Welcome to Sunday’s cruise news and deals roundup. Storm-related itinerary changes are a reminder that plans at sea can shift, while new ship features and timely promotions give you plenty to look forward to. If you’re weighing a European sailing, a Gulf Coast departure, or Caribbean vacation deals, here’s what’s worth knowing today.
Cruise News
Storm Austen delays MSC Virtuosa and reshapes its itinerary
MSC Virtuosa was due to leave Southampton at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. With Storm Austen bringing strong winds across the English Channel, the 4,842-guest ship instead plans to depart at 7 p.m. Sunday.
The seven-night itinerary has changed, too. La Rochelle is cancelled for Monday, October 26, because of unsafe sea conditions. Bilbao on Tuesday and A Coruna on Wednesday remain scheduled, and Vigo has been added for Thursday, October 29, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Le Havre is cancelled Friday because planned strikes are expected to close the port. The ship is still scheduled to return to Southampton on October 31.
Pre-paid MSC excursions in La Rochelle and Le Havre will be cancelled and refunded to guests’ onboard accounts. Vigo tours can be booked through the MSC for Me app. MSC has also advised guests to avoid outer decks and balconies, use handrails, and expect that pools and some outdoor activities may temporarily close.
What it means for you: Late October weather can disrupt even a carefully planned European cruise. Keep an eye on your cruise line’s app and messages, and stay flexible if a port changes. Storm Austen has also affected MSC Preziosa, P&O’s Arvia and Iona, and Ambassador Ambition.
Royal Caribbean advised Odyssey guests about Naples demonstrations
Guests on Odyssey of the Seas received a notice ahead of the ship’s October 24 visit to Naples. Demonstrations were planned around Piazza Garibaldi, near Naples Central Railway Station and about a mile and a half from the cruise port.
Guests exploring on their own were advised to avoid that area in the afternoon and leave enough time to return before the ship’s 6 p.m. departure. Odyssey departed on schedule. Guests on excursions booked through Royal Caribbean had a guaranteed return to the ship.
The demonstrations also took place in other Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Florence. Odyssey’s October 25 departure begins a 14-night transatlantic sailing to Cape Liberty, New Jersey, before the ship spends winter sailing to Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. It is scheduled to return to Europe in April 2027.
Holland America plans new poolside stages for Oosterdam and Zuiderdam
Imagine live music by the pool, with a retractable glass roof overhead. Holland America plans dedicated Lido Pool bandstands on Oosterdam and Zuiderdam as part of its Holland America Evolution upgrades.
Oosterdam’s stage is expected to debut after its transformation in fall 2027, with Zuiderdam to follow. Programming is planned to range from solo musicians to full bands, including music tied to traditions such as the Orange Party. The roof helps keep performances going rain or shine.
Evolution is a refresh of six Vista and Signature Class ships, backed by more than $500 million. Oosterdam will also receive a redesigned Ocean Bar with Art Deco styling, a new performance stage, and a relocated bar. Holland America has said the program includes the Grand Dutch Cafe and new stateroom and suite categories, and bookings are open for post-transformation sailings.
Margaritaville at Sea gets a PortMiami berth agreement
Miami-Dade County has approved a preferential berthing agreement expected to bring Margaritaville at Sea to PortMiami, with the line’s first call scheduled for January 9, 2027. The initial term runs through April 30, 2031, with two optional five-year renewals.
The line’s largest ship, Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, is in refit and is planned to sail year-round from Miami on three- to eight-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. Its tropical-themed venues include the Beachcomber Bar and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar.
For travelers looking for affordable short Bahamas cruise deals, another Miami option could be welcome news. Margaritaville at Sea also plans weekly Friday sailings from Galveston starting in October 2027.
Carnival Spirit returns to Mobile for the winter season
Carnival Spirit returned to the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal on Saturday, October 24, opening the city’s winter cruise season through April 2027. It’s a Gulf Coast homeport option to consider if you’d rather avoid some of Florida’s larger cruise ports.
