September 2026 Newsletter
Ahoy JGOOT Cruisers!
Welcome to the September 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: Know the Difference Between “Departure” and “All Aboard”
If your itinerary says the ship departs at 5:00 p.m., that does not mean you can stroll back onboard at 4:59. Cruise lines set an earlier all-aboard time, often 30–60 minutes before departure.
Always use the ship’s stated all-aboard time—not the departure time—when planning your return from port. And pay attention to the time the ship is using. In some destinations, ship time may differ from local time, so don’t assume your phone automatically has the correct time. Confirm the ship’s current time in the cruise line app, onboard announcements, or posted information before heading ashore.
If you’re exploring independently rather than on a cruise-line excursion, build in extra cushion for traffic, transportation delays, and getting back through the port.
Captain’s rule: Set your watch or phone to ship time and aim to be back well before all aboard—not racing toward the gangway as the clock runs out.
Disney Adventure Adds Malaysia: Previously an only sea days itinerary-- Disney Cruise Line is now adding Langkawi, Malaysia to the Disney Adventure’s Southeast Asia itineraries beginning in late December 2026. Sailing year-round from Singapore, the ship will begin offering three- and four-night cruises that include a port call in Langkawi, giving guests a chance to explore the island’s rainforests and coastline. The Disney Adventure will also continue to offer short sailings made up entirely of sea days, with similar Southeast Asia itineraries scheduled through December 2027.
Changes Coming To Norwegian Aura: Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed new dining and wellness experiences coming to the Norwegian Aura, including the line’s first specialty Indian restaurant, Tamara, and a new immersive complimentary dining venue transformed through visual technology called The Panorama Room. The ship will also feature an expanded two-deck Mandara Spa with 15 wellness amenities, including a Sensory Rain Pool, Snow Cave, hot and cold plunges, multiple saunas and relaxation spaces. Across the ship, NCL is also refreshing restaurants, bars and lounges while expanding several popular venues.
Azamara Adds New Destination Focused Experiences: Azamara Cruises has unveiled 36 new AzAmazing Evenings for 2027, bringing the year’s total to 121 destination-focused experiences. The new lineup includes immersive cultural events in destinations around the world, from a Hawaiian performance in Honolulu and samba celebration in Rio de Janeiro to a theatrical production in Ha Long Bay, an Irish whiskey experience in Cork, and a live choir performance at the Estonian National Opera in Tallinn. The experiences are designed to give guests deeper access to local culture, traditions and entertainment beyond the typical daytime port visit.
Costa Introduces Latin Soul Program: Costa Cruises is introducing a new “Latin Soul” program aboard the Costa Fascinosa on roundtrip sailings from La Romana, Dominican Republic, from December 2026 through March 2027. The experience will bring Caribbean and Latin American culture onboard through themed parties, live music and DJs, dance competitions, regional cuisine and cocktails, and late-night food offerings. The ship’s Caribbean itineraries will also feature Costa’s signature Sea Destinations, including special experiences in Catalina Bay, Guadeloupe Bay and Turks & Caicos.
RCL Introduces America's Got Talent Live On Stage: Royal Caribbean has debuted America’s Got Talent LIVE on Stage aboard the Legend of the Seas, marking the first version of the hit variety show at sea. Presented in the Royal Theater, the production recreates the feel of a live AGT finale with a rotating lineup of performers from the global Got Talent franchise, including danger acts, beatboxers, aerialists and magicians. The show joins the ship’s broader entertainment lineup, which also includes Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the new AquaTheater production Shockwave, and the ice show Fusion.
NCL Shows Off New Waterpark Attractions: Norwegian Cruise Line has shared the first look at Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay ahead of its Sept. 4, 2026 opening. The new attraction will feature 19 waterslides, including industry-first cliff jumps, plus Splash Cay for kids, a dynamic Wandering River, new dining and bar options, and adults-only spaces like Vibe Shore Club. The private island has also opened a new two-berth pier as part of its broader expansion.
