Guests interested in an elevated cruise experience will be thrilled that Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the luxury line of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, has ordered a third ship of the already vaunted Prestige Class.
The order has been secured through Fincantieri, the shipyard that has the first of the Prestige-class vessels under construction and an order for the second already confirmed.
The new ship, one of the largest ever built for the luxury line at 77,000 gross tons, is scheduled for delivery in 2033, following Seven Seas Prestige in 2026 and the second in the new class in 2030.
The ultra-luxury ship will be able to welcome 822 guests with the one of the best guest-to-space ratios in the cruise industry, ensuring outstanding experiences onboard and a unique sense of elegance, sophistication, and timelessness.
“This newbuild order continues our measured, strategic expansion within the luxury space, providing guests with yet another way to experience the unrivaled aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,”said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
“It reflects our confidence in the growing demand for Regent’s best-in-class offering and reaffirms our long-standing partnership with Fincantieri, one rooted in craftsmanship and shared pursuit of perfection.”
While no details of the new ship have yet been announced, the entire Prestige class will embody game-changing luxury for discerning cruise travelers.
New public spaces with refreshing decor, updated suite categories, and elegant dining venues are sure to offer outstanding experiences for travelers with the unmatched opulence characteristic of the all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas brand.
Of special interest is the already legendary Skyview Regent Suite aboard the Prestige-class ships. The two-level suite offers 8,794 square feet of living space and a wraparound balcony with an additional 3,700 square feet of outdoor space. For comparison, the average US home is less than 2,000 square feet.
Regent Seven Seas Cruise Ship Deck
The suite will have a private gym and sauna, two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, an in-suite elevator, skylights, a hand-carved bathtub, and so much more.
Even with an overwhelming price of $25,000 per night (yes, PER NIGHT), the Skyview Regent Suite is already nearly sold out aboard Seven Seas Prestige for her inaugural season. It is sure to be equally popular on the third ship in the class.
A History of Successful Collaboration
This latest order between Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings continues a long-standing partnership of excellent design and outstanding collaboration.
The Italian shipbuilder has already delivered 10 ships to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings different brands, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“Our long-term strategic expansion with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., established over the past years through multiple successful orders, continues to strengthen our collaboration, especially within the ultra-luxury segment represented by Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri.
“This latest contract confirms the trust NCLH places in Fincantieri’s expertise to deliver innovative, sustainable, and exquisitely crafted ships that meet the evolving aspirations of the luxury cruise market.”
For Norwegian Cruise Line, the partnership includes all three of the innovative Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima (2022) Norwegian Viva (2023), and Norwegian Aqua (2025).
As part of the Oceania Cruises family, Fincantieri has built two complete classes, the Oceania class with Marina (2011) and Riviera (2012), as well as the Allura class with Vista (2023) and Allura (2025).
For Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Fincantieri has already built Seven Seas Explorer (2016), Seven Seas Splendor (2020), and Seven Seas Grandeur (2023).
An incoming cold front is forcing a port visit change for Utopia of the Seas on the ship’s November 10 departure.
While the ship will still visit all planned ports, the order of the ports has now been changed for smoother sailing.
Shore tours will be automatically rescheduled for Nassau, but no other ports are impacted.
While it’s still hurricane season until November 30, it isn’t a tropical system that is forcing an itinerary change for Utopia of the Seas‘ November 10, 2025 departure.
An incoming cold front that is already causing winter weather and plummeting temperatures in the northern states and will pass through the Sunshine State on Monday is causing the schedule adjustment, as booked guests have been informed.
“Due to inclement weather we’ve been tracking along our path, we’ve swapped the days we’ll visit Nassau, Bahamas and our Day at Sea,”the notification sent to guests the day before embarkation explained.
The 4-night Bahamas cruise was originally scheduled to first have a visit to Nassau, followed by Perfect Day at CocoCay, then a day at sea before the ship returns to Port Canaveral on Friday, November 14.
Now, the Oasis-class ship’s schedule will be as follows:
Monday, November 10 – Depart Port Canaveral at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, November 11 – Day at Sea (formerly Nassau)
Wednesday, November 12 – Perfect Day at CocoCay from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, November 13 – Nassau from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (formerly at sea)
Friday, November 14 – Arrive Port Canaveral at 6:30 a.m.
The time the ship is to spend in Nassau is slightly different, now from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the original schedule called for the visit to be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This actually gives guests an extra hour to enjoy the capital of the Bahamas.
Any pre-booked shore tours for Nassau reserved through Royal Caribbean are being automatically rescheduled to Thursday instead of Tuesday, and guests do not need to take any action for those changes.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Justin Kozemchak)
There is no other change to the itinerary, including the departure from Port Canaveral, the port visit time at CocoCay, and the return to Port Canaveral.
Weather-related changes are always made with safety as the first priority. Guests’ comfort is also a concern, and switching the schedule can ensure smoother sailing and a more pleasant cruise experience.
How Rough Will the Water Be?
The cold front moving down through the US is scheduled to pass through Florida on Monday afternoon, bringing with it a potentially strong line of thunderstorms.
In the Port Canaveral area, Wesh2 forecasts the strongest storms will hit from 2-8 p.m. Utopia of the Seas will not depart the port until 4 p.m., but may miss the worst of the afternoon’s weather as she heads south toward the Bahamas.
Icy cold air will follow as the cold front continues to move south, so cruise guests will be glad to be sailing away from temperatures that may be in the low 30s.
