Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, will transfer to P&O Cruises in 2029, while P&O’s Arcadia moves to Holland America Line in a three-brand fleet shuffle.
Holland America Line to Grow to 12 Ships With P&O’s Arcadia in 2029
Holland America Line will add Arcadia, currently sailing for P&O Cruises, to its fleet in 2029, growing to 12 ships as part of a wider brand reshuffle within parent company Carnival Corporation.
Carnival Sunshine Skips Bimini After Nor’easter Delays Departure
Rough weather has pushed back Carnival Sunshine’s next sailing by a day, cutting Bimini from the itinerary and shortening the Bahamas cruise to five nights.
These 9 Drinks Are Always FREE On Carnival Cruises
Carnival’s CHEERS! package can look tempting at first glance… Unlimited cocktails, speciality coffees, bottled water, energy drinks. It all sounds great until you realise the price can add hundreds to your cruise fare!
And that leaves a lot of first-time Carnival cruisers wondering the same thing – if you skip the drinks package, will you actually get anything decent to drink for free?
The good news is yes, absolutely. Carnival includes more free drinks than many people realise, and unless you’re planning to drink cocktails all day long, you might find the complimentary options are more than enough.
There are a few catches though.
The 9 Free Drinks On Carnival Cruises
1. Water
Tap water is completely free on Carnival cruise ships, and you can get it all over the ship.
You can ask for iced water in restaurants and bars, while water dispensers are available in the buffet area. The water onboard is filtered and perfectly safe to drink.
A lot of cruisers actually prefer the taste to the tap water back home.
The tap water in your cabin bathroom is safe too, although it may not always be very cold. If you like icy water, ask your cabin steward for an ice bucket.
What isn’t free is bottled water. Carnival sells bottled still and sparkling water separately, or it’s included with some drinks packages and casino offers.
One tip – bring a reusable bottle or insulated tumbler. Most regular Carnival cruisers do.
2. Lemonade
Carnival’s lemonade is one of the most popular free drinks onboard.
You’ll usually find it at the self-service drink stations on the Lido deck near the buffet. It’s American-style lemonade rather than fizzy Sprite-style lemonade, so think sweet, tart and refreshing.
It’s available throughout much of the day and makes a nice alternative when you’re bored of plain water.
A lot of cruisers bring powdered drink mixes or reusable tumblers to make the free lemonade last longer around the ship.
3. Iced Tea
Unsweetened iced tea is another free staple on Carnival ships.
You’ll normally find it alongside the lemonade dispensers in the buffet area, and it’s also available in the Main Dining Room.
If you’re American, you should know Carnival’s iced tea isn’t sweet tea by default. You’ll need to add sugar or sweetener yourself.
Some guests even make their own sweet tea by brewing hot tea over ice with extra sugar packets.
4. Coffee
Regular brewed coffee is free on Carnival cruises – good news if you need that caffeine hit.
You can grab it from the buffet drink stations and restaurants throughout the day, and it’s usually available almost around the clock.
The free coffee is basic drip coffee rather than barista-made coffee, but most guests seem perfectly happy with it.
If you want cappuccinos, lattes, iced coffees or espresso drinks, those count as speciality coffee and cost extra unless you have CHEERS! or another package that includes them.
This is where many people get caught out when looking at the drinks packages. If you drink several speciality coffees every day, the package starts making more sense.
But if you just want a standard coffee in the morning? You’re covered already.
5. Hot Tea
Tea drinkers won’t go thirsty either, so more good news for fans of hot beverages.
Carnival offers complimentary hot tea bags at buffet drink stations and in restaurants, with options usually including English Breakfast, green tea and herbal teas.
The quality is fairly standard cruise tea, but it does the job.
If you’re sailing from the UK, you may notice more tea options appear than on Caribbean sailings. Carnival does adapt slightly to British passengers on European itineraries, though only with minor touches like this. Don’t expect a completely British experience onboard.
6. Hot Chocolate
Carnival’s hot chocolate has a surprisingly loyal fanbase. You’ll usually find it at selected buffet beverage stations, although it can be easy to miss because not every machine offers it.
A lot of guests mix the hot chocolate with the free coffee to make a DIY mocha.
Others swirl it into Carnival’s soft-serve ice cream for what might be one of the least healthy but most enjoyable cruise snacks possible.
7. Milk
Milk is available free during breakfast service, including regular milk and often skimmed milk too.
You’ll normally find cartons in the buffet area near the cereal and breakfast stations.
If you need dairy-free alternatives like soy milk or almond milk, Carnival can often provide them if requested, although availability can vary by ship.
8. Chocolate Milk
At breakfast, many Carnival ships also offer cartons of chocolate milk.
This tends to be one of those hidden little cruise favourites that regular Carnival cruisers quietly get excited about.
If you don’t immediately see it in the buffet, it’s worth asking.
9. Fruit Juice
Carnival offers free fruit juice during breakfast hours.
The exact options vary, but usually include orange juice, apple juice and sometimes tropical blends like orange-guava-passionfruit juice.
Outside breakfast hours, juice generally becomes chargeable unless it’s included with your package.
That catches some first-time cruisers out, especially if they’re used to cruise lines that offer juice all day.
Other Ways To Get Free Drinks On Carnival
There are also a few situations where Carnival guests may get extra complimentary drinks onboard.
Art Auctions
Some art auctions offer free sparkling wine or Champagne-style drinks while you browse.
It’s not guaranteed on every sailing, but it’s common enough that experienced cruisers know to keep an eye out.
Just remember the goal is usually to encourage guests to buy artwork.
Casino Offers
Carnival often gives casino guests complimentary drinks offers, especially through casino promotions.
Some offers include free drinks while playing in the casino, although rules vary depending on the promotion and your casino status.
Typically, drinks are meant to be ordered while actively gambling rather than simply walking up to the bar.
These perks can include alcoholic drinks, soda, speciality coffee, bottled water and energy drinks.
VIFP Parties And Special Events
Carnival’s VIFP loyalty programme sometimes includes invite-only events with complimentary drinks.
These can vary depending on your loyalty level, the sailing and special promotions running at the time.
Some suite guests and casino guests may also receive invitations to private events with free drinks.
Suite Perks
If you’re staying in a suite on your Carnival cruise, you’ll get two large bottles of water free.
There’s been some confusion over this – it used to be that you had to claim the bottles from a bar, and people would drink the bottles in their minibar instead, thinking those were the free ones, then complain about charges…
It’s all been simplified now and the free bottles are in your suite, with a tag explaining that they’re free.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Suite Perks (Are They Worth the Upgrade?)
Bringing Your Own Drinks On Carnival
Carnival’s drink rules are stricter than some cruise lines, but you are allowed to bring some drinks onboard yourself.
Each guest can carry on:
- One 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne per adult
- Up to 12 sealed cans or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks
There are some important rules though…
The soft drinks must be cans or cartons – not plastic bottles. And they need to be packed in your carry-on luggage rather than your checked bags.
This can be a really good money-saving trick if you’re driving to the port. If you’re flying, though, carrying a 12-pack through airports and transfers may not feel worth the hassle.
A lot of Carnival cruisers compromise by bringing a few favourite drinks onboard and then relying on the free lemonade, iced tea and water for the rest of the cruise.
Suggested read: Carnival Cruise Luggage Rules
What Isn’t Free On Carnival?
These drinks are not included unless you buy a drinks package or pay individually:
- Speciality coffee like cappuccinos, lattes and espresso
- Bottled water
- Soda
- Energy drinks
- Milkshakes
- Mocktails
- Fresh juices and smoothies
- Alcoholic drinks
Is Carnival’s CHEERS! Package Worth It?
This really depends on how you cruise.
Thousands of cruisers use my free drink package calculator to find out before they sail….
For many people, CHEERS! only starts making financial sense if you’re drinking several alcoholic drinks per day alongside bottled water, speciality coffees or energy drinks.
A couple of cocktails and a morning latte usually won’t justify the cost.
And this is where Carnival’s free drinks selection helps more than people expect.
You can already get:
- Water
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Breakfast juices
…without spending anything extra.
If you mostly drink wine with dinner, it may actually work out cheaper to skip CHEERS! and either pay as you go or look into Carnival’s wine packages instead.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Drink Packages: The Ultimate Guide (Are They Worth It?)
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The Bottom Line
Carnival definitely wants guests to buy drinks packages – that part is obvious. But the free drinks situation onboard is actually pretty decent.
You won’t be stuck drinking plain tap water all week unless you want to.
Between the lemonade, iced tea, coffee, tea, juices and hot chocolate, there’s enough variety that many cruisers happily skip CHEERS! altogether and save themselves hundreds.
And if you bring a few cans onboard yourself, you may find you barely miss the package at all.
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Everything Carnival Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines
Carnival gets dismissed surprisingly often for a cruise line that carries literally millions of guests every year. It’s loud, busy, and rarely trying to impress people with white-glove luxury. But that’s also exactly why so many cruisers love it.
Because while other cruise lines chase bigger suites, fancier branding and those upscale experiences, Carnival has stayed focused on something simpler – making sure people have a genuinely good time on holiday.
And honestly? There are quite a few things Carnival does better than the competition. Some are obvious, but others are the kind of details you only really notice once you’ve sailed with them.
Even cruise fans who normally prefer Royal Caribbean, Norwegian or MSC often admit Carnival gets certain things absolutely spot on…
1. They Create A Fun Atmosphere Better Than Anyone
The second you walk onto a Carnival ship, you know exactly what kind of holiday you’re getting. Music’s playing, people are already at the bars, the lido deck is buzzing and the whole atmosphere feels energetic from day one.
Some cruise lines can feel oddly subdued during the daytime, especially outside school holidays. Carnival rarely has that problem. There’s usually a game happening somewhere, live music nearby or a crowd gathering around the pool for something chaotic and entertaining.
That won’t appeal to everyone, of course. If you want a peaceful, library-quiet cruise experience, Carnival probably isn’t your perfect match. But if you want a cruise that actually feels lively and social, very few lines do it better.
2. Carnival’s Comedy Clubs Are Genuinely Excellent
Carnival quietly built one of the best comedy offerings at sea and it’s become one of the line’s biggest strengths.
The Punchliner Comedy Club isn’t just a one-off act squeezed into the schedule. On many sailings, comedians perform multiple times throughout the cruise, including adults-only late-night sets that regularly end up packed.
And unlike some cruise entertainment, the comedy often feels current and unscripted rather than overly polished or corporate. That makes a huge difference.
It’s also one of the few entertainment options that gets people returning night after night during the same sailing. Plenty of cruisers now actively check who the comedians are before booking.
3. The Included Food Is Better Than People Expect
Carnival’s food reputation suffers because people assume lower prices must mean lower quality. Then they get onboard and realise the included casual food is actually one of the line’s strongest areas.
Guy’s Burger Joint has become genuinely iconic among cruise fans for a reason. BlueIguana Cantina is consistently solid too, especially for breakfast burritos. On newer ships, Shaq’s Big Chicken has also become a huge hit.
Is Carnival competing with luxury lines for fine dining? No. But when it comes to satisfying, included comfort food that people genuinely look forward to eating, Carnival gets it right surprisingly often.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Food Menus With Photos
4. They Understand Short Cruises Better Than Anyone
Some cruise lines treat short cruises like an afterthought. Carnival absolutely doesn’t.
The line has mastered the art of the three- and four-night sailing better than almost anyone else. Everything about the onboard atmosphere works for shorter trips – faster energy, busier nightlife and a stronger sense that people want to maximise every minute onboard.
There’s less pressure to turn the cruise into some perfectly curated luxury experience too. People are there to relax, have fun and enjoy themselves.
That sounds simple, but not every cruise line manages to capture it properly.
5. Carnival Has Some Of The Best Cruise Directors
On many cruise lines, the cruise director barely registers beyond a few announcements. On Carnival, they’re often part of the experience itself.
Carnival cruise directors tend to have huge personalities and visible roles onboard. They host events, interact with passengers constantly and often build loyal followings online. Some cruisers even choose sailings specifically based on who the cruise director will be.
That level of engagement creates a more personal atmosphere onboard. The ships feel less corporate and more human because there’s a recognisable face shaping the energy of the sailing.
Read more: Best Carnival Cruise Directors of All Time: Top 10 Ranked
6. Their Pizza Is Weirdly Famous For A Reason
It sounds ridiculous to single out pizza in an article about cruise lines, but Carnival cruisers will completely understand this one.
The pizza onboard Carnival ships consistently ranks among the best complimentary pizza at sea. More importantly, it’s available late into the night when people actually want it.
That combination matters more than cruise lines sometimes realise.
There’s something oddly comforting about grabbing fresh pizza after a comedy show or before heading back to your cabin at 1am. Carnival has turned that into part of the experience itself.
7. Carnival Feels Less Formal And More Relaxed
Cruising has changed a lot over the years. Many passengers don’t want strict dress codes, fixed dining rituals and formal nights that feel more stressful than enjoyable anymore.
Carnival recognised that earlier than some competitors.
The line still offers elegant dinners and nicer venues if you want them, but there’s far less pressure overall. The atmosphere is more relaxed, more forgiving and often more approachable for first-time cruisers.
That makes a difference, especially for younger travellers or families who don’t want to spend their holiday worrying about cruise etiquette.
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8. They Nail Value For Money
Carnival probably won’t win many “most luxurious cruise line” awards anytime soon. But value for money? That’s a different story.
The fares are often competitive, especially on shorter itineraries, and the onboard experience includes far more than people sometimes expect.
You’re getting entertainment, decent food options, lively atmosphere and solid private destinations without paying premium prices for every little extra.
That balance is a huge part of why Carnival remains so successful. Plenty of people don’t necessarily want luxury cruising. They just want a fun holiday that feels worth what they paid.
9. The Pool Deck Atmosphere Is Better Than Most Rivals
Some cruise pool decks can feel strangely quiet considering you’re supposed to be on holiday in the Caribbean.
Carnival ships rarely have that issue. The line leans fully into the resort-style atmosphere with DJs, deck games, live music and constant activity around the main pools. It feels energetic in a way that many mainstream cruise lines struggle to replicate consistently.
Again, that won’t suit everyone. But for passengers who actually want the pool deck to feel social and exciting, Carnival understands the assignment.
10. They’re Great For Multi-Generational Groups
Carnival works especially well when you’re travelling with a mix of ages and personalities.
Grandparents can relax with a drink, teenagers can disappear to waterslides and sports courts, younger kids have plenty happening and adults still get nightlife, comedy clubs and adults-only areas.
Not every cruise line balances those things well. Some lean heavily toward families while others feel designed mainly for older adults.
Carnival tends to sit comfortably in the middle, which makes group trips much easier to organise.
11. Carnival Knows How To Make Embarkation Feel Exciting
Embarkation day sets the tone for an entire cruise and Carnival understands that better than most.
On some lines, boarding day can feel oddly flat. Venues are half-open, the atmosphere is quiet and passengers spend hours waiting for the cruise to properly begin.
Carnival goes the opposite direction. The lido deck usually feels alive almost immediately. Music’s playing, bars are busy and people are already settling into holiday mode within minutes of boarding.
It sounds small, but it genuinely changes the feeling of the first day onboard.
12. Their Private Destinations Focus On Fun Rather Than Luxury
Some cruise lines increasingly market their private destinations like exclusive luxury resorts.
Carnival’s approach feels simpler and, honestly, more fun.
Places like Half Moon Cay work because they focus on beaches, easy relaxation, food, swimming and enjoying the Caribbean rather than trying to create ultra-curated luxury experiences.
Celebration Key continues that approach too, with huge pools, family-friendly areas and a strong focus on entertainment rather than exclusivity. The destination hasn’t been open too long really but is already very popular with Carnival fans.
Carnival understands that many passengers just want an easy, sunny beach day without unnecessary complications.
Read more: 16 Cruise Private Islands Ranked
13. They’re One Of The Best Cruise Lines For First-Time Cruisers
First-time cruisers can find the whole industry surprisingly intimidating.
Dining rules, dress codes, loyalty tiers, speciality restaurants, drink packages – there’s a lot to figure out.
Carnival simplifies a lot of that. The atmosphere is more approachable, the ships feel less formal and there’s less pressure to “cruise correctly”. That makes Carnival a very comfortable entry point into cruising for many people.
And once people enjoy their first cruise, they often stick with the line for years afterwards.
14. Carnival Built One Of Cruising’s Most Loyal Fanbases – But That’s Being Tested
For years, Carnival created one of the strongest loyalty cultures in cruising.
Many guests took enormous pride in reaching higher levels of the VIFP Club loyalty programme, especially Diamond status. People booked repeatedly with Carnival not just because they enjoyed the cruises, but because they felt genuinely connected to the brand.
That’s why the upcoming changes to Carnival Rewards have caused such a strong reaction among loyal passengers.
Across cruise forums and social media, plenty of longtime Carnival fans are openly talking about switching to rival cruise lines after feeling the changes reduce the value of years of loyalty. Some are frustrated that the programme appears to prioritise spending more heavily rather than simply rewarding cruise frequency.
At the same time, there’s another argument emerging too.
Maybe Carnival is simply moving first toward changes that much of the cruise industry will eventually make anyway. Airlines and hotels have already shifted heavily toward revenue-based loyalty systems, and cruise lines may end up following the same path over time.
Or maybe this becomes a rare misstep that genuinely pushes loyal guests away.
Either way, Carnival will probably survive it without major long-term damage. The line’s audience is enormous, its ships remain consistently popular and many passengers still choose Carnival primarily because they enjoy the onboard experience itself.
But it’s definitely one of the most interesting moments Carnival has faced in years because it’s testing something the line has traditionally done exceptionally well – keeping people emotionally loyal to the brand.
Read more: Carnival Rewards Explained – Your Full Guide To Carnival’s New Loyalty Program
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Final Word
Carnival isn’t trying to be the quietest cruise line, the fanciest cruise line or the most refined cruise line.
What it does better than almost anyone else is create a holiday that feels fun from the moment you step onboard.
The ships are lively, the atmosphere is relaxed, the food is far better than critics often admit and there’s a sense that Carnival actually understands why most people take cruises in the first place – to enjoy themselves.
That won’t make Carnival the perfect cruise line for everyone. Some cruisers will always prefer luxury, smaller ships or calmer onboard experiences.
But if your ideal cruise involves laughter, late-night pizza, busy pool decks, comedy shows and never feeling bored, Carnival still gets a lot of things very, very right.
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Carnival’s 8,000-Guest Mega Ship Is Coming Soon – Here’s What We Know So Far
Almost 8,000 passengers on a single cruise ship. For some cruisers, that’s an exciting glimpse of the future. For others, it’s enough to make them start searching for the nearest small ship.
Either way, Carnival Cruise Line has everyone’s attention.
The cruise line has started turning Project Ace from an exciting concept into a real ship. Construction is now officially underway on the first vessel, Carnival Destiny, and more details are gradually beginning to emerge.
While there’s still plenty we don’t know, the early information suggests these ships will be bigger, busier and more ambitious than anything the line has built before.
And with the first ship arriving in 2029, the debate has already begun.
Project Ace Marks A New Era For Carnival
Project Ace isn’t just another new ship class. It’s Carnival’s biggest step forward since the launch of the Excel Class.
Three ships have already been ordered from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, with deliveries planned for 2029, 2031 and 2033. Construction has now officially begun after the steel cutting ceremony for Carnival Destiny, marking the moment Project Ace moved from drawings to reality.
Carnival is describing the ships as the next generation of Fun Ships, suggesting they’ll offer far more than simply additional cabins and larger public spaces. The line is promising new venues, new entertainment and entirely new ways for guests to experience a Carnival holiday.
Exactly what those experiences will look like remains one of the biggest unanswered questions.
These Ships Will Be Bigger Than Anything Carnival Has Built Before
Carnival’s current flagship vessels – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee – already rank among the largest cruise ships sailing today.
Project Ace will take things much further.
The new ships are expected to measure at least 230,000 gross tons, making them around 25% larger than the Excel-class vessels. That means Carnival will finally break through the 200,000 gross ton barrier for the first time.
To put that into perspective, Carnival Jubilee measures around 183,500 gross tons. Even Carnival’s upcoming Excel-class ships, Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, will remain significantly smaller.
Project Ace represents a major leap in size rather than a gradual evolution.
The 8,000-Guest Figure Is What Everyone’s Talking About
The statistic that has generated the most discussion isn’t the size of the ships. It’s how many people they’ll carry.
Carnival has confirmed that each vessel will feature more than 3,000 staterooms and accommodate almost 8,000 guests at full capacity.
That’s an extraordinary number, even by modern cruise standards.
For comparison, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas can carry around 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy. Project Ace could potentially host even more guests despite being smaller in overall tonnage.
Of course, maximum capacity doesn’t necessarily reflect the experience most passengers will have onboard. Cruise lines rarely sail completely full in every berth category. Still, whenever numbers get this large, questions about crowding become impossible to ignore.
Carnival Is Keeping Most Of The Secrets For Now
For all the headlines around Project Ace, Carnival is still keeping plenty under wraps.
But we do now know a little more.
Around 70% of the public venues will be completely new concepts, rather than updated versions of spaces we’ve already seen on previous Carnival ships. That’s an unusually high number for a new ship class and suggests these vessels will feel very different from anything Carnival has launched before.
