June 2026 Newsletter

Ahoy JGOOT Cruisers!

Welcome to the June 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: Book the Next Cruise Onboard (Even If You’re Not Sure)

One of the easiest cruise hacks happens before you even leave the ship. Most cruise lines offer future cruise deposits onboard that come with perks like reduced deposits, onboard credit, discounted fares, or extra offers you won't find later. The best part? Many of these deposits are transferable to a different sailing and can often be canceled or refunded if your plans change. Even if you don't know exactly where or when you want to cruise next, locking in a future cruise offer can give you extra flexibility and valuable perks for a trip you may take anyway.

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

5x multiplier 6/22-6/28

Margaritaville at Sea Expands Wellness Offerings: Margaritaville at Sea has unveiled new spa, fitness, and lifestyle venues coming to the Beachcomber ahead of its 2027 debut. Highlights include an upgraded St. Somewhere Spa & Salon, the largest fitness center in the fleet, dedicated yoga and workout studios, and an expanded Permanent Reminder Tattoo Studio for guests looking to commemorate their voyage with custom artwork. The cruise line says the new ship will feature its largest wellness footprint yet, with spaces designed to help guests relax, stay active, or create lasting memories while enjoying plenty of natural light and ocean views. Beginning in 2027, Beachcomber will sail 4- to 8-night Southern and Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

Holland America Expands to Year-Round Europe Cruises: Holland America Line is making Europe a year-round destination starting in the 2027–28 season, with the Nieuw Statendam remaining in Europe through the winter months. The expanded deployment will feature Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Greek Isles, and Northern Europe itineraries ranging from 7 to 24 days. Guests can experience Europe during a quieter season with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and festive holiday sailings that include Christmas market-focused itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltics. Other highlights include winter voyages to Morocco, the Canary Islands, Spain, Italy, and the Greek Isles. The move marks Holland America’s first full winter season in Europe and offers travelers a new way to explore some of the continent’s most popular destinations.

Viking Unveils New 2028–29 World Cruises: Viking has announced a new lineup of epic world cruises for 2028–29, ranging from 125 to 170 days and visiting up to 37 countries across six continents. Guests will sail through destinations including Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe, with overnight stays in ports such as Sydney, Singapore, Cape Town, and Casablanca. The collection includes several itinerary options, from a 125-day voyage departing Los Angeles to a 170-day journey that extends beyond London into Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Along the way, guests can enjoy included shore excursions, destination-focused enrichment programs, and optional multi-day overland adventures such as India's Golden Triangle, Australia's Uluru and Great Barrier Reef, and South Africa's Kruger National Park.

Carnival Opens New Upgrades at Half Moon Cay: Carnival Cruise Line has officially opened a new pier and several guest enhancements at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, making it easier for more ships to visit the popular Bahamian destination. The updates include additional complimentary beach loungers and umbrellas, new cabanas and daybeds, expanded dining options, and upgraded beach bars. Guests can also enjoy the new Papaya Pathway walking trail or use an island-wide tram service to explore more of the destination. Carnival says the improvements are designed to enhance the guest experience while preserving the island's famous white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Additional upgrades are also underway on the south side of the island.

Philippines Expects Cruise Passenger Boom: While the Philippines is forecasting a slight decrease in cruise ship calls in 2026, passenger numbers are expected to soar. Tourism officials project approximately 75,000 cruise passengers next year—more than triple the roughly 25,000 welcomed in 2025. The growth is being fueled by increased interest from luxury and expedition cruise lines, including returning visits from brands such as Swan Hellenic and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, along with expanded itineraries from Ponant. Tourism leaders say the Philippines is especially well-suited for smaller ships, allowing guests to explore its thousands of islands while enjoying immersive cultural experiences. The country is also working to grow both its homeport cruise market and its appeal to North American travelers seeking alternatives to traditional European vacations.

Carnival Rebrands Mahogany Bay as Isla Tropicale: Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled a new identity for its Roatán destination, with Mahogany Bay officially becoming Isla Tropicale. As part of the transformation, guests will soon enjoy a brand-new 48,000-square-foot pool area called Mangrove Bay, featuring a swim-up bar, kids splash zone, cabanas, daybeds, and plenty of space to relax.The destination already offers beach access, shopping, local artisan markets, restaurants, bars, oceanview cabanas, and a scenic chairlift. Isla Tropicale joins RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key as part of Carnival’s growing collection of exclusive Caribbean destinations.