Luxury Cruising Editorial

Carnival Cruise Line is warning passengers not to try to bring their home coffee makers onto their ships, after the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador revealed an interesting message he received.

We recently asked our own followers on Facebook, “If you could add ONE thing to your cruise cabin, what would it be?”.  Overwhelmingly, the most mentioned item was either a coffee maker or a Keurig machine. 

So, it seems cruisers love their coffee almost as much as cruising, and they’re really wishing they could brew it right by their stateroom.

But after a “Diamond” level cruise passenger’s coffee maker was confiscated, John Heald decided to take the opportunity to warn other passengers.

The passenger’s complaint, posted on Heald’s Facebook page, revealed a “brewing frustration” (pun definitely intended) with onboard coffee options and a perceived inconsistency in policy enforcement.

“We had our Mr. Coffee confiscated on our Radiance journey cruise John. This ruined the experience we had been looking forward to for many months,” the passenger wrote, detailing their disappointment with room service coffee that was “either luke warm, too strong or watered down.” They felt, as “diamond cruisers,” they should “a) have the right to bring a coffee pot with us. b) have a coffee maker in our room.”

Adding fuel to the fire, the passenger claimed to have encountered another cruiser who had successfully smuggled a “portable French Press (via Amazon)” past security. “I would like an explanation to this John,” they demanded.

Heald, known for his candid and often humorous responses, responded directly.

“Thank you so much for writing and thank you for your loyalty,” he began, before delivering the bad news. “Well, I checked on Uncle Google and our website and Mr Coffee cannot be brought on board just as Madam Le French Press cannot be brought on the ship either.”

Heald suggested alternatives, advising the passenger to “call 8000 for another pot and ask them to make it stronger or hotter and as always our crew will do their very best for you. We have excellent coffee on Lido and of course specialty coffees from the Java Blue café.”

He ended his post with a question for his followers: “Where do you get your morning coffee from everyone and what are your thoughts on this coffee post?”

The comments section of Heald’s post was quickly filled with caffeinated opinions and experiences.

“As Diamond you deserve to follow the rules like everyone else. Feel entitled much?” one commenter stated.

Others voiced their opinions on the onboard coffee quality. One admitted, “Lido coffee isn’t awesome sadly. Java Blue is better,” while others encouraged people to embrace the cruise experience as it is, saying, ‘if you want things like they are at home, then we need to just stay home.’

It should be noted that most cruise lines do not allow passengers to pack a coffee maker, so this is not a unique rule for Carnival.

A more common theme in the comments was simply being satisfied with what was offered, even if it wasn’t the same as their own coffee at home.

“I wasn’t thrilled with the coffee but it was no big deal and by far would t ruin my trip. Zero chance I would haul a coffee maker though,” another comment fairly stated.

Carnival’s policy page for prohibited items on their website clearly states that “coffee machines” are not allowed, in addition to several other electrical appliances that could cause issues.

“Electrical and household appliances containing any kind of heating element, such as irons, clothes steamers, immersion heaters, heating blankets, water heaters, coffee machines, hot plates, toasters, heating pads, humidifier, etc,” the policy states.

Coffee drama aside, it’s clear cruisers are passionate about their brews. Will Carnival ever budge on the coffee maker ban? As long as it’s a safety issue that’s unlikely to happen.  While coffee quality can always be improved, this is more about the convenience of a morning cup of coffee than anything else.  

And our readers were pretty clear that even though coffee makers aren’t allowed on board, it’s a dream that many wish would come true.

Carnival Corporation & plc wants to build and maintain more efficient cruise ships.  And it’s willing to tap into some sci-fi methods to make that happen.  Drones, robots, and air bubbles will all play a role in helping make the cruise line save money on fuel.

In a recent press release, Carnival announced a plan to reach greater fuel efficiency and reduce cruise ship drag.

“We’re not just tinkering here – we’re looking at every available area for improvement for how our cruise ships operate,” chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation, Lars Ljoen stated.

