Large cruise ship docked in port, illustrating cruise shareholder benefits from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCLH

Cruise Line Shareholder Benefits (2026): Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCLH Compared

by Celebrity Cruises

Own at least 100 shares of Carnival Corporation (CCL), Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) or Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) and you can claim free onboard credit on their cruise brands. The Carnival shareholder benefit and its two rivals all pay $50 to $250 per cabin depending on cruise length, and Royal Caribbean adds $1,000 on a world cruise. All three were still running in October 2026, but each one has its own claim method, deadline and rules.

This guide compares cruise shareholder benefits side by side, using each company’s own investor pages as checked in October 2026. It covers how many shares you need, what each line pays, how to claim and the small print that catches people out. These perks can be changed or withdrawn at any time, so always check the official terms before you rely on them.

Cruise shareholder benefits compared (October 2026)

Here is how the three programmes compare for US-dollar sailings:

Feature Carnival Corporation (CCL) Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) NCLH
Minimum holding 100 shares 100 shares 100 shares
Short cruises $50 (6 days or less) $50 (5 nights or fewer) $50 (6 days or less)
Mid-length cruises $100 (7 to 13 days) $100 (6 to 13 nights) $100 (7 to 14 days)
Long cruises $250 (14 days or longer) $250 (14+ nights) $250 (15+ days)
World cruise Long-cruise rate $1,000 Long-cruise rate
How to claim Stockperks app Online request form Online request form
Deadline 3 weeks before sailing About 3 weeks before sailing 15 days before sailing
Stated end date Sailings through 31 Dec 2026 None stated None stated

Note the slightly different length bands. A 6-night Royal Caribbean cruise earns $100, while a 6-day Carnival or Norwegian cruise earns $50. A 14-day Norwegian sailing gets $100, not $250, because NCLH’s top tier starts at 15 days.

Carnival shareholder benefit: what you get in 2026

The Carnival shareholder benefit is the widest-reaching of the three because it covers more brands. According to Carnival Corporation’s investor page, holders of at least 100 shares get onboard credit per stateroom of $50 (6 days or less), $100 (7 to 13 days) or $250 (14 days or longer). Local equivalents apply elsewhere: €40/€75/€200 in continental Europe, £30/£60/£150 in the UK and A$50/A$100/A$250 in Australia. On Carnival Cruise Line, Princess and Cunard the amount follows the ship’s onboard currency.

Which brands qualify

  • North America: Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and Cunard
  • UK: P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises
  • Continental Europe: Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises
  • Australia: Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises

AIDA has had its own fare rules. From 1 June 2025 only its premium fares qualified on new bookings, and from 15 July 2025 both comfort and premium fares were eligible again.

The 2026 end date and the 2027 question

The current Carnival offer is published for sailings through 31 December 2026. Carnival has renewed the benefit year by year in the past, but as of late October 2026 we could not find a published 2027 version on its investor page. If you are booking a 2027 cruise partly for the shareholder credit, check the page again before you sail. Carnival says it can change or end the benefit at any time.

Carnival plc no longer exists as a separate listing

Older guides talk about holding shares in “Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc”. That changed in 2026. Carnival finished unifying its dual-listed structure in May 2026. The single parent company is now Carnival Corporation Ltd, which trades on the NYSE as CCL. Carnival plc shares were exchanged one-for-one for the new common shares, and the plc’s London listing was cancelled. If you held plc shares, your holding should now appear as CCL shares, and that is what you validate for the benefit.

Person holding a smartphone to submit a cruise shareholder benefit claim before sailing
Carnival claims now go through the Stockperks app. Photo: Thirdman on Pexels

How to claim cruise shareholder benefits

Carnival Corporation: the Stockperks app

  1. Download the Stockperks app and create a profile.
  2. Search for Carnival and choose the brand you are sailing with.
  3. Select “Validate your portfolio” and enter your CCL ownership details.
  4. Once your holding is confirmed, submit a claim for each eligible booking.

Claims must be in at least three weeks before departure, and Carnival says the credit cannot be added once you are on board. App questions go to Stockperks, and booking questions go to the cruise brand’s shareholder contact.

Royal Caribbean Group: online forms

Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises requests go through an online form linked from the RCL investor site, and Silversea has its own separate form. You give your name, address, booking number, ship, sail date and proof that you own the shares, usually a recent brokerage statement. Royal Caribbean’s terms ask for this at least three weeks before sailing, and its FAQ suggests two to three weeks. Send it early to be safe. The investor email address is for questions only and does not process requests.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: request form plus proof

NCLH uses a Shareholder Benefit Request form on its investor site for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Attach a copy of your shareholder proxy card or a current brokerage statement showing at least 100 NCLH shares, with the account number blacked out. NCLH needs the request at least 15 days before sailing, which is the shortest deadline of the three.

Tips that save a rejected claim

  • Make sure the name on the brokerage statement matches a guest in the cabin.
  • Claim separately for every booking. The credit is not added automatically.
  • Keep the shares until after you sail. All three require you to own the stock at the time of sailing.
  • If you booked through a travel agent, tell them you are claiming so they can check it is on the booking.

