John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts, one of the web’s longest-running cruise travel communities. Since 1999, Cruise Addicts has been a trusted destination for cruise travelers seeking the latest industry news, in-depth ship reviews, expert travel tips, and a passionate community of self-proclaimed cruise enthusiasts.
Ambassador Cruise Line has changed the rules around spirits and drinks packages, cutting its standard spirit measure to 25ml while also removing the previous 15-alcoholic-drinks-per-day cap from package terms.
Current package wording, updated in April 2026, now says standard spirit measures are 25ml and still states that bar staff may refuse service to guests who appear heavily intoxicated.
That marks a notable shift from earlier Ambassador package wording still carried on travel retailer pages, which said alcoholic drinks were limited to 15 beverages per 24-hour period, standard spirit measures were 40ml, and “Ordering a double shot is not permitted under the programme as it counts as two drinks.”
Based on that wording change, the line appears to have traded larger single measures and the old daily cap for smaller pours, while opening the door to doubles being sold within the one-drink-at-a-time rule.
For guests who buy a drinks package, the change is likely to be seen as more balanced because the removal of the daily cap gives more flexibility and the previous ban on doubles has disappeared from the latest terms.
For passengers paying as they go, though, the change is less favourable because they will now receive a smaller standard spirit measure unless they spend extra on a double. The current terms still say only one drink per person may be ordered at a time, with a minimum 15-minute wait between orders.
Recent package prices published by Ambassador show the line continuing to push pre-booked drinks bundles heavily, with the Explorer and Expedition packages sold on a per-cruise basis for short sailings and on a per-night basis for longer voyages.
The most important point in the updated wording is not just the reduction from 40ml to 25ml. It is that the latest terms no longer include the old sentence capping alcoholic drinks at 15 per 24-hour period, nor the previous wording that explicitly barred double shots under the programme.
Instead, Ambassador’s current online terms focus on one drink per person at any time, the 15-minute wait between orders, and the line’s right to refuse alcohol service under its responsible service policy.
That means the biggest downside falls on guests who do not buy a package. A standard spirit now comes in a smaller measure than before, according to the currently published terms and the earlier package wording still visible through cruise retailers.
At the same time, guests on packages may feel they have gained flexibility because the daily cap has been removed from the current rules.
Ambassador has also kept an important safeguard in place. Its current drinks package page states: “In line with our responsible service of alcohol policy, bar staff may refuse service if a guest appears to be heavily intoxicated.”
That part of the policy is especially relevant in light of a recent US court case involving Carnival Cruise Line.
Last week, multiple outlets reported that a Miami federal jury awarded $300,000 to Diana Sanders after finding Carnival negligent for overserving alcohol before she suffered a serious fall aboard Carnival Radiance.
Reports said Sanders, a 45-year-old California nurse, consumed at least 14 tequila shots over roughly eight and a half hours during a three-night sailing from Long Beach to Mexico on 5th January 2024.
According to the reporting, the jury assigned 60% of the responsibility to Carnival and 40% to Sanders. Her injuries were reported to include a concussion, headaches, possible traumatic brain injury and back-related injuries. Carnival has said it disagrees with the verdict and intends to pursue a new trial or appeal.
At the time of that sailing, Carnival’s official Cheers! package allowed up to 15 alcoholic drinks in a 24-hour period running from 6am to 6am. Carnival’s policy also says staff are trained not to serve guests who appear intoxicated.
“I believe a primary culprit is prepaid drink packages that encourage people to ‘get their money’s worth.’ Furthermore, servers on these cruise lines are often minimally paid workers from economically disadvantaged countries who are financially incentivized to continue serving alcohol because they are compensated by tips,”
Spencer Aronfeld, attorney.
The Carnival verdict is not the only case to put cruise line alcohol service under the spotlight. AP reported that the Sanders case comes amid wider scrutiny of cruise alcohol policies, while separate lawsuits filed in late 2025 accused Royal Caribbean of overserving passengers in other fatal incidents.
One lawsuit alleged a passenger was served 33 drinks before he died aboard Navigator of the Seas, while another wrongful death case alleged a guest on Allure of the Seas was overserved before going overboard.
