Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Posted on 20 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Cunard has unveiled its plans for an extensive transformation of the Queen Victoria, with the ship set to emerge from drydock this autumn with refreshed signature spaces.

Other modifications include Cunard Grills suites and the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces the Queen Victoria offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is.”

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

Cunard stated in a press release that the ship will enter drydock at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from October 17 to November 5, 2026.

The ship’s signature spaces will each be revitalized, with a refreshed Grand Lobby to enhance the sense of arrival.

The iconic Queens Room will also be reimagined, ensuring it sets the scene for Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea, live music and Gala Evenings.

Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will be enhanced with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing and design.

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.

The new staterooms will go on sale from July 20 for voyages sailing from November 11, 2026.

In addition, the Queen Victoria will become the third Queen in the Cunard fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café, following its launch on the Queen Anne in 2024 and introduction on Queen Elizabeth in 2025.

The wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu offering plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.

Carnival Cancels Splendor Cruise Scheduled for 2027

Posted on 6 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival Cancels Splendor Cruise Scheduled for 2027

Carnival Cruise Line cancelled a cruise scheduled to take place onboard the Carnival Splendor in 2027 due to a change in the ship’s drydock schedule.

According to a statement sent to affected passengers, the September 1, 2027, itinerary will no longer go ahead.

Sailing from Singapore to Sydney, the repositioning voyage included visits to destinations in Indonesia and Australia, such as Lombok and Darwin.

In addition to crossing the Equator, the Carnival Splendor was also scheduled to sail to Benoa, Cairns, Airlie Beach and Moreton Island before returning to its Australian homeport.

Carnival said the cancellation was necessary due to a change in the ship’s drydock, which is scheduled for August 2027.

“We apologize for this disappointing news, but we have a variety of alternatives and are confident you will find another Carnival cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun,” the company said.

According to the statement, passengers’ cruise rates will be protected on a comparable sailing, in similar accommodations.

For those rescheduling their sailings, the company will also offer a $50 per person onboard credit to a maximum of $100 per stateroom.

The company said the amount will be posted to passengers’ onboard accounts during their new cruise.

Guests are requested to contact the company by July 3, 2026, to discuss alternative departures, Carnival added in its statement.

Those who do not wish to reschedule their cruise will receive a full refund of their cruise fare and any pre-purchased items.

The amounts will be returned to guests’ original forms of payment after July 3, 2026, the company explained.

Sailing from Sydney on a year-round basis, the Carnival Splendor offers a series of two- to 12-night cruises to destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Keel Laid for Royal Caribbean’s Seventh Oasis Class Ship

Posted on 16 June, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Keel Laid for Royal Caribbean’s Seventh Oasis Class Ship

Royal Caribbean announced that it has celebrated a construction milestone for the seventh Oasis-class vessel with a keel-laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The event marks the start of assembly of the company’s new ship and kicks off the next two years of construction ahead of its anticipated 2028 debut.

Oasis 7 Keel Laid Video

Royal Caribbean said in a press release that during the ceremony, teams from Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l’Atlantique placed a layer of freshly minted coins beneath the first steel block in the drydock, known as the keel.

The long-standing maritime tradition celebrates the beginning of the ship’s journey by wishing good fortune to the ship, its crew and future vacationers.

More details about the seventh Oasis Class vacation will be announced in due course.