September 13, 2026

If you have been thinking about booking a cruise, this is a good week to pay attention.

There is fresh cruise news from Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Norwegian Cruise Line. We are also seeing promotions that may help you save on cruise fares, onboard extras, and complete vacation packages.

And honestly? Some of these updates could affect which ship, cabin, or private-island experience you choose.

Here is the latest roundup from ITS Travel Services in Flushing, Michigan.

Princess Cruises: Selected Guests Are Being Offered a Buyout

Let’s start with the news getting the most attention.

Princess Cruises is offering selected guests a buyout to switch from the September 16, 2026, Island Princess sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles. This is a short Pacific Coastal cruise, and the offer is connected to high demand for the sailing.

Guests who qualify may receive:

• A full refund of their cruise fare
• A future cruise credit
• Up to $800 in travel expense reimbursement

This is not an offer available to every passenger. Princess is contacting selected guests directly, so if you are booked on this sailing, check your email, guest account, and messages from your travel advisor.

Here’s the thing: a buyout like this can be helpful, but you should look closely at the terms before saying yes. Check the deadline, reimbursement rules, future cruise credit expiration date, and whether the offer covers airfare, hotels, transportation, or other expenses.

If you decide to stay on the sailing, your reservation should be handled according to the terms in your booking confirmation.

Pro Tip: If you booked through a travel agency, ask your advisor to review the offer with you. You do not have to sort through confusing travel-agent-speak alone.

Princess Private-Island Changes Begin in November

Princess is also changing many of its private-island calls.

Beginning in November 2026, several Princess Cruises itineraries are expected to move private-island visits from Princess Cays to Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas.

For travelers, this could mean a different beach-day experience, even if the rest of your itinerary stays the same. Half Moon Cay is known for its calm water, sandy beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. It is the type of port day where you can grab a chair, enjoy the sunshine, and avoid overplanning (which is sometimes exactly what a vacation needs).

Port schedules can change, so always check your individual sailing before making excursion plans.

Sun Princess Adds a Bahamas Private-Island Stop

The November 22, 2026, Eastern Caribbean itinerary aboard Sun Princess has also added a Bahamas private-island stop.

That is good news if you want a Caribbean cruise with a built-in beach day. You can enjoy the ship’s restaurants, entertainment, and activities while still having time to relax onshore without arranging complicated transportation.

If you are comparing Princess Cruises for late 2026, ask about:

• The exact private-island destination
• How long the ship remains in port
• Whether beach access is included
• Which excursions require an additional fee
• Whether transportation is needed at the destination

Princess Cruise Deals: Up to 40% Off and $99 Deposits

Princess is also promoting its Discover the World Sale on select sailings.

The current offer may include:

• Up to 40% off cruise fares
• $99 deposits
• Free third and fourth guests on qualifying sailings
• Select capacity-controlled offers

That last phrase matters. “Capacity controlled” is cruise-line-speak for “available only while certain cabins or spaces remain.” Once the promotion’s inventory is gone, the offer may disappear even if the advertised booking period has not ended.

Myth-Busting: Is 40% Off the Entire Vacation?

Not necessarily.

A cruise promotion usually applies to the cruise fare, not every part of your trip. Taxes, port fees, airfare, hotel stays, transfers, gratuities, travel protection, and optional excursions may still cost extra.

The free third or fourth guest offer can also have restrictions. It may apply to the cruise fare while taxes and fees remain due. The cabin must also have room for additional guests, and not every sailing or category will qualify.

Still, this could be a strong deal for families testing the waters. A family of four may find that the promotion makes a cruise more manageable than booking separate hotel rooms, meals, entertainment, and transportation.

You can review Princess Cruises’ current Alaska cruise options, or contact us to compare Caribbean and private-island sailings.

Holland America’s Oosterdam Returns Five Weeks Early

Now let’s talk about a ship transformation.

Holland America Line says Oosterdam’s Evolution transformation is finishing five weeks earlier than expected. Its first post-renovation voyage will depart on October 31, 2027.

That is a major schedule update for travelers who want to be among the first guests aboard the reimagined ship.

New post-renovation itineraries are expected to open for sale in early October 2026. The initial voyages will include Mediterranean, transatlantic, and Caribbean options.

Planned itinerary highlights include:

• A Mediterranean sailing departing from Civitavecchia, near Rome
• A sailing from Trieste to Piraeus, near Athens
• A Mediterranean voyage to Barcelona
• A transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale
• A Caribbean sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale

The renovation is part of Holland America’s larger Evolution program, which is bringing new accommodations and guest favorites to select ships.

Oosterdam updates are expected to include:

• New Solo Verandah staterooms
• New Bridgeview Suites
• Vista Suites
• A reimagined Pinnacle Suite
• The Grand Dutch Café
• Updated public spaces and dining areas

Holland America Deals for 2026 and 2027

Holland America is offering several ways to save, depending on the sailing.

Look for:

• Have It All package options
• Early-booking fares for 2026 and 2027
• Select last-minute cruise deals
• Added value through drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits

Have It All is Holland America’s bundled package (that’s travel-agent-speak for several popular extras combined with the cruise fare). The exact inclusions vary, but the package may help if you already plan to purchase drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, or excursions.

What about waiting for a last-minute deal?

Sometimes that works. But for a newly renovated ship, a popular inaugural voyage, or a specific cabin type, waiting may leave you with fewer choices. You might save on the base fare, but lose the cabin location or package you really wanted.

If Oosterdam’s October 31, 2027 sailing sounds like your jam, early October could be the time to look closely.

Norwegian Aura Introduces New Indian Dining

Norwegian Cruise Line is also making waves with new dining concepts aboard Norwegian Aura.

The ship will feature Tamara, NCL’s first specialty restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine. It expands on the popular Indian offerings that guests have enjoyed at Indulge Food Hall on other newer ships.

Tamara will feature:

• North Indian-inspired design
• An open-view kitchen
• Tandoor ovens
• Short-Rib Dosa
• Lamb Biryani
• Green Papaya Salad

Tamara will be a specialty restaurant, so it may carry an additional charge. However, eligible guests with NCL’s Free at Sea specialty dining benefit may be able to use their dining credits there. Always confirm the terms for your specific sailing.

Norwegian Aura will also introduce The Panorama Room, an immersive complimentary dining experience.

This main dining venue will use:

• Large LED displays
• Synchronized lighting
• Multi-channel audio
• Changing landscapes and visual scenes

In other words, dinner may come with a side of scenery, even when the ship is sailing at night.

Norwegian Luna Begins Caribbean Sailings from Miami

Norwegian Luna is also joining the Caribbean conversation with sailings from Miami beginning in April 2026.

Miami departures are convenient for travelers who want to combine a cruise with a short Florida stay. You could add a hotel night near the port, explore South Beach, visit Little Havana, or enjoy a meal in Brickell before boarding.

For travelers flying from Michigan, including Flushing, Flint, Grand Blanc, and surrounding communities, a Miami cruise usually involves more than the ship itself. You may need:

• Flights
• A pre-cruise hotel
• Airport or port transfers
• Travel protection
• A rental car
• Excursions

That is where a complete vacation package can save time and reduce stress.

Norwegian Free at Sea Promotion

On qualifying Norwegian Cruise Line sailings, the Free at Sea promotion may include:

• An open bar package
• Specialty dining
• Shore excursion credits
• Wi-Fi
• Free or reduced fares for third and fourth guests on select offers

The promotion can add serious value, but it is important to compare the final price. Taxes, fees, gratuities, airfare, and certain premium options may not be included.

Pro Tip: Book With a Travel Agency When the Details Matter

Let me be straight with you: big travel websites are useful for browsing, but cruise bookings have a lot of moving parts.

At ITS Travel Services, we can help you compare Princess Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, and other options based on the trip you actually want.

We can review:

• Cabin locations
• Deposit requirements
• Promotion restrictions
• Cruise packages
• Hotels and flights
• Transfers and rental cars
• Shore excursions
• Travel protection
• Changes to ports or itineraries

You get more than a search result. You get a person who can help explain what is included and what is not.

Which Cruise Deal Is Right for You?

Choose Princess Cruises if you want private-island changes, family-friendly promotions, or a possible $99 deposit.

Choose Holland America if you like classic cruising, bundled Have It All benefits, or the idea of sailing aboard a freshly renovated Oosterdam.

Choose Norwegian Cruise Line if you want flexible dining, Free at Sea benefits, Miami departures, and new experiences like Tamara and The Panorama Room.

You do not have to make a decision this minute. But if one of these sailings caught your eye, it is worth checking availability before the best cabins disappear.

When you are ready, contact ITS Travel Services. You can also call 810-247-6455 or email Travel@ITSTravelServices.com.

We are based in Flushing, Michigan, and we would be happy to help you explore cruise deals and vacation packages with no pressure. Just start with a conversation, and we will see where your next wow moment might take you.