News

Carnival Cruise Line has pushed back the start of its new Carnival Rewards loyalty programme, giving returning guests more time to qualify for higher status under the current VIFP Club system.

The programme will now launch on 1st September 2026, instead of the previously announced date of 1st June 2026.

In an email to guests, the cruise line said the delay was designed to give summer sailings time to count toward existing loyalty tiers.

“To give you extra time – and to let your Summer 2026 cruises count toward your final VIFP Club® status – we are moving the launch of Carnival Rewards to September 1, 2026,

“All your cruise activity through August 31, 2026 will count toward your final VIFP status, which will become your starting status in Carnival Rewards.”

Extra Time to Chase Higher Status

The delay means guests can continue earning VIFP points through the peak summer 2026 cruise season, giving those close to the next tier a better chance of upgrading before the new system begins.

This has been particularly important for high-level Platinum guests aiming to reach Diamond status.

Once Carnival Rewards launches, Diamond will be the only lifetime tier, a decision the cruise line confirmed earlier this year. All other loyalty levels will need to be re-earned on an ongoing basis.

Carnival has also been running double and triple points offers on selected sailings, and these promotions may continue to help guests move up the ranks before the switchover.

Two-Year Earning Cycles Confirmed

Alongside the delay, Carnival has confirmed how the new status system will work.

Loyalty will be earned in two-year cycles, running from 1st January to 31st December. However, the very first earning period will be longer than normal.

The opening cycle will run from 31st August 2026 to 31st December 2028. The stars earned during this period will decide a guest’s status for the following phase, from 1st January 2029 to 31st December 2031.

How Stars Will Be Earned

Under the new system, guests will earn stars based on their spending:

• 3 stars for every $1 spent on cruise fare
• 3 stars for every $1 spent onboard
• 1 star for every casino point earned

Guests using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard will earn 4 stars per $1 for cruise fares and onboard purchases, with no change to casino earnings.

Status thresholds have been confirmed as:

• Gold: 10,000 stars
• Platinum: 50,000 stars
• Diamond: 100,000 stars

While Gold and Platinum must be re-earned every two years, Diamond status will be kept for life.

Points Will Work Separately From Status

In addition to stars, guests will earn points that can be spent on rewards. These are tracked separately from loyalty status.

Points will be earned as follows:

• 3 points per $1 spent on cruise fare and onboard purchases
• 1 point per casino point earned
• Extra points for everyday spending when using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard

Carnival has said that around 100 points will equal about $1 in value, although actual redemption values may vary.

Points can be used towards onboard extras such as:

• Drinks packages
• Speciality dining
• Spa treatments
• Photos
• Shore excursions

Unlike stars, these points will not expire, as long as the guest earns or redeems points at least once every three years.

What This Means for Guests

The delayed launch gives Carnival loyalists a longer runway to secure their preferred VIFP status before the new rules take effect.

While the new system moves away from purely sailing-based loyalty and towards spend-based rewards, guests will still be able to build up valuable onboard credit-style points for future cruises.

For many, the additional time could make the difference between starting Carnival Rewards as Platinum or locking in lifetime Diamond status before the door closes.

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An emergency alert was activated aboard Carnival Radiance on 20th November 2025 after passengers reported hearing a loud splash while the ship was sailing off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico.

The incident prompted an immediate search and rescue response, before being confirmed as a false alarm when all guests and crew were successfully accounted for.

Search Operation Launched at Sea

Several passengers reported hearing a splash near the stern of the ship and believed someone may have gone overboard.

According to comments shared by guests on board, the ship slowed and turned around to revisit the location where the splash had been seen.

Cruise tracking data later confirmed that the vessel altered course to conduct a search.

One passenger described the situation as tense, saying the ship “turned around and slowly cruised back over the area” while the crew investigated.

Full Headcount Completed

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that standard emergency procedures were followed.

During the investigation, guests were asked to return to their cabins while crew members carried out a full headcount.

