For the second time in just a few days, Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on an upcoming sailing to notify them that the most popular loyalty benefits for top-tier returning passengers will not be available.

The impacted sailing is the September 29, 2023 Carnival Venezia departure, and while it is a longer sailing, it is not quite so momentous as other cruises where these benefits cannot be accommodated.

Why does this keep happening aboard Carnival Cruise Line, and what might be done to preserve loyalty status on more sailings?

Loyalty Benefits Not Available on Upcoming Cruise

Returning Carnival guests who have achieved Diamond or Platinum level in Carnival Cruise Line’s “VIFP” (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program will not be getting all their benefits aboard the September 29, 2023 cruise on Carnival Venezia.

The 15-night Southern Caribbean itinerary is a roundtrip “Carnival Journeys” cruise scheduled to call on Grand Turk, Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas before returning to New York on October 14, 2023.

The cruise line’s most loyal guests booked on the cruise, however, have been notified that not all their benefits can be offered on this sailing.

“Due to the high number of Diamond and Platinum guests joining us on this voyage, we will not be able to provide priority embarkation or debarkation (including at any of the ports of call),” the notification email read.

Furthermore, the email also noted that “due to capacity limitations” Diamond guests would not be guaranteed main dining room seating time requests for dinner.

“This operational change is consistent with other Carnival Journeys cruises where we have a very large number of Diamond and Platinum guests,” the email explained. “We apologize for any disappointment and thank you for your understanding.”

In order to reach Platinum VIFP status, a cruise traveler must have sailed with Carnival Cruise Line for a minimum of 75 cruise nights (each night earns one point in the program, and points do not expire). To reach Diamond status, guests must have sailed with the cruise line for at least 200 nights.

Read Also: Which Cruise Lines Match Loyalty Programs?

The priority embarkation and debarkation benefits are some of the most sought after loyalty rewards in the program, but they are not the only benefits the most experienced cruisers receive. Other benefits, including the loyalty gifts, casino free play, and the special line at Guest Services remain intact for this sailing.

Benefits Not Available on All Cruises

Whenever necessary, Carnival Cruise Line does remove benefits from individual sailings if those benefits cannot be accommodated in a timely and efficient way.

For example, the “Carnival Journeys” cruises – longer sailings to more exclusive destination that often attract more experienced cruisers – regularly get these benefits reduced, because it simply would not be possible to effectively deliver the appropriate service to hundreds of Diamond or Platinum guests.

The very first sailing of Carnival Venezia had these same benefits removed in May 2023, and more recently, the transatlantic sailing of Carnival Freedom – which departed Port Canaveral on September 21, 2023 – also had these loyalty benefits removed.

With more and more travelers reaching the distinct upper levels of loyalty status, however, it is possible that these benefits may be rescinded more and more frequently on a larger number of Carnival sailings. This can make the benefits must less valuable and much less attractive to frequent cruisers.

Should the Loyalty Program Be Overhauled?

Earlier this year, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador John Heald hinted that changes to the VIFP loyalty program may be forthcoming.

“The whole loyalty program is being looked at by very smart people and while I have zero news to share on what will or will not happen I know that the program needs a massive refresh so we can do a better job in thanking people for their loyalty and to keep that loyalty alive,” Heald said.

It is possible the cruise line may be considering adjusting the loyalty tiers or adding a new top tier level, as Disney Cruise Line did in May 2023 when it introduced the Pearl tier to the Castaway Club loyalty program.

Any adjustments to Carnival’s existing program could be tricky, however, as guests who are already Platinum or Diamond may resent if any existing benefits are removed for a new, higher tier. This could cause ripples with upcoming bookings or cancellations if guests opt to shift to other cruise lines – perhaps lines like MSC Cruises, which offers a status match for competing lines’ loyalty programs.

What new benefits do you think Carnival could introduce for a new tier of VIFP guests? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked aboard three different ships sailing this weekend to alert them to potential impacts of a developing tropical cyclone.

While there are no itinerary adjustments confirmed at this time, guests will want to stay in close contact with the cruise line in case of further updates or last-minute changes.

Three Carnival Ships on Weather Alert

With a new tropical storm developing off the southeastern coast of the US and forecast to move north over the weekend, Carnival Cruise Line is notifying guests setting sail on Carnival Venezia, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Magic to stay alert to possible adjustments. All guests received a notification on Thursday, September 21, to stay alert and to sign up for cruise line text messages for updates on their sailings.

The 135,225-gross ton Carnival Venezia is scheduled to depart from New York on Saturday, September 23, for a 6-night Canada & New England cruise that will visit Portland, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Halifax, Nova Scotia before returning to New York on Friday, September 29.

The 88,500-gross ton Carnival Legend is setting sail from Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday, September 24, for a 6-night Bermuda sailing, with no ports of call other than Kings Wharf for an overnight visit.

The 128,000-gross ton Carnival Magic is sailing from Norfolk, Virginia on Sunday, September 24, also for a 6-night Bermuda cruise, which will enjoy an overnight port visit to Kings Wharf.

“At present, there is no change to our sailing plan,” the notifications for all three cruises read. “As everyone’s safety is our priority, we will continue to monitor the weather forecast and provide timely updates should there be any impact to your embarkation.”

Guests are asked not to head to the cruise terminal for embarkation until they have received a final update from the cruise line, in case there are changes or delays.

Carnival Magic Reminders

In addition to the notification about the tropical storm – which is not expected to strengthen into a hurricane, but will nonetheless create rough sailing conditions – guests booked on Carnival Magic have received an additional reminder about their embarkation in Norfolk.

The email notes, “terminal arrival appointments will be strictly enforced and guests who arrive before their selected time will be asked to return later.”

Shuttle buses are provided between the parking area and the cruise terminal, which are approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) apart. Parking payments must be made in cash or via credit card, and are due upon arrival.

All guests must also be onboard Carnival Magic no later than 60 minutes before the sailing time, which is currently scheduled for 5:30 p.m. It is possible the ship’s embarkation may be moved earlier to provide a wider margin ahead of the incoming storm, though this has not yet been decided and at the moment, the departure time remains as originally planned.

Tropical Storm Expected

While the rough weather that may impact all three Carnival cruises is currently only a “potential tropical storm” it is expected to strengthen into an official tropical storm on Friday, September 22.

The center of the storm is currently 620 miles (998 kilometers) east of Bermuda, moving north at 14 miles per hour (23 kilometers per hour). The maximum sustained winds are reported at 50 mph (80 kph), though the system does not yet have a defined eye or complete circulation that is necessary for tropical storm classification.

Read Also: How a Hurricane Could Affect Your Cruise

Tropical storm warnings are already in effect from North Carolina north to New Jersey, with the entire region likely to be impacted by strong winds, large waves, and heavy rain.

Any guests sailing in the region over the next few days, including coastal cruises as well as fall foliage sailings, may want to be prepared for less-than-ideal weather and the possibility of itinerary adjustments.

Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests setting sail aboard Carnival Freedom as the ship begins her transatlantic crossing to Spain for dry dock that some of the most sought after benefits typically provided to returning guests will not be available on this cruise.

This is due to the high number of loyal guests booked on this particular sailing, and is a step the cruise line has had to take with other popular sailings.

VIFP Benefits Reduced Aboard Carnival Freedom

Guests aboard Carnival Freedom as the Conquest-class vessel departs Port Canaveral, Florida en route to Barcelona, Spain, will not be able to take advantage of some of the most desirable benefits of loyalty status. In a notification sent just a week before embarkation, the cruise line explained which benefits could not be offered.

As the concern is only related to loyalty benefits at the top tier Diamond and Platinum VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) status, the letter was only given to guests who have achieved that level with the cruise line.

“Due to the high number of Diamond and Platinum guests joining us on this voyage, we will not be able to provide priority embarkation or debarkation (including at any of the ports of call),” the letter said.

The letter also indicated that guests would not be able to remain in their staterooms until after 1:30 p.m. on embarkation day, though they could drop off any carry-on luggage before heading to lunch. Finally, Diamond level guests would not be guaranteed main dining room seating requests for dinner.

“This operational change is consistent with other Carnival Journeys cruises where we have a very large number of Diamond and Platinum guests,” the letter explained. “We apologize for any disappointment and thank you for your understanding.”

For example, Carnival Cruise Line also removed these loyalty benefits from the maiden voyage of Carnival Venezia in May 2023.

No information is available about the exact numbers of Diamond or Platinum passengers onboard this 13-night transatlantic sailing, but it is likely that there are hundreds of guests who would qualify for the benefits.

Carnival Freedom can welcome 2,980 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 3,754 guests if fully booked with all berths filled. All other loyalty benefits, including VIFP gifts, special events, and casino benefits remain intact.

Carnival Freedom on Her Way to Spain

Carnival Freedom departed Port Canaveral at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2023 for the one-way trip to Spain, where the ship will enter dry dock for upgrades and general maintenance.

Before arriving in Spain, the ship will visit Bermuda on Sunday, September 24; Ponta Delgada in the Azores on Friday, September 29; and Malaga and Valencia in Spain on October 2 and 3, respectively, before arriving in Barcelona on Wednesday, October 4.

The ship will be out of service for approximately one month, before setting sail from Barcelona on October 23, 2023 to return to Port Canaveral by way of Valencia, Malaga, the Canary Islands, and Bermuda, arriving back in Florida on November 6, 2023, refreshed and ready to welcome guests.

Dry Dock Plans

This dry dock is of particular interest, as Carnival Freedom is currently unique in the Fun Ship fleet.

The ship’s iconic “whale tail” funnel was damaged in a fire in May 2022, and interim repairs involved removing the characteristic wings from the funnel structure. The remaining structure was fully functional, but the ship has been sailing for more than a year without that instantly recognizable feature.

A new whale tail funnel is to be installed during the dry dock in Spain, returning the ship to the classic look that has graced every Carnival ship since Tropicale was first constructed for the line in 1982.

Read Also: Former Carnival Cruise Ships, Where Are They Now?

Another key feature will also be added to Carnival Freedom during this dry dock. The ship is scheduled to receive the new red, white, and blue livery that initially debuted with Mardi Gras in 2021, and has gradually been rolled out across the fleet as ships have had dry dock updates.

Other regular maintenance and refreshment of public areas as well as guest staterooms will be part of the dry dock as well, and in a month’s time, the 110,000-gross ton Carnival Freedom will be upgraded, renovated, and ready to set sail once more with all the charismatic fun of every Carnival ship.

Carnival Cruise Line has responded to yet another rumor circulating on social media, debunking the concern and urging guests to avoid believing or perpetuating unfounded information spread through unofficial websites or fan groups. This time, the rumor involves nothing more or less than water, pure and simple.

Yes, Carnival Has Distilled Water for CPAP Machines

The rumor currently persisting through social media is the idea that Carnival Cruise Line will no longer provide distilled water for use in guests’ CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines.

CPAP machines are essential therapy to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, in which airways can become blocked or collapse during sleep. Various designs of these machines are available depending on individual needs and preferences, but nearly all require distilled water as part of a humidifier component, which helps reduce dry mouth and nasal congestion.

Using tap water in a CPAP can cause contamination and may compromise the machine’s operation, while running it without water could cause the motor to burn out.

The rumor that Carnival would no longer have water for CPAP machines was brought to the attention of John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, via various complaints and indignation about the supposed new policy. “Anyway, we do have distilled water,” Heald confirmed.

Water can be ordered before a cruise and will be waiting in the guest’s stateroom, or can be ordered through room service onboard and will be delivered. There is a nominal charge for the water, which is currently listed at $3.95 (USD) for a 1.5 liter (50.72 fluid ounces) bottle.

Eight bottles can be purchased for $20, or 12 smaller, half-liter (16.9 fluid ounces) bottles are available for $9.95. All water purchases are also subject to an 18% delivery fee.

If guests do not want to pay for distilled water onboard, they can bring on their own water in accordance with Carnival’s carry on beverage policy.

Guests are asked to pre-purchase water if they will be needing it onboard, in order to ensure the ship has an adequate supply of bottles to meet the demand for each sailing. Occasionally, deliveries to ships can be delayed, which can cause confusion.

“There was a situation this week where one ship did not have their delivery,” Heald explained. “After speaking with the team they arranged for another ship to transfer some in port so all was well.”

Guests Urged to Avoid Rumors

Many different rumors about Carnival Cruise Line have been circulating on social media in recent months, from “no more towel animals” to “gratuities pay crew salaries” to “priority boarding is cancelled” and more.

Each time, enraged social media users flood John Heald’s popular Facebook page with complaints, comments, and more than a few ALL CAPITAL LETTER admonishments about how the cruise line needs to do better.

The problem is, the rumors are untrue, and the cruise line is, in fact, continuing to provide fun and memorable cruise vacations to millions of eager guests. “Please, do your best if you read [social media] take things with a dollop of salt,” Heald urges guests.

Heald answers hundreds of online questions each day, as well as sharing insights into Carnival cruising, providing updates on different issues, offering peeks into special voyages – such as Carnival Luminosa’s current epic 30-night sailing from Seattle to Brisbane – and helping solve problems and concerns for guests onboard.

Rather than rely on social media comments from unauthorized sources, prospective guests are urged to contact John Heald via his Facebook page or reach out to Carnival Cruise Line’s guest services to get accurate, updated information for any of their cruise-related concerns.

Carnival Cruise Line is inviting prospective guests to be the first to know details about the line’s upcoming new destination, Celebration Key, whether or not they already have a cruise booked. Guests can register for exclusive updates and emails with special savings as the July 2025 debut of the new destination approaches.

Register to Know More About Celebration Key

Carnival Cruise Line revealed the name of its new Bahamas destination, Celebration Key, less than a month ago, and now guests can register to receive updates and details as the private destination is developed. A login on Carnival’s website is required, and Very Important Fun People (VIFP) – past guests who are loyal to Carnival Cruise Line – can login with their loyalty number.

“As the first cruise port destination being designed specifically for Carnival guests, we feel it’s important to invite them along for this special journey as we continue to work our way toward the opening of Celebration Key in July 2025,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

The frequency of emails or the information that will be revealed to registered guests have not been detailed, but will likely include first-to-know announcements about which ships will be visiting Celebration Key on which itineraries, as well as upcoming features and amenities at the destination as they are confirmed.

About Celebration Key

Celebration Key is the new $200 million (USD) development being built roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the existing cruise dock in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Ground was officially broken for the new destination in May 2022, and the projected opening is July 2025.

Described as a “uniquely Bahamian experience” Celebration Key will include a mile-long white sand beach, tropical native plant landscaping, a nature reserve, and Bahamian-run retail that will include merchandise, artwork, dining, and more. Not only will this introduce guests to the distinctive culture of the Bahamas, but will also provide economic support to the local community.

“We are working very closely with the Government of The Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to ensure that we are highlighting the best of Grand Bahama and its culture, combined with fun like only Carnival can provide,” said Duffy.

Celebration Key will be available only to Carnival Cruise Line guests, a first in the company’s history. For now, Carnival ships call on two other private destinations in the Bahamas – Princess Cays, which is dedicated first to Princess Cruises, as well as Half Moon Cay, which is primarily used by Holland America Line.

While all three cruise lines are part of the Carnival Corporation family, Celebration Key will bring a new “fun” vibe to the Bahamas with a destination specifically designed with Carnival guests in mind.

Carnival Cruise Line has not yet announced which ships or itineraries will be the first to visit Celebration Key, but has hinted that the announcement will be coming in late September 2023.

At least 10 ships are slated to have calls on Celebration Key, from various homeports. It is likely that cruises departing from Miami, Port Canaveral, New York, Tampa, and other homeports that regularly visit the Bahamas will include itineraries visiting Celebration Key, possibly on sailings from 3-10 nights in length.

Part of the plan for the new destination is a lengthy pier that will be able to welcome two Excel-class ships at once, meaning that as many as 13,000 guests could be enjoying the destination at the same time on the same day if both ships were fully booked with all berths filled.

Will you be one of the first to know about Celebration Key, one of the first to visit the new destination, or both?