2026 continues, and so does the steady flow of exciting announcements from the world’s major cruise lines.
As we say goodbye to February and look forward to spring and warmer weather, it’s time for another edition of Iglu Cruise News. From drydocks and Disney ships to Asia-inspired artwork and beyond, you’ll find a selection of unmissable news stories from throughout the month. And, as always, we’re following that up with everything the Iglu Cruise creative team has been up to over the last handful of weeks. With some fascinating posts to check out, full of interesting information and travel inspiration, there’s a lot to look forward to.
If that sounds good to you, keep reading for February 2026’s Iglu Cruise News and all the most exciting cruise industry announcements from the last month.
A monthly round-up of the biggest cruise news
Bookings for unmissable Disney Wish sailings from Southampton are now open
Disney Cruise Line is bringing Disney Wish, one of its newest and largest cruise ships, to the UK for the first time, and there’s a lot to look forward to. Sailing out of Southampton from Summer 2027, Disney Wish is going to make magical memories with itineraries that explore the British Isles alongside short cruises to northern Europe, southern Spain, and Norway’s breathtaking fjords.
Launched in 2022 as Disney Cruise Line’s first Wish Class cruise ship, Disney Wish is nothing short of sensational. Bringing the characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars to life through themed venues and unforgettable experiences, Disney Wish invites you to escape the humdrum of daily life and embark on an incredible adventure with Mickey Mouse and his friends. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy cocktails from A Galaxy Far, Far Away in the Star Wars-themed Hyperspace Lounge, compete in action-packed challenges in The Incredibles’ Hero Zone, or learn what it truly means to be a hero in Marvel Super Hero Academy, out-of-this-world adventures await.
Fairytale Hall, the Pool Deck aboard Disney Wish, and The Bayou
Disney Wish also boasts more subtly themed areas for adults, such as the nautically themed Keg & Compass, the breezy Currents Bar, and the indulgent Palo Steakhouse. However, there’s nothing to stop you enjoying sweet treats from Inside Out: Joyful Sweets, an exciting interactive dining experience in Worlds of Marvel, or lively music performances in The Bayou – a watering hole inspired by The Princess and the Frog.
Guests at Senses Spa, the Keg & Compass, and AquaMouse
A captivating cruise experience that promises to delight Disney fans, young and old, embarking on Disney Wish cruises from Southampton is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy this incredible experience without needing to travel too far. If you can’t wait, though, you’ll find the latest Disney Wish cruise deals right here; it’s currently sailing around the Caribbean!
Exciting upgrades are coming as several sensational ships enter drydock
Ahead of the start of another exciting summer season, several cruise ships from major cruise lines entered drydock this month, undergoing substantial renovations and interesting updates that cruisers around the world will have the chance to enjoy in the coming months and years.
At the start of the month, Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas was already over a week into a drydock in the Bahamas, enjoying minor refurbishments to public areas alongside technical maintenance and a hull inspection. It returned to service on Valentine’s Day, 14 February.
The day before this return, though, MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia entered dry dock in Malta. Ahead of this ship’s debut season in Alaska, it will undergo a significant upgrade that sees the introduction of several MSC Yacht Club facilities alongside the addition of Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse and Kaito Sushi – two of this cruise line’s most popular speciality restaurants. MSC Poesia will also enjoy the introduction of the All-Star Sports Bar, a vibrant entertainment venue with snacks and games, as well as improvements to the MSC Aurea Spa and fitness centre onboard. So, while it’s not going to be a completely fresh experience upon its return in March, this dry dock is certainly revitalising this incredible ship for future guests.
Kaito Sushi Bar and MSC Aurea Spa on MSC Poesia
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Encounter also entered drydock in Singapore mid-month, with an impressive selection of updates on the way. Alongside the adoption of Carnival’s new red, white, and blue hull livery, Carnival Encounter will also see Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suites introduced, as well as refurbishments to areas like the basketball court and Twin Racer slides. Carnival is also improving the crew areas on board and introducing several necessary energy-saving upgrades ahead of its return to service in early March.
Throughout February, P&O Cruises’ Ventura also underwent an interesting drydock in Rotterdam. Rather than introducing a plethora of new venues, this drydock introduced significant refurbishments to many public areas, as well as the cabins and suites onboard. Alongside new carpets, furnishings, and colour schemes throughout, the Arena Theatre will also be refreshed with a new Ancient Greek theme, while the Oasis Spa will introduce new treatments. Modernising many areas of the ship, upcoming Ventura cruises promise to be even more comfortable and enjoyable than before.
