Cruises

Bookings are now open for Zuiderdam’s first European voyages launching April 2, 2028, following the ship’s extensive modernization under Holland America Evolution. The new itineraries cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland.

Droughts have lowered Danube and Rhine river water levels to near-record lows in July 2026, forcing cruise lines to reroute and swap ships. Passengers face missed ports, extended bus transfers, and some embarkation changes.

Carnival Cruise Line has canceled nine Carnival Jubilee sailings departing from Galveston in 2027 due to itinerary changes. Passengers booked on these cruises should verify their reservations to avoid surprises.

Holland America Line has opened bookings for Zuiderdam's first European voyages after completing its Holland America Evolution upgrades. The ship will resume service on April 2, 2028, sailing Mediterranean routes and summer itineraries from Amsterdam to Northern Europe and Iceland.

Viking’s new 54,300-ton cruise ship will use liquid hydrogen fuel cells supplying about one-third of its propulsion power. The vessel will be refueled at ports using crane-loaded liquid hydrogen containers due to lack of pump infrastructure.

Extreme heatwaves and historic low water levels on the Danube, Rhine, and Main rivers have forced several European river cruise operators to cancel or modify itineraries in summer 2026. Cruises now feature earlier excursions, coach transfers, and ship swaps to manage navigation limitations and passenger comfort.

Carnival Cruise Line cancelled nine Carnival Jubilee sailings from Galveston between August and December 2027 due to revised operational plans. Passengers are offered rebooking with rate protection, onboard credit, or full refunds.

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled nine Carnival Jubilee sailings from Galveston scheduled between August and December 2027. Passengers are offered refunds or rebooking with onboard credit.

The first cruise ship powered partially by liquid hydrogen fuel cells was floated out at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard on March 19, 2026. It will refuel using containerized liquid hydrogen deliveries at ports due to the lack of bunkering infrastructure.

European river cruises face rising cancellations and itinerary changes in 2026 due to historic low water levels on major rivers and heatwaves with temperatures up to 40°C. Operators such as Avalon Waterways and Viking Cruises are adjusting routes and using flexible vessels to manage disruptions.