Norwegian Cruise Line is now limiting how many items guests can order from room service at once to one hot item and one cold item per person.
The room service fees for breakfast and the all-day menu remain unchanged, despite order sizes now being restricted.
This change is the third the cruise line has implemented after adding fees to additional entrees in the Main Dining Room and removing drink packages from Great Stirrup Cay.
Just days after adding fees for a second entree in the Main Dining Room, Norwegian Cruise Line is now imposing fairly strict limits on room service orders.
The change is a recent one, but guests are quickly noticing the restriction, which didn’t exist in September but is now present for October sailings. Specifically, it has been noted aboard Norwegian Sun, which is currently sailing a 16-night sailing between Honolulu and Vancouver.
“Each stateroom occupant may order 1 hot item and 1 cold item (bento box) per delivery,”the room service restriction reads.
Because the policy is so new, it is yet unclear just what items are considered “hot” and “cold” per order, or what types of items are considered a single item or multiple items.
NCL Room Service Notice (Credit: Renee Braddock)
For example, would a pot of coffee that will serve multiple guests be considered one hot item, two items (one for each guest), or not an item at all if drinks are classified differently?
“I’m wondering if a pot of coffee, eggs, hashbrowns and toast would be considered 4 hot items?”one guest speculated.
At the moment, there is no confirmed answer to that type of order. It is also unknown whether this change is fleet-wide already, being beta tested aboard Norwegian Sun, or in the process of being rolled out across all 20 Norwegian ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s room service menu is an extensive one, with full-meal options and a-la-carte selections for breakfast as well as an all-day menu featuring chicken noodle soup, salads, chicken fingers, grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, skirt steak, desserts, and more.
There is already a $4.95 delivery fee for breakfast orders and a $9.95 delivery fee for the all-day menu. Each order also has a 20% gratuity automatically added for any non-complimentary items, such as alcoholic drinks.
Guests seeing the new limitations are quick to note that those fees have not been reduced. Nor is there any option of a higher fee for a more extensive order.
Furthermore, the restriction is upsetting to guests who prefer to dine in their room on occasion, as it greatly limits any options for what could be considered a full meal.
“Now you cannot get a salad, an entree, and a dessert,”one guest noted.“You can only get two items.”
Norwegian Aqua Hallway (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
If guests dine in an onboard restaurant, the menu is three standard courses: appetizer, entree, and dessert. While Norwegian Cruise Line is now charging a $5 fee for every extra entree after the first, guests can still get unlimited appetizers, such as both a soup and a salad, as well as multiple desserts.
While it is possible this is yet another step attempting to limit food waste, it does feel like more nickel-and-dime tactics to cruisers who enjoy room service.
More Restrictions
In addition to the new dining room fee, Norwegian Cruise Line has also just announced a restriction to its “More at Sea” beverage package.
Starting March 1, 2026, the package will no longer be honored at Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas. Instead, guests will have the option to purchase an on-island drink package.
This operational change is not being well-received by guests and is seen as yet another example of nickel-and-diming choices by the cruise line.
Frustrated speculation is rampant about what charges may be next, such as fees to use poolside loungers, extra costs for clean towels, or charges for buffet visits – where you can get as many appetizers, entrees, and desserts as you wish.
How much time do you need on one of the world’s largest cruise ships? I had the opportunity to enjoy a last-minute sailing aboard Utopia of the Seas, but would three nights be enough time to explore everything the ship has to offer?
Why Such a Short Cruise?
Utopia of the Seas is the first of Royal Caribbean’s massive Oasis-class ships to be specifically built and marketed to offer “the ultimate weekend” sailings with 3- and 4-night getaways.
Typically, you wouldn’t expect a ship this size to offer such short cruises. With a convenient weekend coming up, however, I found a sailing that featured a great price, and thought, why not?
I live close to Port Canaveral and so didn’t need to worry about flights or hotels, making it well worthwhile to see if a short cruise on a huge ship would be a worthwhile getaway. Or would it simply feel like too little time and too much to do?
Not My First Short Cruise
With more than 40 cruises in my sailing history, this getaway onboard Utopia of the Seas would not be my first short sailing. It wouldn’t even be my first with a Royal Caribbean ship, as I’ve sailed a weekend getaway on Enchantment of the Seas.
