The Algerian Naval Forces responded to a call for a medical evacuation onboard Sky Princess on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The guest in need of the urgent rescue was a 77-year-old British national who was suffering from a serious medical condition.
The airlift went smoothly and there was no impact to the two itineraries that the Princess ship is operating simultaneously.
For one Princess Cruises’ guest, their voyage onboard Sky Princess has come to an abrupt conclusion.
The guest, who has only been identified as a 77-year-old British national, suddenly required urgent hospitalization while sailing in the Atlantic Ocean near Algeria.
The cruiser’s condition has not been disclosed, but the Princess medical team would have evaluated the guest and deemed their situation too serious to be managed onboard before calling for a medical evacuation.
When the distress call was received at approximately 10:40 a.m. local time on October 8, 2025, the Royal-class cruise ship was positioned approximately 35 nautical miles north of Algeria’s Cap de Fer.
For context, this would place the vessel in the Skikda Province maritime zone, which stretches approximately 80 miles from El Marsa in the east to Oued Z’hour in the west along the Mediterranean coastline.
The National Coast Guard Service immediately sprang into action to rescue the ailing patient.
The Algerian Naval Forces quickly sent an AS-14 search and rescue helicopter from the 560th Search and Rescue Helicopter Squadron to rendezvous with the 3,660-guest ship.
The rescue was aided by coordination efforts made by the regional surveillance and rescue center in Jijel, Algeria.
Thankfully, the airlift went smoothly and the passenger was successfully transferred to the El Hadjar Hospital in Annaba, where they were admitted. Their prognosis has been kept private.
Cruise Hive is sending our thoughts and prayers to the disembarked passenger and their loved ones for the best possible outcome and a speedy recovery.
No Impact to the Itinerary
Sky Princess is nearing the end of a 31-night round-trip Mediterranean itinerary that embarked in Southampton, UK, on September 13, 2025.
An additional round of cruisers also embarked in Istanbul, Turkey, on September 27, for a 17-night sailing to Southampton.
Luckily, the evacuated passenger would have been able to enjoy the majority of the scheduled port calls, which included top-tier destinations throughout Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Malta.
Adding to the good fortune, we can confirm that there was no impact to the remaining two ports on the itinerary for the remaining guests because of the medical evacuation.
This is lucky, as rescues can sometimes lead to delayed or cancelled port calls. Just last month, for example,Carnival Sunshine arrived late in Bermuda after an early morning rescue.
According to cruise tracking data, the 141,000-gross ton vessel was not delayed long by waiting for the helicopter and did not go off course in order to meet the first responders.
She also had a full sea day in between the rescue and her next port call to help make up any lost time.
The first of the final calls was to Cadiz, Spain, where Sky Princess arrived on time on October 10, 2025. The final stop will be in Lisbon, Portugal, on October 11.
The 2019-launched vessel will then spend two more days at sea before returning to Southampton on the morning of October 14.
Disembarkation for the current voyage, and embarkation for the following cruise – which is a 5-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany – will proceed as normal.
It’s so easy to keep up with what’s happening in the world of cruising.
Just read Cruise Hive’s weekly news recap. In this week’s edition, some of our top highlights include a story about a bride-to-be who incurred a lifetime ban from Carnival Cruise Line after smuggling liquor onboard, and design details about Margaritaville at Sea’s newest ship, Beachcomber. And don’t miss our coverage of higher parking fees now being charged at Port Canaveral.
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Smuggled Liquor Leads to Lifetime Ban on Carnival
Banned from Carnival (Credit: @madisonwest2000)
Here’s a tip: If you’re doing something onboard a cruise ship that you know is prohibited, don’t post a video of the activity on TikTok.
But it’s too late for one woman to take that advice, and as a result, she now has a lifetime ban on cruising with Carnival Cruise Line. It happened during a recent bachelorette celebration for Maddie (@madisonwest2000), when the woman, age unknown, sneaked alcohol onboard her ship.
After posting about it on TikTok, some viewers tagged the cruise line, and soon after, Carnival Cruise Line security arrived at her stateroom. She had apparently smuggled the liquor onboard via some feminine hygiene products.
Maddie was not the first to get caught smuggling alcohol onto a ship, but she received the same penalty — a lifetime ban from cruising with the line again.
She has since petitioned Carnival Cruise Line to rescind the ban, but we’re not optimistic. Meanwhile, online comments were not sympathetic, with most suggesting that she got what she deserved.
Like other cruise lines, Carnival does allow limited alcoholic beverages to be brought legally onboard. The brand’s policy states that a guest can board their ship with one 750-ml bottle of sealed wine or champagne in their carry-on luggage.
Venues Revealed Aboard New Legend of the Seas
Legend of the Seas Render
When Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas debuts in July 2026, the 250,800-gross-ton ship will offer experiences geared toward family fun, including the new stage show “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
The cruise line revealed some of what the new ship, which is third in the Icon class, will offer in entertainment, activities, and dining. Among the exciting aspects are Absolute Zero, the biggest ice skating venue at sea, and the Category 6 waterpark, with six thrilling waterslides.
The ship’s AquaTheater will feature aquatic shows with high divers, dancers, and aerialists, while Crown’s Edge will challenge guests with a ropes course and zip line 154 feet above the water line.
The ship will have seven pools, 10 hot tubs, and for youngsters, Splashaway Bay. Dining venues will include Royal Railway-Legend Station, where a five-course menu will feature international cuisine.
Legend of the Seas, with a capacity for 7,000 guests, is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. She will spend her maiden season in Europe before deploying to Port Everglades and sailing a variety of Caribbean cruises.
With These Luggage Issues, Guests Are on Their Own
Carnival Cruise Line Luggage (Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto)
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald took up two unique issues resulting from guest complaints posted on his popular Facebook page, both having to do with luggage issues, and neither of which the cruise line can address.
One guest arrived at his departure port with a piece of damaged luggage; apparently, it was mishandled at an airport and suffered a big crack. The guest was disappointed that staff onboard Carnival Panorama were unable or unwilling to wrap his suitcase in plastic to prevent further damage.
Heald agreed to ask the ship’s repair shop to look at the damaged luggage to see if there was something to be done, but no, he told the guest, we will not wrap your suitcase.
In another issue, a guest complained that the cruise line does not provide luggage storage outside the cabin. This guest claimed that there is not sufficient space inside a stateroom to store suitcases and that other cruise lines do offer a storage option.
But in fact, virtually all staterooms do provide enough space under beds or in closets to store luggage. If some cruise lines offer to store luggage elsewhere, the practice is likely limited to the ultra-luxury brands.
Parking at Port Canaveral Just Got More Expensive
Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
The new rates took effect on October 1, 2025 and are meant to help offset ambitious expansion projects and maintain existing infrastructure. The fee hike is expected to raise some $12.8 million in additional revenue.
For cruise guests who need to park a vehicle or RV, it translates to an extra $21 for a 7-night cruise, and the fee must be paid upon arrival at the parking lot. Other popular ports in Florida have similar or higher fees. At PortMiami, for instance, parking rates range from $20 to $35 per day.
Port Canaveral is the second-busiest, behind PortMiami, in terms of cruise arrivals, and has six cruise terminals. Some 9 million cruise guests are expected to transit Port Canaveral in 2026.
Long-term development plans include new terminal facilities, upgraded cruise berths, more parking, and improved security systems. The last parking fee hike was in 2017, when rates were raised by $1 per day.
Beachcomber to Offer Massive 5 o’Clock Somewhere
Beachcomber Clock
The Jimmy Buffet-inspired Margaritaville at Sea cruise brand took the wraps off of its newest ship’s design to reveal the world’s largest 5 o’Clock Somewhere venue.
The vessel, Margaritaville Beachcomber, will begin sailing under her new name in early 2027 following a major renovation. The 2,702-guest ship will be purchased from Costa Cruises in 2026, and currently sails as Costa Fortuna.
The 5 o’Clock Somewhere venue will be the heart of the ship, and will be located on four decks at the aft of the 102,587-gross-ton vessel. The spacious venue will feature a pool, dining and bar venues, and an entertainment space with live music.
Eateries slated to be offered in the space include the Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar and the Mexican Cutie Cantina. The Daiquiri Shack will entice guests to try a frozen cocktail while adult-only cabanas offer a luxury experience with ocean views and a dedicated bar.
Beachcomber will homeport in Miami, and join two ships currently sailing for the brand: Margaritaville Paradise, based in Palm Beach, and Margaritaville Islander, homeported at Tampa.
Cruise Line Narrows Adult-Only Sailings on Two Ships
P&O Cruises’ Arcadia sails from Southampton. (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss)
P&O Cruises will soon welcome families aboard some voyages of its Aurora and Arcadia ships, which have both been traditionally reserved for guests 18 and older.
All of the affected cruises sail roundtrip from Southampton, UK, in 2026 and 2027. A total of 12 voyages aboard the 1,874-guest Aurora and 8 aboard the 2,094-guest Arcadia are affected. P&O Cruises said the change resulted from guest feedback.
It means that guests already booked on these sailings — thinking they would vacation without children onboard, will now likely have kids as fellow cruisers.
Knowing this could be an issue for some travelers, the cruise line will allow booked guests to swap cruises to an adult-only voyage without any penalty before December 1, 2025.
The itineraries that will accept children onboard vary from 3- and 4-night getaways to longer cruises of up to 24 nights.
Aurora’s first family cruise will be a 4-night getaway to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, departing December 11, 2026. For Arcadia, her first family voyage will be a 16-night Spain, Portugal, and Canary Islands holiday cruise departing on December 21, 2026.
Drink Package to be Pulled From Private Island
Great Stirrup Cay and Drinks (Photo Credits: Paul Bartlett & Dennis MacDonald)
Cruise ship guests who buy drink packages have become accustomed to using the pre-paid plans on private island destinations owned by cruise lines, but that will no longer be the case on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay.
Beginning March 1, 2026, the cruise line’s More at Sea drink plan will not extend to the island visits, although a new drink package designed for the destination will be offered starting in January 2026.
No details about the new package have been revealed yet, but are expected soon. Great Stirrup Cay does provide free beverages, including water, iced tea, and juice, but the More at Sea plan, offering unlimited open bar for guests over 21, will not be valid on the island.
The cruise line attributed the policy change to its plan to transform the island experience. Indeed, the line has big plans for improvements to Great Stirrup Cay, including the addition of a two-ship pier and the 6-acre Great Tides Waterpark, each debuting in late 2025 and summer 2026, respectively.
Comments on social media about the change in the More at Sea drink plan were mostly negative, with some calling the new policy a money grab and an example of a cruise line nickel and diming its guests.
More Cruise Headlines
Let’s keep going with even more news from Cruise Hive, including Carnival Cruise Line announcing its holiday decorating schedule, MSC Cruises opening bookings for its Alaska 2027 season, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship arriving at PortMiami for the winter season.
The day before embarkation, guests on Norwegian Escape‘s October 11, 2025 repositioning cruise have been informed of dramatic itinerary changes.
The ship will now visit two fewer ports of call and the time on shore has been slashed by 40% because the ship needs to sail at a slower speed.
Despite brewing storm systems, poor weather is not a factor in these changes, but may have additional impacts on the sailing.
A repositioning cruise, when a ship changes homeports, can be a great cruise opportunity, often a longer sailing and visiting more ports of call.
Guests boarding Norwegian Escape on Saturday, October 11, for the ship’s move from New York to New Orleans were hoping for exactly that type of experience for the 14-night sailing.
While the cruise will still be two weeks long, guests have now been notified that much of the itinerary has changed. The ship will still be moving from the Big Apple to the Big Easy, but along the way, every port visit except one has now been changed.