On Tuesday morning, when Utopia of the Seas was to have been docking in Nassau, Windy expects winds near the port to be 22-24 knots (25-28 miles per hour), with potentially higher gusts. On Thursday, the winds will have dropped to approximately 12 knots (14 mph).
This will make it much easier for the 236,500-gross-ton ship to safely maneuver into the busy harbor and dock smoothly.
On Thursday, Utopia of the Seas will join four other ships in Nassau – Norwegian Joy, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Conquest, and Mardi Gras.
Virgin Voyages is offering future voyage credits if guests miss sailing due to cancelled flights from the US government shutdown.
Guests must submit an airline cancellation confirmation to receive the credit and airfare costs are not included.
Flight cancellations and delays at 40 major US airports are impacting thousands of cruise guests.
With the growing disruptions at major US airports as a result of the prolonged government shutdown and air traffic reductions, cruise guests are understandably nervous about reaching their cruises in the coming days.
Even if travelers may be flying in a day or two before sailing, it is possible that cancelled flights or rescheduling delays could still cause them to miss their cruise ship.
Virgin Voyages, however, is making sure booked guests don’t need to stress. In a Facebook post, the cruise line confirmed that they will stand behind impacted guests to make sure they still get their vacation.
“Flight cancellations = uncertainty. Who needs more stress before their vacation’s even started?”the social media post said.“This isn’t what you signed up for or what you deserve, and it certainly isn’t your fault.”
“Virgin Voyages has always been for you. If your flight gets canceled and you can’t make your voyage, reach out to Sailor Services with your airline cancellation confirmation – we’ll grant you an immediate future voyage credit.”
To be clear, the cruise line is not offering refunds to impacted guests, but the future credit will help them rebook their vacation for a more manageable time when flights aren’t quite so crazy.
“What we can’t guarantee: no cancellations. What we can guarantee: we’ll take care of you,”the cruise line said. “When things get back to normal, we’ll be right here – ready to take you away from all of it. You’re definitely going to need it. The smiles are on us.”
While Virgin Voyages is not offering reimbursement for the flights themselves (guests would need to work that out with their airline), this is an exceedingly generous offer and it is amazing for the cruise line to step up when guests need the assistance.
Naturally, guests would be disappointed to miss their cruise, but knowing their vacation investment is safe with Virgin Voyages can make the frustration just a little less.
Are Cruisers’ Flights Really Being Impacted?
The possibility of flight cancellations or delays has always been a concern for cruise travelers who aren’t able to drive to homeports, but how much of a concern is it really?
On Sunday, November 9, the flight data website FlightAware notes that Miami International Airport (MIA) has had 66 cancelled flights and 326 flight delays.
Miami International Airport is roughly eight miles from Terminal V at PortMiami, where three of Virgin Voyages’ ships are currently homeported: Scarlet Lady, Brilliant Lady, and Resilient Lady.
Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL), just 25 miles north of PortMiami, is also experiencing issues. There have been 57 cancelled flights and 256 flight delays on Sunday.
Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
In comparison, on Thursday, November 6, the last day before the flight reductions were instituted, MIA had no flight cancellations and 231 delays, while FLL also had no cancellations and only 188 flight delays.
Bear in mind, delays might range from just a few minutes to several hours, but the change in the number of flight cancellations is shocking.
Read Also: Virgin Voyages Simplifies Names for 17 Caribbean Itineraries
Most cruise lines have firm policy that unless airfare is booked through the cruise line, flight disruptions are not their concern. No refunds, future cruise credits, or other compensation will be offered if guests miss their cruise departure due to flight problems.
Furthermore, many travel insurance policies do not cover government shutdowns, and so no reimbursement for lost cruises, airfare changes, or other fees would be possible.
Many cruise travelers are now grappling with the flight uncertainties and attempting to switch to earlier flights to permit more of a buffer in case of changes.
Another option for some guests is to give up on flights altogether and instead make lengthy drives to their cruise homeports, though this may not be practical or possible for everyone.
Black Friday is still a few weeks away, but cruise lines are already getting in on the traditional consumer spending spree with a wide range of tempting offers, such as cruise fare discounts, onboard credits, special packages, and free amenities.
The cruise line is getting in on the action when it comes to Black Friday! Starting from November 11, MSC is having a flash sale with cruises from $159 on select voyages for MSC Divina, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside, and MSC Seashore. Do keep an eye out, as there may be more incentives on the way from the cruise line!
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean launched its “Beat the Clock” Black Friday sale, offering up to $1,000 in savings, free fares for the third and fourth guests in a cabin, and up to half off cruise extras.
Under the offers, each discount or benefit has a specific booking window. The free fare for third and fourth guests in a stateroom has a booking window through December 8, 2025 for cruises departing between November 8, 2025 and December 31, 2026.
Royal Caribbean Black Friday Deal
The booking window for up to $1,000 in savings is November 7 to 10, 2025, for sailings departing on or after that date.
Guests can receive up to $950 in savings on bookings made from November 11 to 12, 2025 on cruises departing on or after November 11, 2025.
And, cruisers can receive an onboard credit up to $900 for bookings made on November 13, 2025 for voyages departing on or after that date.
Certain holiday and summer season cruises, and Alaska cruisetours are excluded from these offers.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line launched its biggest sale of the year with a 50% discount on all voyages — and that means all itineraries and all ships. The sale rollout coincided with the line’s announcement that it is bringing back its former Free at Sea package.