A few practical details if Mobile is your starting point:
- Regular vehicle parking at the terminal is $23 per day; RVs are $46 and buses are $69.
- The vehicle queue is at 22 Eslava Street, with gates opening at 10 a.m.
- The terminal address is 201 South Water Street; overflow parking is at the 100 Canal Street garage.
Starting May 15, 2027, the larger Carnival Valor is scheduled to take over with year-round Mobile service.
Quick cruise news briefs: Princess Cruises plans to reveal its full 2028–29 Australian summer program on October 28, with Crown Princess homeported in Melbourne; bookings open November 11, 2026. Carnival Firenze is due in Acapulco on October 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., during a 14-day Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach.
Cruise Deals
Royal Caribbean beverage sale: book by October 28
If you’ve been considering a drink package, this is the one to check first. Royal Caribbean’s flash sale runs October 21–28, 2026, for eligible sailings departing through September 30, 2027.
The offer is up to 45% off the Deluxe Beverage Package and up to 35% off Refreshment or Soda packages. Savings can vary by sailing, so compare the package price with what you expect to order before adding it.
There’s another deadline coming even sooner: Royal Caribbean instant savings of up to $800 per stateroom end Monday, October 26. On sailings of six nights or longer, the listed savings are $800 for suites, $300 for balcony rooms, and $225 for interior or oceanview rooms. On sailings of five nights or less, the amounts are $400, $200, and $125, respectively. The offer can be combined with Kids Sail Free and BOGO60.
Holland America’s $99 deposit: book by November 2
A reduced deposit can make planning ahead feel more manageable. Holland America is offering a $99 deposit for the first and second guests on select 2027 cruises and cruisetours to Europe, Alaska, and Canada & New England. The booking window runs through November 2, 2026. Grand Voyages and cruises of three days or less are excluded.
The deposit offer can be paired with the Have It All Early Booking Bonus, which includes the Elite Beverage Package, Premium Wi-Fi, prepaid Crew Appreciation, shore excursion credit, and specialty dining. Check the specific sailing for its included benefits and terms.
Princess 2028 Alaska early booking bonus
Already dreaming about Alaska? Princess has 185 departures and eight ships planned for its 2028 Alaska season. The early booking bonus includes up to $500 in instant savings and up to $500 onboard credit per stateroom, depending on sailing length and cabin category.
The offer also includes a free stateroom location upgrade, a $100 reduced deposit, and early access to dining reservations. Deposit deadlines extend into early 2027, so you have time to compare options, but popular dates and cabins can go sooner.
Other live offers to check
A few more deadlines to keep on your radar: Virgin Voyages’ Weeklong Sailor Loot offer runs through October 29, with up to $300 per cabin on select weeklong sailings; Norwegian’s 50% off eligible cruise fares and Carnival’s Getaway Sale both end Monday, October 26. Carnival’s October Savings Sale (code PB4) runs through October 31. Explora Journeys’ Mediterranean sale offers up to 40% savings through October 28; MSC advertises up to 35% off plus Kids Sail Free through November 3; Margaritaville at Sea’s Black Friday Early Access offer runs through November 3; and Oceania’s Fall Sales Event (code HOLD) runs through November 3. Celebrity’s Fall Sale and Princess Fall Savings run through November 5, while Crystal’s Sail & Save offer runs through November 9. Terms and eligible sailings vary.
Pro Tip: Booking through a travel agency can save you time comparing cruise fares, cabins, package inclusions, and vacation packages. At ITS Travel Services, we can help you sort through the details and find an option that fits what you want from your trip, not just the headline offer. A sale price is only useful when the sailing and inclusions work for you.
If you’re in Flushing, Michigan, and wondering which cruise or Caribbean vacation deal is worth a closer look, let’s talk it through. Contact ITS Travel Services when you’re ready, no pressure, just a friendly conversation about your next trip.