Both cases were still being contested in court reporting, and Royal Caribbean said it would not comment further on pending litigation or that it was cooperating with authorities.
For Ambassador, the latest package rewrite may look like a mixed change rather than a straightforward cutback. Package holders now appear to have more freedom than before, but guests buying spirits individually are likely to notice the difference immediately.
Either way, the line’s own terms still make clear that service should stop once a guest appears heavily intoxicated.
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The idea of a last-minute cruise sounds great, doesn’t it? A spontaneous getaway, a good deal, no overthinking. But once you actually start booking, it’s surprisingly easy to trip up.
I’ve seen people jump on what looks like a bargain, only to realise later they’ve overlooked something important – or ended up spending more than they expected. Last-minute cruises can be brilliant, but only if you go in with your eyes open.
Here are some of the most common mistakes people make, and how to avoid them.
This is probably the biggest one. People hold out, thinking prices will keep falling right up to departure. After all, the cruise line will be desperate to sell the cabins at any price right?
Actually no. Sometimes the prices can keep dropping, but just as often they don’t. Popular sailings can actually go up in price as cabins sell out – and some categories will sell out.
Leave it too late and you’re not just risking paying more, you might miss out altogether.
If you spot a price you’re comfortable with, and it fits your dates, it’s usually better to book than gamble. Last-minute doesn’t mean last-second.
There’s a bit of a myth around this. Yes, you can find bargains with last minute cruises, but it’s not guaranteed.
What often happens is the cheapest cabins sell out first. What’s left are higher-grade cabins, which can cost more. So you’re booking late, but not necessarily cheaply.
It’s worth looking at the overall value instead of just the headline price. A fare that includes extras like drinks or tips can work out much better in the end.
Don’t get me wrong – some cruise lines have fantastic last minute deals that are as cheap as you’ll get those fares.
Marella Cruises is a good example, as they regularly offer strong last-minute savings, but they’re also known for offering solid value even when you book further in advance, so it’s not always a case of waiting it out. Booking in advance can be equally as lucrative, from a value perspective.
This is where things can really fall apart.
You might find a great cruise deal, your eyes light up, and you book – only to then realise flights are either expensive or awkward, or both. Suddenly that “bargain” isn’t looking so good…
This is why fly cruise options can make life easier. When flights are included, you’re not scrambling to line everything up or worrying about connections. It just takes a lot of the pressure off.
Also, some package deals involve flights from less convenient airports or awkward departure times. That great price can quickly feel less appealing.
By default, all Marella Cruises’ sailings include the flight in the fare you pay. It’s possible to remove them if you want, but it’s typically best to stick with the package – especially as it means you’re guaranteed to make the ship, and you’ll only leave the ship at the end of your cruise at the right time for your trip home.
And you usually have a range of options available from regional airports across the UK. It might be more limited with a last minute cruise, but it’s still better than a deal with someone else where your only option is a 7-hour coach trip before you even fly.
It’s one of the reasons Marella Cruises is best for last minute deals – not only do they have great savings, but you know that you don’t have to scramble to arrange your own flights as well.
When you’re focused on the cruise itself, it’s easy to ignore the logistics of getting there.
A low price is tempting, but it rarely tells the whole story.
Once you add drinks, gratuities, WiFi and excursions, the cost can climb quickly. What looked cheap at first can end up being anything but.
It’s always worth checking what’s included before you commit. Some more-inclusive options can be especially helpful for last-minute trips because you know exactly what you’re spending upfront.
Another win for Marella Cruises, then. Your fare includes the flights, yes, and the overseas transfers.
But it also includes dining at a selection of onboard venues, plus a wide range of drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
You can pay a bit more if you want to upgrade to include premium drinks, and there are some dining venues onboard with an additional charge (just like with all cruise lines), but these are completely optional.
Marella Cruises is one of the only cruise lines where you really don’t have to pay a penny extra once you’ve paid the fare, if you don’t want to.
Read more: What’s Included with Marella Cruises?
If you’re booking late, flexibility really matters.
Holding out for a specific cabin or location can mean missing out entirely. By that point, availability is going to be limited and your ideal option might already be gone.
If the itinerary and price work for you, it’s usually worth being a bit open-minded. You’re not going on a cruise to sit in your cabin all day anyway.
And if the cheaper cabins have sold out, why not pay just a little extra for a nicer cabin than you’d normally book?
The only risk there is you might not want to downgrade again in the future…
Read more: Best Cabins on Marella Cruise Ships (Ranked by Comfort, Space & Value)
It sounds obvious, but it catches people out all the time.
Some destinations require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your return date. When you’re booking in a rush, it’s easy to forget to check.
Do it before you book, not after. Fixing passport issues at the last minute is stressful, and sometimes not even possible.
Last-minute availability can disappear fast. We’re talking hours, not days.
I’ve had several occasions where I’ve found an amazing last-minute cruise deals in the morning, sent it to my email subscribers and by the time it even gets to them it’s sold out!
If you spend too long comparing options or waiting for others to decide, you might come back to find the cruise is gone or the price has jumped, often because the cheaper cabin grades are gone.
If you’re serious about booking, be ready. Have your details handy, know your budget, and be prepared to act.
Booking a cruise a week, or even a few days, before departure doesn’t leave much time to get organised. Even booking a few weeks out can cause you to be scrambling around, if you’re still working or have other plans between now and your departure date.
That’s when things get forgotten. Formal outfits, medications, chargers, basic essentials. Onboard shops can help a bit, but not with everything.
A simple packing checklist makes a big difference. Even better if you keep one saved so you’re not starting from scratch every time.
Read more: Marella Cruises’ Dress Codes Explained
Not the most exciting part of booking, but definitely one of the most important.
Leaving it until the last minute, or skipping it altogether, can leave you exposed if something goes wrong. Cruise insurance is always exceptionally important – that doesn’t change just because your departure is in the next few weeks or couple of months.
Ideally, sort it as soon as you book. It takes minutes and saves a lot of stress later.
Last-minute cruises can be some of the best trips you’ll ever take. There’s something about the spontaneity that makes them feel a bit more exciting. And yes, you can still find great value.
But they’re not completely effortless. A bit of awareness goes a long way.
Stay flexible, look beyond just the price, and don’t hesitate too long when you find something that works. Do that, and you’ll avoid most of the common pitfalls and actually enjoy the experience from the start.
And if you’re considering options, it’s worth keeping an eye on cruise lines like Marella Cruises, who tend to balance convenience and value particularly well – especially when you’re booking closer to departure.
Don’t miss the latest Marella Cruises offers…
A US jury has ordered Carnival Cruise Line to pay $300,000 in damages after finding the company partially responsible for overserving alcohol to a passenger who later suffered serious injuries onboard.
The case centres on Diana Sanders, a 45-year-old California woman who sailed aboard Carnival Radiance on 5th January 2024 for a three-night cruise from Long Beach to Mexico. Sanders claimed she was served at least 14 tequila shots over an eight-hour period before falling on a stairway late that evening.
She filed her lawsuit in November 2024, seeking damages exceeding $75,000 and requesting a jury trial. After a 17-month legal process, a six-person jury ruled in her favour, although liability was shared between both parties.
According to court filings, Sanders began drinking at around 3 pm and continued until shortly after 11:30 pm when the incident occurred. While walking around the ship, she fell on a stairway, resulting in multiple injuries.
The lawsuit listed those injuries as “including, but not limited to, a concussion, headaches, a possible traumatic brain injury, back injuries, tailbone injuries, bruising, and other injuries.”
The jury determined that Carnival bore 60% of the responsibility, while Sanders herself was assigned 40% of the blame, reflecting arguments that she had some level of personal accountability for her alcohol consumption.
Her attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, pointed to broader issues within the cruise industry when discussing the case.
“I believe a primary culprit is prepaid drink packages that encourage people to ‘get their money’s worth.’ Furthermore, servers on these cruise lines are often minimally paid workers from economically disadvantaged countries who are financially incentivized to continue serving alcohol because they are compensated by tips,”
Spencer Aronfeld, attorney.
