A travel agent named Iona is preparing to marry on P&O Cruises’ ship Iona after a recent visit on board convinced her it was the perfect venue for her wedding.
Iona Ginn, a 31-year-old Hays Travel consultant, will marry her fiancé Harley, 28, on 12th September 2027 during a seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise.
The couple, who have been together for five years, got engaged at Disneyworld in Florida in November 2024, when Harley proposed by the castle.
A Ship Visit Sealed The Decision
Iona said she had been looking into wedding options when P&O Cruises announced that couples could get married across its fleet.
She said: “When I was on the ship visit last month, I just wanted to get married right there and then. I was speechless – I just love the atrium with its floor to ceiling windows and all the light in that space.
“We were researching wedding options and then we saw that P&O Cruises announced couples could get married on all its ships. We both love cruising, so we thought: let’s go for it, this is us. It’s something we wanted to do so we took the plunge and we are so excited.”
The ceremony will take place at sea before the ship arrives in Stavanger, Norway. Iona said the itinerary was ideal because none of the couple’s family had visited the region before.
“It’s the perfect itinerary for us as it’s an area that no-one in our family has visited before. It’s going to be a dream come true,” said Iona.
A Namesake Wedding At Sea
P&O Cruises’ Iona entered service in summer 2021 with a British Isles sailing that visited the island of Iona in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. More than 2,000 guests joined the inaugural cruise, which included fireworks and a deck party.
The ship’s name also carries a personal connection for the bride-to-be, who was named after the same Scottish island.
“The fact we share a name is a winning point and it feels like it was meant to be. Getting married at sea will be so magical. It’s also amazing value – the cake, flowers, hair and make-up is all included – not something you normally see. We’ll also get to make a week out of it and have our loved ones close by, which will be incredible.”
Iona said her experience as a travel agent has also helped her explain the cruise to family and friends, many of whom have not sailed before.
“It’s nice that I’ve been able to explain what their experience will be like and that knowledge has flowed through to all our guests.
“As a travel agent, having first-hand knowledge of the product is so important, especially for people who haven’t sailed before. I share photos and it adds that layer of credibility and puts people at ease. You then know exactly what you’re selling people.”
P&O Cruises associate vice president of sales and distribution, Ruth Venn, said: “We’re delighted that Iona has chosen her namesake ship for an unforgettable wedding in the fjords. Our travel agent partners have been instrumental in the huge popularity of P&O Cruises Ceremonies Sea and Shore, accounting for 45% of the bookings since we launched the new proposition in 2025.”
P&O Cruises offers commitment ceremonies, engagements and renewal of vows across all seven ships in its fleet. The first shore ceremony in Barbados is due to take place in early 2027.
Iona’s advice to other couples considering a cruise wedding is: “Do the research and go for it.
“Everything that we wanted we are getting – for an amazing price and a holiday included in it. It’s been such a seamless experience, we feel so well looked after. I’m normally a control freak, but I’m as cool as a cucumber with no stress right now.”
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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…
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.
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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.
What Has Changed In Ambassador’s Drinks Rules
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.”
Why Responsible Service Still Matters
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.
More Cruise Lines Face Scrutiny Over Alcohol Service
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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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.
Details Of The Incident And Injuries
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.
Questions Over Service And Accountability
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.”
Latest In A String Of Cruise Lawsuits
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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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.
What Guests Need To Know About The Changes
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.
Cruise Booking Never Materialised
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.
Wider Allegations Involving Luxury Goods
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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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.
Navigating the Ship: Slips, Trips, and Environmental Traps
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.
The Peril of Slippery Surfaces
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:
Always wear appropriate, non-slip footwear like rubber-soled sandals or boat shoes when walking on open decks; flip-flops often lack the necessary grip.
Use handrails whenever possible, especially on stairs and ramps, as the ship’s sudden movement can throw you off balance.
Pay extra attention on port days, as crew members are often pressure-washing the decks early in the morning or late at night.
Report spills immediately to a nearby crew member instead of just walking around them, helping to prevent other guests from falling.
Be mindful of transition areas where indoor flooring meets outdoor decks, as these entryways are frequently wet and slippery.
Unexpected Obstacles and Design Quirks
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.
Onboard Health and Wellness: Beyond Sunscreen and Seasickness
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.
The Hidden Risk: Food and Waterborne Illness
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 theCarnival 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.
High-Energy Fun and Hidden Risks
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.
Serious Incidents: Staying Aware of the Unlikely
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.
The Reality of Overboard Incidents and Personal Security
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.
Knowing Your Rights When Things Go Wrong
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.
Your Key to a Safe and Memorable Voyage
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…
1. Carnival Rewards Is Replacing VIFP – And It’s a Big Deal
This is easily the biggest change Carnival is making in 2026, and it hasn’t exactly gone down quietly.
From 1 September 2026 (delayed from the original launch date of June), the long-running VIFP Club is being replaced with a brand-new loyalty programme called Carnival Rewards. The big shift is how status is earned.
Instead of building status mainly through nights sailed, the new system is based on how much you spend.
Guests will earn three stars for every $1 spent, and casino play also counts, with one casino point earning one star. There’s even a Carnival co-branded Mastercard that lets you earn stars through everyday spending.
The new tiers are:
Red
Gold – 10,000 stars
Platinum – 50,000 stars
Diamond – 100,000 stars
The part that’s caused the most pushback is that status now expires every two years if you don’t requalify. That’s a huge change compared to the old system, where many cruisers built status slowly over time and then kept it.
Carnival has softened things slightly by confirming that anyone who reaches Diamond status by 31 August 2026 will keep it for life. But for a lot of regular cruisers, this still feels like a major shift.
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.
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.
This is one of the biggest behind-the-scenes changes, and it affects a large part of the fleet.
A total of 10 Carnival ships are scheduled for refurbishment in 2026, which is a pretty massive number.
Not every one of these is a big overhaul, to be clear. They all cover the usual maintenance work, but Carnival has also been using them to improve the onboard experience on some ships. That can mean refreshed cabins, updated public areas, better retail spaces and upgraded youth clubs.
So while there’s no new ship launching this year, a lot of the existing fleet is getting a bit of a refresh. If you’re sailing on one of these ships later in the year, it could feel noticeably updated compared to before.
5. Isla Tropicale Is Getting Upgrades Too
It’s not just Half Moon Cay getting attention.
Carnival’s destination in Roatán, now branded as Isla Tropicale, is also being upgraded. Plans include a large pool with a swim-up bar, luxury cabanas, more loungers and expanded beach space.
There’s also talk of a beach club being added in the future.
There isn’t a fixed completion date yet, so this feels more like an ongoing rollout than a single big launch. But if you’re sailing Western Caribbean itineraries, it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
6. Celebration Key Is Already Expanding
Carnival’s newest private destination hasn’t been open long, but it’s already growing.
One of the big developments is a second pier, which will allow up to four Excel-class ships to dock at the same time. That’s a huge increase in capacity and shows how important Celebration Key is becoming to Carnival’s overall plans.
There’s no exact completion date yet, but 2026 is expected to be a key year for this expansion – so look out for more news on that later in the year.
7. The Zero-Proof Drinks Package Should Expand
Carnival introduced its first proper non-alcoholic drinks package in 2025, and it was a really popular addition.
The CHEERS! Zero Proof package includes things like speciality coffees, mocktails, bottled water, juices and other alcohol-free options, going well beyond the standard soda package that existed previously.
It’s being rolled out in stages though, so don’t panic if you can’t see it for your sailing immediately. It’s not something that has been switched on across the board, but it’s expected to be widely available.
And just because it’s only being rolled out bit-by-bit, it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere. It’s more a case of Carnival not confirming the details yet, so this is one to keep an eye on.
Carnival is also making a bigger push towards greener operations.
The cruise line is aiming to significantly reduce emissions, and it’s doing that through a mix of changes including more efficient hull coatings, LED lighting, shore power in port and smarter route planning.
LNG-powered ships are a big part of that plan too, with several already in service and more on the way.
For guests, this doesn’t massively change the day-to-day cruise experience, but it does mean newer ships are cleaner, quieter in port and better aligned with future environmental regulations.
9. New Itineraries Are Adding More Variety
Finally, there are some interesting itinerary changes in 2026 as well.
Carnival is continuing to expand its Carnival Journeys sailings, which are longer cruises with more varied ports and a bit more of a destination-focused feel.
One standout is a 13-day sailing on Carnival Horizon from Barcelona to Miami, calling at Alicante, Málaga, Gibraltar and Celebration Key.
There’s also the special Solar Eclipse cruise on 9th August 2026 on Carnival Legend, sailing roundtrip from Dover. That one’s sold out, but keep an eye in case of cancellations. It’s a fabulous way to see the eclipse.
There’s also a nice change for US West Coast cruisers, with Carnival Luminosa set to homeport in San Francisco for the first time. From there, she’ll offer 10-day Alaska cruises and Baja Mexico itineraries.
It’s a good sign that Carnival is trying to offer more than just the standard short cruise options.
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Final Thoughts
2026 might not be the year of a big new Carnival ship, but it’s definitely not a quiet one.
The biggest headline is the new loyalty programme, which is a major shift and one that will affect regular cruisers the most. Alongside that, there are plenty of smaller changes – from upgraded destinations and refreshed ships to better (but pricier) Wi-Fi.
Put it all together, and 2026 feels like a bit of a transition year for Carnival. Not flashy, but important, and probably setting things up for some bigger moves just around the corner.
Marella Cruises is expanding its upgraded Suite Service Max offering across its entire fleet from summer 2026, extending a package of premium perks to guests booked in its highest suite categories after a trial on Marella Explorer last year.
The programme will apply to Royal Suites, Voyager Suites and Executive Suites on all five ships, giving suite guests a broader mix of in-room amenities, dining extras and priority services.
The line said the refreshed package will include daily in-suite breakfast with continental and hot options, once-weekly Afternoon Tea delivered to the suite, a welcome gift with chilled Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne and handmade truffles, full-size Elemis toiletries, GHD hairdryers, replenished water carafes and extra Lavazza coffee pods.
Additional benefits will include priority embarkation through a dedicated check-in queue, reserved breakfast seating in a designated area of the main dining room, two complimentary bags of laundry per week, 3,000MB of internet per guest per week, a gold-coloured cruise card and a 9 am late check-out on disembarkation day.
The rollout covers Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2 and Marella Voyager.
Marella said more than 40 suites across the fleet fall into the new Top Suites category included in the scheme. Executive Suites for summer 2026 sailings are being advertised from £1,697 per person.
Perks Expanded Across All Five Ships
The move gives Marella a more consistent premium offering across the fleet at a time when cruise lines are putting greater focus on higher-value accommodation and extra inclusions.
For Marella, which is part of TUI Group and describes itself as the UK’s third-largest cruise line, the enhanced suite package also adds another layer to its all-inclusive positioning, with tips and service charges already included as standard.
“This fleetwide rollout marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to delivering exceptional service. After a successful trial, the “Suite Service Max” guests will now enjoy a consistently premium experience across all ships, with new touches that make their holiday feel even more special subsequently expanding our product offering to new and returning customers.”
Chris Hackney, CEO at Marella Cruises
The decision to take the concept fleetwide follows the earlier test on Marella Explorer, which appears to have given the line confidence to formalise the benefits across its top-end accommodation.
In practical terms, the package now brings together service touches both onboard and in-suite, rather than focusing only on cabin amenities.
Part Of A Broader Push For 2026 Sailings
The rollout of Suite Service Max comes as Marella Cruises continues to build out its plans for 2026, with a strong focus on giving guests more choice both onboard and ashore.
Recent announcements have included new itineraries featuring destinations such as Tunisia, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, alongside a mix of adults-only sailings and varied cruise experiences across the fleet.
For travellers, the expanded suite offering is another sign of how Marella is adding more premium touches to its holidays, while still keeping its all-inclusive model at the core. Guests booking top-tier suites for 2026 can now expect a more consistent and elevated experience regardless of which ship they sail on.
With five ships now operating, including Marella Voyager which joined the fleet in 2023, the cruise line is continuing to refine its onboard experience while giving customers more flexibility when planning their holidays.
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I love cruising, but I’ve always thought one part of the experience could be far clearer – tipping.
Not because tipping itself is a problem – but because the way it’s presented often feels half-hidden, vaguely explained, or quietly added on when you’re not looking.
For a first-time cruisers, tipping sounds simple: show appreciation for good service.
In reality, it’s layered, pre-charged, auto-added, bundled into packages, and sometimes framed as “optional” even when it doesn’t feel that way in practice.
It’s not uncommon for people to sail thinking everything is covered, only to discover a surprisingly large gratuities total on their onboard account near the end of the trip and an envelope on their bed requesting cash on top.
So, let’s pull back the curtain a little so you can understand everything about tipping – and make the right decisions to benefit the crew who look after you so well!
How Cruise Tipping Actually Works
Although each cruise line has its own wording, most mainstream cruise lines follow a very similar system when it comes to tips.
Automatic Daily Gratuities
Instead of relying purely on guests to tip individually, cruise lines add a fixed daily charge to your onboard account.
This is usually called something like:
“Gratuities”
“Crew appreciation”
“Daily service charge”
This amount is charged per person, per night, and it adds up quietly in the background as your cruise goes on.
You don’t hand money over – it appears automatically on your onboard bill in the same way drinks or excursions would.
The cruise line then pools this money and distributes it across various crew departments.
Who Those Tips Are Meant to Cover
The daily gratuities are designed to cover far more than just the people you see the most. While your cabin steward and your dining room team are included, the pool also usually supports:
Galley staff who prepare food
Housekeeping support teams
Laundry staff
Buffet and behind-the-scenes hotel crew
This is one of the reasons cruise lines push guests towards the automatic system – it ensures that the less visible crew are also included in the tipping structure, rather than only those with direct guest contact.
What’s less clearly explained is exactly how this money is split between departments and individuals.
Most cruise lines don’t publish the detailed breakdown, which makes it difficult for guests to understand where their money really ends up.
Prepaid Vs Onboard Gratuities
Cruise lines give you two main ways to pay these daily tips:
Prepaying Before Your Cruise
You can add gratuities to your booking in advance. This locks the cost into your holiday price and means you won’t see daily tip charges appearing on your onboard account.
Paying Onboard
If you don’t prepay, the cruise line will simply add the charges to your onboard account each day. You usually won’t need to do anything – it happens automatically.
The part that isn’t made especially clear in marketing is this: whether you prepay or not, the system assumes you will be paying these gratuities.
They aren’t something you actively opt into – they’re something you have to actively opt out of, and even that isn’t straightforward.
From a guest’s point of view, the confusion often comes from how cruises are sold:
They’re advertised as “great value” or “almost all-inclusive”
The daily gratuity amounts are often buried, not made completely clear
The wording makes them sound optional, even though they’re added automatically
If you don’t go looking for the information yourself, it’s easy to board thinking it’s all covered, only to feel caught off guard later.
What Cruise Lines Don’t Clearly Explain About Tipping
This is where most people get caught out. The information technically exists, but it’s rarely presented in a way that’s easy to understand unless you already know what to look for.
How Tips Impact Salaries
This is one of the most hotly debated parts of cruise tipping, and it’s where a lot of misinformation circulates online.
A common claim you’ll see on social media is that cruise lines use guest gratuities to top up crew wages – in other words, that the company pays staff less and uses your tips to make up the difference.
Cruise lines strongly deny that this is how their payroll works.
Carnival, for example, has repeatedly stated that gratuities given by guests are not used to reduce or replace a crew member’s contracted salary.
Brand ambassador John Heald has publicly described these claims as false and misleading, saying that tips go to the crew and are not kept by the company to fund wages.
What’s undeniably true, though, is this: on most mainstream cruise lines, crew members’ base salaries are relatively low (by US standards) and gratuities make up a significant and important part of their overall take-home pay.
Even if tips are technically paid “on top” of salary rather than instead of it, the reality is that:
Many crew contracts are designed with gratuities in mind
The expected income from tips is baked into how attractive (or not) the base wages are
If large numbers of guests removed or stopped paying gratuities, many crew members would see a meaningful drop in their real-world earnings
That’s the uncomfortable grey area cruise lines don’t tend to explain very clearly. They deny using tips to replace wages – but they also rarely advertise just how heavily many roles rely on gratuities to make the job financially viable.
For guests, the key point is this: whether structurally “on top” or not, gratuities are not a small bonus to many crew members. They are a core part of what makes the job workable.
Cruise lines often describe daily gratuities as “discretionary” or “optional”. That wording sounds reassuring – but the reality is a bit different.
On most mainstream cruise lines:
The tips are added to your account automatically.
You don’t actively opt in – they’re just there.
If you want to change or remove them, you usually have to visit Guest Services and ask.
In practice, that can mean queueing, explaining your reasons, and feeling uncomfortable about it. Some cruise lines have made the process more difficult over time, asking guests to justify changes or, in certain cases, directing them to contact the cruise line after the sailing instead.
The end result is that although the tips are described as “optional”, the system is designed around the assumption that almost everyone will pay them.
Drink Packages Aren’t Tip-Free
One of the most common misconceptions is that buying a drinks package means tipping isn’t an issue anymore.
In reality, gratuities are very much built into that part of the experience too.
Depending on the cruise line:
An automatic service charge (often around 15–20%) is added when you buy the drinks package.
The same type of charge can apply to speciality dining, spa services and salon treatments.
If you don’t buy a package and pay per drink, gratuities are usually added to each purchase.
So while you may not be handing over cash at the bar, you’re still tipping – it just happens invisibly in the background. Cruise lines rarely highlight this in their marketing for packages, which is why so many people are surprised when they see the charges.
Why It’s Usually Cheaper to Prepay Gratuities Early
This is something cruise lines almost never shout about, even though it can make a real difference to your budget.
Many cruise lines increase their gratuity rates over time – typically once every 12-18 months.
If you prepay your gratuities when you book, or at least well before your cruise, you usually lock in the current rate.
That means:
If the cruise line increases the daily gratuities later, you’re protected.
You won’t be charged the new, higher rate onboard.
If you wait and let the tips be added during the cruise instead, you normally pay whatever the rate is at the time you sail, not the rate that applied when you booked.
It’s one of the few areas where booking early can genuinely save money, yet it’s rarely promoted clearly because higher gratuities benefit the cruise line’s overall pricing structure.
Cash Tipping Still Exists
Even with automatic gratuities and service charges, there’s still an unspoken culture of cash tipping in certain situations.
This commonly includes:
Cabin stewards who give particularly good service
Dining staff in speciality restaurants
Butler or concierge staff in suite areas
Spa staff and excursion guides
Room service delivery
The cruise line messaging tends to imply that everything is “taken care of”, but onboard reality can feel a bit different. It’s not usually mandatory, but it’s still very much part of cruise culture.
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Should You Tip Extra?
This is where it gets personal, and there isn’t one right answer.
When Tipping Extra Makes Sense
Extra tipping can be a thoughtful gesture when:
A crew member goes well beyond what’s expected
Someone makes a special effort for dietary needs or accessibility
Staff help make a celebration, anniversary or birthday genuinely memorable
You’re on a private or small-group shore excursion
In these cases, extra cash isn’t about obligation – it’s about recognition.
You don’t have to tip extra (you never HAVE to) but a lot of people feel like these are the situations that would justify an extra tip, if you wanted to.
When You Don’t Need to Feel Guilty for Not Tipping Extra
It’s also perfectly reasonable not to “double tip” when:
You’ve already paid substantial daily gratuities.
Service charges have already been added to spa, salon or dining bills.
You’re sailing with a truly all-inclusive luxury line.
You’re not being stingy by trusting that the systems in place have already covered the basics.
The Cultural Side of Things
Cruises attract guests from all over the world. Tipping expectations are different depending on where you’re travelling from.
Cruise lines often expect US-style tipping behaviour, even though many guests are more familiar with European models where service is built into prices. A lot of confusion comes from that cultural clash.
But there are British cruise lines like P&O Cruises and Marella Cruises where no tipping is expected, because of the culture.
MSC Cruises are a global brand that have different models, depending on where you’re sailing. Cruising in Europe? No tip needed. Sailing the Caribbean from a US port? Automatic gratuities will apply.
How to Tip Smart on a Cruise
There are a number of ways you can make sure you thank the people who need it, without causing yourself any unnecessary stress.
Set a simple tipping budget
Before you sail:
Look up your cruise line’s daily gratuity.
Multiply it by the number of nights and people.
Add a small buffer for occasional cash tips.
Once you’ve done this, anything extra becomes a choice rather than a surprise.
And if you don’t have the budget for extra cash tips – cruises are expensive sometimes – then don’t stress over it!
Decide Whether to Prepay Or Pay Onboard
There’s no moral right or wrong here, just practical differences:
Prepay if you:
Like predictable costs.
Want to lock in the current rate before possible increases.
Prefer not to see daily charges stacking up onboard.
Pay onboard if you:
Want flexibility (depending on the line’s policies).
Prefer to keep everything in one final bill.
Carry Small Amounts of Cash
Even in a fairly cash-free cruise environment, it helps to have small notes in local currency.
These are useful for porters, guides, drivers and staff who fall outside the normal tipping pool.
There are cash machines/ATMs on most cruise ships but they’ll often have a minimum withdrawal amount of $50. And Guest Services can’t/won’t always break a note for you. So try not to forget this or, if you feel you want to leave a cash tip, it might end up being $50 at least.
If you’re already paying daily gratuities, your cash tips don’t need to be random or constant.
They’re most meaningful when used for genuinely exceptional service, or for people who make your holiday noticeably easier or better.
What Crew Members Really Think About Tips
This is where the subject becomes more serious.
For many crew members on mainstream cruise lines, their base wages are relatively low. So, gratuities make up a significant part of their overall income.
Because tips are often pooled, your daily gratuities don’t just reward one person – they support a larger ecosystem of staff you never see.
The downside is that this system is not always transparent. Guests rarely know exactly how the money is divided, and crew members aren’t usually able to talk openly about it.
What’s clear is this: when guests remove all gratuities as a protest against the cruise line, it often affects the crew far more than the company.
That doesn’t mean guests should feel forced into tipping. It does mean the system is more complex – and more human – than it first appears.
In theory, sometimes. In practice, the entire pay structure for many crew assumes that most guests will pay the automatic gratuities. So yes, technically it’s optional, but if everyone treated it that way, cruise lines would struggle to retain those fantastic crew members.
“If I buy a drinks package, tips are covered”
They are – but usually through automatic service charges that are already built into what you paid. Still, a couple of small additional tips for bartenders can make all the difference for how good the service is.
“The crew are already well paid”
On most mainstream lines, tips are not really a bonus. They’re a core part of income, even if ‘technically’ that’s not the case.
You don’t have to. But small, thoughtful tips are usually welcomed, even on lines that say they aren’t necessary.
“Only Americans bother tipping”
Cruises are international. Once people understand the system, tipping habits tend to converge more than you’d expect. Yes, there’s more of a tipping culture amongst US guests, but most people are happy to pay the automatic gratuities, and tip a little extra if they feel it’s warranted.
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Final Thoughts
I’m not against tipping, quite the opposite. I’m not even against automatic gratuities. What I am against is confusion and surprise.
Cruising should feel relaxing, not like you’re constantly trying to decode what’s really included and what isn’t. Once you understand how tipping works, it becomes much easier to budget properly, make fair choices, and feel good about rewarding great service.
My approach is simple: plan for the automatic gratuities, tip extra when someone genuinely deserves it, and never feel pressured into tipping blindly.
If nothing else, knowing what cruise lines don’t always say out loud helps you stay in control of your holiday – and that’s how it should be.
The best cruise drink package hacks in 2026 are the ones cruise lines allow: buy your package before you sail, use your wine carry-on allowance, use loyalty or suite drink perks, and pick a smaller package (soda, coffee or wine bottles) if you won’t drink enough alcohol to justify the full one. None of these needs you to bend a rule. They just need a bit of planning and some honest maths about how much you drink.
Below are eight legitimate loopholes that still work for 2026 and 2027 sailings. We’ve also added a simple break-even check so you can see whether a package makes sense for you at all.
Why most cruise drink package hacks are really about timing and maths
Drink packages on mainstream lines are priced per person, per day, and almost always come with an automatic service charge on top. Royal Caribbean adds 18%, and Carnival raised its beverage service charge from 18% to 20% in December 2025. Most lines also require every adult in a cabin to buy the same alcoholic package if one adult does. That rule is why so many “hacks” online are really ways of cheating the system. Sharing a package or swapping cards breaks the terms and can get a package cancelled without a refund. If you want the details, our guide to Royal Caribbean drink package rules and why cheating isn’t worth it covers what goes wrong.
The good news is that the legal options save more money than most of the rule-breaking tricks anyway.
The 8 cruise drink package loopholes that still work in 2026
1. Buy before you board, and keep watching the price
Pre-cruise prices are almost always lower than onboard prices. Royal Caribbean sells its packages through the Cruise Planner, and prices for the same sailing go up and down with frequent sales. Because a package can usually be cancelled and rebought before sailing, a common, allowed tactic is to buy early and then check again during later sales. If the price drops, cancel and rebuy at the lower rate. Carnival also charges less for CHEERS! when you buy it ahead of time than when you buy it onboard, and it honoured old prices for passengers who had already bought packages before its April 2026 price changes. Buying early also protects you from the next increase.
2. Use your wine and champagne carry-on allowance
Most big lines still let adults bring a limited amount of wine or champagne on embarkation day. This is the closest thing to a true loophole, and it is completely within the rules. Drink your bottle in your cabin and you usually pay no corkage. Open it in a restaurant and a corkage fee applies. The allowances at the time of writing are in the table further down.
3. Choose a partial package instead of the full one
If you mainly want fizzy drinks, specialty coffee or a glass of wine at dinner, an alcoholic package is usually poor value. Look instead at:
Soda packages such as Royal Caribbean’s Classic Soda package or Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles (now $11.99 per adult per day before the service charge, after an April 2026 increase)
Refreshment-style packages covering specialty coffee, mocktails, juices and bottled water
Wine bottle packages, where you prepay for a set number of bottles at a discount and the restaurant stores any you don’t finish for your next dinner
Non-alcoholic packages are often exempt from the rule that everyone in the cabin must buy the same package, so a couple can mix and match.
4. Book a fare that already includes drinks
Sometimes the cheapest drink package is the one built into the fare. Celebrity’s All Included fares bundle a drinks package. Norwegian’s More at Sea promotion includes an open bar on most fares, though you still pay the service charge. Princess Plus and Premier fares include a beverage package. Compare the bundled fare with the cheapest fare plus a package bought separately. Sometimes the bundle wins and sometimes it doesn’t, especially if one person in the cabin barely drinks.
5. Pick a line where the basics are free
Virgin Voyages includes soft drinks, juices, filtered water and basic coffee for all guests. You only pay for alcohol, through a bar tab rather than an all-or-nothing package. At the luxury end, lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Explora Journeys include most drinks in the fare, and Viking includes beer and wine with lunch and dinner. If drinks are a big part of your budget, a higher fare with drinks included can work out cheaper. Our comparison of the Virgin Voyages bar tab versus traditional drink packages sets out how the numbers compare.
6. Earn loyalty and suite drink perks
Frequent cruisers get some of the best legitimate free drinks at sea:
Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor: Diamond members get four drink vouchers per person per day, Diamond Plus get five and Pinnacle Club get six. Each voucher covers a drink up to a set value (around $14 on most sailings) and resets daily.
Celebrity Captain’s Club: Elite, Elite Plus and Zenith members get an evening happy hour, usually 5pm to 7pm, at participating bars, with a set menu of house cocktails, wine, beer and spirits.
Suites: top suite categories on several lines include lounge access with complimentary drinks at certain hours, or a full drinks package.
If you’re close to the next loyalty tier, booking back-to-back sailings or a slightly longer cruise can unlock these perks sooner.
7. Use happy hours, drink-of-the-day specials and onboard events
Without a package, the daily planner is your friend. Many ships run a discounted drink of the day, bar happy hours, and wine or spirit tastings that cost less than buying the same drinks separately. Formal nights, captain’s receptions and art auctions sometimes come with complimentary sparkling wine. Casino players who rack up enough play can earn free drinks while gambling, though you shouldn’t gamble just to get them.
8. Make port days work for you
Port days are where many passengers lose value on a full package, because they’re ashore for most of the day. Drinking ashore at local prices is often cheaper than a ship’s bar. On very port-heavy itineraries, skipping the package and paying as you go can save a lot. Some lines also let you buy wine or local spirits in port, although spirits are usually held until the end of the cruise rather than handed back straight away.
Bringing your allowed bottle of wine aboard is one of the simplest legal savings. Photo: Rachel Claire on Pexels
Can you bring alcohol on a cruise? Carry-on rules by line
Yes, on most major lines, but usually only wine or champagne, in limited amounts, carried on at embarkation. Beer and spirits are generally not allowed. Policies change, so always check your cruise line’s official FAQ before you pack.
Cruise line
Wine/champagne allowed at embarkation
Typical corkage outside your cabin
Royal Caribbean
One 750ml bottle per adult (21+)
Around $15 in dining venues
Carnival
One sealed 750ml bottle per adult (21+)
$15 per bottle
Norwegian (NCL)
Sealed bottles, no fixed limit
$15 per 750ml, $30 per 1.5L, charged wherever opened
Celebrity
A small allowance (check current per-cabin limit)
$25
Princess
One 750ml bottle per adult; extra bottles allowed for a fee
$20 in public areas, and $20 on extra bottles
Disney
One bottle of wine or six beers per adult
About $20 in dining rooms
Virgin Voyages
Two 750ml bottles per cabin
Fee applies outside the cabin
MSC
Generally not permitted at embarkation
Not applicable
Two practical tips. First, put the bottle in your hand luggage, not your checked bag, so it’s visible at security and isn’t lost in the luggage system. Second, check how the wine would be handled if you open it in a restaurant: corkage fees are often charged per bottle regardless of size.
How to save money on cruise drinks: a quick break-even check
This is the step most guides skip, and it’s the one that saves the most money. Before you buy any package:
Take the daily price and add the service charge (18% to 20% on most lines).
Divide by what a typical drink you’d order costs onboard. Cocktails on mainstream ships often cost $13 to $16 before the service charge.
That’s how many drinks you need every day, including port days and the first and last days, just to break even.
For example, a package costing $80 a day plus 18% comes to about $94.40. With cocktails at around $15, you’d need six or more drinks every single day to come out ahead. Specialty coffees, bottled water and mocktails help, but if you’re realistically a three-drink-a-day person, paying as you go plus one or two of the loopholes above will almost certainly cost less. Our cruise drink packages comparison lists what each line’s packages include, so you can plug in real numbers.
Counting the drinks you will really order is the best way to judge a package. Photo: HM Grand Central Hotel on Pexels
Cruise drink hacks to avoid
Some tips that circulate online can cost you more than they save. Hiding spirits in mouthwash bottles or “rum runners”, sharing one package between two people, or ordering doubles for a friend all break cruise line rules. Security scanners at embarkation regularly find hidden alcohol, and the line can confiscate it, cancel your package or, in serious cases, remove you from the ship. Stick to the legitimate options and you keep both the savings and your peace of mind.
If you haven’t booked yet, it’s also worth looking at current cruise deals for 2027, as many promotions now include drinks or onboard credit that you can put towards your bar bill.
On Norwegian, the drinks package often comes bundled with the fare, so check what NCL Free at Sea includes before buying extras.
FAQs
Is there a legal way to share a cruise drink package?
Not for alcoholic packages on most mainstream lines. If one adult in a cabin buys one, every adult usually has to buy the same one. Non-alcoholic packages such as soda or coffee packages are often exempt, so a couple can each choose a different option.
Can you bring alcohol on a cruise?
On most big lines you can bring a limited amount of wine or champagne at embarkation, typically one 750ml bottle per adult. Beer and spirits are generally not allowed, and MSC usually doesn’t permit any. Check your line’s current policy before packing.
Is a cruise drink package cheaper before the cruise?
Yes. Pre-cruise prices are normally lower than onboard prices, and lines such as Royal Caribbean run regular sales in their online planners. You can often cancel and rebuy if the price drops before you sail.
How many drinks a day make a drink package worth it?
Divide the daily price plus the service charge by the cost of a typical drink. For many mainstream packages that works out at five to seven drinks a day, every day of the cruise.
Do port days affect whether a drink package is worth it?
Yes. You pay for the package every day, even when you’re ashore. On itineraries with lots of port stops, paying as you go is often the cheaper option.
