Carnival Cruise Line has been full of exciting news in just 24 hours! We now know the names of the fourth and fifth Excel class ships, have learned about a name change and enhancements for Mahogany Bay, and have details on deployment changes for both ships and homeports.
One small nugget of information that may have slipped by some cruisers in the wake of so many announcements, however. We now know the official project name for the upcoming new class of ships – Project Ace.
The new ships, expected to be approximately 230,000 gross tons, were first announced in July 2024. Despite the tantalizing prospect of the largest-ever ships built for Carnival Cruise Line, few other details have been released since.
Now, we know that Project Ace will be spearheading a new platform for the cruise line, ushering in a new era of Fun Ship cruising.
“Looking ahead, we have the opening of Celebration Key this July, followed by our expansion at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in 2026; the delivery of our fourth and fifth Excel ships in 2027 and 2028; and then the introduction of three ships in our new platform, Project Ace, beginning in 2029,”Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, said.
The new ships are being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, which has already proven an excellent choice for larger ships, including Sun Princess (160,000 gross tons), MSC Seascape (170,000 gross tons), and Carnival Firenze (135,500 gross tons).
The three vessels already ordered for Project Ace are slated for delivery to Carnival Cruise Line in 2029, 2031, and 2033. Each will be able to welcome nearly 8,000 guests at full capacity, though the standard double occupancy capacity is not known.
If the ships feature many family-oriented staterooms that can host four and five guests, it is possible the double occupancy capacity could be significantly lower.
The overall size will put the new ships on par with Royal Caribbean’s immensely popular Oasis-class ships, which range from 225,000 gross tons to 236,000 gross tons, and only slightly behind the Icon class – currently the world’s largest cruise ships at 248,700 gross tons.
Exciting plans are already being developed for the new features of the new ships.
Carnival Jubilee Funnel Installation
“These ships clearly represent the next generation of Fun ships,”said Duffy.“This class will introduce new dining outlets, entertainment, and re-imagined outer deck amenities. Our New Build team is in the midst of designing these vessels, so stay tuned for more as we get closer to delivery.”
Carnival Cruise Line is always evaluating the popularity of different venues and features, and making adjustments as necessary. For example, libraries have been removed from most ships because of a lack of popularity, while non-smoking casinos are being added as more guests prefer the smoke-free space.
Changes in youth spaces, new additions to the specialty dining lineup, and new adrenaline-inducing features to thrill guests are all likely to be part of Project Ace.
Where Will the New Ships Sail?
Carnival Cruise Line has not confirmed (or denied!) where the new ships will be homeported or what type of itineraries they may sail.
Duffy did mention some interesting clues, however.
“They will be experiences unto themselves, and, partnered with itineraries that call in part on our exclusive destinations, will provide amazing cruise vacations for guests,” she said.
Carnival Cruise Line’s “exclusive destinations” include Celebration Key and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, as well as the soon-to-be-renamed Isla Tropicale on Roatan, Honduras.
View of Under Construction Celebration Key
This seems to indicate that at least one of the Project Ace ships may offer Caribbean cruise itineraries, perhaps from Port Canaveral, PortMiami, or Galveston. Each of those homeports that already services an Excel-class ship – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, respectively.
Of course, it is not unusual for new ships to sail very diverse seasons for their first year or two, bringing new experiences and unique itineraries within reach of multiple homeports.
For example, a season in Europe would be a natural choice for one new ship, while another might make its maiden voyage in Alaska, Australia, or even Asia.
Regardless of their eventual deployment, Project Ace is sure to be an innovative and exciting new generation for Carnival Cruise Line, offering fun times for all guests to enjoy for years to come.
There’s a cruise ship building boom in progress, and Carnival Corporation & plc is investing heavily in multiple lines with orders for new and ever-more innovative vessels.
Coming up will be two new ships for Germany’s most popular cruise line, AIDA Cruises, the first ever to be built for the line by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
“We are honored that our long-standing partner Carnival Corporation has selected Fincantieri to build ships for AIDA Cruises for the first time in our history,”said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri.“This milestone confirms our ability to serve the entire Carnival Corporation portfolio.”
Fincantieri has previously built vessels for Princess Cruises, including the new Sun Princess and the upcoming Star Princess, along with Cunard Line’s new Queen Anne, Rotterdam for Holland America Line, Costa (now Carnival) Firenze, Carnival Panorama, and many others.
The new AIDA ships are scheduled to be delivered in early 2030 and late 2031, though details of their design, features, and itineraries are yet to be released.
What we do know, however, is how the new vessels will fit into the current AIDA Cruises fleet, as well as their focus on fuel efficiency and environmentally-responsible cruising.
“These new ships will embody the most advanced technologies for sustainability and efficiency, further strengthening Fincantieri’s and Carnival Corporation’s roles as leaders in cruise industry innovation,”said Folgiero.
Unlike the trend of bigger, Bigger, BIGGER, many cruise lines are following, the new AIDA ships will be mid-sized vessels, offering a popular option many guests desire for more manageable cruise experiences.
“With approximately 2,100 cabins each, these remarkable new ships give our guests a completely new class of ship which slot in perfectly between our 1,600 cabin Hyperion Class vessels and our more than 2,600 cabin Helios Class vessels,”said Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises.