I did expect the experience to be significantly different, just considering the ages and sizes of the ships. Enchantment of the Seas is one of the oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, having debuted in 1997 (years before I even started cruising!), and is just 83,000 gross tons, with a capacity of roughly 2,700 guests.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Utopia of the Seas, in contrast, is one of the newest Royal Caribbean ships, having debuted in 2024. At 236,500 gross tons, Utopia is almost triple the size of Enchantment, and she can welcome almost 7,000 guests.
Outside of Royal Caribbean, I’ve also done 12 other 3-night sailings with Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line. So I know what to expect for a shorter cruise.
Sure, three nights is plenty of time to enjoy a smaller, older ship that doesn’t have as many bells and whistles. But would a weekend onboard Utopia of the Seas feel cramped and rushed?
Embarkation
With my passport and facial recognition at Port Canaveral, embarkation onto Utopia of the Seas was a literal breeze.
Entering the building for Terminal 1, where the ship was docked, I scanned my two bags through security (I self-assist my luggage and do not hand it over to porters).
Next, I checked in with staff for the health questionnaire, took the classic embarkation photo, walked up the lengthy gangway, and took that fun first step onto the ship.
Utopia of the Seas Docked in Port Canaveral (Credit: Port Canaveral)
The first stop onboard was my nearby muster station for the safety briefing check-in. Literally one minute later, I was walking up to the Windjammer for the buffet lunch. From entering the terminal to the washy washy station outside Windjammer – I timed all of this – took just 15 minutes!
This was with a relatively early boarding time, but the efficiency of the embarkation process ensured that everyone was able to walk onto the ship with ease.
As Utopia of the Seas can welcome nearly 7,000 guests at full capacity, this really helps ensure that you can make the most of every single minute even on a short cruise.
Dining
Dining is one of the things I enjoy most on every cruise vacation, with so many opportunities not only for favorite foods but also to stretch my taste buds with more unique options.
Aboard Utopia of the Seas, however, my main dining choice was the Windjammer – the casual buffet aft on Deck 15. In fact, the food there was so good, I only ate at a couple of the other free venues onboard, including Sorrento’s (can’t beat Royal Caribbean’s pizza!) and the Park Café (try the kummelweck!).
Sorrento’s on Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
The ship does have more than 20 dining options, including both complimentary and specialty venues. Because my time was limited, I preferred to enjoy the more casual vibe of the Windjammer, which let me set my dining time to my convenience.
And the food did not disappoint! From the lobster tails for the embarkation lunch to the carving stations, ethnic options, and decadent desserts, this one buffet certainly has something for everyone at every meal.
I even had a few fun bites from the kid-friendly line (great cookies!), and greatly enjoyed the maple-glazed donuts for breakfast (for no extra charge!).
Utopia of the Seas Windjammer Buffet (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
The cheese rolls are my go-to favorite every night. Of the daily themed dinner menus, Caribbean Night was outstanding with the head chef’s Jamaican heritage flavorfully represented in the perfect peas and rice, meat pies, and fried plantains.
A word of warning, however. Windjammer was certainly where the ship felt most “jammed” with seating sometimes very frustrating to find at peak dining times. Choosing less popular times to enjoy the buffet, however, completely eliminates that problem.
Entertainment
The shows are can’t-miss options for any Royal Caribbean ship, and Utopia of the Seas certainly has standout performances. In fact, for such short sailings, the ship offers more entertainment than any other vessel.
“[Utopia of the Seas] has more shows and events than any ship on 3/4 day [sailings] so the pace is fast and furious with many venues in full operation with quick turnarounds,”explained Marc Walker, the ship’s cruise director.
Sail Away Party on Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
Reservations for each show are highly recommended but not required. If guests are willing to wait in standby lines or not have the very best seats, it is possible to see every show onboard even without reservations.
From the highly technical stunts of the ice skating show to the splashtastic energy of the Aqua80 Too aquatheater show to the mesmerizing drone appearances of the All In! production show, each one pushes the limits of peak performance.
Utopia of the Seas Aquatheater
Even on a fast 3-night cruise, these shows are not to be missed! I also attended the Crazy Quest – if you know, you know – and enjoyed other live music around the ship.
At no time, surprisingly, did I feel rushed or last-minute to be at the different performances, and I was able to walk up to see a couple of shows twice without trouble.
