of guests to experience the new facilities for the first time.

Among the additions are family-friendly attractions, premium relaxation areas and expanded food and beverage options aimed at catering to a wide range of travellers.

“New features, including the destination’s first pool area, will elevate the guest experience at Isla Tropicale,” Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said.

The Mangrove Bay area spans 48,000 square feet and introduces the first guest pool ever offered at the destination.

New Features Aim To Expand Guest Experience

Families travelling with children now have access to a dedicated splash pad positioned alongside the main pool area, allowing younger guests to enjoy their own water play space while remaining close to parents.

For adults seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, the opposite side of the pool includes a swim-up bar serving drinks directly in the water, alongside additional nearby beverage service intended to reduce waiting times.

Perhaps the most distinctive element is a premium peninsula situated in the middle of the pool itself. This exclusive section offers private cabanas and daybeds available for hire.

The shaded cabanas have been designed with accessibility in mind and include ceiling fans, water loungers and four chairlift passes for guests. Daybeds also offer shaded seating and include four chairlift passes. Pricing varies depending on the specific sailing.

Beyond the new pool area, Isla Tropicale now features 52 retail outlets and local artisan kiosks, three restaurants and four bars. Guests can also book oceanview cabanas and use the destination’s scenic chairlift attraction.

The port itself sits on an island just off the coast of Honduras and remains one of Carnival’s most frequently visited ports on Western Caribbean itineraries.

Its infrastructure can accommodate two cruise ships simultaneously, including Carnival’s largest Excel-class ships.

Carnival Jubilee became the first ship to bring guests to the new area, carrying up to 6,631 passengers during the opening celebrations. Guests onboard also found commemorative pins in their staterooms to mark the occasion.

A newly unveiled destination sign and logo also debuted during the launch. The updated branding incorporates a hummingbird and flower design with flowing typography intended to reflect ocean waves and a more relaxed tropical feel.

Carnival Continues Long-Term Investment In Roatan

The launch forms part of Carnival’s wider private destination strategy. Isla Tropicale now sits under the cruise line’s “Paradise Collection” branding alongside Celebration Key and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.

Carnival says it has invested approximately $93 million into Roatan since the destination first opened. The port has welcomed nearly nine million visitors over the years and generated an estimated $750 million in economic impact across the region.

According to Carnival, the development has also supported around 1,300 local jobs.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Roatán and Honduras and expanding our positive economic impact in the region,” confirmed Duffy.

The company said sustainability has remained a key focus throughout the destination’s development, with the beach receiving multiple awards recognising environmental management and water quality efforts.

“Isla Tropicale reflects the continued importance of cruise tourism to Roatán and to Honduras,” said Andrés Ehrler, minister of tourism of Honduras.

“We value partnerships that support local jobs, create opportunities for businesses and help strengthen Roatán’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most welcoming destinations, and Carnival has done exactly that.”

The latest additions are expected to strengthen Isla Tropicale’s appeal among Carnival passengers looking for a blend of beach relaxation, family activities and upgraded resort-style amenities.

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Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas reportedly staged a protest after the ship’s scheduled Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising experience was removed from its Alaska itinerary, with social media videos and passenger accounts showing groups chanting “We Want Hubbard” and crowding around guest services.

The reported protest appears to have taken place after guests were informed that the glacier visit, considered one of the standout experiences of many Alaska sailings, would no longer take place because of scheduling changes linked to an earlier homeport switch.

While the videos and accounts have been widely shared online by individuals claiming to be onboard the sailing, Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on the reported protest itself.

Guests onboard the 168,700 gross ton Quantum Class vessel were notified via a letter delivered to staterooms that the itinerary had been revised.

“Due to schedule adjustments to ensure our timely arrival into Whittier, we will be adjusting our itinerary and will continue with a full day at sea instead of cruising Hubbard Glacier,” the notice stated.

The 15th May sailing departed Vancouver on a seven-night one-way Alaska itinerary with calls in Ketchikan, Sitka and Skagway before its revised arrival into Whittier on 22nd May.

Homeport Change Triggered Schedule Problems

The Hubbard Glacier cancellation appears to stem from an earlier operational adjustment that saw Royal Caribbean switch the cruise’s planned arrival port from Seward to Whittier because of ongoing redevelopment work at Seward’s cruise facilities.

Passengers say the captain later explained that increased marine traffic around Whittier and the narrow approach into the port created scheduling limitations.

As a result, the ship was expected to arrive at approximately 1am in order to begin preparations for disembarkation.

Whittier presents additional logistical challenges because of its geography. Traffic entering and leaving the area relies heavily on the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, where one-way traffic movements are controlled on a scheduled basis.