Most interesting for fuel efficiency is that the new ships will be specifically engineered to utilize multiple types of fuel, including liquid natural gas (LNG), biodiesel, and next-generation sustainable fuels.
This will ensure great flexibility with the vessels’ operation and their ability to evolve as new fuel technologies are developed. Such adaptiveness can help new ships have a long and productive service life.
“Its innovative technology with multi-fuel propulsion systems including LNG will future proof our operations into the coming decades,”confirmed Eichhorn.
Exceptional Growth for AIDA Cruises
Once the second of the new ships is delivered, AIDA Cruises will have a fleet of 13 vessels. Currently, the oldest ship is AIDAdiva, which launched in 2007, while the youngest is AIDAcosma, which launched in 2021.
With this announcement of new ship contracts, it is clear that AIDA Cruises does not intend to retire any older ships at least until after 2031. Such plans can always change in the years to come, however.
But what is to come onboard the new ships, and what can guests expect?
While few details other than the capacity of 2,100 staterooms have been confirmed, the ships are sure to offer new and exciting options for travelers.
AIDA Cruise Ship at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany (Photo Credit: INTREEGUE Photography / Shutterstock)
“Our next generation of ships will delight our guests with amazing new features and experiences that we will reveal over time,”said Eichhorn.
“The introduction of these next-generation ships, when combined with the AIDA Evolution program modernizing much of the existing fleet’s décor, features and technologies, will drive even more demand for our AIDA brand, which is synonymous with cruising in Germany,”added Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc.
Not only is AIDA Cruises growing well, but all Carnival Corporation brands are growing well as part of the company’s strategic plan, with eight new ships scheduled to debut through 2033, including the upcoming Carnival Tropicale and Carnival Festivale.
“We’re maintaining our disciplined approach to growth and strategically directing new capacity to the highest-performing brands in our world-class portfolio like AIDA Cruises and its sister brand Carnival Cruise Line,”said Weinstein.
With so many new ships coming across so many popular cruise lines, eager travelers will have a lot of great oceangoing getaways to try in the years to come.
Norwegian Cruise Line fans will be sad to learn that the fleet’s two oldest ships, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, will soon be leaving. Fortunately, however, the ships are not about to be scrapped, but will be joining a new cruise line.
Cordelia Cruises, a new line based in India, has acquired the two ships through a long-term charter agreement and the vessels will be transferred over the next two years.
“It’s official. We started with one – and now, we’re a fleet,”Cordelia Cruises shared on social media.“We’re proud to announce that two magnificent ships – Sky and Sun – will soon be joining the ever-iconic Empress.”
Cordelia Cruises’ first vessel was also acquired from another line – Empress was originally Nordic Empress (Empress of the Seas) with Royal Caribbean.
It is not unusual for new cruise lines to first set sail with tried-and-true vessels retired from larger lines. The ships are typically updated and renovated to match the new line’s personality and goals.
Exactly what updates are planned for both Sky and Sun have not yet been announced, but the ships will create quite a step forward for the new cruise line.
“We’re not just adding capacity – we’re unlocking new destinations, introducing longer itineraries, and reimagining what cruising means for India and beyond,”Cordelia Cruises said.
“More importantly, this expansion reinforces our vision of making cruise holidays more accessible, immersive, and proudly Indian. This marks the beginning of a bold new chapter. And we can’t wait to welcome you onboard.”
Norwegian Sun – Photo Credit lgabriela / Shutterstock
Each vessel’s unique hull art – the warmly-colored, stylized sun on Norwegian Sun and the tropical flowers on Norwegian Sky – will remain, but likely both ships will be updated with new venues and features onboard.
Sky is scheduled to launch for Cordelia Cruises in late 2026, followed by Sun in late 2027. In the meantime, the ships will continue to sail for Norwegian Cruise Line.
“We’re thrilled that Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun will begin new chapters in the Indian cruise market through a long-term agreement with Cordelia Cruises, a leading operator in the region who we look forward to collaborating with into the future,”said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
What About Norwegian Cruise Line Sailings?
Details for booked guests on both ships will undoubtedly be forthcoming about cruise cancellations as both ships are transferred to Cordelia Cruises.
Refunds and future cruise credits are likely to be offered to impacted guests. The first impacted cruises are more than 15 months away, giving travelers plenty of time to make alternative vacation plans.
Of course, the announcement of the two ships’ departures does give eager travelers time to “collect” the vessels if they’ve never sailed on them before (I need to get planning!).
Past guests will also now have the chance to revisit the ships, which is a popular choice for cruisers whose first voyages may have been aboard either ship.
Norwegian Sky is currently offering diverse itineraries in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe from a variety of departure points. Beginning in December 2025, she will remain homeported from La Romana in the Dominican Republic for Southern Caribbean itineraries that include Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, and other top ports.
Norwegian Sun is sailing a broad range of cruises from homeports in southeast Asia and the South Pacific, including Singapore, Brisbane, and Papeete. The ship will offer several sailings from Honolulu and Vancouver in the coming months, as well as voyages from Japan, China, and Korea.
The two ships first debuted with Norwegian Cruise Line in 1999 and 2001, respectively.
Their departure from the line comes as newer, larger, and more innovative ships are joining the fleet with Norwegian Aqua now sailing and Norwegian Luna scheduled to debut in April 2026.
