July has flown by, bringing a wave of exciting updates from the cruise industry. While the summer season delivers incredible itineraries, cruise lines have been busy announcing major refurbishments, fleet milestones and fresh onboard concepts.
If you’re wondering what you missed this month, Iglu Cruise has you covered. From a record-breaking ship arriving in Europe to ultra-luxury debuts, here is your July edition of Iglu Cruise News!
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A monthly round-up of the biggest cruise news
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas makes historic maiden debut
Marking the biggest ship launch of the summer, Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated Legend of the Seas has officially entered service.
The 248,663-gross-ton mega-ship, currently sharing the title of the world's largest cruise vessel, departed on its maiden voyage in early July. In an exciting first for the revolutionary Icon Class, Legend of the Seas is spending its debut season homeporting in Europe.
It offers spectacular seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Rome and Barcelona. Guests sailing this summer are among the first to experience its record-breaking waterpark, 28 dining venues and a brand-new "Chief Dog Officer" joining the crew for this historic maiden season!
Cunard reveals plans for Queen Victoria transformation
Great news for traditional cruising fans - Cunard has officially revealed an upcoming transformation for the beloved Queen Victoria.
While we await exact dry dock dates, the iconic British line confirmed the ship will undergo a comprehensive refit to refresh its public spaces and staterooms.
Expect to see modern enhancements blended seamlessly with Cunard’s signature Art Deco elegance, likely bringing highly praised concepts from their newest ship, Queen Anne, over to Victoria.
Explora Journeys takes delivery of ultra-luxury Explora III
Explora Journeys officially took delivery of Explora III from the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa on 23rd July.
Marking a major milestone for the fleet, Explora III is the brand's first LNG-powered vessel, combining state-of-the-art environmental technology with sleek European elegance.
Immediately following delivery, the ship set sail on an exclusive five-night "Mediterranean Prelude Journey" ahead of her naming ceremony in Barcelona on 1st August. For travellers seeking boutique, high-end ocean voyages, Explora III sets a breathtaking new benchmark.
Celebrity upgrading Reflection with 13 new venues
If you are a fan of Celebrity Cruises' Solstice-class ships, you are in for a treat. Celebrity Reflection is scheduled for a massive upgrade that will add 13 brand-new venues.
While full details are still emerging, these fleet modernisation efforts typically involve retrofitting popular elements from the cutting-edge Edge-class ships.
Expect reimagined dining spaces, upgraded bars and lounges, and modernised suite enclaves that will elevate Reflection to a whole new level of modern luxury.
NCL details recent dry dock upgrades for Jade and Gem
Norwegian Cruise Line has shared exciting new details about the recent dry dock upgrades for two of its popular Jewel-class vessels: Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem.
Both ships have emerged with beautifully refreshed public areas, modernised staterooms, and upgraded technical features to improve fuel efficiency.
These mid-sized ships are incredibly popular for port-intensive itineraries, and these refurbishments ensure they will remain fan favourites for years to come.
In Other Cruise News...
- UK favourites launch new itineraries: Ambassador Cruise Line announced a new series of retro 70s, 80s, and 90s Celebration Cruises, while Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines revealed a spectacular Amazon and Antarctica Grand Voyage for 2028.
- Harmony of the Seas turns 10: Royal Caribbean is celebrating a major milestone this month as Harmony of the Seas marks exactly 10 years of service! As the third Oasis-class ship, she remains a massive favourite for UK families heading to the Caribbean.
- Shipyard milestones: Over at the Meyer Turku shipyard, Royal Caribbean reached a major construction milestone on the upcoming Hero of the Seas with the successful installation of its massive glass dome.
- MSC unveils new dining: MSC Cruises has teased a brand-new Pan-Asian street-food concept debuting on its upcoming vessel, World Asia.
- Windstar conversions: World Explorer is currently undergoing an extensive dry dock at the West Sea shipyard as it officially converts to join the Windstar Cruises fleet.
- Holland America innovations: Holland America Line announced dynamic pricing and a brand-new design concept for single cabins on its upcoming Evolution class, catering to the growing solo traveller market.
- Princess Cruises' green milestone: This month, Princess Cruises is celebrating exactly 25 years of pioneering shore power plug-ins in Juneau, Alaska, highlighting its commitment to sustainable cruising.
- Regent's 2026 holidays: Regent Seven Seas has unveiled an impressive 56 new shore excursions curated for the 2026 holiday season, alongside new details about the sports and pool decks on the upcoming Seven Seas Prestige.
- Fourth of July celebrations: Queen Mary 2 took centre stage in the New York Harbour parade for July 4th, while Carnival Cruise Line hosted massive America's 250th Anniversary celebrations in Tampa and Long Beach.
Iglu Cruise Insider - Our top posts in July
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 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:
- Legend of the Seas dining: What to expect on Royal Caribbean's newest ship
- Top 10 rooftop bar destinations in Europe
- Best adult-only cruises for a relaxing getaway
- World Cup 2026: 10 emerging travel destinations
- The highest-rated tourist attractions in the US
- Europe's beach hotspots for summer 2026
- Top cruise destinations from Southampton
- Legend of the Seas: Unmissable onboard entertainment
Be sure to keep an eye on Iglu Cruise Insider in the coming weeks for even more fascinating posts throughout August 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:
