Fall is a great time to start planning your next cruise. The weather is cooling down, the holidays are around the corner, and cruise lines are releasing exciting news for 2027, 2028, and beyond.
If you’re looking for the best cruise deals 2026, today’s news has plenty to explore, from a brand-new Disney ship and Holland America savings to an award-winning Princess vessel and new Norwegian plans.
And honestly? This is exactly when having a clear vacation plan can help. Whether you’re dreaming about Caribbean vacation deals, Alaska, family travel, or luxury Mediterranean cruises, booking early can give you more choices and less stress.
Here’s what’s trending today.
Disney Believe Reveal: A New Wish-Class Ship Is Coming (and the Big Details Arrive Today)
Disney Cruise Line is getting ready to reveal major details about the Disney Believe, the next Wish-class ship scheduled to enter service in late 2027.
The livestream is set for today, October 7, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Disney is expected to announce the ship’s homeport, itineraries, onboard venues, and entertainment plans.
That’s a big deal for families who like to plan ahead.
The Disney Believe follows the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. Early previews point to story-driven spaces inspired by beloved Disney films, including:
- Encanto
- Frozen
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Moana
- The Little Mermaid
The ship’s Grand Hall will be inspired by Moana, with a statue of Moana, Pua, and Heihei serving as a centerpiece. Woody and Buzz Lightyear will appear on the stern, while Tinker Bell will be featured on the bow.
For families, a Disney cruise can be much more than a sailing. It can be part of a larger vacation package that includes Walt Disney World, hotels, flights, transfers, and even rental cars.
If you’re planning from Detroit, Flint, or anywhere else in Michigan, we can help you compare a cruise-only vacation with a complete Disney package. That way, you can see the full cost before you get too far into the planning process.
Pro Tip: If your family is interested in Disney Believe, start watching availability as soon as itineraries are released. New ships often attract strong early interest, especially for school-break travel.
Holland America Adds Arcadia in 2029 (and Alaska Fans Have More to Look Forward To)
Holland America Line announced that it will expand to 12 ships in 2029 with the addition of Arcadia, a Vista Class vessel transferring from P&O Cruises.
Arcadia shares the same basic Vista Class platform as Holland America ships including Oosterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam. The addition is expected to increase Holland America’s capacity by more than 2,000 guests.
The line says further details about Arcadia’s design, venues, and deployment will be announced later. Holland America is also continuing its broader Evolution program, which is adding updated restaurants, lounges, accommodations, and guest spaces across parts of the fleet.
This is especially interesting for travelers who want a ship that feels spacious and comfortable without being enormous. Holland America’s mid-sized ships are popular with couples, multigenerational families, and travelers who enjoy destination-focused cruising.
The line also just wrapped up a successful 2026 Alaska season and is preparing to celebrate 80 years of Alaska cruising in 2027. If Alaska is on your travel wish list, this anniversary year could bring special programming and strong demand.
Holland America’s Save on Sunshine Promotion
Holland America is also promoting its Save on Sunshine offer for select 2026–2027 departures.
The promotion includes:
- Up to 40% off select cruises
- Eligible sailings to warm-weather destinations
- Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, Hawaii, and other itineraries
- Bookings available through December 31, 2026
- Exclusions for Grand Voyages and cruises of three days or less
This could be a good opportunity if you’re looking for winter sun without waiting until the last minute. However, available sailings, stateroom categories, and pricing can change quickly.
You can review the current Holland America Save on Sunshine offer, then let us help you compare the options.
Zaandam Itinerary Change Shows Why Cruise Support Matters
Holland America also revised the itinerary for the Zaandam’s October 15, 2026, Hawaii and South Pacific sailing.
The scheduled Tabuaeran stop has been canceled, and port times in French Polynesia have shifted. It’s a reminder that cruise itineraries can change for operational, weather, safety, or scheduling reasons.