Norwegian Aqua Pool Deck
That value-added package features around $2,000 in savings that come in the form of a beverage and WiFi package, dining offers, and onboard credits that can be applied to shore excursions.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises’ Black Friday deals took effect on November 6, 2025 and continue through December 8, 2025. The second guest in a cabin can sail for up to 75% off the regular fare, and for those who book by November 10, 2025, the line offers up to $700 in other savings.
The deals are available on cruises departing through May 10, 2028, and include special voyages such as those with routings perfect for viewing the 2026 solar eclipse.
The offers do not apply to Galapagos Island cruises or to Celebrity River Cruises.
Virgin Voyages
Cruisers looking for a big bargain can check out Virgin Voyages’ Black Friday sale that offers an 80% discount on the second guest in a stateroom.
Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EQRoy)
The deal is available on bookings made through December 4, 2025, and features a Bar Tab credit up to $400. Some Virgin cruises are priced at $99 per person, per night, a rate that the cruise line says is the lowest fare it has ever offered.
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea unveiled its Black Friday sale that features a “Cruise + Bundle” package combining a beverage and WiFi plan for $199, which is a savings of 50% off the regular cost of the two plans.
The Bundle plan covers the cruise fare, 15 alcoholic drinks per day and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, plus unlimited WiFi for one device.
Pool Deck of Margaritaville at Sea Islander (Photo Credit: Feng Cheng)
Moreover, the Black Friday sale knocks 60% off all cruise fares and includes preview pricing on sailings aboard the line’s newest ship, Beachcomber, which will join the fleet in 2027.
The sale also features discounts on the 2026 Paradise Pass, which provides unlimited cruises with special perks onboard Paradise, which sails year-round from Palm Beach, Florida.
Upmarket Oceania Cruises kicked off its Black Friday sale with an offer of up to 50% off cruise fares on 170-plus voyages with departure dates in 2026 and 2027. The offers became available on November 5, 2025.
The discount is valid on cruises in Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Asia.
We’ll keep updating this list as more cruise lines start their Black Friday Cruise Deals! If you book through Cruise Hive, you can also take advantage of bonus offers and ourexclusive up to $1,500 Visa gift card!
Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed the updated list of parties and events onboard every ship in the fleet.
All ships will feature the signature 80s Rock-N-Glow party and its totally rad, day-glo vibes.
Exact events will vary on different ships and sailings based on cruise length and available space.
Carnival cruisers are generally a lively crowd, enjoying music, dancing, and fun.
The cruise line leans into that vibe with multiple parties onboard, with every ship in the fleet having at least 1-2 signature events during even the shortest sailings.
Some events change seasonally as ships shift to new homeport regions. It does not make sense, for example, to offer a “Tropical Nights” party for ships sailing in Alaskan waters.
Some events are also only offered on longer sailings when there is more time to schedule parties.
Now, the cruise line has updated the event schedule for the winter season (or in Australia, the summer season), and guests will be thrilled to enjoy the most popular event, the 80s Rock-N-Glow party, on every single ship on every single sailing.
So pack the leg warmers, day-glo, and shoulder pads to strut your 80s vibe, but don’t miss out on these other parties across the Carnival fleet as well:
Adventure: White Hot Party, Silent Party, 90s, Decades Party, Abba Party, Island Party
Breeze: Silent Party, Motown, Lonestar Party, Country Party
Celebration: White Hot Party, Motown, Evolution (exclusive to Carnival Celebration)
Conquest: Farewell Party
Dream: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Lonestar
Elation: Silent Party, Motown, 90s
Encounter: White Hot Party, Silent Party, 90s, Decades Party, Island Party
Firenze: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Motown
Freedom: Silent Party, Motown, Farewell Party
Glory: Farewell Party
Horizon: White Hot Party, Motown, Silent Party
Jubilee: White Hot Party
Legend: White Hot Party, Motown
Liberty: White Hot Party, Motown, Farewell Party
Luminosa: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Abba, Backyard Bash, Island Party, Superhero Party
Magic: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Motown, Farewell Party
Mardi Gras: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Motown, 90s
Miracle: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Motown
Panorama: White Hot Party, Motown
Paradise: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Motown
Pride: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Motown, Farewell Party
Radiance: Motown, 90s
Spirit: White Hot Party, Silent Party
Splendor: Silent Party, Island Night Party, Abba, Superhero Party
Sunrise: White Hot Party, Motown, 90s, Farewell Party
Sunshine: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Motown, Farewell Party
Valor: Motown, Farewell Party
Venezia: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Motown, Festa Italiana (exclusive to Carnival Venezia)
Vista: White Hot Party, Silent Party, Motown
While these are the planned events for all Carnival ships, schedules can vary from sailing to sailing depending on different factors.
It can be difficult to have multiple deck parties if the weather is poor, for example. Similarly, if space may not be available due to group events, some parties might be relocated or cancelled.
Themed Music Party on Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
The most updated event schedule will be in the Carnival Hub app when guests board their cruise ship. Events are also printed in the FunTimes newsletter, and will often be announced by the cruise director each day.
Parties May Not Be for Everyone
While these signature events are popular onboard Carnival ships, no one is ever forced to join in if they aren’t interested.
Furthermore, there is no established dress code, dance move, or other qualification to participate in different parties.
Want to be part of the White Hot Party but don’t pack along white clothes on a cruise? No worries, just go ahead and have a good time! Don’t fit into your 80s leggings anymore? That’s okay, you can show off your moves all the same.
All these events are free and open to all ages, so everyone can enjoy the fun onboard, no matter how they prefer to party.
The FBI is investigating a guest’s death following Carnival Horizon‘s November 2 sailing, a 6-night cruise.
No details about the guest’s age, identity, or cause of death have been confirmed by authorities.
There has been no delay to Carnival Horizon and the ship has already set sail on her next voyage.
A cruise vacation is supposed to be a fun and memorable time, but some guests aboard Carnival Horizon will be remembering their sailing for all the wrong reasons.
When the ship returned to PortMiami on Saturday, November 8, 2025, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were on hand to look into the death of a passenger.
Few details are available at this time, but according to CBS Miami, Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that it is cooperating with the FBI Miami office to facilitate the investigation.
“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,”a statement from the cruise line read.
This only confirms that it is a guest who is deceased, but no further details have been released. There is no information about the guest’s age, traveling party, or the cause of death.
There are various rumors on social media groups about the incident, including the suspicion of foul play or substance abuse, that the guest was found unresponsive in a stateroom, and that it may have been a young woman. These are not officially confirmed, however, and are speculation only.
Some guests onboard the sailing have recalled a medical emergency call to Deck 8 on the last day of the sailing, but this may have been unrelated. Medical emergencies are not uncommon on cruise ships.
Some guests on Deck 8, however, did receive notification in their staterooms that they would have priority debarkation in order to stay clear of investigators.
“Authorities will be joining the ship first thing upon arrival to complete an investigation and will be in the area of your hallway,”the notification said.“It could be noisy and disruptive, so we kindly ask that you be out of your stateroom by 7:00 am.”
Carnival Horizon in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Those guests had an option for breakfast, then were escorted first off the ship. It is unclear, however, whether they were personally involved in the investigation or simply in nearby staterooms that needed to be emptied to facilitate the investigation and protect the privacy of those involved.
An FBI spokesperson also released a brief statement confirming the investigation.
“I can confirm that the FBI has responded to the scene,”the spokesperson said.“Because this is an ongoing matter, no further information is available at this time.”
Is the Next Sailing Impacted?
Carnival Horizon just completed a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary that initially departed on Sunday, November 2. The ship delivered relief supplies to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and enjoyed port visits to Grand Cayman and Cozumel before returning to Miami.
It is not known when the guest may have passed, though cruise ships are equipped with morgues if necessary. A Medical Examiner van from Miami-Dade County was on hand when the ship arrived back to port.
While some guests noticed a delay with the morning’s debarkation, there was no delay to Carnival Horizon‘s next voyage. The Vista-class ship has already departed on the 8-night Southern Caribbean “ABC” itinerary.
Carnival Horizon can welcome 3,960 guests aboard at double occupancy, or as many as 4,977 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. There are also roughly 1,400 international crew members onboard.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the impacted guests and crew members aboard Carnival Horizon at this troubling time.
Cruise directors are the face of fun aboard Carnival cruise ships, and having the Carnival cruise director schedule can help travelers plan which ships to book to enjoy their favorite Fun Squad leaders.
This updated schedule is the ultimate tool for knowing which particular cruise director is assigned to which ship in the coming months.
We’ll keep updating this list weekly.
Carnival Adventure
Dates
Cruise Director
Nov 17, 2025 – Jan 24, 2026
Sophie Gideon
Jan 24 – Jun 5, 2026
Felipe Do Couto
Jun 1 – Aug 7, 2026
Grant Bowden
Aug 7 – Nov 30, 2026
Felipe Do Couto
Carnival Breeze
Dates
Cruise Director
Sep 8, 2025 – Jan 12, 2026
Sinclair Hammerbach
Jan 8 – Mar 14, 2026
Abbie Lockett
Jan 26 – Feb 5, 2026
Jeimy Caro
Mar 14 – Jul 13, 2026
Sinclair Hammerbach
Jun 1 – Jun 11, 2026
Ciara Crowley
Jul 9 – Sep 12, 2026
Adam Gilbert
Sep 7, 2026 – Jan 11, 2027
Keegan Van Zyl
Carnival Celebration
Dates
Cruise Director
Nov 2, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Louie Clare
Jan 11 – May 10, 2026
Joey Boyes
May 10 – Jun 28, 2026
Louie Clare
Jun 21 – Nov 7, 2026
Jacky Tang
Carnival Conquest
Dates
Cruise Director
Nov 3, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026
Victor Pastrana
Jan 2 – Feb 6, 2026
George Cross
Feb 15 – May 18, 2026
Gabby Gamboa
May 15 – Jul 17, 2026
Vanessa Fredrich
Jul 17 – Nov 20, 2026
Gabby Gamboa
Carnival Dream
Dates
Cruise Director
Feb 1 – Feb 7, 2026
Lawrence West
Feb 1 – Mar 3, 2026
Filipe Mendes
Mar 16 – Apr 18, 2026
Filipe Mendes
Apr 18 – Aug 16, 2026
Lawrence West
Aug 16 – Nov 14, 2026
Andy Mercer
Carnival Elation
Dates
Cruise Director
Nov 3, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026
Leo Alexander
Feb 2 – Apr 27, 2026
Franco Spies
Apr 23, 2026 – Sep 10, 2026
John Loney
Sep 5, 2026 – Jan 9, 2027
Amber Celen
Carnival Encounter
Dates
Cruise Director
Oct 11, 2025 – Feb 16, 2026
Lia Stivers
Feb 26 – May 8, 2026
Sophie Gideon
May 1 – Jul 11, 2026
Kieran Wilson
Jul 4 – Nov 7, 2026
Franco Spies
Nov 3, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027
Kieran Wilson
Carnival Firenze
Dates
Cruise Director
Oct 30, 2025 – Jan 12, 2026
Keegan Van Zyl
Jan 8 – Mar 9, 2026
Zack Paiement‑Dockrill
Mar 5 – Jul 6, 2026
Amber Celen
Jul 3 – Aug 21, 2026
Jei Caro
Aug 17, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027
Mike D’Auria
Carnival Freedom
Dates
Cruise Director
Nov 8, 2025 – Mar 14, 2026
Todd Evans
Mar 9 – May 14, 2026
Michelle Purdy
May 14 – Sep 1, 2026
Todd Evans
Oct 4 – Nov 7, 2026
Frankie Portera
Carnival Glory
Dates
Cruise Director
Sep 8, 2025 – Jan 9, 2026
Rico Betancourt
Jan 5 – Mar 2, 2026
John Loney
Feb 27 – Apr 9, 2026
Andy Mercer
Apr 6 – May 11, 2026
Cryssi St Cyr
May 22 – May 29, 2026
Ciara Crowley
May 8 – Sep 14, 2026
Abbie Lockett
Carnival Horizon
Dates
Cruise Director
Sep 27, 2025 – Feb 22, 2026
Tyler Meehan
Jan 11 – 25, 2026
Jeimy Caro
Feb 14 – May 23, 2026
Deon Williams
May 17 – Sep 20, 2026
Marq Anthony
Sep 12, 2026 – Jan 16, 2027
Zack Paiement‑Dockrill
Carnival Jubilee
Dates
Cruise Director
Aug 9, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026
Andy Mercer
Jan 8 – May 9, 2026
Kyndall Fire
May 2 – Jul 18, 2026
Rainier Scholtz
Jul 18 – Nov 14, 2026
Kyndall Fire
Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027
Andy Mercer
Carnival Legend
Dates
Cruise Director
Jul 7 – Nov 10, 2025
Adam Gilbert
Nov 6, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026
Filipe Mendes
Jan 15 – Apr 29, 2026
Adam Gilbert
May 15 – Nov 16, 2026
Simon London
Nov 12, 2026 – Jan 24, 2027
Frankie Portera
Carnival Liberty
Dates
Cruise Director
Jan 22 – Mar 8, 2026
Grant Bowden
Mar 1 – May 3, 2026
Victor Pastrana
May 3 – Aug 30, 2026
Gabe Coppolla
Aug 23 – Oct 25, 2026
Kieran Wilson
Oct 18, 2026 – Feb 21, 2027
Lawrence West
Carnival Luminosa
Dates
Cruise Director
Oct 26, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026
Michelle O’Callaghan
Jan 11 – Mar 5, 2026
Louie Clare
Feb 26 – Jul 6, 2026
Keegan Van Zyl
Jul 2 – Oct 23, 2026
Louie Clare
Carnival Magic
Dates
Cruise Director
Sep 28 – Nov 15, 2025
George Cross
Nov 9, 2025 – Apr 19, 2026
Rainier Scholtz
May 21 – Jul 5, 2026
Filipe Mendes
Jul 5 – Nov 8, 2026
Sophie Gideon
Mardi Gras
Dates
Cruise Director
Oct 11 – Dec 6, 2025
Deon Williams
Dec 6, 2025 – Apr 18, 2026
Jacky Tang
Apr 11 – Jul 11, 2026
Andy Mercer
Jul 4 – Nov 7, 2026
Joey Boyes
Oct 31, 2026 – Jan 16, 2027
Rainier Scholtz
Carnival Miracle
Dates
Cruise Director
Nov 20, 2025 – Jan 17, 2026
Frankie Portera
Jan 17 – May 21, 2026
Gary Blair
May 21 – Jul 23, 2026
Frankie Portera
Jul 23 – Nov 23, 2026
Gary Blair
Carnival Panorama
Dates
Cruise Director
Aug 30, 2025 – Feb 14, 2026
Simon London
Feb 8 – May 3, 2026
George Cross
Apr 28 – Jul 18, 2026
Zack Paiement‑Dockrill
Jul 18 – Nov 15, 2026
George Cross
Carnival Paradise
Dates
Cruise Director
Oct 9, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026
Edgar Toscano Murillo
Jan 5 – Mar 7, 2026
Sofia Tosches
Mar 2 – Jul 6, 2026
Michelle O’Callaghan
Jun 14 – Sep 14, 2026
Ciara Crowley
Sep 14 – Nov 15, 2026
Michelle O’Callaghan
Carnival Pride
Dates
Cruise Director
Jan 25 – Mar 15, 2026
Ben Kitchen
Apr 4 – May 17, 2026
Frankie Portera
May 10 – Aug 2, 2026
Sam Thurgood
Jul 26 – Nov 29, 2026
Deon Williams
Nov 22, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Cryssi St Cyr
Carnival Radiance
Dates
Cruise Director
Nov 17, 2025 – Feb 26, 2026
Gabe Coppolla
Feb 7 – May 10, 2026
Jei Caro
May 1 – Jun 25, 2026
Ivan Estrada
Sep 28 – Nov 28, 2026
Filipe Mendes
Nov 22, 2026 – Apr 1, 2027
Marq Anthony
Carnival Spirit
Dates
Cruise Director
Nov 2, 2025 – Mar 8, 2026
James Love
Feb 28 – May 5, 2026
Charne Marais
May 5 – Sep 8, 2026
James Love
Sep 1 – Nov 8, 2026
Jei Caro
Nov 8, 2026 – Mar 6, 2027
James Love
Carnival Splendor
Dates
Cruise Director
Sep 17, 2025 – Jan 24, 2026
Lizzie Clough
Jan 28 – Mar 14, 2026
Kieran Wilson
Mar 14 – Apr 2, 2026
TBA
Apr 2 – Aug 7, 2026
