Middle East Cancelled, Portland Fees Up, Ventura's Makeover

Costa Cruises pulls the Costa Smeralda from the Middle East for winter 2026-27 amid regional uncertainty, redeploying to the Canary Islands. Portland, Maine raises cruise passenger fees to $24 per head starting January 2027 under its new Tariff 11. And P&O Cruises' Ventura returns from a major Rotterdam drydock refit with refreshed cabins and redesigned public spaces.