Two more Prima-plus class ships are scheduled for 2027 and 2028, with a brand new class – the largest ever for Norwegian Cruise Line – coming in 2030 and beyond.
Staying loyal to one cruise line can bring travelers great benefits, but do they mean as much when everyone has the same perks? This is a problem Carnival Cruise Line is finally hoping to correct.
Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program, first introduced in 2012, has long been due for an overhaul, and now, those changes are just months away, much to the relief and excitement of eager guests.
The cruise line’s president, Christine Duffy, confirmed the timeline for the new changes as part of the “Innovation Itinerary” – a five-year plan focusing on three core pillars for the company’s success.
First up is the most fun fleet at sea – including the upcoming Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, the fourth and fifth Excel-class ships. Next, the company will work on creating highly desirable experiences for guests, including new destinations.
The third pillar is “building more Carnival loyalists” and that is where changes to the VIFP program are planned.
“Carnival has an incredibly loyal and passionate fan base who are advocates for our brand, our crew and the amazing vacations we deliver,”Duffy said.
The VIFP program, however, has been fraught with controversy and challenges in recent years as more and more cruisers reach higher levels of loyalty.
From VIFP appreciation gifts that aren’t always appreciated to canceling highly coveted benefits because too many cruisers qualify for the program to be managed on certain sailings, it has been clear that changes are needed.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has long hinted that a massive overhaul of the program is in the works, a project Duffy now confirms.
“We’ve had our existing VIFP loyalty recognition program in place since 2012 and as our fleet and business have grown, so has the VIFP program,”she said.“As we continue to grow, we are modifying the program to unlock greater value and engagement for our loyal guests.”
The new program updates will be announced this summer, though no exact date has been given for further details to be released.
Carnival Cruise Ship in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: byvalet)
Duffy did note, however, that the new guidelines for the program – whatever they may be – will take effect in 2026. This delay will help give guests and travel agents time to adjust and make any necessary changes for their travel plans to take advantage of their best benefits.
This same type of adjustment period happened in 2012, when guests were temporarily grandfathered into new VIFP tiers and given time to reach the tiers according to the new guidelines.
This is good news for guests who may be close to switching tiers, as they could have a chance to do so before the new program fully takes effect.
What Changes Might Be Coming?
While Carnival Cruise Line has not announced any confirmed updates to the program, there are many ways it might be changed to provide enhanced benefits loyal guests will enjoy.
How points are accrued could be one important change. The current program counts a guest’s days as points, with each cruise day adding one point to their loyalty total. It is possible the cruise line might consider extra points awarded for guests who purchase suites or other high-level staterooms.
The number of levels in the program is almost certain to change, as this is one of the trickiest areas Carnival Cruise Line has had to work with in recent years.
Right now, the levels are quite uneven – the “Blue” level for new cruisers is only the very first sailing, while the “Red” level goes to 24 points. The “Gold” level is 25-74 points, but the “Platinum” level is much broader – 75-199 points. Guests who reach 200 points and higher are “Diamond” status.
2025 Carnival Cruise Line Loyalty Pins
It is possible that new tiers could be added between Platinum and Diamond as well as after Diamond for even more elite cruisers. The idea of a “Double Diamond” tier has been requested several times, which just shows how many cruisers are very far beyond that highest level already.
Other cruise lines have added new tiers to their loyalty programs in recent years. Disney Cruise Line, for example, added the Pearl tier in February 2023.
Certain very coveted benefits will also need adjustment, as the number of cruisers who currently have such benefits is unwieldy.
For example, the priority embarkation and debarkation is one of the most sought-after perks. This benefit is currently available to both Platinum and Diamond cruisers (and is a very useful option to get the fun started more quickly!).
When popular sailings – maiden voyages, transatlantic cruises, and longer Carnival Journeys itineraries – have hundreds of high-level guests, it isn’t possible to offer that priority perk as expected.
Similarly, priority dining time reservations are also cumbersome when there are significant numbers of Platinum and Diamond guests onboard, as the restaurant capacities are limited.
Other benefits in the current program include various discounts, gifts, and onboard events. These are likely to remain, but may be adjusted to different levels or further upgraded with new guidelines and features.
Easy options that could be added might be even earlier pre-cruise check-in windows, access to exclusive spaces onboard or at private destinations, onboard discounts or onboard credit, special VIFP tours, or other creative choices.
Stay tuned in the months to come as new loyalty program perks are announced and confirmed!
Great things are on the horizon for Carnival Cruise Line, and eager guests can look forward to amazing upgrades at a favorite destination coming soon.
During a video announcement ahead of the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conference, when many cruise lines and associated partners introduce new plans and innovations, Carnival Cruise Line’s President Christine Duffy and Brand Ambassador John Heald offered tantalizing details of what’s to come.
These announcements represent the cruise line’s “Innovation Itinerary” – a strategic plan to ensure the most fun fleet at sea that visits exciting and compelling destinations and builds loyalty with repeat cruisers.
Of course, some of the biggest news for cruise fans is the names of the fourth and fifth Excel class ships, which will be Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, coming in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
But even bigger news for frequent Carnival cruisers looking for new destinations is the exciting changes coming to one of the cruise line’s most popular ports of call, Mahogany Bay on Isla Roatan, Honduras.
The island destination will be renamed “Isla Tropicale” to connect to the new ship and emphasize the tropical vibes of every visit.
