Category: Cruise News

Holland America Line is on course to complete a major £70 million investment in its Holland America Denali Lodge ahead of the 2027 Alaska Cruisetour season, with the cruise line confirming that the final phase of improvements will be finished before guests arrive.

The multi-year redevelopment is designed to expand the property’s capacity while improving the overall guest experience, strengthening the connection between Alaska cruises and overland visits to Denali National Park. Many of the planned upgrades have already been completed, with the remaining work scheduled to finish in time for Holland America Line’s 80th year of exploring Alaska in 2027.

Bookings are now open for the 2027 Cruisetour season, which will feature 19 different itineraries operating between May and September.

Guests can choose holidays lasting from nine to 17 nights, combining an Alaska cruise of between three and seven nights with land-based touring through Denali National Park and, on selected departures, Canada’s Yukon Territory.

Every Cruisetour includes a visit to Denali National Park and a stay of between one and three nights at Holland America Denali Lodge. Travellers can either begin their holiday with the cruise before heading inland or start with the overland portion before boarding their ship.

Some itineraries also continue into the Yukon, including visits to Whitehorse and Dawson City. Holland America Line says it remains the only cruise line offering guests itineraries that extend into the heart of the Yukon.

New Upgrades Planned For 2027

The final phase of the redevelopment will include the construction of two new guest accommodation buildings, replacing older structures and increasing the lodge’s capacity by 72 rooms.

The Main Lodge will also undergo a comprehensive redesign of its interiors and public spaces, while Grizzly Grind, the property’s coffee shop, will receive a complete refurbishment.

Guests visiting during the current season are already benefiting from a number of completed improvements across the property.

These include renovated accommodation in the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge buildings, upgraded public spaces, enhanced signage throughout the resort and a revitalised riverside interpretive trail with new scenic viewpoints.

The lodge has also introduced Outpost Coffee + Provisions, a new grab-and-go coffee and convenience outlet, while seating has been expanded at Karstens Public House.

Dining menus throughout the property have also been overhauled under the direction of Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador Ethan Stowell, placing a greater emphasis on dishes inspired by Alaska and the Pacific Northwest using locally sourced ingredients and regional flavours where possible.

Local Flavours And New Dining Benefits

Guests staying at Holland America Denali Lodge can now enjoy refreshed menus across its restaurants and cafés.

Outpost Coffee + Provisions now serves dishes includi

Margaritaville at Sea has celebrated a major milestone after welcoming its one millionth passenger, Richard Frazier Jr., an assistant police chief from Tennessee who received a complimentary future cruise and special onboard recognition.

The landmark moment occurred as Frazier and his family boarded Margaritaville at Sea Islander at Port Tampa Bay for what they believed would be a routine cruise holiday.

Richard Frazier Jr. was travelling with his wife and two children when terminal staff stopped him during the boarding process on embarkation day.

Rather than facing any issues, the family was about to experience an unforgettable surprise that would transform their cruise experience.

The assistant police chief from Tennessee had no idea he was about to make cruise line history.

As the one millionth guest to sail with Margaritaville at Sea, Frazier and his family were escorted to a special celebration that awaited them aboard the ship.

Special Recognition And Prizes For The Milestone Family

The cruise line organised an elaborate celebration in the ship’s atrium to mark the historic occasion.

The Frazier family was brought onstage during the special ceremony, where crew members and fellow passengers witnessed the momentous announcement.

Margaritaville at Sea expressed their enthusiasm about reaching the milestone in a Facebook video post.

The cruise line stated: “One million guests. Countless unforgettable memories. Today, we had the honour of welcoming our 1,000,000th guest aboard Margaritaville at Sea, the Frazier family!

What started as a holiday became a milestone celebration we’ll all remember.”

Comprehensive Reward Package For The Lucky Winners

To properly commemorate the one millionth passenger achievement, Margaritaville at Sea presented the Frazier family with an impressive array of prizes and experiences.

The rewards demonstrated the cruise line’s appreciation for reaching this significant passenger milestone.

