This week, we have decided to try something new by giving you a post dedicated to the top cruise news that has happened over the past week. We picked the right week to launch this cruise news series as it was certainly a busy week for most cruise lines!

Cruise News June 5, 2016

Royal Caribbean to Sell off Legends of the Seas

It was close to 10 years ago that the Princess and I set off on our first cruise together,  on a 7 night Western Caribbean cruise on Legends of the Seas. So, of course our hearts felt a bit heavy with this sad cruise news that Royal Caribbean International is selling Legends of the Seas.

Cruise News June 5, 2016

The ship will be leaving the fleet in February 2017 and is being sold to Thomson Cruises, which is partially owned by the parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD. All details have not been announced, but the exiting of Legends of the Seas means RCI will be shuffling around a few other ships, including Rhapsody of the Seas and Vision of the Seas.

Is Tendering a Thing of the Past at Coco Cay?

In other Royal Caribbean International cruise news, Sea Trade indicated that Royal Caribbean is considering building a dock at its private island resort of Coco Cay, Bahamas. This small private island is known for its rocky coast which makes tendering difficult with choppy waters or poor weather. Many cruisers know that it is often a flip of a coin if they will get to visit Coco Cay during their cruise.

Cruise News June 5, 2016

According to reports, the dock would cost $47 million but would also allow large ships, like the Quantum and Oasis class vessels, to visit the island. Currently, those larger ships are only able to port at Labadee, the other private island in Royal Caribbean’s collection.

Norwegian Cruise Line Set to Update Great Stirrup Cay

Speaking of cruise news for private islands, everyone has been waiting for Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest island, Harvest Caye in Belize.  Plans for this private island look incredible, with zip lines and roper courses, restaurants, and a luxury island spa. The first cruises won’t arrive at Harvest Caye until November of this year. However, NCL is betting the island will be a hit as they just announced upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay, their other private island in the Bahamas.

As part of the Norwegian Edge company-wide improvement plan, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas will receive similar amenities. These include a 1,000 ft. zip line, new sports facilities, a boardwalk, updated spa, and upgraded complimentary and for fee restaurants. The Princess and I are looking forward to the addition of the Landshark Bar and Grill, continuing the brand’s partnership with Jimmy Buffett.

More Princess Itineraries are Available for Booking

Early last week, Princess Cruises released their updated itineraries for the 2017-2018 season sailing from the Americas. Details were released for 11 ships, with sailings heading to Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii, among other North American destinations.  Cruise lengths range from short 3 day cruises to almost a month long.

Cruise News June 5, 2016- Courtesy of © Princess Cruises

New ships like Regal Princess, as well as popular ships like the Ruby Princess, will be returning to home-ports in North America.  West coast cruise itineraries have been enhanced featuring longer cruises sailing from California ports, including the brand’s first ever round-trip Alaskan cruise departing from Los Angeles.

Disney Wonder to Get Some Wonderful Upgrades

Disney Cruise Line previewed some upcoming enhancements scheduled for Disney Wonder when she hits dry dock this fall.  For the kiddos, get ready for the Marvel Super Hero Academy which will bring popular comic book heroes to the kids zone on the ship. Not to mention, the line will also be updating more kids areas with the Frozen Adventures. There will also be the addition of Club Disney Junior featuring favorite characters from Disney Junior.  Updates to the nursery are also planned along with the addition of a Toy Story inspired play room.

Cruise News June 5, 2016- (Source)

All guests will enjoy the Tina’s Restaurant which will deliver New Orleans style food and charm.  Adults will appreciate the addition of After Hours, a new adults only area of the ship featuring an English Pub and other grown-up establishments. Many other refurbishments and upgrades are planned throughout the ship and are expected to be completed when the ship sails from Galveston on November 10th of this year.

Comments

Did we miss any cruise news that you found noteworthy last week? Which of these new stories are you looking forward to the most? Drop us an anchor below to let us know your thoughts.