Luxury Cruising Editorial

Cruise bloggers and YouTubers are popping up all over the place these days as the cruise industry continues to grow in demand.  But along with all this extra content, sometimes the truth of the matter can be harder to find.

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, just posted a video on his Facebook page to correct some YouTubers about a beverage policy rumor that had been spreading online.  But he only addressed part of the issue, leaving some still wondering.

Rumors Prompt Carnival Response

Heald started his three-minute video this morning addressing what he called a “fire” ignited by some YouTubers regarding the availability and cost of juice on Carnival ships.

In a candid and direct way, Heald clarified recent reports to make sure Carnival cruisers have the accurate facts.

“Really just one thing to talk about today and this is another fire that I have to put out that seemed to become a blaze over the last few days,” Heald began, addressing the rumors head-on. He specifically called out “a few of the youtubers,” some good and some not so good, who “seem to have expanded on something” regarding Carnival’s juice offerings.

The Issue: Dining Room and Lido Juice

What was the main issue?  Heald said that some content creators were claiming that Carnival was charging for orange juice in the main dining room and had removed some of these juice offerings from the Lido deck.

Heald emphatically stated, “What these youtubers have said is incorrect.”

To clarify the cruise line’s policy, Heald explained, “if you purchase a juice from the bar of course there is a charge.” However, he reassured viewers that “if you go to the dining room for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, you will be able to have as much complimentary orange juice as you wish.”

Heald further explained the beverage policy in the dining room that was the main point of contention with some cruisers.

“What we are doing is charging the same in the dining room for grapefruit and pineapple and tomato juice,” he stated. “If you have orange or apple juice that’s complimentary in the dining room but those three—grapefruit, tomato, and pineapple as we do in the bars, we charge in the dining room for that.“

It should be noted that grape juice and cranberry juice also carry an extra charge.

Dismissing another piece of misinformation, Heald confirmed another juice option would be available for free: “We have not removed the very popular guava juice.”

He urged viewers to “please please ignore” the incorrect information, humorously adding, “the same as I ignore smoothies and juices and kale and tofu and most green things– I got called glutton bucket last week brilliant that really made me laugh.”

But Here’s What Passengers Are Actually Talking About

While Heald tackled the orange juice rumor, the comments on his Facebook post painted a slightly different picture. Lots of passengers chimed in to say that the real story wasn’t about orange juice at all.

Instead, they were talking about how Carnival had started charging for other juices – like pineapple, tomato, grapefruit, and sometimes cranberry – that used to be free during breakfast and brunch in the main dining room.

This change has left some cruisers feeling like Carnival is cutting corners. They see it as another way the cruise line is adding extra charges while the overall cost of a cruise stays the same or even goes up. 

One passenger put it this way: “Carnival have now decided to charge for juices that used to be free in the dining room for breakfast, except for orange or apple. The u-tubers I have heard have pointed out we still get free apple and orange juice. I am sorry John but that is really disappointing…”

Another comment was even more direct, telling Heald, “None of them I saw said anything about orange juice. What they did say that you failed to say is that the other juices were free in the MDR for brunch and you took them away…”

Plenty of people specifically mentioned missing the free pineapple and tomato juice, with some pointing out these were their usual choices. There was also a sense that Carnival hadn’t clearly communicated these changes beforehand.

What About Drink Packages?

Heald did briefly touch on the Cheers! and Bottomless Bubbles drink programs, acknowledging that passengers have asked if smoothies could be included or if the Bottomless Bubbles package could be upgraded.

Currently, the Bottomless Bubbles drink package only includes sodas and juices.  Some have been pushing for things like coffees, smoothies, and mocktails to be added to the package.

He said there aren’t any immediate plans for this, but Carnival is aware of these requests.

So, while Carnival addressed one rumor about orange juice, it seems the real buzz among passengers is about the other juices now costing extra in the main dining room. This shows that sometimes, the stories that get the most attention online might not always reflect the full picture of what cruisers are actually experiencing and talking about.

When you’re looking to book a cruise, you might notice that newer cruise ships typically cost a lot more.  The biggest reason for this is the higher demand to check out all the new bells and whistles a new cruise ship offers.

And because of this demand, cruise lines know they can charge more and try to recoup the cost of building their latest vessel. 

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas cost an estimated $2 billion to build.   They have to get that money back somehow, right?  Tanner, from Cruzely, put together a great breakdown of how much Icon will earn from each passenger, with an estimated $3.4 million per day in revenue.