“Due to a required adjustment that slightly reduces our sailing speed (don’t worry, everything’s smooth and safe onboard!), we’ll be swapping our calls to San Juan, Puerto Rico and George Town, Cayman Islands for an extra beautiful day at sea and a stop at the beach-lover’s paradise of Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic,”the email notification said.
To be clear, this means that three ports are now dropped from the itinerary, with just one alternative port added instead. Furthermore, the times in other ports have also been adjusted.
Norwegian Escape’s new itinerary is as follows:
Saturday, October 11 – Depart New York City
Sunday, October 12 – At sea
Monday, October 13 – At sea
Tuesday, October 14 – At sea (previously Puerto Plata)
Wednesday, October 15 – Puerto Plata (previously San Juan)
Thursday, October 16 – St Thomas (time changed with nearly two hours less)
Friday, October 17 – At sea
Saturday, October 18 – Willemstad, Curacao
Sunday, October 19 – Oranjestad, Aruba (time changed with two hours less)
Monday, October 20 – Cabo Rojo (previously at sea)
Tuesday, October 21 – Falmouth, Jamaica (time changed with two hours less)
Wednesday, October 22 – At sea (previously Grand Cayman)
Thursday, October 23 – Cozumel, Mexico (time changed with one hour more)
Friday, October 24 – At sea
Saturday, October 25 – Arrive New Orleans
In total, the ship will now visit six ports of call, instead of the eight ports on the original itinerary. What is interesting is that the email goes on with a seemingly outrageous claim.
“We have modified the timing of many port visits to provide you with as much time in each port as possible,”it reads.
That language would seem to indicate more time in fewer ports, but the revised itinerary shows just the opposite.
When added together, guests will get to enjoy just 45.75 hours in all the ports combined, instead of the originally planned 76 hours. This is a loss of 40% of the planned port time.
Norwegian Escape in New York (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz / Shutterstock)
Nevertheless, the ship is safe and her onboard operations are not impacted, though Norwegian Cruise Line has not offered any explanation for why the slower sailing speed is necessary.
Is Bad Weather a Factor?
Some guests are speculating that poor weather along the east coast of the US may be a factor in changing the ship’s itinerary.
Neither system, however, should have a strong impact on Norwegian Escape. The ship is leaving before the worst of the nor’easter weather will begin, and according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Storm Jerry will be well out of the way by the time Norwegian Escape gets anywhere close to her easternmost destinations.
Of course, poor weather can impact any cruise itinerary at any time, anywhere in the world. With a 2-week sailing, it is possible that Norwegian Escape may have further adjustments for regional conditions as needed.
Guests will be informed of such changes as soon as possible, but safety will always be the foremost priority no matter where the ship sails or which ports she visits.
A new VIFP loyalty gift is coming soon across the Carnival fleet, and it might be a collapsible water bottle.
Photos of the new gift were shared by a guest onboard Carnival Celebration this week and confirmed by multiple other guests onboard the Excel-class ship.
This may be the last loyalty gift ever offered, as the logo gifts are not listed in the upcoming Carnival Rewards program.
One of the soon-to-be-ending perks of Carnival Cruise Line’s loyalty program is exclusive VIFP gifts on every cruise. For several months, the current gift has been a set of three packing cubes, but that gift is now running out and a replacement is in the works.
The cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, confirmed that a new gift is coming soon.
“There is a new gift coming very, very soon and I think this will be another popular one,”he said.“Stay tuned!”
Guests may not have to stay tuned for very long, however, as multiple recent guests aboard Carnival Celebration shared what they got this week: a collapsible water bottle.
Carnival Celebration is homeported from Miami, offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries. The ship’s current sailing, which departed South Florida on Sunday, October 5, is a western route with visits to Celebration Key, Cozumel, and Roatan.
These are certainly warmer destinations where having water handy would be useful, and the new gift appears to be a very useful one indeed.
The dark blue bottles have a stainless steel cap and a red metal carabiner for easy attachment to a bag or belt loop, making them very portable. The bottle material appears to be silicone and the neck is expandable/collapsible, which is a useful feature for saving space as the water is drunk.
The bottles appear to have a koozie-like wrap on the main body, with Carnival’s iconic whale tail logo and VIFP Club printed on it.
The capacity is unknown, but these appear to be similar to a small, individual water bottle, perhaps 12-16 ounces.
Carnival’s New VIFP Gift (Credit: Teddy rons)
With the VIFP loyalty program ending on May 31, 2026 as the new Carnival Rewards program begins, it is possible these water bottles may be the very last gift offered to loyal cruisers.
While the new program will still give a “member collectible pin” to guests who reach the Platinum and Diamond reward levels, branded gifts will no longer be one of the perks. The program is still being refined and full details have not yet been released, however, so future gifts may still be under consideration.
Not All Guests Like All Gifts
Several of Carnival’s VIFP gifts have been controversial over the years. Items that appear to be flimsy and inexpensive, such as the slap-koozie and the foam visor, have generated a lot of derision from Platinum and Diamond guests.
For some guests, style preferences play into whether or not a gift is loved or hated. In October 2024, a baseball cap gift got very mixed reactions with some guests loving it, but guests who don’t wear caps were less than impressed.
Other items, such as the valet bag (my personal favorite!), tote bags, and the current packing cubes, are almost universally enjoyed and appreciated.
Almost, but not quite. Heald recently had one guest criticize the packing cubes, not because they didn’t like them, but because they simply had too many.
“I met a guest today who wanted to swap her Platinum packing cubes for dinner at the Steakhouse because she has three sets,”Heald noted during his brief visit to Carnival Sunrise. “I didn’t give her the steakhouse and she isn’t happy with me.”
At current pricing, an adult dinner at the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse aboard Carnival Sunrise (located midship, portside, on Deck 4) would be $52. While the packing cubes are a nice gift, they certainly aren’t valued at $52. On Amazon, sets of 4-8 cubes can easily be found under $20.
Under the current loyalty program, guests cannot swap gifts or choose other perks more to their liking. It is possible the Carnival Rewards program might offer such flexibility in the future.
What guests can do is simply not pick up gifts they don’t like or don’t want more of, or they can give the items away to other cruisers instead. One guest shares that they’ve donated extra packing cubes to a local homeless shelter, where the items are very welcome.
Royal Caribbean advised guests booked to sail aboard Liberty of the Seas on October 11, 2025 that the ship will not be able to visit Bermuda due to Tropical Storm Jerry swirling in the Atlantic.
The ship will instead head north, to Saint John, New Brunswick, and spend an overnight there rather than at Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard.
A notice from the cruise was sent to booked guests, and it does not indicate there will be any compensation for the revised itinerary.
So long, Bermuda. That’s what guests booked to sail aboard the next voyage of Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas are saying, thanks to a tropical storm that is causing the cruise line to alter course.
The 3,634-guest Liberty of the Seas, a Freedom-class ship that launched in 2007, was scheduled to embark guests at her New York homeport on October 11, 2025, for a 5-night Bermuda cruise with an overnight stay at the destination’s Royal Naval Dockyard.
Guests were expecting warm ocean breezes as they strolled along Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, but instead they will sail to Saint John, New Brunswick, and spend an overnight there.
“Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been closely monitoring the developing low-pressure coastal storm system in conjunction with the path of Tropical Storm Jerry impacting our voyage path south,” Royal Caribbean wrote in a notice to guests.
“These storms’ forecast tracks make it hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey toward Bermuda,” the line explained.
Tropical Storm Jerry is currently impacting the Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean, drenching islands with rainfall up to one inch per hour, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The storm, packing maximum wind gusts up to 50 mph, is headed north and expected to affect the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through October 11, 2025.
Tropical Storm Jerry
From there, the expected path continues to take the storm northeast, past Bermuda. At the same time, a Nor’easter is set to affect the New England region. While neither of the storms will reach the US mainland, they will affect ocean conditions.
Royal Caribbean looked at alternative itineraries and chose to reroute the ship to the Canadian port. The line apologized for the revised cruise but noted that safety is its top priority.
Guests were advised to pack sweaters and other clothing appropriate for Saint John’s chilly temperatures, which range from 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit in mid-October. That’s a pretty big contrast to Bermuda, where temperatures are still in the 80s.
However, there’s plenty to see and do in Saint John, which is situated on the Bay of Fundy and is known for its historic architecture. One of the top activities is watching the Reversing Falls, where the Saint John River empties into the bay through a tight gorge as the tide changes, falling some 52 feet.
Other Cruise Ships Take Steps to Bypass Storms
The weather activity in the Atlantic has prompted other ships, including those operated by Royal Caribbean, to alter itineraries and change embarkation times in an effort to avoid the worst of the stormy seas.
The cruise line’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, altered her itinerary away from St. Maarten and toward Puerto Rico on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing that departed Port Canaveral on October 5, 2025.
Looking to avoid Tropical Storm Jerry, the 5,610-guest ship dropped the St. Maarten call and shifted away from the Leeward Islands.
Another ship, Symphony of the Seas, moved up guest embarkation times by two hours so that the ship can depart earlier than scheduled from New Jersey’s Cape Liberty on October 12, 2025. That day is expected to be impacted by high winds and rough seas along the New Jersey coast.
The 5,518-guest ship is scheduled to sail a 7-day Bahamas and Perfect Day voyage, calling at Port Canaveral, Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
A viral video of a cruise passenger sleeping on a rollaway bed on her private balcony is making waves on social media.
Most cruise lines do not allow guests to relocate their beds for safety reasons and to avoid damaging the bedding.
However, most cruise fans are more concerned that the person who filmed the video invaded the snoozing guest’s privacy on a viral scale.
Every now and then, cruisers get rather, umm, creative, when it comes to their cabin set ups.
In the past, we’ve seen Carnival cruisers go viral for dragging a lounge chair from the Lido deck to their interior cabin and another woman was scrutinized for moving her bed to her balcony on a chilly Antarctica cruise.
And once again, another cruise guest is going viral for moving what looks like a rollaway bed onto her cruise cabin’s private balcony.
A short clip was taken from another cruise ship that was docked next to the vessel as the passenger comfortably snoozed under a white comforter.
She even has a book on her lap and a make-shift nightstand set up on a chair, showing she made this decision for the long haul.
The ship she was onboard hasn’t been specified, but it was a Royal Caribbean ship that was docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
“Why do y’all do this,” the original TikTok asked in white text over the short video clip.
Some scrutiny is valid, as most cruise lines actually do not allow guests to relocate their beds to their balconies for safety reasons.
First, sleeping on the balcony increases the risk of a passenger falling or slipping, especially if the vessel encounters rough seas or there is an unexpected change in weather.
Passenger With Bed on Balcony (Credit: @cartelmarcel)
Next, all entrances and exits to the cruise cabin need to be kept clear in the unlikely event of an emergency.
If this guest and her companions had to evacuate their cabin by means of their balcony, the bed would create a dangerous obstruction.
And while safety is the key concern here, long-term exposure to the salty ocean air can damage bedding and mattresses, potentially even leading to mold.
An Invasion of Privacy
You would likely expect that safety would be the top concern among onlookers, but the bigger sticking point was actually that many felt the snoozing cruiser was the victim of an unforgivable invasion of privacy.
Other cruise fans didn’t like that she was filmed without consent and that she was being judged for moving her bed.
One TikToker, who goes by @cartelmarcel on the platform, reacted to the surprisingly controversial video. He captioned the clip with “let people love their life lol.”
The TikToker’s video received over 2,400 comments, with most judging the cameraperson and original poster of the video more than the snoozing passenger.
“They thought it was weird to roll a bed onto a balcony but not weird to record someone who is minding their own business!?”one person exclaimed.
“People that record others at resorts and cruises and post it on social media to make fun of them should be banned. Let people relax and mind your business,”another commented.
