Iglu Cruise News - June 2026
June is coming to a close, and the month’s late warm weather seems to signal that July is going to be fantastic; this month has been a busy one for the world’s cruise lines, with an abundance of exciting news from the cruise industry making us more excited than ever to set sail on an upcoming cruise. If you’re wondering what you might have missed this sunny month, Iglu Cruise is here to help. This is the June edition of Iglu Cruise News.
Below, you’ll find more information on some of the most interesting announcements from the world’s cruise lines this month, alongside a little bit about what the Iglu Cruise creative team has been working on, alongside ensuring everything is up-to-date.
So, let’s dive into the June edition of Iglu Cruise News!
A monthly round-up of the biggest cruise news
MSC Cruises is elevating sumptuous Aurea Spa treatments fleet-wide
Earlier this month, MSC Cruises confirmed its plans to introduce a new wave of remarkable wellness and beauty treatments and experiences to the MSC Aurea Spa throughout 2026.
Responding to the growing popularity of wellness tourism, MSC Cruises’ elevated MSC Aurea Spa experience aims to deliver the most complete wellness experience available at sea, leveraging cutting-edge techniques and technology to help you relax and recharge, leaving you revitalised and ready for your next adventure with MSC Cruises.
Specifically, the treatments you’ll start to encounter on MSC Cruises throughout 2026 and beyond include: IV therapy, aesthetic injectables, dermal fillers, and permanent make-up performed by specialist professionals. You’ll also be able to get a personalised skin assessment from a dermatologist, with access to cutting-edge hydro-microdermabrasion technology and Opatra London skincare solutions.
From Summer 2026, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy relaxing scalp and hair rituals inspired by traditional Japanese wellness practices, advanced teeth whitening treatments, improved modern men’s grooming experiences, hygienic piercing services using hypoallergenic jewellery, and even a new menu of carefully curated wellness teas – designed to further support relaxation and recovery.
With all of these sensational services and more being rolled out across MSC Cruises’ fleet from Summer 2026 onwards, you’re in for an incredible treat when you embark with MSC Cruises and spend time enjoying the wonderful wellness services available in MSC Aurea Spa.
Marella Cruises confirms second sensational Country Rhythms cruise
It’s time to pack your best boots and prepare for a sensational sailing unlike any other with Marella Cruises’ Country Rhythms cruise: a country-music themed adventure you won’t want to miss.
This month, Marella Cruises confirmed that its incredibly popular Country Rhythms cruise is back in 2027, departing in November 2027, with both four- and five-night sailings available. Embarking in Malaga, Spain, you’ll travel to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, via Gibraltar and Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura. While onboard, you’ll be invited to enjoy an impressive collection of country music-themed experiences and activities – including an incredible Barn Dance bash, country music-themed stage productions, engaging line dance classes, and more.
And, what is a country music-themed cruise without some country music? Throughout, you’ll also enjoy a wonderful array of stunning shows from talented country music singers and musicians, elevating the experience even more. With all of this complemented by Marella Cruises’ inclusive cruise offering and impeccable service, this is a sensational experience that country music fans will adore.
If you want to know what this cruise is really like ahead of booking, which – by the way – you can book with Iglu Cruise from 2 July, 2026, check out a first-hand report from Head of PR for Iglu Cruise and Iglu Ski right here: Yeehaw! Country music fan Louise takes to the seas
MS Vesterålen returns to service with refreshed interiors highlighting Hurtigruten heritage
June also saw the long-awaited return of Hurtigruten’s MS Vesterålen, and there are even more reasons to embark on a sensational sailing with this fantastic vessel.
The most intimate ship in Hurtigruten’s remarkable fleet, MS Vesterålen, has returned to service with sailings between Bergen and Kirkenes in the Norwegian Sea with a rather unique concept; while the ship’s original style and charm have been carefully preserved, MS Vesterålen now boasts an incredible array of interiors featuring historic details and coastal-inspired artwork, alongside a selection of designs and references to Hurtigruten’s past.