This follows Carnival Cruise Line’s decision to rename Half Moon Cay to “RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay” to showcase the relaxing, peaceful nature of the destination.
A variety of upgrades will be introduced to Isla Tropicale to further enhance what is available for guests to enjoy.
“Better things are coming,”Duffy confirmed.“We’re going to be adding a pool and cabanas. They will open up next year with a swim-up bar.”
Isla Tropical Swim-Up Bar
Exactly when “next year” the new additions will be open for guests has not been detailed, but Carnival cruise ships do visit the destination year-round.
Duffy also announced that a beach and a beach club are also planned for future development of Isla Tropicale, but the exact timeline for those additions is not yet confirmed.
“We think that will really enhance the experience for guests,”Duffy said.
To symbolize the new development and honor the unique local wildlife, the new logo for Isla Tropicale will be a hummingbird. There are 20 species of hummingbirds in Honduras, making it a perfect choice to represent what is unique and distinctive about the region.
The logo is a stylized hummingbird with a purple body and teal wings, alongside a yellow tropical bloom – perfect for the “tropicale” atmosphere of the destination.
Furthermore, the yellow color is carried through the logos for all the private destinations – Celebration Key, RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays.
“We’re putting all of this into what we’re calling the Paradise Collection,”Duffy noted.“You will have Celebration Key in Grand Bahama, you will have RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay which everyone loves … and the addition of Isla Tropicale.”
With this initial announcement, no firm dates have been revealed for exactly when the name change, enhancements, and upgrades will be complete. Work is undoubtedly already underway and further details will be released soon.
Carnival Private Island Logos
Sailing to Isla Tropicale
Many different Carnival ships visit what is, for now, Mahogany Bay on Isla Roatan on the southwestern coast of the island, 35 miles north of mainland Honduras.
The Mahogany Bay (soon to be Isla Tropicale) cruise port is for the exclusive use of Carnival Corporation & plc vessels, which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.
The destination is often part of Western Caribbean itineraries, including sailings aboard Carnival Jubilee from Galveston; Carnival Legend from Tampa; Carnival Liberty from New Orleans, Carnival Celebration from Miami, and Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral.
With so many popular homeports and different ships in the fleet offering Roatan as a port destination on various itineraries, Carnival cruise guests will have many opportunities to visit the upgraded destination in 2026 and beyond.
With more than 50 years of providing cruisers with fun ships, Carnival Cruise Line took advantage of the cruise industry’s biggest event to announce the names of its two new Excel-class ships, joining the fleet of 29 ships by 2028.
At a pre-Seatrade Cruise Global event taking place aboard Carnival Celebration in Miami, Florida, on April 6, 2025, Carnival Cruise Line’s President Christine Duffy made the big reveal before a gathering of invited cruise media insiders.
“We are very excited today to announce that our fourth Excel ship is coming in 2027,” said Duffy.
“We’re continuing with our naming convention, showing the respect that we have for those original Carnival Cruise Line ships. It’s being named Carnival Festivale,” she continued, also revealing the fifth vessel will be Carnival Tropicale.
The two new builds, to be constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and outfitted with liquified natural gas (LNG) to reduce emissions like earlier Excel-class vessels, will pay homage to the cruise line’s original ships with the same names.
Originally, MS Festivale and MS Tropicale were among the first vessels to sail under the Carnival banner in 1977 and 1981, respectively.
In fact, the MS Tropicale was the very first new-build vessel designed specifically for Carnival Cruise Line and introduced the world to its now-iconic whale-tail funnel.
Carnival Festivale
Duffy, who is celebrating 10 years as head of Carnival Cruise Line, is considered the mother of its Excel ships that debuted with Mardi Gras in 2021 and was followed by Carnival Celebration in 2022 and Carnival Jubilee in 2023.
The brand-new 180,000-gross-ton Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale will become the cruise line’s fourth and fifth Excel-class ships and will set sail in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
Duffy explained the first of the sister ships will have a music focus and passengers can expect to find musical tributes throughout the ship.
She also announced that Carnival Festivale will be sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, which will then push Mardi Gras into short cruise itineraries to the cruise line’s private Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay destinations.
Introducing Sunsation Point
During the special event, Carnival Cruise Line also announced that its at-sea rollercoaster, BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster, is being replaced on the newer Excel class ships with a brand-new outdoor activity area to be called Sunsation Point.
Although BOLT was a first-of-its-kind rollercoaster at sea that quickly became the feature of the Ultimate Playground zone when it was first introduced on Mardi Gras, the cruise line is replacing it on the newer vessels in favor of expanding its WaterWorks zone and providing more entertainment offerings.
Carnival BOLT Roller Coaster (Photo Credit: Camera walk)
“These will be three outdoor decks where we continue to have our mini golf, the ropes course, and all the things people like on the outdoor decks but an expansion of what we’re going to call WaterWorks Ultra,” said Duffy.
She went on to explain that the expanded WaterWorks, renowned for its waterslides, splash pads, and water dumping buckets, will be the largest aboard Carnival ships and will receive four new water slides, family rafting, and an additional new arcade and games area on each ship.
“We sail more families and more kids than any other cruise line,” added Duffy. “Sunsation Point is going to be over-the-top with activities and fun for families and people of all ages.”
Additionally, Sunsation Point will feature evening entertainment on select evenings.
