If you’ve been thinking, “Maybe this is the year we finally book that cruise,” you’re in good company. Cruise lines are opening exciting 2028 itineraries, introducing new ships, and rolling out some eye-catching cruise deals.

And honestly? It can be a lot to keep up with.

I’ve been cruising since my honeymoon in 2012, when my now ex-wife and I sailed on Carnival Imagination. That first balcony morning, with fresh sea air, quiet water, and nowhere else to be, hooked me. Since then, I’ve helped families, couples, and solo travelers find cruises that fit their schedules and budgets.

Here’s the latest cruise news I think you should know about as of August 12, 2026.

Princess Cruises Opens Its Biggest-Ever 2028 Alaska Season

Princess Cruises has opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska season, and the numbers are impressive:

• 185 departures
• 8 ships
• 14 itineraries
• Sailings ranging from 4 to 16 days
• Departures from Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier, San Francisco, and Los Angeles

The eight ships include Star Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Royal Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Island Princess, and Ruby Princess.

The big news: Star Princess returns to Alaska

Star Princess is one of the ships creating the most buzz. In 2028, the ship is scheduled to offer 7- and 9-day Alaska itineraries from Seattle and Vancouver.

That gives you flexibility depending on how you want to build your vacation package:

• Round-trip Seattle: Easier flight planning and no need to change airports.
• Round-trip Vancouver: A great option if you want to add a few days in British Columbia.
• One-way Vancouver to Whittier: Perfect for pairing your cruise with Denali, Anchorage, or an extended Alaska land tour.
• Longer sailings from San Francisco or Los Angeles: Helpful for travelers who prefer to sail from the West Coast.

Expect classic Alaska highlights such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and the Inside Passage.

Princess is also offering Alaska cruisetours that combine the cruise with land travel, lodge stays, and national park experiences. That’s travel-agent-speak for seeing Alaska by sea, land, and rail instead of only viewing it from the ship.

You can explore Princess Alaska cruises and Princess Alaska cruisetours to see the options.

Princess 2028 early booking bonus

Princess is also promoting an early booking offer for select 2028 Alaska sailings, including:

• Up to $500 in instant savings
• Up to $500 in onboard credit
• Possible room-location upgrades
• Early access to some dining reservations
• A free meal package on select 2028 Alaska cruisetours

Availability, cabin category, and itinerary length affect the actual savings. Still, Alaska is a destination where booking early can make a real difference, especially if you want a balcony cabin or a specific sailing date.

Princess Standby Cruise Deals Start at $79 Per Day

This is one of the more unusual cruise deals available right now.

Princess Cruises’ Standby Program offers reduced fares on select sailings booked just 7 to 2 days before departure. Rates start at:

• $79 per person, per day for inside or oceanview cabins from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, or Los Angeles
• $99 per person, per day for balcony cabins from those ports
• $119 per person, per day for inside or oceanview cabins from Seattle
• $199 per person, per day for balcony cabins from Seattle

There are also lower starting rates for third- and fourth-person guests in the same cabin.

Myth-busting: Is $79 per day guaranteed?

No: and I want to be straight with you.

The $79 rate is a starting rate, not a guarantee. The sailing must participate in the program, space must be available, and Princess must confirm your booking. You also cannot choose your exact stateroom location.

You’ll pay in full when joining the standby list. If Princess confirms your booking, it becomes nonrefundable. If you are not confirmed, you receive a refund.

The program is best for travelers who:

• Live within driving distance of the departure port
• Can pack quickly
• Have flexible schedules
• Don’t mind receiving an assigned cabin
• Are comfortable waiting for confirmation

It is not ideal if you need specific flights, a particular cabin, or a carefully planned shore excursion schedule.

For full rules, see the official Princess Standby Program.

Norwegian Cruise Line Opens Summer 2028 Bookings

Norwegian Cruise Line has opened its Summer 2028 season with:

• More than 450 voyages
• 20 ships
• Cruises from 3 to 14 days
• Departures from 25 homeports
• Nearly 150 destinations in 51 countries

That’s a lot of vacation possibilities.

