If you have been thinking about booking a cruise, this week brought plenty to watch. We have a hurricane-related itinerary change in Hawaii, Royal Caribbean news from Fort Lauderdale, fall foliage sailings in Canada and New England, new ships entering the river-cruise market, and several time-sensitive cruise deals.

Here’s the thing: cruise promotions can change quickly, and the lowest advertised price is not always the best overall value. I’ll break down what matters so you can decide whether one of these sailings fits your travel plans.

Hurricane Lowell Changes Ruby Princess’ Hawaii Itinerary

Princess Cruises has changed the September 22, 2026, itinerary for Ruby Princess because of Hurricane Lowell’s impact on Kauai.

Instead of calling at Nawiliwili, Kauai, Ruby Princess will spend an extended overnight stay in Honolulu from September 22 to September 23. Guests will get significantly more time on Oahu, but the scheduled Kauai visit has been removed.

According to Princess-related itinerary reporting:

• The Kauai call is canceled.
• Ruby Princess will remain overnight in Honolulu.
• Princess-booked Kauai shore excursions are automatically canceled and refunded.
• Other ports may still change if weather conditions require it.

I know itinerary changes can be frustrating. You may have spent months planning a specific beach day, waterfall tour, or scenic drive. I’ve been there, and it is disappointing when weather changes the plan.

But safety comes first. This is also a helpful reminder that cruise itineraries are not guarantees, especially during hurricane season.

Pro Tip: Protect the Entire Vacation, Not Just the Cruise

Travel insurance can help with certain covered disruptions, medical emergencies, delays, and unexpected expenses. It does not magically cover every canceled port, so always read the policy details.

Working with a travel agency for cruises can also make the process easier. If your itinerary changes, you have someone to help explain your options instead of sorting through a long automated website.

Royal Caribbean Names Legend of the Seas’ Godmother

Royal Caribbean has named retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson as the godmother of Legend of the Seas, the cruise line’s third Icon Class ship.

The naming ceremony is scheduled for Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event will recognize veterans, active-duty service members, and military families while welcoming the ship to its new U.S. home.

Gen. Robinson was the first woman to lead U.S. combatant forces and previously led NORAD and NORTHCOM. Her selection gives the ceremony a meaningful connection to service, leadership, and family.

After the ceremony, Legend of the Seas is expected to sail from Fort Lauderdale on:

• 6-night Western Caribbean cruises
• 8-night Southern Caribbean cruises
• Visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay on every sailing
• Southern Caribbean stops that may include Aruba and Curaçao

Royal Caribbean describes the ship as offering 28 dining options, seven pools, major entertainment, and high-energy attractions such as Crown’s Edge.

You can read the official Royal Caribbean announcement.

Fall Foliage Cruises Are Getting Started

The September 19 sailing of Holland America’s Zuiderdam is underway on a 7-night Canada & New England itinerary from Boston to Québec City.

This is a beautiful time of year to cruise the Northeast. The sailing includes ports such as:

• Halifax, Nova Scotia, including an overnight stay
• Sydney, Nova Scotia
• Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
• Scenic cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River
• Québec City

If you enjoy fall color, historic towns, seafood, and a slower pace, this route could be your jam. Holland America’s 2026 Canada & New England program includes itineraries ranging from 7 to 28 days. Details are available in Holland America’s Canada & New England planner.

Holland America is also continuing its ship evolution program. Oosterdam is scheduled to return with updates on October 31, 2027, adding refreshed public areas and features inspired by the line’s newer ships.

Norwegian Updates Its Fleet and Adds East Coast Options

Norwegian Sky has completed its final season with Norwegian Cruise Line and is moving to Cordelia Cruises, where it is expected to operate under the name Cordelia Sky.

That is a notable change for longtime NCL guests. Norwegian is moving toward newer, larger Prima-family ships, including Prima Plus vessels and upcoming ships such as Norwegian Aura.

At the same time, Norwegian Jewel is offering Canada & New England sailings from Philadelphia, creating a convenient homeport option for travelers along the East Coast. For some travelers, driving to Philadelphia may be easier than flying to Boston or New York.

And honestly? Homeport convenience can make a major difference in the real cost of a cruise. You may save on airfare, baggage fees, hotel nights, and rental cars.

Celebrity Compass Floats Out Ahead of 2027 River Debut

Celebrity Cruises has floated out Celebrity Compass, its first river cruise ship.

The 172-passenger vessel is scheduled to begin European river sailings in 2027. Celebrity says its river fleet is planned to grow to 20 ships by 2031.

This is exciting news if you like the idea of combining Celebrity’s polished style with smaller European river ports. The ship is expected to sail European rivers such as the Danube and Rhine, with a more intimate experience than a large ocean ship.

For travelers considering luxury Mediterranean cruises, Celebrity’s river expansion is another reason to compare a traditional ocean itinerary with a river vacation package. They are very different experiences:

• Ocean cruises offer larger ships, more entertainment, and sea days.
• River cruises dock closer to city centers.
• River itineraries often include more time in smaller European towns.
• Flights, hotels, transfers, and pre-cruise stays matter more than many travelers realize.

Princess Expands Japan, Alaska, and Long-Voyage Options

Princess Cruises is promoting a major 2027 Japan and Asia program with expanded departures and itineraries. Depending on how the broader Japan and Asia program is counted, Princess is advertising up to 85 departures across 52 itineraries.

The line is also expanding its Alaska presence and promoting long voyages, including the Grand Circle Pacific aboard Coral Princess.

For Japan travelers, Princess offers sailings timed around:

• Cherry blossoms
• Summer festivals
• Autumn colors
• Tokyo and Yokohama departures
• Japan and Southeast Asia combinations

You can review Princess’ 2027 Japan & Asia brochure.

One important booking reminder: Princess has moved most new 2027 bookings to a standardized 120-day final payment deadline. That means you should not wait until the old 90-day mark to plan your payment.

Princess is also scheduled to begin calls at Celebration Key with Star Princess on November 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Carnival’s Celebration Key pier expansion is complete.

Celebration Key Can Now Welcome Four Ships

Carnival Corporation has completed the pier expansion at Celebration Key on Grand Bahama.

The destination can now accommodate:

• Up to four ships at one time
• More than 13,000 guests per day
• Approximately 200 additional ship calls annually
• About 700,000 additional guest arrivals each year

Three- and four-ship days are expected to become routine starting in September 2026. Read the official Celebration Key announcement.

Fall Cruise Deals Worth Watching

Now for the savings. These promotions are capacity-controlled, and terms vary by ship, sailing date, cabin category, and guest count.

Costa Cruises: Fall into Savings

Costa’s promotion includes:

• Up to $500 off per person on select offers
• Up to $250 onboard credit per cabin
• More than 300 select sailings
• Departures from November 2026 through June 2027
• Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Canary Islands itineraries
• Booking deadline reported as October 3, 2026

See Costa’s current deals page and confirm the exact terms before booking.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is offering:

• 75% off the second guest
• Up to $650 in instant savings or onboard credit
• Select sailings of three nights or longer

The second-guest discount generally applies to the second guest in the same stateroom, and refundable fares may have different terms. Visit Celebrity’s special offers page.

MSC Cruises

MSC promotions may include:

• Up to $500 onboard credit
• Up to 30% off select fares through qualifying offers
• Kids Sail Free on some itineraries
• Caribbean departures from convenient U.S. ports

Because MSC’s percentage-off language changes frequently, check the official MSC promotion terms.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s current promotion includes:

• BOGO60, or 60% off the second guest
• Kids Sail Free on select sailings
• Free third and fourth guest offers on qualifying bookings
• Booking deadline of October 5, 2026

Taxes, fees, port expenses, blackout dates, and age restrictions may apply. Read the Royal Caribbean promotion terms.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian may offer shipboard credit on qualifying bookings made at least 120 days before departure. The exact amount depends on the promotion and sailing, so ask us to compare the full package rather than focusing only on the headline price.

Quick Value Check: Last-Minute Cruise Deals

Sample pricing this week shows:

• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises from approximately $499–$592 per person
• 7-night Canada & New England cruises from approximately $1,306 per person

These are starting examples, not guaranteed prices. Taxes, fees, gratuities, flights, transfers, and add-ons can change the final total.

Myth-busting moment: A $499 cruise is not automatically a $499 vacation. If you need affordable international flights, a hotel before sailing, a rental car, travel insurance, and drink or Wi-Fi packages, the total can look very different.

That is where we can help compare the whole trip, including vacation packages and cruise-and-land options.

Pro Tip: Let ITS Travel Services Compare the Details

Big travel websites are useful for browsing, but cruise bookings can get complicated fast. Cabin location, final payment dates, cancellation rules, travel protection, flights, transfers, and onboard packages all matter.

At ITS Travel Services in Flushing, Michigan, we help travelers throughout mid-Michigan compare cruise packages without the pressure.

If you are considering fall foliage, a Caribbean getaway, luxury Mediterranean cruises, Japan, Alaska, or last minute travel deals, contact ITS Travel Services. Tell us where you want to go, when you want to travel, and what kind of experience sounds like your jam.

We’ll start with a conversation and help you sort through the options.