Onboard Fun
As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, there is plenty of room onboard Utopia of the Seas for activities, venues, and events. Every day, all day long, there was something to do!
For me, a must-do was the Ultimate Abyss, the 10-story dry slide that drops from Deck 16 down to the Boardwalk neighborhood on Deck 6.
Full disclosure: I’ve been on the Ultimate Abyss on Wonder of the Seas, and was less than impressed. On that ship, the slide felt narrow and claustrophobic, and just didn’t deliver the sense of speed or thrills that I’d hoped for. I am a roller coaster fanatic, so mild rides don’t much impress me.
On Utopia of the Seas, however, the experience was just what I’d wanted. The redesigned slide includes a clear section for a surprising flash of great views, but the real game-changer is the “zoom booster rollers” that increase the speed and amp up the thrill factor. It’s outstanding!
If you’re interested in some slower thrills and nostalgic fun, the carousel in the Boardwalk is sweetly simple and fun for all ages. Does it feel a bit odd to be in your late-40s and riding a carousel in the middle of the ocean? Maybe, but I’ve always enjoyed odd.
View of the Boardwalk From Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
There is just so much more to do. The zipline, waterslides, pools, trivia at the Schooner Bar, relaxing to evening music with a stroll through Central Park, shopping in the retail spaces, and more.
Surprisingly, one of my favorite things to do onboard was to wander the ship enjoying the paper artwork. Similar to paper quilling, the colors and intricacy of the patterns was fun to explore. I would have enjoyed an artwork tour of the ship, but sadly, none was offered.
Ports of Call
Somewhere in the midst of so much to do onboard, Utopia of the Seas visited two ports of call. Nassau was first, but I didn’t do much in port other than get off the ship to stretch my land legs and try to get some ship photos.
Docked Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Justin Kozemchak)
As I’m fortunate to cruise often (two more already booked with more in the planning stages) and I’ve been to Nassau many times, so I wasn’t interested in tours or shopping at this port.
At Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is a port for most Royal Caribbean sailings from Florida homeports, I enjoyed a relaxed beach day. It really was perfect, with ideal weather, blue skies, a light breeze, and stunning water to enjoy. One can’t ask for better on such a short cruise!
What I Didn’t Do – And What I Learned
While everyone will have different preferences for what to do and what not to do on a cruise of any length on any ship, there were two things that stuck out that I just didn’t find time for onboard Utopia of the Seas.
I never got to the Aqua Dunes miniature golf course on Deck 16. This was much by choice, because I’ve played mini golf on most other cruises, so it wasn’t a new or exciting experience. On my next “ultimate weekend” cruise I’ll be sure to check it out.
Central Park on Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
I also didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy ice skating. I love to skate and wanted to do this, but discovered that reservations are required and it was only offered once during my sailing, right on the first day.
I made the unfortunate assumption that of course it would be offered again and I’d simply go skating later. As it never was, I missed out on that activity.
Take my mistake as a precaution for your own cruise: if you see something on the schedule you want to do, don’t put it off, because it might not be offered again!
Is Utopia’s Size a Problem?
When it was first announced that Utopia of the Seaswas to offer short sailings, there was a tremendous amount of pushback.
How would it be possible to enjoy everything onboard in such a short sailing? Isn’t the ship just too big for such short cruises? Wouldn’t it be too crowded as more than 5,600 guests scramble to do everything?
I’ll admit, I was one of those skeptics, but wow was I proven wrong.
Never once did Utopia of the Seas seem overcrowded (Windjammer dining notwithstanding), nor did I feel rushed to do anything. Instead, the schedule was pleasantly full with something always going on, rather than the occasional dull period. The ship and its schedule are well designed for what really was the “ultimate weekend.”
In fact, the most crowded time onboard the ship was actually leaving for debarkation. Like embarkation just three days before, however, it was smooth and efficient, and I was off the ship (self-assisting my luggage once again) and on my way well before 8 a.m.
Catalina Island’s City of Avalon has just approved a preferential berthing agreement with Disney Cruise Line.
For at least the next five years, Disney will get preferential scheduling when visiting the cruise port on Tuesdays all year and on Saturdays during select months.