MSC Cruises reveals Art of Cruising with new details about MSC World Asia artwork
Earlier this month, MSC Cruises confirmed some exciting information regarding the artwork cruisers can expect to encounter aboard MSC World Asia, its newest World Class cruise ship scheduled to sail the Mediterranean from December 2026. Inviting you to appreciate the ‘Art of Cruising’ with immersive interiors featuring artwork inspired by Asia’s cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, the art set to feature on board includes large-scale sculptures and innovative art installations, as well as paintings, photographs, and more.
In addition to an abundance of Asia-inspired artwork throughout the ship’s corridors and cabins, MSC World Asia’s World Promenade will feature a stunning suspended stainless-steel dragon statue. Hanging from the ceiling, this impressive 12-metre-long feature will be adorned with almost 700 mirrors and nearly 3,000 LED lights, ensuring every evening is spectacularly illuminated. This innovative area will also feature sweeping koi fish sculptures by UK-based artist David Harber, further connecting guests onboard to both the ocean around them and Asia’s rich cultural heritage.
Some of the artwork you'll have the chance to admire aboard MSC World Asia
Beyond this, vibrant art by Vietnamese artist Hoan Phan will be featured in several public areas on board, alongside artwork by Atelier Le Castel, continuing this brand’s decades-long collaboration with MSC Cruises. Kaito Sushi, a popular Asian restaurant across MSC Cruises’ fleet, is also set to feature bespoke artwork by Raimondo Briata, who also draws on the symbolism of the koi fish to create a vibrant, eye-catching display.
MSC World Asia’s indoor pool area will also feature a stunning centrepiece by Elisabetta Milan; this impressive art installation will be in the shape of a water droplet that’s 1.5m in width and almost 2.5m tall. A remarkable piece, this will evoke a sense of lightness and fluidity while effortlessly complementing the other artwork onboard. With so much of this artwork created exclusively for this ship, you won’t want to miss your chance to admire it all first-hand on an exciting sailing through the Mediterranean and beyond. Be sure to check out the latest MSC World Asia cruise deals right here.
If you’re looking for even more news, you’ll find a few more highlights from February below:
- Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has ordered three more ships from veteran shipbuilders Fincantieri: one for Norwegian Cruise Line, one for Regent Seven Seas Cruises as a sister ship to Seven Seas Prestige, and one for Oceania Cruises as a sister ship to Oceania Sonata. All three are currently scheduled for delivery between 2036 and 2037.
- Seabourn is improving the menu options available in Seabourn Square and The Colonnade fleetwide, with fresh new regionally inspired dishes evolving the culinary landscape available onboard.
- Crystal has revealed that Crystal Serenity will host the world-famous Alajmo brothers on an exciting seven-night sailing in September 2026, perfect for anyone interested in their culinary artistry and innovation. You can find the sailing here: Adriatic & Greek Isles from Fusina (Venice) to Athens (7 nights)
- Author Jeff Bogle is hosting a street cats-themed cruise on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse in October 2026; alongside readings and Q&As onboard, Bogle will lead guided excursions to popular street cat spots in several historic cities on the itinerary. You can find the sailing here: Adriatic & Greek Isles from Ravenna (11 nights)
Iglu Cruise Insider - Our top posts in February
It’s been another busy month for the Iglu Cruise creative team, with a fantastic selection of fresh travel blogs for you to check out. Touching on a wide variety of topics, including everything from the top tourist destinations in Japan and handcrafted holidays you won’t want to miss to cruising tips for single parents and Cunard’s transatlantic voyages, there really is something for everyone to enjoy this month.
So, while you’re browsing the latest last-minute cruise deals for a sunny escape or deciding which all-inclusive cruises you want to enjoy in the coming months, check out the following for some insightful travel inspiration and information that might just help when it comes to choosing where to sail next.
- Yeehaw! Country music fan Louise takes to the seas
- Top 10 beaches in major cruise hubs
- Getting married at sea: The complete guide
- River cruising: Six river cruise lines you should know
- Five pet-friendly travel destinations to bring your four-legged friends
Beyond this already-incredible selection, you’ll also find a post exploring what to expect aboard Oceania Sonata, and a deep dive into the top nature-first cities in the world. You’ll also find even more interesting posts from prior months on Iglu Cruise Insider, your backstage pass to the world of cruising.
Book your next sensational escape with Iglu Cruise today
Whether you're looking for luxury cruises, all-inclusive packages, last-minute offers, or family cruises, Iglu Cruise is home to an abundance of unmissable cruise deals, meaning you'll always find something to suit your travel tastes and budget. You'll also find more incredible offers and travel inspiration if you're unsure of where to explore next in the following posts on Iglu Cruise Insider:
