Scott's Cruises

09/03/2026

Holland America Line is giving us a sneak peek at what the reimagined Ocean Bar aboard Oosterdam will look like after its makeover which is part of their $500 million Holland America Evolution fleet upgrade program.

The redesigned space leans into classic ocean-liner style with Art Deco touches, refreshed lounge seating, a relocated bar and, most importantly, a new stage that expands the live entertainment lineup. Guests can expect everything from Vivace Strings and pianists to regional soloists and late-night cabaret.

Oosterdam is one of six Vista and Signature Class ships getting major updates under the Evolution program, which will also bring refreshed public spaces, new onboard offerings and additional staterooms and suites across the fleet.

09/03/2026

Heading out on MSC World America this weekend, here's a look at what upgrade bids are going for...

09/03/2026

Norwegian Prima is under CDC investigation after three former passengers were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. NCL says onboard testing has been negative so far, while hot tubs and heated balcony whirlpools remain closed as testing continues. Here's what we know and whether or not you should be concerned about cruising on the Prima.

More -> https://cruises.scottsanfilippo.com/norwegian-prima-legionnaires-disease-investigation-underway/

09/02/2026

Princess cruisers, pay attention before booking your next sailing. New booking rules mean higher deposits, final payment due 120 days before sailing and stricter cancellation penalties for new 2027 reservations. Here’s what changed and what you need to know before you book.

Article -> https://cruises.scottsanfilippo.com/princess-changes-booking-deposit-cancellation-rules-for-2027/

09/02/2026

Margaritaville at Sea is making some BIG changes to its Casino Players Club beginning October 1, 2026.

New tier requirements, separate Tier Points and Reward Points, expanded benefits, and a new 90-day expiration rule for Reward Points are all part of the overhaul.

We've added a full breakdown of what’s changing to the end of our casino program guide, and we'll update the entire article when the new program officially rolls out on October 1.

If you’ve been playing in Margaritaville’s casinos, this is one update you’ll want to read before your next cruise.

Article -> https://cruises.scottsanfilippo.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-margaritaville-at-sea-casino-program/

09/01/2026

Eight nearly identical cruise ships were built for Renaissance Cruises between 1998 and 2001. Then the cruise line collapsed.

More than 25 years later, every one of those ships is still around.

They've sailed for Princess, P&O, Pullmantur, Oceania, Azamara and even Carnival's short-lived Fathom brand. Some helped launch entirely new cruise lines, some changed names repeatedly, and several are still getting major renovations instead of heading for retirement.

Here's the surprisingly complicated history of the R-class ships, where all eight ended up, and how much longer they may keep sailing.

The strange history of the eight R-class cruise ships, from Renaissance Cruises to Oceania and Azamara, plus where each ship is today.

09/01/2026

Carnival Rewards is officially live and VIFP is history. If you opted in before the deadline, check your account today to make sure your status and cruise history transferred correctly. If you missed it, don’t assume you can still automatically carry over your legacy status. Here’s what Platinum and Diamond cruisers need to know.

Carnival Cruise Line News Carnival Rewards Is Live, and VIFP Is Officially History By Scott Sanfilippo · 09/01/2026 · 8 min read It actually happened. After more than a year of announcements, revisions, outrage, threats to jump ship, calls to boycott the program and plenty of longtime Carnival cru...

08/31/2026

It's official! Port of Philadelphia's new cruise port has finally opened.

If you’re sailing Norwegian Cruise Line from Philly, here’s what you need to know before you go, including the off-site parking setup, shuttle service, terminal location, ships and upcoming Bermuda, Canada and Caribbean cruises.

Cruise News Philadelphia Cruise Terminal Guide: Parking, Ships & Itineraries By Scott Sanfilippo · 08/31/2026 · 6 min read Philadelphia is officially back in the cruise business, and this time it has a permanent terminal to go along with it. Norwegian Cruise Line began sailing from Philadelphia ea...

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

Great news! Princess Cruises is adding RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay to select Caribbean itineraries beginning in November 2026.

Some ships may dock at the new two-ship pier, while others could still tender into the traditional Half Moon Cay side, and that could even affect where Princess Plus and Premier beverage benefits work ashore.

Here’s what Princess cruisers need to know before they go.

Cruise News Princess Cruises Adds Half Moon Cay to Caribbean Itineraries By Elena Marino · 08/29/2026 · 3 min read Princess Cruises is adding RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay to select Caribbean itineraries beginning in November 2026, giving passengers another Carnival Corporation private destination beyo...