At the time of the sailing, Carnival’s Cheers! drink package allowed guests to consume up to 15 alcoholic beverages within a 24-hour period, starting from 6 am. Sanders’ reported consumption fell just below that threshold.
The case raised complex questions about how alcohol service is monitored onboard large cruise ships. Carnival Radiance, a vessel of more than 101,000 gross tonnes, features eight separate bars and lounges, meaning passengers may be served by multiple crew members throughout the day.
During proceedings, it emerged that Sanders could not identify a specific bartender or venue responsible for overserving her. Additionally, there was no clear evidence presented that she was visibly intoxicated in a way that would have prompted crew intervention.
While all purchases are logged through a guest’s Sail & Sign account, it remains unclear whether bartenders consistently review a passenger’s prior orders before serving additional drinks. High demand and long queues at onboard bars may also impact how closely consumption is monitored in real time.
Carnival is expected to challenge the verdict. In a statement issued to local media, the company said:
“Carnival Corporation respectfully disagrees with the verdict and believes there are grounds for a new trial and appeal, which it will pursue.”
The case adds to a growing number of legal actions involving cruise lines and passenger safety. In recent years, incidents ranging from onboard injuries to equipment failures have resulted in lawsuits against major operators.
Claims involving alcohol service are less common but highlight ongoing scrutiny around drink packages and whether they encourage excessive consumption.
As these packages remain a popular add-on for passengers, the outcome of any appeal in this case could have wider implications for how cruise lines manage and monitor alcohol sales at sea.
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MSC Cruises is raising its daily hotel service charges for guests sailing in the Caribbean and Alaska, with the updated rates taking effect from 11th May 2026.
The cruise line has begun notifying booked passengers of the changes via email, while also updating pricing on its website. The adjustment follows a broader trend across the industry, with several major cruise operators introducing similar increases in recent months.
Under the revised structure, guests staying in standard staterooms will see a $1 per person, per night increase, bringing the total to $17. Those booked into the premium MSC Yacht Club suites will face a larger rise of $3 per person, per night, taking the new rate to $23.
Children under the age of two will continue to be exempt from hotel service charges, regardless of accommodation type.
MSC Cruises has confirmed that passengers who have already prepaid their gratuities will not be required to pay the higher rate, even if their sailing departs after the new charges come into force.
The cruise line said: “We are happy to honor the current Hotel Service Charge for guests who have already paid, as well as those who choose to prepay before the policy change on May 11, 2026.”
While the charges are automatically applied to onboard accounts, MSC maintains that they are calculated to reflect its service standards and are not designed to be altered.
However, guests who feel service levels have not met expectations can raise concerns with the Guest Relations Manager onboard to request adjustments.
It is worth noting that MSC’s gratuity rates vary globally. The increase announced here applies only to Caribbean and Alaska sailings.
In other regions, current charges remain unchanged, typically ranging between $14 and $19 per night for standard cabins and $19 to $23 for Yacht Club suites. On many cruises from the UK there are no gratuities for guests to pay.
The timing of the increase coincides with MSC’s growing presence in Alaska. MSC Poesia is set to begin the line’s first-ever Alaska season from Seattle on 11th May 2026, the same day the new pricing comes into effect.
MSC Cruises is far from alone in revising its gratuity structure. A number of cruise lines have implemented increases in recent weeks, reflecting ongoing cost pressures across the sector.
Margaritaville at Sea introduced one of the most significant hikes earlier this year, raising daily gratuities to $22 per person for standard cabins and $25 for suites from 1st February 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line also adjusted its rates, increasing gratuities to $17 per person, per night for standard staterooms and $19 for suites. Those changes took effect on 2nd April 2026.
Meanwhile, Holland America Line has announced a $1 per person, per day increase across all accommodation categories, although that change will not be introduced until 1st June 2026.
These incremental increases, while relatively small on a nightly basis, can have a noticeable impact on the overall cost of a cruise, particularly for families travelling together.
With additional onboard expenses such as speciality dining and drinks packages also contributing to the final bill, travellers are increasingly factoring gratuities into their overall holiday budget.
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A Miami couple has been accused of defrauding friends and relatives out of tens of thousands of dollars for a Royal Caribbean cruise that was never actually booked, according to authorities.