NCL’s Summer 2028 program includes Europe, Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and The Bahamas. If you want a warm-weather getaway, Caribbean and Bahamas cruises should be near the top of your list.

Meet Norwegian Luna, NCL’s new Prima Plus ship

Norwegian Cruise Line has also launched Norwegian Luna, a new Prima Plus ship designed for contemporary cruising.

Norwegian Luna is sailing Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, making it a strong option if you want:

• A newer ship
• More outdoor space
• Casual dining choices
• Entertainment and activities for different age groups
• A relaxed, resort-style cruise experience

NCL is known for its flexible Freestyle Cruising approach, which means less emphasis on formal schedules and more freedom to plan your vacation your way.

NCL End of Summer Sale: 50% off through August 18

The NCL End of Summer Sale runs through August 18, 2026, and offers 50% off all cruises on eligible bookings. Select sailings may also include up to $750 in onboard credit per stateroom.

The sale can work with NCL’s Free at Sea package, which may include benefits such as:

• Open bar
• Specialty dining
• Wi-Fi
• Shore excursion credits

The fine print matters here. Some perks vary by sailing, cabin type, and promotion terms. Check the official NCL cruise deals page or contact us before booking.

Holland America Opens Its 2028 Europe Season

Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2028 Europe season with five ships:

• Rotterdam
• Nieuw Statendam
• Nieuw Amsterdam
• Volendam
• Zuiderdam

The itineraries range from 7 days to 48 days, including a 48-day Legendary Mediterranean Voyage round trip from North America.

Holland America’s 2028 European season includes:

• Norway and its scenic fjords
• Iceland and Greenland
• The British Isles
• The Baltic
• Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey
• Portugal, Morocco, and the Canary Islands
• Transatlantic crossings

Some sailings include overnight stays, extended port calls, or late departures. That’s a big plus if you prefer having more time to explore instead of rushing back to the ship after lunch.

The line is also offering itineraries throughout the year, from winter departures in the Canary Islands and Mediterranean to summer sailings through Northern Europe.

You can view the official Holland America 2028 Europe announcement.

Disney Cruise Line Offers Up to $500 Off Per Person

Disney Cruise Line is promoting savings of up to $500 per person on select sailings. The promotion is primarily connected to select 2026 cruises and may apply to specific ships, dates, and stateroom categories.

The offer can be especially appealing for families booking longer sailings or verandah rooms. But remember:

• It is not available on every cruise.
• Concierge rooms and suites may not qualify.
• Taxes, fees, gratuities, and extras are generally not part of the discount.
• The biggest savings usually apply to select 7-night sailings.
• The promotion must be booked by the deadline listed in Disney’s terms.

You can check Disney’s current special offers before making a decision.

Pro Tips: How to Compare Cruise Deals Without Getting Confused

Big sale banners can be exciting, but the lowest advertised fare is not always the lowest total vacation cost.

When I compare cruise packages for clients, I look at:

• Cruise fare
• Taxes and port fees
• Gratuities
• Beverage packages
• Wi-Fi
• Specialty dining
• Shore excursions
• Flights
• Pre-cruise hotel nights
• Airport or port transfers
• Travel protection

For example, a 50% discount may look fantastic until you discover that drinks, Wi-Fi, and dining are not included. On another cruise, a slightly higher fare may include the extras you would have purchased anyway.

That’s where personal service can help. Big travel websites show you hundreds of choices, but they usually don’t know whether you prefer a quiet balcony, an easy flight from Detroit, or a port schedule that works for your family.

Ready to Start Planning?

Whether you’re testing the waters with a short Bahamas cruise, dreaming about glaciers on Star Princess, or considering a 48-day Mediterranean adventure, now is a good time to start looking.

At ITS Travel Services, LLC, we help travelers from Flushing, Flint, Genesee County, and beyond compare cruise lines, vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, and transfers in one plan.

You can learn more about our story, browse our shore excursion information, or contact us at 810-247-6455 or Travel@ITSTravelServices.com.

No pressure, no hard sell. Just tell us what sounds like your jam: Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Disney, or something completely different: and we’ll help you find the right cruise package for your next wow moment.