Author: Jonathan @ Cruise Essentials

Saga Cruises has announced that celebrated Strictly Come Dancing professionals will premiere an exclusive new production aboard Spirit of Discovery during a Canary Islands sailing in December 2026. This marks the latest addition to the line’s enrichment programming.

Vincent Simone and Michelle Tsiakkas, both former stars of the BBC’s flagship entertainment program Strictly Come Dancing, will debut their latest theatrical production during Saga Cruises’ “Best of the Canaries” voyage departing on 6th December 2026.

The pair will perform alongside their respective partners, Victoria Martin and Simone Arena, in a brand-new show titled Eras at Spirit of Discovery’s Playhouse Theatre.

The production represents a significant coup for Saga Cruises, which has built its reputation on offering sophisticated entertainment and cultural experiences tailored to its adult-only passenger demographic.

Both Simone and Tsiakkas have developed substantial followings through their appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, one of Britain’s most-watched television programs. They have subsequently built successful touring careers showcasing their ballroom and Latin dance expertise.

Eras Celebrates Century Of Ballroom And Latin Dance

The newly created show Eras promises to take guests on a journey through the evolution of competitive and theatrical dance. It celebrates the highlights and histories of Latin and ballroom styles throughout the ages.

According to the cruise line’s statement, the production will feature exclusive insights into both dancers’ experiences on Strictly Come Dancing. It offers passengers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the television phenomenon that has captivated British audiences for two decades.

Ballroom and Latin dance have experienced a remarkable renaissance in popular culture since Strictly Come Dancing first aired in 2004. The show transformed what was once considered a niche activity into mainstream entertainment.

The show’s success has spawned international versions in dozens of countries and created celebrity status for its professional dancers. Many of whom have leveraged their television fame into successful stage careers.

Vincent Simone enjoyed a distinguished tenure on Strictly Come Dancing, becoming known for his passionate performance style and technical precision. His partnership with various celebrity contestants over multiple series made him a household name across the United Kingdom.

Michelle Tsiakkas joined the show’s professional lineup more recently but quickly established herself as a formidable competitor with exceptional choreographic skills and stage presence.

Interactive Dance Workshops Enhance Guest Experience

Beyond the theatrical performance, passengers will have the opportunity to participate in interactive dance workshops led by the professionals themselves. Michelle Tsiakkas will conduct salsa lessons, teaching guests the fundamentals of this

Ambassador Cruise Line has launched its fourth annual search for the Great British Grandparent 2026, timed to coincide with National Grandparents’ Day on Sunday, 4th October. The cruise line is inviting the nation to nominate grandparents who have made an extraordinary difference to their families and communities, continuing its tradition of celebrating the silver generation.

The Great British Grandparent award was conceived by Ambassador Cruise Line to recognise the vital role grandparents play within families across the United Kingdom. Now entering its fourth year, the initiative has become a cornerstone of the cruise line’s commitment to honouring the over-50s demographic that forms the core of its passenger base.

Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line, emphasised the importance of acknowledging grandparents’ contributions. “Grandparents are often the quiet heroes of family life, giving their time, energy, wisdom and support long after their own children have grown up without ever expecting anything in return,” he said.

The competition provides a platform for family members and friends to publicly celebrate individuals who continue to provide unwavering support across generations. This year’s search comes at a time when multigenerational family dynamics remain a crucial part of British society, with grandparents increasingly playing active roles in childcare, emotional support and family cohesion.

A Cruise Line Championing The Silver Generation

Ambassador Cruise Line has positioned itself as a specialist in holidays tailored specifically for the over-50s market. Since its launch, the company has focused on delivering cruise experiences that cater to the preferences and requirements of mature travellers, offering no-fly itineraries from British ports and traditional cruise experiences without the emphasis on high-energy entertainment or family-focused activities.

Verhounig added: “As a cruise line that specialises in holidays for the over-50s, we are proud to champion the silver generation, and our Great British Grandparent initiative provides a platform for people to recognise just how important and truly remarkable grandparents are.”

The cruise line’s dedication to this demographic extends beyond its onboard product. Through initiatives like the Great British Grandparent award, Ambassador has worked to raise the profile of older adults and challenge societal attitudes that sometimes overlook the contributions of the silver generation.

Research Highlighting Grandparents’ Ongoing Family Support

The launch of this year’s competition follows research commissioned by Ambassador that revealed grandparents continue to provide substantial support to their families long after their own children have reached adulthood. The findings underscore the extended role many grandparents play, often stepping in to help with grandchildren, offering financial assistance, or simply being a source

Royal Caribbean International delayed embarkation for Legend of the Seas by two hours in Barcelona on 4th October 2026 as severe weather affected the ship’s return to the Spanish port.

Guests due to join the seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise were told that boarding would begin at approximately 1:00 p.m. rather than the originally planned 11:00 a.m.

The disruption came as torrential rain and powerful thunderstorms affected Barcelona and other parts of Catalonia. Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, placed parts of the Barcelona coastline under its highest red warning for rainfall, with forecasts indicating that more than 200mm could fall within six hours in some areas.

Royal Caribbean also extended the latest guest arrival time from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Passengers were required to complete check-in at the cruise terminal by 6:00 p.m., with an all-aboard deadline of 6:30 p.m.

Guests were specifically asked not to arrive at the terminal early because facilities would not be available before the revised boarding times. The advice was particularly important given the exceptionally heavy rainfall affecting Barcelona during the day.

Severe Weather Hit Barcelona And Catalonia

The disruption coincided with an unusually serious spell of weather across Catalonia.

AEMET’s red warning for the Barcelona coastline included the possibility of 90mm of rain falling within a single hour and more than 200mm within six hours. Thunderstorms were also capable of producing wind gusts of between 90 and 120 kilometres per hour during the most severe period.

The conditions proved to be more than simply a difficult day at sea. Barcelona and its surrounding area experienced its wettest day in at least 20 years, according to data reported by Catalonia’s meteorological service, while authorities issued warnings over flooding and dangerously high river levels.

Weather-related itinerary changes are a familiar feature of cruising at this time of year, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season when ships operating in the Caribbean frequently have ports changed, cancelled or rearranged to avoid tropical systems.

A significant weather-related disruption of this nature in Barcelona and the Western Mediterranean is less typical. However, autumn can bring more unsettled conditions to the region as the generally stable summer weather gives way to periods of heavier rain, thunderstorms and stronger winds.

For cruise ships, the issue is not necessarily whether a vessel can safely withstand rough conditions at sea. Strong winds, poor visibility and heavy rainfall can make approaching and manoeuvring within a port more difficult, while severe weather ashore can also affect terminal and transport operations.

Cruise Continued On Western Mediterranean Itinerary

The embarkation delay was not expected to result in wider changes to Legend of the Seas’ seven-night itinerary.

Royal Caribbean’s published schedu

Holland America Line has made a series of late itinerary changes to Zaandam’s 35-day Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas voyage, including dropping a port call and altering several arrival and departure times after advising guests that the ship’s planned operating speed will need to be adjusted.

The roundtrip sailing is due to leave San Diego on 15th October 2026, visiting Hawaii and French Polynesia during a voyage originally marketed with 14 ports across three countries. Holland America Line’s published material for the cruise included four Hawaiian islands, Fanning Island in Kiribati and eight destinations in French Polynesia.

Among the most significant changes is the removal of Tabuaeran, also known as Fanning Island, which had been scheduled for 29th October.

“Adjustments to the ship’s planned operating speed will be required during portions of the voyage,” Holland America Line told guests. “As a result, we will no longer call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiribati, on Thursday, October 29, and have adjusted the time spent in certain ports.”

The cruise line has not stated that the latest operating-speed adjustments are connected to a technical problem. However, they come four months after Zaandam experienced a confirmed propulsion issue during its Alaska season.

Changes To French Polynesia Schedule

The revised itinerary also changes Zaandam’s schedule in French Polynesia, including the order of its calls at Raiatea and Bora Bora.

Under the previous schedule, the ship was due in Bora Bora from 8am until 11pm on 3rd November, followed by Raiatea from 8am until 5pm on 4th November. Silversea’s Silver Whisper was also scheduled to be in the respective ports on those dates.

Zaandam will instead visit Raiatea from 8am until 5pm on 3rd November before moving to Bora Bora on 4th November, where it is scheduled to remain from 8am until 6pm.

Holland America Line said the revised order would leave Zaandam as the only cruise ship in port during both visits.

“These revised dates mean Zaandam will be the only ship in port during both visits, providing greater access to local transportation, shore excursions, and experiences ashore. An earlier departure time from Bora Bora will also offer the opportunity to enjoy a memorable sunset sailaway,” the cruise line explained.

The new Bora Bora schedule means guests lose five hours compared with the original 11pm departure, although the change avoids the overlap with Silver Whisper.

Additional time is being provided elsewhere following the cancellation of Fanning Island. Two hours have been added to Zaandam’s calls at Kahului, Hawaii, on 24th October and Moorea, French Polynesia, on 6th November.

Guests booked on the 15th October departure are also being given a $100 non-refundable onboard credit. The credit can be used during the cruise for purchases including speciality dining, spa services, retail spending, shore excursions and other

Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady broke free from its moorings in Rhodes on Wednesday, 30th September 2026, striking three smaller vessels during severe weather conditions. The incident occurred as heavy swells and strong waves battered the Greek port, causing the 110,000-tonne ship to drift away from the dock despite being secured with mooring lines.

The incident unfolded whilst Scarlet Lady remained berthed at Rhodes port later than originally scheduled, following weather-related itinerary alterations that had already disrupted the vessel’s planned sailing. Strong Mediterranean weather systems created conditions that proved too powerful for the ship’s mooring configuration, leading to the unexpected contact with smaller craft in the harbour.

Virgin Voyages confirmed that no injuries were reported amongst passengers, crew members, or individuals on the affected boats. The ship’s command team was able to regain control of the vessel using its own propulsion systems, successfully repositioning Scarlet Lady without requiring external assistance from tugboats or port authorities.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges cruise ships face when severe weather impacts Mediterranean ports, particularly during the autumn season when weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable. Rhodes, whilst a popular cruise destination, can experience sudden changes in sea conditions that affect vessel operations.

Έσπασαν οι κάβοι στο κρουαζιερόπλοιο και χτύπησε σκάφος στο λιμάνι της Ρόδου Δείτε βίντεοΜεγάλη κινητοποίηση σημειώθηκε το βράδυ της 30ής Σεπτεμβρίου 2026 στο κεντρικό λιμάνι της Ρόδου, όταν έσπασαν οι κάβοι πρόσδεσης του πολυτελούς κρουαζιερόπλοιου «Scarlet Lady», με… pic.twitter.com/WEdxPugDUO— Αντώνης Νταλακογεώργος (@Adalakogeorgos) October 1, 2026

Weather Disruption Forces Itinerary Changes

The circumstances leading to the incident began earlier in the day when Virgin Voyages made the operational decision to cancel a scheduled call at Mykonos due to high winds affecting the Aegean Sea. This weather-related modification to the planned itinerary resulted in Scarlet Lady remaining at Rhodes for an extended period beyond its original departure time.

Mediterranean cruise itineraries frequently require adjustments during late September and early October, as the region transitions from summer conditions to more volatile autumn weather patterns. Cruise lines must balance passenger experience with safety considerations, often opting to skip ports when conditions could compromise safe tendering operations or create hazardous docking situations.

The decision to remain in Rhodes rather than attempt the crossing to Mykonos reflected standard maritime safety protocols. High winds in the

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that passengers aboard six vessels departing between 8th and 12th October 2026 will participate in mandatory, full in-person safety drills rather than the line’s standard electronic muster process.

The affected sailings span itineraries ranging from seven to sixteen nights across multiple homeports.

Carnival Cruise Line maintains a rigorous safety protocol requiring each vessel in its fleet to conduct comprehensive, in-person muster drills twice annually.

This requirement ensures compliance with both governmental and international maritime safety regulations, including standards set by the International Maritime Organization’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention.

The cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has repeatedly emphasised that these full drills occur regardless of where ships are homeported.

Unlike the streamlined electronic muster system used for the majority of sailings throughout the year, these traditional drills require all passengers to physically gather at designated assembly stations whilst crew members verify attendance and demonstrate proper safety procedures.

This biannual practice has become standard across the industry, though Carnival has been transparent about when and where these drills will occur. Passengers receive advance notification to ensure they understand the process and can plan accordingly on embarkation day.

Six Vessels Conducting October Drills Across Global Itineraries

The vessels conducting full safety briefings during the October window represent a cross-section of Carnival’s fleet, operating diverse itineraries from North America, Europe, and Asia.

Carnival Spirit will undertake a 16-night repositioning voyage departing 8th October 2026 from Seattle to Mobile, Alabama, transiting the Panama Canal with calls at Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas, and Cartagena.

Carnival Luminosa follows on 9th October with a 14-night one-way cruise from Tokyo to Singapore, visiting ports across Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam.

This sailing represents the vessel’s seasonal repositioning between Asian markets.

On 11th October, two ships will simultaneously conduct full drills. Carnival Legend embarks on a 12-night Eastern Mediterranean roundtrip voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome), calling at ports throughout Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

Meanwhile, Carnival Radiance departs Long Beach for a 14-night roundtrip Hawaii itinerary, visiting Kahului, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Hilo, and Ensenada.

The final two affected sailings depart 12th October. Carnival Firenze will operate a seven-night adults-only Serenity at Sea (SEA) cruise along the Mexican Riviera from Long Beach, visiting Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada.

Carnival Miracle rounds out the group with a 10-night roundtrip Western Caribbean voyage from Galveston, featuring calls at Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel.

What Passengers Can E

Royal Caribbean has revealed that a new production of The SpongeBob Musical will headline the Royal Theater aboard Hero of the Seas when the cruise line’s fourth Icon Class ship enters service from Miami in August 2027.

The production, announced on 2nd October 2026, will mark the first time a show inspired by the Broadway musical has been staged at sea. Royal Caribbean plans to reimagine the production specifically for the ship, although it has not yet disclosed its running time or performance schedule.

The SpongeBob Musical is based on Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, created by Stephen Hillenburg. Its story follows SpongeBob and other Bikini Bottom residents as they attempt to save their home from an impending volcanic eruption.

Music for the original stage production came from a wide range of artists, including David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Steven Tyler, Panic! at the Disco and SpongeBob voice actor Tom Kenny.

The Broadway production received 12 nominations at the 72nd Tony Awards in 2018, including Best Musical, and won the award for Best Scenic Design of a Musical.

“Our entertainment lineup on Hero of the Seas is designed with something for everyone,” said Christi Coachman, vice president, entertainment, Royal Caribbean. “‘The SpongeBob Musical’ delivers on that by bringing generations together through a story families know and love.”

Mixed reaction to Royal Caribbean’s choice

The announcement also prompted a divided response from some Royal Caribbean followers after company president and CEO Michael Bayley shared the news on Facebook.

Several commenters questioned the decision to select SpongeBob for the new ship, with some saying they had expected a different production and others arguing that the choice placed too much emphasis on younger passengers and families.

One commenter wrote, “I love these ships, and I know they are geared for families, but..what about the older guests?” Another described the announcement as “Interesting choice…” while one passenger who said they were already booked on Hero of the Seas called the selection disappointing.

The reaction was not universally negative. Other commenters welcomed the production, including adults who said they were SpongeBob fans or that their grown-up children were looking forward to seeing the show. One wrote, “Seems appropriate for a ship at sea. My adult kids are excited for this.”

Another responded enthusiastically, “Great, now I’ve got to book this one ”, while a separate commenter predicted, “Wow the kids are gonna love that.”

The differing responses reflect the broad passenger mix Royal Caribbean is targeting with its Icon Class, which combines family attractions with entertainment, dining and leisure venues intended for different age groups.

Broadway productions continue across Icon Class

The SpongeBob Musical will continue Royal Caribbean’s long-running use of major stage productions ab

Royal Caribbean is reassigning some guests booked on Ovation of the Seas to different cabins ahead of the ship’s 12th October 2026 sailing, despite those passengers having originally paid to select specific staterooms.

Affected reservations are temporarily being placed into guarantee, or GTY, status while the cruise line determines new cabin assignments. Royal Caribbean has told guests that the changes are necessary because the assigned occupancy of their original accommodation needs to be adjusted.

The issue has prompted frustration among passengers who paid a higher fare to choose a particular cabin rather than allowing the cruise line to allocate one through a guarantee booking.

One passenger booked on the four-night cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada said their reservation had displayed GTY status since 30th June, despite having booked directly with Royal Caribbean months earlier and selecting a specific cabin.

In a notification sent to the passenger, Royal Caribbean said: “During a recent review of your reservation, we identified that your stateroom’s assigned occupancy needs to be adjusted.”

The cruise line added: “To ensure your accommodations are just right, we’re in the process of reassigning your party to a stateroom that comfortably accommodates your entire group – either within the same category or in an upgraded category.”

Credit: Rachael Emma

Cabin Numbers Awaiting Confirmation

Royal Caribbean said the GTY designation is temporary and will remain in place while a replacement cabin is arranged.

“While we finalize these arrangements, your reservation may temporarily reflect a GTY (guarantee) status, and your stateroom number will be assigned soon. Rest assured that this is part of the reassignment process, and our team is actively working to confirm the best available accommodations for your group.”

The affected passenger said they had paid approximately $300 more to select their cabin rather than booking a guarantee fare and had been unable to secure reimbursement for the additional cost.

“Now we are in the same position as someone who booked GTY and didn’t pay extra to book a room. They won’t offer a reimbursement. So it’s not just about the actual room we wanted it’s also the value for the service we have paid for,” the passenger said.

Reports from other Ovation of the Seas guests indicate that the outcome can vary. Some passengers affected by previous cabin changes have said they ultimately received upgraded accommodation, while others have reported receiving onboard credit. Those outcomes do not appear to form part of a standard compensation arrangement, however, and the passenger affected by the October sailing said several Royal Caribbean representatives had declined compensation.

Similar reassignment issues were reported ahead of Ovation of the Seas’ 14th August 2026 Alaska sailing. Some passengers on that voyage said they remained without con

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced 39 new cruises for the first seven months of 2028, with itineraries ranging from Northern Europe and Norway to the Caribbean and a return to Canada.

The newly unveiled programme covers departures between January and July 2028 across the line’s three ships, Borealis, Bolette and Balmoral. Among the highlights is a 19-night voyage from Liverpool that will mark Fred. Olsen’s first return to Canada since 2024.

Bookings for the Canadian itinerary opened on 1st October 2026, while the remaining cruises are due to go on sale on 7th October.

“We know holidays are about more than the places visited – it’s also about the experiences along the way. Whether that’s sailing through spectacular scenery from the deck of one of our smaller ships, discovering local cultures or witnessing some of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles,” said Martin Lister, head of product innovation at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“Our 2028 program has been carefully designed to help guests discover more of the world around them, with itineraries offering opportunities for deeper exploration and more memorable moments along the way.”

Canada And Caribbean Cruises Among 2028 Highlights

Borealis will operate the line’s return to Canada, departing Liverpool on 14th June 2028 for a 19-night roundtrip sailing.

Following a call in Belfast, the ship is scheduled to cross the Atlantic to St. John’s, Newfoundland. The itinerary also includes Québec, scenic cruising through Humber Arm and the Bay of Islands, and a visit to L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland.

The return journey includes a call at Cobh in Ireland before Borealis arrives back in Liverpool. Fred. Olsen is promoting opportunities to look for whales and icebergs during the Canadian portion of the voyage, while the itinerary also provides access to the UNESCO-listed historic district of Old Québec.

Freedom Fares for the sailing start at £2,599 per person.

A longer Atlantic and Caribbean itinerary will see Balmoral depart Portsmouth on 13th February 2028 for a 36-night roundtrip cruise. The voyage includes Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with an overnight stay in San Juan providing additional time ashore.

The itinerary also includes Great Exuma in the Bahamas, known for its swimming pigs. Prices under the Freedom Fare scheme start at £3,499 per person.

Earlier in the year, Balmoral will operate a 13-night voyage from Málaga to Lisbon beginning on 24th January 2028. The Canary Islands, Madeira and Solar Eclipse itinerary is designed around the total solar eclipse and includes visits to six Atlantic islands, including El Hierro, as well as Madeira.

Freedom Fares for the fly-cruise start from £1,299 per person.

Norway And Northern Europe Feature In Spring Programme

Borealis will return to the Norwegian fjords in April, with a 10-night roundtrip sailing from Liverpool departing on 12th April 2

MSC World Atlantic has entered the water for the first time at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, marking a major construction milestone ahead of the new MSC Cruises ship’s planned debut from Port Canaveral in November 2027.

The 215,863-gross-ton vessel was moved out of its construction dock during the float-out, around 18 months after work formally began with a steel-cutting ceremony in March 2025.

MSC World Atlantic is the fourth ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class and is being positioned by the cruise line as its next US flagship. Construction will now continue with the vessel afloat as the shipyard completes its interiors, public areas and remaining technical work.

Delivery to MSC Cruises is scheduled for 2027, before the ship begins year-round Caribbean operations from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Construction moves into its next phase

The start of construction on MSC World Atlantic coincided with the March 2025 delivery of MSC World America, the second member of the World Class fleet. MSC Cruises also revealed the name of its fourth World Class vessel at that time.

Another significant construction milestone followed in November 2025, when the ship’s keel-laying ceremony was held at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The traditional event took place as MSC Cruises continued expanding the series, including orders for additional World Class vessels.

Following its float-out, work will focus on completing the passenger areas and technical systems required before delivery. The ship is due to become the 25th vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet when it enters service.

MSC World Atlantic will accommodate up to 6,758 guests and will include 144 suites within the MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s premium ship-within-a-ship area.

The vessel will retain a number of attractions introduced aboard earlier World Class ships, including Cliffhanger and The Harbour, while also adding new entertainment spaces.

Among the additions will be Viva La Musica, a lounge centred on Latin music and dancing, and The Clubhouse, a family entertainment area incorporating a LEGO Family Zone. The venue is also planned to offer bumper cars, sports courts and roller skating.

Six speciality restaurant concepts are planned for the ship. Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki are among the returning venues, while MSC Cruises has yet to disclose all of the dining concepts that will be available.

Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral

MSC World Atlantic is scheduled to begin passenger operations from Port Canaveral on 13th November 2027, with a seven-night maiden voyage.

The inaugural itinerary is set to visit Nassau in the Bahamas, MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, and the Mexican ports of Cozumel and Costa Maya.

After its debut, the ship is scheduled to operate year-round from the Florida homeport, offering seven- and 14-night Caribbean itineraries through at least summer 2028. Book