Royal Caribbean Group is bringing its Royal Beach Club concept to Europe for the first time with Royal Beach Club Santorini, set to open in summer 2026.
The exclusive beach club marks a major expansion for the company as it grows its land-based vacation portfolio from two to eight destinations by 2028.
First Royal Beach Club in Europe
The Santorini beach club will welcome passengers from both Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, combining the iconic Greek island’s volcanic beaches with the company’s signature experiences and authentic local culture.
Guests will enjoy an “Ultimate Santorini Day” that includes exploring the famous white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches in Oia, along with strolling through shops, cafes and art galleries in Fira.
“Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to include Santorini, one of the world’s most popular and beautiful locations, is a bold step forward in growing our vacation portfolio,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
Solution to Greece’s Overtourism?
Royal Caribbean Group stated the beach club will feature an innovative solution to alleviate congestion throughout Santorini by better distributing arriving passengers.
Cruisers will be able to pick from one of three locations, minimizing crowding while maximizing time spent enjoying the destination’s sights and sounds.
“With this new beach club, we are able to bring the best of what the island has to offer with the signature service Royal Caribbean is known for,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
Resort Collection is Expanding
Royal Beach Club Santorini joins Royal Caribbean Group’s growing collection of eight land-based destinations spanning The Bahamas, Haiti, Mexico, Chile, Greece and the South Pacific.
The company currently operates Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti.
The first Royal Beach Club experience is scheduled to launch in The Bahamas this December.
Additional destinations include Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, the Southernmost Hotel on Earth The Cormorant at 55 South in Chile, Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico, Perfect Day Mexico, and Royal Beach Club South Pacific in Lelepa, all opening between 2025 and 2028.
I didn’t expect to be sailing on the Star Princess transatlantic sailing, but here we are. Thanks to a last-minute deal that was too good to pass up, I boarded Wednesday in order to enjoy a few days on board Princess’ newest ship as she sailed from Barcelona to Port Everglades, Florida.
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
The ship just launched on October 4, and this is only her third cruise as she repositions to Florida for her inaugural Caribbean season. (Next summer, the ship will be doing Alaskan itineraries.)
Like I said, this was a last-minute addition for my pretty packed travel schedule. I was working in Asia and the Middle East when I came across a great rate, so I reached out to my travel agent to book it.
I’m already scheduled to be on this ship for a three-day sailing out of Florida in early November. But when it comes to a ship this big — and this new — three days isn’t nearly enough to experience all it has to offer.
So I’ll be using this trip to check out some of the venues and activities I won’t have time to experience on that shorter sailing next month. Then I will save the the cruise in November to check out Spellbound (the speakeasy magic venue) and some of the signature shows.
Arrival in Barcelona
I flew in from Doha on Qatar Airways. It’s a six-hour flight, and I was able to book a Qsuite in business class using miles. That meant I’d have a lay-flat seat and meal service on demand. It was pretty bougie, and will make going back to economy a tough sell. (In cruise terms, it’s the equivalent of going from a top-notch suite to an interior stateroom!)
ETIAS is a new electronic screening system that will soon be required for visa-exempt travelers entering most European countries, designed to enhance border security and streamline entry.
As of this week, they were still setting up, but it looks close to being live.
For my pre-cruise stay, I booked the Grand Hyatt Barcelona Towers. It’s only a couple miles from the airport and about 10 minutes to the port, making it pretty ideal.
Normally I’d stay at the Eurostars Grand Marina for ease of travel, but they were asking over $500 for the night, which was too rich for my blood. The Hyatt cost a fraction of that and even gave me a room upgrade without asking. Win/win!
I usually use Welcome Pickups when flying into a port city, but this time I tried the FreeNow ride share app, which is fairly new to Barcelona and powered by Lyft.
It’s a good option if you’d rather not deal with euros or questionable taxi drivers. Just make sure you have data on your phone, like you would when ordering an Uber back home.
Both my rides, airport to hotel and hotel to port, were 22 euro (or about $25) each with FreeNow.