The family received a complimentary future cruise certificate, allowing them to return for another sailing at no cost. This generous prize ensures the Fraziers will create additional memories with Margaritaville at Sea beyond their current voyage.

Special perks and goodies were delivered directly to the family’s stateroom during their sailing.

These VIP amenities enhanced their onboard experience and provided tangible mementos of their unique status as the milestone passengers.

The celebration concluded with a meet-and-greet with the ship’s captain.

The Frazier family posed for an official commemorative photograph with the captain before Margaritaville at Sea Islander departed from Port Tampa Bay.

Strong Connection To First Responder Community

The selection of an assistant police chief as the one millionth passenger holds particular significance given Margaritaville at Sea’s commitment to the first responder community.

The cruise line has built

A cruise ship captain is under investigation in Greece after a passenger fell into the sea when strong winds caused a vessel’s mooring lines to break at the Port of Corfu.

The incident happened on the evening of 30th June 2026 as passengers were returning to the ship following a day ashore. As severe winds swept across the port, the vessel shifted away from the quay after its mooring lines parted, causing the gangway to move out of position.

A 56-year-old woman from New Zealand lost her footing and fell into the water between the ship and the dock.

Crew members, assisted by port workers, immediately rescued the passenger before she was transported by ambulance to Corfu General Hospital. She was treated for minor facial and bodily injuries.

Greek authorities subsequently launched an investigation into the actions of the ship’s master.

Investigation Centres On Captain’s Decisions

Greek authorities initially stated that the vessel’s 56-year-old Italian captain, who was commanding a Bahamas-flagged cruise ship, had been arrested under Article 306 of the Greek Criminal Code, which relates to exposing others to danger.

The offence can apply where someone with responsibility for others is alleged to have placed them in a situation that endangered their safety, even if no harm was intentionally caused.

Officials are now examining whether appropriate safety precautions were in place as weather conditions deteriorated, including whether passenger boarding should have been suspended before the mooring lines failed.

Investigators are expected to review weather forecasts available before the incident, the ship’s procedures for operating in high winds, communications with port authorities and witness statements from crew members, port workers and passengers.

Despite the incident, the cruise ship was permitted to continue its scheduled voyage once emergency services had completed their response.

Greek authorities have not publicly identified the vessel involved. However, several industry reports and AIS tracking data suggested the ship was Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva.

Norwegian Cruise Line has since confirmed that one of its vessels was involved in the Corfu incident, but disputed reports that its captain had been arrested.

“We’ve been made aware of the false allegations made in several reportings on an incident that occurred with one of our vessels earlier this week. Due to strong winds, one of our ships separated from the pier while docked in Corfu, Greece. As per standard protocol with situations of this nature, the captain was requested to provide a statement to the local authorities.

“At no point was the captain under arrest or detained. Following the statement, he immediately returned to the vessel to prepare for the ship’s departure. The safety of our guest and crew remains our top priority, and the ship continued its voyage as planned with only minor adjustments to call t

Ruby Princess experienced a confirmed norovirus outbreak during its most recent Alaska sailing.

With 102 passengers and 23 crew members reporting gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea, the illness reports exceed the 3% threshold required for reporting to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program, which monitors all such outbreaks on cruise ships visiting US ports.

The 113,561-gross-ton Ruby Princess departed San Francisco on Friday, 12th June 2026.

With 102 passengers reporting illness, around 3.4% of guests were affected during the voyage. Among the ship’s 1,144 crew members, 23 also became ill, representing around 2% of the crew.

The combined total of 125 cases triggered formal CDC reporting requirements.

Timeline Of Illness Reports

The 125 reported cases did not occur simultaneously throughout the sailing.

Given the extended 20-night itinerary, some guests and crew became ill during the early stages of the cruise, while others developed symptoms later in the voyage.

Under the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, outbreak reports are based on the cumulative number of illness cases recorded over the entire voyage rather than the number of people ill at any one time.

This is the standard method used to monitor gastrointestinal illness aboard cruise ships operating in US waters.

Alaska Itinerary And Ports Of Call

During the cruise, Ruby Princess visited a number of popular Alaska destinations including Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Skagway and Valdez.

The itinerary also featured scenic glacier cruising, one of the highlights of extended Alaska sailings during the summer season.

These longer voyages allow passengers to explore a wider range of destinations while taking advantage of Alaska’s extended daylight hours.

Voyage Completed And Ship Returns To Service

Ruby Princess returned to San Francisco as scheduled on 2nd July, with passengers disembarking as planned.

Following the end of the voyage, the ship underwent enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures before departing on its next scheduled cruise on 2nd July.

Princess Cruises continued normal operations throughout the outbreak while implementing additional health measures designed to limit further transmission.

Enhanced Cleaning And Sanitation Measures

After illness cases were identified, crew members immediately introduced enhanced sanitation protocols across the vessel.

These measures included more frequent cleaning of public areas and high-touch surfaces throughout the ship.

Samples collected from affected passengers and crew later confirmed norovirus as the cause of the outbreak, allowing the ship’s medical team to implement appropriate containment procedures.

The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program monitored the outbreak response throughout the voyage to ensure sanitation standards were maintained.

Changes To Dining And Hygiene Protocols

Passengers

MSC Cruises has unveiled a new multi-concept Pan-Asian dining venue for MSC World Asia that will combine a specialty restaurant, cocktail bar and complimentary grab-and-go counter in a single location.

The venue will draw inspiration from the culinary traditions of Indonesia, Singapore, South China, Thailand and Vietnam, offering guests multiple ways to experience Southeast Asian cuisine throughout the day.

Three Distinct Dining Experiences Under One Roof

The innovative venue will provide passengers with flexibility in how they choose to dine, whether they’re seeking a full sit-down meal, pre-show cocktails or a quick snack between activities.

All three concepts will operate from the same space, creating a hub for Pan-Asian flavours aboard the ship.

The specialty restaurant will serve dishes inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine, whilst the adjacent bar will focus on cocktails and beverages influenced by regional flavours.

A separate walk-up window will provide complimentary street food-style snacks during daytime hours.

Menu Highlights Span Five Southeast Asian Cuisines

The venue will draw culinary inspiration from the food traditions of Indonesia, Singapore, South China, Thailand and Vietnam.

Live cooking stations will be incorporated throughout the space, accompanied by artwork, music and themed décor designed to reflect these diverse influences.

Announced menu items include Singapore-style shrimp, shiitake mushroom fried rice and various wok-fired specialties.

The grab-and-go counter will offer street food-style items such as seafood balls and bao buns as complimentary options for guests throughout the day.

Beverage Programme Features Asian Beers And Specialty Cocktails

The cocktail bar will offer an extensive selection of beverages that complement the Pan-Asian theme.

Asian beers including Tsingtao, Chang and Bintang will be available alongside non-alcoholic options such as bubble teas, smoothies and fresh fruit juices.

Specialty cocktails have been crafted specifically for the venue, including jasmine mojitos, rose and strawberry daiquiris and matcha coladas.

These drinks will incorporate Asian-inspired ingredients and flavour profiles to enhance the overall dining experience.

Expert Chefs Bring Authentic Asian Culinary Experience

The concept was developed with input from two experienced chefs with extensive backgrounds in Asian cuisine.

Chef Xiao Wang brings expertise in developing Asian dining concepts for MSC Cruises, whilst Chef Luca Césarini has worked in restaurant and hotel kitchens in Shanghai and Thailand.

“With this new three-in-one venue, we are inviting guests to explore one of the world’s most exciting food cultures in a way that is vibrant, welcoming and full of flavour,” said Stéphane Franchini, senior director of food and beverage product at MSC Cruises.

He added that the venue was designed to “create a truly immersive culinary journey, fro

Turkish authorities have prevented an LGBTQ+ charter cruise aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from making two scheduled port calls in the country, forcing a last-minute itinerary change just days before the voyage is due to begin.

