Carnival’s recent adjustment to the upcoming new Rewards program has Diamond guests happy, but Platinum guests furious.
Carnival Cruise Line has not yet revealed all the program’s benefits or how it will work to redeem stars for onboard spending and perks.
The short for guests to get to Diamond, and the fact that earning Diamond status after the program begins will not be a lifetime benefit, are some sticking points.
The terms “rewards” and “loyalty” are hot topics among cruisers when different lines are fighting to entice repeat passengers to set sail over and over. But has Carnival Cruise Line done enough to keep the interest of some of their most loyal guests?
Diamond guests, those who have accrued at least 200 days with the cruise line under the current VIFP program, are much appeased now that their loyalty status will remain a lifetime benefit.
It is the Platinum guests, however, who are still furious over what seems to be a very weak and lackluster boost added to their status.
“After years of loyalty and finally making Platinum on my last cruise, it felt like a slap in the face,”one guest recently commented to John Heald.“With the announcement that Diamond will now have lifetime status but Platinum will not, it felt like a double slap in the face.”
Carnival Cruise Line has claimed that there are simply too many Platinum guests for everyone to be grandfathered into the new program for life.
Instead, the cruise line is offering a 10,000 “star” benefit that will automatically place those guests at the Gold level. This will provide the perks of one free bottle of water and one free drink, but guests must still earn 40,000 additional stars every two years to regain their Platinum status.
Of course, that free drink is only on cruises five nights or longer, not on 3- or 4-night sailings. Would the cruise line really be out that much for just a free drink?
As a note, everyone who is a member of Carnival Rewards gets the one free bottle of water, so it isn’t really a Gold-level benefit either. Red members get it as soon as they sign up, even with zero stars or never having sailed on a Carnival ship before.
“It’s Great for Diamond people, but for we Platinum people who have worked years to achieve our status, it sure isn’t great,” another guest commented about the newly announced revisions.
What Other Changes Are Coming to Carnival Rewards?
One frustration Platinum guests are having as they seek answers is that Heald simply doesn’t have any, or he cannot reveal what he does know.
“You’ll have more about this coming soon,”“Unfortunately at the moment I can’t share that information,” and “Much more to come” are just a few phrases Heald has used to respond to questions and comments.
“We have yet to unlock all the different things that the rewards program will be,”he confirmed.“When we do relate the rest of the information on how the rewards program will work I think you will see how it will help you and also unlock other benefits for you as well.”
As it stands, the new program feels incomplete, with some guidelines not yet finalized. At the same time, guests are being asked to trust and believe they will have the same great time onboard that they have always had.
While this may be true, one thing Carnival Cruise Line could be forgetting is just how many years Platinum guests have sailed with the cruise line, and what has already changed.
Do we remember the fun? Certainly. Do we remember the friendly crew? Those smiles and greetings are a big part of any cruise vacation.
But Platinum guests who have been sailing with Carnival for years, even decades (as a Platinum guest, I have been with Carnival for more than 22 years), also remember other things.
Change is inevitable, and that isn’t the problem most guests are having. But when change disregards the many years a guest has chosen Carnival for their vacation fun, how loyal is the cruise line to their guests in return?
Jessica Collins, previously believed missing from Carnival Horizon, apparently left the ship and chose not to return voluntarily.
Collins cleaned out her stateroom, left a gratuity, and texted the Carnival Care Team to let them know she wished to be left alone and was safe.
Abandoning a cruise at a port of call is not a legal way to emigrate to a new country, regardless of a guest’s personal circumstances.
Carnival Cruise Line has clarified that 47-year-old Jessica Collins, who left Carnival Horizon while the ship was visiting Kralendijk, Bonaire on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, deliberately failed to return to the ship.
A statement to Cruise Hive from the cruise line notes that Collins took deliberate actions both before and after her departure from the ship to remain in Bonaire.
“She debarked with all her belongings in her backpack and left a cash gratuity for the stateroom attendant with a thank you note,”the statement said.“The guest subsequently texted a member of our Care Team who had been trying to reach her saying she was safe and did not want to be found or contacted again.”
Local authorities have been trying to locate Collins, as is standard procedure for any missing person. It does seem, however, that Collins is not so much missing as deliberately absent.
Nevertheless, Carnival Cruise Line is continuing to work with local authorities in any way requested.
“While we are cooperating with local authorities this guest appears to have taken deliberate action to be alone and on her own,”the cruise line said.
Collins was traveling alone aboard the 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing and departed Carnival Horizon as any guest would to explore the charming port of call.
Security photos released for the search showed Collins in typical tropical attire, including a patterned button-down shirt, shorts, and sandals.
Her backpack did appear full and included a water bottle on the side, though she was not toting along any other distinctive luggage. Many guests have very full bags when taking full-day shore tours or planning to enjoy beach days, so this was not inherently suspicious in any way.