Making this a mutually beneficial agreement, Disney will pay a per passenger fee to Catalina and will bring at least 120,000 cruisers to the island every year.
I speak from experience when I say the town of Avalon is absolutely charming, and there is no shortage of beaches or outdoor activities on the beautiful island.
In the past, Catalina has allowed the cruise lines to visit without firm anchorage agreements in place. However, that is now changing.
And as of October 7, 2025, the agreement was officially approved by the Avalon City Council. It will be in place until at least September 14, 2030, with two additional five-year renewal options available.
The terms of the deal are that Disney will get preferred anchorage space for Saturdays and Tuesdays during Catalina’s “peak season,” which runs from September 15 to May 15.
During the summer season, from May 16 to September 14, Disney will have preferential scheduling on Tuesdays.
In exchange, Disney will bring a minimum of 120,000 cruise passengers to the island every year. If the cruise line falls short of the annual minimum, they will be required to remit payment.
Additionally, Disney will pay the city a fee that is equal to the City Wharfage Rate plus an additional Passenger Service Charge that is equal to 20% of the Wharfage Rate for each passenger. The amount is subject to a 2.5% annual increase.
But while this sounds like a lot of money, the fee per passenger is starting out at $9 USD.
A Mutually Beneficial Agreement
In Catalina’s case, securing formal port agreementswith the major cruise lines is smart because it helps to provide financial stability for the island and to better manage the influx of cruise guests.
Tourism is really the backbone of Catalina’s economy, which makes this extra important.
A large percentage of the island’s approximate 4,000 residents are employed in food services, hospitality, and recreation that caters to visitors.
Additionally, trading preferential berthing for higher passenger fees will help to fund harbor maintenance and improvements to both city and cruising infrastructure.
Disney Wonder Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dan Komarcha)
In addition to Disney, Catalina has also been negotiating with Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.
In Disney’s case, having a preferential berthing agreement with Catalina guarantees their visits to the cruise port and prevents cancellations due to scheduling errors or port congestion.
As a small tender port, the number of cruise ships that is permitted to anchor in Avalon Bay in one day is carefully managed to avoid overcrowding – both in the harbor and in the small town.
Catalina is also likely a key part of Disney’s plan as it expands its presence on the West Coast.
Disney Wonder will homeport in San Diego for seven months straight beginning in October of 2026, while Disney Magic will homeport in San Diego in October and November of 2026 – and many of their itineraries include Catalina.
Neither of Disney’s first two ships are a stranger to island life though.
Disney Wonder made her maiden call to the island in 2022, and added Catalina to her 3 and 4-night Baja Cruises in 2024 and 2025. Disney Magic, meanwhile, first started sailing to Avalon in 2023.
And with a long-term agreement in place, many cruisers are hopeful that more of Disney’s magical fleet will be making their way to the West Coast in the future as well.
There will be a shortage of parking for two upcoming Carnival sailings at the Long Beach Cruise Port in California.
The first impacted cruise will set sail onboard Carnival Radiance on October 10, 2025, with the second impacting Carnival Firenze’s October 12, 2025, voyage.
Guests are encouraged to find other means of transportation besides driving to the cruise port, or are warned that they may be redirected to an offsite parking facility.
California’s Long Beach Cruise Terminal, which is owned and operated by Carnival Cruise Line, has been the company’s West Coast base for more than 20 years.
But while the cruise line has port operations down to a science, they sometimes hit a snafu with limited capacity in the on-site parking structure.
Occasionally, Carnival will notify guests when parking will be particularly limited on embarkation day for upcoming sailings, which is the case for two cruises that are just days away from setting sail.
The first impacted cruise will be operated by Carnival Radiance and is a 3-night getaway sailing to Ensenada, Mexico. It embarks on October 10, 2025.
Two days later on October 12, 2025, Carnival Firenze is scheduled to set sail on a 4-night sailing to Ensenada and Catalina Island.
“The parking facility at the cruise terminal has very limited capacity. Please make plans to use alternate transportation that does not require parking,” Carnival wrote to impacted guests.
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal has one main parking structure that is five stories tall and contains 1,450 parking spaces.
But when you consider the number of guests sailing on every Carnival cruise, especially if the cruises are sold out, it’s easy to see how the structure could run out of room.