Antonio Diaz, 65, and Maria Blasco Diaz, 64, were arrested on 7th April as part of an investigation by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Police allege the pair took a total of $200,259.85 through a series of schemes, including nearly $45,000 tied to a supposed family cruise.
The case centres on a victim who approached Blasco Diaz for advice about booking a cruise, given her experience with sailing. Prosecutors say she claimed to have access to discounted fares through a contact purportedly employed by Royal Caribbean.
According to the arrest report, the offer extended beyond the cruise fare itself. “Ms. Diaz offered cruise excursions, drink packages, room upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and travel insurance,” investigators stated.
The victim and their family ultimately transferred $44,910 via a combination of Zelle payments, cheques and cash.
The sailing in question was due to depart on 9th July 2023 aboard Odyssey of the Seas. However, concerns were raised when travel documents had still not been issued by late June.
Authorities say Blasco Diaz provided a series of explanations, including a claim that her contact at the cruise line had been dismissed. When the victim later contacted Royal Caribbean directly, they were informed that while a reservation number existed, it was not linked to the family.
Investigators also allege that attempts to refund the money were unsuccessful. Blasco Diaz reportedly issued cheques as partial repayment, promising to cover the remaining balance through a home equity line of credit. Those cheques were later found to be drawn from a newly opened account with insufficient funds.
Despite further assurances, no repayment was ultimately made, according to the arrest report.
The cruise scheme forms part of a broader set of allegations against the couple. Authorities claim they also accepted nearly $139,000 in deposits for 16 Rolex watches and a Patek Philippe timepiece, none of which were delivered.
In addition, victims are said to have paid around $3,000 for discounted diamond earrings and more than $13,400 on other jewellery purchases that never materialised.
Police reports indicate that Antonio Diaz invoked his right to legal counsel, while Blasco Diaz admitted to the alleged actions but claimed her husband was not involved. Both have since entered not guilty pleas.
Royal Caribbean Group and a lawyer representing the couple did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts, one of the web’s longest-running cruise travel communities. Since 1999, Cruise Addicts has been a trusted destination for cruise travelers seeking the latest industry news, in-depth ship reviews, expert travel tips, and a passionate community of self-proclaimed cruise enthusiasts.
John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts, one of the web’s longest-running cruise travel communities. Since 1999, Cruise Addicts has been a trusted destination for cruise travelers seeking the latest industry news, in-depth ship reviews, expert travel tips, and a passionate community of self-proclaimed cruise enthusiasts.
There is nothing quite like the excitement of stepping onto a cruise ship for the first time. The vessel towers above the dock, promising days of endless ocean views, exciting ports, and the thrill of adventure. We know the feeling well—the anticipation of leaving your worries on land and setting sail toward the horizon is unmatched.
However, it is important to remember that these massive vessels are essentially floating cities, and they come with unique environmental challenges that can catch even seasoned travelers off guard. From the constant motion of the ocean to the specific design of the vessel itself, the ship environment differs significantly from a hotel on land. By being aware of common cruise ship hazards, you can ensure your vacation remains a joyful memory rather than a trip to the medical center.
This guide highlights specific, often-overlooked risks so you can spot them before they become a problem. We have compiled simple, practical tips to help you stay safe, allowing you to focus entirely on relaxing and having an incredible time at sea.
Walking around a moving ship requires more attention than walking down the street. The combination of sea movement, wet surfaces, and unique architectural features makes footing a primary concern. In fact, a study of injuries on a single ship found that slips, trips, and falls accounted for nearly 44.8% of all passenger injuries, proving that awareness is your best defense.
Slippery spots are not just found near the pool; they can appear anywhere on the ship. Passengers are often caught off guard by rain-slicked open-air decks, freshly mopped indoor corridors, or condensation in stairwells due to humidity changes. The Lido deck is particularly notorious, as water from the pools and hot tubs constantly splashes onto the walking areas.
Essential Tips for Staying Upright:
Cruise ships have structural features you simply do not encounter in a standard hotel. Gangways can be surprisingly steep depending on the tide and the port infrastructure, challenging those with limited mobility. Inside your cabin, you will encounter “coamings”—high raised thresholds at the bottom of bathroom and balcony doors designed to keep water from spreading during rough seas.
| Hazard Type | Common Examples | Why It Exists | How to Avoid Mishaps |
| Steep Inclines | Gangways, Ramps | To connect the ship to the pier at varying heights. | Hold the handrail and take your time; assist others who may be unsteady. |
| Raised Thresholds | Bathroom & Balcony Doors | Watertight sealing and structural integrity. | Make a mental note to always step over, not onto, the threshold. |
| Heavy Doors | Cabin & Fire Doors | Fire safety regulations and ship design. | Never place your hands in the door jamb and be aware of them closing behind you. |
While we all worry about sunburns, keeping healthy on a cruise involves a few more proactive steps regarding hygiene and activity safety. Understanding the ship’s resources and the nature of a closed environment is key to avoiding a trip to the infirmary.
Gastrointestinal illnesses are a reality of high-density travel. Norovirus remains the primary culprit, causing over 90% of diarrheal disease outbreaks on ships. Unfortunately, recent years have seen a rise in these cases; in 2024 alone, stomach illness outbreaks hit their highest level since 2012, according to CDC data.
Outbreaks can happen even on premium lines, such as the incident on a Holland America ship where over 80 passengers fell ill. Furthermore, concerns about water quality occasionally arise; recently, regulators investigated the Carnival Encounter after crew members raised alarms about unsafe drinking water and health conditions. To protect yourself, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water frequently—sanitizer alone is not enough against all viruses—and use the provided utensils at the buffet rather than your hands.
Modern ships are packed with attractions like surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and multi-story waterslides. While thrilling, these activities carry inherent risks. A lawsuit filed recently involving Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider highlights how serious injuries, such as neck trauma, can occur on these attractions.
We encourage you to know your physical limitations before queuing up for these rides. Always read the posted safety warnings carefully and listen to the crew’s instructions. If you prefer to stay active in a more controlled environment, check out our guide to cruise ship gyms and fitness programs for safer ways to burn off those buffet calories.
While serious incidents are statistically rare compared to the millions of people who cruise annually, they do happen. Being aware of these possibilities allows you to make smarter choices without letting fear ruin your vacation.
Falling overboard is a common fear, often amplified by sensational headlines. In reality, it is an exceedingly rare event, with approximately 400 incidents reported over a period of more than two decades. The vast majority of these tragic events are preventable; the solution is to never sit, climb, or lean excessively on railings and to be mindful of alcohol consumption.
Regarding personal security, crime can occur on ships just as it does in any city. In the first quarter of 2025, the FBI received reports of 48 incidents, including 33 sexual assaults. However, watchdogs have noted discrepancies in crime reporting, suggesting some lines may underreport incidents. This reinforces the need for vigilance: lock your cabin door, secure valuables in your safe, and look out for your travel companions, especially late at night in the nightclubs or the cruise ship casino.
We believe that prevention is the best strategy, but sometimes accidents happen due to factors entirely outside a passenger’s control. Issues like crew negligence, equipment malfunctions, or poorly maintained facilities can lead to injury regardless of how careful you are. When an injury occurs at sea, the legal landscape is governed by complex maritime laws, making it very different from a slip and fall at a local grocery store.
Understanding who is liable and what steps to take is critical if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. For passengers seeking to understand the specific legalities of these situations, Chalik & Chalik provides a comprehensive resource that details various cruise ship risks and accident causes. Their guide examines liability in cases ranging from food contamination to swimming pool accidents, offering vital information for anyone navigating the aftermath of an onboard injury.
Situational awareness is truly a cruiser’s most powerful tool for staying safe. By keeping an eye out for wet decks, respecting safety barriers, and maintaining good hygiene, you dramatically reduce the likelihood of a mishap. Millions of people cruise safely every year, and these tips are meant to empower you, not frighten you.
We hope this guide helps you prepare for your next voyage with confidence. By keeping these simple hazards in mind, you free yourself up to focus on what truly matters: relaxing, exploring new destinations, and making incredible memories at sea.
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…
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:
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
See the latest Carnival cruise offers…
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.
