New Pier and Expanded Amenities Ready for Carnival at Half Moon Cay

Posted on 4 June, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

New Pier and Expanded Amenities Ready for Carnival at Half Moon Cay

Carnival Cruise Line’s new pier as well as new amenities and upgrades to the existing ones at its exclusive destination, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, are now open.

“RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s natural beauty has always made it a favorite for our guests, and with the new pier, more ships can now easily access this incredible destination,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“We’re excited that more guests than ever will be able to experience the stunning beachfront and turquoise waters.”

Thanks to the expansion, guests can enjoy new complimentary loungers and umbrellas, plus reservable cabanas and daybeds.

Furthermore, food and drink venues offering island-style meals, full buffets and beverages in shaded, beachfront settings have been added and upgraded.

These include Orchid Beach Grill, Hibiscus Beach Grill, Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack and Lil’ Tiki Bar.

A scenic Papaya Pathway has been added as a walking route for those wishing to explore the destination on foot, while others can take advantage of a new tram service connecting all areas of the island.

The company added that the existing south side of the island is also being refreshed with new design elements and food and beverage venue upgrades.

The destination is part of the Paradise Collection by Carnival, a portfolio of exclusive cruise destinations across the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including the recently reimagined Isla Tropicale in Roatán, Honduras.

Refreshed Carnival Magic Resumes Miami Sailings

Posted on 27 May, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Refreshed Carnival Magic Resumes Miami Sailings

The Carnival Magic has returned from a 35-day drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard, Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement.

The ship is now resuming sailing from Miami, offering cruises to destinations across the Caribbean and The Bahamas.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the ship entered drydock on April 19, 2026.

Several spaces onboard have been updated, including the casino and arcade, paired with the addition of a new mini golf course.

Additionally, retail areas across the gift shops and the Effy Jewelry boutique have been refreshed.

The Cloud 9 Spa and fitness center have been renovated, as were the WaterWorks aqua park and pool decks.

Finally, the Lido restaurant layout has been redesigned.

This is also the second ship in Carnival’s fleet to showcase the cruise line’s new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest.

The first one to sport the new look was the Carnival Legend, which resumed service on May 20 following a 16-day drydock at the same shipyard.

MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

Posted on 15 May, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

MSC Cruises recently revealed its plans for the 2028 summer season in North America and the Caribbean, which includes itineraries onboard seven ships.

According to a press release, the deployment is highlighted by the first full year of service of the MSC World Atlantic.

After entering service in late 2027, the new World-class ship will continue to sail from Port Canaveral during the summer, offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean.

The World Atlantic will be joined in Central Florida by the MSC Grandiosa, which will offer a series of three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas.

MSC is also deploying two ships in PortMiami during the 2028 summer, with the MSC World America and the MSC Seaside.

The MSC Seascape will continue to sail from Galveston on seven-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean, while the MSC Poesia returns to Alaska for the third consecutive summer.

MSC also announced plans to operate the MSC Opera in the Southern Caribbean during the summer of 2028, with additional deployment details set to be revealed at a later date.

According to the company, the itineraries will be highlighted by overnight stays in its private island destination of Ocean Cay, as well as the debut of Sandy Cay.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to give our guests new ways to experience MSC Cruises’ mix of European style and American comfort, and our Summer 2028 Caribbean itineraries are a great example of that,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America.

“We have sunny getaways available for everyone, whether they’re looking for a quick weekend in The Bahamas, a family vacation aboard one of our fantastic World Class ships, or a bucket-list journey through the gorgeous Southern Caribbean. Plus, guests can look forward to the new experiences we’re building in key destinations like Ocean Cay, Sandy Cay and Catalina Island—all aimed at ensuring they have the best beach days possible,” she added.