Lizzie Clough
Oct 1 – Nov 28, 2026
Lizzie Clough
Carnival Sunrise
Dates
Cruise Director
Sep 29 – Nov 24, 2025
John Loney
Nov 24, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026
Abbie Lockett
Dec 31, 2025 – Apr 4, 2026
Cryssi St Cyr
Mar 30 – May 30, 2026
Dean Pompey
Jul 20 – Nov 5, 2026
Cryssi St Cyr
Oct 31, 2026 – Jan 9, 2027
Todd Evans
Carnival Sunshine
Dates
Cruise Director
Sep 6, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026
Amber Celen
Jan 4 – May 2, 2026
Sara Taskoski
Apr 26 – Jul 5, 2026
Sofia Tosches
Jun 28 – Nov 8, 2026
Alex Siegler
Carnival Valor
Dates
Cruise Director
Sep 15, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026
Dean Pompey
Jan 10 – May 11, 2026
Alex Siegler
May 7 – Sep 14, 2026
Ben Kitchen
Sep 10, 2026 – Jan 9, 2027
Sinclair Hammerbach
Carnival Venezia
Dates
Cruise Director
Oct 6, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026
Mike D’Auria
Jan 4 – May 3, 2026
Robby Howell
May 3 – Jul 1, 2026
Mike D’Auria
Jul 1 – Oct 6, 2026
Robby Howell
Carnival Vista
Dates
Cruise Director
Aug 31 – Nov 9, 2025
Sara Taskoski
Nov 9, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026
Marq Anthony
Mar 7 – May 2, 2026
Mike D’Auria
Apr 26 – Aug 30, 2026
Tyler Meehan
Schedules can change as operational needs change, and different cruise directors may move to different positions in their careers. Gaps in the listed dates may indicate dry dock plans or currently unassigned roles.
The Carnival Cruise Director Schedule Remains Fluid
Carnival Cruise Line employs approximately 30-40 cruise directors, though schedules and assignments are fluid and not every cruise director may be under contract at the same time.
Contracts vary from just a few weeks to several months, though even in those time periods, an individual cruise director may move from one ship to another, depending on operational needs and available assignments.
The dates for each cruise director indicate the beginning and end of a specific ship contract, with multiple entries listed for different individual contracts.
Dates Can Overlap
Dates occasionally overlap for multiple cruise directors as assignments change. This extra time is when the new cruise director will meet their team, familiarize themselves with the vessel, and prepare for a smooth transition from one leader to the next so all guests have the very best onboard experience.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Individual cruise directors often remain aboard the same ship for several weeks or months at a time, allowing them to develop a truly unique personality for that vessel and to work seamlessly with their Fun Squad team.
Cruise directors with greater seniority may request specific ships or homeports as they prefer, though assignments are always subject to the operational needs of the overall fleet.
What Are the Social Profiles for Each Cruise Director?
What You Need to Know About Carnival Cruise Directors
The cruise director is one of the most visible members of a ship’s crew. He or she is the “face” of fun for Carnival Cruise Line’s Fun Squad—the crew members who host trivia contests, lead deck parties, judge contests, and share other fun with every guest.
Cruise directors are leaders of the activities staff and coordinate closely with the entertainment staff to provide amazing fun for everyone aboard, no matter what the time of year, specific cruise itinerary, or any challenging circumstances.
Cruise directors often introduce the evening’s entertainment or production shows, host question-and-answer sessions, make onboard announcements, greet embarking passengers, and more.
Behind-the-scenes duties such as planning daily activity schedules, balancing the schedules of crew members under their leadership, and ensuring the Fun Squad is fully equipped with games, prizes, and equipment is also part of the cruise director’s job.
Fleet Carnival Cruise Director
Carnival Cruise Line also has a unique role in its leadership team, the Fleet Cruise Director position. This is an experienced and charismatic individual who helps train other cruise directors and develops new activities that can be used fleet-wide.
Carnival’s first Fleet Cruise Director was Mike Pack, who was promoted to the leadership role in early 2022, along with Chris “Donkey” Salazar, who assumed the role in early 2023. However, Mike Pack announced in November 2024 that he would be retiring.
Fleet Cruise Director, Lee Mason (Photo Credit: Lee Mason)
It is possible that additional active cruise directors will also be promoted into the new leadership position in the future. At that time, they would no longer have individual assignments on specific ships, but would operate from Carnival Cruise Line’s shoreside offices to support all cruise directors on the line’s 29 vessels.
Confusing bags in the hallway have led one Carnival guest to question how laundry valet services work.
John Heald has clarified that guests should keep their laundry request bags in their stateroom.
