Royal Caribbean has confirmed new cruise ship orders through 2027, with potential plans extending into 2028. The fleet expansion includes three Icon-class ships, a new Celebrity vessel, and another Oasis-class ship, plus two for TUI Cruises. CEO Jason Liberty emphasized a strategy of moderate growth, cost control, and a global approach to fleet deployment.
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is returning to the U.S. after completing a drydock in Spain. The ship is sailing a 14-night trans-Atlantic cruise from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, arriving on November 7, 2024. It will then offer Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades, with updated public areas and staterooms following its recent refurbishment.
Carnival Cruise Line celebrated 20 years in Baltimore with a special event aboard the Carnival Pride, honoring first responders involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Carnival President Christine Duffy acknowledged their heroism and announced a $25,000 donation to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation. The Carnival Pride continues to sail exciting itineraries from Baltimore.
MSC Cruises has announced its first-ever Alaska sailings for 2026, now available for booking. The MSC Poesia will depart weekly from Seattle, offering seven-night cruises to Alaska and Canada starting May 11, 2026. Ports of call include Ketchikan, Juneau, and Victoria, with additional Panama Canal transits as the ship relocates to Miami for winter.
Royal Caribbean International is sending four ships to Alaska for the summer of 2026, including Voyager of the Seas on its first visit. Joining Voyager are Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas. Guests can explore iconic destinations like Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, with departures from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward.
MSC World America, MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, will launch in April 2025 with 18 bars and lounges, including a sports bar, comedy club, and microbrewery featuring exclusive American-style beers. Guests can also indulge at the re-imagined Sweet Temptations dessert parlor, making the ship’s food and drink offerings a highlight of its inaugural Caribbean season.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals thrilling new onboard experiences for its Prima Plus Class ships, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, debuting in 2025 and 2026. Highlights include the Aqua and Luna Game Zone, redesigned Bull’s Eye Bar, interactive mini-golf, and dedicated pickleball court, alongside enhanced wellness offerings like a redesigned spa, fitness center, and expanded Thermal Suite.
Carnival Corporation has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 10% since 2011, despite a 30% increase in cruise capacity. With advanced HVAC systems, air lubrication technologies, and a shift to LNG fuel, the company aims to reach its carbon intensity reduction goal by 2026. Future efforts focus on efficiency improvements and transitioning to low-carbon fuels for net-zero emissions.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy raised $85,000 for hurricane relief and veterans by completing a tandem skydive over Tampa Bay on October 19. Jumping from a historic WWII aircraft, Duffy’s fundraiser exceeded its $50,000 goal, with proceeds benefiting the Gary Sinise Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project. The event coincided with Carnival’s Special Forces Legacy Initiatives cruise.
Margaritaville at Sea introduces seven new itineraries and four ports of call for 2025 aboard the reimagined Margaritaville at Sea Islander. Launching in June, the ship offers six- and seven-night cruises to Belize, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman, with enhanced amenities, entertainment, and tropical destinations, ensuring a unique blend of adventure and relaxation for passengers.