Royal Caribbean shareholder benefit and NCLH rules in detail

Royal Caribbean Group

The Royal Caribbean shareholder benefit covers Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. It applies to bookings made on or after 1 June 2023 and has no published end date. Charter, complimentary, Celebrity River Cruises and Galapagos sailings are excluded. The $1,000 world cruise credit is unusual. It can be used for shore excursions, and if any is left over you can ask for it to be refunded to your original payment method. Unused credit on ordinary cruises is lost after the last night.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

The Norwegian Cruise Line shareholder benefit applies to new reservations made on or after 7 January 2019 on Norwegian, Oceania and Regent. Charters and incentive group bookings are excluded, along with reduced-rate and travel-agent fares. NCLH says plainly that the benefit “is not combinable with any other offer”, so you may have to choose between it and another promotion. We found no published changes to the NCLH programme in 2024, 2025 or 2026. Its investor page still shows the same amounts and rules.

What shareholder onboard credit can (and can’t) be used for

In practice, shareholder credit works like any other non-refundable onboard credit. It goes on your cabin account at the start of the cruise and comes off eligible spending, such as:

  • Speciality restaurants and drinks bought on board
  • Spa treatments and fitness classes
  • Shore excursions booked on board (depending on the line’s rules)
  • Shop purchases, photos and Wi-Fi bought on the ship

Common exclusions:

  • Gratuities and service charges. All three exclude service charges billed to your account.
  • Casino. Carnival specifically excludes casino credits and charges.
  • Pre-purchased extras. Royal Caribbean and NCLH exclude activities you prepaid before the cruise.
  • Cash. Unused credit is not refunded, apart from Royal Caribbean’s world cruise exception.

The rules are also similar across the three companies. You get one credit per stateroom per sailing, based on double occupancy. Solo travellers paying a 200% fare get the full amount with RCL and NCLH. Jointly held shares need 100 shares for each cabin you claim for, and the benefit is not transferable to friends or relatives sailing without you.

Cruise ship at sea on a sunny day, a reminder of what shareholder onboard credit is spent on
Shareholder credit only pays off if you already cruise regularly. Photo: Neil Smith on Pexels

Is buying cruise stock for the perk worth it?

For a frequent cruiser who already owns, or wants to own, one of these companies, the credit is a pleasant bonus. Five cruises of 7 to 13 days in a year on Carnival brands would bring in $500 of credit. For someone who sails once a year, $100 or $250 is a small return on the cost of 100 shares, which at recent prices runs well into four figures for each company.

Some practical points that most comparisons miss:

  • It does not stack well. NCLH rules out combining the benefit with other offers, and fare promotions or agent bonuses may limit what you get on other lines. Compare the shareholder credit with the promotions running for your cruise. Our guide to cruise deals for 2027 and the offers worth watching explains how onboard-credit promotions usually work.
  • Choose the company that owns the lines you actually sail. One CCL holding covers nine brands. If you mostly sail Norwegian or Royal Caribbean, our Norwegian vs Royal Caribbean comparison may help you decide where you will spend the credit.
  • Perks can disappear. Disney ended its investor perks years ago, and Viking, which is now listed, offers none. Treat any shareholder benefit as a bonus that could go, much like the free cruise perks that might not stay free for long.

Important: This article is general travel information, not financial advice. Share prices go up and down, cruise stocks can be volatile, and you could get back less than you invest. The value of the onboard credit should never be the main reason to buy a share. If you are unsure, talk to a regulated financial adviser.

For another way to cut the cost of a Carnival sailing, see our guide to where to buy discounted Carnival gift cards.

FAQs

How many shares do you need for the Carnival shareholder benefit?

You need at least 100 shares of Carnival Corporation Ltd (NYSE: CCL), held at the time of sailing. Former Carnival plc shares were converted into CCL shares in May 2026.

Does Royal Caribbean still offer a shareholder benefit?

Yes. As of October 2026, Royal Caribbean Group still offers 100-share holders $50 to $250 onboard credit per stateroom, or $1,000 on a world cruise, on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Silversea. No end date is published.

Where can I find the shareholder benefit request form?

Carnival now uses the Stockperks app instead of a paper form. Royal Caribbean Group and NCLH link their online request forms from their investor websites (rclinvestor.com and nclhltd.com).

Is the Carnival shareholder benefit available for 2027 cruises?

The published offer covers sailings through 31 December 2026. Carnival has renewed it in previous years, but as of late October 2026 no 2027 terms were posted, so check the investor page before you sail.

Can I combine shareholder credit with other onboard credit?

Not always. NCLH says its benefit cannot be combined with any other offer. With Carnival and Royal Caribbean, whether it combines depends on your fare and promotion, so ask the cruise line or your travel agent when you book.

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Carnival’s Edible Straws Stir Debate, as John Heald Responds to Complaint

by Celebrity Cruises

“You only have what are called edible straws. These straws are for — and greens,” read the comment from a Carnival passenger, writing in to object to the cruise line’s policy on the beverage utensil.

Carnival edible straws on cruise ships

Most cruise lines have completely removed plastic straws from their fleet of ships.

With the goal of reducing waste and harmful impacts on the environment, some have replaced the plastic tubes with paper or biodegradable straws.

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Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line have each eliminated them and instead have also encouraged cruisers to bring their own reusable straws.

The idea of edible straws in frozen drinks has also recently been introduced to cruises ships, and it has received a mix of reactions.

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald took to his Facebook page to react to the complaint from a passenger on Carnival Jubilee who stated,

“Do not tell me to buy or bring a reusable straw. I’m not washing out a straw on my cruise. I use plastic straws at home.  I will not be guilted. Explain why I had no problems getting as many plastic straws with every drink on —– Cruise Lines Company. Do better Carnival.”