“The Carnival Radiance crew responded to a potential overboard alert off the coast north of Ensenada, Mexico when some guests reported hearing a splash in the water. The ship returned to the area where there was a potential sighting of an individual to conduct a rescue operation.

“In the meantime, the crew completed a full guest and crew headcount as is our standard safety protocol and all guests and crew have been accounted for.”

Carnival spokesperson

No one was found to be missing.

Likely Cause: Wildlife Splash

While the original reports suggested a person may have fallen into the water, crew members later determined that no one had gone overboard.

The splash that triggered the alert is believed to have been caused by marine wildlife. The waters off the Baja Peninsula, particularly around Ensenada, are well known for whale activity, especially during winter migration seasons.

Grey and humpback whales are commonly seen in the area.

No Impact to Cruise Itinerary

The situation was resolved within approximately 40 minutes and the ship resumed normal sailing shortly afterwards.

There was no change to Carnival Radiance’s itinerary. The 4-night Baja cruise, which departed Long Beach on 17th November 2025, returned on schedule on 21st November 2025.

A Reminder of Onboard Safety Protocols

While the incident proved to be a false alarm, cruise industry procedures require all reports of possible overboard situations to be taken seriously.

Passengers are always encouraged to report anything unusual immediately. Crew members are trained to respond quickly, even if the situation later turns out to be harmless.

In this case, fast action ensured the safety of everyone on board, with minimal disruption to the voyage.

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Royal Caribbean has started rolling out fleet-wide safety upgrades to its waterslides, replacing acrylic panels with reinforced fibreglass sections across multiple ships following concerns raised earlier this year.

The work follows an incident aboard Icon of the Seas in August, when an acrylic panel on the Frightening Bolt waterslide shattered while a guest was using the attraction.

Although no serious injuries were reported, the incident triggered inspections and precautionary closures across ships fitted with similar clear slide sections.

Navigator of the Seas Slides Closed for Replacement Work

Guests sailing on Navigator of the Seas recently discovered that both of the ship’s popular waterslides, The Blaster and Riptide, were temporarily closed.

The closures are not due to mechanical failure or maintenance delays, but as part of Royal Caribbean’s decision to remove acrylic panels and replace them with more durable fibreglass tubing.

Speaking to guests onboard, the ship’s master explained the reasoning behind the work.

“It’s those acrylic tube parts that are cracking on us. So we just said, you know what? Enough’s enough,

“And we had them checked out by engineers as well, and they said, like, you’ve got to take them out of service,”

Captain James, speaking to passengers

He also confirmed that similar checks and replacements are taking place on other ships.

Fleet-Wide Checks Underway

Royal Caribbean has quietly carried out inspections across ships that feature waterslides with acrylic or clear-panel sections.

Vessels in newer classes, including Icon-class ships, were prioritised immediately after the incident earlier this year, with Voyager-class ships like Navigator now part of the ongoing programme.

Some ships already had replacement parts in stock, allowing quicker repairs. Others, including Navigator of the Seas, have required custom fabrication of new moulds and tubing, leading to longer downtime.

Installation work on Navigator is expected to begin on 1st December 2025, with full completion targeted for 22nd December 2025.

Mixed Reaction from Guests

While most passengers understand the safety-first approach, some have expressed frustration online about discovering the closures only after boarding.

“So no waterslides for us I guess. Would have been nice to know what we were in for a month ago when they knew. But it’s ok, as compensation, they allowed us to make a formal complaint,” one guest wrote on Reddit.

Royal Caribbean does allow attractions to be closed without advance notice, particularly when linked to safety or technical issues.

Guests on Navigator still have access to swimming pools and the FlowRider surf simulator while the slides remain offline.

Long-Term Focus on Guest Safety

The replacement of acrylic sections with fibreglass is intended to be a permanent solution. Fibreglass is less prone to stress fractures and temperature-related cracking, and is widely used in modern cruise ship slide construction.

By gradually applying the changes across its fleet, Royal Caribbean is aiming to reduce risk and avoid further sudden closures or in-service incidents.

While the temporary closures may frustrate some holidaymakers, the wider industry view is that proactive action is preferable to waiting for another serious incident.

For now, Navigator of the Seas serves as a visible sign of a broader safety push happening quietly across the Royal Caribbean fleet.

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Part of the orange canopy remains torn and still attached to the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the cause in a statement.

“The team on Carnival Dream was conducting an unmanned test of lowering one of the lifeboats when a latch got caught on one of the cables, resulting in the vessel hanging from one end then falling into the water below. No one was injured.”

Major Structural Damage

Images show the lifeboat’s hull heavily compromised, including what appears to be a large vertical crack along the stern.

Nearby lifeboats – Numbers 1 and 5 – do not appear to be damaged, and there is no visible impact on Carnival Dream’s hull.

Routine lifeboat tests are common while a ship is safely alongside. These checks include lowering and raising boats, testing davits, and practising emergency procedures without passengers present.

Will Carnival Dream Be Allowed to Sail?

The incident raises an important operational question: can Carnival Dream legally leave port with one lifeboat out of service?

Cruise ships are required to carry enough functioning lifeboats and life rafts for everyone onboard, including guests and crew. While vessels typically carry more capacity than required, each ship must still meet strict international safety standards.

It is not yet known whether Carnival Dream’s remaining lifeboat capacity meets that threshold, or whether additional inspections will be needed before departure.

With the damaged craft clearly unusable for rescues or evacuation, further checks on neighbouring lifeboats are likely.

Carnival Dream is currently docked in Cozumel alongside several other vessels, including Regal Princess, MSC Seashore, Icon of the Seas, Carnival Breeze, Celebrity Eclipse, and Seven Seas Splendor.

Not the First Lifeboat Mishap

While unusual, lifeboat accidents do happen.

In December 2022, a lifeboat fell from Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas during tendering operations in the South Pacific.

No one was injured and the ship’s itinerary continued, albeit with slower tender operations for the day.

Lifeboats serve multiple functions beyond emergency evacuation:

• tendering guests ashore in ports without piers
• assisting in man-overboard searches
• rescuing refugees or persons in distress at sea

Because of this, any damage to a lifeboat is taken extremely seriously by both cruise lines and maritime safety authorities.

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Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the full entertainment programme for Norwegian Luna, confirming a major Elton John celebration, a futuristic acrobatic production, and a wide range of new shows designed for guests of all ages.

The Prima Plus-class ship, launching in March 2026, will feature some of the most ambitious entertainment ever offered on a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel.

Elton John Tribute Leads Line-Up

The headline production will be “Rocket Man: A Celebration of Elton John”, a high-energy tribute showcasing many of the star’s most iconic hits, including Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer, alongside archival footage.

“As a lifelong music fan, I’m especially excited to celebrate the work of Elton John, an icon whose influence spans generations,

“With Norwegian Luna, we’re building on that tradition by delivering spectacular new productions and immersive programming designed to surprise and delight our guests.”

Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Sci-Fi Acrobatics in “HIKO”

The second major production, “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder”, blends science-fiction themes with original music and dramatic acrobatic sequences.

Costumes and visual design come from Guy Brassard, known for his work with Cirque du Soleil, ensuring a visually striking and highly theatrical performance.

Entertainment for Families and Adults

Alongside the two flagship shows, Norwegian Luna will offer a broad programme across theatres, lounges and outdoor venues:

Family and youth entertainment

• Sea of Discovery: An Under-the-Sea Festival – an interactive children’s experience inspired by marine life, featuring costumes, games and imaginative storytelling.

Adult-focused venues and shows

• Syd Norman’s Presents: A Tribute to Eagles – celebrating the classic rock sound of the 1970s.
• LunaTique – an adults-only comedy production.
• Luna Theater & Club – a multi-level nightclub bringing a Las Vegas-style nightlife feel to the ship.

New deck parties for all ages

• Island Nights – a tropical-themed celebration under the stars.
• Latin LIVE! – a high-energy Latin music party on the top deck.

Norwegian Luna Nearing Completion

Norwegian Luna is currently in the final outfitting phase at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy. The 3,550-guest ship is the second in the Prima Plus class, following Norwegian Aqua in 2025.

Floated out in March 2025, Norwegian Luna will debut on 10th March 2026 from Rome before repositioning to Miami on 23rd March, where she will be based until April 2027.

Once homeported in Miami, Norwegian Luna will operate 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, all including calls to Great Stirrup Cay, which is undergoing a major transformation.

When completed in summer 2026, the island will offer:

• The Great Tides Waterpark with 19 slides
• A heated pool
• New cabanas and expanded beach areas

In April 2027, the ship will relocate to New York, operating 4- and 7-night Bermuda voyages through October 2027.

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Carnival Corporation is dealing with propulsion issues on two major ships across its fleet, with Carnival Horizon and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 both forced to adjust itineraries, delay operations and compensate guests after significant mechanical difficulties.

Carnival Horizon: Delays, Missed Flights and Ongoing Speed Restrictions

Carnival Horizon’s problems began during her 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing, which was due back into PortMiami on Sunday 16th November.

The Vista-class ship developed a propulsion fault late in the cruise, leaving her unable to reach normal operating speed.

The delay stretched past eight hours, wreaking havoc on guests’ post-cruise travel plans. Many missed flights and pre-booked transfers, and some were left scrambling for last-minute hotels or rebooking fees.

Two days later, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy issued a formal apology by email, acknowledging the disruption:

“On behalf of the entire Carnival team, I am extending sincere apologies for Carnival Horizon’s delayed return to Miami… Certainly, none of us expected your cruise to end later than scheduled.”

Carnival is now offering up to US$200 per person to cover independent, non-refundable air costs or change fees, with guests required to submit receipts.

The compensation offer arrived later than many expected, with some noting the delay added to frustration on disembarkation day.

Itinerary Changes Continue

Horizon sailed again that same evening but remains under speed restriction, resulting in further changes. The ship has already:

• Cancelled its scheduled visit to Grand Cayman
• Had a delayed arrival into Cozumel on 18th November
• Maintained its call to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on 20th November

Guests were informed of the adjustments shortly after boarding and are receiving US$100 per stateroom in onboard credit.

Tracking data shows the ship cruising at 16–17 knots, several knots below her normal speed.

Engineers and shoreside technicians boarded in Miami, but full repairs may require parts or work that can only be completed dockside.

There is currently no confirmation on whether the following 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing, due to depart on 22nd November, will also be affected. Given the long distances to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, further delays or itinerary changes remain possible.

Queen Mary 2: Propulsion Pod Fault Forces Diversion and Cancellations

While Carnival Horizon grapples with reduced speed in the Caribbean, sister brand Cunard is dealing with its own propulsion setback in Europe.

During a Northern Lights cruise, Queen Mary 2 suffered a technical defect in a propulsion pod, prompting an unplanned diversion to Bremerhaven, Germany, rather than continuing to Hamburg as scheduled.

Hamburg Call Abandoned

Calling at Hamburg requires the ship to navigate 50 miles up the River Elbe, including narrow channels and tight turns. With reduced manoeuvrability, the liner instead docked at a container terminal in Bremerhaven, which lacks traditional passenger facilities.

Around 420 guests who were due to end their cruise in Hamburg were transferred by coach, a two-hour journey.

Short Cruise Cancelled

To facilitate repairs, Cunard cancelled QM2’s 2-night Hamburg–Southampton sailing, originally scheduled for 17th November.

The ship did make it to Southampton on 19th November ahead of her transatlantic sailing – but there is no word yet on if the itinerary will be impacted at all.

Recurring Propulsion Troubles Across the Group

Both ships fall under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, and both have experienced propulsion issues in the past.

Queen Mary 2’s Mermaid pod system has long been criticised for reliability problems; Cunard successfully sued the manufacturer in 2009. Carnival Horizon, meanwhile, is part of the Vista class, which has previously encountered azipod-related challenges.

Carnival Corporation has not indicated that the two current issues are related.

Carnival Horizon’s engineers are continuing attempts to restore full propulsion. With the lack of update from Cunard, it could be assumed that Queen Mary 2 has been repaired, although that could change.

Passengers booked on upcoming voyages for either vessel are advised to monitor email updates closely and maintain contact with their travel agents.

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One of the Caribbean’s most famous floating food spots is making a splash in a new location, just in time for peak cruise season.

Lime Out, the award-winning floating taco bar that put St John on the global culinary map, is opening a second outpost in Lindbergh Bay, St Thomas – a move set to delight both locals and the many cruise guests who flock to the island each year.

Bigger, Greener and Perfectly Placed for Cruise Day-Trippers

The new Lime Out spans 850 square feet, making it over a quarter larger than the original St John site, and it runs fully on solar power.

Most importantly for visiting cruisers, it’s positioned just a short ride from both Havensight and Crown Bay, the island’s two major cruise piers.

Travellers arriving on one of St Thomas’ busy port days can hop aboard a water shuttle such as Taco Taxi, making it easy to float out for lunch, cocktails and a swim before returning to the ship.

“Lime Out St Thomas is a culmination of what we believe to be some of the most beautiful attributes of the Virgin Islands – the sea, contagious energy, vibrant food and welcoming hospitality,”

Co-Founder Chelsea Baranowski

Tacos, Cocktails and a New St Thomas Twist

Led by celebrated Puerto Rican chef Amaro Rivera, the menu combines Lime Out favourites – like Surf & Turf and Rum-Rib Pulled Pork tacos – with new St Thomas exclusives.

That includes the Bless Up taco, layered with jerk-spiced grilled chicken, pickled cabbage and a pineapple and mango-lime relish.

Signature cocktails including The Danger and Nene’s Margarita return, all served in reusable cups to support the brand’s eco-friendly ethos.

“We’re bringing the heart of Lime Out St John’s menu to St Thomas but infusing it with local ingredients and island-specific flavours,”

Chef Amaro Rivera

Sustainable by Design – A Boost for Responsible Tourism

All food preparation takes place on land to protect the surrounding waters, and biodegradable materials are used throughout.

Lime Out St Thomas also plans to partner with local non-profits, organise coastal clean-ups and work alongside island farmers and fishers.

For cruise visitors, that means enjoying a fun, postcard-perfect outing without adding strain to the environment – a welcome trend as more travellers prioritise sustainable tourism.

A New Reason to Visit St Thomas

Lime Out opens to the public on 23rd November 2025, initially operating Sunday to Friday, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, with plans to expand to daily service in January.

With St Thomas already one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, the new location is poised to become a standout day-trip option, offering guests a chance to sip, swim and snack in true Virgin Islands style before heading back to their ship.

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A cruise passenger received an unscheduled swim on Sunday, 16th November 2025, after slipping from the pier beside Norwegian Encore during the ship’s unexpected call to Nassau.

Norwegian Encore had originally been due to spend the day at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island.

Rough seas made tendering unsafe, forcing the 4,000-guest ship to divert to the Bahamian capital instead.

While guests were returning to the vessel that afternoon, a man lost his footing and fell into the water between the pier and the ship – a narrow but hazardous gap occupied by floating rubber fenders.

Videos shared on social media show the man clinging to a life ring as onlookers shouted for assistance. Within moments, crew members arrived with a ladder and pulled him from the water.

There are no reports of injury, and it remains unclear whether the man was a guest, crew member, or port worker.

Witnesses told local media they believed he either slipped from the dock or missed his step while approaching the gangway.

Why Falls From Piers Happen More Easily Than You Think

Although piers may appear safe, the space between a dock and a cruise ship can be surprisingly dangerous.

Cruise ships never sit flush against the pier, as direct contact would damage both the hull and the dock. Instead, large rubber bumpers float between the two structures.

Gaps between these bumpers can be several feet wide – more than enough space for an adult to slip through.

Gangways have railings, but the very start or end of the ramp is typically positioned above these gaps.

A brief lapse in attention, such as checking a mobile phone or misjudging a step, can be all it takes.

The good news is that the same rubber bumpers that protect the ship also create a buffer, reducing the risk of being crushed, provided the person stays afloat and calm. The greater danger is for anyone who cannot swim or panics, as they may drift beneath the pier or hull.

Other Recent Pier Incidents

Falls from cruise docks are rare but not unheard of:

• August 2025: A guest on the preview sailing of Star of the Seas walked backwards while filming the ship and stepped straight off the pier.
• June 2025: A person in Juneau, Alaska deliberately jumped from the dock – apparently attempting to film a viral stunt.

Slippery surfaces, uneven wooden planks, high winds, and simple distraction are the most common causes of pier mishaps.

A Reminder For Cruise Travellers

While this latest incident ended without injury, it serves as a reminder for guests to take extra care when walking along piers, avoid distractions near the water’s edge, and use gangways cautiously.

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A holiday at sea ended abruptly for one Australian traveller after he was ordered off a cruise ship in New Zealand following an onboard altercation.

The man’s family remained on the vessel as he was told to leave and arrange his own way home.

Passenger Removed After Mid-Voyage Assault

The incident occurred on Wednesday night when a 44-year-old Australian passenger became involved in a confrontation with another man onboard.

According to local authorities, the situation escalated and the Australian guest allegedly struck the other passenger at around 9.30pm.

Police were notified and were waiting at Port Chalmers, near Dunedin, when the ship arrived the following morning.

Officers boarded, spoke to those involved and issued the man with a formal warning for assault.

The police confirmed that, following their intervention, the cruise line exercised its right to exclude the passenger from the remainder of the voyage.

This meant that while the man’s travelling companions continued their holiday as planned, he was forced to disembark immediately and make his own arrangements to return to Australia.

The other man involved in the altercation received treatment onboard for a minor injury to his nose.

The incident reportedly occurred on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas.

Follows String of Cruise Removals

There have been several cruise ship removals in the past couple of weeks that have caught the attention of the cruising world.

In another case earlier this month, two guests were removed from Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas after a late-night brawl broke out in the ship’s smoking area.

Footage shared to social media appeared to show the passengers – part of a group cruise for streamers – fighting after a heated dispute.

The fight reportedly began over a mutual friend of the guests and escalated quickly, prompting Royal Caribbean security to detain those involved until the ship reached its next port.

The guests were removed from the ship at the next port, although further footage seems to show the two acting friendly and embracing their unusual position, waving the ship off.

Carnival Crew Member Removed in Port

Even more recently, a Carnival Cruise Line entertainment crew member was unexpectedly removed from Carnival Valor in Cozumel, Mexico, after submitting his resignation ahead of the end of his contract.

Trevor Johnson, a member of the Fun Squad, claimed in a now-viral social media post that he had handed in his resignation on 4th November, intending to finish work on 20th November to allow for a smooth handover.

Instead, he said he was woken by “a 6:00 a.m. knock” and told he had one hour to pack before being escorted off the ship.

Johnson described the abrupt departure as “embarrassing and devastating”, saying he had no chance to say goodbye to colleagues and was left to navigate onward travel alone in a foreign port.

His account triggered widespread debate among former and current crew online. Many noted that cruise ship contracts operate differently from land-based jobs: resigning mid-contract often triggers immediate removal, with companies permitted to sign off crew at the next approved port.

Cruise Lines Tighten Conduct Enforcement

Cruise lines have become increasingly strict about onboard behaviour, especially as passenger volumes have surged in recent years.

While most cruises remain peaceful, isolated cases of misconduct are promptly dealt with by ship security and, when necessary, local authorities.

For the Australian passenger now stranded in New Zealand, that means an abrupt end to his family holiday – and an expensive, solitary flight home.

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