Carnival has also revealed that the ships are being designed with more ocean-facing spaces than any previous Carnival ship, giving guests more opportunities to enjoy sea views throughout the vessel rather than focusing everything around inward-facing public areas.
Beyond that, Carnival has confirmed there will be:
- New dining venues
- New entertainment options
- Re-imagined outer deck spaces
- New experiences created specifically for the class
That leaves plenty of room for speculation.
When Carnival launched Mardi Gras, BOLT quickly became the headline attraction. It seems likely that Project Ace will feature its own signature attractions designed to create a similar wow factor.
At this stage, though, Carnival’s New Build team is keeping its cards close to its chest.
The First Ship May Already Have An Obvious Homeport
Carnival hasn’t announced where the first Project Ace ship will sail from, but there are some clues.
Florida feels like the natural choice. The state remains the centre of Caribbean cruising and already handles many of the world’s largest cruise ships.
One particularly interesting detail came from Ben Clement, Carnival’s Executive Vice President of Maritime & New Builds, who confirmed that PortMiami’s Terminal F will be capable of accommodating Project Ace vessels.
That doesn’t guarantee Miami will be the ship’s homeport, but it certainly puts it firmly in the conversation.
We also now know the first ship will be called Carnival Destiny, bringing back a name that longtime Carnival fans may remember from the cruise line’s earlier fleet.
Given the scale of these ships and Carnival’s investment in the Caribbean market, it’s difficult to imagine the first vessel launching from anywhere else.
Carnival’s Private Destinations Were Built With Ships Like These In Mind
Project Ace doesn’t exist in isolation.
Carnival is simultaneously investing heavily in its private destinations, and the timing feels significant.
The new ships will be able to visit Celebration Key, Carnival’s upcoming destination in The Bahamas that is expected to become a centrepiece of many future itineraries.
Meanwhile, upgrades at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay include a new pier capable of handling Project Ace-sized vessels.
Taken together, these developments suggest Carnival is planning for much more than bigger ships. It’s creating an entire holiday ecosystem built around them.
The strategy mirrors a wider industry trend where private destinations become just as important as the ships themselves.
This Isn’t Carnival’s Attempt To Beat Icon Of The Seas
Whenever a cruise line announces a giant new ship, comparisons are inevitable.
However, Carnival has made it clear that Project Ace isn’t about taking the title of the world’s largest cruise ship.
Christine Duffy has downplayed the importance of size rankings, saying the focus is on what the ships offer rather than where they sit on a leaderboard.
Based on current estimates, Project Ace will still be smaller than Icon of the Seas. But Carnival may not care.
The line has always positioned itself differently from Royal Caribbean, focusing on fun, energy and accessibility. Project Ace looks more like an attempt to create the ultimate Carnival holiday rather than a direct challenge to its rivals.
Read more: The Ultimate Cruise Showdown: Royal Caribbean Vs Carnival
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The Crowding Debate Has Already Started
Long before the first ship enters service, the arguments have already begun.
Some cruisers have questioned how nearly 8,000 passengers will fit comfortably onboard. Others have pointed out that ships of similar size often carry significantly fewer guests.
Space-to-passenger ratios are a particular concern for some experienced cruisers, who worry that larger passenger numbers could lead to busier pool decks, longer queues and more crowded public areas.
It’s a valid concern.
But it’s also worth remembering that many people said similar things when Mardi Gras was announced. In practice, many guests found the ship handled crowds surprisingly well thanks to multiple dining venues and better distribution of entertainment across the vessel.
Project Ace will ultimately be judged by how it feels rather than how many people it carries on paper.
Some Cruisers Can’t Wait To Book
For fans of mega ships, Project Ace – and Carnival Destiny in particular – sounds incredibly promising.
More restaurants, more bars, more entertainment and more outdoor attractions usually mean more choice throughout a cruise. Larger ships can also support bigger production shows, more varied accommodation and entirely new experiences that smaller vessels simply don’t have space for.
There’s also the excitement of trying something brand new.
Every major ship class brings fresh ideas, and Project Ace has the potential to become one of the most innovative launches Carnival has ever delivered.
For many cruisers, bigger ships mean bigger possibilities.
Others Think Carnival Has Gone Too Far
Not everyone shares that enthusiasm.
Many loyal Carnival guests actively prefer smaller vessels, particularly ships in the Spirit and Vista classes. For them, the appeal of cruising lies in a more manageable atmosphere and a stronger sense of connection to the sea.
The idea of sharing a holiday with nearly 8,000 other passengers isn’t especially appealing.
Concerns range from crowded elevators and busy buffet areas to embarkation day logistics and finding a quiet corner onboard.
The truth is that no ship appeals to every cruiser. The same features that excite one group often put off another.
That’s why Project Ace may become one of Carnival’s most polarising ship classes ever.
The Real Goal Isn’t Size – It’s Scale
Looking at everything Carnival is doing, the bigger picture starts to emerge.
The company isn’t just building larger ships. It’s expanding destinations, upgrading infrastructure and creating experiences that work across an entire holiday ecosystem.
Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay improvements and Project Ace all appear to be pieces of the same puzzle.
Rather than chasing records, Carnival seems focused on creating cruise holidays that feel larger, more immersive and more self-contained than ever before.
That’s a very different objective from simply building the biggest ship possible.
Final Word
Project Ace is still years away, but it’s already shaping up to be one of the most significant cruise developments of the next decade.
We know the ships will be huge. We know they’ll carry almost 8,000 guests. We know construction has officially begun on Carnival Destiny, and that Carnival is planning an onboard experience that’s largely built around brand-new venues and a stronger connection to the ocean.
What we don’t know is whether Carnival can make a ship of this scale feel exciting without feeling overwhelming.
That’s the challenge that will define Project Ace.
If Carnival gets it right, these ships could become the blueprint for the line’s future. If it gets it wrong, critics will point to those passenger numbers and argue that bigger isn’t always better.
For now, all we can do is wait for more details.
One thing is certain, though – nobody is going to ignore a Carnival ship carrying nearly 8,000 guests.
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Cruise Guest Charged After Breaking Teen Girl’s Nose
A 44-year-old Iowa woman has been charged after deputies said she punched a teenage girl in the face while aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship sailing from Miami.
Jennifer Frost surrendered to authorities in Miami-Dade on Monday over the alleged incident, which investigators say took place aboard the Carnival Sunrise on 19th March 2026.
According to an arrest report, the alleged assault happened inside the ship’s Lido restaurant area while the 17-year-old victim was on holiday with her family.
Investigators said the teenager told deputies that Frost appeared intoxicated and began inserting herself into conversations between the girl and her group while they were waiting in line.
The teen reportedly tried to ignore Frost, who eventually walked away from the group.
Teen Reportedly Suffered Broken Nose
Authorities said the situation escalated a short time later when Frost allegedly approached the teenager again and suddenly punched her in the face.
The victim told investigators she suffered heavy bleeding from her nose and significant pain after the blow. Prosecutors later stated during a court hearing that the 17-year-old suffered a broken nose.
According to deputies, witnesses followed Frost after the incident and alerted onboard security officers, who detained her.