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In his own inimitable way, Heald expressed the cruise line’s desire to protect the ocean while admitting that he is not an environmentalist.

“I cannot say that while my car has a V8 engine, I fly multiple times a day and that my underpants are not made from kale,” Heald replied.

With over 300 comments in the Facebook post, cruisers were mostly positive on the introduction of edible straws to cruise ships.

“Those edible straws were a game changer for me! I did not know they existed until we cruised on the Mardi Gras. My husband would bring me a drink without a straw and I had to get him to go back and get me one of those tasty straws,” one Facebook user wrote.

Some commenters stated they were happy to bring their own reusable straws or biodegradable straws on their cruises.  Heald just asked that passengers not bring plastic straws on board, even though it’s not technical a banned item that’s not allowed.

“I know the edible straws are not a favourite of everyone but you can bring your own straw, a stainless steel or reusable straw but please, not plastic. We do not have a rule on bringing plastic straws on board but please try not to if you can. The beards , myself and most of all Willy the Whale and his mates thank you,” Heald stated.

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Other alternatives for cruise passengers can include straws made from bamboo, paper, stainless steel, and other materials.  You can often buy these reusable straws at gift shops and bars on board as well.

Read more: 35 genius cruise items on Amazon for less than $15

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Open suitcase resting on a neatly made bed, waiting to be unpacked after arrival

11 Things to Do Before You Empty Your Suitcase on a Cruise

by Celebrity Cruises

On cruise embarkation day, deal with your muster drill first, then spend ten minutes checking your cabin before you unpack. Test the safe, fridge, air conditioning, bathroom and balcony door now, because problems are far easier to fix while your clothes are still in the suitcase and the ship is still in port.

Timing helps. Cabins often aren’t ready until early afternoon, and checked bags may not reach your door until mid-afternoon or later, so you will probably have a natural gap to work through this list. Keep medications, documents, valuables and a change of clothes in your carry-on so you aren’t stuck waiting.

Cruise embarkation day safety checks

These two come first because they are the ones that matter if something goes wrong.

1. Complete your cruise muster drill

The cruise muster drill is mandatory on every line, but the format now varies. Most big ships use e-muster: you view the safety briefing on an app or cabin TV in your own time, then check in with crew at your assigned station. A few lines and ships still gather everyone at once. Procedures can change by ship and sailing, so treat this table as a guide and follow the instructions in your app and cruise documents.

Cruise line Typical muster format Worth knowing
Royal Caribbean E-muster, app or cabin TV, then station check-in Must be finished before the ship departs; no set group time
Celebrity E-muster, app, then station check-in Works much like Royal Caribbean’s system
Carnival Safety information in the HUB app, then check in with crew at your station Select sailings have reverted to a full traditional drill, so check yours
Norwegian Check before you sail Norwegian brought back synchronized drills in 2023; some 2026 guides describe video plus station check-in
Princess Video, then station check-in using your Medallion Video available through the app or cabin TV
MSC In-person or video-assisted assembly Check-in may be at a set time, so listen for announcements
Disney Traditional in-person drill Usually held in the afternoon, shortly before sailing

Whichever format you get, do it early. On e-muster ships, doing the station check-in soon after boarding lets you skip the late rush. Crew track who has completed it, and stragglers can expect reminders and announcements.

2. Find your life jackets and walk your route

Life jackets are usually stored in the cabin closet, although some ships keep them at the muster station instead. Look for them now, and check your assigned station on your keycard, app or the notice inside your cabin door. Then walk from your cabin to the station using the stairs, since elevators are not for use in an emergency. It takes a few minutes and is useful for finding your way around the ship.

Tidy cruise ship cabin with a made bed and a window, ready for a passenger's first inspection
Check the room over before your clothes go in the drawers. Photo: ClickerHappy on Pexels

Cruise cabin tips: test everything before you unpack

Crew turn cabins around in a few hours between sailings, so the occasional fault slips through. Work through these six checks in one pass.

3. Look over the room and take photos

Check the carpet, furniture, walls, TV, lights and bedding. If you spot a stain, crack or broken fitting, take a dated photo on your phone and mention it to your stateroom attendant, which gives you a record if a damage question comes up later. Confirm the bed layout is what you booked too, whether that is a king or two twins. Traveling with a baby? Check that any crib you requested has arrived, and use our baby and toddler cruise packing list to see what else you may need to bring from home.

4. Try the door lock and balcony door

Make sure your keycard or Medallion opens the door every time and that the door closes and latches properly. If you have a balcony, check the sliding door opens, closes and locks, and that the divider to the neighboring balcony is secure. On many ships, the air conditioning cuts out while the balcony door is open, so keep it closed when you want the cabin cool.

5. Test the safe while it is empty

The safe is usually in the closet, though it is sometimes in a drawer. Set a code with the door open, close it, then reopen it to confirm it works before anything goes inside. Only then load passports, spare cash, jewelry and car keys. A cabin safe is unlikely to fit a large laptop, so check the size before you plan around it.

6. Check what is in the fridge

Many cabin fridges are closer to coolers than true refrigerators. They are fine for keeping drinks cool but not for storing food for days. Royal Caribbean stopped stocking minibars years ago, but on ships where drinks and snacks are stocked, look for a price list and find out whether items are charged on a sensor before you move anything to make room. If you need reliable refrigeration for medication, raise it with guest services straight away.