But while I would never personally record and post a stranger on a cruise ship (and don’t recommend doing so), I do wonder if passengers actually have a reasonable expectation of privacy while enjoying cruise ship balconies.
On most cruise ships, you can still see other passengers enjoying their balconies from your own cabin, which means they can see you as well.
Additionally, cruisers are aware of when port calls are scheduled, and should, in theory, have the sense to know that their balcony may be visible from the dock or a neighboring vessel.
When they woke up in the morning in port, they realized guests on a neighboring cruise ship were getting an unexpected show.
In the age of smartphones and cameras everywhere, my advice is to never do anything in public that would upset you if it made the rounds on social media.
Royal Caribbean is moving embarkation two hours earlier for Symphony of the Seas on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
The expected nor’easter that will be impacting the northeastern US coast may bring winds of 30-40 miles per hour or greater to the region on Sunday.
There are no itinerary changes confirmed for the ship yet, but the situation is fluid and such changes may be necessary.
It isn’t just hurricanes that can disrupt cruise itineraries. Guests eager to set sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas are now learning that their embarkation has been moved up by two hours in anticipation of rough weather impacting the New Jersey homeport.
While the next cruise of the Oasis-class ship is not setting sail until Sunday, October 12, 2025, that is exactly when poor coastal weather may begin to have a significant impact on the northeastern Atlantic.
“Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we have been closely monitoring a developing coastal low-pressure system forecast to impact the port of Cape Liberty beginning on Sunday,”an alert sent to guests read.“Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, we will continue to monitor the ocean storm system and only depart once we deem it is safe to do so.”
While this may seem that Symphony of the Seas could be departing later than planned, the cruise line is taking steps that might enable an early departure.
“To ensure a smooth boarding process, please arrive two (2) hours earlier than your pre-selected arrival window! If you do not have an arrival time selected, please complete your online check-in via the Royal Caribbean app and plan to arrive at 12:00 PM,”the notice urged.“All guests should be checked-in and onboard by 12:30 PM.”
Original arrival times for the 7-night Bahamas cruise begin at 10:30 a.m., but now guests may arrive as early as 8:30 a.m.
Symphony of the Seas typically departs Cape Liberty at 3 p.m. With the new cruise terminal arrival schedule, it is possible the ship may set sail as early as 1 or 1:30 p.m.
This would mean the current sailing, another 7-night Bahamas itinerary, would need to arrive earlier than expected for debarkation. At the moment, the ship is underway at near her top cruising speed as she heads back toward New Jersey, having finished her port visits.
While an early arrival and departure is a drastic action, this could ensure the ship is underway and well out of the area before the worst of the nor’easter weather arrives later in the day.
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas Docked at Cape Liberty (Photo Credit: Brian Logan Photography)
According to the Weather Channel, winds are predicted to be 20-30 miles per hour in Bayonne on Sunday, with gusts possibly reaching 45 miles per hour or greater. Some weather forecasts are even predicting isolated gusts that could reach 60+ miles per hour.
A coastal flood watch is already planned from 8 a.m. Sunday morning until 6 p.m. Monday evening. This could also potentially impact guests driving to the cruise terminal.
No Itinerary Changes Yet
Royal Caribbean does acknowledge that the “situation is still evolving” and there may yet be further changes to the ship’s schedule. At the moment, however, there are no itinerary changes for the weeklong cruise.
Symphony of the Seas is scheduled to visit Port Canaveral on Tuesday, October 14, followed by Nassau on Wednesday, October 15 and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Thursday, October 16.
If the ship is significantly delayed leaving New Jersey, however, it may be necessary to adjust or even cancel one or more ports of call, depending on the length of the delay.
Royal Caribbean will keep guests updated as any changes are confirmed. The primary consideration will always be safety, and the cruise line will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the ship, guests, and crew members are safe and as comfortable as possible no matter how rough the seas may get.
The Port of Sydney, which is located in Nova Scotia, is clearing up confusion after Symphony of the Seas added and then quickly cancelled a port call.
The port clarified that their two piers are safe and able to accommodate Oasis-class vessels, and that the visit was not cancelled due to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Symphony of the Seas has no plans to attempt another visit at this time, but three other Royal Caribbean ships will be calling throughout the month of October.
As every seasoned cruiser knows, port cancellations are not unusual. But when Symphony of the Seas cancelled her last-minute call to Sydney, Nova Scotia, on September 30, 2025, the decision was met with more speculation than normal.
According to local reports, the cruise port was inundated with an unusually high number of questions, comments, and emails seeking clarity and expressing concerns about the last-minute visit and cancellation.
It’s worth acknowledging that Symphony of the Seas was never actually supposed to sail to Sydney in the first place.
The cruise port was added to the itinerary at the last minute after the Oasis-class vesselswitched from a 7-night Bahamas itinerary to a cruise to Canada in order to avoid Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda.
Once the plans were made, the city was full of excitement to welcome the Royal Caribbean ship for her inaugural call.
At 1,184 feet long and 228,081 gross tons, the 6,680-guest vessel would have been the largest cruise ship to ever dock in Sydney.
But almost as quickly as the call to Sydney was announced, Royal Caribbean cancelled what would have been an overnight visit.
This has led to rumors that the port might not be safe for larger vessels, and the cruise destination wants to make it clear that their two piers are capable of accommodating the world’s fifth largest cruise shipand her sister ships.
“The Port of Sydney received a request on Friday, September 26, from Royal Caribbean for a call by Symphony of the Seas, diverted due to a hurricane in the southern region,” The Port of Sydney said in a statement.
“The port’s infrastructure was purpose-built to accommodate vessels of this scale, with both Liberty Pier and the Main Dock expansion designed specifically for Oasis-class vessels,” the statement continued.
The cruise destination then went on to acknowledge that the final decision on whether a cruise ship will visit a port lies with the ship’s Captain, and that they respect Royal Caribbean’s decision.
Holiday Was Not a Factor in Port Cancellation
Not only would Symphony of the Seas’ inaugural visit be historic, but it would likely have been a great day for profits for the businesses located in the port’s downtown area.