As a sidenote, I did recently find that the newer Star of the Seas actually has some cruises that are cheaper than Icon if you look at certain dates.  You can check that article out here.

On a new ship there’s better technology, updated venues and amenities, and some “fixes” to other ships in the fleet, based on passenger feedback. 

But does newer mean better?  Not always.  Some of the best cruises I’ve taken were on ships considered to be old, 15 years or older.

Here are several reasons an “older” ship could give you a better cruise.

Newer Ships Often Have a Few Kinks to Work Out

This is especially true if you take one of the first sailings on a new ship.  Don’t expect everything to be up and running at 100%.  I’ve been on some new ships that were a bit behind in the construction process and the sounds of power tools could be heard throughout.

The crew are still learning about the ship as well.  So, some new venues will not be operating smoothly yet or will require more patience on your part. 

Older ships have been through it all, and like a good cheese, are often aged to perfection. Sure, they might not have the latest equipment, but if they are maintained well, they are consistent in what they offer. They might not do it all, but what they do, they do well, and the crew are very familiar with the ship.

Read more: 8 reasons older ships are better than new ones

Older often Means Smaller, Meaning Better Itineraries

I know saying “better itineraries” is somewhat subjective.  But the fact is that smaller ships are able to visit ports and regions that the mega ships of today simply can’t.

And yes, most older ships are definitely smaller.  Many ships built in the early 2000s averaged 2,000 to 3,000 passengers at most with a gross tonnage of 80,000 to 110,000.  Modern ships often boast 6,000+ passengers with a gross tonnage over 200,000.

Whether it’s exploring the Greek Islands, visiting the Caribbean’s hidden gems that are often overlooked, or sailing through the fjords of Norway, smaller/older vessels can bring you closer to those off-the-beaten-path areas.

Smaller Crowds and Easier Disembarkation

Along with the last point, when you are visiting a port of call, it’s a lot easier when offloading a thousand or so passengers as opposed to 3,000 or 4,000 passengers—not everyone gets off the ship.   This makes it easier and quicker to explore that quaint port of call and feel a little less like herded cattle.

And with excursions having limitations with how many people they can take, it makes it more likely that you can book that unique “thing to do” while in port.

Nostalgic Charm

Maybe you’re not a nostalgic person, but for me, there’s something special about the maritime history and heritage of a cruise ship from what seems like a bygone era.  It’s something I appreciated in some Holland America sailings and also on ships like Celebrity Constellation that I booked a few years ago.

The décor might seem dated to some, but there’s a timelessness to it as well.  That main atrium view is something missing on many new ships.  I even have a fondness for Carnival’s Fantasy-class ships and the quirky design inside.

Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas is a great example of this as well, and even the design of the buffet area has a certain nostalgia for me.

Tradition and Personalized Service

You aren’t guaranteed to have better service on an older ship.  That’s not my point.  And there were some articles I read a few months ago questioning the dining service on older ships as being subpar.  I’m sure this varies across the board.

But many older ships make up for the lack of bells and whistles with consistency and tradition.  This can be seen in the service, shows, and all kinds of other aspects.

Additionally, with fewer people on board it’s easier to talk to someone at guest services without a crazy long line, and if you want to speak with the cruise director about something it’s a little easier as well.

I’ve found most of my cruises on older ships to have great personalized service, but again, this is a subjective point no doubt.

Renovations Keep Things Fresh

Older ships need a refurbishment from time to time, but this just makes the ship feel fresh without adding to its size or detracting from its classic appeal. 

These updates can bring modern amenities to key areas like cabins, dining venues, and even add some newer features without the overwhelming scale of a brand-new build. 

Older vessels have tons of cruise fans who like to sail on the same, familiar ship, and an update along with a new itinerary or homeport revives those nostalgic memories.

Cheaper Means More Cruises

As I stated at the start of this article, older cruise ships are much cheaper than booking new ones.  This means you can go on more cruises for the same amount of money. 

If you’re on a limited budget and want to find some last-minute deals, it’s easier to do on an older ship as well, since demand is usually lower. 

If you have a flexible schedule, keep an eye on cruise fares with a cruise price alert tool on an older vessel, and save even more money.

A Holland America Line cruise ship returned to service this past weekend after receiving major enhancements during a recent dry dock.

Oosterdam spent two weeks in dry dock in The Bahamas and many of the public spaces on board renovated. The casino was expanded and a new Effy jewelry retail space was added.

Other public areas that received new furniture and additional significant upgrades were the Crow’s Nest, Greenhouse Spa & Salon, Photo Gallery and Photo Studio, and the suite-exclusive Neptune Lounge.

Rolling Stone Lounge was fully upgraded with an enhanced bar and new carpet, furnishings, LED lighting and flooring, offering a refreshed and vibrant atmosphere.

Casino

The former Gallery Bar is now part of the casino floor, featuring 34 new slot machines and a digital table game. This expansion offers more space for guests to move comfortably and enjoy more gaming options in an improved environment.

Neptune Lounge

The Neptune Lounge, an exclusive area for guests staying in suites. it received new carpet, drapes and light fixtures, along with stylish dining and lounge furniture.

The catering area has been renovated to offer a more streamlined look, and a new concierge desk enhances the welcoming experience.

Crow’s Nest

Guests will enjoy a refreshed Arts Studio where creativity can be unleashed at arts-and-crafts classes; a dedicated Games Room area for connecting with family and friends over various board and tabletop games; and a cozy Puzzle Area for those who wish to spend their cruise working on intricate puzzles.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

The spa on Oosterdam now features a new co-ed sauna and a new couple’s massage therapy room.

The Thermal Suite was rebuilt with a new Laconium thermal room, steam room and experiential rain shower. The Relaxation Lounge was also refreshed with a new beverage counter.

Effy Lounge and Retail Shop

The new Effy Lounge and Retail Shop replaced the small movie theater that was on the ship.

The shop itself mirrors the look and feel of Effy’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Modern touches provide a refined ambiance for guests to browse the various display cases filled with exquisitely crafted fine jewelry.

Photo Studio

The refurbished Photo Gallery now includes display areas and a facial recognition digital photo system for guests to view their photos through their account.

This area also received new lighting, carpet and signage.

Oosterdam is currently on a Transatlantic cruise that will end in Barcelona on May 3, 2025. The ship will spend the summer sailing in the Mediterranean before heading back to Ft. Lauderdale in November.

The energy to move a cruise ship through the water is the biggest draw on fuel, but the second biggest is often overlooked and is getting major changes on both modern and existing cruise ships.

Cruise ships are more streamlined and fuel-efficient than ever before. From specialized paint that allows them to cut through the water more easily to streams of bubbles along the bow to cut fuel costs, cruise lines are finding ways to get more out of every drop of fuel.

The biggest part of fuel consumption on a cruise ship comes from the propulsion itself. It takes a lot of energy to spin those blades and get a 150,000 gross ton vessel moving at 20+ knots.

But there’s another energy hog that is second only to propulsion and it’s constantly in use all over the ship: the ventilation system.

The size and constant use of a cruise ship’s heating, AC, and ventilation systems make it the second-largest consumer of energy on board.

According to Halton, a company that specializes in indoor air solutions, ventilation on a large cruise ship accounts for 30% of energy use. This could mean as much as 250 tons of fuel each day on a mega ship.

So, as you can see, there’s a big reason cruise lines want you to keep your balcony door closed and try to cut off power and air circulation to the cabin when you’re not present.

Why Ventilation Uses So Much Energy

Think about the sheer amount of power that’s needed for things we take for granted around the cruise ship:

• Constantly supplying fresh air to thousands of cabins.
• Extracting air from a number of galleys where meals are cooked around the clock.
• Maintaining comfortable air quality in theatres, lounges, and dining rooms.

If you ever saw a cruise ship being built, you’d see the huge network of ducts running all over the place. These systems are in constant operation, moving, filtering, heating, and cooling massive amounts of air.

What Cruise Lines Are Doing to Reduce Energy Costs on Existing Ships

Typically, these ventilation systems operate continuously, 24/7, regardless of whether a cabin is occupied or a galley is in full swing. It’s like running your home HVAC system at full blast all the time – not the most efficient method.

Cruise lines are now looking to retrofit existing vessels with more efficient systems, like demand-driven ventilation.  Often this is part of the dry dock upgrade that doesn’t get much attention online.

Some companies are testing systems for cruise ships that use a “demand-drive” approach. The smart systems use sensors to detect when and where ventilation is needed on the ship and adjust the airflow.

Here’s how it works in practice:

• Smart Galleys: Infrared sensors in cooker hoods monitor cooking activity and adjust exhaust airflow in real-time, only using maximum power when needed.
• Efficient Cabins: Occupancy sensors detect if anyone is in a cabin and adjust the air supply accordingly. Sensors on balcony doors prevent wasted energy by reducing cooling when the door is open.