I know itinerary changes can be frustrating. You may have researched a port, reserved an excursion, or planned your vacation around a particular day.
Here’s the thing: when you book through a travel agency for cruises, you don’t have to figure out every change alone.
We can help you understand:
- Which ports or times changed
- Whether a shore excursion still works
- If your hotel or flight plans need adjusting
- What the cruise line is offering affected guests
- Whether another sailing may fit your plans better
That personal support is one of the biggest differences between working with an advisor and booking through a cold, automated website.
Princess Sun Princess Wins Again, and New Savings Are Available
Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess has won its third consecutive #1 Mega Cruise Ship award in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards from Condé Nast Traveler.
The award follows wins in 2024 and 2025. Sun Princess is part of Princess Cruises’ newer Sphere Class and offers large ocean-view spaces, specialty dining, entertainment, and updated accommodations.
Popular features include The Dome, the Piazza, Princess Arena, and a wide range of dining venues. The ship sails a variety of itineraries, including Mediterranean and Caribbean routes.
That combination makes Sun Princess worth a look if you want the features of a larger ship but still appreciate Princess’ more traditional service style. You can learn more about Sun Princess before we compare sailing dates and staterooms.
Princess also has a limited-time offer running through November 5, 2026, with:
- Up to 40% off select sailings
- Up to $400–$600 in instant savings
- Savings applied to the first two guests
- Discounts that vary by stateroom category and voyage length
If you’re comparing Caribbean vacation deals or considering a Mediterranean sailing, this is worth checking before the offer ends. As always, terms, availability, and qualifying sailings apply.
Norwegian Cruise Line Keeps Moving Toward Bigger Prima-Family Ships
Norwegian Cruise Line is placing more attention on its larger Prima-family vessels, including the upcoming Norwegian Aura.
Norwegian Aura is expected to begin sailing in 2027, with Mediterranean itineraries before moving into Caribbean service from Miami. That makes it a ship to watch if you enjoy Norwegian’s flexible dining, casual atmosphere, and resort-style onboard experience.
For travelers comparing ships, the important question is simple: do you prefer a bigger ship with more venues, or a smaller ship with a quieter feel? We can help you sort through that difference before you book.
Quick Hits: More Cruise News to Watch
- Royal Caribbean: Two early Hero of the Seas sailings have been added for August 2027, with bookings open now. The new departures come before the ship’s previously announced maiden voyage.
- Silversea: The luxury line has released 103 new sailings for 2028–2029, covering 219 destinations in 56 countries, including new culinary-focused itineraries and a 75-night South America voyage.
- Carnival: Carnival Adventure is scheduled to make its U.S. debut from Seattle in 2028, offering Alaska sailings and a longer Hawaii itinerary.
- Mediterranean planning: Silversea’s new collection includes memorable luxury Mediterranean cruises built around Venice Carnival, New Year’s Eve in Madeira, Italian wine regions, and overnight port stays.
Pro Tip: What Happens If the Price Drops or a Port Changes?
This is one of the questions everyone asks: “What does a travel advisor actually do after I book?”
A good advisor continues helping after the reservation is made.
If the cruise line changes a port, shifts a schedule, or announces a new promotion, we can review your booking and explain what may apply. Depending on the cruise line’s rules and your fare conditions, there may be options to adjust, reprice, upgrade, or add value.
It’s not magic, and every cruise line has its own policies. But you have someone who knows where to look and what questions to ask.
That can save you hours of searching, and help you avoid missing a deadline.
Ready to Start Planning?
Whether you’re testing the waters with a short getaway, searching for last minute travel deals, or building a complete vacation with hotels, flights, rental cars, and excursions, we’re here to help.
We can also help compare affordable international flights, cruise packages, and custom vacation packages based on your budget and travel style.
Visit the ITS Travel Services blog, learn more about our services, or contact us to start a conversation.
No pressure. No hard sell. Just tell us where you’re thinking about going, and we’ll help you see what may fit.