Carnival Cruise Line has alerted guests for two more ships about the possible impact of the weekend’s winter storm.
The ships now on alert are Carnival Jubilee from Galveston and Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk.
There are not yet any changes to either ship, but delays or itinerary adjustments may still be necessary.
Following notification that Carnival Pride will be delayed returning to Baltimore until Monday, January 26, Carnival Cruise Line has now sent weather-related updates for two more homeports and two more ships: Carnival Jubilee from Galveston and Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk.
The notification to guests for Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Sunshine is in regards to Winter Storm Fern that is expected to strike across much of the central, midwestern, and eastern US through the weekend with heavy snow, ice, and bitterly cold conditions.
“We have also been keeping a close eye on weather reports regarding the winter storm that will be affecting several states across the country this weekend,”the email notification read.
“Your cruise is still set to depart as scheduled as the weather is not expected to impact its operation, but, since forecasts can vary, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated if it becomes necessary to adjust our plans.”
Guests are urged to be safe when traveling to the cruise port, as well as to sign up for text alerts from the cruise line so they can receive any notifications as quickly as possible.
A key phrase to note is that both Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Sunshine are “still set to depart as scheduled” which means there will be no adjustment to wait for guests who may be delayed by cancelled flights, icy roads, or other difficulties.
“As you make your way to the cruise port, we urge you to take all necessary safety precautions,”the email said.
No Itinerary Changes – Yet
At this time, there are no confirmed itinerary changes for either Carnival Jubilee or Carnival Sunshine and both ships are expected to enjoy their planned itineraries.
Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jonathan C Wear)
The Excel-class Carnival Jubilee is homeported from Galveston, Texas. Her Saturday, January 24 departure is for a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary planned to visit Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel before returning to the Lone Star State on Saturday, January 31.
Carnival Sunshine is homeported from Norfolk, Virginia and due to depart Saturday on an 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary to Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and Grand Turk. She will return to Virginia on Sunday, February 1.
Impacts Still Possible
Depending on how the storm develops, the speed it travels, and any damage or power outages it may leave in its wake, additional updates are possible for both Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Sunshine and either itinerary could be changed if needed.
The National Weather Service notes that the storm may produce heavy snow, sleet, hazardous driving conditions, power outages, “catastrophic ice accumulations” and “dangerously cold temperatures” into early next week.
Carnival Cruise Line will seek to keep guests updated through text alerts, emails, and social media posts from the line’s brand ambassador, John Heald. Guests should be sure their contact information is correct in order to receive any updates promptly.
Other cruise lines are already making what changes they feel are necessary to remain safe from the storm.
Royal Caribbean, for example, has sped up Harmony of the Seas to return to Galveston on Saturday, January 24 instead of the ship’s planned arrival on Sunday, January 25. Guests have the option to debark on Saturday but may also stay on the ship until their original debarkation if they prefer.
Guests booked on any sailing from any homeport in the path of this severe winter storm should stay in touch with their cruise line in case of itinerary updates, delays, or other adjustments to their sailing.
The ship will now be unable to return to the port as planned on Sunday, January 25 and instead is delayed until Monday, January 26, with the next sailing shortened accordingly.
“The Port of Baltimore has advised that we should not expect to dock Sunday (January 25), which will impact the itinerary for your upcoming cruise,”the email notification read.
“We are now making plans to dock around noon time, Monday, January 26, forcing a shortening of your cruise by one day.”
It is not unusual for cruise lines to have to make last-minute adjustments for severe weather. While such changes are less common for winter storms, safety is always the top priority.
Carnival Pride Winter Storm Letter
Carnival Cruise Line is urging guests to sign up for text alerts and to wait to proceed to the cruise terminal in Baltimore until final embarkation plans are confirmed on Sunday.
“We will be back in touch no later than 3:00 PM, Sunday, January 25,”the notification said.
At this time, it is expected that embarkation should begin around 4 p.m. on Monday, January 26, though further schedule adjustments may be necessary depending on the storm’s overall impact.
Areas affected: Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot.
The National Weather Service has Baltimore under a winter storm warning from 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 24 through 4 a.m. on Monday, January 26. Widespread snow, ice, and extreme cold are all expected with this storm, including from 7-14 inches of snow and sleet.
“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice,”the advisory reads.“Travel could be nearly impossible.”
Furthermore, the advisory goes on with a word of caution.
“Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary,”the advisory, issued Friday just after 5 p.m., concludes.
While a cruise ship does not need to consider the impact of icy roads, the safety of port personnel, support operations at the port, visibility for the ship, and other weather-related factors are of critical concern.
Itinerary Will Be Changed for Next Carnival Pride Cruise
Carnival Pride‘s January 25 (now January 26) sailing was to have been a 7-night Bahamas itinerary with visits to Bimini, Princess Cays, and Celebration Key. Because the sailing must be shortened by more than a full day, the overall itinerary has also been impacted.
“We will not be able to visit Bimini but are anticipating that our visits to both Celebration Key and Princess Cays will remain part of our voyage plan,”the email said.
Carnival Pride Docked in Baltimore (Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Depending on the final details of when Carnival Pride is able to dock, debark guests on the current sailing, and welcome new guests aboard, it is possible the port times will be adjusted for both private destinations. Guests will be provided those details as they are confirmed.
The speed and strength of the storm, as well as any lingering impacts such as power outages to the cruise terminal or port facilities, may also impact Carnival Pride‘s plans on Monday.
Compensation Offered to Guests
Because guests will be missing a full day of their sailing, Carnival is issuing a one-day, pro-rated refund of guests’ cruise fares back to the original form of payment.
Furthermore, guests will also receive pro-rated refunds of pre-paid packages and amenities, such as the CHEERS! drink package, CHEERS! zero proof package, or Bottomless Bubbles as well as wi-fi packages and pre-paid gratuities. Those refunds will be issued as onboard credit for guests to enjoy during their 6-night cruise.
There is no confirmation whether or not Carnival Cruise Line will be offering any reimbursement assistance for changed travel plans or the need for extra hotel rooms for guests who may already be in the Baltimore area ahead of their sailing.
Further updates are sure to come as the storm moves through Baltimore and Carnival Pride arrives. Guests should stay in close communication with Carnival Cruise Line to receive updated information as quickly as possible.
Each cruise line that sails to Alaska offers its own unique perks and benefits.
Picking the best cruise line for your Alaska trip will depend on your priorities as a cruiser.
With so many cruise lines headed to Alaska, there are options for literally everyone.
If you’re considering booking an Alaskan cruise, you’ll quickly discover that not all cruises to Alaska are the same. There are tons of cruise lines that visit popular ports of call like Ketchikan, Anchorage, Sitka, Historical Skagway, and Whittier, and all offer differing experiences. So how do you go about picking the right option for your vacation?
At the end of the day, there’s no singular best cruise line for Alaska. Instead, picking your perfect match will all come down to what you prioritize as a cruiser and the experience you’re hoping to have. Here’s some expert guidance as you make this important decision.
How Do You Pick the Best Cruise Line for Alaska?
I’d be hard-pressed to name a cruise line that I just didn’t like altogether. Every cruise I go on, every line I cruise with, I can find something enjoyable, even if the cruise line’s overall vibe isn’t ultimately for me.
As such, when it comes to picking the best cruise line for Alaska, I don’t want to try to narrow things down to one particular line. Instead, I’m picking the best cruise lines for Alaska based on who they might be a good fit for.
Cruise Ships Docked in Juneau, Alaska (Photo Credit: Charles HHuang)
For example, which brand is going to be ideal for families? Which one should you pick if you’re on a budget? Which is a great pick for the luxury seekers and which is perfect for the outdoor adventurers?
Based on that info, you should be able to pick the best cruise line for Alaska for you as an individual.
Carnival Cruise Line: Best for Budget Travelers
Even without taking advantage of special offers, Carnival Cruise Line is going to give you some of the cheapest fares for Alaska cruises overall. As such, if you’re trying to keep your travel budget to a minimum, start your search here, first.
Carnival Cruise Line offers sailings to Alaska from both Seattle and San Francisco, and cruisers report that it’s an awesome experience, whatever itinerary or ship you choose.
Carnival Luminosa in Alaska
The San Francisco itinerary in particular is notable because you get several sea days, with two at both the start and end of your cruise. (This could be a pro or con, depending on whether you enjoy sea days, but for those who love them, it’s a great perk!)
It is worth mentioning, though, that if your primary reason for wanting to take an Alaskan cruise is to see Glacier Bay National Park, that Carnival Cruise Line only offers itineraries that includes this spot on a very, very limited basis, due to permitting restrictions.
MSC Cruises is relatively new to the Alaskan cruising scene, with its very first itineraries to the destination launching in summer 2026. Currently, all sailings are on the MSC Poesia, which underwent a dry dock for updates in February 2026 to prepare for the Alaskan debut.
MSC Poesia in Alaska
Many of the cruisers sailing on MSC Cruises to Alaska for the first time note that they were attracted by the line’s fares, which are often comparable to those offered by Carnival Cruise Line. However, many feel you get more value from MSC Cruises, as the ships and experience can feel just slightly higher end — and I’d expect that to definitely be the case on the newly revamped MSC Poesia.
Virgin Voyages is similarly a newcomer to Alaskan itineraries, and the cruise line is bringing its characteristic vibrant style to the experience. Virgin Voyages has a youthful vibe that appeals to travelers in the Millennial age range. The line is also adults-only, so not an option for families.
Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ian Peter Morton)
Furthermore, Virgin Voyages doesn’t just stop at the same ol’-same ol’ tourist traps when sailing to Alaska. It makes a point to incorporate lesser-visited destinations into its itineraries as well, such as Prince Rupert or Haines.
