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A shocking video showing two teenagers climbing between balconies on a cruise ship has gone viral, sparking fierce debate online about passenger safety – and whether private balconies should even remain an option on cruise ships.

The clip, posted on TikTok by user @dvandzzedsw, shows the youths balancing on the narrow railings of their stateroom balcony before inching along to the neighbouring cabin.

At one point, one teen can be seen dangling over the open ocean, gripping the underside of the balcony above him for support while wearing what appear to be flimsy sandals.

Though the ship has not been officially identified, commenters and the original poster claim it took place aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas – one of the world’s largest cruise ships.

The balcony design seen in the footage is consistent with Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels.

The stunt, which could easily have ended in tragedy, clearly breaches cruise safety regulations.

A single misstep could have sent one of the teens plummeting into the sea or onto a lower deck, either of which could have been fatal.

Where Were the Parents?

It’s not known whether the teens’ parents or guardians were aware of what was happening.

Like most major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean requires minors to share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over, or to be booked into a connecting cabin for proper supervision.

Carnival Cruise Line and other mainstream brands follow similar policies.

Balcony Cabin Ban Call Ridiculed

As the video continues to circulate, some online users have questioned whether cruise lines should ban balcony cabins altogether to prevent passengers from climbing railings.

However, the overwhelming majority of cruise fans have rejected that idea – arguing that irresponsible guests, not balconies, are the problem.

“Balcony cabins should always be an option. No need to ban them because of a few teenage idiots – their parents should be responsible,” one cruiser wrote.

“They should not ban balconies because of a few stupid people. Ban the stupid people for life,” another added. “That was extremely dangerous.”

A Serious Safety Breach

Climbing or sitting on balcony railings is a serious safety violation across all major cruise lines. Such behaviour can result in immediate disembarkation and even a lifetime ban from the cruise brand.

In less severe cases, the offending guests may simply lose access to their balcony, with crew removing the door handle or locking the door for the remainder of the voyage.

Security teams also have the authority to relocate guests to an interior cabin or, in extreme situations, confine them to their stateroom until the next port.

It’s unclear what, if any, consequences the teenagers in this video faced – but the incident serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous this kind of behaviour can be.

Cruise Lines Take Balcony Safety Seriously

Balcony cabins remain among the most popular stateroom options at sea, offering guests private outdoor space and ocean views.

However, cruise lines routinely remind passengers to avoid leaning or climbing on railings and to supervise children at all times.

In the end, a few seconds of reckless fun could have cost two young people their lives – a chilling example of why safety rules at sea exist for a reason.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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A search lasting more than ten hours has ended after a person went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st October 2025, during the ship’s transatlantic voyage to Miami.

Guests were awoken around 2 am when the captain announced a “Code Oscar” – the maritime emergency call indicating someone had fallen into the sea.

“We’ve been circling for hours now,” one passenger told media. “The captain confirmed someone had gone overboard, and the ship has been searching ever since.”

The incident occurred roughly seven hours after the ship departed Ponta Delgada in the Azores, its final European port of call.

Norwegian Jewel, which is carrying more than 2,300 guests and 1,000 crew, had set sail from Barcelona on 15th October for a 12-night repositioning cruise to the United States.

Search Efforts at Sea

Tracking data showed the 93,500-ton ship circling off the coast of Portugal for much of the day as crew coordinated with the Portuguese National Maritime Authority. However, with the vessel nearly 190 miles from land and the incident occurring in darkness, the rescue operation proved extremely challenging.

As daylight broke, cargo ships and aircraft joined the search, but by mid-afternoon, Norwegian Jewel had resumed her course towards Miami.

“It was incredibly sobering,” one passenger wrote online. “Everyone on board was quiet and respectful. You could feel the sadness.”

Authorities have not confirmed whether the person who went overboard was a passenger or crew member, and Norwegian Cruise Line has yet to issue an official statement.

Second Incident for Cruise Line in 2025

This is the second man overboard incident involving NCL with an unsuccessful search in just a few months.

