Diplomacy

Princess Cruises has announced that they are raising the price of their Premier and Plus packages, adding new perks, and removing perks that were seldom used.

Starting tomorrow on July 22, 2025, the prices and perks for Premier and Plus packages are changing. Princess Cruises said that the reason for the change is to offer greater flexibility and benefits that cruisers have been asking for.

The new prices will be as follows:

• Princess Premier Package: $100 per day, up from $90
• Princess Plus Package: $65 per day, up from $60

The above prices will be for all ships in Princess’ fleet except for their Sphere class vessels (Sun Princess and Star Princess). For Sphere class, prices will be:

• Princess Premier Package: $105 per day
• Princess Plus Package: $70 per day

Princess Cruises said that even with the price increase, the packages offer a savings from 50%-70% from purchasing the items separately.

Package Updates

The cruise line is adding in new perks to go along with the price increase.

For the Premier package, guests will now receive the following new shore excursion credit based on the length of the cruise.

• Cruises six to nine days: $100
• Cruises 10-20 days: $200
• Cruises 21+ days: $300

The Plus package now includes two more casual meals per cruise, giving guests a total of four.

Both packages include all of the previous perks except for premium desserts, juice bar access, Medallion shipping, fitness classes, and Princess prizes. These perks will be removed due to low usage.

Drink packages, WiFi, OceanNow delivery, room service, and daily crew appreciation will continue to be included in the packages. Extras like specialty dining, unlimited photos, reserved theater seating will also be included in the Premier package.

If you have already purchased Premier or Plus for an upcoming Princess cruise, your current benefits will be honored.

Alfredo Jimenez, Princess Cruises Vice President, Onboard Revenue, gave the following statement:

“By thoughtfully evolving our packages, we’re ensuring they reflect what our guests truly desire, more flexibility, enhanced culinary experiences, and opportunities to explore ashore, all the while retaining the exceptional benefits they’ve come to expect. Ultimately, it’s about delivering an even more rewarding and personalized vacation experience.”

Princess Cruises said that they are dedicated to refining the offerings based on direct guest input.

Margaritaville at Sea is expanding and will add their third and largest cruise ship yet. Beachcomber will join Islander and Paradise in the Margaritaville fleet.

Beachcomber will be the cruise line’s first ship over 100,000 gross tons in size when it joins the fleet.

Margaritaville at Sea gave the following description about this new ship:

“Beachcomber will showcase the fleet’s free-spirited style, layering breezy blues, sunlit yellows, and warm beachy tones to create a carefree, sun-soaked design.”

Beachcomber will have all of the great spaces and venues that Margaritaville at Sea guests love including:

• 5 o’Clock Somewhere
• Hemisphere Dancer
• Cheeseburger in Paradise
• License to Chill

There will also be 15 brand new experiences created just for the cruise ship.

Where will Beachcomber sail from? The cruise line said that the ship’s homeport and itineraries will be announced later this summer.

Martha Brabham, Head of Design at Margaritaville at Sea, gave the following statement:

“With Beachcomber, we wanted to create a design that captures the spirit of fun, warmth, and relaxed adventure. We drew inspiration from nostalgic beach scenes, vintage surf art, and the carefree escapism that defines the brand. The result is a design that feels joyful and instantly familiar – one that builds on the award-winning aesthetic we introduced with Islander in 2024.”

Christopher Ivy, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville at Sea, added:

“Beachcomber isn’t just our largest ship; it’s a floating celebration of everything guests love about Margaritaville at Sea hospitality, turned up a few notches.

“Building on the magic and momentum of Islander, we set out to create an experience that’s even more immersive, playful, and full of unexpected delights. Whether you’re sailing with us for the first time or returning for more, Beachcomber promises sun-soaked surprises and the signature spirit.”

For the first time in 34 years, Japan officially welcomed a brand-new, Japan-flagged passenger cruise ship. The 52,265 GT Asuka III was christened on July 11th, and it’s also considered the nation’s largest cruise ship by gross tonnage.

Owned and operated by NYK Cruises, this vessel is a big deal for the country’s cruise industry as the Asian nation sees more growth ahead in the domestic cruise market.

Full Throttle on LNG Fuel

Just three days after its formal christening in Yokohama, the Asuka III wasted no time in making headlines again. It was fit with liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the Chuo Wharf in Hakata port.

This operation was carried out by the KEYS Azalea, Japan’s first dual-fuel LNG bunkering vessel. For the KEYS Azalea, which usually serves car carriers and bulk carriers, this was its first time fueling a cruise ship in East Asia.

Choosing LNG is also a big deal for Asuka III. Running on this cleaner fuel is expected to cut down on greenhouse gas and other emissions, especially sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides.

The ship’s engines can also run on marine gas oil and heavy fuel oil if needed.

