October 27, 2026 – This Week in Cruising: Danny Live From Explora III, Princess Expands the Sanctuary Collection, and Royal Opens Summer 2028 in the Caribbean

This week, Danny went live from aboard Explora III in the Caribbean with a full Explora Journeys deep dive. Princess is bringing its Sanctuary Collection to five Royal-class ships, MSC revealed a two-deck Grand Hamptons Villa for MSC World Atlantic, and Royal Caribbean’s summer 2028 Caribbean cruises open next week. Plus fleet news from Crystal, Oceania, Atlas and Riverside, and Danny’s answers to your live questions.

Updated October 30, 2026 · From Danny’s Weekly Cruise News livestream of October 27, 2026

This week’s show came to you from a Residence suite on Explora III, the newest Explora Journeys ship, as she sailed toward Cruz Bay, St. John. Danny shared what it’s really like on board with his family, ran through 10 headlines and answered your questions for more than half an hour. Here’s the recap. Watch the full replay above, and join us live on a Tuesday night to ask your own.

What Is Explora Journeys Like? Danny’s Take From Aboard Explora III

Explora Journeys is the luxury ocean brand of MSC Group, and Danny describes the feel as a boutique Italian luxury hotel at sea. He puts the food on par with Oceania and the space per guest close to Regent Seven Seas. Because the line doesn’t lean on casinos and shops, the itineraries can slow down, with overnights, late nights in port and quieter harbors. On this sailing, for example, the ship anchors and tenders guests straight into Cruz Bay on St. John.

The fleet is growing fast. Explora I (2023) and Explora II (2024) were joined by Explora III, the brand’s first LNG-powered ship, delivered in July 2026. Explora IV is scheduled for spring 2027, Explora V for late 2027 and Explora VI for summer 2028, all built by Fincantieri in Italy. Danny saw several Explora hulls under construction at the shipyard while filming Oceania Vista, and he calls six new luxury ships in six years unheard of. The newer ships grew slightly to fit their LNG systems, but Explora kept them at about 900 guests, so space per guest got even better.

Every guest is in a suite. Each of the roughly 460 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences has a private terrace, and entry-level suites on Explora III start around 377 square feet. Danny says the ship never feels crowded, even when full. His family’s Residence Host has been “phenomenal” and anticipates every need with two young kids in tow. “The kids are happy, you’re happy,” he says. One favorite spot is the indoor Conservatory pool, with a retractable glass roof for any weather, where he watched Formula 1 with his son.

The Conservatory pool under its retractable glass roof on Explora Journeys. Photo: Explora Journeys

The food is the headline. Fil Rouge, Marble & Co. Grill, Sakura, Med Yacht Club and the Emporium Marketplace are all included, and Anthology, the signature tasting-menu restaurant, carries an extra charge. Of Sakura, Danny says, “I don’t know that I’ve had a better meal on a cruise ship.” At Marble & Co. Grill, he raves about the 45-day dry-aged ribeye and calls the crab appetizer one of the top three appetizers he’s ever had at sea. He calls the Emporium Marketplace the most extensive buffet on any ship, with six handmade pastas daily, a pizza oven turning out thin-crust Italian pies, a full sushi bar and made-to-order ceviche.

Emporium Marketplace food stations on Explora Journeys. Photo: Explora Journeys

What’s included: a premium drinks selection, specialty coffees, an in-suite minibar, 24-hour in-suite dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities, the fitness center and wellness classes. Danny was impressed by the onboard Wi-Fi, fast enough to stream this show live. For families, there’s a youth center with a dedicated counselor. It isn’t an all-day drop-off club like those on the big ships, but his kids loved the video games, pinball, foosball and crafts. His insider tip: the pools are nearly empty between 5 and 7 p.m., when everyone else is getting ready for dinner.

Where Explora sails next: Explora I and Explora III sail the Caribbean through March 2027, with Explora III sailing between Miami and San Juan. In 2027, Explora III heads to Alaska on voyages round-trip from Vancouver, and Explora I sails her first South America season from December 2027. Danny would love to host a Harr Travel group to Alaska on Explora. See our Explora Journeys page to learn more.

Princess Brings the Sanctuary Collection to Five Royal-Class Ships

The Sanctuary Collection, first introduced on Sun Princess and Star Princess, is coming to Royal Princess, Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, Regal Princess and Sky Princess. Guests in select suites and staterooms get a private Sanctuary Club with its own pool, the reservation-only Sanctuary Restaurant, personalized service and premium amenities. Bookings on Royal Princess open with her January 4, 2027, South Pacific voyage. If you booked a Reserve Collection stateroom before October 22, Princess says you’ll receive the Sanctuary experience at no extra cost, though the Princess Premier package isn’t part of that.

Princess is the line Danny has sailed the most days with, including about 25 Mexican Riviera cruises, and he’s all for it. Princess guests have asked for a true ship-within-a-ship for years. He’ll be watching how the new private spaces affect the rest of the ship. Ask your Harr Travel advisor whether your sailing qualifies.