PROMOS:
Labor Day is a popular time for cruise lines to roll out limited-time promotions, and more deals are likely to appear throughout the holiday weekend.
Keep an eye out for offers like:
🎉 Free or discounted fares for 3rd and 4th guests
💳 Bonus onboard credit
🍹 Included or upgraded drink packages
🍽️ Specialty dining and Wi-Fi bundles
💸 Reduced deposits and limited-time cruise fares
If you’re considering a cruise for late 2026 or 2027, it’s worth comparing the Labor Day offers before booking. Some promotions may only last a few days, while others could be replaced by stronger deals as the weekend unfolds.
⭐ Deal Alert: Margaritaville Cruises Labor Day Sale
Margaritaville at Sea is celebrating Labor Day with a limited-time Flash Sale available on bookings made through September 8. The promotion applies to select sailings, including 2027 cruises aboard the Paradise, Islander and Beachcomber.
Offer highlights include:
60% off cruise fares on all itineraries
$50 deposits per person on select sailings
Free 3rd and 4th guests on select cruises when sharing a stateroom with two paying guests
Complimentary stateroom selection on eligible sailings
Free stateroom upgrades on select departures
⭐ Deal Alert: Cunard Labor Day Sale
Cunard has launched a Labor Day Sale with fares starting at $999 per person and up to $300 in onboard credit per stateroom on 158 select voyages. The promotion runs through September 9 and applies to sailings from October 2026 through December 2027 across all four Cunard ships.
Eligible itineraries include Caribbean and European cruises, Transatlantic Crossings, Canada/New England sailings, Mediterranean voyages, and select segments of the 2027 World Voyage.
Featured sailings include:
Queen Elizabeth: 12-night Eastern Caribbean roundtrip from Miami, departing December 17, 2026, with balcony fares from $1,499 per person
Queen Mary 2: 7-night Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton, departing June 14, 2027, with balcony fares from $1,799 per person
Queen Anne: 17-night World Voyage segment from Fort Lauderdale to Rio de Janeiro, departing January 22, 2027, with balcony fares from $2,899 per person
⭐ Deal Alert: Azamara Labor Day Promotion
Azamara is celebrating Labor Day with a limited-time offer featuring Four Free Nights plus $600 in onboard credit on select sailings booked through September 6.
The promotion includes a number of destination-focused itineraries for travelers looking at fall and winter getaways, including:
18-night Western Africa Voyage aboard Azamara Pursuit, departing November 21, with stops including Banjul, Walvis Bay and Lüderitz
22-night Amazon Intensive Voyage aboard Azamara Quest, departing November 18, featuring calls along the Amazon River and an overnight stay in Manaus
16-night Western Australia to Asia aboard Azamara Journey, departing February 20, with stops in Western Australia plus overnight stays in Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City
⭐ Deal Alert: MSC Labor Day Promotion
MSC Cruises USA is offering a Labor Day Sale with added perks on select Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, including onboard credit, free kids’ fares on many departures and complimentary balcony upgrades on eligible cruises from Port Canaveral.
Offer highlights include:
Up to $300 in onboard credit per stateroom
Kids sail free on most eligible sailings
Balcony staterooms for the price of an interior on select MSC Seaside and MSC Divina cruises from Port Canaveral
Flexible booking options allowing guests to move eligible reservations to another ship or sailing date
The promotion applies to select three-, four- and seven-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries aboard MSC Seaside, MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Armonia.
4 Night Bahamas Cruise from Miami
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship: Norwegian Getaway
Sailing Date: September 7, 2026
Departure Port: Miami, FL
Stateroom: Balcony
Price: From $199 per person
A balcony cabin for under $200 per person on a four-night cruise is the kind of last-minute pricing that immediately gets our attention. This Norwegian Getaway sailing comes out to about $50 per person, per night for a balcony and includes stops at Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, plus a full day at sea. With NCL’s newly expanded private island experience in the mix, this is a seriously strong value for a quick Bahamas getaway.