High-Tech Propulsion

Asuka III is also reportedly the first Japan-flagged vessel of its type to be fitted with both a dynamic positioning (DP) system and POD propulsion systems.

• Dynamic Positioning (DP) System: This technology lets the ship automatically hold its position and heading using its own thrusters and propellers.  It basically eliminates the need for the ship to drop anchor, protecting coral reefs and marine life.
• POD Propulsion Systems: These steerable units, located outside the hull, offer better maneuverability, improved fuel efficiency, and less noise and vibration compared to traditional systems.

NYK Cruises also states that the Asuka III is the first Japanese cruise ship equipped to use shore power.   This means the ship can shut off its engines with docked at ports that offer this feature.

Specs on Asuka III

The 750-foot-long Asuka III was handed over to NYK Cruises in April after construction started in mid-2023. 

The Asuka III‘s maiden voyage is set for July 20th. After that, it will join its sister ship, the 50,444 GT Asuka II.

This is the first time the company will operate two cruise vessels at once. The Asuka III is scheduled to visit 30 ports across Japan in its initial sailings.

While Asuka III is larger in gross tonnage, it has a smaller passenger capacity (770 max) than the Asuka II (960 max). NYK Cruises aims to provide a more spacious and higher-quality experience for its guests, with features like six restaurants and ocean views from all 381 cabins.

Another one of Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines is changing their loyalty program although this one is not quite as drastic as the change recently made by Carnival Cruise Line.

Seabourn, an ultra-luxury cruise line, is changing their loyalty program, Seabourn Club, on October 20, 2025. The of the biggest changes is that guests will lose their loyalty status if they go three years or more without sailing with the cruise line.

In order to continue earning benefits and progressing towards new Club levels, Seabourn cruisers will need to actively join the updated program here.

The cruise line said that they are evolving Seabourn Club to make it more rewarding for guests on every cruise they take.

What’s New?

Seabourn is adding new enhancements and benefits that include:

• Silver members and above: Stream WiFi package
• Gold and Platinum members: Unlimited complimentary laundry
• Diamond member exclusive: 100 bonus Club Days when the program updates on October 20, 2025
• Diamond Elite member exclusive: 150 bonus Club days when the program updates on October 20m, 2025

New Club Levels

Seabourn is adjusting Club levels requirements to make it easier for guests to move up to the next level.

The new point levels are going down and will be:

• Club member: From one point to joining Seabourn Club
• Silver member: 20 points down to 15
• Gold member: 75 points down to 50
• Platinum member: 140 points down to 100
• Diamond member: 250 points down to 200
• Diamond Elite member: 650 points down to 500

Complimentary Cruises

Seabourn will continue to offer their signature complimentary cruises but the number of Club Days will be revised to earn seven- and 14-day cruises.

Starting October 20, guests will earn a seven-day cruise when they reach 350 Club Days, a 14-day cruise when they reach 460 Club Days, and a seven-night cruise every 110 Club Days after reaching 460 Club Days.

How to Earn Points

Guests will earn one Club point for every day sailed on a Seabourn ship. They will receive an additional point per night for staying in a penthouse or premium suite.

An additional point is awarded for every $500 in eligible onboard and pre-cruise online purchases.

Club Award Cruises and Club days will expire if a guest does not sail at least one time in a three year period from their last disembarkation date.

Seabourn said that they made these changes while balancing benefits, rewards and recognition based on feedback from guests.

Seabourn posted the following statement about the new loyalty program in an email to travel advisors today:

“We will continue to offer one of the most rewarding loyalty programs in luxury cruising and are committed to delivering exceptional value to our guests. We encourage you to familiarize yourself and your clients with the upcoming enhancements and explore the exciting new benefits detailed in the email below.”

Love your morning coffee on a cruise ship but can’t stand waiting in line?  Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out a new feature that solves this problem, so there’s one less reason to be grouchy before having that morning brew.

Carnival is introducing something new inside its popular HUB App, allowing passengers on select ships to conveniently order coffee for pick-up.

The goal here is to reduce lines at popular onboard coffee venues like JavaBlue Café. This “coffee to go” service is currently available on a limited number of vessels but should go fleet-wide in the near future.

The new service allows passengers to make an in-app purchase for their preferred coffee beverages and then simply head to the coffee shop for quick pick-up, skipping the line, and more importantly, skipping the hassle.

This move comes as a direct response to the often-busy morning hours at JavaBlue Café locations, showing just how popular this coffee hot spot has been on Carnival ships.

Heald Confirms New Service

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, confirmed the new service, stating that the primary goal is guest convenience, not staff reduction.

“The reason we are doing this is to reduce the lines at our Java Blue Café locations,” Heald stated in a social media comment, acknowledging that “there are times when it’s very busy because of the brilliant coffee.”

He also clarified that this is an optional service, noting, “It’s convenient for people who wish to get an express coffee. It is certainly not something that you have to do, and it has definitely helped the line.”

The pick-up service is specifically designed for peak morning hours when demand for coffee is highest.

Packages Excluded from Option

It’s important for passengers to note that while the service offers a faster way to get a caffeine fix, popular beverage packages such as “Cheers!” and “Drinks on Us!” are excluded from this express pick-up option.

Guests with these packages will still need to order their included coffee beverages directly at the coffee shops.

However, Heald assured that the introduction of the express service will likely lead to shorter lines even for those ordering in person, effectively benefiting all coffee lovers onboard.

This new “coffee to go” feature builds on the Carnival HUB App’s growing features, which already include a day-by-day schedule of onboard events, dining menus, ship maps, and real-time Sail & Sign account balances.

Another HUB App Feature

In another Facebook post just two hours later, Heald confirmed that the HUB App has also rolled out a new notification feature (“bing, ting”) for those getting messages.

Heald stated, “You do not even need to have the App open but you will here the sound and then see the message. This is on most of the ships with just a couple more to be added soon.”

A few weeks ago, Carnival Cruise Line announced radical changes to their loyalty program that more aligns with what airlines and hotels now offer compared to cruise lines. There will be a huge focus on credit card spend and lifetime status will be no more.

This week on Carnival Vista, Carnival President Christine Duffy sat down with guests to discuss this new program and why they made changes.

She said that they announced the changes a year in advance to give Carnival cruisers time to understand the new program and how it will work.

John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, posted the video of Duffy going over the changes and explaining why they made them. You can watch the full nine minute video below, comments on the video have been disabled.

Since Carnival Cruise Line sailed their first cruise in 1972, over 105 million guests have embarked on a Carnival cruise ship. 65 million of them have sailed since Carnival launched their VIFP program in 2012.

With 29 cruise ships in service and larger cruise ships being added over the next decade, Duffy said that offering lifetime status for the top tiers was something that was not sustainable.

“Lifetime status benefits just can’t be delivered in the right way.”

Just like with airlines and hotels, Carnival will start to reward guests who use their branded credit card.

Carnival is launching a new credit card for their Carnival Rewards program. It is important to note that Carnival cruisers who have the current cruise line branded card will have their points automatically transfer over when they get the new card.

Carnival’s new Reward Program incentivizes those who have the credit card to use it for everyday purchases. The points earned from these purchases will count towards loyalty status when they cruise on a Carnival cruise ship.

Duffy also said that they are working with many of their providers, including retail, to offer promotions for guests to earn extra points. She said:

“It is not our intention at all to have, you know, for people not to be able to maintain their status if they choose to. But lifetime status is not, is just not feasible given the number of people and the growth, that we have in the highest tiers.”

Since guests will need to be 18 years and older to enroll in Carnival Rewards, kids will lose their current status. However, they will status match with whoever is paying for cabin, that’s in the cabin.

Carnival is maintaining a list of any kids that are Platinum and Diamond. When they turn 18, they will have the option to opt into the program at the status that they currently are.

It is important to note that Carnival Cruise Line has yet to give all details on their new rewards program. There is more coming information coming on how the credit card will help boost loyalty status.

The new Carnival Rewards Program goes into effect on June 1, 2026.

Star Princess, the next new ship from Princess Cruises debuting this fall, will have new theatrical production shows, high-energy pop up performances, and immersive candlelight concerts.

This incredible new entertainment announced by Princess Cruises will take place in the Princess Arena (theater), The Dome and the Piazza.

Princess Arena

Two new production shows will be shown the the Princess Arena, the most technically advanced theater at sea.

Meridian and Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy will delight guests in breathtaking spectacles that have original scores, reimagined chart-toppers and multi-generational pop scores.

Both productions were created in partnership with the visionary team at Black Skull Creative, renowned for crafting perception-shifting experiences that captivate audiences worldwide.

All with these two new shows, Viva La Música, which premiered on Sun Princess, will return to Star Princess.

The Dome

Princess Cruises Candlelight Concert Series will take place in The Dome. This unique venue will mesmerize guests with live performances that blend cinematic storytelling with stirring musical artistry, creating a magical fusion of sight, sound, and atmosphere unlike anything else at sea.

The Piazza

A third venue on Star Princess that will offer entertainment is The Piazza.  From the 45-minute Princess Jamz to Celestial Champagne Soirée, it’s promising to provide unforgettable memories for guests on board.

Lorna Warren, Princess Cruises Vice President Hotel Operations and Guest Experience, gave the following statement:

“We’re not just putting on shows; we’re crafting moments that will stay with guests long after the final curtain. Star Princess was designed to surprise, move, and inspire each and every night.”

Star Princess will debut on October 4, 2025. After a brief stint in Europe, the ship will sail to Port Everglades and offer cruises to the Caribbean for the 2025-2026 winter season.