Did you think being on a cruise would derail us? Of course not; we wouldn’t miss our weekly travel updates! So, while we cruise the Caribbean, we have the latest edition of cruise news August 28, 2016 for you.

Cruise News August 28, 2016

Booking on Thursday?

Somehow we overlooked this great tidbit of research in our last update. Of course, we were not going to let this money saving tip go to waste. Recently, the folks at CruiseWatch.com analyzed the results of over 600,000 data points to identify the best day to book a cruise. And? The results say Thursday, as this was the day with the most fare drops.  Interestingly, the day with the single most cruise fare increases was Wednesday. According to the analysis, the weekends tend to have a relatively equal number of price drops and hikes during these peak booking times. Sometimes, it pays to wait a few days before pulling the trigger on that cruise.

Great Stirrup Cay Closed, for Now

Don’t worry; this Norwegian Cruise Line private island will reopen again! Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas will be closed through October 20^th 2015. During this time, the island will receive a number of (much needed) upgrades including the addition of zip lines, new walkways, and additional dining options. Among the refurbishments is an a la carte Landshark Grill, continuing the line’s partnership with Jimmy Buffet. While the island is getting its makeover, the Norwegian Sky will now call into Nassau, Bahamas and Grand Bahama Island. Once Great Stirrup Cay has received these new amenities, be on the lookout for more Norwegian Cruise Line ships to be calling in this port. We can’t wait to try out this private island once she is all dolled up and ready for relaunch!

Cruise News August 28, 2016 – Great Stirrup Cay, Courtesy of NCL

More Dining Options on Anthem of the Seas

For those sailing from Cape Liberty on Anthem of the Seas, you will find a new dining option that is inspired by the Big Apple. In a video released last week, the cruise line announced the addition of a New York Deli as part of the Windjammer buffet. Featuring iconic NYC style sandwiches such as pastrami and the addition of craft breads and deli treats like kosher pickles, this venue is sure to give travelers to the region a more authentic dining experience. We are wondering if the butchers onboard will be adding New York accents too?!?

Cruise News August 28, 2016 – Anthem of the Seas, Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

More Details Emerge on Majestic Princess

Spending a few months in Europe before making her way to the home port in China, Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess is one of the most eagerly awaited ships of 2017.  Executives at the cruise line made many travelers excited by the release of some juicy details about the ship a few days ago. Among the new updates were the dining options, which will feature cuisine created by top chefs from several countries, including France, Italy, the U.S., China, and Japan.  Two new specialty restaurants will also be featured along with new signature shows and a light and water fountain show entitled Water Color Fantasy.

Cruise News August 28, 2016 – Rendering of Majestic Princess, Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Be on the Lookout for Storms

How did the Princess convince me to cruise during hurricane season again? After diverting two storms on our Adventure of the Seas cruise last August, our cruise on Oasis of the Seas might be impacted again. With reports that the Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be the most active since 2012, Tropical Storm Gaston out in the Eastern Atlantic, and the impending Hermine, anything is possible. Just another great reason to monitor the National Hurricane Service when traveling this time of year and to consider travel insurance (More about that in the weeks to come.).

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