When Collins failed to return to the ship by the posted all-aboard time, several public address announcements were made in an attempt to locate her onboard.
This is standard procedure for any guests who might inadvertently fail to scan in properly when returning to the ship, and therefore may seem to be missing.
Carnival Horizon was not delayed and continued on her A-B-C (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) itinerary as scheduled. The ship has already returned to her Miami homeport and departed on her next sailing, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary.
Not the Proper Way to Emigrate
Abandoning a cruise vacation is not a legal or sanctioned method for emigrating to a new country, regardless of one’s personal circumstances.
While nothing is known about Collins’ motivations, many people do choose to emigrate from one country to another to enjoy a new place, start anew after difficult challenges, or to reinvent themselves.
Cruise Ship Docked at Port of Kralendijk, Bonaire. (Photo Credit: Jill McIntire)
Every country has different emigration procedures, which often vary based on one’s country of origin. Citizenship status, local sponsorship, financial means, employment, and criminal history often play into emigration guidelines.
According to the Caribbean Netherlands National Service, US citizens can enter Bonaire without a visa and may submit an application for a residence permit once on the island. That permit is typically valid for one year but can be renewed for up to five years.
To apply for Dutch citizenship, other factors such as cultural integration, language knowledge, and renunciation of other national citizenships are also considered.
A 47-year-old guest has vanished from Carnival Horizon as she never returned after debarking the ship while visiting Bonaire.
Local authorities have continued search efforts and have tip hotlines available for anyone who may have further information.
Missing person cases are rare but do happen for a wide variety of reasons from different cruise ships at ports all over the world.
The search continues for a cruise guest missing from Carnival Horizon since the ship’s visit to Kralendijk, Bonaire on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Security footage confirmed the American guest, 47-year-old Jessica Collins, debarked the ship at the southern Caribbean port of call. She did not return by the published all-aboard time that day and has not been seen since.
721News stated that authorities have noted that Collins was wearing a light, button-down shirt, light blue shorts, and sandals, as well as carrying a gray backpack. Security photos also show she appears to have had a water bottle and AirPods as she left the ship.
Her backpack looks full in the photos and speculation is rampant about Collins’ intentions, whether she may have intended to disappear to start a new life or had simply packed all that she needed for a fun beach day.
Speculation is exactly that, however, and no statements or confirmed details about her intentions are available.
Guests who were onboard the ship recall hearing Collins’ name highlighted several times over the public address system.
This is standard practice as the ship’s all-aboard time passes and crew members attempt to locate any passengers who may not have checked back in as they reboarded the ship.
Carnival Cruise Line has not made any public statement about the disappearance, but is undoubtedly cooperating with authorities as the investigation is ongoing.
Local police are asking anyone who may have seen Collins or who could have information about her whereabouts to contact them.
Carnival Horizon departed Miami, Florida for the 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary on Saturday, September 13. Bonaire was the second port of call on the popular A-B-C itinerary, following Aruba and before the ship visited Curacao.
Collins appears to have been traveling alone aboard the Vista-class ship, or at least debarked the ship by herself.
Carnival Horizon returned to PortMiami on schedule on Sunday, September 21, the same day she will depart on her next voyage, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary. The ship will not return to Bonaire until October 15, 2025.
Missing Persons From Cruise Ships
It can be shocking when a guest goes missing from a cruise ship, particularly if they might vanish without an apparent trace.
While overboard concerns are often the first suspicion, security footage and the ship’s tracking of guest identification cards can confirm whether or not missing passengers departed the ship.
In some cases, such as when Brad Solomon disappeared in April 2024 while Icon of the Seas was visiting Cozumel, a guest might become disoriented and lost. With Solomon, some dementia and communication issues likely contributed to Solomon’s tragic disappearance.
In July 2024, a teen boy traveling with his grandmother aboard Caribbean Princess in Germany disappeared but was found safe more than two days later. He had arranged to meet someone he had known online, but no evidence of any criminal intent was noted.
One of the most well-known and still unresolved cases of a missing person from a cruise ship is the story of Amy Bradley. The then 23-year-old went missing from Rhapsody of the Seas in March 1998 while the ship was visiting Curacao and she has never been located.
A recent Netflix miniseries, “Amy Bradley is Missing” generated renewed interest in her case and highlights the potential dangers of traveling to some cruise ports.
It is important to remember, however, that thousands, even millions of cruise guests safely visit ports all over the world every year. Every cruise traveler should be diligent with their personal safety, both on and off the ship.
Cruise Hive hopes Jessica Collins will be safely located soon and our thoughts are with her family members and friends at this troubling time.
The brand new Disney Destiny has officially left the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenberg, Germany.
The third Wish-class ship was successfully conveyed backwards down the Ems River for approximately 20 miles in a complex maneuver.
Cruise tracking data shows that she arrived in Eemshaven slightly early, which is where the final finishing touches will be completed and where the handover ceremony with Disney Cruise Line will take place in the near future.
After over a year of construction, the brand new Disney Destiny has said goodbye to the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenberg, Germany.
But for vessels that are built at the German shipyard, it’s never as simple as just sailing away.
Meyer Werft is located deep inland on the River Ems to protect the facilities from the worst of the weather in the North Sea, which is known for frequent and intense storms.
Cruise ships, including Disney Destiny, have to make the approximately 20-mile journey down the occasionally very narrow river backwards in a complex conveyance process.
The journey began for the third Wish-class vessel on the evening of September 19, 2025, at around 11:30 p.m. local time.
She was supported by two tugboats and the expert team of pilots from the Emden Pilot Brotherhood, who have been carrying out maneuvers like these for years.
Thanks to cooperating weather conditions and water levels, the 4,000-guest ship made good time passing through the locks and bridges at Papenburg, Weener, Leer, and Gandersum on the morning of Saturday, September 20, 2025.
She also passed the Ems barrage and Emden in the afternoon.
Per cruise ship tracking data, she has docked in Eemshaven in the Netherlands as of Saturday evening, which is ahead of schedule.
“After a short adjustment voyage, arrival in Eemshaven is planned for Sunday morning. Final outfitting and handover of the ship to the shipping company will take place in Eemshaven,”the Meyer Werft Shipyard said.
It’s possible that the 144,000-gross ton vessel will still complete an adjustment voyage early on Sunday before the Eemshaven team gets to work on making the final finishing touches.
What Comes Next?
It’s not yet clear when exactly the official handover ceremony with Disney Cruise Line will take place, but it will likely be in the coming days to weeks.
If she is like her older sister, Disney Treasure, she might even be delivered early. The second Wish-class vessel was handed over six days ahead of schedule.
This is when the cruise line officially takes possession of the now-completed new build, usually with executives from the cruise line, shipyard, and other VIPs in attendance.
Disney Destiny, River Ems
Given the flare with which Disney celebrated the vessel’s float out at the shipyard – complete with fireworks and an appearance from Minnie Mouse – the event will likely come with much fanfare.
Soon after, the captain and essential members of the 1,555-person crew will board the young ship to begin her sea trials.
The sea trials, which usually take a couple weeks to complete, will allow experts to assess the ship’s major systems and overall performance in the open ocean to ensure it is safe to start sailing with paying passengers.
Assuming all goes well, Disney Destiny will be ready to start making her way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
This is where she will begin her career on November 20, 2025, with a 4-night maiden voyage to both of Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay.
She will continue to homeport out of Fort Lauderdale through at least September of 2026, offering cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Carnival Cruise Director Jacky Tang knows that the best advice comes from the crew members who live and work onboard the ships.
The current Mardi Gras cruise director shared a fun video where crew members revealed their preferred dining venues, favorite cruise ports, and entertainment tips.
Cruise guests are also welcome to ask crew members for tips and tricks during their sailings, as long as they do so with kindness and respect.
When it comes to figuring out what to do while on a cruise ship, nobody has better trips and tricks than the crew members who live and work onboard.
Crew members spend months onboard at a time and often return to the same cruise ships for repeat contracts, which really makes them experts on the entertainment and amenities.
Thanks to a video from Carnival Cruise Director Jacky Tang, who is currently leading the fun onboard Mardi Gras, future guests now know exactly what crew members would prioritize during their vacations.
“Us crew members have all the tips and tricks and we’d love to share some with you,”Tang said to begin the video.
As eating is certainly a favorite pastime for cruisers, let’s start with what the crew members think about the food.
When it comes to dining, Emeril’s Bistro came up not once, but twice – which says a lot when the video is only just over a minute long.
The specialty restaurant, which is only found onboard Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, is inspired by Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse’s most famous dishes and signature creole style.
“Try beignets at Emeril’s Bistro. They’re to die for, trust me!”one crew member insisted.
In addition to Emeril’s Bistro, the crew members were also quite fond of Chibang and Guy’s Burger Joint.
“Favorite food…it’s gotta be the pot stickers together with the egg drop soup from Chibang. Put it together. Yum!” another crew member weighed in.
“The Ringer at Guy’s Burgers but with two onion rings on it,” another declared as her favorite food onboard.
It’s worth noting that Emeril’s Bistro comes with an additional cost, while dining at Chibang and Guy’s Burger Joint is included in the cruise fare.
Emeril’s Bistro is a walk-up venue that does not take advance reservations. But keep in mind that other specialty restaurants onboard Carnival ships do require advance bookings, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Even More Tips & Tricks
When it comes to entertainment onboard, the crew members were quick to recommend the production shows.
