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Iglu Cruise News - April 2026

Iglu Cruise

30 Apr 2026 • 8 min read

An unbelievable show aboard P&O Cruises

Summer is almost upon us, and cruise lines the world over are starting to embark on sensational sailings to sun-soaked shores around the world and bucket list destinations you won’t want to miss. With the weather warming up and everyone itching for a holiday, here’s the latest edition of Iglu Cruise News to keep you up to date with the latest announcements from the cruise industry. You’ll also find a little below on what the Iglu Cruise creative team has been up to throughout April, with more travel inspiration to enjoy; this is ideal if you’re someone ready to escape on a cruise adventure but not quite sure where in the world you want to travel just yet.

Sound good? Well, let’s get stuck into the April edition of Iglu Cruise News!

A monthly round-up of the biggest cruise news

P&O Cruises confirms exciting entertainment updates for Iona and Arvia

Earlier in April, P&O Cruises announced that TV presenter and magician Stephen Mulhern is set to take up a short summer residency in the Limelight Club aboard Iona, performing four shows on three seven-night cruises.

Bringing his dazzling magic show, Stephen Mulhern’s Live & Unbelievable!, to this stylish entertainment venue, this will be the first time the sensational showcase of exciting tricks and illusions will be performed on Iona, and with it comes a series of interactive workshops where families can actually learn a few tricks of their own!

The sailings in question are as follows:

Stephen Mulhern’s Live & Unbelievable! is actually complementing another exciting entertainment experience coming to P&O Cruises’ Iona and Arvia throughout the summer, specifically on sailings between May and October 2026.

On both of these ships, the Limelight Club will host Jason Manford’s Comedy Club, an experience that will see 70 comedians handpicked by Manford performing stand-up comedy routines you won’t want to miss. With 140 shows scheduled across the season, Jason Manford’s Comedy Club affords you the opportunity to enjoy fresh British comedy from up-and-coming comedians and unmissable top-tier comedy. For more on the latest P&O Cruises deals, including these sailings, browse Iglu Cruise’s incredible selection of offers.

If you’re planning on booking a P&O Cruises adventure a little further in the future, check out the latest deals from P&O Cruises’ Summer 2028 launch right here.

MSC Cruises details family entertainment available aboard MSC World Asia

In April, MSC Cruises shared more information about the family entertainment options you can expect to encounter when you set sail aboard MSC World Asia from December 2026, when this sensational new ship is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage.

In addition to the already-announced Clubhouse, multi-deck Luna Park area, and The Harbour (which will feature one of the world’s longest dry slides at sea), MSC World Asia will also feature new interactive game shows in the MSC Luna Park Arena: Code Breakers, Labyrinth, and Chart Toppers. You’ll also find pop-up concepts such as Extra Record Live, MasterChef at Sea Juniors, and Out of Control in the Clubhouse, making this entertainment venue a hub of interactive excitement and engaging activities for younger cruisers.

Beyond this, MSC Cruises’ Doremiland will feature two new LEGO-themed rooms on MSC World Asia: one celebrating iconic landmarks across Asia, and the other dedicated to Formula One!

MSC World Asia will also see MSC Cruises debut a new evening entertainment programme aimed at teens, led by Yuna, a new AI avatar. This programme will include the lively Yuna K-Pop Party, Yuna’s Boogie Roller Party, and more. An exciting onboard experience that celebrates Asia while also offering experiences in line with what you can expect aboard other World-class cruise ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet, you can find the latest on upcoming MSC World Asia cruise deals right here.

Liverpool to host all four Cunard Queens in exciting 2028 event

Ahead of Cunard’s hotly anticipated Summer 2028 voyages launch, the cruise line has revealed its plans to bring all four Cunard Queens (Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Anne) together for the first time in May 2028.

A sensational event that’s set to take place on the River Mersey in Liverpool, Cunard’s Four Queens Celebration sees this iconic fleet return to where Cunard was founded in 1840, celebrating this historic cruise line’s remarkable past and exciting future. Cunard’s last celebratory gathering on the River Mersey took place in 2015; during this, three ships came together to celebrate Cunard’s 175th anniversary.

An unforgettable day, whether you’re onboard one of Cunard’s elegant Queens or admiring the fleet from the shore, keep your eyes peeled for more information on Cunard’s Summer 2028 sailings and unmissable Four Queens Celebration voyages soon – details on these sailings and countless more adventures are on the way!

Mariner of the Seas to host out-of-this-world Star Trek cruise in 2027

A cruise adventure unlike any other is coming to Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas in February 2027; departing New Orleans and visiting destinations in Mexico, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica, this sensational seven-day sailing is set to celebrate Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry’s iconic sci-fi franchise.