This is not the first time Carnival has had questions and concerns about valet and self-service laundry.
It’s never quite fun to go home from a cruise vacation with luggage full of dirty laundry. Many guests avoid this problem with laundry services onboard, but there can be some confusion about how the services work.
While self-service laundry facilities (where available) are quite self-explanatory, what about sending one’s laundry out for valet cleaning?
This does cost a fee depending on the overall amount of laundry and the types of clothing, but it can be a great time-saver. After all, who wants spend precious vacation time in a laundry room?
An interesting question about laundry services have arisen on Carnival Magic, however. While laundry doesn’t magically disappear, how are guests supposed to send it out for cleaning services?
One guest reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, for instructions.
“I’ve sailed plenty and utilize the laundry every cruise. This cruise however on the Magic I noticed multiple people leave their filled laundry bags outside their cabin door,”they began.
“I have never done this. I have always found my room steward in the hall or called their number to let them know I have laundry ready. What is the room steward’s (or Carnival’s) preferred method for notifying laundry is ready for sending out?”
This is certainly an interesting question. After all, Carnival Cruise Line does prefer guests place used room service dishes in the hallway for collection, instead of leaving them in the room.
Laundry, however, is one’s personal property. On the other hand, guests do put their personal luggage out in the hallway for collection at the end of the cruise, so what is the proper procedure for laundry requests?
Heald quickly answered, clarifying the best option.
“We always ask the guest to please keep it inside of the cabin,”he confirmed.“Thank you for bringing this to my attention and I will speak directly with the ship.”
Carnival Magic is currently sailing an 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, having left PortMiami on Saturday, November 1. This is one of the ship’s SEA adults-only cruises, and she will return to Florida on Sunday, November 9.
Why the Confusion?
There are several reasons why the guest may have been confused about laundry bags in the hallway.
While it’s unlikely they were mistaking room service dishes for bags of laundry, it is possible the stewards were in the process of collecting laundry.
They could have left the bags in the hallway for a brief period while collecting more or attending to other tasks, such as an emergency call from another stateroom.
Another possibility could be they didn’t see laundry bags at all, but perhaps bags of linens that had been positioned in the hallway in anticipation of changing sheets or exchanging towels.
I’ve seen that several times on different cruise ships, and it can indeed look like a bag of laundry. The linen bags, however, are much larger and look very different than the little paper bags guests fill for laundry service.
The guest did not share a photo of the bags, so it’s difficult to determine whether they actually saw guest laundry bags or linen collection bags the stewards use.
Nevertheless, understanding exactly how laundry requests are best processed is useful for any prospective guest interested in the service.
This is not the first time Carnival’s laundry procedures have been questioned. For example, some guests have wondered if multiple guests’ laundry items are mixed together for washing. While they are indeed washed in the same machine, Heald has explained that all items are bagged separately.
The self-service laundry rooms available on some Carnival ships have also been the subject of controversy. This usually arises when guests might leave their items in machines for hours, not giving others the opportunity to use the equipment.
Welcome to the latest must-read cruise news update from Cruise Hive! We’ve got the top news from all of the major cruise lines plus port of call developments.
In this week’s news recap, some of our coverage highlights include a Royal Caribbean ship delivering crucial relief supplies to Jamaica, Carnival Cruise Line rolling out a new breakfast option, and Norwegian Cruise Line reinstating its former Free at Sea bundled amenity promotion.
Get your daily cruise news fix by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, delivered to your inbox each morning.
Couple’s Lawsuit Charges Bedbug Infestation
In a case that could be described as having a major “ick factor,” two former guests on a Carnival Cruise Line ship are suing the brand for an alleged bedbug infestation aboard Carnival Horizon.
Catherine Shockley and William Maycock filed the lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on October 28, 2025. It states they were bitten by multiple bedbugs as they sailed on Carnival Horizon‘s February 15, 2025 cruise to the Southern Caribbean from Miami.
After experiencing bites and severe itching on their arms, legs, and faces, they inspected their bedding and allegedly found live bedbugs and evidence of bedbug eggs. The couple notified the crew but claimed no action was taken, and they were not moved to another stateroom.
They are seeking damages to cover medical costs and lost property, and for emotional distress and scarring.
The cruise line’s protocol for bedbug problems includes chemical treatments followed by inspections. Shockley and Maycock indicated that they saw crew members fumigate nearby staterooms, which could indicate that the cruise line knew of a bug infestation.
Betting on Bagels Aboard Carnival Panorama
Carnival Cruise Line is going big on bagels. The line’s new Bagels @ Sea breakfast offering is being tried out onboard one ship, the 4,000-guest Carnival Panorama.
Offered during breakfast hours in the space occupied by the Pizzeria del Capitano on Deck 10, the new menu offers multiple sandwiches on bagels.
These include Carnival Lox, featuring smoked salmon and cream cheese with capers, onion, fennel, and avocado, and Breakfast Club, a western omelet with sausage, bacon, cheddar cheese, chive cream cheese, and a special sauce.
Carnival’s Bagels @ Sea Menu (Photo Credit: Jinjue Serre)
Or, how about Powerhouse Protein, featuring pesto chicken and egg whites with spinach, avocado, tomato, and pepper jack cheese? And there’s more!
Guests can also mix and match items or just have a plain bagel with cream cheese if they wish. The best part is that the new breakfast offering is included in the cruise fare.
