As someone who is currently in a walking boot as I recover from surgery to repair torn ligaments in my ankle, I certainly understand the frustration of being delayed by an injury – especially when there is really nothing that can be done about it except to be patient. 

But one Carnival cruiser, who has remained anonymous for privacy reasons, has not let her own torn ligament stop her – as she reported partaking in six sailings over the last six months. 

But while she clearly enjoyed her sailings enough to keep coming back for more, delays due to crowded elevators during disembarkation have caused her voyages to end on a sour note – and she made sure Brand Ambassador John Heald was well aware of it. 

“I am now walking with a cane due to a torn ligament in my leg. I cannot take the stairs. We have cruised six times in the last 6 months. When trying to disembark the ship I am waiting and waiting and waiting for elevators due to people carrying off their own luggage,” the woman offered as background.

“It seems it has gotten completely out of hand. The elevator opens up and it is completely full because everybody is carrying their own luggage off. Then when we get to the elevator at the port there is a long line of people who can’t take the escalator because they have their luggage,” she went on to explain.

Her request to Heald was that he find a way to encourage more guests to allow Carnival to pick up their luggage the night before disembarkation and deliver it to the cruise terminal for guests – as she does – to lessen the congestion in the elevators. 

“I’m so sorry to read this and I do sincerely hope that you make a full recovery. We have to have people take off their own luggage. If we didn’t have this operation, then debarkation would still be going on at past midday and that would delay embarkation in the start of everybody’s cruise,” Heald replied on his public Facebook page.

While Heald sympathised with this guest’s request, what she asked for could derail the entire disembarkation process. 

Preparing for Disembarkation on a Carnival Ship

All Carnival cruise ships currently offer two methods of disembarkation. The first choice is called express disembarkation, in which guests can disembark early and carry their own luggage off the ship – the prevalence of which is what the anonymous passenger was complaining about. 

The other option is to check luggage by attaching new luggage tags, which are delivered to cruise cabins on the final day of the voyage, and leaving suitcases outside of the stateroom for cabin stewards to pick up the night before disembarkation.

Guests are supposed to select their chosen method and what time they would like to disembark by going to the “My Planner” section of the Hub App before 1:00 p.m. ship-time on the final day of their sailing.

As Heald’s more than 550,000 Facebook followers can attest, Carnival guests like having options. 

While some do prefer the convenience of checking their luggage and letting the cruise line deliver it to the port, others voiced concerns about lost luggage or potential delays with their baggage leading to problems with their next travel plans – such as making an early flight. 

Read Also: 15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Carnival Cruise

But while Heald can’t change how Carnival cruisers disembark at this time, he did have a suggestion to make things easier for the injured passenger on her next sailing.

“Can I please say that I would respectfully perhaps suggest the next time you cruise that you request wheelchair assistance. That way you don’t have to worry about anything and we will get you safely into the terminal. That would certainly be something that I would consider,” Heald recommended. 

That said, this guest isn’t alone in feeling frustrated because of crowded elevators. Even earlier in February we covered a story about a passenger in a wheelchair who was left in tears after an unfortunate elevator incident – and the topic has certainly come up more than once in Carnival forums.

The Mermaid City just got a little more exciting for cruise goers! As of today, February 11th, 2025, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunshine is setting sail for its very first year-round weekly cruise out of Norfolk, Virginia.

With the departure of Carnival Sunshine, Norfolk’s port now operates year-round for the first time, joining the expanding list of year-round cruise ports along the East Coast.

Carnival Cruise Line has been sailing out of Norfolk since 2002 but has only been operating seasonally with six-month schedules.

Carnival Sunshine is the first ship in the fleet to sail out of Norfolk since 2023. The Miami-based cruise line stayed away from the port through 2024, but the wait is now over ever since it was first announced in 2022.

Prior to the break, the Carnival Magic wrapped up six months of weekly cruises in October of 2023, during which Norfolk had their busiest cruise season in history, seeing 250,000 passengers.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Port Operations David Candib had been in Norfolk ahead of the embarkation to welcome local officials to celebrate this historic moment.

Candib commented on the significance of this departure, stating:

“Year-round cruises mean more options for fun adventures and unforgettable vacations for our loyal guests as well as more tourism and economic impact for the Norfolk community both before and after each cruise.”

Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander also commented on the momentous occasion, stating, “This expansion strengthens our economy, brings more visitors, and creates new opportunities for our community. We’re proud to partner with Carnival and look forward to a thriving future together.“

Initially, the Carnival Sunshine was supposed to depart at 6 pm EST, but has departed at roughly 6:33 pm EST, slightly behind schedule but not unexpected for a first-time voyage.