In August 2025, a 79-year-old guest went overboard from Norwegian Star while sailing near Newfoundland and Labrador.

Despite immediate rescue efforts, the individual was not found.

In June, a passenger aboard Norwegian Epic fell into the water as the ship departed Catania, Sicily, but survived with minor injuries.

Safety at Sea

While modern cruise ships are equipped with overboard detection technology, surveillance systems, and emergency response drills, such accidents can unfold in seconds.

Industry data suggests that from 2009 to 2019, only around one in five people who fell overboard from cruise ships were rescued.

The tragedy serves as another reminder of how swiftly a cruise holiday can turn from joyful to tragic, even with robust safety procedures in place.

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An investigation has shed new light on the terrifying man overboard incident that took place aboard Disney Dream on 29th June 2025, when a five-year-old girl fell 50 feet from Deck 4 into the ocean – prompting her father to leap in after her.

The incident occurred during a four-night Bahamas sailing, and while both the child and her father were safely rescued within an hour, questions have lingered about how such a tragic fall could have happened.

A newly released police report from Florida’s Broward County Sheriff’s Office has now clarified the circumstances surrounding the fall – and dismissed several of the early theories circulating online.

What Really Happened on Deck 4

According to the investigation, the girl’s mother had asked her daughter to pose for a photo in front of an open porthole, unaware that it was not sealed with glass or plexiglass.

There are different porthole windows on the ship. Here’s one that I sat at with my daughter, that does have the glass:

Whereas the other portholes that do not have glass look like this:

But there is a crucial sign on the railings next to that window, which clearly the mother missed or chose to ignore:

“[The mother] assumed the porthole had a window or plexiglass, and she thought that [her daughter] would be caught by the glass, but instead, she kept falling,” the report explained.

Surveillance footage corroborated both parents’ statements, showing the mother leading her daughter to the porthole moments before the fall.

The father reacted instantly, alerting others to try to get help before jumping overboard to save his child.

The report confirmed that the mother continued to raise the alarm onboard, so that the crew were alerted and could begin a rescue.

Disney crew members quickly launched a man overboard response, and both were retrieved from the water within the hour.

No Criminal Charges Filed

The report confirms that while the mother’s decision was “negligent and irresponsible,” prosecutors determined it did not meet the threshold for criminal culpable negligence.

Detective Christopher Favitta, who examined the scene in person, wrote:

“Upon looking at the window myself, as a prudent person, I immediately saw that the window was open to the air and did not have a covering. This act, facilitated by [the mother], placed the child in a life-threatening situation.”

However, Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly concluded:

“While the defendant’s conduct is arguably negligent and irresponsible, it does not rise to the egregious level of conduct necessary to establish criminal culpable negligence.”

The case is now officially closed.

Disney’s Response and Crew Heroics

Disney Cruise Line has not commented on the police findings but had previously praised its crew for their swift and professional actions during the emergency.

After the rescue, both father and daughter were treated by the ship’s medical team.

The young girl suffered mild hypothermia and lactic acidosis, while her father sustained similar conditions along with two spinal fractures. Both were expected to make full recoveries.

Lessons for Cruising Families

While this case ended with a miraculous rescue, it underscores the importance of constant supervision and caution when travelling with children at sea.

Openings, railings, and deck edges can pose serious hazards – and even a momentary lapse can lead to tragedy.

Between 2009 and 2019, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recorded 212 people going overboard across all major cruise lines. Only 48 were recovered alive – a survival rate of roughly 22%.

In this instance, luck and rapid response made the difference.

But for other families, it’s a stark reminder that even seemingly harmless moments – like posing for a photo – can quickly turn dangerous on open decks.

Make sure you read any warning signs around the ship, and follow their instructions!

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Cruise visits to the glamorous ports of the Côte d’Azur – including Cannes and Villefranche-sur-Mer – are set to become far more limited from 2026, as French authorities move to restrict large ships from anchoring off the region’s coastline.

The Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, which governs Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Cannes, has announced new measures designed to reduce congestion, pollution, and the strain on local communities.

The regulations, confirmed on 10th October 2025, will introduce strict caps on how many large ships can visit the area, as well as limits on the number of passengers allowed ashore each day.

One Large Ship Per Day, Per Port

Under the new rules, cruise ships carrying more than 1,300 passengers will be limited to one call per day, per port across the affected Riviera destinations.

The restrictions will apply only to ships that anchor offshore, rather than those that dock directly – although most large vessels visiting the region must anchor at sea due to limited berth capacity.

The limits will tighten further during the busy summer months of July and August, when only 15 cruise ships per month will be permitted to drop anchor in each port.

In addition, new passenger disembarkation limits will come into effect. An average of 2,000 passengers per ship will be allowed ashore, with an absolute maximum of 3,000.

The changes are expected to affect several major cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises, whose vessels typically carry well above the new thresholds.

For example, Holland America’s Oosterdam – which carries 2,429 guests – is due to call in Villefranche in October 2025, while Norwegian Epic (4,070 passengers) and Celebrity Equinox (2,852 passengers) are both scheduled to visit in 2026.

While the new rules will begin to roll out from 2026, ships that booked port calls two or more years in advance are expected to be grandfathered in, meaning those visits can still proceed as planned.

Pollution and Emissions Controls

The agreement between the Alpes-Maritimes authorities, the mayors of affected towns, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) also includes new powers to address air pollution from visiting ships.

If local officials detect “unusual smoke emissions”, the harbourmaster’s office can compel the vessel to take immediate emissions reduction measures.

In more serious cases, a ship could have its port call cancelled or be required to move at least three miles offshore to reduce its impact.

Environmental protection has long been a contentious issue along the French Riviera, where residents and local leaders have called for limits on mass tourism.

Earlier in 2025, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi attempted to ban large cruise ships – those carrying over 2,500 guests – from calling at Nice. However, a court later overturned his order, ruling that only national maritime authorities had the power to impose such restrictions.

A Gradual Implementation

The new rules are expected to take effect gradually from 2026, following a 21-day public consultation period.

Officials say the measures aim to strike a balance between preserving tourism revenue and protecting the Riviera’s environment and quality of life for residents.

Cruise lines are yet to comment publicly, but the changes could prompt adjustments to Mediterranean itineraries in the years ahead – particularly for large vessels unable to dock in port.

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Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, is set to make a dazzling entrance when she debuts in November 2025 – complete with brand-new theatre productions, immersive festivals, and lively late-night entertainment.

The fifth ship in the line’s innovative Edge class, the 3,276-guest vessel is nearing completion at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Following a successful series of sea trials in September 2025, Celebrity Xcel is now preparing to be handed over to the cruise line ahead of her preview sailing from Port Everglades on 9th November 2025.

New Productions and Onboard Experiences

Entertainment will take centre stage aboard the 140,600-gross-ton ship, with more than 75 resident performers delivering an extensive line-up of original shows and interactive experiences.

“Celebrity Xcel will further elevate Celebrity’s award-winning offering to create a world-class entertainment destination our guests are going to love,” said Lisa Lehr, vice president of entertainment for Celebrity Cruises.

The main theatre will host three exclusive new productions:

• Mainstage – a concert-style spectacle inspired by the world’s biggest music festivals, complete with live bands, pyrotechnics, and immersive lighting.
• Between Takes – a glamorous peek behind the scenes of a 1920s Hollywood film set, where vintage cinema meets Broadway flair.
• Chapters – a reflective and visually rich journey of self-discovery through the elements of nature.

Late-Night Venues and Immersive Shows

Like her sister ships, Celebrity Xcel features The Club, a versatile entertainment space transforming from day to night.

Two new experiences will debut here:

• 254 West, a throwback to the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54, blending dance, disco, and dazzling visuals.
• HOTEL, a cabaret-style comedy where guests join the fun in an interactive mystery performance.

