Princess Cays Is Disappearing, Royal Caribbean Adds New Bidding Options & More Cruise News
Princess Cruises is removing Princess Cays from future itineraries. Royal Caribbean is expanding RoyalUp beyond cabin upgrades. Norwegian Cruise Line has opened a new cruise terminal in Philadelphia and issued an important health notice for some Norwegian Prima guests.
There was a lot happening in the cruise industry this week, and several of these stories could directly affect where you cruise, what you pay, what you receive with your cruise fare, and how you book your next vacation.
In this week’s edition of The Wake Report, I break down the cruise news that matters most to travelers—including a surprising change to Princess Cruises’ private destination lineup, new ways Royal Caribbean guests may be able to bid on vacation experiences, changes at Norwegian Cruise Line, and a few cruise tips you may not know about.
🎥 Watch this week’s Wake Report here:
In This Week’s Cruise News
- Princess Cruises removes Princess Cays from future itineraries
- Why the replacement private destinations could change your cruise experience—and your onboard budget
- Norwegian Cruise Line opens a new cruise terminal in Philadelphia
- NCL changes its specialty dining benefit
- An important health notice involving Norwegian Prima
- Royal Caribbean expands RoyalUp to include premium experiences
- Royal Caribbean makes NextCruise available through the app
- Oceania Cruises expands enrichment programming in 2027
- How Princess Cruises and Holland America standby programs work
- AARP no longer offers Celebrity Cruises certificates
Princess Cruises Is Removing Princess Cays From Future Itineraries
One of the biggest cruise news stories this week involves Princess Cays, Princess Cruises’ longtime private destination on Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
Beginning with future itineraries scheduled from November 2026, Princess Cays is no longer appearing as a scheduled port of call on published Princess Cruises itineraries.
Instead, affected sailings are being redirected to other Carnival Corporation private destinations, including:
- RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
- Celebration Key
What makes this story particularly interesting is that Princess Cruises has not publicly announced a reason for the change.
That means there is still a lot we don’t know.
Is Princess Cays closing permanently?
Is the destination being redeveloped?
Could Princess Cruises eventually return?
Right now, there has not been a public explanation from Princess answering those questions.
Why a Private Destination Change Matters to Cruisers
It can be tempting to look at an itinerary change and think:
“It’s still a private beach day in the Bahamas. What’s the difference?”
But private destinations are not interchangeable.
Each destination has its own:
- Included amenities
- Food and beverage options
- Excursions
- Cabanas and premium experiences
- Beach areas
- Accessibility
- Wi-Fi availability
- Drink package policies
That last point can be especially important.
A beverage package that works at one cruise line’s private destination may not necessarily work at another destination—even if both are owned by the same parent company.
The Bottom Line
If your cruise itinerary changes, don’t simply look at the replacement port and assume nothing else has changed.
Take a few minutes to research:
What is included? What costs extra? And will your existing cruise packages still apply?
Those details can affect both your vacation experience and your vacation budget.
Norwegian Cruise Line Brings Cruising Back to Philadelphia
Norwegian Cruise Line also had a busy week.
Philadelphia has officially opened a new permanent cruise terminal, marking a major development for cruisers in the Northeast.
For years, Philadelphia cruisers often had to travel to other regional ports—or deal with temporary cruise facilities.
The new terminal gives Norwegian Cruise Line a permanent homeport in the city.
Why Philadelphia Cruising Could Be a Big Deal
For travelers who live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and surrounding areas, a cruise from Philadelphia could potentially eliminate one of the biggest expenses associated with a vacation:
Flying.
When comparing cruises, travelers often focus heavily on the cruise fare itself.
But the real cost of a cruise vacation can also include:
- Airfare
- Hotels
- Airport parking
- Transportation
- Baggage fees
- Meals before and after the cruise
A slightly more expensive cruise fare can sometimes be the better value if you can drive to the ship instead of flying.
The return of regular cruise departures from Philadelphia gives Northeast cruisers another option when comparing future vacations.