“My number one cruise tip is to come see the amazing shows that we have on board. But be sure to get there early so you can get a good seat.”another crew member suggested.
Additionally, it’s also important to keep an eye on the Hub App and listen for announcements from cruise directors like Jacky Tang so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun onboard.
And while spontaneity is definitely possible on Carnival ships, there are occasions where planning ahead is important.
For example, the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, which first debuted onboard Mardi Gras, requires advance reservations that can be made on the HUB App on embarkation day as soon as guests board.
The roller coaster operators may turn away passengers who just try to walk up and join the line.
Last but not least, the crew members named their favorite ports to visit. After all, cruises are not just about what’s onboard, but also where the journey takes you.
Without hesitation, the crew members named Alaska, San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Cozumel, Mexico, as their preferred destinations to visit.
Luckily for these crew members who live onboard Mardi Gras, the Excellence-class cruise ship primarily operates eastern and western Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral, so they get to visit two of these ports (San Juan and Puerto Rico) quite often.
If you ever need suggestions or advice during your sailings, never be afraid to ask a crew member for their best tips and tricks. They love to share their hard-earned wisdom with guests.
Count on Cruise Hive to deliver all the cruise news you need to know about with our weekly round-up of the top developments.
This week we’re highlighting coverage of key changes Carnival Cruise Line is making to its new rewards plan, the successful sea trials completed by Celebrity Cruises’ new ship, Celebrity Xcel, and an unfortunate fight aboard a Royal Caribbean ship that prompted a return to its homeport.
It’s easy to stay in-the-know when it comes to cruise industry news. Just sign up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update and get the top stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Carnival Cruise Line is known as the Fun Ship line, but is the fun lasting too late into the evening to permit a good night’s sleep?
One cruiser thought so, and posited his claim on brand ambassador John Heald’s Facebook page, explaining that dinner times, stage shows, and other activities should start two to three hours earlier than they typically do.
This guest suggested that 10 p.m. is his perfect bedtime, identifying himself as being in his early 40s. Heald didn’t directly respond, but he did publish a poll asking cruisers their opinions on the subject.
About 2,150 people agreed that activities should start earlier, but 9,200-plus guests checked the option stating: “I am not usually in bed on my cruise by 10 p.m.”
Like other cruise lines, Carnival does offer nightly events that run late, such as comedy shows, cabaret performances, and live music in scores of bars and lounges across the fleet. But typically, early and late stage shows are scheduled, just like early and late seatings in the dining rooms.
After Outcry, Carnival Tweaks New Rewards Plan
Carnival Cruise Ships in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
Three months after announcing it was restructuring its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program into a new plan called Carnival Rewards, Carnival Cruise Line has altered some aspects following criticism from loyalty club members.
The new rewards plan takes effect on June 1, 2026.
In a major concession to angry guests, the line now states that all VIFP guests with Diamond status, or who will earn that status by May 31, 2026, will maintain it on a permanent basis. To reach Diamond level, a guest must sail on a Carnival ship for 200 days.
Also, the lower-level Platinum VIFP guests will automatically receive 10,000 Carnival Rewards “stars” when the new program rolls out on June 1, 2026, and in every two-year earning cycle after that.
The cruise line added a rewards plan for children under 18, too. They cannot, by law, be enrolled in a rewards program, but they will be awarded the same status as the adult who is the responsible party on a cruise booking.
Children who reach Diamond or Platinum status before the new program begins will be able to join Carnival Rewards at that loyalty level when they turn 18.
Celebrity Cruises’ New Ship Aces Sea Trials
Celebrity Xcel on Sea Trials
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel successfully completed her sea trials in the Bay of Biscay on September 13, 2025 and is expected to be delivered to the cruise line in a couple of weeks.
Sea trials are the last major hurdle in a cruise ship’s construction process, as all major systems are put to the test at sea. Technical systems such as navigation, propulsion, and emergency operations are evaluated in an open-ocean environment.
The 141,400-gross-ton ship is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, and is due to sail her maiden voyage on November 18, 2025 following her inaugural transatlantic crossing from Europe. The maiden cruise will be a 5-night Bahamas and Mexico itinerary calling at Cozumel and Bimini.
A 4-night preview cruise is scheduled for November 9, 2025 from her US homeport of Fort Lauderdale.
Now that sea trials are done, finishing touches will be made to the 3,260-guest ship, including new relaxation and activity spaces such as the Hydra Room, which will offer a massage pool and heated lounge chairs, and a lounge called Attic at The Club, offering games like darts and pool.
Following her maiden voyage, the ship will sail 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Two Injured in Fight Onboard Wonder of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas in PortMiami, Florida
An onboard altercation that resulted in injuries prompted Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas to turn back to PortMiami shortly after setting sail on September 15, 2025.