Elsewhere, the ship will host four themed destination festivals inspired by her Caribbean itineraries – Carnival (Bahamas), Aqua (Mexico), Viva (Cayman Islands), and Flora (Dominican Republic).

Each festival will include live music, dance parties, and food and drink inspired by the local culture, held as the ship departs each port.

Games, Youth Programmes, and Community Input

Guests can expect a wealth of interactive experiences too, including a robot-building escape room, the new game show Brain Spin, and the enhanced Camp at Sea youth programme offering more than 50 games and activities for children and teenagers.

Several of these features were selected with the help of the cruise community through Celebrity’s “Xcel Dream Makers” initiative. The campaign, which combined in-person workshops and online voting, invited cruise fans to help shape the ship’s entertainment line-up.

Maiden Season and Beyond

Following her preview sailing, Celebrity Xcel’s official maiden voyage departs on 18 November 2025, a five-night round-trip from Port Everglades to Bimini, Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico.

She will then offer a series of seven-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises through to May 2026 before repositioning to Europe for Western Mediterranean voyages between Barcelona and Athens for the summer.

In October 2026, Celebrity Xcel will return to North America to homeport in Miami, continuing with a winter season of Caribbean cruises.

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After spending a month out of the water for her first-ever dry dock, Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras is sailing once more – refreshed, modernised, and ready to welcome guests for her transatlantic journey back to Florida.

The 180,800-gross-ton ship, which became Carnival’s first LNG-powered vessel when she debuted in 2021, completed her extensive refit at the Chantier Naval de Marseille shipyard in France before departing on 16th October 2025.

The updated ship is now making her way across the Atlantic on a 15-day voyage from Barcelona to Port Canaveral, with calls at Málaga, Cádiz, Tenerife, and Carnival’s new private island destination, Celebration Key.

When she arrives in Florida on 30th October, the ship will resume year-round Caribbean sailings, offering a more versatile experience for guests and families.

More Space, More Access, More Comfort

The refurbishment placed a heavy focus on improving accessibility and functionality throughout the ship. Around 100 cabins were reconfigured to include connecting doors, giving larger families and multi-generational groups more flexibility when booking their cruise holidays.

Public areas and corridors were also adjusted to be more accessible, while cabins received modern updates to fittings and furnishings.

Carnival also took the opportunity to enhance the ship’s entertainment and retail offerings. The casino was expanded and fitted with new slot machines, while several boutiques were remodelled to highlight luxury brands including Tag Heuer, Breitling, Pandora, and Swarovski.

The Carnival Adventures shore excursions desk was redesigned to make booking easier and faster for guests, particularly on busy embarkation days.

“Mardi Gras was a game-changer when she debuted as our first Excel-class ship, and now she’s setting the pace again as the first in her class to complete a dry dock,

“These updates enhance the guest experience and reflect the exciting direction we’re taking with future fleet enhancements.”

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Subtle Refinements, Not a Reinvention

While the dry dock didn’t overhaul Mardi Gras’ signature look, it introduced a number of refinements designed to bring her in line with the style and standards of Carnival’s newer vessels.

The improvements build on the ship’s strong reputation as a modern, family-friendly flagship, while ensuring she stays fresh for years to come.

Following the transatlantic crossing, Mardi Gras will relaunch with a 9-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on 30th October 2025, calling at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, Amber Cove, and Celebration Key.

She will then resume her alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with highlights including Grand Turk, Roatán, Cozumel, and Nassau, depending on route.

Reaction to the upgrades from Carnival fans was mixed.

Several were pleased with the addition of more family cabin options and the expanded casino space, but others felt like the announcements were a bit of a letdown.

A Continuing Wave of Carnival Upgrades

Carnival Cruise Line has been on a steady course of fleet-wide modernisation, and Mardi Gras’ dry dock is part of that ongoing effort.

Her refit followed work on Carnival Liberty, which was relocated to France earlier this year due to strikes in Spain.

The next ship scheduled for upgrades is Carnival Conquest, set to enter dry dock in February 2026 for scheduled maintenance and aesthetic improvements.

According to Carnival, the modernisation programme ensures consistency across its fleet and reflects guest expectations for more connected, accessible, and polished onboard experiences.

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Cruise holidays are meant to be relaxed, but there’s one part of the evening routine where punctuality still matters – the main dining room.

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that guests arriving late to their assigned dinner seating should expect to be turned away and directed to the buffet instead.

The clarification comes from Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, who addressed the topic in a 16th October 2025 Facebook video after a guest complained about being denied entry to the restaurant.

The passenger, who was sailing aboard Carnival Pride, said they were frustrated after arriving 35 minutes late to early seating and being asked to dine at the Lido buffet instead.

Heald, however, sided firmly with the ship’s crew.

“Bravo to the team on Carnival Pride for doing that,” he said. “Five or ten minutes is one thing, but arriving 35 minutes late puts ridiculous pressure on the dining room staff to get you served and to clear the table for the late seating.”

Heald added that the same policy applies across the fleet. “If you arrive late for assigned seating, you will be asked to eat on the Lido. It’s fair to the other guests and operationally fair on the crew,” he said.

Why Late Arrivals Cause Issues

Cruise ship dining rooms that use traditional seating times – an early and a late sitting – depend on precise timing.

Guests arriving significantly late for the early sitting shorten the turnaround time for waiters and galley teams, who need to serve, clear, and reset tables before the next group arrives.

Even a 15-minute delay can disrupt service flow and delay the second seating. A 30-minute delay can make it impossible to serve a full meal without rushing, potentially affecting the dining experience of other passengers.

As Heald pointed out, turning away latecomers isn’t about punishment – it’s about keeping the evening running smoothly for both diners and crew.

Mixed Reaction from Cruisers

Many guests applauded Carnival’s stance, comparing it to policies used by land-based restaurants, which typically release tables if guests arrive more than 15 minutes late.

One passenger wrote, “We had a family show up 30 minutes late every night – it was so hard for our wait staff. I agree they should be sent to Lido.”

Another added, “It’s no different than missing a reservation at home. You can’t expect the restaurant to hold a table indefinitely.”

However, some guests acknowledged that timing mishaps can occasionally be unintentional – particularly when travelling through different time zones, as the ship’s clock doesn’t always match passengers’ mobile phones.

“I’ve been late for dinner because I looked at my phone instead of ship time,” one cruiser admitted. “I just went for pizza instead.”

Alternatives for Late Diners

Guests who do miss their assigned dining time will still find plenty to eat. Carnival’s Lido Marketplace offers casual buffet dining, while Guy’s Burger Joint, Pizzeria del Capitano, and other late-night eateries stay open well into the evening.

The policy does not affect Your Time Dining, Carnival’s flexible option that lets guests dine at any time between set hours, depending on availability.

Still, for guests on fixed early or late seatings, punctuality is key. As Heald put it, showing up on time is about respecting both the staff and fellow passengers.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has begun phasing out printed daily programs across its fleet, opting instead for digital-only access to its Freestyle Daily through the NCL app or interactive stateroom TVs.

Guests sailing in recent weeks have reported that paper copies are no longer being automatically delivered to cabins, marking a major change for one of cruising’s most familiar traditions.

According to Norwegian’s website, the Freestyle Daily contains “a schedule of the next day’s activities and events” – from live entertainment and dining highlights to spa specials and trivia sessions.

Printed copies, once a nightly staple, are now available only on request or at limited pickup points onboard.

The move follows a string of recent onboard policy changes, including a $5 charge for extra entrées in main dining rooms and a $10 per person no-show fee for specialty dining reservations.

Norwegian also announced that, beginning 1st March 2026, its More at Sea drinks package will no longer apply at the line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

A Shift Away From Paper

The transition to digital programs is part of a wider industry trend towards cutting down on printed materials – both for environmental and operational reasons. Norwegian has not commented publicly on the change, but many guests suspect it’s a cost-saving measure that also reduces paper waste.

However, not all cruisers are cheering the decision. Some prefer the convenience and ease of flipping through a printed program rather than scrolling on a phone screen or relying on a sometimes unreliable app or WiFi connection.

The Paper Debate: A Familiar Discussion at Sea

Norwegian isn’t the first cruise line to face a backlash over cutting back printed newsletters. Carnival Cruise Line recently encountered the same debate after one environmentally conscious guest described the paper FunTimes daily newsletter as “a waste of paper.”

“Don’t you agree by now Carnival should have come up with some kind of alternative to wasting ALL that paper in the FunTimes? NOBODY reads it,” the passenger wrote to brand ambassador John Heald, arguing that the cruise line should go completely digital “to protect the rainforests.”

But when Heald polled his followers – more than 640,000 of them – the response was overwhelming: most cruisers still want the printed version.

“My wife and I just had this conversation last night. We prefer the paper copy,” one guest said. “Carnival’s app is still glitchy at best, so until that works perfectly, paper it is.”

Other passengers said they like having the FunTimes to keep as a souvenir, use in a scrapbook, or simply tuck into a pocket while exploring the ship.

Several also pointed out that Carnival recycles all printed materials onboard – along with cans, bottles, and packaging – reducing the environmental impact.

Some suggested a middle ground: allowing guests to opt out of receiving the printed newsletter when they prefer to go digital.

Balancing Convenience, Sustainability, and Tradition

As cruise lines modernise, balancing sustainability efforts with passenger preferences remains tricky.

While many travellers welcome digital options for their convenience and eco-friendliness, others – particularly those who want to disconnect from their phones on holiday- still value the simplicity and tangibility of a printed daily program.

Whether Norwegian Cruise Line will face similar guest pressure to bring back the paper Freestyle Daily, as Carnival eventually did with its FunTimes, remains to be seen.

For now, cruisers who prefer a printed copy can still request one – but the future of daily newsletters at sea may increasingly lie in the palm of your hand.

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The projects, taking place in shipyards across Europe and North America, reflect Carnival Corporation’s continued investment in maintaining and enhancing its global fleet – including upgrades to guest experiences, sustainability, and ship performance.

Mardi Gras Receives First Dry Dock in France

Carnival Cruise Line’s flagship Mardi Gras is currently in dry dock at Chantier Naval de Marseille in France – her first since entering service in 2021.

The LNG-powered ship, which accommodates around 5,200 guests, arrived at the yard in late September following a transatlantic crossing from Port Canaveral.

Routine maintenance, class inspections, and general upkeep are being carried out, including a new coat of antifouling paint and a refreshed Carnival livery.

Minor updates to public spaces and onboard features are also expected, with brand ambassador John Heald teasing that more details will be revealed soon.

Once the work is complete, Mardi Gras will return to service on 16th October 2025, offering a 14-night repositioning voyage from Barcelona back to Port Canaveral.

The transatlantic sailing includes calls in Málaga, Cádiz, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as a stop at Carnival’s new Bahamian destination, Celebration Key. From Florida, the ship will resume her popular six- to nine-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.

Mardi Gras was the first of Carnival’s Excel-class ships built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, followed by Carnival Celebration (2022) and Carnival Jubilee (2023). Two more ships – Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale – are due in 2027 and 2028 respectively.

P&O Cruises’ Iona Undergoes First Major Refit in Rotterdam

P&O Cruises’ Iona is also in dry dock – her first since debuting in 2021. The 183,900-ton LNG-powered ship is currently undergoing technical maintenance and routine servicing at a shipyard in Rotterdam.

P&O has confirmed that Iona will return to service on 23rd October 2025, beginning a busy winter season featuring voyages to Northern Europe and the Canary Islands.

To accommodate the refit, two cruises originally scheduled for October 2025 were cancelled, with affected passengers offered full refunds and a £100 onboard credit for future bookings.

Following her return, Iona will operate a mix of short breaks and longer itineraries, including a 35-night Caribbean sailing departing Southampton in early 2026.

