Tag Archives: ship

Royal Caribbean Cancels Anthem’s Upcoming Cruise

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Royal Caribbean Cancels Anthem’s Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean International cancelled the upcoming cruise of the Anthem of the Seas, which was scheduled to depart from Sydney on January 27, 2026.

As part of its winter season sailing from Australia, the 2015-built vessel was set to offer a ten-night itinerary to New Zealand.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the cruise is no longer going ahead due to a technical issue.

The ship is now expected to arrive in Eden later this week, where it will dock for repairs.

“The Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning to begin required maintenance,” Royal Caribbean explained.

The company added that it won’t be able to complete these needed repairs before the January 27, 2026, cruise.

“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news,” Royal Caribbean continued.

The company stated that affected guests will be fully reimbursed, receiving a 100% refund of the cruise fare, as well as taxes, fees, pre-paid packages, gratuities, amenities, and shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean.

“Additionally, to make up for this, you’ll also receive a 25 per cent Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to be used towards a future sailing departing within one year,” Royal Caribbean added.

The company also said it will reimburse non-refundable, pre-purchased travel fees incurred, such as flight, hotel, train ticket, or rental car expenses.

Guests will be able to claim refunds for up to $200 per person for domestic flight changes or up to $400 per person for international flight changes.

Royal Caribbean is also reimbursing up to $250 per stateroom for up to two nights of hotel accommodation and up to $100 per person, per day for incidentals.

Anthem’s cancelled cruise was set to visit five ports of call in New Zealand, including Picton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

The 4,202-passenger ship was also set to offer scenic cruising at Fjordland National Park before returning to Sydney.

Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic First Transit Through the Panama Canal

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Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic First Transit Through the Panama Canal

The Queen Mary 2 completed its historic first transit through the Panama Canal this weekend, marking a major milestone in her 2026 World Voyage, according to a press release from Cunard.

Guests traveling on board the 108-night voyage were treated to a rare moment as Queen Mary 2 began her passage through the canal’s new set of locks on Saturday, January 24. Following an overnight stay at the Cocoli Mooring Station, the ship continued her transit and passed under the Bridge of Americas on Sunday, January 25.

“As the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2’s maiden transit through the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard,” says President, Katie McAlister. “Our world-famous voyages truly deliver enriching, meaningful and unique experiences for our guests, and the transit through the Panama Canal forms an iconic element of this magnificent Queen’s 108-night World Voyage, where guests will also visit memorable destinations like Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Singapore, before returning to Southampton.”

Following the transit, the Queen Mary 2 will visit Fuerte Amador, Panama for an overnight stay and Manzanillo, Mexico, before arriving to Los Angeles on February 2.

The Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Southern California will mark a long-anticipated return after 17 years as she completes this remarkable leg of her world voyage. The Queen Mary 2 will also celebrate a reunion with her legendary namesake, The Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years. The ship will return to Southampton on April 30.

Norwegian Makes First Overnight Visit to Great Stirrup Cay

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Norwegian Makes First Overnight Visit to Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line recently made its first overnight visit to Great Stirrup Cay as part of a last-minute itinerary change.

According to a statement sent to guests, the Norwegian Encore became the first ship to spend the night docked at the private island destination on Jan. 22, 2026.

The two-day visit replaced a previously scheduled call to Costa Maya, Mexico, which had to be cancelled due to port availability.

“We’re thrilled to introduce an extraordinary, first-of-a-kind experience: an overnight stay at our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay,” Norwegian said in its statement.

“This will mark the first overnight visit offered to Norwegian Cruise Line guests. This moment gives you a rare opportunity to be among the first guests to experience Great Stirrup Cay after dark, truly making cruise history,” the company added.

Initially scheduled to arrive at the island at 4:00 p.m., the Norwegian Encore docked at the destination’s new pier at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, due to a medical emergency.

The 4,200-passenger ship remained at the port through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, when it departed for Miami.

Norwegian said that guests were able to enjoy the island until midnight, which served as an all-onboard time.

The company said bars onshore opened shortly after arrival at the island, while light bites and convenient grab-and-go favorites were served at Abaco Taco.

“As the sun sets, the energy shifts to an unforgettable evening celebration, with all nighttime activities focused on the vibrant Great Life Lagoon, the all-new pool area,” Norwegian continued.

While the beach was closed at sundown for guests’ safety, the company also offered a “Glow Party under the Stars” from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

In addition to an overnight visit to Great Stirrup Cay, the seven-night cruise onboard the Norwegian Encore also included visits to Roatán in Honduras and Harvest Caye in Belize.