The Carnival Sunshine sits at 102,853 gross tons, with a guest capacity of 3,758 and a crew capacity of 1,040. The vessel launched in 1996, but it is running smoothly, having just completed a dry dock in Marseille, France.

The Carnival Sunshine has a variety of itineraries, including stops in the Eastern Caribbean and Bermuda, and beginning in September, it will also stop at Celebration Key, which is Carnival’s new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama.

The itinerary for this first cruise is a 5-night round trip to the Bahamas, making stops in both Freeport and Bimini.

Currently, the Carnival Sunshine is the only ship with Norfolk as its home port. Norfolk is expecting to see 150,000 passengers annually from Carnival Cruise Line alone.

How Norfolk Has Prepared for Year-Round Cruises

Virginia is embracing the increase in tourism that cruises bring.

Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center (located at the Port of Norfolk) opened in April of 2007, but it has only been a seasonal port that was used primarily from spring until fall.

Nauticus’ Half Moone Cruise Center at the Port of Norfolk made $12,000,000 of enhancements in the past year to enhance the experience for the increasing number of passengers they are about to get.

This included additional seating for passengers waiting to board, an inclined walkway for debarking passengers, and improved ground transportation.

Read Also: What Are the Worst Months to Cruise the Caribbean?

Despite these enhancements to the port, Norfolk will mostly be seeing passengers of the Carnival Sunshine fairly exclusively in 2025.

Why? Norfolk’s port is often used by cruise lines for port calls only, meaning the ship stops to get supplies, cargo, or fuel.

Some of the cruise lines stopping in Norfolk for port call only this year include Viking Ocean Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Holland America Line, TUI Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Viking Ocean Cruises.

For all of the Virginia natives out there looking to escape the near-freezing weather, you might want to hop on the Carnival Sunshine!

Carnival Cruise Line has begun charging for what was previously a free shuttle service at the cruise port of La Paz in Mexico, a destination occasionally included on Mexican Riviera itineraries.

Guests aboard Carnival Panorama have been surprised by the added fee, which was explained in a letter delivered during their sailing.

The cruise departed on Saturday, February 8, 2025, and the letter concerning La Paz was delivered that day. The ship’s visit to the port was Tuesday, February 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Independent transportation options are limited, and we encourage you to consider one of our shore excursions to enhance your experience. The cruise port is in an area that is approximately 30 minutes (drive time) from downtown,” the letter explained.

“Shuttle service will be available for a nominal charge to transport guests between the cruise terminal downtown and/or Coromuel Beach, if you opt to independently go ashore.”

The cost for the shuttle service varies by age. Guests ages 13 years and older cost $10, ages 6-12 years cost $8, and guests age 5 and younger are free. The cost is for a roundtrip ride.

Guests can buy their shuttle tickets through the Carnival Hub app or by visiting the Carnival Adventures desk in the Panorama Atrium, starboard side on Deck 4, next to the Cherry on Top sweet shop.

The letter does go on to note that private taxis are available for approximately $40 (USD) for one-way trips, and some rideshare services do operate in the area (prices will vary by operator). This gives guests some options if they want to plan time ashore in their own way.

What is most surprising is that the shuttle service from the cruise terminal into the downtown area used to be free, as guests who have visited La Paz previously have confirmed as recently as the end of 2024.

Carnival Cruise Line does not offer any explanation for now charging a fee for the shuttle. While the cost is not unreasonable, it can certainly come as a surprise for a family or group that may have been planning to enjoy the port at their leisure and without added costs.

Worth Reading: Shuttle Buses Keep Cruise Passengers Waiting for Hours

Rising fuel costs, the cost of servicing vehicles, hiring drivers, and other fees can certainly cause financial changes that would require a shuttle fee.

Some cruisers, however, feel it would be more forthright of Carnival to have sent notification of the new shuttle fee before the cruise set sail. This would have given travelers more time to plan and consider different options or even to select a different cruise ship or itinerary.

Carnival Panorama is currently sailing an 8-night Mexican Riviera cruise with visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, as well as the call to La Paz.

The ship is homeported year-round from Long Beach, California and offers different Mexican Riviera sailings, including 6-, 7-, and 8-night voyages. While itineraries are always subject to change, only the 8-night cruises currently call in La Paz.

In addition to Carnival Panorama, Grand Princess and Zaandam also have called scheduled to La Paz in the coming months. There is no word about whether or not a free shuttle will be provided to those passengers or if the transportation fee will apply.