7. Set the air conditioning

Thermostats are often reset to a middle setting between guests, and cabins with sun on the window or balcony can run warm. Turn it down now and check after 20 minutes that air is actually flowing and the room is cooling. If it is not, you want to report it long before bedtime.

8. Run the bathroom

Flush the toilet, run the shower until it is hot, and make sure the water drains. Check for towels, toiletries and a hair dryer, which may be stored in a desk drawer rather than the bathroom. Don’t count on the bathroom outlet for charging, as it is usually a low-power shaver socket.

Open cruise ship deck with sun loungers and blue sea on a bright afternoon
Once the checks are done, the rest of the day is yours. Photo: Renata B. on Pexels

What to do on embarkation day before you unpack

The final three checks make your week run more smoothly, and each of them is easier before your belongings are spread across every surface.

9. Map your storage and outlets

Open every drawer and cupboard so you can decide where things go. Look behind mirrors and under the sofa, and check whether your empty suitcase fits under the bed, which most do. Cabins tend to have few outlets, often one or two usable ones, so work out where each device will charge. Modern phones and laptops accept both US 110V and European 220V sockets, so a plug adapter is usually all you need.

Surge protectors aren’t permitted on major cruise lines and can be taken at security. Royal Caribbean’s rules are stricter still and extend to power strips, so check your line’s prohibited items list before you pack one. If a bag hasn’t arrived by evening, ask guest services, as bags are sometimes held for a banned item.

10. Confirm your perks and prepaid packages

Open your onboard account in the app or on the cabin TV and check that drinks, Wi-Fi, dining and excursion purchases are showing correctly. Do the same for loyalty and suite benefits, such as free laundry, internet or drinks allowances, which vary by tier and line. An error found on day one is a quick fix at guest services, whereas one found on the last night means queuing with everyone else.

11. Read the daily planner and set up the app

Connect to the ship’s network, log in to your line’s app and read tomorrow’s schedule as well as today’s. Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Compass, for example, is the daily program for its ships, and Carnival’s HUB app is where you will find plans and safety details. Book shows and specialty dinners early, note the all-aboard time for your first port, and check your excursion times. Your cabin mail can also include invitations or changes worth reading.

If something in your cabin is wrong

Tell your stateroom attendant about small problems, such as a missing towel or a loose fitting. For anything larger, including a failed air conditioner, a leak or a noise issue, go to guest services promptly and keep your photos handy. A cabin move depends on availability, and the first day is when staff have the clearest view of what is free, so don’t wait until the third night. If you are still choosing a room for a future sailing, ship-specific guides can help you dodge the usual noise traps before you book. See our advice on which Norwegian Escape cabins to avoid and Celebrity Solstice cabins to avoid.

If you are shopping for hard-shell cases that fit under a cabin bed, our Level8 luggage review compares sizes and weights.

FAQs

What should you do first on a cruise ship?

Find out how your ship handles the muster drill and get it done, because it is mandatory. After that, drop your carry-on in the cabin once it is open, check the room over, and book anything that fills quickly, such as shows or dinner reservations.

Do you still have to go to a muster station in person?

On most major lines, yes, but only briefly. E-muster moves the safety briefing to an app or cabin TV, then you check in with crew at your assigned station. Disney still runs a full in-person drill, and Carnival has used traditional drills on select sailings.

What happens if you miss the muster drill?

It is not optional. Expect reminders on your phone, announcements, and possibly a visit or a call from crew until you have completed it. If you truly cannot get to your station, speak to guest services straight away.

When can you get into your cruise cabin on embarkation day?

Usually early afternoon, and the time varies by line and ship. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival cabins are typically ready at around 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., while some Norwegian cabins may not open until nearer 3:00 p.m. Watch for the announcement on board.

Is a cruise cabin fridge cold enough for medication?

Often not. Many cabin fridges work more like coolers. If you carry insulin or another temperature-sensitive medication, contact your cruise line before sailing and confirm the arrangement with guest services when you board.

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Carnival Cruise Ship Set to Undergo 2-Week Dry Dock

by Celebrity Cruises

After a transatlantic crossing that began last week, Carnival Vista is now positioned at the Navantia shipyard in Spain.

Carnival Vasta sailing out of Miami
Photo credit: Cruise Fever

The 133,596 GT ship, which was the first Vista-class vessel built in 2016, will be receiving a new hull livery, some regular maintenance, and a few technical enhancements.

With sister ship Carnival Firenze less than a mile away at the Bay of Cádiz, Carnival Vista is scheduled to be in dry dock for the next two weeks.   Firenze is receiving its “Carnival Fun Italian Style” livery and other enhancements before it becomes the second Vista-class ship to sail from Long Beach, California.

Carnival Vista made headlines in December of 2022 when it was announced that Vista and Sunrise would need to enter dry dock and several cruises which were set for early 2024 had to be cancelled.

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While dry docks are usually set far in advance, sometimes cruise lines have to make changes due to shipyard availability and other factors that make long-term planning difficult.

After dry dock enhancements are complete, Carnival Vista will sail back across the Atlantic toward Port Canaveral to begin offering cruises again on February 15th.

After its initial 3-night sailing to the Bahamas, the Carnival Cruise Line ship will then offer 6- and 8-night cruises out of the Florida cruise port to the Caribbean.

Vista will be sailing out of Port Canaveral at least through April of 2026.

  • Carnival Vista was once the largest ship in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, until her sister ship Carnival Horizon came along in 2018.
  • She has 15 decks and can accommodate over 3,934 passengers at double-capacity.