The arrest report stated that ship security body camera footage captured Frost admitting she punched the girl and allegedly “expressed satisfaction with her actions.”
Cruise Returned To Miami Before Arrest
The incident happened while the ship was sailing on a Caribbean voyage before returning to PortMiami on 21st March 2026.
Deputies said Frost left the vessel before contacting law enforcement after the ship arrived back in Miami.
She later surrendered alongside her attorney and was booked into Miami-Dade’s Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on an aggravated battery charge.
During a court appearance on Tuesday, a judge set Frost’s bond at $2,500.
The incident is the latest example of violent behaviour making headlines aboard cruise ships in recent years. While serious assaults at sea remain relatively uncommon compared with the millions of passengers who cruise each year, cruise lines continue to face growing scrutiny over onboard security and alcohol-related incidents.
How Crime Is Dealt With At Sea
Cruise ships are required to report serious crimes to authorities, and incidents at sea are typically investigated based on where the ship is registered, where it is sailing, and which country’s citizens are involved.
Most major cruise lines also have their own onboard security teams, including surveillance systems and trained officers who can detain passengers when necessary.
While cruise ships do not have traditional “jails,” many vessels do have secure holding rooms, often referred to as brigs, where disruptive or dangerous passengers can be confined until the ship reaches port and local law enforcement takes over.
Serious offences can ultimately lead to arrests, prosecutions and even prison sentences once suspects return to shore.
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9 Big Changes Coming to Carnival Cruise Line in 2026
Carnival might not be launching a brand-new ship in 2026, but there’s still quite a lot changing.
From a controversial loyalty shake-up to upgraded private destinations, higher WiFi speeds (and prices) and a huge number of ships heading into dry dock, this is one of those years where the changes are definitely ones you’ll notice once you’re onboard.
If you’ve cruised with Carnival before, 2026 might feel just a little different. Here’s what to expect…
1. Carnival Rewards Is Replacing VIFP – And It’s a Big Deal
This is easily the biggest change Carnival is making in 2026, and it hasn’t exactly gone down quietly.
From 1 September 2026 (delayed from the original launch date of June), the long-running VIFP Club is being replaced with a brand-new loyalty programme called Carnival Rewards. The big shift is how status is earned.
Instead of building status mainly through nights sailed, the new system is based on how much you spend.
Guests will earn three stars for every $1 spent, and casino play also counts, with one casino point earning one star. There’s even a Carnival co-branded Mastercard that lets you earn stars through everyday spending.
The new tiers are:
- Red
- Gold – 10,000 stars
- Platinum – 50,000 stars
- Diamond – 100,000 stars
The part that’s caused the most pushback is that status now expires every two years if you don’t requalify. That’s a huge change compared to the old system, where many cruisers built status slowly over time and then kept it.
Carnival has softened things slightly by confirming that anyone who reaches Diamond status by 31 August 2026 will keep it for life. But for a lot of regular cruisers, this still feels like a major shift.
Read more: Carnival Rewards Explained – Your Full Guide To Carnival’s New Loyalty Program
2. Half Moon Cay Is Getting a Major Upgrade
Carnival’s private island in the Bahamas is getting one of the biggest glow-ups we’ve seen from the line in a while.
Half Moon Cay is being transformed into RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and it’s more than just a rebrand. The biggest addition is a new pier, which means ships will finally be able to dock instead of relying on tenders.
That alone is a big improvement, but it also allows Carnival’s larger Excel-class ships to visit for the first time.
Beyond that, Carnival is expanding the beachfront areas, upgrading lunch venues, adding better bars and improving shore excursion facilities.
The first phase of upgrades should be ready by summer 2026, with more changes continuing through the rest of the year. So depending on when you sail, you might catch it mid-upgrade or fully refreshed.
Read more: 15 Cruise Private Islands Ranked
3. WiFi Is Getting Better… and More Expensive
Carnival has increased its WiFi prices again for 2026, and it’s something a lot of cruisers have already noticed.
The Social plan now starts at $20.40 per day, with the Value plan at $23.80 and the Premium plan at $25.50 when booked in advance.
That’s a noticeable jump from 2025 pricing, especially if you’re cruising for a week or longer.
The upside is that the internet itself has improved quite a bit. Carnival has rolled out Starlink across the fleet and upgraded its wider tech systems, which means faster speeds, fewer dropouts and a much more usable connection overall.
So while it costs more, it should actually work properly – which hasn’t always been the case in the past.
Read more: Carnival WiFi Packages Guide
4. A Huge Number of Ships Are Getting Refreshed
This is one of the biggest behind-the-scenes changes, and it affects a large part of the fleet.
A total of 10 Carnival ships are scheduled for refurbishment in 2026, which is a pretty massive number.
Not every one of these is a big overhaul, to be clear. They all cover the usual maintenance work, but Carnival has also been using them to improve the onboard experience on some ships. That can mean refreshed cabins, updated public areas, better retail spaces and upgraded youth clubs.
So while there’s no new ship launching this year, a lot of the existing fleet is getting a bit of a refresh. If you’re sailing on one of these ships later in the year, it could feel noticeably updated compared to before.
5. Isla Tropicale Is Getting Upgrades Too
It’s not just Half Moon Cay getting attention.
Carnival’s destination in Roatán, now branded as Isla Tropicale, is also being upgraded. Plans include a large pool with a swim-up bar, luxury cabanas, more loungers and expanded beach space.
There’s also talk of a beach club being added in the future.
There isn’t a fixed completion date yet, so this feels more like an ongoing rollout than a single big launch. But if you’re sailing Western Caribbean itineraries, it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
6. Celebration Key Is Already Expanding
Carnival’s newest private destination hasn’t been open long, but it’s already growing.
One of the big developments is a second pier, which will allow up to four Excel-class ships to dock at the same time. That’s a huge increase in capacity and shows how important Celebration Key is becoming to Carnival’s overall plans.
There’s no exact completion date yet, but 2026 is expected to be a key year for this expansion – so look out for more news on that later in the year.
7. The Zero-Proof Drinks Package Should Expand
Carnival introduced its first proper non-alcoholic drinks package in 2025, and it was a really popular addition.
The CHEERS! Zero Proof package includes things like speciality coffees, mocktails, bottled water, juices and other alcohol-free options, going well beyond the standard soda package that existed previously.
It’s being rolled out in stages though, so don’t panic if you can’t see it for your sailing immediately. It’s not something that has been switched on across the board, but it’s expected to be widely available.
And just because it’s only being rolled out bit-by-bit, it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere. It’s more a case of Carnival not confirming the details yet, so this is one to keep an eye on.
Read more: Carnival Drinks Packages 2026: Essential Tips You Need to Know
8. Carnival Is Pushing More on Sustainability
Carnival is also making a bigger push towards greener operations.
The cruise line is aiming to significantly reduce emissions, and it’s doing that through a mix of changes including more efficient hull coatings, LED lighting, shore power in port and smarter route planning.
LNG-powered ships are a big part of that plan too, with several already in service and more on the way.
For guests, this doesn’t massively change the day-to-day cruise experience, but it does mean newer ships are cleaner, quieter in port and better aligned with future environmental regulations.
9. New Itineraries Are Adding More Variety
Finally, there are some interesting itinerary changes in 2026 as well.