Well, think about those cruisers who really don’t care about all the flashy “first at sea” attractions that some cruise lines prioritize. They’re not taking a cruise to go to the ship’s waterpark or to bounce from bar to bar, night after night. They’re on a cruise to see the sights off the ship. These port explorers are going to love Holland America Line.
Holland America Ship in Juneau, Alaska (Photo Credit: Artha sant)
Holland America Line’s ships are straightforward — and cruisers like it that way. The vibe is meant for relaxation, not adrenaline-pumping thrills, and that attracts cruisers of the older set, as well as those who, as mentioned, don’t care for flash and pizzazz and just want to get to their destination.
Additionally, Holland America Line has been operating in Alaska for decades, so it’s established a lot of relationships within the state that make for better excursions in some of the top ports.
In contrast, if you’re someone who loves a mega ship packed with things to do around every corner, then you’re going to want to sail on one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus-class ships to Alaska.
Norwegian Encore in Alaska (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
These ships include Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, and they all measure in at around 170,000 GT, with capacity for approximately 4,000 passengers. While the ships were originally built in the late 2010s, they were upgraded over the last few years, specifically with Alaskan cruising in mind.
Now, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the amazing Alaskan scenery nearly all across the ship, while also taking advantage of the many, many amenities and activities — from a two-level go-kart track to extensive dining options and myriad live entertainment spaces.
Princess Cruises: Best for an Enhanced On-Land Experience
Like Holland America, Princess Cruises has been offering Alaska cruises for decades, so they have everything pretty much well sorted out. However, there is one offering that really makes the line stand out: its Alaska CruiseTours.
Princess Cruises in Alaska (Photo Credit: WESLEY FOULDS)
These combo cruises and land tours give you unprecedented access to on-land experiences, and the whole thing is coordinated by Princess Cruises.
You get to spend time in Glacier Bay (which, remember, not all cruise lines do) and Denali National Park. A scenic train courtesy of Princess Rail Service transports you through the country’s interior. Then, you stay at one of the Princess Wilderness Lodges for at least two days for further exploration.
One of the things that Celebrity Cruises does very well is offer a certain level of accessible luxury. You’re definitely not going to pay nearly as much as you would with one of the ultra-luxury cruise lines on this list, but you’re going to find an experience that’s a step above what you might get on, say, Royal Caribbean.
Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship in Alaska
Note that while Celebrity Cruises is outfitted with children’s amenities, since it is a little higher end, you might not see as many families here.
And that brings me to the cruise line sailing to Alaska that I do think is best for families, whether you’re just cruising with your spouse and kids, or you’re planning a multigenerational trip with your entire extended crew.
Royal Caribbean’s ships are packed with entertainment and amenity options, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or taste, has something to do at all times. Bumper cars, skydiving simulations, roller skating, a surfing simulator, the North Star observation capsule — the list goes on and on.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Docked in Alaska (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
When it comes to dining and staterooms, you similarly have a wealth of options. Some members of your crew prefer the buffet or fast-casual eats, but you like fine dining?
You got both. Some of you want to stay in a suite, but you’re fine with a balcony? There are ample options. Everyone’s happy. Plus, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise fares are often among the most affordable.
Imagine your dream cruise to Alaska. Do you imagine yourself cozied up on your balcony with a cocktail, watching glaciers float by? Or do you imagine yourself on a Zodiac actually getting within touching distance of those glaciers?
Lindblad Vessel (Photo Credit: Arild Lilleboe)
For the ultimate in outdoor adventure during an Alaskan cruise, there’s no better choice than National Geographic’s Lindblad Expeditions.
With its smaller ships, the cruise line takes you to less-visited destinations. Activities can range from kayaking through the fjords to hiking through rainforests, to getting up close and personal with wildlife like humpback whales, bald eagles and brown bears.
Silversea Cruises: Best for Your First Luxury Cruise
Finally decided to dip your toe into the world of luxury cruising? Silversea is a good pick. The line’s smaller luxury ships sail on multiple Alaska itineraries.
Silversea Cruise Ship in Alaska (Photo Credit: Artha sant)
All the while, you’ll quickly see why Silversea is lauded for its level of service, with nearly a 1:1 guest to staff ratio. Plus, these all-suite ships are hardly crowded, with guest capacities under 750 people.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Best for All-Inclusive Experiences
While Silversea Cruises is mostly all-inclusive, Regent Seven Seas takes things to the next level by including your flights, ground transfers, unlimited shore excursions and a pre-cruise hotel stay in your fare.
Regent Alaska Cruise (Photo Credit: lenic)
Is it pricey? Yes. Will it basically take care of your entire vacation without you needing to lift barely a finger? Also yes. Regent Seven Seas offers dozens of different Alaska cruise itineraries.
Windstar Cruises offers a boutique, small ship experience, with each of it ships carrying fewer than 350 people.
Plus, Windstar recently launched a brand-new ship on its Alaskan itineraries: Star Seeker. Outfitted to take the best advantage of the gorgeous scenery, Star Seeker’s suites nearly all offer private verandas or a floor-to-ceiling window.
Windstar Cruises is returning to Alaska with Star Seeker. (Photo Credit: Steve Heap)
Additionally, Windstar offers a few specialty itineraries to Alaska, such as a cruise developed in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, great for foodies, and a wine-focused cruise.
You can also find unique itineraries that transport you between unexpected destinations, such as between Puerto Vallarta and Juneau, or Vancouver and Tokyo.
UnCruise Adventures: Best for a Mix of Small Ships and Outdoor Adventure
If you like the idea of an adventurous Lindblad cruise, but you’d prefer a smaller ship, and if you like Windstar Cruises small, yacht-reminiscent ships, but the line’s a little out of your price range, consider UnCruise Adventures.
UnCruise Adventures’ ships range in guest capacity from 22 to 86 people, and the focus here is on outdoor adventure activities and flexibility. Kayaking, hiking, wildlife watching, beachcombing and bushwacking are all on tap. Plus, the line offers land experiences that you can tack onto the beginning or end of your cruise.
Certain itineraries are adults-only, while others are kid-friendly.
Oceania Cruises: Best for Foodies
Oceania Cruises is a luxury cruise line that’s often bunched into the same group as Princess Cruises. It’s not as luxurious as say, Regent Seven Seas, but you’ll definitely get a more upscale experience than you’d find on one of the more family-focused cruise lines.
Oceania Cruises in Alaska (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)
Additionally, the ships are on the smaller side and, while that does mean you won’t have as many overall options in terms of things to do and amenities, you also won’t have the crowds you’d encounter on bigger ships.
Plus, Oceania Cruises has developed a reputation as being food focused — the cruise line’s first executive culinary director was Jacques Pepin, after all! All of the dining venues are included in your fare, and foodie experiences like cooking classes are commonplace.
If you’re in the 50-plus set, don’t care about any partying options (and, in fact, would prefer to be on a ship where you won’t encounter any drunken revelers), and you appreciate a high level of service, Viking might be a good pick for your Alaskan cruise.
Viking Star Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Amilat)
The cruise line doesn’t have quite the same number of Alaska itineraries that some of the others do, but you’ll still be able to see the top spots.
Plus Viking includes a lot of amenities in its fares, such as one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, WiFi, all meals and beer and wine.
Harmony of the Seas is returning to Galveston a day early to avoid the worst impact of Winter Storm Fern.
The port visit to Cozumel on Friday, January 23, is cancelled, and the ship will arrive in Texas late Saturday morning.
Guests are being given a one-day refund of their cruise fare, but all loyalty points are protected.
As Winter Storm Fern makes her way through the continental US, Royal Caribbean has made the decision to bring Harmony of the Seas home to Galveston a day early to finish her January 18 departure on January 24 instead of January 25.
Guests onboard the Oasis-class ship have been notified of the change and what their options are for debarkation.
“In order to give you the best chance at a safe and uninterrupted journey home by avoiding the winter weather impacts to local infrastructure and transportation, we have decided to arrive in Galveston one (1) day earlier than originally scheduled,”the letter shared on Facebook explained.
According to the National Weather Service, those expected impacts include rain and thunderstorms in Galveston, with possible freezing rain and mixed precipitation throughout much of Texas.
Extreme cold and wind chills under 20 degrees Fahrenheit may also cause freezing on the bridges leading from Port of Galveston to the Texas mainland, which could potentially strand cruise travelers.
This change does mean the ship has also skipped her last planned port call on the 7-night sailing, which was to have been a visit to Cozumel, Mexico on Friday, January 23. Satellite tracking confirms that instead, Harmony of the Seas is on her way back to Texas at her top speed of 22 knots (25 miles per hour).
Harmony of the Seas Winter Storm Letter
The ship should be alongside the pier in Galveston at approximately 11 a.m. Saturday morning, nearly a full day ahead of what was to have been a Sunday morning arrival.
Guests can choose to depart the ship as soon as it is cleared for debarkation on Saturday if they want to make their way home right away, but they are not being forced off the vessel earlier.
“Not to worry, if you’re unable to make accommodation to depart the ship on Saturday, or if you would prefer to keep the vacation going and remain onboard, we’re more than happy to have you stay with us until Sunday morning,”the letter said.
If guests do want to stay onboard Harmony of the Seas, they will need to notify their stateroom attendant or the Guest Services desk portside on Deck 5 by noon on Friday.
Guests who do stay onboard will still need to debark the ship with their travel documents on Saturday, but they will be able to reboard the ship as soon as debarkation is completed. This is a similar procedure to back-to-back sailings, and guests can leave their luggage onboard.
Anyone staying onboard Harmony of the Seas should also note that the retail shops and casino must be closed while the ship is docked, in accordance with local regulations.
Compensation Offered
Because this is a relatively drastic change to what was to have been a weeklong cruise, guests onboard Harmony of the Seas are being offered some compensation for the disruption.
First, all pre-paid shore tours booked through Royal Caribbean for the now-cancelled visit to Cozumel are automatically cancelled and refunded to guests’ onboard accounts.
Harmony of the Seas Cruise Ship at Night (Photo Credit: RGleason)
Second, all guests are receiving a one-day prorated refund of their cruise fare. This refund will be posted as onboard credit, and any remaining refundable credits at the end of the cruise will be returned to the card on file after guests depart the ship.
To be clear, this one-day refund is for all of the up to 6,780 guests onboard Harmony of the Seas, regardless of whether or not they choose to stay on the ship until Sunday morning.
Furthermore, all guests will receive their full loyalty points for the 7-night cruise, even if they disembark on Saturday.
Parking Facilities Prepared
Multiple parking facilities and shuttle transportation companies that work with cruise guests at Port of Galveston are prepared for Harmony of the Seas‘ early return.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely and will have our team and shuttles ready to keep everything running smoothly for our EZ Cruise guests. As always, our goal is to make your return just as easy as your departure,”EZ Cruise Parking confirmed.
“Lighthouse parking is fully aware of Royal Caribbean Harmony Of The Seas coming into port a day earlier than scheduled due to weather conditions Saturday 01/24/2026,”Lighthouse Cruise Parking also posted.
“We will have a greeter at our designated spot and will be operating shuttle buses from 11:30am-2:00pm for our customers that decide they will be disembarking from the ship.”
Both parking facilities are located close to the port, south of Harborside Drive and just over a mile from Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Terminal 10.
Next Cruise Not Impacted
Because guests can remain onboard Harmony of the Seas until the originally scheduled debarkation on Sunday, the next sailing will not be departing early.
The ship’s next cruise is another 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary with visits planned for Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Guests booked on the January 25 departure will be alerted if there are any adjustments to their sailing, but there are no confirmed changes at this time.
Norwegian Cruise Line is warning Pride of America guests about a possible 14 percent Hawaii tax.
The cruise-related tax was approved in May 2025 but is currently blocked by a federal appeals court while legal challenges continue.
The tax could add $250 to $500 or more per person on early 2026 sailings.
Guests booking Pride of America sailings with Norwegian Cruise Line are now being warned about a new Hawaii tax that could add hundreds of dollars per person to their cruise, even though the measure is still being challenged in court.
The notice appears directly on the ship’s booking page and outlines a new Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) that Hawaii has instituted for cruise passengers embarking after January 1, 2026.
According to the notice, the tax levies an additional 14 percent of the cruise fare for each visiting passenger and is prorated based on how much time the ship spends in Hawaiian ports.
“The anticipated tax will range from $250 to $500 per person (USD) or higher,” the booking page states.
For sailings departing between January 1 and April 30, 2026, the notice explain that the tax will not be included in the cruise fare shown at the time of booking. Instead, it will be added to each guests’ onboard account and will be due on the final day of the sailing.
Pride of America in Hawaii (Photo Credit: Theodore Trimmer)
Norwegian Cruise Line also tells passengers to expect a follow-up communication after booking, saying, “Upon booking, you will receive a communication from United Cruises within 3-5 business days with the exact, prorated total of the TAT.”
The warning is notable because it appears while the legality of Hawaii’s cruise-related tax remains under review in federal court. Despite the uncertainty, Norwegian Cruise Line is flagging the potential charge upfront and advising guests to call for additional information, if needed.
The Ongoing Hawaii Tax Fight
The new warning is the latest development in a months-long dispute over Hawaii’s effort to apply its TAT to cruise passengers.
The fight began in May 2025, when state legislators passed Act 96, later signed into law by Governor Josh Green. The measure amended Hawaii’s tax code to include cruise ship fares under the same tax structure that applies to hotels and vacation rentals. The tax is prorated based on the number of days a vessel spends in Hawaii ports.
State officials project the change will generate close to $100 million annually for climate resilience initiatives. The law includes an 11 percent state surcharge, with counties authorized to add up to 3 percent more, bringing the total potential tax to 14 percent of prorated cruise fare.
The cruise industry quickly pushed back. In August 2025, cruise lines, represented by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), along with several Hawaii tour operators, filed a lawsuit in federal court. The suit argues that taxing cruise ship passengers and operators violates the US Constitution and federal maritime laws.
On December 23, 2025, a US District Court judge in Honolulu denied a request for a preliminary injunction request that would have stopped the new tax before it took effect. That ruling allowed the expanded TAT to move forward as planned.
However, on December 31, 2025, a panel of the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted a temporary preliminary injunction that blocked Hawaii from enforcing the cruise-related tax while the appeal is reviewed.
By early January 2026, the Ninth Circuit injunction remains in place and as of press time, the cruise portion of the TAT is legally in limbo.
Guests on many Carnival ships have noticed that 2026 collectible VIFP pins are not yet available.
John Heald has explained that trouble with shipping has delayed the pins, but they are on the way.
Guests can request updated pins if they have already sailed in 2026 but not received the correct pin.
Experienced Carnival cruisers love to collect the exclusive, ship-branded pins offered as a VIFP gift to Platinum and Diamond guests. For the past three weeks, however, eager guests have noticed the pins are either missing or inaccurate.
Multiple cruisers have reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, asking about the oversight from various ships in the Carnival fleet.
“My husband and I are currently on the Glory and getting ready to disembark today,”one recent guest explained.“We went to pick up our pins the other day from Pixels and found out that they are still giving the 2025 pins to everyone. I asked about the 2026 pin and they told me they don’t have them yet.”
The VIFP pins typically include the ship’s name and the year, making them a unique collectible for every sailing. Many guests enjoy displaying the pins on hats, vests, bags, or lanyards to show their Carnival cruise history.
“We are half way through January and they still don’t have them,”the guest continued.“For some people it’s no big deal but I truly do collect them and love that the platinum pin has the ship name and year. Is there a way for us to get the correct pin when they do come in? What can we do to get this corrected?”
Multiple guests have reached out to Heald through his popular Facebook page with similar concerns over the past three weeks, noting that they’ve been offered 2025 pins even though their sailings have been in 2026.
In addition to Carnival Glory, guests who have recently sailed on Carnival Freedom, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Vista, Carnival Dream, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, and other ships have also reported receiving the 2025 pins.
2025 Carnival Cruise Line Loyalty Pins
Clearly, this is a fleetwide issue from multiple homeports, and Heald did explain why the pins have not yet been updated for the new year.
“The containership that has many thousands of those pins in our container had a mechanical failure and had to be towed back to the port,”he explained.“They now just reached California and the pins will be distributed to us very soon and we should have them on the ships.”
Admittedly, it may take a week or two for the pins to be delivered to different homeports and brought aboard Carnival’s 29 ships. Exactly when the pins will be available on each vessel will also depend on when individual ships return to their homeport and can bring the new pins aboard.
Guests Can Request Updated Pins
Fortunately for Carnival guests who have already completed sailings in 2026, they can still receive the updated pins for their collections.
“All is not lost. When you get home, please just send the booking number and request for [a pin] to [customer service] and my colleagues will send one to you as quickly as possible,”Heald offered.
It is important that guests include their booking number when they contact Carnival Cruise Line’s customer care team so their sailing can be verified and the proper pin will be sent.
It may take a few weeks for the pins to be shipped, but guests should still be able to complete their pin collection with the appropriate ship pin with the correct year.
Pins Will Continue With Carnival Rewards
Guests who do enjoy collecting the exclusive annual pins to commemorate their Carnival sailings will be pleased to note that the gifts will still continue when the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program is retired and replaced with Carnival Rewards later this year.
Pins will still be available to those guests who earn the Platinum and Diamond levels under the new program, but there will no longer be a Gold level pin. Under the VIFP program, Gold pins do not have the year, just the name of the vessel.
It is unknown how the designs of the pins may change for Carnival Rewards, but it is not unusual for the designs to shift from year-to-year. Some years have had more classic, nautically themed designs, while others offer more whimsical, colorful flair.
Scarlet Lady will be operating a different itinerary than planned for her December 12, 2026, sailing.
Instead of the Mayan Sol itinerary, the Virgin Voyages’ ship will operate a Grand Turk & Bimini Beach Club sailing.
The main change is that the ship will call to Grand Turk instead of Costa Maya.
When cruise lines make itinerary changes, they try to keep the adjustments as minimal as possible. But for Scarlet Lady’s December 12, 2026, sailing, the itinerary has been replaced and renamed.
Instead of operating the 5-night Mayan Sol sailing as planned, the Virgin Voyages’ ship will pivot to the 5-night Grand Turk & Bimini Beach Club itinerary.
“We wanted to let you know that your Sailor’s Mayan Sol sailing on December 12, 2026 has been refreshed to feature Grand Turk & The Beach Club at Bimini – one of our highest-rated Caribbean itineraries,” Virgin Voyages said in an update.
“This update replaces their original itinerary with a sailing designed to deliver more effortless island time, featuring Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, alongside our iconic Beach Club at Bimini,” the adults-only brand continued.
For reference, the Beach Club at Bimini is Virgin Voyages’ exclusive resort on Bimini Island for guests 18 and up that launched with the young cruise line in 2021.
What Does the New Itinerary Look Like?
Eliminating the need for extra stress surrounding travel arrangements, embarkation and debarkation will continue as planned in PortMiami on December 12 and December 17. The changes only impact the ports of call on the itinerary.
“While some of the ports of call have changed, their voyage length, ship, and embarkation port remain the same,” Virgin Voyages confirmed.
The original itinerary that guests booked should have called to Costa Maya, Mexico, on December 14 and Bimini, Bahamas, on December 16.
Under the new plan, the call to Bimini, Bahamas, remains the same. However, Costa Maya was replaced by Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, on December 14. The 2,770-guest ship will be in the Eastern Caribbean destination from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. local time.
Why Was the Change Made?
Cruise lines can make itinerary adjustments for a variety of reasons, and Virgin Voyages did not explicitly confirm the reason behind the change.
That said, several ships have already been routed away from Costa Maya due to changes in port availability related to Royal Caribbean’s endeavors. It seems likely that this may be what’s happening here.
Royal Caribbean is currently in the process of transforming Costa Maya into Perfect Day Mexico, with the massive resort expected to open in the fall of 2027.
The cruise line stated that it would keep the port open to all cruise lines when Royal Caribbean officially took possession of the port last summer, but construction may be getting in the way.
“This may be related to the fact that Royal Caribbean is converting the Costa Maya port to their own private resort,” one cruise fan guessed on Reddit.
Most recently, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore had to skip its planned call to Costa Maya on January 21, 2026, for this reason.
Guests Celebrate the News
Rather than reacting with anger or frustration, much of the response to the updated itinerary has been positive. Though it is a matter of personal preference, many view Grand Turk as a better port.
“Costa Maya is a tourist trap port made specifically for cruisers. It’s a C tier port. You just got an A or A-,”one cruiser asserted.
“Honestly – that’s an upgrade. Costa Maya doesn’t have much to do,” another agreed.
With just over 10 months until this cruise embarks, it also would be much too soon for guests to have shore excursions booked, meaning there is no real upheaval to their plans either.
“Shore Things,” as the cruise line calls them, do not go on sale until 135 days before the sailing for RockStar and Mega RockStar suite guests and 120 days in advance for everyone else.
The Port of Los Angeles is getting a brand new cruise terminal in the Outer Harbor.
Carrix, Inc. and JLC Infrastructure will undertake this task as a joint venture.
The existing World Cruise Center will also be redeveloped in the near future.
The Port of Los Angeles is making plans to build a bigger, smarter, and more sustainable future as the cruise industry flourishes.
With more growth on the horizon, and the port expected to feature in the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, it’s time to improve infrastructure and expand. Plans are now underway to transform the port’s Outer Harbor into a new, state-of-the-art cruise center.
This task will be undertaken by Pacific Cruise Terminals, a joint venture between Carrix, Inc. and JLC Infrastructure. They will also be in charge of its operation once complete.
“Carrix is one of North America’s leading cruise terminal operators with a great track record developing large-scale infrastructure projects,”said Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director.
This news is a long time coming, as the port first announced plans to refresh and expand its infrastructure and issued a request for proposals in the summer of 2024.
New Los Angeles Cruise Terminal (Render Credit: Carrix)
At this time, no target date has been set for the new terminal’s completion. However, we do know that it will be called the Harbor Cruise Terminal and Park when it finally does open.
Growth by the Numbers
2024 was a massive year for the San Pedro-based port, with the World Cruise Center welcoming a record-breaking 1.6 million passengers across 241 ship calls. Financially, this equates to around $1.3 million in revenue for the local economy.
Just to name a few, major brands like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line have been quite active in the port. With more growth expected, and the rise of mega-ships continuing, the Port of Los Angeles needs the ability to welcome more and bigger vessels.
Seroka also expects that the upgrades to the port will have an even greater positive economic impact on the surrounding community and will enhance the Los Angeles waterfront for tourists and residents alike.
What to Expect From the New Terminal
Renderings of the upcoming Harbor Cruise Terminal and Park reveal a state-of-the-art facility.
The terminal will be a modern, circular building with berths on either side that are able to accommodate the world’s biggest cruise ships.
The main building will look a bit like a donut, with the center serving as a grassy outdoor park that connects to outdoor steps that overlook the harbor.
The new terminal will also be completed with shore power capabilities, which is a greener alternative to traditional fuel sources. This aligns with the cruise port’s sustainability goals.
“It will be an investment in our workforce, sustainability, resilience and innovation—keeping us ready for the opportunities of tomorrow,”Seroka said.
Further speaking to this, recent reports show that the Los Angeles Cruise Port has achieved the lowest emissions ever on a per-TEU basis of any port in the world – and port authorities are only just getting started.
World Cruise Terminal Also Gets Revamped
It’s not just the new cruise terminal that is getting all the love.
The World Cruise Center will also be redeveloped by Pacific Cruise Terminals. The dedicated passenger terminal has been welcoming cruise guests since 1988, meaning it is very likely time for an upgrade.
