Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ship, Mardi Gras, recently returned to action with a variety of fresh enhancements following a comprehensive dry dock in Marseilles, France. The ship sets sail from Barcelona on a 15-day transatlantic journey back to her homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., to resume the fun with a year-round schedule of cruises to stunning destinations in the Caribbean.
One Hundred Connecting Staterooms Added
Among the new additions are new connecting doors across 100 staterooms offering more flexibility for multi-generational families and larger groups to enjoy their vacation together. Carnival Adventures was revamped with a new layout, providing guests with a seamless excursion booking experience.
The ship’s casino has been expanded with new slot machines for guests to enjoy, and several retail venues were refreshed, including Tag Heuer, Breitling, Pandora and Swarovski. The ship also underwent a series of changes aimed at improving accessibility, including redesigned walkways and upgraded features in both public areas and guest cabins.
Expanded Casino
“Mardi Gras was a game-changer when she debuted as our first Excel-class ship, and now she’s setting the pace again as the first in her class to complete a dry dock,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “These updates not only enhance the onboard experience for families and groups but also signal the exciting direction we’re heading in with future fleet enhancements.”
Redesigned Retail Spaces
Guests aboard Mardi Gras will enjoy a 15-day transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Port Canaveral, featuring stops in Málaga and Cádiz (Seville), Spain; Tenerife, Canary Islands; and Carnival’s exclusive destination, Celebration Key. The 6,400-passenger ship will homeport in Port Canaveral year-round, where she will continue to offer seven- to nine- day itineraries visiting popular Caribbean destinations. In 2027, Mardi Gras will be the first Excel-class, and the biggest in the fleet, to offer short four- and five-day itineraries to the Caribbean.
Let’s get going with another full of cruise news, including what happens to cruising ducks after the cruise, an update on Symphony of the Seas, and the upgraded Sapphire Princess cruise ship.
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Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) has announced the delivery of its newest river ships, the Viking Honir, which will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, and the Viking Thoth, which will sail the Nile River. The delivery ceremony for the Viking Honir took place in Basel, Switzerland; the Viking Thoth was presented for delivery at Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt.
“We are proud to welcome the Viking Honir and the Viking Thoth to our growing river fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “With the arrival of these elegant new ships, we are pleased to offer even more curious travelers the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most iconic waterways in Viking comfort.”
The Viking Honir
Viking today announced the delivery of its newest river ships, the Viking Honir, which will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, and theViking Thoth,which will sail the Nile River. Pictured here, a sister Longship sailing the Rhine River. For more information, visit www.viking.com.
Hosting 190 guests in 95 staterooms, the Viking Honir is the company’s newestidentical Viking Longship®. Built specifically to navigate the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, the Viking Honir features the elegant Scandinavian design and industry-leading innovations for which Viking is known, including a distinctive square bow, three full decks, indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, asymmetric corridor and true two-room suites. The Viking Honir will spend her inaugural year sailing popular itineraries that include Passage to Eastern Europe, Rhine Getaway and Christmas on the Rhine.
The Viking Thoth
Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the Viking Thoth is built specifically to navigate the Nile River on Viking’s popular Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. Inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships, the Viking Thoth is an identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris, the Viking Aton, the Viking Sobek, the Viking Hathorandthe Viking Amun. Featuring elegant Scandinavian design, together these are the most modern sister ships sailing the Nile River.
Viking’s Growing Fleet
Viking remains focused on well-defined, long-term growth plans as part of a strategy toward maintaining a leadership position in experiential travel. Based on Viking’s committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 23 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 112 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.
Miami turned up the heat this weekend as Virgin Voyages threw a star-studded celebration to welcome its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, to the city. The glittering red-hot event drew more than 2,000 guests — including DJ Khaled, rapper Swae Lee, Selling Sunset’s Polly Brindle, actors Agustina Palma and Lilimar Hernandez, and The Real Housewives of Miami stars Kiki Barth, Alexia Nepola, Marysol Patton and Larsa Pippen — alongside journalists, influencers, brand partners, and 1,000 of the brand’s beloved First Mates.
The evening was pure Virgin — bold, musical and unmistakably glamorous. Guests were treated to the world premiere of Red Hot, a rockumentary-style spectacular inspired by Virgin Records’ legendary music catalog. Featuring hits from the Spice Girls, Janet Jackson, David Bowie, Queen, The Killers, and The Sex Pistols, the show celebrates Virgin’s 50-plus-year legacy in music, complete with archival footage of Sir Richard Branson and a high-octane cast that had the crowd on its feet.
The ship’s entertainment lineup also wowed with Up With A Twist, a Gatsby-inspired Supper Club that channels the Roaring Twenties with theatrical flair and old-world opulence. Throughout the day, guests discovered new Brilliant Lady exclusives — from Secret Vintage, a speakeasy-style wine tasting, to The Stitch Up in the Social Club, and Rojo, the ship’s fiery Spanish-inspired eatery. The night ended with Electric, a glowing, neon-drenched dance party in The Manor that pulsed long into the early hours.
Against the backdrop of the shimmering Miami skyline, the evening marked a symbolic and emotional homecoming for Virgin Voyages, recently crowned the World’s No. 1 Cruise Line for the third consecutive year. Brilliant Lady will spend the coming weeks sailing the Caribbean before making her way through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles and onward to Alaska in spring 2026. Soon after, all four of Virgin Voyages’ sister ships — Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady — will unite in the Caribbean for the very first time, marking a defining moment for the brand as it continues to welcome more Sailors to experience its unique, adult-only take on travel at sea.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras returned to service today after receiving a multi-million dollar renovation which added new connecting rooms, an expanded casino and redesigned retail spaces.
This was the first time that Mardi Gras has gone into dry dock since debuting in 2021. Carnival used this time to add connecting doors to 100 cabins on the cruise ship.
Carnival Adventures was also revamped with a new layout, this will give passengers a seamless experience when booking shore excursions.
In addition, the casino was expanded and several retail shops were refreshed. This includes Tag Heuer, Breitling, Pandora and Swarovski.
The cruise ship also underwent a series of changes aimed at improving accessibility, including redesigned walkways and upgraded features in both public areas and guest cabins.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement about the ship:
“Mardi Gras was a game-changer when she debuted as our first Excel-class ship, and now she’s setting the pace again as the first in her class to complete a dry dock. These updates not only enhance the onboard experience for families and groups but also signal the exciting direction we’re heading in with future fleet enhancements.”
Guests boarded Mardi Gras today for a 15-day Transatlantic sailing that will take the ship from Barcelona to Port Canaveral. Port stops on the cruise include Málaga and Cádiz (Seville), Spain; Tenerife, Canary Islands; and Carnival’s new private port in The Bahamas, Celebration Key.
Once the ship is in Port Canaveral, it will offer seven- to nine-day cruises to the Caribbean. In 2027, Mardi Gras will switch to shorter four- and five-night cruises.
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The “Cruise Capital of the World” is getting a whole new lineup of ships for cruisers to enjoy.
Already the homeport for vessels like Carnival Celebration, Celebrity Beyond, Norwegian Aqua, and Icon of the Seas, PortMiami will welcome five ships that are fresh from the shipyard.
Here are all five brand new ships coming to Miami in 2025 and 2026.
Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages)
PortMiami Debut: October 17, 2025
Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, is already sailing. The adult-only vessel took her maiden voyage in September of 2025. And today, the ship just arrived in PortMiami after a 13-day sailing from Quebec. The official “MerMaiden” voyage from Miami starts tomorrow on October 17, 2025.
Brilliant Lady will offer 7- to 12-night itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas, including first-time Virgin Voyages ports like Grand Turk, Antigua, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. Other stops for the ship will include the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), with longer options incorporating Cartagena, Colombia.
After her time in Miami, the ship will reposition to Los Angeles with a 16-night Panama Canal cruise in late March 2026, then head to Seattle for Alaska sailings.
Celebrity Xcel (Celebrity Cruises)
Fort Lauderdale Debut: November 9, 2025 PortMiami Debut: November 8, 2026
Cruise Fever will be on board Celebrity Xcel for a special sailing on November 14 which departs from Port Everglades. However, Miami cruisers will have to wait a bit for the ship to homeport further south as this sixth and final Edge-class ship will be moving to PortMiami toward the end of 2026.
The inaugural Miami season will offer 6- to 8-night Caribbean voyages to Nassau, Costa Maya, and Antigua, through at least April 2027. Before settling in Miami, the vessel will spend May to October 2026 in the Mediterranean from Barcelona and Athens, with Eastern and Western Med voyages to Santorini, Rome, and Ibiza.
The Edge-class has been a huge hit for Celebrity Cruises, and some design features and venues have evolved along the way. Xcel will feature “The Bazaar” instead of Eden, and in this new space there will be a festival-like feel with street food, pop-up shows, and a lively atmosphere.
Oceania Allura (Oceania Cruises)
Oceania Vista – Photo Credit: Oceania Cruises
PortMiami Inaugural Cruise: November 16, 2025
Oceania Allura is a 68,000 gross ton vessel that has a double capacity of 1,200 guests. This elegant ship took her maiden voyage in July of 2025, and after a couple Canada-based itineraries will be making her way to South Florida in one month.
This first sailing after her christening on November 13 will take place on November 16 with a 12-day sailing to the ABC islands in addition to Grenada and Tortola.
After Miami, her year in 2026 will be a busy one, taking on 26 Europe/Med voyages (7-32 days) to 92 ports before transitioning back to Miami for some winter sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas.
Star Seeker (Windstar Cruises)
First Cruise from PortMiami: January 15, 2026
The very first sailing on the schedule for the 224-passenger Star Seeker will take place on December 28, 2025 as the ship sails from Spain to Miami. But if you want to sail on this ship out of Miami, January 15th is the only day to do it.
Her first (and only for now) Caribbean cruise from Miami is scheduled for January 15, 2026 on an 8-day sailing to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Through April 2026, Star Seeker will offer 7- to 49-day sailings out of San Juan before sailing through the Panama Canal to offer Alaskan cruises in the early summer of 2026.
This 430-foot ship registers at 12,800 gross tons and offers a yacht-style experience in 112 all-suite accommodations.
Norwegian Luna (Norwegian Cruise Line)
PortMiami Inaugural Cruise: April 4, 2026
Norwegian Luna arrives in Miami in late March, on March 23rd, with her first revenue sailing on April 4, 2026.
As a Prima Plus subclass vessel with Norwegian, this 1,056-foot ship, delivered in 2026 from Fincantieri, has a volume of 156,300 gross tons and carries 3,571 passengers at double occupancy (up 10% from Prima class).
7-day roundtrip sailings from Miami will be the norm on this ship, as it sails the Caribbean and Bahamas, stopping at the cruise line’s private destinations at Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Cate
Norwegian Luna will keep Miami as her homeport through March 2027, when the ship will sail to New York, offering 5- and 7-day sailings to Bermuda.
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Cruise visits to the glamorous ports of the Côte d’Azur – including Cannes and Villefranche-sur-Mer – are set to become far more limited from 2026, as French authorities move to restrict large ships from anchoring off the region’s coastline.
The Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, which governs Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Cannes, has announced new measures designed to reduce congestion, pollution, and the strain on local communities.
The regulations, confirmed on 10th October 2025, will introduce strict caps on how many large ships can visit the area, as well as limits on the number of passengers allowed ashore each day.
One Large Ship Per Day, Per Port
Under the new rules, cruise ships carrying more than 1,300 passengers will be limited to one call per day, per port across the affected Riviera destinations.
The restrictions will apply only to ships that anchor offshore, rather than those that dock directly – although most large vessels visiting the region must anchor at sea due to limited berth capacity.
The limits will tighten further during the busy summer months of July and August, when only 15 cruise ships per month will be permitted to drop anchor in each port.
In addition, new passenger disembarkation limits will come into effect. An average of 2,000 passengers per ship will be allowed ashore, with an absolute maximum of 3,000.
The changes are expected to affect several major cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises, whose vessels typically carry well above the new thresholds.
For example, Holland America’s Oosterdam – which carries 2,429 guests – is due to call in Villefranche in October 2025, while Norwegian Epic (4,070 passengers) and Celebrity Equinox (2,852 passengers) are both scheduled to visit in 2026.
While the new rules will begin to roll out from 2026, ships that booked port calls two or more years in advance are expected to be grandfathered in, meaning those visits can still proceed as planned.
Pollution and Emissions Controls
The agreement between the Alpes-Maritimes authorities, the mayors of affected towns, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) also includes new powers to address air pollution from visiting ships.
If local officials detect “unusual smoke emissions”, the harbourmaster’s office can compel the vessel to take immediate emissions reduction measures.
In more serious cases, a ship could have its port call cancelled or be required to move at least three miles offshore to reduce its impact.
Environmental protection has long been a contentious issue along the French Riviera, where residents and local leaders have called for limits on mass tourism.
Earlier in 2025, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi attempted to ban large cruise ships – those carrying over 2,500 guests – from calling at Nice. However, a court later overturned his order, ruling that only national maritime authorities had the power to impose such restrictions.
A Gradual Implementation
The new rules are expected to take effect gradually from 2026, following a 21-day public consultation period.
Officials say the measures aim to strike a balance between preserving tourism revenue and protecting the Riviera’s environment and quality of life for residents.
Cruise lines are yet to comment publicly, but the changes could prompt adjustments to Mediterranean itineraries in the years ahead – particularly for large vessels unable to dock in port.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, is set to make a dazzling entrance when she debuts in November 2025 – complete with brand-new theatre productions, immersive festivals, and lively late-night entertainment.
The fifth ship in the line’s innovative Edge class, the 3,276-guest vessel is nearing completion at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
Following a successful series of sea trials in September 2025, Celebrity Xcel is now preparing to be handed over to the cruise line ahead of her preview sailing from Port Everglades on 9th November 2025.
New Productions and Onboard Experiences
Entertainment will take centre stage aboard the 140,600-gross-ton ship, with more than 75 resident performers delivering an extensive line-up of original shows and interactive experiences.
“Celebrity Xcel will further elevate Celebrity’s award-winning offering to create a world-class entertainment destination our guests are going to love,” said Lisa Lehr, vice president of entertainment for Celebrity Cruises.
The main theatre will host three exclusive new productions:
Mainstage – a concert-style spectacle inspired by the world’s biggest music festivals, complete with live bands, pyrotechnics, and immersive lighting.
Between Takes – a glamorous peek behind the scenes of a 1920s Hollywood film set, where vintage cinema meets Broadway flair.
Chapters – a reflective and visually rich journey of self-discovery through the elements of nature.
Late-Night Venues and Immersive Shows
Like her sister ships, Celebrity Xcel features The Club, a versatile entertainment space transforming from day to night.
Two new experiences will debut here:
254 West, a throwback to the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54, blending dance, disco, and dazzling visuals.
HOTEL, a cabaret-style comedy where guests join the fun in an interactive mystery performance.
Elsewhere, the ship will host four themed destination festivals inspired by her Caribbean itineraries – Carnival (Bahamas), Aqua (Mexico), Viva (Cayman Islands), and Flora (Dominican Republic).
Each festival will include live music, dance parties, and food and drink inspired by the local culture, held as the ship departs each port.
Games, Youth Programmes, and Community Input
Guests can expect a wealth of interactive experiences too, including a robot-building escape room, the new game show Brain Spin, and the enhanced Camp at Sea youth programme offering more than 50 games and activities for children and teenagers.
Several of these features were selected with the help of the cruise community through Celebrity’s “Xcel Dream Makers” initiative. The campaign, which combined in-person workshops and online voting, invited cruise fans to help shape the ship’s entertainment line-up.
Maiden Season and Beyond
Following her preview sailing, Celebrity Xcel’s official maiden voyage departs on 18 November 2025, a five-night round-trip from Port Everglades to Bimini, Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico.
She will then offer a series of seven-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises through to May 2026 before repositioning to Europe for Western Mediterranean voyages between Barcelona and Athens for the summer.
In October 2026, Celebrity Xcel will return to North America to homeport in Miami, continuing with a winter season of Caribbean cruises.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Cruise visits to the glamorous ports of the Côte d’Azur – including Cannes and Villefranche-sur-Mer – are set to become far more limited from 2026, as French authorities move to…
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After spending a month out of the water for her first-ever dry dock, Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras is sailing once more – refreshed, modernised, and ready to welcome guests for her transatlantic journey back to Florida.
The 180,800-gross-ton ship, which became Carnival’s first LNG-powered vessel when she debuted in 2021, completed her extensive refit at the Chantier Naval de Marseille shipyard in France before departing on 16th October 2025.
The updated ship is now making her way across the Atlantic on a 15-day voyage from Barcelona to Port Canaveral, with calls at Málaga, Cádiz, Tenerife, and Carnival’s new private island destination, Celebration Key.
When she arrives in Florida on 30th October, the ship will resume year-round Caribbean sailings, offering a more versatile experience for guests and families.
More Space, More Access, More Comfort
The refurbishment placed a heavy focus on improving accessibility and functionality throughout the ship. Around 100 cabins were reconfigured to include connecting doors, giving larger families and multi-generational groups more flexibility when booking their cruise holidays.
Public areas and corridors were also adjusted to be more accessible, while cabins received modern updates to fittings and furnishings.
Carnival also took the opportunity to enhance the ship’s entertainment and retail offerings. The casino was expanded and fitted with new slot machines, while several boutiques were remodelled to highlight luxury brands including Tag Heuer, Breitling, Pandora, and Swarovski.
The Carnival Adventures shore excursions desk was redesigned to make booking easier and faster for guests, particularly on busy embarkation days.
“Mardi Gras was a game-changer when she debuted as our first Excel-class ship, and now she’s setting the pace again as the first in her class to complete a dry dock,
“These updates enhance the guest experience and reflect the exciting direction we’re taking with future fleet enhancements.”
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Subtle Refinements, Not a Reinvention
While the dry dock didn’t overhaul Mardi Gras’ signature look, it introduced a number of refinements designed to bring her in line with the style and standards of Carnival’s newer vessels.
Mardi Gras
The improvements build on the ship’s strong reputation as a modern, family-friendly flagship, while ensuring she stays fresh for years to come.
Following the transatlantic crossing, Mardi Gras will relaunch with a 9-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on 30th October 2025, calling at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, Amber Cove, and Celebration Key.
She will then resume her alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with highlights including Grand Turk, Roatán, Cozumel, and Nassau, depending on route.
Reaction to the upgrades from Carnival fans was mixed.
Several were pleased with the addition of more family cabin options and the expanded casino space, but others felt like the announcements were a bit of a letdown.
A Continuing Wave of Carnival Upgrades
Carnival Cruise Line has been on a steady course of fleet-wide modernisation, and Mardi Gras’ dry dock is part of that ongoing effort.
Her refit followed work on Carnival Liberty, which was relocated to France earlier this year due to strikes in Spain.
The next ship scheduled for upgrades is Carnival Conquest, set to enter dry dock in February 2026 for scheduled maintenance and aesthetic improvements.
According to Carnival, the modernisation programme ensures consistency across its fleet and reflects guest expectations for more connected, accessible, and polished onboard experiences.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Cruise holidays are meant to be relaxed, but there’s one part of the evening routine where punctuality still matters – the main dining room.
Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that guests arriving late to their assigned dinner seating should expect to be turned away and directed to the buffet instead.
The clarification comes from Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, who addressed the topic in a 16th October 2025 Facebook video after a guest complained about being denied entry to the restaurant.
The passenger, who was sailing aboard Carnival Pride, said they were frustrated after arriving 35 minutes late to early seating and being asked to dine at the Lido buffet instead.
Heald, however, sided firmly with the ship’s crew.
“Bravo to the team on Carnival Pride for doing that,” he said. “Five or ten minutes is one thing, but arriving 35 minutes late puts ridiculous pressure on the dining room staff to get you served and to clear the table for the late seating.”
Heald added that the same policy applies across the fleet. “If you arrive late for assigned seating, you will be asked to eat on the Lido. It’s fair to the other guests and operationally fair on the crew,” he said.
Why Late Arrivals Cause Issues
Cruise ship dining rooms that use traditional seating times – an early and a late sitting – depend on precise timing.
Guests arriving significantly late for the early sitting shorten the turnaround time for waiters and galley teams, who need to serve, clear, and reset tables before the next group arrives.
Even a 15-minute delay can disrupt service flow and delay the second seating. A 30-minute delay can make it impossible to serve a full meal without rushing, potentially affecting the dining experience of other passengers.
As Heald pointed out, turning away latecomers isn’t about punishment – it’s about keeping the evening running smoothly for both diners and crew.
Mixed Reaction from Cruisers
Many guests applauded Carnival’s stance, comparing it to policies used by land-based restaurants, which typically release tables if guests arrive more than 15 minutes late.
One passenger wrote, “We had a family show up 30 minutes late every night – it was so hard for our wait staff. I agree they should be sent to Lido.”
Another added, “It’s no different than missing a reservation at home. You can’t expect the restaurant to hold a table indefinitely.”
However, some guests acknowledged that timing mishaps can occasionally be unintentional – particularly when travelling through different time zones, as the ship’s clock doesn’t always match passengers’ mobile phones.
“I’ve been late for dinner because I looked at my phone instead of ship time,” one cruiser admitted. “I just went for pizza instead.”
Alternatives for Late Diners
Guests who do miss their assigned dining time will still find plenty to eat. Carnival’s Lido Marketplace offers casual buffet dining, while Guy’s Burger Joint, Pizzeria del Capitano, and other late-night eateries stay open well into the evening.
The policy does not affect Your Time Dining, Carnival’s flexible option that lets guests dine at any time between set hours, depending on availability.
Still, for guests on fixed early or late seatings, punctuality is key. As Heald put it, showing up on time is about respecting both the staff and fellow passengers.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
After spending a month out of the water for her first-ever dry dock, Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras is sailing once more – refreshed, modernised, and ready to welcome guests…
Three popular cruise ships from Carnival Corporation & plc brands – Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, P&O Cruises’ Iona, and Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess – are each undergoing significant dry…
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