NCL Makes a Change to Its Specialty Dining Benefit
Another Norwegian Cruise Line update could be particularly important for families and groups sharing a cabin.
NCL has made a change to its specialty dining benefit associated with eligible promotions.
Previously, the specialty dining benefit was primarily focused on the first two guests in a stateroom.
Now, additional guests may also be eligible under the updated program rules.
The specific benefit can depend on the promotion attached to your reservation and the ages of the guests traveling, so it is important to review the terms associated with your particular booking.
Important Norwegian Prima Health Notice
Norwegian Cruise Line has also been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease involving passengers who previously sailed on Norwegian Prima.
NCL notified guests and travel partners that three reported cases involved passengers who sailed on the ship in May and July 2026.
The investigation is ongoing.
According to Norwegian Cruise Line, testing has included water-related devices and fixtures onboard, including areas such as hot tubs, showers and faucets. At the time of the notice, NCL stated that testing conducted so far had been negative and that it was not known whether the affected guests were exposed through the ship’s water system or another source.
What Is Important to Remember
It is important not to jump to conclusions.
The investigation has not established that Norwegian Prima was the source of exposure.
However, guests who sailed on the ship and develop symptoms associated with Legionnaires’ disease within the timeframe described in the notice should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about their recent travel.
Symptoms can include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
Certain individuals may be at greater risk, including older adults, current or former smokers, people with chronic lung conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.
If you are sailing on Norwegian Prima or recently sailed on the ship, review the information provided directly by Norwegian Cruise Line and follow the guidance of your healthcare provider regarding your individual circumstances.
The most important takeaway is simple:
Stay informed—but don’t panic or speculate while the investigation is ongoing.
Royal Caribbean Is Expanding RoyalUp Beyond Cabin Upgrades
For years, Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp program has allowed eligible guests to submit offers for upgraded stateroom categories.
You might book an interior cabin and receive an invitation to bid for:
- An oceanview cabin
- A balcony
- A suite
Now, Royal Caribbean is expanding the concept beyond the cabin.
Eligible guests may receive invitations to bid on premium vacation experiences.
Depending on the sailing and destination, those experiences can include things such as:
- Cabanas
- Daybeds
- Beach beds
- Casitas
- Private destination experiences
- Select onboard experiences
How Does Bidding on Cruise Experiences Work?
Royal Caribbean’s process is different from a traditional public auction.
You don’t see what other guests are bidding.
Instead:
- Eligible guests may receive an invitation.
- Guests submit an offer.
- Royal Caribbean reviews the offers.
- The cruise line may accept or reject the offer.
- Accepted offers are charged according to the applicable terms.
Receiving an invitation does not guarantee that your offer will be accepted.
And if an offer is accepted, cancellation and refund options may be limited.
That means you should understand exactly what you’re agreeing to before submitting a bid.
Would you rather see a fixed price and decide whether something is worth it—or would you rather have the opportunity to bid?
There is no right answer.
But as cruise lines continue creating more ways to personalize—and monetize—our vacations, it is worth thinking about how those options influence what we spend.
Royal Caribbean NextCruise Moves Into the App
Royal Caribbean is also making it easier to plan your next vacation while you’re still onboard your current one.
The cruise line’s NextCruise experience is increasingly moving into the Royal Caribbean app.
Traditionally, guests interested in booking another cruise while onboard would visit the NextCruise desk.
The app-based experience can make it easier to browse future sailings and take advantage of applicable onboard booking offers without interrupting your vacation to visit the desk.
Depending on the offer, booking onboard may provide benefits such as:
- Reduced deposits
- Onboard savings
- Booking flexibility
Convenience Is Great—But Don’t Forget to Compare Your Options
Being able to book a future cruise from your phone is certainly convenient.
But convenience should not replace research.
Before booking, consider:
- Is this the right itinerary for you?
- Is this the best cabin category?
- Are there other sailings with better pricing?
