Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line has pushed back the start of its new Carnival Rewards loyalty programme, giving returning guests more time to qualify for higher status under the current VIFP Club system.

The programme will now launch on 1st September 2026, instead of the previously announced date of 1st June 2026.

In an email to guests, the cruise line said the delay was designed to give summer sailings time to count toward existing loyalty tiers.

“To give you extra time – and to let your Summer 2026 cruises count toward your final VIFP Club® status – we are moving the launch of Carnival Rewards to September 1, 2026,

“All your cruise activity through August 31, 2026 will count toward your final VIFP status, which will become your starting status in Carnival Rewards.”

Extra Time to Chase Higher Status

The delay means guests can continue earning VIFP points through the peak summer 2026 cruise season, giving those close to the next tier a better chance of upgrading before the new system begins.

This has been particularly important for high-level Platinum guests aiming to reach Diamond status.

Once Carnival Rewards launches, Diamond will be the only lifetime tier, a decision the cruise line confirmed earlier this year. All other loyalty levels will need to be re-earned on an ongoing basis.

Carnival has also been running double and triple points offers on selected sailings, and these promotions may continue to help guests move up the ranks before the switchover.

Two-Year Earning Cycles Confirmed

Alongside the delay, Carnival has confirmed how the new status system will work.

Loyalty will be earned in two-year cycles, running from 1st January to 31st December. However, the very first earning period will be longer than normal.

The opening cycle will run from 31st August 2026 to 31st December 2028. The stars earned during this period will decide a guest’s status for the following phase, from 1st January 2029 to 31st December 2031.

How Stars Will Be Earned

Under the new system, guests will earn stars based on their spending:

• 3 stars for every $1 spent on cruise fare
• 3 stars for every $1 spent onboard
• 1 star for every casino point earned

Guests using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard will earn 4 stars per $1 for cruise fares and onboard purchases, with no change to casino earnings.

Status thresholds have been confirmed as:

• Gold: 10,000 stars
• Platinum: 50,000 stars
• Diamond: 100,000 stars

While Gold and Platinum must be re-earned every two years, Diamond status will be kept for life.

Points Will Work Separately From Status

In addition to stars, guests will earn points that can be spent on rewards. These are tracked separately from loyalty status.

Points will be earned as follows:

• 3 points per $1 spent on cruise fare and onboard purchases
• 1 point per casino point earned
• Extra points for everyday spending when using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard

Carnival has said that around 100 points will equal about $1 in value, although actual redemption values may vary.

Points can be used towards onboard extras such as:

• Drinks packages
• Speciality dining
• Spa treatments
• Photos
• Shore excursions

Unlike stars, these points will not expire, as long as the guest earns or redeems points at least once every three years.

What This Means for Guests

The delayed launch gives Carnival loyalists a longer runway to secure their preferred VIFP status before the new rules take effect.

While the new system moves away from purely sailing-based loyalty and towards spend-based rewards, guests will still be able to build up valuable onboard credit-style points for future cruises.

For many, the additional time could make the difference between starting Carnival Rewards as Platinum or locking in lifetime Diamond status before the door closes.

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An emergency alert was activated aboard Carnival Radiance on 20th November 2025 after passengers reported hearing a loud splash while the ship was sailing off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico.

The incident prompted an immediate search and rescue response, before being confirmed as a false alarm when all guests and crew were successfully accounted for.

Search Operation Launched at Sea

Several passengers reported hearing a splash near the stern of the ship and believed someone may have gone overboard.

According to comments shared by guests on board, the ship slowed and turned around to revisit the location where the splash had been seen.

Cruise tracking data later confirmed that the vessel altered course to conduct a search.

One passenger described the situation as tense, saying the ship “turned around and slowly cruised back over the area” while the crew investigated.

Full Headcount Completed

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that standard emergency procedures were followed.

During the investigation, guests were asked to return to their cabins while crew members carried out a full headcount.

“The Carnival Radiance crew responded to a potential overboard alert off the coast north of Ensenada, Mexico when some guests reported hearing a splash in the water. The ship returned to the area where there was a potential sighting of an individual to conduct a rescue operation.

“In the meantime, the crew completed a full guest and crew headcount as is our standard safety protocol and all guests and crew have been accounted for.”

Carnival spokesperson

No one was found to be missing.

Likely Cause: Wildlife Splash

While the original reports suggested a person may have fallen into the water, crew members later determined that no one had gone overboard.

The splash that triggered the alert is believed to have been caused by marine wildlife. The waters off the Baja Peninsula, particularly around Ensenada, are well known for whale activity, especially during winter migration seasons.

Grey and humpback whales are commonly seen in the area.

No Impact to Cruise Itinerary

The situation was resolved within approximately 40 minutes and the ship resumed normal sailing shortly afterwards.

There was no change to Carnival Radiance’s itinerary. The 4-night Baja cruise, which departed Long Beach on 17th November 2025, returned on schedule on 21st November 2025.

A Reminder of Onboard Safety Protocols

While the incident proved to be a false alarm, cruise industry procedures require all reports of possible overboard situations to be taken seriously.

Passengers are always encouraged to report anything unusual immediately. Crew members are trained to respond quickly, even if the situation later turns out to be harmless.

In this case, fast action ensured the safety of everyone on board, with minimal disruption to the voyage.

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Royal Caribbean has started rolling out fleet-wide safety upgrades to its waterslides, replacing acrylic panels with reinforced fibreglass sections across multiple ships following concerns raised earlier this year.

The work follows an incident aboard Icon of the Seas in August, when an acrylic panel on the Frightening Bolt waterslide shattered while a guest was using the attraction.

Although no serious injuries were reported, the incident triggered inspections and precautionary closures across ships fitted with similar clear slide sections.

Navigator of the Seas Slides Closed for Replacement Work

Guests sailing on Navigator of the Seas recently discovered that both of the ship’s popular waterslides, The Blaster and Riptide, were temporarily closed.

The closures are not due to mechanical failure or maintenance delays, but as part of Royal Caribbean’s decision to remove acrylic panels and replace them with more durable fibreglass tubing.

Speaking to guests onboard, the ship’s master explained the reasoning behind the work.

“It’s those acrylic tube parts that are cracking on us. So we just said, you know what? Enough’s enough,

“And we had them checked out by engineers as well, and they said, like, you’ve got to take them out of service,”

Captain James, speaking to passengers

He also confirmed that similar checks and replacements are taking place on other ships.

Fleet-Wide Checks Underway

Royal Caribbean has quietly carried out inspections across ships that feature waterslides with acrylic or clear-panel sections.

Vessels in newer classes, including Icon-class ships, were prioritised immediately after the incident earlier this year, with Voyager-class ships like Navigator now part of the ongoing programme.

Some ships already had replacement parts in stock, allowing quicker repairs. Others, including Navigator of the Seas, have required custom fabrication of new moulds and tubing, leading to longer downtime.

Installation work on Navigator is expected to begin on 1st December 2025, with full completion targeted for 22nd December 2025.

Mixed Reaction from Guests

While most passengers understand the safety-first approach, some have expressed frustration online about discovering the closures only after boarding.

“So no waterslides for us I guess. Would have been nice to know what we were in for a month ago when they knew. But it’s ok, as compensation, they allowed us to make a formal complaint,” one guest wrote on Reddit.

Royal Caribbean does allow attractions to be closed without advance notice, particularly when linked to safety or technical issues.

Guests on Navigator still have access to swimming pools and the FlowRider surf simulator while the slides remain offline.

Long-Term Focus on Guest Safety

The replacement of acrylic sections with fibreglass is intended to be a permanent solution. Fibreglass is less prone to stress fractures and temperature-related cracking, and is widely used in modern cruise ship slide construction.

By gradually applying the changes across its fleet, Royal Caribbean is aiming to reduce risk and avoid further sudden closures or in-service incidents.

While the temporary closures may frustrate some holidaymakers, the wider industry view is that proactive action is preferable to waiting for another serious incident.

For now, Navigator of the Seas serves as a visible sign of a broader safety push happening quietly across the Royal Caribbean fleet.

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Part of the orange canopy remains torn and still attached to the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the cause in a statement.

“The team on Carnival Dream was conducting an unmanned test of lowering one of the lifeboats when a latch got caught on one of the cables, resulting in the vessel hanging from one end then falling into the water below. No one was injured.”

Major Structural Damage

Images show the lifeboat’s hull heavily compromised, including what appears to be a large vertical crack along the stern.

Nearby lifeboats – Numbers 1 and 5 – do not appear to be damaged, and there is no visible impact on Carnival Dream’s hull.

Routine lifeboat tests are common while a ship is safely alongside. These checks include lowering and raising boats, testing davits, and practising emergency procedures without passengers present.

Will Carnival Dream Be Allowed to Sail?

The incident raises an important operational question: can Carnival Dream legally leave port with one lifeboat out of service?

Cruise ships are required to carry enough functioning lifeboats and life rafts for everyone onboard, including guests and crew. While vessels typically carry more capacity than required, each ship must still meet strict international safety standards.

It is not yet known whether Carnival Dream’s remaining lifeboat capacity meets that threshold, or whether additional inspections will be needed before departure.

With the damaged craft clearly unusable for rescues or evacuation, further checks on neighbouring lifeboats are likely.

Carnival Dream is currently docked in Cozumel alongside several other vessels, including Regal Princess, MSC Seashore, Icon of the Seas, Carnival Breeze, Celebrity Eclipse, and Seven Seas Splendor.

Not the First Lifeboat Mishap

While unusual, lifeboat accidents do happen.

In December 2022, a lifeboat fell from Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas during tendering operations in the South Pacific.

No one was injured and the ship’s itinerary continued, albeit with slower tender operations for the day.

Lifeboats serve multiple functions beyond emergency evacuation:

• tendering guests ashore in ports without piers
• assisting in man-overboard searches
• rescuing refugees or persons in distress at sea

Because of this, any damage to a lifeboat is taken extremely seriously by both cruise lines and maritime safety authorities.

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Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the full entertainment programme for Norwegian Luna, confirming a major Elton John celebration, a futuristic acrobatic production, and a wide range of new shows designed for guests of all ages.

The Prima Plus-class ship, launching in March 2026, will feature some of the most ambitious entertainment ever offered on a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel.

Elton John Tribute Leads Line-Up

The headline production will be “Rocket Man: A Celebration of Elton John”, a high-energy tribute showcasing many of the star’s most iconic hits, including Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer, alongside archival footage.

“As a lifelong music fan, I’m especially excited to celebrate the work of Elton John, an icon whose influence spans generations,

“With Norwegian Luna, we’re building on that tradition by delivering spectacular new productions and immersive programming designed to surprise and delight our guests.”

Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Sci-Fi Acrobatics in “HIKO”

The second major production, “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder”, blends science-fiction themes with original music and dramatic acrobatic sequences.

Costumes and visual design come from Guy Brassard, known for his work with Cirque du Soleil, ensuring a visually striking and highly theatrical performance.

Entertainment for Families and Adults

Alongside the two flagship shows, Norwegian Luna will offer a broad programme across theatres, lounges and outdoor venues:

Family and youth entertainment

• Sea of Discovery: An Under-the-Sea Festival – an interactive children’s experience inspired by marine life, featuring costumes, games and imaginative storytelling.

Adult-focused venues and shows

• Syd Norman’s Presents: A Tribute to Eagles – celebrating the classic rock sound of the 1970s.
• LunaTique – an adults-only comedy production.
• Luna Theater & Club – a multi-level nightclub bringing a Las Vegas-style nightlife feel to the ship.

New deck parties for all ages

• Island Nights – a tropical-themed celebration under the stars.
• Latin LIVE! – a high-energy Latin music party on the top deck.

Norwegian Luna Nearing Completion

Norwegian Luna is currently in the final outfitting phase at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy. The 3,550-guest ship is the second in the Prima Plus class, following Norwegian Aqua in 2025.

Floated out in March 2025, Norwegian Luna will debut on 10th March 2026 from Rome before repositioning to Miami on 23rd March, where she will be based until April 2027.

Once homeported in Miami, Norwegian Luna will operate 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, all including calls to Great Stirrup Cay, which is undergoing a major transformation.

When completed in summer 2026, the island will offer:

• The Great Tides Waterpark with 19 slides
• A heated pool
• New cabanas and expanded beach areas

In April 2027, the ship will relocate to New York, operating 4- and 7-night Bermuda voyages through October 2027.

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