September 4, 2026

If you have been waiting for a good reason to start planning your next cruise, today’s cruise news is packed with possibilities.

Norwegian Cruise Line officially opened its new Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian also shared more details about the upcoming Norwegian Aura. Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska cruises, while Princess Cruises is taking reservations for an incredible 115-day World Cruise.

And honestly? Some of the best cruise deals 2026 has offered are available for only a limited time.

Here is what I am watching today from ITS Travel Services in Flushing, Michigan.

1. Great Tides Waterpark Is Now Open at Great Stirrup Cay

The big news from Norwegian Cruise Line is official: Great Tides Waterpark opened at Great Stirrup Cay on September 4, 2026.

This nearly six-acre waterpark transforms Norwegian’s private Bahamian island into a full day of adventure. If your family loves waterparks, this could quickly become one of the most talked-about cruise attractions in the Caribbean.

The centerpiece is the 170-foot Tidal Tower, featuring eight major slides and plenty of high-energy thrills, including:

• Tropic Spiral, the world’s first Nautilus slide
• Breakwater Blasters, the Caribbean’s first dueling Master Blaster slides
• Whitewater Dash body slides
• Rapid Mat Racers
• Tube slides with twisting drops and turns

The park also includes Cliffside Cove, featuring what Norwegian describes as the industry’s first cliff-jump experience. Guests can choose between 10-foot and 15-foot jumps (assuming they meet the requirements and feel ready for the wow moment).

Prefer something more relaxed? The 800-foot Wandering River includes an immersive tunnel and the swim-up Floataway Bar. There is also Splash Cay, a family zone with kid-friendly slides, water features and a 300-gallon tipping bucket.

Important waterpark details before you book

Here’s the thing: access to Great Stirrup Cay is included for Norwegian guests, but Great Tides Waterpark is an upgraded experience with an additional day-pass cost.

According to Norwegian’s official Great Tides Waterpark information:

• Day-pass prices vary by sailing and availability.
• Passes can be purchased through your MyNCL account.
• Children ages 0–3 receive complimentary waterpark admission.
• Height requirements vary from 36 to 48 inches.
• Towels, lockers, lounge chairs and umbrellas are available.
• Food is available, with both complimentary and paid selections.
• Free at Sea beverage-package benefits can apply to drinks at the waterpark.
• Passes are subject to availability and should be reserved early.

Pro Tip: If Great Tides is your main reason for choosing a Norwegian cruise, make sure your itinerary actually visits Great Stirrup Cay. Then reserve the waterpark pass as soon as it becomes available. Waiting until you board could mean testing the waters without getting a ticket.

2. Norwegian Aura Will Bring Bigger Wellness, Dining and Family Fun

Norwegian Cruise Line also unveiled new details about Norwegian Aura, which will debut in May 2027 as the largest ship in the cruise line’s fleet.

Aura is designed to balance active family fun with more room to relax. That combination is becoming a major trend in cruise travel, and I can see why. One person can race down a slide while another enjoys a quiet wellness experience.

The most expansive Thermal Suite in the industry

Norwegian Aura will feature the cruise line’s largest Thermal Suite, with 15 wellness experiences, including:

• Hot and cold plunges
• Saunas and steam rooms
• A Snow Cave
• A Reflection Pool with ocean views
• Sensory rain and water experiences
• Relaxation and meditation spaces
• A Blue Glow Suite

That is travel-agent-speak for plenty of ways to unwind after a long day in port.

The Thermal Suite will be part of the paid spa experience, so it will not automatically be included in the standard cruise fare. If a spa day is your jam, we can compare the cost of a pass with the amenities included in your preferred cruise package.

New dining experiences on Norwegian Aura

Aura will introduce Tamara, Norwegian’s first dedicated Indian specialty restaurant. The venue will feature an open-view kitchen with tandoor ovens and dishes inspired by Indian cuisine.

Norwegian also announced The Panorama Room, a complimentary main dining venue with immersive LED displays, synchronized lighting and changing scenery. Imagine dining while the atmosphere shifts from one destination-inspired setting to another.

The Penrose Bar & Atrium will also be larger, giving guests another central gathering space for cocktails, coffee and people-watching.

The ship’s maiden season begins with a seven-night Mediterranean voyage from Trieste to Barcelona on May 21, 2027. After that, Norwegian Aura will cross the Atlantic on a 13-night transatlantic sailing to Miami before beginning its Caribbean season.

Families will also have plenty to do at Ocean Heights, including:

• Six slides
• An 82-foot ropes course
• A nine-hole mini golf course
• Outdoor activity areas
• An adults-only beach club-style space

You can read more about the ship’s announced features through Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aura overview.

3. Holland America Opens 2028 Alaska Cruises

If Alaska is on your travel wish list, Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska season.

The season includes seven- to 18-day Alaska cruises aboard:

• Oosterdam
• Noordam
• Eurodam
• Koningsdam
• Westerdam
• Zaandam

Departures include Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier and a rare California-to-Alaska itinerary from San Diego.

One of the most exciting additions is first-ever scenic cruising through Nootka Sound on select Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest itineraries. Nootka Sound is a remote waterway along Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, known for forested shores and striking Pacific Northwest scenery.

Holland America is also highlighting a rare 11-day California to Alaska: Shores, Fjords & Glaciers sailing aboard Zaandam, departing from San Diego on April 29, 2028.

The reimagined Oosterdam will make its Alaska debut after receiving Holland America’s Evolution upgrades. New features include:

• The Grand Dutch Café
• Solo Verandah staterooms
• Bridgeview Suites with forward-facing views
• Refreshed staterooms and public spaces
• Enhancements inspired by Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ships

The official Holland America 2028 Alaska announcement includes itinerary details and departure dates.

Have It All Early Booking Bonus

A limited-time Have It All Early Booking Bonus is also available on select 2028 Alaska sailings.

Depending on the sailing, the package may include:

• Beverage benefits
• Specialty dining
• Premium Wi-Fi
• Shore excursion credit
• Prepaid crew appreciation
• Additional booking bonuses

Terms are sailing-specific, so compare the exact fare before choosing. A lower cruise price is not always the best cruise deal if another fare includes the extras you already planned to purchase.

4. Princess Cruises Opens Its 2028 World Cruise

Princess Cruises has opened bookings for a remarkable 115-day World Cruise aboard Coral Princess.

The voyage departs January 3, 2028, with roundtrip options from Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles. Guests will visit:

• 49 destinations
• 24 countries
• Five continents
• 39 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The itinerary covers approximately 36,000 nautical miles and includes overnight stays in Auckland and Cape Town, plus late-night calls in destinations such as Barcelona, Casablanca, Dubrovnik, Honolulu, Melbourne and Sydney.

Princess is also offering flexible World Cruise segments ranging from 20 to 100 days, which is helpful if you love the idea of a global voyage but cannot take 115 days away from work or family.

The voyage includes a maiden call to Mossel Bay, South Africa, along with destinations in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean.

See the official Princess Cruises 2028 World Cruise announcement.

Princess Cays changes are coming

Princess Cruises is also phasing out Princess Cays calls beginning in November 2026.

Published itineraries are shifting private-island visits toward RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key. This does not necessarily mean Princess Cays has permanently closed or been sold. It means Princess is changing which private destinations appear on its future cruise schedules.

If you have a favorite private-island experience, check the exact itinerary before booking. A small port-of-call change can make a big difference in the type of beach day you expect.

5. Holland America Labor Day Cruise Deals End September 9

There is still time to take advantage of Holland America’s Labor Day promotion, which runs September 1–9, 2026.

The sale includes select sailings departing Fall 2026 through Spring 2027 and offers:

• Up to 40% off cruise fares
• Reduced $25 deposits
• Up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom
• Free child fares on select sailings

The Holland America Labor Day deal applies to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, Hawaii and the Pacific Coast.

Onboard credit may be used for eligible purchases such as drinks, shore excursions and other onboard experiences. The amount depends on the sailing length and stateroom category.

Norwegian Cruise Line is also promoting a current Free 2nd Guest offer through September 17, 2026, on qualifying bookings. It may be combined with Free at Sea benefits, depending on the sailing and promotion terms. Review the current Norwegian cruise deals before booking.

Pro Tip: Let a Travel Agency Compare the Whole Vacation

I understand why big travel websites are tempting. You can search quickly, compare prices and book from your phone.

But cruises are more complicated than a basic hotel reservation.

At ITS Travel Services in Flushing, MI, we can help you compare the details that are easy to miss:

• Cabin location
• Deposit and cancellation rules
• Beverage and dining packages
• Shore excursions
• Travel protection
• Pre-cruise hotel stays
• Flights, rental cars and transfers
• Cruise-only versus cruise-and-land vacation packages

We work with travelers in Flushing, Fenton, Grand Blanc and throughout mid-Michigan. Our goal is not just to find a low starting price. It is to help you choose a cruise package that fits your budget, comfort level and travel style.

You can also review our cruise planning guide if you are new to cruising.

The Holland America sale ends September 9, and popular 2028 Alaska dates are already open. If one of these cruise deals caught your eye, visit our Contact Us page or reach out to ITS Travel Services in Flushing.

Tell us where you want to go, when you want to travel and what kind of experience sounds like your jam. We will help you sort through the options with no pressure: just a friendly conversation about your next vacation.