Details of MS Vesterålen's refresh
Beyond this, MS Vesterålen also features menus, crew uniforms, and tableware that take inspiration from Hurtigruten’s past, and new cabin categories have been introduced (the Arctic Superior and Mini Suites), giving you even more options when it comes to booking a cruise with Hurtigruten aboard this recently refreshed ship. With the Arctic Superior cabin, you’ll enjoy an elevated outside room, offering sensational views of the Norwegian coast and amenities including tea and coffee-making facilities. Meanwhile, MS Vesterålen’s Mini Suites combine space with comfort to deliver an even more comfortable cruising experience, with elevated amenities and a separate bedroom and living space.
Now thought of as a piece of living history, as much as it is an exceptional cruise ship to sail on, MS Vesterålen offers a more immersive sailing experience along Norway’s coast.
Carnival Cruise Line reveals array of interesting updates and improvements
June has been a busy – and incredibly exciting – month for Carnival Cruise Line, with multiple drydocks taking place and announcements of upcoming improvements making upcoming Carnival cruises even more alluring.
Among these, Carnival Magic returned to service after extensive refurbishments and the introduction of a new nine-hole mini golf course on the upper deck. Everything from the Casino and Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center, to the WaterWorks aqua park and Lido Marketplace have been refreshed and redesigned, elevating the onboard experience even further.
Some of the improvements made to Carnival Magic
Carnival Magic is now continuing to sail out of Miami, and you’ll find a range of remarkable Carnival Magic cruise deals right here, with the Caribbean and The Bahamas waiting.
This month also saw Carnival Cruise Line reveal The Next Course, its ambitious plan to improve the dining experience across its fleet throughout 2027 and 2028, alongside revealing specific restaurants and bars coming to Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale.
Across Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, The Next Course will introduce refreshed menus to the Main Dining Room, Lido Marketplace, and BlueIguana Cantina, alongside a new bagel spot, Bagels @ Sea, and pop-ups serving breakfast bars, ice cream, milkshakes, and other fast-casual options. There will also be more grab-and-go coffee shop options, and express dining in the Main Dining Room for guests who want to spend more time enjoying the other amenities and activities available on Carnival Cruise Line’s ships.
Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale will also feature: Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, a stunning spot featuring cuisine from Emeril Lagasse; Uku Lei Lei, which focuses on Hawaiian and Asian cuisine; and Feaccine, a Mediterranean restaurant combining Italian and Greek flavours and foods. Carnival Festivale will also exclusively feature Le Bistro Musicale, which features classic French cuisine in a relaxed, music-filled setting. Carnival Festivale will also boast The Spark, a vibrant cocktail lounge, Mix, a creative space where you can order creative cocktails or craft your own beverages, and Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, which is a great place for a pick-me-up.
Carnival Cruise Line has also confirmed its plans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a seven-ship meet-up at Celebration Key in Grand Bahama, where a sensational fireworks show will crown a day of fun in the Caribbean sunshine. Carnival Radiance, Carnival Firenze, and Carnival Luminosa will also be meeting to watch San Diego’s Big Bay Boom, the West Coast’s largest fireworks show, to celebrate America. Throughout, you’ll also encounter an array of festive foods and drinks on Carnival’s ships, 250th birthday banners and decorations, and more. All veterans and active-duty military on sailings during America’s 250th anniversary will receive a special-edition military pin, and one military family onboard will also be gifted an American flag that was previously flown over the U.S. Capitol.
If you’re after even more news from the cruise industry, you’ll find a few more exciting highlights you may have missed below:
- Emerald Yacht Cruises’ elegant Emerald Kaia was christened in Venice earlier this month, following the ship’s anticipated April 2026 debut; following its current season exploring the Mediterranean, Emerald Kaia will invite guests to explore the Seychelles, before sailing the Indian Ocean and East Africa into the New Year and beyond.
