Diplomacy

Carnival Cruise Line is ditching paper tickets for shore excursions as they announced a new digital platform that will also provide enhanced functionality.

Carnival Cruise Line is piloting this new mobile app with some tour companies in select ports in The Bahamas and Caribbean. When their new destination in The Bahamas, Celebration Key, opens in July, the cruise line is planning on integrating the platform into all shore excursions at the new port.

How will it work?

When a guest books a shore excursion, it will automatically be linked to their account. And instead of using paper tickets, guests will use their Sail & Sign card to check in for their shore excursions.

Guests can use the Carnival HUB App to see digital confirmations for all shore excursions that they booked.

In-app notifications will give guests all the important details they need like meeting times and locations.

This will also allow guests to book shore excursions at the very last minute since it enables tour operators to make real-time sales and register guests in the moment.

As Carnival rolls out its ticketless system at popular destinations, the cruise line’s team is working directly with partners to train operators on using the new tools.

Once the platform is fully functional for all shore excursions at Celebration Key, the Carnival team will continue collaborating with operators across The Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico to fully implement the new platform throughout the remainder of the year.

By next summer, the platform is scheduled to be available on cruises to Alaska and in Europe.

Carnival Cruise Line implemented this new system on cruises to Australia earlier this year.

Sam Ackrill, vice president of shore excursions for Carnival Cruise Line, said the following:

“Our new ticketless platform prioritizes convenience for our guests and equips our tour operator partners with better tools, making the shore excursion experience more seamless, efficient and enjoyable.

“Eliminating the need for physical tickets and streamlining the process of checking in for shore excursions will be a great benefit, but the real-time functionality that’s built into our platform will give tour operators more opportunities and guests more choices.”

Health checks on cruise ships are still ongoing as at least 49 inspections scores across 16 cruise lines have been released so far this year.

The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recently conducted a Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspection aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee.

The inspection, which took place on April 12, 2025, resulted in a score of 97 out of a possible 100 points.

According to data released by the CDC, Carnival Jubilee‘s inspection marks the 12th time a Carnival ship has been tested by the agency so far in 2025.

Ships calling on U.S. ports and carrying 13 or more passengers are subject to these unannounced inspections which could take place twice within a year.

The VSP inspection covers a wide range of public health areas on a cruise ship, including medical facilities, potable water systems, swimming pools and whirlpool spas, galleys and dining rooms, child activity centers, cabins, ventilation systems, and common areas.

Scores are awarded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 86 or higher considered satisfactory.

Jubilee Improves Score by 6 Points

Carnival Jubilee‘s score of 97 showed a high level of compliance with the CDC’s thorough public health standards.  The same ship was last tested in 2024 and scored a 91, so it’s good to see a solid improvement in the areas mentioned in the report.

Comparing the findings from the June 2024 and April 2025 inspections revealed this progress. In 2024, the report noted issues with tracking and documenting passenger illnesses, particularly concerning children in youth programs, and found high chemical levels in a water play area – a finding that was immediately addressed.

By the April 2025 inspection, the water chemical issue was resolved, and the ship demonstrated improved procedures for handling and tracking potential illnesses onboard.

Even with the good score, the April 2025 check did find a few things the ship needs to keep working on, like making sure kitchen areas are extra clean every day, dealing with flies, and dealing with some construction details from when the ship was initially built.

Other Carnival ships inspected by the CDC in 2025, based on data from the CDC, include:

• Carnival Freedom: January 13, 2025 – 99
• Carnival Elation: January 30, 2025 – 96
• Carnival Conquest: February 7, 2025 – 96
• Carnival Sunrise: February 13, 2025 – 99
• Carnival Mardi Gras: February 15, 2025 – 95
• Carnival Glory: February 17, 2025 – 99
• Carnival Firenze: February 20, 2025 – 92
• Carnival Horizon: February 23, 2025 – 93
• Carnival Miracle: March 3, 2025 – 96
• Carnival Sunshine: March 8, 2025 – 91
• Carnival Vista: March 13, 2025 – 94

Princess Cruises has announced an incredible 129-day cruise that will set sail in early 2027 and visit 20 countries and 61 destinations.

Princess Cruises’ World Cruise Grand Circle Pacific Voyage will depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 6, 2027 and feature nine late night port visits. The cruise will take place on Coral Princess, a 2,000 passenger cruise ship.

After the ship departs from Florida, it will sail through the Panama Canal before heading to Hawaii. After a stop in Hawaii, Coral Princess will visit the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia.

The cruise ship will then visit Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam Hong Kong, Japan etc.) before heading to Alaska.

After six stops in Alaska, the cruise will conclude in Los Angeles 129 days after the ship set sail.

A map of this incredible cruise can be seen below.

The cruise will provide access to 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including:

• The Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
• Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Sydney Opera House

Princess Cruises is giving guests who book this cruise by October 3, 2025 early booking perks. They include complimentary WiFi, air credits for those who book a balcony cabin or above, roundtrip airport transfers, and onboard credit up to $1,500 per person.

Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, gave the following statement about this new cruise:

“Our upcoming 2027 World Cruise Grand Circle Pacific Voyage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey connecting travelers to the world’s most breathtaking destinations with the signature warmth and elegance only Princess can provide.

“This 129-day adventure is designed for guests who yearn to experience different cultures, history, flavors and the breathtaking spectacles of the Pacific like never before.”

For those who don’t want to sail on all 129 nights of the cruise, shorter world segments are available that include 110-day and 114-day options.

In addition, shorter segments from four to 68 days are available from ports like Auckland, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Vancouver.

For those who love Formula 1 racing and being on a cruise ship, one luxury cruise line is offering the ultimate experience. Passengers on their docked ship will be able to walk directly to one of the world’s most prestigious races: the Monaco Grand Prix.

Explora Journeys is offering a truly special way to experience the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco in 2025. Never mind searching for hotels and dealing with traffic.  Passengers will be able to live right at the heart of the action on an ultra-luxurious ship, Explora II.

From May 21st to May 26th, 2025, Explora II will be docked in Monte Carlo’s famous Port Hercule for six days. This means these cruise passengers will be just a short walk – mere steps, really – from the narrow 3-kilometer street circuit where the world’s best drivers compete.

Having a luxury ship right there, so close to the racetrack, is a huge advantage.  While the race will take place on May 25, several practices and qualifying races will take place in the days leading up to it.  This also gives cruisers time to soak up the atmosphere and get to the race without any hassle.

Extras for Race Fans

Explora Journeys has put together special packages for a more immersive experience as well. These often include tickets to a grandstand seat located across from the pits. This spot is perfect for watching the teams in action and seeing those incredibly fast tire changes.

There are also options to upgrade with exclusive access to F1 Paddock Club. This can include behind-the-scenes tours of the pit lane and team garages, giving fans a peek at where all the magic happens.

Some will also get to meet and hear from some of the F1 drivers and legends of the sport. There’s even a top-tier package called the “Monaco Triple Crown,” which adds a gourmet lunch made by the famous chef Gordon Ramsay and a prime seat at the exciting La Rascasse corner of the track.

This six-day Grand Prix experience, which covers the main race weekend from May 22nd to May 25th, is a high-end offering. A five-night stay with race tickets starts from $18,500 per person. Explora Journeys also has shorter three-night options that are cruise-only.

Cruise Line’s Ties to Formula 1

It’s interesting to note that Explora Journeys’ connection to Formula 1 runs deep because of its parent company, MSC Cruises. MSC Cruises is a major partner of Formula 1, even sponsoring several other races and working closely with the BWT Alpine racing team.

Many MSC cruise ships are even known to have Formula 1 racing simulators for cruise passengers to enjoy.

By having Explora II docked right in Port Hercule, Explora Journeys offers a smooth and unforgettable way to experience everything the Monaco Grand Prix has to offer.

Explora II is a luxurious ship where every room is a spacious suite with its own private balcony. Included on each cruise comes nine culinary experiences, free Wi-Fi, thermal suite access, and many wellbeing and fitness programs.

You can check out more details about this sailing here on the Explora Journey’s website.

Cruise lines rely heavily on the feedback they receive about crew members.  But some cruise passengers still wonder if those post-cruise comments ever get seen by those hard-working individuals.

I always try to let the crew members know both through tips and through my words how much they were appreciated on my sailing, but some passengers don’t even fill out the survey at the end, feeling like it doesn’t make a difference.

It’s a question that gets asked a lot within the cruising community: when you take the time to fill out that post-cruise survey, does your feedback, good or bad, actually make its way to the crew members and officers on board?

John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, recently tackled this question on his Facebook page as one person asked if they were just wasting their time.

Heald shared a message he received from a cruiser that doubted the crew member would ever know how much they were appreciated—or criticized. The passenger wondered if such comments – or those sent directly to Heald – were “ignored.”

The cruiser noted this was a “big talking point” with a “general assumption” that feedback wasn’t being passed up to ship leadership. Their pointed question to Heald cut to the chase: “Are we wasting our time doing this? Most of us think we are. Care to comment?”

Yes, Feedback Reaches Leadership

Heald directly addressed the idea that official survey feedback disappears without a trace. He stated clearly that when guests complete the online comment survey, their input is absolutely reviewed by key personnel, each and every comment.

According to Heald, “each point made, whether good or bad is absolutely seen by the hotel director and the department heads.“.

Positive Shout-Outs Are Shared

It’s not just the critical comments that get attention. Heald was particularly clear about positive feedback received through the official survey.

He confirmed that “Every single positive comment you make on the online review form is shared by the hotel, director and senior officers with the crew.” This means that acknowledging great service in the survey is a direct route to getting that crew member recognized by their superiors.

It does appear that it’s up to those senior officers to pass on those comments to the crew members individually.

Comments to John Heald Aren’t Ignored Either

For those who interact directly with Heald on his popular Facebook platform, he assured them their messages are being heard as well. He explained that he and his colleague, Jacinta, actively compile and forward these comments.

Heald stated that for those who “sent me a positive comment here on Facebook,” he and Jacinta “send them immediately to the hotel director and they all make sure praise and recognition is given to the crew members who are mentioned.”

He reiterated his commitment to this process, emphasizing that regardless of the nature of the feedback – “whether it be good or not so good” – he will “always make sure that comments made here to me are shared with the right people.”

It Makes a Real Difference

Heald then stressed the genuine impact that passenger feedback has on the crew members’ lives and careers. He extended a “huge thank you” to everyone who takes the time to send comments recognizing the crew.

He shared candidly that this feedback “really does make a big difference to their careers and makes them feel so very proud.”

As cruise lines continue to announce new epic cruises, Holland America Line recently revealed a new cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida that will visit two islands that cruise ships hardly ever stop at.

The cruise line’s 2027 Grand World Voyage will visit 28 countries and 53 ports over the course of four months. It will depart from Port Everglades on January 5, 2027 and return to the same port 129 days later.

This cruise on Volendam will feature seven overnight port stops and visit two islands in the South Atlantic that are nearly inaccessible: Ascension Island and St. Helena. 19 of the ports are exclusive to Holland America’s Grand Voyages. The overnight ports are:

• Copenhagen
• Bordeaux
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Bali, Indonesia
• Sydney, Australia
• Papeete, French Polynesia
• Callao (Lima), Peru

The ship will sail along the west coast of South America before visiting Easter Island and the South Pacific and Tahiti.

After a visit to Australia, the ship will head to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The ship will sail along the west coast of Africa before visiting Europe. After a few port stops in Europe, Volendam will cross the Atlantic Ocean and return back to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Highlights of the cruise include:

• 53 ports
• 28 countries
• Six continents
• Access to 81 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, gave the following statement about their new cruises:

“When you sail on one of our Grand Voyages, we know you’re looking for experiences you can’t have anywhere else, and part of that is the carefully crafted itineraries featuring unique ports of call.

“I’m very excited to announce the Mariners’ Collection — a special series of ports that are only featured on our Grand Voyages. These are bucket-list and often hard-to-reach destinations you might not visit otherwise.”

Guests who book the 129-day cruise will receive the following early booking benefits:

• Up to $2,000 in onboard credit per guest
• 3% pay-in-full discount
• Free WiFi package
• $500 air credit if booked through Flight Ease
• Complimentary roundtrip airport transfers to and from FLL

Certain cabin categories will also include extra perks like free gratuities, laundry and luggage service.

I love a good cruise deal. And last-minute deals are still possible, especially after final payment is due and some cabins open up.

But an eleventh-hour deal has some major drawbacks too, and some of these might be a deal breaker for some deal seekers. Let’s look at 7 cons to booking a cruise at the last minute—even though it’s still one of my go-to cruises to book.

1. Only the Less-Desirable Cabins Still Available

That spacious balcony cabin with a view of the wake, or maybe a specific location midship away from noise? Chances are, the prime locations, most popular cabin types, and best layouts were booked months ago.

You’re often left with whatever didn’t sell – potentially obstructed views, cabins under noisy areas, or the last few interior rooms.  If you aren’t picky about your cabin, it’s no big deal.  Just remember you’re getting a cruise ship’s version of leftovers when booking right before a sailing.

I’ve ended up with a lifeboat as my ocean view and an interior cabin that was very far from any elevators when booking last second.   Depending on just how many days are left before the sailing, only the less-desirable cabins will be left.

2. Popular Excursions Are Filled Up

Got your heart set on a limited-spot ship tour, a private snorkeling trip, or swimming with stingrays? The best, most popular, and often limited-capacity shore excursions are typically snapped up by passengers who booked early to guarantee their spot.

This is especially true for excursions through the ship itself, so you can often still find some 3^rd party excursions.  Just don’t expect the full menu of excursions at your disposal.

I remember sailing on a Viking Ocean cruise and many of the more popular excursions got completely filled up on the same day the excursions were opened for booking.

3. Airfare Costs Can Be Sky-High

This is probably the most overlooked factor because the focus tends to be on the amazing cruise deal that was just discovered.  But if it will cost twice as much just to fly to the port, your “deal” just got a lot more expensive.

Trying to find a reasonably priced flight just weeks or days before departure can easily erase any savings you got on the cruise fare itself, sometimes adding hundreds or even thousands to your total trip cost.

If you’re just a short drive from the cruise port, it makes last-minute deals must more attractive.

4. Limited Dining Options and Times

Preferred main dining room times (like the popular early seating) and reservations at highly sought-after specialty restaurants are often fully booked well in advance by guests planning their evenings.

Some cruise ships require you to make reservations after you board the ship, so it really depends on the cruise line in this case.

You might find yourself assigned to a less convenient late dining time for the main restaurant or unable to get into those exclusive specialty dining experiences you were hoping to try.

Read more: 10 things that can ruin your cruise (if you let them)

5. Less Time for Planning and Preparation

Booking a cruise weeks or days out leaves you with a rushed timeline to research ports of call, figure out what to pack for various climates and activities, arrange for pet or house sitters, notify banks of travel, and handle all the little logistical details that go into a smooth vacation.

Then again, some travelers love this kind of spontaneity when it comes to cruising.  As long as you have your travel documents, you really can have an amazing cruise without planning a single second of the trip.

But the lack of time to plan for some can lead to stress, forgetting essential items, or feeling unprepared once on board.

6. Missing Out on Pre-Cruise Package Deals

Cruise lines frequently offer discounts on popular packages like unlimited drink packages, Wi-Fi access, or bundles of specialty dining reservations if you purchase them through their online portal before your sailing date.

Booking the last minute means you might miss the cutoff for these potential pre-cruise savings and have to pay the higher, onboard price for these amenities.  The difference is not usually that drastic, but it’s still something you should know.

7. Limited Availability for Onboard Activities

Many popular onboard activities, classes (from fitness classes to cooking), desirable spa appointment times, and reservations for special events (like tastings or behind-the-scenes tours) can get fully booked by guests planning their cruise experiences months ahead.

You might find your preferred spa treatment time is unavailable or that the cooking demonstration you wanted to attend is full.  Spa scheduling on sea days is particularly tricky as these time slots fill up fast.

Last Minute Deals Are Still Perfect for Some

However, let’s not forget the main point: the price. The main reason anyone dives into the last-minute market is the chance to score a deep discount on the cruise fare itself.

It should be noted though, with the cruise industry in full swing, it’s getting harder to find some of these last-minute deals and ships are filling up further in advance than ever before.

But if you’re a traveler who is flexible with details, isn’t particular about having a specific cabin number or dining time, can roll with the punches if your first-choice excursion is booked, and thrives under a bit of pressure, then go ahead with that last minute sailing.

For the budget-conscious cruiser or someone who can drop everything and go, that last-minute price can make cruising accessible when it otherwise might not be.

And the other huge advantage is that when you sail last minute, there is less of a chance that something will come up to interfere with those sailing dates.

Read more: 7 Biggest Myths About Booking a Cruise at the Last Minute