Latest Cruise News

Carnival Cruise Line had made waves back in June with the announcement of major changes to their existing VIFP loyalty program. Specifically, they had intended to offer their most loyal guests only a limited time extension of their current levels and benefits, after which time the guest would need to re-qualify each year based on several criteria. Original Post: Carnival Cruise Line Unveils New “Carnival Rewards” Loyalty Program Set for 2026 Launch In a communication sent to travel partners and guests today, Carnival Cruise Line appears to have made several…

Royal Caribbean’s fourth Icon Class ship is now officially under construction. The cruise line recently celebrated a keel-laying ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland to mark the start of the ship’s physical build. To kick off the process, the very first steel block was placed in the dry dock. Following maritime tradition, freshly minted coins were placed beneath the block for good luck. This new ship, which has yet to be named, is scheduled to make its debut in 2027. Icon 4 – Official Keel Laying It will…

Carnival Cruise Line is bringing new ships and more cruise options to Galveston, Texas, for its 2027-2028 season. For the first time, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Spirit will be homeported in Galveston, joining the current ships Carnival Breeze and Carnival Jubilee. This expanded lineup means more variety and capacity for travelers sailing from Texas. Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line said: New Ships and Itineraries Carnival Horizon, which can carry nearly 4,000 guests, will begin sailing from Galveston on May 19, 2027. It will offer a special eight-day Western…

Carnival Cruise Line has a new non-alcoholic drink package, CHEERS! Zero Proof, that offers a wide variety of premium, alcohol-free beverages. This new package is designed to give guests a convenient and valuable way to enjoy drinks like handcrafted zero-proof cocktails, alcohol-free sparkling wine, specialty coffees, smoothies, and sodas. Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line stated: With this new package, guests get access to: Sodas (Coca-Cola products) Juices and bottled water (still, sparkling, and coconut) Specialty coffees and teas Non-alcoholic cocktails, beer, and sparkling wine Non-alcoholic frozen drinks and…

Fresh off the launch of their 2nd Icon Class vessel, Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean next cruise ship, Legend of the Seas, has officially reached a major construction milestone. The vessel, which is the third in the Icon Class lineup, recently floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, marking the next phase of its development ahead of its August 2026 debut. Legend of the Seas – First Float Out To celebrate this moment, the ship’s dry dock was filled with water overnight in a 12-hour process. Once…

Royal Caribbean’s new ship, the Star of the Seas, is now officially ready to set sail. The cruise line celebrated with a star-studded naming ceremony in Port Canaveral, Florida, where research astronaut and payload specialist Kellie Gerardi was named the ship’s godmother. In a heartfelt ceremony, Gerardi blessed the ship, its crew, and the millions of families who will create memories on board for years to come. Kellie Gerardi, godmother of Star of the Seas said: Star of the Seas – Naming Ceremony This new ship is the latest in…

Carnival Cruise Line has opened reservations for its newest ship, Carnival Festivale, launching in 2027. This Excel-class vessel promises a cruise experience centered around music and family fun, with unique features and itineraries now available for booking. Maiden Voyage and Itineraries The Carnival Festivale will begin its journey with a 15-day transatlantic sailing from Southampton, England, on May 2, 2027, arriving at its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, on May 16. This voyage includes stops in Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. After its arrival, the ship will offer a…

In a move to offer more diverse vacation options, Carnival Cruise Line is introducing short itineraries on its Excel-class ships for the first time. The new schedule for 2027-2028 will feature the Mardi Gras sailing shorter cruises while the Carnival Celebration continues its popular week-long voyages. These new offerings are designed to give guests more ways to experience the largest ships in Carnival’s fleet, which feature attractions like the BOLT roller coaster and numerous dining and entertainment venues. Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line said: Mardi Gras For the…

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has made its debut at Port Canaveral, arriving this morning to a water cannon escort before docking at the newly renovated Cruise Terminal 1. Star of the Seas – Port Canaveral Arrival (Image Courtesy Port Canaveral) The 248,663-ton Icon Class ship offers a wide array of amenities, including 40 bars and restaurants, and family-friendly attractions like the largest water park at sea, an ice skating rink, and an escape room. The ship has over 2,800 staterooms, with some suites…