Royal Caribbean and Carnival’s New Ship Plans, Itinerary Updates, and Top Cruise News From July

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:10 AM ET, Tue July 28, 2026

July was a busy month for the cruise industry, with major ship debuts, fleet expansion plans and sweeping renovations dominating the headlines. Cruise lines unveiled ambitious investments for the years ahead, from brand-new ocean and river vessels to extensive upgrades for existing favorites, while destinations and ports announced projects designed to accommodate future growth. At the same time, the industry also grappled with operational challenges, including low water levels affecting European river cruises and Royal Caribbean’s continued suspension of calls to Labadee, Haiti. These were the biggest cruise news stories of July 2026.

Royal Caribbean's Newest Ship Legend of the Seas Sets Sail on Inaugural Voyage

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Legend of the Seas, officially set sail on her inaugural voyage. The vessel departed from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy on July 4, kicking off a summer of seven-night Western Mediterranean adventures.

In November, the ship will head to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will offer six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean vacations.

Travelers sailing aboard Legend of the Seas can enjoy 28 dining options, including immersive experiences at Hollywoodland Supper Club or Royal Railway – Legend Station. AquaDome Market, the Icon Class favorite food hall, is back with five concepts, plus a brand-new juice and smoothie bar.

Guests can also enjoy new entertainment, including the debut of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in the Royal Theater, “Shockwave” in the AquaTheater and “Fusion” in Absolute Zero. In August, Legend of the Sea will introduce a brand-new stage show, America’s Got Talent LIVE.

The ship also has six waterslides at Category 6, a 154-foot-tall skywalk and zip line experience, a rock climbing wall, a mini golf course, multiple pools and more.

Travelers can choose between multiple types of accommodations, including the redesigned three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, featuring a slide, dedicated entertainment spaces and rooms for the whole family.

Carnival Cruise Line to Launch New Ace Class With Carnival Destiny

Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the steel-cutting ceremony for its newest ship, Carnival Destiny, on July 10, announcing it will be the first ship in the cruise line’s Ace Class.

Carnival Destiny will debut in the summer of 2029 as the first of three ships in the Ace Class.

The steel-cutting ceremony, a key construction milestone, was held in Fincantieri’s shipyards in Monfalcone, Italy. Viewers can watch the ceremony and the announcement below.

“Carnival Destiny builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before, reimagining what guests can experience at sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “With this ship, we’re elevating the guest experience again creating a ship that feels more expansive, while helping guests feel more connected and ultimately have more fun.”

Carnival Destiny, named after what was once the world’s largest cruise ship, will offer more ocean views, ocean-view balcony cabins and over 4.5 acres of glass to provide breathtaking views of the ocean and the destinations the ship visits.

Over 70 percent of its venues and attractions, from dining to entertainment, will be new concepts for Carnival, creating an entirely new experience for guests.

When Carnival Destiny debuts in 2029, the ship will sail to the cruise line’s Paradise Collection private island destinations across the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico. Two other Ace Class ships are expected to debut in 2031 and 2033.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises to Launch Three Ships in 2028

The Uniworld Boutique River Cruises fleet is growing. The brand announced this month that it plans to introduce three new ships in 2028: the S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara, and Mekong Mystique. With four new ships debuting in 2027, the brand’s fleet will reach 22 ships.

A rendering of a Grand Suite bedroom aboard S.S. Clara

"This is one of the most significant periods of investment and growth in Uniworld's history," says Ellen Bettridge, president and chief executive officer of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. "As demand for immersive travel continues to grow, every new ship we build allows us to continue raising the bar for luxury river cruising. It's also an opportunity to create deeper, more meaningful connections between our guests and the destinations we sail.”

Low Water Levels Affect European River Cruises

In July, low water levels affected European river cruises. Several ships were stranded or waiting in ports because of the conditions, while multiple cruise lines told TravelPulse they were making adjustments to their itineraries.

“Guests onboard are receiving daily updates on sailing schedules and excursions, helping them stay informed as plans evolve,” according to a Riviera Travel River Cruises statement. “In fact, some guests have affectionately described their holiday as a ‘Magical Mystery Cruise,’ embracing the element of surprise and enjoying the opportunity to discover new destinations along the way.”

Viking notified affected guests and their travel advisors that sections of the Danube and Rhine Rivers were experiencing unusually low water levels and that, as a result, select itineraries may be modified.

"Viking's nautical and operational teams are closely monitoring conditions and working to minimize any impact to guests' travel experiences," according to a statement shared with TravelPulse.