Carnival is continuing to expand its Carnival Journeys sailings, which are longer cruises with more varied ports and a bit more of a destination-focused feel.
One standout is a 13-day sailing on Carnival Horizon from Barcelona to Miami, calling at Alicante, Málaga, Gibraltar and Celebration Key.
There’s also the special Solar Eclipse cruise on 9th August 2026 on Carnival Legend, sailing roundtrip from Dover. That one’s sold out, but keep an eye in case of cancellations. It’s a fabulous way to see the eclipse.
There’s also a nice change for US West Coast cruisers, with Carnival Luminosa set to homeport in San Francisco for the first time. From there, she’ll offer 10-day Alaska cruises and Baja Mexico itineraries.
It’s a good sign that Carnival is trying to offer more than just the standard short cruise options.
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Final Thoughts
2026 might not be the year of a big new Carnival ship, but it’s definitely not a quiet one.
The biggest headline is the new loyalty programme, which is a major shift and one that will affect regular cruisers the most. Alongside that, there are plenty of smaller changes – from upgraded destinations and refreshed ships to better (but pricier) Wi-Fi.
Put it all together, and 2026 feels like a bit of a transition year for Carnival. Not flashy, but important, and probably setting things up for some bigger moves just around the corner.
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Carnival Drink Menus With Prices (2026)
Carnival’s drinks aren’t as cheap as you might think. And some of the prices surprise even seasoned cruisers.
It’s easy to get caught up in holiday mode, order the first cocktail that sounds fun, and only notice the total when it hits your Sail & Sign account. I’ve seen $20 drinks disappear fast… especially once gratuities are added.
When I sailed on Carnival Celebration, I photographed the menus at every bar so I could see exactly what was included, what cost extra, and which drinks were actually worth it. Some look amazing on paper. Not all of them live up to the hype.
Here’s what you need to know before you order, including the prices most people don’t check until it’s too late.
Drink Package Calculator
Are you wondering whether Carnival’s Cheers drink package is worth it or not? I can help with that!
My drink package calculator will work out the total cost of your drinks, so that you can see whether you’d break even or not with a drink package.
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Drink Prices
Note: The menu photos in this article are from my cruise in November 2022. They show the drink selection accurately, but some prices may now be higher. I’ve flagged any confirmed increases where possible.
If you just want to know roughly how much drinks are on Carnival cruise ships, here’s the quick answer to that…
Carnival Cruise Bar Prices 2026:
- Cocktails: $12 – $14+
- Beer (16oz): $7.50 – $9.75
- Wine by the glass: $10 – $15
- Spirit and mixer: $8 – $15
- Soft Drinks: $3 – $3.50
- Speciality Coffee: $3 – $5.50
- Energy Drinks: $4.95
- Smoothies: $7
- Bottled Water: $2.25 – $5
The Carnival drinks prices aren’t terrible – they’re similar to what you’d pay on other cruise ships that have a similar style to Carnival. You’ll pay more than you would on land, but not a huge amount more.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the Carnival drinks menus…
Each Carnival ship has a bar in the atrium. Here, you can enjoy a good selection of drinks, including beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks. A cocktail is usually the most popular choice here. These are my photos of the menus, but I know that prices have increased by around $2 per cocktail and $1 per beer/wine since.
Alchemy Bar Cocktail List
Found on almost all Carnival ships (except Carnival Paradise), the Alchemy bar is a cross between a bar and a pharmacy! This vintage-themed cocktail bar is the place to go if you like to see tantalising cocktail creations mixed before your eyes.
Here, cocktails now cost $14.25, but they are a little more special than normal. Non-alcoholic versions now cost around $10. A bit of a jump from these 2022 prices:
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Every Carnival ship has a casino, and within it, there’s a bar. You won’t find full menus here, but there are some small menus on the tables that list cocktails and craft beers.
These are all slightly more expensive options, so there’s an element of upselling going on here. The menu also suggests upgrading your mixed drinks with an extra shot for $4. Because, of course, if there’s anywhere on the ship that Carnival wants you to get a little tipsy, it’s in the casino!
Bear in mind that if you do double up, the extra shot won’t be covered by your Cheers drinks package, so you’ll be charged for it.
Prices at the casino bar have risen between $0.50 and $2 since I took these photos.
Available on Carnival Jubilee, Celebration, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Horizon, Vista and Sunshine, the Havana Bar is a Cuban-themed bar. While the Havana pool area is only for guests staying in Havana rooms, the Havana Bar is open to all.
Here, you can enjoy Cuban coffees, Cuban sodas and rum-based cocktails.
These prices have increased by $0.75-$2 per drink since I took this photo. For reference, all cocktails are now $12.50.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Brewhouse
On the new Excel-class and Vista-class ships, you’ll find Guy’s Brewhouse. An addition to the popular Guy’s Smokehouse, this pub serves an exclusive line of Parched Pig craft beers.
You can also get cocktails here, either in a regular glass or in a large mason jar that you can take home with you.
The cocktails all cost an extra $2.50 than these prices – they’re all $13 now, and the beers have increased by $1 to $8.50.
RedFrog Tiki Bar
Only on the newest Carnival ships – Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras – the Red Frog Tiki bar is a South Pacific-themed bar where you can enjoy Polynesian punch, rum cocktails and RedFrog beers.
Most of the drinks have increased by $2 since I took these pictures – cocktails are now $12-$12.75, a pint is $8.25, and most rums are around $12.50.
On every Carnival ship, you’ll find the Serenity adults-only retreat. Only for those aged 21 and up, this relaxing area has comfy loungers and daybeds. I love that the drinks menus here are attached to the daybeds – so that you can easily see which cocktails, sangrias, wines and beers you can order without leaving your seat.
Cocktails here are now around $12.25 a glass.
Most Carnival ships feature the coffeeshop, JavaBlue. This is the go-to place for fancy coffees, including spiked versions, as well as milkshakes and floats.
Prices have increased by $1-$2 per drink since I took these photos.
Final Word
Drink prices on Carnival aren’t outrageous, but they add up quickly, especially once that 20% service charge is applied.
If you’re planning more than a couple of drinks per day, run the numbers through the calculator above before you sail. It takes 30 seconds and could save you a lot of money.
And if you already have onboard credit, make sure you’re using it strategically.
A little planning at the bar can make a big difference to your final bill.
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8 Things Carnival Cruise Line Is Cracking Down On HARD In 2026
If you’ve cruised with Carnival before, you might think you already know the rules. But in 2026, a few things are being taken a lot more seriously – and some of them are catching guests out.
At the same time, there are a few things people swear are “banned” that the cruise line is actually still allowing, despite endless complaints and viral rumours.
I’ve been following the updates, and the reality is more interesting than social media makes it sound. Some of these crackdowns are long overdue, others are simply Carnival clearing up years of confusion.
Before you pack, book or board in 2026, there are a few rules you really need to understand – because one mistake could cost you far more than you expect.
1. Letting Minors Roam the Ship After Curfew
Carnival is taking a much firmer stance on under-18s being out and about late at night – and yes, they’re backing it up with real consequences.
A recent guest shared a letter they received onboard after their 14-year-old was found in a public area after curfew. Carnival’s policy is very clear: all guests aged 17 and under must be out of public areas by 1am unless they’re accompanied by someone aged 21 or over.