Embarkation and First Impressions
Embarkation was smooth and efficient. Since this was a last-minute booking, I didn’t get my medallion shipped ahead of time, so I picked it up at the terminal.
The Helix Terminal was very quick when it came to processing guests. Those that already had the medallion went from security to the waiting area.
From curb to ship it took me under 30 minutes, and it would’ve been faster if I’d been paying attention! As a Platinum guest with Princess, I could have used priority boarding but missed the announcements because I was listening to music.
Spanish immigration was also checking passports at the terminal, so I picked up another stamp before boarding!
You enter Star Princess on Deck 7, right into the Piazza. There’s nothing better than when a ship is able to really “wow” you immediately, and this one does.
A DJ was playing, but with passengers still boarding, it didn’t quite have that party energy yet. That would pick up as the day went on, with the part atmosphere being in full-force by mid-afternoon.
Embarkation Day Lunch
Most people head straight to the buffet, and I was no exception, especially after sleeping through both dinner and breakfast. I went to the Americana Diner section in the aft of the buffet area.
This venuem located all the way aft on deck nine, has a buffet for breakfast and lunch. When evening rolls around, the space transforms into a dining venue with table service.
Deck nine is a very easy layout because going from front to back it’s staterooms, The Piazza, International Cafe and Alfredo’s Pizza. Keep going and you’ll come across the buffet and then, all the way aft, the Americana Diner.
Not sure if it’s still under the radar or if folks just chose other spots, but it was quiet. I grabbed a window seat overlooking the wake and had a solid meal of salad, lasagna and steak. Everything hit the spot.
Just like Sun Princess, the main buffet is on Deck 9, not the pool deck. If you’re looking for a quick bite upstairs, there’s still pizza and grill options on Deck 14. There is also a slice pizza outside on deck 9 that I just sort of randomly came across.
Inside Stateroom Tour
Staterooms were ready at 1:30. I’m in an inside cabin for this sailing, my first time doing that on a Sphere-class ship. When I sailed Sun Princess, I had a balcony on deck 11. This is on deck 14, midship.
This time it was a guaranteed inside cabin, so right up until I boarded the ship, where I’d be staying remained a mystery!
The cabin surprised me in the best way possible. Eight USB ports, two closets with built-in shelves and lots of space for hanging items, a fridge, plenty of drawers, and high beds that fit even a large suitcase underneath. (I’m a big fan of high beds, given that it really expands your storage space when you don’t have to figure out what to do with your luggage!)
Yes, USB ports are a basic ask in 2025, but you’d be amazed how many ships still get this wrong. Ships are designed years before construction, and once they’re built, it’s not like you can just say, “Oh, hey, let’s throw in a few more USBs.”
Well you could, but the shipyard wouldn’t love it.
The bathroom is decent-sized. The shower door swings outward, and the water controls are actually in front of you, so no awkward cold blasts while trying to figure out the knobs.
Delayed Sailaway
The Sailaway party kicked off around 5 p.m., but we didn’t actually leave the port until closer to 8. The ship needed to top off its LNG fuel tanks before heading out on the two-week transatlantic.
I skipped the party in favor of unpacking and making sure I didn’t leave anything at the hotel. (Although at that point, not sure exactly what I would have done if I had!)
Evening Entertainment and a Pizza
Tonight’s main theater show was The Barricade Boys: West End, a collection of songs from popular musicals. I appreciate a live band that isn’t tracked.
In this case, it was a group of four guys who were interacting with the crowd and had the audience eating out of their hand. It was a sight to see. They are fly-on entertainment and will be debarking in a couple days.
Like most show theaters these days, you will want to get there early or risk standing in the aisle. I walked up 10 minutes before the 7:30 show and a sign said the performance was full. I asked if I could stand in the back of the theater tucked away in the corner and they let me.
As regular readers know, I’m not really big on shows — no matter how good they are. I just have a hard time sitting still. In this case, I lasted about 15 minutes before heading to Alfredo’s for some pizza.
