Blog Page 23

Carnival Festivale Construction Progress Revealed in New Shipyard Photos

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Festivale Construction Progress Revealed in New Shipyard Photos

Key Aspects:

  • Construction crews in Germany’s Meyer Werft Shipyard are making great progress on the completion of Carnival Festivale.
  • Carnival shared a sneak peek of the new build, showing that the ship’s exterior is nearly finished.
  • The fourth Excel-class ship is just one year away from entering service in May of 2027.

Carnival Cruise Line dropped a sneak peek at the upcoming Carnival Festivale, and it’s clear that the fourth Excel-class ship has come a long way since construction first began on April 8, 2025.

The cruise line shared pictures of the 182,015-gross ton vessel in dry dock at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and the images are nothing short of impressive.

“Just 1 year out until Carnival Festivale sets sail. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at her coming together…” Carnival Cruise Line wrote in a caption with the images on Facebook.

The first picture shows the sections of the vessel’s massive hull, or the bottom of the ship, coming together. Several large steel pieces that will eventually be welded in a watertight seal are on full display.

A complementary image shows the name Carnival Festivale etched into the ship’s bow. However, the lettering is just a placeholder. The bow will eventually be painted blue and the name will be written in gold.

Another final picture shows the outside of the ship coming together, with scaffolding in place to build out the private guest balconies. Cruise Hive previously reported that the 949 crew cabins have already been completed, but the 2,636 passenger cabins are still in progress.

Carnival Festivale Cruise Ship Construction
Carnival Festivale Cruise Ship Construction (Credit: Carnival)

What Comes Next for Carnival Festivale?

The 5,356-guest ship still has just over a year before she enters service with an inaugural transatlantic cruise that departs from Southampton, UK, on May 2, 2027.

And while a year may sound like a long time, the newest Carnival ship still has to meet several milestones before she can officially begin her career at sea.

At this point, the exterior of the ship is nearly all put together and both the bridge and the massive LNG-powered engine have successfully been installed.

Carnival Festivale Cruise Ship Construction
Carnival Festivale Cruise Ship Construction (Credit: Carnival)

Over the next weeks to months, construction crews will continue perfecting the ship’s exterior, which includes the completion of the hull and installing any remaining guest cabins that haven’t already been put in place.

When the hull and the exterior of the ship is ready, Carnival Festivale will touch water for the first time in a float out ceremony, which will be her next major milestone.

Assuming all goes well, the remainder of the ship’s interior and design work will likely be completed in a wet dock. For reference, the shipyard has a wet dock conveniently located next to the big construction hall.

Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale

This is also when construction crews will begin to construct Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, which will be the biggest ever waterpark at sea in the history of Carnival Cruise Line.

The water-filled zone will feature six waterslides, including two family raft slides, known as the SunSoaker and Turning Tides.

As her launch date gets closer, the new ship will undergo her sea trials. Assuming she passes, she will then officially be delivered to Carnival Cruise Line during a traditional handover ceremony.

Where to Find Carnival Festivale

Carnival opened bookings for its newest fleet member in August of 2025, with sailings through April of 2028 available to book now through the cruise line.

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The ship will homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, and will primarily operate 6- to 8- night voyages to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. There are also a couple of shorter 4- to 5-night voyages to the Bahamas, which embark on May 19, 2027, and Jan 3, 2028.

Notably, every single itinerary includes a visit to Celebration Key in the Bahamas, allowing guests to enjoy Carnival’s newest ship and newest private island simultaneously.

P&O Cruises’ 2026 Fix Adds Mulhern Magic and 140 Comedy Shows

Catie Kovelman
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0
P&O Cruises’ 2026 Fix Adds Mulhern Magic and 140 Comedy Shows

Key Aspects:

  • P&O Cruises is introducing two new shows for the summer season through a partnership with two British celebrities.
  • Magician Stephen Mulhern will debut a brand new magic show and host family workshops onboard Iona.
  • Comedian Jason Manford is launching an adults-only comedy club experience onboard Iona and Arvia.

P&O Cruises has made some exciting additions to the entertainment for select sailings from the UK for the upcoming summer 2026 European season.

Stephen Mulhern, the famous British television presenter and BAFTA-winning magician, will spend the summer performing in the Limelight Club onboard Iona as the 184,089-gross ton vessel sails between Southampton, UK, and the Norwegian Fjords.

Adding to the excitement, Jason Manford’s Comedy Club will set sail onboard Iona and Arvia throughout the summer.

Jason Manford is a famous comedian and singer who is not only famous for his musical theater prowess, but also for being the host of major TV events like “The Royal Variety Performance” in 2025.

Just like Iona, the 184,700-gross ton Arvia will be homeporting in Southampton for the summer.

In addition to these new offerings, the standard entertainment onboard (including theatrical production shows, musical performances, and live game shows) will also still be on the schedule.

Stephen Mulhern’s Magical Residency

Soon-to-be guests of Iona will be in for a treat, as Mulhern will be debuting a brand new, close-up magic show onboard called “Stephen Mulhern’s Live & Unbelievable!” in the Limelight Club.

Guests can expect a mix of illusions, sleight of hand, a touch of mischief, and plenty of audience interaction from every performance. For reference, the Limelight Club on Deck 6 is an intimate, adults-only venue with a very limited capacity.

That said, Mulhern will also host family-friendly workshops at least once during every cruise, offering guests the rare opportunity to learn some of the magician’s secrets in a setting that is suitable for all ages.

Stephen Mulhern and Jason Manford
Stephen Mulhern and Jason Manford

“I’m so excited to be bringing this new show to Iona for the very first time. I’ve had such a brilliant relationship with P&O Cruises over the years, and the Limelight Club is an incredible setting to really connect with audiences,” Mulhern said.

“Being able to perform across multiple nights – and run workshops where families can actually learn the tricks – is going to be huge fun. I can’t wait to get on board and make some magic happen,” he continued.

The “Deal or No Deal” host will perform on four out of seven nights on itineraries in July and August as the 5,206-guest ship operates back-to-back 7-night sailings to the Norwegian Fjords and one 7-night voyage to Spain and France.

Jason Manford’s Comedy Club At Sea

Between May and October of 2026, 70 comedians will perform 140 shows onboard Iona and Arvia between May and October of 2026. Each performer has been personally selected by the iconic Jason Manford.

Cruise Hive learned that the adults-only shows will be ticketed and will be hosted in the Limelight Club on select nights for 35 different itineraries.

“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with P&O Cruises in 2026 to take Manford’s Comedy Club on the road – or rather, to sea,” Manford stated.

“Across 35 cruises to France, Spain, Italy and the Norwegian fjords, 70 comedians handpicked by me will perform 140 shows, giving guests the chance to experience top-tier live comedy as part of their holiday,” the comedian added.

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The new comedy club, which is debuting exclusively on the P&O ships, will overlap with Iona’s summer season in the Norwegian Fjords and Stephen Mulhern’s residency.

During this time period, the 5,200-guest Arvia will primarily be operating 7- to 14-night itineraries to the Mediterranean or Spain and France. Two sailings, embarking on August 30 and September 6, will sail to the Norwegian Fjords.

Rotterdam’s Overhaul Adds More Music, More Comfort, and a Sharper Look Across the Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Rotterdam’s Overhaul Adds More Music, More Comfort, and a Sharper Look Across the Ship

Key Aspects:

  • Rotterdam has returned to service following a 2-week dry dock refreshment in the Netherlands.
  • More live music venues were added, as well as updates to other public spaces and suites.
  • The ship is now offering northern European itineraries and will move to Florida in October.

Holland America Line fans can sing and dance for the new refreshments aboard Rotterdam as the ship has now debuted following her 2-week dry dock enhancement.

The April 12-26 dry dock was completed in the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, letting the 99,863-gross-ton ship return immediately to service on Sunday, April 26, with Norwegian fjord itineraries. On those sailings, guests will enjoy fun upgrades and reimagined spaces, including a greater emphasis on live music.

For example, the Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge on Deck 2 both expanded their seating areas with a redesigned flow and sight lines to accommodate more guests for various live music performances.

The Crow’s Nest on Deck 12 has added a live music stage for even more options, while the space will still offer lectures and enrichment programming with splendid panoramic views as stunning backdrops.

Yet another live music stage was added on Deck 9 at the aft Sea View Pool, bringing one more music venue to the ship and allowing for even more diverse music offerings throughout the day and into the night.

For guests who enjoy the ching-a-ching-ching music of slot machines, the casino on deck 3 has been expanded with nearly 20 new slots, along with updated carpet, upgraded table games, and new seating.

Relaxation spaces in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon have been thoughtfully updated for guest comfort as well as stylist efficiency, ensuring everyone can look their best for delightful evenings and stunning portraits. For a bit more glam, visit the refurbished Effy Jewelry boutique with its new, modernized look.

Other typical interior updates on Rotterdam include flooring updates and more flexible seating in the main dining room, along with updates to staterooms and guest corridors as is typical for any dry dock refreshment.

Rotterdam Upgraded Vista Suites
Rotterdam Upgraded Vista Suites

Of special interest for guests who want the most exclusive onboard experiences will be the updates to 22 of the ship’s Vista Suites. New sofa beds have been added to these staterooms, increasing their capacity to better accommodate families and groups.

Comfortable sleeping is now available for up to four guests in the updated suites, but without compromising the overall design and luxurious amenities the Vista Suites are known for.

It isn’t just on the inside that Rotterdam is looking better than ever. The ship’s hull was repainted for a crisp finish, and assorted technical work was completed to ensure all her systems are functioning at optimum efficiency.

Setting Sail on the Refreshed Rotterdam

This is the first significant dry dock update for Rotterdam since she joined the Holland America Line fleet in late 2021. It is common for ships to have such refurbishments every 4-5 years.

On Sunday, April 26, 2026 the ship welcomed her first post-refreshment guests onboard for a 7-night Norwegian fjords sailing with visits to Copenhagen, Oslo, Kristiansand, and Stavanger, before she will return to Rotterdam on Sunday, May 3.

The Pinnacle-class ship will remain homeported from her namesake city through early October, offering 7-night sailings through the summer months with some unique itineraries on her schedule.

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For example, her July 12 and August 16 sailings are both 14-night voyages to Iceland with calls in Scotland as well. On August 30, she departs on a 14-night sailing to cross the Arctic Circle, with plentiful port visits in Norway along the way.

In September, Rotterdam is offering several voyages with visits to Germany for Oktoberfest celebrations in Rostock and Kiel.

The ship will finish her northern European season when she departs Amsterdam on October 18 for a transatlantic cruise that will end in Fort Lauderdale. Along the way, she will visit ports in Belgium, the UK, and Bermuda before arriving at Port Everglades on October 31.

From the Sunshine State, Rotterdam will offer both eastern and western Caribbean itineraries through the winter months, returning to Rotterdam in early April 2027.

Woman Dies After Falling From Balcony Aboard Carnival Firenze Near Catalina Island

Emrys Thakkar
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Woman Dies After Falling From Balcony Aboard Carnival Firenze Near Catalina Island

Key Aspects:

  • A passenger dies after falling from a balcony on the Carnival Firenze near Catalina Island.
  • The tragedy took place on the morning of April 27.
  • Carnival Cruise Line’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family at this time.

A woman from the Carnival Firenze cruise ship has reportedly died after falling from her balcony. The tragic incident occurred on Monday morning, April 27.

According to the local news outlet NBC Los Angeles, the passenger went over her balcony and fell to a lower deck. The woman’s family then alerted the crew. It is not known why or how the woman went over the railings, and her identity has not been released at this time.

“All appropriate authorities have been alerted,” according to a spokesperson from the cruise line, and “Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family.” Carnival has also said, “As is customary, law enforcement will board the ship today on Catalina Island to conduct the required investigation.”

The Carnival Firenze was near Catalina Island, which is approximately 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles. The cruise destination is often visited by cruise ships, including those by Carnival Cruise Line. The island is also a tender port, where passengers use tender boats to head to shore.

Carnival Firenze had departed its homeport of Long Beach in LA on Sunday, April 26, and called at Catalina Island the following day, April 27. The ship was originally scheduled to depart at 5:30 PM.

Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship Docked in Long Beach
Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship Docked in Long Beach

At this time, Carnival Firenze has already departed the island and is heading south towards its next scheduled port of call, Ensenada in Mexico, on April 28. The ship is set to return to LA on April 30.

The 4,126-passenger Carnival cruise ship is currently deployed out of the Long Beach Cruise Terminal and sails a range of 3-4-night Baja Mexico itineraries. The 135,156 gross ton ship joined the Carnival fleet in 2024 after being transferred from sister brand Costa Cruises.

This news comes just days after a crew member went overboard from the Norwegian Breakaway on April 25, just off Cape Cod on the US East Coast. A large search operation was launched, but as Cruise Hive reported, it was later suspended on April 26.

Search Called Off for Crew Member Lost Overboard From Norwegian Breakaway

Catie Kovelman
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Search Called Off for Crew Member Lost Overboard From Norwegian Breakaway

Key Aspects:

  • The US Coast Guard has suspended the search for a crew member who went overboard from Norwegian Breakaway on April 25.
  • Despite hours of searching from the cruise ship and first responders, the crew member was not located.
  • Norwegian Breakaway’s next sailing was briefly delayed by the search, but is now underway with no reported itinerary changes.

Authorities have called off the search for a crew member who fell overboard from Norwegian Breakaway on the night of April 25, 2026, after their efforts proved unsuccessful.

The US Coast Guard suspended search efforts as of 12:55 p.m. EST, on Sunday, April 26. Search efforts have ceased unless new information to guide the rescue comes to light, which is unlikely.

“A HC144 took over the aerial search and searched with the Station Provincetown crew,” Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England told Fox News. “The search was suspended pending new information at 12:25 [p.m.] local time.”

At this time, the crew member’s identity and the circumstances behind what led to the overboard are not publicly known. Cruise Hive will issue an update if and when more information becomes available.

Sadly, this is now also the second NCL crew member to be lost at sea during the month of April, with another employee going overboard from Norwegian Viva near Costa Maya on April 9. They were also never found.

Why Was the Search Suspended?

The unidentified crew member went overboard around 12 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This time of year, the water temperature would likely be between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

In these conditions, hypothermia could begin to take hold in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. When the crew member wasn’t immediately found, their chances of survival dropped exponentially.

It’s also possible that the employee was injured in the fall and had gone under water, or had been moved to a new location by the currents. Continuing to search without new intel would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Norwegian Breakaway Overboard
Norwegian Breakaway Overboard (Photo Credits: shieldzymj
& Tammy Ross)

The sad truth, at least according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), is that only around 28% of people who go overboard are ever found alive.

However, the unfortunate outcome is not for lack of trying. The 145,655-gross ton Norwegian Breakaway spent hours searching for the lost crew member with flood lights and lifeboats before the US Coast Guard took over the search.

Rescue boats and helicopters from the US Coast Guard then spent several more hours searching the waters with rescue boats and helicopters.

Where is Norwegian Breakaway Now?

Cruise Hive previously reported that Norwegian Breakaway’s scheduled return to Boston on April 26 would be delayed due to the search efforts. This is where the 3,963-guest ship disembarked the previous 7-night sailing to Bermuda.

As confirmed by cruise tracking data, the ship arrived in the port around 11:30 a.m. instead of the scheduled 8 a.m. to begin the debarkation process.

Embarkation did not begin until after 2 p.m. that afternoon, when the Breakaway-class ship should have departed at 4 p.m. local time. But even with the late start, no itinerary changes have been reported as a result of the delayed embarkation.

More From Cruise Hive

The current cruise, which is another 7-night sailing to Bermuda, is on track to reach King’s Wharf on April 29, as planned.

King’s Wharf, Bermuda, is around 650 nautical miles southeast of Boston. This is a distance that a cruise ship can cover in just over a day if it absolutely had to, and Norwegian Breakaway gave itself around 2.5 days to reach King’s Wharf.

The NCL ship will remain in Bermuda until 3 p.m. on May 1, before heading back to Boston for disembarkation on May 3.

The Icon Class Keeps Growing as Royal Caribbean Signs Off on Two More Ships

Melissa Mayntz
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The Icon Class Keeps Growing as Royal Caribbean Signs Off on Two More Ships

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean Group has confirmed the orders for the sixth and seventh Icon-class ships.
  • The vessels will be built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and will debut in 2029 and 2030.
  • This announcement comes as the third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, is currently undergoing sea trials.

There is no doubt among the loyal to Royal crowd that Icon-class ships are overwhelmingly popular. Cruise fans can now rejoice as two more sister ships will be joining the class in the years to come.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, Royal Caribbean Group confirmed the order for two more Icon-class vessels from Meyer Turku, adding the sixth and seventh ships of the largest class in the world to their future cruise lineup.

The two ships are slated for delivery in 2029 and 2030, respectively, following the upcoming delivery of Legend of the Seas before her debut in July 2026, Hero of the Seas in late 2027, and the as-yet unnamed fifth ship in the Icon class in mid-2028.

“The Icon Class reflects our bold creativity and engineering excellence that continues to define what a vacation can be,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

Both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas have pushed boundaries and offered unique and innovative experiences to as many as 7,600 guests per sailing. The sister ships were built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in southwestern Finland, which is also where Legend of the Seas is under construction.

In fact, Cruise Hive just recently reported that the third Icon-class ship is now undergoing her first set of sea trials, having departed Meyer Turku on April 20 for the 10-day testing period.

“The order of sixth and seventh Icon Class vessels is a significant recognition of Meyer Turku and the Finnish maritime industry’s talent and expertise. This milestone represents an important step forward in our partnership with Royal Caribbean Group to develop the shipbuilding sector over the next decade and beyond,” said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, World's Largest Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, World’s Largest Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Deutschlandreform)

The orders for the new ships are subject to appropriate financing, which is standard in the cruise industry. By securing these orders so far in advance, however, Royal Caribbean Group ensures itself ongoing fleet expansion for years.

Meyer Turku has built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean over more than 30 years. The Icon-class ships, when under construction, are the largest industrial projects in Finland and contribute a significant investment to the economy.

“Through our long-standing partnership with Meyer Turku, the Finnish government, and the strong Finnish maritime cluster, we are reimagining the industry for decades to come while also delivering meaningful economic impact for Finland,” said Liberty.

What Will Newer Icon-Class Ships Offer?

Little is known about the evolution of the Icon-class vessels at this point, but each new ship, even within the same class, generally has some tweaks and refinements from her predecessors.

Royal Caribbean has a long history of bigger and better with its innovative new ships, and the newer Icon designs are sure to reflect that.

One tweak that may be made could be changes to the Category 6 waterpark and its collection of six different waterslides. The cruise line has been subject to numerous complaints in recent weeks over extended closures of multiple slides and whether or not the promised thrills are being delivered.

In August 2025, one of those waterslides dramatically broke onboard Icon of the Seas as a guest was descending a nearly vertical portion of the slide. The guest sustained some injuries, and the slide (as well as the identical slide on Star of the Seas) was closed for refurbishment for several weeks.

More From Cruise Hive

Different restaurants, such as the elite Supper Clubs and the innovative Royal Railway immersive dining journeys, are also likely to be rethemed for each new ship, continuing the experience but in a new way aboard each vessel.

Spectacular shows, themed neighborhoods, and all-new features are sure to be a part of each Icon-class ship to come, ensuring fantastic cruise vacation experiences for generations.

Norwegian Cruise Line Opens Haven Restaurant to Non-Suite Guests With One Catch

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Opens Haven Restaurant to Non-Suite Guests With One Catch

Key Aspects:

  • Guests in select non-Haven staterooms will now be able to dine in the exclusive The Haven Restaurant.
  • The free perk is only being extended to Haven-connected staterooms with related travel parties.
  • Non-Haven guests will not have any access to other areas of The Haven or its specialized amenities and services.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven is well-known for its exclusivity, private amenities, superior service, and the elevated experience it provides. But what if that experience is not just for guests of The Haven?

On April 23, 2026, the cruise line opened access to one particular amenity to non-Haven guests, with some important distinctions. Now, guests in select connecting staterooms will be able to dine at The Haven Restaurant without any fees or charges, and no limitations on the number of visits.

“Guests staying in a non-Haven stateroom (such as a balcony) that physically connects to a Haven stateroom AND they are traveling with the guests in the Have stateroom may dine at The Haven Restaurant,” the update sent to booked guests and travel agents explains.

Previously, The Haven Restaurant has been limited to only those guests who are themselves guests in The Haven staterooms. Even if a larger family group was traveling together, those guests booked in the non-Haven connecting room would not be able to visit the restaurant.

There is a key limitation, however. If the non-Haven guests want to dine in The Haven Restaurant, they must be accompanied by at least one of the travelers booked in the connecting Haven stateroom.

This offer does not apply to groups that are traveling in separate staterooms that are not connected to a suite in The Haven. Only those guests in a physically connecting stateroom can be accommodated in The Haven Restaurant.

No other benefits of The Haven are being extended to those non-Haven guests in connecting staterooms. They do not get to take advantage of the concierge service, visit the private sundeck, enjoy expedited laundry services, or attend the private cocktail party with the ship’s officers.

It appears that guests must make arrangements to take advantage of this unique exception to The Haven’s exclusivity before they set sail by contacting the Pre-Cruise Concierge Desk. It is unclear whether or not such arrangements could be made onboard.

Good News for Families and Groups

This is a great policy change for families and groups that book more than one stateroom. While the non-Haven guests will not be able to take advantage of every amenity, the traveling group can still enjoy dining together if they choose to go to The Haven Restaurant.

The elite restaurant offers a more elevated experience with curated menus that include delicious dishes such as steak tartare, porcini risotto, a green goddess salad, surf and turf, roasted prime rib, and a selection of decadent desserts.

Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship (Photo: Cruise Hive)

Menus are subject to change and are often adapted for regional flair and seasonal availability.

Guests at the restaurant will still be expected to abide by its dress code, which Cruise Hive reported on recently, with some confusion about dress code changes and where they apply. In The Haven Restaurant, flip-flops and shorts are not permitted at dinner, and attire should be appropriate for the venue.

Could This Backfire?

Guest reactions to the new access extension are mixed. Some travelers are eager to be able to dine with their friends and family who share the appropriate adjoining stateroom, while others are concerned about the possible slippery slope this could create.

For example, at what point will guests in these exclusive groups with the non-Haven connecting stateroom be allowed to stretch their “connection” to more amenities in the exclusive area?

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Could day passes or other arrangements be on the way to open up The Haven to other travelers who pay the price?

While there is no indication that Norwegian Cruise Line is considering such further extensions of The Haven benefits to other travelers, guests are understandably concerned. This could be a test period for future and possibly more widespread changes to come.

Fortunately, very few staterooms actually qualify for this type of benefit, and therefore, the immediate impact on other guests in The Haven should be minimal.

Five Cruise Lines Have Pushed Through Gratuity Hikes Early in 2026

Melissa Mayntz
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Five Cruise Lines Have Pushed Through Gratuity Hikes Early in 2026

Tipping and gratuities can be a controversial topic for cruise guests. While no one denies that crew members work exceptionally hard and do their very best to ensure everyone has a great cruise vacation, higher and higher gratuity rates can really damage a cruise vacation budget.

So far in 2026, Cruise Hive has reported that five major cruise lines have already increased gratuities. Such increases make budgeting for these lines more challenging, but understanding the rate increases and when they take effect can help guests be prepared, as can online calculators that can total up gratuities for more informed budget planning.

Cruise Gratuity Increase Chart
Cruise Gratuity Increase Chart (Cruise Hive)

Margaritaville at Sea

The boutique but growing cruise line Margaritaville at Sea was the first to raise gratuities this year, and certainly raised the most eyebrows when they did it.

Changes took effect from February 1 with a $2 per person, per day increase for all standard staterooms and a $1 per person, per day increase for suites. This made the rates the highest in the cruise industry at $22 for standard stateroom and $25 for suites.

Margaritaville at Sea does not permit guests to adjust or remove gratuities at their discretion. Guests can, of course, choose to tip above that required amount if they want to reward exceptional service.

It must be noted that Virgin Voyages also charges $22 per person, per day, but has a lower pre-paid rate booked guests can take advantage of. That option is not available aboard Margaritaville at Sea ships.

Carnival Cruise Line

One of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world, Carnival Cruise Line made its gratuity charges just a little bit larger from April 2, 2026.

Rates for both standard suites and staterooms went up by $1 per person, per day, making the new rates $17 for standard staterooms and $19 for suites.

The change was announced in early February, giving guests the option to pre-pay at the previous lower rate in order to lock in savings, regardless of their cruise departure date.

At the same time of the gratuity increase, Carnival also raised prices on its Bottomless Bubbles unlimited soda drink package, but only for adults. The price went from $9.50 per adult per day to $11.99 per day, but guests could still pre-purchase for the lower rate until the increase took effect.

MSC Cruises

The rapid growth of MSC Cruises in the North American market isn’t the only thing catching attention. From May 11, 2026, the cruise line will also be increasing the gratuity rates for all guests.

Called a “hotel service charge” by the cruise line, the rate will be increasing by $1 per person, per night for standard staterooms. Guests staying in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club will see a range increase of $3 per person, per night.

MSC Magnifica Open Deck
MSC Magnifica Open Deck (Photo Credit: venuswix)

This will make the new rates $17 for standard staterooms and $23 for MSC Yacht Club suites. While this does “beat” the rate for Margaritaville at Sea gratuities, the highest rate is only for the elite staterooms of the Yacht Club, not for all guests.

It is also important to note that this increase is only for cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska, and is not being implemented for European sailings or other cruise regions.

Holland America Line

From June 1, 2026, guests onboard all Holland America Line ships will pay higher gratuities as well as higher overall service charges for a wide range of extra amenities.

The gratuity increase is just $1 per person, per day, but applies to all stateroom types. This will make the gratuities for standard staterooms $18 per day, while the rates for suites are going up to $20 per day.

At the same time, onboard service fees for specialty dining and beverages are increasing from 18% to 20%. Carnival Cruise Line, which is a sister line under Carnival Corporation & plc, made the same service fee increase in December 2025.

While gratuities on Holland America Line can be adjusted at guests’ discretion, the service fee cannot be changed.

Princess Cruises

A third Carnival-owned line, Princess Cruises, has also increased the gratuity rate as well as upped the service charges onboard.

The gratuities increased by $1 per person, per day, making standard staterooms $18, mini-suites and select other exclusive staterooms $19, and suites $20.

The change rolled out fleetwide in early March 2026, though the exact date of the change varied for different vessels in the Princess fleet.

Similarly, the service charge was increased from 18% to 20% for drink purchases, specialty dining, and similar purchases. This charge is not adjustable and may not be removed.

Which Cruise Lines May Be Next?

So far in 2026, there are no announced or confirmed gratuity rate increases for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and other lines.

Booked guests should keep a close watch on such charges, however, because it is not unusual for multiple cruise lines to make similar adjustments once one cruise line confirms an increase.

Gratuity rate increases are not always announced in advance, nor do guests always have the opportunity to prepay at a lower rate.

Could Cruise Lines Offer Day Passes to Visit Sister Ships? Guests Are Asking

Melissa Mayntz
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Could Cruise Lines Offer Day Passes to Visit Sister Ships? Guests Are Asking

Key Aspects:

  • A Celebrity Cruises guest has proposed the idea of a day pass to visit Royal Caribbean ships to enjoy waterslides.
  • This could help promote the differences between cruise lines, which might appeal to curious travelers.
  • Security and logistical concerns, however, make such excursions or passes to different ships unlikely.

It can be a very interesting part of cruising to dock in popular ports of call, such as Nassau or Cozumel, and see what different ships and cruise lines may be your neighbors for the day. But would you like to go to your neighbor’s house, or in this case, a ship, for an afternoon visit?

In a Celebrity Cruises Reddit thread, some guests are suggesting exactly that: day passes to other vessels.

“I wish that Celebrity could provide an excursion that lets us use the water slides on Royal Caribbean ships when we are sharing a dock,” one guest commented.

Other suggestions for similar visits to other ships could include guided tours and restaurant experiences to show off what one ship or cruise line has in comparison to another.

This could be a great idea for guests who may be nervous about what one line offers in comparison to what they are more familiar with experiencing onboard.

“We say this EVERY time we’ve been to CocoCay. We want to tour the Icon of the Seas before we ever decide to give [Royal Caribbean] a try,” one guest replied. “I’m spoiled by Celebrity but I’d consider RC if we could see what the amenities were actually like.”

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean are sister lines, both owned by Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns Silversea Cruises.

The idea of visiting another ship while in port can be tempting, and could potentially be an interesting way for cruise lines to promote one another.

This could be especially valuable as different cruise guests’ preferences change over the years, or if they are shopping around for a different type of cruise experience.

Cruise Hive has already reported on the “Points Choice” program that permits guests sailing on one Royal Caribbean Group cruise line to opt to have points from a cruise sailing credited to a sister line, customizing how guests develop their loyalty on the different lines.

If travelers have the opportunity to visit other ships, it could inspire even more choice between the lines and foster greater overall loyalty across all three brands.

Do Other Guests Agree?

The original poster’s suggestion did not get as much support as they might have expected. Many commenters pointed out that Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean have very different vibes with respect to how family-friendly they may be, what amenities are offered for what age groups, and the overall type of experience.

Some saw that such a plan might become nothing more than a money grab for the company.

“Icon Class Day Pass $799 per person, per hour,” one guest quipped, followed quickly by another commentor’s follow up of “Plus 18% gratuity.”

Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel
Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel (Photo Credit: Todamo)

It simply must be pointed out that the waterslides on Icon-class ships are currently experiencing a variety of maintenance and repair issues, and many of them have been extensively closed.

Hundreds of internet videos and cruise reviews are available to give guests an idea of what another line offers or what a specific ship may be like without a specialized day pass to visit while in port.

Many guests also noted that they research their cruises before booking and deliberately choose Celebrity Cruises for its more upscale, polished experience with fewer teens and young cruisers aboard.

Cross-Ship Tours Are Tough to Do

In reality, such tours or day pass options are difficult to do. There are strict security protocols in place that limit guests’ access to only their cruise ship, and local customs regulations may also impact who can access what vessel.

One commenter posted that Royal Caribbean’s president, Michael Bayley, was even asked if this was possible during a President’s Cruise.

“Someone brought up a similar question to Michael Bayley on the Royal Caribbean President’s Cruise last year and he said the logistics would tough but they might look into something like this.“

More From Cruise Hive

Furthermore, to permit such a tour, whether a general guided tour, an access pass to onboard amenities, a dining experience, or a chance to see a show, extra crew members would be necessary to ensure everything happens smoothly. Depending on a ship’s crew complement, this may simply not be possible.

Cruise ships often use times when a vessel is in port to conduct drills, crew training, or maintenance operations when there are fewer guests aboard. Bringing on additional guests for a tour experience would be exceedingly difficult.

It could also be logistically challenging if such a tour were planned in advance, but one of the ships had to delay or cancel the port visit due to a medical evacuation, poor weather, or mechanical difficulties.

Fortunately, Celebrity Cruises guests do get some of the “Royal Caribbean experience” with port visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, where the Thrill Waterpark and its 14 waterslides are waiting to welcome them.

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