Carnival Cruise Line teased that more exciting announcements will be made this week during Seatrade, where Cruise Hive reporters will be the first to pass along more reveals.
On March 25th, I had the opportunity to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) first Prima Plus-Class ship, the Norwegian Aqua, sailing from Southampton to Belgium.
Now, before I delve further into my thoughts on NCL’s shiny new ship, let me present you with a few stats about the ship. She boasts 156,300 gross tons, has a capacity of 3,571 passengers at full occupancy, and 1,388 crew members. Her length is 1,056 feet, with a total of 20 decks.
My initial reaction as I stood in front of her, as she lay in dock from the Port of Southampton, was that familiar buzz of excitement I had whenever it was time to board.
Norwegian Aqua Pool Deck View (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett)
Standing out prominently behind the new Horizon Terminal, I already knew that she was going to be something special. Norwegian Aqua is 10% larger than the original Prima-class, including Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, meaning that there would be more space to enjoy.
I found the colour scheme a modern twist on how a ship can stand out in a crowd. The calming yet vibrant colours continued cleverly throughout the ship.
Moving onwards into the heart of the ship is the atrium. I liked the space and it has plenty to admire. The floor-to-ceiling LED panels that adorn the walls capture an essence by expressing the visuals of the ocean.
Norwegian Aqua Atrium (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett)
It’s fully lined with a chic seating area, surrounding itself in cool blues and warm colours, with a feel of sophistication without actually being over-the-top.
There’s plenty of seating around, and even a Starbucks! I can confirm it was a definite hit, as the long queues of passengers eager to grab their favorite drinks were a daily occurrence.
One of the many standout areas that I like about the new NCL vessel is the impressive art gallery. In addition to the colours and the clever décor, there is certainly plenty of room to admire the pieces from afar, giving each of its artworks the space they deserve.
Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
While the style of art wasn’t necessarily to my taste, I can’t deny how well-curated and striking the actual space is.
Shopping isn’t my forte either, but the onboard shopping experience is pretty much as expected and located in key positions to catch your eye!
Norwegian Aqua Accommodations
My stay in the Club Balcony Suite began sprightly when I first entered the room. It was very spacious, accommodating up to 4 guests, with room sizes ranging from 231 to 358 sq ft. Knowing I had at least three full days onboard, I was impressed by the layout and the comfort it provided.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offered uninterrupted ocean views, and the modern, sleek, and stylish decor allowed me to have an all-important relaxing atmosphere, albeit for a short time.
The balcony was a bonus, ideal for couples or small families who look to have comfort on their breaks without going all out on a full suite. I believe it will certainly strike a great balance between luxury accommodation and affordability.
Club Balcony Suite (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
I like the idea that anyone looking for a more budget-friendly option can have their wish. The standard balcony cabins available were well-designed and range from 186 to 294 sq ft.
It also reflected the ship’s sleek aesthetic. The soft, neutral tones of the room with bursts of colour make for a peaceful setting. However, I feel, while the ship boasts more space overall, the standard cabin bathrooms felt quite snug—a bit of a letdown given the added room elsewhere.
An impressive idea onboard is the designated Studio Staterooms, designed specifically for solo travellers. Norwegian Aqua has 73 solo studios in total, each 94 sq ft. These thoughtfully crafted cabins provided a cozy yet stylish space without the added cost of paying for double occupancy.
Studio Cabin on Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
It’s a fantastic option, and I feel it will no doubt be a popular choice for those traveling alone who will need, and still want, a comfortable and modern room at sea.
The most luxurious accommodations Norwegian Aqua has onboard are situated in The Haven. These rooms are so spacious and boast the best panoramic views on the ship directly from their balconies.
These spaces have a personalised concierge and an impressive 24-hour butler service, with brand new 2-storey, 3-bedroom Duplex Suites. And even more impressive is that Norwegian Aqua has 123 of these suites, more than any other Prima ship.
Dining Experiences
Moving ahead now, my favourite subject is the food onboard! I was keen to try Norwegian Aqua’s cuisine. I have to say, it’s an absolute treat, with specialty restaurants having plenty of variety and satisfying my cravings.
One of the standout new spots on the ship is the cruise line’s first-ever Thai restaurant, Sukhothai. And boy, does it deliver. The flavours are bold and moreish, the plating is exquisite, and the ambiance transports you straight to a high-end eatery in Bangkok. The mango sticky rice? I have to add, absolute perfection.
Sukhothai on Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett)
All the familiar favourites onboard NCL are back, like Cagney’s Steakhouse and NAMA (a visually stunning sushi bar), which shine amid the ship’s colourful design.
Le Bistro was another highlight for me, as I love French cuisine. I loved the stylish and sleek decor of the room, and found it both elegant and welcoming. It was perfect for a special night out.
For my starter course, I opted for the onion soup. It was rich and flavourful and plentiful to get my taste buds going. My choice of the fillet of beef with fondant potato for my main course was easily the best choice I could have made. It was quite possibly the best I’ve ever had. If you’re a foodie, this spot is a must.
Le Bistro on Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett)
The Indulge Food Hall on Deck 8 is another win for the ship, as it offers a mix of global cuisine in a casual, flexible, and relaxing setting. I found it ideal if I didn’t want a formal sit-down meal, but still wanted quality food.
Now, onto the buffet—it left me a tad underwhelmed. I expected a wider variety of choices to choose from, and bundles of it to satisfy my needs. However, I found the choices lacking.
And while the staff’s singing was meant to add a bit of fun to proceedings, I found it distracting. I get that it’s part of the atmosphere, and I do want the fun element to shine, but I’d have preferred to enjoy my meal without the added entertainment.
Entertainment and Activities on Norwegian Aqua
One activity definitely not for me, yet thrill-seekers will love the new Aqua Slidecoaster on Deck 18. It has been promoted as the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea.
I’ll admit, I chickened out! But for anyone brave enough to give it a try like Cruise Hive’s founder, Emrys Thakkar, it’s bound to be an exhilarating ride! In Emrys’s own words: “It’s super fast at the start when the arms propel you forward, just wish it would last longer!”
Norwegian Aqua Slidecoaster (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett)
On the same deck was The Glow Court. A great idea to have this on board as it has a dual function. A digital sports complex with neon lights and an interactive LED floor, that transforms into a buzzing nightclub at night, which adds a unique touch.
The Game Zone on Deck 6 was my place to be, and it is packed with sports-related activities. Tee Time, an interactive mini-golf course, was a blast.
I got way too competitive for my own good on the 12-hole course, but it was all in good fun. There’s also table tennis and pickleball in The Stadium, making for a lively and challenging atmosphere.
Norwegian Aqua Glow Court (Photo Credit: Paul Bartlett)
The new Aqua Game Zone on the same Deck is an absolute highlight. From the moment you step inside, the neon lights and buzzing energy pull you in.
Whether you head into your classic arcade games or new modern challenges, there is something for everyone. I had a great time, and it’s pure fun, with nostalgia rolled into one.
The Aqua Theatre & Club, a three-story venue, is a transformable space that isn’t just a main theater for all the main production shows, but also the seating can be removed to become a nightclub! However, the drink holders on the chairs are not designed well enough to hold a bottle of beer!
While the Prince-inspired show was a standout with great musicians, I would have loved more intimate performances, like more jazz nights or live acoustic sets.
Relaxation and Outdoor Spaces
The main pool deck onboard is designed for the ultimate relaxation breakaway. It has plush daybeds and an infinity-edge pool along the side that offers panoramic, breathtaking ocean views.
Norwegian Aqua Open Deck (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
The Ocean Boulevard was cleverly designed as it wrapped around the entire ship, making it stand out. It also featured the Oceanwalk glass bridge and Infinity Beach, which boasts intimate pools overlooking each side of the vessel. It was the perfect setup for soaking up the sun rays whilst enjoying a cocktail or three. Or maybe four.
Final Thoughts on Norwegian Aqua
The Norwegian Aqua is a spectacular addition to NCL’s fleet. It is a further step forward and a new generation of the popular but slightly smaller Prima class ships.
Norwegian Aqua selfie sculpture (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Would I sail on her again? Yes, without a doubt. But I’d go in knowing that while it offers some of the best thrills and relaxation at sea, there are still a few tweaks that could make it even better.
So, in all, if you’re ever looking for a cruise ship that has something for everyone, then Norwegian Aqua is a fantastic choice. And next up is sister ship Norwegian Luna, which will debut in Spring 2026.
A new restructuring plan is being implemented by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
As part of this plan, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laid off employees on April 1, 2025.
This has effectively wiped out some of the most important existing public health programs, including the one that aids in controlling disease and illness outbreaks on cruise ships.
Unfortunately, thousands of federal employees lost their jobs at the start of the month — and the Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice no longer exists.
The reason this matters is that this specific division was in charge of the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which conducts cruise ship inspections as well as tracking and investigating outbreaks of diseases.
As of now, the VSP has been effectively defunded — which comes at a time when norovirus outbreaks have been on the rise.
With 10 outbreaks already being reported this yearon US-operated vessels, removing the program that assists not only in investigating the causative agent but also helps with sanitation practices to prevent the spread of illnesses could be bad news for cruisers.
Beyond just reporting on outbreaks, the VSP also inspects cruise ships frequently to make sure they meet and maintain certain public health standards to be certain that both passengers and crew remain healthy while at sea.
Previously, all ships were subject to two unannounced inspections each year — and any that violated the guidelines were required by the CDC to correct them immediately.
The most recent inspection was Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria on March 14, 2025, receiving a score of 96 out of 100. On March 10, 2025, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit was also inspected, getting a bit of a lower score of 92.
Anything lower than a score of 85 is not satisfactory, though this score is quite uncommon as only four vessels have scored this low since 2020.
Of course, cruise lines will still want to maintain some level of high standards, but some might see the removal of these inspections as a chance to take it easy.
Passengers can still access information on outbreaks as well as view copies of cruise ship inspection scores on the CDC’s website.
After the mass layoffs, Secretary Kennedy said that some of these public health programs were cut mistakenly and will be reinstated at some point, while others will become part of existing programs.
So far there have been no updates about the future of the VSP, but it could be one of the programs moving around.
Until then, cruise sanitation regulations, inspections, and outbreak reports will be paused.
Hopefully, all cruise lines operating within the US choose to operate like these standards are still in place, but only time will tell if they choose to.
Other Global Health Standards for Cruise Ships
The US is not the only country that has health standards for cruise ships.