According to the letter, the curfew isn’t just a suggestion – it’s mandatory.
Read more: The Children’s Cruise Curfews You Need To Know About
The warning spells out exactly what happens if the rules are ignored:
- First violation: a formal warning
- Second violation: a fine of up to $500
- Third violation: everyone in the travel party can be disembarked early and placed on Carnival’s “no-sail” list
That last part is what’s really caught people’s attention. It’s not just the child who faces consequences – the entire group could be sent home and banned from sailing with Carnival in the future.
Why the crackdown? Carnival hasn’t hidden the reasoning. Late-night incidents involving unsupervised teens have been a growing issue, particularly in high-traffic areas of the ship after midnight. This policy gives crew members clearer authority to step in and helps ensure a safer, calmer environment for everyone onboard.
Read more: How to Survive a Cruise Packed With Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)
For families cruising with teens, the takeaway is simple: know the curfew, take it seriously, and don’t assume it won’t be enforced. Carnival clearly isn’t messing around with this one anymore.
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2. Minors in Adults-Only Areas and Shows
Carnival is also drawing a much firmer line when it comes to adults-only spaces and entertainment onboard – and they’re not making exceptions based on “parental discretion”.
Most Carnival ships have areas and events that are strictly age-restricted, including adults-only decks like Serenity and certain shows that are clearly marked as 18+ only. One of the biggest flashpoints has been the Punchliner Comedy Club, where late-night performances are classed as R-rated and reserved for guests aged 18 and over.
Recently, a parent complained after their 14- and 15-year-old were stopped from attending one of these adults-only comedy shows. The argument was a familiar one: that they were mature enough, that the parent should get the final say, and that being turned away felt “demeaning”.
Carnival’s response was short and to the point. Brand ambassador John Heald made it clear that, whether guests agree with them or not, these are Carnival’s rules and they are expected to be followed. He also pointed out that having minors in the audience can make performers uncomfortable when delivering adult material.
In practice, this means crew members are actively checking ages and removing underage guests from adults-only venues if needed – even if they’ve already taken a seat.
The wider cruise community has largely backed Carnival on this one. Many parents have pointed out that while their teens could probably handle the content, they still respect the age limits and simply attend the family-friendly shows instead – which Carnival already offers on every sailing.
Allowing exceptions, as many guests have noted, would quickly turn into a slippery slope. If a “mature” 15-year-old is allowed into an adults-only comedy show, where does it stop? The same logic would soon be applied to other 18+ areas across the ship.
For now, Carnival is standing firm: adults-only really does mean adults-only.
Read more: Customer Claims Discrimination Over Height Due To Carnival Comedy Club Seating
3. The 15-Drink Limit Isn’t Increasing
Despite what you may have seen flying around Facebook, Carnival is not increasing its daily alcohol limit – and it’s been very clear about that.
Rumours recently went viral claiming that Carnival had quietly raised the Cheers! drink package allowance from 15 alcoholic drinks per day to 24. It sounds appealing, but according to Carnival, it’s complete nonsense.
The daily limit remains exactly where it’s always been: 15 alcoholic drinks per guest, per 24-hour period. And the cruise line has also increased the time between ordering drinks – now, guests must wait 10 minutes between drinks, when previously a 5-minute limit applied.
Read more: Carnival Tightens Drink Package Rules With Longer Wait Between Orders
It’s worth remembering that the limit only applies to alcohol. Sodas, bottled water, juices, speciality coffees and other non-alcoholic drinks included in the Cheers! package don’t count towards that total at all. Carnival also offers non-alcoholic packages with no daily caps.
So why won’t Carnival budge on this? The reasons are fairly obvious. Alcohol is frequently linked to onboard incidents, from arguments between guests to more serious safety issues. Keeping a clear, firm limit in place is one way the cruise line tries to reduce the risk.
While some guests argue that the cap turns drinking into a “challenge”, many others find 15 drinks more than enough across a full day on board.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Drink Packages 2026: The Ultimate Guide (Are They Worth It?)
4. Turning Up Late for Your Assigned Dinner Time
If you’ve got a set dining time on Carnival, turning up whenever you feel like it is no longer being tolerated.
Carnival is cracking down on guests who arrive late for their assigned dining room seating, with latecomers now being redirected to the Lido buffet instead. And yes, that applies even if you’ve booked early dining.
In a recent case, a couple arrived 35 minutes late for early seating and were politely told to eat on the Lido deck.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line Confirms Guests Will Be Turned Away If Late to Dinner
The reasoning is simple. Early dining runs on a tight schedule so the dining room can be reset and ready for late seating. When guests arrive far too late, it puts unnecessary pressure on crew and disrupts the experience for everyone else at the table – especially those who turned up on time.
While a few minutes’ grace is understandable, Carnival has made it clear that there is a limit. Arriving 20 minutes late, and certainly anything beyond that, is now likely to mean you’ll be sent elsewhere for dinner.
Most guests seem to be on board with the change. Many have pointed out that land-based restaurants don’t hold reservations indefinitely either, and that late arrivals can delay desserts, slow service and frustrate both fellow diners and staff.
The good news is that being turned away from the main dining room doesn’t mean going hungry. The Lido Marketplace is open every evening, and guests who prefer flexibility may want to consider Your Time Dining or specialty restaurants instead.
5. Disruptive Behaviour Onboard
Carnival has always had rules around behaviour, but in 2025 it made a very clear point of reminding guests that they actually intend to enforce them – and that approach is expected to continue into 2026.
Last summer, Carnival sent a “Have Fun. Be Safe” letter to guests boarding cruises, particularly as the busy summer season kicked off. The message covered a wide range of conduct issues, from curfews and noise to smoking, drugs and general respect for other passengers.
The tone wasn’t subtle. Carnival made it clear that policies such as the 1am curfew for under-18s would be strictly enforced, that shouting and running in corridors isn’t acceptable, and that personal speakers are banned in public spaces. Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated areas, with serious consequences for anyone caught doing it in cabins or on balconies.
The cruise line also reinforced its zero-tolerance stance on illegal drugs, reminding guests that what’s legal on land doesn’t necessarily apply at sea. Anyone caught using or attempting to bring illegal substances onboard risks being arrested, removed from the ship and banned from sailing with Carnival in the future.
While this wasn’t a brand-new policy, the reminder itself felt like a reset. With certain sailings – particularly spring break and peak summer cruises – attracting more party-focused crowds, Carnival appears determined to set expectations early and avoid problems later.
Read more: The One Cruise Etiquette Tip EVERYONE Should Know!
6. Where Mobility Scooters Can (and Can’t) Be Stored
Carnival continues to tighten up enforcement around mobility scooter rules, mainly because confusion – and frustration – around their use hasn’t gone away.
The key rule Carnival keeps reinforcing is this: mobility scooters must be stored inside guest cabins. They cannot be left in corridors, outside cabin doors or unattended in public areas, even for short periods. The reason is simple – blocked hallways and exits are a serious safety risk at sea.
Carnival has reminded guests that mobility devices must always be kept clear of fire doors, exits and safety equipment when in public areas, and they can’t be left parked while unattended anywhere onboard.