The 5,734-guest ship had just left port on a 4-night Bahamas itinerary when a fight erupted in a pool area near Splashaway Bay on Deck 15.
It wasn’t clear how many guests were involved, but the onboard medical team determined that two people would need treatment at a shoreside hospital.
While details of the altercation are sketchy, including why and how the fight began, Royal Caribbean confirmed that it was working with local officials and would fully investigate the incident.
The ship turned back to port, and two guests were debarked and taken to Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital for further treatment. The unscheduled route change did not impact the ship’s planned itinerary, which included calls at Nassau and at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the line’s private island destination.
Two perks that come with the purchase of Celebrity Cruises’ Premium Access Pass will be suspended starting on August 1, 2026.
Citing limited capacity, the cruise line will nix the exclusive lunch on embarkation day as well as reserved seating in the fleet’s theaters — two benefits that make guests feel like real VIPs.
The pass will continue to cover many valuable services, including WiFi for two devices, a premium drinks package, free room service, priority debarkation in tender ports, and express luggage service on debarkation day, among others.
The cost of the plan is between $15 to $40 per person per day — or $105 to $280 for a week-long cruise, depending on the sailing.
Even without the lost perks, the pass can still be considered a good value, considering that a Premium Drink Package bought on its own starts at about $105 per person, per day.
However, there is one drawback: the Premium Access Pass must be purchased for every guest sharing a stateroom who is over the age of 6. For a couple or family sharing a cabin, the pass adds hundreds to the cruise cost.
Carnival Ramps Up Departures to Aloha State in 2027-28
For the first time, Carnival Cruise Line is planning to offer a dedicated series of Hawaii voyages from the US West Coast between October 2027 and March 2028.
The Carnival Journeys cruises will be operated onboard the 2,100-guest Carnival Legend, which will sail 10 14-day Hawaii itineraries from Long Beach, California, the port for Los Angeles.
Through the 2026-27 season, the cruise line offers just one Hawaii sailing per month from November to April, so the 2027-28 deployment is seen as a major enhancement of its commitment to Hawaii.
The new Hawaii series was among other 2027-28 deployment plans the line announced in the past week. A notable change has Carnival basing Carnival Freedom in Norfolk, replacing Carnival Sunshine, on a year-round basis.
The 3,000-guest Carnival Freedom will sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda from the Virginia port.
Meanwhile, in Baltimore, the line confirmed that the 2,134-guest Carnival Pride will remain based at the port, also offering voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Cancellations Disappoint Guests on Two Voyages
P&O Arvia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Chris Hyde)
Guests booked to sail aboard two P&O Cruises ships will have to make alternate plans now that the cruise line has cancelled their scheduled itineraries.
The first is a 4-night sailing aboard Ventura that was to depart on February 23, 2026. The Amsterdam cruise was roundtrip from Southampton, UK, and was to be the ship’s first voyage following a dry dock renovation.
While the line gave no reason for the cancellation, it is likely that the dry dock refit will take longer than expected. Guests are being refunded and will receive a £25 (about $34 USD) onboard credit if they rebook with the line.
The second impacted sailing is a 14-night Mediterranean voyage aboard Arvia, also sailing roundtrip from Southampton, with a scheduled departure on April 11, 2027. P&O Cruises is replacing that voyage with two 7-night cruises — one to Norway and the second to the Mediterranean.
Arvia guests are being refunded and will receive a £50 ($68 USD) onboard credit if they book a future sailing. Cruisers can choose from several other 14-night sailings with similar itineraries on various dates in 2027.
More Cruise Headlines
Looking for more cruise news? Check out all of our coverage on Cruise Hive, including a big storm in the Gulf of Alaska forcing several ships to alter itineraries, a residential cruise line unveiling a new monthly cabin rental option, and Princess Cruises revealing the deployment of two ships to Canada/New England in 2027.
Working on a cruise line is a dream job for many, an opportunity to literally get paid to live on a cruise ship. However, your experience as a cruise line employee really differs from job to job, employer to employer.
Some of the best cruise lines to work for include Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Here’s what to expect if you decide to apply for a job with these lines, plus others.
Just like your experience on a cruise will differ from cruise line to cruise line, so will your experience working as part of a cruise ship crew differ depending on the cruise line who employs you.
As you peruse these best cruise lines to work for, keep in mind factors such as the brand’s culture, average guests, standard ship size and frequent destinations, before you automatically send off your resume.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean Crew Members (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Royal Caribbean International consistently operates the largest cruise ships at sea, with seemingly a newer, bigger and better ship rolled out among the cruise line’s fleet every year or so. Royal Caribbean also visits more than 300 destinations around the world.
So, if your aim is to work at a cruise line with big ships and big possibilities as to where you could travel, Royal Caribbean is one to keep on your radar.
