USA – Cruise Week Report: Sudden Cancellations, Hidden Gems, Lawsuits, and More

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Welcome to Cruise Blog’s Weekly Roundup for the week of March 20, 2026! This week has brought a mix of exciting news and a few bumps in the road within the cruise industry. From unexpected cruise cancellations to hidden dining gems on Carnival ships and a lawsuit filed against Norwegian Cruise Line, there’s plenty to catch up on. Here’s everything you may have missed.

Major Cruise Line Cancels Planned Sailings, Upending Vacations: “This Is So Frustrating”

Royal Caribbean made a difficult announcement this week, letting passengers know that over two dozen sailings aboard the Freedom of the Seas ship have been canceled for the summer of 2027. The company framed the decision as part of an “ongoing itinerary planning process,” which sometimes requires adjustments based on scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs.

Many passengers were understandably frustrated by the news, especially after having spent months planning their vacations. One guest expressed their frustration, stating that it was very frustrating and that they had been looking forward to the trip for months. While Royal Caribbean apologized for the inconvenience, they reassured guests that the decision was made with careful consideration.

6 Best Hidden Gems to Order in Carnival’s Main Dining Room

Carnival’s main dining room is a fan favorite, but beyond the well-known dishes like strip steak and the famous chocolate melting cake, there are several lesser-known menu items that are worth seeking out. Carnival’s rotating nightly menu means there are plenty of opportunities to try something new.

If you’re cruising with Carnival, here are six hidden gems you should definitely add to your must-try list. What’s even better is that every dish on this list is included in the price of your cruise, so you can indulge without any extra cost. Whether you’re in the mood for something new or a fresh twist on a classic dish, the main dining room has something for everyone.

Cruise Line Drops All Visits to Popular Alaska Glacier This Year

For those looking to book a 2026 Alaska cruise, Holland America Line has made a notable change to its itinerary. All excursions to the Tracy Arm Fjord have been canceled for the season. The cruise line explained that the decision was made due to “operational considerations” related to the tour operator for the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer in Juneau, Alaska.

Although this may be a disappointing change for some, Holland America reassured guests that alternative excursions are available. Passengers are encouraged to check with the cruise line for updated itineraries and new sightseeing opportunities in Alaska.

Norwegian Sued Over Cruise Passenger’s Injury After Guest Slipped on Pool Deck

In other news, Norwegian Cruise Line is facing a personal injury lawsuit filed by a passenger, Donka Kennedy, who suffered a severe injury while aboard the Norwegian Escape ship. Kennedy alleges she slipped on a dangerous substance near the buffet in January 2025, which resulted in a left femur fracture. The injury required surgery and has caused ongoing physical and financial difficulties.

Kennedy is seeking compensation for surgical expenses, lost wages, disability, and emotional distress caused by the injury. This lawsuit highlights the importance of maintaining safe environments for passengers, especially in high-traffic areas like pool decks and buffets.

Who Owns Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises, a beloved name in the industry, is known for its upscale ships and world-class itineraries. But did you know that Princess is actually part of the world’s largest cruise operator? While Princess Cruises operates 17 ships, they are owned by a larger corporation that operates over 90 vessels globally. This corporate structure helps Princess offer diverse and high-quality cruise experiences for travelers across the globe.

Princess Cruises, once popularized by The Love Boat, continues to offer unforgettable cruises to destinations like Alaska, South America, and Asia.

6 Things I Always Do at the Cruise Ship Buffet to Have a Better Meal

Cruise ship buffets are known for offering a wide variety of options, but they can also be overwhelming for passengers who aren’t sure what to choose. Jenna, a cruise expert, shares her six top tips for making the most of the buffet experience. From avoiding peak hours to choosing freshly prepared dishes, Jenna’s advice helps cruisers navigate the buffet line like pros.

By following these simple strategies, you can enjoy better meals and avoid the stress of long lines or subpar choices. After all, buffets are a great way to sample a wide range of dishes, so why not get the best out of your experience?

Florida Governor Signs Bill Blocking New Tampa Cruise Port for Larger Ships

Tampa’s ambitions to accommodate larger cruise ships were dashed this week after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that blocks plans for a new cruise port in Manatee County. The proposed terminal would have been located near the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge and was set to welcome mega ships from major cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Although the new port would have been a game-changer for Tampa’s cruise industry, this new bill puts a stop to those plans. As cruise ships continue to grow in size, travelers will likely look to nearby ports like Miami or Fort Lauderdale for larger vessels, while Tampa will continue to cater to smaller ships.

Looking Ahead: Cruise Industry Faces Ongoing Challenges and Exciting New Developments

Despite the ongoing challenges, the cruise industry continues to evolve, adapting to changing regulations, passenger needs, and operational hurdles. This week’s headlines show that even when faced with cancellations and lawsuits, cruise lines are constantly finding new ways to enhance the experience for travelers. Whether it’s hidden dining gems on Carnival, changes to Alaska itineraries, or learning about the ownership structure of Princess Cruises, there’s always something to learn in the world of cruising.

As the industry continues to move forward, passengers can expect more exciting developments and new opportunities to explore the world by sea.