For a ship carrying up to 4,905 passengers at maximum capacity, the earlier arrival was intended to allow luggage handling, customs procedures and disembarkation to proceed on schedule, with guests expected to begin leaving the vessel from around 6am.

Cruise lines generally reserve the right to alter itineraries because of operational issues, weather or other unforeseen circumstances, and such provisions are standard within booking conditions. However, that has done little to ease frustration among some guests onboard.

Glacier Experience Is Often A Major Booking Factor

Unlike a missed port stop, Hubbard Glacier is considered by many travellers to be a headline attraction of an Alaska cruise.

The glacier is one of the region’s best-known tidewater glaciers and is particularly popular because of its active calving activity, where huge pieces of ice can break away from the glacier face and crash into the water below.

For many passengers, opportunities to witness those moments are among the main reasons for booking an Alaska sailing in the first place.

Guests posting online expressed disappointment after learning the visit would not take place.

Reports on social media and online forums also suggested guest services experienced significant queues after the announcement, while some passengers described hearing chants of “We Want Hubbard” in public areas.

Some guests have additionally alleged that crew members suggested the glacier cancellation had been anticipated before passengers were informed. Those claims remain unverified and have not been publicly confirmed by Royal Caribbean or ship officers.

Royal Caribbean has, however, offered compensation to affected guests in the form of onboard credit.

According to information shared with passengers, guests in Inside and Oceanview staterooms are receiving $150 per stateroom, Balcony cabins are receiving $200, while Suite guests are receiving $400. Additional guests booked in the same cabin reportedly receive a further $25 credit each.

Any prepaid Hubbard Glacier-related excursions booked through Royal Caribbean have also been cancelled and refunded to onboard accounts, with any remaining balance refundable at the end of the cruise.

While itinerary changes are accepted as part of cruising, reactions often become stronger when the missed experience is not simply a port stop, but one of the defining attractions of the voyage itself.

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Football fans will have the chance to meet and learn from Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola next year after MSC Cruises confirmed the former player will join a special themed sailing aboard MSC Virtuosa.

The five-night cruise will depart from Southampton on 19th October 2026 and will feature a programme of football-focused events and experiences designed around one of the Premier League club’s most celebrated figures.

Guests sailing on the voyage will have access to a range of activities hosted by Zola, with all events included in the cruise fare at no additional cost.

Prices for the sailing currently start from £519 per person.

The itinerary will include calls to Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and Cherbourg, combining a short European cruise with exclusive sporting experiences linked to MSC Cruises’ long-running partnership with Chelsea FC.

Guests To Train And Meet With Chelsea Legend

Passengers on board MSC Virtuosa will not simply hear stories from Zola’s football career. The cruise line has confirmed guests will also be able to take part in football training sessions led by the former player, with activities planned for both adults and children.

The sessions will give guests the opportunity to learn skills and techniques from the former Italy international, while a live theatre Q&A session will allow passengers to hear more about his experiences in football and his time at Chelsea.

Following the Q&A, selected meet-and-greet opportunities will also give guests a chance to interact directly with Zola.

MSC Cruises said the activities are designed to allow passengers to personalise their holiday with experiences that would normally be difficult to access during a traditional sporting event or appearance.

Beyond the football-themed programme, MSC Virtuosa offers a range of onboard facilities including multiple dining venues, theatre entertainment, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and fitness centre, along with attractions such as a bowling alley and racing simulator.

“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Chelsea FC, which has gone from strength to strength since 2019, allowing us to create truly unique experiences for fans. Bringing Gianfranco Zola on board MSC Virtuosa is a fantastic way to bring that partnership to life, giving our guests the rare opportunity to connect with a football legend. It’s this blend of world-class sport, entertainment and cruising that makes these experiences so special, and we’re excited to deliver something truly memorable for everyone on board.”

Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales

Gianfranco Zola added: “This will be my first time on a cruise ship, and I am really looking forward to the experience. It’s an opportunity to meet people with a passion for travel, and introduce them to my world of football and so many fantastic memories from my years of being connected to the game, and of course Chelsea Football Club.”

MSC Continues Chelsea Partnership Expansion

MSC Cruises has served as an official sponsor of Chelsea FC since 2019 and has regularly used the relationship to develop fan-focused experiences and promotions.

The latest sailing appears to be one of the most interactive activations connected to the partnership so far, moving beyond sponsorship branding and offering guests direct access to a former player associated closely with the club.

Sports-themed cruises and celebrity sailings have become an increasingly popular way for cruise lines to attract niche audiences, allowing guests to combine holidays with exclusive experiences that would normally be difficult to replicate on land.

