From commitments to cleaner oceans to enhanced onboard experiences aboard new and renovated ships, these three cruise lines are charting a course toward stronger guest satisfaction. Whether appealing to travelers who value sustainability or those simply ready to toast to island time, each line is redefining what it means to cruise with purpose and pleasure.
Aurora Expeditions Launches New Ocean Regeneration Program
Aurora Expeditions is moving away from traditional carbon offsetting and towards a sustainable model focused on decarbonization and regeneration with its new Ocean Regeneration Program. The new approach prioritizes reducing emissions through smarter operations and cleaner technologies while also supporting conservation, restoration, science and practices that give back to the environment.
Aurora’s Ocean Regeneration Program is an initiative designed to actively restore ocean ecosystems while removing harmful waste. For every passenger who joins an expedition, including staff and special guests, Aurora Expeditions funds the planting of one unit of marine life and the removal of one kilogram of ocean-bound waste.
These efforts are delivered in partnership with global organizations, including Seatrees, Veritree and CleanHub, connecting expeditions directly to positive impact in the destinations Aurora visits. Alongside regenerative partnerships, its purpose-built expedition ships—the MV Greg Mortimer, MV Sylvia Earle and upcoming MV Douglas Mawson—feature the pioneering Ulstein X-BOW design to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, virtual anchoring to avoid seabed damage and single-use plastic-free initiatives across all operations.
For more information, visit aurora-expeditions.com.
Margaritaville at Sea Shares Details on Newest Ship
Margaritaville at Sea provided more details on its newest and largest flagship vessel, Beachcomber, set to debut in 2027 from PortMiami. At the heart of the ship’s signature, immersive experiences is the ship’s 5 o’Clock Somewhere area, a multi-deck, poolside spot that spans four levels.
“Poolside experiences on Beachcomber are the main event, and we’ve taken the signature fun up to an entirely new level,” said Christopher Ivy, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville at Sea, in a media statement. “The sheer scale of 5 o’Clock Somewhere gives guests a place to linger longer over great food, better drinks, delivering that unmistakable Margaritaville at Sea energy in an elevated way.”
Guests will find the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar, Mexican Cutie Cantina and cabanas for adults. Beachcomber’s upper decks include a variety of open-air venues, from the License to Chill Pool Deck to the new Daiquiri Shack and the License to Chill Bar.
For more information, visit margaritavilleatsea.com.
Sapphire Princess Returns to Service with New Upgrades
Following a two-week drydock in Portland, Oregon, Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess has returned to service with refreshed spaces and new culinary experiences, including the debut of two specialty restaurants: Makoto Ocean Sushi and Crown Grill Steakhouse. Both venues will open to guests beginning Nov. 16, 2025.
The 115,875-ton ship, which accommodates 2,670 guests, underwent a series of refurbishments and enhancements during its time in drydock, highlighted by the transformation of two existing venues into signature dining experiences.
Makoto Ocean Sushi by Chef Makoto Okuwa, first introduced aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, now replaces the former Internet Cafe on Deck 7. The restaurant brings Chef Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi to sea, featuring menu items such as truffle salmon, snow crab temaki and toro tartare. Guests can also enjoy Japanese-inspired cocktails like the Genmai Negroni and Kodai No Hana, a blend of yuzu juice and Doburoku sake.
On Deck 5, the Crown Grill Steakhouse takes the place of the Savoy Dining Room. Known as one of the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses at Sea,” the venue serves premium aged beef, chops and seafood in an upscale setting. Both restaurants are priced at $60 per person or included as part of the Princess Premier package.
Following its refurbishment, Sapphire Princess will sail itineraries to Mexico, then reposition for a South America and Antarctica season before heading to Europe for Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages in spring and summer 2026. In fall 2026, the ship will operate Canada/New England cruises.
A notable highlight in the ship’s deployment will occur in March 2027, when Sapphire Princess and her sister ship Diamond Princess reunite in Japan for the line’s most extensive Japan season to date, operating from March through December.
For more information, visit princess.com.