Many of these businesses made special arrangements to be open on September 30, which is a holiday in Canada called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
When the day came, the cruise ship floated around 18 miles off shore, but the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion was closed and locked – which created confusion on if the ship was docking or not.
It also added to speculation that the port call was cancelled due to the holiday.
However, the port wants to make it very clear that it would have been up and running to welcome the cruise guests if the visit had gone ahead as planned.
“The Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion was closed following the cancellation in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day,” the cruise port confirmed.
“The closure was not the cause of the cancellation, and had a ship been in port, the Pavilion would have been open.”
Plans were even in the works to include the passengers in recognizing the holiday, which honors the legacy of residential schools and the victims and survivors who went through them.
Although the 2018-launched vessel has no plans to attempt to return to Sydney at this time, the port will continue to work closely with Royal Caribbean.
Other Royal Caribbean ships like Vision of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas will visit multiple times before the end of October.
Carnival Cruise Line organizes its fleet into ten distinct classes, each with different cruise ship sizes, onboard amenities, and their own unique personality. From cozy and budget-friendly cruise ships to megaships that feature incredible attractions, the Carnival fleet is incredibly diverse.
Let’s dive in and learn more about the 29 ships that currently make up the Carnival fleet.
I like to think of Carnival’s Fantasy Class as approachable, wallet-friendly cruise ships. They first entered service in the 1990s, so they’re a bit dated by today’s standards, but they’re perfect for an affordable getaway.
Current Fantasy Class Ships
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Launch Year
Carnival Elation
71,909
2,190
1998
Carnival Paradise
71,925
2,124
1998
Before the launch of Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, the Fantasy Class consisted of six other cruise ships. As of 2020, they are no longer in service, but Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, and Carnival Inspiration are all former Fantasy Class ships.
All of these former cruise ships had a gross tonnage of 70,367, and they were launched between 1990 and 1996. I never had the opportunity to sail on any of these retired cruise ships, but they mostly sailed to and from the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
What Are Fantasy Class Ships Known For?
Fantasy-class ships are considered to be classic Carnival small-to-mid-size ships. Although only two Fantasy Class ships remain in service, they introduced many people to the cruise line.
Carnival Paradise in Tampa
As relatively small cruise ships, they’re known for being affordable and fairly easy to navigate. They both homeport in Florida, and they usually offer shorter Caribbean itineraries, as well as direct travel to and from the Bahamas.
From the beginning, the Fantasy Class cruise ships were marketed towards budget-minded guests who wanted Carnival’s now well-known casual vibe.
Today, these ships are ideal for young families traveling with kids, as well as first-time cruisers looking for a simple cruise ship layout and a budget-friendly trip.
Top Features
When you think of traveling on a Fantasy Class ship, think of compact public spaces. Most of the top features on these ships are venues that will be familiar to frequent Carnival cruisers, like Guy’s Burger Joint and the Red Frog Rum Bar on Lido deck.
Both active ships were renovated in 2020, with a key component of the update being improving the pool facilities. The three pools and six hot tubs added to each of the two ships are their main attractions. You won’t find full-sized water parks, but the pools are still great for families.
Carnival Elation was also given an additional 30 balcony cabins, which replaced a dated lounge area at the back of the ship.
Spirit Class
Spirit Class ships sit right above Fantasy Class vessels in the Carnival fleet. They’re a bit bigger and were all launched in the early 2000s. Today, Carnival uses them for lengthier voyages than its two active Fantasy-class ships.
Current Spirit Class Ships
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Launch Year
Carnival Spirit
88,500
2,134
2001
Carnival Pride
88,500
2,134
2002
Carnival Legend
88,500
2,134
2002
Carnival Miracle
88,500
2,134
2004
Two other Spirit-class ships were constructed, but have since been sold by Carnival Cruise Line.
What Are Spirit Class Ships Known For?
Spirit-class ships were all built to be Panamax-sized, which is just a fancy way of saying they’re slim enough to pass through the Panama Canal.
This gives them a slightly narrower profile than you’d expect for a ship with a capacity of over 2,000 guests. Their unique profile also means they offer a wider range of itineraries, which is why they have sailed throughout Alaska, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and more.
They feel a bit roomier than Fantasy-class ships, but you wouldn’t call them mega-ships. Another unique feature is their signature trio of smoke stacks, as well as a large skylight at the front of the ships.
Travelers seeking a mid-sized ship with unique itineraries will likely enjoy booking a voyage on a Spirit-class cruise ship. While the amenities are somewhat limited compared to the larger ships in the fleet, they’re still great ships for adults and young families alike.
Top Features
If you travel on a Spirit-class ship, expect mid-sized venues and comfortable lounges. Although they don’t have the latest Cloud 9 Spa facilities, they still offer pools, fitness centers, and a variety of entertainment options. The distinct glass atrium is the defining feature of these ships.
Upgraded Carnival Spirit Mini Golf (Credit: Carnival)
Carnival Miracle was the last Spirit-class built for Carnival. She has the same tonnage and capacity. Like Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend, one of Carnival Miracle’s defining features is an enormous atrium with a glass ceiling called the Colossus Atrium. While Carnival Spirit lacks the glass atrium, all four Spirit-class ships feature glass elevators.
Conquest Class
Conquest-class ships are another step up in terms of both passenger capacity and size. They’re built around an original Carnival Cruise Line design, so they differ from any other cruise ships out there. All five Conquest-class ships are still in service.
Current Conquest Class Ships
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Launch Year
Carnival Conquest
110,000
2,980
2002
Carnival Glory
110,000
2,980
2003
Carnival Valor
110,000
2,980
2004
Carnival Liberty
110,000
2,974
2005
Carnival Freedom
110,000
2,980
2007
What Are Conquest Class Ships Known For?
Conquest-class vessels are noticeably bigger than Spirit-class ships. You get a greater number of entertainment venues, as well as adult-only areas and amenities.
In fact, Carnival Conquest was one of the first ships in the fleet to offer Carnival SEA Voyages, which are adult-only itineraries.
All five ships operate year-round, mostly offering voyages throughout the Caribbean. They are a great option for families and adult couples looking for a nice balance between value and onboard entertainment.
If you’re like me and enjoy lounging poolside, all five ships feature stadium-style pool decks, allowing you to choose between sitting beside the pool or looking down at it.
Top Features
Conquest ships offer a significantly larger variety of dining options compared to the smaller classes mentioned above. You also get those really big swimming pools and sun decks.
Speaking of which, they use those stadium-style pool decks to host outdoor Dive-In Movies, where guests can watch a movie on the big screen under the stars. Trust me, it’s a lot of fun!
Splendor Class
Carnival Splendor is the only ship in Carnival’s Splendor-class, but it still plays a vital role in the fleet.
Current Splendor Class Ship
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Launch Year
Carnival Splendor
113,300
3,012
2008
What Are Splendor Class Ships Known For?
Until Carnival debuted the Dream class, Carnival Splendor was the largest ship in the fleet. The original design aimed to offer an increased passenger capacity, along with larger public spaces and more modern décor and amenities.
Carnival Splendor Cruise Ship
Carnival Splendor is known for being a lively ship. With plenty of live musical performances, the Royal Flush Casino, and an elegant dining venue called Fahrenheit 555, it is a slightly more adult-oriented ship than most of Carnival’s ships.
I’d say that Carnival Splendor has a slightly more “grown up” vibe. It’s also a really big cruise ship, so if you want a ship that you can really explore, it’s a good option.
Top Features
Carnival Splendor features water slides, two full-sized swimming pools, numerous hot tubs, and a massive live performance theater called the El Morocco Lounge.
Dream Class
Now we’re getting into some of Carnival’s bigger, resort-style cruise ships. Built between 2009 and 2012, they represented a significant advancement for the Carnival fleet.
Current Dream Class Ships
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Launch Year
Carnival Dream
130,000
3,646
2009
Carnival Magic
130,000
3,690
2011
Carnival Breeze
130,000
3,690
2012
A fourth Dream-class ship belongs to Costa Cruises and sails under the name Costa Diadema.
What Are Dream Class Ships Known For?
Dream-class ships popularized Carnival’s popular family zones. Since they were the biggest ships in the fleet when they first launched, they also introduced guests to a more diverse range of restaurant options, including branded eateries.
With lots of family-friendly amenities, as well as plenty of specialty dining options, Dream-class ships are a good option for families with children. The family pools are great for the kids, while the high-production live shows and numerous late-night entertainment venues work well for adults.
Top Features
All Dream-class ships feature a Cloud 9 Spa, as well as a nice variety of specialty restaurants.
Carnival Dream also features an 18-hole mini golf course, as well as jacuzzi tubs that hang over the side of the ship. These are also the first ships to feature Carnival’s WaterWorks water parks and slides.
Sunshine Class
Carnival’s Sunshine class is actually a refitted Destiny-class ship. Three Destiny-class ships were refitted starting in the early 2010s, then relaunched as a new class between 2013 and 2021.
Current Sunshine Class Ships
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Refit Launch Year
Carnival Sunshine
102,853
3,002
2013
Carnival Sunrise
101,509
2,984
2019
Carnival Radiance
101,509
2,984
2021
What Are Sunshine Class Ships Known For?
All three Sunshine class ships are retrofitted and remodeled ships. Because they are not a custom-built class, the Sunshine-class is slightly different from the other classes in the Carnival fleet.
A huge goal of the refit was to add additional balcony cabins and suites, so there is a real focus on passenger accommodations. The ships also have refreshed décor, upgraded dining venues, and large water parks.
All three ships in the class are themed to reflect the oceans and seas of the world, giving them a really pleasant aquatic theme. There was also a lot of effort put into creating huge lounge areas.
I never had the chance to sail on any of these ships before they were upgraded, but it’s clear that the roughly 200 million dollars Carnival put into refitting the ships included a big focus on onboard amenities.
As mid-sized ships, they offer a great introduction to cruising. Since they usually offer short itineraries, traveling on a Sunshine-class ship can also be a budget-friendly way to enjoy a cruise vacation.
Top Features
All three ships were given enormous water slides as part of the refitting process. You’ll also find outdoor movie screens, spas, casinos, nightclubs, specialty restaurants, and lots more. Some guests even claim there’s too much to do at nighton these ships!
Vista Class
Vista-class cruise ships are the third largest in the fleet. With a focus on top-deck attractions and an interior design that focuses on distinct zones, the three ships that the class consists of offer plenty of fun for passengers of all ages.
Current Vista Class Ships
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Launch Year
Carnival Vista
133,500
3,934
2016
Carnival Horizon
133,500
3,960
2018
Carnival Panorama
133,500
4,008
2019
What Are Vista Class Ships Known For?
Carnival’s Vista-class ships were designed with adventure in mind. They have more public space than previously built ships, as well as eye-catching attractions.
They were also the first ships to feature SkyRide, a pedal-powered suspended bike track. Like the Dream-class ships, they also have mini-putt courses and a WaterWorks water park. Carnival Vista also has an IMAX theatre. Carnival Panorama is also home to an indoor trampoline park called Sky Zone.
Carnival Vista in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Another thing all three Vista-class ships are known for is their diverse dining options, which include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, Brewhouse and Seafood Shack, and Bonsai Teppanyaki.
Basically, these ships offer a wide range of dining experiences and amenities, including a variety of top deck activities for thrill seekers. They’re really fun for both first-time and seasoned cruisers.
Personally, I think they’re some of the most entertaining ships in the entire fleet!
With that said, it’s not all just about entertainment and diverse dining options when you travel on a Vista-class ship. These ships also introduced the Havana Staterooms, which give guests access to restricted cabin zones, including the Havana Cabanas by the main pools and the Family Harbor Entertainment area.
