Cruise Critic (U.S.)

Norwegian Cruise Line opened its nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay to guests in September 2026, and, on behalf of Cruise Critic, I was among a small group of journalists invited to check it out before everyone else. Thinking of a cruise with Great Stirrup Cay on the itinerary? I snapped a bunch of photos while I was there. Here’s what you can expect at Great Tides Waterpark.

No cruise line pushes the boundaries of innovation quite like Royal Caribbean. The adventurous-spirited, family-friendly cruise line has long led the way in industry firsts, pioneering attractions such as rock-climbing walls and zip-lining, cutting-edge designs like cabins with virtual balconies, and even mega ships – including the largest in the world.

"The Odyssey" – Christopher Nolan's 2026 blockbuster flick, based on Homer's epic poem of the same name – is a bittersweet intermingling of Greek mythology and the golden rule. Fittingly, it was shot in several places throughout Greece, but its filming locations span several other countries, too.

The Mediterranean is one of the world's most popular cruise regions and a gateway to ancient civilizations, colorful cities, scenic coastlines and idyllic islands. Covering nearly one million square miles, the western Mediterranean takes in the chic Italian and French rivieras and countries such as Morocco, Spain and France, while eastern itineraries cover the Greek islands, Turkey, Cyprus and more. Almost every cruise line has ships sailing the Mediterranean throughout the year.

Contributor Sharon Waugh leading a solo social on NCL ship (Photo: Sharon Waugh) During my five years as cruise staff for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), part of my role included hosting solo-cruiser socials. There, I witnessed hundreds of cruisers attend meet-ups. Some were hoping to make friends, some looking for romance, and others just for a dinner companion. I've learned that your first cruise on your own can be daunting, yet mostly liberating and empowering.

Kristen Adaway at Shakes Lake in Wrangell, Alaska (Photo: Kristen Adaway) Choosing smaller Alaska ports reduced crowds, sometimes leaving the ship as the only vessel in town and eliminating gangway lines. Skipping Glacier Bay still left a strong glacier day, since Hubbard Glacier is large, active, and often calves ice nearby. Excursions in places like Klawock and Wrangell focused on local experiences, including native totem parks, river dining, and a Stikine River jet boat trip.

(8:40 a.m. EDT) —  Oceania Cruises has floated out its newest ship, Oceania Sonata, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The company’s first of five planned Sonata Class vessels has now moved from dry dock to the fitting-out berth, where interior work will continue ahead of the ship’s debut in August 2027. Paolo Novarino, Oceania’s senior director and project owner, attended the ceremony, alongside Fincantieri leadership.

Passengers onboard Margaritaville Paradise (Photo: Margaritaville at Sea) Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are now in their 30s and 40s, and most members of Generation Z (born between 1997 to 2012) are adults, too, with the youngest of them heading off to college themselves in just a few short years. They're no longer children, which means they're the ones calling the shots when it comes to vacations, and many young travelers are turning to cruises for their value and logistical ease.

A passenger admires sunset aboard Viking Mississippi (Photo: Aaron Saunders) The United States is home to an impressive network of rivers showcasing the country's diverse landscapes, history and culture – and luckily, there are river cruises explore them. U.S. river cruises offer the convenience of exploring close to home without long-haul flights for North American travelers. For international visitors, witnessing America's rivers up close holds its own allure.

Yachts in Monaco for the Grand Prix (Photo: Chris Gray Faust) Picture this: you’ve just witnessed a major sporting event, natural phenomenon or major party, but instead of fighting crowds to find a restaurant and then your hotel, you simply board a cruise ship and everything you need is right there onboard. While it might sound like a dream, it’s actually a reality for some of the biggest world events coming up through 2028.