“By combining state-of-the-art hull designs, advanced propulsion technology and years of experience, we’re continuously enhancing our ships’ performance.”

Cruise lines spend a lot of money on fuel.  In fact, Cruise Market Watch estimates that almost 8% of a cruise ship’s operating cost is on fuel.   So, if they can reduce fuel costs while making their ships more efficient, it’s a win-win.

How Carnival is Attempting to Increase Efficiency

Drones and Robots

In addition to using computer models to create more efficient hull designs, Carnival is testing out the use of underwater drones and robots to inspect the condition of the hull.

The drones are equipped with cameras and check for things like barnacles and chipped paint.   Robots are being tested to clean the ship below the water and clear any extra debris or coatings that can build up on the outside of a ship. 

All of these things contribute to reducing drag, and with such a large surface area under the water, even small amounts of dirt on the hull can create the need for more thrust, and hence, more fuel.

The advantage of using a robot to clean the hull is that it can efficiently map out an area and get to work without hiring divers or using expensive equipment.

Carnival also points out that these robots can work quickly, aiming for “full hull cleaning during a single port visit and efficient cleaning without damaging protective hull coatings.”

Computer Software

Software is being used to run hundreds of simulations with various hull designs to find the most efficient form and shape.

Additionally, software is used to adjust the internal ballasts on the ship in a process called trim optimization.

Basically, trim optimization is like giving a cruise ship a perfect posture in the water, so it’s not dragging its bow or stern and wasting fuel.

Podded Propellers and Air Bubbles

According to Carnival, “Over 40 ships in the company’s fleet are fitted with high-efficiency, 360-degree steerable podded propulsion units.”

These unique propellers are about 7% more efficient than the conventional propellers of old, and every new ship will be equipped with them.

Carnival is also using a system called Air Lubrication Systems, or ALS. Basically, they’re pumping air underneath their ships to create a carpet of tiny bubbles. Think of it like an air hockey table, but for a massive cruise ship.

This bubble layer cuts down on the friction between the ship’s hull and the water, which means the ship can glide through the water easier. They’re saying it’s saving them at least 5% on fuel, which is a huge deal when you’re talking about ships this size. They’ve already got it on over 10% of their fleet, and they’re planning to add it to ten more ships in the next three years.

Biofouling Paint

The paint itself makes a big difference on a cruise ship’s efficiency as well.  Carnival said they are testing out a next-gen biofouling paint.  Biofouling is the unwanted accumulation of organisms like plants and algae that can increase drag on a vessel.

The company stated that about 15% of the fleet is testing out some of these new coatings to evaluate durability and efficacy.

Commenting on the impact of these plans by Carnival, Lars Ljoen added:

“This has been a journey of small steps and years of continued collaboration to push the boundaries of innovation and drive solutions for greater efficiencies. It is safe to say that collectively these initiatives have contributed to significant improvements in fuel and energy efficiency over time. In essence, we are continuously reducing our environmental footprint at the same time we deliver the best vacation experience for our guests.”

Just weeks after a French mayor called cruise ships “floating buildings” unwelcome in his popular cruise port city, local leaders are now seeking a compromise that will reverse at least part of this decision.

The Initial Ban

Mayor Christian Estrosi made waves in the cruise industry last month, when he announced an order banning large cruise ships from Nice, France. The order stated that any cruise vessel carrying more than 900 passengers would be prohibited from visiting the port city.

At the time, Estrosi stated, “The cruises that pollute and dump their low-cost clientele who consume nothing but leave their waste behind have no place with us.”

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) spearheaded the pushback against the ban, arguing that it would cause significant economic damage.

“We are urging reconsideration,” stated Samuel Maubanc, CLIA’s director general for Europe, emphasizing the need for a “holistic tourism management approach.”

It should be noted that the ban would not have restricted smaller boats and vessels from utilizing the port. However, the threat of lost tourism and the resulting economic pinch sent city leaders and officials into scramble mode.

After all, CLIA warned of potential losses exceeding $10 million locally and $600 million regionally.