As a Los Angeles native, I have personally always used rideshare apps or have secured rides from friends or family every time I’ve sailed out of Long Beach so I don’t have to worry about parking.
But if guests are driving themselves to the cruise port, they should be prepared to be redirected to overflow parking.
“If driving (and parking at the port) is your only option, please be prepared to be directed to park at an offsite location operated by the City of Long Beach (not the pier),”the notice continued.
“We have secured a few extra spaces at an offsite facility and full details will be communicated at the cruise terminal.”
Carnival Panorama is not impacted under the latest notice, but the Vista-class shipis also homeporting in Long Beach – which brings in plenty of guests and cars on its own.
How Will Overflow Parking Work?
Guests on these two upcoming sailings should be prepared to be sent to an overflow parking facility offsite.
If capacity has been reached, they will then receive written directions to the offsite parking facility and a card for entry to the other structure that identifies them as a Carnival guest.
Both the provided card and boarding passes will be checked at the alternate facility.
Cruise Parking Overview at Long Beach Port (Photo Credit: trekandshoot)
Offsite parking will cost $23 per day, which is the same price as parking at the cruise terminal, and must be paid upon entry.
Passengers who are directed offsite will be shuttled for free to and from to the cruise terminal, with the last shuttle leaving the parking facility 30 minutes prior to the final boarding call on embarkation day.
Even with this extra step, passengers are still encouraged to arrive at the port at their scheduled Terminal Arrival Appointment times, which are selected during the pre-check-in process.
It’s also important to note that oversized vehicles that take up more than one parking space or are higher than 6 feet and 6 inches tall cannot be accommodated at the backup facility Carnival has secured.
Additionally, back-to-back guestswho are booked on consecutive voyages are not permitted to park at the overflow site, as parking at this facility will only be available for the length of a single voyage.
Finally, if you are one of the redirected guests, remember to practice patience and kindness. Though the parking may be a bit inconvenient, everyone will still make it onboard the Fun Ships for a fantastic vacation at sea.
Starting on March 1, 2026, the “More at Sea” drink package will no longer be usable on Great Stirrup Cay, which is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas.
A new drink package curated specifically for the private destination will be available for purchase starting in January 2026, with more details coming soon.
A drink package isn’t actually required to enjoy the port – as complimentary beverages like water, juices, and iced tea will still be available at no additional charge.
Norwegian Cruise Line has just made an operational change for Great Stirrup Cay – and not everyone will be happy about it.
Starting on March 1, 2026, the popular “More at Sea” drink package will no longer be usable at the cruise line’s private Bahamas destination.
The popular drink package includes an unlimited open bar for guests over the age of 21, and until now, has extended from the ship to the shore during visits to Great Stirrup Cay.
“As we look to transform the on-island experience, we have evaluated our policies and made the decision that shipboard beverage packages will no longer be applicable for drinks on Great Stirrup Cay beginning March 1, 2026,”Norwegian Cruise Line announced.
Complimentary beverages, including water, iced tea, and juices, will still be available free-of-charge on the island for guests who can show their key cards.
Additionally, a new drink package that is specific to Great Stirrup Cay will be introduced in the coming months.
“As an alternative and to provide our guests with the flexibility to curate how they experience “The Great Life,” we will offer our guests the ability to purchase a new beverage package crafted exclusively for Great Stirrup Cay,”the cruise line added.
Most details about the specially curated package have not yet been released, but it will come at an additional cost and will be available for purchase starting January 1, 2026.
Guests React to the Great Stirrup Cay Change
Unsurprisingly, the initial reaction from the cruise community has been one of frustration and outrage. Many have interpreted this operational change as greedy behavior.
“Screw you Norwegian. This is a really s— money grab. Your cruises are already ridiculously priced. Here we come Royal. Done with NCL,” another angry cruiser wrote.
Another posted: “Nickel and diming people to death. I’ll spend my money at an all inclusive . I don’t want ala carte cruise pricing for every little thing . Cruising used to include everything all dining… and obviously all inclusive alcohol was one fee but not buying an additional package at exclusive islands.“
But with big enhancements coming to the exclusive destination, which is located in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, it only makes sense that Norwegian Cruise Line would need to make some operational changes.