Otherwise, though, you can expect a wealth of benefits as a Royal Caribbean employee. On-ship benefits include:
Free unlimited WhatsApp text messaging while onboard
Complimentary lodging, meals and beverages
Discounts on cruises
Access to personal and professional wellbeing counseling
Access to onboard medical care
Access to a gym
Access to crew member social activities
Furthermore, you can get one-day visitors passes for family members and friends to visit you on the ship while in port. You also get access to organized tours while in port.
Royal Caribbean offers employees contracts ranging from four to eight months, and you live on the ship for the duration of that contract. Keep in mind that, during this four to eight months, you don’t have guaranteed days off (as is standard in the cruise industry).
Carnival Cruise Line
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
With the greatest number of ships out of every other cruise line, Carnival Cruise Line offers tons of variety for its on-board employees.
You might find yourself working on a smaller, more intimate and older ship, or you could wind up on a huge ship with tons of new, flashy amenities. That variety extends to Carnival Cruise Line’s destinations, with the potential to sail to more than 800 ports worldwide.
Carnival hires on-ship employees across six categories: marine and technical operations, hotel operations, specialty teams, entertainment, casino and medical. Your benefits will differ depending on your role, such as if you’re a bartender versus a lighting technician.
Special rates on cruises, including a family and friends discount
While these benefits seem pretty generous, just keep in mind, though, that just like on any other cruise ship, you’ll be working long hours and will sign a multi-month contract, no matter your role.
Disney Cruise Line
Photo Credit: Matt Stroshane / Shutterstock
While Disney Cruise Line may be small in comparison to these other cruise lines, for a Disney adult, there’s no better place to work. Disney cruise ships package all the magic of the brand into an experience at sea, and that magic extends to the cruise line’s employees.
Benefits for shipboard crew and cast members include:
A company-matched retirement savings program
Complimentary theme park admission for you and your family
Medical coverage
Furthermore, employees sign contracts ranging from four to six months, and crew members share rooms with one or more roommates. Crew members also have their own deck, pool, gym and rec room, and enjoy special crew member social activities.
Do note that Disney is on the stricter side when it comes to crew member expectations. Behavior must meet certain Disney standards, to keep the experience consistent for all cruisers.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Docked Norwegian Aqua (Credit: Emrys Thakkar / Cruise Hive)
Previous shipboard employees give Norwegian Cruise Line a big thumbs up. Literally, one employee who works in housekeeping said, “What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I don’t have any stress…I love the ocean [and] cruising, the passengers and crew were amazing, we have great benefits: [four] free meals, uniforms, and crew cabin health, dental, and life insurance for us as well…and much more.” Other hospitality employees say much the same.
Crew members share guestrooms with other employees (though management-level employees get private rooms), and they have access to social spaces, shops, a medical clinic and gym.
That said, some employees admit you have to be realistic about what you’re getting into. Norwegian Cruise Line clarifies that crew members work seven-day work weeks, with 10+ combined hours per day, and contracts last from between four to nine months.
MSC Cruises
Crew on MSC World America (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Another very large cruise line, MSC Cruises, consistently hires employees from all around the world.
Hired employees complete both pre-boarding and post-boarding training, for contracts lasting between five and seven months, followed by a two-month vacation. MSC Cruises employs a buddy system for its team members, helping them become acclimated to life and working on a ship.
Overall, MSC Cruises seems to be highly dedicated to ensuring that its employees have the resources they need to thrive within their roles.
Benefits include:
Complimentary (shared) room and board
Access to a crew gym
Access to a crew bar
Access to a crew pool
Medical support
Laundry service
Free WhatsApp service on the ship
Celebrity Cruises
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is a Royal Caribbean Group brand, so your experience working on a Celebrity Cruises ship may be similar to what your experience might be working on a Royal Caribbean ship, though with a few caveats.
Celebrity Cruises does not have the same number of ships nor the same number of destinations. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises is more of a higher-end brand, with an older clientele that reflects that.
Free unlimited WhatsApp text messaging while onboard
Complimentary lodging, meals and beverages
Discounts on cruises
Access to personal and professional wellbeing counseling
Access to onboard medical care
Access to a gym
Access to crew member social activities
Contracts last for four to eight months and you’ll be assigned to a ship wherever you’re needed.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EQRoy)
A very new cruise line, Virgin Voyages has four ships in its fleet and they travel to just a handful of destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and North America. However, while this may be a deterrent to some potential employees, Virgin Voyages offers a very unique environment that may attract others.
Virgin Voyages ships are all adults-only (so more suited to on-ship employees who may not be too keen on kiddos). Additionally, the ships have more of a millennial vibe, so a younger set of cruisers than what you’d get on some other, adults-only ships that are more geared toward seniors (like Viking).
Do note, though, that since Virgin Voyages is a smaller cruise line with just four ships, not as many job listings are available through Virgin Voyages as what you might find with other cruise lines.
Additionally, there’s not very much readily available, public information regarding what benefits are available to Virgin Voyages employees, directly from the company.
However, employees report on forums such as Reddit that Virgin Voyages pays much better and treats its employees much better than many other cruise lines.
This is in part because Virgin Voyages is a tip-free cruise line, meaning the cruise line does not expect cruise guest tips to augment crew members’ incomes.
Is it Better to Work on a Luxury Cruise Line or a Budget Cruise Line?
Ship Deck Crew (Photo Credit: yanchi1984)
Both working on a luxury cruise line and working on a budget cruise line can come with its own distinct perks.
On a luxury cruise line, you may be held to particularly high standards and go through more rigorous training than you might elsewhere, as passengers may be more discerning and demanding. You may also find better pay at a luxury cruise line, as well as find that passengers tip more generously.
Luxury cruise line ships may also be smaller and travel to more remote locales. Furthermore, if you want to get into luxury hospitality in general, then this type of experience may look good on your resume.
In contrast, a budget cruise line ship might be faster-paced and offer you more to do as a crew member, as well as opportunities to see more destinations.
Since budget-friendly cruise lines are larger, they also employ more individuals, so you may have an easier time getting a job on a budget-friendly cruise line, especially early on in your career.
What are the Hours Like on a Cruise Ship?
Carnival Cruise Ship Crew Area (Photo: Cruise Hive)
Because a cruise ship is always operating, cruise ship employees do not maintain standard business hours. Additionally, rather than getting certain days of the week off, employees may only get certain banks of hours off. So, for example, you might work for 12 hours and then get 12 hours off.
It’s not uncommon for crew members to work seven days a week, for multiple weeks, for up to 12 hours per day.
If you want the most time off, and the flexibility to, for example, go out on a shore excursion, you’ll want to look specifically for jobs in retail or the ship’s casino, as, on many ships, casinos and retail shops are not operational while the ship is in port.
How Long are Cruise Ship Contracts?
Fred. Olsen Crew Members (Photo Courtesy: Fred. Olsen Cruises)
It depends on the cruise line, but cruise ship contracts generally last between two months and nine months.
Some cruise ship contracts will specify that you also get a certain amount of time off, but you’ll likely get that paid time off at the very end of your contract — meaning if you get one month off out of a nine-month contract, you’re still working nine months straight, you’ll just have a paid month off after it.
Is Working on a Cruise Ship Right for You?
Ultimately, only you will be able to decide if working on a cruise ship is right for you, no matter the cruise line you apply with. While the employee experience differs greatly from cruise line to cruise line, there will just be a few things you can expect to deal with, no matter your employer.
Regardless of the cruise line you choose, you will need to share your living space with another crew member, unless you can snag a senior position. So, if you don’t love the idea of sharing your space, you might not like a cruise ship job.
Additionally, you will be expected to work long hours, and you won’t have guaranteed days off, so you need to be okay with the fact that, for a time at least, your job will be your life.
However, again, no matter the cruise line you choose, the job will enable you to travel the world in a way that you likely couldn’t with any other job (expect, maybe, if you worked for an airline).
You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before pursuing this career.
A planned nationwide transportation strike in Italy may impact how easily guests can reach Naples to board MSC World Europa on Monday, September 22.
MSC Cruises is advising guests to allot extra time and stay informed as they set out for the cruise terminal in case of slowdowns or disruptions.
Because the strike is nationwide, cruise guests visiting or embarking or debarking at any Italian port may also be impacted.
Traveling to the cruise terminal on embarkation day can be stressful. Guests need to make sure they don’t leave important documents or identification behind, reach the port close to their terminal arrival appointment, keep their bags in order, use the appropriate lines, and more.
Now, guests setting sail on MSC Cruises’ World Europa from Naples, Italy on Monday, September 22, 2025 may need to contend with even more stress.
The cruise line has reached out to booked guests to alert them to a strike in Italy that may cause traffic problems on their way to the terminal.
“A nationwide strike is scheduled to take place in Italy on September 22, 2025,”the notification email explained.“Demonstrations are expected, which may cause disruptions to public transportation, including trains, buses, and taxis. This could impact your travel to the cruise terminal on embarkation day.”
The strike organized by Unione Sindacale di Base is specifically targeting transportation, including railways, airports, and seaports in protest of military actions and political policies.
Blockades, picket lines, and protest demonstrations are all expected and may indeed cause road closures or service slowdowns.
While no action is specifically planned against cruise ships, worker slowdowns could significantly impact how cruise travelers are able to reach their embarkation port.
MSC Cruises is urging guests to allow extra time to reach the terminal and to stay informed through local news and travel advisories in order to be aware of traffic diversions or public transportation slowdowns.