“This new Outer Harbor cruise terminal and World Cruise Center redevelopment will allow us to capture more of the rapidly growing cruise business, while also establishing Los Angeles as the primary West Coast gateway for cruise operations,”Seroka asserted.
It’s unclear what this redevelopment actually entails, but the facilities currently consist of two terminal buildings, two cruise berths, and a baggage handling structure that is shared across multiple cruise lines.
And even without knowing all the details just yet, it’s clear that the future will be bright for the City of Angels.
Carnival Cruise Line is alerting guests sailing on Carnival Pride that the winter storm may impact their sailing.
The impacted cruise is the ship’s January 25 departure from Baltimore, in the middle of a winter storm warning.
There are no confirmed changes at this time, but guests should sign up for text alerts for the fastest updates.
Most cruise travelers dream of balmy breezes, sunny skies, and warm temperatures for their cruise vacation. That isn’t what guests should expect when embarking on Carnival Pride in Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday, January 25, 2026, however.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the 7-night Bahamas cruise to alert them to the possibility that poor weather may have a significant impact on their sailing, including embarkation.
“Carnival Pride’s Captain, Renato Bendinelli, and our Fleet Operations Center have been actively monitoring weather forecasts for Baltimore,”the email explains.“Heavy snow is expected in the region, and this could impact our operational plans for the day.”
According to the National Weather Service, Baltimore will be under a winter storm watch from 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 24 through 7 a.m. on Monday, January 26. This includes the expectation for at least five inches of snow, with a possibility that more than 10 inches of snow may fall.
The snowfall may also be mixed with sleet and freezing rain, which can create extremely hazardous conditions for anyone driving to the cruise port.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,”the weather advisory notes.“A mix with sleet or freezing rain is possible Sunday. Significant icing is possible especially south of Highway 50. Visibility of one-quarter mile or less is possible at times.”
Port of Baltimore is approximately 20 miles north of Highway 50, but still well within the expected area of heavy snow, icy conditions, and poor visibility.
Carnival Cruise Line is urging guests to sign up for text alerts to stay up to date in case of changes to Carnival Pride‘s embarkation or departure from Baltimore on Sunday.
No Changes Yet Confirmed
Guests eagerly anticipating their 7-night sailing are naturally concerned about whether or not their itinerary may be changed.
“For now, there are no changes, but, since forecasts can vary, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated if it becomes necessary to adjust things,”Carnival confirmed.
Carnival Pride‘s upcoming itinerary is as follows:
Sunday, January 25 – Depart Baltimore at 4:30 p.m.
Monday, January 26 – Day at Sea
Tuesday, January 27 – Day at Sea
Wednesday, January 28 – Bimini from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, January 29 – Princess Cays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, January 30 – Celebration Key from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, January 31 – Day at Sea
Sunday, February 1 – Arrive in Baltimore, expected debarkation by 10 a.m.
With two days at sea to begin the cruise, it is possible there is a small margin that could help account for any delays leaving Baltimore without needing to adjust the port visits. If any departure delay is extensive, however, the ports of call will undoubtedly be impacted.
Carnival Pride Docked in Baltimore (Photo Credit: Cruise Maryland)
Again, at this time, there is no delay for Carnival Pride and no confirmed itinerary changes. Guests should stay in close contact with Carnival Cruise Line in case there are any changes.
No Compensation Will Be Provided
Carnival has been clear that in these types of weather-related circumstances, no compensation will be provided to guests who might miss their ship because they aren’t able to arrive at the cruise terminal on time.
John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, confirmed this with a guest who is planning to drive not to Baltimore, but to Norfolk to board Carnival Sunshine. Like Baltimore, Norfolk is also under a winter storm watch with an expected mix of rain, sleet, and snow.
“As of now there’s a POSSIBILITY of UP TO 3 FEET of snow accumulation starting late on 23 Jan and all weekend,”the guest explained.“We should have had some communication [from Carnival]. … If we miss the ship boarding time will we get fully refunded. If not why not and when do we get some news on this. Do you not care?????”
While the National Weather Service for Norfolk does not verify “up to 3 feet” of snow, it does confirm “moderate to major impacts in infrastructure and transportation.”
Guests are always responsible for reaching the cruise terminal in time for boarding, as is clearly printed on every boarding pass. While it’s true that weather is outside of guests’ control, it is also outside the cruise line’s control.
“I can assure you that if there is anything that needs to be communicated to you regarding this the Beards at the Mothership will do so,”Heald noted, urging everyone to travel safely to both Norfolk and Baltimore.
The same response applies no matter what may delay a guest in reaching the cruise terminal. In August 2025, a family driving from Senioa, Georgia to Port Canaveral was delayed due to congestion from a traffic accident and missed embarkation for Carnival Glory.
Despite the fact that the traffic accident was not their fault, they did not receive any refund for missing their cruise. Similarly, any guests delayed in reaching their cruise ships due to the impact of winter weather on driving or flights should not expect compensation.