For football supporters, the October 2026 sailing represents an unusual opportunity to combine a European cruise itinerary with behind-the-scenes stories and coaching sessions from one of Chelsea’s most recognised former stars.

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Changes appearing on newly updated deck plans for Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 have sparked concern among some passengers after several public areas appeared to be earmarked for additional cabins and suites as part of a planned future refit.

While Cunard has yet to formally announce a full breakdown of changes, cruisers monitoring the ship’s online deck plans – including Dan & Jay at Sail Away Magazine – recently noticed revisions across selected areas of the vessel.

The updates have led to speculation over how the world’s only purpose-built ocean liner could evolve in the years ahead.

Among the most significant changes shown on the updated plans are alterations to Deck 13, where large areas of open deck space appear set to be reconfigured.

The revised layouts indicate the addition of 16 Princess Grill suites, five new Britannia inside staterooms and changes to the sports area.

Elsewhere onboard, additional changes shown on the plans include four inside staterooms replacing the Concierge Lounge on Deck 9, a new penthouse suite taking the place of the bookshop near the library on Deck 8, and the apparent removal of the Teen and Kids Zone on Deck 6 in favour of four more inside cabins.

The proposed modifications would increase accommodation capacity onboard while reducing the amount of space dedicated to some public areas.

Passenger Concerns Emerge Over Public Space Changes

The changes have generated discussion across cruise forums and social media, particularly among long-time Queen Mary 2 passengers who view the ship as distinct from the wider cruise industry.

One passenger posting on Cruise Critic wrote:

“QM2 is being turned into a pile ’em high cruise ship as feared.“

Queen Mary 2 occupies a unique place within cruising. Launched in 2004, she was designed as a true ocean liner rather than a conventional cruise ship, specifically engineered to handle regular North Atlantic crossings at high speed and in challenging sea conditions.

Her design placed a strong emphasis on open deck areas, promenade spaces and public venues that differ from the layout priorities often seen on more modern cruise ships.

The possibility of replacing public areas with additional accommodation has led some passengers to question whether the vessel’s onboard atmosphere could change as a result of future refits.

Questions Also Raised Over Future Facilities

Beyond the confirmed deck plan revisions, discussion has also centred on facilities not shown in the updates.

One of the biggest topics among enthusiasts involves Illuminations, Queen Mary 2’s planetarium and theatre venue. Rumours have circulated online suggesting the venue could eventually be altered or removed during future work on the ship, although Cunard has not confirmed any such plans.

Queen Mary 2 remains one of the most recognisable ships in the cruise industry and continues to operate Cunard’s flagship transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York, alongside world cruises and international itineraries.

Cunard has not yet released a formal announcement detailing the complete scope or timeline of the reported modifications.

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A new visitor attraction inspired by one of cruising’s most popular onboard trends has officially launched in the Scottish Highlands, with Invergordon introducing what is believed to be the UK’s first land-based cruise duck trail.

The new Invergordon Duck Trail transforms the town into an interactive experience for cruise passengers and other visitors, encouraging them to move beyond the port area and discover local businesses, cafés and attractions across the town centre.

Inspired by the growing global craze of cruise passengers hiding, swapping and photographing rubber ducks during voyages, the initiative aims to bring that same sense of fun and discovery ashore while increasing footfall for local businesses during the busy cruise season.

The project is being delivered by the Port of Cromarty Firth in partnership with Invergordon Off the Wall and Invergordon Museum.

Visitors can take part by following a trail of themed duck decals displayed in shop windows throughout Invergordon, with each duck linked to a participating business and featuring its own personality and story.

Explore The Town One Duck At A Time

The trail has been designed as a simple three-step experience for visitors arriving in port.

Guests begin by spotting duck decals placed across the High Street and town centre before scanning QR codes attached to each stop. Those QR codes provide information on both the duck’s design and the business itself, helping visitors discover local shops, attractions and services they may otherwise miss.

Visitors are then encouraged to track how many ducks they have discovered.

A total of 11 ducks currently form the launch trail, spread across businesses and organisations including Invergordon Museum, McRaes of Scotland, Clootie McToot Café, Bonnie Bhaji, Invergordon Gallery and several other locations.

All of the participating stops are located within easy walking distance of the Port of Cromarty Firth, making the attraction particularly accessible for passengers with limited time ashore.

The trail also connects with Invergordon’s established Mural Trail, allowing visitors to combine the duck hunt with a wider exploration of the town’s history, culture and public art.