Excel Class
Sometimes listed as Excellence or XL class, Carnival’s Excel-class ships are amongst the fleet’s newest. These four enormous ships are also the biggest in the fleet, with passenger capacities of over 5,000 guests.
Current Excel Class Ships
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Launch Year
Mardi Gras
180,800
5,270
2021
Carnival Celebration
183,521
5,362
2022
Carnival Jubilee
183,521
5,362
2023
There are also plans to add additional Excel-class ships to the fleet, with Carnival Festivale set to set sail in 2027, and Carnival Tropicale the following year.
What Are Excel Class Ships Known For?
Excel-class ships are known mostly for their enormous size. As the largest and second-newest class in the Carnival fleet, it’s no surprise that they’re outfitted with a vast variety of amenities. Mardi Gras was also the first Carnival vessel to be LNG powered.
Each of the three ships is also outfitted with 20+ dining options. The interior of each ship is also divided into distinct themed zones, which vary from adults-only to family-oriented spaces.
With a nice variety of headline-worthy attractions, they also tend to have a really lively atmosphere. Like most megaships, Excel-class ships are perfect for vacationers who are looking for a resort-style experience at sea.
They’re also a good option for any cruisers who enjoy a faster-paced environment and plenty of exciting nightlife.
Top Features
Aside from the sheer size of Excel-class ships, the top feature is BOLT. This full-sized roller coaster gives 360° ocean views and sits right on the top deck of Mardi Gras and her sister ships.
Carnival BOLT Roller Coaster (Photo Credit: Camera walk)
It was also the first roller coaster at sea, so it’s unsurprising that Carnival advertised it heavily when they first launched Mardi Gras.
The huge variety of restaurants is also really nice. With steakhouses, sushi restaurants, and everything in between, there’s almost too much to choose from. You can even read which foods and snacks the crew of the Carnival Mardi Gras enjoy the most.
Venice Class
With only two ships, Carnival’s Venice class is one of the newest in the fleet. Due to design similarities, Carnival’s Venice-class ships are sometimes lumped in with their Vista-class vessels.
Both ships were originally designed for Costa Cruises, but they were later transferred to Carnival Cruise Line. Even though they’re not part of the Carnival fleet, they still retain a unique Italian-inspired theme leftover from their association with Costa Cruises.
Current Venice Class Ships
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Carnival Launch Year
Carnival Venezia
135,225
4,090
2023
Carnival Firenze
135,156
4,126
2024
What Are Venice Class Ships Known For?
You really notice the more boutique, Italian-inspired themes when you board either of Carnival’s Venice-class ships. There are plenty of Italian-style eateries and cafés, as well as Venetian atriums and Italian-looking décor.
Carnival Venezia Docked in Curacao (Photo Credit: Curaçao Ports Authority)
Personally, I feel that Carnival’s Venice-class ships have a more European atmosphere that goes beyond just decoration. There’s a more elegant feel to the ships that stands apart from the casual fun Carnival Cruise Line is famous for.
Passengers seeking the energy and budget-friendly nature of a Carnival cruise, but also wanting themed interiors and a more traditional cruising experience, will enjoy booking a trip on one of these two ships.
Top Features
The top features on these ships have to be their unique interior design. Carnival really leaned into the Italian theme, outfitting the ships with marble flooring, huge Italian-themed murals, and plenty of Italian-style dining options, like Pizzeria Del Capitano and the II Viaggio specialty restaurant.
Adventure Class
The two ships in Carnival’s Adventure class were designed to be smaller and nimbler than the other ships in the fleet. This explains the name Adventure class, which is meant to reflect the more remote and inaccessible locations the ships can visit due to their smaller size.
The two ships previously sailed under P&O Australia under the names Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter. In 2025, they were renamed and relaunched as Carnival cruise ships.
Current Adventure Class Ships
Ship Name
Gross Tonnage (GT)
Max Passenger Capacity
Carnival Launch Year
Carnival Adventure
108,865
2,636
2025
Carnival Encounter
198,865
2,600
2025
What Are Adventure Class Ships Known For?
As mid-sized cruise ships, Adventure-class ships are a bit smaller than a typical Carnival cruise ship, so the focus is more on high-quality dining experiences and modest amenities, like a small water park, pools, and live entertainment venues.
Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter sail side by side (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Since they’re relatively small, they can also visit some of the smaller ports in the Caribbean. Carnival Adventure also sails from Australia for part of the year, with itinerary stops at smaller ports in New Zealand.
These ships are perfect for any new cruiser who doesn’t want to feel overwhelmed by some of the mega-ships in the fleet.
Top Features
Despite the smaller size, both ships feature a version of Carnival’s EDGE Adventure Park, which is a zip line course unique to Carnival Cruise Line.
There are also plenty of dining options aboard either ship, as well as several live entertainment venues, like Punchliner Comedy Club.
Choosing the Right Carnival Ship Class
Carnival offers 10 distinct classes, each with unique features. From the smaller Fantasy-class and Adventure-class ships to the mega cruise ships in the Excel class, choosing the right trip for your vacation can be a bit confusing.
My main piece of advice would be to prioritize the type of itinerary you want to experience, as well as the amenities that catch your eye. While it’s always a decision that depends on personal preference, here’s my advice.
Budget travelers should enjoy Fantasy, Spirit, and Sunshine-class ships because they’re compact and affordable.
Young families and those with children would feel at home on Excel-class, Dream-class, and Vista-class ships, as they offer a vast variety of adult and child-friendly attractions. These would also appeal to those looking to enjoy a more resort-style vacation on a mega-ship.
For unique itineraries and adventure, the Adventure-class ships are usually the best bet. Venice-class ships also visit unique locations, like Panama, so they’d also work well.
If you’re on a tight budget, but still want a lot of the usual cruise ship amenities, you can’t go wrong with a Conquest-class ship. You can sometimes score a good deal on Carnival’s sole Splendor-class ship, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on prices if you’re on a budget.