Carnival Cruise Line has not disclosed whether Bagels @ Sea will be expanded to other ships. Carnival Panorama is homeported at Long Beach, California.
Cruise Line Delivers Relief Supplies to Jamaica
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas made an important port call to Falmouth, Jamaica, on November 4, 2025, when it delivered 120 pallets of relief supplies following the devastating Category 5 hurricane that hit the region two weeks ago.
Sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Tampa on November 2, 2025, the ship was to call at the port per her scheduled itinerary. But due to hurricane damage, no guests disembarked at Falmouth. Instead, supplies were unloaded, and the ship went on her way.
Carnival Horizon Supplies for Jamaica
Supplies included bottled water, non-perishable foods, medical supplies, and other needed items — all part of a $1 million pledge the line has made to the island’s recovery.
Hurricane Melissa caused major infrastructure damage and flooding across Jamaica, and also impacted the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Bahamas before heading out of the Caribbean. Jamaica was the hardest hit.
Other cruise lines have pledged donations to aid in the recovery efforts on the island, which is home to the busy cruise ports of Ocho Rios and Falmouth.
Carnival Cruise Line Unveils Turkey Day Menu
Those lucky cruisers who get to spend their Thanksgiving holiday onboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship will be able to indulge in all of the delights of a traditional turkey-day menu, and then some.
The cruise line disclosed its holiday menu, which, along with the usual Thanksgiving favorites, offers dishes for vegetarians as well as those who just want a nice, thick, juicy steak!
For the traditionalists, the ships’ main dining rooms will feature roasted turkey with all the fixins’, including stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, gravy, and cranberry relish.
Carnival Thanksgiving Menus
Beef lovers can order the blue cheese-crusted filet mignon with black truffle jus, mustard potatoes, and roasted vegetables, while vegetarians can go for salmon Wellington, baked in puff pastry with a spinach and tarragon cream sauce.
Let’s not forget about dessert! Guests can enjoy traditional dishes like pumpkin pie, cheesecake, or caramel apple cobbler, or select the ultimate in dessert comfort food — warm chocolate melting cake.
Guests who would rather dine in the Lido Marketplace buffet will not be disappointed, since turkey and the traditional side dishes will be available there, too.
Royal Caribbean Reveals 2027 Florida Deployments
Royal Caribbean will make its presence in Florida known in 2027 with the deployment of five ships to three of the Sunshine State’s ports in April of that year.
Port Canaveral will be homeport for three ships year-round, while PortMiami and Port Tampa Bay each host one ship. Between the various options, guests will choose from 2-night getaway cruises to weeklong and 8-night voyages.
All of the ships destined for the Florida ports are mega-ships, except for one — the 2,500-guest Radiance of the Seas. The smaller vessel will be based at Tampa, sailing 4- to 8-night voyages to the Western Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
The star of the show may well be the 5,600-guest Star of the Seas, the cruise line’s newest ship, which will be based at Port Canaveral and offer 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Other ships bound for the Central Florida port are Utopia of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, sailing 3- and 4-night cruises and 7-night voyages, respectively.
Based at PortMiami, Wonder of the Seas will sail 3- and 4-night getaways to the Bahamas.
Virtually all of the cruises will call at Royal Caribbean’s private island destinations, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as those not yet open but in the works.
These include Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, set to open in December 2025, and Royal Beach Club Cozumel, slated to debut in 2026.
NCL Brings Back Popular Free at Sea Promotion
Norwegian Cruise Line guests can say goodbye to More at Sea and hello to Free at Sea.
The line has relaunched its Free at Sea promotion after cancelling it a year ago and replacing it with More at Sea. Free at Sea was popular, and will likely be again, since it provides a bundled package of benefits that can reflect a value of about $2,000 on a 7-night cruise.
Perks are based on cruise length and include unlimited open bar, WiFi, three specialty dining meal credits, and $50 in shore excursion credits at every port (tours must be booked through the line).
Norwegian Aqua in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Santiago Castillo Chomel)
The package is typically offered for the first two guests booked in a cabin, although on some sailings, it can include a third and fourth passenger sharing the stateroom. The Free at Sea package can also be personalized by removing parts of the promotion and reducing the cruise cost.
The Free at Sea plan announcement included Norwegian Cruise Line’s Black Friday deal, which offers a 50% discount on all voyages.
Cruise Guests Receive Warning Tied to Legionnaires
A safety warning about Legionnaires’ disease was sent to current and former guests of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic after it was learned that two past guests had contracted the illness.
Its November 4, 2025 alert explained that while it is unknown how or where the ill guests had contracted the disease, any current or former passengers should immediately contact medical professionals if they begin to experience symptoms of the disease.
These include fever, headache, coughing, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is investigating the case.
The CDC says Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria, and emerges as pneumonia in infected victims. The bacteria does not spread person-to-person, but rather is found in water droplets from showers, misters, hot tubs, fountains, and other water sources.
In the past, there have been other suspected cases of Legionnaires’ disease impacting a cruise ship, although they are very rare.
More Cruise Headlines
Cruise Hive has plenty more stories you ought to know about. Check out our coverage on a Royal Caribbean ship hosting a motorcycle-themed cruise in 2026; Florida’s Port Canaveral marking a double-digit rise in cruise ship calls in 2025; and Holland America Line deploying two ships to South America in 2027-28.
Also, an email glitch frustrates some Virgin Voyages’ guests, and an MSC Cruises’ ship connects to shore power in New York for the first time.
