Dateline: Wednesday, November 4, 2026. It’s a busy day for cruise news, and a good one to check your calendar for savings. From Princess Cruises’ sale ending tomorrow to Cunard’s Black Friday event opening November 10, there are several deadlines worth knowing before you book.
Cruise News
MSC Poesia detained in Miami; November 1 cruise canceled
The U.S. Coast Guard detained MSC Poesia at PortMiami on November 1 during a port state control inspection. The inspection found deficiencies with systems onboard, according to the Coast Guard’s announcement.
MSC canceled the ship’s planned 11-night Caribbean sailing on November 3, affecting more than 2,000 guests. The cruise line is offering a full refund of the cruise fare and a future cruise credit equal to 100% of the fare paid. Guests must confirm a new booking by November 2, 2027 to use the credit.
Guests were able to stay onboard until November 5, with complimentary WiFi and help arranging new plans. MSC’s next scheduled departure for the ship is a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on November 12. The line’s plans depend on the ship being cleared to sail.
If you’re booked on an upcoming departure, check directly with MSC for the latest status and any updates to your reservation.
MSC World Asia is one month from its Mediterranean debut
MSC World Asia is scheduled to welcome its first guests on December 4, sailing seven-night Mediterranean itineraries. The route includes Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples, Messina and Valletta. The ship’s naming ceremony is scheduled for Le Havre on November 28.
The new flagship has plenty of “wow moments” in store, from its 81.3-meter dry slide spanning 12 decks to Cliffhanger, an over-water swing 50 meters above the ocean. The ship will also feature 144 MSC Yacht Club suites across seven categories and more than 40 bars and dining venues.
Food lovers, take note: MSC says the ship will have Europe’s first Eataly at sea and the largest Venchi experience at sea, spanning 300 square meters and offering 20 gelato flavors. There’s also an onboard microbrewery making MSC beers with desalinated seawater, including Oceanic Pils.
The ship is slated to head to the Southern Caribbean in winter 2027/28, with seven- and 14-night options. Read MSC’s November 4 announcement for more details.
Villa Vie Odyssey leaves Cambodia without residents
The residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey departed Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on November 4, heading for Singapore without its residents onboard. Reports say lender Ness, Risan & Partners has taken control of the ship, and residents had to disembark and leave belongings behind.
A possible auction in Singapore has been reported if no resolution is reached, while Villa Vie is seeking a restructuring over the next 30 to 90 days. The ship’s next steps remain uncertain. CBS News has more on the departure and the residents’ experience.
Carnival brings Cat in the Hat fun to 23 ships
To celebrate the November 6 theatrical release of The Cat in the Hat, Carnival is bringing themed activities to 23 ships for two weeks around the premiere. Planned fun includes giant inflatable hats, movie-themed parties, themed stateroom deliveries, Build-A-Bear workshops and Camp Ocean activities.
Carnival is also expanding its Seuss at Sea program with new Seuss-a-palooza Game Time and Family Time activities. Availability varies by ship and sailing, so check your cruise schedule before promising the kids a specific activity. Details are in Carnival’s announcement.
Holland America marks 80 years in Alaska with its 2027 season
Holland America’s 2027 Alaska season runs from April through September, with six ships sailing from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier. A new eight-day Inside Passage itinerary roundtrip from Vancouver calls at Glacier Bay, Skagway, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert.
The 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise also returns on Noordam, departing June 6. Other options include Great Bear Rainforest itineraries, and the Denali Lodge expansion will add 72 rooms along with renovated public spaces and a refreshed Grizzly Grind coffee shop. You can see more in Holland America’s 80th Alaska anniversary announcement.
Cruise Deals
Cunard Black Friday Sales Event: November 10–December 7
Cunard’s sale covers 161 voyages, with fares from $999, savings of up to 40% off launch fares, onboard credit and a reduced refundable deposit of 10%. Eligible Grill Suite bookings can receive prepaid hotel charges using code HG2; the main sale uses code RD1.
The booking window is November 10 through December 7, 2026. This is separate from Cunard’s 2028–29 program of 93 voyages, which opens for general sale today, November 4, with a 10% early-booking saving on eligible U.S. bookings through December 16. Compare the terms for each offer before choosing.
Royal Caribbean Family Escapes: book by December 10
Royal Caribbean’s Family Escapes offer runs November 3–December 10 for sailings departing November 4, 2026–August 28, 2028. It advertises 30% off all guests, a 60% discount for the second guest, and free fares for children 12 and under on select cruises of three nights or more.
There’s also up to $750 in bonus instant savings, but only on bookings made November 3–5, so that extra offer expires tomorrow, November 5. Free third- and fourth-guest fares apply to select sailings through August 20, 2027. See the offer details and restrictions.
Princess Cruises Fall into Savings: ends November 5
Princess Cruises is advertising up to 45% off fares, up to $450 in instant savings per stateroom, $99 deposits and free third- and fourth-guest fares on select voyages. This offer ends Thursday, November 5. Taxes and fees apply to free-guest offers, and savings can vary by cruise length and stateroom. Check Princess’s current sale.
Norwegian Cruise Line Latitudes early access: November 5–11
For Latitudes Rewards members, Norwegian Cruise Line’s early-access window runs November 5–11. The offer includes 50% off cruises plus Free at Sea benefits on 2027 sailings, with bonus Latitudes points on select sailings. Log in to My NCL with your Latitudes number to access the member offer. NCL’s public 50%-off-plus-Free-at-Sea sale is also listed through December 1; check NCL’s offers for current terms.
Holland America Black Friday Early Access: register by November 10
Holland America says travelers can register at hollandamerica.com by November 10 for early booking access from November 11–17. The public sale begins November 18. Check the line’s site for offer details and eligible sailings as the sale opens.
Crystal Sail & Save: book by November 9
Crystal’s Sail & Save offer advertises up to $5,000 in savings per room or suite, plus $500 onboard credit on more than 200 cruises. Book by November 9. Fares and savings vary; review Crystal’s offer for details.
MSC Cruises three-phase Black Friday event
MSC Cruises’ promotion offers up to 30% off fares and up to 20% off select MSC Yacht Club fares, across three booking phases:
- Phase 1: Book October 30–November 12 for departures November 1, 2026–April 30, 2027.
- Phase 2: Book November 13–29 for departures May–October 2027.
- Cyber Week: Book November 30–December 8 for departures November 2027–April 2028.
The eligible departure dates change by phase, so check the terms for your preferred sailing.
Other live offers to check: Celebrity’s Fall Sale and Royal Caribbean’s Deal Drop Sale both end November 5. Celebrity’s Black Friday sale runs November 6–December 7, with advertised savings and guest offers on select bookings. NCL’s public 50%-off sale is listed through December 1. Cunard’s separate 2028–29 general sale opens today, November 4, with eligible U.S. early-booking savings through December 16. Availability, prices and terms can change, so confirm the details before booking.
Pro Tip: A cruise fare is only one part of the trip. I can help you compare the total plan (including flights, hotels, transfers and shore excursions) so you’re not juggling separate bookings and fine print on your own. At ITS Travel Services, we help with cruises and custom vacation packages, and our Flushing, Michigan roots keep us connected to travelers right here in the community.
And honestly, you don’t have to have your whole vacation figured out before asking a question. If you’re testing the waters on a last minute cruise deal or planning a bigger trip, start a conversation with us.