August 11, 2026 – This Week in Cruising: Norwegian’s Massive 2028 Release, Princess Doubles Down on Alaska, and More

It was a big week for deployment news, and Norwegian Cruise Line led the way with a huge release covering April through October 2028: over 500 voyages across all 20 ships, visiting 59 countries with an average port stay of 9.5 hours. Highlights include Norwegian Aqua running short 3- and 4-night Bahamas sailings, Getaway heading to Iceland and Greenland, Prima relocating to Galveston for the summer, and the reimagined Great Stirrup Key debuting a new water park and pier. Norwegian also confirmed it’s retiring five older ships, including Norwegian Sun and Sky, while investing in major refits for Oceania’s Regatta-class fleet to boost space and crew ratios.

Princess Cruises isn’t far behind, announcing 185 Alaska departures across eight ships for summer 2028 — more than any other line — including 86 visits to Glacier Bay National Park.

Celebrity Cruises confirmed its 2028 deployment rollout begins August 29, with Europe, Bermuda, and Canada/New England itineraries going live first, followed by Alaska, Hawaii, and South America on September 1, and Australia and winter Asia on September 29. Four Edge-class ships will sail Europe next year for the first time.

On the ship-building front, Royal Caribbean confirmed Icon-class ships four and five are already under construction, with contracts signed for six and seven. Disney Cruise Line moved up the timeline for its next class of (slightly smaller) ships, and Crystal firmed up an order for a third luxury newbuild, with Crystal Grace debuting in 2028.

Finally, Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas will swap a second Naples call for Marseille due to a port authority pier issue, with normal service resuming in the fall.

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