Atlantis Events, one of the world’s largest organisers of LGBTQ+ cruises and holidays, confirmed that both planned visits to Istanbul and Kusadasi had been cancelled by Turkish authorities despite extensive efforts to keep the original schedule intact.

The 10-night Mediterranean sailing is due to depart from Athens on 5th July, ending in Venice. Instead of calling at the two Turkish ports, Scarlet Lady will now visit Alexandria in Egypt and Heraklion in Greece.

In a message sent to guests, Atlantis Events CEO Rich Campbell said:

“We have had to change the ports in our itinerary to remove both port calls to Turkey. Despite exhaustive efforts on our part to reverse this decision, our calls to Istanbul and Kusadasi have been canceled by the Turkish Authorities.”

The company said the decision was outside of its control and apologised to guests for the disruption.

Speaking separately to CNN, Campbell suggested the nature of the charter was behind the decision.

“It’s pretty stunning, to be honest. And the reasoning behind it is that it’s a gay group,” Atlantis Events President and CEO Rich Campbell told CNN.

Turkish Officials Reportedly Objected To LGBTQ+ Cruise

While Atlantis Events did not officially state why the cruise had been denied entry, Turkish media reports suggested authorities objected to the fact that the voyage was being marketed specifically as an LGBTQ+ charter.

According to Turkish news outlet Bianet, the Governor’s Office of Aydın Province, where Kusadasi is located, said allowing the ship to visit the port “with an organization as described” was “absolutely out of the question.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Atlantis Events (@atlantisevents)

Officials reportedly argued that the arrival of the group and its planned onboard and shoreside activities were incompatible with the province’s social structure and moral values.

They also claimed the planned visit had generated concern among sections of the local community.

The controversy also spread beyond the cruise itself.

Turkish media reported that the Beyoğlu District Governor’s Office in Istanbul ordered the closure of Tek Yön, one of the city’s longest-running LGBTQ+ venues, after it shared a social media post welcoming passengers from the Atlantis sailing.

Authorities said the venue had breached legal regulations, while the nightclub denied hosting any official event linked to the cruise, stating that its post simply invited visitors to attend one of its regular parties.

Turkey Has Been A Popular Destination For Atlantis Cruises

The revised itinerary means Scarlet Lady will now visit Mykonos, Alexandria, Heraklion, Sant

Four Seasons Yachts has announced two exclusive private island experiences that will form a key part of the inaugural Caribbean season for Four Seasons I, giving guests access to destinations that are typically out of reach for larger cruise ships and most traditional holidays.

The new experiences will be available on selected Caribbean and Bahamas voyages during the 2026-2027 season after the yacht completes its inaugural Mediterranean deployment and relocates to the Caribbean later this year.

Guests sailing on Four Seasons I will be able to enjoy a private beach day on the uninhabited island of Prickly Pear in Anguilla, alongside an exclusive island retreat at the Yacht Club on Norman’s Cay in The Bahamas.

According to the company, the experiences have been created to combine luxury service onboard with exclusive shoreside access, offering guests a more intimate way to explore the Caribbean.

“It’s been an incredible start to our inaugural Mediterranean season and we’re excited to bring Four Seasons I to the Caribbean and The Bahamas this winter, regions that have long represented the pinnacle of yachting,

“As we looked at how to shape the experience for our guests, it was important that we create moments that capture the spirit of the destination while offering a level of access difficult to achieve through traditional travel. These new experiences are an exciting example of that vision coming to life.”

Ben Trodd, CEO of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd., Joint Owner and Operator of Four Seasons Yachts.

Private Island Experiences Highlight Caribbean Season

One of the headline additions is a private beach day at Prickly Pear, an uninhabited island in the Anguillan archipelago known for its white sand beaches and clear waters.

Four Seasons said no other vessel of a comparable size visits the island, allowing guests exclusive use of the destination during their visit.