New Pier Redner at Great Stirrup Cay (Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
“Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to providing the best vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and at the destinations we visit. Beginning later this year, we will be rolling out significant enhancements to the guest amenities at Great Stirrup Cay,” NCL stated.
“These enhancements will include a new pier, an expansive pool area with complimentary loungers, a thrilling splash pad area for kids, and more.”
The pier is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, making the soon-to-be former tender port more accessible.
In the summer of 2026, not long after the new drink package policy takes effect, NCL’s highly anticipated Great Tides Waterpark will officially open on the island. The 6-acre waterpark will feature 19 slides, a lazy river, cliff jumps, play areas for children, and more.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced deployment plans for Carnival Miracle, Carnival Paradise, and Carnival Elation in 2027 and 2028, with some exciting options.
Carnival Miracle will stay a bit longer in Galveston, Texas, before heading to Europe, and will offer a special solar eclipse cruise departing July 29, 2027.
Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise will both remain at their Florida homeports at least through spring 2028, with Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.
Carnival Cruise Line has released more of its 2027-2028 itineraries for eager cruisers, with some exciting new options and an exclusive solar eclipse sailing.
Favorite itineraries will also remain on the beloved Fantasy-class ships, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise.
Carnival Miracle will begin her 2027 deployment in the Lone Star State, offering a diverse selection of sailings from 4-10 nights. Among them are spectacular Eastern and Western Caribbean options, as well as a special 10-night Panama Canal cruise.
The top ports the ship will visit during her spring 2027 Galveston sailings include Cozumel, Grand Turk, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Belize, Roatan, and both Celebration Key and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.
Following her deployment to Galveston, Carnival Miracle will turn her bow east with a 14-night transatlantic cruise to reposition to Europe, departing Texas on May 6, 2027.
She will visit Bermuda, Funchal, and Ponta Delgada along the way before arriving in Portugal on May 20 to begin her European season.
The ship will homeport from both Dover, UK and Civitavecchia (Rome) with itineraries ranging from 8-12 nights.
Depending on the sailing date and departure port, destinations across the British Isles, Scandinavia, northern Europe, the Greek Isles, and the Mediterranean will all be on Carnival Miracle‘s itineraries through October 2027.
“Along with the great summer 2027 season in Europe, the combination of our large and diverse fleet and roster of U.S. homeports allows us to bring more variety and adventure to the 2027/28 season,”said Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president.
Upgraded Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship
Of very special interest is the 11-night Carnival Journeys itinerary departing Dover on July 29, 2027. This cruise will be positioned for exquisite solar eclipse viewing at sea on August 2, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many cruisers.
“While there will be many ways to view the Aug. 2 solar eclipse, seeing it from Carnival Miracle will definitely be the most fun way to do so,” said Duffy.
Before and after the eclipse, ports of call include Guernsey, Lisbon, Leixoes, La Coruna, Le Havre, and Zeebrugge for a truly unforgettable voyage.
Fantasy Class Ships to Remain in Florida
While Carnival Miracle is jet-setting between continents, Carnival Cruise Line’s two remaining Fantasy-class ships, fan favorites among Carnival cruisers, will remain at their respective Sunshine State homeports.
Carnival Paradise will remain in Tampa, Florida, offering 4-, 5-, and 6-night Caribbean itineraries.
Depending on departure date, the well-loved ship will be visiting Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, Key West, Grand Cayman, Nassau, Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.
Carnival Elation will likewise remain in Jacksonville, Florida, also with a mix of 4-, 5-, and 6-night Bahamas sailings.
Most cruises will visit one or more of the popular private destinations of Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, while some sailings also include Nassau as a port of call.
These announcements put to rest rumors and speculation that these two older ships in the Carnival fleet might be nearing retirement, as both ships are now scheduled to keep welcoming guests at least through spring 2028.
MSC Cruises has opened bookings for MSC Poesia’s second Alaska season, which will run from April 26 through September 28, 2027.
Itineraries will include stops at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Victoria, British Columbia, along with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm.
The season will feature the 92,627-gross-ton ship’s refurbishment, which includes the addition of the MSC Yacht Club.
MSC Cruises can’t wait to start sailing in Alaska, which it will do for the first time in 2026 when MSC Poesia arrives in Seattle in April to kick off cruises to the Last Frontier.
It’s so eager to bring passengers up close and personal to glaciers, wildlife, and Indigenous culture that the cruise line just opened sales for a second season.