In fairness, they play again tomorrow night in the Piazza so I may go check that out. It’s always cool to see how the same (or at least similar) shows play when you put them in a different venue.
Alfredo’s now requires a dining package unless you’re on Plus or Premier, but it’s still worth it. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating.
This is my favorite pizza at sea. (For those wondering, Virgin and MSC round out my top three.) Dinner was a Margherita pizza and minestrone soup. Both were excellent.
On the way back to the room I stopped by the Piazza. There was a live show in progress, and I have to say the lighting, the energy, the stage rising from the floor… it all combines to really transforms the space.
It felt like a different venue from day to night, but I guess that’s the idea.
Looking Ahead
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
So far, I’m really impressed. The ship has that new ship smell, and I’m excited to check out more of the venues I didn’t get to see on Sun Princess.
Tomorrow we arrive in Palma de Mallorca, just under 200 miles from Barcelona, so even with the delayed departure, we’ll arrive on schedule.
An American cruise passenger was arrested in Italy after a loaded handgun was discovered in his bag during a routine security check at the cruise terminal.
Cityscape image of old town Ravenna, Italy at beautiful autumn sunrise. (Shutterstock)
Police said the Browning semi-automatic pistol was found during pre-cruise security screening at the Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in Ravenna, Italy.
The 77-year old man and his son were detained at the port. The gun was seized and he was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and issued a deportation order. He told police he forgot the weapon was in his bag and said he has a valid US permit for the pistol.
Gun not detected at US airports
The two guests had traveled from Tennessee, flying to Venice via a transatlantic flight at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. It is unclear how they got through airport security screening without detecting the firearm.
Police said they were booked on a cruise to Croatia but further details or the name of the cruise line haven’t been disclosed. Incidents like this are rare although a similar one took place just a few months ago.
Other Guests Caught with Guns Trying to Board Ships
A 73-year old American noticed he had inadvertently packed is firearm in his luggage on the day of his cruise from Kobe, Japan. He discarded bullets and then informed security officers at the cruise terminal. He was then arrested.
Just a few weeks earlier, a passenger was arrested in Aruba after attempting to board Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas with a gun.
Kelly acknowledged the woman’s actions were “arguably negligent and irresponsible” but didn’t deem it a serious offense worthy of criminal child negligence.
Child Went Overboard While Posing for a Photo
The young girl fell overboard from the fourth deck after her mother ushered her over to a port hole railing to take a photo.
The girl sat there but lost her balance and went overboard, falling about 50 feet into the water. Her father jumped in after her. He was able to grab her and they tread water for about 20 minutes while a small boat was deployed.
The cruise line praised its crew at the time for their “exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes.”
“The father noted difficulty locating his daughter in the water and admitted losing visual contact temporarily. He was eventually able to reach her and tread water with her until they were rescued,” the Broward County Sheriff’s Office police report stated.
(Photo courtesy of @metzd87 in Reddit)
The June incident aboard the Disney Dream was captured on video and went viral. It garnered some intense online commentary with divided opinions over the actions of the parents. It happened as the ship was between Florida and the Bahamas.
The father and daughter were initially treated at the ship’s medical center and then transported to Broward Health Medical Center. Both were treated for hypothermia, and the dad also suffered two spinal fractures.
Assistant State Attorney Kelly said the mother mistakenly believed there was a barrier on the deck railing and didn’t knowingly put her daughter in danger.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a norovirus outbreak aboard Oceania Insignia, marking the 20th reported gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship in 2025.
Insignia (Photo courtesy of Oceania Cruises)
According to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), the outbreak occurred during Insignia’s current voyage, which began October 16 and is scheduled to end October 27. The illness was reported to the CDC on October 20.
A total of 74 passengers out of 637 (11.6%) and 1 crew member out of 391 (0.3%) have reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. The illness has been attributed to norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily in close-contact environments such as cruise ships.
A guest onboard posted in a Facebook group that, “many from our party our confined to staterooms.”
Outbreak Response Measures
Oceania Cruises implemented several response measures onboard in line with CDC protocols, including:
Enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures.
