Cruise Intel Briefing — February 2026

Lead Story

Storm Damage Disrupts Popular Private-Island Calls — and Itinerary Swaps Are Cascading

A winter storm damaged infrastructure at Perfect Day at CocoCay, temporarily reducing docking capacity and forcing some sailings to skip the stop or substitute an alternate port or sea day. Reporting described damage affecting one side of the pier, resulting in "one ship per day" capacity constraints while recovery and clearance work continues.

On the Royal Caribbean International side, the line later indicated it had resumed full operations at CocoCay, though timing and operational specifics can vary by day as conditions and inspections evolve.

Separately, Norwegian Cruise Line reported storm-related impacts at Great Stirrup Cay, including pier and pool damage and a temporary shift to tendering in some cases.

What You Should Do Right Now

Check your itinerary. If it includes either private island, expect the possibility of a last-minute port swap (often to nearby Bahamas ports) or a bonus sea day.
Pre-booked excursions? If you purchased shore excursions through the line, those are typically auto-refunded if the port is canceled. Confirm in your cruise planner or onboard account.
Hedge your beach day. If the private island is a "must-have" for your group, consider sailings with multiple similar beach stops so a single cancellation doesn't wipe out the whole plan.

Itineraries, Ports & Destinations

Labadee Remains Off the Board Through December 2026

Royal Caribbean's official travel update shows its Labadee pause extended through December 2026, meaning more reroutes and substituted ports for affected itineraries. The closure is driven by ongoing safety concerns related to civil unrest in Haiti.

If your sailing originally listed Labadee, watch your cruise documents for the replacement port and excursion changes.

Amsterdam Still Debating Cruise Limits

Amsterdam officials are considering steps that could phase out ocean-cruise visits over time — with a 2035 target date often cited — as part of broader tourism and quality-of-life planning. A cap of 100 ships from 2026 (down from 190) is already in effect, with final decisions expected after March 2026 elections.

Longer-term itinerary planning consideration. In the near term, ships may shift to alternate Dutch or nearby ports if policies tighten.

MSC Announces $450M Bahamas Port Investment

MSC Cruises agreed to a roughly $450 million project tied to a new cruise berthing complex and beach club concept around Freeport, Grand Bahama. Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis announced the deal on January 27, 2026, with the scope including $400M in port infrastructure and $50M for a beach club and retail village at the Billy Cay property.

A potential new private-destination-style experience with improved port flow. Timeline and final design details will matter.

Small-Ship Alaska Operator Shuts Down

Alaskan Dream Cruises ceased operations on February 4, 2026 and said it is processing refunds for booked guests. The operator ran a fleet of four small ships (223 berths total), currently laid up in Sitka. Parent company Allen Marine continues its other operations.

If you were booked, move quickly on refunds and insurance claims. Availability for Alaska small-ship alternatives can be tight.

Pricing & Policy Changes

Carnival Raising Gratuities and Soda Package Pricing

Carnival Cruise Line will increase recommended daily gratuities from $16 → $17 for standard staterooms and $18 → $19 for suites, effective April 2, 2026. The adult Bottomless Bubbles soda package also climbs from $9.50 to $11.99/day (kids remain $6.95/day). Carnival says pre-purchases made before the change date will lock in today's rates.

Sailing later in 2026? Prepaying add-ons before April 1 locks in current pricing.

NCL's New Air-Booking Rule: No More Same-Day Flights

Effective January 26, 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line's published air standards now require guests purchasing airfare through NCL to arrive at least one day before sailing. Day-of-embarkation arrival requests "will not be accommodated."

Budget for an extra hotel night, but enjoy lower risk of "missed-the-ship" travel chaos — especially in winter.

Health & Safety

GI Outbreak Reported on Seven Seas Mariner

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logged a gastrointestinal outbreak report for Seven Seas Mariner, with 27 people affected (21 passengers, 6 crew) during a January 11 – February 1 voyage. The causative agent is pending testing. The CDC logged the outbreak on February 2, 2026.

Standard precautions: wash hands frequently, use ship handwashing stations, and isolate early if symptomatic.

Hundreds Affected on Balmoral (Fred. Olsen)

Reports described approximately 200 guests affected by gastroenteritis aboard Balmoral (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines) during a Norwegian Fjords sailing that departed January 20, 2026. A port call to Lerwick was cancelled due to weather, and the ship delayed its next sailing for a deep clean.

These events are usually contained quickly, but they can affect port calls and onboard venue access.

Malaria-Related Medical Evacuation on Harmony of the Seas

A passenger was medically evacuated from Harmony of the Seas off Isla Mujeres in late January 2026 amid a malaria concern. The Mexican Navy assisted with the evacuation, and the ship was delayed 3–4 hours returning to Galveston.

Rare, but a reminder to review destination health guidance — especially for tropical itineraries and excursions inland.

Fleet Growth & Why Prices Feel Sticky

Royal Caribbean Signals Record Demand and Major Expansion

Royal Caribbean entered wave season with what it called the best seven booking weeks in company history, with approximately two-thirds of 2026 capacity already booked at record pricing. The company raised its 2026 outlook and expects double-digit revenue and earnings growth.

When demand stays this hot, the best deals tend to be on specific sailings and dates — not broad fare drops. Watch price-tracking tools and stay flexible.

Discovery Class: New Ships Coming 2029 & 2032

Royal Caribbean announced agreements with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for its upcoming Discovery Class — 2 firm orders with options for 4 additional ships. The first ship is set to debut in 2029, with the second scheduled for 2032. The class is described as purpose-built for destination-focused itineraries.

More capacity later in the decade, and new hardware usually means new venue concepts. Good news for ship-nerds.

Homeports & Deployment

Carnival Expanding Baltimore to Two Ships

Carnival announced it will base two ships at the Port of Baltimore for the 2027/28 season, with one expected to be Carnival Miracle and a second ship added. This expansion gives Mid-Atlantic cruisers more drive-to options.

More options for drive-to cruisers in the Mid-Atlantic — often a sweet spot for value.

Storm Damage, Price Hikes & Record Demand