Starting October 8, 2025, guests looking for upcoming journeys into Alaska’s icy waters can book one of MSC Poesia’s 7-night roundtrip sailings from Seattle. The 2027 season will begin on April 26, 2027, and continue through September 2027.
Even better? The 92,627-gross-ton MSC Poesia will be on the heels of one of MSC Cruises’ largest ship upgrades in its history. When the ship sails into Seattle in 2027, it will feature the MSC Yacht Club as well as a host of new restaurants, additions, and amenities.
The upgrade will bring 63 Yacht Club suites, and a private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck to the ship-within-a-ship concept. It will also add the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, a redesigned Kaito Sushi Bar, a new All-Star Sports Bar, enhancements to the Aurea Spa, and expanded ocean-facing gym space equipped with new Technogym gear.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said the expansion comes after passengers demanded it.
“We are delighted to offer a second season in Alaska following the high demand and enthusiasm we have seen since the launch of our first Alaska in 2026,” Onorato said.
He continued to express his pride in offering passengers an “unparalleled choice” of destinations around the world.
“Expanding in this region allows us to offer our guests even more opportunities to explore this remarkable destination while enjoying the world-class experiences that MSC Cruises is known for,” he said.
Ahead of the 2027 Alaska season, MSC Poesia will reposition from Miami to Seattle on April 8, 2027, with an 18-night sailing that includes a Panama Canal transit.
What’s Planned for 2027
The 2027 season in Alaska will see MSC Poesia operating weekly departure from Seattle between April 26 and September 28. The ship will follow a 7-night itinerary that combines Alaska’s major cruise ports with scenic sailing through Tracy Arm Fjord.
Ketchikan, known for its totem poles and salmon runs, will be a primary stop, along with Icy Strait Point, which will feature cultural programs, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities.
MSC Poesia in Alaska
Itineraries will include a day of scenic sailing in Tracy Arm, where the ship will pass waterfalls, steep cliffs, and glaciers. Juneau, Alaska’s capital, will also be featured, offering access to gold rush history and the surrounding wilderness.
The sailings end with a call at Victoria, British Columbia, where passengers can visit the city’s Parliament Buildings and take advantage of whale watching opportunities.
Holland America Line debuted its Blend Bar on seven ships, where cruisers can create a personalized lipstick from a wide choice of colors and flavors.
The beauty experience, which includes guidance from an onboard consultant, will be available fleetwide starting in mid-November 2025.
The Blend Bar carries a charge: Guests pay $65 for a custom lipstick or liquid matte, and $60 for lip gloss.
The use of lipstick dates back some 5,000 years, and while the practice is still embraced by millions, how many can say they have created their own personal formula and color?
Probably not too many, but Holland America Line is out to change that, with a new guest experience that invites cruisers to design a signature lipstick for themselves at the line’s new Blend Bar.
With assistance from a beauty consultant, guests can devise a lipstick or gloss from a choice of 30-plus pigments and 20 flavors, resulting in what the line calls a wearable memory of their cruise vacation.
“Today’s travelers are looking for more than just a vacation — they want exclusive experiences like Blend Bar that feel personal, immersive and meaningful,” said Carole Biencourt, vice president of onboard revenue for Holland America Line.
“We’re excited to launch the first lipstick blending bar at sea, where our beauty-loving guests can express themselves and create a unique souvenir of their time on board,” Biencourt added.
The Blend Bar, the first of its kind in the cruise industry, is operating aboard seven ships — Nieuw Statendam, Eurodam, Westerdam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, and Zaandam.
The ships are operating itineraries across the globe, making the Blend Bar accessible to cruisers from various countries. Westerdam, for instance, will begin a series of Far East cruises on October 12, 2025, while Zuiderdam is wrapping up her Canada/New England itineraries and will begin sailing seasonal cruises from PortMiami on November 8, 2025.
Blend Bar will be available on the line’s remaining four ships — Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Noordam, and Nieuw Amsterdam, by mid-November 2025.
Here’s How the Blend Bar Works
Holland America Line’s new Blend Bar is sure to appeal to cruisers who appreciate the glamour that comes with matching a lipstick to a special outfit, or for whom the choice of a particular color is a personal statement.