Royal Caribbean Extends Pause on Haiti Cruise Stops

Royal Caribbean extended its suspension of calls to Labadee, its private destination in Haiti, through June 2027. The company had previously said it would skip Labadee through the end of 2026. The U.S. State Department has a Level 4 travel advisory—the highest rating—in place for the country, citing a high risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest and limited health care.

The last time a Royal Caribbean ship visited Labadee was in early 2025. The company also paused visits to the destination in 2024.

The leased land around Labadee allows Royal Caribbean guests to enjoy a variety of activities on five stretches of private beach nestled between the mountains and the sea. There is also a half-mile zip line, water slides, wave runners, private cabanas and more. The resort area has its own private security force.

New Netflix Documentary Revisits Deadly Wreck of the Costa Concordia

A new Netflix documentary is revisiting the deadly wreck of the Costa Concordia. “Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea,” released July 10, explores one of the worst shipwrecks in modern history, using black box recordings, archival video footage, translations of passenger announcements and first-person accounts from guests and staffers.

On January 13, 2012, the Carnival Corporation-owned vessel deviated from its planned route and hit a reef near Giglio Island in Italy, causing water to leak into the lower decks. There were 3,206 guests and 1,023 crew members onboard at the time. In the end, 32 people died and another 150 were injured in the incident. The ship was towed and scrapped in 2014.

Francesco Schettino, the ship’s captain, was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in the tragedy. Costa Cruises accepted a €1 million fine to settle potential criminal charges related to the incident. It also paid out €84 million in compensation to passengers, crew and relatives of the victims.

St. Kitts Breaks Ground on New Port Zante Cruise Terminal

St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal in Basseterre, which is designed to establish St. Kitts and Nevis as a leading Caribbean turnaround/homeport. It is slated to begin offering turnaround services for two P&O ships in November 2027 and is expected to significantly bolster the destination’s cruise growth, visitor spending and air connectivity.

“This investment in the cruise terminal will drive economic impact felt across every corner of our tourism industry; regardless of your job,” said Terrance Drew, prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“It also advances our vision for a Sustainable Island State: a nation resilient enough, and diversified enough, to not just survive whatever comes our way, but to thrive,” he added.

Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection to Undergo Makeover

Celebrity Cruises is revamping Celebrity Reflection. As the second Solstice Series ship in the brand’s fleet to undergo a refresh, Celebrity Reflection is getting a bow-to-stern makeover, including the addition of 13 new spaces.

“Celebrity Cruises is constantly dreaming up ways to innovate and elevate what we deliver for our guests, which is what makes this fleet modernization program so much more than a refresh,” says Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “With Celebrity Reflection, we’re evolving the guest experience in meaningful ways—introducing 13 new spaces designed to help guests relax, explore and connect in ways that feel effortless and unforgettable.”

The vessel is getting a Celebrity Pool Club, featuring two dedicated bars, expanded seating, plush daybeds and added shade, plus daily activities and poolside events.

Guests will also find two new-to-fleet poolside dining experiences. Orange Peel Bar & Grille offers smashburgers and other grilled favorites alongside frozen cocktails, while Tacos del Sol introduces a casual, open-air concept centered around Mexican-inspired flavors.

Other new additions around the ship include the Grand Plaza, a three-story, Edge Series-style venue that anchors the ship’s entertainment; a 125-seat Boulevard Lounge offering all-day entertainment; The Parlor, an elevated sports and gaming lounge; and a reimagined Sunset Park on the top deck.

Star Clippers Names Leo Chang Chief Executive Officer

Star Clippers is making a leadership change. This month, the brand appointed Leo Chang as its new chief executive officer, taking over the role from Eric Krafft, who will remain closely involved as the company’s owner and executive chairman.

Chang will oversee operations, growth initiatives, the expansion of Star Clippers' global market presence and brand development for Star Clippers' unique fleet. Prior to joining Star Clippers, Chang served as chief business development officer for Lindblad Expeditions. He also served as chief financial officer at Frontida BioPharm, Inc. and held senior positions at Jefferies.

"Leo has incredible passion for our unique and authentic style of travel,” says Krafft. “His deep understanding of small ship cruising operations and its expanding market opportunity, combined with his forward-thinking leadership style make him the ideal leader to continue the Star Clippers legacy. Our travel advisor partners and loyal guests can look forward to a continued commitment to product excellence, impeccable service and operational innovation."

Four Seasons Yachts to Add Third Ship to Growing Fleet

The Four Seasons Yachts fleet is growing. This month, the brand announced that it tapped Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build its third vessel, which is slated to debut in 2031. The new ship will join Four Seasons I, which launched earlier this year, as well as Four Seasons II, which is scheduled to start sailing in early 2028.