- Award-winning singer and actress Vanessa Williams is joining guests aboard Crystal’s Crystal Serenity for a special sailing in November 2026; during this sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Cartagena, Williams will perform some of her greatest hits alongside an intimate Q&A session where she’ll share stories from her celebrated career. You’ll find more information on the sailing right here: Western Caribbean & Central America from Fort Lauderdale to Cartagena (9 nights)
- June saw TUI River Cruises reveal its first music-themed sailing: Rewind on the Rhine; an entertainment-packed three-night return sailing from Frankfurt to Koblenz and Rüdesheim, this sailing will feature DJ sets from BBC’s Gary Davies and ABBA Tribute Band Revival, alongside silent discos, music-themed trivia, and more. Check out more information about the sailing here: Rewind on the Rhine from Frankfurt (3 nights)
- Football fans will also be pleased to know that June saw P&O Cruises commit to sponsoring Southampton Football Club for the 2026/27 season as the Official Front of Shirt Partner.
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Line revealed that it's hosting an upcoming dance cruise aboard Borealis in December 2026; featuring Dame Arlene Phillips and Ian Waite, this is an incredible experience where you’ll be able to engage with dance classes, intimate discussions with both guests, and more. You’ll find out more information about this sailing right here: A Celebration of Dance at Sea with Dame Arlene Philips & Ian Waite! (5 nights)
Special Feature - Don’t miss sensational offers on Exporations by Norwegian sailings
If you’re looking for a truly unique travel experience, the sensational sailings available with Explorations by Norwegian are certainly worth considering; exclusively chartering Oceania Cruises’ remarkable Regatta, Explorations by Norwegian invites you to explore some of the world’s most stunning regions and sought-after destinations aboard an effortlessly elegant mid-sized ship. Blending ocean and river cruising with expedition experiences, a wealth of inclusions awaits everyone who embarks on these incredible adventures. You’ll want for nothing while you sail the world, it’s that simple.
Sound interesting? You’ll find all the latest Explorations by Norwegian cruise deals right here; inviting you to explore Asia, Australasia, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and more, there’s a sailing for everyone to look forward to.
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Iglu Cruise Insider - Our top posts in June
It’s safe to say that it’s been a busy month all around, with the Iglu Cruise creative team publishing an array of interesting and insightful blog posts on Iglu Cruise Insider: your backstage pass to the world of cruising, and beyond. With more staff reviews, travel inspiration, and guides to pore over, there are a lot of reasons why you should take some time to check out the latest from Iglu Cruise while browsing for your next cruise escape.
So, check out the latest from the Iglu Cruise creative team below:
- Main dining room or speciality dining? What to expect on your next cruise
- River cruising: The best affordable luxury river cruise lines
- Wanderlust Report: Untranslatable words that will make you want to travel
- Beat the heat: Top 10 UK lidos you should visit during the upcoming heatwave
- Cruise port fees 2026 explained: Costs, charges and money-saving tips
- Iglu Cruise staff reviews: Kyle’s relaxing Rhine river cruise with Emerald River Cruises
- The ultimate Mexico travel guide: 10 spots travellers love most
- Top tourist attractions to visit in Australia
You’ll also find our deep dive into the best cruises in 2029 right here, a fantastic starting point for anyone booking an upcoming adventure with Iglu Cruise. Be sure to keep an eye on Iglu Cruise Insider in the coming weeks for even more fascinating posts throughout July and beyond!
Book your next adventure with Iglu Cruise today
For those of you ready to embark on a sensational cruise escape, Iglu Cruise is the perfect place to book; boasting an incredible array of cruise deals and river cruise deals, there’s something for everyone to choose from. Whether you’re looking for luxury escapes, all-inclusive packages, family adventures, or solo cruises, there’s a lot to look forward to.
And, if you’re looking for a little more from the Iglu Cruise creative team, check out a few more blog posts from Iglu Cruise Insider below: