Author: Jonathan @ Cruise Essentials

Holland America Line is adding dedicated poolside live music venues to Oosterdam and Zuiderdam, with permanent bandstands set to become part of the two ships’ Lido Pool areas during their forthcoming major refurbishments.

The new performance spaces will host entertainment ranging from solo musicians to full live bands, while also giving Holland America a dedicated outdoor venue for some of its biggest onboard celebrations.

Both Oosterdam and Zuiderdam are 82,305-gross-ton Vista-class ships and are among six vessels being extensively upgraded through Holland America Evolution, a multi-year programme representing an investment of more than $500 million.

Oosterdam will be the first of the pair to receive its new Lido Pool bandstand, with the venue debuting following the ship’s Evolution transformation in 2027. Zuiderdam will follow as the second ship in the programme, returning to service after its own refurbishment in spring 2028.

Live Music Moves To The Lido Pool

Rather than simply being used for occasional temporary performances, the new bandstands are being designed as permanent entertainment spaces on the pool decks.

Holland America says programming will include both individual performers and full bands, giving the cruise line another location in which to stage live entertainment outside its existing theatres, lounges and music venues.

The bandstands will also become focal points for events including sailaway parties and Holland America’s Orange Party.

Typically held once during a cruise, the Orange Party celebrates the company’s Dutch roots and encourages passengers to wear orange for an evening featuring music, dancing and Dutch-inspired food and drinks.

“Over the past several years, we’ve been on a journey to expand and elevate our entertainment offerings across the fleet,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “The new Lido Pool bandstands are another step in that effort.”

One advantage of placing the stages alongside the Lido Pools on Oosterdam and Zuiderdam is that both areas are covered by retractable glass roofs.

The roofs can be closed when weather conditions deteriorate, meaning performances and parties will be less dependent on sunshine and warm temperatures than they would be on a completely open pool deck.

The move also fits into Holland America’s wider effort to increase the amount of live entertainment available aboard its ships. Earlier in 2026, flagship Rotterdam emerged from dry dock with additional locations for live music as part of its own series of onboard improvements.

Passengers will first be able to experience Oosterdam’s completed Evolution upgrades when the ship returns to service on 2nd December 2027.

Holland America has opened bookings for its first post-refurbishment cruises, beginning with a seven-day Western Mediterranean voyage sailing round-trip from Barcelona. Oosterdam will subsequently cross the Atlantic and spend th

Viking is expanding its ocean fleet further after signing contracts with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for two additional cruise ships due to enter service in 2032.

The agreement, announced on 20th August 2026, follows Viking’s decision to exercise options originally unveiled as part of a wider shipbuilding deal in April 2025.

Both ships will be constructed at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy and will continue Viking’s established approach of operating relatively small ocean vessels.

Each new ship is expected to measure approximately 54,300 gross tonnes and accommodate 998 passengers across 499 cabins. Fincantieri said the vessels will also meet the latest environmental and navigation regulations and feature modern safety systems.

Names and itineraries for the two 2032 ships have not yet been announced.

Two More Ships Added To Viking’s Growing Orderbook

The latest contracts trace their origins to an agreement announced by Viking and Fincantieri in April 2025.

That deal included two cruise ships scheduled for delivery in 2031, together with options for another two vessels. It is those additional options that have now progressed into firm contracts, with delivery scheduled for 2032.

Fincantieri has classified the latest agreement as “large”. Under the shipbuilder’s own definitions, that means a contract worth between €500 million and €1 billion. The agreement remains subject to financing and the other customary terms and conditions attached to major shipbuilding contracts.

The new vessels will be based on the successful characteristics of ships Fincantieri has already produced for Viking, meaning passengers can expect them to remain broadly within the cruise line’s established ocean ship format.

That includes the same stated passenger capacity and approximate gross tonnage as Viking Vesta, which was delivered from the Ancona yard in June 2025, as well as the hydrogen-capable Viking Libra currently approaching completion.

Announcing the latest deal, Fincantieri Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero said:

“Today’s agreement marks another milestone in our long-standing partnership with Viking and serves as a powerful testament to the excellence and industrial expertise of our Ancona shipyard.

“Over the years, Ancona has proven to be an indispensable production hub for our Group, delivering highly sophisticated cruise ships that set the benchmark for technology, luxury and efficiency. Assigning these new builds to Ancona reinforces the strategic role of the site, supports high-value local employment and ensures long-term industrial continuity for our supply chain as we continue to shape the future of sustainable cruising.”

The latest order takes the overall relationship between Viking and Fincantieri to 28 ships when delivered vessels, current orders and associated agreements are taken into account. The companies’ shipbuilding relationsh

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has marked 20 years of sailing from Newcastle, with the milestone coming as the cruise line prepares to operate its biggest-ever programme from the city in 2027.

The anniversary was celebrated at the Port of Tyne on 19th August 2026 as guests arrived to board Balmoral, with live entertainment and a special send-off arranged to commemorate two decades of Fred. Olsen departures from the North East.

North Eastern band Four Worried Men performed on the quayside as passengers arrived, while local piper Andrew Lawrenson played as guests made their way aboard the ship.

Celebrations continued once passengers were on board, culminating in a deck sailaway event as Balmoral departed from the Port of Tyne accompanied by a water cannon salute.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating 20 years of sailing from the Port of Tyne and bringing cruising closer to home for our guests across the North East.

“Newcastle remains a key part of our regional cruise program, and we’re excited to be building on our strong partnership with the Port of Tyne as we look ahead to our biggest-ever program of sailings from the city in 2027.”

More Than 180,000 Guests Have Sailed From Newcastle

Fred. Olsen began its first programme of cruises from Newcastle in 2006 and has since carried more than 180,000 guests from the city aboard its fleet.

Over the past two decades, cruises from the Port of Tyne have taken passengers to destinations across Northern Europe and beyond, including the Norwegian fjords, the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean.

The long-running relationship has also made Newcastle an important regional departure point for the cruise line, allowing passengers from the North East and surrounding areas to begin their holidays without travelling to ports on the south coast of England.

The Port of Tyne said cruise calls support both outbound holidays and inbound tourism, with visiting passengers also contributing to the regional economy.

Craig Morton, Commercial Director at the Port of Tyne, added: “Cruise is hugely important to both the port and the wider region, supporting inbound and outbound tourism, bringing significant economic benefits, and helping showcase the North East to visitors from across the UK and beyond. It is a sector where we see strong opportunities for future growth, and one we are committed to developing further.”

Fred. Olsen still has three Newcastle departures scheduled during the remainder of 2026 following what it described as a successful winter and spring season.

Two of those cruises have already sold out, leaving limited availability on the final departure of the year, a 14-night European Cities & Scenic Rivers itinerary scheduled to sail in September. The cruise will visit destinations in France and Belgium, with an itinerary focused on waterways, historic cities and regional food a

Passengers who booked luxury cruises along Western Australia’s remote Kimberley coast have been left facing significant losses after Kimberley Pearl Tours entered receivership, despite future sailings continuing to be advertised online.

Receivers were appointed to Kimberley Pearl Tours (KPT) in January 2026 after the company’s sole director, Daniel Brown, fell behind on repayments for a loan used to help purchase the business.

Brown took control of the company in 2024. The operator specialises in small-ship voyages aboard Kimberley Pearl, sailing through one of Australia’s most remote cruising regions.

Customers say they were not directly informed about the financial problems and, in some cases, only discovered that their cruises would not be going ahead after searching for information themselves.

The company’s website was still displaying cruises for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 on 24th August, including itineraries lasting between seven and 13 nights. Some September 2026 departures were being displayed as having cabins available.

Passengers Discover Cruises Will Not Go Ahead

Among those affected is Bob Shawyer, who booked a trip with his wife last year and says he is now AUD8,500, approximately £4,460, out of pocket.

“My wife and I didn’t get a holiday we’ve been dreaming of,” Mr Shawyer said.

Rather than receiving notification from the cruise company that his holiday would not take place, Shawyer said he discovered the situation by chance while searching online.

He subsequently received an email requesting payment of the outstanding balance on his booking after learning that the company had entered receivership.

Another passenger, Ian Grant, had arranged a private cruise for a family trip and potentially faced a much larger financial loss.

Grant discovered that KPT had gone into receivership before receiving an invoice requesting a further AUD140,000, equivalent to more than £73,500.

“We could have paid that thinking it was hunky-dory,” he said.

According to ABC, invoices it reviewed were sent from a Kimberley Pearl email address approximately two to three months after receivers had been appointed in January.

Brown has denied sending invoices following the appointment of the receivers.

He said that he had previously lived aboard Kimberley Pearl while operating the business, but that the vessel was seized in February along with business assets and his personal belongings.

“It was therefore the receivers’ own refusal of access that placed the books and records beyond reach,” Mr Brown said in a statement.

Brown has also said it remains his “firm intention” to return Kimberley Pearl to service and provide refunds to affected customers, adding that he was “deeply sorry”.

“You trusted us with your holiday of a lifetime,” he said.

Customers who have already handed over deposits, however, say they remain uncertain about whether or when they

Disney Cruise Line has temporarily closed Pelican Plunge, the popular floating waterslide platform on Castaway Cay, for essential refurbishment work. The cruise line has not announced a specific reopening date for the attraction, which features two twisting waterslides and remains a favourite among families visiting the private Bahamian island.

Disney Cruise Line began notifying guests in late August 2026 about the temporary closure of Pelican Plunge, one of the most beloved water attractions on Castaway Cay. The notification, shared on social media on Sunday, 23rd August 2026, confirmed the closure would extend over several weeks whilst necessary refurbishments are completed.

“While the Pelican Plunge water slide is closed over the coming weeks due to necessary refurbishments, there is lots to see and do!” the official notification read. “The water play structure in the swimming lagoon and Spring-A-Leak are open for your enjoyment, as well as onboard water slides that may be available.”

The cruise line has not disclosed the precise date when Pelican Plunge first closed, nor has it provided a definitive timeline for when guests can expect the attraction to reopen. This lack of specific information has left some families uncertain about whether their upcoming sailings will include access to this popular feature.

Understanding The Scope Of Required Maintenance

Disney Cruise Line has remained tight-lipped about the specific nature of the refurbishments being undertaken at Pelican Plunge. However, industry standards for waterslide maintenance provide insight into what may be required for such an attraction.

All waterslides, whether on ships or at shore-side facilities, require regular maintenance to ensure they remain safe and comfortable for guests. The gel coating on waterslides deteriorates over time due to constant exposure to saltwater, sun, and friction from thousands of riders, necessitating periodic reapplication to prevent rough patches that could cause discomfort or injury.

Additionally, the water pumps that power the slides’ water flow systems require routine servicing to maintain proper function. The floating platform itself may need structural work, including flooring repairs, anchor system maintenance, or updates to safety features. Given Castaway Cay’s exposure to tropical weather conditions, including hurricanes and tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, regular inspections and repairs are essential to maintain the attraction’s structural integrity.

Alternative Water Activities Remain Available During Closure

Whilst Pelican Plunge undergoes refurbishment, Disney Cruise Line has emphasised that numerous water activities remain available to guests visiting Castaway Cay. A smaller water play structure continues to operate in the southern swimming lagoon, though it lacks the waterslides that make Pelican Plunge such a draw.

Guests can still enjoy swimming in the crystal-cl

Royal Caribbean International has notified passengers that Serenade of the Seas’ 30th August 2026 Alaska departure from Vancouver will be delayed by two days to accommodate essential maintenance work.

The revised five-night voyage will operate on a significantly truncated itinerary, prompting the cruise line to offer comprehensive compensation packages or full refunds to affected guests.

The 90,090 gross-tonne Serenade of the Seas was originally scheduled to embark on a seven-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver on 30th August 2026.

That sailing promised a classic Alaska itinerary featuring calls at Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert, alongside scenic cruising through the Inside Passage and Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier.

Royal Caribbean informed booked passengers via letter that unforeseen maintenance requirements would necessitate the vessel remaining in Vancouver for an extended period.

The cruise line worked to restructure the sailing around these operational constraints whilst minimising disruption for guests who had planned their holidays months in advance.

The revised departure date has been pushed back to Tuesday, 1st September 2026, with the ship now scheduled to leave Vancouver at 9:00 PM.

Despite the two-day delay at the start, the cruise will still conclude on its originally scheduled return date of 6th September, effectively transforming the week-long voyage into a condensed five-night experience.

Four Alaska Destinations Removed From Revised Route

The truncated itinerary represents a substantial departure from what passengers originally booked.

Four destinations have been eliminated entirely from the sailing, including some of Alaska’s most popular cruise ports. Sitka, known for its Russian heritage and wildlife viewing opportunities, will no longer feature on the route.

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city and a gateway to the Mendenhall Glacier, has also been removed from the schedule.

The scenic cruising through Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier – a highlight for many Alaska cruisers seeking dramatic ice formations and wildlife – has likewise been cancelled from the programme.

The new five-night itinerary retains only two port calls: Ketchikan and Prince Rupert.

Ketchikan, Alaska’s “Salmon Capital,” remains on the schedule, offering passengers access to totem pole parks and opportunities for salmon fishing excursions.

Prince Rupert in British Columbia, often appreciated for its indigenous culture and proximity to bear viewing locations, also survives the itinerary cuts.

Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage will occur twice during the voyage – once on the northbound journey and again on the return to Vancouver.

Whilst the Inside Passage offers stunning coastal scenery with opportunities to spot marine wildlife including orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions, the revised route delivers considerably less diversity than the original seven-night pro

Carnival Cruise Line has eliminated the traditional Cruise Elegant evening from select short sailings, replacing the formal dress opportunity with its White Hot Night party theme.

The change affects certain three- and four-night voyages, marking a shift in the line’s approach to onboard evening programming for weekend and quick getaway cruises.

The cruise line has updated its official “What to Wear” frequently asked questions section to reflect the scheduling change. According to the revised guidance, “select 5 days or shorter cruises will have one Cruise Elegant evening (short duration voyages not hosting a Cruise Elegant evening will host a White Hot Night).”

Under the previous policy, all cruises of five days or shorter included one Cruise Elegant evening, whilst longer voyages featured two formal nights. The new schedule maintains two Cruise Elegant evenings on cruises of six days and longer, but gives Carnival the flexibility to substitute the theme on shorter itineraries.

The modification represents a strategic decision by Carnival Corporation’s flagship brand to differentiate programming between quick getaways and longer holiday sailings. With short cruises representing a significant portion of the line’s deployment – particularly from key homeports such as Port Canaveral, Miami, and Galveston – the change will affect thousands of passengers annually.

Recent Sailings Confirm The Programming Switch

Passengers aboard recent short sailings have documented the change firsthand, with the Cruise Elegant evening conspicuously absent from their daily programmes. One guest aboard the 17th August 2026 departure of Carnival Glory reported the substitution on the four-night voyage from Port Canaveral.

“I just got off a four night Carnival Glory cruise this morning where Elegant Night was completely replaced by White [Hot] Night,” the passenger posted on social media. “Apparently this is a new thing that is being implemented for most cruises less than five days long and elegant night is not going to be on these short cruises moving forward.”

That particular sailing visited Nassau and Celebration Key in the Bahamas before returning to Florida on 21st August. The 110,000-gross-ton Carnival Glory, which entered service in 2003, accommodates approximately 2,980 passengers at double occupancy and operates year-round from Port Canaveral.

Inconsistent Implementation Creates Passenger Confusion

The change has not been applied uniformly across all short sailings, leading to uncertainty among passengers planning their cruise wardrobes. Some three- and four-night voyages continue to feature the traditional Cruise Elegant evening, whilst others have adopted the White Hot Night theme.

A passenger aboard the 15th August 2026 departure of Carnival Freedom – also sailing from Port Canaveral on a three-night Bahamas itinerary – confirmed that voyage retained its scheduled Cruise Elegant evening. Th

A body has been recovered following a major search and rescue operation after a passenger was reported overboard from Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition while the cruise ship was sailing towards Dundee.

The incident took place on Friday, 21st August 2026, as Ambition was travelling from Lerwick in Shetland to Dundee at the end of its latest cruise.

HM Coastguard said it was alerted at around 8.35am to reports of a man overboard approximately 36 nautical miles east of Arbroath, Angus.

Police Scotland later confirmed that a body had been recovered during the search. Formal identification had not taken place at the time of the latest update, although the family of the man reported missing had been informed.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to an ongoing police investigation.

Major Search Launched In The North Sea

A substantial multi-agency operation was launched following the report, involving Police Scotland, HM Coastguard and other emergency services.

According to STV, RNLI lifeboat crews from Anstruther and Broughty Ferry were involved alongside Coastguard Rescue Teams from Dundee, Arbroath and St Andrews. HM Coastguard also deployed aviation resources to assist with the search.

Police Scotland said:

“Around 8.55am on Friday August 21 2026 we received a report that a man had gone overboard from a cruise ship in the North Sea, 40 nautical miles from Anstruther, Fife.

“A search and rescue operation, carried out by police and partner agencies, has been ongoing and a body has been recovered.

“Formal identification is yet to take place, however the family of the man who was reported missing has been informed.”

Ambition continued to Dundee, where the ship berthed and a thorough search was carried out on board.

Ambassador Cruise Line said the alarm had initially been raised after it was discovered that a guest was not where they were expected to be.

Guests were kept informed by the Captain and were initially asked to remain on board while the ship-wide search took place. They were later cleared to disembark.

The incident caused a slight delay to the ship’s turnaround operation in Dundee, although passengers due to join Ambition for its subsequent sailing were advised to continue to the port according to their scheduled embarkation times.

Ambassador said:

“Ambassador follows stringent search and rescue protocols in line with international maritime safety standards.

“We continue to work in close collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Police Scotland as the investigation continues.

“Ambassador remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our guests and crew.”

The cruise line has said it is unable to provide further details while the matter remains part of a police investigation.

Passengers Praise Ambition Crew Following Incident

A number of passengers who had been

MSC Cruises has announced significant deployment changes for winter 2027-2028, pulling MSC World Europa from its planned Middle East season for the second consecutive year.