See the full list of Carnival dry docks for 2024 and 2025 here.

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Red Sea Tensions Force Cruise Line to Cancel Three Sailings

by Celebrity Cruises

Due to rising security concerns in the Red Sea, MSC Cruises has canceled three Grand Voyages scheduled for April: MSC Splendida (South Africa to Genoa), MSC Opera (Dubai to Genoa), and MSC Virtuosa (Dubai to Southampton).

These cruise sailings were all Grand Voyages with MSC Cruises, extended cruise itineraries that spanned continents and offer a more immersive experience.

Each of the three itineraries were set to navigate through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

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Because of Houthi attacks on merchant ships commercial ships have recently opted to sail the long way, all the way around Africa to and from the Mediterranean Sea.

This route is not always a viable solution for cruise ships.

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Cruises that will be affected by these cancellations:

  • MSC Splendida – 27-night sailing that was set to depart in South Africa on April 3rd and end in Genoa Italy.
  • MSC Opera – 21-night sailing that was to depart in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on April 21st and end in Genoa, Italy.
  • MSC Virtuosa – 23-night sailing from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Southampton, England.

MSC Cruises released a statement about the cancellations, stating that the safety of the passengers and crew was their highest priority and there were no other viable routes for these ships to take.

The three cruise ships that were impacted by this decision will sail to Europe without any passengers on board and without stopping at any ports along the way.  These ships will sail the western route around Africa and ready for the summer cruise reason.

All passengers affected by this decision are in the process of being contacted.  They will be offered the opportunity to change their booking to another Grand Voyage for no additional cost.

Impacted guests will also be given the choice to rebook another cruise with MSC Cruises or receive a full refund.

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Carnival Mega Ship?  Reports of a 208,000 GT Cruise Ship Sparked by Shipyard Rumors

by Celebrity Cruises

The recent radio silence from Carnival Corp. about future cruise ships in the works is fueling shipyard speculation.

Carnival corp ship being built by Fincantieri
Photo 113970762 © Mauro Carli | Dreamstime.com

Last September, Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero’s sublte mention of “ships in the oven” sparked rumors about a possible order from Carnival.   But now an Italian maritime publication is fanning the flames with recent revelations.

Unconfirmed reports from SHIPPING ITALY indicate that Carnival Corporation may be preparing to make a record-breaking order with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.

208,000 gross tons and 7,000 passengers

According to sources, Carnival is poised to commission the construction of the largest cruise ships ever built in Italy, with each vessel boasting a gross tonnage of 208,000 tons and accommodating nearly 7,000 passengers.

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These new ships are expected to eclipse the size and capacity of the current largest Italian-built ship, the Sun Princess, which has a gross tonnage of 175,500 tons and can accommodate 4,300 cruise passengers.

The new ship class, inspired by the prototype units under construction for Princess Cruises, will reportedly cost at least $1.6 billion each, making the total contract worth almost $7 billion.

The size of these ships would be 12% larger than the Excel-class vessels.

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Sun Princess at the shipyard under construction
Sun Princess at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever

When would these ships be delivered?

The first delivery of these four rumored ships is slated for late 2028 or early 2029. Initially, the agreement includes four new vessels, with the first few likely destined for the Carnival Cruise Line, while the latter could potentially be allocated to Costa Cruises.

These rumors follow recent visits by top Carnival Corporation executives to Fincantieri in Italy, fueling speculation about the impending deal.

However, neither Carnival Corporation nor Fincantieri has confirmed these reports.

If true, this significant investment by Carnival could signal a robust recovery and future growth strategy.

But until confirmed, these reports remain speculative and their potential impact on Carnival’s business and the broader cruise industry is uncertain.

Costa ship coming to Carnival

In June of 2022, Carnival announced that Costa Firenze would be transferred to Carnival Cruise Line and have a new ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style” paint job.

Following its initial season with Costa Cruises, the Carnival Firenze is scheduled to join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in Spring 2024. The ship will undergo rebranding and renovations before welcoming its new passengers.

Carnival’s newest ships

Carnival Jubilee was the latest Carnival ship to be launched by the cruise line after the success of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.  It was the third of the 180,000 GT Excel-class lineup of ships, the largest in Carnival’s fleet.

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To put these reports into perspective, the massive Excel-class ships are capable of accommodating 6,500 guests at maximum capacity and over 5,200 at double-capacity.

We will keep our readers updated as we hear more on this story and as Carnival announces details about upcoming ships and projects.

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Cruise Line Offering $1 Deposits for One Day Only, Includes Free Upgrades & 40% Off Cruises

by Celebrity Cruises

A cruise line is offering $1 deposits on cruises for one day that also includes free balcony upgrades, kids cruise free, and up to 40% off sailings.

Holland America Line is offering a one day special where you can reserve your next cruise on one of their ships for just $1 per person. The best part is that you can combine this offer with their current promotion that offers big savings on their cruises that sail all around the world. This offer includes the following:

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  • Up to 40% off cruises
  • Free stateroom and balcony upgrades
  • Kids sail free on select 2024 and 2025 cruises
  • Up to $500 in credit to spend on the ship
  • $1 cruise deposits
  • $500 Europe air credit
  • One day offer is good on January 16, 2024
  • View Best Prices on Holland America Line

This offer can be combined with Holland America Line’s “Have It All” program that includes drink packages, WiFi, and specialty dining.

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The $1 deposit offer is only available on January 16, 2024.

For complete terms and details of this one day offer from Holland America Line, visit HollandAmerica.com or contact your preferred travel professional.

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Is the Pre-Cruise Experience Too Overwhelming for First-Timers?

by Celebrity Cruises

Image of cruise passengers walking along pier while MSC cruise ship comes in.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever

I recently came across a concerning comment from a first-time cruiser.

“Everything just seems incredibly overwhelming,” the person stated after prefacing the comment with how excited they were about a first-time cruise out of Miami.

“Between here [Reddit], the obligatory Facebook groups for the sailing, the bloggers and influencers is making the idea of the experience anxiety inducing.”

This really made me pause to think about what it really is like for someone who has never gone on a cruise before.   It’s been well over a decade since my first cruise and things have changed dramatically since then.

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The hours scouring the internet and social media feeds for cruise tips and advice is at first exciting, and then it can easily become stressful when hearing about all the things that you “absolutely MUST do—or else”.

The person went on to mention the different things that caused stress in the planning process, saying,

“It’s almost Disney-like with those devoted to RC saying in almost every avenue how to have a vacation, and if you don’t do something, it’ll make your trip worse. The stress of booking excursions, drink packages, shows, getting the right check in time… everything has become so stressful for us as a first time, multi-generational family.”

Royal Caribbean ships in fleet
Allure of the Seas. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever

Reading all of this led me to reflect on what’s really necessary for a first-time cruiser to focus on, and what things they can just forget about.

I can’t help but feel partially responsible after attempting to give cruise advice on Cruise Fever these last 13 years.  But we don’t try to sensationalize here.  We like to give practical, actionable advice, that is designed to be easy to understand and follow.

So, for those first-time cruisers stressing about the planning process, I wrote down a few things to help ease the stress and only focus on a few things that matter most.  Not everything is as important as we regular cruises make them out to be.

The point is to take care of the basics and just make sure the pre-cruise stress doesn’t ruin a great vacation.  After all, that’s what we’re all really after.

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Tips for Making it Easier

Don’t try to plan out every minute of every day

I’ve made extensive plans on some cruises, only to throw them right out the window once I was actually on board.  Having a plan is fine, but the best part of cruising is not having a rigid schedule.  Plus, you will find certain things about your ship that totally change how you want to enjoy your week at sea —  a certain show, lounge or dining venue that you just want to try again and again.  Embrace the moment and be flexible.

Realize that even with zero planning you can have an amazing time

This goes along with the point above, but I can’t stress it enough – ok, maybe I shouldn’t use the word “stress” there.  I’ve gone on cruises where I planned like crazy and others where I didn’t plan at all.  You know what the outcome was of each?  There was basically no difference at all, except for one set of cruises I did a whole lot of work ahead of time.

Yes, there might be some FOMO if you miss out on an excursion or great place to eat, but if all the planning stresses you out, either keep it to a minimum or let someone else do it.  Even if you know nothing about cruising, there will be tons of passengers and crew to help you out.

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Take care of check-in

This one is easy and only takes a few minutes.  Different cruise lines open check-in at a certain number of days before your cruise.  Just mark your phone’s calendar for when you can check in and forget about it.  Checking in on the day it opens will help you get a good boarding time, select your dining time, and help lock in a stateroom if you picked a guaranteed fare.

Book any packages ahead of time

Whether it’s a drink package, specialty dining package, or Wi-Fi package it’s almost always cheaper if you book it ahead of time on the cruise line’s website.

Book excursions through the cruise line

You don’t have to go crazy here.  You can spend more on excursions than the cruise itself if you wanted to.  And you can totally ignore this tip if you just want to walk around a port of call and experience it yourself.  I actually love to do this myself.   But if you must, book your excursion through the cruise line.  As a first-time cruiser this will ease your mind in knowing the ship will not leave without you, and if you have any issues you can work directly with the cruise line.

Read more: 10 most overrated cruise excursions

Download the cruise line’s app and follow the daily planner

Cruise lines are very structured in the daily routine.    This is why you can just show up.  Download the cruise line’s app and you will have everything you need.   The daily planner will tell you what’s going on each day and you can often use it to keep in touch with other member of your group.

Know what your priorities are and focus on that

Are you all about seeing a show?  Are you a foodie above all things?  Do you just want to relax the entire time? Whatever aspect of a cruise puts a smile on your face, make that your priority and don’t worry about the other stuff.  For shows or restaurants see if a reservation is needed and if you can do that ahead of time or must wait until you’re on the ship.

Realize that cruising is one of the easiest vacations you can take

Sure, I’m biased.  But my brother and I started Cruise Fever for a reason.  We just love cruising.  Unpacking once, seeing the world, eating amazing food – what’s not to love!  And with so many things included, just show up with your luggage and you can have a great cruise.

Related: 8 keys to a stress-free cruise vacation

Realize what you don’t have to do for the duration of the cruise

You don’t have to cook, make your bed, drive anywhere, or worry about where to go next.   Whew, just writing that kinda makes me want to book another cruise right now.

Let a travel agent take care of everything

A good cruise travel agent will not only make all of these arrangements for you, but they will also be able to answer any questions you have in the process.  Asking a question on social media or on a cruise forum will just overwhelm you with every side of an argument.  Simplify things by just having one or two sources for information.  Hey, even if reading this cruise blog is overwhelming, by all means take a break.  I’d rather have someone enjoy a cruise vacation than be the source of their stress.

