May 2026 Newsletter

Ahoy JGOOT Cruisers!

Welcome to the May edition of the JGOOT Cruises Membership Newsletter! As always, we’re here to bring you top tips, exciting updates, and must-book deals to make your cruising experiences even better. Let's dive in!

⚓ Captain’s Tip: Keep Checking Your Fare

If you’re booking a cruise more than a few months out, don’t just “set it and forget it.” Cruise prices fluctuate a lot, and most major lines (like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line) will let you reprice your sailing if the fare drops before final payment. That means the exact same cabin could get cheaper—and you can snag onboard credit, a lower balance, or even upgrade your room without paying more. Set a quick weekly calendar reminder to check your sailing price—it’s one of the easiest ways to save hundreds (sometimes thousands) with just a few clicks.

IMPORTANT: Upcoming Caesars Multiplier Dates (confirmed and open to everyone):

10x Multiplier 5/25-5/31
5x multiplier 6/22-6/28

New in Port: Royal Beach Club Santorini: Royal Caribbean has officially opened its first European beach club experience in Santorini, now available to guests sailing on both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. This new offering is part of the “Ultimate Santorini Day” excursion, which includes transportation around the island and stops in iconic spots like Oia and Fira before heading to the beach club. Once there, guests can relax with loungers, umbrellas, Wi-Fi, and a full lineup of included perks—think unlimited Greek food, drinks like wine and beer, and a lively DJ atmosphere. It’s an easy, all-in-one way to experience Santorini without the stress of planning every detail.

2027 “Eclipse of the Century” Cruises: Holland America Line is going big on the August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse (this one is a huge deal—over 6 minutes of totality in some areas).

They’ve already announced multiple itineraries like:

• 28-Day Greek Isles & Solar Eclipse (with History Channel programming)

• 21-Day Mediterranean Eclipse sailing

• 14-Day Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery cruise

Ships like Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam will position themselves off Morocco and Tunisia for optimal viewing. These include guest experts, lectures, and extended itineraries that combine major ports with the eclipse event.

River Cruise Expansion: AmaWaterways Going Global: AmaWaterways is planning its biggest expansion yet, growing to more than 50 ships by 2032 with a major focus beyond Europe. While the line will continue adding ships on popular rivers like the Rhine and Danube, it’s also expanding heavily into destinations like Africa and Asia, including multiple new Nile ships and additional capacity on the Mekong and Chobe Rivers. New builds like the AmaNubia (2026) and AmaCleo (2028) will strengthen its Egypt offerings, while ships like the AmaRudi—a second double-width Danube vessel—highlight a move toward more spacious, upscale river cruising. With new ships launching almost every year and growing demand in places like Portugal and Southeast Asia, this signals a big shift toward more global, experience-driven river cruise options beyond the traditional European routes.

Princess Launches “POURS” Beverage Program: Princess Cruises is introducing a new fleetwide beverage program starting this summer called POURS, replacing its previous collection with a more modern, inclusive approach that blends premium alcoholic drinks with zero-proof and wellness-focused options. The program features a curated mix of founder-led spirits, wines, beers, and ready-to-drink cocktails alongside thoughtfully crafted nonalcoholic selections, including “Zero-Proof Creations” made with adaptogens and botanicals. Designed as one cohesive menu rather than separate offerings, POURS allows guests to seamlessly explore both indulgent and alcohol-free choices, and it’s included in Princess Plus and Premier packages—reflecting a growing shift toward more personalized, elevated drink experiences at sea.

New Ship Spotlight: Carnival Tropicale Coming to Galveston: Carnival Cruise Line is taking its newest Excel-class ships in a slightly different direction with the Carnival Tropicale, arriving in Galveston in 2028—and it’s not just “another Mardi Gras–style ship.” The biggest change is Sunsation Point, a massive three-deck outdoor zone that replaces the BOLT rollercoaster with something more family-focused: a full activity complex featuring a ropes course, mini golf, sports court, arcade, outdoor games, and even a treehouse-style adventure trail—all designed to stay active day and night.

Marvel & Disney-Themed Sailings Expanding: Disney Cruise Line is bringing back and expanding its Marvel Day at Sea cruises in 2027—this time as full 7-night itineraries (not just short sailings). These include stunt shows, character meet-and-greets, themed parties, and movie marathons, making them one of the more immersive “built-in” cruise line themes right now.

New Private Island: MSC Unveils Sandy Cay: MSC Cruises (alongside sister brand Explora Journeys) is expanding its Bahamas footprint with Sandy Cay, a new private island experience set to debut in 2028 next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Designed as a more secluded, upscale escape, Sandy Cay will feature pristine aragonite sand beaches and a quieter, more exclusive vibe compared to its neighboring island. At the same time, MSC is continuing to enhance Ocean Cay with new dining options, updated beach concepts for both families and adults, and expanded relaxation areas, signaling a broader push toward more refined, experience-driven private island offerings in the Caribbean.