The Results? (Especially for Retrofitted Ships)

According to one CEO, these systems can cut overall fuel consumption by 10%. For a large cruise ship burning 150-250 tons of fuel daily, this is a huge reduction in cost. Whether or not this cost will turn into lower prices for passengers remains to be seen, but any reduction in waste should be seen as a positive sign for the cruise industry.

New, strict regulations from the IMO and EU are forcing cruise lines to boost energy efficiency across their existing fleets.  Aging ventilation systems on some older cruise ships is something also driving the push for these demand-driven systems

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country and Carnival Cruise Line added their first dedicated pickleball court on one of their cruise ships a little over two years ago.

Since then, Carnival Cruise Line has added pickleball to 19 of their 29 cruise ships.

Here is a look at which Carnival ships offer pickleball by ship class.

Fantasy Class: Neither of the two Fantasy class ships offer pickleball.

Sunshine Class: There are three ships in this class but unfortunately, no pickleball on any  of them.

Adventure Class: Both Adventure class ships, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, offer pickleball.

Spirit Class: Four of the five Spirit class ships have pickleball. They are Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride and Carnival Spirit.

Conquest Class: Two out of the five Conquest class ships have pickleball, they are Carnival Freedom and Carnival Conquest.

Splendor Class: Carnival Splendor, the lone ship in this class, does not offer pickleball.

Dream Class: All three Dream class ships, Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze, offer pickleball.

Vista Class: Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama all offer pickleball.

Venice Class: The two Venice class ships that were moved over from sister cruise Line Costa Cruises, Carnival Firenze and Carnival Venezia, both have pickleball.

Excel Class: The three largest ships in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet all have pickleball. They are Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.

Everyone loves a good cruise deal, but sometimes you want to do some research yourself before you get locked into a phone call with a salesperson.

A recent social media post highlighted some frustrating sales tactics as Norwegian Cruise Line fans discussed getting more calls and emails than they cared for from their “Personal Cruise Consultants”. 

I’ve received many of these calls myself, and while I love sailing with Norwegian and appreciate a salesperson doing their job, this cruise line can be a bit more proactive than others when it comes to marketing.

A recent Reddit thread on r/NCL has become a venting space for cruisers sharing their experiences with the cruise line’s marketing tactics.

One user, Medic5780, kicked off the discussion with a frustrated post titled, “What’s with the unrelenting calls and emails from the ‘Personal Cruise Consultant?‘”

They mentioned how the constant contact, even before booking, was a major turn-off, especially compared to their experiences with other cruise lines. “Three or four phone calls a day, every day” they claimed, pointing out the unusual intensity of NCL’s approach.

Many commenters chimed in with similar stories, confirming this isn’t an isolated incident.

“The second they track you’re looking at ‘your next cruise’ they will call and call,” warned user one user. Another user who loves cruising with NCL, admitted, “I agree the calls are annoying. I block their number so the calls go straight to vm but that don’t stop them from calling. It’s like they get a alert anytime you’re on the site.”

So, what’s the number one tip to avoid this flood of sales calls? According to multiple users, the key is simple: stay logged out of the NCL website when you’re just browsing.

And when you’re ready to book, log in and see how long it takes to be contacted.

One user shared this insight: “I have learned to remain logged out of their website when I’m shopping around. I only login if I plan to book.”

The original poster quickly realized this might be the cause of the marketing blitz, replying, “Ah. That must be what they’re seeing. I’ve been on there looking around almost every night for the last week or so. Thanks for the insight!”

Reddit users kept echoing this advice, with one saying, “100% only price shop logged OUT.” They estimated that NCL’s tracking of logged-in users triggers the contact from personal consultants.

But some users have found their personal cruise consultant quite helpful.

As one user pointed out, “I don’t mind the emails because I love to constantly see different deals and ideas for itineraries…” For those who find the emails a little too excessive, several users suggested unsubscribing directly from the emails or adjusting communication preferences in their NCL account.

One comment advised, “There are preferences you can turn off (or ask to be removed from).”

And if the calls are already happening? Well, straight-up asking them to stop or calling Norwegian Cruise Line’s main line to get on a do-not-call list sounds like it’s worked for others.

Bottom line?  If you want to explore NCL cruises without the phone constantly buzzing, your best bet is to browse their site incognito, just logging in when you’re ready to make a move and book that sailing.

This simple action appears to be the most commonly recommended method for a more peaceful (and less intrusive) interaction with the cruise line.

You can let those calls go to voicemail if you want, but a simple note asking them to stop is the most straightforward way to solve this problem.