Royal Princess docked in Alaska. She’s the first Royal-class ship to get the Sanctuary Collection. Photo: Princess Cruises

MSC Unveils the Grand Hamptons Villa on MSC World Atlantic

MSC World Atlantic, the next World Class ship, debuts a one-of-a-kind MSC Grand Hamptons Villa in the MSC Yacht Club. It spans two decks on the aft corner, with a double-height living room, a dining area with a suite bar, a primary suite, a kids’ suite with bunk beds and an upstairs entertainment loft with a cinema lounge, a LEGO wall and a terrace with a private whirlpool. It includes full Yacht Club privileges plus unlimited specialty dining. Danny sees it as a perfect fit for multigenerational families and loves how MSC keeps raising the bar for the Yacht Club. We plan to tour and film it once she launches. See our MSC Cruises page for the fleet.

Dinner in the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant on MSC World America. Photo: MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean’s Summer 2028 Caribbean Cruises Open Next Week

Royal Caribbean opens its seven-night summer Caribbean cruises (May through September 2028) the week of November 2. Short Caribbean getaways and the fall 2028 to winter 2029 Caribbean seasons follow in early 2027, and Celebrity says its Caribbean season, including Celebrity Xcite’s inaugural season, is coming soon. Danny explained that lines fill a big share of cabins in opening week, and our team stays up until 1 to 3 a.m. to grab the best cabins the moment they load. Want first pick? Ask your Harr Travel advisor to add you to our deployment request list.

Demand is strong. Royal Caribbean Group reported third-quarter results above expectations on October 27 and raised its full-year guidance, adding that 2027 bookings are pacing ahead of historical levels at higher rates. Danny credits new ships like Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel, plus private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay. His takeaway: book early. See our Royal Caribbean page.

Norwegian Bella: A Closer Look On Board

Last week we covered the news that Norwegian Bella will be the sixth and final Prima-class ship, sailing seven-night Mediterranean cruises round-trip from Barcelona from May 2028. This week, Danny shared more about what’s on board. Her pool deck is about 15% bigger than those on Norwegian Aqua and Luna. Ocean Heights, a three-story complex at the top of the ship, includes the Bella Free Fall, Eclipse Racers and The Wave waterslides, plus The Drop. Adults can retreat to Vibe Beach Club, with two infinity pools. Danny thinks Bella is “what they’ve always meant to do with this class of ship,” and he plans to sail and film her with his family in summer 2028.

Norwegian Bella’s expanded pool deck (rendering). Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line

Fleet News: Crystal Serenity, Oceania Insignia and Atlas Adventurer

Crystal Serenity is in drydock. She’s spending three weeks at the Lisnave shipyard in Setúbal, Portugal. The Aquamarine Classic Suites on Deck 10 get a full refit, a new pool bar arrives on Deck 12 by the Seahorse Pool, and the Atrium and Crystal Cove get a new marble dance floor and stage for live entertainment. Danny noted that Serenity carries just 740 guests since her 2023 transformation, and that sister brand Abercrombie & Kent brings deep land expertise to Crystal’s tours. He’s a big fan of her restaurants, from Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa and Osteria d’Ovidio to Beefbar (don’t skip the Wagyu pepperoni).

Crystal Serenity at sea. Photo: Crystal Cruises

Oceania Insignia gets a second act. Germany’s Phoenix Reisen will sail her as MS Alvara, starting with Hamburg round-trips in November 2027 after a shipyard stay at Lloyd Werft. She’ll carry about 700 guests. Insignia sails her farewell season with Oceania in 2027. Danny loves these classic mid-size R-class ships and hopes to sail her one more time before she leaves the fleet.

Oceania Insignia docked in Montreal.

Atlas Adventurer reveals its Owner’s Suites. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Atlas Adventurer, billed as the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht, is scheduled to debut in late 2028. Her two Owner’s Suites sit forward on Deck 6 above the bridge, with about 1,365 square feet, two bedrooms and wraparound balconies. Danny loves seeing big-ship suite luxury on a small expedition yacht, and we plan to film it. See our Atlas Ocean Voyages page.

Riverside: Ultra-Luxury on Europe’s Rivers

Riverside Luxury Cruises’ new Riverside Mahler sails the Rhine, Main and Danube from May 2028, joining Riverside Debussy. Riverside Mozart stays on the Upper and Lower Danube and adds a new seven-night Vienna-to-Budapest itinerary through the Wachau Valley, while Riverside Ravel sails France’s Rhône and Saône. Danny explained that Riverside’s ships came from the original Crystal river fleet, and he says they carry around 106 guests on the same size ship where many lines carry 160 to 190. Mozart is a one-of-one, double-width ship that sails only the Danube. His verdict: “If you want to check out some ultra-luxury river cruising, which is another level higher than what you find with most river cruising, Riverside Luxury is your brand.”