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Read more: 5 reasons you don’t need a travel agent and one big reason you do

Packing a good attitude makes all the difference

Let’s be real for a moment.  Not everything will go according to plan.  There will be a few disappointments along the way.  But a cruise is exactly what you make of it.   Staying positive and making the most of any situation is going to have a huge impact in how you feel at the end of the week.

Bottom Line

There’s no wrong way to cruise.  And everyone has a different style of cruising they enjoy, even on the same ship.

That’s been one of my favorite things about cruising.  Thousands of people can be on one ship and have a great time while enjoying different aspects of the ship.

Just ignore the advice-givers who think their way of cruising is best and there’s no alternative.

If the pre-cruise stress is becoming too much and you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Related: 8 keys to a stress-free cruise vacation

6 best cruise lines for a quiet, relaxing cruise

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[Answered] Icon of the Seas: 28 Most Asked Questions

by Celebrity Cruises

With Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas now in PortMiami and the inaugural right around the corner, a lot of questions are being asked about the world’s largest cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas from Royal Caribbean as it pulls into PortMiami
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

We took the most commonly asked questions about the ship, organized them by category and answered them below.

Consider this an FAQ just for Icon of the Seas.  And if you have one to add, be sure to leave a comment below.

Ship Comparison:

One of the most commonly asked questions about Icon is in relation to how big it is.  To try to imagine the size many are asking how it compares to other ships or landmarks.

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Is Icon of the Seas bigger than Wonder of the Seas?

Yes, it is slightly larger by gross tonnage.  Gross tonnage (GT) is a measurement of volume — not weight.  The GT of Wonder of the Seas is 236,857 while Icon of the Seas comes in at 248,663 GT.

Passenger capacities are similar between the ships, with around 5,610 double capacity on Icon and 5,734 on Wonder.  Wonder of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world until Icon of the Seas was built.

Is Icon of the Seas bigger than Titanic?

The comparison to the Titanic is often made with new cruise ships, but it’s not really a fair comparison in the era of modern cruise ships.  Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage more than 5 times greater than the ill-fated vessel.

Icon is 1,197 feet long, while the Titanic was 882 feet in length.  Icon also has 20 decks with the Titanic having only 10.

On board Icon of the Seas
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Onboard Amenities:

Does Icon of the Seas have a casino?

Yes, there is actually an escalator that will take passengers to the Casino Royale from the Royal Promenade.  Passengers can pay in cash or with the Sea Pass cards or even with WOWbands.  Smoking is allowed in Casino Royale but there is also a non-smoking section.

Does Icon of the Seas have bumper cars?

No, there are no bumper cars on the ship.  Bumper cars can be found on Quantum-class ships with Royal Caribbean.

Does Icon of the Seas have solo cabins?

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There will not be any designated solo cabins on Icon.  There is a possibility that on some cruises cabins will be made available without a single-supplement fee, but so far nothing has been announced.

Does Icon of the Seas have a solarium?

No.  Instead of a solarium, Royal Caribbean has decided to make other adult-only areas available on the ship, including the Hideaway.  The Overlook which is part of the AquaDome might remind you of a solarium with all the front-facing glass, but instead of hot tubs and loungers there are comfy seats and chill vibes.

Does Icon of the Seas have a zipline?

Yes and no.  There is no traditional zip line on the ship like you will find on Oasis-class ships, but there is a rope’s course that includes a skywalk, obstacle course, and overhead track from which guests will fly out over the side of the ship, called the Crown’s Edge.  So it part of the rope’s course is similar to a zip line.

Does Icon of the Seas have an AquaTheater?

Yes, the signature AquaTheater will be in the 82-ft tall AquaDome that has 673 glass panels and is located now at the front of the ship, as opposed to the aft location on Oasis-class ships.

Does Icon of the Seas have a Central Park?

Yes, Central Park will be one of the 8 neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas.  It has more than 33,000 plants and has a more colorful, vibrant feel than Central Parks found on other Royal Caribbean ships.    There are a few shops along Central Park and also some food options.  Izumi is found at Central Park in addition to Park Cafe and Chops Grille (with an all new menu).

Does Icon of the Seas have an ice skating rink?

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Yes, absolutely.  Absolute Zero is the name of the ice-skating rink area on Icon.  It will be a venue for ice-skating shows and will be made available for passengers to free skate throughout the cruise as well.

Does Icon of the Seas have a bowling alley? No, there is no bowling alley mentioned among the announced activities.

Is there an adult-only area? 

The Hideaway neighborhood will be the adult-only area as opposed to the Solarium, which has been the adult-only space on Oasis-class ships with Royal Caribbean.  Previously, Cloud 17 was going to be the adult-only space on the ship, but those plans have changed, according to reports from Cruise Critic.

Does Icon of the Seas have Johnny Rockets?

No, Johnny Rockets is not among the confirmed restaurants on the ship.

Does Icon of the Seas have an escape room?

Yes, the Royal Escape Room can be found on deck 6.  Reservations are required and there is an additional cost.

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Does Icon of the Seas have WOWbands?

Is is expected that Royal Caribbean’s wearable technology, the WOWbands, will be available on Icon of the Seas.

Does Icon of the Seas have Wonderland?

No, the dining venue that is popular on Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships will not be on Icon.

Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is promising to be the ultimate family vacation when the ship debuts in January 2024.

Technical Specs:

How long is Icon of the Seas?