MSC World Europa‘s sailing is a 5-night itinerary from Naples to Marseille, with visits to Sicily, Valetta, and Barcelona along the way.
At this time, there is no change to the ship’s departure time from Naples nor to her planned ports of call.
It is possible that shore tours in Naples may also be impacted by the transportation strike. Guests who have already embarked MSC World Europa for a longer itinerary that includes Naples as a port of call on September 22 should be aware of this for their port exploration.
In addition to MSC World Europa, other ships visiting or embarking and debarking from Italian ports on Monday may have similar impacts.
This includes Rome (Norwegian Epic, Sky Princess, MSC Orchestra), Marghera (Viking Vesta), Livorno (MSC Splendida), Genoa (MSC Seaview), and more.
Do Protests Always Impact Cruise Ports?
It is not uncommon for local or regional protests to impact cruise ports. This might include labor strikes servicing the cruise ships at the port or environmental or political protests against cruise operations themselves.
Sometimes, it is popular shore excursions that are impacted by these types of strikes. Also in July 2023, a strike for operating personnel of the White Pass and Yukon Railroad in Skagway threatened the area’s peak Alaska tourist season.
When significant impacts may affect cruise ships, cruise lines do try to contact booked guests to alert them to the situation. Savvy travelers will also stay apprised of possible disruptions in the days leading up to their cruise.
Norwegian Escape will be unable to visit Bermuda overnight as planned due to Tropical Storm Gabrielle.
The ship will still be going to Bermuda, but just for a visit on Sunday instead of remaining in port until Monday.
Several other ships might also have itinerary changes, but no official adjustments have yet been confirmed.
EDIT: Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that as of Friday afternoon no itinerary change is yet in place for Norwegian Escape. A temporary glitch in the Norwegian Cruise Line app earlier in the day made it appear as if the itinerary change had been implemented.The glitch has been corrected.
Despite pre-season predictions of a more active hurricane season than typical, it certainly has been relatively quiet this year, with one exception. Cruises to Bermuda have been dramatically impacted by various storms, and the next one is already brewing in the Atlantic.
Norwegian Escape is now the first ship to alter her itinerary due to Tropical Storm Gabrielle. With forecast tracks showing a close pass near Bermuda in the next few days, the ship will not be staying as long at the Royal Naval Dockyard as long as originally planned.
The impacted cruise is Norwegian Escape‘s Friday, September 19, 2025 departure from New York. The 5-night sailing was to have spent an extended overnight in Bermuda, from 8 a.m. on Sunday, September 21 until 3 p.m. on Monday, September 22.
It is good news that the ship will still be visiting Bermuda, even if not for as long as guests might have wished.
Guests are now being notified that Norwegian Escape will be in Bermuda only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, shortening the visit by a full 24 hours.
The change has also been noted on the Norwegian Cruise Line app, though guests may need to log out and log back in to see the updated port times.
While this news may be disappointing to booked guests, the safety of the ship, her guests, and her crew members is always the most important consideration.
Neither Norwegian Escape‘s departure from New York nor her return to the Big Apple on Wednesday, September 24 are impacted.
Update on Tropical Storm Gabrielle
Norwegian Escape‘s guests may still be in for a windy day in Bermuda on Sunday. That is when the winds from Tropical Storm Gabrielle are first expected to reach the British territory.
At that time, Gabrielle is also likely to be an official hurricane, albeit no more than a Category 1 or Category 2 storm.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), as of Friday morning, the tropical storm is located about 945 miles southeast of Bermuda, moving west-northwest at 12 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds have been recorded at 50 miles per hour.
By Friday night, Gabrielle should begin turning toward the northwest, then further north by Sunday night. The storm will then turn back toward the east early next week as she passes Bermuda.
While direct landfall is not expected with this storm, she will be at her closest approach to Bermuda on Sunday night and into Monday, but remaining east of the island.
Tropical Storm Gabrielle
This means that just when Norwegian Escape was to have been enjoying her extended visit, winds and waves would be at their worst. This could make it dangerous for guests to use the ship’s gangways and might damage the ship with inadvertent pier impacts.
While no other cruise lines have yet made adjustments to this weekend’s itineraries to steer clear of the storm, several ships might be impacted.
Carnival Venezia is scheduled to be in Bermuda on Saturday, September 20, but the storm should still be sufficiently far away at that time.
On Monday, September 22, 2025, Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas is scheduled to begin an overnight visit, and it is possible that itinerary may yet be adjusted. The ship could arrive later than originally planned to ensure the storm has moved away, or the ship might be rerouted away from Bermuda altogether.
Norwegian Aqua is scheduled to arrive in Bermuda on Tuesday, September 23, by which time Gabrielle should be far away and any impacts minimized.
Guests booked on any Bermuda itinerary this weekend or early next week should stay in close communication with their cruise line for prompt updates and any change notifications.