Recently, the European Union updated its SHIPSAN Manual to actually better reflect the standards that were put in place by the VSP. The guidelines are strictly enforced across all EU ports, requiring inspections of all sanitation protocols and ventilation.
The agency’s Tourism and Health Information System (THiS) specifically monitors illness outbreaks, and cruise lines must report any suspected cases 24 hours before docking. Again, these guidelines were developed with the help of the VSP.
Cruise Ships Docked at PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: Anthony Giarrusso)
If a ship is registered in Flag States, such as the Bahamas, they are required to comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
Here is some good news — most major cruise lines register their ships under foreign flags, with a very popular country being the Bahamas!
This means that there are stringent sanitation protocols in place, and inspections are still required. However, with the VSP being defunded there will likely be a change in reporting on these occurances for the time being.
That being said, it would be safe to say that the cruising industry at large will do everything in its power to maintain the best standards for its passengers and crew.
Regardless of the standards or lack thereof, safety is the top priority for all cruise lines.
Plus, who would want to go on a poorly maintained cruise ship? That would stink!
As a frequent cruiser, I can see both the pros and cons to buying a drink package, and I can see that while they might be a great deal for some, they’re just a waste of money for others.
Which camp do you fall into? Here’s what you need to know about cruise line drinks packages, so you can decide if you should buy one or not, ahead of your upcoming cruise.
The Need-to-Know Basics About Cruise Line Drinks Packages
While cruise line drink packages may differ from cruise line to cruise line, most are generally the same — and, no, none of them are just a one-flat-fee, free-for-all booze fest.
While you might think that you’re getting as many drinks as you want, whenever you want, when buying a cruise line drinks package, that’s not the case.
Just about all drink packages have their limits. These limits may include what kinds of drinks you can get with your package, as well as how many drinks you can get with your package.
A Quick Example: Royal Caribbean Drinks Package
Drinks on Royal Caribbean Cruise (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Let’s look at a quick example. Royal Caribbean offers three different main drink packages.
There’s a classic soft drinks package for $13 per person per day; a refreshment package for $29 per person per day; and a deluxe beverage package that ranges from $56 to $105 per person per day, dependent upon your sailing.
The classic soda package gives you just that: soda. With the refreshment package, you get soda, coffee, tea, juice, water, milkshakes and mocktails.
The deluxe beverage package is what most people think of when they think a cruise ship drink package, though. It includes cocktails, beers and wine by the glass.
You can only order certain brands of alcohol as part of your package, but there’s no limit as to the number of drinks you can order (you just have to order them one at a time). Compare this to Carnival Cruise Line’s Cheers! Drink Package, which limits you to 15 alcoholic beverages per day.
All ordered beverages must be under $14 in value, to be included. Additionally, everyone in the cabin must buy the drinks package, if one person does so.
Pros to Ordering a Cruise Line Drinks Package
So what are the main benefits of purchasing a cruise line drinks package like this?
Worry-Free Ordering Throughout the Ship
Carnival Cruise Line Drinks (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
While there are usually some exclusions as to where you can order drinks during a cruise with a package, such as at special events like a wine tasting, or on a cruise line’s private island, you can otherwise order drinks to your heart’s content, throughout the ship.
Along these lines, if you plan on drinking a lot during your cruise, a drinks package can just make it easier. There’s no worrying about the cost adding up, because you’ve already paid it.
You can order your drinks without a care in the world and go about your business. It’s typically as easy as just signing a receipt, if that.
When debating the pros and cons of a cruise line’s drinks package on forums like Reddit, cruisers frequently say that the absolute best part of buying a drinks package is the ease of ordering and not having to worry about getting a huge bill for a la carte drinks after your cruise is over!
More Than Enough Drinks for Most
Drinks on MSC Cruises
Some cruise ship drink packages give you an unlimited number of drinks, as is the case on Royal Caribbean, while other cruise lines may limit you to a certain number of alcoholic beverages, as is the case on Carnival Cruise Line.
That said, even if your drinks package has a limit, it’s probably a very generous one. For example, Carnival Cruise Line’s drinks package caps you at 15 drinks per 24-hour period. While I’ve seen many cruisers try to drink that much during a sea day, it’s a little ambitious for most of us.
It’s Not Just Alcohol That’s Included
It’s important to realize that drinks packages aren’t just for alcohol! In most cases, a drinks package is required if you want to drink really anything other than water and maybe plain coffee or juice on the ship.
If you can’t go a day without a Diet Coke (or two or three) or if you envision yourself sipping a specialty coffee as you watch the sun rise on the top deck every day, you may want to consider if you drink enough other beverages to warrant a drinks package.
Try New Things
Drinks on MSC Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
One of my favorite things about cruising is that it gives you the opportunity to try so many things you normally wouldn’t, and all for free.
Never tried lobster and saw it on the main dining room menu? Give it a go — if you don’t like it, some cruise lines will allow you to order multiple entrees in the main dining room.
Interested in seeing if you like group yoga classes? Some ships include a few select fitness classes in your fare, so you can dip in, join and see if it’s right for you.
Likewise, never tried a pina colada or a spicy margarita before? With a drinks package, you can peruse the entirety of the ship’s cocktail menus and taste-test your way through myriad drinks.
If you come across something you don’t like, there’s no reason to finish it. Just pass it back to the bartender and ask for something new.