The ban, which was set to take effect July 1st, would have severely impacted Villefranche-sur-Mer, a tender port heavily reliant on cruise ship traffic. Two-thirds of the nearly 90 scheduled calls there would have been affected, effectively excluding major cruise lines.

The Ban Reversal (of Sorts)

But the mayor of Nice is now attempting to backtrack, or at least modify the ban. According to news reports, on March 7th, Estrosi is expected to submit a new plan that will allow 65 ships carrying up to 2,500 passengers to utilize the nearby bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Smaller ships with fewer than 450 passengers will be able to use Nice’s port.

The port of Nice will still host approximately 125 cruise ships this year, with a dozen carrying over 125 passengers. Mayor Estrosi’s reversal of the ban came shortly after his meeting with Sea Shepherd’s Paul Watson, and ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.

Other Mediterranean Ports Struggling with This Debate

Nice, a key Mediterranean cruise destination, is at the center of this debate, but it’s not the only city in the region to try to find the balance between tourism and preservation of culture and heritage.   Venice, Barcelona, and Santorini have recently made their own attempts to restrict large ships or combat overtourism.

While some smaller ports just aren’t capable of hosting larger mega ships of today, it opens a market for smaller cruise ships to offer more intimate and remote destinations.

For now, Nice’s compromise makes room for at least some cruise passengers to appreciate an amazing destination.

The promise of a serene and peaceful cruise through the beautiful Milford Sound of New Zealand turned into bumpy ride for passengers of the cruise ship Crown Princess on February 25, 2025.

What was meant to be a relaxing voyage to the South Seas was interrupted when strong wind gusts slammed into the 113,561 gross tonnage ship.  These gusts caused a significant listing or tilt that made quite a mess, especially in the kitchen area.

The Princess Cruises ship, carrying approximately 3,000 passengers, leaned slightly to one side for a brief amount of time, but it was enough to the attention of everyone on board.  Initial reports say that the vessel tilted about 14 degrees.

The impact of the listing was immediately felt throughout the ship. Passengers reported a scene of chaos as furniture, including tables and chairs, slid across decks. Merchandise in the ship’s shops was sent flying, with perfume bottles and other items crashing to the floor.

Due to the tilt, the ship’s pool begam to overflow, pouring water all over the lido deck of the Grand-class vessel.

News footage and eyewitness accounts depicted a ship visibly leaning, with crew members scrambling to secure loose in the kitchen, as plates and large containers of food crashed onto the floor.

The sudden movement of the ship caused some concern, with passengers describing a bit of chaos as they struggled to keep their balance and figure out what was going on.

According to official reports, 13 passengers and 3 crew members sustained minor injuries during the incident. These injuries were mostly bumps and bruises, but a handful of more significant injuries were reported as well.

Princess Cruises confirmed the incident, stating that the ship experienced a brief but significant tilt beyond its normal range of motion.

“Crown Princess encountered strong winds during a course change, causing the ship to briefly tilt beyond its usual movement before stabilizing. Our crew responded quickly to correct the situation, and at no point was the safety of the ship compromised,” the cruise line stated.

“Additionally, a small amount of water from the Lido Deck pool briefly entered the Horizons food court, but the area was quickly cleaned and reopened. There was no structural damage to the ship.”

Despite the incident, Crown Princess continued its scheduled itinerary on its 14-day sailing.  The next port visit for the ship will be in Tauranga, Russell, New Zealand on Sunday, and the ship is scheduled to return to Sydney, Australia on March 8, 2025.

Many passengers can be seen in footage of the aftermath smiling, and resuming their onboard activities, sharing stories of their unexpected adventure.

While cruise ships are designed to handle even difficult conditions, they are not immune to the forces of nature.  It’s worth noting that Milford Sound, despite its beauty, is frequently subject to sudden and severe weather shifts.

Some passengers on some of the lower decks reportedly did not even feel much of the impact of the winds at all, highlighting how much of a difference location on a ship can make in rough weather.

This is another reason we recommend sleeping in a lower mid-ship cabin if you are prone to seasickness.