Destinations include St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, and two visits to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Built at Germany’s Meyer Werft shipyard, Iona is part of Carnival Corporation’s shared Excel-class platform, used by multiple brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, and AIDA Cruises.

Sapphire Princess Debuts Two New Restaurants After Portland Dry Dock

Meanwhile, Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess has emerged from a two-week dry dock in Portland, Oregon, showcasing a refreshed interior and the introduction of two new specialty restaurants – Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill.

The enhancements are part of Princess Cruises’ continued culinary evolution, bringing popular dining experiences from the Sun Princess and Star Princess to more of the fleet.

Makoto Ocean, replacing the former Internet Café on Deck 7, offers Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi, including truffle salmon, toro tartare, and snow crab temaki.

Crown Grill, taking over the Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5, serves premium aged beef, chops, and seafood – a Princess signature experience now priced at $60 per person, or included with the Princess Premier package.

Following the dry dock, Sapphire Princess will sail Mexican Riviera itineraries before repositioning to South America and Antarctica. She’ll then head to Europe for spring and summer 2026, before returning to North America for a Canada and New England season in autumn 2026.

A major highlight comes in 2027, when Sapphire Princess and her sister ship Diamond Princess will reunite for a historic dual deployment in Japan – the first time the two Japan-built ships have operated together from Tokyo since their launch.

Continued Investment Across Carnival’s Global Brands

While each dry dock differs in scope, together they represent Carnival Corporation’s ongoing commitment to maintaining its diverse fleet across multiple brands – from large-scale technical work to carefully curated guest experience upgrades.

These enhancements also follow a wave of new ship orders and refurbishments across the company’s portfolio, as Carnival Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Costa, and AIDA continue to expand and modernise their offerings ahead of a packed 2026–2028 cruise calendar.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Luxury cruise line Crystal has confirmed two key milestones in the construction of its first new ship in a quarter of a century, marking an exciting new era for the brand under Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) ownership.

The new vessel, scheduled for delivery in May 2028, represents Crystal’s return to shipbuilding after 25 years.

The steel cutting ceremony – traditionally the first step in the construction process – will take place in May 2026, followed by the keel laying in December 2026 at Fincantieri’s shipyard.

These milestones officially launch the next chapter in the company’s storied legacy and its commitment to redefining the standard for luxury at sea.

“Behind the scenes, our teams have been working diligently on every element of this extraordinary project – from design and craftsmanship to technical innovation,”

“These milestones represent more than construction progress; they are a testament to our shared commitment with Fincantieri to deliver the most exceptional ship at sea, on schedule and with an unparalleled attention to detail.”

Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group.

The name of the ship will be revealed soon, with additional details about inaugural voyages and new suite categories expected by the end of the year.

The inaugural 2028 season will go on sale in spring 2026, with a waitlist opening beforehand.

A New Era for a Legendary Luxury Brand

Crystal’s announcement marks a significant step in the continued revitalisation of the brand since it was acquired by Abercrombie & Kent in 2022.

The acquisition included the line’s two existing vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, both of which were extensively refurbished and relaunched under the banner “Exceptional at Sea.”

For over three decades, Crystal has been synonymous with award-winning voyages, personalised service, and elevated design.

Now, with support from its parent company, the cruise line is building on that heritage to reimagine modern luxury cruising.

Today’s Crystal ships feature:

• Spacious suites with artisanal finishes and almost a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio
• Exclusive partnerships, including the first Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea in collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM)
• World-class dining, featuring Umi Uma® by Michelin-starred chef Nobu Matsuhisa and the only Beefbar at sea, curated by restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi
• Comprehensive wellness offerings at the Aurōra Spa
• Broadway-standard entertainment and immersive shore excursions via Abercrombie & Kent’s renowned global network

With its newbuild project now officially underway, Crystal is reaffirming its place among the top tier of luxury cruise lines, combining artisanal design, bespoke itineraries, and a focus on authentic travel experiences.

This is definitely one to keep your eye on if you want to enjoy luxury cruising at its finest!

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