Welcome to the weekly Cruise News Digest.
Let’s dive in!
This Monday, we explored Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class–Oasis of the Seas (2009), Allure of the Seas (2010), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Wonder of the Seas (2022), and Utopia of the Seas (2024). Which have you been on?
Princess Cruises’ fan favorite “Love Boat” voyage will set sail in November. When the 7-day Western Caribbean voyage embarks, not only will fans get to sail with Princess Cruises’ Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan who played Vicki Stubing, Fred Grandy who played “Gopher,” Ted Lange who played bartender Isaac Washington, and Bernie Kopell who played Dr. Adam Bricker, but the cruise line has also added Cynthia Lauren Tewes who played cruise director Julie McCoy and the iconic Charo who had a guest role as entertainer April Lopez.
Norwegian Cruise Line is developing a brand new waterpark. Great Tides Waterpark will cover nearly six acres and offer various industry firsts. Whether you are looking to cliff jump, relax at a swim-up bar, or race down one of 19 waterslides with your kiddos, Great Stirrup Cay will soon have something for everyone.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl will also begin calling on Norfolk, Virginia as part of her itineraries in 2027. The 2,400 passenger vessel will bring approximately 49,000 additional cruise ship passengers to the port.
Seabourn’s Seabourn Venture will sail the cruise line’s first-ever Grand Voyage expedition cruise–a 94-day “Pole to Pole: Grand Expedition.” The voyage will embark on August 17, 2027, sailing more than 20,500 miles, featuring 60 ports of call across 14 countries and territories.
For more than 50 years, Royal Caribbean has offered memorable vacations to millions of families. In July 2025, the cruise line welcomed its 100 millionth cruise guest. The milestone was celebrated aboard Icon of the Seas.
There you have it–this week’s Cruise News Digest.
Over at the La Lido Loca YouTube Channel, Tony and the lovely Jenny B went live to give their first impressions of Celebration Key and answer your cruise questions. Tony also reported on several cruise news stories including Carnival Cruisers Arrested and a Royal Crew Member Attacked. All the latest episodes of The Cruise Show are also available wherever you get your podcasts so you can listen on the go. Subscribe to the channel with the notification bell on so you don’t miss out.
Tony is currently on MSC World America, make sure you have joined La Lido Loca’s FaceBook community for updates from the ship, and to interact with not only Tony, but the lovely Jenny B, other cruisers, and become part of the La Lido Loca family.