Isolation of symptomatic passengers and crew.
Collection of stool samples for testing.
Ongoing consultation with CDC officials to monitor and review sanitation practices.
The CDC is currently monitoring the situation remotely and has not indicated any planned shipboard inspections.
20 Outbreaks in 2025 So Far
This latest incident is the 20th gastrointestinal illness outbreak of the year aboard a cruise ship that meets the CDC’s threshold for public notification. At least 14 of these have been confirmed as norovirus outbreaks.
Other cruise lines affected in 2025 include Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Viking.
Notably, this is the first publicly reported outbreak for Oceania Cruises this year. It follows recent outbreaks on Serenade of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas, both operated by Royal Caribbean International.
The CDC has previously acknowledged the increase in cruise-related outbreaks, though officials have not confirmed whether the rise signals a lasting trend.
Oceania Insignia is currently on an 11 night one-way repositioning cruise from Montreal to Boston.
Cruise lines need cast iron certainty on the immediate future of fuel supply at the world’s cruise capital.
Speaking for the industry at a recent meeting of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty says the recent sale of the Fisher Island fuel depot near PortMiami highlights many concerns for the short term future of cruising.
Fisher Island Fuel Depot Recently Sold
(Photo courtesy of PortMiami)
While fuel supply has remained uninterrupted, there has been no guarantees offered, going forward. The new owners have other plans for the Fisher Island facility. Liberty stressed that it is essential that there is no interruption in fuel supply, in the short term at least.
“If there’s another place to put the facility, that’s wonderful, whether it’s on the port or not. The issue for us at hand is the certainty element,” he said.
“Even if we identify land, the amount of time it will take for the permitting, the building, it’s not 24 months,” Liberty said. “In the short to mid-term, without that fuel farm, it’s pretty tough to certify certainty that the fuel is going to be available to us.”
Miami-Dade County has been discussing alternative options for several weeks. All except one of these would require years to come to fruition. PortMiami has a fuel supply agreement with Fisher Island terminal until 2027.
The other more immediate option would be to negotiate a purchase of the fuel depot. If that fails, the Commissioners have already discussed the possibility of an eminent domain compulsory purchase order.
(DOUG PARKER/CRUISE RADIO)
Liberty said the cruise industry is open to all options but on the understanding that there is no disruption to the fuel supply. He was addressing the commissioners on behalf of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA alongside representatives from Carnival Corp; MSC Cruises, NCL and Virgin Voyages.
Speaking on the issue when the sale of Fisher Island was imminent in September, Liberty said: “No major US home port operates without fuel bunkering. If the Port of Miami were to lose this capability, the consequences would be severe.”
Last month, the Commissioners agreed a motion to continue discussions for a month with the new owners over acquiring the site, a period which is set to expire this week.
US cruise lines are reconsidering their itinerary plans in east Asia as hefty new China port fees kick in. The retaliatory port fees, initially targeting cargo operators, have been expanded to cruise ships.
The fees are China’s response to US tariff related fees, and have started to have an immediate impact. Oceania Cruises’ ship Riviera skipped a planned port call at Shanghai and instead replaced it with a Busan, South Korea visit.
The ship would have been forced to pay around $1.6 million in extra port fees, applicable only for its first port call in the country. The fee calculation is based on a ship’s tonnage and targets cruise lines incorporated or with primary operations in the US, as well as any ships constructed in the US.
“Due to recently enacted retaliatory regulations, ships can no longer effectively visit mainland Chinese ports. We are therefore revising select itineraries to replace port calls. We share in the disappointment of these necessary changes,” an Oceania Cruises spokesperson said.
Homeported Ships Exempt
(Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)
However, after several days of negotiations, Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas has been given an exemption. The ship is currently offering a series of roundtrip cruises from Shanghai to Okinawa, Japan, and is marketed at Chinese customers. China-homeported ships will likely continue to be given a waiver.
Spectrum of the Seas remains in Shanghai through November 2026 and then repositions to Hong Kong. The only other major foreign owned cruise ship homeporting in Shanghai is MSC Cruises’ Bellissima.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has just confirmed the Seven Seas Explorer’s call to Shanghai next month has been canceled and will instead visit Taiwan.
Other US based lines with upcoming China port calls haven’t indicated yet whether they will also cancel visits. Holland America Line has a planned Shanghai call next month.
A false claim spreading on social media has Carnival’s brand ambassador John Heald responding directly.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
A cruise influencer with over 100,000 followers has been telling people that the gratuities passengers pay actually count toward crew base salaries instead of being extra money on top of what they’re paid.
Heald wasn’t mincing words. He’s fielded this question over 50 times in recent days, and he wanted to clear it up once and for all. The claim is false.
Here’s What Actually Happens With Your Tips
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
When you pay gratuities on Carnival, that money goes directly to crew members. It’s not deducted from their pay. It’s not used to offset what Carnival would otherwise pay them.
Crew members keep all the gratuities, whether you prepay them, charge them to your onboard account, or hand over cash during the cruise.
Carnival charges $16 per person, per day in standard cabins and $18 per person, per day in suites. These gratuities get shared among dining staff, housekeeping, culinary team, and other service departments.
Why This Matters
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
Cruise ship crew members depend on gratuities. Depending on the cruise line, the salaries can be low, and tips can make up a majority of what crew members actually take home. That money is real income, and it goes directly to the people who serve you.
If you want to tip extra in cash during your cruise, that stays with the crew member you give it to. No middleman, no deductions.
Heald’s advice is simple: go straight to the cruise line for accurate information instead of relying on social media claims, no matter how many followers someone has.
Carnival Cruise Line marked 25 years of sailing from Galveston this week with a milestone celebration aboard its flagship, Carnival Jubilee.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
Since becoming the first cruise line to homeport there in 2000, Carnival has carried more than 10 million guests through the Texas port and established Galveston as a premier cruise destination.
The event brought together community leaders, business partners, and government officials including U.S. Congressman Randy Weber, Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, and Port Director Rodger Rees.
“Sailing from Galveston has been a defining part of Carnival’s story for the last 25 years, and we’re just getting started,” said Carnival President Christine Duffy. “This milestone is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when strong partnerships, community support and a passion for fun come together.”
Carnival Jubilee Represents a New Era’
(Photo courtesy of Cruise Radio)
Carnival Jubilee holds special significance in this legacy. When she arrived in December 2023, she became the first new ship inaugurated at Port of Galveston.
The Excel-class vessel features a Texas star on her bow and was the first North American homeported ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), detailing Carnival’s focus on sustainability and innovation. She was also the first homeported ship in Galveston to offer 5G connectivity.
Carnival remains the only cruise line deploying four ships from Galveston. Starting in 2027/28, a refreshed four-ship deployment will deliver the port’s largest-ever guest capacity along with a broader range of itineraries.
What’s Available Now and What’s Coming
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival offers sailings from Galveston ranging from short weekend getaways to week-long vacations, visiting the Caribbean, Mexico, and The Bahamas. Many itineraries now include stops at Celebration Key, Carnival’s new exclusive destination that opened earlier this year.
“Throughout the last 25 years, one thing has remained true—Galveston loves Carnival,” said Mayor Craig Brown. “As we celebrate this anniversary, we also look forward to many more decades of welcoming Carnival guests.”
Port of Galveston is rerouting cruise traffic at terminals 25 and 28 from October 15 through December 5 due to road construction. The changes affect how passengers and supply trucks access Carnival, Disney, and Princess cruise terminals.
(Image via Port of Galveston)
Here’s what cruisers need to know before heading to the port.
Terminal 25 Changes
Carnival passengers at Terminal 25 will enter and exit on 23rd Street instead of the usual route. Supply delivery trucks will continue using 33rd Street for deliveries.
This applies to all cruise traffic during the construction period.
Terminal 28 Changes
Terminal 28, which handles Carnival, Disney, and Princess ships, will have all cruise traffic enter and exit on 33rd Street. Supply trucks will use 40th Street for deliveries instead.
Why the Changes
The temporary reroutes are necessary because of construction on an internal road at the West Port Cargo Complex nearby. The port is building a 0.6-mile concrete road to accommodate heavy construction and agricultural equipment being moved between cargo piers.
This $2.8 million project is part of a larger $77.5 million effort to expand cargo handling capacity. It’s the first major cargo infrastructure investment at the port in decades.
The work includes demolishing a grain elevator, enclosing and filling outdated slips, and building a new 1,426-foot berth to add nearly 30 acres of usable cargo space.
This expansion is funded largely by revenue generated from the port’s growing cruise business, including Carnival’s recent 25-year anniversary at Galveston and the upcoming November opening of Cruise Terminal 16 for MSC and Norwegian ships.
How to Avoid Delays
The Port of Galveston is recommending passengers park in designated port parking lots and take shuttles with their luggage to their terminals. This approach helps avoid navigation confusion and potential delays caused by the temporary route changes.
Cruise lines are also notifying passengers of these changes before their sailing dates, so most travelers should receive details directly from their cruise operator.
The rerouting is temporary and will end December 5 once construction wraps up.
Carnival Cruise Line cancelled the Carnival Elation’s January 15, 2026 sailing to extend the ship’s dry-dock period.
(Photo via Carnival Cruise Line)
The four-night Bahamas cruise from Jacksonville is being axed, as the ship heads to dry dock for the first time in a couple of years.
The Carnival Elation was originally scheduled to enter dry-dock on January 19 and return to service on February 8. The extended dry-dock period means the January 15 departure is no longer possible.
Letter to Booked Guests
We have had to extend Carnival Elation’s 2026 dry dock period, and we are sorry to inform you that your cruise has been cancelled.
We have a variety of alternatives and are confident you will find another Carnival cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun. Our team is ready to discuss options and rebook you on another Carnival cruise right away.
Here’s what you should know:
Your cruise rate will be protected on a comparable sailing, in similar accommodations. Additionally, a US$50.00, per person (maximum of US$100.00 per stateroom), onboard credit will be posted to your Sail & Sign account.
If you do not wish to reschedule, no action is required on your part. A full refund of your cruise fare and any pre-purchased items will be issued to your original form of payment after October 23, 2025 (this also applies to fares with non-refundable deposits). Refunds could take up to three weeks to process through your bank.
For guests with independent air, we will reimburse up to US$200.00, per person, for any non-refundable air expenses and/or change fees incurred. You can submit supporting documentation via email to airreimbursements@carnival.com.
Please call our Guest Services Department at 1-800-CARNIVAL, your Carnival Personal Vacation Planner at 1-800-819-3902, or your travel advisor by October 23, 2025, if you wish to reschedule.
We sincerely apologize for this change and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to having you sail with us.
Sincerely,
Colleen Oliverio VP, Guest Services
What Changed in the Last Dry-Dock
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
The Carnival Elation last underwent dry-dock in 2023, when the ship received routine maintenance, a new hull paint livery in the red, white, and blue color scheme, a lift by the Lido pool, a rebranded Cloud 9 SPA, and ADA-accessible pool bar counters.
During a 2020 refurbishment, the Carnival Elation received significant upgrades. The ship added 30 new cabins and remodeled several venues, including new spots like Bonsai Sushi Express, Alchemy Bar, JavaBlue Cafe, and Cherry on Top.
The 2,040-guest Fantasy-class ship entered service in 1998 and operates year-round from Jacksonville with short cruises to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.
AAA projects a record 21.7 million Americans will cruise in 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of record cruise passenger volume. That’s a 4.5% jump from 2025, which is already exceeding expectations at 20.7 million cruisers.
(Photo courtesy of San Juan Cruise Port Facebook)
The steady climb reflects strong consumer demand, expanded itineraries, and increased capacity across major cruise lines. According to Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA, the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
“Cruising is surging, with travelers booking more voyages and exploring new destinations in record numbers,” Haas said. “With more ships, expanded itineraries, and rising demand, cruising continues to be the go-to vacation for unforgettable experiences at sea.”