Passengers will arrive via a dedicated tender pier before spending the day on a beach equipped with loungers, umbrellas and full service from the yacht’s crew. A Caribbean barbecue lunch will be served, while a tiki bar and live DJ entertainment are intended to create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere throughout the day.

The second experience centres on Norman’s Cay in The Bahamas, where guests will receive access to the exclusive Yacht Club overlooking the Exuma Sound.

Unlike the beach day, the Norman’s Cay visit has no scheduled programme, allowing passengers to spend the day however they choose. Guests can relax at the hilltop Yacht Club with cocktails, food and music, or explore the island independently.

Activities available include snorkelling around a sunken aircraft, paddleboarding in the lagoon, kayaking towards the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, or simply enjoying the beaches and turquoise waters.

Private lunches will also be served at a location selected by each guest, whether on the shoreline, in a secluded

Carnival Cruise Line has released extensive details about its Milestones recognition system.

Within the new Carnival Rewards programme, loyal cruisers will receive commemorative coins, special gifts, and onboard credit based on total days sailed.

The announcement clarifies one of three distinct components of the revamped loyalty scheme that has generated considerable confusion amongst cruise enthusiasts since its introduction in June 2025.

Days Sailed Determines Milestone Rewards Exclusively

The Milestone recognition system operates independently from booking patterns or spending habits.

It focuses solely on the total number of days guests have sailed with Carnival.

The cruise line confirmed in an email to guests that “every day you sail with us counts toward Milestones recognition,” emphasising that achieving new recognition levels has never been more straightforward.

Unlike traditional loyalty programmes, factors such as the overall number of cruises taken, length of individual sailings, onboard spending amounts, or stateroom category selections do not influence Milestone day accumulation.

This streamlined approach ensures that all sailing days contribute equally towards reaching recognition thresholds.

First Recognition Level Begins At 50 Days Sailed

Guests who achieve their first Milestone at 50 days sailed with Carnival will receive 5,000 Carnival Rewards points.

These points can be redeemed for benefits of their choosing, offering flexibility in how they are used.

Redemption options include cruise deposits or fares, pre-cruise purchases, or onboard spending during future voyages.

Sample point values provide insight into redemption options, including 1,357 points for a six-pack of soda, 2,400 points for a Bonsai Teppanyaki dinner, or 3,000 points for a thermal suite day pass.

The exact amounts vary based on specific items and services available.

Additionally, 50-day Milestone achievers will receive a “special” Sail & Sign card, though Carnival has not yet released details about its distinctive appearance compared to standard cards issued to all guests.

Enhanced Benefits Unlock At 100-Day Milestone

The 100-day Milestone brings significantly expanded recognition.

Guests receive 10,000 Carnival Rewards points alongside the special Sail & Sign card and a commemorative coin.

Two additional benefits debut at this level; however, specific details remain undefined – “onboard recognition” and Milestones onboard credit.

These perks have not been clearly explained by Carnival and may vary based on different sailings, stateroom categories, or other factors yet to be announced.

The cruise line appears to be maintaining flexibility in how these benefits are delivered to guests.

The same benefit package repeats for every successive 100-day increment.

This means guests who reach 200, 300, and 400 days sailed will receive identical rewards.

This consistent s

Carnival Corporation has finished a major pier extension at Celebration Key.

This project doubles the exclusive destination’s capacity from two ships to four, enabling more than 13,000 guests to visit daily.

The Phase 2 expansion, completed ahead of schedule less than a year after the Grand Bahama Island destination opened in July 2025, will add approximately 200 ship calls and 700,000 guest visits annually.

Princess Cruises and AIDA Cruises are preparing to make their first calls this autumn.

Rapid Expansion Following Strong Initial Demand

Celebration Key has proven remarkably successful since launching, prompting Carnival Corporation to accelerate infrastructure improvements at the private port.

The new pier extension brings the total berth count to four, significantly increasing the destination’s ability to handle multiple ships simultaneously.

Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, highlighted the strategic importance of the project.