“The decision to expand the fleet with a third vessel reflects the strength of a long-term industrial vision and confirms the market’s appreciation for a concept that has successfully created a new segment at the intersection of luxury hospitality and advanced shipbuilding,” says Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive officer and managing director of Fincantieri.

“Designed and built at our Ancona shipyard, the vessel further reinforces Ancona’s role as Fincantieri’s center of excellence for ultra-luxury shipbuilding, where innovation, craftsmanship and industrial expertise come together to deliver the highest standards of quality and sophistication,” Folgiero added.

Holland America Line to Update Zuiderdam

Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam is getting a makeover. The brand announced in July that the vessel will be the next ship in its Holland America Evolution program, the largest fleet update in its 153-year history.

Following Oosterdam, Zuiderdam will be the second of six ships to receive Pinnacle Class experiences as part of Holland America Evolution. The enhancements expand the ship’s accommodations with the addition of a reimagined Pinnacle Suite, two new Bridgeview Suites located above the bridge, 14 Vista Suites and 32 purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms.

The ship will also feature refreshed accommodations throughout and see the addition of Grand Dutch Café, an all-day gathering place with comfortable seating, an approachable menu and a social atmosphere.

Voyages aboard Zuiderdam following its Evolution enhancements will open for booking July 30.

In addition to revealing the newest ship to be part of this fleet enhancement, Holland America Line also has released renderings of the new Pinnacle and Bridgeview Suites.

“We’ve seen strong interest in our Bridgeview Suites and Solo Verandahs on Oosterdam, and we’re excited to make these new accommodations available on Zuiderdam,” says Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “We’re building on that momentum and look forward to sharing more details, including itineraries, very soon.”

Explora Journeys Takes Delivery of EXPLORA III

Explora Journeys took delivery of EXPLORA III at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, bringing the total number of ships in its fleet to three.

“With every new ship, we have the opportunity to listen, learn and refine, building on what our guests value most while remaining true to the vision that defines our brand,” says Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. “EXPLORA III represents the next step in our journey as we continue to redefine ocean travel through thoughtful innovation, exceptional design and the intuitive hospitality that sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience. As a privately owned, family-led business with deep maritime heritage, we remain committed to investing for the long term, always with our guests at the centre of every decision."

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Upgrades to Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Cruise Line offered a first look at the reimagined spaces and additions to Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem.

“Listening to our guests and delivering exceptional experiences across our fleet is at the heart of what we do,” says Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “These recent transformations bring some of our most beloved amenities to Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem, creating greater consistency across our fleet while giving guests more ways to personalize their vacation—from adults-only outdoor spaces to serene relaxation areas designed to help them unwind at sea.”

The refreshed Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon aboard Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem now features three times as many hot tile loungers, a more centralized layout with an upgraded reception area, updated steam rooms and saunas and new relaxing and reinvigorating experiences.

Additionally, Norwegian Jade offers brand-new Experiential Showers, featuring multiple water jets and lighting effects to help invigorate the body, as well as a Plunge Pool for brief cold-water immersion to accelerate muscle recovery, boost circulation and leave guests feeling refreshed and revitalized. Norwegian Gem provides an updated hot tub and Thalassotherapy pool which uses massage jets, bubble loungers and countercurrents to detoxify the body and soothe joint pain.

Both Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem now have Vibe Beach Clubs, repurposing the existing sundeck on deck 14. This adults-only outdoor oasis offers expansive ocean views, a private full-service bar, an additional hot tub, over 50 premium lounge chairs and seven new private cabanas for guests to unwind in style. Norwegian Jade also has a new Starbucks.

Cunard Plans to Renovate Queen Victoria This Fall

Cunard plans to give Queen Victoria a makeover, the brand unveiled this month. In October, the 2,000 guest ship will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam for a major transformation. When the vessel returns to service November 7, it will have refreshed spaces, new staterooms and other upgrades.

"Queen Victoria has always held a special place in the hearts of our guests, celebrated for her distinctive character, intimate spaces and unmistakable sense of British elegance,” says Katie McAlister, president of Cunard. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces she offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is.”

The Grand Lobby, the Queens Room and Cunard’s Grill and Princess Grill Suites are being renovated. Eight additional Britannia staterooms will also be introduced, including three from a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views.

Queen Victoria will also become the third ship in the Cunard fleet to introduce the Pavilion Wellness Café following its debut on Queen Anne in 2024 and introduction on Queen Elizabeth in 2025. This wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.

“From the Grand Lobby to the Queens Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for,” says McAlister. “We can't wait to welcome guests back on board to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves."

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.