Carnival’s New Dining Room Menus Reach More Ships

Carnival’s refreshed main dining room menus are already on 18 ships. Carnival Elation and Carnival Valor added them on October 17, Carnival Horizon on October 18, and Carnival Paradise (November 5), Carnival Freedom (November 7) and Carnival Legend follow later this year. Danny applauds Carnival for improving the included dining, alongside favorites like BlueIguana Cantina, Big Chicken and Guy’s Burger Joint. Better food at no extra cost is a real win for guests.

Port Everglades Sets Another Record

For the third year in a row, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale welcomed a record number of cruise guests: more than 5.38 million in fiscal year 2026. Martin Jackson now leads the port’s new Cruise Services Division, and Romero Britto’s artwork Florida Paradise graces the new cruise guide and a giant print on the Palm Garage. In November, Legend of the Seas arrives to homeport there for the 2027 season. Danny says all three big Florida ports are breaking records right now.

A cruise ship docked at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

From the Live Q&A

Is Explora Journeys quiet in the evenings?

It’s quieter than the big Royal Caribbean, Norwegian or Celebrity ships, but the live music is outstanding. Danny loves the piano and guitar in the Lobby Bar and Explora Lounge. Shows are intimate and cabaret-style, not Broadway productions, so if big stage shows are a must, keep that in mind.

Do Royal Caribbean “3rd and 4th guests sail free” offers cover a 5th guest?

Always check the terms, but in Danny’s experience, the offer almost always extends to the 5th and 6th guests in suites that sleep more. He recently booked a large Star Class suite where every additional guest got the promotion and paid only taxes and fees.

Are repositioning cruises worth it?

Danny loves them. The cost per day is usually much lower, and you get plenty of sea days to enjoy the ship.

What are the best excursions from the Denali and Mt. McKinley lodges?

From Denali, Danny’s favorite is flightseeing over the mountain (“the best excursion I’ve ever done from Denali Lodge”), followed by the Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park and whitewater rafting. At Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, walk up to the treehouse, and if the mountain is out, just sit on the deck: “it is one of the most spectacular sights you’ll ever see.” The shuttle to Talkeetna is great for its bakeries.

Which is the better airport to fly home from, Ravenna or Barcelona?

Barcelona has many more flights and is usually cheaper to fly from. But if your cruise ends in Ravenna, Danny suggests staying a few days to explore Emilia-Romagna, from Parma’s cheese and ham to Modena’s restaurants and balsamic vinegar.

Are there cruises that visit both Rome and Egypt?

Yes. Celebrity, Holland America and several luxury lines offer them, especially in the September and October shoulder season.

What will be different on Celebrity Xcite compared with Celebrity Apex?

Celebrity Xcite, debuting in 2028, is a stretched Edge Series ship, about 66 feet longer than Celebrity Apex, with a bigger pool deck, an expanded Rooftop Garden and Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. Overall, Danny expects a very similar ship with welcome upgrades.

How will Celebrity River Cruises compare with AmaWaterways and Avalon?

Celebrity River Cruises launches in 2027 on the Danube and Rhine aboard Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, with a king-size bed in every stateroom. Danny expects it to sit in the premium-to-luxury space alongside AmaWaterways and Avalon.

What should you look for in travel insurance?

Danny always buys it, and it has paid off for his family more than once. He prefers third-party primary coverage, so claims go straight to the insurer without going through your health insurance first. Cruise line plans are usually secondary, but some include a cancel-for-any-reason future cruise credit. Your Harr Travel advisor can walk you through the options.

What’s the best way to cruise with a family of seven?

A Royal Caribbean two-bedroom AquaTheater suite sleeps up to eight and comes with Star Class service. For value, book a connecting triple and quad balcony. Royal Caribbean has the most connecting staterooms, followed by Norwegian, Princess and Holland America.

Any tips for a first stay in the MSC Yacht Club?

Get to know your butler on day one and share your preferences early so they can tailor your trip. And don’t miss the live music in the Top Sail Lounge, something Danny thinks MSC does especially well.

Is the Edge Villa next to the gym on Celebrity Beyond noisy?

Not at all. Danny stayed in that exact villa for 26 days and never heard a thing, thanks to a gap and a staircase between the villa and the fitness center. Take a look at our Celebrity Beyond tour.

Is Royal Railway on Legend of the Seas worth it?

Danny loved it. On Legend, the journey follows the Silk Routes, with courses inspired by the stops along the way, an immersive station bar and train effects you can feel through the floor.

What’s a special cruise for teenage grandkids?

Danny suggests Pride of America in Hawaii. She spends lots of time in port on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, so there’s time for snorkeling, Haleakalā and the volcanoes.

Watch Live Next Week

Danny goes live again next Tuesday with the week’s cruise news and your questions. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and tap the bell so you don’t miss it.

Have a question about any of this week’s stories? Reach out online or call us at 1-888-871-4233, and your Harr Travel advisor will help you find the right ship, sailing and stateroom.