Cruise Duck Craze Continues To Grow

Cruise ducks have become a major trend across the cruise industry in recent years, with passengers hiding small rubber ducks around ships for others to discover. The ducks often include tags identifying who hid them and where they travelled from, turning them into miniature travelling keepsakes that can cross multiple ships and destinations.

The Invergordon initiative takes that idea beyond the ship itself and applies it directly to a cruise destination, creating an interactive activity designed specifically for port visits.

As part of the programme, participating businesses will also sell branded souvenir ducks that visitors can purchase as keepsakes from their visit.

The collectible ducks have been made using 50% wheat material as part of a sustainability focus, and £1 from every duck sold will be donated to the Port of Cromarty Firth’s community fund to support local projects.

Organisers say the wider aim is to create a memorable and shareable visitor experience while also delivering longer-term benefits to the local community.

With cruise tourism continuing to play an important role for Invergordon, the trail could offer a new way for passengers to spend time ashore while helping local businesses capture more of the economic impact from visiting ships.

Anyone interested should visit the website at invergordonducktrail.co.uk

Get the best price on your cruise…

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Mexico has formally halted Royal Caribbean’s plans for Perfect Day Mexico, ending one of the cruise industry’s most ambitious destination projects after environmental authorities ruled the development would not move forward.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Mexico City on 19th May 2026, bringing an abrupt end to plans for a large-scale destination in Mahahual, near Costa Maya. Royal Caribbean had already committed hundreds of millions of dollars to the project and previously announced a 2027 opening date.

The development had been planned as a 230-acre destination featuring a large waterpark and other attractions designed in the style of the cruise line’s existing Perfect Day portfolio.

Royal Caribbean had demonstrated significant confidence in the project, investing approximately $292 million to acquire the cruise port and surrounding land, while setting aside a further $529 million for construction and development.

However, environmental concerns surrounding the area ultimately proved too significant to overcome.

“I would like to inform you that the Royal Caribbean Perfect Day project will not be approved. We know that the company is also seeking to withdraw from the project, but we, as SEMARNAT, will not approve it,” Alicia Bárcena, head of Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), said during the announcement.

Royal Caribbean later confirmed it would respect the decision despite expressing disappointment.

According to Bárcena, the company had already begun taking steps behind the scenes to distance itself from the project before the official decision was announced.

Perfect Day Mexico had been expected to become a key attraction for Royal Caribbean’s western Caribbean itineraries and represented one of the largest destination investments undertaken by a cruise line.

Environmental Concerns Had Long Shadowed The Project

The cancellation follows months of mounting environmental opposition focused on the ecological sensitivity of Mahahual and the surrounding region.

Just a day before the project was formally cancelled, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signalled concern over the development during a public statement.

“We must not do anything that affects that area, which has a very important ecological balance, and is particularly important for the reefs,” Sheinbaum said on 18th May.

Environmental challenges had already slowed progress earlier this year. In January, a district court in Quintana Roo ordered work to stop following an injunction request filed by environmental organisation Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS).

Critics argued the development threatened important mangrove ecosystems that help with natural water filtration and coastal protection. Environmental groups also warned that any disruption to the area could create knock-on effects for local communities and marine life.

Marine concerns centred heavily on Mahahual’s proximity to the Mesoamerican Reef system, recognised as the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The village itself is also home to a local fishing community, increasing concerns about long-term environmental and economic impacts.

Public opposition grew considerably as well. A Change.org petition launched by local campaigners in 2025 reportedly attracted more than 4.6 million signatures. The figure stood out particularly because Mahahual itself has a population of roughly 3,000 residents.

What Happens Next For Royal Caribbean?

Although the Perfect Day development has ended, Royal Caribbean indicated that its broader investment in Mexico remains under consideration.

“Mahahual is a special place that deserves care and protection. We continue to believe in Mexico, and are optimistic in the potential to advance our investment responsibly,” the company said.

“Over the coming weeks, we will re-engage stakeholders to move forward in a way that delivers shared prosperity through the development of essential environmental infrastructure, the creation of thousands of local jobs, and community programs that support the people of Mexico,” the spokesperson added.

Royal Caribbean had already invested in local improvements surrounding the project, including road rehabilitation work in the Mahahual area. While those efforts were closely tied to the destination development, they also reflected wider community investment plans.

For now, cruise operations at Costa Maya are expected to continue without disruption. The port welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers during 2025 and appears set for another strong year in 2026.

The cancellation represents a significant setback for Royal Caribbean’s destination expansion strategy and highlights the increasingly complex balance cruise operators face between tourism growth and environmental concerns.

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Barcelona is preparing to significantly increase tourist taxes for cruise passengers visiting the city as a port of call, with local leaders accelerating plans designed to reduce the number of day visitors arriving by ship.

Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced plans to double the current tourist levy applied to cruise guests stopping in Barcelona for the day, raising the charge from €4 to €8 in the coming months. The move forms part of a broader strategy aimed at curbing cruise tourism in one of Europe’s busiest cruise destinations.

The proposed increase will not apply to passengers beginning or ending their cruise holidays in Barcelona. Instead, it targets transit guests who arrive for only a short visit before their ship departs later the same day.

According to reports from Spanish media outlet El País, Collboni made his intentions clear during an announcement on Wednesday 13th May 2026.

“I want to discourage cruise ship passengers from coming to Barcelona,” Collboni stated.

The tax increase had previously been approved on a phased timeline that would have gradually introduced higher charges over several years. The mayor is now seeking to bring the increase into force much sooner.

The proposal also arrives as Collboni campaigns for re-election, making cruise tourism a visible issue within local political debate.

Cruise Lines Could Face Growing Financial Pressure

While an additional €4 per passenger may appear relatively minor for individual travellers, the financial impact for cruise operators could become substantial when applied across thousands of guests.

One example can be seen with MSC Cruises’ MSC World Europa, among the largest vessels currently scheduled to call at Barcelona. The 215,900 gross ton ship can carry up to 6,762 guests.

If every passenger on a full sailing was subject to the increased fee, the additional cost above the existing rate would amount to more than €27,000 for a single visit. Across repeated calls throughout a season, those costs could rapidly climb.

Cruise operators would then need to determine how those costs are handled. Some lines may pass the additional charges directly onto guests during booking or through onboard accounts, while others may absorb the increase, particularly for sailings already paid in full.

That could create a direct hit to operating margins, especially on itineraries that regularly include Barcelona.

The city has already introduced measures affecting cruise operations beyond passenger taxation. Barcelona recently confirmed plans to reduce its cruise terminal capacity from seven terminals to five, creating additional pressure on berth availability and potentially complicating ship scheduling.

Cruise Restrictions Continue To Expand Worldwide

Barcelona is far from alone in reassessing its relationship with large-scale cruise tourism.

Destinations around the world have introduced various measures intended to manage visitor numbers and reduce pressure on local infrastructure. Some locations restrict the number of ships allowed each day, while others place limits on passenger capacity or prioritise smaller vessels believed to deliver greater economic benefits with less congestion.

Several destinations have also opted for seasonal restrictions. Regions such as Alaska and Maine, for example, already operate with defined cruise seasons rather than year-round visits.

Many of these restrictions have faced legal challenges from local businesses and cruise operators, often leading to lengthy court disputes and years of negotiations before policies are finalised.

As discussions continue, cruise lines face increasingly difficult decisions about whether to maintain calls to controversial destinations or shift ships toward ports seen as more receptive to cruise tourism.

Passengers booked on future itineraries including Barcelona as a port stop may also want to keep an eye on developments, as changes to taxes and local policies could ultimately affect both onboard costs and itinerary planning.

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Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas is preparing to welcome guests again after completing a major drydock refurbishment at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz.

The Oasis-class ship left the Spanish yard earlier this week following a five-week refit carried out as part of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified programme.

The 5,558-passenger vessel is due to return to revenue service on 21st May 2026, sailing from Barcelona on a short cruise to France and Spain before beginning a run of week-long Western Mediterranean itineraries.

New Venues Added During Refit

Among the most visible additions is The Lime & Coconut, Royal Caribbean’s tropical-style pool bar, which is being introduced to Harmony of the Seas as part of the ship’s refreshed outdoor areas.

The ship has also gained several new dining and entertainment venues. El Loco Fresh has been added as a complimentary Mexican dining option, while Samba Grill brings a Brazilian steakhouse concept to the vessel.

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade has also been installed in the Boardwalk neighbourhood, taking over the space previously occupied by Sabor.

Royal Caribbean has also used the drydock to add more than 100 staterooms. These include new panoramic suites above the bridge, as well as inside cabins created in space that was previously used as a conference centre.

The 2016-built ship has also received updated exterior branding, including a larger ship name on the bow and a revised version of Royal Caribbean’s logo at the stern.

Mediterranean Season Before Port Canaveral Return

Following its first post-refit sailing, Harmony of the Seas will operate a spring and summer season in Europe, with week-long cruises visiting destinations in Spain, France and Italy.

Scheduled ports include Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, La Spezia, Civitavecchia and Naples.

The ship is then set to return to North America in late July, as the new Legend of the Seas prepares to offer similar Mediterranean itineraries during its inaugural season.

From August 2026, Harmony of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, offering two- to seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

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