The cruise line is also relocating its newest vessel, MSC World Asia, from the Mediterranean to the Southern Caribbean, whilst MSC Meraviglia moves to South America.

The 215,863 gross-tonne MSC World Europa will not sail to the Middle East as originally planned for the 2027-2028 winter season. The ship had been scheduled to operate week-long voyages throughout the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, with embarkation available from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

This marks the second consecutive winter that MSC Cruises has withdrawn MSC World Europa from the region. The cruise line previously cancelled the ship’s 2026-2027 Middle East deployment amid escalating regional tensions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

MSC Cruises has not provided an official explanation for the latest cancellation. It remains unclear whether ongoing conflicts in the region influenced the decision to abandon the Middle East deployment once again.

Western Mediterranean Deployment Replaces Gulf Itineraries

MSC World Europa will instead operate in the Western Mediterranean for winter 2027-2028. The ship will sail seven-night itineraries departing from various Mediterranean ports, visiting popular destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta.

The deployment shift represents a significant change for passengers who had booked the Middle East programme. MSC Cruises has confirmed it will contact all affected guests directly with their options.

Passengers currently booked on the cancelled Middle East sailings will have two choices. They may transfer their reservation to another MSC sailing, or they can opt for a full refund of their booking.

MSC World Europa’s Fleet Position And Specifications

MSC World Europa entered service in late 2022 as the flagship of MSC Cruises and the first vessel in the innovative World Class. The ship represents a milestone for the cruise line, featuring liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion technology and cutting-edge environmental systems.

At 215,863 gross tonnes, MSC World Europa can accommodate approximately 6,762 passengers at maximum capacity. The vessel features 22 decks and offers distinctive features including the Y-shaped aft design that has become the signature of the World Class ships.

The ship’s innovative design includes the Europa Promenade, a 104-metre outdoor walkway lined with venues and overlooking the ocean. The vessel also boasts the MSC Aurea Spa, multiple specialty restaurants, and family-friendly facilities including a water park and dedicated children’s areas.

MSC World Asia Redirected To Southern Caribbean Waters

The deployment changes extend beyond MSC World Europa. MSC World Asia, the cruise line’s newest ship set to debut in Dece

Norwegian Cruise Line has informed passengers booked on Norwegian Sun’s 23rd September 2026 sailing that the ship will remain in Copenhagen for two additional overnight stays whilst undergoing unplanned maintenance.

The extended port stay will result in the cancellation of the scheduled call to Oslo, Norway, though the cruise line has emphasised that the required work does not compromise vessel safety or passenger wellbeing.

The 1,976-passenger Norwegian Sun was originally scheduled to depart Copenhagen on the evening of embarkation day, 23rd September, before calling at Oslo, Norway the following day.

Instead, the vessel will now remain docked at the Danish capital through 25th September whilst shore-side teams complete necessary repairs.

Norwegian Cruise Line has sent email notifications to all affected guests explaining the itinerary modifications. The cruise line confirmed that embarkation will proceed as scheduled on Wednesday, 23rd September, and passengers must still adhere to their pre-selected arrival time windows despite the ship’s delayed departure.

The prolonged Copenhagen stay means the planned Oslo visit on Thursday, 24th September – scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – has been cancelled entirely.

Additionally, what was originally programmed as a day at sea on Friday, 25th September will now serve as the second overnight in port whilst maintenance work continues.

Revised Itinerary Maintains Majority Of Baltic Calls

Norwegian Sun will finally depart Copenhagen at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 25th September, setting course for Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany.

The relatively short distance between the two ports – just over 100 miles – should allow the vessel to arrive in time for its scheduled call from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, 26th September.

The remainder of the ten-day itinerary will proceed without further alterations at this time.

Following the German port call, Norwegian Sun will continue its Baltic circuit with visits to several Eastern European destinations that have become increasingly popular with cruise passengers seeking alternatives to Western Mediterranean routes.

On Sunday, 27th September, the ship will call at Gdynia, Poland from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., offering guests access to the historic port city that serves as a gateway to Gdańsk and the broader Tri-City metropolitan area.

The following day, Monday, 28th September, brings a visit to Klaipeda, Lithuania from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., where passengers can explore one of the Baltic’s most charming coastal cities.

Tuesday, 29th September features a call at Riga, Latvia from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., allowing time to discover the Latvian capital’s UNESCO-listed Art Nouveau architecture and medieval Old Town.

The itinerary then moves to Nynäshamn, Sweden on Wednesday, 30th September from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing access to Stockholm and the surrounding archipelago.

The final port c