Because both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are also part of the Carnival Corporation family, it is quite possible the shuttle fee will apply on those sailings as well. Each line does operate independently, however, and what one line does will not necessarily apply to another line.

Can You Stay on a Ship in a Port of Call?

Guests are never required to get off a cruise ship in a port of call, except under very special and unusual circumstances, such as when extra cleaning may be required during a gastrointestinal illness outbreak occurs.

The letter regarding Carnival Panorama is also clear that guests can stay aboard the ship throughout the day.

“If you opt to remain on board while the ship is in La Paz, we will continue to take good care of you,” the letter said.

Read Also: One of These Mexican Cruise Ports Could Be on Your Itinerary

A full schedule of activities such as trivia, games, dance lessons, movies, and other fun is sure to be offered while the ship is in port, but due to local restrictions, it is likely that the retail shops and casino will be closed.

Pools, waterslides, miniature golf, the ropes course, and the sky ride are all likely to be operation, weather permitting, though hours of operation may vary.

Guests can check the printed Fun Times newsletter for details on what activities are available while in La Paz, or check the Carnival Hub app for the most updated information and schedule changes.

Laundry – all cruisers have it, but do you bring it home, do it onboard yourself, or send it out for laundry service onboard before the voyage ends?

A lot of travelers don’t enjoy putting dirty clothing back into the luggage. Not all cruise ships are equipped with self-service laundry areas, however, and some guests just don’t want to spend time on their vacation tending to laundry – whether hand-washing items or using available machines.

In that case, taking advantage of a cruise line’s laundry service can be a great option for clean clothes on the way home. But how does such a laundry service work with thousands of guests onboard?

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has answered several laundry-related questions recently. His answers have offered insight into the laundry process that can ease guests’ concerns about how their laundry is handled.

“When sending laundry out to be washed and folded is it true our clothes [are] washed with multiple other peoples’ laundry?” one guest asked.

“Can you tell me about the laundry please. If I place my delicates in a mesh bag that I bring on board, will the laundry count it as one item? I hate to give my delicates to the Jubilee cruise laundry without it. I do not want to have my laundry mixed with others,” another guest asked.

Heald answered both questions with similar responses, describing how the laundry process works.

“No, it’s in a different mesh bag,” he confirmed. “Each guest sends a bag of laundry, has their own laundry washed in a mesh bag. Those bags are in the same machine, obviously it would be impossible to do it otherwise, but they are not mixed freely with other peoples’ laundry.”

One of the guests also inquired about whether or not loyalty status impacted how laundry is processed.

“I have Diamond status laundry privileges now so would like to know how this works,” the guest noted, explaining that they did not want their laundry mixed.

The privileges the guest is referring to is the loyalty program benefit Carnival Cruise Line provides to top tier guests.

At the Diamond level, when a guest has accumulated 200 or more points in Carnival’s “Very Important Fun Person” program, guests are provided with unlimited complimentary wash and fold laundry service.

For comparison, at the Platinum level (75-199 VIFP points), guests receive a limited number of bags of wash and fold laundry depending on the length of the cruise. No free laundry services are provided at lower loyalty tiers.

Heald used his characteristic wit to explain that all laundry is processed equally, regardless of a guest’s individual loyalty status.

“We do not in fact have a special washing machine for diamond guests’ laundry,” he said. “Sorry but your Victoria’s Secret and Calvin Kleins are in the same washing machine as Blue Card holders Fruit of the Looms.”

The “Blue Card” is Carnival Cruise Line’s first level of VIFP loyalty, brand new cruisers on their very first sailing.

Should You Use Carnival’s Laundry Service?

Other guests chimed in with a variety of suggestions about Carnival’s laundry services.

Some guests noted that it might not be a good idea to send out one’s best garments for the wash and fold service. All the laundry is done in industrial machines and will not necessarily get the most “delicate” treatment, even for one’s “delicates.”

Read Also: Cruise Ship Laundry – What You Need to Know

To be fair, however, many guests noted that their laundry is always done promptly and with great care, coming back cleaner than they might even do at home.

Some travelers also highly recommend the cruise line’s pressing service, a great option to ensure formal attire may look its very best for elegant evening.

Another guest expressed concern that their laundry doesn’t always smell “clean” when it comes back from Carnival’s service. Others promptly joined in noting that the cruise line does not use the same detergents as guests may use at home, and perfumes aren’t present for that “fresh” smell.

“We try not to use biological detergent because some people may have allergies, but clean it most certainly is,” Heald explained.