Cons of Ordering a Cruise Line Drinks Package
In contrast, as I mentioned, not everyone’s going to see the above benefits in the same light. What are some of the reasons you might choose not to purchase a cruise line’s drinks package?
They Might Not Be Worth the Money
Cruise Ship Drinks (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
The whole point of a drinks package is to save you money. However, if you’re not one who drinks all that much, you may find that the cruise line drinks package costs you more than it would to just buy your drinks one by one.
For example, if you get the Royal Caribbean deluxe drinks package for around $100 per day, you’ll need to order at least eight $14 cocktails, every day, to break even on the package.
For many cruisers, that’s just not going to happen. They’d be plenty fine with just ordering a cocktail or two at the pool and then having a glass of wine or two at dinner.
As such, think about your drinking habits while on vacation and do a little math. If the daily cost of the drinks package is more than you’d pay by just ordering drinks without one, skip it.
Everyone in a Cabin Might Need to Buy a Package
Photo Copyright: Emrys Thakkar
As mentioned when discussing Royal Caribbean’s drinks package, if one adult purchases an alcoholic beverages package for your cruise, everyone in the cabin has to.
This can really not be worth it if not all of your party plans on using their package. Even if you’re just a traveling couple, if you both buy the package, but then only one of you uses it fully, then you could end up wasting hundreds upon hundreds of dollars over the course of your cruise.
You’re Not Going to Be Getting the High-End Stuff
If you have particularly upscale tastes when it comes to wine, beer and liquor, it’s worth noting that you’re not going to be getting the top-shelf options with a beverage package.
Most packages are limited to budget or mid-tier alcohol options. That said, you can get discounts on pricier bottles of liquor and wine, but they won’t be included in the price.
You Need to Be on the Ship to Use Them
Drinking Not on the Cruise Ship! (Photo Credit: JTTucker)
This is pretty obvious, but it’s something that cruisers might not think about before purchasing a drinks package.
Consider how much time you plan on spending on the cruise shipduring your cruise. You’re only going to be using the package while physically on the ship.
That means, if you’re anticipating spending all day, every day, in port, you’re not using the drink package during that time. It’s also unlikely that you’ll drink enough just in the evenings to get the package’s full value.
However, if you have a few sea days in your itinerary, or if you plan on skipping some ports of call, you’ll have more time to use your package, upping its value.
Tips and Gratuities aren’t Included
Keep in mind as you budget for your cruise that the tips and gratuities associated with ordering each drink is not included in the package cost.
Tips and gratuities will be added to your cruise bill for you to pay at the end of your sailing, so keep that in mind as you compare and contrast the cost of a drinks package versus the cost of ordering your drinks individually.
You Can Just Bring Your Own Alcohol On-Board (But You’re Limited!)
Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock
While you can’t bring unlimited amounts of alcohol onboard a cruise ship, most lines will allow each adult in a stateroom to bring one bottle of wine with them. Then, you can enjoy it in your room or, in a restaurant, if you pay a corkage fee.
If you rarely drink, but want to drink to celebrate a special occasion on the ship, for example, you could just opt for this work-around, rather than buying a drinks package or paying for drinks a la carte.
You May Already Get Some Free Drinks
In some cases, you may already be getting some free alcoholic beverages, so it’s not worth paying more to get a better selection or extra drinks.
For example, some cruise lines, like Viking Cruises, include house wine or house beer in your fare, so you don’t need a beverage package unless you’re a picky drinker.
Additionally, you may get some free drinks by being part of the cruise line’s loyalty program or by staying in a luxury suite.
You Might Drink More Than You Want To
Different Drinks Onboard (Photo Credit: Lisa Top)
It’s something I’ve heard many cruisers complain about. They want to get the full value out of their drinks package that they bought pre-cruise, but now they’re in the middle of a cruise and dealing with daily hangovers and/or simply drinking more than they’d like.
It can really take the fun out of the cruising experience, but they just feel like they need to get their money’s worth, so they keep up ordering drinks until they’ve broken even on their package.
If you think this might end up being you, skip the drink package.
You Only Drink Beer
Keep in mind that beer is cheaper than cocktails and wine on cruise ships, so if you’re exclusively a beer drinker, you’re going to have to drink much more than someone who drinks cocktails and wine, in order to break even on the drinks package’s cost.
Tally up those totals before buying a package, to see if you really can drink enough beer per day to make the cost worth it.
Should You Buy a Cruise Line Drinks Package?
It all depends on how you weigh the pros and cons. Do you…
Want the most convenient drinking experience possible, and no worries about budgeting for individual drinks during your cruise?
Drink enough that you’d save money with a drinks package, while also drinking within the package’s limit, if it has one?
Drink a lot of specialty beverages, like lattes or soda?
Want to try new things, including new cocktails, without wasting your cash?
If so, then you might want to buy a cruise line drink package before your next cruise. However, do you…
Rarely drink more than a few drinks per day while on vacation, if that?
Plan on spending the large majority of your time off the ship, in port?
Get free drinks through a loyalty program or via your base cruise fare?
Have very particular, high-end tastes in alcohol?
Plan on bringing enough alcohol on board for your cruise, on embarkation day?
If any of the above are true for you, then you might consider just skipping the drinks package and ordering any drinks that you do want, a la carte.