With the franchise itself celebrating 60 years of exciting adventures across the stars in 2026, Star Trek: The Cruise X (which is the official name for this exciting themed cruise) celebrates 40 years of Star Trek: The Next Generation, 10 years of Star Trek: Discovery, and five years of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – alongside being the tenth Star Trek: The Cruise experience!

Featuring a wide range of exciting performances and guest appearances from Star Trek stars – including George Takei, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Gates McFadden, Chase Masterson, Jason Isaccs, Mica Burton, and so many more from the franchise’s series and films – this will be an unmissable experience for Trekkies.

Boasting interactive experiences, themed performances, trivia challenges, meet-and-greets, and so much more, there’s a lot to look forward to from Star Trek: The Cruise X. Find the latest Mariner of the Seas cruise deals right here.

MSC Cruises reveals Sandy Cay, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve’s new neighbour

Earlier this month, MSC Cruises debuted Sandy Cay, revealing exciting information about what travellers can expect from this stunning Bahamian island adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Designed for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests, Sandy Cay is an idyllic island destination boasting more secluded spots for soaking up the sunshine, sprawling sandy beaches leading onto sparkling blue seas, and elevated amenities that invite you to unwind and appreciate the stunning island scenery.

Scheduled to start appearing on Caribbean sailings from 2028, expect more information and specifics about the experiences available on Sandy Cay in the coming months. Right now, though, all we know is that this will be one destination worth looking forward to.

If you’re after even more cruise industry news, here are a few more highlights from April you may have missed:

Royal Caribbean welcomed its first guests to Royal Beach Club Santorini this month, the cruise line’s first European Beach Club destination; already one of the best cruise line private islands (we know, we’re using private islands a little loosely here), find out more about this exciting addition to Royal Caribbean’s Mediterranean cruises right here.
Royal Caribbean has also confirmed that two new Icon Class cruise ships are on the way; currently named Icon 6 and Icon 7, these are expected to follow Hero of the Seas (2027 debut) and Icon 5 (2028 debut) in 2029 and 2030, respectively.
AmaWaterways is introducing a new Cooking with Mamie programme on AmaDante and AmaLyra, an interactive culinary experience that invites guests to cook authentic French food with French grandmothers.
Virgin Voyages has unveiled an AI travel assistant for guests, offering more personalised recommendations that should help with planning your trip; don’t worry, though, you’ll still find human cruise agents available to help at Iglu Cruise!
Wind Star becomes the first ship in Windstar Cruises’ fleet to complete the Setting Sails refurbishments, something that will also see Wind Surf and Wind Spirit improved and enhanced in late 2026 and 2027 for future adventures.
Azamara Cruises is improving its entertainment offering across its fleet, with two new exclusive shows debuting on Azamara Pursuit throughout 2026, and more new shows coming to Azamara Onward, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Journey through to March 2027; those coming to Pursuit include Viva Vegas, which reimagines the golden age of Las Vegas’ lounge acts, and Yesterday, Today, and Forever, a tribute to The Beatles. Meanwhile, Written in the Stars and Vinyl Records: The Studio Sessions will debut on Azamara Cruises’ other ships.
Princess Cruises is planning for the future with confirmation that three new LNG-powered ships are coming in 2035, 2038, and 2039. With each ship expected to accommodate roughly 4,700 guests and bring both familiar and fresh experiences to Princess Cruises’ guests, expect some exciting announcements from this cruise line in the future.

Iglu Cruise Insider - Our top posts in April

April hasn’t just been a busy month for the cruise lines of the world; it’s also been a busy month for the Iglu Cruise creative team behind Iglu Cruise Insider. Just like last month, this month you’ll find a fresh selection of interesting articles and inspiring blog posts to browse while you search for your next exciting cruise adventure with Iglu Cruise. From deep dives on river cruises along the Nile to snack-cation destinations and more, check out all the latest posts below:

Travellers who found themselves interested and inspired by the recent Artemis II mission around the moon will also find our ultimate 2026 space bucket list right here. Highlighting the top attractions for space-inspired travel, this is one list you won’t want to miss!

Secure your next sensational escape with Iglu Cruise today

Whether you’re looking for luxury escapes and all-inclusive packages or family cruises and last-minute offers, Iglu Cruise is home to a wide array of cruise deals for you to take advantage of. With a wide selection of sailings to some of the world’s most sensational destinations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect cruise adventure for you; so, book now to avoid disappointment and prepare for the holiday of a lifetime.

Those after a little more travel inspiration, however, will find even more interesting articles from the Iglu Cruise creative team below: