Diplomacy

Carnival Cruise Line sent a warning letter to guests who are on this weekend’s departure on Carnival Pride that is scheduled to sail all the way up to Greenland.

Tomorrow’s cruise on Carnival Pride is a 14-day roundtrip cruise from Baltimore that will visit both Greenland and Canada.

However, there is significant sea ice on the intended route that may impact this unique itinerary.

The letter sent out by Carnival Cruise Line warned them about the possibility of changes and to reassure guests that they will do everything possible to keep them safe and to ensure their comfort.

Experienced pilots from Greenland will be on the ship helping Captain Giacalone as they navigate through possible sea ice as they head to Greenland.

What is sea ice?

Sea ice is ice formed at sea and not on land like icebergs.  It is simply frozen ocean water. The frozen water floats on the surface of the ocean and forms in the winter and melts in the summer and it normally peaks in March.

You can see a current map of sea ice around Greenland here.

Letter to guests

The entire letter that was sent to guests can be read below.

“Dear Carnival Pride Guests,

Captain Vito Giacalone and the entire Carnival Pride team are looking forward to welcoming you aboard for a voyage that will take you to the majestic landscapes of Greenland and Canada.

“Ahead of embarkation Sunday, May 25, we are sharing the steps that are being taken to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the voyage. At present, in areas along our intended route, there is a significant presence of sea ice which could impact the itinerary.

“With support and guidance from our Fleet Operations center, Captain Giacalone has been closely monitoring real time sea conditions and weather forecasts for the region.

“He has much practice sailing the waters in the area, but he will also have experienced local pilots from Greenland on board.

Should any changes be necessary, Captain Giacalone will communicate them promptly. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we navigate this remarkable part of the world.”

The cruise will start off with five sea days before visits to Nanortalik and Qaqortoq, Greenland. The ship will then visit three ports in Canada (St. Anthony, Corner Brook, and Sydney) and have an additional three sea days.

Carnival Pride is scheduled to arrive back in Baltimore on June 5, 2025. 

A plan to limit cruise ship traffic in Juneau, Alaska won’t appear on the fall 2025 election ballot. The “Cruise Ship Limits” petition, which wanted to cap daily passenger numbers and shorten the cruise season, didn’t collect enough signatures by its May 19 deadline.

Petition Falls Short

The petition fell short of the 2,720 valid signatures needed from registered voters. This push by local groups to control the growing cruise ship industry in Alaska’s capital has been brewing for years.  Juneau’s population is around 31,000.

The proposal included the following limitations in Juneau:

• A daily limit of five cruise ships.
• A yearly limit of 1.5 million cruise visitors.
• Daily visitor limits of 16,000 on most days and 12,000 on Saturdays.
• A shorter cruise season, from May to September (currently April to October).

Voters previously rejected a “Ship Free Saturday” idea, which aimed to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays. About 59% of Juneau voters said no in the October municipal election.

The recent petition that failed had proposed limiting cruise ship passengers to 12,000 a day on Saturdays.  Only this number would be allowed to get off ships and enjoy the port.  The only exception was for smaller ships with fewer than 200 people.

The plan to limit cruise ships in Juneau also wanted to make the cruise season much shorter, running only from May 1 through September 30. Currently, ships visit from mid-April to mid-October.

The petition noted that fewer ships come in the early and late parts of the season, so their effect on the city is already small. Unlike the previous effort, this petition didn’t try to ban ships on Saturdays.

Another Alaskan Port Faces Limitations

While Juneau’s latest attempt to limit cruises through a public vote has stopped, another city in Southeast Alaska, Sitka, is now facing similar questions.

Sitka is holding a special election, with early voting ending May 28. This vote looks at limiting cruise ships over 250 passengers, stopping them from visiting before May 1 and after September 30, and capping daily visitors at 4,500 people.

It also wants to limit visitors to 300,000 visitors per season and would limit ships to six days a week. The plan also includes rules for scheduling, permits, reporting, and making sure rules are followed.

The results in both Juneau and Sitka show the ongoing debate in many Alaskan port towns as Alaska remains one of the most popular cruise destinations on the planet.

As the discussion continues, both residents and local businesses who rely on cruise traffic are searching for good ways to manage tourism from cruise ships.

MSC Cruises is showing no signs of slowing down as a new order has been announced to increase the fleet size by two ships.

Today, the company confirmed this expansion with an order for two additional World Class ships, World Class V and VI, from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France.

New Ships Coming in 2029 and 2030

These new ships, set for delivery in 2029 and 2030, represent a €3.5 billion (approximately $3.95 billion USD) investment and will each carry about 6,762 passengers.

The completion of this new order will bring MSC’s fleet from 23 to 27 vessels by 2030 (including two ships already ordered and soon to be delivered), helping to meet the cruise line’s goal to bring annual passenger count from 2.5 million in 2024 to 5.7 million by 2030.

The 5^th and 6^th ship in the popular World Class will add about 13,524 new berths to MSC’s capacity. The move also reinforces its 10% share of the global cruise market.

These ships are also designed with liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion and cutting-edge environmental technologies.

The World Class series now includes the following ships with two yet to be delivered:

• MSC World Europa (2022)
• MSC World America (2025)
• MSC World Asia (2026)
• MSC World Atlantic (2027

World Class Ships

Each World Class vessel is roughly 216,000 gross tons in volume, has 22 decks and about 2,760 cabins.

Features found across the series include those introduced on the very first World Class ship, MSC World Europa. This ship includes a 702-foot World Promenade, a spacious outdoor area, along with the MSC Yacht Club and several distinct districts, including a family-friendly water park and ropes course.

MSC World America

MSC World America, which began operations in April 2025, is the latest World Class ship, and Cruise Fever had the privilege of enjoying a three-day preview sailing.

Key features of the ship include a water park, the Family Adventura District (housing waterslides and the Cliffhanger swing), LEGO activities, and the MSC Sportplex (an indoor basketball court). The ship also features a smoke-free main casino.

MSC World America is sailing out of the brand new terminal in PortMiami, offering seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises that include a visit to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island.

Pricing for cruises on MSC World America starts at less than $100 per person, per day, including taxes and port fees, with promotions for children occasionally available.

Read more: Check out pictures of the world’s largest terminal in Miami

Boosting Capacity with the New Order

The order for World Class V and VI shows the company’s faith in both their own growth strategy and the cruise industry in general.

Each of these new ships will offer the same impressive scale of the World Class series, accommodating 6,762 passengers. This means a combined capacity boost of 13,524 passengers. To put that in perspective, this increase alone matches the capacity of five to six of MSC’s smaller ships, like MSC Armonia (2,520 passengers).

MSC’s new World Class ships have a focus on sustainability, primarily using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to reduce emissions. This new order strengthens MSC’s position as the world’s third-largest cruise line.

Mobility scooters on cruise ships are becoming more and more common.   Combine that fact with busy elevators—especially on embarkation day—and it’s a recipe bound to upset more than a few passengers.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador addressed this topic this morning, as a former guest made a demand for “able-bodied” passengers to take the stairs and leave the elevators for those you rely on them.

In a video on Facebook, Carnival’s John Heald stated that one of their ships would have 100 mobility scooters on board this week, adding that this was a fairly common number the cruise line was seeing.

Last year, Cruise Fever reported on this issue as some passengers requested a separate elevator for mobility scooters.

The Cruise Passengers Frustration

In today’s social media post, Heald shared a message he received that was “to the point”.  It was from a guest who uses a mobility scooter and is clearly frustrated by what they see as a lack of consideration from other passengers.

The sender didn’t pull any punches, claiming “total disrespect” from able-bodied guests.  The message read, in part:

“When is Carnival Cruise Line going to pledge to make people walk the stairs if they are not physically challenged as myself. I live in a single level home and have to use a mobility scooter. I find it so frustrating when I see able-bodied Carnival passengers showing total disrespect for those of us who depend on elevators. They push in front of us and do not allow us to access the elevators most of the time.”

Going further, the woman suggested a pretty direct solution: “You should have one elevator in every section, 24 hours a day, only for mobility scooters, disabled and physically challenged passengers.”

And the message wrapped up with a rather harsh personal wish aimed squarely at Heald: “John, you can scold me for saying this, but I really do not care. It is my wish that one day you have serious bad health and find yourself using a mobility scooter.”

Heald Responds

On the idea of dedicated elevators, Heald explained the practical problems. While he seemed to understand the intent, he pointed out that making it happen would require a large number of crew members essentially acting as full-time “elevator operator[s]” – a setup that’s currently “just not possible.”

Heald recognized that this issue isn’t new but has grown more as of late. “If you’d ask this question 10 years ago [it] would have been a surprise because there were very few mobility scooters,” he commented.

He shared a recent observation from one ship where a quick check revealed “at least 100” mobility scooters onboard, adding, “that’s normal now.”

Patience and Next Steps

Heald made it clear he gets the difficulties faced by those using mobility scooters. “I do understand the challenges, I really do,” he stated. “There’s just more than ever these days and it is definitely a challenge. We want to do better, we want to do more.”

He expressed his belief that “the vast amount of guests who sail, if they see somebody in a mobility scooter or definitely in a wheelchair, they are always going to give preference to them,” but admitted that “there are times when the elevators get ridiculously busy.”

His takeaway? “a massive dollop of patience is required” from everyone.

Adding a touch of his signature humor, Heald joked about the woman’s wish for his health. If that day comes, he joked, he’d turn it into his own version of “Meals on Wheels,” getting the crew to load him up with food to hand out around the ship.

Heald wrapped up by saying Carnival would “look at it and see what we can do better from both sides.”

Bottom Line

A little elevator etiquette on any cruise ship can go a long way to ensure everyone on board has a great vacation at sea.  I recommend taking the stairs as often as possible if only going up or down a deck or two, but it’s hard to avoid the elevator altogether for even the most able-bodied passengers.

I’ve had my foot run over a few times by scooters in a cramped elevator, so now I just defer to taking the next elevator if possible.  As with most things on a cruise ship, not letting the little things bother you is key to having a relaxing getaway.

Royal Caribbean is opening four new destinations for their cruise ships and the cruise line just gave us a first look at three of these new ports. 

These new ports will be four of six places that make up Ultimate Destinations by Royal Caribbean. They include two Perfect Day Destinations (CocoCay and Mexico), two Royal Beach Clubs (Paradise Island and Cozumel, and two Royal Exclusive Destinations (Lelepa and Labadee).

Here is a first look at what Royal Caribbean cruisers can expect from these new ports.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel

Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Cozumel will transform the meaning of the ultimate beach day in Mexico when it opens in 2026. This will be the second Royal Beach Club. The first will open on Paradise Island in Nassau later this year.

Royal Caribbean cruisers can soak up the sun and keep the vacation vibes going all day long at the main pool, while enjoying the cruise line’s signature service and experiences. Included with a purchase of a day pass are all drinks and food.

Lelepa

This new port on the shores of Vanuatu will open in 2027. Lelepa will debut the first-of-its-kind exclusive beach day for Royal Caribbean guests sailing from Australia as the first exclusive cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

Royal Caribbean cruisers can bask in total oasis and crystal-clear blue waters and enjoy pristine beaches, locally inspired food and drinks, nature trails and more.

Perfect Day Mexico

Perfect Day Mexico will debut in 2027 with the largest Splashaway Bay. It will be located by the current Costa Maya cruise port.

It will have the following features:

• World’s longest lazy river
• Over 30 water slides
• 100,000 square foot pool
• Tallest waterslides in North/South America
• Nearly two miles of beaches
• 24 bars including six swim-up bars
• An adults-only area
• Premium Beach Club
• 12 regional inspired dining options

To see all the great features that Perfect Day Mexico will have, you can see those here.

Once Perfect Day Mexico opens, 90% of Royal Caribbean cruise ships that visit the Caribbean will visit either CocoCay or Perfect Day Mexico.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean, said the following about Perfect Day Mexico:

“We have spent the last 50 years shattering perceptions around cruising to transform into a global vacation brand for all generations. Now, we’re bringing our demonstrated history of unparalleled service and revolutionary innovation – everything our vacationers know and love – into our collection of destinations that offer more locally inspired perfect days and beachfront getaways.

“Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date. This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide.”

Did you know that the ventilation system on a cruise ship is the second biggest drain on fuel?  It’s second only to the power required to actually move the ship.  So, it’s no small feat to try to get the temperature where most passengers are comfortable.

A recent update from Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador highlighted a story in which a couple requested unrealistic temperatures that are unlikely to be reached on any ship.

A common cruise passenger concern—cabin air conditioning—recently landed in the inbox of Carnival’s John Heald. A couple, who prefer a very cold environment, recently reported experiencing “night sweats” during their cruise on Carnival Jubilee, claiming their cabin’s 69-degree Fahrenheit temperature was “far too hot.”

The guests, who typically keep their home between 60 and 65 degrees, expressed their disappointment with the ship’s temperature.  (60 degrees Fahrenheit is about 15.5 Celsius)

Their message to Heald began,

“I’m sure you will get me John because like me and my hubby we are all fatties, we need the air conditioning cold.”

They continued, sharing their experience on Carnival Jubilee: “It was not cold enough. We both spent the cruise with night sweats. The workers…checked our cabin temperature and it was 69°. We run our house at between 60 and 65; our cabin at 69 was far too hot.”

They stated they would not book another sailing unless a colder cabin could be guaranteed.

John Heald, acknowledging his own preference for cooler temperatures and jokingly referring to himself as a “big old boy,” quickly addressed the request for a 60-degree cabin.

 “60°? Never going to happen,” Heald stated emphatically during his Facebook Live video.

Read more: 8 Steps for Finding the Perfect Cruise Cabin

Why Cruise Ships Feel Warmer on Embarkation Days

Heald then provided a broader explanation of ship temperatures, particularly as the busy summer cruising season gets closer. He noted that public spaces might feel “a little warm” at times, and new cruisers sometimes “panic a little bit on embarkation day,” finding their cabin not as cold as desired.

He clarified that cabin attendants “always have the air conditioning set to the lowest” before guests even enter their rooms. He explained that there are specific reasons for the temporary warmth often felt on embarkation day.

“First of all, a lot of the ships are running off the shore side power,” Heald explained. Additionally, he noted that various “gateways that are open with the hot air coming in,” including the area where luggage and supplies are loaded, contribute to the heat. “Those big doors are open and the heat is coming in,” he said.

However, Heald assured viewers that “once those doors are closed, once the ship is sailing, it is of course better and things will cool down.”

He believes “most people are absolutely fine with the cabin temperatures” once the ship is underway. He also reminded guests that in public areas, doors are constantly opening and closing, allowing humidity to enter and occasionally making spaces feel warmer.

What to Do If Your Cabin is Too Warm

A common request from Heald is for Carnival guests to make their complaints known to crew members during the cruise and not wait until the end to complain.  After all, at that point nothing can be done to fix the problem.

Heald offered this advice for passengers who face temperature issues in their cabin:

“Please I beg you if you have a problem if you’re too hot in your cabin please don’t write to me afterwards and say it was too hot. Speak to somebody, call the guest services desk, tell your cabin attendant, do something so that the crew can do all they can to make it better for you during the cruise rather than shout at me after the cruise.”

Realistic Expectations for Cabin Temps

As for the specific demand for a 60-degree cabin, Heald was pretty straightforward. “I’m going to be honest, if you want it to be 60°, don’t book,” he advised.

“I don’t think you can book any ship where it’s going to be 60°.” He confirmed that temperatures in the range of “65, 66, 67, 68 those are all within normal parameters and you can adjust it of course as well.”

There are many ways to make your stateroom more livable and make it more like home.  Some cruise ships have portable fans that can be requested if you still can’t get comfortable with the temperatures.  But I recommend packing your own portable fan.