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15 December 2025

By Publisher Ray Carmen | December 2025  

The Caribbean cruise scene continues to evolve with exciting new itineraries, ship deployments, port reopenings, and industry‑wide shifts shaping the region’s maritime travel landscape. Here’s the latest news that matters to cruisers, industry insiders, and Caribbean tourism alike:

New Ships & Expanded Itineraries

• Royal Caribbean reveals expanded 2027‑28 Caribbean cruises, adding more sailings and destinations for the peak season — including the fleet‑amplified Allure of the Seas and the new Legend of the Seas. This move reinforces the region’s appeal for long‑term cruise planning.  

• MSC Cruises launches a fresh 7‑day Caribbean itinerary with a recently dry‑docked 19‑deck ship offering more time at port and just one sea day — ideal for travellers eager to explore islands without long stretches at sea.  

• Royal Caribbean returns to Jamaica’s Falmouth port, signalling renewed confidence in Caribbean operations and the ongoing recovery of cruise tourism after Hurricane Melissa’s disruption.

Onboard Experiences & Guest Highlights

• Royal Caribbean is rolling out exclusive rare bourbons on select Oasis‑class ships — a premium offering that underscores how cruise lines are enhancing guest experiences at sea.  

Safety & Passenger Incidents

• A tragic case involving a passenger who died after being served excessive drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise has drawn legal attention and scrutiny over onboard alcohol service policies.  

In Depth: Ongoing Industry Developments

Port Reopenings & Recovery

Jamaica’s major cruise ports — including Falmouth, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Royal — have reopened for full service in December 2025 following months of recovery work after Hurricane Melissa. Local tourism officials emphasize this milestone as a key step in revitalising cruise‑based tourism and economic activity.  

Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess was the first major ship back in Falmouth on December 2, 2025, signalling confidence in the destination’s infrastructure and future cruise visitor flows.  

Regional Itineraries & Safety Adjustments

While tourism rebounds in many areas, cruise lines continue to adjust operations based on safety and political conditions:

• Royal Caribbean has extended the suspension of calls to Labadee, Haiti, through at least April 2026 due to ongoing unrest. This affects several ships’ Western Caribbean itineraries and has led to alternative port calls being incorporated. 

Looking Forward: 2027‑28 Caribbean Cruise Season

Cruise lines across the board are positioning for a major Caribbean push in upcoming seasons:

• Royal Caribbean plans to offer year‑round Caribbean and Bahamas sailings from multiple U.S. homeports starting 2027‑28, broadening access to island destinations.  

• Celebrity Cruises unveils a rich 2027‑28 schedule with expanded routes and more port calls — underscoring the sustained demand for Caribbean itineraries.  

• Windstar Cruises is launching a new “Mystery Cruise” concept in the Caribbean aboard Star Seeker, blending surprise port calls with luxury small‑ship experiences.  

What This Means for Travellers

More choices are coming:With fresh itineraries and expanded seasonal offerings, cruisers have increasing options to tailor Caribbean journeys.

Safety remains a priority: Adjusted calls and itinerary changes reflect the industry’s focus on passenger wellbeing.

Recovery is underway: Reopenings of key ports like Jamaica’s show the region’s resilience and cruise tourism’s vital role in local economies.