At the Blend Bar, a beauty consultant helps guests choose pigments and decide on a finish of either butter, creme, matte, or gloss. Once the colors are selected, guests can add flavors and other elements that can result in a frost, shimmer, or iridescent look.
Blend Bar
After the elements are blended, they are melted and poured into a glass tube mold. Each guest is invited to name their creation and will receive a formula card detailing the specific ingredients they used. All pigments contain antioxidants and SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
Guests can rest assured that all of the ingredients are vegan and gluten-free, and contain no parabens, sulfates, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), or other harmful elements.
There is a cost to experience the Blend Bar. Guests pay $65 to create their custom lipstick or liquid matte, and slightly less, $60 per tube, for lip gloss.
Holland America Line, a premium brand of Carnival Corporation, is known for offering unique experiences onboard its ships. In 2024, for example, it partnered with Lindt & Sprüngli, the creators of Lindor truffles and chocolates, to bring exclusive desserts onto its ships.
That same year, the line arranged for one barrel of specially brewed Kentucky bourbon, from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, to be served in the ship’s Ocean Bars while supplies lasted.
Carnival Cruise Line does not typically have open staterooms available on embarkation day and there is no way to upgrade at the Guest Services desk.
Social media is full of hacks, tips, and tricks to secure cruise vacation upgrades, but experienced cruisers share very different stories.
The best advice is for guests to budget for and book the stateroom they are most interested in and consider any upgrade offer a bonus.
Every cruise traveler has heard of the “upgrade fairy” and different tips, tricks, and hacks to secure a stateroom upgrade. These are prevalent through social media and seem so simple as to be foolproof.
Unfortunately, “fool” is the operative word, as it is very unlikely that guests can secure upgrades just by asking, even if they are willing to pay an upgrade price.
One guest reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, explaining the tips they had heard and asking about any possibilities for upgrades on their next cruise. They did not, however, get the answers they’d hoped for either from Heald or other guests.
“I was reading on [social media] that sometimes it’s possible to upgrade your cabin if there are some still available and it can be done for a reasonable fee the day of embarkation at guest services? Is this true?”the guest asked.
“How much is a ‘reasonable fee’ so I can get an idea of what an upgrade may cost? Hopefully Carnival is not being greedy here. … I can only afford to cruise three times a year and always in an inside room.”
The guest shares that their next cruise is the October 10 departure of Carnival Radiance, a 3-night Baja Mexico itinerary from Long Beach with a visit to Ensenada.
Heald quickly responded to the incorrect information because upgrades, in fact, are not typically possible.
“Everyday I am answering questions people ask me for upgrades, every day. And I always have to say the same thing. And that is that I am sorry I cannot help and that most of the time there are none because the cruise is sold out,”he explained.
“We do not offer upgrades from the Guest Services Desk. In fact, we used to have a sign there that used to say ‘No Upgrades Available.'”
Heald says that if any upgrades are available, they are “few and far between” and are offered to select guests based on a very complicated algorithm.
Guests Share Their Upgrade Stories and Warnings
After more than 25 Carnival cruises, I have never been offered an upgrade. I have, however, seen the “No Upgrades Available” and similar signs, such as “Ship Is Fully Booked” and “No Cabins Available” signs, at the Guest Services desk on embarkation day.
Other guests were quick to jump on the original commenter’s post and note that a very easy way to have a better stateroom. Instead of booking three cruises each year, take two and use the extra money for a balcony cabin.
“Pick what cabin you want at the time of the booking,”one guest replied, a sentiment echoed by many others.
Other guests shared their own stories of less-than-desirable upgrades. Many times, the “upgraded” staterooms might be in less desirable locations, such as right underneath the gym or galley. These staterooms can be much noisier, especially through the nighttime hours.
“I got an upgrade offer yesterday from a balcony to an extended balcony three floors down and at the opposite end of the ship. Not an upgrade if you ask me,”one guest said.
Upgrade offers might arrive either by email or a phone call. Interested guests should act quickly if they do get such an offer, as the deals are often very limited and first-come, first-served.
Costs for upgrades vary depending on the nature of the offer, the ship’s capacity, and how close the sailing date may be. Upgrading and switching staterooms might also cancel any other offers a guest booked with, so it is important to be careful when taking advantage of such deals.