7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Ship: Star Princess
Sailing Date: October 24, 2026
Departure Port: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stateroom: Balcony
Price: From $642 per person
A balcony cabin for just $642 per person on a seven-night Caribbean cruise is an excellent value, especially on the Star Princess. That works out to about $92 per person, per night for a balcony, with stops in Roatán, Belize City and Cozumel plus several relaxing sea days to enjoy the ship.
For travelers who want a newer Princess ship, a private balcony and a classic Western Caribbean itinerary without paying premium pricing, this is a strong fall cruise deal.
River Cruise Deal! - Click here
If you've been thinking about trying a European river cruise, this one may be worth a look.
Grand Circle Travel is offering special promotional pricing on select river cruises through a Travelzoo-exclusive offer. Based on the information provided, you'll likely need to call Grand Circle and mention promo code ICONICRIVERS by August 5 to receive the discounted pricing shown on the offer page.
A few things to know:
🚢 Includes a variety of European river cruise itineraries
💰 Some departures are discounted by thousands of dollars per person
👤 Grand Circle is known for offering free or low-cost single supplements on many sailings, making it especially attractive for solo travelers
✈️ Airfare is generally not included, but would be better to book on your own with points or cash
Our note: We haven't personally booked through Grand Circle or sailed with the promoted line, so we can't speak to the onboard experience. However, if you've been curious about river cruising and don't mind traveling on a smaller, more traditional ship, these prices could make for a very affordable introduction to the experience.
4-Night Bahamas Cruise from Miami
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship: Norwegian Getaway
Sailing Date: August 31, 2026
Departure Port: Miami, FL
Stateroom: Balcony
Price: From $279 per person
Ports of Call:
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas
A 4-night balcony cruise for just $279 per person (about $70 per night) is an incredible value—especially when it includes visits to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, and Nassau. Norwegian Getaway also offers a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment, waterslides, and nightlife, making it a fun option for couples, families, or a quick getaway.
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Miami
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship: Norwegian Luna (Norwegian's newest Prima Plus Class ship)
Sailing Date: October 31, 2026
Departure Port: Miami, FL
Stateroom: Balcony
Price: From $989 per person
Ports of Call:
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
Sailing aboard Norwegian Luna, one of Norwegian's newest and most innovative ships, this 7-night itinerary combines beautiful Eastern Caribbean ports with a visit to Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line's private island. Balcony cabins start at just $989 per person (about $141 per night)—an excellent value for a brand-new ship. Norwegian Luna features exciting attractions, elevated dining, spacious outdoor areas, and the latest evolution of Norwegian's Prima Class design.
For the luxury crowd:
18-Night Mediterranean & Transatlantic Voyage
Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises
Ship: Riviera
Sailing Date: October 30, 2026
Length: 18 Nights
Stateroom: Balcony
Price: From $4,920 per person
Ports of Call:
Bali, Indonesia
Lombok, Indonesia
Komodo, Indonesia
Darwin, Australia
Thursday Island, Australia
Cairns, Australia
Townsville, Australia
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mystery Island, Vanuatu
Dravuni Island, Fiji
Lautoka, Fiji
This is an exceptional opportunity to experience one of the most highly regarded premium cruise lines at a fraction of the usual cost. Oceania Riviera is offering 18 nights from just $4,920 per person for a balcony cabin—more than 70% off the brochure fare (about $273 per person, per night).
Oceania is known for its The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, elegant smaller ships, destination-rich itineraries, and an experience that's more refined than the mainstream cruise lines. Your fare also includes valuable perks like specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and non-alcoholic beverages on most bookings, making the overall value even stronger than the price alone suggests.
Mark your calendars for this month's Live Q&A session with us on Sep 24 at 9AM PT/ 12PM ET. Be sure to join us at that time using this link to access the livestream.
Get your questions answered and connect with fellow cruisers. We’ll discuss the latest cruise deals, point-maximizing strategies, and more. We always drop a gold mine of information so don't miss out on attending live!
Julie & Mira
JGOOT Cruises Experts
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