- Are there promotions available and is my deposit refundable?
- Will your booking include the same benefits if you transfer it to your travel advisor, where permitted?
Technology is making cruise booking easier than ever.
But an easier booking process does not automatically mean the cruise itself is the best choice for your needs.
Oceania Cruises Expands Onboard Enrichment for 2027
One of my favorite stories this week comes from Oceania Cruises.
Beginning in 2027, Oceania plans to expand its onboard enrichment programming across the fleet.
Every sailing is expected to include dedicated speakers focusing on subjects such as:
- History
- Heritage
- Culture
- Destinations
Longer cruises will include additional opportunities for special-interest programming.
Topics may include:
- Astronomy
- Sports
- Artificial intelligence
- Technology
- Health
- Longevity
And sailings with multiple sea days may feature activities such as:
- American Mah Jongg
- Bridge instruction
- Creative workshops
- Wellness programming
- Other special-interest experiences
Not Every Cruise Improvement Needs a Waterslide
Cruise ships often make headlines when they add:
- Bigger pools
- New waterslides
- Go-kart tracks
- Entertainment venues
But not every cruiser is looking for more thrills.
For many travelers, especially on longer and more destination-focused cruises, sea days are an opportunity to learn something new.
A lecture about a destination.
A conversation with an expert.
Learning a new game.
Trying a creative activity.
These experiences can make the time between ports just as meaningful as the destinations themselves.
Oceania’s expanded enrichment program reflects a growing interest in cruises that offer more than entertainment.
For some travelers, learning is part of the vacation experience.
Did You Know? Princess and Holland America Offer Standby Cruise Programs
Here’s a cruise tip that many travelers may not know about.
Both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line offer standby programs.
But before you imagine showing up at the cruise terminal with a suitcase and hoping someone has an empty cabin, that’s not exactly how it works.
How Cruise Standby Programs Work
Standby programs are designed for travelers who are willing to be flexible.
Depending on the cruise line and sailing, you may:
- Sign up for an eligible sailing
- Pay according to the standby program requirements and cabin category
- Wait to see whether a cabin becomes available
- Receive a cabin assignment if you are confirmed
There are several important things to understand before signing up.
You May Not Choose Your Cabin
Standby guests generally do not have the same ability to select their specific stateroom.
The cruise line assigns the available cabin.
You Need to Be Flexible
You must be prepared for the possibility that you may not be confirmed.
This is not the same as a standard cruise reservation.
Read the Cancellation and Refund Rules Carefully
The rules are especially important.
If the cruise line does not confirm you, there are policies regarding refunds.
However, if you are confirmed and later decide that you don’t want to go, you may not have the same flexibility you would have with a traditional cruise booking.
Who Is Cruise Standby Best For?
Standby cruising may be particularly appealing to:
- Retired travelers
- Remote workers with flexible schedules
- Travelers who live near a cruise port
- People who don’t care about choosing their exact cabin
- Cruisers who can make last-minute travel arrangements
It is probably not ideal for someone who needs to coordinate:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Time off from work
- Childcare
- Multiple travelers with complicated schedules
The potential value of standby cruising is flexibility—but the flexibility is largely required from you.
Always read the full terms before putting money toward a standby sailing.
AARP No Longer Offers Celebrity Cruises Certificates
Finally, a quick update for cruisers who have used AARP Rewards as part of their cruise savings strategy.
Celebrity Cruises certificates are no longer listed among the cruise gift card options currently available through AARP Rewards.
Royal Caribbean certificates remain available through the program based on current offerings, although AARP promotions and available gift cards can change over time.
This is worth paying attention to because some Celebrity cruisers used these certificates as a way to reduce the overall cost of their cruise vacation.
If you have used this strategy before, don’t assume it will still be available for your next Celebrity cruise.
Always check the current AARP Rewards offerings before building that discount into your vacation budget.
Related Cruise Articles and Videos
More from Grab Your Bags Travel:
