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Carnival’s New Gratuity Hike Sparks Strong Passenger Reactions

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival’s New Gratuity Hike Sparks Strong Passenger Reactions

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival’s gratuity rate increase is generating a lot of discussion among guests on tipping and service charges.
  • Guests are concerned about whether or not gratuities supplement wages and how that could be changed.
  • Carnival Cruise Line has noted that crew members receive 100% of their gratuities, no matter how the tips are paid.

Just one day after Carnival Cruise Line announced an increase in gratuity rates for all stateroom types, the debate is already raging about how much is too much, how crew members receive gratuities, and how the increase compares to other service charges.

The $1 per guest, per day increase is the first time Carnival Cruise Line has raised crew gratuity rates since April 2023.

To many guests, this is a fair increase in line with today’s cost of living and inflation, particularly since it has been three years since Carnival last raised gratuities. Even with the increase to $17 per person, per day, Carnival remains one of the lower gratuity rates in the cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean is $18.50, Norwegian Cruise Line is $20, and Margaritaville at Sea is $22. Virgin Voyages is also $22, but is discounted to $20 if guests choose to pre-pay gratuities before sailing.

Of course, gratuity rates are subject to change at any time. Once one cruise line increases rates, other cruise lines often follow with similar adjustments.

Will Crew Members See the Extra Dollar?

No one is suggesting that crew members don’t deserve financial recognition for the services and attention they provide. What is of concern to many, however, is how much of that extra dollar will actually reach crew members.

John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, has frequently addressed the issue and noted that 100% of gratuities do go to the crew, whether guests pre-pay before sailing, leave their automatic gratuities intact on their Sail and Sign accounts, or tip in cash.

“Every single penny that you give the crew, whether it’s prepaid gratuities at the new rate of $17 per person per day, or whether you have it charged to your account towards the end of the cruise, or if you withdraw your gratuities and give the same in cash, which some of you like to do, it all goes to the crew,” Heald confirmed in his daily video.

Carnival Cruise Ship Ocean View Stateroom
Carnival Cruise Ship Ocean View Stateroom (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

What guests don’t like, however, is the idea that the tips they offer are somehow supplementing for lower wages.

“Tipping is getting out of control. For once they should do the right thing and pay them a reasonable salary with attached benefits and adjust the fares accordingly,” one Cruise Hive reader commented. “At that point tips could become just that, once more.”

Cruise lines do not publicly disclose the wages they pay different positions, but it is no secret that gratuities are a large part of what crew members can actually deposit in the bank.

Worth Checking: Calculate and Compare Your Cruise Gratuities

For Carnival cruises from Australian homeports, gratuities are already included in the cruise fare. Heald has noted several times, however, that there are no plans to include gratuities in fares from US or European homeports.

Gratuities or Service Charges, Which Is Which?

Cruise guests often enjoy offering a tip for truly outstanding service for a crew member who does something special or extra that makes a cruise more memorable. What does irritate many guests, however, is the combination of gratuities and service charges.

“I have absolutely no problem with the increase in the gratuities,” one reader explained. “What I thought was out of hand is the mandatory 20% service charge on EVERYTHING you purchase during cruise, meanwhile additional cash tips are also still expected. I have no problem tipping, but this adds up pretty fast.”

In late 2025, Carnival Cruise Line increased the “service charge” for various packages and add-ons from 18% to 20%, without any notice or opportunity for guests to lock in lower rates for booked sailings.

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That service charge applies to all drink packages and individual drink purchases, specialty dining charges, in-stateroom gift decorations, and pre-purchased stateroom deliveries such as toys, flowers, bottled water, and more.

That charge has never been explained, but it is clear that it is not considered a gratuity and therefore would not go to individual crew members.

Carnival Shuts Down Guest Request for Free Umbrellas in Rainy Weather

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Shuts Down Guest Request for Free Umbrellas in Rainy Weather

Key Aspects:

  • One Carnival guest thinks the cruise line out to hand out free umbrellas for use on rainy days.
  • John Heald notes this will not be happening, as many umbrellas would likely be kept as souvenirs.
  • Other guests discuss problems with umbrellas and what their personal solutions are.

Everyone wants to enjoy beautiful sunshine and perfect weather during their cruise vacation, but what if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate? Should cruise lines provide supplies to counteract bad weather?

One guest believes Carnival Cruise Line should freely equip guests on rainy days, and they reached out to John Heald, Carnival’s brand ambassador, with their suggestion.

“Do we need to bring our own umbrella? I would think Carnival would hand them out at the gang plank if it was raining in the islands. Better yet have them in the room closet,” the guest asked. “Will Carnival give umbrellas? If not why not?”

Not to rain on the guest’s idea, but since when is a cruise line responsible for providing supplies for contingencies during one’s cruise vacation? There would be too many options and far too much for a cruise line to be prepared for, particularly with thousands of guests onboard every sailing.

“We don’t have umbrellas for guests I am afraid,” Heald responded. “That would be a heck of a lot of umbrellas some of which would possibly not be returned.”

“Possibly” is likely an understatement, considering some guests have made off with the luggage mat from their stateroom, using it as a souvenir blanket.

Furthermore, to fully equip all ships in the Carnival fleet, even just for double occupancy, which might not provide an umbrella for every guest onboard, the cruise line would need to invest in 94,200 umbrellas, not counting extras for loss or breakage or to equip future ships.

Would Umbrellas Work Well on a Cruise?

Other guests noted that umbrellas aren’t always the best option in the rain, as wind can bend, twist, break, or simply blow them away. The outer decks of a cruise ship, higher up on the vessel, tend to be even windier, and it would be inevitable that some umbrellas would blow overboard. This would be a violation of environmental policies and could subject Carnival Cruise Line to significant fines.

If umbrellas were only handed out at the gangway, they could be collected when guests return to the ship. The same issue might be a problem, however, if umbrellas were “wind-assisted” on the piers, which can be quite breezy.

Many guests suggested just packing along an inexpensive plastic poncho, which can easily fit in a pocket, purse, or bag without taking up much space.

Wet Cruise Ship Deck
Wet Cruise Ship Deck (Photo Credit: Fsendek)

Both umbrellas and ponchos are generally for sale in ports of call, and buying one if needed helps support the local economy. Other travelers just enjoy the rainy experience, even if it might not be what they’d originally anticipated for their cruise vacation.

“You get stuck in the downpour and enjoy the memory,” one guest suggested. “Here’s looking at you Bimini! Stuck in a good sized downpour on a golf cart with our kids. It was the best time ever. Soaked to the bone but laughing.”

Of course, umbrellas are not on Carnival Cruise Line’s prohibited items list, and it’s perfectly acceptable to pack a small travel umbrella in your luggage in case of rainy weather during a cruise.

Other Items Carnival Cruise Line Will Not Provide

This isn’t the first time that guests have reached out to Heald with unusual, and often unreasonable, requests for items Carnival Cruise Line “ought” to provide.

For example, in July 2025, a guest complained that Carnival did not have “water spritzers” to help control sunburn, and many times Heald has been asked about slippers to wear in staterooms.

Fans are another commonly requested item. While Carnival does have a few fans onboard each ship that guests can borrow for the duration of their sailing, they are not guaranteed.

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If Carnival Cruise Line were to provide all these items, where should it stop? Aqua shoes for rocky beaches, gloves and coats for Alaskan itineraries, translation dictionaries in Europe?

Ultimately, the best option is if guests think they may need or want a particular item, they should always pack it along themselves (checking to be sure it is not prohibited first!).

Cruise Guest Goes Nuclear After Frustrating Spa Experience

Catie Kovelman
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Cruise Guest Goes Nuclear After Frustrating Spa Experience

Key Aspects:

  • A recent Royal Caribbean guest left their massage appointment early after excessive upselling from the spa staff.
  • Even after getting a full refund for their massage, the guest went “a little scorched earth” on guest services.
  • Other cruise fans have had similar spa experiences, and not just onboard Royal Caribbean ships.

One Royal Caribbean guest just had a spa experience that was anything but relaxing.

The guest, who did not specify which ship they were sailing on, took to Reddit to vent about how they were subject to a surprise “20-30 minute sales pitch” before even getting to their massage.

The passenger was so frustrated by the pushiness that they decided to walk out of the appointment. The massage they booked cost $200 and they had no plans to make additional purchases.

Read Also: 12 Smart Tricks to Stop Wasting Money on Cruises

“I should be in the middle of a 75 minute massage right now, but I walked out before it even started. I felt like I was being held hostage in a timeshare presentation the way my massage therapist was trying to sell me every skincare item under the sun,” the upset passenger recounted.

“When she continued after I told her I would only use products my dermatologist prescribes for me, I decided to walk out,” they continued.

A Refund Wasn’t Enough

Upon leaving the appointment, the cruiser did receive a full refund for their $200 massage. This was lucky, as Royal Caribbean typically requires a 24-hour notice to cancel spa services.

“I walked out, explained the situation to the spa manager (who had an attitude and said they simply “recommend” their products), and demanded a refund, which they provided,” the passenger wrote.

Their next stop was the guest services desk, where they made the crew members aware of the situation to try to save other passengers from the same experience.

“I wasn’t looking for anything for free – I just wanted her to know that guests don’t appreciate spending $200 on a massage and then sitting through an unnecessarily and absurdly aggressive sales pitch,” they said.

Vitality at Sea on Oasis of the Seas
Vitality at Sea on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

But even after saying their piece, the frustration lingered. The crew member went back to guest services for a second time and asked the team to cancel every other excursion and activity they booked for the remainder of the cruise.

“I decided to go a little scorched earth. I went down to guest services again and had them cancel and refund every single excursion and activity I booked the rest of the cruise,” the guest wrote in an edit.

They explained that they would make last-minute tour bookings with third-party vendors instead of giving Royal Caribbean “another dime” during their sailing.

Of course, they also blasted the experience on Reddit, where it has gone viral among the cruise community.

Why Do Crew Members Push for Sales?

Other cruise guests could empathize with the experience, as they had also been pushed to make additional purchases by spa staff in the past on multiple cruise lines.

“Many years ago on another cruise line I actually had to get aggressive in saying no because of how pushy they were. It was the first massage I ever got (a couples massage) very expensive and that ruined my whole experience,” one cruise fan said.

Others have even threatened to take away the gratuities of the spa workers in advance of their appointment to try to avoid the pressure to buy.

“I broke down and booked a massage on my recent cruise and put a note on the intake form that said I would only add additional gratuity if there was no upselling and it worked,” another shared.

“I think it’s ridiculous that I have to resort to this, but I did have a good experience for once,” they continued.

While this doesn’t justify the negative experience, it’s worth noting that Royal Caribbean spa workers typically have sales and services quotas that they are supposed to meet on every sailing.

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These crew members are usually employed by a third-party vendor, OneSpaWorld, who puts immense pressure on these workers to meet their targets. Failure to meet these quotas can result in termination.

Crew members may push a bit extra hard because their livelihood is at stake, but it is always ok for guests to politely set boundaries or remove themselves from uncomfortable situations when necessary.

MSC Ship Barred From French Port by Protesting Sailors

Catie Kovelman
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MSC Ship Barred From French Port by Protesting Sailors

Key Aspects:

  • Protesting sailors prevented MSC Cruises’ MSC Orchestra from docking in Marseille on February 2.
  • This meant that the planned embarkation and debarkation could not go ahead as planned.
  • Guests who were left behind in Marseille will be able to join the ship in Genoa, Italy, on February 3.

MSC Orchestra was blocked from docking in Marseille, France, on February 2, 2026, by protesting sailors.

Per local outlet Ouest-France, the demonstration blocked the north access to the cruise port, which prevented the 3,223-guest ship from docking.

Despite waiting for several hours, the Musica-class ship was eventually forced to give up on calling at the popular port, which is part of the French Riviera.

This is problematic, as Marselle is one of the homeports for the 7-night Mediterranean sailings that the MSC ship simultaneously operates – meaning the disembarkation and embarkation process could not happen as planned.

The other homeports include Barcelona and Valencia in Spain and Genoa, Livorno, and Civitavecchia (Rome) in Italy.

Impact on Passengers

A good chunk of current guests were supposed to disembark from the 92,409-gross ton ship in Marseille and a new round of passengers was supposed to take their place.

Obviously, this did not happen, negatively impacting hundreds (if not thousands) of guests.

“I’m at the dock in Marseille and the boat left embarrassingly without us. We’ve been stranded since 11 am this morning,” one of the impacted passengers shared on social media.

“The boat just left in the direction of Genoa. It was waiting for negotiations that did not come until 20h. We had the boat in view till 8pm,” another stranded guest chimed in.

MSC Orchestra Cruise Ship
MSC Orchestra Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel)

This has been verified by cruise tracking data, which shows the ship sailing toward Genoa on the night of February 2 at speeds of 18 knots. It is scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m. on February 3.

Per guests who were left behind in Marseille, MSC Cruises has put them up in a hotel and will shuttle them to Genoa to join the ship there. The ports are approximately 244 miles apart, which is a distance that takes around two and a half hours to drive.

Read Also: 10 Worst Cruise Fails You Can Prepare For

“They transferred us to hotels and tomorrow we’re heading to Genoa by bus,” one of the impacted cruisers confirmed.

It’s not clear if additional compensation will be provided for the missed cruise day or how the cruise line is assisting guests who missed their disembarkation, though a similar transfer option will likely be available.

Why Were the Sailors Protesting?

It’s not the first time that cruise ships have been blocked by protestors in Marseille, but the circumstances on this occasion are different.

In the past, the protests were orchestrated by environmental activism groups like Extinction Rebellion and Stop Croisières. This time, striking sailors are to blame.

Sailors in the Fédération Nationale des Syndicats Maritimes Union (FNSM-CGT) filed a 48 renewable strike notice to take place on February 2 and 3, which conflicted with MSC Orchestra’s planned visit.

The main purpose of the strike is to secure more jobs, higher pay, and better working conditions for French seamen.

Thankfully, no other cruise ships should be impacted by the demonstration, assuming the strike is not renewed. MSC Orchestra was the only ship present on February 2.

The next planned call is on February 6, which is when Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Vesta is scheduled to arrive.

Legendary Cunard Ships Meet for the First Time in 20 Years

Melissa Mayntz
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Legendary Cunard Ships Meet for the First Time in 20 Years

Key Aspects:

  • Queen Mary 2 anchored in Long Beach to meet up with the historic Queen Mary on Monday, February 2.
  • This marks the first time the two Queens have met in 20 years.
  • Queen Mary 2 is currently sailing a 108-night World Voyage, which has included her first Panama Canal transit.

It was an historic and nostalgic day at the Port of Long Beach on Monday, February 2, 2026 as two iconic Cunard liners met for the first time in 20 years.

Queen Mary 2, as part of her 108-night World Voyage that departed Southampton, UK on Sunday, January 11, anchored in Long Beach, California briefly to “greet” her legendary namesake in a once-in-a-lifetime Royal Rendezvous.

“This iconic rendezvous pays a powerful tribute to Cunard’s enduring legacy and the spirit of ocean travel,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard.

“Queen Mary 2’s reunion with the original Queen Mary for the first time in 20 years reflects our past, present and future, reminding us of Cunard’s distinct connection to maritime history and the generations brought together through timeless elegance, innovation and one-of-a-kind journeys around the world.”

This meeting is especially celebratory as it is the 90th anniversary year of the original Queen Mary, which debuted in May 1937. She sailed for Cunard Line until December 1967, completing 1,001 transatlantic crossings during her service life.

At her retirement, Queen Mary was converted to a floating hotel in Long Beach, where she has remained for 59 years with various operations not only as a hotel, but also as a museum and specialty restaurant.

While Queen Mary may no longer operate as an ocean liner, part of her legacy endures within the hull of her next-generation sister, Queen Mary 2, which launched in April 2004.

The starboard funnel of Queen Mary 2 has a fully-functional, refurbished whistle from Queen Mary, forever connecting the two ships.

“Welcoming Queen Mary 2 to Long Beach during our 90th anniversary year is an extraordinary honor, and watching the rendezvous this morning was a once-in-a-generation sight,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary.

“This historic moment reflects the enduring bond between the Queen Mary’s past and present and continued role as a living symbol of ocean travel, innovation, and preservation.”

The two ships certainly share a storied history, but the comparison between them is stark. Queen Mary measures 81,237 gross tons, while Queen Mary 2 is 149,215 gross tons, nearly twice as large.

Queen Mary 2 in Panama
Queen Mary 2 in Panama

The two ships’ capacities are much more comparable, with Queen Mary welcoming 2,140 guests per voyage during her heyday, while Queen Mary 2 can welcome 2,695 guests per sailing. This demonstrates just how much more public space the larger Queen Mary 2 offers to today’s guests.

Queen Mary 2 is also slightly faster for her crossings, with a top speed of 30 knots (34.5 miles per hour), compared to Queen Mary‘s top speed of 28.5 knots (32.8 mph).

Naturally, both ships have always offered the iconic luxury and timeless ambience Cunard Line is known for, a legacy that will continue for generations.

More History on the Same Voyage

It isn’t just the meeting of the two legendary queens that is making this particular sailing of Queen Mary 2 so memorable and historic. Just days ago, the ship completed her very first transit of the Panama Canal, a grand occasion for any vessel.

Now, Queen Mary 2 is docked in Los Angeles (not Long Beach) for an overnight visit, after which she’ll continue on the epic itinerary that includes ports in Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Africa, the Canary Islands, and Europe before she returns to Southampton on April 30.

Read Also: Cunard Unveils 195 New Voyages Across the Fleet

This is the ocean liner’s first World Voyage in two years and overall includes more than 30 ports of call. Overnights in iconic destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Cape Town give travelers the rare opportunity of deeper immersion and exploration of those famed cities.

Following her World Voyage, Queen Mary 2 will be offering not only the transatlantic crossings she is so famous for, but also Norwegian fjord voyages and several short break cruises over the next few months.

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Of special note will be her attendance at the US’s 250th Independence Day Celebration in New York City, when she will offer a roundtrip 7-night sailing from New York to Newport and Halifax.

With the deep connections between the US and the UK, Queen Mary 2‘s presence on that historic occasion will be yet one more very memorable moment in her sailing history this year.

Carnival Increasing Gratuities and Drink Package Cost in April 2026

Melissa Mayntz
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0
Carnival Increasing Gratuities and Drink Package Cost in April 2026

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line is raising gratuity rates for all stateroom types effective April 2, 2026.
  • Guests can pre-pay gratuities on any booked cruise before April 2 to lock in the lower rate no matter when they set sail.
  • The adult price for the Bottomless Bubbles package is also increasing at the same time, with the same pre-pay option.

Carnival Cruise Line has begun reaching out to booked guests and travel agents to alert them to an upcoming price change. As of April 2, 2026, gratuity rates will be increased for all stateroom types, but guests who pre-pay before that date can take advantage of the current (lower!) pricing no matter when their cruise sets sail.

Furthermore, the adult price for the Bottomless Bubbles unlimited soda package will also be increasing from April 2, but guests to pre-pay for the package can still enjoy the lower rate if they make their purchase before April 2.

“We are writing to let you know that we will be changing the price for Bottomless Bubbles (for adults only – there is no price change for children) and adjusting the onboard gratuity guidelines, effective April 2, 2026,” the email notification confirmed.

“However, we will honor the existing price for both if purchased prior to the adjustment.”

The current pricing for Carnival Cruise Line gratuities, if paid prior to April ,2 is as follows:

  • $16 per person, per day for standard staterooms
  • $18 per person, per day for suites

Each rate will be going up by $1 per person per day on April 2, an increase of 6.25% and 5.55%, respectively. This will make the standard stateroom gratuity $17 per person, per day and suites will be $19 per person, per day.

Worth Checking: Calculate If a Drinks Package is Worth It for You

For Bottomless Bubbles, the price for adults is increasing from $9.50 per adult per day to $11.99 per adult per day, an increase of $2.49 per day, or 26%.

Carnival Sensation Atrium Bar
Carnival Sensation Atrium Bar (Photo Credit: Rob Bixby)

There is still a 20% service charge for the Bottomless Bubbles package as well. While that percentage has not increased, overall it is an additional fifty cents higher on the new price.

Guests who wish to pre-pay for either their gratuities or the Bottomless Bubbles package can do so via the Carnival website for their individual booking, or by reaching out to their travel agent.

Not the First Line to Increase Gratuities

Carnival Cruise Line is not the first cruise line to increase gratuity rates in 2026. Just yesterday, February 1, Margaritaville at Sea increased its mandatory gratuities, effective immediately. Their rate is now $22 per person, per day, and cannot be adjusted or removed from guests’ accounts.

Carnival Cruise Line does still permit guests to adjust gratuities at their discretion.

Compare Rates: Cruise Gratuities Calculator and Comparison Tool

The increase from Carnival Cruise Line is not unexpected, as the last time the line increased gratuity rates was April 1, 2023. It is actually quite unusual for a cruise line to go three years without a change in gratuity rates.

Carnival did increase the mandatory added “service charge” from 18% to 20% in late 2025. That fee is added to drink packages, individual drink purchases, specialty dining charges, and other types of onboard services, but it is not considered a gratuity.

Will Other Cruise Lines Raise Gratuities?

It is highly likely that other cruise lines will now begin raising their own gratuity rates, depending on what their current rates are and how they compare across similar lines in the industry.

For example, at just $16 per person, per day in standard staterooms, Disney Cruise Line now has one of the lowest gratuity rates of the major cruise lines, though it did increase rates in January 2025 from the previous $14.50 daily rate.

Cruise lines regularly review different prices, rates, and charges, and will adjust accordingly if needed. Pre-paying gratuities is a good way for guests to ensure they have the lowest cost, because while it’s not certain what cruise lines may raise rates when, what is certain is that gratuity rates do not go down.

Illness Disrupts Cruise as Ship Implements Enhanced Safety Steps

Melissa Mayntz
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Illness Disrupts Cruise as Ship Implements Enhanced Safety Steps

Key Aspects:

  • A gastrointestinal outbreak has sickened 21 guests and crew aboard Seven Seas Mariner.
  • This is the first reported illness outbreak for 2026, but the cause has not yet been confirmed.
  • The ship was sailing from Miami to Hawaii during the outbreak and has already continued on its next itinerary.

Cruise ships are often called “petri dishes” and other derogatory names due to the tremendous crowds of thousands of guests in the same spaces, but illness outbreaks aren’t confined just to the world’s largest ships.

A gastrointestinal outbreak has been reported aboard Seven Seas Mariner, a luxury ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises with just 1,089 guests and crew aboard. The outbreak is the first reported in 2026 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The outbreak happened on the ship’s most recent sailing, a journey from Miami, Florida to Honolulu, Hawaii. Seven Seas Mariner set sail from the Sunshine State on Sunday, January 11, 2026 and transited through the Panama Canal, visited multiple ports in Central America and Mexico, and moved on to Hawaii, arriving in Honolulu on Sunday, February 1.

A total of 21 guests out of the 631 passengers onboard reported diarrhea, while six of the 458 crew members also reported the illness. At this time, the causative agent has not been identified.

Outbreaks in US waters must be reported to the CDC whenever more than 3% of either guests or crew report gastrointestinal symptoms.

While this outbreak onboard Seven Seas Mariner has impacted just 1.3% of the luxury ship’s crew, a total of 3.3% of guests reported symptoms, necessitating the report.

Because the sailing has been a lengthy one, however, it is important to note that individual illness reports may not be simultaneous. Reports made to the CDC cover the total number of cases reported during a single voyage, and it is possible that just a few individuals were sick at any one time during the sailing.

Read Also: Cruise Ship Outbreaks are On the Rise – Should Cruisers Worry?

Seven Seas Mariner has already continued sailing in Hawaii as part of a longer overall itinerary. The 154-night roundtrip world cruise sailing from Miami will now head for unique destinations in French Polynesia and the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, India, and Africa before eventually returning to Florida in mid-June.

Guests can book just individual segments of these types of long voyages, which is why the report has already been made to the CDC.

Response to the Outbreak

Once gastrointestinal cases were identified on board, Regent Seven Seas took immediate action to minimize the potential spread of a contagious illness.

This includes standard response measures such as increasing cleaning and disinfection in all public areas, particularly high-contact surfaces such as railings and elevators.

CDC Facility
CDC Facility (Photo Credit: Tada Images)

Guests and crew members reporting symptoms were isolated, and samples were collected to be tested to confirm the causative agent. That testing has not yet been completed.

Guests onboard would also have been encouraged to use proper handwashing techniques, particularly after using the restroom and before meals, to minimize any contagion. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) is monitoring the situation in case further steps may be necessary.

First Outbreak of the Year

The outbreak aboard Seven Seas Mariner is the first one reported in 2026, but it undoubtedly won’t be the last. In 2025, a total of 23 outbreaks were reported across all cruise lines and vessels of all sizes.

The most recent to have impacted a Regent Seven Seas vessel was aboard Seven Seas Explorer at the end of April and into mid-May 2025, with 24 guests and crew members affected. No causative agent was ever determined in that outbreak.

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The Seven Seas Explorer outbreak was the only incident noted aboard a Regent Seven Seas ship in 2025, but other lines impacted by outbreaks include Sea Cloud Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, and more.

MSC Cruises to Expand Yacht Club to MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra

Lissa Poirot
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MSC Cruises to Expand Yacht Club to MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra will undergo renovations in late 2026 through early 2027.
  • Both 92,409-gross-ton vessels will add the luxury “ship-within-a-ship” MSC Yacht Club concept.
  • Once completed, all Musica-class vessels and 19 ships in the MSC Cruises’ fleet will have Yacht Clubs.

Fans of MSC Cruises’ luxury Yacht Club will soon see the “ship-within-a-ship” concept expand to two more vessels by 2027.

The cruise line announced on February 2, 2026, that it will add its MSC Yacht Club to both MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, completing the rollout of the premium enclave across the entire Musica class.

The upgrades will be carried out as part of scheduled refurbishments, with the 92,409-gross-ton MSC Musica receiving its Yacht Club installation in late 2026 ahead of its South American deployment.

MSC Orchestra, also 92,409 gross tons, will follow in the first quarter of 2027, in time for a Mediterranean season sailing from Bari, Italy.

With the additions, all four Musica-class ships, including MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica, will feature the Yacht Club. The move brings one of MSC Cruises’ most popular offerings to smaller, more traditional cruise rather than just its newer mega-vessels.

Once completed, the MSC Yacht Club will be available on 19 ships across the fleet. The concept provides passengers with expansive suites with 24-hour butler and a dedicated concierge service, and exclusive private dining and venues.

“MSC Cruises is always looking for new ways to enhance the onboard experience, striving to create exceptional and elevated concepts to ensure that guests will remember their cruise as the ultimate vacation experience,” said the cruise line in a statement.

“With the addition of MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, the MSC Yacht Club will now be available across 19 ships fleetwide, further expanding its appeal to guests seeking a premium and effortlessly luxurious way to travel,” the company added.

MSC Yacht Cub
MSC Yacht Cub

While the Musica-class ships are smaller than MSC Cruises’ newest vessels like MSC World America, which has the largest Yacht Club, the cruise line is working to bring consistency across ship sizes.

Read Also: MSC Yacht Club: Is It Really Worth It?

MSC Cruises did not specify the total number of Yacht Club suites that will be added to each ship or whether other public spaces will be modified as part of the refurbishments. Further details are expected closer to the opening of Yacht Club sales for both vessels, coming soon.

Currently, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra each accommodate 3,223 passengers.

Upcoming for Musica and Orchestra

The MSC Yacht Club additions are closely tied to upcoming deployments for both ships, giving guests access to premium experiences across multiple regions and sailing dates.

MSC Musica will operate in South America from November 2026 through April 2027. During the season, the ship will offer itineraries focused on Brazilian ports, as well as a series of 8- and 9-night sailings over Christmas and New Year.

MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge
MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge

The voyages will call on Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo and Punta del Este, Uruguay. The season will conclude with a 16-night transatlantic crossing, departing Santos, Brazil, on April 1, 2027, and arriving in Genoa, Italy.

MSC Orchestra’s Yacht Club debut will take place shortly after. Beginning March 13, 2027, the ship will sail from Bari, through April 24, operating Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. 

These sailings will include calls in Turkey, with scheduled stops in Izmir and Istanbul, along with ports in Greece, such as Piraeus and Corfu.

Onboard, Yacht Club guests have access to a suite-only restaurant, lounge, and sun deck, separate from the ship’s main public areas. Accommodations include upgraded suites designed to offer more space than standard staterooms, along with expanded in-room services.

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Additional inclusions for Yacht Club passengers include daily in-suite refreshments, unpacking and packing services, and access to premium bath amenities. Private shopping appointments in onboard boutiques outside regular hours may also be arranged, along with customized shore excursions and private transportation in select ports.

The Yacht Club is expected to be added to the upcoming World-class ships currently scheduled to debut through 2031.

Winter Blast Disrupts MSC’s New York Cruise, Prompting Delay and Route Change

Lissa Poirot
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Winter Blast Disrupts MSC’s New York Cruise, Prompting Delay and Route Change

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Cruises delayed MSC Meraviglia’s Brooklyn departure by a day, departing on February 2 instead of February 1, 2026.
  • The delay resulted in reworked call dates and times in Port Canaveral and Nassau, Bahamas.
  • The cruise line also scrapped a call to its private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Winter weather has struck again.

Passengers booked on MSC Meraviglia were notified onboard that their cruise from Brooklyn, New York, would be delayed and its itinerary adjusted due to severe winter weather along the ship’s departure.

In a letter dated February 1, 2026, MSC Cruises said deteriorating conditions prompted the cruise line to postpone the 171,598-gross-ton ship’s February 1 departure and make multiple schedule changes to prioritize safety.

The ship ultimately departed New York at 10 a.m. on February 2, 2026, a day later than planned.

“Due to the predicted weather conditions along our departure route, we have proactively decided to delay our departure to tomorrow at 10 a.m. to ensure the safety and comfort of all our guests and crew,” MSC Cruises said in its letter, delivered to passengers on embarkation day.

Read Also: What to Do Onboard a Cruise Ship in Bad Weather

Weather reports said February 1 would have extreme cold with a small chance of light snow, but the more serious conditions would be wind-related, causing rough seas with strong waves along the east coast.

The National Weather Service was monitoring a coastal low-pressure system and warned of possible flooding just one week after Winter Storm Fern brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the region.

The weather-related delay also triggered changes to the ship’s ports of call. MSC Cruises said the late departure meant the vessel would no longer arrive in Port Canaveral on February 3, as originally scheduled. 

As a result, MSC Meraviglia will spend the day at sea and arrive at the popular Florida port on February 4. However, the late arrival results in an earlier call, providing guests with one extra hour in port.

Lighthouse Bay Beach
Lighthouse Bay Beach (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

The bad news? Guests will now miss a call in Ocean Cay, the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

The 4,488-passenger vessel will resume her original schedule by February 5, with an extra 30 minutes in Nassau, Bahamas, followed by two sea days before returning to New York on February 8.

What the Changes Mean for MSC Meraviglia Guests

MSC Cruises apologized for the changes, especially the loss of visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, and said all shore excursions booked through the cruise line would be fully refunded to guests’ onboard accounts.

“We understand that any unexpected changes to your itinerary can be disappoint and we want to assure you that this decision was made with your safety as our top priority,” said the cruise line.

“Although this adjustment is due to circumstances beyond our control, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your understanding and patience,” it continued.

While guests were allowed to remain onboard during the embarkation delay, the cruise line said some services were limited on February 1.

According to the notice, dining and entertainment remained available, but retail shops stayed closed until after departure in accordance with local regulations.

Just days before the revised sailing, the company had warned passengers booked on MSC Meraviglia’sJanuary 25 departure from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to expect travel delays and hazardous conditions due to Winter Storm Fern.

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At the time, the cruise line indicated while the storm was unlikely to affect the scheduled arrival or departure of the ship, the weather could create delays for passengers trying to reach the terminal.

These winter weather-related issues won’t affect MSC Meraviglia in 2026-27, as the ship will homeport in Miami instead of Brooklyn for the winter season.

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