If guests have extreme allergies to detergents, soaps, or perfumes, it may be best to avoid any potentially unknown laundry service and instead take care of such matters at home.

Did you know that Carnival Cruise Director Gary Blair is actually a skilled musician and accordion player? 

These are the types of fun facts cruisers can learn from Fleet Director Lee Mason’s new video series – in which Mason wants to help Carnival fans get to know the cruise directors they might meet on their next voyage.

Mason, who was promoted to the role of Fleet Cruise Director at the end of 2024 after spending around eight years as a cruise director himself, has launched his new “Get to Know” video series as of February 10, 2025.

The interviews will be short – ranging from five to 10 minutes long – and can be found on Mason’s YouTube Channel (Lee Fleet Cruise Director). 

“With getting to travel the fleet in my new role, I thought it was an ideal opportunity to help you get to know our team of incredible cruise directors, and so I am starting a new video series,” Mason shared on his Facebook. “This will be short 5 min interviews for you to get to know our team.”

His first interview was with Gary Blair, who is about to finish his current contract onboard Carnival Miracle on February 17, 2025. (But don’t worry – Blair will be back onboard the Spirit-class ship from May 5, 2025, until November 22, 2025). 

While Blair is no stranger to Carnival, he recently returned to the cruise line after taking a break to work at Great Wolf Lodge as the Director of Guest Services from December of 2021 until the end of 2024 – making this a great opportunity for cruise fans to get reacquainted. 

Throughout their conversation, Mason asked Blair about his musical upbringing, his experience as a cruise director (starting on the now-retired Carnival Ecstasy in 2017), and even his guilty pleasures (such as his affinity for bad reality TV). 

While all Carnival Cruise directors lead the entertainment as the heads of the famous Fun Squad, the interview also went into how Blair brings the fun in a unique way as cruise director.

“If you cruise with me, I host a Scottish dance class and we do a Ceilidh…it’s kind of like a celebratory dance. Think country line dancing, with like partners, set moves, everyone does it all together, and it is like a real sweat fest,” Blair explained while talking about how he pays homage to his Scottish heritage onboard.

Blair also talked about his favorite part of being a cruise director – and what he hopes guests will take away from sailing on one of his voyages.

“It’s being a part of the experience of the guests in such a positive way. You know, when they’re having fun, I’m having fun, and it really is like just the best feeling in the world hearing their laughter, seeing their smiles, and getting to meet them…” Blair said.

Watch Lee Mason’s Interview with Gary Blair Below: 

No Shortage of Beloved Cruise Directors

Lee Mason, who is hosting the video series, is one of four Carnival fleet directors – and this number will likely stay small. That said, the position was only just announced in 2022, so it’s relatively new and the total number of fleet directors hasn’t been confirmed.

While Mason was once a beloved Carnival cruise director, this promotion ranks him and his colleagues above the cruise directors – where they now oversee the entertainment across the fleet and help to train new and existing cruise directors.

But while there are only a handful of fleet directors, Carnival still employs 30-40 cruise directors at once. There is a cruise director onboard all 27 operating ships at a time, with another waiting in the wings to seamlessly take the reins after the current cruise director’s contract ends.

Typically, the cruise directors spend several months at sea, followed by at least a month at home to recuperate, with these extra fun crew members taking turns in the role based on who is on the clock and who is at home.

Read Also: What is it Really Like to Be a Carnival Cruise Director on Embarkation Day?

Some Carnival cruise directors even gain celebrity status in the cruising community – with Kyndall “Fire” Magyar one of the more recognizable names on the current roster. She is currently onboard Carnival Jubilee. 

Many also know the name John Heald as Carnival’s brand ambassador, but some might not realize that he first rose to fame as a cruise director. In his sailing days, Heald filled the coveted role on ships like Carnival Splendor. 

But with many of the cruise directors cultivating quite a following, including Blair, there was already quite an appetite for more of these interview videos. 

“Love this idea Lee! It’s great to know a bit about the person behind the mic on our cruise! You always seem to find ways to identify what we want to know BTS from your POV,” one person wrote on Mason’s Facebook page.

“Wow, what a BRILLIANT idea! We LOVE to get to know each CD. We had the great fortune of cruising with Gary when he returned to Galveston on the Miracle in October…He did an AMAZING JOB! Thanks Gary for being the first interviewee on Lee’s new [YouTube] video sequence,” another added. 

Mason did not indicate which cruise director would be featured next or when the next interview will be posted, but there will certainly be more to come.