Who’s Getting on These Ships
Ocean cruising appeals to all ages, but older adults dominate. AAA data shows 65% of adult U.S. cruisers are 55 and older, while 27% are aged 35-54, and 7% fall between 18-34.
Cruising is also a shared experience. Nearly half of U.S. cruise passengers travel as couples, 20% cruise with children, 7% sail solo, and the remainder explore in groups.
Whether it’s a romantic escape or a multigenerational adventure, the variety keeps cabins full.
Mega-Vessels Take Over, Especially in the Caribbean
(Photo courtesy of Canaveral Port Authority)
As demand grows, so do the ships. Mega-vessels are rising in popularity, particularly in the Caribbean, where most of them sail. These larger ships are deployed in three of the four top cruise regions: the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. Alaska remains the exception—smaller vessels dominate there.
The Caribbean captures 72% of U.S. cruise passengers, which is why Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale rank among the world’s busiest cruise ports. Next year, 7% of U.S. passengers are expected to take Alaska cruises, while 5% are projected to sail the Mediterranean.
The Caribbean’s popularity is bolstered by increased shorter-length cruises. These appeal to passengers seeking convenience and allow cruise lines to schedule more itineraries and sell more cabins from the same ports.
When and Why People Are Booking
(Photo courtesy of Nassau Cruise Port)
Caribbean cruise season runs November through March, following hurricane season and during colder months when travelers seek warmth.
Alaska’s season is shorter—April through October—driving strong summer demand. Many travelers capitalize on this pattern by cruising Alaska in summer and heading to the Caribbean in winter.
The appeal is straightforward. AAA data shows 90% of U.S. cruise passengers rate their experience as good or very good, and 91% have cruised more than once.
Cruising continues to delivers convenience, variety, and value. Many find it more economical than booking flights and hotels separately, especially when visiting multiple destinations.
Vancouver’s 2025 cruise season just wrapped up, and the numbers tell the story: 301 ships, 1.2 million passengers, and over $1 billion pumped into the local economy.
The Coral Princess sailed out on October 21, marking the end of what port officials are calling a vital boost to the region during a year marked by U.S. tariff uncertainty and rising costs of living.
The Canada Place cruise terminal, which earned the title of North America’s Leading Cruise Port from World Travel Awards, hosted its first ship of the season back on March 5 when Disney Wonder arrived.
Each ship visit averages nearly $3 million in local spending. Passengers alone drop an average of $450 each on hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions. Cruise lines spend up to $660 million annually on local goods and services.
“This year’s success underscores the cruise sector’s power as an economic engine,” said Shri Madiwal, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
Eight New Ships, Sixteen Cruise Lines
Norwegian Jade (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
Eight vessels made their inaugural call to Vancouver this season, including Norwegian Jade, Anthem of the Seas, and Silver Moon.
Sixteen cruise lines operated from the terminal, ranging from mainstream operators like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line to luxury lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas.
Vancouver has been a homeport for Alaska cruises for over 35 years, offering access to the Inside Passage as a base for both one-way and round-trip sailings.
Technology Drives Operations
The Canada Place terminal in Vancouver. (Photo via Doug Parker/Cruise Radio)
On the operational side, the terminal continued leveraging technology that’s working. Facial biometric scanning, introduced last year, cut U.S. border control processing time by up to 94 percent—dropping average transaction times from 2-3 minutes to under 10 seconds.
The cruise industry also showed commitment to sustainability. More than 80 percent of cruise calls were shore-power enabled, allowing ships to plug into B.C.’s hydro-powered electrical grid instead of running diesel engines.
This prevented over 50,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Cruise lines achieved an 85 percent participation rate in voluntary whale protection slowdowns in the Salish Sea.
Vancouver also hosted the first local cruise ship LNG refueling this year, marking the first time the alternative fuel was available at the port in significant quantities for the international maritime sector.
Preliminary bookings for 2026 are pointing to an even stronger year, with more ship calls and passenger visits expected.
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