1,197 feet (365 meters).  To put it into perspective the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet tall, not counting the antenna.

How much did it cost to build?

The estimated building cost of Icon of the Seas is $2 billion.  Before Icon, the most expensive cruise ship built by the Royal Caribbean International was Allure of the Seas which cost $1.43 billion.

How many passengers can Icon of the Seas hold?

Approximately 5,600 guests at double occupancy.  The listed maximum capacity is 7,600.  2,350 crew also work on Icon.

Dining:

What restaurants are on Icon of the Seas?

20 unique restaurants and dining options are available, including specialty venues, casual buffets, and room service.

  • Complimentary Dining Options:
    • Main Dining Room
    • Windjammer Café
    • Aquadome Market
    • Park Café
    • Basecamp
    • Café Promenade
    • Sorrento’s
    • Surfside Eatery
    • El Loco Fresh
    • Room Service
  • Specialty Restaurants:
    • Empire Supper Club (Central Park)
    • Celebration Table (AquaDome)
    • Chops Grille (Central Park)
    • Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
    • Izumi Hibachi and Sushi
    • Hooked Seafood
    • Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
    • Izumi in the Park
    • Pier 7
    • Starbucks

Unique Features:

What is The Pearl on Icon of the Seas?

The Pearl is a 3-deck high dazzling LED sculpture that is one of the first things cruisers will see when they enter the Royal Promenade.  Great for photo ops, the Pearl has a staircase that goes through the middle, and there is a coffee shop called Pearl Cafe right behind it.

Which port will Icon of the Seas sail from?

Icon of the Seas is sailing out of PortMiami, Florida. It will begin offering cruises from Miami on January 27th, 2024 and will homeport there through at least April 2026, offering 7-night cruises to the Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Origin and Class:

Which country made Icon of the Seas?

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It was built in Turku, Finland at the Meyer Turku shipyard and took 900 days to complete.

What class is Icon of the Seas?

It belongs to Royal Caribbean’s “Icon Class” of cruise ships.  It is the first Icon-class cruise ship with at least two more Icon ships already beginning contruction.

Crew and VIPs:

Who is captain of Icon of the Seas?

Captain Henrik Loy is the captain of the new ship.  Raised in Bergen, Norway Henrik has been with Royal Caribbean for 25 years

Who is the godmother of Icon of the Seas?

Rather than a godmother, Royal Caribbean has announced that Icon of the Seas will be named by another kind of icon.  Soccer sensation Lionel Messi will be the “Icon” of Icon of the Seas at the upcoming naming ceremony.

Current/Future Plans:

Is Icon of the Seas coming to Australia?

No, current itineraries are focused on the Caribbean and Mediterranean, but as we hear more news from Royal Caribbean we will make our readers aware.

Will Icon of the Seas come to Europe? 

There are no current plans for Icon of the Seas to operate in Europe. It will sail its inaugural season from Miami, Florida, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Royal Caribbean has not officially announced European deployments for 2026 and beyond.

[VIDEO] First look at Icon of the Seas

Matt from Royal Caribbean blog got a sneak peek at Icon of the Seas.  Here is his video of a first look at the ship:

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The World Cruise That Sold Out in 30 Minutes Begins 180-Day Voyage

by Celebrity Cruises

The cruise ship that helped Oceania Cruises break its own single-day booking record in 2022 has finally set sail on its 180-day world cruise.

Image of cruise ship from Oceania, Insignia

On Sunday, the 684-guest Insignia departed from San Francisco on her way to Hawaii for the first leg of the worldwide voyage.

The itinerary

From the Hawaiian Islands the ship will sail further west to French Polynesia and the Samoan Islands before arriving in New Zealand and Australia.

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The 30,000 gross ton vessel will then sail to Asia where passengers will visit destinations like Bali, Taipei, Tokyo, Kyoto, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

The Suez Canal and a visit to the Great Pyramids of Egypt are on the current itinerary for the ship, but with continued unrest in the Red Sea, the cruise line will be monitoring the situation.  Right now the ship is planning to enter the Suze Canal on May 26th of 2024.

Insignia is then scheduled to sail along the Mediterranean Sea, visiting ports in Greece and Italy before sailing around Spain as the vessel heads to Northern Europe on its way to Iceland.

From Reykjavik, the ship will voyage westward to Greenland where passengers will experience the small village of Paamiut – which also happens to be the 10th largest town in Greenland.

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The 180-Day world cruise will culminate in New York City and is scheduled to arrive on July 12, 2024.

18% of passengers opted to continue the journey for a total of 196 days on the ship, as Insignia sails on westward.

See prices on Oceania Cruises here

Quick facts of the world cruise itinerary

  • 5 continents
  • 34 countries
  • 96 ports of call
  • Over 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • 24 over-night stays

Overnight stays will allow passengers to spend more time in port with less worry about rushing back to the ship.

The following ports of call will welcome Insignia over night: Auckland, Shanghai, Singapore, Phuket, Mumbai, Dubai, Barcelona, Seville, Bordeaux, and Reykjavik.

How much did it cost?

Prices on Oceania Cruises’ world cruise started at $48,499 per person.  Veranda staterooms started at $69,499 per person and a luxurious penthouse suite went for around $101,000 per person.

The cruise sold out in 30 minutes, and the cruise line stated that nearly half of the bookings came from guests who were new to the brand.

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42% of the guests that booked the 180-day world cruise with Oceania Cruises also had booked the 2022 world cruise with the cruise line.

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