This is also likely a response to ongoing complaints from passengers about scooters blocking walkways and creating pinch points in busy areas of the ship. From Carnival’s point of view, it’s about safety first, not convenience.
The cruise line has also reiterated that size matters…
For guests staying in standard cabins, scooters must be no more than 21 inches wide. Anyone travelling with a wider scooter – or with more than one scooter in the same cabin – must book a fully accessible stateroom.
Carnival has been clear that scooters may be checked during embarkation, and guests who turn up with equipment that doesn’t meet the requirements could be denied boarding if no suitable alternative is available.
7. Certain Door Decorations (Yes, Including the Upside-Down Pineapple)
Decorating your cabin door is still very much a cruise tradition – but Carnival is continuing to crack down on what you can and can’t use.
One thing that remains firmly banned is string lights of any kind. Battery-powered or not, Carnival does not allow lights on cabin doors or inside staterooms, even during the festive season. Crew members are within their rights to remove them, and guests have reported exactly that happening.
The reason comes down to safety. Unlike decorations, light strands vary hugely in quality, wiring and power sources, and Carnival takes fire risk extremely seriously. There are no exceptions for Christmas, birthdays or any other celebration.
Carnival has also reiterated its stance on certain door symbols, most famously the upside-down pineapple. While some guests insist it’s harmless fun, Carnival has previously removed these decorations to prevent unwanted attention, misunderstandings and complaints from nearby cabins.
In general, door decorations must stay on the door itself. They’re not supposed to spill onto door frames, walls, railings or into the corridor, even though this rule isn’t always consistently enforced. Large displays that block walkways or create clutter are far more likely to be removed.
The good news is that decorating your door isn’t banned outright. Magnets, signs and small decorations are still allowed, and Carnival has even said they enjoy seeing guests celebrate special occasions onboard – as long as it doesn’t compromise safety or impact other passengers.
8. Arguing Over “Free” Bottled Water
This one isn’t so much a crackdown on behaviour as it is Carnival putting an end to years of confusion – and arguments – over bottled water.
Carnival loyalty members with Red status or higher are entitled to a free 1.5-litre bottle of water as part of their onboard perks. That benefit isn’t going away, and it will continue when Carnival’s new Rewards programme launches in 2026.
The problem? Guests have repeatedly helped themselves to bottled water from their cabin, only to be surprised when it appears on their bill. Others have insisted they shouldn’t be charged because they “get free water”, leading to ongoing disputes with guest services.
Read more: Cruise Guest’s Fury After Being Charged Over Their Minor Water Mistake
To stop the confusion once and for all, Carnival is now clearly marking the complimentary bottle with a red neck tag that identifies it as a gift. If the bottle doesn’t have that tag, it isn’t free – and drinking it means you’ll be charged.
Part of the confusion comes from how the benefit has changed over time. Before the pandemic, free bottles were simply placed in cabins. After cruising resumed, guests often had to collect them from bars instead, even though the bottles themselves looked exactly the same.
Carnival’s message going into 2026 is simple: the free bottle will now be clearly labelled, and the rules are no longer up for debate. If it’s tagged, enjoy it. If it’s not, expect to pay.
3 Things Carnival Still Permits
Despite rumours, or arguments on social media, these are all still permitted with Carnival…
Relaxed Dress Codes (Yes, Even on Elegant Night)
Despite plenty of complaints, Carnival is still firmly on the relaxed side when it comes to evening dress codes – and it doesn’t look like that’s changing anytime soon.
Few topics divide cruise passengers quite like what people wear to the Main Dining Room, especially on what Carnival now calls Cruise Elegant nights. For some guests, it’s a chance to go all out with tuxes, ballgowns and serious glamour. For others, it’s just another night on holiday.
One guest recently complained that jeans should be banned altogether, arguing that seeing denim on elegant night “ruined” the experience for those who had dressed up. They even suggested that anyone wearing jeans should be sent to eat on the Lido deck instead.
While Carnival’s official dress code does list jeans as “not permitted” on Cruise Elegant evenings, the reality onboard is very different. Carnival treats its dress code as a guideline rather than a hard rule, and enforcement is minimal unless someone is wearing something genuinely inappropriate, like swimwear.
Read more: 11 Must-Know Tips About Formal Night on a Carnival Cruise
The result is a very Carnival-style compromise. Guests who want to dress up absolutely can, and many still do. Guests who prefer dark jeans and a nice top or shirt are also welcome. Both experiences are allowed to exist side by side.
Rap and Hip Hop Music Is Not Banned
Despite what TikTok might have you believe, Carnival has not banned rap or hip hop music onboard.
Over the past year, claims have circulated online suggesting that Carnival DJs were no longer allowed to play hip hop or take rap music requests, with some posts even implying the decision was racially motivated. None of that is true.
Carnival has publicly denied the rumours, confirming that its DJs continue to play a wide range of music genres, including rap and hip hop. According to the cruise line, nothing has changed in terms of music policy, and guests can still expect the same variety of nightlife and dance floor playlists as before.
Part of the confusion appears to come from images and graphics shared on social media that list “new rules” supposedly coming into effect. Carnival has confirmed that some of these graphics are either completely fake or simply screenshots of long-standing safety rules being misrepresented as something new.
In other cases, guests have mistaken behaviour guidelines for music restrictions. Carnival has been very clear that while it sets expectations around guest behaviour in nightclubs and public spaces, it does not ban specific music genres.
The Old-Style Muster Drill Isn’t Making a Comeback
If you’ve seen rumours that Carnival is bringing back long, old-fashioned muster drills on every cruise, you can relax – that’s not happening.
It’s something that’s come up a few times over the past year, when some Carnival guests were told that they would need to complete a full, in-person muster drill rather than the usual e-muster.
Understandably, that raised alarm bells for some cruisers who much prefer the quicker, modern system.
Carnival has repeatedly clarified the situation. This isn’t a policy change or a return to “the old days” – it is simply a regulatory requirement. Every ship is required by maritime authorities to conduct a full traditional muster drill a limited number of times each year for compliance reasons.
Carnival is not abandoning e-muster. The simplified drill remains the standard across the fleet, with only the occasional sailing required to complete a full, in-person version.
Even on those sailings, guests who’ve experienced it recently say it’s far from a disaster. Most full musters take around 15 to 30 minutes, and while it’s not anyone’s favourite part of a cruise, it’s a one-time inconvenience at the very start of the trip.
Safety may not be the most exciting topic, but a few minutes spent on it is a small price to pay for a smooth and enjoyable cruise.
Final Word
Carnival isn’t turning into a strict, no-fun cruise line in 2026 – but it is making one thing very clear: rules only work if they’re enforced.
Most of the changes and clarifications we’re seeing aren’t brand new. They’re Carnival responding to repeated issues, viral misinformation and a small number of guests whose behaviour impacts everyone else. Whether it’s under-18s breaking curfew, late arrivals holding up dinner service or arguments over what’s “free”, the cruise line is clearly done with grey areas.
At the same time, Carnival is still very much Carnival. Dress codes remain relaxed, music isn’t being censored, and e-muster drills aren’t going anywhere. For every crackdown, there’s a reminder that this is still a holiday – just one where a bit of consideration goes a long way.
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