“Celebration Key is one of the centrepieces of our Paradise Collection – a bold destination built to redefine what a Caribbean holiday can feel like,” he said.

The completion ahead of schedule reflects both the strong performance of the destination and Carnival Corporation’s commitment to meeting escalating demand.

Weinstein noted that finishing early “gives us a real jump on meeting the extraordinary demand we’re seeing and allows us to bring even more guests to this unique Bahamian paradise sooner than expected.”

Multi-Ship Days Becoming The New Normal

Beginning in September 2026, Celebration Key will routinely host three- and four-ship days as the expanded infrastructure comes fully online.

This represents a substantial operational shift from the destination’s initial two-berth configuration.

The destination currently serves as a regular port of call for 20 Carnival Cruise Line ships sailing from 10 different US homeports. The additional capacity will allow the line to optimise itineraries and offer more sailings featuring the exclusive destination.

The expansion also provides Carnival Corporation with greater scheduling flexibility as it prepares to introduce additional brands to the destination.

This diversification will help maximise the investment whilst spreading guest traffic across different fleet segments.

Princess Cruises Set To Launch Service In November 2026

Princess Cruises will become the first Carnival Corporation brand beyond Carnival Cruise Line to call at Celebration Key.

Star Princess, measuring 177,800 gross tonnes, is scheduled to make the inaugural visit on 1st November 2026, during a roundtrip Caribbean cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale.

Following Star Princess, several other Princess vessels will add Celebration Key to their itineraries. Caribbean Princess, Regal Princess, Sky Princess, and Sun Princess will all utilise the expanded pier facilities.

These Princess ships will bring passeng

A restaurant manager aboard Carnival Celebration has been honoured with the cruise line’s internal “Hero” award after saving the life of an 11-month-old girl who had stopped breathing during a recent voyage.

Millić Šarović rushed to assist the unconscious infant during his dinner break, successfully dislodging a grape that had blocked her airway and restoring her breathing within approximately one minute.

The Emergency Unfolds During Routine Dinner Break

The life-threatening incident occurred as Carnival Celebration was sailing towards Miami.

Šarović, who had just completed his shift, had settled down to eat in one of the ship’s 17 dining venues when the emergency began.

Credit: Millić Šarović

A fellow crew member approached him in visible distress, alerting him to a serious situation unfolding nearby.

Without hesitation, the restaurant manager abandoned his meal and rushed to investigate.

Unconscious Infant Surrounded By Panicked Crowd

Upon arriving at the scene, Šarović encountered a crowd gathered around the young girl. The 11-month-old appeared unconscious and was showing no signs of life, creating a terrifying situation for everyone present.

Bystanders were attempting to help by hitting the child on the back, which indicated to Šarović that she was choking.

However, he quickly recognised that no one was performing the proper Heimlich manoeuvre that could save her life.

Crew Member Takes Decisive Action Despite Personal Risk

Šarović made the split-second decision to intervene directly, despite the enormous personal and professional risks involved.

“I took her, even though I didn’t know if she was alive, and I risked a lot because if she had died in my arms, it would have destroyed my career and my life,” he told local media in Montenegro, where he resides.

The restaurant manager explained that his parental instincts took over in that critical moment.

Rather than worrying about the potential consequences, he focused entirely on saving the child’s life.

Successful Rescue After Approximately One Minute

Šarović’s training and quick thinking proved successful. After approximately one minute of performing the proper technique, the infant responded by expelling the grape that had blocked her airway.

The little girl began breathing again, bringing immense relief to everyone present.

The ship’s doctor subsequently arrived at the scene and confirmed that the baby was in stable condition following the terrifying ordeal.

Recognition From Carnival Cruise Line Leadership

Following the incident, Carnival Cruise Line presented Šarović with the company’s internal “Hero” award in recognition of his extraordinary actions.

The award acknowledges crew members who go above and beyond in critical situations. This recognition is particularly notable given Šarović’s already distinguished record with the cruise line.

He had previously been na